DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A SYSTEM FOR PLAYING MEDIA

APPLICANTS
Saregama India Limited, 33, Jessore Road,
Dum Dum, Kolkata- 700 028,
an Indian Company

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A SYSTEM FOR PLAYING MEDIA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The invention relates to a system for playing media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In earlier days, music players such as record players, cassette players, CD players, radios, etc were the sources for listening to music/songs. However, these devices were bulky, and hence portability was always an issue. With advent in technology, issue of portability was resolved to an extent when portable radios, portable cassette/CD players came into existence. While such portable players gained immense popularity due to ease of carrying them, limited storage capacity of cassettes/CDs was a drawback.
[003] Digitization of music and introduction of portable digital music devices has overcome the problems of limited storage, and also eliminated the need for separate media to store music. Almost an unlimited number of songs can now be stored on one single device depending upon storage capacity of the device. Even electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptop, computer, tablets etc can store such digital music. However, digital music has to be searched and downloaded from other sources, mostly internet. Though there are various sources available for downloading and distributing music, it is often challenging and complex for people who are not technically skilled to gain access to digital music. Also, downloading music can be a costly and time consuming process.
[004] Portable devices are now equipped with displays, and apart from music, videos are also now playable on portable devices. However, screen size of displays in portable devices is usually small and thus does not provide a good user experience. Further, in recent years karaoke entertainment has also gained popularity. Karaoke requires a display, a speaker and a microphone whereby the display would show lyrics of the song being played on the speaker and the microphone will allow a user to sing along. It is desirable that videos of karaoke files are shown on a big screen so that lyrics can be readable. Accordingly, playing karaoke files on portable devices is always a challenge owing to small size of displays. Moreover, microphone connectivity with such devices is also a challenge.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need in the art to address at-least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In an aspect, the present invention provides a system for playing media, the system comprising: a housing having opposing sides, a front side, a rear side, a top side and a bottom side; a first display unit provided on the front side of the housing; a second display unit provided between the front side and the rear side of the housing, the second display unit movable between a retracted position and an extended position, whereby in the retracted position, the second display unit resides inside the housing and in the extended position, the second display unit extends out of the housing; and a mechanism for moving the second display unit between the retracted position and the extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 shows a system for playing media in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a system for playing media in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a portable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a portable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the portable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 shows an illustrative assembled view of the portable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[008] The present invention is directed towards a system for playing media whereby the system is capable of playing audio as well as video files and has at-least one movable display unit which extends/operates out of a housing of the system.
[009] Figure 1 shows a system 100 for playing media in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system comprises a database 102, a processor 104, a speaker unit 106, a first display unit 108, a second display unit 110 and plurality of selection switches 120.
[010] The database comprises plurality of media files. In an embodiment, the media files include audio/music files and video files, and the system is configured to operate in an audio mode or a video mode. Depending upon the mode selected, the system plays the audio/music files or the video files on the speaker unit and/ the first display unit and/or the second display unit. The first display unit is a stationary display unit whereas the second display unit is a movable display unit, whereby the second display unit is actuated upon operating the system in video mode.
[011] The music files are associated with at least one mode from plurality of modes. For example, an artist based mode, a mood based mode, a fixed playlist mode, etc. Further, each of such modes includes one or more listings/channels, wherein the music files are associated with one or more listings. For example, artist based mode includes plurality of artist based listing - a first artist listing, a second artist listing, etc; the mood based mode includes mood based listing - a first mood listing, a second mood listing, etc; and the fixed playlist mode includes – a first fixed playlist, a second fixed playlist, etc. Each of the music file thus is associated with one or more modes and/or listings. Accordingly, upon selection of a particular mode and/or listing, music files associated with the particular mode and/or listing will be retrieved and played on the speaker unit.
[012] The video file in an embodiment is an audio-video file such as a karaoke file. The karaoke file typically includes background music and the video includes lyrics synchronized with the background music. Upon selecting any of the karaoke file, the audio is played on the speaker unit while the second display unit displays the lyrics in synchronization with the audio being played. Alternately, other type of video files can be stored and played on the system.
[013] As shown in the figure, plurality of switches are provided for selecting different modes and/or listings. In an embodiment dedicated switches may be provided for actuating each mode and/or listing. Further, selection switches may be provided for changing/navigating music files i.e. selecting previous or next media files. Selection switches can be selected from any of a rotary switch, a push-button switch, a toggle switch, etc.
[014] Once a particular mode and/or listing is selected, the processor identifies and retrieves the music files or the video files from the database. The processor is configured to select the music files or video files in a serial order or a random order. Depending upon the mode selected, the system plays the audio/music files or the video files on the speaker unit and the first display unit and/or the second display unit.
[015] Further, as shown the first display unit and the second display unit are connected to the processor. The first display unit is configured to at-least display information in relation to mode name, listing name, artist name, music file name, etc. The first display unit thus provides all the information in relation to the music being played. The second display unit is configured to display the video which includes lyrics synchronized with the background music being played on the speaker. Alternately, the second display unit displays other type of video files. The display unit also displays the list of video files or karaoke files stored on the database. In an embodiment of the invention, the second display unit is a movable display unit which extends/operates upon actuation of the video mode.
[016] Further, as shown in figure 1, a first input unit U1 and a second input unit U2 are connected with the system. In this regard, the system comprises a communication module 130 allowing the first input unit and the second input unit to connect with the system. The first input unit is a remote controller configured to control or actuate various modes of the system such as radio mode, Bluetooth mode, USB/Aux In mode, HDMI mode, video mode, digital music mode, wireless mode. The second input unit is a microphone for allowing a user to sing along when the system is set into the video mode, whereby voice of the user is played along with the karaoke file on the speaker unit of the system. The second input unit comprises one or more switches to allow a user to navigate contents of the system displayed on the display unit. In this regard, as discussed hereinabove, the system in addition to displaying lyrics of the karaoke files, also shows the list of video files or karaoke files stored on the database. The switches on the second input unit allows navigation and selection of the video or karaoke files stored on the system. Alternately, the first unit may also allow the navigation and selection of the video or karaoke file stored on the system.
[017] Figure 2 shows a system 200 for playing music in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system shown in figure 2 is similar to system shown in figure 1 and further comprises a Bluetooth module 202, a radio module 204, a USB module 206, a wireless module 208, an auxiliary module 210, and an HDMI module 212. The system, thus in addition to the modes described hereinbefore can also be operated in a Bluetooth mode or a radio mode or a USB mode or a wireless or wi-fi mode or auxiliary mode or HDMI mode. The aforementioned modes can be configured to be actuated by dedicated switches, and the display units are configured to display information as per the mode selected.
[018] Figure 3 and 4 show a portable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The portable device incorporates the system described hereinbefore, and the first input unit and the second input unit are connected with the system. Accordingly, the portable device includes a database (not shown), a processor (not shown), a speaker unit 302, a first display unit 304, a second display unit 306, plurality of selection switches – primary mode selection switches 308, secondary mode selection switches 310, a rotary switch 312, a pair of navigation switches 314, an ON/OFF switch 316, a battery indicator 318, a Bluetooth module (not shown), a radio module (not shown), a USB module (not shown), a wireless module (not shown), auxiliary module (not shown) and HDMI module (not shown), all of which are providing on or within a housing 320.
[019] The housing includes opposing sides, a front and rear side and a top and bottom side. The primary selection switches are provided on the side of the housing for selecting a mode of the portable device. On one of the sides, primary mode selection switches are provided for selecting a Radio mode, a Bluetooth mode, a USB/Aux In mode, and a digital music mode, and a selection switch for video mode and a volume switch are provided on the other side. The front side includes the secondary mode selection switches, the first display unit, the speaker unit and the navigation switches and the rotary switch. The secondary selection switches are provided on a front side of the housing. As shown, selection switches are provided for selecting an artist based mode, a mood based mode, a fixed playlist mode, and a wireless mode. The pair of navigation buttons and the rotary switch are also provided on the front side adjacent to the first display unit. The top side has the ON/OFF switch and the battery indicator for the portable device.
[020] In an embodiment of the invention, the second display unit is capable of being moved in a retracted position or an extended position. The second display unit is in the retracted position (as shown in figure 3) when the first mode is selected. Figure 3 shows the second display unit in the retracted position, and figure 4 shows the second display unit in the extended position. The second display unit is enclosed within the housing in the retracted position, whereby the second display unit is between the front side and rear side of the housing. The second display unit has similar dimensions or dimensions corresponding with that of the front side and rear side of the housing, and thus has a large screen size compared to other portable devices. In the extended position, the second display unit extends from the top-side of the housing. The second display unit in extended position thus has an unobstructed and clearer view. The second display unit moves to the extended position when second mode is selected via the selection switch for video mode. The second display unit can be selected from group of flat screen display units such as LCD display unit, LED display unit, OLED display unit, plasma display unit, etc. The second display unit can be an interactive touch screen display. Further, the second display unit being extendable allow for switches to be provided on the housing, and the device is thus easy to operate.
[021] In an embodiment of the invention, a mechanism is provided for moving the second display unit between the retracted position and the extended position. The mechanism is illustrated in figure 5 and 6. The mechanism comprises a mounting plate 510, pair of guide rails 520, a gear-train/assembly 530 and a motor 540. The motor in an embodiment is a DC motor. The mounting plate is fixed internally in the housing of the device, and has a pair of support rails 550. The pair of guide rails are adapted to the second display unit and the support rails are received by the guide rails whereby the guide rails move about the support rails allowing the display unit to move about the mounting plate/housing. The display unit preferably has a protective cover or housing, and the pair of guide rails are adapted to the cover/housing. The gear train is connected with the motor to be driven by the motor and is provided adjacent to the second display unit to move the second display unit. In this regard, the processor is configured to provide a control signal to the motor when the video mode is selected via the selection switch to move the second display unit in the extended position. The gear train comprises of at-least one driving gear 532, at-least one driven gear 534 meshed with the driving gear. The driving gear is connected with a shaft of the motor. The driven gear has an arm 534A configured to be coupled with the second display unit. The arm is coupled adjacent to bottom end of the second display unit. The arm has a notch which is configured to be coupled/engaged with a corresponding aperture on the second display unit. Accordingly, upon actuating the motor, the driving gear rotates causing the driven gear and thereby the arm on the driven gear to move. The arm being coupled to the second display unit enables the display unit to move with the help of the rails between the retracted and the extended position. Further, as shown, the driven gear is a larger gear compared to the driving gear whereby size of the driven gear helps reduce speed from driven gear so as to provide a smooth and steady movement to the second display unit. Further, one or more intermediate gears can be provided between the driving gear and the driven gear. In an embodiment, the gear train comprises two intermediate gears – a first intermediate gear 536 meshed with a second intermediate gear 538, and the first intermediate gear is meshed with the driving gear and the second intermediate gear is meshed with the driven gear. Accordingly, upon moving the driving gear, the first intermediate gear is rotated causing the second intermediate gear to rotate and move the driven gear.
[022] Further, as shown in the figures, the portable device comprises a handle 330 for carrying the device. The handle is adapted to the side-walls of the portable device. As shown in the figures the handle normally would rest on the housing. To carry the device, the handle can simply be moved pivotally about the housing to a carrying position. In case the handle is left in the carrying position and the device is set into video mode, the handle would obstruct the second display unit from moving to the extended position. In this regard, a current to voltage conversion circuit is connected with the motor, wherein the current to voltage circuit will give a high level voltage signal to the processing unit. The processing unit upon receiving the high level voltage signal will send a control signal to the motor to rotate in opposite direction so as to move the second display unit back to the retracted position, thereby preventing any damage to the second display unit or any other components.
By way of an example, various modes in which the portable device may be operated are described herein below:

Digital Music Mode
The portable device is set into digital music mode upon selecting the switch for digital music mode. Under the digital music mode, any of an artist based mode, a mood based mode or a fixed playlist mode may be selected. As shown, three secondary selection switches are provided for selecting the artist based mode, the mood based mode and the fixed playlist mode. Upon, selection of any of the artist based mode or mood based mode, the pre-stored music files associated with the selected mode are retrieved and played randomly as discussed hereinbefore. If the fixed playlist mode is selected, music files are played in a serial manner. The rotary switch allows navigation/browsing of listings provided within each mode, and the pair of navigation switches allow changing of music files – previous or next on the device.

USB Mode
The portable device is set into USB mode upon connecting an external USB device and selecting the switch for USB mode. Once in the USB mode, music from external storage device is retrieved and played on the portable device. The pair of navigation switches enable changing of songs in a serial manner – previous or next. Further, the rotary switch enable changing of folders in a serial manner. Also, the display unit when in USB mode is configured to display information of at-least a folder name and a song name.

Bluetooth Mode
The portable device is set into Bluetooth mode upon selecting the switch for Bluetooth mode. Once in the Bluetooth mode, the portable device can be connected/paired wirelessly with other electronic devices, and play music from such connected electronic devices. Also, the display unit is configured to indicate that the device is in a Bluetooth mode.

Radio Mode
The portable device is set into radio mode upon selecting the switch for radio mode. Once in the radio mode, the portable device supports reception of FM radio channels or AM radio channels. The same switch is configured to tune into an FM radio channel or an AM radio channel. For example, upon pressing the switch once, the portable device tunes into an FM channel and upon pressing the switch twice, the portable device tunes into an AM channel. Once the portable device tunes into an FM radio channel or AM radio channel, the pair of navigation switches enables changing of radio channel in a serial manner – previous or next. Further, the rotary switch enables fine tuning of frequency. Also, the display unit is configured to indicate that the device is in a radio mode, and the radio channel being played on the portable device.

Auxiliary Mode
The portable device is set into the auxiliary mode upon connecting an external audio device with the portable device via an auxiliary cable. Once the portable device is connected with the external audio device, the audio is played on the external audio device. A dedicated switch may be provided for actuating the auxiliary mode.

HDMI Mode
The portable device is set into the HDMI mode upon connecting an external display device with the portable device via an HDMI cable. Once the portable device is connected with the external display, the contents can be seen on the second display unit and/or the external display. Further, the audio of the portable device will be played on speakers of such external display units. A dedicated switch may be provided for actuating the HDMI mode.
Video Mode
The portable device is set into video mode upon selecting the switch for video mode. Once in the video mode, the second display unit extends out of the housing and video is played on the second display unit. In case the video file is a karaoke file, lyrics of the particular karaoke file are displayed on the second display unit and background music is played on the speaker. The second input unit ie the microphone allows a user to sing along the karaoke file being played.
[023] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since the modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to the person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A system for playing media, the system comprising:
a housing having opposing sides, a front side, a rear side, a top side and a bottom side;
a first display unit provided on the front side of the housing;
a second display unit provided between the front side and the rear side of the housing, the second display unit movable between a retracted position and an extended position, whereby in the retracted position, the second display unit resides inside the housing and in the extended position, the second display unit extends out of the housing; and
a mechanism for moving the second display unit between the retracted position and the extended position.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises:
a mounting plate having a pair of spaced apart support rails;
a pair of guide rails adapted to the second display unit whereby the guide rails receive the support rails of the mounting plate, the guide rails movable about the support rails enabling the second display unit to move about the mounting plate;
a gear-train for moving the second display unit; and
a motor connected with the gear train to operate the gear train, operation of the gear train moves the second display unit between the retracted position and the extended position.

3. The system as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the gear train comprises at least one driving gear connected and driven by a shaft of the motor; at least one driven gear having an arm, the arm configured to be coupled with the second display unit; whereby upon actuation of the motor the driving gear rotates causing the arm on the driven gear to move, thereby moving the second display unit between retracted and extended position.

4. The system as claimed in claims 3, wherein the gear train comprises one or more intermediate gears meshed with the driving gear and the driven gear.

5. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the second display unit is enclosed inside a protective housing.

6. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the second display unit has dimensions corresponding with the front side and the rear side of the housing

7. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the second display unit extends from the top of the housing.

8. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the first display unit and the second display unit can be selected from an LCD display unit, or a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display unit, or an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display unit, or a plasma display unit.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising plurality of switches for selecting the music and the video files on either of the two opposing sides of the housing.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is a portable device.