Apple Sued by David Contois over Alleged Patent Infringement by iTunes' Design

Abstract

A computer system and method for controlling a media playing device. The system provides a user interface for allowing a user access to media pieces stored in a media database. The interface is also for controlling a media playing device, like a player piano or movie playing video device, that is coupled to the computer to play the accessed or selected piece of media. In one embodiment there is a computer interface that allows a user to display only music that relates to a selected category, like jazz or classical music. Another embodiment allows the user to direct the media playing device to automatically play selected music pieces that are related to a selected music category. Another embodiment allows a user to direct the media playing device to automatically play selected music pieces that are related to the selected music composer or artist.

Here is one of eight drawings showing his interface concept:

Here is another of eight drawings showing his process for selecting a song:

Well, what do you think? Is it really an invention or not? Does iTunes infringe or not? This will be an interesting case to follow. [Bill Fox]