Digital on-demand device with improved user interface and related methods

Abstract

Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems, and more particularly, to jukebox systems that include digital download jukebox characteristics and improved user interfaces. For example, an intelligent search is provided, for example, search results may vary according to a degree of popularity of songs on site, a promotion situation of the songs, and the like. According to another example, a method of organizing a group of songs based on a tile is provided. Groups may include self-populated sets of songs that combine concentrated promotional songs, songs of a particular genre popular with an audiovisual distribution network, and local popular songs that match the particular genre (e.g., common attributes such as genres, artists, etc. ). According to different physical designs of the jukebox, different magnetic sticker visual displays can be designed. In certain exemplary embodiments, a packaged core unit having a jukebox "brain (brai n)" is inserted into a docking station.

Description

Divisional Application Instructions

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application (P1) with the application date of March 25, 2015, the application number of 202111436240.2, and the invention name of "Digital on-demand device with improved user interface and related methods". The invention patent application (P1) is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of March 25, 2015, the application number of 201580027906.5, and the invention name of "Digital on-demand device with improved user interface and related methods". CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the full benefit of U.S. Application No. 61 / 970,338, filed on March 25, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This application incorporates by reference the entire contents of U.S. Application Nos. 61 / 920,688 and 29 / 477,654, filed on December 24, 2013.

[0004] This application also incorporates by reference the entire contents of U.S. application No. 13 / 833,173, filed on March 15, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No. 13 / 621,922, filed on September 18, 2012, and U.S. application No. 13 / 621,922 claims all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 584,750, filed on January 9, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 536,015, filed on September 18, 2011.

[0005] This application also incorporates by reference the entire contents of U.S. application No. 13 / 138,660, filed on March 5, 2012, which is a national phase application of international application No. PCT / US2010 / 000799, filed on March 17, 2010, and international application No. PCT / US2010 / 000799 claims all the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 202,617, filed on March 18, 2009.

[0006] This application also incorporates by reference the entire contents of U.S. Application No. 12 / 929,466, filed on January 26, 2011, which claims the entire benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 431,036, filed on January 9, 2011, and No. 61 / 298,509, filed on January 26, 2010. Technical Field

[0007] Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that include digital download jukebox features and an improved user interface. Background technology and invention content

[0008] Jukeboxes have been around for decades, providing consumers with a lot of convenience and help in selecting and copying their favorite music. Jukeboxes are often used in commercial establishments (such as restaurants and bars) to provide customers with music they request for a fee. In the past few years, a new generation of automatic on-demand devices has begun to appear, which have provided great improvements to the operation of related social gatherings. More specifically, traditional independent record and CD players are gradually being replaced by digital download on-demand devices, which are connected to and controlled by a central server. An example of this new type of automatic on-demand system is found in U.S. Patent No. 6,308,204, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. A leading supplier of this new generation of automatic on-demand systems is TouchTunes Music.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows an overview of an exemplary embodiment of a digital download automatic on-demand system 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "automatic on-demand system"). As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic on-demand system 10 includes a central server 12, which includes a main library of audio content (usually music) and / or audiovisual content (usually videos or images related to music), and consumers can download these contents from the server. The automatic on-demand system also includes a series of remote automatic on-demand devices 16 and 16a-16f, which are mainly used in bars, restaurants, clubs or other places where there is a demand for the device, and can play music (for example, from a suitable storage location, such as from a local server, a central or possible remote server, from a local storage, etc.) When consumers pay with coins, banknotes, credit cards or debit cards, they can operate these on-demand devices to make the on-demand machine play one or more selected songs. In another embodiment, the end user can enjoy free music services after subscribing to the relevant service. The automatic on-demand device 16 usually includes a screen 18 that displays information for the user, and the user can select songs through the screen, and the audio system 20 is responsible for playing these songs. Screen 18 can also be used to display videos or pictures related to songs, or to advertise itself to attract consumers, or other types of advertisements, and / or display other information that may be needed.

[0010] The automatic on-demand device 16 (sometimes referred to as a "jukebox") can communicate with the central server 12 via a communication network 14 (such as the Internet). The automatic on-demand device 16 will communicate with the central server 12 regularly to provide the server 12 with information about the songs that the on-demand device has played. The central server will determine the royalties and / or other fees that should be paid to each of the songs played by the on-demand device based on this information. Therefore, one of the advantages of this new automatic on-demand device is that the playback of sound and / or other appropriate music copyrights can be more accurately and reliably complied with and guaranteed, thereby ensuring that artists or music owners can receive appropriate royalties. The central server 12 can also provide new songs for the on-demand device 16 to ensure that these on-demand devices have the most popular songs among specific local consumer groups. Therefore, the songs available on each on-demand device can be customized through communication with the central server, so as to provide songs or music types required by consumers in various places. As described in U.S. Patent No. 6,308,204, the central server can easily update the operating software on the on-demand machine, thereby changing the operation of these on-demand machines, such as providing new or improved features. Thus, another advantage of the new jukebox is that the songs (or other audio and / or visual content) on the jukebox and the operation of the jukebox can be changed remotely as needed, without having to have a dedicated person (such as a staff member dedicated to a particular route) to service the device. Instead, the central server 12 can perform such updates itself.

[0011] As described above, the automatic jukebox device 16 includes a large-capacity storage device, such as a hard disk drive for storing songs and related video / picture data (if any) and any other image information for copying. Compared with the storage device of the central server 12, the large-capacity storage device of the jukebox is usually limited in capacity. Therefore, only a part of the songs on the central server can be stored on the large-capacity storage device at any time. Of course, there may be other reasons, such as data security or limited space on the jukebox itself, because the storage space on the jukebox is limited and / or the number of songs they can store is limited. For example, the physical space of a wall-mounted or similar jukebox may be limited, and the volume of this jukebox is originally designed to be smaller than that of a freely placed jukebox. In summary, the songs in the jukebox can be changed through the central server, but compared with the music reserve of the entire music library of the central server, the songs stored in a jukebox may only be a relatively small subset.

[0012] In order to maximize the revenue brought by the automatic on-demand device, it is important to add the most marketable songs to the on-demand machine. If consumers cannot find their favorite songs in the on-demand machine, their utilization rate of the on-demand machine will be greatly reduced, and the revenue brought by the on-demand machine will also decrease. On the other hand, it is not always possible to accurately predict in advance the songs that consumers in a certain area hope to find on the on-demand machine. In fact, there may be many cases where consumers will choose a song that exists on the central server but has not yet been put online on the on-demand machine. In this way, the on-demand machine cannot be used and consumed to the maximum extent. In order to solve this problem and increase revenue, the automatic on-demand system has provided a function that enables consumers to search for songs on the central server on the on-demand machine, and they can immediately download their favorite songs on the central server from the on-demand machine for a fee. This feature enables consumers to play any song located in the main library of the central server through the on-demand machine, regardless of whether the song is currently stored in the large-capacity memory of the on-demand machine. Therefore, consumers can first search for the song they want to find in the local storage of the on-demand machine (for example, related to the search function, which can be entered by selecting the search function key of the central server on the screen). Compared to playing the song directly from the local storage of the on-demand device, the on-demand device generally charges an additional fee (e.g., 5 credits instead of 1 credit) for instantly downloading and playing a song from the central server.

[0013] As can be seen above, the "conventional wisdom" is to try to maximize profits and ensure broad appeal by offering more media services or songs on the jukebox. In other words, the conventional wisdom and the industry's idea is to make the jukebox offer as many media services or songs as possible so that the jukebox can be suitable for any occasion. This theory is based in part on the idea that "it is easier to provide a single standard jukebox with as many services as possible than to provide multiple jukeboxes with limited media content." This idea, in turn, may have its practical roots: traditional non-digital jukeboxes have strict restrictions on the number of songs they can play, and even early digital jukeboxes that have expanded their song capacity are still subject to restrictions such as licensing, accounting requirements, and download speeds.

[0014] The inventors of this patent have recently realized that conventional wisdom is no longer entirely accurate and that underlying assumptions may be slightly flawed. For example, the inventors of this application have recently discovered that offering as many media services as possible is not necessarily necessary in all circumstances. This discovery is based in part on the inventors' recognition that offering as many media services as possible means that patrons have more opportunities to play music that is inconsistent with the authenticity or identity of the venue. For example, the authenticity and identity of a "motorcycle bar" may be undermined by certain patrons when they play songs they consider popular or trendy, just as playing hip-hop or blues music in a line dance venue may undermine its authenticity or identity. For all of the above reasons, the inventors of this instant application have experienced many difficulties in equipping different venues with jukeboxes. Unexpectedly, these experiences of the inventors provide evidence for the ability to selectively "filter" music (e.g., screen out songs, music genres, and / or preferences that are not easily accepted, complete, and / or not liked by patrons of a particular occasion).

[0015] In addition to the media played, the inventors of this instant application have also found that the physical appearance of the for-profit jukebox is sometimes unpopular. In fact, they have found that the physical appearance of these jukeboxes or jukebox terminals is simply because the device looks like a jukebox (for example, such jukeboxes have payment receptors, they have touch screens that selectively present information in an "attractive mode", and have flashing or changing neon lights, etc.). On a possibly related issue, the inventors of this instant application have found that the content displayed on the jukebox or jukebox terminal may not be liked. As mentioned above, the physical appearance of the automatic jukebox device and / or the content displayed on the jukebox device may threaten to undermine the authenticity or identity of the venue to which it belongs. To give a perhaps more accurate example, the inventors of this application have found that so-called "super lounges" often react negatively to the appearance of traditional jukeboxes. To give another example, the inventors of this instant application have found that the "wrong" type of advertisements or media may appear in places like super lounges. Compared to album art, concert advertisements, etc., super lounges prefer or should show attractive men and women wearing fashionable clothes and accessories.

[0016] Another discovery of the inventor of the present application is that the traditional way that people find music (including songs, artists, etc.) has gradually become outdated. In addition to this, or instead of this, potential consumers are currently discovering music through new and diverse channels such as watching music television, listening to radio stations, or paying attention to advertisements. The user interface for users to browse or search for music through automatic on-demand devices generally provides consumers with browsing and searching by providing information such as artist names, song titles, albums, etc. However, these technologies cannot ensure that consumers will find new or different types of music, and it can still only be regarded as traditional music discovery technology. The inventor of the present application realizes that potential consumers today are usually more interested in music found through non-traditional social networks or on websites such as social networks that generate pure "buzz"

[0017] In light of the above findings and understandings, further improvements to jukebox devices are valuable. Similarly, some or even all of these improvements may run counter to traditional ideas and / or industry-standard behavior, which is also valuable. For example, from a traditional perspective, providing more limited media options may be seen as a step backward, but the inventor believes that some people may prefer to provide consumers with more limited choices for the purpose of protecting the authenticity or identity of a particular occasion. For another example, people generally believe that jukebox devices have many classic designs, and digital jukebox devices have updated these classic designs; however, the inventor believes that today's jukeboxes are no longer as utilitarian and ubiquitous as people thought in the past. In addition, traditional browsing and / or search technologies have been updated, which also reflects the new way potential consumers discover and experience music.

[0018] In general, certain exemplary embodiments relate to innovative user interfaces that enable immersion of a user in an interactive jukebox world, wherein user interface elements can provide multi-dimensional interaction with a collection of media instances, synchronized external and / or internal lighting effects and / or projections, play queue displays and / or controls, blurring / focusing of elements, synchronized lyrics display, etc. Certain exemplary embodiments described herein may also include cameras and / or LEDs, for example, enabling the use or incorporation of artist and / or user portraits into or into the jukebox interface, cameras that can be used in attract mode or fly mode or as mirrors, lighting elements that function as camera flashes, LEDs that are used to simulate tactile feedback displayed on a touch screen or in a user welcome display message, providing a jukebox-based security system, providing contextual advertising, etc. Certain exemplary embodiments may provide suitable auto-complete search recommendations, as well as set lists and / or enhanced collection type browsing.

[0019] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a jukebox device having these user interfaces, and / or a system having these jukebox devices. Similarly, according to certain exemplary embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores programs that, when executed, implement the methods described herein.

[0020] Certain exemplary embodiments utilize a profile and tile approach (e.g., described in detail below) that is more dynamic and customizable than the catalog-based approach commonly used in music playback systems. The approach of certain exemplary embodiments is advantageous because a catalog (in the form of multiple selections) displays too much information to a potential customer, so the likelihood that most songs will be played is extremely low. Although some attempts have been made to provide ranking based on popularity, a potential customer may not know where a song is located in the popularity list, or a song may not be listed at all, so the customer may be returned to a very long and daunting alphabetical list. Certain exemplary embodiments use a cloud-based, profile-related music promotion method that can effectively narrow the music list to the range of songs that the potential customer may be more interested in. In other words, certain exemplary embodiments separate the catalog from the actual promoted music.

[0021] In certain exemplary embodiments, a playlist or the like in a profile may contain a certain number or percentage of promotional songs, network-wide favorite songs that fit the profile, and local jukebox favorite songs that fit the profile. For example, a provider's music department may select 5% of the total entries in a rock playlist for promotion, 30% of the entries in the list may be network-wide favorite rock songs, and the remainder may be local jukebox favorite rock songs. Thus, certain exemplary embodiments involve self-populating playlists that combine scheduled promotional songs, genre-based songs that are popular across the network, and local popularity of songs with the same playlist attributes (e.g., genre or similar artists).

[0022] The same or similar methods may be used when displaying search results. In other words, certain exemplary embodiments provide intelligent search, where search results may change based on the popularity of the song in the scene, taking into account promotions by jukebox vendors and / or others for the song.

[0023] In certain exemplary embodiments, archives, searches, and the like may be driven by analytics. Events may be recorded locally on the jukebox or collected and processed centrally, for example, to offload processing power, maintain audit logs, gain visibility into network conditions, and the like. Recorded events may include, for example, touches, times, and searches. These events may be recorded for use in evaluating a music collection and / or the order of items in a collection. For example, a short time interval between payment and music selection may be required, selections after a single scroll and selections after two scrolls (although these may also be fewer options than the aforementioned) may also be highly desirable, and clicking a back button may be considered negative feedback. Advantageously, a cloud-based music promotion system may provide a customized experience on each occasion.

[0024] Images may be carefully selected and possibly animated to attract users. For example, while album covers may have been used in the past, more provocative or more current / current images may be used here (e.g., from social media, current events, news media stories, etc.). In some exemplary embodiments, the top-level items may have more provocative images, while the second-level items may have more prospective, album-related images.

[0025] Certain exemplary embodiments allow specific types of users to build profiles, playlists, tiles, and / or the like. As will be apparent from the description below, these items can be generated programmatically and implemented in a hierarchical manner. These user types can include operators, venue operators, customers, and / or others.

[0026] Certain exemplary embodiments include (1) a centralized gateway that maintains a list of archives, playlists, tiles, etc. and determines when updates are to be made to a jukebox, and (2) a back-end software package that is capable of creating, updating, and / or managing these and / or other items. The latter may be linked to a directory of authorized users, but the former may ensure that jukebox patrons can only interact with promoted music based on archives, etc. distributed across a single jukebox.

[0027] Certain exemplary embodiments, features and advantages disclosed herein may be implemented in other exemplary embodiments in any suitable combination or sub-combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention may be further understood through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments (together with the following drawings), in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a traditional download digital automatic on-demand system.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an improved automatic on-demand system 10'.

[0031] Figure 3 is an example “home screen” that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 is an example search screen that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Figure 5 is used Figure 4 An example screenshot of search results for a specific artist when viewing the search screen for .

[0034] Figure 6 is used Figure 4 Another example screenshot of search results for a specific artist when viewing the search screen for .

[0035] Figure 7 is used Figure 4 An example screenshot of search results for a specific album when viewing the search screen for .

[0036] Figure 8 is used Figure 4 An example screenshot of search results for a specific album when browsing the search screen in .

[0037] Fig. 9 is an example “top plays” screen that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0038] Fig.10 is another example “hot plays” screen that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Fig.11 is an example “Discover” screen that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Fig.12 It is available from Fig.11 Example Discover screen with selected example New Artist screen.

[0041] Fig.13 It is available from Fig.11 Example Discover screen with the sample New Albums screen selected.

[0042] Fig.14 It is available from Fig.11 Another example New Albums screen selected from the example Discover screen.

[0043] Fig.15 is useful in some exemplary embodiments Fig.11 Another view of the example Discover screen for .

[0044] Fig.16 is useful in some exemplary embodiments Fig.11Another view of the example Discover screen for .

[0045] Fig.17 is an example “song listing page” for a selected artist, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Fig.18 is an example “album list page” for a selected artist, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0047] Fig.19 It's about Fig.18 Example details screen for an album selected in the example “Album List Page” in Figure 1.

[0048] Fig. 20 is an example “play screen” in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0049] Fig.21 is another example “play screen” in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0050] Fig. 22 is yet another example “play screen” in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0051] Fig.23 is yet another example “play screen” in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0052] Fig.24 is an example My TouchTunes login screen in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0053] Fig.25 is a schematic diagram of an example screen associated with certain exemplary embodiments, with other user interface elements also present on the screen.

[0054] Fig.26 According to an exemplary embodiment, a Fig.25 The carousel view in the example design shown.

[0055] Fig. 27 An updated carousel view according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, for example, when a user has "browsed" at least some of the Fig.26 The view behind the tile.

[0056] Fig.28 shows a comparison that can be performed after a new song is added to the queue according to some exemplary embodiments. Fig. 27 Updates to the example screen shown.

[0057] According to certain exemplary embodiments, Fig.29 It shows that Fig.28 Example screenshot with the screen modified to fit a partial queue display.

[0058] According to certain exemplary embodiments, Fig.30 Updated Fig.29 to reflect previously played songs.

[0059] Fig.31 is similar to the above Figure 4 Search screen.

[0060] Fig.32 is an example search results screen according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] Fig.33 An enlarged artist view is shown according to an exemplary embodiment, for example, as if the artist tile or the corresponding element of the control element is from Fig.32 Selected from.

[0062] Figure 34-35 is an example screen illustrating adaptive completion of a search according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0063] Fig.36 is an example specific artist page in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0064] Fig.37 Shows Fig.36 The drop-down list is expanded.

[0065] Fig.38 Including according to Fig.37 Select an option from the drop-down list shown to rearrange the song list.

[0066] Fig.39 is an example screen shot showing an expanded album view, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0067] Fig.40 Shows the Fig.39 The sample screen updates to show that another album has been selected.

[0068] Fig.41 2 is an example screen showing a playlist arranged in a tile view according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0069] Fig.42 When Fig.41 Example screen displayed when a playlist in is selected.

[0070] Fig.43 Shown with Fig. 22 Similar example playback screen.

[0071] Fig.44 is shown with Fig.39Example screen shot of a similar expanded album view.

[0072] Fig.45 is an example “New and Popular Songs” screen in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0073] Figures 46-47 is an example genre view in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Fig.48 is a front perspective view of an example jukebox according to certain exemplary embodiments, which may be configured with the user interface described herein.

[0075] Fig.49 According to an exemplary embodiment, it can be used Fig.48 A front view of the built-in core of the example jukebox shown.

[0076] Fig.50 yes Fig.49 A bottom plan view of an example core is shown.

[0077] Fig.51 yes Fig.49 Right side view of the example core shown.

[0078] Fig.52 yes Fig.51 Rotated version.

[0079] Fig.53 yes Fig.48 A front perspective view of the interior of an example jukebox, the jukebox being prepared to receive Fig.49 The core shown.

[0080] Fig.54 yes Fig.48 A front view of an example jukebox of Figure 55-56 The referenced section line.

[0081] Fig.55 is along Fig.54 A cross-sectional view of a section line, where Fig.49 The example core is shown within the jukebox housing with the lever in the unlocked or "core up" position.

[0082] Fig.56 is along Fig.54 A cross-sectional view of the section line shown, wherein Fig.49 The example core is shown within the jukebox housing with the lever in the locked or "core latch" position.

[0083] Fig.57 yes Fig.48 A front view of a jukebox, showing Figure 58-59 The section line referenced.

[0084] Fig.58 is along Fig.57 A cross-sectional view of a section line in which Fig.49 The core is shown in the jukebox housing with the lever in the unlocked or "core up" position.

[0085] Fig.59 is along Fig.57 A cross-sectional view of a section line in which Fig.49 The core is shown in the jukebox housing with the lever in the locked or "core latch" position.

[0086] Fig.60 According to an exemplary embodiment, it can be used Fig.48 Example of a front perspective view of the fan tray in a jukebox.

[0087] Fig.61 Shows Fig.60 The range of movement of the elements of an example fan tray is shown.

[0088] Fig.62 yes Fig.60 A top plan view of an example fan tray is shown illustrating the fan tray's electronic fan controller.

[0089] Fig.63 yes Fig.60 Front view of example fan tray shown.

[0090] Fig.64 yes Fig.60 Bottom plan view of an example fan tray shown.

[0091] Fig.65 It is located in the housing of the jukebox. Fig.60 A front perspective view of an example fan tray is shown.

[0092] Fig.66 yes Fig.48 A front view of the example jukebox shown, showing Figures 67-68 The referenced section line.

[0093] Fig.67 is along Fig.66 Sectional view along line AA.

[0094] Fig.68 is along Fig.66 Cross-sectional view of line CC in .

[0095] Fig.69 is a sample profile details page that may be used to create a new profile according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0096] Fig.70a is an example screen for creating a new profile that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments.

[0097] Fig.70b is a table showing an example archive data header format that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0098] Fig.71a is an example tile creation screen that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0099] Fig.71b A table showing an example tile definition format that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0100] Fig.72 yes Fig.69 A zoomed-in view of the lower area of ​​the screen is shown, showing the tiles that will soon be added to the archive.

[0101] Figure 71c(1)-71c(2) Another example tile definition format is provided that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0102] Fig.73a An example profile analysis screen is shown that may be presented to a user in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0103] Figure 73a(1)-73a(4) Revenue-related or play-related data is shown, which may be used as part of an analytical model, according to certain exemplary embodiments.

[0104] Figure 73b is an example tile analysis view that may be presented to a user in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0105] Fig.74 is an example new tile creation screen that may be used to create a dynamic tile according to certain exemplary embodiments.

[0106] Fig.75 is an example permission screen that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] Now refer to the accompanying drawings, Figure 21 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an improved automatic on-demand system 10'. The automatic on-demand system 10' includes similar elements as shown in FIG. 1: a central server 12, a communication network 14, and remote automatic on-demand devices 16, 16a-16f. However, the automatic on-demand system 10' also includes local servers 22, 22a-22f of the automatic on-demand devices connected to the automatic on-demand devices 16, 16a-16f, respectively. The central server 12 includes a master library of songs (and / or other content). Each automatic on-demand device includes a subset of the master library located on the local storage device of the on-demand machine. The central server may realize personalized management of the content of the automatic on-demand device by monitoring the use and update of the song subset on each automatic on-demand device, thereby maximizing its utilization. The central server 12 regularly receives data from each on-demand machine to count the royalties of the songs played and the payments received. The automatic on-demand device may be connected to the network in any suitable manner, such as a dial-up modem or a broadband modem (such as a digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, wireless broadband or satellite). The communication network 14 can be any network that can distribute data (such as audio-visual data) from a central server to the on-demand player 16, and can also enable data to be uploaded from the on-demand player 16 to the central server 12.

[0108] Before sending songs (and / or other data) to the jukebox, the central server 12 may use existing technologies to digitize, compress and encrypt these songs or data for security and bandwidth considerations. After receiving the data, the jukebox will decompress and decrypt the data, and then store and copy it. Therefore, each jukebox in the database has a digital song library available for play, and this song library can be changed or updated through communication between the jukebox and the central server. The jukebox can also receive and store data images (such as still or dynamic videos or pictures) that can be displayed on the screen 18 of the jukebox device 16. In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the jukebox device has a structure and operation similar to that of U.S. Patent No. 6,308,204 cited above. Therefore, each jukebox device 16 may include one or more microprocessors, such as a main CPU and an audio DSP (digital signal processor), a hard disk drive for storing songs or other content, a display for displaying visual items, an audio array 20 for providing audio, a communication system that enables the jukebox to communicate with the central server 12 via a communication network 14, and operating software including a multi-tasking operating system for controlling the operation of the jukebox. As described in U.S. Patent No. 6,308,204 cited above, the communication software can be updated through communication with the central server 12. The jukebox 16 further includes one or more payment devices (such as coin, banknote and / or credit card payment entrances) to facilitate the user's use of the jukebox. The screen 18 can be a touch screen that supports the user to input selections by touching the screen.

[0109] In one embodiment, each jukebox device has a local server 22 that it can access. These local servers can be connected to the jukebox device via Ethernet or other types of local connections. In another embodiment, the local server can be simplified as a logical extension (such as a partition, directory or area) of a jukebox hard drive, rather than an independent hardware device. The local servers 22 may each include a mirror copy of the master library of music records maintained by the central server 12. Before the local server and the jukebox device are transported to the jukebox dealer or operator, the local server 22 can load the master library through the entity that owns or controls the jukebox network. Of course, over time, as the central server will continue to update other or new songs, the local server will no longer be consistent with the central server. Therefore, in order to keep consistent with the song library of the central server 12, the local server 22 should also be updated regularly. This update can be completed by using one of the two means of dial-up Internet access or a broadband modem to enable the jukebox device connected to the local server 22 to communicate with the central server 12. Alternatively, the update can be done directly with an update tool by a routeman or other person directly connected to the jukebox or local server to achieve the purpose of updating the content on the local server. Such a portable tool may include a removable storage medium (such as a hard drive) that can be returned to the owner of the jukebox system and reused by the owner for future updates. The tool can be kept by the jukebox manager or other staff responsible for maintaining the jukebox and can be used after receiving the updated removable storage medium from the owner of the jukebox system.

[0110] For security reasons, the local server 22 may not include all the digital data stored thereon that constitute any one song. In addition, the portion of the song located on the local server will also be encrypted. The jukebox device 16 contains the missing portion of each song on the local server, so that a complete song can be constructed based on the local server and the jukebox device memory. Decrypting the song requires the missing data located on the jukebox. For example, a single block (or other smaller fragment) of data for a song may be missing on the local server but appear on the jukebox device, and the encryption of the song can be performed on the basis of the missing data block according to a data block based on the basic block. Therefore, no data block can be decrypted without obtaining and / or decrypting a previous data block. This feature can prevent and stop the songs on the local server from being stolen, copied or otherwise used in an unauthorized manner, providing important security protection. Therefore, in this embodiment, each local server must be specifically assigned to a specific jukebox device so that the encryption work mentioned above can proceed normally.

[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment, the local server may also be separately registered and authenticated on the central server 12 to ensure that the central server can independently manage and monitor each local server. Similarly, for the on-demand device itself, it should also complete registration on the central server and accept the separate monitoring and management of the central server. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the local server becomes a very important and beneficial part of the on-demand system by allowing the on-demand device to access the content on the local server and provide additional services (such as providing additional songs) that the on-demand device cannot provide. The music library and / or storage capacity of the central server itself can help provide services for other on-demand machines (such as paid residential on-demand devices, commercial on-demand devices or other fee-based devices). One of the uses of the local server is to provide instant song downloads.

[0112] Certain exemplary embodiments include a new user interface for discovering and browsing data content, such as using a touch screen. Certain exemplary embodiments can obtain information about the location, direction, and speed of the received touch. This information can then be used to help the user operate on objects within the display screen space.

[0113] In this case, the space is the overall graphical area where all graphical elements are displayed. A collection generally refers to a logical collection of media files that may be selectively filtered, such as to display and make available only those media files that meet criteria for different levels of performance. These media files are sometimes represented by images. Objects generally refer to songs, artists, playlists, games, or media sources presented in sequence from a central directory. The objects represented are sometimes considered to be subjects subject to user or venue preferences and attributes of the objects being browsed. As described in the applicant's co-pending application (referenced above), it may be necessary to provide an authentication mechanism that, among other things, identifies the user and provides security credential authorization.

[0114] The following will be combined with the attached Figure 3-24 The example screenshots shown depict example user interfaces. Figure 3An example "home screen" that can be used in certain specific exemplary embodiments is shown, which includes a set of four navigation elements, namely 302a-302d, which respectively enable the user to enter the home screen, start a search, access "hot play (topplays), and "discover" music in a new and intuitive way. Since the user is currently located at the home screen, the first main element 302a is displayed as highlighted to indicate that it is active. The features associated with other elements 302b-302d will be described in detail below. It can be seen that in certain exemplary embodiments, these main navigation elements 302a-302d can be across multiple screens to provide a consistent look and feel for the user and make it easy to navigate among these common highlighted features.

[0115] Other information is displayed below the main navigation elements 302a-302d along the left side of the screen, which may be displayed throughout some or all of the other views. For example, icon 304 provides instructions on how to download a software application (app) to a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, phablet, or the like), for example, to enable a user to at least partially control the jukebox. These features enable the user to, for example, order songs, purchase credits, etc. Additional information about the jukebox provider can be obtained by clicking on the "About" button 306. Legal information (e.g., copyright, patents, and / or other information) is displayed on the screen. Promotional items may also be displayed in this area.

[0116] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, a song promotion push button 308 is shown. This particular promotion is connected to an external social networking site (Twitter in this example), allowing registered users of the jukebox who have an external social networking site account to post (in this example, post a tweet) the song they are listening to through the jukebox. This also simulates the functionality of a similar application (app) and, for example, enables users to search for songs posted by other users. Of course, other promotions can use the methods provided here or other methods, and in different instances, these promotions may or may not be connected to external social networking sites.

[0117] Similar to the leftmost pane that displays navigation elements 302b-302d, etc., the top status bar provides information that can be used across multiple screens to provide the user with selection-aiding information and / or information of general interest, regardless of which feature is active or being activated. For example, the top status bar includes a "now playing" indication 310, which, in this example, indicates the name of the song, the artist or band performing the song, the album, or other pictures associated with the song. The credit indicator 312 can also indicate the credit value entered into the jukebox that can be used for playback, karaoke, photo booth, purchase of music, and / or other purposes. The design of this example can also provide information about the number of credits spent. Other information that may be helpful to the user can be displayed in the top status bar regardless of which part of the user interface the user is accessing. For example, a login button (e.g., enabling a jukebox user to log into the jukebox using a jukebox-specific username / password combination, using an external social networking site such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. for single sign-on (SSO), using an email account, etc.), a language selection button, a help button (e.g., triggering context-sensitive help that can be customized based on specific screen display content in some cases) may be provided here or elsewhere. Many user interface elements may support internationalization, such as replacing a hard-coded text or image in a database table with an identification label corresponding to English, French, Spanish, etc. and / or text written in English, French, Spanish, etc. The system may use the selected interface language and replace the label with the correct text based on the language selected by the user.

[0118] At the bottom of the screen, specific jukebox-related advertisements may be displayed. Figure 3 In the example of , a ranking type of advertisement is displayed, highlighting the "Ultimate Jive Classics" playlist. This playlist (similar to some or all of the other playlists described below) can be a user-managed song selection that can be used for playback. This particular playlist may include, for example, popular on-demand songs selected by a group of market and / or music professionals, such as "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, "I Love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett, "Sweet Caroline," by Neil Diamond, etc. Ranking type advertisements can run through multiple screens, with a lower priority than the main navigation elements 302b-302d and / or the upper status bar. In other words, this ranking type of advertisement can run through multiple screens, unless it is removed to make room for other content, etc., if additional space is needed. The same is true for the main navigation elements 302b-302d and / or the upper status bar, but, at least in some exemplary embodiments, they will only be removed when removing the lower ranking type advertisements still cannot provide enough space for other content, etc.

[0119] The upper status bar, the lower ranking advertisement and the main navigation elements 302b-302d define Figure 3 . The main content area of ​​the example screenshot in . The main content area may include several portions, such as defined by consecutive rows. The first row includes a particular jukebox-related advertisement 316. In this example, the jukebox-related advertisement 316 is about a new album and includes promotional graphics related to the album, in this case, including a photo of Kid Rock, his name, and a stylized version of the title of the new album being promoted. Of course, other jukebox-related advertisements may be provided, such as advertising artists, songs, record labels, events, etc. Although certain advertisements are described as jukebox-related advertisements (e.g., because they are related to music and can be played on a jukebox), in some exemplary embodiments, non-jukebox-related advertisements may be provided in addition to or alternatively in, for example, portion 316 or other portions.

[0120] The second row 318 includes elements corresponding to different playlists. As mentioned above, in some exemplary embodiments, these playlists may be user-managed. Figure 3 Example playlists displayed in the example include favorites, disco songs, and "hot hits". In some exemplary embodiments, user-generated playlists may be provided in addition to or in place of user-managed playlists. The user may select a playlist by clicking on it and be transitioned to the screen described below. The user may also access other playlists by clicking and expanding to the left or right, for example.

[0121] The third row 320 includes elements corresponding to individual songs. These songs are designated as "Topplays." In some exemplary embodiments, these are pre-selected items, such as to promote a certain band, record, record company, upcoming event, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, top plays for a single location; including all locations, such as those served by a single operator, owned by a single party, within a predetermined neighborhood or group of locations, etc.; top plays throughout the entire jukebox network; and / or the like, will be provided in the area. In some exemplary embodiments, this information may be based on industry standards or other charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Genre Chart, etc. As described above, the user can also click and expand left or right, for example, to access other playlists.

[0122] The user can also click and expand upward to access more horizontal content. For example, other advertisements, song groups, jukebox-related services (e.g., karaoke, photo booths, games, etc.), and / or the like can be made visible and accessible. In certain exemplary embodiments, a real-time or substantially real-time "now playing" stream of songs played across the entire network can be provided, for example, in a row. A central server or other unit can, for example, receive data related to playback from a single jukebox device in the network. The playback information can be used to account for songs requested over a period of time, within a configurable fixed or sliding window (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.), and / or in other ways. In a specific exemplary embodiment, this information can be displayed like a Wall Street ticker, such as showing the upward and downward movement of the top 40 or other number of songs based on network data collected in real time or substantially real time. These movements can be based on window-to-window changes, and conveyed using simple up and down arrows (optionally, the arrows can be coded green and red or vice versa). In other cases, the magnitude of the movement may be recorded, for example, using a plus or minus sign, optionally also together with or instead of a certain number of points and / or the like.

[0123] In some exemplary embodiments, the songs displayed on the home screen may be grouped according to the number of credits they cost. For example, a user may choose to view only songs that cost 1 credit, songs that cost 1 or 2 credits, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, a default display may include songs that cost 1 or 2 credits, but this default may be updated based on user selections.

[0124] Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described as including more or less "fixed" elements located at the top, left, and bottom of the screen, other combinations of such information may also be provided. Figure 3 The combination of displaying in the middle is feasible for English and other language communities, for example, because users tend to focus on the main content displayed in a roughly vertically centered position and to the right (e.g., because many languages ​​are written from left to right and from top to bottom). However, in other language communities, these fixed elements can be moved around the screen and / or swapped with each other. For example, for a Hebrew community, the main navigation elements 302a-302d can be moved to the right side of the screen, for example, because this language is written from right to left and from top to bottom. For Asian languages, based on writing conventions, etc., a column-based approach may be more appropriate, with the columns arranged in order. Figure 3 The basic elements shown in are rotated 90 degrees.

[0125] Figure 4 is an example search screen that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments. When an initial search is requested, e.g., before the user enters any search criteria, Figure 4 In addition to including the primary navigation elements 302a-302d (search element 302b is highlighted to indicate that it is selected), there is also an upper status bar. This upper area can be expanded to accommodate other control elements, such as breadcrumbs for displaying the "path" selected by the user through the jukebox interface, a back button 402 (in some exemplary embodiments, it takes the user back to the previous page), and a back button 403 (in some exemplary embodiments, it takes the user back to the previous page). Figure 3 In some embodiments, the back button is used to display the same page in a different way, such as by default, or by default, and / or the like. However, in order to make room for other content items, the ranking list ads at the bottom are removed. Generally, the back button functions similarly to the back button of a browser. That is, if the user is about to enter a new page, section or mode, then the back button is activated. On the other hand, if it is not applicable, it is inferred that the user is simply displaying the same page in a different way, and the back button should not return to the previous state.

[0126] Referring to the main content area, one or more sponsored or other advertisements 404 may be displayed prior to receiving user input. These advertisements may be randomly selected based on a predetermined advertising campaign and / or based on other criteria as associated information with the currently playing song in response to known information about the logged-in user. Advertisements 404 may include active links that enable the user to access more content related to the advertisement, such as by clicking on it. For example, this advertisement may open, for example, a web browser or the like with other content, which may be, for example, a QR code that the user may scan to obtain a discount, store map, game, and / or the like that may be redeemed later at a certain location. Nevertheless, these additional contents may be expressed in the context of the jukebox ecosystem, for example, by placing control elements at the top or bottom (and / or other locations on the screen) so that the user feels connected to the main jukebox environment.

[0127] The user can use keyboard 406 to provide input to the search engine. The characters entered can be displayed in text input area 408. If no characters are entered, then the text input area 408 can simply indicate the selected portion of the directory to be searched. However, in order to indicate that this is descriptive text (rather than input text), these indicators can be set to a lighter color, thinner line width, italic, etc.

[0128] The portion of the directory to be searched may be specified by selecting one of control elements 410a-410c. Figure 4 In the example shown, these control elements enable the user to specify artists, albums, and / or songs to search for. Figure 4In the illustrated example, artist control element 410a is selected and highlighted, and since no user data has been provided via keyboard 406, text entry area 408 also displays the selection. In certain exemplary embodiments, a song search will search for song titles and / or lyrics.

[0129] Figure 5 is used Figure 4 An example screenshot of search results for an artist when viewing the search screen for Figure 5 As shown, the user enters the text "ZXY321" in text input area 408 to perform an artist search. No matching artists are found, and a similar indication is displayed in search result summary area 502. List-based search result list 504 itself is blank. In some exemplary embodiments, search result list 504 and search result summary area 502 can be updated in real time, for example, as additional characters are entered by the user.

[0130] Figure 6 When using Figure 4 Another example screenshot of search results for an artist when viewing the search screen for Figure 6 As shown, the user enters the text "AC" in the text input area 408 to perform an artist search. The search result summary area 502 shows that 200 artists were found, and the list-based search results 504 include matching entries. Optionally, the number of songs associated with each matching entry can be displayed in the search result list 504. Up and down arrows 506a and 506b can be used to browse the list, or the user can simply scroll up and down the list, for example, by moving his / her finger accordingly.

[0131] In some exemplary embodiments, the search list may be sorted by degree of match. In the results shown, "AC / DC" is the best match and is therefore listed first. "Adele" is listed second because "AC" and "AD" are close to each other both alphabetically and on the keyboard. This may help resolve difficulties that are occasionally encountered when using a touch screen keyboard and / or other similar interfaces. Similarity searches may be provided, for example, to retrieve strings that contain the search text (e.g., "Alanjackson" includes "AC"), so that even inadvertent spelling errors may sometimes retrieve relevant results, etc.

[0132] Figure 7 is used Figure 4 An example screenshot of an album search result when viewing the search screen. Figure 7As shown, the user enters the text "AL" in the text input area to search for albums. The search result summary area 502 shows that 165 albums were found, and the list-based search result list 504 includes matching entries. Optionally, other information may be provided with the album, for example in columnar form. For example, a list of artist names is listed, as well as other items of annotation. Other annotation items may indicate, for example, whether a cleaned version or lossless version of the album is available, whether the album has been marked as new (for example, newly added to the jukebox network within a predetermined time period such as a week, a month or other time period, newly released within the same or similar time period, etc.). Other information of interest may include the number of songs included in each album, the popularity of the album, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the albums may be classified based on the information in the search result list 504.

[0133] Figure 8 When using Figure 4 Another example screenshot of the search results for an album when viewing the search screen. Figure 8 As shown, the user enters the text "SU" in the text input area to search for songs. The search result summary area 502 shows that 520 songs were found, and the list-based search result list 504 includes matching entries. Similar to the above, other information can be provided with the songs. For example, the number of credits required to play each song is displayed together with the artist name and other annotation items (such as clean and lossless versions of the song, new logo, etc.).

[0134] Fig. 9 is an example "hot play" screen that can be used in some exemplary embodiments. The entries in the hot play can be generated in any suitable manner. For example, as described above, in some exemplary embodiments, a stream of songs played in real time or substantially in real time throughout the network can be provided. For example, a central server or other unit can receive data related to the playback of songs and / or albums from a single jukebox device in the network. The playback information can be used to account for songs requested throughout the time period, within a configurable fixed or sliding window (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.), and / or in other ways. The list can be generated and / or returned periodically (e.g., matching updates) every day / night or at other regular or irregular time intervals. It can also be generated and / or returned dynamically, such as when the hot play element 302c is selected. In some exemplary embodiments, industry standards and / or rankings can be used to provide this information.

[0135] The popular play information can be presented in a list format, for example, using list 902. The user can navigate in the list by using up and down control elements, by clicking and moving up or down on list 902 by itself, or by scrubbing bar 904. The user can jump to any position, for example, by clicking a position on scrubbing bar 904, with the top being position 1 and the bottom indicating the end of the list. The current position can be defined, for example, using scrubbing bar position indicator 906.

[0136] from Fig. 9 As can be seen in the figure, the user can select the hot play of albums or songs, and can sort the hot play results in alphabetical order or popularity (e.g., as a primary classification standard) through category selectors 908a-908b and sort selectors 910a-910b, respectively. Depending on such selection, list 902 may include some or all of the additional information and / or other information described above.

[0137] from Fig. 9 It can also be seen that a list view can be provided. However, using the layout selectors 912a-912b, the user can adjust the items to a grid view. In this regard, Fig.10 902' includes the same information shown in list 902, but rearranges the data to make it more appealing. Fig.10 The example shown shows that the selected songs are arranged in alphabetical order using the sort selector 910a. This selection replaces the numeric scrubber bar 904 with the alphabetical scrubber bar 904' and replaces the numeric scrubber bar position indicator 906 with the alphabetical scrubber bar position indicator 906', which may be more suitable for this sorting.

[0138] Fig.11 1102a-1102c. With the "hot new music" discovery mechanism selector 1102a activated, the song classification groups in content area 1104 display new artists, new albums, new songs, cross-genre hits, and hits within genres. Other song classification groups can be navigated using the navigation techniques detailed above. Each category of entries can be based on, for example, actual jukebox and / or jukebox network playback, music management groups, user-generated content in the form of playlists, etc.

[0139] Fig.12 It is available from Fig.11 An example New Artists screen selected from the Discover screen. Fig.12 The sample screen is similar to Fig. 9 Example screen of, for example, a list 1202 is provided along with an artist entry. Other information (e.g., album cover, sanitized and lossless lyrics indicators, song number, etc.) may be provided. A scrubber bar 1204 with a scrubber bar position indicator 1206 may be used to navigate the entries, e.g., in conjunction with the navigation techniques described above. A user may switch between a list view and a table view, e.g., using arrangement selectors 1208a-1208b. Although Fig.12 Not shown, an option to rearrange the artists alphabetically may also be provided.

[0140] Fig.13 It is available from Fig.11 Sample New Albums screen selected from the Discover screen shown. Fig.13 Also similar to Fig. 9 and provide the same, similar, or different user interface elements, such as for navigating, reordering, and / or adjusting items. Similarly, Fig.14 It is available from Fig.11 Another example "New Album" screen selected from the "Discover" screen shown, which is also similar to Fig. 9 , and provide the same, similar, or different user interface elements, such as for navigating, reordering, and / or adjusting items, etc. However, the alphabetical scrubber bar may be provided with a song popularity ranking.

[0141] Figure 15-16 It is possible to use in some exemplary embodiments Fig.11 A further view of the example Discover screen is shown. Fig.15 including song classification groups organized by genre in content area 1104', Fig.16 Included in the content area 1104' are categorized groups of songs organized by playlist.

[0142] Fig.17 is an example “song listing page” for a selected artist in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Fig.17 The example lists songs by the artist Queen. The indicator shows that the list of available songs contains 206 songs. As in the above example, the songs can be displayed in a list view or a grid view, and the user can browse the returned items in the manner described above. For example, pictures related to the album and other information related to the individual songs can also be provided, as described above. The user can also rearrange the items alphabetically or by popularity, and can switch back and forth between album and song views. For example, if an album, an artist, a playlist, a collection, or other suitable element is selected, the user can browse the returned items in the manner described above. Figure 3 ,6 -8, 10-16 and 18 show the example screens to Fig.17 The screen shown.

[0143] Fig.18 is an "album listing page" for a selected artist according to certain exemplary embodiments. Fig.18 The album of Queen is listed by way of example. Again, the list of available songs indicated contains 206 songs. Alternatively or additionally, the available albums may be indicated. Fig.18 The display, navigation and other features in the same as above, e.g. Fig.17 (A single user interaction may be performed) For example, if an album, an artist, a playlist, a collection, or other suitable element is selected, from Figure 3 , 6 -8, 11-12 and 15-17 show the example screens to Fig.18 The screen shown.

[0144] Fig.19 is from Fig.18 The details screen when an album is selected in the example "Album List Page". Fig.19 The example screen can be seen when the user selects Fig.18 1902. The songs in the album are displayed along with the album cover. In some exemplary embodiments, the navigation, sorting, and other options described above are available. By clicking on more information element 1902, the user can "zoom out" and receive a list of available albums and / or songs from Queen.

[0145] When a song is selected, for example, based on the surrounding environment, the user can be shown Figure 20-23 In other words, Figure 20-23 An example "play screen" according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown. The play screen includes album art, etc., as well as text descriptions of the song and artist name. Copyright information may also be displayed as required or specified by law.

[0146] like Fig. 20 As shown, there are currently no credits available. Therefore, the user is prompted to insert credits for the play operation and the "play next" operation. The "play next" operation may allow the user to pay to move the song forward in the queue, possibly to the next position. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the user may want to pay an additional amount of credits for a value-added queue display, to "lock in" a certain play, number of songs, etc. for a certain period of time; and / or the like. Fig. 20As shown, payment may be made by cash, credit card, debit card, and / or the like. Fig. 20 The example screens in can be applied as modal screens, for example, to drive the user toward an ultimate goal, given that the user is no longer browsing and has decided to play a particular item or perform an action. A modal can generally be a square pop-up box that appears above the rest of the content, with a content area and a close modal button, paired with an overlay of the rest of the content to clearly draw the user to the center of the modal, etc.

[0147] Fig.21 This example involves a situation where there are 2 credits available. In this example, 2 credits are enough to play a song but not enough to use the "play next" action. Therefore, a control element is provided to enable "normal" playback, but Fig. 20 The payment request information in the APP is combined with the instructions for the "play next" operation. This arrangement helps users understand which options are available with the existing number of credits and which options require additional credits to activate.

[0148] Fig. 22 It involves the situation where there are enough credits to play a song and a "play next" action is used. Therefore, elements are provided to activate each option. These elements have a similar appearance, but the "play next" action is more similar to the traditional "fast forward" type button that appears on a tape, CD, DVD or other player. This helps to visually highlight the difference in playback path.

[0149] Fig.23 Concerning situations where a user can add songs to a playlist being built. In some exemplary embodiments, this option is only available to registered users. In other embodiments, this option is only available when the user has a sufficient number of credits available to play multiple songs, and the playlist option enables the user to ensure that multiple songs are played in a specific order and / or the like.

[0150] It should be noted that the pay-for-play option can be displayed in the manner described above and / or in other similar or different manners. For example, an option can be provided to enable the user to pay an additional fee to trigger the song to be played in a certain area or certain specific areas, a certain device or multiple devices, etc.

[0151] Fig.2424 is an example mytouchtune login screen according to certain specific embodiments. This example screen may be displayed, for example, upon clicking a login button on the upper status bar. As can be seen, the upper portion of the screen enables an unregistered user to register an account, for example, by clicking a registration element 2402. Registered users may simply enter their username and password in the corresponding text entry areas 2402a and 2402b, for example, using a keyboard 2406 and clicking an enter element 2408. By clicking 2410, the user may see user terms and conditions, etc.

[0152] By clicking on the redeem button 2412, the VOD machine discount code can be redeemed, for example, from the site, the operator, the VOD machine supplier, the advertiser and / or other parties. The discount code can allow the user to obtain free credits that can be used for the VOD machine, access other hidden playlists and / or music selections, special advertisements, customer multimedia and / or other messages, etc. The input discount code can be checked against database entries stored locally, stored in the central server and / or stored elsewhere. And the VOD machine can take appropriate actions based on the successful search operation.

[0153] A mobile code 2414 may be generated, for example, to enable a user to access website-specific information associated with the jukebox to accompany a subsequent new account registration, enabling the user to log into a specific jukebox by entering the code, etc.

[0154] Now refer to Figure 25-47 The example screenshots provided illustrate another example user interface. Many of the features described above (e.g., with reference to Figure 3-24 The user interface described in the foregoing description may also be used for the user interface. Therefore, the discussion of certain elements is reduced or omitted, and those skilled in the art will be able to understand its meaning.

[0155] Fig.25 A thumbnail of an example screen is shown with other user interface elements that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments. In other words, the top and bottom user interface elements of the example design may remain throughout the display of multiple selections and updates described above. The example screen includes an indication of the currently playing song. Because the song is "Your Love Is My Drug" by artist Ke$ha, and no other specific artist page has been selected, the background screen includes an image of Ke$ha. The image clearly indicates the artist performing the song being played, and these images may be provided by the artist, record label, or other party, but are not necessarily limited to album covers, although album covers are commonly used in the art. For example, the image may be provided by the music department of the jukebox vendor, it may correspond to a recently "tweeted" image with or without modifications, or other images obtained from the artist's social media page, etc. See again. Fig.25The upper bar area of ​​the example shows a sponsored ad, the amount of credits, and information on how to purchase credits. Fig.25 The lower bar area in the example of also displays smaller sponsorship ads. One or both of these sponsorship ads may be similar to the song being played. In certain exemplary embodiments, the image displayed on the home page may display a randomly selected artist image each time it is activated. If a genre is filtered out, thereby meaning that artists tagged as being associated with that particular genre will not be displayed, the image will not be displayed. In certain exemplary embodiments, the images are cycled through in a predetermined order rather than being randomly selected. In some cases, it may be desirable to display artist images, such as to help keep the background clean and easy to use. For example, on the genre, new and popular song playlists, and search screens, and perhaps any respective sub-screens, in some cases it may be desirable not to use background artist images in order to maintain overall cleanliness.

[0156] exist Fig.25 The lower bar area in the example shown shows the primary controls 2502a-2502c arranged horizontally. These primary controls 2502a-2502c enable the user to switch between different modes of the jukebox. For example, the first primary control 2502a enables the user to access music related features, the second primary control 2502b enables the user to access photo booth related features, and the third primary control 2502c enables the user to access additional features of the jukebox (which may include, for example, karaoke features, access to legal or other rights information, help functions, etc.). These primary controls 2502a-2502c are expandable to enable further selections related to a particular selected primary control. In Fig.25 In the example shown, the first level control item 2502a is selected (and highlighted), and the second level items 2504a-2504d are displayed in an expanded view along the lower bar area. These second level items 2504a-2504d respectively allow the user to access a collection of playlists, a collection of "new and popular songs", a collection of genres, and a search interface. The functions behind these features can be understood from the description in the context of the specification.

[0157] In some exemplary embodiments, all primary control items 2502a-2502c and all secondary control items 2504a-2504d may be displayed simultaneously. A vertical submenu may be provided to enable the user to access other non-core jukebox related features (e.g., language, my touchdown, about touchdown, help, etc.). In some exemplary embodiments, from a navigation / activity perspective, any one element, when selected, may open a submenu for the application (e.g., secondary items 2504a-2504d as shown) or, if no submenu is available, may instead open the desired application in full screen mode (e.g., retaining the top and bottom bars, but the main content of the application, such as a photo booth application, occupies the main content area). Each button may run through a number of predetermined applications, such as photo booth, karaoke, games, etc.

[0158] Fig.26 According to an exemplary embodiment, a Fig.25 The carousel view on the sample layout. Fig.26 The carousel view in the example in includes different playlists, which can be user-managed as described above. An indication of the venue (in this example, Coyote Ugly) and a larger search icon are provided. The playlists are represented by tiles, or, for example, by swiping left or right with a pointing device, a finger, etc. in an embodiment using a touch screen display device. Fig. 27 An updated carousel view according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, for example, when a user browses at least a portion of the Fig.26 The appearance after the tile is applied.

[0159] The content of each tile can be based on the content of each underlying playlist represented by the tile. Images and / or text can be provided. For example, the "Electronic" playlist feature includes music from artists such as Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, Kanye West, and Miley Cyrus. Therefore, in this example, text and image information are displayed in the tile. Fig.26As shown, the image of each specific artist is displayed in a predetermined format (e.g., a triangular area). These images may be related to the artist but are not necessarily limited to "album covers". For example, a photo of Miley Cyrus taken during the "Bangerz" tour may be displayed, or a photo of Kanye West with Kim Kardashian and / or North West may be displayed. Although these photos may not be related to the albums of the underlying layers, they may resonate with fans or convey meaning or personality. These pictures are updateable, for example, by a central music department, artist, record company, etc., so that they are still meaningful. Updating picture data and / or playlist content generates more dynamic, meaningful content that can be delivered within a relevant time period. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a playlist and / or its content may change, for example, as the current activity unfolds, thereby suggesting that different text and / or picture information can be displayed for the same or different playlists. For example, the death of Michael Jackson may be associated with a related custom playlist for a period of time, along with some "buzz" about his death, a picture of Miley Cyrus' tongue may be associated with her performance at the 2013 VMAs, and more recently Mick Jagger has been in the news for several weeks due to the apparent suicide of his long-time love L'Wren Scott. As another example, while Katy Perry remains at the top of the pop charts and news coverage, the reasons have changed, so the pictures may be changed from pictures associated with her "Roar" music video to pictures associated with her "Dark House" while being limited to her "Prismatic Tour" and / or her push toward Artist of the Year and / or winning Song of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. In certain exemplary embodiments, these pictures may belong to a record company or other party but need not be from a specific album - and in the example user interfaces described herein, these non-album art pictures may be used in any suitable location.

[0160] In certain exemplary embodiments, a central storage location may aggregate picture information, playlist information, and / or the like. In this regard, structured information (e.g., XML files, databases, etc.) and / or the like may be used to include the contents of a playlist, pictures corresponding to items in the playlist, items that are marked as being selected for use with individual tiles that make up the playlist, etc. This information may be downloaded by a single jukebox at predetermined intervals and / or on demand, and may be pushed to the jukebox based on updates and / or triggers from an authorized source, etc.

[0161] exist Fig.26In the example of , each tile includes a tile image and a title bar. The image can be dynamically generated using the following example rules. If an authorized user selects a manual image, the image will be displayed. The image can cover the whole world, or only use the image space with the dynamically generated title bar, etc. If a manual image is not selected as the content of a piece on the carousel, then the system will default to looking for a "featured image (featured art)" from a song in the content list and display it with the dynamic title bar. The image can be randomly selected, such as based on the item that appears first in the playlist, based on the most popular items in the playlist (such as those played in the jukebox network, played on the radio, played at this location, etc.). If no image is marked as "featured", then the carousel can select the most popular song from the list and display the album cover of the song with the dynamic title bar. Fig.26 The title bar of the example in is a dynamically generated "black bar" that sits above the image and displays several lines of text. In this case, it displays the number of songs in the collection.

[0162] According to certain exemplary embodiments, Fig.28 Shows what happens when a new song is added to the queue. Fig. 27 That is, the "now playing" indication 310 may be replaced, at least temporarily, with an indication 310' of a newly added item. In this case, text indicating the artist and song is provided along with an image associated with the artist and song. Again, although in some exemplary embodiments, the image may be an "album cover" (e.g., in some exemplary embodiments, it may be an album cover associated with the first song in the playlist), it is not necessarily limited to "album cover". It may also indicate the manner in which the song was added to the queue. For example, in Fig.28 In the example of , it is indicated that the song was added through the mobile application rather than the jukebox itself. In some exemplary embodiments, the fact that the mobile application was used can be announced, but the fact that the jukebox itself was used may not be announced. This can bring people to attention of the mobile application and encourage others to download the mobile application, such as registering and becoming a registered user of the jukebox, etc. If the user who made the selection is a registered user, the user's username, nickname, avatar and / or other identifiers may be displayed. In some exemplary embodiments, this may be the case regardless of whether the selection was made on the jukebox or through a mobile device. In other exemplary embodiments, if the user makes a selection from the jukebox, the user's identifier is not displayed. In some exemplary embodiments, when making a selection or adding a song to the queue, the registered user can choose whether to display their name and other identifiers.

[0163] In some exemplary embodiments, if the user selects the "Now Playing" indicator 310 or the new item indicator 310', or selects the left arrow, a portion of the jukebox queue may be expanded to display, such as Fig.29 As shown. Fig.29 According to some exemplary embodiments, Fig.28 The screen in the example screenshot is modified to accommodate a portion of the queue expansion display. Fig.28 and Fig.29 The comparison shows that Fig.28 The screen may be "moved to the right" to make way for the expanded queue area. The user may close the expanded queue area by selecting the next play element located on the right side of the screen, "dragging" to the left through touch or other interface, by selecting a close button dedicated to the expanded queue area, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the jukebox may display details about a predetermined number of elements in the queue "for free". This may include, for example, some or all of the song / artist information, images, beats per minute, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the user may need to pay credits to view additional songs and / or other details about the songs. That is, some exemplary embodiments may show complete details about the next X songs in the queue, partial details about the next Y songs, a small amount of information about the next Z songs, and no information about the songs after that. However, in different exemplary embodiments, the user may pay to display more information.

[0164] like Fig.29 In the example shown, information for the next five songs is provided. This information includes the song and artist names, and pictures associated with the songs and / or artists. Similar to the above, in some exemplary embodiments, instructions regarding how the song was selected (e.g., by a mobile device) may also be displayed. In some exemplary embodiments, the user can scroll up or down to access songs that will be played after these five items and songs that have been played before these five items. In some exemplary embodiments, if the user wants to see more than five items in the queue, a portion of the sixth item may be displayed, but then quickly restored to a view showing the next five items in the queue. Being able to access songs that have already been played is beneficial to users who are not sure of a song but can access the jukebox to find a song that has been played before. For example, Fig.30Previously played songs are shown. In certain exemplary embodiments, information about these previously played songs may be provided free of charge. In certain exemplary embodiments, information about songs that are about to be played may be retrieved from a jukebox queue stored locally on the jukebox. Information about previously played songs may be retrieved from a list of played songs, which is also used for copyright and / or accounting functions, with a running copy of the queue being cleared at regular intervals (e.g., when the venue closes, at some set time when updates are provided to the jukebox, when copyright and / or accounting information is uploaded to a central server, etc.).

[0165] In some exemplary embodiments, if there are not enough songs to fit into the queue to fit into 5 slots, the empty slots will be replaced by a gray box. If there are no songs in the queue and the user clicks the Show Queue button, the area showing the queue will still be expanded but with a message prompting the user to search for songs and add them to the queue. Selecting this button will minimize the queue and allow the user to continue browsing the music experience.

[0166] Fig.31 According to an exemplary embodiment similar to the above Figure 4 and Fig.32 An example search results screen is shown in the search screen. Fig.32 3206a-3202b for songs and artists. Control element 3204 may be used to control whether to display linear arrays of tiles 3202a-3202b for both songs and artists, whether to display only song array 3202a, or whether to display array 3202b. A user may select song tile 3206a or artist tile 3206b to achieve similar results. In various exemplary embodiments, the search results may scroll left and right independently, row by row, or as an element as a whole.

[0167] For example, Fig.33 An enlarged display of artists is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for example, if artist tile 3206b is selected or a corresponding element is selected from control element 3204. As can be seen from this view, tile 3206b' is expanded to reflect that both rows of results include artists rather than songs.

[0168] from Figure 32-33As can be seen, the search term is "EL" and the search results include this string. However, not in all exemplary embodiments, the results are listed in alphabetical order. On the contrary, the search results can be prioritized to consider a variety of different options. For example, the search results can be controlled based on on-site and / or off-site analysis and / or to reflect the promotions conducted by the music department, record company, individual venue, etc. The music department can understand that there is a lot of discussion about the Eli Young Band, the appeal of Elvis Presley's music is enduring, and Latin music is often played on specific occasions. Therefore, the search results are optimized so that the Eli Young Band and Elvis Presley appear earlier in the result list, and Latin artists including the text string "EL" are prioritized over non-Latin artists. The rest of the content can be filled with ordinary alphabetical search results. In this way, users are more likely to find the music they want to listen to, such as this is an attractive hot music because this music is often played by a specific place, etc. Certain embodiments can implement intelligent search, in which the promotional songs are displayed first, and the search results can change based on the popularity of the song on specific occasions.

[0169] Figure 34-35 is an example screen showing adaptive completion of a search according to an exemplary embodiment, where it can be seen that as additional characters are entered, some results will fade out and others will fade in to take the place of those that faded out. As more and more text is entered into the search area, the results become fewer and fewer, tile replacements will decrease and tile removals will occur. Fig.34 The example shows tile replacement and limited tile removal. Due to the specificity of the search string, coupled with the lack of "good" or high matching results, Fig.35 The example shown is an exact match of only one item.

[0170] Fig.36 is an example specific artist page according to certain exemplary embodiments. Fig.35 Select Ellie Goulding from the Artists list to enter Fig.363602a-3602c. The list of recommended related artists may be determined in any suitable manner. For example, analytical data collected from jukebox usage, album and / or song sales, etc. may be used to group related artists and / or albums. Musical style (e.g., beats per minute, instruments used, vocals, overall "sound," a particular sub-genre of artists such as "boy bands," etc.), release date proximity, press connections (e.g., duets or mixtapes, such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, contenders for the same or similar awards such as Best Artist or Duo, recent or former music "couples" like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, groups touring together like Lady Antebellum and Kacey Musgraves, "spinoff groups" like Pistol Annies and Miranda Lambert or David Lee Roth and Van Halen, etc.), artists on the same record label, and / or the like may alternatively or additionally be used to form associations and recommendations. It will be appreciated that a combination of empirical data and more subjective feelings may be used by the music department, record label, or other party to make these recommendations. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, if a different artist is selected using controls 3602a-3602c, the screen will be updated accordingly.

[0171] Songs performed by the artist may be listed in a song list 3604 and albums associated with the artist may be listed in an album list 3606. An indication of the number of songs may be provided, as well as an indication of the number of credits required to play a particular song. A "play" button in the list may be used to activate the play screen. Indications such as new tags 3608 may be used to highlight promotional or other special items. Other tags such as "featured," "hot," "sponsored," and / or the like may also be used. Meta information may be associated with the song and details such as which tag is applied, the relevant schedule for the tag to be displayed, etc.

[0172] The songs in song list 3604 are displayed in order of popularity. Popularity can be determined by objective measures such as plays, downloads, position in the charts, sales, etc. The popularity sorting method can be further modified, such as not taking into account the actual popularity (or how the popularity is measured), so that promoted songs appear at the top of the list. This may be beneficial, for example, for new songs that have generated a lot of discussion but have not topped the charts, etc. More subjective measurements are also helpful for artists with long career spans and those situations where more objective popularity measurements do not indicate what the user may be looking for. For example, U2's "Invisible" may now be more popular than their older songs, such as position on the Billboard charts, but the song is not as classic as "Pride (In the Name of Love)" or "One" - users visiting U2's artist page may be faced with a situation where they still cannot find the song they are looking for without implementing a more subjective re-sorting. Other sorting techniques can be used. For example, Fig.37 As shown, a drop-down menu 3702 may be used to reorder the songs by release date, alphabetical order, and / or the like. Fig.38 Includes song list 3604' rearranged in alphabetical order.

[0173] For example, the user can shift the focus of the screen to the right to view more details of the album list 3606. Fig.36 In this case, the list is only partially displayed. Fig.39 is an example screen shot showing an expanded album view in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. Fig.36 The example expanded album view in shows that there are a total of four albums by Ellie Goulding available for selection. The albums can be arranged in any order, such as release date, popularity (e.g., as measured by one of the methods described above and / or other methods), by promotion, etc. Fig.36 In the example shown, the album "Lights" is expanded in area 3902 to display a scrollable list of songs from that album available for playback, and the unselected albums appear in a more compressed format in area 3904.

[0174] If you select another album, Fig.40 As shown, the previously expanded area 3902 is compressed into the first compressed area 3904a, the remaining unselected elements are displayed in the second compressed area 3904b, and the newly expanded area 3902' is provided for selection, so that the scrollable song list is displayed in the newly expanded area 3902', and the albums are not rearranged in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the albums can be rearranged, for example, so that the expanded album is always displayed Fig.39 The leftmost area is 3902.

[0175] Fig.41 , is an example screen showing a playlist organized in a tile view according to certain exemplary embodiments. In certain exemplary embodiments, the playlist screen may include all playlists that are not in the "New and Hot Songs" or "Genres" sections. A playlist may include a collection of artists, songs, and / or albums, and may also have auxiliary tags (e.g., indicating new songs, hot songs, sponsorship, characterization, or other tags). The playlist in this example is divided into a characterization playlist, a playlist including songs of different years, a playlist including songs of different genres, and / or the like. User-developed playlists may also be displayed therein, for example, if the playlist is designated as a public playlist, meets optional screen processing requirements, receives a certain number of votes in favor, and / or the like. Pictures associated with a playlist may be controlled by the music department rather than necessarily being associated with the songs included in the playlist. Fig.40 The Billboard Top 100 playlist in the example above includes a photo of Miley Cyrus, but this photo is not associated with the album cover and is different from the image that is displayed when the playlist is selected (e.g., Fig.41 ).

[0176] As detailed above, a playlist can be a user-managed collection of songs generated outside the venue where the jukebox is located. The Billboard Top 100 playlist comes from easily identifiable resources. On the other hand, a "classic country song" playlist can be made by the music department. At this point, the generation of the playlist can be based on factors such as popularity on a specific jukebox, popularity on the entire jukebox network, featured songs promoted by record companies, and / or the like. For example, Johnny Cash's classic songs such as "Ring of Fire" and "Folsom Prison Blues", and Patsy Cline's "Crazy" are likely to appear in the list based on network popularity. A venue in Tennessee can indicate the popularity of classic country songs related to certain Tennessee, such as "Rocky Top" performed by the Osborne Brothers, "Dixieland Delight" and "Tennessee River" by Alabama, and / or the like. In addition, songs such as "Country Roads" and "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver can be included to help promote Special Consensus's bluegrass tribute album.

[0177] In certain exemplary embodiments, the songs selected for the playlist may be selected from different music categories according to determined percentages. For example, A% of the songs in the playlist may be based on the popularity of jukeboxes across the entire network, B% of the songs in the playlist may be based on the popularity of a specific jukebox, and C% of the songs in the playlist may be pushed in by a record company or other promoter. These A% songs may be popular trends and users will know them themselves, B% of the songs may help maintain the overall feel of the place and help maintain its unique characteristics, and C% of the songs may involve songs that users may hear on the radio or encounter in other media channels or places where advertisements are played. In certain exemplary embodiments, self-populating playlists may be assigned to jukeboxes based on rules that determine percentages and input from a central server about at least including A% and C% of the songs. B% of the songs will be selected locally or provided by a central server or other together with localized analysis. As can be seen, certain exemplary embodiments combine centrally planned promotional songs, genre-based songs that are popular throughout the jukebox distribution network, and local popular songs that match playlist attributes (e.g., similar artists, similar schedules, etc.).

[0178] Fig.41 Example screens and Fig.26 An example screen shot of a carousel view of shows a tile-based grid view, such as essentially corresponds to a display system that allows outside parties (e.g., operators, bartenders, store owners, music departments, record companies, registered users, specific DJs, etc.) to create and populate playlists. The functionality of certain exemplary embodiments may be facilitated by implementing a cloud-based music promotion system, where operators and / or venue owners can select a profile for the jukebox and receive updates to playlists based on the profile. Local and / or coarse data analysis may be used with optional subjective feedback from authorized users to assign tiles of media collections and customize content therein.

[0179] Again, see the accompanying drawings, in particular Fig.41 , other user interface elements are provided on the screen, which may also be provided on other screens. For example, a horizontal scroll bar 4102 is displayed to let the user know the current relative position in the playlist. A drop-down list 4101 can be used to sort or filter elements (in this case, the playlist only shows genres, new and popular songs, music decades, etc.). The tiles have meta tags associated with them, for example, to facilitate classification and / or grouping operations as appropriate here and elsewhere. Control element 4106 can be used to switch between grid view and carousel view.

[0180] In some exemplary embodiments, for example, Fig.26The horizontal scroll bar shown may be displayed on every page except the Home page. In the carousel view, multiple items form a ring, and similar ringing may also occur in the grid view. Thus, the scroll bar may jump from the leftmost to the rightmost and vice versa depending on whether there is a ringing action.

[0181] Fig.42 is an example screen when a playlist is selected. More specifically, Fig.42 This example reflects the situation when the Billboard top 100 playlist is selected. It can be seen that Fig.41 and Fig.42 The image of Miley Cyrus in The Hollywood Reporter is different.

[0182] Fig.43 is similar to Fig. 22 but is about Bruno Mars and includes the album cover for his album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. If that album is selected, the Fig.44 The screen shown. It can be seen that this example screen is similar to the one described above Fig.39 .

[0183] Fig.45 is an example "New and Hot Songs" screen according to certain exemplary embodiments. The New and Hot Songs screen of certain exemplary embodiments may be considered to be another set of playlists. However, it may be considered to be a "super meta category" of playlists suitable for new and hot song playlists (e.g., suitable for grouping songs based on industry-recognized charts, local jukebox usage, network-wide song play, etc.) that are suitable for pull-tabs.

[0184] Figures 46-47 Example genre view according to certain exemplary embodiments.Similar to the playlist screen, new songs and popular songs screen, the playlist for the genre is displayed and can be selected to be displayed in a carousel and / or grid view.However, the difference in this particular example is about the text line displayed on a single tile.In this regard, the first line of text can name the genre as the songs contained therein, and the second line of text can select the most popular artists, albums and / or the like (e.g., up to 4a predetermined number, such as 4, and depending on the length of the name) and display text such as "featuring artist 1 name, artist 2 name, etc.", and / or the like.Alternatively, or additionally, the tagged songs related to promotion selected by the music department can be marked in the second line of text.Here tags can also be used to mark new, sponsored, selected, popular and / or other items.In certain exemplary embodiments, genres can be divided into sub-genres or not, so the filtering options can be displayed or not. Fig.46is a sample carousel view, Fig.47 is an example grid view in which the second line of text that displays characterizing content in a genre playlist is not displayed, e.g. to save space.

[0185] As described above, certain exemplary embodiments may implement photo booth features. The advantages of a traditional photo booth are the enclosed space and the seats reserved for the subject. The presence of the walls and the known position of the subject allow the image capture algorithm of the traditional photo booth to make certain assumptions to help with image capture and processing. For example, a photo booth with an internal flash makes the exposure predictable. The interior etc. will control the color space and enable simple white balance correction. In addition, the seats reserved for the subject and the physical constraints of the photo booth help limit the distance to the focal plane to a small range and help locate the subject's face. These known quantities help solve problems in portrait photography.

[0186] Traditional digital cameras and cell phones use different techniques to determine exposure, white balance, spot focus, and / or the like. For example, the viewfinder can provide the photographer with a suggested focus point and recommended flash use, if necessary. It is often up to the photographer to accept the focus point or reposition the focus on another aspect of the composition. Once all settings are satisfied, the photographer presses the shutter, or touches the capture button in a cell phone app, etc., to capture a photo with the now known characteristics.

[0187] Taking photos in open spaces with mechanical transmissions is complex and presents many problems. First, the background light often dominates and presents an environment with an unpredictable color temperature. Second, people often stand in groups far from the camera's focal plane or stand alone close to the camera's focal plane. These two unpredictable factors make it very difficult to take a photo with proper exposure, color temperature, and focus, especially compared to traditional photo booths, digital cameras, and cell phones.

[0188] Certain exemplary embodiments help solve these problems and can take high-quality photos. In certain exemplary embodiments, the user clicks the screen to start the photo operation, and the algorithm guides the execution of subsequent operations.

[0189] The first step is to decide whether the subject is facing the light or backlit. By comparing the relative brightness of the front and back, for example, it may be determined that more light is being reflected by the subject or coming from a backlit object. This decision can be used to manage parameters such as the gain used for the viewfinder reflected subject image, the brightness of any flash to be used, and post-processing brightness and white balance adjustments.

[0190] In the second step, program logic helps locate the face of the possible subject and perform point measurement on the face.

[0191] In the third step, based on the measured luminosity of the face, the previously determined lighting state (front light or backlight) is used to calculate the optimal combination of flash and gain.

[0192] In the fourth step, the flash intensity is increased to determine the face location, the focus is locked for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5-10 frames or approximately 10ms), and the image is captured.

[0193] In the fifth step, based on the ambient lighting conditions and the luminance of the final captured image, the final white balance curve is applied to perform color adjustment on the captured image.

[0194] In addition to software processing applied to photos taken automatically in an uncontrolled environment, certain exemplary embodiments use other techniques to still utilize very small LED lights to produce a flash strong enough to illuminate a larger space without causing the LED light to overheat. LED lights are generally only 17% efficient, and they themselves generally require suitable surrounding materials to provide light into the field of view, and have a dispersion suitable for generally evenly illuminating the possible subject area without leakage to external areas. Lenses, while capable of focusing an image, are sometimes difficult to produce and may reduce the light throughput, depending on the lens. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments use a modified lensless LED light as a flash.

[0195] Some conventional LED lights use a surface phosphor coating which can cause a yellowish tint to the image and present an undesirable aesthetic in the captured image. As a result, when attempting to create a lens-less LED light, an unfavorable decorative appearance can occur, especially when the LED light is intended to be placed behind a clear lens and have a sleek surface finish. Therefore, there is a pressing need to hide the LED light without sacrificing luminosity, but at the same time still provide a more natural and / or less yellowish color even in daylight.

[0196] Certain exemplary embodiments address this problem by encapsulating the LED light in an angled baffle that provides sufficient internal reflectivity and allows for controlled light dispersion. The baffle can be located behind a clear mirror film, reflecting light outside the device when the LED is off, but providing an effective flash when the LED light is illuminated. The baffle can be provided with a mechanical heat sink sufficient to keep the LED light cool after a brief 100% flash cycle and an extended 40% illumination cycle (this can be used, for example, in longer video recording sequences). In certain exemplary embodiments, the mirrored baffle can be used in conjunction with a heat sink and a protective clear coating in the jukebox, such as in a lensless LED flash environment.

[0197] Certain exemplary embodiments may use a modified version of Leopard's LI-720USBAF-TT camera, which can be controlled through a USB Video Device Class (UVC) interface via a limited set of controls that set the camera's modes and operating parameters. The following table lists, by way of example, camera parameters for situations using front light and back light, which are most beneficial in bright and dim light scenarios. More specifically, optimizations are made by assuming full and low power flash settings for dark indoor still photography / high quality video and low quality video for front light, and assuming full and low power flash settings for still photography / high quality video and low quality video in daylight conditions for back light. In addition to the headings, boldfaced values ​​indicate parameters that have changed between modes.

[0198] With regard to the choice of gain, exposure and backlight compensation, it has been found that faces of front-lit subjects are generally overexposed, while faces of back-lit subjects are generally underexposed. However, it is possible to tune so that faces (especially) are correctly exposed, and this can be achieved by reducing gain for front-lit scenes and increasing gain for back-lit scenes and using backlight compensation.

[0199] Sharpness is defined subjectively by considering the accuracy of detail and the texture of the image at different sharpness settings.

[0200] The following formula can be used to determine whether a scene is facing the light or backlit:

[0201] This determination can be made when the algorithm detects a face. In this case, the algorithm can obtain all detected face regions and select the main face region as the face closest to the center of the image. For the identified main face, the brightness is the sum of all pixels in the region of interest (ROI). The image is normalized by the brightness of the entire frame.

[0202] As mentioned above, two intensities, full power and low power, are used for the flash. Full power is used for still shots and high-quality video scenes, and is the same in both forward and backlight modes. Low power is used for continuous (low-quality) video, and is the same in both forward and backlight modes. In this case, full power mode sets the flash current to 250mA and low power sets the flash current to 100mA. These settings were chosen to balance thermal management, user comfort, and image quality.

[0203] Obviously LED lamps / lamp groups can be used and optimized accordingly.

[0204] The user interface described herein may be used with any suitable jukebox device, and an example design is disclosed in U.S. application serial number 29 / 477,654 filed on December 24, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. Fig.48 is an example front perspective view of an example jukebox. Fig.48 The example jukebox may be mounted to a bracket, such as the type of bracket disclosed in U.S. Application Ser. No. 29 / 485,933, filed Mar. 25, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In certain exemplary embodiments, the angular design of the example jukebox may extend into the bracket and support structure.

[0205] The jukebox, upper housing, lower housing, face (e.g., upper front face, lower front face, etc.), LED light and / or LED light assembly, camera, payment collector, display area, frame (including, for example, a connecting frame between the upper housing and the lower housing, a frame of the display, etc.), and / or the like shown in U.S. application 29 / 477,654 may be applied in any combination, sub-combination, and / or any combination of sub-combinations. In this regard, the payment receiver may be flipped, two or more payment collectors of the same type may be provided while zero or one payment collector of another type may be provided, two or more payment collectors of both types may be provided, and / or the like. Additionally, in certain exemplary embodiments, a surface that is at least semi-transparent and / or at least semi-reflective may be provided on the jukebox (e.g., the top, bottom, right side, and / or left side surface of the rear housing, etc.).

[0206] LED lighting assemblies may be disposed around the exterior of the jukebox, which may be intended to attract users and provide aesthetic appeal during low light hours. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, certain exemplary embodiments may require reflective surfaces in situations where ambient lighting is more abundant. These surfaces may be generally two-way mirrors, such as to allow light from the LEDs to be visible when activated (e.g., at night) and to make the jukebox appear interesting during daytime or venue lighting periods.

[0207] In certain exemplary embodiments, the audio line may monitor the electrical performance of the connection across the line, such as to ensure proper impedance, resistance, voltage, etc. This may help inform the operator and / or venue personnel that the indoor audio system may be miswired. From a performance perspective, the source of hum, pops, and / or the like may be more easily identified and determined.

[0208] Certain exemplary embodiments may include auxiliary inputs to the monitoring technology.See, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0179980, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0209] Certain exemplary embodiments may include a removable "core" in such an example jukebox. In some embodiments, the core may include all or substantially all control electronics and / or components, including, for example, a motherboard, a mixer, an amplifier, a preamplifier, a processor, a memory, a non-transient computer-readable medium (a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a flash drive, and / or the like) storing a local song directory, a network interface card, a graphics card, and the like. The core may also include a flat panel display (e.g., an LCD, a plasma display, and / or the like), a touch screen, and the like, as well as a power supply and a docking connector. By providing an easily removable core, if there is a problem with the jukebox (e.g., HDD failure, display cracking, data corruption, power failure, etc.), the operator can easily open the jukebox, remove the core, and insert a new core in that position. In an exemplary embodiment, the core weighs less than 30 pounds and is carried in a specially designed (e.g., suitable size and shape) backpack, transport box, or the like. Once the core is shipped back to the manufacturer, the manufacturer can open it, perform the required repairs, refurbish it, and return it to the site if possible.

[0210] The features of the exemplary removable core will be combined with the attached Figure 49-59 Provide explanation. Fig.49 According to an exemplary embodiment, it can be used Fig.48 A front view of an example embedded core in a jukebox is shown. Fig.49 The main display screen and the narrow bezel surrounding the screen are shown. The core is designed to fit into the housing of the jukebox, and the exemplary embodiment includes multiple locating features and a latch to help secure the core in place and make the required power connections.

[0211] Fig.50 yes Fig.49 A bottom plan view of an example core is shown, and the hole or opening in the core is shown to receive a latch disposed within the interior of the jukebox housing. Fig.50 As shown, multiple connectors are provided (e.g., for connecting a display, a network connection, a power source, etc.), at least some of which can be "loose" or "floating" to allow playback as the core is guided into or out of its position and connections are made or components are disconnected.

[0212] Fig.51 for Fig.49 Right side view of the example core in Fig.52 yes Fig.51A rotated version of the core. The left side view is essentially a mirror image of the right side view. Thus, right-left alignment guides are provided on the side (e.g. to encourage alignment from right to left on the shell), as are upper and lower "keyhole" locks. Side support components may be provided on each side so that corresponding features on the shell engage with them and help dock the core into the shell. Areas where the core may rest on beams or structural components of the core are also identified.

[0213] Fig.53 yes Fig.48 Front perspective view of the interior of the example jukebox shown, ready to receive Fig.49 Example core of. The top and bottom of the housing are provided with brackets so that when the top and bottom slides enter the top slide support, the brackets provide a connection of suitable strength to the external area to hold the core and housing in place relative to each other. The crossbar assembly on which the core rests is shown, as well as the latch. The lever can be used to adjust between the latched and unlatched positions. The latch foot can help push the core out (e.g., away from the crossbar assembly) when the core is removed. Once the core is basically in place and latched to the housing, the guide pins can help locate more delicate features. Fig.53 The view shows the hinge design for the front panel located on the left side.

[0214] According to a certain exemplary embodiment, Figure 54-59 The lever is shown to latch the core in place. The core is also shown to slide along the alignment guide on the bottom support to establish a good electrical connection, electromechanical connection and / or other connection. Specifically, Fig.54 yes Fig.48 A front view of the example jukebox in Figure 55-56 the section lines cited; Fig.55 is along Fig.54 A cross-sectional view of a section line in which Fig.49 The example core is positioned in the jukebox housing and the lever is in the unlocked or "core up" position; Fig.56 is along Fig.54 A cross-sectional view of a section line in which Fig.49 The example core is positioned in the jukebox housing and the lever is in the locked or "core latched" position. Fig.57 yes Fig.48 A front view of an example jukebox having Figure 58-59 the section lines cited; Fig.58 is along Fig.57 A cross-sectional view of a section line in which Fig.49 The example core is positioned in the jukebox housing and the lever is in the unlocked or "core up" position; Fig.59 is along Fig.57A cross-sectional view of a section line in which Fig.49 The example core is positioned in the jukebox housing and the lever is in the locked or "core latched" position.

[0215] Since the core is sealed, cooling can be performed externally thereto, for example, by external ventilation means, such as fans, heat sinks, and / or the like. Temperature can be measured from a number of different locations in or near the core, for example, to determine which cooling means to activate and when to activate the cooling means. In certain exemplary embodiments, a fan tray can be located near the top of the jukebox housing, for example, to cool at least a portion of the components in the core and / or the core itself. See Figure 60-68 An example fan tray assembly will be shown and described. It will be seen that in certain exemplary embodiments, the fan tray can be located in different locations in different embodiments (e.g., the bottom of the housing, on the crossbar assembly, behind the core (e.g., behind the jukebox)), etc. It will also be seen that in certain exemplary embodiments, multiple fan trays can be used in these and / or other example locations.

[0216] Fig.60 According to some exemplary embodiments, it can be used Fig.48 A front perspective view of a fan tray in an example jukebox is shown; Fig.61 Shows Fig.60 Example of the range of motion of the fan tray components. Fig.62 yes Fig.60 , showing an electronic fan controller for the example fan tray. From these views, it can be seen that the tray is stationary while small (e.g., 80 mm) fans located at opposite ends of the tray rotate back and forth. A small electronic fan controller can be placed in the tray to, for example, turn the fans on / off, rotate, etc., for example, in response to input from a temperature sensor. In this regard, Fig.63 yes Fig.60 A front view of an example fan tray showing a small temperature sensor for detecting the temperature at or near the amplifier built into the core. Fig.64 yes Fig.60 A bottom plan view of an example fan tray showing simple magnets, etc. that can be used to position the fan disc in the box and cause it to rotate.

[0217] Figures 65-68 The fan disk assembly is shown located in the housing. That is, Fig.65 It is located in the housing of the jukebox. Fig.60 A front perspective view of an example fan in FIG. Fig.66 Fig.48 A front view of an example jukebox having Figures 67-68the section lines cited; Fig.67 yes Fig.66 Section view along line AA; Fig.68 yes Fig.66 Cross-sectional view along line CC.

[0218] As described above, the operator can select an archive for the VOD player from a predetermined list of archives. This allows the VOD player to call up a specific playlist, etc. Archives can be generated from existing archives or "from scratch." For the former, find an existing archive that is close to the archive to be generated, generate a sub-archive from the selected root archive, enter basic information (e.g., name, description, basic settings, etc.), and specify copy or inherit tile groups or playlist categories. For the latter, enter basic information (e.g., information of the type specified above) and fill the tile list and playlist grid for the main carousel with tiles. Specify public and private archive names, descriptions, and / or the like, default language, pricing plan, etc.

[0219] Archives can be established by adding tiles or tile lists. In some exemplary embodiments, tiles can be one of the following four types, i.e., songs, albums, artists, and playlists. Tiles can be searched and then added. Quick searches can be used, such as identifying archives based on common names, IDs, etc. More advanced searches based on artists, songs, albums, playlists, tiles, etc. can also be used. In some exemplary embodiments, for non-tile search results, a tile making screen will be displayed, and users have the opportunity to establish a specific tile for the selected search item. In some exemplary embodiments, search results can be filtered, sorted, and / or searched, etc. For example, filtering can be performed based on metadata tags such as genres, styles, emotions, beats, lossless, clips, lyrics have been verified, and / or their subcategories. In some exemplary embodiments, elements as a collection of other elements (e.g., an album is a collection of songs) can be expanded, and in different exemplary embodiments, items of any granularity level can be selected. Alternatively, or additionally, tiles can be established, for example, using the above-mentioned example search techniques and / or other methods. That is, tiles can be built "from scratch," emulating a selected search of a tile or other item, etc. Search results and / or other displayed artists, albums, songs, tiles, archives, etc. may include information such as name / description, artist / genre, status, number of elements in the collection (if applicable), percentage popularity, etc.

[0220] For example, as described above, in different embodiments, the tile can be static or dynamic. A static tile always points to the same content. For example, if its type is a song, it will always point to the same song. On the contrary, the content of a dynamic tile can change over time, so it helps to generate top music resources according to user-specified criteria (e.g., the top elements of a given type of music in a certain geographic area within a predetermined time period). The content of a dynamic tile can be supplemented regularly and / or irregularly (e.g., based on manual updates), and the supplement can be performed on a jukebox, a central server, or elsewhere. The same or similar basic information can be provided for the tile. The image of the tile can be generated based on its content (and may or may not correspond to an album cover), based on an image provided by the user, etc. The tile can be presented in a specific format (e.g., a pair of images, 2*2 images, etc., with or without customizable text, etc.).

[0221] Archives may be assigned different states. Example states include Draft (e.g., when an archive is first created, when a published archive is modified, etc.), Pending (e.g., when submitted for approval and before being published to the jukebox), and Licensed (e.g., accepted by the central server for authentication and authorized for publication to the jukebox), Published (e.g., an update to any previous version on the central server and / or jukebox, etc.), and / or the like.

[0222] In certain exemplary embodiments, archives may be stored as structured text (e.g., XML documents, JSON documents, etc.) conforming to a predetermined schema. In certain exemplary embodiments, archives may be stored as database entries (e.g., tables in relational or other databases and / or the like). Pending and approved archives, for example, may be stored at a central storage location and transmitted to jukeboxes that wish to receive the archives.

[0223] In some exemplary embodiments, subcategories may be created from the archive, for example, filtering out songs with complete lyrics, including only edited songs, including lyric verification content, etc. Genres, subgenres, moods, styles, beats per minute, ages, etc. may also be used to create subcategories.

[0224] Fig.69 is an example profile detail page for creating a new profile according to a certain exemplary embodiment. A new profile can be created as a "top level" profile for a certain region, a sub-profile for a certain genre (e.g., classic rock as a sub-profile for rock, boy bands as a sub-profile for pop, etc.), etc. The hierarchical tree structure displayed on the left can be extended to multiple views, for example, allowing the user to quickly jump between profiles, tiles, playlists, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, it can also support drag and drop operations. The hierarchical tree structure can be set up as follows (at least initially): file USA Secondary File 1 Main Carousel Browse the playlist grid Characterization New and Hot Songs Era wait. video Secondary File 2 U.K. Canada Tiles New tiles Archives artist New Artists Archives Playlist Playlist New and Hot Songs school Era wait. video New Videos Archives

[0225] The ordering of tiles and / or the like can be exploited Fig.69 Alternatively or additionally, the jukebox's local popularity may control the sorting, e.g., favoring more popular tiles, etc. Primary and secondary sorting may be performed, e.g., for sub-directories of tiles, etc. The sorting used for the primary list need not be used for some or all of the secondary lists.

[0226] The profile analysis may include data for the current week and one or more previous weeks. The numeric column is simply the number of jukeboxes assigned to the profile, the %WOW value provides a weekly comparison of the total jukeboxes assigned to the profile, and the %YOY value provides a similar comparison based on the same week of the previous year. Similar information may be provided in tile analysis as described elsewhere in this document.

[0227] Fig.70ais an example screen that can be used to create a new archive in certain exemplary embodiments. Within the area of ​​this screen are a series of radio buttons that indicate which tile lists should be inherited from the root archive, and which should be copied. Copy behavior refers to copying settings, values, content, and / or the like so that a new instance is created for a larger content item (e.g., a tile list) and only simple values ​​are copied. Changing the parameters of the copy in the child archive will not affect the root archive. Inherit behavior refers to linking settings, values, content, and / or the like as between the root archive and the child archive, so that both the child archive and the root archive can use an instance of the larger content item (e.g., a tile list), and if the instance is modified (e.g., in the root archive), then the modification is applied to all archives linked to that instance. For simple parameters, inheritance does not need to be used, but synchronization does need to be maintained. In any case, once these items are selected, Fig.69 The example screen shown will populate itself. For example, for inherited tile lists, the tile list (under the carousel view or grid view preview) can be grayed out, e.g., to help clearly indicate that it is inherited and cannot be edited. Copied tiles can be edited or removed, and additional tiles can be added or moved around, etc. Once a profile is created, it can be pushed to the jukeboxes that need it (e.g., based on the selection of an operator, venue manager, or other authorized user). Fig.70b is a table illustrating an example archive data header format that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0228] Fig.69 The second area on the left side of the example view enables the user to create, modify, delete and / or the like manipulate tiles. Fig.71a is an example tile creation screen that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments. An image associated with the tile may be specified, such as as a separate image associated with an album, as an image associated with the first four (or other specific number) songs, etc. Tiles thus added may be moved to archives (e.g., by drag and drop or other operation). Text Takeover Area, when "on" indicates that no text may be displayed over the image. Fig.71b is a table illustrating an example tile definition format that may be used in certain exemplary embodiments. Figure 71c(1)-71c(2) Another example tile definition format is provided that may be used with certain exemplary embodiments.

[0229] Fig.72 yes Fig.69 The lower enlarged area of ​​the screen is shown, showing the tile being added to the profile. Time periods can be specified (e.g., indicating that the tile will be activated during the day so that, for example, classical music is played for brunch, pop music is played for dinner, and hip-hop music is played late at night, etc.), available / unavailable dates, and / or the like, and / or default values ​​can be applied. Fig.69 The carousel preview in the can automatically update to indicate that new tiles have been added.

[0230] Fig.73a is an example profile analysis screen that may be presented to a user according to certain exemplary embodiments. In addition to providing information about top plays, artists / songs being searched for, jukeboxes using the profile, coin counts, etc., items from the lower portion of the display may be used to create new tiles, such as by dragging and dropping or otherwise, where the items are related to tiles or the like in a drop-down menu on the left side of the example screen.

[0231] With respect to the analysis provided, for the popular tiles in the bottom area of ​​the example screen, the popular list will display a predetermined number of tiles (e.g., 5) at a time and can be scrolled horizontally from left to right to view more. The user can scroll up through a predetermined number of additional tiles (e.g., top 20, top 50, top 100 tiles). The queue can be provided with an overlay. Similar displays can be provided for popular songs, albums, artists, and / or the like.

[0232] Further metrics may be derived from playback data measured at the front-end interface of the jukebox device and aggregated at the central server, for example, for royalty calculation purposes. Fig.73a (1) A graph of the revenue of a specific jukebox and the average revenue of the entire network is plotted. Fig.73a (2) A revenue-date relationship graph is plotted by play type (e.g., selected from search, genre, new and popular songs, playlist, home screen, etc.). Fig.73a (3) Revenue by play type is shown along the vertical axis, and archive names are shown along the horizontal axis. Hovering over an area provides additional details about the relevant section.

[0233] Similar to the revenue chart above, you can display information about play type, title type, play data charts, original play and credit spent to play, and paid play type. Percentages are also visible. Information about the device used to play the song can also be provided, for example, generating a chart of original play and next play operations, etc.

[0234] The period of analysis may be modified, for example, to reflect annual, monthly, weekly, daily, trial, customer-defined, and / or other periods. In certain exemplary embodiments, regions may form the basis for improved operations. Such customer-defined periods may have predetermined minimum or maximum durations. Other chart formats may be used in place of or in addition to the chart formats shown in the examples described herein. For example, an area chart may be used instead of a line chart, an area chart may be used for specific jukebox information, a line chart may be used for large amounts of average data, and the like. It will also be seen that different types of data may be overlaid on a general chart (e.g., a stacked bar chart may also be used to represent the number of venues, etc.).

[0235] Figure 73b is an example tile analytics view that may be displayed to a user according to certain exemplary embodiments. The Quantity column represents the queue of tiles, Weekly Plays is a simple count of plays, the WOW% column is the percentage change in the number of plays from week to week, and network and archive popularity measurements are also provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the network popularity rating may be a numerical value contained in a category, where each song has a numerical value representing its popularity on the network. This value is the same for all jukeboxes and will change, for example, from week to week.

[0236] Fig.74 is an example new tile creation screen that can be used to generate dynamic tiles according to certain exemplary embodiments. Dynamic tiles can be generated based on the entire network, or in some mixed fashion, locally (on a jukebox). The tile definition is set to allow multiple entries, and the user can select some items to be included in the list (e.g., 30) from a specific group (e.g., genre). The user thus generates a dynamic list of the top X songs from a specific genre, playlist, archive, region, jukebox, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, picture settings can be specified on the left side of the screen, and the update frequency of the images and / or pictures in the list can be specified (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Therefore, for example, in different situations, the example techniques described herein can be used to create static and / or dynamic tiles, playlists, archives, and / or the like.

[0237] Searching can be used to locate songs, artists, albums, etc. that can be added to a tile, playlist, genre, archive, etc. Adaptive retrieval techniques, different sorting techniques, etc. (as described above) can be used to facilitate these features. Similar searches can be performed on playlists, tiles, archives, and / or the like, such as to edit, add to another element of the same or different type, etc.

[0238] A complete archive, tile, etc. can be saved as a draft and approved by others (e.g., a jukebox provider, etc.) before it can be released to the jukebox. Fig.75is an example permission screen that may be used in some exemplary embodiments.

[0239] In certain exemplary embodiments, translations may be provided for different communities. Similarly, different images may be limited to different communities, such as to include graphic-based text written in the appropriate language, etc., in order to match local etiquette standards.

[0240] The use cases described herein are presented as examples and not limitations. In other exemplary implementations, embodiments, and or uses of the present invention, other flowcharts and use cases are also possible.

[0241] Certain exemplary embodiments relate to an entertainment center having a computer connectable to a network, wherein said computer is further connected to at least one display screen by standard analog, digital or network address displayable means, said computer being operable to interact with a remote device connected to said network in communication with said computer, said remote device being operable to receive a code and transmit said code to said computer, and wherein said computer is capable of verifying the validity of said code against a database or algorithm, and upon verification, said computer being configured to assign a monetary value or credit to said remote device. The remote device is operable to browse content contained in said computer, and said remote device is further operable to select and pay said monetary value or credit for said content, said monetary value or credit being deductible by said remote device through selection of said computer. The code may be sent to the remote device and input to the computer in lieu of or in addition thereto.

[0242] Certain exemplary embodiments relate to an outdoor entertainment center in combination with at least one Internet-based information system and / or a social networking site and at least one remote device. The remote device is connected to the outdoor entertainment center via a wired or wireless local area network or via the Internet, wherein use of some entertainment center services by the remote device triggers the entertainment center to send information to the at least one Internet-based information system. Linking the system via the Internet may require the user to enter a code into the remote device to uniquely identify the entertainment center.

[0243] The present disclosure employs certain terms which should not be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment, hardware components and configuration, software configuration, and the like. For example, many functions and examples have been described in connection with their presence in a bar, pub, or other environment. Nevertheless, it is best that the features presented in the embodiments of the present invention are applicable to use wherever one (or more) jukeboxes may be placed. Similarly, when certain features and functions are described by convention as "users," "owners," "operators," "customers," and the like, it is best that these terms are generic and, in most cases, can be used interchangeably depending on the selected embodiment and the features used. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, it may be advantageous to restrict the owner and / or operator to make the initial song selection, and in certain exemplary embodiments, the customer may play a role in the initial song selection. The term "display" preferably includes, for example, a monitor directly or remotely connected to a computer, an embedded integrated circuit (such as IP TV technology). The display screen may be network addressable. In addition, standard digital signs (based on LED light emitting diodes) may also be considered display screens and / or may be provided as network addressable display screens.

[0244] Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described in outdoor locations, the techniques described herein are preferably applicable to use in indoor or personal jukeboxes.

[0245] Further, specific hardware combinations and configurations are disclosed to illustrate that only one way in which the embodiments may be constructed. In some exemplary embodiments, the central server may be comprised of one or more servers that, in interaction or individually, continuously provide a full range of services necessary to enable a functioning jukebox. For example, a group of servers may form a virtual central server, with one server providing media, another tracking members, and another processing licensing instructions, and so on.

[0246] Similarly, the local servers described herein may be incorporated into the jukebox. For example, the local servers may function independently, even though they exist as a portion (e.g., a partition) of an integrated mass storage device in the jukebox. Indeed, as hard disks become larger and less expensive, they may better serve the function of the local servers.

[0247] Although the word "song" is used in part of the above description, the use of this word is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and any illustration or media instance (e.g., song, video, song / video combination, data, information, etc.) may be used in any embodiment herein and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0248] Finally, the screenshots and software arrangements presented herein are only one implementation, for the purpose of organizing and illustrating the features disclosed herein. Other configurations are possible and are therefore contemplated herein.

[0249] The preferred aspects of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and / or modifications may be made. Therefore, the specific descriptions herein are only used as typical examples and are not intended to limit the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the literal representation of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A digital jukebox device, include: a network interface leading to a digital audiovisual reproduction network including a server maintaining a list of promotional songs located in a computer-readable storage medium; Display device; as well as a processing resource comprising at least one hardware processor and memory coupled to said at least one hardware processor, said processing resource being configured to control said digital jukebox device to output at least a user interface to said display device, said user interface being configured to present a plurality of groups of songs available for playback through said digital jukebox device on a pay-per-play basis, at least one of said groups of songs being a self-populating playlist comprising a first predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from a promotional song list, and a second predetermined non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback by said digital jukebox device itself.

2. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 1, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist can change over time.

3. The digital jukebox device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audiovisual reproduction network.

4. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs present in a predetermined area of ​​the digital jukebox device that are identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audio-visual reproduction network.

5. The digital jukebox device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that Each of the groups of songs may be displayed in the user interface as a user-selectable tile including images associated with two or more songs in the respective group.

6. A digital jukebox device, include: a network interface leading to a digital audiovisual reproduction network including a server maintaining a list of promotional songs located in a computer-readable storage medium; Display device; as well as and a processing resource comprising at least one hardware processor and memory coupled to said at least one hardware processor, said processing resource being configured to control said digital jukebox device to output at least a user interface to said display device, said user interface being configured to present a plurality of groups of songs available for playback through said digital jukebox device on a pay-per-play basis, at least one of said groups of songs being a self-populating playlist, said self-populating playlist comprising a first predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from a primary category of songs as being the most popular songs within a first predetermined area, and a second predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from a list of promotional songs.

7. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 6, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist further includes a third predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from the primary category of songs as being the most popular songs within a second predetermined area, the first predetermined area being different from the second predetermined area.

8. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 7, It is characterized in that The first predetermined area only includes the digital jukebox device itself, and the second predetermined area includes other digital jukebox devices managed by the administrator of the digital jukebox device itself.

9. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 7, It is characterized in that The digital jukebox device has a music profile selected from a plurality of different possible music profiles, the music profile specifying various aspects of songs that can be played by the digital jukebox device, and the first predetermined area includes only the digital jukebox device itself, and the second predetermined area includes other digital jukebox devices that are managed by the administrator of the digital jukebox device itself and are configured to run the same music profile as the music profile selected for the digital jukebox device.

10. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 9, It is characterized in that When the digital jukebox device operates according to the selected music file, the first predetermined area is further defined as the digital jukebox device itself.

11. A digital jukebox device, include: a network interface leading to a digital audiovisual reproduction network including a server maintaining a list of promotional songs located in a computer-readable storage medium; Display device; as well as and a processing resource comprising at least one hardware processor and memory coupled to the at least one hardware processor, the processing resource being configured to control the digital jukebox device to output at least a user interface to the display device, the user interface being configured to present a plurality of groups of songs available for playback through the digital jukebox device on a pay-per-play basis, at least some of the groups of songs being genre-based self-populating playlists, the genre-based self-populating playlists comprising a first predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from a list of promotional songs, and a second predetermined non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback of the digital jukebox device itself and corresponding to themes of the respective genre-based self-populating playlists.

12. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 11, It is characterized in that At least a portion of the genre-based self-populating playlist may change over time.

13. The digital jukebox device according to claim 11 or 12, It is characterized in that Each of the genre-based self-populating playlists further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audio-visual reproduction network and corresponding to the theme of the respective genre-based self-populating playlist.

14. The digital jukebox device according to claim 11 or 12, It is characterized in that Each of the genre-based self-populating playlists further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs present in a predetermined area of ​​the digital jukebox device that are identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audio-visual reproduction network and corresponding to the theme of the respective genre-based self-populating playlist.

15. The digital jukebox device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, It is characterized in that Each of the groups of songs may be displayed in the user interface as a user-selectable tile including images associated with two or more songs in the respective group.

16. A method of operating a digital jukebox device, the digital jukebox device including a network interface, the network interface leading to a digital audio-visual reproduction network including a server, the server maintaining a list of promotional songs located on a computer-readable storage medium; the method include: Displaying a user interface via a display device of the digital jukebox device; causing the user interface to present a plurality of groups of songs available for playback via the digital jukebox device on a pay-per-play basis, at least one of the groups of songs being a self-populating playlist, the self-populating playlist comprising a first predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from a list of promotional songs and a second predetermined non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback of the digital jukebox device itself; enabling users to select tiles and / or songs therein; as well as The digital jukebox device is used to play back selected songs on a pay-per-play basis, characterized in that the digital jukebox device includes processing resources, the processing resources include at least one hardware processor and memory connected to the at least one hardware processor, and the processing resources are configured to facilitate display, causing, enabling and playback of selected songs.

17. The method of claim 16, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist can change over time.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audiovisual reproduction network.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs present in a predetermined area of ​​the digital jukebox device that are identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audio-visual reproduction network.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, It is characterized in that Each of the groups of songs may be displayed in the user interface as a user-selectable tile including images associated with two or more songs in the respective group.

21. A method of operating a digital jukebox device, the digital jukebox device including a network interface, the network interface leading to a digital audio-visual reproduction network including a server, the server maintaining a list of promotional songs located on a computer-readable storage medium; the method include: Displaying a user interface via a display device of the digital jukebox device; causing said user interface to present a plurality of groups of songs available for playback through said digital jukebox device on a pay-per-play basis, at least one of said groups of songs being a self-populating playlist, said self-populating playlist comprising a first predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from a primary category of songs that are most popular songs within a first predetermined area and a second predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from a list of promotional songs; enabling users to select tiles and / or songs therein; as well as The digital jukebox device is used to play back selected songs on a pay-per-play basis, characterized in that the digital jukebox device includes processing resources, the processing resources include at least one hardware processor and memory connected to the at least one hardware processor, and the processing resources are configured to facilitate display, causing, enabling and playback of selected songs.

22. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 21, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist further includes a third predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from the primary category of songs as being the most popular songs within a second predetermined area, the first predetermined area being different from the second predetermined area.

23. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 22, It is characterized in that The first predetermined area only includes the digital jukebox device itself, and the second predetermined area includes other digital jukebox devices managed by the administrator of the digital jukebox device itself.

24. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 22, It is characterized in that The digital jukebox device has a music profile selected from a plurality of different possible music profiles, the music profile specifying various aspects of songs that can be played by the digital jukebox device, and the first predetermined area includes only the digital jukebox device itself, and the second predetermined area includes other digital jukebox devices that are managed by the administrator of the digital jukebox device itself and are configured to run the same music profile as the music profile selected for the digital jukebox device.

25. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 24, It is characterized in that When the digital jukebox device operates according to the selected music file, the first predetermined area is further defined as the digital jukebox device itself.

26. A method of operating a digital jukebox device, the digital jukebox device including a network interface, the network interface leading to a digital audio-visual reproduction network including a server, the server maintaining a list of promotional songs located on a computer-readable storage medium, the method include: Displaying a user interface via a display device of the digital jukebox device; causing the user interface to present a plurality of groups of songs available for playback through the digital jukebox device on a pay-per-play basis, at least some of the groups of songs being genre-based self-populating playlists, the genre-based self-populating playlists comprising a first predetermined non-zero percentage of songs selected from the promotional song list and a second predetermined non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback of the digital jukebox device itself and corresponding to a theme of each genre-based self-populating playlist; enabling users to select tiles and / or songs therein; as well as The digital jukebox device is used to play back selected songs on a pay-per-play basis, characterized in that the digital jukebox device includes processing resources, the processing resources include at least one hardware processor and memory connected to the at least one hardware processor, and the processing resources are configured to facilitate display, causing, enabling and playback of selected songs.

27. The digital jukebox device as claimed in claim 26, It is characterized in that The self-populating playlist based at least in part on genre may change over time.

28. The digital jukebox device according to claim 26 or 27, It is characterized in that Each of the genre-based self-populating playlists further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audio-visual reproduction network and corresponding to the theme of the respective genre-based self-populating playlist.

29. The digital jukebox device according to claim 26 or 27, It is characterized in that Each of the genre-based self-populating playlists further includes a third non-zero percentage of songs present in a predetermined area of ​​the digital jukebox device that are identified as popular based on playback by other jukeboxes connected to the digital audio-visual reproduction network and corresponding to the theme of the respective genre-based self-populating playlist.

30. The digital jukebox device as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29, It is characterized in that Each of the groups of songs may be displayed in the user interface as a user-selectable tile including images associated with two or more songs in the respective group.

31. A jukebox device, include: Display device; as well as A front body portion and a rear body portion connected to each other, the front body portion and the rear body portion together defining an interior area, the interior area being sized and shaped to accommodate control elements of the on-demand machine device; characterized in that The front body portion includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion and the lower portion being connected approximately in the middle region of the jukebox device; The lower portion supports a banknote acceptor and / or a credit card reader, The upper portion supports the display device, and The upper portion and the lower portion have respective thicknesses, the maximum value of the thicknesses being close to the thickness where the upper portion and the lower portion meet, and the thicknesses respectively decreasing in directions toward the top and bottom surfaces.

32. The device of claim 31, It is characterized in that The rear body portion is trapezoidal in top and bottom plan views.

33. The device of claim 32, It is characterized in that The rear body portion includes at least partially reflective top and side panels.

34. The device of claim 31, It is characterized in that The rear body portion includes at least partially reflective top and side panels.

35. The device according to claim 33 or 34, It is characterized in that Further includes one or more lights located within the on-demand machine device and configured to illuminate the top panel and side panels.

36. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 35, It is characterized in that Further included is a camera and one or more LED flash elements.

37. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 36, It is characterized in that Further included is a hinge mechanism connecting the front body portion and the rear body portion together.

38. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 37, It is characterized in that The rear body portion includes one or more cooling vents.

39. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 38, It is characterized in that The device may be mounted to a wall.

40. A jukebox device, include: a touch-sensitive display device; as well as A front main body portion and a rear main body portion are connected to each other, and the front main body portion and the rear main body portion together define an internal area, and the size and shape of the internal area are set to accommodate the control elements of the on-demand machine device; characterized in that the rear main body portion is trapezoidal in top and bottom plan views.

41. The device of claim 40, It is characterized in that The rear body portion includes at least partially reflective top and side panels.

42. The device of claim 41, It is characterized in that Further includes one or more lights located within the on-demand machine device and configured to illuminate the top panel and side panels.

43. The device according to any one of claims 40 to 42, It is characterized in that Further included is a camera and one or more LED flash elements.

44. The device according to any one of claims 40 to 43, It is characterized in that Further included is a hinge mechanism connecting the front body portion and the rear body portion together.

45. The device according to any one of claims 40 to 44, It is characterized in that The rear body portion includes one or more cooling vents.

46. ​​The device according to any one of claims 40 to 45, It is characterized in that The device may be mounted to a wall.

47. The device according to any one of claims 40 to 46, It is characterized in that The front body portion includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion and the lower portion being connected approximately in the middle region of the jukebox device; The lower portion supports a banknote acceptor and / or a credit card reader, The upper portion supports the display device, and The upper portion and the lower portion have respective thicknesses, the maximum value of the thicknesses being close to the thickness where the upper portion and the lower portion meet, and the thicknesses respectively decreasing in directions toward the top and bottom surfaces.

48. A jukebox device, include: encapsulating a core unit, the core unit comprising a touch-sensitive display device, at least one processor, a memory, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a first latch mechanism; as well as The main body portion includes a front main body portion and a rear main body portion, wherein the rear main body portion includes a second latch mechanism, and the second latch mechanism is configured to cooperate with the first latch mechanism when the encapsulated core unit is removably fixed to the rear main body portion.

49. The device of claim 48, further comprising a plurality of alignment guide pins.

50. The device of claim 48 or 49, It is characterized in that The first latch mechanism includes a latch opening and the second latch mechanism includes a movable latch that can be inserted into the latch opening.

51. The device according to any one of claims 48 to 50, It is characterized in that The packaged core unit includes a plurality of first connectors, which are arranged to establish direct electrical and mechanical contact with a plurality of corresponding second connectors arranged on the body portion when the packaged core is removably fixed to the rear body portion.

52. The device according to any one of claims 48 to 51, It is characterized in that It further includes a plurality of first alignment features disposed on the packaged core unit and a plurality of corresponding second alignment features disposed on the main body, wherein the first alignment features and the second alignment features help place the packaged core unit in the main body before latching.

53. The device of claim 52, It is characterized in that The first alignment feature includes left and right alignment guides and top and bottom scratch supports.

54. The device of claim 53, It is characterized in that The second alignment feature includes a top locating feature and a bottom locating feature.

55. The device of any one of claims 48-54, further comprising a cooling mechanism disposed outside the encapsulated core unit.

56. The device of claim 55, It is characterized in that The cooling device comprises at least one temperature sensor.

57. The device of claim 55 or 56, It is characterized in that The cooling mechanism includes one or more fans and an electronic fan controller.

58. The device according to any one of claims 55 to 57, It is characterized in that The cooling device is rotatably fixed to the main body.

59. A jukebox device, include: The main body comprises a front main body and a rear main body, the rear main body comprises a second latch mechanism, the second latch mechanism is configured to cooperate with the first latch mechanism of the encapsulated core unit to removably fix the encapsulated core unit to the rear main body, characterized in that: The packaged core unit includes a touch-sensitive display device, at least one processor, a memory, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and a first latch mechanism.

60. The device of claim 59, It is characterized in that The second latch mechanism includes a movable latch that can be inserted into a latch opening of the first latch mechanism.

61. The device as described in claim 59 or 60 further includes a plurality of corresponding second connectors arranged on the main body, and the second connectors are configured to establish direct electrical and mechanical contact with the plurality of first connectors of the packaging core unit when the packaging core is removably fixed to the rear main body.

62. The device according to any one of claims 59 to 61, It is characterized in that Further comprising a plurality of second alignment features disposed on the main body portion, the second alignment features being disposed to contact a plurality of corresponding first alignment features disposed on the packaged core unit to facilitate placement of the packaged core unit in the main body portion prior to latching.

63. The device of claim 62, It is characterized in that The first alignment feature includes left and right alignment guides and top and bottom scratch supports.

64. The device of claim 63, It is characterized in that The second alignment feature includes a top locating feature and a bottom locating feature.

65. The device of any one of claims 59-64, further comprising a cooling mechanism disposed outside the encapsulated core unit.

66. The device of claim 65, It is characterized in that The cooling device comprises at least one temperature sensor.

67. The device of claim 65 or 66, It is characterized in that The cooling mechanism includes one or more fans and an electronic fan controller.

68. The device according to any one of claims 65 to 67, It is characterized in that The cooling device is rotatably fixed to the main body.

69. A packaged core unit that can be removably inserted into the main body of a jukebox device, the packaged core unit include: a touch-sensitive display device; at least one processor; Memory; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium; and a first latch device; characterized in that, The main body portion includes a front main body portion and a rear main body portion, the rear main body portion including a second latch mechanism configured to cooperate with the first latch mechanism when removably securing the encapsulated core unit to the rear main body portion.

70. The unit of claim 69, further comprising a plurality of alignment guide pins.

71. A unit as claimed in claim 69 or 70, It is characterized in that The first latch mechanism includes a latch opening and the second latch mechanism includes a movable latch that can be inserted into the latch opening.

72. The device as described in any one of claims 69-71 further includes a plurality of first connectors, which are configured to establish direct electrical and mechanical contact with a plurality of corresponding second connectors arranged on the main body when the package core is removably fixed to the rear main body.

73. The device as described in any one of claims 69-72 further includes a plurality of first alignment features, which are configured to help place the packaged core unit in the main body before latching when used together with a plurality of corresponding second alignment features provided on the main body.

74. The device of claim 73, It is characterized in that The first alignment feature includes a left alignment guide and a right alignment guide, and a top scratch-in support and a bottom scratch-in support.

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