System for the joint playback of playlists for vehicles and a method for its application

Abstract

This document describes a system (100) for the collaborative playback of media playlists in vehicles. The system (100) comprises a server (102) that communicates with a vehicle infotainment unit (106). The infotainment unit (106) connects mobile devices (108), assigned to users (110), to the server (102) after user (110) authentication. The server (102) allows users (110) to select infotainment media to be played on the infotainment unit (106) using the mobile devices (108) and to create an initial collaborative playlist. This playlist contains the selected infotainment media, which are queued in a predefined configuration, as well as details about the respective users (110) who selected the infotainment media.The server (102) also plays the infotainment media associated with the created shared playlist when one of the users (110) has given their consent, and furthermore restricts the modification of the created shared playlist once the first created shared playlist has been selected and approved by the relevant users (110).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of infotainment units for vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and a method for providing a cooperative playlist for media playback in a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with an infotainment unit that provides entertainment and information for the vehicle's occupants. The infotainment unit comprises a main unit with audio / video interfaces, touchscreens, keypads, and other devices for providing these services. The infotainment unit also connects to cloud-based platforms to offer occupants a variety of media playback options, depending on their preferences.

[0003] The infotainment unit in vehicles is only accessible to the front-seat occupants (driver and front passenger). If passengers sitting behind the front passenger want to play a specific song via the infotainment system, they have to ask the front-seat occupants to do so. This is very inconvenient for the rear passengers, as they have to hear / see the media selection (songs / videos) of the front-seat occupants and are, in turn, dependent on the front-seat occupants for their media selection. Furthermore, the other occupants don't know which tracks are next in the playlist, since only one occupant operates the vehicle's infotainment system. Additionally, the created playlist can be deleted or changed on the infotainment system during playback, which can lead to inconvenience and the loss of the previously created playlist.Furthermore, there is no way to create a new playlist while the previously created playlist is playing on the infotainment unit.

[0004] Patent document US8738660B2 discloses a method and system for the multi-stage creation and use of a consolidated dynamic playlist. The method and system include obtaining input information from individual playlists, which is then passed into request lists, along with real-time, on-the-fly requests from active system clients. Additionally, a pre-existing consolidated dynamic playlist can serve as one of the input sources for the consolidated main playlist. In this configuration, a consolidated playlist functions similarly to any individual playlist within that system layer. The system identifies all currently active clients (connected at any given time) and assembles the consolidated dynamic playlist accordingly.

[0005] Another patent document, US11197068B1, discloses a method and system for interactive queues for shared listening sessions based on user satisfaction. The system and method comprise an electronic device that stores a shared playback queue for a shared playback session containing one or more media content items, including a first media content item requested by a first user. While the first media content item is in the queue, the device receives a second request from a second user to add a second media content item. The device determines the order of the shared playback queue partly based on the musical preferences in the profile of a third user participating in the session.The device then plays the first and second media content based on the specified order.

[0006] Another patent document, US2015222680A1, discloses a system for sharing media over a local network. The system includes a server that can provide media output to a vehicle and is configured to compile a combined media content list with metadata describing media content stored on network devices it identifies. The server assigns a media instance from a shared playlist managed by the server to one of the network devices, which stores the media content according to the content list and plays the media content back through the vehicle's media output.

[0007] Another patent document, US2020351316A1, discloses a system and method for sharing media content. The system and method comprise an infotainment system that includes a transceiver for receiving media content from a variety of sources and for communicating with a variety of user devices, and a transmitter configured to send media content. The infotainment system also includes a control unit programmed to query the user devices for at least one media preference factor and generate a composite public playlist based on an arbitration between different media preference factors received from the user devices.

[0008] While the aforementioned solutions allow each occupant to manage a playlist streamed through the infotainment system via their smartphone or other electronic devices, they do not offer an option to create a shared playlist based on media selected by all occupants. Consequently, the other occupants must listen to / watch media based on the playlist selected by one occupant and are thus dependent on that same occupant for media selection. Furthermore, the other occupants have no way of knowing which media is next in the playlist, as only one occupant operates the vehicle's infotainment system. Additionally, occupants must install a specific mobile application on their device to access the platform.After creating a playlist to be played on the infotainment system, the playlist can be deleted or modified by someone else, which is highly undesirable. Furthermore, there is no way to create a new playlist while the previously created one is playing on the infotainment system.

[0009] Furthermore, existing systems require each occupant to install various music sources on their mobile devices to add songs from different music providers to the queue. If the occupants do not use shared subscriptions, they may have to purchase the subscriptions separately. Additionally, the media must be stored in the infotainment unit's memory, resulting in increased storage requirements.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to improve passenger interaction with the infotainment unit and to enable access to multiple media service providers by giving all occupants (including rear passengers) the opportunity to create a shared playlist without being dependent on the front occupants and without having to install any mobile applications. SUBJECT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0011] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method for implementing collaborative playlist media playback in vehicles.

[0012] One purpose of the present disclosure is to eliminate / reduce the dependence of the occupants in the rear seats on the occupants in the front seats when accessing the infotainment unit of the vehicles.

[0013] Another purpose of the present disclosure is to improve passenger engagement with the infotainment unit by enabling all occupants (including rear passengers) to create a shared playlist in an unbiased manner, without being dependent on the front passengers.

[0014] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for implementing a shared playlist for media playback in vehicles, which restricts the deletion or modification of the created shared playlist and the associated songs or their order, while the current playlist can be replaced by a new playlist after approval and confirmation by the occupants.

[0015] Another purpose of the present disclosure is to enable the infotainment unit and the vehicle's occupants to access multiple media service providers without requiring the installation of mobile applications.

[0016] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system for the shared playback of playlists for vehicles, enabling occupants to access the infotainment unit without the need to install mobile applications.

[0017] Another purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a system for the communal playback of media playlists for vehicles, which enables the occupants to see the list of all media in the playlist as well as the media name, the media URL and the names of the occupants who selected the media. SUMMARY

[0018] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of infotainment units for vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and a method for providing a cooperative playlist for media playback in a vehicle.

[0019] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for the shared playback of media playlists for vehicles. The system comprises a server that communicates with an infotainment unit connected to one or more vehicles. The infotainment unit is configured to communicatively pair one or more mobile devices connected to one or more users of the respective vehicle with the server after authentication of the one or more users.The server includes a processor coupled with a memory that stores instructions which can be executed by the processor, enabling the server to allow one or more users to select one or more initial infotainment media to be played on the infotainment unit using the appropriate mobile devices, and to create an initial shared playlist which includes the one or more selected initial infotainment media, queued in a predefined configuration, and details about the respective users who selected the corresponding infotainment media.The server is further configured to play the first one or more infotainment media associated with the created first shared playlist on the vehicle's infotainment unit when one or more users approve this, and furthermore to restrict changes to the created first shared playlist once the created first shared playlist has been selected and approved by the relevant users.

[0020] Furthermore, the server can be configured to allow one or more users to select one or more secondary infotainment media to be played next on the infotainment unit, and accordingly create a second shared playlist while the first shared playlist is playing on the infotainment unit. The server can also stop playback of the first shared playlist and replace it with the created second shared playlist if one of the users approves this, and continue playing the second shared playlist while restricting changes to it.

[0021] In one aspect, the predefined configuration can be based on a FIFO (first in, first out) principle. Furthermore, the infotainment media can include any or a combination of songs, videos, news, podcasts, and radio.

[0022] In one aspect, the infotainment unit can be configured to generate a unique QR code and display it via an interface. When the QR code is scanned with the corresponding mobile device, one or more mobile devices can connect to the server. Furthermore, the server can register the one or more mobile devices as authorized for the infotainment unit and grant access to the infotainment unit after authentication of the respective users.

[0023] In another aspect, the server can allow one or more users to send a registration link to one or more unauthorized mobile devices, using at least one authorized mobile device. The link can then allow the unauthorized mobile device(s) to connect to the server and, after authentication, access the infotainment unit.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for implementing a shared media playlist in a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of communicatively pairing one or more mobile devices, associated with one or more users of a vehicle, with a server after authentication of the one or more users.The procedure further includes the steps that enable one or more users to select, via the server, one or more initial infotainment media to be played on an infotainment unit connected to the vehicle using the appropriate mobile devices, followed by the steps that enable the server to create an initial shared playlist comprising the one or more selected initial infotainment media, which are queued in a predefined configuration, as well as details about the respective users who selected the corresponding infotainment media.Furthermore, the procedure includes the steps of playing one or more initial infotainment media items associated with the created initial shared playlist on the vehicle's infotainment unit after approval by one or more users, followed by the steps of restricting the server's ability to modify the created initial shared playlist once the created initial shared playlist has been selected and approved by the relevant users.

[0025] Furthermore, the procedure may include steps that allow one or more users to select one or more secondary infotainment media to be played next on the infotainment unit and, accordingly, to create a second shared playlist while the first shared playlist is playing on the infotainment unit. The procedure may also include steps of pausing playback of the first shared playlist and replacing it with the created second shared playlist after approval by one or more users, as well as further playback and restricting changes to the second shared playlist.

[0026] In one aspect, the procedure may include the steps of generating and displaying a unique QR code via an interface of the infotainment unit, enabling one or more users to scan the generated QR code with the appropriate mobile devices, connecting the one or more mobile devices to the server, registering the mobile devices as authorized for the infotainment unit, and enabling access to the infotainment unit after authentication of the users.

[0027] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter according to the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary network architecture of the proposed system for the joint playback of media playlists in vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary block diagram representing the functional units of a server connected to the proposed system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates the exemplary architecture of the proposed system, which is a multi-user system implemented in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of the proposed method for implementing a common media playlist in vehicles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the necessary level of detail is not intended to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0030] The embodiments described here relate to the field of infotainment units for vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for providing a cooperative playlist for media playback in a vehicle.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 3A and Fig. Reference 3B discloses the proposed system 100 for implementing a shared media playlist in one or more vehicles. Specifically, the disclosed system 100 enhances the interaction of users (occupants) with an infotainment unit 106 of the vehicle 104 and provides access to multiple media service providers 112, e.g., via Bluetooth 300, any online music service 302, USB 304, or another means 306, by enabling all occupants / users 110 to create a shared playlist in an unbiased manner without requiring the installation of mobile applications. The infotainment unit 106 can display various functions, e.g.,Applications 324, settings of the infotainment unit or vehicle 326, functions relating to passenger comfort 328, user phone connectivity API 330, smartphone connectivity 338, functions relating to speed tracking 336, multimedia functions 334, radio 332, etc. In addition, the presented system 100 provides access to multiple media service providers and allows users 110 to view the list of all media in the queue of the shared playlist.

[0032] In one embodiment, the system 100 may include a server 102 (here also referred to as the cloud server) that communicates with one or more infotainment units 106-A to 106-N (here collectively referred to as infotainment unit 106 or main unit 106) connected to one or more vehicles 104-A to 104-N (here collectively referred to as vehicle 104). The system 100 may further include one or more mobile devices 108-1 to 108-N (here collectively referred to as mobile devices 108) assigned to users 110-1 to 110-N (here collectively referred to as user 110 or occupant 110) who are seated / traveling in the vehicle 104. The infotainment unit 106 can be configured to perform pairing after authentication of the users 110 / mobile devices 108, or to establish a connection between the mobile devices 108 and the server 102.In addition, Server 102 can remain connected to one or more infotainment service providers or sources 112-1 to 112-N (hereinafter collectively referred to as Media Sources 112 or Service Providers 112) and a media aggregator.

[0033] In one embodiment, the infotainment unit 106 may comprise an input unit such as a keyboard and / or buttons, an output unit with a user interface 106-1 and / or speakers 106-2 for audiovisual output, and a communication unit to enable communication between the infotainment unit 106 and the server 102 and the mobile devices 108 of the users 110. In another embodiment, the infotainment unit 106 may comprise a container 106-1 with a touchscreen, as described in the Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows the mobile device 108 connected to loudspeakers 106-2 and a power source of the vehicle 104, as well as to the server 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device 108 can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other portable computing device.

[0034] In one embodiment, the server 102 can communicate with the infotainment unit 106, the mobile device 108, and the media sources 112 via a network 114. Furthermore, the network 114 can be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof, and can be implemented as one of various network types, such as an intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network 114 can also be either a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network can represent a federation of different network types that can use a variety of protocols, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like.

[0035] In one embodiment, the system 100 can be implemented using any or a combination of hardware and software components, such as a cloud, a server, a computer system, a computing device, a network device, and the like. Furthermore, the server 102 can interact with the infotainment unit 106, the mobile devices 108, and the media sources 112 via a website without the need for mobile applications, provided the mobile devices 108 have been successfully paired with the server 102, using methods that are described in detail in subsequent sections.

[0036] Once the mobile devices 108 of users 110 are paired or connected to the server 102, the server 102 allows users 110 to search for and select one or more infotainment media, such as songs, videos, news, podcasts, and radio channels, to be played on the infotainment unit 106 of the vehicle 104, without limitation. The server 102 can receive a set of data packets corresponding to the selected infotainment media from each of the mobile devices 108 connected to users 110 traveling in the same vehicle 104. The server 102 then creates an initial shared playlist of the selected infotainment media, which is queued according to the FIFO (first-in, first-out) principle.

[0037] Server 102 can then sequentially retrieve the queued infotainment media (from the first shared playlist) from one or more media sources 112 and a media aggregator, based on the required media subscription. It can then play the infotainment media on infotainment unit 106 on a FIFO basis after it has been selected and approved by users 110. Furthermore, server 102 can restrict modifications to the created first shared playlist once it has been selected and approved by the relevant users 110. However, server 102 can allow users 110 to replace the current (first) shared playlist with a new one.

[0038] Furthermore, the server 102 enables users 110 to view the media in the queue in the shared playlist, which can be displayed on their mobile devices 108 or on the infotainment unit 106 display, along with information about the users 110 who selected the respective infotainment media, the media name and the media URL.

[0039] Once the latest (first or current) infotainment playlist is active on the infotainment unit 106, the server 102 can allow users 110 in the vehicle to select one or more secondary infotainment media to be played next on the infotainment unit 106 and accordingly create a new (second shared) playlist (314) while the previously created (first) shared playlist (312) continues to play on the infotainment unit 106, without modifying or pausing the latest (first) shared playlist. Later, when users 110 select the newly created (second) shared playlist using their mobile devices 108, the server 102 can stop playback of the previous (first) shared playlist and replace it with the most recently selected (second) shared playlist.Server 102 can then sequentially retrieve the queued infotainment media (from the latest (second) collaborative playlist) from one or more media sources 112 and the media aggregator, and then play the infotainment media on infotainment unit 106 on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis after selection and approval by users 110. Accordingly, Server 102 can allow users 110 to create multiple collaborative playlists, while one of the previously created collaborative playlists is selected and played on infotainment unit 106. However, Server 102 can restrict changes to the active collaborative playlist once it has been selected and approved by the relevant users 110.

[0040] In one embodiment, the server 102 can be configured to store each of the created collaborative playlists in the database 210 and allow users 100 to select one of the stored playlists using their mobile devices 108. Furthermore, after approval by one of the users 110, the server 102 can enable the selection and activation of the chosen collaborative playlist using their mobile devices 108 and accordingly play the infotainment media from the selected collaborative playlist, while restricting the modification of the selected or played collaborative playlist.

[0041] In one embodiment, the infotainment unit 106 can be configured to generate a unique QR code and display it via the interface / display 106-1 of the infotainment unit 106. Furthermore, the mobile devices 108 can be connected or paired with the server 102 when the QR code is scanned with a camera or scanner app on the respective mobile devices 108. The server 102 can then register the mobile devices 108 as authorized / paired mobile devices for the infotainment unit 106 after authentication of the corresponding users 110.

[0042] In another embodiment, the server 102 can also allow users 110 (using at least one of the paired / authorized mobile devices 108 of users 110 sitting / traveling in the vehicle 104) to send a connection link for registration to one or more unpaired mobile devices in the vehicle 104. This connection link can allow unpaired mobile devices to connect to the server 102 after authentication.

[0043] In another embodiment, the server 102 can generate a unique alphanumeric code and display it via the interface 106-1 of the infotainment unit 106 when a previously registered mobile device 108 attempts to reconnect to the server 102 during a subsequent journey in a vehicle 104 that it has previously traveled in. The corresponding mobile devices can then be reconnected to the server 102 and the infotainment unit 106 or repaired after registering with the server 102 using the unique alphanumeric code.

[0044] Accordingly, the system 100 improves customer / user engagement by enabling multiple users 110 (including rear-seat occupants) to create multiple shared playlists via a built-in browser-based web app from their respective mobile devices 108. All occupants / users 110 in the vehicle 104 can scan a QR code using their mobile device's standard scanner app 108 and connect to the vehicle's infotainment unit 106 via the server 102. In one implementation, each user / passenger 110 can select multiple songs from available music providers such as Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Genie, and Amazon Music and add them to a "waitlist" that is visible in real time to all other users / passengers 110 from their respective mobile devices 110, as well as on the infotainment unit 106's interface 106-1.Users can add such songs to their "Favorites" list and later access them by adding them to the "Queue" list. Users can also add previously played tracks from their "History" list to the "Queue" list. All created shared playlists and their respective tracks, along with the name of the user who played them, are stored in a cloud database that remains connected to all mobile devices to ensure seamless list updates. Furthermore, users can delete selected tracks from the list using their mobile devices. However, deleting or changing the order of tracks in the active shared playlist playing on the infotainment device is restricted.Users 110 can view all saved / created collaborative playlists and their queued titles using the "View" and "Navigation" options on their mobile devices 108, and can also select any of the collaborative playlists using the "Sync Playlist" and "Play" options on their mobile devices 108.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of 200 exemplary functional units of the server 102, which may include one or more processors 202, memory 204, interfaces 206, processing units 208, and a database 210. The one or more processor(s) 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuits, and / or any devices that process data based on operating instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processors 202 are configured to retrieve and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 204 of the server 102. The memory 204 may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines that can be retrieved and executed to create or share the data units via a network service.Memory 204 can contain any non-volatile device, e.g., volatile memory such as RAM or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.

[0046] In one embodiment, the server 102 may also include one or more interfaces 206. The interface(s) 206 may comprise a variety of interfaces, such as interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I / O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 206 may facilitate communication between the server 102 and various devices connected to the server 102. The interface(s) 206 may also provide a communication path for one or more components of the server 102. Examples of such components include the processing machine(s) 208 and the database 210.

[0047] In one embodiment, the processing machine(s) 208 can be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (e.g., programmable instructions) to implement one or more functions of the processing machine(s) 208. In the examples described here, such combinations of hardware and programming can be implemented in various ways. For example, the programming for the processing machine(s) 208 can consist of processor-executable instructions stored on a non-volatile, machine-readable storage medium, and the hardware for the processing machine(s) 208 can include a processing resource (e.g., one or more processors) for executing such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium can store instructions which, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing machine(s) 208.In such examples, the server 102 can contain the machine-readable storage medium that stores the instructions and the processing resource for executing the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium can be separate but accessible to the server 102 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing machine(s) 208 can be implemented by electronic circuits. The database 210 can contain data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by one of the components of the processing machine(s) 208.

[0048] In one embodiment, the processing machine(s) 208 may comprise a coupling unit 212, a media selection unit 214, a shared playlist unit 216, a media retrieval unit 218, a playback unit 220, and other unit(s) 222. The other unit(s) 222 may implement functionalities that complement applications or functions executed by the server 102 or the processing machine(s) 208.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the coupling unit 212 can cause the server 102 to enable the infotainment unit 106 to generate a unique QR code and display it via an interface / display 106-1 of the infotainment unit 106. Furthermore, the mobile devices 108 can be connected or paired with the server 102 when the QR code is scanned with a camera or scanner app of the respective mobile devices 108. The server 102 can then register the mobile devices 108 as an authorized mobile device or paired mobile device for the infotainment unit 106.

[0050] In another embodiment, the coupling unit 212 can cause the server 102 to enable the paired users 110 (using at least one of the paired or authorized mobile devices 108 of the users 110 sitting / traveling in the vehicle 104) to send a connection for registration to one or more unpaired mobile devices in the vehicle 104. This connection can then allow unpaired mobile devices to connect to the server 102 after authentication.

[0051] In another embodiment, the coupling unit 212 can cause the server 102 to enable the infotainment unit 106 to generate and display a unique alphanumeric code via the interface 106-1 of the infotainment unit 106 when a previously registered mobile device 108 attempts to reconnect to the server 102 during a subsequent journey in a vehicle 104 that it has previously traveled in. The corresponding mobile devices 108 can then be reconnected to the server 102 and the infotainment unit 106 or repaired by logging in to the server 102 with the unique alphanumeric code.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the media selection unit 214 can instruct the server 102 to allow users 110 to select one or more infotainment media, such as, but not limited to, songs, videos, news, podcasts, and radio, using their mobile devices 108, to be played on the infotainment unit 106 of the vehicle 104. The server 102 can receive a set of data packets corresponding to the selected infotainment media from each of the mobile devices 108 connected to the users 110 traveling in the same vehicle 104.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the collaborative playlist unit 216 can instruct the server 102 to create an initial collaborative playlist containing the selected infotainment media, which are queued according to the FIFO (first-in, first-out) principle. Furthermore, the media retrieval unit 218 can instruct the server 102 to sequentially retrieve the queued infotainment media from the collaborative playlist from the media sources 112, based on the required media subscription and after approval by the users 110.

[0054] According to one embodiment, once the current (first) infotainment playlist is active on the infotainment unit 106, the collaborative playlist unit 216 can cause the server 102 to allow users 110 to select one or more second infotainment media to be played next on the infotainment unit 106, and accordingly create a new (second collaborative) playlist while the previously created (first) collaborative playlist is playing on the infotainment unit 106, without changing or stopping the last (first) collaborative playlist.

[0055] If users 110 later select the newly created (second) collaborative playlist with their mobile devices 108, the server 102 can stop playback of the previous (first) collaborative playlist and replace it with the most recently selected (second) collaborative playlist. The server 102 can then sequentially retrieve the queued infotainment media (from the latest (second) collaborative playlist) from the one or more media sources 112 and the media aggregator, and can then play the infotainment media on the infotainment unit 106 on a FIFO basis after it has been selected and approved by users 110.Accordingly, the collaborative playlist unit 216 can enable the server 102 to allow users 110 to create multiple collaborative playlists while one of the previously created collaborative playlists is selected and played on the infotainment unit 106. However, the server 102 can restrict changes to the active collaborative playlist once it has been selected and approved by the relevant users 110.

[0056] In one embodiment, the server 102 can be configured to store each of the created collaborative playlists in the database 210 and allow users 100 to select one of the stored playlists using their mobile devices 108. Furthermore, after approval by one of the users 110, the server 102 can enable the selection and activation of the chosen collaborative playlist using their mobile devices 108 and accordingly play the infotainment media from the selected collaborative playlist, while restricting changes to the selected or played collaborative playlist.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, the media retrieval unit 216 can instruct the server 102 to retrieve songs (308) from available music providers / sources such as Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Genie, and Amazon Music (310), but not limited to such titles, based on the "queue list" that is visible in real time to all other users / passengers 110 from their respective mobile devices 110 and on the interface of the infotainment unit 106. Furthermore, in one or more implementations, the server 102 can allow users 110 to add such songs to the "favorites list" (322) (316) and later access these songs (318) by adding them to the "queue list."All lists of created shared playlists and their respective tracks, along with the name of the user who played them, are stored in database 210, which remains connected to all mobile devices 108 to enable seamless list updates. Furthermore, users 110 can also delete their selected tracks from the list using their mobile devices 108 (316). However, deleting or changing the order of tracks from the active shared playlist playing on the infotainment unit 106 is restricted.Users 110 can view all saved / created collaborative playlists and their queued titles via the "View" and "Navigation" options on their mobile devices 108 and can also select any of the collaborative playlists via the "Sync Playlist" (320) and "Play" options on their mobile devices 108.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the playback unit 218 can cause the server 102 to play the infotainment media (from the collaborative playlist) on the vehicle's infotainment unit 106 on a FIFO basis.

[0059] Referring to Fig. Section 4 includes the proposed method 400 for implementing collaborative playback of playlists in vehicles, which involves the communicative pairing of one or more mobile devices, associated with one or more users seated / traveling in a vehicle, with the server after authentication of the one or more users, as described in block 402. Method 400 may include server 102, infotainment units 106, mobile devices 108, and other components connected to the system. Fig. 1 to 3B.

[0060] In one embodiment, Method 400 in Block 404 may include selecting one or more first infotainment media to be played on the infotainment unit using the appropriate mobile devices. Furthermore, Method 400 in Block 406 may include creating a first common playlist on the server containing the one or more selected first infotainment media that are queued in a predefined configuration, and information about the respective users who selected the corresponding first infotainment media. In one embodiment, the predefined configuration may be based on the FIFO (first in, first out) principle.

[0061] Furthermore, procedure 400 may include retrieving the one or more infotainment media items to be played from one or more sources / media service providers in block 408 on the server, followed by playing the one or more initial infotainment media items on the vehicle's infotainment unit in the predefined configuration (on a FIFO basis). Additionally, procedure 400 may include restricting changes to the created initial shared playlist in block 410 on the server once the created initial shared playlist has been selected and approved by the relevant users.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method 400 in block 412 can allow one or more users to select one or more second infotainment media to be played next on the infotainment unit and accordingly create a second shared playlist while the first shared playlist is playing on the infotainment unit. Furthermore, the method 400 in block 414 can include the steps of pausing playback of the first shared playlist and replacing the first shared playlist with the created second shared playlist after approval by one or more users, as well as further playback and limiting changes to the second shared playlist.

[0063] Accordingly, Procedure 400 can include the steps that allow vehicle users to create multiple collaborative playlists, while one of the previously created collaborative playlists is selected and played on the infotainment system. However, the server can restrict changes to the active collaborative playlist once it has been selected and approved by the relevant users.

[0064] In one embodiment, the communicative coupling or pairing of users' mobile devices with the server in Block 402 may include steps for generating and displaying a unique QR code via an interface of the infotainment unit. The mobile devices can then connect to the server by scanning the QR code with the camera of the respective mobile devices. The server then registers the mobile devices as authorized / unpaired mobile devices for the infotainment unit or pairs / connects the authorized / unpaired mobile devices to the server after authentication of the respective users.

[0065] In another embodiment, the communicative coupling or pairing of users' mobile devices with the server in Block 402 may include the steps that enable users to send a link to unauthorized (unpaired) mobile containers using at least one of the authorized (already paired) mobile containers, followed by enabling the unpaired mobile containers to connect to the server using the link for registration.

[0066] In another embodiment, if a previously registered mobile device attempts to reconnect to the server during a subsequent journey in a vehicle it has previously traveled in, block 402 can include steps for the server to generate and display a unique alphanumeric code via the infotainment unit interface. The corresponding mobile devices can then reconnect to the server and the infotainment unit or be repaired after logging in to the server with the unique alphanumeric code.

[0067] Thus, the present invention (system and method) improves the integration of users (occupants) into the infotainment system and enables access to multiple media service providers by allowing all users (including rear-seat occupants) to create a shared playlist independently, without dependence on the front-seat occupants and without the need to install mobile applications. Furthermore, the present invention restricts the deletion or modification of the created / active shared playlist and its associated tracks or their order, while replacing the current playlist with a new one is only possible after user approval and confirmation.

[0068] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples, provided that they are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person. ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0069] The present invention provides a system and a method for implementing a collaborative playlist for media playback in vehicles.

[0070] The present invention eliminates / reduces the dependence of the occupants in the rear seats on the occupants in the front seats in order to gain access to the infotainment unit of the vehicles.

[0071] The present invention improves the interaction of the occupants with the infotainment system by enabling all occupants (including the rear passengers) to create a common playlist without being dependent on the front occupants.

[0072] The present invention provides a system and a method for implementing a common playlist for media playback in vehicles, which restricts the deletion or modification of the created / active common playlist and the associated songs or their order, while the current playlist can be replaced by a new playlist after approval and confirmation by the occupants.

[0073] The present invention enables the infotainment unit and the occupants of the vehicle to access multiple media service providers without the need to install mobile applications.

[0074] The present invention provides a collaborative playback system for vehicles that allows occupants to access the infotainment unit without the need to install a mobile application.

[0075] The present invention provides a collaborative playlist media playback system for vehicles that allows the occupants to see the list of all media in the playlist, as well as the media name, the media URL, and the names of the occupants who selected the media. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8738660B2

[0004] US 11197068B1

[0005] US 2015222680A1

[0006] US 2020351316A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] System (100) for the joint playback of playlists for vehicles (104), wherein the system (100) comprises: a server (102) that communicates with an infotainment unit (106) that is connected to one or more vehicles (104); wherein the infotainment unit (106) is configured to communicatively couple one or more mobile devices (108) assigned to one or more users (110) of the corresponding vehicle (104) with the server (102) after authentication of the one or more users (110); wherein the server (102) comprises one or more processors (202) coupled with a memory (204) which stores instructions that can be executed by the processors (202), thereby causing the server (102) to: to enable one or more users (110) to select one or more initial infotainment media to be played on the infotainment unit (106) using the appropriate mobile devices (108); to create an initial shared playlist containing one or more selected initial infotainment media items that are queued in a predefined configuration, as well as information about the respective users (110) who have selected the corresponding infotainment media; to play one or more of the first infotainment media associated with the first created shared playlist on the vehicle's infotainment unit (106) after authorization by one or more users (110); and to restrict the modification of the first collaborative playlist created once the first collaborative playlist created has been selected and approved by the relevant users (110). [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the server (102) is configured such that it: enables one or more users (110) to select one or more second infotainment media to be played next on the infotainment unit (106) and accordingly create a second shared playlist while the first shared playlist is playing on the infotainment unit (106); and stops playback of the first collaborative playlist and replaces the first collaborative playlist with the created second collaborative playlist if one of the one or more users (110) has given their consent, and continues to play the second collaborative playlist and restricts changes to it. [3] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the predefined configuration is a FIFO (first in, first out) basis. [4] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the infotainment media comprise any or a combination of songs, videos, news, podcasts and radio. [5] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the infotainment unit (106) is configured to generate and display a unique QR code via an interface of the infotainment unit (106), wherein the one or more mobile devices (108) are connected to the server (102) when scanning the QR code using the corresponding mobile devices (108), and wherein the server (102) registers the one or more mobile devices (108) as an authorized mobile device for the infotainment unit (106) and enables access to the infotainment unit (106) after authentication of the corresponding users (110). [6] System (100) according to claim 5, wherein the server (102) enables one or more users (110) to send a registration link to one or more unauthorized mobile devices (108) using at least one of the authorized mobile devices (108), wherein the registration link enables the one or more unauthorized mobile devices (108) to connect to the server (102) and, after authentication, to access the infotainment unit (106). [7] Method (400) for implementing a shared playlist media playback in a vehicle (104), wherein the method (400) comprises the following steps:: communicative coupling (402) of one or more mobile devices (108) assigned to one or more users (110) of a vehicle (104) with a server (102) upon authentication of the one or more users (110); Enable (404) through the server (102) that one or more users (110) using the appropriate mobile devices (108) to select one or more initial infotainment media to be played on an infotainment unit (106) connected to the vehicle (104): The server (102) creates (406) an initial shared playlist comprising the one or more selected initial infotainment media items that are queued in a predefined configuration and details of the respective users (110) who selected the corresponding infotainment media items; Playing (408) one or more of the first infotainment media associated with the created first common playlist on the infotainment unit (106) of the vehicle (104) after authorization by one or more users (110); and Restrict (410) the modification of the created first shared playlist by the server (102) once the created first shared playlist has been selected and approved by the relevant users (110). [8] Method (400) according to claim 7, wherein the method (400) comprises the following steps: Enabling (412) one or more users (110) to select one or more second infotainment media to be played next on the infotainment unit (106) and creating a second shared playlist accordingly while the first shared playlist is playing on the infotainment unit (106) and Stopping (414) playback of the first collaborative playlist and replacing the first collaborative playlist with the created second collaborative playlist after approval by one or more users (110) and further playback and restricting the modification of the second collaborative playlist. [9] Method (400) according to claim 7, wherein the predefined configuration is a FIFO (first in, first out) basis, and wherein the infotainment media comprise any or a combination of song, video, news, podcast and radio. [10] Method (400) according to claim 7, wherein the method (400) comprises the following steps: Generating and displaying a unique QR code via an interface of the infotainment unit (106); To enable one or more users (110) to scan the generated QR code using the appropriate mobile devices (108) and accordingly connect the one or more mobile devices (108) to the server (102); and Registration of the relevant mobile devices (108) as an authorized mobile device for the infotainment unit (106) and provision of access to the infotainment unit (106) after authentication of the relevant users (110).

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