WO2010076593A1

WO2010076593A1 - Content sharing system for a media player device

Info

Publication number: WO2010076593A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/055555
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guilherme Sol De Oliveira Duschenes
Original assignee: Guilherme Sol De Oliveira Duschenes
Priority date: 2008-12-29
Filing date: 2008-12-29
Publication date: 2010-07-08

Abstract

The present invention refers to a content sharing system for media player devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, MP4, portable music players, etc., being the object of which to make possible identification in a first media player device that enables visual recognition by a second user from a short or from a long distance who might wish to tune in to the first user's content transmission channel. Therefore, a quick selection of the first user's channel in the second user's device is made possible and the sharing of the channel for transmission and reception of content such as audio and video can easily occur.

Description

Description CONTENT SHARING SYSTEM FOR A MEDIA PLAYER

DEVICE

Technical Field

[1] This invention refers to the field of personal media player devices provided with the means of near- field wireless content sharing. Background Art

[2] Currently, most people carry with them a media player device. Many of such devices have various additional functions besides the basic ones, for instance, data storing and reproduction of MP3 files, enabling the user, wherever he may be, to listen to the music from his personal digital collection through his earphones. In some environments such as the subway or train, where people spend a great amount of time commuting, many of them will have their devices on in order to listen to their music during the journey.

[3] Such media player devices have, in some cases, colorful lights that flash and shine in different shapes and colors, or some others have colored earphone cords that light up decoratively, or yet that present lighting effects according to the rhythm of the music being played.

[4] People around a user carrying such devices, normally unknown to him, may see the light emission either on the device or on the user's earphone and may realize that he is listening to music and, depending upon the type of earphone, they may recognize the rhythm of the music being played. Therefore, those people might be interested in identifying or reproducing, in their own devices, the music the first user is listening to.

[5] Some media player devices present music sharing functions by means of wireless transmitters such as FM transmitters Bluetooth or similar.

[6] When such sharing characteristics are activated, the data, video or music being played on the media player device of a first user is made available to other interested users around him, who have devices capable of transmitting, receiving or reproducing such content.

[7] Also, most media player devices have a small display to show useful information about the content being reproduced, such as, song names, FM radio stations or playing time remaining. In order to save battery life, if the device is not being used, after a few seconds, said display turns off, or reduces the brightness to minimum. On such displays said information is displayed by small-sized text or numbers to fit more information on the screen.

[8] According to the above mentioned characteristics, various background art devices aim at improving the visual communication or data and information sharing in electronic devices. The patent document US2005/0201569A1 describes a wireless voice communication device for communication between, for instance, fast food restaurant employees. Such device is characterized by comprising a small light unit at the end of the microphone's boom housing to indicate to the user, whenever the user turns his head, the status of the communication, such as communication channel.

[9] Patent documents US7151953B2, US6944482B2 and JP2006246340A have light emitting units in a variety of colors which are meant to communicate to the user events that have occurred on the device, for instance, incoming SMS, or notification of an incoming call. The establishing of specific colors in LEDs through an event related pre-programming is disclosed in document US7151953B2, where, depending upon the user's programming, when certain events occur, lights of different colors are emitted in LED units.

[10] The patent document US7072621B1 describes the use of LEDs effects with controlled activation in order to preferably produce text messages to others, by means of typing the message and moving the device to enable visualization.

[11] Patent documents US7319762B2, BRPI0604856A and US2007/0019821A1 describe headphones or cords thereof to be used with a personal music player containing lights that light up decoratively or according to the rhythm and characteristics, such as volume intensity, of the music being played. Color and intensity patterns may be adjusted to user's preferences. Document US2007/0019821A1 also has a control box with an electronic circuit that controls the luminous intensity and frequency according to the music rhythm, being also able to change or alternate the luminous colors.

[12] Patent document WO2007/096715A1 describes a method in a media device for sharing music and video and supplemental content through digital FM broadcasting. A first user initiate content transmission to other pre-determined users who receive the content and can give feedback to said first user in order to promote interaction between users.

[13] The patent document US2005/016027 OAl describes a device that synchronously plays music by transmitting music signals from one device to the other. Upon request other individuals can join such sharing group as a member, automatically or by voting. These devices also have transducers, such as LEDs, that have lighting effects patterns that respond to the beat of the music in the ambient or to the music played by the device. Such patterns can be wirelessly shared with other users to be used synchronously. To start the content sharing and establish the communication between such devices, the users will need to known in which communication channel they should tune their devices.

[14] The document WO2007/098372A2 shows a personal media device which transmits media content to one or more nearby personal media devices. The selected media content is also transmitted such that it can be received and simultaneously played by one or more authorized media player devices associated with additional users. The transmitted content can be secured, upon preference so only authorized users can access it. To start the content sharing and establish the communication between such devices, the users will need to known in which communication channel they should tune their devices. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[15] The above mentioned background art documents disclose devices which present functions of visual communication or audio and visual signal sharing and interaction between electronic device users such as mobile phones, portable media devices or multi-function headsets.

[16] The all-in-one headset device disclosed in document US2005/0201569A1 has a configuration for radio contact between users. It does not comprise a media player and does not comprise a storage unit, therefore, it does not allow it to be used for music, video or data sharing, video watching and music listening, Furthermore, the channel selection is not done by visual identification and selection of colors by the same user. In this case, it would be necessary to remove the device off the user's head in order to have visual contact with channel selectors.

[17] The devices described in the patent documents US7151953B2, US6944482B2 and

JP2006246340A, in spite of presenting luminous effects linked to specific events, for instance, incoming calls and received SMS, do not permit identification or signaling of a tuned wireless communication channel, and do not change the colors of the light emitting unit when this channel is changed.

[18] Document US7072621B1 suggests the use of LED effects with controlled activation, which allows the user to send visual messages to others. However, the lighting effects of the LEDs unit do not change in accordance with the communication channel, and also do not have a selection unit of possible communication channels according to the color of the LEDs unit, therefore, a fast identification, tuning and signaling of a communication channel is not possible.

[19] The devices disclosed in the patent documents US7319762B2, BRPI0604856A and

US2007/0019821A1, in spite of being able to control the visual luminous effect of many characteristics of the music played on the device, do not permit identification or signaling of a tuned wireless communication channel, and do not change the colors of the LEDs unit when this channel is changed, therefore, is not possible on this device for others to make visual identification of the possible communication channels in use. [20] The method described in document WO2007/096715A1 permits wireless sharing and simultaneous music listening between users, however, this document does not describe a system or device that enables visual identification at a distance by third parties of the communication channel for the content sharing between the devices described on this patent application.

[21] The digital jewelry described in US2005/016027 OAl permits wireless sharing and simultaneous music listening between users and also shows a perceptible light in accordance with the beat of the music being played. The lighting effects of LEDs unit in this patent does not change the colors according to the changing of the communication channel for sharing the audio content, and does not have a selection unit of possible communication channels according to the color of the LEDs.

[22] The document WO2007/098372A2 discloses audio sharing between users; however, this patent does not describe a system or device that enables visual identification at a distance by third parties of the communication channel for the content sharing between the audio devices described in this patent application.

[23] As seen in the patent documents above mentioned, said mobile phones, portable media devices or multi-function headsets do not allow a quick visual identification and sharing of a common transmission and reception channel of audio and video signals among users within an eyesight range.

[24] The electronic media player devices that have colorful lights usually raise the interest of other users in identifying, for instance, what music is being heard by the first user. Nevertheless, owing to the device's characteristics of reproducing and transmitting the audio and video signals exclusively to the first user and his headphones, such devices do not allow nearby people to identify and tune in the same channel and reproduce the same music that is being heard by the first user.

[25] In those devices that are capable of sharing content through wireless transmission, for the use of content sharing characteristics, the other users need to know in which channel the first user is transmitting that content. However, if the users are unknown to each other , verbal communication is unlike to happen, especially in public areas. A second user, who is close to the first user, may try to see on the first user's device display screen the information about the communication channel it is sharing its content, but because of the display energy saving mode, the small-sized fonts or because the media player device is normally in the pocket or purse of the first user, it is hard to see and identify such channel. Thus, hardly anyone would come up to the first user and ask in which channel he is transmitting or receiving his content. Said communication between strangers, for being unusual and even invasive as regards privacy, could cause awkwardness among people. In the event of verbal interaction, there is also the possibility that the surrounding noise may impede the communication between the users of electronic media devices. On the other hand, there are environments where silence is imperative and said verbal interactions would be undesired. Consequently, in such situations the matching of electronic media player devices by means of verbal communication between users is unlikely to happen. Technical Solution

[26] When compared to symbols as text and numbers, colorful lights of the same size are possible, faster and easier of being recognized from a bigger distance. Therefore, colorful lights signalizing to others of the possible communication channels for content sharing should be also employed.

[27] The present invention refers to a content sharing system for media player devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, MP4, portable music players, etc., being the object of which to make possible identification in a first media player device that enables visual recognition by a second user from a short or from a long distance who might wish to tune in to the first user's content transmission channel. Therefore, a quick selection of the first user's channel in the second user's device is made possible and the sharing of the channel for transmission and reception of content such as audio and video can easily occur.

[28] Hence, with the object of solving the problems encountered in the background art, the present invention discloses a content sharing system in a media player device comprising at least one signaling unit for displaying the possible communication channels represented by symbols, colors, colored numbers and/or colored letters for viewing by third parties on eyesight range and a selecting unit for selecting between possible communication channels, represented by symbols, colors, colored numbers and colored letters, and modes of communication, such as transmitting, receiving signals and off mode. Advantageous Effects

[29] The use of a content sharing system for a media player device for identifying a communication channel enables various unknown users whether or not to enjoy the surprising effects of a sound sharing experience by selecting a common channel for the data, audio and video signals in their respective media player devices through a simple and casual identification of a symbol or a chromatic signal within the users eyesight range. After a certain communication channel is visually identified on the device of one of the users, other users, will be able to activate the selectors in their respective media player device on the same said identified communication channel for receiving, transmitting or executing and sharing the same content between them without having to verbally communicate with one another.

[30] This way, various users, may be tuned in to the same channel, watching to the same video or listening to the same music, sharing the same sound experience, simultaneously and in the same place. This is possible without the need for the involved users to know each other, know one another media player device's identification, type, name or number, and without the need of any other form of communication in order to know in which channel to tune in to for sharing the same data, audio and video signal.

[31] In addition, a user of a content sharing system for a media player device may choose to stay incognito by selecting a reception or transmission mode without the activation of the signaling unit. Description of Drawings

[32] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn on scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labelled in every drawing.

[33] Figure 1 - Illustrates a content sharing system for a media player device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[34] Figure 2 - Illustrates a chromatic memory selecting unit in a first embodiment of the present invention.

[35] Figure 3 - Illustrates a chromatic memory selecting unit in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[36] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C - Illustrate examples of graphic representations of possible standard chromatic memory channels.

[37] Figure 5 - Illustrates a content sharing system for a media player device comprising

LEDs on an intermediary unit placed in the middle of the headphone cords.

[38] Figure 6 - Illustrates a content sharing system for a media player device comprising

LEDs placed next to the ends of the earphone cords and an intermediary unit placed in the earphone cords.

[39] Figure 7 - Illustrates a content sharing system for a media player device comprising

LEDs placed next to the ends of the earphone cords and the chromatic memory selecting unit placed on the display.

[40] Figure 8 - Illustrates a content sharing system for a media player device comprising side-light fiber optic cable and an intermediary unit placed in the earphone cords.

[41] Figure 9 - Illustrates a content sharing system for a media player device comprising an intermediary unit placed on the earphone cords and chromatic signaling unit placed in the display.

[42] Figure 10 - Illustrates a content sharing system for a media player device comprising a display as an intermediary chromatic signaling unit placed on the earphone cords.

[43] Figure 11 - Shows a flowchart illustrating the content sharing process for a media player device in a transmission mode by a user. [44] Figure 12 - Shows a flowchart illustrating the content sharing process for a media player device in a reception mode by a user.

[45] Figure 13 - Shows a flowchart illustrating the content sharing process for a media player device during the execution of an audio signal which is about to have its transmission initiated.

[46] Figure 14 - Shows a flowchart illustrating the content sharing process for a media player device during the execution of an audio signal and where the reception of another signal in execution is about to initiate.

[47] Figure 15 - Shows a flowchart illustrating the content sharing process for a media player device during the execution and transmission of an audio signal and where the changing of the transmission channel of said signal in execution is desired.

[48] Figure 16 - Shows a flowchart illustrating the content sharing process for a media player device during the execution and reception of an audio signal and where the changing of the reception channel of said signal in execution is desired. Mode for Invention

[49] This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of 'including', 'comprising', or 'having', 'containing', 'involving', and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[50] As seen in Figure 1, the content sharing system for a media player device (1) of the present invention essentially comprises a media player unit (16) with at least the basic functions such as executing audio, audio and video and data, a chromatic memory selecting unit (2), a chromatic signaling unit (3), a storage memory (4) for chromatic memory patterns, and a control unit (5); as well as a transmission and reception unit (6) and earphones (7) in order to make possible the sharing of content between users of said media player device within a same eyesight range.

[51] The transmission and reception unit (6) activates in response to the control unit (5) in order to execute the wireless transmission and reception of the selected content signals.

[52] The chromatic memory patterns of the said storage memory (4) comprises possible combinations of standard colors of the chromatic selecting unit (2) with the possible modes and colors of the chromatic signaling unit (3). Each combination is representing a possible communication channel of the transmission and reception unit (6).

[53] Said control unit (5) alters the communication channel in the transmission and reception unit (6) according to said chromatic memory patterns in said storage memory (4) in response to the selection executed through the chromatic memory selecting unit (2). Also control unit (5) controls the luminous indication mode of the chromatic signaling unit (3) according to the selection executed on the chromatic selection unit (2).

[54] The chromatic memory selecting unit (2) can be better understood by reference to

Figure 2, where said chromatic memory selecting unit (2) comprises two chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) of 4 standard colors each (R = red, G = green, B = blue, Y = yellow), selecting key (10) for selecting between transmission and reception modes and for activating or deactivating the luminous indication. In a first embodiment, said chromatic memory selecting unit (2) comprises a single selecting key (10) for selecting the signal transmission and reception mode and for activating or deactivating the luminous indication, as per Figure 2. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) comprises a first selecting key (11) for selecting the signal transmission and reception mode and a second selecting key (12) for activating or deactivating the luminous indication as per Figure 3. The quantity of chromatic memory selectors and colors for signalizing the communication channel showed in Figures 2 and 3 is just an example, and may be altered according to the best configuration as per the type of transmitter and receiver.

[55] On Figure 1, said chromatic signaling unit (3) that is composed by two LEDs (14) alters its luminous indication mode and colors in accordance with the selection done by the selecting keys (10, 11 and 12). For instance, the activation of the selecting key (10) for the transmission mode with luminous indication presents the flashing intensity mode in short intervals of time, while the activation of the selecting key (10) for the reception mode with luminous indication presents the flashing intensity mode in long intervals of time.

[56] On Figures 4A, 4B and 4C, the media player unit (16) also comprises a display screen (13) of alpha- numeric or graphic visualization of the available chromatic memories and its corresponding communication channels based on the chromatic memory patterns saved on the storage memory (4). Therefore, said display screen (13) may display the basic functions of a media player, such as the song title and elapsed time, as well as the representation by text, numbers or graphic of chromatic memories patterns, as per Figures 4A, 4B and 4C.

[57] Said display screen (13) may display the representation by text, numbers or graphic of the chromatic selecting unit (2), which can be activated by means of standard input buttons (30) controlled by dedicated software. For example, in Figure 4B the selection of the blue color (B) on the left side and the green color (G) on the right side of the chromatic memory selection unit (2) indicated that the 94,0MHz frequency of signal reception or transmission has been selected. The combination of patterns of colors linked to transmission and reception channels as per Figures 4A, 4B and 4C is for an illustrative purpose and may be altered according to the best configuration as per the type of transmitter and receiver.

[58] Various embodiments are found in the present invention and can be further devised from its many possible configurations for a better visual experience for sharing content in portable media player devices, which refer to the possible positioning of the chromatic memory selecting unit (2), the chromatic signaling unit (3), the control unit (5), the storage memory (4) and the transmission and reception unit (6), as exemplified in Figures 5 to 10.

[59] Figure 5 shows the content sharing system for a media player device (1) comprising

LEDs (14) in an intermediary unit (15) which is located on the earphone cords (7) and is also housing for the chromatic signaling unit (3) and for the chromatic memory selecting unit (2). Although not shown in Figure 5, the selecting keys (10, 11 and 12) may be placed in and be activated by the intermediary unit (15) or by the media player unit (16).

[60] Figure 6 shows the content sharing system for a media player device (1) comprising

LEDs (14) as the chromatic signaling unit (3) located next to the ends of the earphone cords (7). In this embodiment the intermediary unit (15) comprises the chromatic memory selection unit (2). Although not shown in Figure 6, the selecting keys (10, 11 and 12) may be placed in and be activated by the intermediary unit (15) or by the media player unit (16).

[61] Figure 7 shows the content sharing system for a media player device (1) comprising

LEDs (14) as the chromatic signaling unit (3) placed next to the ends of the earphone cord (7). In this embodiment, the display screen (13) is displaying the chromatic memory selection unit (2). Although not shown in Figure 7, the selecting keys (10, 11 and 12) may be placed in and be activated by the media player unit (16) that also presents the standard colors of the chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) on its display screen (13).

[62] Figure 8 shows the content sharing system for a media player device (1) comprising two sidelight optical fiber cables (17) on the earphone cords (7) as the chromatic signaling unit (3) and the intermediary unit (15) comprises the chromatic memory selecting unit (2), thus comprising the selecting keys (10, 11 and 12) and the chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) of standard colors. Although not shown in Figure 8, the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) may be placed in and be activated by the media player unit (16).

[63] Figure 9 shows the content sharing system for a media player device (1) comprising a display screen (13) for displaying graphic representation of the chromatic signaling unit (3), and the intermediary unit (15) comprises the chromatic memory selecting unit (2). Although not shown in Figure 9, the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) may be placed in and be activated by the media player unit (16).

[64] Figure 10 shows the content sharing system for a media player device (1) comprising an alpha- numerical display (26) in an intermediary unit (15) which is located on the earphone cords (7) and is the chromatic signaling unit (3) itself. Although not shown in Figure 10, the selecting keys (10, 11 and 12) and the chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) are placed in and are activated by the media player unit (16) and are visualized on its display screen (13).

[65] Alternatively, it is also possible in embodiments comprising earphones with cords that said chromatic memory selecting unit (2) and said chromatic signaling unit (3) may be placed in the speaker's housing.

[66] In all the embodiments the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) as well as the selecting keys (10, 11 and 12) may be digitally represented on the display screen (13) and be activated by the media player unit (16).

[67] For those embodiments which comprise cordless earphones, the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) and the chromatic signaling unit (3) may be placed at least in one of the speaker's housing (7). Alternatively, the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) may be placed in a separate module from said earphones (7).

[68] In all the embodiments the chromatic signaling unit (3) are electronic devices known to those skilled in the art, capable of altering their chromatic emission to equivalent colors to the colors of said chromatic memories selectors (8) and (9), according to the memory colors selected by the chromatic memory selecting unit (2).

[69] In all the embodiments in which the display screen (13) displays texts or graphics according to the options of available chromatic memories executable by the chromatic memory selecting unit (2), such displays are controlled by dedicated software.

[70] The storage memory (4) may receive, through a software, different transmission or reception channel memory patterns according to the possible combinations of the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) colors and according to each transmission and reception unit (6) to be used.

[71] In all the embodiments the transmission and reception unit is used to share content such as data, audio, audio and video between at least two media player devices. The wireless communication can be by any wireless system that is compatible with such devices. For instance, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FM, Digital FM, 802.11, Visual Radio System (RMS), or any combination thereof.

[72] The content sharing system for a media player device (1) of the present invention may further include electronic interfaces known to those skilled in the art for communicating with auxiliary modules for the reception and transmission of audio and video signals, e.g. USB ports or wireless communication elements. [73] This way, it is made possible a simultaneous use of a first content sharing media player device acting as a first chromatic signaling tool with multi-colored luminous channel indicators which is selected by a first chromatic memory selecting unit and at least a second content sharing media player device acting as a second chromatic signaling tool with multi-colored luminous channel indicators. For instance, by means of LEDs or other light emission technologies located on the laterals of media player devices or earphones wherefrom lights are emitted with previously selected colors in accordance with a specific transmission and reception frequency among a group of users located in the same casual eyesight range.

[74] The content sharing process for a media player device may be carried on in many different embodiments according to the condition in which the devices are found and the desire to activate the sharing mode between devices.

[75] In a first execution condition of the content sharing system for a media player device

(1), and according to Figure 11, a first device is found in stand by or executing a content, such as audio and video, and a first user starts the signal transmission of said content. In this execution condition of the said first device, said process comprises the following:

[76] (a) switching the transmission and/or reception mode selecting key (10, 11 and 12) to the transmission mode;

[77] (b) switching the luminous indication selecting key (10, 11 and 12) for selecting the chromatic light emitting mode to ON or OFF;

[78] (c) selecting at least one color on the chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) in the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) in a first media player device;

[79] (d) activating the control unit (5) for searching the chromatic memory patterns in the storage memory (4);

[80] (e) the control unit (5) switching to the transmission channel according to the selected stored pattern;

[81] (f) the transmission and reception unit (6) responding to the control unit (5) and starting the mode for wireless transmission of the content through a given channel;

[82] (g) when the luminous indication selecting key (10, 11 and 12) is switched ON, the chromatic signaling unit (3) is turned on to flashing, gradual or continuous frequency and intensity modes in accordance with the chromatic memory pattern in the storage memory (4);

[83] (h) selecting the content to be transmitted;

[84] (i) executing the media player device and generating the transmission of the selected content;

[85] (J) sending the content signal related to the content in reproduction to the content reproducer. [86] In another execution condition of the content sharing system for a media player device (1), and according to Figure 12, a second device is in stand by and a second user starts the reception of said content. In this execution condition of said second device, said process comprises the following:

[87] (a) identifying the chromatic signaling unit (3) of a first media player device by a second user of a media player device; within the users' eyesight range;

[88] (b) switching the transmission and/or reception mode selecting key (10, 11 and 12) to the reception mode;

[89] (c) switching the luminous indication selecting key (10, 11 and 12) for selecting the chromatic light emitting mode to ON or OFF;

[90] (d) selecting at least one color on the chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) in the chromatic memory selecting unit (2);

[91] (e) activating the control unit (5) for searching the chromatic memory patterns in the storage memory (4);

[92] (f) the control unit (5) switching to the reception channel according to the selected stored pattern;

[93] (g) the transmission and reception unit (6) responding to the control unit (5) and starting the wireless reception of the content through a given channel;

[94] (h) when the luminous indication selecting key (10, 11 and 12) is switched ON, the chromatic signaling unit (3) is turned on to flashing, gradual or continuous frequency and intensity modes in accordance with the chromatic memory pattern on storage memory (4);

[95] (i) identifying the content to be received;

[96] (j) executing the media player device and start reproducing the received content;

[97] (k) sending the content signal related to the content in reproduction to the content reproducer.

[98] The process of content sharing system for a media player device above described may also be understood by the following example.

[99] A first user that wishes to share the music he is listening to in his content sharing media player device that includes earphones (7) and means for the transmission and reception of such content signals, and is capable of reproducing MP3, WAV, or MPG files may firstly set device to play a given song. This first user may activate the transmission mode (18) through the selecting key (11) provided in the chromatic memory selecting unit (2). Next the first user may choose in said chromatic memory selecting unit (2) the chromatic memory selector (8) blue (B) on the left side and the chromatic memory selector (9) green (G) on the right side.

[100] The control unit (5), inserted in the media player unit (16) of the content sharing system for a media player device (1), recognizes the activation of the chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) according to a preset and saved pattern in a storage memory (4), identifies and tunes in to the transmission and reception channel according to a specific selected chromatic memory pattern channel.

[101] The first user may select the luminous indication mode ON (19), in Figure 3, through the selecting key (12) provided in the chromatic memory selecting unit (2).

[102] The control unit (5) recognizes that the selection key (11) was switched to the transmission mode (18) and the selection key (12) was switched to the luminous indication mode ON (19), and activates the transmission and reception unit (6), starting to transmit the music which is being reproduced in the first media player device.

[103] In response to the activation of the chromatic memory selector (8) of the left side of the chromatic memory selecting unit (2), it is emitted a blue light (B) on the left side of the earphone cords (7) through an optical fiber that acts as the chromatic signaling unit (3), being arranged in such a way that is easily seen by other people that are in the same casual eyesight range.

[104] In response to the activation of the chromatic memory selector (9) of the right side of the chromatic memory selecting unit (2), it is emitted a green light (G) on the right side of the earphone cords (7) through an optical fiber that acts as the chromatic signaling unit (3), being arranged in such a way that is easily seen by other people that are in the same casual eyesight range.

[105] In response to the activation of the selecting keys (11) and (12) for the transmission mode (18) with luminous indication (19), the lights being emitted in the optical fiber cables that act as the chromatic signaling unit (3) switch to the flashing mode according to the pattern selected in the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) in conjunction with the selection keys (11) and (12) activated position.

[106] Once established the condition of transmission selected by a first user that wishes to share the music he is listening to in his media player device, a second user that is carrying a similar media player device, and is close to said first user, can visually identify the flashing chromatic signaling unit (3) in blue (B) color on the left side and green (G) color on the right side of the earphone cords (7).

[107] Out of experience from use of the content sharing system for a media player device, the second user understands that flashing lights mean the first device is on transmission mode and is making available via wireless transmission the music he is listening to. Next, the second user may switch the selection keys (11) and (12) in his media player device (1) to reception mode (20) with luminous indication mode ON (19). Then, the control unit (5) of said second media player device recognizes that the selection key (11) has been activated in the reception mode (20) and sets the transmission and reception unit (6) to the reception mode.

[108] Still on the second device, the second user may match his chromatic memory selecting unit (2) by activating the chromatic memory selectors (8) and (9) on the same respective visually identifiable colors in the first user's headphone cables (7), blue (B) on the left side and green (G) on the right side. In response to this activation in the second device, the control unit (5) of the second device recognizes that the selected colors were selected at the said chromatic memory selecting unit (2), and according to the same pattern preset in the storage memory (4) of the first device, thus the second device tunes in to the same channel.

[109] The second device is then tuned in to the same transmission or reception channel of the first user and starts to receive the music shared by the first device, without the need of verbal communication between these users.

[110] Alternatively, if the second user does not wish other people to take notice that his content sharing system for a media player device (1) is with the reception mode (20) active, but he still wants to share the reception of the music is being played by the first user's device, the selection key (12) in the said second user's device may be switched to the non-luminous indication reception mode (21), and according to the positioning standard established by the selecting key (12), the emission of lights on the optical fiber cables that act as the chromatic signaling unit (3) will be deactivated.

[I l l] In the embodiments where the chromatic memory selecting unit (2) is used with only one selection key (10), it is also possible to position and activate the transmission mode with luminous indication (22) or without luminous indication (23), as well as reception mode with luminous indication (24) or without luminous indication (25).

[112] Even though the process above exemplified describes a basic execution condition of the present invention for a better comprehension of its main steps, other equivalent conditions are possible of being devised.

[113] Figure 13 illustrates the steps of the process in a condition where a first media player device is executing an audio signal and the user wishes to start the transmission of said signal.

[114] Figure 14 illustrates the steps of the process in a condition where a media player device is executing an audio signal and the user wishes to start the reception of a signal emitted by another media player device.

[115] Figure 15 illustrates the steps of the process in a condition where a media player device is executing and transmitting an audio signal and the user wishes to alters the transmission channel.

[116] Figure 16 illustrates the steps of the process in a condition where a media player device is receiving and executing an audio signal and the users wishes to alters the transmission channel.

[117] While the invention has been disclosed by the detailed description above, the accompanying drawings and examples, various equivalents, modifications and im- provements will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. Such equivalents, modifications and improvements are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

[1] 01. Content sharing system for a media player device characterized by the media player device comprising: a chromatic memory selecting unit, composed of at least one chromatic selector of standard colors that can be connected to a control unit; at least one selector for selecting the transmission and/or reception modes; and a chromatic signaling unit that alters its luminous indication mode and colors according to the selection on the selecting unit.

[2] 02. Content sharing system for a media player device characterized by the media player device comprising: a luminous symbols memory selecting unit, composed of at least one symbol selector of luminous symbols that can be connected to a control unit; at least one selector for selecting the transmission and/or reception modes; and a luminous symbols signaling unit that alters its indication mode and symbols according to the selection on the selecting unit.

[3] 03. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized in that the media player device comprises the memory selecting unit with at least one selector for activation and deactivation of the luminous indication of the signaling unit.

[4] 04. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized in that the media player device wherein the selector for selecting the signal transmission and reception modes in the memory selecting unit is also for selecting the activation and deactivation of the luminous indication of the signaling unit.

[5] 05. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01, characterized in that the media player device comprises: storage memory for storing the chromatic memory pattern composed by the possible combinations of standard colors of the chromatic memory selecting unit with the possible luminous indication modes of the chromatic signaling unit; control unit that can be connected to a wireless transmission and/or reception unit and to the chromatic signaling unit, which controls the chromatic memory patterns of said storage memory in response to the selection executed in the chromatic memory selecting unit for: switching the transmission and/or reception unit channel to said chromatic memory patterns channel; switching the chromatic signaling unit modes to ON or OFF; and switching the chromatic signaling unit to the flashing, gradual or continuous frequency and intensity modes.

[6] 06. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 02, characterized in that the media player device comprises: storage memory for storing the luminous symbols memory pattern composed by the possible combinations of symbols on the luminous symbols memory selecting unit with the possible luminous modes of the luminous symbols signaling unit; control unit that can be connected to a wireless transmission and/or reception unit and to the luminous symbols signaling unit, which controls the luminous symbols memory patterns of said storage memory in response to the selection executed in the luminous symbols memory selecting unit for: switching the transmission and/or reception unit channel to said luminous symbols memory patterns channel; switching the luminous symbols signaling unit modes to ON or OFF; and switching the luminous symbols signaling unit to the flashing, gradual or continuous frequency and intensity modes.

[7] 07. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 05 or

06, characterized by the media player device comprising a transmission and/or reception unit, which in response to the control unit, generates the wireless transmission and/or reception of the content signals.

[8] 08. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 07, characterized by the media player device comprising a display screen of alphanumeric and/or graphic viewing of the available memories.

[9] 09. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 08, characterized by the media player device comprising input buttons controlled by dedicated software for the user to select the available memories displayed on said display screen.

[10] 10. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 09, characterized by the media player device comprising said display screen displaying text and/or graphics of the memory selecting unit.

[11] 11. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 08 or 10, characterized by media player device comprising the display screen displaying texts and/or graphics of the memories selected by the memory selecting unit.

[12] 12. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized by the media player device comprising a display as a signaling unit, displaying the selected luminous effects and colors or symbols according to the selection in said memory selection unit.

[13] 13. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized in that the media player device comprises said signaling unit being located in the selecting unit.

[14] 14. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized by the media player device comprising earphones with cords, being that said memory selecting unit and signaling unit are located therein.

[15] 15. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized by the media player device comprising earphones with cords, wherein the memory selecting unit may be located in the media player housing and the signaling unit is located on the earphone cords.

[16] 16. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 14 or

15, characterized by the media player device comprising as a chromatic signaling unit at least one sidelight fiber optical cable or at least one LED, which switches to the color that is equivalent to the colors of the said chromatic memory selector.

[17] 17. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized by the media player device comprising earphones with cords, wherein the memory selecting unit and the signaling unit is located in at least one of the ear speakers housing.

[18] 18. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized by the media player device comprising cordless earphones, wherein the memory selecting unit and the signaling unit is located in at least one of the ear speakers housing.

[19] 19. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01 or

02, characterized by the media player device comprising the signaling unit located in at least one of the ear speakers housing, and that the memory selecting unit is located in the media player housing.

[20] 20. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 01, characterized by the media player device comprising earphones with cords, being that said memory selecting unit and a display screen working as the signaling unit are located in the earphones cords.

[21] 21. Content sharing system for a media player device according to claim 22, characterized by said display screen displaying colored text or colored numbers or symbols of the transmission and/or reception communication channel.

[22] 22. Content sharing system for a media player device characterized by the process thereof comprising the following:

(a) switching the transmission and/or reception mode selecting key to the transmission mode;

(b) switching the luminous indication selecting key for selecting the chromatic light emitting mode to ON or OFF;

(c) selecting at least one color on the chromatic memory selectors in the chromatic memory selecting unit in a first media player device;

(d) activating the control unit for searching the chromatic memory patterns in the storage memory;

(e) the control unit switching to the transmission channel according to the selected stored pattern;

(f) the transmission and reception unit responding to the control unit and starting the mode for wireless transmission of the content through a given channel;

(g) when the luminous indication selecting key is switched ON, the chromatic signaling unit is turned on to flashing, gradual or continuous frequency and intensity modes in accordance with the chromatic memory pattern in the storage memory;

(h) selecting the content to be transmitted;

(i) generating the transmission of such content and simultaneously reproducing the content in the media player device.

[23] 23. Content sharing system for a media player device characterized by the process thereof comprising the following:

(a) visually identifying the chromatic signaling unit of a first media player device by a second user of a media player device; within the users' eyesight range;

(b) switching the transmission and/or reception mode selecting key to the reception mode;

(c) switching the luminous indication selecting key for selecting the chromatic light emitting mode to ON or OFF;

(d) selecting at least one color on the chromatic memory selectors in the chromatic memory selecting unit;

(e) activating the control unit for searching the chromatic memory patterns in the storage memory; (f) the control unit switching to the reception channel according to the selected stored pattern;

(g) the transmission and reception unit responding to the control unit and starting the wireless reception of the content through a given channel; (h) when the luminous indication selecting key is switched ON, the chromatic signaling unit is turned on to flashing, gradual or continuous frequency and intensity modes in accordance with the chromatic memory pattern on storage memory;

(i) identifying the received content;

(J) receiving the content and simultaneously reproducing in the media player device.

[24] 24. Content sharing system for a media player device characterized by the process thereof comprising the following:

(a) selecting and reproducing the content to be transmitted;

(b) switching the transmission and/or reception mode selecting key to the transmission mode;

(d) selecting at least one color on the chromatic memory selectors in the chromatic memory selecting unit in a first media player device;

(e) activating the control unit for searching the chromatic memory patterns in the storage memory;

(f) the control unit switching to the transmission channel according to the selected stored pattern;

(g) the transmission and reception unit responding to the control unit, generating wireless transmission of the content through a given channel; (h) when the luminous indication selecting key is switched ON, the chromatic signaling unit is turned on to flashing, gradual or continuous frequency and intensity modes in accordance with the chromatic memory pattern in the storage memory.