Digital jukebox device with improved user interfaces, and associated methods

DIGITAL JUKEBOX DEVICE WITH IMPROVED USER INTERFACES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

This application claims the benefit of each of US application serials 61/431,036 and 61/298,509, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. These applications are also disclosed in U.S. Serial Nos. 11/902,658; 11/902,790; 12/076,761; 61/129,637; 12/222,785; 12/318,864; and 61/202,617.

Certain representative embodiments relate to an entertainment system, and more particularly, certain representative embodiments relate to an entertainment system for interacting with users to provide access to a medium such that a user interface for such a system can be appropriately improved. .

Jukeboxes have been around for decades, providing users with the ability to select the music they want for reproduction in a convenient and advantageous way. Jukeboxes are typically provided in commercial business establishments, such as restaurants and bars, to provide desired music on demand of guests for a fee.

In the last few years, a new generation of jukebox devices has become available that provides significant improvements in its operation for all parties involved.

More specifically, conventional standalone phonorecord and CD jukeboxes are being replaced by digital downloading jukeboxes controlled by and communicating with a central server. An embodiment of such a new generation jukebox system is described in US Pat. No. 6,308,204, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A leading provider of this new generation of jukebox systems is TouchTunes Music Corporation.

<p>Figure 1 shows an overview of an exemplary embodiment of a digital downloading jukebox system 10 (hereinafter "jukebox system"). As shown in Figure 1, jukebox system 10 has a master library of audio content (typically music) as well as optionally audiovisual content (typically video or graphics associated with music) that can be downloaded from there. It includes a central server 12 comprising a.</p><p>The jukebox system also includes a series of remote jukebox devices 16, 16a-16f. Each of these jukebox devices is typically located in a bar, restaurant, club or other desired location and is in response to receiving a payment from a user, such as coins, banknotes, credit/debit cards, etc. a user) is operable to play music with one or more songs selected by the user for play.</p><p>In an alternative embodiment, the music service is free for the end-user with selected music, upon a subscription-based payment by location. The jukebox device 16 generally includes an audio system 20 for playing the selected song as well as a screen 18 for presenting information to the user and allowing the user to select a song from there.</p><p>Screen 18 may also be used to display song-related video or graphics. Screen 18 may also be used to display advertisements on the jukebox itself to attract customers, display other types of advertisements, and/or display any other desired information.</p><p>The jukebox device 16 is operable to communicate with the central server 12 via a communication network 14 such as, for example, the Internet. The jukebox 16 periodically communicates with the server 12 to provide the server 12 with information related to a particular song played on the jukebox. and the central server uses this information in order to determine the appropriate royalties and/or other payments that are owed for songs played on each jukebox).</p><p>Thus, one advantage of this new generation of jukeboxes is that sound reproduction and/or other applicable music rights can be addressed in a more accurate and reliable way. adhered), thus ensuring the appropriate royalty are paid to the artist or music owner.</p><p>The central server 12 may also provide new songs to the jukebox 16 to ensure that appropriate or popular songs are maintained in the jukebox based on the particular customer at that location. Thus, the songs available in each jukebox can be customized through communication with the central server to provide the types of songs and/or music that customers typically require at each jukebox location. customized).</p><p>As described in U.S. Patent No. 6,308,204, referenced above, the central server may also run operating software for the jukebox to alter its operation, such as by providing new or improved features. It can be advantageously used for updating.</p><p>Thus, another advantage of this new generation of jukeboxes is that the operation of the song (or other audio and/or video content), and the jukebox itself, is personally dependent on someone's (such as a routeman) service of the jukebox. It can be changed wirelessly as desired without need. Alternatively, these updates may be done using the central server 12 .</p><p>As indicated above, the jukebox device 16 is a hard drive that stores songs and associated video/graphics data, as well as any other desired graphical information for reproduction in the jukebox. A storage device such as a mass storage device includes each.</p><p>The mass storage device of the jukebox generally has a limited storage capacity associated with the storage device of the central server 12 . As a result, generally only a fraction of the songs stored in the central server are stored in the coarse storage of the jukebox at any one time. There may be other reasons as well, because of the limited space of the jukebox itself or the security of data, the jukebox has limited storage capacity and/or the number of songs stored there is limited. ).</p><p>For example, physical space may be limited on wall-mount jukeboxes or the like. The wall-mounted jukebox is designed to have a small size compared to a free-standing model. As described, the song in the jukebox can be changed through communication with the central server, but typically any one jukebox only slander at any one time. Stores a relatively small subset of a complete library of songs maintained by the server.</p><p>In order to maximize the revenue a jukebox generates, it is important to make the most desired songs available on the jukebox over time. If customers cannot find their favorite songs in the jukebox, the usage of the jukebox (and the revenue generated by it) will be greatly reduced.</p><p>On the other hand, it is impossible to predict in advance what a customer would like to play on the jukebox at any particular location. In fact, many instances are where the customer has selected a song that resides on the central server, but is not currently presented on the jukebox.</p><p>As a result, the jukebox may not be enjoyed and used to its fullest extent. To address this problem and increase revenue, the jukebox system has in the past been able to retrieve the desired song from the jukebox from the jukebox to the jukebox for the user to find the song on the central server, and for an additional fee. It provided features that made it possible to request an immediate download.</p><p>These features allow the user to play all songs from the master library of songs maintained by the central server using the jukebox, regardless of whether a particular song is currently stored in the mass storage of the jukebox itself. it is possible to do Thus, the user can first find the desired song in the local storage of the jukebox and, if desired, further search the central server for the desired song.</p><p>The jukebox device generally charges an additional fee for immediate download and play of a song from the server as opposed to standard play directly from the local storage of the jukebox (such as five credits instead on one). credit)) is charged.</p><p>As explained above, "conventional wisdom" is an attempt to maximize revenue and ensure broad-based appeal by providing more media offerings or songs via jukeboxes. That is, the conventional wisdom and industry thinking make available as many media offerings or songs as possible through jukeboxes, and one jukebox will be appropriate for all places. any venue).</p><p>This theory is based in part on the common perception that it is easier to develop a single, standard jukebox with as many offerings as possible than it is to provide multiple different jukeboxes, each using a different set of limited media content. have. This general understanding obviously has a very limited repertoire after all, and even many other early digital jukeboxes are still conventional, extended to a repertoire limited by licensing and accounting requirements, download speeds, etc. , has its roots in the fact of conventional, non-digital jukeboxes.</p><p>Inventors of the instant application have recently discovered that the Conventional Wisdom is no longer completely correct, and that the underlying assumptions are somewhat flawed. For example, the inventor of the instant application has recently discovered that providing more and more media offerings is not necessarily desirable in all instances.</p><p>This discovery is partly in the inventor's recognition that providing more offerings means providing more opportunities for Patron to play music that does not match the authenticity or identity of the location. become the basis</p><p>For instance, the authenticity and identity of a "biker bar" is just as a country line dancing venue has a weakened identity and authenticity when hip-hop and rhythm and blues songs are played, just as Patrons pop or "tiny" -Played something that could be considered "teeny-bopper" can be severely undermined. The inventor of the instant application has experienced many difficulties in providing a jukebox in locations for these vary reasons.</p><p>Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the inventor's experience is that the ability to selectively "filter" music is often unacceptable, incomplete by excluding songs, genres, and/or the like. , and/or otherwise provide evidence that it is deemed otherwise undesirable to proprietors of locations.</p><p>In addition to or in addition to the actual media being played, the inventor of the instant application has also found that the physical appearance of a practical jukebox is sometimes undesirable. In effect, the inventor of the instant application indicates that the device itself (eg flashing, optionally having a payment acceptor, a touch screen display operating in an "attract mode") and/or discovering that the physical appearance of a jukebox or jukebox terminal may simply be undesirable because it looks like a jukebox (including otherwise changing neon lights, etc.) did.</p><p>Perhaps on a related matter, the inventor of the instant application has discovered that content displayed on a jukebox or jukebox terminal may also be considered undesirable.</p><p>As above, the jukebox may threaten to undermine the authenticity or identity of a physical appearance of a device and/or content displayed on the jukebox device. location). Perhaps in a more specific embodiment, it has been observed by the inventor of the instant application that so-called "ultralounges" generally respond negatively to the visual appearance of conventional jukeboxes.</p><p>In another embodiment, the inventor of the instant application "displays attractive men and women in trendy clothing and accessories, such as what ultralounges are more desirable and trendy compared to album art, concert advertisements, etc." It has been discovered that "wrong" types of advertisements and/or media that are stereotypically looking for "authentic" may be displayed in a given location.</p><p>Another discovery made by the inventor of the instant application is that the conventional way people generally find music (including songs, artists, etc.) is becoming outmoded. In addition to, or rather than, watching MTV or such music television broadcasts, listening to the radio, or paying attention to advertisements, potential Patrons may find new and different ways discovering music.</p><p>A user interface that allows Patron to browse or search for music on a jukebox device is generally capable of browsing and/or searching based on artist name, song name, album and/or the like. However, these techniques do not necessarily result in Patron's exposure to new or varied music and still another conventional technique for music discovery.</p><p>The inventor of the instant application states that today's potential patrons are more interested in music created through non-traditional social networking outlets and/or on the Internet or discovered through pure "buzz" through such social networking outlets. recognized that</p><p>It is recognized that, given the above findings and perceptions, further improvements to the jukebox device can be made. It is also recognized that some or all of these enhancements differ from accepted wisdom and/or industry-standard practice. For instance, providing a more limited media choice when viewed through the lens of conventional thinking can probably be viewed as a "step back", but the inventor may attempt to preserve the authenticity and/or identity of the location. may be considered more desirable by some to provide a more limited selection.</p><p>As another example, jukebox devices conventionally appear to have one of several "classic designs", and digital jukebox devices are designed to be "updated" to this classic design, but the inventors of the jukebox It is perceived that the box is probably impractical or quite common they have seen.</p><p>It is also recognized that conventional browsing and/or searching techniques may be updated or replaced, such as to reflect new ways of discovering and experiencing music by a potential Patron. </p><p>Certain illustrative embodiments provide an improved form of a digital jukebox device, along with techniques and related methods for providing media suitable and/or tailored to individual needs.</p><p>For example, certain example embodiments provide an "inclusive" filtering technique (1) to display an appropriate jukebox user interface screen and provide appropriate jukebox content (2), and/or It may enable discovery of music (3) through new media or social networking sites, and new portals such as pure buzz and the like. Certain exemplary embodiments are suitable for and/or individual needs for particular users using attract or flight media operations (1), browsing services (2), and/or entertainment systems. It is possible to provide a search screen 3 tailored to the location where the entertainment system is accessed, and/or a predefined event (s being accessed, and/or a predefined event).</p><p>These example embodiments provide a recognized jukebox user, location, media instance and/or metadata related to a particular event or location (eg, a single disco night, eg, for a short period of time). It is enabled using enabled through metadat.</p><p>In short, a criterion may be selected for inclusion, for example by the location staff. These criteria may relate to metadata associated with the media to provide optional inclusion of some media, a look-and-feel of the user interface, and the like.</p><p>Once an initially limited set of media is selected for inclusion, the metadata associated with the patron using the jukebox will further selectively limit the pool of media available to the given patron. may further selectively limit. Finally, metadata related to an event may still further selectively limit the pool of media available to all patrons for a period of time.</p><p>In this way, certain example embodiments may begin with a master set of media provided for the entire jukebox system. However, the set of media available for a given location may be initially selected by specifying inclusion criteria. An optional custom-defined event can now have metadata associated with it so as to specify yet further inclusion criteria.</p><p>The overlap of the media available for the location thanks to the initial selection and the media associated with the optional custom-defined event may then be available for playback in the jukebox(s) available at the specific location. for playback).</p><p>Also, when a recognized user utilizes the jukebox, metadata associated with the user can be used to define additional overlap (such as in the case of a three-circle Venn Diagram). The final overlap limits the options available and can be used to reorder the options available to the recognized user (eg, so that new songs are displayed first, favorite songs are displayed first, etc.) have.</p><p>The inclusion criteria set by location and/or by the user may be media-specific in certain exemplary embodiments.</p><p>For example, inclusion criteria may include genre, artist or artists, instrumentation, media popularity indexed from external sources (eg, Billboard charts, play via social networking sites such as MySpace, users information from your Facebook friends, funny videos featured on YouTube or Break.com, etc.). It is recognized that media-specific criteria are specific to a particular instance of media.</p><p>The inclusion criteria set by location and/or by the user may be media-independent in certain example embodiments. For example, in certain example embodiments, the inclusion criterion may be an order (most played music last, newest music first regardless of popularity, etc.), and/or its may relate to order, and/or the like.</p><p>This inclusion criterion can be considered media-independent in the sense that it may constitute data that is not necessarily specific or tied to a particular media instance.</p><p>In certain example embodiments, a user interface may be provided that conveys a three-dimensional (3D) effect. This user interface may help convey a greater sense of delving "into" the media.</p><p>For example, entry, zoom, and exit effects may be provided for media in a flight state in connection with certain example embodiments. In the browsing and/or search screen, the media may be displayed and, in certain example embodiments, magnified based on such as relevance, current selection, criteria matching, etc. It appears to zoom in or out.</p><p>In general, certain example embodiments allow user interface elements to be used to create collections of instances of media, synchronized external, internal lightshow feedback and/or projection, and play cue rebuilds. projection, play queue reveal) and/or manipulation of elements, blurring/focusing of elements, The user is immersed in an interactive jukebox world where it helps to provide multi-dimensional interaction with a synchronized lyrics display and the like. It relates to the inclusion of innovative user interfaces that help.</p><p>Certain exemplary embodiments described herein may also be leveraged in an attract or flight mode or simulate a camera acting as a mirror, lighting elements used as the camera's flash, and tactile feedback for a touch screen display. Such as artist and/or patron likenesses to be used or included in jukebox interfaces such as LEDs to display Tron welcome messages, provide a jukebox-based security system, and apply content advertisements. ) to help make available cameras and/or LEDs.</p><p>Adaptive auto-complete search recommendations may be provided as capable of setting lists and/or enhanced collection type browsing in certain example embodiments.</p><p>The exemplary embodiments, aspects, and advantages described herein may be provided in any suitable combination or sub-combination to achieve further exemplary embodiments.</p>

These and other functions, aspects, and advantages of the instant invention will be better understood by a review of the detailed description of the following exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional downloading digital jukebox system; 2 is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of an improved jukebox system 10; Fig. 3 is a schematic view illustrating flight content resolution according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing display group resolution according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 is a moving and zooming flight segment for indicating one anchor point and for displaying closer to the user according to an exemplary embodiment; 6 illustrates browsing a music collection for a given artist according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 7 illustrates browsing a music collection by artist and album according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8a shows a set of eight embodiment tags associated with "Artist 6" according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8B is a wireframe used to construct an embodiment's music map on a jukebox display according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an arrangement that may enable custom browse state and other features to be implemented according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 10 shows a 3D visualization of a recommended song collection according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 11 is an illustrative screen showing how objects may be navigated according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 12 is an illustrative screen showing how an object may be expanded upon selection according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 13 is another illustrative screen illustrating how objects can be moved according to an exemplary embodiment; 14 is a method by which a user may enter lyrics to reduce the number of songs being proposed for playback according to an exemplary embodiment; This is an illustrative screen for illustration; Fig. 15 is a schematic representation for illustrating how songs may be selected for presentation to a user according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 16 is a diagram for determining that content is available for playback in a jukebox based on location-specific inclusion criteria and actual jukebox usage according to an exemplary embodiment; determining) is a flowchart explaining the process of the embodiment; Fig. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment process for initially setting up a jukebox according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment process for customizing a display for a recognized user according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment process for customizing a display for a particular event according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 20A is an "artist portal" of a first embodiment according to certain example embodiments; 20B is an "artist portal" of a second embodiment according to certain example embodiments; 21 is an embodiment of a partial or incremental presentation of the jukebox's play queue according to certain example embodiments. 22A illustrates other non-patron selectable elements may be blurred and colored to highlight a central selection, in accordance with certain example embodiments. ) use "blob"; 22B shows an enlargement of an album jacket to highlight its selection, according to certain example embodiments; 22C shows an enlargement of an album jacket to highlight its selection, and blurs background UI elements to help bring focus to the selected album, according to certain example embodiments. shows further blurs; 23A-D show screenshots of an embodiment of a kinetic motion display according to an exemplary embodiment; 24 is a screenshot of an embodiment of an improved music discovery user interface in accordance with certain example embodiments; 25A-B illustrate components of a jukebox device according to certain example embodiments; 26 is an image of an embodiment jukebox device according to embodiments of a particular embodiment; 27 is an illustrative view of visual components in a jukebox device being color matched and synchronized according to embodiments of a particular embodiment.

As shown in the drawings, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an embodiment of an improved jukebox system 10'. Jukebox system 10' includes similar elements, including central server 12, communications network 14, and wireless jukebox devices 16, 16a-16f, shown in FIG. 1 and described above. However, the jukebox system 10' further includes local servers 22, 22a-22f, each connected to the jukebox devices 16, 16a-16f, respectively.

The central server 12 contains a master library of songs (and/or other content). Each of the jukebox devices includes a subset of the master library in the jukebox's local storage device.

The central server monitors the usage of songs on each of the jukebox devices with the intention of maximizing its usage and manages the contents of the jukebox device individually, by updating the subset of songs. can be used The central server 12 periodically receives data from each of said jukeboxes for the purpose of royalty accounting and payment for the songs played.

The jukebox device may be connected in any suitable manner, such as a dial-up modem or a broadband modem (eg DSL, cable, wireless broadband, or satellite). It may be connected to the network.

The communication network 14 distributes data (eg, audiovisual data) from the central server 12 to the jukeboxes 16 , and data from the jukeboxes 16 to the central server 12 . may be any suitable network capable of being uploaded.

The songs (and/or other data) are digitized, compressed and encrypted by the central server 12 before sending the songs to the jukeboxes for security and bandwidth purposes using known techniques. and the songs are decompressed and decrypted by the jukeboxes for storage and reproduction thereon.

Each of the jukeboxes thus maintains a library of digitized songs in a database for play on the jukebox, which library can be changed or updated via communication by the central server.

The jukeboxes also include images (eg, still and/or moving video and/or graphical images) that can be displayed on the display 18 of the jukebox device 16 . data can be received and stored. In one embodiment of the present invention, the jukebox device has a similar structure and operation as described in US Pat. No. 6,308,204, referenced above.

Accordingly, the jukebox device 16 may store one or more of its main CPU and audio DSP, memory, such as a hard drive, for storing songs and/or other content and for displaying, displaying visual items. The above microprocessor, an audio arrangement 20 for the audio to be provided, a communication system enabling the jukebox to communicate with a central server 12 via a communication network 14, and a multiplayer controlling the operation of the jukebox. It may include action postware that includes a task action system.

The operating software may also be updated via communication with the central server 12, such as as described in US Pat. No. 6,308,204, referenced above. The jukeboxes 16 may further accommodate one or more payment devices, such as coin, banknote and/or credit card input devices, to enable a customer to pay for use of the jukebox device in a convenient manner. include Screen 18 may be a touch screen that allows a user to enter selections by touching the screen.

Each jukebox device has, in one embodiment, a local server 22 that can be accessed by the jukebox device. The local servers are respectively connected to the jukebox devices using Ethernet or other type of local connection.

In another embodiment, the local server is simply a logical extension of the hard drive of the jukebox (eg, a partition, a directory), rather than a separate hardware device. (directory), or an area (area). The local server 22 may each contain a mirror copy of the master library of musical recordings maintained by a central server 12 .

A local server 22 owns the jukebox network prior to shipping the local server and jukebox device to the jukebox distributor or operator and /or can be loaded with the master library by the controlling entity.

Of course, every hour, the local server no longer responds identically to the central server, as the central server may be continuously updated with additional or new songs.

Thus, local servers 22 may also be updated periodically to maintain a correspondence with the library at central server 12 . This update may be done by the central server 12, for example, via communication with the jukebox devices connected to the local server 22 using dial-up or broadband modems.

Alternatively, the updating is an update tool that can be directly connected to the jukebox or local server by a routeman or other person for the purpose of updating the contents of the local server. can be used privately. A portable tool may include a removable storage medium, such as a hard drive, that could be returned to and reused to the owner of the jukebox system for future updates. .

The tool itself may be kept by the operator or other person responsible for maintaining the specified jukeboxes for use upon receipt of the updated removable storage medium from the owner of the jukebox system.

For security reasons, the local server 22 may not include all of the digital data constituting any one song stored in the local server 22 . Moreover, the part of the song on the local server is encrypted.

The jukebox device 16 includes a missing part of each of the songs on the local server, so that the jukebox is based on the contents of the memory and the local server on the jukebox device. It is possible to assemble the completed song with The missing part located in the jukebox is needed to decode the songs.

For example, a single block (or other small fraction) of data for each song may be missing on the local server, but present on the jukebox device, A cipher may be based on a lost block and may proceed from a block on a block basis.

Thus, any of the blocks can be decrypted without obtaining and/or decrypting a preceding block. This feature provides important security and prevention and deter theft or unauthorized use or copying of the song on the local server.

Thus, in one such embodiment, each local server is specifically assigned to a particular jukebox device, so that the decryption described above can be performed appropriately.

According to an embodiment of the embodiment, the local servers may also be individually registered with the central server 12 and identified as the central server 12, wherein the central server manages and monitors each local server individually. can do.

The same is true for the jukebox device itself. For example, it can also be registered with the central server, which can also be individually monitored and managed by the central server.

As can be appreciated from what has been described above, the local server provides access to additional services (such as providing additional songs) that are not available on the jukebox device itself to access its content. By allowing the contents thereof, it becomes an important and advantageous part of the jukebox system.

As described below, the storage capacity itself and/or the song library of the central server can be used in fee-based residential and commercial jukeboxes. may advantageously be used to provide services to other jukeboxes, such as jukeboxes and/or other fee-based equipment. One use of the local servers may be to provide an immediate song downloading feature.

As indicated above, embodiments of one particular embodiment include a new three-dimensional user interface for exploring and browsing media content, such as a touch-screen. Given any collection of content (eg, music, video, advertisement, and/or other content), the new user interface allows the user to freely navigate in this collection. collection) can create multi-dimensional (eg two or three-dimensional) visualization virtual spaces.

This type of navigation is facilitated in embodiments of a particular embodiment by using a social tagging model and/or a collaborative popularity model.

Certain example embodiments are described as implementations of touch area sensing techniques. In a sense, embodiments of a particular embodiment obtain the position direction and velocity of the sensed touch.

Using this data, certain example embodiments show that in object presentation a front (up) touch is moved forward or backward by moving it backward (downward), or left or right in an object presentation. Sweep can result in a prominent object plane being selected by a swipe to the left or right.

Furthermore, or alternatively, by holding a touch for a period of time longer than some threshold, a choice that is represents it could be presented.

Space is the general presentation area where all graphic elements appear. Collections generally refer to logical collections of media, such as to represent and make only available media that satisfies criteria for different levels of actors ( to present and make available only media) may be a target of preferential filtering.

They may sometimes be represented by graphic images. Objects generally reference songs, artists, playlists, games or media sources that are displayed in a sequence from a central catalog.

A displayed object is sometimes considered as being subject to a match between the user or location preference and the attributes of the object being browsed.

As with certain assignee's co-pending applications described (referenced above), among other things, an authentication mechanism may be provided to identify the user and secure credential authentication. provide security credential authorization.

In the present application of certain example embodiments, the authentication action may superimpose user-based preferential filtering over location-based preferential filtering ( may superimpose). If user-based preferential filtering is applied, it may further reduce whatever filtering has been imposed by the location attributes.

Once authenticated, new collections such as playlists, favorite games, suspended games, chat sessions, records of media consumption, high scores, etc. are displayed as objects in the object viewer. may become available as new possible collections, indicated by .

As mentioned above, in embodiments of a particular embodiment, the space operates in three states. In the flight state, a programmed series of media segments appears based on the behavior of the jukebox, and media preparation activities are centralized.

In the browsing state, the user browses collections through various different modes for the purpose of selecting media items for an action. Media items generally include songs, games, and/or other content. In the search state, Patrons use a virtual keyboard and options panel ( Option panel) or other suitable input device to enter data.

It is recognized that these states are exemplary, and these and/or other states may be provided in any suitable combination or sub-combination in different embodiments of the invention. In any event, illustrative details of the flight, browse, and search states are provided in turn below.

Details of the flight state of the embodiment are now provided. As will be appreciated, for jukeboxes, and music systems in general, only a portion of every day directly interacts with users searching and playing songs. or by interacting wirelessly.

Most of the time, lighting and display devices are engaged in presenting a sequence of video images. The purpose of the video images is to attract users to the system.

The purpose of the video image is to make the device aware that it is actually a user-controlled music service or jukebox, thereby attracting users to the system, displaying advertisements and public service announcements, and/or using new features, new media Promoting the system itself, demonstrating its potential, and promoting artists and their work.

The problem with today's jukeboxes is that they provide a largely homogenous presentation across a particular network. The visuals that appear mean that it may be entirely unsuitable in many areas where it is installed.

Perhaps more importantly, many restaurants or specialty bars or lounges invest significant resources in creating a specific atmosphere and appearance that attracts and satisfies their intended customers.

Commercial music systems offer increasingly larger and larger screen display areas, and the opportunity exists to tune the appearance of a jukebox through its visual of a particular type of location. Moreover, the large screen area represents an opportunity to support increasingly sophisticated digital signage applications interleaved with the visual theme for the location.

The downside risk of not responding to implicit or explicit is the jukebox blend in the overall context of having the idea of a jukebox deployed in a rejected location out of its control. Request customized designs to create (jukebox blend).

One way to address this challenge is to think of a collection of videos and composite imagery that are "authentic" with the sentiment of location or otherwise in tune with the sentiment of location. To provide custom flight packages.

For instance, a stylish urban martini lounge may be presented with a stylish collection of the city's videos pertinent to the location. Country and Western bars may be offered a cowboy theme more in keeping with the surroundings.

This has at least two advantages in the industry. First, it opens up an entirely new population of venue types to the music service. Second, combined with sophisticated venue music styles, this looks and a sound suitable for any clientele who is a venue operator that seeks to attract and please. Create a music system with all of them.

In certain example embodiments, the flights may be composed of individual video segments. Video segments may occupy all or part of the available screen, and may be overlaid with video segments of different durations.

Video segments may be resident within the music system (eg, having been distributed in certain example embodiments), or they may be in certain other example embodiments may be dynamically retrieved from music servers or other content providers.

In still other exemplary embodiments, channels that may be tuned may be provided. Each flight may have a duration after which the flight would repeat. As such, it is desirable to include dynamic content to keep the presentation fresh and exciting.

Video segments can generally be classified as editorial or advertising. Segments of compilation can be viewed as informative or entertaining facts that the viewer intends to engage and encourage the use of the music system in general, either directly or through a remote access device.

Advertising segments may appear to be dynamically presented based on advertising material typically located on the music system or on a remote server.

Flights can be thought of as a timeline where each segment represents a displayable group. Displayable groups are independent data systems designed to address the needs of editorial or advertising content.

A displayable group can be resolved in a single step in which only one editable segment satisfies the displayable group criteria, or, in order to ultimately resolve the exact video segment being represented, the displayable group is It may require many rules and references.

3 is a schematic diagram illustrating flight content resolution according to an embodiment of the embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating display group resolution according to an embodiment of the embodiment. am. As can be seen from FIG. 3 , the flight content resolution service 302 is displayed from various sources, such as local content 304 , server content 306 , and/or web-based content 308 sources. You can solve the flight contents that become

The resolved flight content may be displayed on screen 310 . 3, the "current" segment is placed on the screen 312a to make room for the "new" segment input to the foreground 312c. provided in the center and retreats to the background 312b. For example, each video segment 312 may have an anchor position, a timeline, and an ending anchor position.

This can help provide the ability to add motion and the illusion of three-dimensional space to the presentation. Such information may be scripted according to a predefined metadata format.

Figure 4 can be thought of as a graphical representation of a script, for example. That is, the flight control table 402 includes a plurality of segments 404a, 404b, ... 404n. The segments, which in turn may include additional displayable elements, may include displayable elements.

That is, the displayable elements may be nested within each other, for example, in dependence on a script. A "sub-display element" embedded within a display element may be programmed to move within that display element, across the display element, between segments, and so on. In example embodiments, Transitions may be defined between segments, between display elements, and between display elements across segments.

In a simplified embodiment, FIG. 5 shows moving and zooming appearing at one anchor point 502a and appearing close to the user at a second anchor point 502b, according to one embodiment of the embodiment. ) is a flight segment.

The flight segments may also enter and/or exit with transitions. Anchor points and zooming can be top to bottom, bottom to top, left to right, right to left, in or out, etc. It is recognized that going from bottom to top is not necessary (eg, as in the embodiment of FIG. 5 ) when giving additional focus to the new content piece.

In certain example embodiments, including, for example, spiral-type movements, arbitrary movements or random or seemingly random type movements, etc. Movements can also be more complex.

As noted above (eg with respect to FIG. 4 ), a displayable group may include one or more displayable groups. That is, the displayable group resolution may be recursive or nested, in implementations of a particular embodiment.

By maintaining a one-to-many relationship for each flight segment, it may be possible to create dynamic, engaging flights flights), it may be possible to reduce the effort of creating the content to satisfy all permutations and combinations of large display networks. Once resolved, video segments of transition attributes for appearance and disappearance will be consulted to be able to control the appearance of multiple segments. may be consulted to help control the appearance of multiple segments.

To date, it has been very difficult or impossible to provide this type of customized content across a large network due to the enormous manual labor associated with rigorous playlist-based systems.

The introduction of display groups and the recursive nature include venue attributes, patron interaction, content availability, and flight segment mix. Provides the ability for display systems to make systematic substitutions for content based on a combination of segment mix, etc.

Periodically, during a flight, a segment may address a displayable group that encourages a patron to use the system. Once the system is touched, the flight mode can be altered.

Once the user enters a browse or search state, the resolution and presentation of flight segments is of a space and duration suitable for coexistence with the browse or search screen displays. duration appropriate) content may be limited.

For example, based on settings, editorial content segments may be deferred until the end of the interactive session. However, advertising result segments may be displayed. In other embodiments, the flight could be interrupted and resumed only after the section of interaction has been completed, or the flight could be stopped and presented during sections of interaction. A new flight intended for presentation may begin.

In any event, the flights may follow a style consistent with the nature of the venue being created when last configured.

As identified above, the need for content reducing, personalizing, and/or features grows as music collections grow in size and diversity. size and divers) are becoming increasingly important.

The browse and search features are a part of the new 3D user interface described herein. This user interface is designed to allow Patron to find new music, re-find forgotten music, create coherent playlists, and/or the like.

The new 3D interface is designed to be intuitive, engaging, and entertaining. The following description is an embodiment of a specific embodiment that allows the user to explore the entire music space, receive recommendations for music, log in to social networking sites, and create certain playlists. It provides additional details on the interactive 3D visualization techniques of their interaction. These descriptions are provided in the context of the exemplary browsing and search conditions mentioned above.

In the browsing state, users can browse the music collection by artist, album, song title, or genre. In terms of exploring the music space, album artwork or jackets have become part of local content browsing.

However, browsing content residing on the central server depends primarily on the artist name. The interface of certain example embodiments is a "play-only" license (eg, content can be streamed from a source, on a remote server aside, perhaps, (where limited music cannot be stored from buffering) and the like), and the like) may help to consolidate content available only from social networking sites, as well as local content and central server content.

Accordingly, music exploration may be driven by a combination of artist name and artist artwork in certain example embodiments. A combination of artist and/or artist artwork based-discovery is a strong brand or image (eg, often putting their own likeness on their album cover). is a trend away from the Patrons who perceive albums instead of associating music with their own likenesses (images of artists that help explain the increasing incidence of artists) away from patrons recognizing albums).

For example, Fig. 6 illustrates browsing a music collection for a given artist according to an exemplary embodiment, and Fig. 7 illustrates browsing of the music collection by artist and album according to an exemplary embodiment. show

6 , for example, a user can drag albums or screen positions left or right to "flip through" other albums. 6 is more "traditional" in the sense of classifying music for a specific artist by album. Any album may be directly selectable in certain exemplary embodiments, while the center album (which has the focus) may be selectable in certain other exemplary embodiments. It may be possible.

In all events, the ability to drag or sweep left and right fades into the background as if they were coming into the foreground as the approach the center and moved away from the center. makes the albums appear as they are fading.

In this way, it is possible to provide more of a sense of immersion when interacting with the user interface, and a more three-dimensional look-and-feel. It is possible to simulate (more three-dimensional look-and-feel).

In certain example embodiments, similar albums may be grouped more closely to each other, while different albums may be located more remote from each other. In certain example embodiments, newer albums may be grouped closer together and/or may be initially provided in the center.

In general, general jukebox locations and/or user preferences that are specifically entered and/or inferred from actual or predicted usage are shown in the continuum shown in one exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 ( in the continuum) can be used to control the arrangement of the albums.

First new music; First the most popular music; First, user, location, or "hyped" albums; and/or the like are all display/arrangement paradigms that, in certain example embodiments, may further be implemented in connection and may be explicitly input or inferred from actual or anticipated use. display/arrangement paradigms).

Multiple albums for multiple artists can be grouped together (eg, based on user tags or metadata related to artists, songs, albums, etc.) and/or based on the jukebox location and/or user specific parameters identified above. A single like arrangement with similar artists and/or albums to be displayed accordingly may be shown in FIG. 6 .

Moreover, some types of collections may place more than one object of the collection in each virtual plane of a series of virtual planes. In certain example embodiments, the sort type may be specified or predefined, and metadata related to albums, songs, artists, jukebox plays, etc. may be consulted. consulted), the jukebox's processor may automatically generate the order and arrangement for the displayed items.

In Fig. 7, each artist is associated with a 3D object representing the artist's name and the artist's artwork. Each artist object can have any number of albums.

Albums related to the same artist form a group that satisfies a relationship constraint. When an artist object is moved in the 3D scene, all descendants in the scene graph move with it. The constraint relationships are stored in a graph called a scene graph, which is described in more detail below.

Similarly, each album can have any number of songs associated therewith. 7 , the artists can be moved up and down respectively to control inward and outward movement, and the albums are shown in FIG. 7 , It can be moved left or right to control card shuffle like the arrangement shown.

The albums displayed may be updated by the artist's selection, and/or vice versa. This sort of collection view mode can be changed to one of more images, video, segments, and text provided by each song, album, artist, game or each of the content sources. may alter one of more of.

In one version of the viewing mode for artists, the artist's name may appear in text along with an image of the artist other than the album cover. In one exemplary implementation, this image may be a promotional image that has recently been released by the label and is updated periodically.

In certain example embodiments, the collection viewer does not match a sufficient number of user recommended features regardless of whether it is available through the device or the network service. the user recommendation properties) may not present the artist.

The example displays in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be enabled by mapping each axis to a characteristic of the music. For example, one, two, and three-dimensional displays being updated as the user interacts with the display. display) with displayed items (such as album jackets or other identifiers) and the user moves in different directions with each axis mapped to a particular value in a data set of characteristics it may be possible to

For example, the X, Y, and Z axes may be used for a three-dimensional browsing experience. In addition, or in the alternative (eg, 2D browsing), size, color, blurriness and/or other effects may be applied with a similar effect. Each element displayed may be assigned a depth value for each axis. As one embodiment, album jackets may be displayed alphabetically by artist, song, album name, etc. in a first axis (with the alphabetical order being a first depth value) )), whereas the song release date may be provided on a second axis, etc. (with the year being the second depth value).

In this particular embodiment, the user can move left and right (according to said first alphabetical depth value) to scroll between the first alphabetical arrangement of artists or albums, and the user can time to move forward or backward in time, for example to provide a sense of time tied to song or album release date, etc; It can move in or out (depending on the second year depth value). This can help create the sensation of a curated, temporal browsing experience .

Of course, it is recognized that other characteristics may also be used, such as, for example, beats per minute, genre, and the like. The depth values can be representable (eg, of a name) associated with numeric values, or substantially discrete (eg, of a genre), can be numeric in nature (eg, as in the case with release date)). For discrete values, discrete choices can be made.

However, even discrete values such as genre can be represented on a continuum, for example, as rap and hip-hop are "closer" to each other rather than they are country or zydeco. continuum).

The properties used to specify the depth values are the perceived jukebox user's preferences, such as from an external provider, social networking cities (eg, "favorites", "pages", etc.) gathered from social networking cites, up to a predetermined number of degrees by reviewing the user's friends' preferences, and one or more May be obtained as metadata, from an outside provider, developed based on the use of jukeboxes, etc.

The originating metadata may be stored in a database or other suitable non-transitory computer readable storage medium. It may be incorporated into the music catalog, an external data structure having the depth values or a link to the originating metadata source is incorporated into the music catalog, or a corresponding display. may be accessed by the jukebox upon a corresponding display request, etc. Additional information on potential metadata sources is provided below.

In certain example embodiments, the jukebox device includes a display; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of media instances playable through or on the jukebox device; and at least one processor configured to display a user interface on the display, and further configured to respond to an input to the user interface.

The user interface includes a display area including a virtual axis defining a coordinate space in which individual song, artist, and/or album items are displayed. Each individual song, artist, and/or album item has a plurality of characteristics associated therewith, each said axis associated with said characteristics, and each individual song, artist, and/or album item is located in said virtual space has a position defined in

The display area may be updated in response to a user input corresponding to a movement in the virtual space. The virtual space may be two-dimensional, three-dimensional substantially linear, etc. in various embodiments.

In certain implementations, the items are arranged alphabetically along a first axis and chronologically along a second axis. In certain implementations, a release date associated with an item determines the item's positioning along the second axis.

The discrete regions of one said axis may be designed for a predefined arrangement of discrete genres, wherein the predefined arrangement of discrete genres is a predetermined sub-arrangement of discrete sub-genres. (predetermined sub-arrangement) may be decomposable. The discrete genres are based on degrees of similarity therebetween, so that similar genres are provided in closer relative proximity to each other compared to other genres. one another) can be grouped. Elements may be grouped alone one axis based on popularity in certain example embodiments.

Song items to trigger their playback, display a popup screen that allows the user to confirm that the selected song is to be played back, etc. , may be optional. Upon detecting album and artist selection, movement within the virtual space may be caused so that the selected item is centered therein.

making and/or using such jukebox devices, which may be non-transitory computer readable storage media that provide such user interfaces and/or tangibly store instructions for using such jukebox devices Methods may also be provided. Jukebox systems comprising a plurality of jukebox devices may also be provided, such as in other exemplary embodiments.

Similarly, having a database containing a set of user or automatically generated descriptive words or "tags" associated with each artist, album and song title is an interesting method in certain example embodiments. may make it possible to visually represent music collections. For example, FIG. 8A shows a set of eight (8) embodiment tags associated with "Artist 6" according to an exemplary embodiment.

Whenever the user presses and holds a music object, such as artist artwork (e.g. in Figure 6 or Figure 7), for a period of time the album artwork or song title label is greater than a predefined threshold, a set of floating objects is displayed, for example as shown in FIG. 8A .

Each tag may be represented by one of the floating objects. The size of the floating objects may correspond to the weight of the tag in certain example embodiments. The weight may represent how important or relevant whether the corresponding word is for the music object.

Weighting can be done by a source such as an authenticated user, based on an aggregation of user-specified tags, such as by genre, release date, user - can be determined by a predefined formula that balances factors such as specified information, etc.

The tags may be based on how many people have tagged an item in a specific way, how a trusted metadata source has tagged it, and the like.

Clicking on one floating object may display many music objects sharing the same tag in certain example embodiments. The resulting collection may represent similar artists, albums, or songs with the help of a selected tag.

For example, clicking on tag 3 in FIG. 8A may represent a collection of artists filtered by tag 3 using the user interface depicted in FIG. 6 .

Fig. 8B is a wireframe used to construct a music map of the embodiment in a jukebox display according to the exemplary embodiments; Among other things, the FIG. 8B screen represents a "visualize" display associated with the display technologies described above.

In the embodiment of Figure 8b, the main area provides a three-dimensional user interactable area. Items are arranged and displayed according to the techniques described above.

Overview area 802 shows how the display is organized into a more basis showing elements within genres (Jazz, Rock, and Pop), how these elements have related sizes and positions, and how the genres relate to each other. It gives the user an intuitive feel about how it is related, organized, and so on.

These nodes 800 may be user selectable to traverse genres, artists, albums, etc., and they may be sized based on tags, eg, as described above. may be sized base don tags. The "node history" section 804 relates to the user's movements (and thus implied search methodology) and enables quick jumping to locations within the overall music map. back) Provides search history.

Breadcrumbs 806 may display more focused paths than a more detailed traversal of all nodes visited, such as in the node history section 804 . can

The illustrated wireframe shown in FIG. 8B includes, for example, a leader 808 indicating the name of an institution, a main advertisement leaderboard 810, and an indication of currently playing songs. the song currently playing 812 , an indication of the user current logged in 814 , and a "set list" 806 of the user (806) including other elements.

Additional details regarding set lists are provided below. A text-based search area 818 is also a multi-area to enable a user to select and/or sort various selected collections. It is provided as a multi-area semi-circular display.

Questions of what media will be displayed and how to display such media have been partially answered above.

However, a more complete explanation will be provided below. For the former question, the location-specific inclusion criteria are in certain example embodiments a "rough" master list for a location. may be specified and matched with song metadata to define.

This location-specific master list may in certain example embodiments be based on metadata associated with a recognized user and/or based on hourly jukebox usage. jukebox usage over time) may be "refined". Finally, the location-specific master list may be completely or partially overridden by custom-defined events (eg, disco or other themed nights, private parties, etc.) be wholly or partially overridden by).

Emphasis on certain example embodiments develops from album art to "stronger" identities or branding that relates to individual songs or groups of songs and generally to the artist's or artist's likeness.

In any event, a "rough" ordering is, for example, newest music first, then Billboard's most popular music first. It can be based on location-specific criteria such as , most popular at location last, and so on.

As above, this information may in certain example embodiments be "refined" based on metadata associated with the authenticated user and/or based on hourly jukebox usage. For example, the criteria are first new music first, pop music last, music played by, heard by friends or first by friends (and friends of friends, etc.). It can be listened to, or rated highly by friends first, music most played on MySpace first, and so on. And, as above, overriding event parameters may also be provided (eg, highlighting new music, independent artists, 80s hair bands, etc.) ).

Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an arrangement in which a custom browse state and other features to be implemented may be available according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 9 , jukebox 902 is connected to a local database 904 that stores content.

In certain example embodiments the local database 904 may be integrated in to the jukebox 902 . The jukebox 902 itself provides a user session and at least initially receives information about the location's profile.

The location's profile information may eventually be uploaded to a central server 906 connected to the jukebox 902 . The central server 906 may in turn be operable to connect to a centralized database 908 of media, and may store tags, metadata, user profiles, and/or other information. have.

As shown in FIG. 9 , for example, jukebox 902 may be configured with MySpace, Facebook, Last.fm, and/or social networks such as MySpace, Facebook, Last.fm, and/or the like. 910 is directed connected to social networks. Each of these social networks may maintain its own tags, metadata, user profiles, events, and/or other information. A middleware component (not shown) may be configured to handle the social networking sites and the information (eg, to search for, retrieve, update, and/or otherwise manipulate data) associated therewith. (manipulate the data) can help the jukebox interface.

In certain example embodiments, jukebox 902 may not be connected directly with social networks 910 , and in certain example embodiments, central server 906 connects to social networks 910 . It may function as a gateway. Such an arrangement may allow, in certain example implementations, the central server 906 to act as a de facto firewall between the social networking sites 910 and the jukebox 902 , or It can be advantageous because it can act as a buffer.

Such an arrangement may, in certain example implementations, allow the data retrieved from the social networking sites 910 to be of potential value for multiple jukeboxes. to) (eg, in a wide range of jukebox systems), storing and processing this information at a central server 906 reduces the load on individual jukeboxes, particularly where common information may be shared. It can also be advantageous because it may be desirable to reduce the loads.

In certain example embodiments, a method of recommending a song to a user is provided. The method includes enabling a user to log in to a jukebox device; determining a preference of the user's music based on the user's social networking site profile, the social networking site profile identifying at least one artist, song, and/or genre; providing the determined music preference of the user to a recommendation engine to develop at least one recommendation; and providing the recommendation to the user on the jukebox device.

In certain example embodiments, the music preference of the user's friends may be determined based on social networking site profiles of the friends, wherein the determined music preference of the user's friends is based on the at least one recommendation. It may be provided to the recommendation engine in developing the at least one recommendation.

The determination of the preferences of the music may be extended to friends of the user and friends of friends within a predetermined number of degrees of separation (eg, 1, 2, etc.). and the extended determinations may be provided to the recommendation engine in developing the at least one recommendation.

Profile information corresponding to the location where the jukebox device is located may also be of use in developing the at least one recommendation. Such profile information may be maintained at a central server, such as and, similarly, at least one processor of the central server may assist in determining musical preference data via a social networking interface provided thereto. .

In certain examples, a plurality of social networking sites are connected to each said social networking site having an associated social networking site profile for the user's musical preferences. may be consulted to determine.

Methods of making and/or using such jukebox devices are also provided as non-transitory computer readable storage media that provide such user interfaces and/or tangibly store instructions for use of the jukebox devices. Jukebox systems including a plurality of jukebox devices may also be provided, such as in different exemplary embodiments.

Having a collaborative filtering engine that is based on the listening behaviors of different media consumers and a tagging system as described above are recommended in a three-dimensional space. Certain example embodiments may allow to represent the recommended media collections.

One issue with the common filtering engine is the need for a significant amount of data to provide good recommendations. For new media or media with few consumers, the conventional engine is often unable to generate good recommendations. Certain example embodiments address this drawback by recommending media upon the similarity of tags applied to the media.

Fig. 10 shows a 3D visualization of a recommended song collection according to an exemplary embodiment. Song objects (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10) close to the song object (1) follow the same paradigm as consumers who listen to the song (A) and also listen to the song (B). Following paradigm: customers who listen to song (A) also listen (or are likely to listen) to song (B)).

A size dimension may be introduced in certain example embodiments, with larger objects representing more frequently played, or otherwise favorite songs.

When the user clicks on a "Generate Playlist" or similar button, the user may select two "end" song objects from the recommended collection. This may trigger a path to be created through the collection linking the system with the nearest song object (This may prompt the system).

This may be accomplished using suitable algorithms, such as breadth first search, depth first search, Bellman-Ford, Dykstra, etc. The resulting playlist may be presented to the user for approval, modification, rejection, etc. in other embodiments of the invention.

In certain example embodiments, the songs may correspond to nodes in a graph, and the size of the songs may represent weights or distances between adjacent nodes or to a central node. Of course, the same or similar techniques may be used for artists, albums, genres, and/or the like.

Once a user is identified, the system provides an ongoing application and/or tracking of the individual's musical preferences and affinities.

For example, certain example embodiments include the aggregation of the individual's explicit selections, metadata-based associations, social network suggestion indicators, and /or provide generated artist and song recommendations through the like. Because musical tastes vary, the system can maintain a list of the individual's "core" affinities.

This core intimacy is related to the artist, artists similar to a particular artist, songs similar to a particular song, musical selections of another individual or individuals (such as a social network music site or site). as available), recommended artists or recommended songs from user-identified music sites, and the like.

A music catalog available from the device or from a server or server presenting a music catalog and any matches from the web of a user's musical tastes may in certain exemplary instances be matched in certain exemplary instances. Results in a subset of the music representing content with the user explicit, user metadata, user social network friends recommendations, and user music site recommendations.

As will be described further below, such music may be compared to the music library available at a given site, and an overlap of these two groups may be presented for user selection.

Additional details of an exemplary search state will now be provided. A search would normally be initiated allowing the user to find a single song, or a list of songs that the user would like to play or add to a collection. Often, the user does not know the correct spelling of an artist, album, or song. Alternatively, the user may know the name of a particular artist, but not necessarily the exact group or band with which the artist recorded a particular song.

Moreover, users often remember certain lyrics of a song, but not necessarily the song title itself. As another embodiment, a song may be memorable because of its association with a movie or television show.

This information is an entertainment web focused on providing additional details surrounding the use of music, its popularity, its lyrics, the artists involved in its creation, the important performance of the work, and many other music related data. It was very difficult to get before the development of the sites. A search using the techniques described herein may help overcome these and/or other challenges.

To accomplish this type of search, metadata and artists and songs can be gathered from several sources. Searchable criteria include on a particular source within a particular time frame, etc. a song genre, popularity (high ranking or frequent presence), etc. may include

The user can select the song criteria (eg, "country"), the timeframe (eg "today"), and the source (eg, "heard on" MySpace")). can be selected. Qualifiers may appear as optional selection buttons providing a selection for each selection criterion.

As popular sources for music information become available, a metadata collection system may help provide a relevant source for data ingestion.

For instance, it may be possible for a user to be able to identify their music styles, such as by drawing on source and social data that is relevant to them.

The music style search tool of an embodiment may provide a wide variety of sources with very granular genre and subgenre selection, and/or other music attributes. have. Additional data for a song may be provided, such as by an outside service (eg, title, artist, album, label, genre, theme, etc.), or may be determined from the media instance itself ( eg tempo or beats per minute, instrumentation).

11-14 illustrate how media may be searched according to an exemplary embodiment. In particular, Fig. 11 is an exemplary screen showing how objects may be navigated, according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 11 the objects are represented by triangles, and the objects may correspond to individual or collections of artists, albums, themes, genres, songs, and the like.

The order in which objects are presented may be determined as specified above. The user can browse the collections by swiping up or down to "zoom" in or out to "zoom" in or out in a 3D-like manner. may navigate. Dragging or holding and pressing a specific object to a blank area may indicate a selection.

In this regard, Fig. 12 is an exemplary screen illustrating how an object may be expanded upon selection according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, once an object is selected, it may "explode" to reveal the songs about the selected object.

This may include, for example, songs recommended for the user, event, and/or venue. The recommendation is a combination of the location- and user-specific metadata compared to tags and/or metadata associated with the media instance of their own. metadata) as well as all relevant event information.

Fig. 13 is another exemplary screen showing how objects may be navigated according to an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 13, the user can determine whether the objects appear as artists, genres, or songs; whether the media instance relates to the recognized user's friends, and if so, which friend; may rotate wheels, etc.

In general, this mode selection action alters the collections represented by objects. For example, an artist's mode choice of artist is a series of artist object virtual pains, in a particular example instance, a series of album object virtual pains. pains) (eg subject to preferential filtering).

In the case of FIG. 13 , the objects represent genres, and the genres are limited to the genre of the recognized user's friends, and limited to a specific friend, Sally. As such, Sally's genres are retrieved. However, only those genres that satisfy the selection of the venue and the event parameters are represented in the music device or music device server or the like for which expansion is made available (eg as described above).

13 shows word fragments (eg song names, genre names, lyrics, etc.) for a user to reduce the songs being proposed for playback. ) is a possible embodiment. Fig. 14 is an exemplary screen showing how a user may enter lyrics to reduce the number of songs, according to an exemplary embodiment; 14 is similar to FIG. 13, except that

If the user simply searches for songs, the songs appearing on the music device or available from the music device server will be reduced from the domain of all music to the availability of the music device, such as the availability on the server. available from the music device server may be reduced from the domain of all music as follows, appear in the Place Music Styles group, then optionally all music available to this user, or as recorded on my profile. I can represent music from my music style.

Fig. 15 is a schematic representation showing how songs may be selected for presentation to a user, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 15, starting with the largest sphere and moving inwardly, the collections are all music, music on a server, music play music on a music playback device, music in the venue's music style, music in the venue's particular event style, and music on the user's system.

This or similar scheme may also be used for browsing and/or other features of the jukebox. This may be the case in various embodiments of the present invention, such as music may be limited in different orders, limiting spheres in some fields may not apply, and other It is recognized that different limiting spheres apply, and so forth.

16 is an implementation for determining which content should be available on a jukebox device based on location-specific inclusion criteria and actual jukebox usage in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; It is a flowchart illustrating an example process. All music is initially provided to the jukebox in step S1602.

Media instances, such as from the central server and/or local server, are at least initially available. And inclusion criteria are specified in step S1604 by an authorized person such as a bar manager or the like. The inclusion criterion may be location specific in that the inclusion criterion is not related to other locations (may be location specific).

For example, an authorized person may specify inclusion criteria including one or more genres, plus the Billboard top 100, plus media associated with five friends. can Once the inclusion criteria have been specified, in step S1606, a heuristic is applied to determine appropriate music for presentation in the jukebox.

The heuristic may build a "map" of acceptable media for playback. In certain example embodiments, the heuristic may operate such that each song is assigned a likelihood that it would be desirable for play at a location, Possibilities have a level of reliability associated with them. If there is doubt as to whether the song should be included or removed, then the song should be included. In certain example embodiments, this may mean if the likelihood for inclusion meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold or if the confidence level is at or below a certain threshold, then The song should be included.

The performance of certain embodiments in the second rule is that songs should be removed if they fall below a certain probability for inclusion according to a certain reliability. The scale may be adjustable over time as more and more data is acquired.

That is, the above requirements for reliability may be lessened as more and more data is acquire. Certain example embodiments aim to prevent Patron from offering a song that a patron has no link to, as Patron's decision may not be completely predictable. So this may not always be possible.

In any event, the appropriate music is displayed at the appropriate time(s) in step S1608 (eg, as a result of a search, browse, etc.). The system may monitor for changes to the heuristic map based on jukebox usage over time every time in step S1610, such as by returning to step S1606, accordingly You can update the mapping accordingly.

It is recognized that the system may become "smarter" or "learn" over time (eg, as more data is input). and more data is input)).

In certain exemplary embodiments logit and/or probit computation is an option for playback, to determine the likelihood of leaving it in or removing it) may be made for each song.

The location information will be used to define the overall domain of the location or, in essence, the overall "vibe" of the setup place. can

In one or more steps not shown in FIG. 16 , the event information, if any, may be used to further restrict the overall environment, at least temporarily. In this case, the event information may provide an optional override, even to the overall "vibe" criteria.

Similarly, in one or more steps not shown in Figure 16, the system for individually filtering/salting media based on user-specific metadata sorting media) may be provided to programmed logic circuitry.

While this user-based information may not necessarily as important as the overall vibe criteria in implementations of certain embodiments, certain example embodiments provide an opportunity to drill down. drill down), and provide more detailed recommendations based on layers of layers and tags and/or metadata related to the user and/or songs.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment process for initial setting up of a jukebox according to an exemplary embodiment. In step S1702, an authenticated user (eg, a location staff member) enters inclusion criteria during initial setup of the jukebox.

The inclusion criteria may include the type of location (eg, Irish bar, hip hop dance club, country line dancing, biker bar, ultralounge, etc.), usually characteristics or demographics of the patrons (eg, age range, race/ethnicity, etc.), content ordering preferences (eg, first/last most popular first/last), first latest, etc.), etc.

The jukebox then converts the inclusion criteria into metadata related to the location in step S1704. This information is used in step S1706 to determine an appropriate master playlist for the jukebox and an overall look-and-feel based on the inclusion criteria. communicated with the server.

This process may include matching metadata related to location of metadata and/or tags related to song, said metadata/tags possibly in a jukebox database of said central server, social It is stored on social networking sites, and/or the like.

Moreover, additional information may be retrieved from an external source as appropriate, and matching may be performed on this additional information (may then be performed on this further information).

For instance, certain example implementations may retrieve information from social networking sites, Billboard, and the like. In this way, it may be possible to gather information about pure buzz or hype, popularity, etc.

The need to determine whether to reach out to an external source is based on some of the authenticated user's information, and/or the authenticated user's information may be at the source of its own data.

This means that in certain exemplary embodiments the central server may have a plurality of predefined categories and/or channels, and the jukebox may in such embodiments be based on the matching one or It is recognized that may select further appropriate category(s)/channel(s).

In any event, information about the master playlist and look-and-feel for the jukebox is retrieved from the central server in step S1708. is communicated, and the jukebox is provisioned accordingly in step S1710.

Provisioning includes setting the flight state content and/or flight state content source, setting the master music library for the jukebox the jukebox), a "skin" setting for the jukebox, and so on.

Steps S1706 through S1710 may be performed periodically or dynamically to help ensure that the jukebox provides proper music and is up to date.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment process for customizing the display for a recognized user, according to an exemplary embodiment. The master music library is provided, for example, in step S1802 in connection with the process of the embodiment of FIG. 17 above.

In step S1804, the user logs in. In step S1806, information related to the recognized user is retrieved. This information may be stored locally on the jukebox, on the central server, on a social networking site, etc.

This information may include user-specified information about song plays, preselected favorites (eg, artists, songs, albums, genres, etc.), demographics, etc. -specified information) may be included. This information may also include information gathered from the use of the jukebox over time (eg the user prefers newest music, prefers a specific order) prefers particular order, only likes certain music at certain times/days/locations, etc.).

The information relating to the user for which he is recognized is used as additional inclusion criteria to customize selections for the user in step S1808. This information can further limit playlists, make "appropriate" recommendations, and order or reorder the media presented to the user. can be used for , etc.

In a step not shown as the process associated with step S1808, the jukebox creates an appropriate user-customized playlist/user-customized presentation ( It can communicate with a central server to determine a user-customized presentation. Similar to the above, this sub-process includes metadata associated with the recognized user that matches the tags and/or metadata associated with songs.

Additional information may be retrieved from external sources as appropriate, and matching may also be performed on this further information. For example, it is possible to collect information from social networking sites, one or more specified social networking sites or sites of which user is a member, etc. The user's data, the user's friends' data, the user's friends' friends' data, etc. may be of interest.

This information may be communicated regarding the user-customized playlist/user-customized presentation, and communicated from the central server to the jukebox. and the jukebox may be provisioned accordingly, as above. Similar to the above, this can be done periodically or dynamically (eg on recognized user login). Finally, in step S1810, user browsing and/or searching is enabled according to the user-customized playlist/user-customized presentation.

19 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment process for customizing the display for a special event, according to an exemplary embodiment. The master music library is provided according to the process of the embodiment of Fig. 17 in step S1902. The information about the special event is received in step S1904.

This information may include, for example, the type of event (eg, private party with a DJ, disco night, rave night, etc.), the duration of the event, whether the event recurs. , and so forth.

In step S1906, the information related to the particular event is added/alternative inclusion when the jukebox communicates with the central server to determine an appropriate playlist and look-and-feel for the jukebox. used as further/alternate inclusion criteria.

For example, the additional inclusion criteria further limit playlists or sometimes generate a new master music library, and make recommendations for the event. appropriate for the event), order or reorder media appropriately, and so on.

Information related to the event playlist and look-and-feel for the jukebox is communicated from the central server to the jukebox in step S1908, and the jukebox responds accordingly in step S1910. is provisioned accordingly.

In one or more steps not shown, user login may be enabled. However, some or all of the recognized user functionality may be overridden by virtue of the event taking place.

This means that the jukebox system may or may not perform further limiting and/or make suggestions based on the recognized user information. Similarly, the jukebox system may or may not utilize other user preferences gathered from general JB usage to provide recommendations/reordering.

In a particular scenario, the user may search for a particular artist, such as to search all albums or songs provided by the artist. In this case, the jukebox may update its display to be more appropriate for the particular artist, album, genre, etc.

For example, FIG. 20A is an "artist portal" of a first embodiment according to example embodiments. In Fig. 20A, the user has searched for all albums with Alicia Keys. This may include, for example, the underlying or background image, the color scheme of the user interface, the wireframe layout of elements on the display, the external lightshow. , etc. may result in changes to the display.

In the FIG. 20A embodiment, in particular Alicia Keys' image is displayed as a high resolution underlay beneath the user interface. Albums from all works of the artist are the only one displayed because they are the only ones that match the search.

The color scheme is more of a black and white color scheme, such as in the context of Alicia Keys' Internet presence. In certain example embodiments, a link to the artist's homepage, Facebook or other social networking or other site may be provided.

In keeping with Alicia Keys' Internet presence, many optional control elements (eg, as shown and described in connection with the FIG. 8B arrangement) may be omitted.

This means that different artists may have different artist portals, and updates (eg, to the wireframe, elements shown, etc.) may be the same as or different from those described above. It is recognized that there is

In that regard, FIG. 20B is a second embodiment "artist portal", such as for Santana, according to certain example embodiments. As can be seen, the Santana artist has a different background art and a different color scheme compared to the Alicia Keys artist portal.

Moreover, because the albums came to the Santana portal via a different means, navigated away from it (eg by executing a subsequent search), the user Not limited to Santana albums in the 20b embodiment.

The various "skins" may be attached to albums, songs, or the like, similar to how depth values may be assigned above. The concept of a skin includes, in certain example embodiments, one or more images, themes, wireframe displays, web pages, etc., that is/are context specific. do. Thus, this is because the selection of album, song, artist, etc. may cause a lookup of the appropriate skin and cause a corresponding change in the overall look and feel of the jukebox user interface. change in the overall look and feel).

The skins may include, for example, which control elements are to be selected, where they are to be located, and how they are sized/formed/colored. It may include item selection and arrangement information indicating how they are to be sized/shaped/colored, and the like.

Corresponding information may be specified for non-functional elements, such as background art, etc.

Although specific example embodiments have been described with respect to an artist portal, the techniques may be applied to other concepts. For example, a skin may be created at the jukebox or remotely, such as through the MyTouchTunes user interface, by a recognized user, and the skin may be applied upon user login.

The user can define the above, such as which control elements are to be displayed, and how they are to be displayed, background art, etc. Depending on defining it may customize its jukebox skin. Similarly, a record label, group of artists, etc. may also have predefined skins applied at the above-described and/or other points.

As is known, some record labels have distinctive presences, iconic images, and the like. It is recognized that Def Jam's skin can be entirely different from MuzikMafia's skin as well as El Cartel Records' skin, etc.

As is known, jukeboxes generally only display the song currently being played. However, the queue is maintained and may be displayed in full or in part. For example, FIG. 21 is an embodiment of a partial or incremental presentation of the play queue of the jukebox according to certain example embodiments.

The user may be charged a premium fee for rebuilding the jukebox play queue, in part and/or incrementally. For example, a pricing technique may be such that the user pays a first amount to see the next selection immediately queued up for playback, and pays an increasing amount to see more and more selections in the queue. can be implemented to do so.

21 is a playlist reveal embodiment showing upcoming song titles and artist names. However, the display techniques described herein are, for example, on selective bits and pieces of the upcoming queue, so as to not give away too much information. may be caused to display.

The selective reveal of information is the user's propensity to use the "jump the queue" or "play it now" feature of the jukebox for a particular selection. (proclivity) or intention (inclination) may be tied (may be tied).

The pricing structure is that skipping one or two songs costs X credits (kipping 1 or 2 songs costs X credits), and skipping three or four songs adds some of the credits to X. It can be implemented to be consumed by adding the amount, and so on. That is, the price for skipping songs may vary according to the number of skipped songs.

This also includes, for example, a "lock" feature in which the user charges a price for guarantees that the song to be played cannot be skipped without at least user-paying or paying a predefined reservation price, etc. may be tied to the user's proclivity or inclination to use a "lock in" feature).

The reveal of information includes one or more attributes of one or more upcoming songs, such as title, artist, "mood" or genre, beats per minute, and the like. The optional rebuild may be provided.

For example, you can provide full title and artist information related to the following two songs (which may be pop songs), and ten or more songs (which may be pop songs). may indicate that a can (which also may be pop songs) is on the cue.

By doing this, the jukebox patrons, owners, and other visitors to the location may get a sense of what the mood in the establishment will be like in the future. be able to get a sense). The selective reveal may also be tied to a timeframe, eg people may be tied to a facility for a predetermined time, eg the next 20-30 minutes. ), the duration of the next hour, for the whole night, etc. get a sense of what the establishment will feel like over a predetermined time. .

In certain example embodiments, the jukebox device includes a display; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of media instances playable via or in the jukebox; at least one processor configured to maintain a queue of media instances to be played back in the jukebox, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to display a user interface on the display and input of the user interface further configured to respond to - including.

the user interface includes an indication of a currently playing media instance including at least a song name and artist associated with the media instance; and an incremental queue reveal module, wherein the user interface is configured to display information about one or more upcoming media instances, wherein the information includes one or two of the names of the songs and the artists. may include - the information at least initially excluding one or both of song names and artists.

The incremental cue rebuild module may be configured to cause the user interface to display information about a predetermined number of instances of media, wherein the predetermined number is greater than one (with the predetermined number being greater than 1) -.

Alternatively, or additionally, a number of media instances according to the number of media instances in the queue for which a user interface is capable of display within a predetermined amount of time, for a plurality of media instances. may be configured to display information.

The predetermined amount of time may be, for example, the amount of time until closing, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and the like.

In certain example embodiments, the incremental cue rebuild module is configured such that the user interface provides only information about a genre associated with each of one or more upcoming media instances, beats per minute about each of one or more upcoming media instances. and at least initially display only information related to In certain example embodiments, the initial display may include information only about the artist of each of one or more upcoming media instances.

In certain example embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to activate the incremental Q rebuild module upon payment of a fee. The amount of information revealed can be made to vary depending on the charges collected so that more charges correspond to more information revealed.

In addition, the at least one processor may charge an appropriate fee for each instance or media, and with respect to a number of instances of media for reveal. may be configured to administer a first pricing technique that relates the amount of

In certain example embodiments, the queue jumping module may be configured to enable the user to move a selected media instance in the queue to a user-specified location. The at least one processor may activate the queue jumping module upon payment of a fee.

In addition, the at least one processor may operate a second pricing scheme that relates the amount of fees due to a number of items in the queue to be jumped. is configured may administer. The charge may be made to vary proportionally to the number of items in the queue being jumped.

The user interface may be programmed to allow the user to lock in an instance of media to guarantee that it cannot be skipped upon payment of a fee. The elementary cue rebuild module may be further configured to indicate whether media instances are locked so that they cannot be skipped.

Methods of making and/or using such jukeboxes are also provided on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that provides such user interfaces and tangibly stores instructions for use of such jukebox devices. Jukebox systems comprising a plurality of jukebox devices may also be provided, such as in different exemplary embodiments.

Since the user interfaces in certain example embodiments may be perceived by some users to be complicated, various techniques may be used to facilitate the process, such as song selection navigation. It can be implemented to help bring focus to patron-selectable elements.

Although there are more features available and those features are more powerful, blurring, fading, enlarging, and/or other techniques may be used in various embodiments to manage the user's focus. may be used to manage the user's focus, thus helping to simplify the experience.

For example, FIG. 22A uses a colored "blob" to highlight the center selection, while other non-patron selections, in certain example embodiments. Other non-patron selectable elements may be blurred.

22B shows an enlargement of an album jacket to highlight its selection, according to certain example embodiments. In the FIG. 22B embodiment, background UI elements have not been modified to bring additional focus to the selected item.

In contrast, FIG. 22C shows, in certain example embodiments, an enlargement of the album jacket to highlight its selection, further blurs background UI elements to help bring focus to the selected album. background UI elements). This means that the background UI elements (eg, in FIGS. 22B and 22 ) are adjusted with focus either as black-and-white images or otherwise with one or more items of interest. It is recognized that color adjusted to bring focus on one or more items of interest may be reduced.

Although FIGS. 22A-22C have been described with respect to selection of an album, the highlighting techniques described herein may be applied to other aspects of the UI experience.

Certain example embodiments may also build mosaics, such as from album covers or other artwork. An algorithm may be run on source artwork to make mosaics for use in the user interface of the jukebox. This algorithm may be used to accommodate various mosaic designs, such as based on the source artwork available (such as the number of album jackets available), and to convert these mosaic designs in the user interface. In order to use it dynamically, it can be performed in real time in the jukebox.

A mosaic construction algorithm may, in certain example embodiments, to arrange (or prevent the arrangement of) the source artwork (or arrange the arrangement) in a desired pattern. to prevent) may use facial and color density recognition.

These mosaic techniques include source image selection and manipulation (eg, for the images used to build the mosaic), destination image creation. (eg for the target mosaic being created), and a destination image context (eg, for how the target mosaic is used)), including several concepts.

The source images, destination image, and context in which the destination image is used to contain a layer of metadata (is to be used may contain a layer of metadata) . This metadata facilitates to find a wealth of metadata that can be reused to feed the mosaic-generating algorithm.

For example, an album jacket is associated with genre, style, artist, year, and other information. The social network information and Play behavior for these elements of music also includes the algorithm information about the relative popularity of the music elements, the placement of the music elements in relation to the social network environment, etc. may also be included to feed.

For example, more popular music may be larger, and Patron and Patron's friends (to a predetermined degree of separation in certain examples) Music played by may be enlarged.

In one context, the user's avatar matches the user's music preferences, a map of the USA drawn from actual plays as they occur on the network, etc. It can be made from an album jacket. Additional details on these techniques are provided below.

For source image selection and manipulation, a mosaic can be created from source images (tiles) that are aggregated to simulate a larger target image. The tiles are made from a modified source image (eg, the color or hue of the original image is changed), etc. from the full image or from a sub-selection of the full image.

Similarly, tiles may be used in any angle, flipped, mirrored, etc. to assemble the target. Image types may be arbitrary and may include, for example, album jackets, artist artwork, jukebox avatars, instrumental in music, and the like. Certain tiles may be flagged for special treatment by the algorithm. For example, popular albums, songs, or artists may be enlarged, etc.

With respect to destination image creation, the mosaic destination is an image created using the source tiles.

The target may be a static image (eg, artist artwork, cowboy hat, TouchTunes logo, etc.), or a moving concept (eg, animation or video), or some combination thereof. this can be Other possible destination concepts are possible.

With respect to the destination image context, several potential uses for constructed mosaics are possible. For example, an artist image (eg for use in the artist portal mentioned above) may be created using, for example, the album jackets. As an example, an image of George Straight may be built using album art from his numerous albums.

An image describing a genre may be created using, for example, source tiles related to the genre. By way of example, a popular artist such as a cowboy hat or Taylor Swift may be created using only country music album jackets. The target may contain geographic information (eg, popularity in a particular region). It can be created using the album jackets in the USA).

Background mosaics can also be created, for example, using current jukebox profile information (weezy's most popular genres, currently playing songs, etc.). Mosaics may represent albums, playlists, etc. from an artist. Of course, there are other possibilities for the context in which the mosaics may be used.

In certain example embodiments the user may interact with the mosaic. For example, a mosaic may be enlarged by a user, and the user may select a song, artist, album, playlist, etc. from the mosaic.

Techniques are also provided for synchronized partial lyrics display. That is, in certain example embodiments, the lyrics are displayed at an appropriate or predetermined time during the song. For example, if the jukebox was playing the song "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas, the word "I Gotta Feeling!!!" could be displayed at the same time it was sung by the artist.

Lyrics can also be arranged in a pattern, also known as kinetic text, that reflects the context of the onscreen lyric snippet. 23A-23D show example screenshots of a kinetic motion display according to an exemplary embodiment.

Lyrics were synchronized with the Blink 182 song, "Josie". 23A flies in at the beginning of the song. Fig. 23b includes words that are added as they sing along with the stretching of the word "of" and the placement of words within another word as they move out of focus (Fig. 23b includes words that are added as they are sung, with stretching of the word "of" and with the placement of the words within other words as they are moved out of focus).

23C shows how blurring can optionally be used to match the mood of a song, just as it can be made to represent "frustration". 23D shows how color can be used to emphasize words as it is emphasized by the artist singing the song.

Kinetic text is enabled in certain example embodiments by creating a script that matches or synchs with the song. Thus, a track of metadata including timing, mood, motion, color, image, etc. can be created for a song, said Tracks may be stored, for example, as described above.

In certain example embodiments, XML or an XML-like tag structure may include timing, lyrics, and such as sizing/resizing, entry/exit points. ), zoom from/to locations, pan directions/amounts, and the like.

A synchronized lighting projection, similar to the above, may also be provided in certain example embodiments. User interface coloration may be modified to synchronize with the context of the currently playing song.

For example, if the jukebox is playing DJ Funk's "The Roof is on Fire", the user interface will display bright red and orange coloration ( bright red and orange colors) can be displayed. Themes may be developed and may be related to one or more songs.

For example, a "fire" theme can be created and the jukebox user interface modified with red and orange coloration. The theme may be associated with songs such as "The Roof is on Fire" by DJ Funk, "Fire Water Burn" by the Bloodhound Gang, "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash, "Fire" by Ohio Players, and the like.

The themes may be linked to the songs, and in certain example implementations they may be applied to the entirety of the song. Also, or in addition, XML or other scripts may be generated so that there is a link between the times (or times) when the theme is activated and is a specific song.

Certain example embodiments may include a camera in the jukebox. The camera can be used to create artist or patron likeness, and the captured image may be treated and included with the user interface.

For example, the jukebox's on-board camera could be used to convert Patron's likeness into an on-screen facsimile or caricature of the currently playing artist. can The likeness may be caricatured using known automatic or manual techniques, and the modified or unmodified image may be used in a variety of ways.

For example, the image may be associated with a playlist, associated with a user avatar, and included in scripts used during music playback (eg to show who selected a song). )), provided for a mosaic (eg, for a playlist, of "regulars" at a venue, etc), and/or such a background Can be used as art.

The presence of a network connection with the camera can also be advantageous. For instance, it may be possible to have a "live look-in" at a location. Anyone considering visiting a bar or club can first decide whether it will be fun, exciting, "chill", etc.

Users can also see what will happen in one place while away from home. The live look-in may be provided via an internet connection and thus accessed via a webpage, smart phone, or the like. The images may also be analyzed in real time or after the fact to gather demographic data about location and/or jukebox patrons.

In a similar way, the jukebox camera "reflects" what the jukebox sees is going on in the room, on the dance floor, etc. can be used as "mirror". A feed is provided to the jukebox display itself, but still within the same venue, to remote terminals operatively connected to the jukebox, suitably equipped with a TV or other displays, etc. can be

For example, the image on-screen may be identical to a mirror, except that album jackets may float on-screen in front of the user's "reflection". )

In certain example embodiments, the camera can be used as an attract device. More specifically, in certain example embodiments, the camera of the jukebox may provide based on a motion detection system that attracts patrons to the jukebox. (may serve).

The jukebox increases or decreases, for example, the intensity of the jukebox's user interface lighting a the patron approaches; welcome Patron if they are within a predetermined number of pits in the jukebox; Playing a heartbeat-like sound so Patron knows if their approach is "cold" or "warm"; addressing the audience appropriately via sound or text display and using edge detectors to estimate group size; and/or may attract the patron by doing the same.

The message may also be predetermined based on the type of music playing. So, if a group is detected, and you are playing country music, a message like "Hey, y'all! How about a song?" is more generic than the message "You look you could use a song". message) can be displayed.

The main display or any secondary displayed (such as an LED array) is potentially even before the patron has even physically touched the jukebox, the Patron welcome or It can be used to display messages such as for other functions.

It is recognized that in certain example embodiments the camera can be made to act as a proximity sensor, certain example embodiments additionally include separate proximity sensors for the same purpose. (additionally) or optionally (alternatively) may be included.

It is believed that, on average, 2.2 people are in front of the jukebox at the time when a choice is made. the jukebox at a time when a selection is being made). The camera may help determine that multiple people are in front of the jukebox and make a recommendation for the group as opposed to the individual).

Just as other group members may boldly have different song requests that are not easily formable or not easily classifiable for a good recommendation to be suggested, doing so will also help resolve seeming ambiguities in the choices. can help

Thus, because the jukebox to disregard seeming "outliers," or simply not provide recommendations to a group, a group of people appears Recognizing that a group of people are present may relax certain constraints.

It is appreciated that the camera can adjust the jukebox elements and sense the lighting level to take good quality pictures. This is, in an instance of a particular embodiment, adjusting the display, LED, and/or rim lighting intensities in relation to the camera flash in a dark or partially lit environment, in a bright environment. lowering lighting levels to reduce washout, and the like.

In certain example embodiments, the users may select an effect such as washout, saturation, overexposure, etc., and the camera and/or lighting elements may select the desired effect. may be made to respond according to known photographic techniques to achieve(s).

In certain exemplary embodiments, a large glass or other panel is placed over a substantial portion of the jukebox. In certain example embodiments the panel may be made to act as a touch screen panel in certain instances, and in doing so, that otherwise would not be user manipulable giving or at least simulating interactive functionality with jukebox elements.

Accordingly, the panel may serve as a proxy for communication with elements that the user could not normally interact with. The jukebox software may convey the position of the touched area and may take a corresponding action.

Fore example, touch screen LEDs can be placed under a transparent, veritable tactile screen where there is an underlying LED array and not be user manipulable. It may be possible to emulate.

An embodiment of a function that can be passed on to other static elements is, for example, as the user spells out the user's name or other text (eg, an LED tracing a user's finger (on an LED array), playing a typical "whack-a-mole" type game, the user is touching the jukebox, or or detecting leaning on or otherwise touching (eg, asking the user to avoid leaning on it by the jukebox), to make a choice may cause the user to display a message, inviting, etc.), and the like.

The camera and/or proximity sensors in the jukebox may be used as part of a security system for a venue in certain example embodiments. That is, in certain example embodiments, the camera of the jukebox may be used to detect and/or report an unwanted present.

When detected, the camera can be used to create an image or video of the unwanted existence. For example, after closing, the jukebox can be set to a secure mode that has been powered off but the camera is still working. If an intrusion is detected, such as through a motion detector, proximity sensor, and/or the camera of the jukebox, the constant camera may generate an image or video of the unwanted presence. The jukebox's audio capabilities to communicate with the unwanted presence, such as by sounding an alarm, playing music as loud as possible, and the like.

The jukeboxes LEDs and/or main screen may communicate such that the presence is sensed and/or the main screen can display a captured or live image or video of intruders. Furthermore, the jukebox may have its own appropriate authorities and/or appropriate authorities to otherwise alert and/or apprise the owner of the jukebox, such as by e-mail, text message. may use its network connection conveying the authority of existence and/or appropriate authorities to initiate voice or VoIP calls to the jukebox owner, etc.

In a more "passive" mode, similar to the techniques described above, the camera looks live to monitor the situation from a local or remote location for the owner and/or authorities. A live look-in mode may be provided. In certain example embodiments, the camera on the jukebox may serve as, and even often take the place of closed circuit monitoring system.

In embodiments of a particular embodiment, a secure mode may be activated upon input (eg, shutting down the jukebox during the night) from an authenticated person at a predefined time (eg, after closing). may be entered into at a predefined time. In certain example embodiments the security board can power down or otherwise disable the display screen, so that the entire jukebox does not appear to be operational.

However, the camera disposed on or otherwise connected to the jukebox may capture a stream of images and/or video. The stream may relate to security subsystem operating in the jukebox network or a separate network. Authenticated users may log in to the security subsystem wirelessly (eg, by entering a unique address or other identifying information, using a username/password combination) to obtain live look-ins. have.

The jukebox and/or security subsystem may monitor for abnormalities, such as unexpected behavior in a venue or the like. Upon the detection of a disturbance, the security subsystem may generate or relay a message to an authorized person.

For example, a VoIP phone may be initiated to the venue's proprietor, to law enforcement personnel, to a private security company, and the like. The jukebox may also be made to sound an alarm as a security measure for intrusion into the location, and to display flashing lights.

It is recognized that many of the same streaming techniques may be used in conjunction with other recreational live look-in techniques described herein.

For example, the jukebox network or other suitable server system may obtain streaming information from the jukebox and enable a user to view the venue remotely, such as from an Internet browser. In certain embodiments, the jukeboxes themselves may act as the servers.

In certain example embodiments, the jukebox device includes a display; camera; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of media instances playable through or on the jukebox device; Displaying images and/or video obtained from the camera on the display of the jukebox device in substantially real time to obtain images and/or video from the camera so that the display reflects in real time something being sensed by the camera and at least one processor enabling a remote user to view the images and/or video obtained from the camera.

The at least one processor may be further configured to bring the obtained images and/or video onto one or more external display devices at a common location with the jukebox device. Similarly, a web server may be configured to enable the remote user to view the images and/or video obtained from the camera.

The at least one processor may be further configured to enter the secure mode at a user-specified time or upon a signal from an authenticated user. The at least one processor causes the camera to act as a motion detector when said security mode is entered. The at least one processor is configured to sound an alarm when hen motion is unexpectedly detected.

The alarm may indicate an initiation of a VoIP call to one or more specified parties; send SMS, email or other messages; causing the display and/or lighting in the jukebox to be illuminated and/or flashed; an audible alarm; and/or the like.

A method of making and/or using such a jukebox device may also be provided by a non-removable computer readable medium storing instructions for tangibly using such a jukebox device and providing such a user interface. can Jukebox systems including a plurality of jukebox devices may also be provided, such as in various example embodiments.

Certain example embodiments also provide adaptive jukebox personalization features, including, for example, personality generation and personality expression. Personality creation involves the process of collecting various pieces of information and using them to characterize the personality of the jukebox. This may be an ongoing process. For example, each time the user interacts with the jukebox, new information can be generated and collected.

The various types of information are considered to define the above nature of the jukebox. These factors may include some or all of the following and/or other factors. The following and/or other factors may include the geographic location of the jukebox, the most popular songs played on the jukebox, the type of music played on the jukebox (eg, genre, style, mood, etc.), the overall jukebox Plays made on the whole jukebox network.

Information as to whether additional weight should be given the current Patron's choices, etc. (eg if they are members of MyTouchTunes or the bar staff).

And the jukebox may assign a personality type, for example, based on the collected information. Personality types may be discrete in the sense that any given jukebox is assigned only one type at any given time. . The personality types, the criteria matching those types, may be defined by the jukebox provider.

For example, as with the default implementation, the most popular music genre at a location can be used to define personality types. In this case, the jukeboxes may be referred to as "rock type", "R&amp;B type", etc.

Personality creation may also include adjustments and refinements to the jukebox personality type over time, such as as new information is received. For example, jukeboxes were classified as "Rock type" jukeboxes, but over time redefined to indicate a preference for "energetic" rock over "slow" rock songs or "rock ballads" may be refined.

It is thus recognized that information may be gathered, an initial assignment to one of a plurality of predefined categories may be made, to which an adjustment or improvement to the initial assignment may be such as , may be made over time as more data is collected. The adjustment or improvement may be sub-classifications within a specific category, and may be re-classification into a new category or sub-category. can

The personality expression of the jukebox can be understood as how the user experience is affected as a result of the personality of the jukebox. For example, the general appearance of the jukebox may be modified to match the jukebox personality. Such modifications may include some or all of the following and/or other features. The following and/or other features

Displaying information on the location of the jukebox, a custom UI theme representing the personality of the jukebox, a light show pattern, and a lightshow pattern and coloration that reflects the personality of the jukebox the personality of the jukebox), an artist's background image as a UI backdrop based on the location's personality (see Artist Portal above), and so on.

The techniques of the embodiment described above may also be applied to jukebox adaptive music browsing and/or searching. For example, when browsing music on the jukebox, emphasis may be placed on a preferred music genre, style, mood, etc. based on the personality of the jukebox. The same or similar approach can be applied to music search.

That is, in instances of a particular embodiment, more emphasis is placed on, for example, a list of songs that match the personality at the beginning or near the top of the result, or at least higher than they might otherwise be. Preferably, such as, etc., may be placed on the preferred music type in the search results.

With a similar line, in certain example embodiments, the jukebox search algorithm tells Patrons the song most played on that jukebox and/or that matches the personality of the jukebox. It can provide incremental auto-complete suggestions for songs, artists and albums.

The algorithm draws from various sources identifying the user's preferences, such as DMA, city, MyTouchTunes user profile, and possibly the Facebook user profile. may draw. Similar techniques can be applied for the jukebox personality, such as for unregistered or unrecognized patrons.

For example, by Patron entering the letter "Rol" into the search field, the auto-complete can recognize the user, and Latin artist Rolando can more popular but not necessarily more popular across the jukebox network, but not necessarily more popular to the jukebox user or on the jukebox in use) determine that the Latin artist Rolando should be listed higher on the auto -complete suggestions than the Rolling Stones).

The notion of jukebox personality may also be used to send music content packages to jukeboxes according to their characteristics in implementations of a particular embodiment.

The personalization of the jukebox and/or the user may also be used for targeted advertisements. For example, the personality of a jukebox may be used to help an advertisement decide to receive or display it based on some or all of the following and/or other factors.

The following and/or other factors may include location specific events (such as Happy Hour, Ladies' Night, New Year's Party, etc.), local concerts (such as, Arcade Fire, your favorite indie band playing in New York this weekend, etc.) and/or the like.

Moreover, contextual advertisements may be based on the personality of the jukebox and/or the jukebox user. For a recognized user who has logged in, the personality may be known. However, for anonymous users, advertisements may be displayed based on more current browsing behavior and song selection (eg, during a current selection).

For example, by the user browsing an alternative rock genre in the jukebox, the jukebox may display an advertisement for an upcoming Lollapalooza event.

Further personalization is achieved by taking a picture at the time of the user's interaction (or from an archive if the user is an authenticated user) and the user's likeness with the advertisement. and then incorporating the user's likeness into the advertisement.

For example, if the user is already browsing Jimmy Buffett music, the picture of the user is a picture with the user in advertisements for cheap trips to the beach and islands. may be taken and incorporated into a picture with the user.

Certain example embodiments may enable a user to create set lists for play. For example, a user may browse a category such as songs, etc., and may select songs for potential playback in the jukebox. The user can reorder songs to the working set list during a session, delete songs, add songs, etc. You can place them, and you can remove some other items.

Once the set list is defined by the user, it may be submitted for play in whole or in part as one or more packages. or in part). Similarly, the user can make some or all of the songs immediately in the set list play for a premium. In this regard, the user may simply drag and drop the set list, or part thereof, into a predefined area of the user interface designed to result in immediate play of the song(s). drop).

Thus, the jukebox user interface may be configured to allow a user to create a group of songs are then queued for play by the user in a single action, An advanced set list may allow the user to modify the contents of the set list before it is executed (eg via the cue function Play Next or Jump (play next or jump the queue function) a song can be added, removed, reordered, given a higher priority, etc.). This set list may be implemented using a physical activator or user interface element in the jukebox.

The set lease may be advantageous in certain example embodiments as it does not require a user to log into the jukebox. That is, it is recognized that the set list techniques described herein may be particularly advantageous for ad hoc creation of a list of songs for playback by an anonymous user.

It is recognized that the user may be able to present the set list as a playlist for subsequent use, such as by registering the jukebox and/or logging into an already existing account.

24 is a screenshot of an embodiment of an improved music discovery user interface in accordance with certain example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 24 , the elements in a collection of media are displayed in a fan-like arrangement 2402 approximately in the center of the screen.

The collection can be, for example, selections from a genre, a playlist, and the like. The collection may include a predetermined number of elements. The elements in the selection may be user determined (eg in the case of a playlist), the provider of the jukebox, and a proprietor of the location. ), etc. (eg, generally for a theme night or for the location).

In the FIG. 24 embodiment, genres 2404 are listed in the arc at the bottom of the screen, and the "pop" genre has been selected.

Once the collection is determined, the collection type may be further specified. On the screen of the FIG. 24 embodiment there are three buttons 2406 for specifying the collection type. These options include artist, album, and song. Accordingly, the elements in the collection may be grouped or organized according to the collection type.

In the embodiment of Fig. 24, the collection type is "songs". Correspondingly, a pop music selection is presented in the fan-like arrangement approximately in the center of the screen. All pop music selections in the collection are listed separately as songs because it is the specified collection type.

If the albums collection type was specified, the albums containing the songs in the collection would be displayed. Similarly, if the artists collection type is specified, the artists singing songs in the collection are displayed. In the latter case, the user can browse by album or artist, select, and further select songs from the selected album or artist.

Regardless of how the elements are grouped by collection type. The same songs are represented, just in different ways.

Once a collection type is specified, the items in the collection may be ordered, such as using an ordering indicator 2408 . For example, three exemplary ordering buttons are provided below the fan-like arrangement 2402 of songs.

The "AZ" button organizes the elements in alphabetical order, the star button organizes the elements in terms of popularity, and the calendar button organizes the time-based arrangement of private elements. For example, by the release date).

Selection of a particular order will cause a "scrubber bar" 2440 to appear in turn. In the FIG. 24 embodiment, the selected order is alphabetical order, and thus the scrubber bar shows the letters of the alphabet. The user can quickly navigate through the collection using the scrubber bar (and, in particular in the case of FIG. 24, by selecting a letter).

Selection of a character can cause it to glow or become larger for emphasis. It is appreciated that the elements visible in the scrubber may change based on the selected order.

For popularity, numbers of the year ranging from 1 to the number of elements in the selection may be provided, and the date, year, or the like of a year may be provided if the calendar order was selected.

The selection of an artist may not allow the calendar order to be selected in instances of a particular embodiment because the artist is not generally year-related, in the same way as an album or song has a release date. selected) is recognized. However, in certain cases, the date of the artist's first single or first album may be used as the relevant date.

Accordingly, in certain example embodiments, a jukebox device may include a display; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of media instances capable of playback via or on the jukebox device; and at least one processor configured to display a user interface on the display, and further configured to respond to an input of the user interface.

The user interface allows a user to use a collection of media instances available for playback through or from a plurality of possible collections of media instances in each of the collections representing a subset of a plurality of other media available for playback through or in the jukebox. at least one first user interface element configured to select, at least one second user configured to enable the user to select at least one of a plurality of possible grouping modes for grouping of the media instance in the collection. interface element, wherein the grouping modes include artist, album and song groupings, the selected grouping mode determines which items are presented to the user for possible selections, and to order the items presented to the user for possible selections. at least one third user interface element configured to enable the user to select one of a plurality of possible ordering modes for and a display area for displaying at least some of the items presented to the user for possible selection, the items being ordered within the display area according to the selected ordering mode.

The at least one second user interface element, and the at least one second user interface element, and the at least one third user interface element are all displayable on the display at the same time. The collections may include predefined genres and/or themes of music, playlists, and/or the like in various implementations.

The ordering modes may include, for example, an alphabetical order mode, a popularity-based order mode, and a chronological or date order mode. Each item presented to the user for possible selection may be assigned a popularity value with the popularity-based ordering mode ordering the items presented to the user for possible selection based on the assigned popularity values. .

The popularity values may include item popularity across a jukebox network, item popularity at the location where the jukebox device is located, item popularity on an industry chart, and/or item popularity on one or more social networking sites. may be assigned based on one or more of The era or date order mode may be disabled in some cases when the artist grouping mode is selected (may in some cases be disabled).

The user interface may further display at least one fourth user interface element in certain example embodiments, wherein the at least one fourth user interface element adapts based on the selected ordering mode. Possible -.

The at least one fourth user interface element may include letters when the alphanumeric order mode is selected, and a number or line corresponding to a popularity value when the popularity-based order mode is selected. and may include a date or calendar display when the year or date order mode is selected.

In certain implementations, the display area may include a subset of the items presented to the user for possible selection, the subset being based on a selection made in relation to the at least one fourth user interface element. Determined -.

The subset of items is across the general central area of the display, where the exact items displayed are changeable based on user manipulation of the at least fourth user interface and/or user input into the display area. may be displayable in the display area in a fan-like arrangement.

In certain example embodiments, user selection of a displayed album item results in said display of songs in said selected collection associated with said selected album item displayed in said display area, and/or which is displayed in said display area. cause the display of songs in the selected collection associated with the selected artist item.

In certain example embodiments, user selection of a displayed song item results in a pop-up screen being displayed as a pop-up screen enabling confirmation that the selected song is being played.

The display of the pop-up screen may be accompanied by blurring, fading, and/or reduction to grayscale of user interface elements behind the pop-up screen.

A method of making and/or using such a jukebox device may also be provided by a non-removable computer readable medium storing instructions for tangibly using such a jukebox device and providing such a user interface. can Jukebox systems including a plurality of jukebox devices may be provided, such as in various exemplary embodiments.

Many jukeboxes, kiosks, gaming devices, and the like have been used exterior lights to attract and/or used to highlight various events. These devices typically issue direct commands to a color-processing device.

Regrettably, however, these control techniques often change Taylor's overall experience (such as in event-related situations) or change to adopt different appearances in a coordinated fashion. , acoustic, user interface, electromechanical, environmental, and peripheral) difficult to tailor the overall experience to changing or event-related situations.

More particularly, what has been absent is the ability to change these actions in context , allowing its user interface and the device to collaborate as an integrated system. .

A solution to this problem is to create a control system that couples the behavior of visual peripherals and displays to a theme. Thus, in certain example embodiments, the theme serves to describe the standard behavior for the user interface and the ambient lights.

The exemplary embodiments described herein may be used in connection with, for example, a jukebox of the above type shown and described in US Application Serial No. 29/371,255, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

25A to 25B illustrate components of a jukebox device according to certain example embodiments, and FIG. 26 is an image of an embodiment jukebox device according to embodiments of a specific embodiment. As can be seen in FIG. 25A , a backwash light segment 1 is provided along a rim light segment 2 .

The LED display 3 is positioned above a payment mechanism attract light 4 , the latter of which is a main display screen and a main part of the user interface. It helps to provide the main portion of the user interface.

A near field communication attract light 5 may be provided. A user may provide payment through a payment acceptor in proximity to a payment mechanism attract light 6 . A main activation switch light 7 may also be provided around the main activation switch. Fig. 25B is a close-up of the LED display 3 shown in Fig. 25A according to certain exemplary embodiments.

As can be seen in FIG. 25B , the LED display 3 may comprise a portion of an array of individual LED elements 9 . At least the LED display 3 and the main display screen can, in certain exemplary embodiments, be covered with a common touch-sensitive panel.

26 , the jukebox device 2600 includes a main display screen 2602 configured to display a main user interface, such as under the control of at least one processor built into the jukebox device 2600 . include

A secondary display 2604 (which includes an array of LEDs in embodiments of a particular embodiment) is also provided above the main display screen 2602 . In embodiments of a particular embodiment, secondary display 2604 is configured to display FFT-like data, welcome message, kinetic or static text, etc. can be

In embodiments of a particular embodiment, main display 2602 and/or secondary display 2604 may be fully or partially covered with glass or other touch-sensitive substrate 2606 . have. This touch-sensitive substrate 2606 may provide interoperability to otherwise static elements, such as the secondary display 2604 .

In embodiments of a particular embodiment, the main display screen 2602 may be the first touch screen display itself, and a touch-sensitive may be provided only through the secondary display 2604 . be provided over only the secondary display). Of course, other arrangements are possible in various embodiments.

A physical interaction button 2608 may be provided for taking an action specified in the user interface. In certain example embodiments, lighting elements may be disposed around button 2608 . A decorated "play" or other symbol may be placed over the button 2608 to improve its aesthetic appearance.

One or more lighting elements 2610 may be provided at the periphery of the jukebox device 2600 . One or more lighting elements 2610 may be operable as a single element, such as segments, etc. in various embodiments.

In certain example embodiments one or more lighting elements 2610 may be provided so as to simulate more classic or vintage-looking neon lights. may be, may be configured, and/or may be controlled. Although not shown, one or more light elements may be disposed behind or towards the back of the jukebox device, such as to provide a "wall wash" or black light. be disposed at or pointing towards the rear of the jukebox device).

A frame 2612 may also be provided around the outer periphery of the jukebox device 2600 , such as to give it a completed or "seamless" look and feel.

One or more payment acceptors may be provided. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 26 , a credit card acceptor 2614 serves as a first bill acceptor 2616 and a second bill acceptor 2618 . Coin acceptors may be provided as may RF-ID readers in certain embodiments.

A common color palette and themed behavior type can be applied to some or all of these visual assets, and they are organized and engaging rather than rough and random. coordinated and attractive rather than harsh and random).

For example, rear-facing lights 1, forward-facing light rim 2, text or graphics on LED display 3 and all usage of accent color 12 occurring within the user interface. All uses could be set to the same color attribute. And, this attribute can be changed according to a set periodicity and by using a color range or sequence of specific colors (as defined by RGB, pantone or other color representation method). The effect of this would be a highly coordinated visual appearance.

A common script or data set may be provided for synchronizing the display elements, such as in terms of color or colors, periodicity for change, synchronization rule, etc. can

It is recognized that by substituting a new data set, the complete overall appearance of the device and rendered user interface can be changed without any software or hardware changes. This in turn makes the same system used in various commercial and/or residential establishments, with an established design, common use of trademarked colors to identify the brand ( often trademarked color usage).

These techniques can also allow for the speed of all lighting and independent positioning to have invested in specific lighting and design to tailor the color, which fits into their existing decor and throughout. It is beneficial in the manual or automatic coordination of the on-screen user interface to appear as if there was a custom color for this location.

In certain example embodiments, the system uses a pre-planned color palette, such as the actual beat and/or frequency of the song being played at this instant, or an established set for the location. It can be set up to apply these palettes to different rhythms, such as pace. Combinations of these colors and patterns can help construct a lighting theme for a location.

Customization may be enhanced with a set of images that are collected into an image collection, such as "Country" or "City", and these images may be associated with metadata describing the lighting theme. .

As the image is presented on the system's embedded screen, or on remote screens provided with content from the system, the lighting may follow the image's entry and exit animations. follow).

This lighting rhythm is "with slideshow" and associated with each image as in light color, luminosity, and such as in a matte for printing. It may be a rhythm that is to be followed, which may be expressed based on metadata, and the lighting color may enhance or complement a specific color within the image. enhance or complement).

This can advantageously help provide the ability to extend the visual impact of an image beyond its actual size, for example by projecting a complementary color or colors at the same time.

In certain example embodiments, the coordination of the presentation of the image and lighting properties is the presentation of a still or full-motion advertisement on a local or remote screen. -motion advertisement). Brand color or signature contrasts could be presented, for example upon display of the advertisement.

The pattern may be overridden based on a defined event. For example, if a music playing event occurs, the light pattern on the device may adopt the rhythm and color selections to provide accompanying song visualization.

That is, in certain example embodiments, a priority may be defined, and the advertising coloration effects may be made secondary to music associated with events, etc. related events, etc).

Each colorization pattern may be described in terms of "key frames" in certain example embodiments. For example, for each channel, each one is defined by the end value for the color of the channel computed starting from the current color at a particular point in time using a given easing mode. , there may be multiple keyframes.

The point in time can be defined using a color value representing the progress in an interval of [0, 1]. The erasing mode may be a mathematical function that translates the time into a dimensional progress factor used when going from a key frame to a key frame.

Below is an example script that defines a lightshow pattern according to certain example embodiments. More particularly, the script of the embodiment below operates with the color of the six channels constituting the wash wall, and defines a light show pattern in a period of 10 seconds.

For the first channel, the first key frame will shift the color from black to blue in the first 10 percent of the spacing of the pattern. The second will shift the color from blue to green from 10 to 20 percent of the period. The third will shift the color from green to red from 20 to 30 percent of the period, and the last key frame will shift the color from red to black from 30 to 40 percent of the period.

For the second channel, the first key frame will shift the color from dot to blue from 10 to 20 percent of the period of the pattern. The second will shift the color from blue to green from 20 to 30 percent of the period. a third will shift the color from green to red from the next 30 percent of the period to 40 percent of the period, and the last key frame will shift the color from red to black from 40 to 50 percent of the period .

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27 is an exemplary diagram of a visual component in a color matched and synchronized jukebox device according to certain example embodiments. In the FIG. 27 embodiment, an advertisement for Verizon is shown.

In that regard, the LED display emits Verizon, and the Verizon logo appears in the main display area. In addition, the LED display text is red, such as on a part of the main display. The wall wash is also red, and the rim light segment is white for contrast. The red Verizon theme may be applied during playback of the song, as shown in FIG. 27 , where the Black Eyed Peas song "Boom Boom Pow" is being played.

In certain example embodiments, a custom message may be designed for a song, such as such that when an artist plays the same song, "BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!" is displayed on the LED display.

In this case, priority may be given to the song-specific text. However, the red Verizon theme can be maintained and the text displayed in that color pattern.

In certain embodiment implementations, the coloration may not be as accurate as among other display elements, even when identical colors are assigned.

For example, the LEDs in the array may have a certain CRI or other value influencing the color produced, while the main display may have a certain CRI (a second CRI). CRI) or other values that affect the color produced.

The LEDs in the LED array may still be different from the rim light segment and the like. The wall wash may be affected by the paint on the wall, ambient light, and the like.

To provide consistent coloration, the system can assign different colors to the output, and they seem to be the same to a viewer. The diversity may be predetermined according to several aspects, such as for the LED array, the main display area, and the rim lights.

However, it is not always possible to predict and pre-complement location-specific factors that may influence the final coloration. In such cases, the camera can be used to help determine characteristics of the environment. Data from the camera may be analyzed and/or used to adjust the coloration of one or more elements, so that consistent coloration is possible.

A software-based color filtering module may be provided in certain example embodiments to assist in collecting the data, calculating offset values, and identifying which color is the output for each of the display elements. It may be provided to provide instructions or color offset codes to the operating system to consider if indicated.

[00194] In certain example embodiments, a jukebox device is provided. This may include, for example, at least one display device; a generally elongate array of LED elements provided over the at least one display device; a backwash light arranged at a portion of the back of the jukebox device and configured to generate a light at the back of the jukebox device; a rim light disposed around a periphery of the jukebox device; a substantially circular activation switch or button; a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a plurality of media instances capable of playback via or on the jukebox device; and at least one processor configured to provide a user interface, and further configured to coordinate lighting events based on at least a portion of the events associated with the user interface.

At least one payment collector with an associated payment mechanism attract provided in close relative proximity thereto may also be provided.

The at least one processor may coordinate a lighting event of a dependency of a script (eg, an XML-based script), the script being able to determine when a light is activated, which light is active, and which color is displayed. may include indications for .

At least some instances of media may have themes associated with them, wherein the themes being recognizable by the at least one processor, and when played, the at least one processor with the theme and Generate related lighting events.

Similarly, the jukebox device may be configured to display an advertisement with at least some of the advertisements having a theme associated therewith, the themes being recognizable by the at least one processor, and If so, the at least one processor generates lighting events related to the theme.

A single touch sensitive substrate may be disposed over both the at least one display device and the array of LED elements. The at least one processor may be configured to monitor inputs of the touch-sensitive substrate and selectively activate LED elements in the array of LED elements in response to a sensed touch in an overlying area.

The at least one processor is configured to: generate by offsetting the color values generated by the other light sources in response to a surrounding environment and/or to account for differences in the light generated by the light sources. It can be configured to coordinate lighting events with constant colors.

In certain example embodiments, the jukebox device may further include a camera. The at least one processor may be configured to use data from the camera to determine ambient conditions.

A method of making and/or using such a jukebox device may also be provided by a non-removable computer readable medium storing instructions for tangibly using such a jukebox device and providing such a user interface. can Jukebox systems including a plurality of jukebox devices may also be provided in various exemplary embodiments.

In certain example embodiments, karaoke features may be provided. Karaoke features can be used, for example, by linking songs to lyrical scripts. These scripts can have time-related lyrics in the song, highlighting what should be sung, removing the test once it is sung, introducing new text that should be sung (for highlighting text as it is to be sung), etc. It may further include animation information.

In certain example embodiments, the jukebox may receive live streams. For example, in certain example embodiments, a DJ may stream music from multiple locations to multiple jukeboxes at the same time. Similarly, a DJ at a location may tie into a venue's jukebox system and may turn some or all of the jukeboxes in the venue into a speaker system. Turn.

It is recognized that the flow charts and uses presented above are provided by way of example and without limitation. Other flow diagrams and uses are possible in connection with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Metadata and/or tags associated with the songs may be provided by a commercial service, by the jukebox system, the user, and/or some combination of these and/or other providers. Some of this data may be determined automatically (eg via Fourier analysis and/or other transforms).

For music, metadata, and/or tags such as artist name, album name, song name, genre/style (which may be hierarchical in some instances), Billboard position (when applicable), vale year, popularity based on network play information, lyrics, tempo, beats per minute (BPM), mood, instrument characteristics (eg, strident electric guitars) ), booming drums, twangy guitar, etc.), vocal characteristics, strength characteristics (eg, high energy, moderate, laid back) ), etc.), tone (eg, bright, dark, rich, etc.), and/or the like.

Potential suppliers of this and/or other information include, for example, AMG, BMAT, DoubleV3, EchoNest MixZing, Gracenote, Mufin MusicIP, Music Box, Music Genome Project, and Syntonetic.

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to an entertainment center comprising a computer capable of communicating with a network, said computer comprising at least one display and via standard analog, digital, or network-addressable displays; further coupled, wherein the computer is operable to interact with a remote device coupled to one of the networks in communication with the computer, the remote device operable to accept code and transmit the code to the computer operable, and the computer is capable of validating the code against a database or against an algorithm, and upon positive validation, the computer returns a monetary value or a credit value. configured for assignment to a remote device.

The remote device may be operable to browse content at the computer and the remote device which may be further operable to select or pay for the content using the monetary value or the credit value, the computer to the remote device may be operable to decrease the monetary or credit value upon selection by said remote device. The code may instead or in addition be sent to the remote device and entered into the computer.

Certain example embodiments relate to an out-of-home entertainment center coupled with at least one Internet-based messaging system and/or social networking site and coupled with at least one remote device.

The remote device is connected to the out of home entertainment center by a wired or wireless local area network or via the Internet, and some use of the entertainment center services by the remote device is dependent on the entertainment causing the center to transmit messages to said at least one Internet-based messaging system. Connecting via the Internet may require a system user to enter a code into the remote device that uniquely identifies the entertainment center.

Some of the handheld devices referenced herein may be, for example, those described in U.S. Serial No. 11/902,790 to Applicant, incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure has used specific terminology which should not be construed as limiting the invention to specific embodiments, hardware components and configurations, software arrangements, and the like. For example, many of the features and embodiments have been described with respect to their existence in a bar, pub, or other environment. However, the above features expressed in exemplary embodiments of the present invention are adaptable for use in any location where a jukebox (or multiple jukeboxes) may be located.

Similarly, while certain features and functions are described with reference to use by "users," "owners," "operators," "patrons," and the like, These terms are generic and, in most cases, may be used interchangeably depending on the embodiment selected and the features used.

For instance, while this is advantageous in certain exemplary embodiments, it limits the initial song selection to the owner and/or operator, and the patrons can play the role of said initial song selection. . It is understood that the term "display" includes embedded ICs such as, for example, monitors connected directly or wirelessly with a computer, or IP TV technology.

Displays may be network addressable Also, standard digital signs (LED based) may also be considered displays, and/or network addressable It may be provided as a display (network addressable displays).

Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described with respect to out-of-home locations, this is not to be understood that the techniques described herein are for use in an in-home or personal jukebox. personal jukebox) is perceived as adaptable.

Still further, particular hardware combinations and configurations are described which represent only one way which the embodiments may be constructed. Central servers are, in some example embodiments, acting together or separately to coherently provide the full range of services necessary to enable a functioning jukebox. ) or more servers may be included.

For example, a cluster of servers is a virtual central server, with one server providing media, another tracking membership, still another processing licensing, etc. includes

Similarly, the local servers described herein may be incorporated into the jukeboxes. For example, the local servers may appear to operate independently, even if they exist as part of an integrated mass storage device (eg, a partition) within the jukebox.

In fact, as hard disks become larger and less expensive, they can advantageously provide the functionality of local servers.

Also, the different term "song" is often used in the description above, and the term should not limit the scope of the present invention, but should not limit any media instance or instances (such as a song, video, song/video combination, data, information, etc.) may be used in any embodiment herein and still fall within the intended scope of the present invention (can be used in any embodiment herein and still fall).

Finally, the screen shots and software arrangements presented herein are merely one exemplary method for configuring and displaying the features described herein. Other configurations are possible and are therefore contemplated herein.

While preferred aspects of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent that various changes and/or modifications may be made to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific description is intended herein for illustrative purposes only, and should not limit the invention beyond the terminology of the appended claims.