USOO8724600B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Ramsay et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`May 13, 2014
`
`(54) SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING
`A MEDLA PLAYBACK INANETWORKED
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(75) Inventors: Max Gordon Ramsay, New South
`Wales (AU); David Boyd, New South
`Wales (AU)
`
`(73) Assignee: Tymphany Hong Kong Limited,
`Sausalito, CA (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 241 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/811,282
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Jan. 7, 2009
`
`(86). PCT No.:
`S371 (c)(1),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`PCT/AU2O09/OOOO2O
`
`Jun. 30, 2010
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2009/086602
`PCT Pub. Date: Jul. 16, 2009
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2010/0284389 A1
`Nov. 11, 2010
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jan. 7, 2008 (AU) ................................ 20O890OO65
`
`(2009.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`H0474/00
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC ........................................... 370/338; 370/236
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`7,451,177 B1 * 1 1/2008 Johnson et al. ............... TO9,203
`7.882,034 B2 *
`2/2011 Huget al. ....................... 705/52
`7,899,908 B2 * 3/2011 Tanaka et al. ..
`TO9,226
`7,937,554 B2* 5/2011 Elzur .............
`T11 203
`8,090,768 B2 *
`1/2012 Johnson et al. ...
`TO9,203
`8.254.352 B2 * 8/2012 Negron et al. ...
`370,338
`8,385.304 B2 * 2/2013 Negron et al. ...
`370,338
`2002/0093948 A1* 7, 2002 Dertz et al. ....
`370/355
`2002/0163534 A1* 11, 2002 Choi et al. .....
`... 345.734
`2004/0254995 A1* 12, 2004 Oka et al. ....
`TO9,206
`2005/01 14896 A1* 5/2005 Huget al. ....................... 725/88
`2006, O112171 A1
`5, 2006 Rader
`2006/0235883 A1* 10, 2006 Krebs ........................ TO7 104.1
`2007/004401.0 A1
`2/2007 Sull et al. ................... T15,500.1
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`1562328 B1
`11, 2007
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`WOX. International Search Report—2 pgs. Mar. 6, 2009, Avega
`Systems PTY LTD.
`Primary Examiner — John Blanton
`Assistant Examiner — Jay P Patel
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell
`& Tummino LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Described herein are systems and methods for providing
`media playback in a networked environment. In one embodi
`ment, a networked media playback device is configured to
`provide a web server for delivering data indicative of a
`browser-renderable control interface for the networked media
`playback device, or for a related networked media playback
`system. In overview, the user of a networked device. Such as
`a wireless web enabled device, is able to render the control
`interface in a web browser, and in this manner control play
`back of digital media via the networked media playback
`device or networked media playback system.
`
`11 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Wireless Speaker devics
`
`Page 1 of 38
`
`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`

`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`Page 2
`
`7/2008 Rinearson et al. ................ 707/5
`2008/O168055 A1
`8/2008 Tanaka et al. ...
`TO9,201
`2008/0208949 A1
`2009/0003240 A1* 1/2009 Negron et al. ..
`370,254
`20090030978 A1
`1/2009 Johnson et al. ............... TO9,203
`2009/0089842 Al
`42009 Perry et al....................... 725/78
`2009,009.4348 A1* 4, 2009 Miura et al. .
`TO9,219
`2924. A
`229 or 725/81
`2009/0298514 Al 12/2009 Ullah ...
`455,456.5
`2010/0031366 A1* 2/2010 Knight et al.
`726/26
`ck
`2010/0057886 A1* 3/2010 Dodge ...
`TO9,219
`2011 O153429 A1* 6, 2011 Ullah
`TO5/1464
`-
`T, , ,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`2012/0188911 A1* 7/2012 Negron et al. ................ 370,254
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`2007/0049256 A1* 3/2007 Wassingbo ................. 455,414.1
`2007/0101162 A1* 5, 2007 Ando et al. .
`T13, 193
`2007. O136488 A1* 6, 2007 Cho et al. ....
`709,231
`2007/0220561 A1* 9, 2007 Girardeau et al.
`T25/80
`ck
`2007/0276925 A1* 11, 2007 La Joie et al. ..
`709,219
`ck
`2008.0002950 A1
`1/2008 Ando et al. ................... 386/109
`2008, OO 10648 A1* 1/2008 Ando et all
`719,328
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`2008, OO15718 A1* 1/2008 Yoneda et al. .
`TOO/94
`2008/0084823 A1* 4/2008 Akasaka et al. .............. 370,235
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`
`
`Page 2 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 1 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`105
`
`104
`
`Playback Control
`Software
`
`linternal Media
`Server
`
`Personal Computer
`
`106
`
`- 100
`
`- 108
`
`
`
`107
`
`Wireless Web
`Enabled Device
`
`Access Point
`(may be embedded
`in wireless speaker)
`
`to- is NN
`
`12
`
`
`
`Distributed
`Media Server
`
`
`
`112
`
`Network interface
`
`Network interface
`
`15
`
`114
`
`113
`
`17
`
`- 115
`
`114
`
`113
`
`117
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Software /
`Instructions
`Memory
`
`cGE
`
`Audio Output
`Wireless Speaker
`101b.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Software
`instructions
`Memory
`
`Y tG
`
`Audio Output
`Wireless Speaker
`101a
`
`tote-/
`F.G. 1
`
`Page 3 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 2 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`20.1 -
`
`Web BroWSer GUI
`Display Screen
`
`2O
`
`Processor
`
`Software
`instTuctions
`Memory Module
`
`Network interface
`
`Portable Slectronic Device
`
`24
`
`s
`
`'s
`
`rur
`
`21
`22
`
`Control via
`web browser
`
`215
`
`Browser-federable control
`interface
`
`222 1 Web Sewer
`
`22O
`
`2O2
`
`Y
`
`Processor
`
`3
`
`Domain Na?ha
`Sever (optional)
`
`Audio Output
`
`Sware
`instructions
`Memory Module
`
`Network Interface
`Wireless Speaker Device
`(Master)
`FIG 2A
`
`Page 4 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 3 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`rass-rear----------- yaku weat
`
`Web Browser GUI
`Display Screen
`
`PIOcessor
`
`Software
`instructions
`Memory Module
`
`Portable Electronic Device
`
`202
`
`Browser-re?iderable control
`interface
`Web Server
`
`Domain Name
`Server (optional)
`
`Audio Output
`
`Software
`Instructions
`Memory Module
`
`Frocessor
`
`Network interface
`Wireless Speaker Device
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`Control via
`web browser
`
`232
`
`P
`
`Network Interface
`
`Software
`instructions
`Memory
`
`
`
`Audio Output
`Wireless Speaker
`(Slave)
`233
`
`Network interface
`
`
`
`
`
`Software
`listiuctions
`Memory
`
`Audio Output
`Wireless Speaker
`(Save)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`230
`
`Network Interface
`
`Software
`Instrucilors
`Memory
`
`Audio Output
`Wireless Speaker
`(Slave)
`231
`
`Network Enterface
`
`Software
`lnstructions
`Memory
`
`Audio Output
`Wireless Speaker
`(Slave)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 5 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 4 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`Processor
`
`211
`
`212
`
`Control wie
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`User Data
`Correlated with
`Wireless Speaker
`PAddresses
`
`Remote Server
`
`Browser-renderable control
`interface
`Web Server
`
`117
`
`112
`
`Network interface
`Wireless Speaker Device
`(Master)
`
`
`
`FIG. 2C
`
`Page 6 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 5 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`to-peer-to-
`--
`Portable Device Wethod
`31
`
`kipage
`
`4: rest
`Wireless Speaker Method
`301
`
`Connect to speaker network
`
`Provide wireless access point
`
`312
`
`Open Web browser application
`
`:
`
`s
`
`302
`
`
`
`Provide local Web server
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`8, in Croat
`indicative a
`Navigate to predetermined . sy-EES.
`i
`Control URL
`i
`
`314
`Control interface loaded in Web
`broWSer
`
`w page
`ata
`
`
`
`315
`
`Data
`
`is is situal
`
`stees: Te -c- seisers re-re.starter
`
`
`
`- St. d E.
`quest. LO
`. s e
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Deliver data indicative of
`Control interface for rendering
`in Web browser
`
`Define Control commands,
`deliver further data indicative
`of CO iro interface for
`rendering in Web browser
`
`Implement control commands
`in wireless speakerlwireless
`audio system
`
`300 -
`
`FIG 3A
`
`Page 7 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 6 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`Portable Device
`
`Connect to
`speaker network
`
`Open web
`browser
`application
`
`Navigate to first
`predetermined
`control URL,
`provide logon
`
`Remote Server
`Method
`
`Process logon,
`identify local
`control address
`
`
`
`300 -N
`Wireless Speaker
`Method
`
`- 301
`
`318
`
`Provide wireless
`access point
`
`Provide data
`indicative of local
`control address
`
`al
`
`Receive data
`indicative of local
`control address
`
`Provide local web
`SeWe
`
`Y--- 320
`
`Navigate to
`Second control
`address
`
`Data
`indicative of
`?eques
`saaaaaaaaaassoulas:
`
`Receive data
`indicative of request
`to navigate to local
`control address
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Control interface
`loaded in Web
`browser
`
`Utilise Control
`interface
`
`Webpage
`data
`aunusurasai
`
`Deliver data indicative
`of control interface for
`rendering in web
`browser
`
`Data
`indicative of
`Define control
`utilisation
`commands, deliver
`wo-se
`-terrassuvgs ... further data indicative
`Web page
`of control interface for
`rendering in web
`data
`browser
`
`Implement control
`Commands in Wireless
`Speaker wireless
`audio system
`
`
`
`Page 8 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 7 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`General Browser Controls, Address Bar
`
`404
`
`Operational Characteristics
`Display
`(e.g. track/playlist/volume/
`Status/etc)
`
`as-da-Puruyu-wap-se
`
`
`Frau u as
`
`==========••••••••••••••••••••••••• --------~--~~~~~----* *****************
`
`
`KD(DOD) (D
`
`Playback Controls
`
`Other Controls
`k-on----------en-worsuerrrrr
`Web Browser Application
`
`Portable Device Display
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`Page 9 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 8 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`four-oaresurrors
`
`w as
`
`DC)
`
`with ly-Arama aaaaa was passal plavnuvisasaws as asparsal bunadu launus
`
`Genera Bowser Controls. Address Bar
`for- asonautarisseau arrennassunusual
`panor parvurwrunnewswirhautas
`
`Fischiang. Air. ...
`An
`I track 2
`Album
`trict 3
`Albur
`Track 4
`Album 1
`ck
`Arm 2
`lack.
`EE2.
`
`is..., -
`aff
`Artist f
`As
`Arist
`Aislf
`Artist 2
`Arts 2
`arts 2
`Artists
`
`404
`
`Speaker)
`Group? Zone
`Selection
`
`rvive ra
`
`anwara as
`
`Playback Controls
`
`und-winnual thir that
`
`in
`
`that a sued
`
`Other Controis
`
`Web Browser Application
`
`Portable Device Display
`
`FIG. 4B
`
`Page 10 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 9 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`Discovery
`Speakers discover each other
`
`Arbitration -
`Speakers autonomous identify
`master speaker
`
`501
`
`502
`
`Define virtual device indicative
`of wireless audio system
`
`503
`
`Provide via virtual device
`system control interface
`
`504
`
`Receive system control
`signals at system control
`interface, provide
`corresponding device control
`signals to individual wireless
`speakers
`
`-505
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Page 11 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 10 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`608
`
`603
`
`
`
`
`
`Virtual device representative of wireless audio system
`defined by master speaker unit, advertised on network
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative master)
`
`ACCeSS point
`provides Wireless
`network
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative slave)
`
`
`
`
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative slave)
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative slave)
`
`604
`
`
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative slave)
`
`605
`
`FIG. 6
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 12 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 11 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`Speaker connects to network
`
`70 -
`
`501 N.
`
`Speaker searches network for /
`DCP server
`
`702
`
`DHCP Server
`Available?
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`705
`
`DHCP Sever
`assigns IP
`address to
`Speaker
`
`704
`
`w
`
`Speaker
`self-assigns
`IP address
`
`Speaker provides discovery
`message across network
`
`Speaker conducts discovery /
`Search across network
`
`
`
`7O6
`
`707
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Page 13 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 12 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`5O2 y
`
`From 50
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`Device
`having wireless audio
`system capability
`discovered?
`
`ls speaker
`master speaker based on
`predefined comparison
`protocol?
`
`
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Page 14 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 13 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`From 502
`
`503 -
`
`Assess
`discovered speakers
`
`Define witual device
`representative of wireless
`audio system
`
`Define system control
`interface for virtual device
`
`504 -
`
`Advertise virtual device
`
`901
`
`902
`
`903
`
`904
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Page 15 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 14 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`From 504
`
`Receive system
`Control signal
`
`
`
`Assess sought
`operational change
`
`Define one or more
`device control signals
`
`Provide device control signais
`to individual speakers to
`implement operational change
`a CrOSS System
`
`505
`
`-
`
`1001
`
`10O2
`
`1003
`
`1004
`
`Acknowledgement
`received?
`
`YES
`
`
`
`
`
`instruct non-acknowledging
`speaker to reset to
`predefined state
`
`FIG 10
`
`Page 16 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 15 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`
`
`Control device
`
`Access point
`
`Virtual device
`representative of
`wireless audio
`SVStem
`
`Master
`speaker
`
`1103
`
`Access point
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`101
`
`607
`
`608
`
`6O1
`
`607
`
`601 to 605
`
`Individual speakers
`
`FIG. 11
`
`Page 17 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 16 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`From 502
`
`Provide message to
`system control interface
`
`/- 12O1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Acceptance or
`rejection message
`received
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Rejection
`Message
`
`
`
`Acceptance
`Message
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Adopts state identified in
`acceptance message
`
`1203
`
`/-
`
`FIG. 12
`
`Page 18 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 17 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`st
`
`R
`
`E. N N
`
`.
`
`3.
`
`608
`
`Virtual device representative of Wireless audio system
`defined by and provided by master speaker unit, advertised
`on network
`
`(GK
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative master)
`provides access point
`
`601
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative slave)
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(reative slave)
`
`
`
`
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative slave)
`
`Wireless speaker unit
`(relative slave)
`605
`
`FIG 13
`
`Page 19 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 18 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`14O1 y
`
`1407
`
`
`
`
`
`Wireless
`network card
`
`4O6
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Central
`processing unit
`
`1402
`
`Software
`instructions
`
`Wireless speaker
`
`FIG. 14
`
`Page 20 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 19 of 21
`
`US 8,724,600 B2
`
`1501
`
`1502
`
`System control signal received
`by infrared
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`System control signal
`provided in TCP message to
`system control interface
`
`Master speaker goes to 505
`
`FIG 15
`
`Page 21 of 38
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
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`Sheet 20 of 21
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`US 8,724,600 B2
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`Infrared remote
`Control
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`1601
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`603
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`1411
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`System Control
`Signal by Infrared
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`604
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`Wireless Speaker
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`Wireless Speaker
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`1601
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`
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`System Control Signal
`by TCP Message
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`ACCeSS Point
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`6O7
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`1102
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`Wirtual device
`representative of
`WireleSS audio
`System
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`Master
`speaker
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`608
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`601
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`1604
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`1604
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`
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`Access point
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`6O7
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`Individual speakers
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`FIG 16
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`601 to 605
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 21 of 21
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`US 8,724,600 B2
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`1701 y re- 171 -
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`
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`1710
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`709
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`1708
`F'N
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`First bedroom
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`1714.
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`M is
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`716
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`6"
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`Second bedroom
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`Ety"
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`Office room
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`1705
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`1707 e :
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`g; 6-4"
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`1717
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`Lounge room
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`Residential
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`" FIG. 17
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`1.
`SYSTEMIS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING
`A MEDIA PLAYBACK INANETWORKED
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to systems and methods for
`providing media playback in a networked environment.
`Embodiments of the invention have been particularly devel
`oped to allow a wireless web enabled portable device (such as
`an MP3 player, cellular telephone, or the like) to interface
`with one or more networked media playback devices without
`the need to install special software on the portable device.
`While some embodiments will be described herein with par
`ticular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that
`the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is
`applicable in broader contexts.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`A networked media playback device (such as a networked
`speaker device) typically includes a central processing unit
`coupled to a memory unit, a networking interface and output
`hardware (such as an amplifier and one or more speaker cones
`in the case of a speaker). The central processing unit provides
`a media rendering functionality whereby data indicative of
`audio received via the networking interface is processed to
`provide a corresponding audible output via the audio output
`hardware. In the case of a wireless media playback device, the
`networking interface typically implements a wireless net
`working standard such as the IEEE 802.11 standard.
`Control of a networked media playback device is typically
`achieved by way of either a purpose-built control device, or
`by way of another computational platform that runs a soft
`ware application for allowing control functionality. For
`example, a common approach is to provide a software-based
`media player application on a networked PC.
`Digital media files might reside at various locations on a
`network. These locations might include various PCs, net
`worked storage devices, and networked personal media play
`back devices. The Universal Plug and Play Audio and Video
`(UPnP AV) standard, supervised by the Digital Living Net
`work Alliance (DLNA), provides a useful framework for
`allowing playback of digital media files residing at Such loca
`tions. In particular, the UPnP AV standard regards such loca
`tions as “media servers', and provides a framework whereby
`a “media renderer' (a playback device) obtains media for
`playback from those locations. Under Such a framework, it is
`necessary to have three components: a media server for main
`taining the media, a media renderer for playing back the
`media, and a control device for providing instructions.
`It is known to install software on portable devices to allow
`those devices to take on roles within a UPnP AV arrangement,
`for example as control devices. However, it is not always
`possible, practical, and/or preferable to install such software
`on those devices.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Described herein are devices, systems and methods for
`providing media playback in a wireless speaker devices and/
`or wireless audio systems. However, although wireless
`speaker devices and wireless audio systems are considered as
`a primary example, various embodiments are equally appli
`cable to other audio systems, particularly other networked
`audio systems, and networked digital media playback sys
`tems generally.
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`One embodiment provides a method, in a networked media
`playback device, for allowing a wireless web enabled device
`to provide media playback control signals for the networked
`media playback device or a networked media playback sys
`tem, the method including the steps of
`(i) providing a local web server for delivering data indica
`tive of a browser-renderable control interface for the
`networked media playback device or networked media
`playback system;
`(ii) being responsive to a predetermined request from a
`wireless web enabled device for delivering data indica
`tive of the control interface for rendering in a web
`browser of the wireless web enabled device;
`(iii) being responsive to utilization of the control interface
`as rendered in the web browser application for defining
`one or more playback control commands; and
`(iv) implementing the one or more playback control com
`mands in the networked media playback device or net
`worked media playback system.
`One embodiment provides a method wherein step (ii)
`includes:
`(iia) receiving data indicative of a browser navigation
`request from the wireless web enabled device, the
`browser navigation request being indicative of a prede
`termined URI:
`(iib) being responsive to the browser navigation for resolv
`ing the URI to the local web server such that the data
`indicative of the control interface is delivered in
`response to the browser navigation request.
`One embodiment provides a method wherein the net
`worked media playback device provides a local domain name
`server for allowing resolution of the predetermined URI.
`One embodiment provides a method wherein the net
`worked media playback device or networked media playback
`system is controllable in accordance with the UPnP protocol.
`One embodiment provides a method wherein the wireless
`web enabled device includes a memory unit that maintains
`one or more media files, and the one or more playback com
`mands includes an instruction to rendera selected one or more
`of the media files via the networked media playback device or
`networked media playback system.
`One embodiment provides a method including the steps of:
`connecting to a wireless network;
`identifying one or more other networked media playback
`devices on the network;
`determining whether or not to provide the local web server
`based on analysis of the one or more other networked
`media playback devices on the network, such that only a
`single control interface is provided on the network.
`One embodiment provides a method wherein the control
`interface is for a networked media playback system having a
`master networked media playback device, and the step of
`implementing the one or more playback control commands
`includes providing the one or more playback control com
`mands to the master networked media playback device.
`One embodiment provides a computer program product for
`performing a method as described herein.
`One embodiment provides a one or more processors cause
`the one or more processors to carry out a method as described
`herein.
`One embodiment provides a computer system including
`one or more processors configured to carry out a method as
`described herein.
`One embodiment provides a media playback unit includ
`ing:
`a networking interface for connecting to a computer net
`work;
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`US 8,724,600 B2
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`a memory module for maintaining data indicative of a
`browser renderable playback control interface;
`a processor for providing a web server for delivering the
`data indicative of the browser renderable playback con
`trol interface to a wireless web enabled device, thereby
`to allow the device to control the media playback unit
`and/or a media playback system including the media
`playback unit.
`One embodiment provides a media playback unit wherein
`the networking interface includes a radio interface and
`wherein the computer network is a wireless network.
`Reference throughout this specification to “one embodi
`ment”, “some embodiments’ or “an embodiment’ means that
`a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in
`connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
`embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of
`the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments’ or
`“in an embodiment' in various places throughout this speci
`fication are not necessarily all referring to the same embodi
`ment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, struc
`tures or characteristics may be combined in any Suitable
`manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
`from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
`Particular embodiments may provide all, some, or none of
`these aspects, features, or advantages. Particular embodi
`ments may provide one or more other aspects, features, or
`advantages, one or more of which may be readily apparent to
`a person skilled in the art from the drawings, descriptions, and
`claims herein.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`FIG. 11 schematically illustrates data flow in a wireless
`audio system according to one or more aspects of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a further
`method performed by a wireless speaker Subsystem.
`FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a wireless audio system
`embodiment including a plurality of wireless speaker Sub
`systems.
`FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a wire
`less speaker Subsystem.
`FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a further
`method performed by a wireless speaker Subsystem.
`FIG. 16 schematically illustrates data flow in a wireless
`audio system embodiment.
`FIG. 17 is a plan view of a location having a plurality of
`wireless audio system embodiments.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
`
`Described herein are systems and methods for providing
`media playback in a networked environment. In one embodi
`ment, a networked media playback device is configured to
`provide a web server for delivering data indicative of a
`browser-renderable control interface for the networked media
`playback device, or for a related networked media playback
`system. In overview, the user of a networked device. Such as
`a wireless web enabled device, is able to render the control
`interface in a web browser, and in this manner control play
`back of digital media via the networked media playback
`device or networked media playback system.
`Some embodiments of the invention described herein are
`applicable to networked media playback devices. A net
`worked media playback device is a hardware device capable
`of rendering digital media delivered to it via a computer
`network. In much of the description herein, wireless speakers
`are used as an example of networked digital media playback
`device. Those of ordinary skill in the art would readily be able
`to modify the description provided herein that is for wireless
`speakers and apply the methods and apparatuses to other
`discrete media devices. The description is provided in terms
`of wireless speakers in order to keep the description simple
`and not obscure various significant concepts. Wireless speak
`ers are also referred to by terms such as “wireless speaker
`devices” and “wireless speaker subsystem units’.
`Some embodiments of the invention described herein are
`applicable to networked media playback systems. A net
`worked media playback system is a system that allows one or
`more networked media playback devices connected via a
`computer network to render digital media. In much of the
`description herein, a wireless audio system is used as an
`example of a networked media playback system. Those of
`ordinary skill in the art would readily be able to modify the
`description provided herein that is for a wireless audio system
`and apply the methods and apparatuses to other digital media
`playback systems. The description is provided in terms of a
`wireless audio system in order to keep the description simple
`and not obscure various significant concepts.
`FIG. 1 illustrates a basic digital media playback system
`100. System 100 includes two wireless speaker devices, in the
`form of wireless speakers 101a and 101b. These wireless
`speakers are controllable individually, or collectively as a
`speaker set 101c. Speakers 101a and 101b connect to a wire
`less network 102 by way of an access point 103, in the present
`circumstances being a wireless network in accordance with
`the IEEE 802.11 standard. In some embodiments access point
`103 is integrated with one of the wireless speakers.
`
`FIG. 1 shows a networked media system according to one
`embodiment.
`FIG. 2A shows a networked media system according to one
`embodiment.
`FIG. 2B shows a networked media system according to one
`embodiment.
`FIG.2C shows a networked media system according to one
`embodiment.
`FIG. 3A shows a method performed by a wireless web
`enabled device according to one embodiment and a method
`performed by a wireless speaker according to one embodi
`ment.
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`FIG. 3B shows a method performed by a wireless web
`enabled device according to one embodiment, a method per
`formed by a wireless speaker according to one embodiment,
`and a method performed by a remote server according to one
`embodiment.
`FIG. 4A shows an exemplary Screenshot according to one
`embodiment.
`FIG. 4B shows an exemplary Screenshot according to one
`embodiment.
`FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of one method embodiment for
`providing a wireless audio system.
`FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a wireless audio system
`embodiment including a plurality of wireless speaker Sub
`systems.
`FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method
`performed by a wireless speaker Subsystem.
`FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a further
`method performed by a wireless speaker Subsystem.
`FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a further
`method performed by a wireless speaker Subsystem.
`FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a further
`method performed by a wireless speaker Subsystem.
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`US 8,724,600 B2
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`Also connected to network 102 is a personal computer (PC)
`104. PC 104 includes a memory module for maintaining
`Software instructions indicative of a software application for
`coordinating playback of media via wireless speakers 101 a
`and 101b, as well as via speaker set 101c. In the present
`example, this software application is identified as playback
`control software application 105. Also stored in the memory
`of PC 104 is data indicative of a plurality of media items, such
`as audio tracks (e.g. WAV, MP3 and other digital audio files).
`In this manner, PC 104 effectively provides the functionality
`of a media server 106.
`In the present example, a distributed media server 107 is
`also connected to network 102. This media server, in some
`embodiments, includes a portable media playback device
`(such as an MP3 player) mounted in a networked cradle
`device, thereby to allow playback over the network of media
`items stored on the portable device.
`A wireless web enabled device 108 is also connected to the
`network. The term "wireless web enabled device' refers to
`Substantially any device having a web-browser application
`and the ability to communicate over a wireless network (Such
`as a 802.11 type network). Common examples include per
`Sonal digital music players, cellular telephones, PDAs, and
`the like. It will be appreciated that many consumer electronic
`devices adopt a plurality of these roles. Prime examples of
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`wireless web enabled devices include the iPhone and iPod
`Touch, distributed by Apple Inc, which make use of the Safari
`web browser. As discussed further below, device 108 is used
`to control speakers 102a and/or 101b (and/or speaker set
`101c).
`Trademarks, product names, and business names used
`herein are provided for the sake of illustration only, and
`should not imply any permission, affiliation, or the like.
`Each wireless speaker 101a and 101b includes a network
`interface 112 for connecting to network 102, in the present
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`example via access point 102. Data indicative of command
`signals is received via this network, along with data indicative
`of digital media for playback. A central processing unit
`(CPU) 113 operates in conjunction with memory 114, and is
`responsible for rendering content, processing command sig
`nals, and the like. Memory 114 includes software instructions
`115, which, among other functions, allow wireless speakers
`101a and 101b to perform various methods, including meth
`ods described herein. It is noted that not all instructions
`required for performing these methods need be in memory
`104 at a given time. Wireless speakers 101a and 101b addi
`tionally include respective audio outputs 117 (which in some
`embodiments includes one or more speaker cones, or other
`analogue outputs such as audio jacks), for allowing playback
`of rendered digital media as audio.
`Wireless speaker set 101c does not have a discrete hard
`ware manifestation. Rather, in the present example, wireless
`speaker set 101c is a virtual device embedded on (i.e. adver
`tised by and controllable via) speaker 101a, which adopts the
`role of a lead speaker in the context of the set, with the speaker
`set operating as a stereo pair (i.e. one speaker renders and
`plays back a left channel signal, the other a right channel
`signal). This functionality is described in more detail further
`below. However, for the time being, it is sufficient to note that
`speaker set 101c provides a location to which playback
`instructions are able to be provided so as to affect playback of
`audio tracks via the speaker set.
`It will be appreciated that system 100 is illustrated for the
`sake of example only, primarily to illustrate various compo
`nents relevant to embodiments discussed herein. However, it
`will be appreciated that the present disclosure is equally
`applicable to arrangements having a greater or lesser deal of
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`complexity as compared with system 100. For example, in
`further embodiments there are a larger number