WO2008073566A2

WO2008073566A2 - Electronic content vending system

Info

Publication number: WO2008073566A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/081335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger D. Richardson
Original assignee: Motorola, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-12-12
Filing date: 2007-10-15
Publication date: 2008-06-19
Also published as: WO2008073566B1; WO2008073566A3

Abstract

A method and system for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system (102) are provided. The method includes establishing (204) a localized wireless link between an electronic device (110) and the electronic content vending system and identifying (205) the electronic device (110) to the vending system (102). The method further includes browsing (206) through a list of electronic content at the electronic device. The method further includes instructing (208) the electronic content vending system to play a selected electronic content or download a file corresponding to the selected electronic content to the electronic device (110).

Description

CS26723RL ELECTRONIC CONTENT VENDING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates in general to entertainment systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and system for accessing content stored in an entertainment system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electronic networks have made it possible for a customer to access vast catalogs of digital entertainment content such as songs, music videos and the like. The customer can also download a file of the content from a remote storage device onto a local data-processing system such as a personal computer. The customer can then access and play the content for his own personal use by using the local data- processing system.

[0003] There also exist systems that enable the customer to select the content stored in the remote storage device by using a user device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a computer, and the like. A file of selected content can then be downloaded to the user device. In some cases, the file can also be copied onto a storage medium such as digital videodisc, compact disc, or digital memory. The customer can then take physical possession of the storage medium. In most of these systems, the procedure of paying to procure the content can also be automated, and the payment can be debited from the customer's account.

[0004] A jukebox is a semi-automated music-playing device, which also provides access to content such as songs or music videos. Traditionally, jukeboxes are installed in public places such as dance halls, eateries, and other commercial establishments. The jukebox is usually a coin-operated device that can play specially-selected content CS26723RL from a self-contained media library. The content is selected using an interface on the jukebox. People can access the jukeboxes and select content of their choice to be played. The content can be made available in various types or formats - audio or audiovisual. Examples of formats include analog record, analog cassette, digital audio tape, compact disc, Waveform Audio (WAV), Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG)-I Layer 3 Audio (MP3), MPEG-I Layer 2 (MP2), MPEG-N (e.g., MPEG-7), Windows Media (WMA and WMV), and the like.

[0005] There also exists a system of networked jukeboxes in which the customer selects content through an interface connected to a first jukebox. This content is then played on a second jukebox, which is networked and can be situated remotely. However, the customer is required to physically access at least one of the networked jukeboxes and then select content.

[0006] As can be seen, existing systems and developments have enabled efficient on-demand access to content, in accordance with the customers' preferences. However, the use of traditional jukebox systems is diminishing due to the availability of alternative and more convenient ways for procuring media. Therefore, there exists an opportunity for a jukebox system that provides efficient access to content in accordance with customer preferences of format and medium.

CS26723RL BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an environment where various embodiments can be implemented.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for accessing electronic content stored in the electronic content vending system of FIG. 2, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electronic content vending system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0013] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION CS26723RL [0014] Before describing in detail an electronic content vending system in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an electronic content vending machine and a method for accessing electronic content stored in the electronic content vending system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0015] One embodiment provides a method for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system. The electronic content vending system stores a plurality of electronic content in at least one format using a plurality of files. The method includes establishing a localized wireless link between the electronic content vending system and a user's electronic device, identifying the electronic device to the vending system, and browsing through a list of the electronic content at the electronic device. The method further includes instructing the electronic content vending system to play selected electronic content. In an embodiment, payment can be remitted for accessing the electronic content through the user's electronic device. [0016] Another embodiment provides another method for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system. The electronic content vending system stores a plurality of electronic content in at least one format using a plurality of files. The method includes establishing a localized wireless link between the electronic content vending system and a user's electronic device, identifying the CS26723RL electronic device to the vending system, and browsing through a list of the electronic content at the electronic device. The method further includes instructing the electronic content vending system to download a file corresponding to selected content to a selected storage medium of the user's electronic device. The file can be in a format selected from the at least one format stored in the electronic content vending system. The file can then be played by the electronic device as the user desires. [0017] Yet another embodiment provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a localized wireless interface and a processing unit. Through the localized wireless interface, the processing unit of the electronic device can identify the electronic device to an electronic content vending system and access a list of electronic content available from the vending system. The processing unit, through the localized wireless interface, can also instruct the electronic media vending system to play selected content from the list.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an environment 100 where various embodiments can be implemented. The environment 100 includes electronic devices 110, 112, 114 in communication with an electronic content vending system 102 via a plurality of localized wireless links 104, 106, and 108. Examples of the electronic devices 119, 112, 114 include, but are not limited to, computers, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of electronic devices includes an electronic device 110 such as a mobile phone, an electronic device 112 such as a laptop computer, and an electronic device 114 such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). Only three personal electronic devices have been illustrated for the purpose of this description. However, the environment CS26723RL 100 can include any number of personal electronic devices wirelessly connected to the electronic content vending system 102 at any particular time.

[0019] The plurality of localized wireless links 104, 106, and 108 can be established with the help of a short-range wireless technology, such as Infrared or Bluetooth™. The plurality of localized wireless links 104, 106, and 108 can also (or alternately) be a subset of a wireless network. Examples for the wireless network include, but are not limited to, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, a personal communication system (PCS) network, a mobitex network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a universal mobile telephone service (UMTS) network, an advanced mobile phone system (AMPS) network, and the like. [0020] Through the plurality of localized wireless links 104, 106, and 108, one or more electronic devices 110, 112, and 114 can instruct the electronic content vending system 102 to play selected content publically, or can download the selected content from the electronic content vending system 102 to a selected storage medium or to the electronic device for personal playback.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram 200 illustrating a method for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system 102 such as that shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment. The electronic content vending system 102 stores a plurality of electronic content in at least one format as a plurality of files. In addition to entertainment files such as music and music videos, the electronic content vending system 102 can also play content with information pieces such as announcements, advertisements, news, notifications, and the like. The electronic CS26723RL content vending system 102 can store the electronic content in a native format, such as RAW or WAV, for playing. It can also store the same electronic content in other formats for sending to electronic devices. These other formats can include MP3, WMV, and the like. Each format of the electronic content is stored as a separate file. [0022] The method is described with respect to electronic device 110 shown in FIG. 1. However, it should be appreciated that any of the connected devices can access the electronic content vending system 102. After initiating the process at step 202, a localized wireless link is established between the electronic content vending system 102 and the electronic device 110, at step 204. Because the electronic device 110 can be a personally-owned device not part of the vending system 102, step 205 identifies the electronic device 110 (and/or its user) to the vending system 102. The identity of the user can be in the form of a code, a password, an identification number, a mobile phone number, an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number, a mobile subscriber integrated services digital network (MSISDN) number, and the like. The identification of the electronic device or its user can trigger authorization of the electronic device, which can include an assessment of the rights granted to the user, for example, the right to instruct the electronic content vending system 102 to play the selected content, the number of times the user has the right to instruct the electronic content vending system 102, and the like.

[0023] At step 206, a list of the plurality of electronic content available from the electronic content vending machine is browsed at the electronic device 110. The list of the electronic content can be displayed at, for example, a display of the electronic device 110. The list of available content can be sorted in a number of ways. For example, the list can be sorted alphabetically by content title, artist, author, or CS26723RL publisher, according to the publishing date, and/or by genre. Additionally, the media library can be interactive and be re-sorted in accordance with a user's input. Alternatively, available content list can also be browsed utilizing a user interface of the electronic content vending system 102. The user interface of the electronic content vending system 102 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 5. [0024] In an embodiment, the list of available content is prioritized based on at least one parameter. The list can then be displayed at the electronic device or the user interface of the electronic content vending system 102. The at least one parameter can be a characteristic of the available content or a characteristic of the file. Examples of characteristics of the available content include, but are not limited to, the genre, artist, composer, record company, and the like. Examples of characteristics of the file include, but are not limited to, size of the file, the date the file was made available on the electronic content vending system 102, the format of the file, and the like. The list can also include favorites designated directly or indirectly by the user. For example, the user's favorites can be obtained through a retrospective approach that includes analyzing past choices made by the user of the electronic device 110. Favorites can be stored in the electronic content vending system 102.

[0025] At step 208, the electronic content vending system 102 is instructed to play selected electronic content from the list. In other words, the user uses the electronic device 110 to instruct the electronic content vending system 102 to play the selected electronic content. The electronic content vending system 102 then plays the appropriate file of the selected content. It is envisioned that the electronic content vending system 102 will be located in a commercial establishment, such as a dance hall, an eatery, or a bar, and thus the selected electronic content will be played CS26723RL publicly. In case more than one play instruction is received, play instructions can be stored in a queue. The play instructions can then be executed in a predefined order by the electronic content vending system 102. Examples of predefined orders include, but are not limited to, a first-come first-served order, a random order, a sorted order, and the like. The sorted order can be based on, for example, any of the characteristics of the selected content mentioned earlier.

[0026] In another embodiment, the electronic content vending system 102 can have the capability of playing the selected content indefinitely, for only a fixed number of times, or for only a fixed amount of time which can be defined in terms of days, months, or years. The fixed number of times and the fixed time period can be established using digital rights provided by a rights-issuing authority. Examples of rights issuing authorities include, but are not limited to, a record company, a performer, a commercial establishment owner, and the like. Thereafter, the process terminates at step 210.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the method, as described above, can include various other enhancements. For example, a preview of the selected content can be provided at the electronic device 110. In an embodiment, a payment can be remitted to play the selected content at the electronic device 110 or at the electronic content vending system 102. This payment can be remitted utilizing banking cards such as credit cards, debit cards, and the like. The method can also include adding the payment details to a user's subscriber or other financial account. In another embodiment, payment can be remitted by swiping an electronic device 110, that is enabled with radio frequency identification (RFID) on a reader installed in the electronic content vending system 102. CS26723RL [0028] In another embodiment, prior to playing the selected content, the electronic content vending system 102 loads at least one file of the selected content. The electronic media can be loaded using a storage medium. Consider a case when a music band performs at a public place where the electronic content vending system 102 is located. Here, the storage medium can be provided by the music band in the form of a compact disc or a flash memory. This storage medium would contain songs or music videos of the band. People visiting the public place can instruct the electronic media vending system 102 to play the music band's loaded content at a later time and increase sales and publicity for the music band. Examples of the storage medium include, but are not limited to, a compact disc (CD), a digital videodisc (DVD), a flash memory, and the like. In another embodiment, the loading can be performed through the Internet using a wired or wireless interface of the electronic content vending system 102. Subsequently, the electronic media can be unloaded from the electronic content vending system 102, as and when instructed. [0029] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram 300 illustrating another method for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system 102 such as that shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment. The electronic content vending system 102 stores a plurality of electronic content in at least one format using a plurality of files as described in conjunction with FIG. 2. After initiating the process at step 302, a localized wireless link is established between the electronic content vending system 102 and an electronic device, for example, the electronic device 110 of FIG. 1, at step 304. Step 305 identifies the electronic device 110 to the vending system 102. At step 306, the electronic device 110 offers the user an option to browse through a list of the electronic content. The list can be browsed at the electronic CS26723RL device 110. Alternatively, the user can browse through the list by utilizing a user interface of the electronic content vending system 102.

[0030] At step 308, electronic content vending system 102 is instructed to download a file corresponding to the selected electronic content to a selected storage medium of the electronic device 110. The storage medium may be contained within the housing of the electronic device 110 or be coupled to the electronic device as an accessory. In an embodiment, a payment can be remitted to play the selected content at the electronic device 110 or at the electronic content vending system 102. If the electronic content vending system 102 receives more than one instruction for downloading the selected content, these instructions can be stored in a queue and thereafter be executed by the electronic content vending system 102 in a predetermined order. The file can be in any format selected from the formats available from the electronic content vending system 102. The format can be selected by the user of the electronic device 110 on the basis of the capability of the electronic device 110 to play the format. Examples of the format include analog record, analog cassette, digital audio tape, compact disc, digital video disc, Waveform Audio (WAV), Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG)-I Layer 3 Audio (MP3), MPEG-I Layer 2 (MP2), MPEG-N (e.g., MPEG-7), Windows Media (WMA and WMV), and the like. For example, the user would likely select the format to be MP3 if the electronic device 110 has an MP3 player.

[0031] The selected storage medium of the electronic device 110 can be a memory of the electronic device 110 or a portable memory within the electronic device 110 or a portable memory coupled to the electronic device 110 as, for example, an accessory. Examples of portable memory include, but are not limited to, a hard drive or other CS26723RL type of magnetic disc, a removable flash-type memory, or an optical disc such as a compact disc or digital video disc. For example, if the selected storage medium is an optical disc, the electronic content vending system can write a file corresponding to the electronic content to the optical disc which the user can purchase and detach from the electronic device 110 as desired. The electronic device 110 can also instruct the electronic content vending system 102 to download a currently playing song to the memory of the electronic device 110. Alternatively, the electronic content vending system 102 can be instructed by utilizing its own user interface. In accordance with an embodiment, after the electronic device 110 has downloaded a file of selected content, the file of selected content can be played for personal use by the electronic device 110 at step 309. Thereafter, the process terminates at step 310.

[0032] In an embodiment, the electronic content vending system 102 provides a file of the selected electronic content to a fixed number of electronic devices without incurring further payment by the owner of the vending system 102. In another embodiment, the selected content can be available indefinitely or for downloading for a fixed time period which can be defined in terms of days, months, or years. This fixed number of times and fixed time period can be established using digital rights provided by a rights-issuing authority. In another embodiment, the electronic device 110 has the capability of playing the downloaded content indefinitely, for a fixed number of times or for a fixed time period which can be defined in terms of days, months or years.

[0033] In another embodiment, the file corresponding to the selected content can be sent to a second electronic device from the electronic device 110. For example, the file can be downloaded to the electronic device 112 from the electronic device 110 CS26723RL shown in FIG. 1. In yet another embodiment, a payment can be remitted for downloading the file to the second electronic device.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device 110 shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment. The electronic device 110 includes a wireless interface 402, a processing unit 404, and a user interface 406. The wireless interface 402 is capable of coupling the electronic device 110 and the electronic content vending system 102 by utilizing a connection-oriented service or a connection-less service. In an embodiment, the wireless interface 402 is capable of establishing and handling more than one localized wireless link simultaneously. Further, the processing unit 404 uses the wireless interface 402 to access the list of electronic content available at the electronic content vending system 102 shown in FIG. 1. This list is displayed at the user interface 406. The user also utilizes the user interface 406 to select the content to be played at or downloaded from the electronic content vending system 102. Therefore, the user interface 406 can include a display for displaying the list and a set of keys for accepting user input. Alternately, the display can be implemented as a touch screen that displays the list and accepts inputs from the user. The user may also download a file of the selected electronic content to a selected storage medium. The user then utilizes the user interface 406 to select the content to be downloaded and the file format for the content. [0035] The processing unit 404 includes a browser 408, a downloader 410, a memory 412, and a player 414. The browser 408 allows a user of the electronic device 110 to browse through the list of content provided by the electronic content vending system 102 using the user interface 406. The browser 408 is also used to select the content (for example a song or music video) from the list. For example, the browser CS26723RL 408 displays the list on a screen of the user interface 406 and accepts inputs from the user interface 406 for scrolling through or selecting content. The list can be organized based on characteristics of the electronic content as described previously. In an embodiment, the browser 408 displays on the screen information regarding the currently playing content on the electronic content vending system 102. The browser 408 can also provide an option on the screen to download this currently playing content. The downloader 410 can download the file of the selected content (which may be the currently playing content) from the electronic content vending system 102 as directed through the user interface 406. This file can be downloaded to the memory 412 or to another storage medium of the electronic device 110. The player 414 can then access the file from the memory 412 or other storage medium. The player 414 is capable of playing the selected content or a preview of the selected content for personal use. In an embodiment, the player 414 can also play streaming selected media from the electronic content vending system 102.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electronic content vending system 102 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment. The electronic content vending system 102 includes a wireless interface 502, an electronic jukebox 504, a user interface 506, a file writer 508, and a transaction database 510. The wireless interface 502 can be used to establish a localized wireless link with the electronic device 110 of FIG. 1 by utilizing a connection-oriented service or a connection-less service. In an embodiment, the wireless interface 502 is capable of establishing and handling more than one localized wireless link simultaneously to connect to more than one electronic devices. The wireless interface 502 can receive play and download instructions from electronic devices. Upon receiving a play instruction at the wireless interface 502, the CS26723RL electronic jukebox 504 plays selected electronic content as specified in the play instruction. Upon receiving a download instruction at the wireless interface 502, the electronic jukebox 504 downloads a file corresponding to selected electronic content as specified in the download instruction. The download instruction can also specify a format for the file and a selected storage medium to which the file should be downloaded.

[0037] The electronic jukebox 504 includes a processor 512 and a content database 514. The processor 512 can access and manage the plurality of files corresponding to the electronic content available at the vending system 102. The content database 514 is used for storing the files corresponding to the electronic content. In an embodiment, the content database 514 also stores metadata including information pertaining to the electronic content and/or the files corresponding to the electronic content. This information can include at least one characteristic of the content such as genre, artist, album, composer, publisher, date of release and the like. The information can also include at least one characteristic related to each file such as size, dates available, format, digital rights, usage information, and the like. The usage information can include the date it was first acquired, the number of times it was played, the last time it was played, user ratings, and so forth. The usage history and the user ratings can be collated to determine the demand for the content and its associated files. [0038] A user can access a list of electronic content by using the wireless interface 502 in conjunction with an electronic device 110. Alternately, the user can access the list of content utilizing the user interface 506 of the electronic content vending system 102. This user interface 506 can include a keypad or a touch screen for accessing the list of content, and also for entering information pertaining to the identity of the user. CS26723RL The user interface 506 can also include a display for displaying information pertaining to lists of electronic content and/or files corresponding to the electronic content. Alternatively, users can select content utilizing the user interface 406 of the electronic device 110 shown in FIG. 4. The user can instruct the electronic content vending system 102 to or download play the selected content. The electronic jukebox 504 then plays or downloads a file of the selected content.

[0039] Consider a case when the user wants a copy of the content for personal use. In that case, the user instructs the electronic content vending system 102 to download a file corresponding to the selected electronic content to a selected medium. The same electronic content can be stored in more than one file having different formats (audio or audiovisual). The user can select the format of the file to be transferred. The electronic jukebox 504 can then download a file of the selected content in the selected format to the selected storage medium associated with the electronic device 110. If the selected storage medium is portable memory associated with the electronic device 110, the file writer 508 is utilized to write the file of the selected content onto a portable memory such as a hard drive or other magnetic disc, a removable flash-type memory, an optical disc as a compact disc or a digital video disc, and the like. [0040] In an embodiment, payment is remitted every time a user instructs the electronic content vending system 102 to play or download selected content. The details of this payment are stored in the transaction database 510, which stores information about every transaction. Transaction information can include the identities of users, account numbers, usage histories, payment details, the venue of the first transaction, the venue of the last transaction, and the like. The usage history can include information pertaining to last content played or downloaded, its cost, the CS26723RL amount paid, the amount due, and so forth. In another embodiment, the user interface

506 further includes a reader for banking cards. The reader can enable a user to remit payment for their selection. In yet another embodiment, the user interface 506 includes a traditional coin/currency acceptor to enable remitting of the payment. [0041] In another embodiment, the electronic content vending system 102 is configured to support karaoke performances. In this configuration, the display of the user interface 506 can be utilized for displaying the lyrics of the currently playing content, or another display that can be attached to the electronic content vending system 102 can display lyrics. Additionally, the microphone of the user interface 506 can be used as a wireless microphone during karaoke performances. [0042] As illustrated, the processor 512 includes a loader logic block 516 and an unloader logic block 518. The loader logic block 516 and unloader logic block 518 provide the capability to load and unload files from the electronic content vending system 102 as and when requested. The loader logic block 516 loads a file to the content database 514. In an embodiment, the loader logic block 516 loads files from the Internet, a compact disc (CD), a digital videodisc (DVD), and the like. The unloader logic block 518 can be utilized to delete files from the electronic jukebox 504.

[0043] The electronic jukebox 504 also includes a play 520 for playing selected files from the content database 514. In an embodiment, the play 520 plays high fidelity native files. The player 520 has connectors 522 to loudspeakers and/or screens located in the establishment of the electronic content vending system 102. [0044] The above described system and method for accessing the list of content stored in the electronic content vending system 102 offers various advantages. The CS26723RL electronic content vending system 102 is capable of supporting multiple localized links. Several customers can simultaneously browse through the electronic jukebox library using different sorting criteria, queue content for playing by the electronic content vending system 102, and download the content in a format that their electronic device supports. Users can also browse through available content using the user interface 506 of the electronic content vending system 102 and send instructions to the electronic content vending system 102 for playing or downloading selected content. Methods for automating the payment for playing or downloading are also provided. Users can also request previews of the selected content on their electronic device before instructing the electronic content vending system 102 to play or download and making payment for the same.

[0045] It will be appreciated the electronic content vending systems described herein may comprised one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the electronic content vending systems described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method to access at least one electronic medium. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein. CS26723RL [0046] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that "comprises" a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises ... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. [0047] The term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising. [0048] It is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and integrated circuits with minimal experimentation. [0049] In the foregoing specification, the invention and its benefits and advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to CS26723RL problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Claims

CS26723RL What is claimed is:

1. A method for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system, wherein the electronic content vending system stores a plurality of electronic content in at least one format and a plurality of files, the method comprising: establishing a localized wireless link between the electronic content vending system and an electronic device; identifying the electronic device to the electronic content vending system; browsing through a list of the plurality of electronic content available at the electronic device; and instructing the electronic content vending system to play a selected electronic content.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: remitting a payment for playing the selected electronic content.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein browsing through the list comprises: sorting the list based on at least one parameter; and displaying the list.

4. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: loading at least one file onto a memory of the electronic content vending system. CS26723RL

5. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: unloading at least one file from the plurality of files from a memory of the electronic content vending system.

6. A method for accessing electronic content stored in an electronic content vending system, wherein the electronic content vending system stores a plurality of electronic content in at least one format and a plurality of files, the method comprising: establishing a localized wireless link between the electronic content vending system and an electronic device; identifying the electronic device to the electronic content vending system; browsing through a list of the plurality of electronic content available from the electronic device; instructing the electronic content vending system to download a file in a selected format corresponding to a selected electronic content to the electronic device; and playing the file at the electronic device.

7. The method as recited in claim 6 wherein instructing the electronic content vending system further comprises: remitting a payment for downloading the file.

8. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein instructing the electronic content vending system comprises: displaying information regarding electronic content currently playing on the electronic content vending system; and CS26723RL providing an option at the electronic device for requesting a transfer of a file corresponding to the electronic content currently playing on the electronic content vending system.

9. The method as recited in claim 6 further comprising: storing the file in an optical disc associated with the electronic device.

10. The method as recited in claim 6 further comprising: downloading the file to a memory of the electronic device through the localized wireless link.

11. An electronic device comprising: a localized wireless interface for coupling the electronic device to an electronic content vending system; and a processing unit coupled to the localized wireless interface, wherein the processing unit identifies the electronic device to the electronic content vending system, accesses a list of electronic content available at the electronic content vending system, and instructs the electronic content vending system to play a file corresponding to a selected electronic content from the list.

12. The electronic device as recited in claim 11 further comprising: a user interface capable of displaying the list of electronic content and accepting instructions for the electronic content vending system.

13. The electronic device as recited in claim 11, wherein the processing unit comprises: a browser for browsing the list of electronic content; a downloader for downloading a file corresponding to the selected electronic content in a specified format from the electronic content vending system; CS26723RL a memory for storing the file; and a player for playing the file.