US6031797A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Media playback device capable of shuffled playback based on a user's preferences
Assignee: SnapTrack Inc
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Filing: 1998-06-11
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Granted: 2000-02-29
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Expires: 2018-06-11
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for providing automated generation of program groups used in shuffled playback. The playback system acquires "content information" concerning programs on subject media, and generates shuffled playback groups by comparing the content information to user entered "desired-group information". In one illustrative embodiment the content information is included on the media themselves. In a second illustrative embodiment, the content information is included in a database.
Inventors
- 👤 John M. Van Ryzin
- 👤 Peter Douma
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:28
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B27/00; G11B27/10; G11B27/11; G11B17/00; G11B17/22; G11B27/002; G11B27/34; G11B2220/00; G11B2220/20; G11B2220/25; G11B2220/2537; G11B2220/2545; G11B2220/40; G11B2220/41
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for generating groups of pre-recorded programs for shuffled playback, comprising: means for obtaining content information for said pre-recorded programs; means for comparing said content information to a desired-group information; and means for adding one of said programs to a shuffled playback group when said content information for said program matches said desired-group information.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for generating groups of pre-recorded programs for shuffled playback, comprising: means for obtaining content information for said pre-recorded programs; means for comparing said content information to a desired-group information; and means for adding one of said programs to a shuffled playback group when said content information for said program matches said desired-group information.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said content information includes a program category.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said content information includes an artist identifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said content information is included in at least one recording medium on which said programs are stored.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said programs are stored on at least one recording medium and said content information is located in a database that is stored on at least one medium which is distinct from said at least one recording medium on which said programs are stored.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein desired-group information is selected from a list generated according to said content information.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for generating groups of pre-recorded programs for shuffled playback, comprising the steps of: obtaining content information for said pre-recorded programs; comparing said content information to a desired-group information; and adding one of said programs to a shuffled playback group when said content information for said program matches said desired-group information.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for generating groups of pre-recorded programs for shuffled playback, comprising the steps of: obtaining content information for said pre-recorded programs; comparing said content information to a desired-group information; and adding one of said programs to a shuffled playback group when said content information for said program matches said desired-group information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 7, wherein said content information includes a program category.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 7, wherein said content information includes an artist identifier.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein said content information is included in at least one recording medium on which said programs are stored.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said programs are stored on at least one recording medium and said content information is located in a database that is stored on at least one medium which is distinct from said at least one recording medium on which said programs are stored.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 7, wherein desired-group information is selected from a list generated according to said content information.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-02-28 | 2003-08-30 | 2004-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-02-28 | 2007-08-30 | 2008-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-02-28 | 2011-08-30 | 2012-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |