Patents Assigned to TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
  • Patent number: 12271912
    Abstract: Methods and systems providing digital signage and interactive gaming services in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations are described. A service fee is collected from a retailer, and a service fee may or may not be collected from a retailer (e.g., a bar). An advertising fee is collected from a first advertising provider. The first advertising provider is involved in alcohol distribution/wholesaling or manufacturing. A second advertising fee from a second advertising provider is collected. The second advertising provider is involved in a non-alcohol related industry. A portion of a subscription fee is collected based on a separate source of fees (e.g., text message or jukebox fee) received from a patron. The message may contain information indicating that the patron wishes to pay a service fee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Straus
  • Patent number: 12260034
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, to systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features and improved user interfaces. For instance, a smart search may be provided, e.g., where search results vary based on the popularity of songs within the venue, in dependence on songs being promoted, etc. As another example, a tile-based approach to organizing groupings of songs is provided. Groupings may involve self-populating collections of songs that combine centrally-promoted songs, songs in a given genre that are popular across an audiovisual distribution network, and songs that are locally popular and match up with the given genre (e.g., because of shared attributes such as same or similar genre, artist, etc.). Different tile visual presentations also are contemplated, as are different physical jukebox designs. In certain example embodiments, a sealed core unit with the “brains” of the jukebox is insertable into a docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Beaumier, Karim Dhambri, Daniel Susla, Matthew Labunka, Ian Moulton, Samer Alameer, Michael Tooker
  • Patent number: 12216884
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for generating electronic menu (eMenu) graphical user interface layouts for use in connection with electronic devices (e.g., tablets, phablets, smart phones, etc.). A virtual grid-based layout including rows and columns that together constitute regularly sized and shaped grid cells is defined. Input identifying items to be included in the eMenu is received. Each item has associated length and width dimensions corresponding to a number of grid cells. At least some of the items are flagged for inclusion in the eMenu. Those items marked for inclusion are automatically and programmatically arranged in the eMenu in the grid cells of the grid-based layout in a manner that minimizes the number of unused grid cells. A tag-based representation of the layout corresponding to the formatted eMenu is stored. The file is made available to the electronic device in enabling the formatted eMenu to be displayed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Yu Fang, Robert R. Dykes
  • Patent number: 12189875
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, to systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features and improved user interfaces. For instance, a smart search may be provided, e.g., where search results vary based on the popularity of songs within the venue, in dependence on songs being promoted, etc. As another example, a tile-based approach to organizing groupings of songs is provided. Groupings may involve self-populating collections of songs that combine centrally-promoted songs, songs in a given genre that are popular across an audiovisual distribution network, and songs that are locally popular and match up with the given genre (e.g., because of shared attributes such as same or similar genre, artist, etc.). Different tile visual presentations also are contemplated, as are different physical jukebox designs. In certain example embodiments, a sealed core unit with the “brains” of the jukebox is insertable into a docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Beaumier, Karim Dhambri, Daniel Susla, Matthew Labunka, Ian Moulton, Samer Alameer, Michael Tooker
  • Patent number: 12177949
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Beaumier, Remi Desmarais, Sebastien Hebert, Loic Gratton, Mounir Khenfir, Ed Rivera, Michael Tooker, Christian Pompidor
  • Patent number: 12153747
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, to systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features and improved user interfaces. For instance, a smart search may be provided, e.g., where search results vary based on the popularity of songs within the venue, in dependence on songs being promoted, etc. As another example, a tile-based approach to organizing groupings of songs is provided. Groupings may involve self-populating collections of songs that combine centrally-promoted songs, songs in a given genre that are popular across an audiovisual distribution network, and songs that are locally popular and match up with the given genre (e.g., because of shared attributes such as same or similar genre, artist, etc.). Different tile visual presentations also are contemplated, as are different physical jukebox designs. In certain example embodiments, a sealed core unit with the “brains” of the jukebox is insertable into a docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Beaumier, Karim Dhambri, Daniel Susla, Matthew Labunka, Ian Moulton, Samer Alameer, Michael Tooker
  • Patent number: 12112093
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users so as to provide for social networking and/or other services. In certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, coordinating social networking services among and between patrons within and outside of the location and also providing for advertisement opportunities. In certain exemplary embodiments, the entertainment system within a location may serve as and/or be connected to a jukebox. The entertainment system within the location may be connected to one or more client devices, one or more displays, one or more bar-top or hand-held gaming devices, etc., in certain exemplary embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Michael Tooker, Francois Guy, Francois Beaumier, Mounir Khenfir, Loic Gratton, Dominique Bureau, Harun Tunc Yayli
  • Patent number: 12100258
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods for use in connection with digital downloading jukeboxes are provided. Such systems and/or methods may be used to provide enhanced communications capabilities, e.g., to registered users of jukeboxes. In certain exemplary embodiments, users may become registered users directly at a jukebox. Registered users also may, in certain exemplary embodiments, receive coupons for free plays, import playlists from hardware devices and/or software applications, receive special pricing when playing certain instances of media, play playlists in whole or in part, create and/or manage playlists directly at a jukebox, establish and manage connections with other registered users, etc. Still further, in certain exemplary embodiments, one or more channels may be predefined and/or set up for a jukebox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Guy Nathan, Francois Brillon, Loic Gratton
  • Patent number: 12094442
    Abstract: A wall-mountable jukebox and cover assembly in which a jukebox chassis is exposed by the cover in a display screen and in one or more payment receptors for pay-for-play payment collection devices. The jukebox chassis and cover are designed to enable the jukebox chassis to detachably slide-on to the cover. Various securing mechanisms and access mechanisms may be configured. The jukebox and cover assembly is configured for use in commercial venues and can be customized to each location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Vitalie Arefti, Michel Bryant, Jean Gauthier, Leo Maheu, Daniel Hamric, Michael Tooker
  • Patent number: 12093991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for ordering items from an electronic menu and servicing thereof, in a networked computing environment that communicably connects via at least one network at least a plurality of first handheld electronic devices (e.g., wait staff operated devices in a restaurant), a plurality of second handheld electronic devices (e.g., patron operated devices in a restaurant) configured to display the electronic menu, and a venue computer are described. Corresponding apparatuses are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Yu Fang, Robert R. Dykes, Heidi Gibson
  • Patent number: 12089305
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Beaumier, Remi Desmarais, Sebastien Hebert, Loic Gratton, Mounir Khenfir, Ed Rivera, Michael Tooker, Christian Pompidor
  • Patent number: 12079451
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photobooth features. A combined karaoke/photobooth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Rivera, Michael Tooker, Charles Battle, Francois Beaumier, Mounir Khenfir, Giovanni Curinga, Sebastien Hebert
  • Patent number: 12058790
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Beaumier, Remi Desmarais, Sebastien Hebert, Loic Gratton, Mounir Khenfir, Ed Rivera, Michael Tooker, Christian Pompidor
  • Patent number: 12045855
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Michael Tooker, Francois Guy, Mounir Khenfir
  • Patent number: 12041281
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Rivera, Michael Tooker, Francois Guy, Francois Beaumier, Charles Battle, Mounir Khenfir, Charles Garneau
  • Patent number: 12022143
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Rivera, Michael Tooker, Francois Guy, Francois Beaumier, Charles Battle, Mounir Khenfir, Charles Garneau
  • Patent number: 11989048
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for detecting unlicensed music on a digital jukebox device. A monitoring module, system, subsystem or the like determines whether audio is being provided to the digital jukebox device from an external source for reproduction via a speaker system connected to the jukebox device in place of jukebox media available directly to the jukebox device. When audio is being provided from the external source: at least a portion of the audio being provided to the digital jukebox device from the external source for reproduction via the jukebox device is captured; it is detected whether the captured portion corresponds to audio content that should be licensed; and a log of possible license violations is updated as appropriate. A notification concerning the log of possible violations is generated when a number of possible violations meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold in a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Beaumier, Michael Tooker
  • Patent number: 11978083
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type that typically include a central server and remote jukebox devices that communicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/or content updates. More particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that have revenue-enhancing features such as for example, music recommendation engines and bartender loyalty programs. Such innovative techniques help to both increase per jukebox revenue as well as keep jukebox patrons engaged with the jukebox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Mounir Khenfir, Billy Panagiotopoulos, Christian Pompidor, Francois Beaumier, Frederic Baril, Sebastien Hebert
  • Patent number: 11928680
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for processing PIN-inclusive transactions in connection with an electronic device or terminal, e.g., where PIN code encryption keys are not necessarily stored on the electronic device or terminal, and/or where payment instrument data is maintained in a separate system from PIN code data at least until certain elements are combined in a highly secure system for submission to an electronic funds transfer network. One or more separate or physically separated systems may be used in this regard, e.g., taking advantage of more prevalent computer networks such as the Internet. Similarly, the ability to provide less expensive terminals or electronic devices at a point-of-sale, point-of-purchase, etc., may be advantageous. The interchange rate is not necessarily driven up in certain example instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Robert R. Dykes
  • Patent number: D1068713
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Vitalie Arefti, Michel Bryant, Jean Gauthier, Leo Frederick Maheu, Daniel Eugene Hamric, Michael Tooker