Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Article handling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-14
2001-07-03
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3651)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Article handling
C700S234000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256554
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to entertainment systems, and more particularly, to an entertainment system, including one or more media players/dispensers, for use in a multi-room complex such as a hotel. “Media” as used within the context of this disclosure includes audio and/or video data stored in the entertainment system that is accessible through the media player. This media is referred to as “access-only” media. As used within the context of this disclosure, “media” also includes tangible devices on which audio and/or video data is carried. For example, audio acquisition media may include compact discs (CDs), digital audio tape (DAT), mini discs, audio cassettes, while video acquisition media may include digital video discs (DVDs), video games and video cassettes. This type of media is referred to as “acquisition” media and is acquired through the media dispenser. Acquisition media further includes other forms of digital data such as computer software.
2. Description of Related Art
In-room hotel entertainment is typically limited to video entertainment such as cable TV, satellite TV and pay-per-view movies. For those desiring alternate forms of entertainment, such as music and talk radio, resort must be had to generally poor quality radios having poor quality radio reception and sound. In addition, should a guest desire to listen to a full-length recording by one or more artists they must travel not only with a collection of media, such as CDs, but also with a media player, such as a CD player. This is very inconvenient for the hotel guest.
While staying in a hotel, should a guest happen to hear a musical recording and decide to purchase a CD including the recording, he must locate a music store, often not an easy task for an out-of-town guest unfamiliar with the surroundings, and then travel to the music store. This too is inconvenient for the hotel guest.
Hence, there has been a long existing need in the art for a hotel entertainment system that provides hotel guests with quality audio entertainment, including a collection of selectable full-length recordings, which they may access within their rooms and be charged accordingly. There has also been a need for providing in-room acquisition of tangible media, such as CDs. The present invention fulfils all of these needs and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention is directed to an entertainment system, including one or more media players/dispensers, for use in a multi-room complex such as a hotel.
In a first aspect, the invention is related to a method of providing media to a plurality of in-room systems from a head-end system remote from the plurality of in-room systems. The method includes the steps of storing a plurality of acquisition media at each of the in-room systems and storing a plurality of access-only media at the head-end system. The method also includes the steps of, at each in-room system, providing access to each of the access-only media to assist the user in media acquisition choices and recording the acquisition of any of the media at the head-end system.
In an additional facet of the invention, the acquisition media includes devices for storing audio data and the access-only media comprises audio data. In another facet, the acquisition media devices comprise any one of a CD, DAT, mini disc and cassette. In further aspects of the invention the access-only media is stored on a CD and/or the access-only media is stored in an audio card have memory. In another aspect, the acquisition media comprises devices for storing audio/video data and the access-only media comprises audio/video data. In a further aspect of the invention, the step of recording the acquisition of any of the acquisition media includes the steps of, at the in-room system, sensing the removal of one of the acquisition media, storing an acquisition signal encoded with a room identifier and a media acquisition identifier at the in-room system, transmitting the acquisition signal to the head-end system and processing the acquisition signal to determine any charge associated with the acquisition. In yet another aspect of the invention the, method of providing media includes the step of recording the access of any of the access-only media. In still a further facet, the step of recording the access of any of the access-only media includes the steps of, at the in-room system, sensing the access to one of the access-only media, storing an access signal encoded with a room identifier and a media acquisition identifier at the in-room system, transmitting the access signal to the head-end system and processing the access signal to determine any charge associated with the access.
In a second aspect, the invention is related to a method of providing access-only media to a plurality of in-room systems from a head-end system remote from the plurality of in-room systems and tracking the access to the access-only media. The method includes the steps of storing a plurality of access-only media at the head-end system and transmitting each of the access-only media over a communications line at a unique frequency. The method also includes the steps of, at each in-room system, providing access to the communication line through a frequency tuner for adjustably tuning to one of the unique frequencies and recording the access of any of the access-only media at the head-end system.
In a third aspect, the invention is related to a method of providing access-only media to a plurality of in-room systems from a remote master site through a plurality of head-end systems. The method includes the steps of storing a plurality of periodically updated access-only media at the remote master site and periodically downloading the access-only media to the plurality of head-end systems over a first communications network. The method also includes the steps of, at each of the head-end systems, transmitting each of the access-only media over a second communications network at a unique frequency and at each in-room system, providing access to the communication line through a frequency tuner for adjustably tuning to one of the unique frequencies. The method further includes the step of recording the access of any of the access-only media at the head-end system.
These and other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the preferred embodiments of the invention.
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Communication from European Patent Office re search report—Documents Considered to be Relevant, (Sep. 30, 1999).
Crawford Gene O.
Ellis Christopher P.
Fulwider Patton Lee & Utecht LLP
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