U.S. patent application number 15/897319 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for jukebox network system.
The applicant listed for this patent is AMI Entertainment Network, LLC. Invention is credited to Jesse Buck, Danny Garrett, John Groppe, Constantin Hapaianu, Charles Jaros, Jeffrey J. Kalis, Eran Loewenthal, Ronald Richards, Marc Saegesser.
Application Number | 20180173384 15/897319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42981942 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180173384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richards; Ronald ; et
al. |
June 21, 2018 |
JUKEBOX NETWORK SYSTEM
Abstract
A plurality of jukeboxes each having a display, input component,
audio output, and controller are connected over a network. The
controller is configured to play music data sets selected by a user
and to store local affinity data uploadable to the network. The
controller is further configured to store network popularity and
affinity data received from the network. The controller causes the
display to present menus and screens based on the data received
from the network. The controller is also configured to perform
searches over multiple identification categories and store
collections of music data sets based on multiple identification
categories.
Inventors: |
Richards; Ronald; (Elmhurst,
IL) ; Garrett; Danny; (Batavia, IL) ; Groppe;
John; (Westchester, IL) ; Saegesser; Marc;
(West Chicago, IL) ; Jaros; Charles; (Chicago,
IL) ; Buck; Jesse; (Elmhurst, IL) ;
Loewenthal; Eran; (Oak Park, IL) ; Kalis; Jeffrey
J.; (Sparta, MI) ; Hapaianu; Constantin;
(Cluj-Napoca, RO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AMI Entertainment Network, LLC |
Trevose |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42981942 |
Appl. No.: |
15/897319 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14722878 |
May 27, 2015 |
9939993 |
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15897319 |
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12764605 |
Apr 21, 2010 |
|
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14722878 |
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61171327 |
Apr 21, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/639 20190101;
G06F 2203/0383 20130101; G06F 3/038 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101;
G06F 3/0488 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0482 20060101
G06F003/0482; G06F 17/30 20060101 G06F017/30; G06F 3/0488 20060101
G06F003/0488; G06F 3/038 20060101 G06F003/038 |
Claims
1. A jukebox network system having a plurality of jukebox devices
connected over a network, each of the jukebox devices comprising:
(a) an input component; (b) an audio output; (c) a memory
configured to: (i) store local affinity data that is periodically
sent to the network, the local affinity data including
identification of music data sets previously selected from a
plurality of music data sets and played together during a common
credit session, and (ii) store network affinity data, the network
affinity data being generated by and received from the network, the
network affinity data including, for each of the plurality of music
data sets, a list of other music data sets paired therewith and
having high affinity values, which are determined from the local
affinity data periodically received by the network from the
plurality of jukebox devices; and (d) a controller configured to:
(i) retrieve for play a first music data set selected by a user
upon establishment of one or more credits, (ii) select a second
music data set from the music data sets paired with the first music
data set in the network affinity data stored in the memory prior to
the selection of the first music data set by the user, and (iii)
present an option to the user to play the second music data
set.
2. The jukebox network system of claim 1, wherein the network
notifies the plurality of jukebox devices of the availability of
newly generated network affinity data.
3. The jukebox network system of claim 2, wherein at least one of
the plurality of jukebox devices requests to download at least a
portion of the network affinity data from the controller upon
receipt of the notification.
4. The jukebox network system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to request to download at least a portion of the network
affinity data upon selection of the first music data set.
5. The jukebox network system of claim 1, wherein the local
affinity data includes the number of times that two or more music
data sets were previously selected and played during common credit
sessions.
6. The jukebox network system of claim 1, wherein the local
affinity data is uploaded to the network at predetermined periodic
intervals.
7. The jukebox network system of claim 1, wherein when a jukebox
device is disconnected from the network, the controller of the
disconnected jukebox device is configured to select for
presentation to the user, based on the network affinity data stored
in the memory of the disconnected jukebox device, the second music
data set only from music data sets stored in the memory of the
disconnected jukebox device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/722,878, filed on May 27, 2015, entitled
"Jukebox Menu Navigation System," currently pending, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/764,605, filed
on Apr. 21, 2010, entitled "Jukebox Menu Navigation System," now
abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/171,327, filed on Apr. 21, 2009, entitled
"Jukebox Menu Navigation System," the entire contents of all of
which are incorporated by reference herein.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND AUTHORIZATION
[0002] Portions of the documentation in this patent document
contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to
a jukebox menu navigation system, and more particularly, to
improvements for menu navigation based primarily on aggregation and
distribution of network-wide data.
[0004] Jukeboxes having a plurality of songs available for
selection and play are generally known. Jukeboxes typically operate
upon input of currency and are installed in locations such as bars,
restaurants, airports, shopping malls, video arcades, casinos or
the like. Upon receipt of currency, a user is prompted to select
one or more songs for play, typically over a public speaker system
installed in the location of the jukebox. Originally, the music
selections were provided on 45 rpm records that were played by an
automated turntable in the jukebox. The vinyl records were
eventually replaced by compact discs (CDs) and the turntable
replaced by a CD player. More recently, jukeboxes have become
computerized, capable of playing selections of music as MP3 files,
streaming audio data sets, or the like.
[0005] In particular, jukeboxes are presently connected to networks
and can receive digital audio files over Broadband connections,
thereby reducing memory size requirements. Despite the network
capabilities, current jukeboxes still have functional limitations
that limit the information and experience that may be provided to a
user.
[0006] It is desirable to provide a jukebox network that compiles
and distributes affinity data to a plurality of jukeboxes, each of
which may present song choices that are commonly selected by users
network-wide. It is further desirable to provide a searching
feature that allows a user to search multiple categories when
selecting music. It is also desirable to provide a jukebox with the
ability to create collections comprising a combination of artists,
albums, and songs. It is still further desirable to provide a
jukebox network that compiles and distributes network popularity
data to a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which may present an
ordered list of the most popular songs, artists, and albums
network-wide.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly stated, an embodiment of the present invention
comprises a jukebox device configured to play music data sets. Each
music data set has a plurality of identification values
corresponding to a respective plurality of identification
categories. The jukebox device includes a display, an input
component, an audio output and a controller. The controller is
configured to receive a string of characters from the input
component, and to search simultaneously across the plurality of
identification categories for identification values containing the
string of characters. The controller is further configured to cause
the display to present the identification values containing the
string of characters for each of the plurality of identification
categories.
[0008] Another preferred embodiment comprises a jukebox network
system having a plurality of jukebox devices connected over a
network. Each of the jukebox devices includes a display, an input
component, an audio output, and a controller configured to store
local affinity data uploadable to the network. The local affinity
data includes identification of music data sets selected from a
plurality of music data sets during a common credit session. The
controller is also configured to store network affinity data
received from the network. The network affinity data includes pairs
of music data sets having high affinity values determined from the
local affinity data received by the network from the plurality of
jukebox devices. The controller is further configured to retrieve
for play a first music data set selected by a user upon
establishment of a one or more credits. The controller is also
configured to cause the display to present an option to select and
play at least one second music data set selected from the network
affinity data.
[0009] Still another preferred embodiment comprises a jukebox
network system having a plurality of jukebox devices connected over
a network. Each of the jukebox devices includes a display, an input
component, an audio output, and a controller configured to retrieve
for play at least one music data set selected by a user from a
plurality of music data sets upon establishment of one or more
credits. Each music data set has a plurality of identification
values corresponding to a respective plurality of identification
categories. The controller is further configured to store local
play data uploadable to the network. The local play data includes a
number of times a music data set is selected for play on the
jukebox device. The controller is also configured to store network
popularity data received from the network. The network popularity
data includes popularity values for at least a portion of the
plurality of identification values in at least one of
identification categories. The popularity values are determined
from the local play data received by the network from the plurality
of jukebox devices. The controller is further configured to cause
the display, for a user-selected one of the plurality of
identification values in at least one user-selected identification
category, to present corresponding identification values in another
of the identification categories in a predetermined configuration
based on the respective popularity values of the corresponding
identification values.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustration, there are shown in the
drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jukebox device for use in
accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a jukebox network in
accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a first message sequence diagram of communication
between the server and jukebox of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a second message sequence diagram of communication
between the server and jukebox of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a third message sequence diagram of communication
between the server and jukebox of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a screenshot of a menu displayed on a jukebox
device in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a screenshot of an artist sub-menu displayed on a
jukebox device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a screenshot of an album sub-menu displayed on a
jukebox device in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a screenshot of a suggestion page displayed on a
jukebox device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a screenshot of a blank search page displayed on
a jukebox device in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 11 is a screenshot of the search page of FIG. 10
following a search conducted on the jukebox device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right", "left",
"lower", and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the apparatus and designated parts thereof. The terminology
includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of
similar import. Additionally, the words "a" and "an", as used in
the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification,
mean "at least one." Further, the terms "coin" or "currency" should
not be construed as limiting and can be used herein to mean all
forms of coin and paper currency from any country as well as
proprietary tokens, game cards, credit cards, debit cards, chits,
or other representative forms of credit and/or payment.
[0023] This patent application includes Appendices which are
incorporated by reference into the present patent application. At
least one preferred embodiment of the present invention is
implemented via the source code in the Appendices. The Appendices
are subject to the "Copyright Notice and Authorization" stated
above.
[0024] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference
numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS.
1 and 2 a preferred embodiment of a jukebox device 12. The jukebox
device 12 includes a controller U1 and a memory U2. The memory U2
can be any known or suitable memory device or combination of such
devices such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
flash RAM, hard disk, optical disk, or the like. The jukebox device
12 further includes a video display 20 that is operatively
connected to the controller U1. Preferably, the video display 20 is
a touchscreen video display configured to accept touch input. The
jukebox device 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a free-standing or
floor-standing apparatus, but may also be arranged in any
configuration including table mount, wall mount, pole mount, and
the like without departing from the invention.
[0025] The jukebox device 12 may also include at least one value
input or value acceptor 22 that receives value in order to
establish one or more credits. The value received may be at least
one of currency, coins, tokens, chits, credits, credit cards/debit
cards, or the like. FIG. 1 shows a coin acceptor 22a and a bill
acceptor 22b as part of the jukebox device 12. In addition, value
may also be received through input of a keypad or touchscreen of
online account data, personal identification numbers (PINs), or the
like, which may obviate the need for a value acceptor 22, although
such methods are not mutually exclusive and may both be provided to
provide the user with a wide array of payment options. Preferably,
the jukebox device 12 is made operable only upon receipt of value,
for example, a user may only select and play a song once value is
received and/or one or more credits are established. However, free
selections may be offered at the discretion of an operator of the
jukebox device 12.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, an input component 24 is coupled to the
controller U1. The input component 24 is preferably a touchscreen
input from the display 20, but may also be one or more of a
pushbutton(s), a track-ball or touchpad, a mouse, a joy-stick, a
foot-pedal, a voice recognition system, a keypad or keyboard, and
the like. Further, multiple input components 24 of the foregoing or
other types may be provided on the jukebox device 12.
[0027] The jukebox device 12 also includes an audio output 26
coupled to the controller U1. The audio output 26 is preferably a
digital amplifier with multi-channel pre-amplifier and one or more
sockets for connection to one or more speakers or the like (not
shown). Additionally, the audio output 26 may comprise one or more
sockets for connection to an external audio amplification system
(not shown), such as a stereo, wall-mounted speakers, surround
sound system, or the like. The audio output 26 may also comprise
one or more speakers internally housed by the jukebox device 12.
Volume may be controlled by an external control, wireless remote,
or an on-screen volume control manipulated via the touchscreen
display 20.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows the jukebox device 12 as part of a network 10
having a plurality of additional jukebox devices 12 connected
thereto. Each of the jukebox devices 12 is preferably in
communication with a server 14. However, intermediate connections
to the server 14, such as additional file servers, computers, other
jukebox devices 12, or the like, may also be implemented. Further,
functions of the server 14 may be divided among a plurality of
devices. The controller U1 of the jukebox device 12 preferably
communicates with the server 14 over an Ethernet port, a wireless
transceiver, or the like and may communicate with other devices or
file servers, access the Internet, communicate over wide area
networks (WANs) or local area networks (LANs), or the like. The
jukebox device 12 remains operable even if disconnected from the
network 10 or is only connected to the network 10 via a dial-up
connection. In dial-up mode, the jukebox 12 still may receive data
from the server 14 as described below. However, once the relevant
data is received, the jukebox device 12 operates in a disconnected
state. While retaining all of its usual functionality, as will be
described below, operation of the jukebox device 12 is limited to
content available locally, rather than content available through
the network.
[0029] Turning now to the operation of the jukebox device 12, the
memory U2 may store a plurality of music data sets and a system
control program. A music data set includes the audio data required
for playing a song through the output component or audio output 26,
and may be stored in any conventional format, such as an MP3 file,
WAV file, or the like. The music data set also includes a plurality
of identification values (also known as "metadata") corresponding
to a respective plurality of identification categories. Examples of
identification categories include a song title, an album title, an
artist name, a genre of music, or the like. Music data sets may
also be stored remotely, such as at the server 14 or other remote
file storage locations accessible by the controller U1. When
retrieved remotely, a music data set may be streamed to the
controller U1 via a Broadband connection or the like.
Alternatively, a music data set may be downloaded by the jukebox
device 12 from the memory U2, on instruction, onto the hard drive
of the jukebox device 12. Preferably, the music data set is
downloaded in its entirety. The jukebox device 12 then plays the
music data set off of the jukebox hard drive. The music data set is
preferably provided serially to the memory U2 or a temporary memory
of the controller U1 and the music data set is played as packets
thereof are being received. The music data set does not necessarily
remain in the jukebox device memory once it has been played. The
music data set is preferably buffered such that a minor
interruption in the music data set download does not cause an
interruption in the audio performance of the jukebox device 12.
[0030] The controller U1 is configured to retrieve for play, either
from the memory U2 or from a remote location, such as the server
14, at least one music data set selected by a user from the
plurality of stored music data sets upon establishment of one or
more credits. The controller U1 also controls the video display 20
based upon a system control program retrieved from the memory U2
and based upon inputs from the touchscreen or other input component
24. As used herein, the system control program refers to all of the
software functions outside of the application program files
including an operating system, display control, input control,
sound drivers, and the like.
[0031] In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,
play data based on user selected music data sets from the plurality
of jukebox devices 12 are aggregated over the network 10 in order
to determine the most popular, songs, albums, artists, or the like
on a network-wide basis for use in the plurality of jukebox devices
12.
[0032] Accordingly, the controller U1 of each jukebox device 12
preferably stores local play data to the memory U2. The local play
data preferably includes a number of times that each particular
music data set is selected for play on the particular jukebox
device 12. The local play data is uploadable to the network 10,
where it is received by the server 14, preferably in response to
periodic server generated requests for data. The local play data
from each jukebox device 12 of the network 10 may be uploaded at
regular predetermined periodic intervals, such as hourly, daily,
weekly, or the like. However, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the intervals of uploading need not be
predetermined, but rather may be unplanned and sporadic.
[0033] The server 14 stores a plurality of tables for aggregating
the local play data from all of the jukebox devices 12 to generate
network popularity data. Preferably three tables are kept, a daily
table, a monthly table, and a yearly table. However, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that other time frames and
durations may also be utilized. In order to conserve space at the
server 14, the daily table may only contain the previous thirty-one
days of data, the monthly table may only contain the previous
thirteen months of data, the yearly table may only contain the
previous three years of data, or the like. All of the tables are
preferably continuously updated at the server 14 upon receipt of
the local play data from the plurality of jukebox devices 12.
[0034] The server 14 periodically sends network popularity data
back to each of the jukebox devices 12 over the network 10.
Preferably, the predetermined periodic interval between the time
that the network popularity data is sent is long enough to allow
for significant changes in popularity, such as a week. However, the
interval may be set to any duration as desired, and is preferably
controlled using a Macro4 (M4) variable. The network popularity
data is preferably kept in a compressed data file that may be
downloaded by a jukebox device 12 via a Uniform Resource Locator
(URL), however, the popularity data may also be sent directly to
the jukebox device 12. The controller U1 of each of the plurality
of jukebox devices 12 is configured to store the network popularity
data in the memory U2.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a message sequence between the server
14 and a jukebox device 12 when a new version of the downloadable
network popularity data is created. The server 14 notifies the
jukebox device 12 that a new version of the network popularity data
file is available. The jukebox device 12 responds with a request
for the updated network popularity data. The jukebox device 12 may
either request the URL or a message containing the network
popularity data, in which case the jukebox device 12 may specify
limits on the data. An exemplary portion of an Extensible Markup
Language (XML) request, including .xsd and .xml files for both
types of requests, is attached as Appendix 1. The server 14
responds with either the requested URL or the requested data. An
exemplary portion of an XML response, including the relevant .xsd
and .xml files, is attached as Appendix 2. Once the response from
the server 14 is received, the jukebox device 12 responds with an
Error Status Message to acknowledge whether the response from the
server 14 was received successfully. The server 14 responds with an
acknowledgement (ACK) message. Once the network popularity data is
processed in the controller U1, the jukebox device 12 sends a
Software Version Message (see exemplary XML message attached as
Appendix 3) containing the version of the network popularity data
received by the jukebox device 12. The server 14 responds with an
ACK message. The jukebox device 12 keeps track of the version
number of the popularity data it receives as part of its software
version data.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a similar diagram to FIG. 3, except that the
message sequence is triggered by a jukebox device 12 connecting to
the network 10 and reporting to the server 14 that its version of
the network popularity data is out of date. This is preferably done
by a Software Version Message. The server 14 responds with an ACK
message before proceeding in the manner as detailed above with
respect to FIG. 3.
[0037] The network popularity data preferably includes popularity
values for at least a portion of the identification values in at
least one of the identification categories. Preferably, network
popularity data is generated and stored for a plurality of the
identification values in a plurality of the identification
categories. The popularity values are determined from the local
play data from each of the plurality of jukebox devices 12 on the
network 10. For example, the popularity values may be the aggregate
number of plays over a predetermined period, such as a day, week,
month, or the like, of a particular song, album, artist, or the
like. The popularity values may also be relative rankings of, for
example, a song, such that a popularity value of "1" indicates the
song selected for play the most number of times over a certain
period, "2" indicates the song selected for play the second most
number of times over the same period, and the like.
[0038] Preferably, the entirety of the network popularity data is
sent back to each of the jukebox devices 12. Alternatively, the
amount of network popularity data sent to each of the jukebox
devices 12 may be arbitrarily set in order to limit the size of the
file. For example, for each identification category, only the top
100 identification values would be included in the file.
Alternatively, a song, artist, or the like may be required to
exceed a certain number of plays in order to be included in the
network popularity data.
[0039] The network 10 may also provide for on-demand requests by a
jukebox device 12 for specific network popularity data from the
server 14. As shown by FIG. 5, the message sequence is a basic
request-response interaction. The jukebox device 12 sends a request
message specifying a particular identification category and other
parameters, such as groupings, limits, or the like. An exemplary
on-demand request, including .xsd and .xml files for requesting
specific songs for specific genres, specific albums from specific
artists, and songs for specific artists, is attached as Appendix 4.
The response from the server 14 may be organized hierarchically
depending on the request from the jukebox device 12. An exemplary
response, including .xsd and .xml files for responding to a request
for songs for a specific genre, is attached as Appendix 5.
[0040] Once the jukebox device 12 has the latest network popularity
data, the controller U1 is configured to cause the video display
20, for a user-selected one of the plurality of identification
categories in at least one user-selected one of the plurality of
identification categories, to present corresponding identification
values in another of the plurality of identification categories in
a predetermined configuration based on the respective popularity
values of each of the corresponding identification values.
[0041] FIG. 6 is an exemplary screenshot 100 from a jukebox device
12. A "Top Artists" list is shown near the top of the screenshot
100. The artists are listed in order of the popularity values
associated with each of the artists, from those associated with the
highest popularity values to artists associated with the lowest
popularity values. While six artists are shown, the entire list may
be smaller or larger, in accordance with limits as described above,
and may provide scrolling or paging capability to view the
remainder of the list. Additional information may be provided in
the list, such as the number of songs, albums, or the like
associated with the displayed artist, photos, advertisements, or
the like.
[0042] Similarly, a "Top Songs" list is shown near the bottom of
the screenshot 100. The songs are listed in order of the popularity
values associated with each song. Additional information, such as
the artist of the displayed song, the required number of credits
for play of the song, cover art, or the like, may also be
displayed. Other lists may also be shown, such as by genre, album,
or the like.
[0043] In the event that a jukebox device 12 becomes disconnected
from the network 10, the network becomes unavailable, or other
service disruptions occur, the listings of identification values
and derivative information thereof may be changed to correspond to
available selections of music data sets. For example, during
connection to the network 10, the "Top Artists" list will display
the number of available albums and songs for the respective artist
that are available over the entire network 10 (i.e., residing in
the server 14 or other remote storage). However, during a network
disruption, the number of available albums and songs displayed
corresponds only to the music data sets that are stored locally,
i.e. in the memory U2 or the like of the particular (local) jukebox
device 12.
[0044] Lists of identification values displayed on the video screen
20 are not limited to order based on network-wide popularity. The
controller U1 may order the identification values based on network
popularity data, local play data, combinations thereof, or the
like. A combination list utilizing both network popularity data and
local play data may be determined based on a ratio of network
popularity data to local play data applied by the controller U1.
The ratio is preferably alterable so that, for example, a new
jukebox device 12 initially displays lists ordered based solely on
network popularity data, but as the controller U1 accumulates its
own local play data, the ratio may be changed to reflect local
popularity.
[0045] The server 14 may also further analyze the local play data
uploaded from the jukebox devices 12 on the network 10 in order to
determine subsets of popularity data. For example, the aggregated
local play data may be analyzed to generate regional popularity
data, genre-related popularity data, location-theme popularity data
(e.g., all southwestern or country-style restaurants or bars), or
the like. The jukebox devices 12 on the network may incorporate any
of such popularity data received from the network 10 or
combinations thereof.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a screenshot 200 illustrating that the
presentation of identification values based on popularity values
from the network popularity data may be utilized by the controller
U1 for organization and presentation of further submenus when
selecting music data sets. For example, once an artist is selected
by a user, a listing of some or all other songs from that
user-selected artist may be presented to the user. In screenshot
200, the songs are listed in order of the corresponding popularity
values for songs of the user-selected artist.
[0047] Other sorting options may also be available, such as
alphabetical, release date, or the like. The jukebox device 12 may
also allow for convenient switching between sorting options. For
example, as shown in FIG. 7, a user may conveniently toggle between
ordering based on network popularity data and alphabetical order by
simply tapping the touchscreen 24 in the appropriate location. A
user may also select one of the album titles displayed. Once a user
does so, a listing of some or all other songs from that
user-selected album may be presented to the user. The songs are
preferably listed in order of the corresponding popularity values
for songs of the user-selected album. However, listing the songs in
an order based on popularity values is one of a number of options
of ordering. Other orderings are also possible, including by track
order, alphabetically, and the like. Other lists and menus may
similarly be operated by the controller U1 to aid the user in
sorting or ordering music data sets for selection.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a screenshot 300 illustrating further use of the
network popularity data by the controller U1 in enhancing the
experience of the user. For example, the most popular music data
sets in particular user-selected identification categories may be
highlighted or emphasized to the user. In screenshot 300, the user
has selected an album and a song listing of the album is displayed.
A small number of the songs for the album, for example two or
three, are highlighted as the most popular songs for the particular
album selected. The highlighting may be in the form of shading,
icons, static or dynamic images, or the like.
[0049] In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention,
local affinity data from the plurality of jukebox devices 12 is
compiled over the network 10 in order to determine music data sets
that are most often selected together on a network-wide basis for
providing recommendations to the user.
[0050] Establishment of one or more credits in a jukebox device 12
is considered by the controller U1 to be a "credit session." For
every two music data sets that are selected and retrieved for play
by the controller U1 during a common credit session, local affinity
data is generated and stored by the controller U1. Specifically,
the local affinity data includes identification of the music data
sets selected from the plurality of available music data sets
during a common credit session. The local affinity data preferably
includes the number of times that two music data sets were selected
for play within a common credit session. Further data is preferably
also included, such as the number of times the associated music
data sets were selected on-demand (downloaded), locally, as a
result of promotions, or the like, and whether the two music data
sets were selected as a result of an affinity recommendation,
described below. Other information may also be included, such as
the last date either music data set was selected, the last date the
two music data sets were selected in a common credit session, or
the like.
[0051] The local affinity data from each of the plurality of
jukebox devices 12 on the network 10 is preferably uploadable to
the network 10. Preferably, the local affinity data is uploaded to
the network 10 from each of the plurality of jukebox devices 12 on
the network 10 at regular intervals, such as daily, weekly,
monthly, or the like. An exemplary plain text file format of local
affinity data reporting is attached as Appendix 6. Data is
aggregated at the server 14 in steps, preferably performed on a
daily basis, although other intervals may be utilized. An exemplary
pseudo-code for aggregating the local affinity data is attached as
Appendix 7, wherein a step represents a configurable number of days
and the minimum value of a step is "1."
[0052] Network affinity data is generated by the server 14 based
upon the local affinity data uploaded to the network 10.
Specifically, the network affinity data includes pairs of music
data sets which have high affinity values as determined from the
local affinity data received by the network 10 from the plurality
of jukebox devices 12. Affinity values for each pair of music data
sets are preferably calculated based on weighted factors (e.g.,
on-demand selections, local selections, or the like) detailed
above. For example, a formula to calculate an affinity value may be
as follows:
Affinity
value=M4_genre*M4_popularity*((mod_count*M4_mod)+(local_count*M-
4_local)+(affinity_count*M4_affinity)-(kp_count*(1-M4_kp)))
where M4_genre is "1" if the music data sets have different genres,
otherwise use the M4 variable value if music data sets have the
same genre; M4_popularity is "1" if neither of the music data sets
are extremely popular, otherwise use the M4 variable value if one
of the music data sets is an extremely popular song; M4_mod,
M4_local, M4_kp, M4_affinity are M4 configurable variables for
weights; and the counts are as described above (e.g., on-demand,
local, or the like).
[0053] The network affinity data is preferably downloadable by each
of the plurality of jukebox devices 12 on the network 10. In order
to enable quick responses at the jukebox devices 12, network
affinity data is preferably limited to the most relevant affinity
values for each song. That is, only the top affiliations for each
song are provided by the network server 14 back to the jukebox
devices 12. An exemplary XML file containing network affinity data
provided to the jukebox devices 12 is attached as Appendix 8. Delta
files may also be created when changes are made to the network
affinity date file.
[0054] As described above with the network popularity data, the
jukebox devices 12 are notified by the server 14 when new network
affinity data is available, and the jukebox devices 12 may request
to download all of the network affinity data or a portion based on
demand. A request for an entire file of network affinity data
proceeds similarly to the sequence in FIG. 3. For on-demand
requests, the sequence is similar to that shown in FIG. 5.
Exemplary .xsd files for the request from the jukebox device 12 and
the response from the server 14 are attached as Appendices 9 and 10
respectively.
[0055] Once a jukebox device 12 has stored network affinity data,
the controller U1 is configured to retrieve for play a first music
data set selected by a user. The video display 20 is then caused by
the controller U1 to present an option to the user to select and
play at least one second music data set from the network affinity
data. For example, FIG. 9 is a screenshot 400 following a music
data set selection by a user. Four additional music data sets are
recommended to the user because the four illustrated music data
sets were included in the network affinity data (meaning the
respective affinity values were high). The user may then
conveniently select one or more of the recommended additional music
data sets for play. Identification values may be included with the
recommendation, such as artist, album, or the like. Further
information, such as cover art or the like is also preferably
included. Although four music data sets are shown in FIG. 9, more
or less may be provided, depending upon limits to the network
affinity data.
[0056] In the event of a network disruption or disconnection, a
jukebox device 12 may, as described above with respect to the
network popularity data, continue to offer recommended additional
music data sets, although limited only to music data sets available
locally.
[0057] In a third preferred embodiment, searching for desired music
data sets is enhanced by simultaneously searching multiple
identification categories. Accordingly, a user may be presented
with a search screen, such as screenshot 500 in FIG. 10. However,
the search feature may be provided as part of other screens, such
as a home page or the like. The controller U1 is configured to
receive from the input component 24 a string of characters. For
example, a user may enter a word, phrase, or fragment in the search
box in screenshot 500 using the on-screen keyboard as part of the
touchscreen video display 20. The controller U1 then searches for
identification values containing the string of characters.
Preferably the string of characters may be found at any portion of
an identification value, such as at the beginning, middle, or end
of the value. The controller U1 preferably searches simultaneously
across the plurality of identification categories (e.g., song
title, album title, artist name, and genre of music) for
identification values containing the input string of
characters.
[0058] Once the controller U1 has obtained the search results, the
video display 20 is caused to present, for each of the searched
identification categories, the identification values containing the
string of characters. For example, screenshot 600 in FIG. 11 shows
that for the search term "mart," seven results were returned under
the identification category "Artist," twelve results were returned
for "Albums," and eight results were returned for "Songs." The
results for each identification category may be ordered
alphabetically or the like. Preferably, in accordance with the
first embodiment of the present invention, the results are ordered
according to network popularity data. Using the touchscreen or
other input component 24 to choose one of the results enables the
user to navigate to a corresponding page, such as an artist or
album page listing songs, to select one or more music data sets for
play.
[0059] In a fourth preferred embodiment, the jukebox device 12 may
include collections that include music data sets based on multiple
identification categories. For example, in FIG. 6, a number of
collections are presented to the user toward the middle of
screenshot 100. Each of the collections includes an identifying
title. For each collection, as an example, songs, albums, and
artists may all be included as part of the collection.
[0060] The controller U1 accordingly selects and retrieves all of
the identification values associated with the collection for
presentation to the user. Selection of an artist in a collection
navigates to an artist page similar to screenshot 200 of FIG. 7.
Selection of an album in a collection navigates to a page similar
to screenshot 300 in FIG. 8. Selection of a song navigates to a
confirmation page, which may include recommended music data sets,
such as in screenshot 400 in FIG. 9.
[0061] Collections may be generated locally at a jukebox device 12,
or may be generated at the server 14. Collections can be generated
automatically based on collected data from the jukebox devices 12,
from release dates, or the like.
[0062] Embodiments of the present invention also include methods of
operating a jukebox device 12 in a network 10 as described
above.
[0063] The jukebox device 12 may also include other functionality
and features such as electronic game play, video jukebox,
multimedia player, Internet browsing, broadcast media viewing, time
based rental mode, non-prize tournaments, prize-based tournaments,
head-to-head competitions, prize-based lotteries, ticket
dispensing, prize dispensing, debit/credit card charging, phone
card dispensing, e-mail, photography, placing customer orders,
communicating with other jukebox devices, and the like.
[0064] The jukebox device 12 may also provide for remote or local
access for accounting and/or bookkeeping purposes. The jukebox
device 12 may include a local connector for uploading to a
hand-held or portable computer or removable memory for receiving
accounting or other data. The jukebox device 12 may include
accounting and bookkeeping screens accessible by an operator
through set up screens and/or through password protection.
[0065] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
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