CN101268460B - Acquisition, management and synchronization of podcasts - Google Patents

Abstract

Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts on the portable media devices. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.

Description

The obtaining, manage and synchronously of blog

Technical field

The present invention relates to blog (podcast), more specifically, relate to and on portable media device, obtain and play blog.

Background technology

Media player stores has the media asset that can on media player, play or show, for example, and track.One of portable electronic device is exemplified as iPod

media player; It can be from Cupertino, and the Apple Computer of CA obtains.Generally speaking, media player need obtain its media asset from being used to make the trustship computing machine that the user can the management of media assets.When media asset was managed, the user can create playlist for track.These playlists can be created at trustship computing machine place.Then, can be with the media asset copies in the playlist to media player.For example, the trustship computing machine can be carried out media management application to create and the management of media assets.An example of media management application is the iTunes that is produced by Apple Computer.

Blog is generally used for sharing the content from the website.Blog is presented with the very simple and easy information fusion (RSS, Really Simple Syndication) that uses simple and easy XML form and is associated.Can blog be constituted the fragment the spitting image of radio or TV programme.Personage interested can subscribe the blog fragment that reception is issued subsequently.This realizes through the blog website that personage interested uses its computer access trustship RSS to present.Then, personage interested can subscribe RSS and present, and with inspection whether any new blog fragment is arranged so that its computing machine visits again the blog website sometimes.Generally speaking, if there is new blog fragment to use, then it is downloaded to computing machine.Afterwards, personage interested can be at its computing machine place according to playing the blog fragment with the same manner of other audio files (for example, mp3 file).Can use application program that downloaded is arrived portable electronic device (for example, MP3 player).One of legacy application is exemplified as " iPodder " like this, and it is being used for the small routine of downloaded to its portable electronic device of on people's computing machine, moving.

Regrettably, on the trustship computing machine, be difficult for usually blog is managed.When the issue new segment, blog is through regular meeting's dynamic change.The media asset of such dynamic change is managed very complicated.In addition, for the aspect that the trustship computing machine need be supported portable electronic device, the trustship computing machine need be managed to the transmission of portable electronic device the blog data.

Thereby, need be used for managing on computers and using the technology of blog.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to the improved technique of blog easy to use.This improved technique can relate to establishment, distribution, trustship, visit, reservation, management, transmission and/or play blog.

According to an aspect, client application can be used in realization, from a plurality of blogs, finds interested blog, subscribes interested blog, and interested blog is carried out management subsequently.To the management of blog interested can be included in seldom need or not need with the condition of user interactions under obtain the blog data of renewal.According on the other hand, can copy (for example, synchronization) through portable media device to local some or all the available blog of client application, so that make blog convenient available, and can play through client application or portable media device.

Can adopt multiple mode to realize the present invention, these implementations comprise as method, system, unit (comprising graphic user interface), or computer-readable medium.Below, several embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As the method that is used for subscribing blog from the client application that operates on the personal computer, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise following behavior at least: through client application from the online Media shop obtainable a plurality of blogs find specific blog; Subscribe specific blog by client application; And the blog metadata and the blog media content that obtain specific blog subsequently through client application.

As the computer-readable medium that comprises the computer program code that is used to subscribe blog at least, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise at least: be used for the computer program code that from the online Media shop obtainable a plurality of blogs are found specific blog; Be used to subscribe the computer program code of specific blog; And be used to obtain the blog metadata of specific blog and the computer program code of blog media content.

As the system that is used to visit blog; One embodiment of the present of invention comprise the client devices that moves media management application at least; Said media management application is used for finding at least one blog from having about the descriptive information of a plurality of blogs and the online Media shop of visit information; Be used for obtaining at least one blog, and be used for copying at least one blog to portable electronic device from the online Media shop.

As the method that is used to safeguard blog, one embodiment of the present of invention comprise such behavior at least, that is, upgrade the blog data at client devices place, and copy the suitable part of blog data to portable computing device.

In conjunction with the exemplary accompanying drawing that the principle of the invention is shown, through the detailed description of back, it is obvious that other aspects of the present invention and advantage will become.

Description of drawings

In conjunction with accompanying drawing, through the detailed description of back, the present invention's easy to understand that will become, wherein, identical Reference numeral is represented identical structural detail, and wherein:

Fig. 1 representes the block diagram of media system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 A and 2B represent the process flow diagram that blog submission according to an embodiment of the invention is handled;

Fig. 3 A and 3B represent the process flow diagram that blog distribution according to an embodiment of the invention is handled;

Fig. 4 representes the process flow diagram of authentication processing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 A representes to submit to according to the network address of an exemplary embodiment Snipping Tool of page or leaf;

Fig. 5 B representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog preview page or leaf of an exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 6 representes the process flow diagram of media store blog interaction process according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 representes that integrated blog according to an embodiment of the invention obtains the process flow diagram of processing;

Fig. 8 A representes the process flow diagram of blog update processing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 B representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog base page of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 C representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog page or leaf of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 D representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog page or leaf with acknowledgement of orders dialog box of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 E representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog availability page or leaf of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 F representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog availability page or leaf of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 G representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog availability page or leaf of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 representes the process flow diagram that blog reservation document creation according to an embodiment of the invention is handled;

Figure 10 representes that blog reservation file according to an embodiment of the invention uses the process flow diagram of handling;

Figure 11 representes blog reservation system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 representes the process flow diagram of blog update processing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 representes the process flow diagram that blog according to an embodiment of the invention active (activity) is handled; And

Figure 14 representes the process flow diagram that replacement active variables according to an embodiment of the invention is handled.

Embodiment

The present invention relates to the improved technique of blog easy to use.Improved technique can relate to establishment, distribution, trustship, visit, reservation, management, transmission and/or play blog.

According to an aspect, client application can be used in from a plurality of blogs and finds interested blog, subscribes blog interested and to blog interested management subsequently is provided.Management to blog interested can comprise, seldom need or not need user interactions just can obtain the blog data of renewal.According on the other hand, can copy (for example, synchronization) through portable media device to local some or all the available blog of client application, so that make blog convenient available, and can play through client application or portable media device.

Below, will embodiments of the invention be described with reference to Fig. 1-14.Yet, person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description that provides with reference to these accompanying drawings is to be used for purpose of explanation here, because the present invention exceeds the scope of these limited embodiment.

Fig. 1 representes the block diagram of media system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.Media system 100 comprises the media store server 102 that is used for trustship online Media shop.If desired, media store server 102 can unload the transmission of the Digital Media assets of (off-load) business transaction and/or purchase to other servers.As shown in Figure 1, media system 100 is included as one or more client devices 104 that the terminal user uses.Client devices 104 links to each other with data network 106.In addition, media store server 102 also links to each other with data network 106.In one embodiment, data network 106 can be represented one or more data networks, is generally high data bandwidth network; Promptly; Cable network, like Internet, Ethernet, gigabit Ethernet and fiber optic network, and wireless network; Like IEEE 802.11 (a), (b) or (g) (WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMax) and ultra broadband (UWB).

Computer program 108 (client computer or client application) is media management application (MMA) or other media player applications normally, and it operates on the client devices 104.One of media management application is exemplified as iTunes

and uses (by Cupertino, the Apple Computer of CA produces).Client devices 104 is generally computing equipment.For example, client devices 104 can be special use or general purpose personal computer (or or even portable electronic device).Client devices 104 can connect portable media device 109 (portable electronic device).An example that is suitable for the portable electronic device of the present invention's use is iPod

, and it also is to be produced by Apple Computer.Computer program 108 can be used for a plurality of purposes by the user, includes but not limited to browse, search for, obtain and/or buy media asset (comprising blog) from the online Media shop that media store server 102 provides; Create and share media asset group (for example, playlist); Media asset is made up; Appear/the playing media assets; Transmission medium assets between client devices 104; And carry out synchronously with portable media device 109.

Media system 100 also can comprise one or more client devices 110 so that be the use of medium programmer.Client devices 110 also moves computer program 112, normally media management application (MMA) or other media player applications.Computer program 112 can be identical with computer program 108, but computer program 112 can be provided for the additional function of support media programmer.For example, the use a computer medium programmer of program 112 can be provided for creating and issuing the additional function of blog.

Media system 100 also comprises digital asset management device 114.Digital asset management device 114 is connected with media asset database 116.Media asset database 116 stores media asset information, comprises the relevant metadata of Digital Media assets that can buy with place, online Media shop.Metadata can relate to single medium assets (Digital Media assets) or media asset group (Digital Media group of assets).Media asset can include but not limited to music, video, text and/or graphic file.A kind of specific type of media asset or media asset group is a blog, and it generally includes audio frequency, figure and text (but also can comprise video).In the music situation, the media asset group can be music playlist.A concrete example of Digital Media group of assets type is called iMix ^TM, it is the iTunes that is used in Apple Computer at present

The playlist of the distribution of browsing and/or buying on the Music Store.Another concrete example of Digital Media group of assets type is called iEssential ^TM, it is the playlist of the distribution of medium programmer establishment, is used in the iTunes of Apple Computer at present

Browse and/or buy on the Music Store.Another concrete example of Digital Media group of assets type is called Celebrity Playlist; It is the playlist of the distribution created by the famous person, is used on iTunes

the Music Store of Apple Computer to browse and/or buy.

Media store server 102 makes the user of particular client device 104 can obtain media asset (for example, blog).Subsequently, client devices 104 can be through data network 106 from media store server 102 or some other downloaded media asset.The people of acquaint with data network will be understood that also possibly exist other network configuration.In addition, although media store server 102 is shown as single and different equipment with digital asset management device 114, might there be other configurations in it should be understood that of skilled.As an example, each equipment can be implemented as and be distributed on a plurality of server computers.As another example, can realize these different servers and/or manager through the single physical server computer.

Fig. 2 A and 2B represent the process flow diagram of blog submission processing 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.Blog submits to processing 200 for example to be carried out by client computer (for example, application program).An example of client computer is the media management application that operates on the client devices.

Blog submits to processing 200 to start from creating 202 blogs.Blog can be created during blog is submitted processing 200 to or can formerly be created.In one embodiment, blog submit to be handled 200 and is carried out by single application (for example, media management application).In another embodiment, can in an application, realize the blog establishment, and in Another Application, can realize the blog distribution.

After creating 202 blogs, judge that 204 determine whether to ask distribution.When judgement 204 confirmed not make the distribution request, blog submitted to processing 200 to wait for such request.On the other hand, in case judge that 204 confirm to have made the distribution request, then receive 206 the network addresss (for example, podcast feeds URL) to blog.In an implementation, client user will be input to client computer to the suitable networks address and present in user's the text input frame of graphic user interface.Then, the network address that will arrive blog sends 208 to server.Server for example can be media store or some other server.Afterwards, judge that 210 determine whether to receive blog preview page or leaf.When judgement 210 was confirmed not receive blog preview page or leaf, blog was submitted the reception of handling 200 wait blog preview pages or leaves to.Perhaps, when judgement 210 is confirmed to have received blog preview page or leaf, demonstrate 212 blog preview pages or leaves.Generally speaking, blog preview page or leaf comprises the basic blog metadata about blog at least.In case demonstrate 212 blog preview pages or leaves, then can change (that is editor) basic blog data.In addition, blog preview page or leaf can comprise one or more data input fields, and it helps about can customer-furnishedly adding the data input of (or replenishing) blog metadata.

Next, judge that 214 confirm whether client user is want the basic blog metadata of blog preview page or leaf is edited (change) or additional blog metadata is provided.When judging that 214 definite users will edit the blog metadata really, then can revise 216 blog metadata.For example, the user can edit basic blog metadata and maybe can use the additional blog metadata of data input field input.An exemplary attaching metadata is for blog category classification to be provided.Additional blog metadata also can be described as appends the blog metadata.After square frame 216, perhaps directly do not judging after 214 when carrying out when revising, judge that 218 confirm whether the user has submitted the blog metadata to.Here, after any data modification, the submission of blog metadata is expressed the user and is accepted the blog metadata, no matter is basic blog metadata or additional blog metadata.Such blog metadata of submitting to can be referred to as final blog metadata.Therefore, when judgement 218 is confirmed to submit the blog metadata to, submit 220 final blog metadata to.Generally speaking, submit to 220 to give server final blog metadata, for example, media store server as shown in Figure 1.

The exemplary RSS that has just provided blog below presents (feed).Note, as after with discussed in detail, RSS presents to be provided for channel (that is performance) and for the classification of each (that is chapter).For each, through URL identification audio file (for example, MP3 or AAC form).

Exemplary RSS presents

<?xml?version＝″1.0″encoding＝″UTF-8″?>

<l--must?lnclude?xmlns:itunes?tag-->

<rss?xmlns:itunes＝″http://www.itunes.com/DTDs/Podcast-1.0.dtd″version＝″2.0″>

<channel>

<title>All?About?Everything</title>

<itunes:author>John?Doe</itunes:author>

<link>http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/index.html</link>

<description>All?About?Everything?is?a?show?about?everything.Each?week?we?dive

into?every?subject?known?to?man?and?talk?about?everything?as?much?as?we

can.</description>

<itunes:subtitle>All?About?Everything?is?a?show?about?everything</itunes:subtitle>

<ltunes:summary>All?About?Everything?is?a?show?about?everything.Each?week?we

dive?into?every?subject?known?to?man?and?talk?about?everything?as?much?as?we?can.

Look?for?our?Podcast?in?the?iTunes?Music?Store</itunes:summary>

<language>en-us</language>

<copyright>Acme?News?Corp.2005</copyright>

<itunes:owner>

<itunes:name>John?Doe</itunes:name>

<ltunes:email>johndoemac.com</itunes:email>

</itunes:owner>

<image>

<url>http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEverything.jpg</url>

<title>All?About?Everything</title>

<link>http://www.-.com/podcasts/everything/index.html</link>

</image>

<l--the?max?size?for?rss?image?is?144×400-->

<l--iTunes?allows?images?larger?than?that-->

<ltunes:link?rel＝″image″type＝″video/>jpeg″

href＝″http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEverything.jpg″>All?About

Everything</itunes:link>

<category>Technology</category>

<！--categories?can?be?nested?for?category/subcategory-->

<！-there?can?be?multiple?itunes?categories.the?first?set?is?the?primary?cetegory/>

subcategory-->

<itunes:category?text＝″Technology″>.

<itunes:category?text＝″Gadgets″/>

</itunes:category>

<itunes:category?text＝″Politics″/>

<itunes:category?text＝″Technology″>

<itunes:category?text＝″News″/>

</itunes:category>

<item>

<title>Shake?Shake?Shake?Your?Spices</title>

<itunes:author>John?Doe</itunes:author>

<descrlptlon>This?week?we?talk?about?salt?and?pepper?shakers，comparing?and

contrasting?pour?rates，construction?materials，and?overall?aesthetics.</description>

<itunes:subtitle>A?short?primer?on?table?spices</itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:summary>This?week?we?talk?about?salt?and?pepper?shakers，comparing?and

contrasting?pour?rates，construction?materials，and?overall?aesthetlcs.Come?and?join?the

party！</itunes:summary>

<enclosure

url＝″http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEverythingEpisode3.mp3″

length＝″8727310″type＝″x-audlo/mp3″/>

<guid>http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEverything?Episode3.mp3<

/guid>

<pubDate>Wed，15?Jun?2005?11:39:59?GMT</pubDate>

<category>Technology</category>

<itunes:category?text＝″Technology″>

<itunes:category?text＝″Gadgets″/>

</itunes:category>

<itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>

<itunes:duration>7:04</itunes:duration>

<itunes:keywords>salt?pepper?shaker?exciting</itunes:keywords>

</item>

<item>

<title>Socket?Wrench?Shootout</title>

<itunes:author>Jane.Doe</itunes:author>

<description>This?week?we?talk?about?metric?vs.old?english?socket?wrenches.Which

one?is?better?Do?you?really?need?both?</description>

<itunes:subtitle>Compa?ring?socket?wrenches?is?fun！</ltunes:subtitle>

<itunes:summary>This?week?we?talk?about?metric?vs.old?english?socket?wrenches.

Which?one?is?better?Do?you?really?need?both?Get?all?of?your?answers

here.</itunes:summary>

<enclosure

url＝″http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEveryt?hingEpisode2.mp3″

length＝″5650889″type＝″x-audio/mp3″/>

<guid>http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEverythingEpisode2.mp3<

/guid>

<pubDate>Wed，8?Jun?2005?11:20:59?GMT</pubDate>

<category>Politics</category>

<itunes:category?text＝″Technology″>

<itunes:category?text＝″Gadgets″/>

</itunes:category>

<itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>

<itunes:duration>4:34</itunes:duration>

<itunes:keywords>metricsocket?wrenches

tool</itunes:keywords>

</item>

<item>

<title>Red，Whine，and?Blue</title>

<itunes:author>Various</itunes:author>

<description>This?week?we?talk?about?surviving?in?a?Red?state?if

you′re?a?Blue?person.Or?vice?versa.</description>

<itunes:subtitle>Red+Blue！＝Purple</itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:summary>This?week?we?talk?about?surviving?in?a?Red

state?if?you′re?a?Blue?person.Or?vice?versa.Or?moving?to?Canada.</itunes:summary>

<enclosure

url＝″http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEverythingEpisode1.mp3″

length＝″4989537″type＝″x-audio/mp3″/>

<guid>http://www.itunes.com/podcasts/everything/AllAboutEveryt?hingEpisode1.mp3</>

guid>

<pubDate>Wed，1?Jun?2005?10:21:04?GMT</pubDate>

<category>Politics</category>

<itunes:category?text＝″Technology″>

<itunes:categorytext＝″Gadgets″/>

</itunes:category>

<itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>

<itunes:duration>3:59</itunes:duration>

<itunes:keywords>politics?red?blue?state</itunes:keywords>

</item>

</channel>

</rss>

Because performance and fragment can interrelate with classification, and the modified user interface can be provided, so that blog is carried out classification, and search for or browse based on classification.

Fig. 3 A and 3B represent the process flow diagram of blog distribution processing 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.The blog distribution handles 300 by the server execution, and expresses for the blog shown in Fig. 2 A and 2B and submit to the reciprocity side of processing 200 to handle.

Blog distribution handle 300 initial receive 302 for the network address of the specific blog that will issue.For example, can the network address be provided, send it to server (for example, the square frame 206 and 208 of Fig. 2 A) then through client user.

After receiving the network address of 302 specific blogs, server access 304 podcast feeds (for example, RSS presents) are to obtain the podcast feeds metadata.In other words, server uses this network address to connect the podcast feeds for specific blog, to obtain the podcast feeds metadata.Then, obtain 306 basic blog metadata from the podcast feeds metadata.According to an implementation, the acquisition of basic blog metadata can relate to the parsing to the podcast feeds metadata.Generally speaking, the podcast feeds metadata will comprise label or tag (for example, the XML element), to distinguish the different field of the metadata that in the podcast feeds metadata, provides.

Next, create 308 blog preview pages or leaves.In one embodiment, blog preview page or leaf comprises basic blog metadata, and the additional blog metadata of request.Then, blog preview page or leaf is sent 310 to client computer.

Then, judge that 312 determine whether to receive final blog metadata submission.When judging 312 when confirming not receive final blog metadata and submitting to, the blog distribution is handled 300 and is waited for such submission.On the other hand, in case judge that 312 confirm to have submitted to final blog metadata, the blog information that then storage 314 is issued at the server place.The blog information of distribution comprises the network address and final blog metadata at least, and the two all is associated with specific blog.At this moment, specific blog is issued to server.In addition, can index 316 to the blog information of distribution, so that be implemented in the search and/or the function of browse of server place (for example, the media store server 102 of Fig. 1).At last, go up 318 one-tenth of the blog draftings of distribution available at server (for example, media store).After operation 318, accomplish and end blog distribution processing 300.

In another embodiment, can blog distribution be handled (for example, the blog distribution handles 300) be modified as and comprise authentication processing.Can use authentication processing that the people who attempts to issue blog is carried out authentication.Authentication can adopt multitude of different ways to carry out.In one embodiment, authentication can be the people (for example, account holder) that server is known with people's authentication of attempting to issue.In another embodiment, authentication can be carried out authentication to the people according to blog trustship person, founder etc.

Server (for example, media store) is gone up browsing or search for and can similar search that kind to the other types media asset carrying out of available media item.For the U.S. Patent application No.10/832 of the autograph that is illustrated in application on April 26th, 2004 about the more details that media asset is searched for or browsed for " GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR BROWSING; SEARCHING AND PRESENTING MEDIA ITEMS " [Att.Dkt.No.:APL1P277X1]; 984, it draws for referencial use at this.Yet, for browsing,, can be the user and demonstrate graphic user interface with grading list for helping effectively to browse blog.In one embodiment, first of the option tabulation is the school tabulation.The user can select to be expressed as the school of " Podcasts ".In case select, then will demonstrate second tabulation of option.To be expressed as " Categories " at the option in second tabulation.Categories represent can with blog be assigned to different classes of.Then, select according to classification, with the 3rd tabulation that demonstrates option.To be expressed as " Subcategories " at the option in the 3rd tabulation, on using, the available subcategories of expressing selected classification is other.Carried out after a plurality of selections, demonstrated those blogs that are complementary with selected classification and selected subclass (if you are using) in the media asset list area.

Client computer can demonstrate application window.Application window can comprise first subwindow and second subwindow.First subwindow comprises first area, second area and the 3rd zone.The first area can demonstrate the tabulation (school tabulation) of available school.In the school tabulation that the user shows in the first area, selecting wherein, one (that is, the blog item) can use the tabulation of the blog classification that is associated with the school of selecting from the school tabulation to fill second area afterwards.The blog list of categories is offered the application program that presents application window by remote server.After the user selects one of them available categories of second area, can use the tabulation of the subclass that is associated with selected classification to fill the 3rd zone.If in the 3rd zone, subclass is arranged, then said subclass is the subclass that belongs to selected classification.When the group list of categories had a plurality of, the user can select wherein one.If subclass (if do not have subclass then be classification), in case the user chooses one, second subwindow is filled in the tabulation of the available podcasts that then can use be associated with classification and subclass (as if having).For each blog, the available podcasts tabulation can demonstrate descriptive information.For example, can adopt row and column (for example, form) form to demonstrate the available podcasts tabulation, wherein, each row relates to different blogs, and row relate to blog title, artist, description explanation and price.In addition, in price column, each row can comprise " Subscribe " button, so that the user subscribes specific blog.

Fig. 4 representes the process flow diagram of authentication processing 400 according to an embodiment of the invention.For example can use authentication processing 400 to replace square frame 310 shown in Fig. 3 A.Authentication processing 400 initial definite 402 is used for the e-mail address of authenticated (for example, authorizing the publisher).In one embodiment, authorized user relates to the account holder on server or client computer.In another embodiment, the user obtains the authorization can to present (that is blog data) from the RSS that is associated with the blog that will issue.In any situation, confirm 402 e-mail addresses that are associated with authorized user.When confirm 402 go out e-mail address after, create 404 and have the distribution message that links with blog preview page or leaf.For example, distribution message can be explained to the recipient and suppose that they are just issuing their one of them blog and are selecting to close link to continue the distribution processing.If the distribution of blog does not obtain authorizing, then the recipient can cancel the distribution processing.

Afterwards, judge 408 confirm whether receive the request that is used to continue to issue processing from authorized user.When judging that 408 confirm not receive when being used to continue to issue the request of processing, authentication processing 400 is waited for such request.In an implementation, this request is the request that is used to visit blog preview page or leaf.Link in the user by selecting distribution message maybe copies link in the data input area that provides at the client computer place to, can realize this request.When judging that 408 confirm to have received when being used to continue to issue the request of processing, blog preview page or leaf is sent 410 to client computer.Afterwards, processing proceeds to the operation 312 of blog distribution processing 300 as discussed previously and operation subsequently.

Fig. 5 A representes to submit to according to the network address of an exemplary embodiment Snipping Tool of page or leaf 500.The network address submits to page or leaf 500 to make the user can be input to the network address of the existing blog that will on media store, issue; Promptly; Present URL; In this example, media store is iTunes

Music Store.Presenting URL is imported in the text box 502.In this example, the URL that presents of input is:

“http://www.mygarden.com/gardentalk_rss.xml”

Fig. 5 B representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog preview page or leaf 520 of an exemplary embodiment.In this example, the title that carries out the blog of preview is " Garden Talk ".Blog preview page or leaf 520 informs how user's blog will appear at the media store place.The blog metadata that is able to preview here, comprises: picture, title, author, Short Description, long description, classification and language.In this example, can obtain many blog metadata of carrying out preview from podcast feeds itself.Yet, other metadata of not obtaining from podcast feeds, for example, classification and language can be selected or imported by the user.In any case, can allow the user that the blog metadata of preview is edited.In addition, can select, whether comprise clear and definite content so that user (publisher) can express blog.In case the user is ready to accept the blog metadata of preview, the user just selects " Publish " button.

In case issued blog, blog just becomes available on media store (online Media shop).But media store trustship or not trustship blog.If media store has been stored all or most of podcast content, then can consider by media store trustship blog.On the other hand, if media store is only safeguarded the metadata of blog, then media store is with regard to the trustship blog.When not trustship of media server blog, but third-party server trustship blog, and media store is suitably visited podcast feeds to obtain its required any data.Client computer will be from trusteeship service device visit podcast feeds to obtain the blog data that it will carry out local storage.Therefore, in a kind of situation, media store is preserved podcast content, and in another situation, media store is not preserved podcast content.

Can media store be configured on media store, to search for or to browse blog.The running of search or function of browse can be similar on the Online Music shop searches for collection of records.Yet in the situation of blog, search or browse operation are to the blog that is issued to media store.Generally speaking, for music, realize browsing through the hierarchy that comprises artist, collection of records and song.In the situation of blog, corollary is to realize through the hierarchy that comprises blog (or blog classification), performance and fragment.

Media store also can be formed different classes with blog so that the user through with media store find them alternately.The example of classification comprises: Arts&Entertainment (art appreciation), Biography and Memoir (biography and memoirs), Business (commerce), Classics (masterpiece), Comedy (comedy), Drama & Poetry (drama and poem), Fiction (novel), History (history), Kids&Young Adults (young, the works of being grown up of children &), Languages (language), Mystery (explored secrets) and News (news).

Moreover, be issued to media store some blog can on the special page of media store, be able to outstanding expression.For example, can use such as select at random, classify, various standards such as the most active download, proposal, some blog compared with other is able to outstanding expression.Equally, can give prominence to expression to obtainable on the nearest media store " new shows (new performance) " or " just added (just having added) " performance.At the back, Fig. 8 B has provided the webpage example that media store provides, wherein outstanding some blog of having represented.

Fig. 6 representes the process flow diagram of media store blog interaction process 600 according to an embodiment of the invention.Media store blog interaction process 600 initial visit 602 media store.Then, in media store, the user can navigate 604 to interested blog.Navigation can be adopted multiple multi-form.An example of navigation is a searching disposal.Another example of navigation is a navigation process.The another example of navigation is the artificial level time input (manual next entry) (for example, RSS presents URL) of the network address.No matter navigate and how to carry out, in case identify interested blog, just draw 606 go out blog interested the blog page or leaf.Can on the display (display screen) that is associated with client devices (for example, client devices 104 as shown in Figure 1), draw 606 and go out the blog page or leaf.The blog page or leaf can comprise the information (for example, metadata) about blog, and it comprises the description of blog, picture and frag info.The blog page or leaf also can be used for realizing subscribing blog or obtaining particular segment.In addition, the blog page or leaf can allow the user to divide different stage.The blog page or leaf also can provide the link of being convenient to certain matters of user report.

Draw 606 and go out after the blog page or leaf, the user of client devices (client computer) can carry out alternately with the blog page or leaf, thereby carries out multiple different choice.These selections can be enabled in the operation at client devices place.Two specific operations that are associated with blog are that blog is subscribed in (1), and the particular segment of blog is downloaded in (2).

Judge that 608 determine whether to have carried out to subscribe selection.When judgement 608 confirms to make the reservation selection, carry out and subscribe processing 610.Subscribing processing 610 is used to make client devices (or client computer) to subscribe interested blog through trustship equipment.Perhaps, when judgement 608 is confirmed to subscribe selection, judge that 612 determine whether to have carried out the fragment selection.When judgement 612 confirms to have made the fragment selection, download 614 fragment datas about the fragment selection.Here, fragment data will be downloaded 614 to client devices.In one embodiment, fragment data comprises audio file and data-base content at least.Data-base content can be used as a part of file or the different file of audio file.On the other hand, when judgement 612 confirms not carry out the fragment selection, judge that then 616 determine whether to have carried out another selection.When judgement 616 confirms to have carried out another selection, can carry out other and handle 618.After square frame 610,614 and 618, and when not having other to select, then judging after 616, judging that 620 confirm whether media store blog interaction process 600 should finish.When judging that 620 definite media store blog interaction process 600 should not finish, handle turning back to repetition square frame 604 and square frame subsequently.Perhaps, when judging 620 when confirming that media store blog interaction process 600 should finish, then accomplish and finish media store blog interaction process 600.

Fig. 7 representes that integrated blog according to an embodiment of the invention obtains the process flow diagram of processing 700.Integrated blog obtains to be handled 700 and is carried out by client devices (for example, as shown in Figure 1 client devices 104).More specifically, integrated blog obtains and handles 700 and carried out by media management application (for example, operate on the client devices as shown in Figure 1 104 media management application 108).More generally, media management application can be described as client computer or client application.

Integrated blog obtains handles 700 initial 702 blogs interested of finding.Mutual, as described above with reference to Figure 6 through with media store can be found 702 interested blogs.When find 702 behind the blog interested, user or client computer can be subscribed 704 blogs.In case subscribe 704 blogs, client computer can receive the data of the nearest fragment of 706 blogs at least.Although client computer will receive the data of other fragments, suppose and to submit many fragments to that only receiving up-to-date fragment at first maybe be more effectively with sane.As hereinafter described, if need especially, user or client computer can ask to receive other prior fragments.

Next, judge 708 confirm whether should realize synchronously between client computer and the media device.Media device is associated with client computer usually in advance.When judging that 708 confirm and should realize can fragment data (for up-to-date fragment) being downloaded 710 to media device when synchronous with media device.In one embodiment, the data of reception comprise audio file (for example, mp3 file or MPEG4 file or AAC file) with and metadata.At client computer or client devices place, in one embodiment, can be in file system with audio files storage, and can be with metadata store in database.After square frame 710, or when not realizing, judging after 708, can be configured 712 so that upgrade client computer for new segment with media device synchronous.Here, can be for single blog or blog in groups, or be provided with for all blogs and upgrade configuration.For example, how frequent a configuration parameter is for the inspection of blog renewal.After square frame 712, accomplish and finish integrated blog and obtain and handle 700.

What is interesting is that in one embodiment, the single client application (for example, media management application) that operates on the client devices can be carried out operation as shown in Figure 7.Be more especially; Client application can be found blog, subscribed blog, receives blog data (comprising metadata and content), management blog, and with the blog data transmission to media device (for example; Portable media device like media player and so on), or from this equipment it is deleted.In addition, in another embodiment, client application also can comprise blog establishment or authorization function.This height integration makes operation be improved, and is easier to user's use, and the user will be more satisfied.

Fig. 8 A representes the process flow diagram of blog update processing 800 according to an embodiment of the invention.When and how blog update processing 800 confirms any blog to be upgraded at the client computer place usually, so that any new segment that acquisition is associated with blog.

Blog update processing 800 start from judging 802 its determine whether to carry out blog and upgrade.Blog upgrades for example can be confirmed based on the configuration 712 for renewal as shown in Figure 7.When judgement 802 confirms not carry out the blog renewal, then postpone blog update processing 800.In case judge that 802 confirm to carry out the blog renewal, then discern 804 and have the blog reservation.Here, suppose generally to being in a group or all blogs execution blog update processing 800 on the client computer.Subscribe in case discern 804 existing blogs, then select 804 first blogs.Visit 808 blog trustship persons for selected blog.Blog trustship person normally provides the third-party server of RSS podcast feeds.Yet if media store trustship blog, blog trustship person can also be a media store.

Next, receive the data of any up-to-date fragment of 810 blogs.Can receive the more data of new segment of blog from blog trustship person.For example, through inspection, can discern the existing fragment of any renewal, then with its download to the RSS podcast feeds.Client computer can be safeguarded the data that are used to represent to receive which fragment.

Afterwards, judge that 812 have determined whether that more multicast visitor (that is the blog that, identifies) will upgrade.When judging 812 when defining that more the multicast visitor will upgrade, blog update processing 800 turns back to repetition square frame 806 and square frame subsequently.When judgement 812 confirms that more the multicast visitor does not upgrade, judge that 814 determine whether and should realize synchronous with media device.When judging that 814 confirm and should realize can fragment data (new segment data) being downloaded 816 to media device when synchronous with media device.After square frame 816, or judge that after 814, blog update processing 800 finishes when synchronous not carrying out.

Fig. 8 B, 8C and 8D represent with the online Media shop on the Snipping Tool that presents the blog base page that is associated of blog.In this example; The online Media shop is iTunes

MusicStore, and it also provides the function of browsing and searching for blog.

Fig. 8 B representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog base page 820 of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Source indicator 822 is expressed by the online Media shop blog base page 820 is provided.Selector switch 824 is also expressed the type that " podcasts " is the medium that appeared.Outburst area 826 comprises and three outstanding pictures that different blogs are associated.Blog base page 820 also comprises primary download area 828 every day, is used to identify primary those blogs of downloading every day.Blog base page 820 comprises that also some blog divides into groups, for example, and such as the grouping of New Shows (new performance) 830, Just Added (just adding) 832 and featured podcasts (characteristic blog) 836.These groupings can show that the rolling window can carry out transition (for example, horizontal transition) according to transition effect through the rolling window.Blog base page 820 also comprises another outburst area 834.

In case select specific blog, then demonstrate the blog page or leaf.Fig. 8 C representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog page or leaf 838 of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Blog page or leaf 838 comprises meta-data region 840 and fragment list district 842.Meta-data region 840 comprises blog picture 844, blog title 846, and other metadata informations 848 (for example, whole fragments, classification, language and copyright information).In addition, also demonstrate " Subscribe (reservation) " button 850.In addition, meta-data region 840 also comprises the description 852 for blog.Fragment list district 842 comprises the tabulation 854 of the fragment of available podcasts.Each fragment in the tabulation 854 comprises " Get Episode (acquisition fragment) " button 856, to obtain respective segments.Through selecting " Subscribe " button 850, the user can make media management application subscribe blog.In this example, subscribe blog and need not cost.Yet, in other embodiments, subscribe blog and pay possibly.Through selecting " GetEpisode " button 856, the user can make media management application obtain particular segment.

Fig. 8 D representes to have the Snipping Tool of the blog page or leaf 838 of acknowledgement of orders dialog box 858, and acknowledgement of orders dialog box 858 allows users to confirm that they will subscribe blog.

Fig. 8 E representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog availability page or leaf 860 of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Blog availability page or leaf 860 comprises the indicator 862 of the blog that is used for indicating listing in media asset tabulation 864.The blog of in media asset tabulation 864, listing can comprise the son tabulation of fragment.These blogs of in media asset tabulation 864, listing are on the client devices.Generally speaking, these blogs are downloaded to client devices from suitable trusteeship service device in advance.Indicator 866 can be used for visually identifying listed those blogs that can obtain from the online Media shop.For example, indicator 866 can identify those blogs of trustship on the online Media shop.Through selecting any fragment, can be the audio frequency of user's play of associated.It is the fragment of " Additional Shopping " that selector switch 868 is expressed the title of playing for the user, and demonstrates the picture concerned 869 of blog, fragment or chapter.

Fig. 8 F representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog availability page or leaf 870 of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Blog availability page or leaf 870 comprises the media asset tabulation 871 of the media asset tabulation 864 that is similar to shown in Fig. 8 E.In this example, media asset tabulation comprises because of fragment data and does not download to the fragment 872 that client devices can not be play.In this example, with these fragment 872 brightness enhancing display, and with " Get (acquisition) " button 874.When selecting " Get " button 874, will obtain respective segments 872 from suitable trusteeship service device.

Generally speaking, when media store is provided or the local available blog of client computer when tabulating, can adopt multitude of different ways tissue to tabulate.An example of tabulation tissue is according to grade blog to be classified.For additional information about the grade of using media store; Is the U.S. Patent application No.11/114 of " PUBLISHING; BROWSING, RATING AND PURCHASING OF GROUPS OF MEDIA ITEMS " referring to (i) in the autograph of application on April 25th, 2005,914; (ii) the autograph in application on April 25th, 2005 is the U.S. Patent application No.11/115 of " PUBLISHING, BROWSING AND PURCHASING OFGROUPS OF MEDIA ITEMS ", 090.

Fig. 8 G representes the Snipping Tool according to the blog availability page or leaf 876 of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The blog of in blog availability page or leaf 876, listing is similar to the blog of listing in the blog availability page or leaf 870 shown in Fig. 8 F.Blog availability page or leaf 876 illustrates designator 878, and designator 878 visually identifies those blog fragments that just downloading to client devices.Here, the listed fragment of just downloading is existing but on client devices, does not also exist.Once you begin, then demonstrate indicator 878 to the download of these fragments.After the fragment download, deletion indicator 878 and any blast.

As previously discussed, after initial reservation, need upgrade to obtain new segment blog to blog.For improving these updating efficiency of search and intellectuality, client computer (for example, media management application) can use the preference setting to upgrade to lay particular stress on or to determine when to carry out.These preference settings are provided or these preference settings are provided for all blogs overallly based on single blog.For example, the preference setting can be represented to make regular check on new segment (for example, per hour, every day, weekly) or as long as start just inspection of client computer.

In case stored the blog fragment at the client devices place, just can copy some or all fragments wherein to operationally link to each other portable electronic device with client devices.For improving efficient and the intellectuality of carrying out these copies (being also referred to as synchronously), client computer (for example, media management application) can be used the preference setting and copy (that is, automatically performing) so that lay particular stress on or determine when to carry out.Can these preference settings be provided or these preference settings be provided for all blogs overallly based on single blog.Preference can change according to implementation to some extent.Some example of preference comprises: delete it when uppick fragment on client devices (1); (2) when uppick fragment on portable media device, it is deleted; (3) the nearest n of a reservation/download fragment; (4) reservation/download is until n fragment, and (5) kept/download based on the date.

In one exemplary embodiment, the user can use synchronous preferences screen.Preferences screen makes the user that some synchronous preference can be set synchronously, so that copy the blog renewal to portable media device from client devices.Particularly, for example, the user can select: (1) is upgraded all blogs automatically, and (2) are only upgraded selected blog automatically, (3) labor management blog (that is, not upgrading automatically), and blog is deleted from portable electronic device in (4) after playing.Spendable other standard (not shown) comprise that download is until n fragment and/or only download those fragments also do not listen to.For example, if the user at the specific blog of client devices place uppick, then might not want this fragment is downloaded to portable media device.

Notice that through those blogs of having listened to from the portable electronic device deletion, portable electronic device can only keep also those blog fragments of uppick not of user.Here, carry out automatically for the deletion of playing blog.In one embodiment, if play all blog fragments basically, can think that then fragment is play.For example, if play 95% fragment, then can think and play this fragment.

The improved method of another aspect of the present invention about being used to realize that blog is subscribed.In one embodiment, can use the facilitation of small portable e-file that is called blog reservation file to realize that blog is subscribed.Really, in one embodiment,, can realize fully subscribing with automated manner through only selecting or opening blog and subscribe file (for example, double-clicking) above that.

Fig. 9 representes the process flow diagram of blog reservation document creation according to an embodiment of the invention processing 900.Blog is subscribed document creation and is handled 900 for example through the execution of the client computer (client program) such as media management application.Blog is subscribed document creation and is handled 900 initial creation, 902 portable blogs reservation files.It is the e-file that comprises the information that is used to realize that blog is subscribed that portable blog is subscribed file.When create 902 after portable blog subscribes file, then make 904 portable blogs subscribe files and can use for other people.Afterwards, can issue portable blog as required and subscribe file, thereby be used to realize the blog reservation.

In one embodiment, to subscribe file be the XML document (or other SGML type documents) that comprises the blog information that is used to realize that blog is subscribed for portable blog.For example, the blog information in XML document comprises the URL that presents that is used for podcast feeds at least.In addition, blog information can comprise other descriptive informations about blog, like title and description explanation.The representative illustration that portable blog is subscribed file is following:

<feed?xmlns:it＝″http://www.ltunes.com/ext/chapters/1.0>

<iink?rel＝″feed″href＝″itpc://foo.com/podcasts/myfeed.xml″/>

<title>My?Podcast</title>

<description>l?talk?about?random?thlngs.</description>

</feed>

Notice that the link that name is called " feed " is associated with the URL (presenting URL) that points to podcast feeds (for example, " myfeed ").This portable blog is subscribed file and is also comprised the title (" My Podcast ") of the blog that is associated and describe explanation (" I talk about random things ").The XML form is to use the label area to divide the markup language of different pieces of information item in the document.

Figure 10 representes that blog reservation file according to an embodiment of the invention uses the process flow diagram of processing 1000.Blog is subscribed file and is used and handle 1000 and for example carried out by client computer (for example, operate on the client devices media management application).

Blog is subscribed file and is used the processing 1000 initial 1002 portable blogs that obtain to subscribe file (PPSF).Before blog is subscribed other processing of file use processing execution, can obtain 1002 portable blogs and subscribe files.Just, judge that 1004 determine whether to make the request for opening portable blog reservation file.For example, but open the request signal and transmit the OpenURL incident.When judging that 1004 confirm not make when opening portable blog and subscribe the request of file, blog is subscribed file and is used and handle 1000 and only wait for such request.

In case judge that 1004 confirm to have made the request for opening portable blog reservation file, judge that then 1006 confirm whether media management application (MMA) are moved.Generally speaking, media management application will be moved on client devices.When the present off-duty of media management application is confirmed in judgement 1006, then start 1008 media management application.After square frame 1008, maybe, definite media management application judging after 1006 when moving, resolve 1010 portable blogs and subscribe file, to get access to the URL that presents of the blog that is associated at least.In one embodiment, can be URL scheme (" itpc " or " pcast ") for the request of opening portable blog reservation file, it is identified as the XML document that will resolve and be used to subscribe blog by media management application.

Next, blog is subscribed file and is used and handle 1000 and subscribe 1012 blogs that are associated.Under the condition that does not have from the user's of media management application any feedback or input, can automatically perform the reservation 1012 of the blog that is associated.Yet,, can carry out additional treatments to show whether they will subscribe blog about the descriptive information of blog and/or inquiry user if need.In other words, the user can confirm the additional information that they want to subscribe relevant blog and/or user and can receive the blog that will subscribe about them (for example, title, describe explanation etc.).In any case, after square frame 1012, blog is subscribed file and is used processing 1000 to finish.

Figure 11 representes blog reservation system 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention.Blog reservation system 1100 comprises client devices A1102, client devices B1104 and blog trusteeship service device 1106, its each all be operably connected with data network 1008.Client devices A1102 comprises media management application (MMA) 1110, and client devices B1104 comprises media management application (MMA) 1112.Client devices A1102 creates or obtains portable blog and subscribes file 1114.Can portable blog be subscribed file 1114 and be transferred to one or more other client devices.In this example, can suppose that portable blog reservation file 1114 is by media management application 1110 establishments.

Subscribe file in case media management application 1110 has portable blog, media management application 1110 just can be subscribed file 1114 through the portable blog of data network 1108 transmission.In this example, suppose portable blog to be subscribed this media management application 1112 that file 1114 is transferred to client devices B1104 through data network 1108.Therefore, shown in figure 11, show portable blog reservation file 1114 in the frame of broken lines in client devices B1104.

Afterwards, the media management application 1112 of client devices B1104 can be used portable blog to subscribe file 1114 and subscribe relevant blog.More particularly, subscribe file 1114 if the user of client devices B1104 will " open " portable blog, as through the double-click behavior, then media management application 1112 will " be opened " request of Request Processing one-tenth to media management application 1112 reservation blogs.In this example, blog is on the blog trusteeship service device 1106.Particularly, portable blog is subscribed file 1114 and will be resolved through media management application 1112, to obtain the URL that presents about the podcast feeds 1116 that is in the blog on the blog trusteeship service device 1106.Media management application 1112 can be visited podcast feeds 1116 then, thereby to obtain and the specific blog information of storage at client devices B1104 place.

Should be appreciated that, generally speaking, can adopt multitude of different ways that portable blog is subscribed file (for example, portable blog is subscribed file 1114) and be transferred to one or more other client devices.For example, can portable blog be subscribed file through email message and send to the user who is associated with client devices.Then, the user can open portable blog and subscribe file to activate the reservation to blog.In another example, can portable blog be subscribed linking on file and the webpage is associated.Thereby, when the user on the website selects link that webpage is associated, can handle to be used for subscribing blog by media management application afterwards with portable blog subscribed for file download to the client devices that is associated with the user.In another example, can pass through portable computer-readable media,, transmit portable blog and subscribe file like flash card on the floppy disk or CD.

Another aspect of the present invention is subscribed about removing (deactivate) blog.More particularly, this aspect of the present invention is used for removing and is considered to and sluggish reservation.In one embodiment, removing processing can automatically perform.Releasing is considered to and an advantage of sluggish reservation is, but conserve network bandwidth.Releasing is considered to and another advantage of sluggish reservation can be, and the trusteeship service device of trustship blog can not receive to blog seldom or the download request of the user's that loses interest in client application and the burden that causes.

Figure 12 representes the process flow diagram of blog update processing 1200 according to an embodiment of the invention.Blog update processing 1200 is for example carried out by client computer (like, media management application).

Blog update processing 1200 starts from judging 1202, and it determines whether to carry out blog and upgrades.When judgement 1202 confirmed not carry out the blog renewal, then blog update processing 1200 was waited for, till carrying out the blog renewal.In other words, in the time will carrying out the blog renewal, effectively call blog update processing 1200.Can ask blog to upgrade through client computer or client user.For example, client computer possibly start the blog renewal termly automatically.

On the other hand, when judgement 1202 confirms to carry out the blog renewal, then visit the podcast feeds (for example, RSS presents) of 1204 specific blogs, to obtain the frag info of this blog.Then, based on the frag info that obtains, judge the new segment of 1206 blogs.In one embodiment, the frag info that obtains is the XML file that comprises the metadata of the characteristic of describing specific blog, and this specific blog comprises each fragment of blog.Can resolve the XML file, to obtain frag info (for example, fragment metadata).Inspection to frag info can be used for identifying, with on the time more early or previous available those fragments blog new segment comparatively speaking at the client computer place.

Next, judge that 1208 determine whether the blog new segment that will download.Here, new segment can obtain from the trusteeship service device of this blog, thereby can it be downloaded to client computer.When judgement 1208 defined the new segment that will download, blog update processing 1200 judged whether 1210 blogs are sluggish.When judging that 1212 definite blogs enliven, then new segment is downloaded 1214 to client computer.New segment is downloaded after 1214, received blog with client computer and more newly arrived and accomplish and finish blog update processing 1200.On the other hand, when judge 1208 confirm will not download new segment the time, maybe, then under the condition of not downloading any new segment, accomplish and end blog update processing 1200 when judging 1212 when confirming that blogs are inactive.

Figure 13 representes active 1300 the process flow diagram of handling of blog according to an embodiment of the invention.The active processing 1300 of blog is generally used for confirming that blog enlivens or sluggish.For example, according to one embodiment of present invention, can the active processing 1300 of blog be used as the processing that is realized by judgement shown in figure 12 1210.In this embodiment, for each (having subscribed) blog, all maintain at least one pair of variable and be used to judge that blog enlivens or sluggish.In this exemplary embodiment, variable is that fragment is downloaded counting and initial fragment download date.

The active processing 1300 of blog starts from judging 1302, and it confirms that whether blog download counting is greater than Integer N.When judging that 1302 definite fragments are downloaded counting greater than N, judge 1304 confirm whether surpassed M days from the date of initial fragment download, wherein, M is an integer.For example, integer M and N can equal 5.When judging that 1304 confirm to have surpassed M days from the date that initial fragment is downloaded, judge that then 1306 confirm whether the date client computer of downloading from initial fragment is active.When judging that 1306 confirm to enliven from the date client computer that initial fragment is downloaded, then that 1308 one-tenth of blog draftings is inactive.Here, active not enough owing to the active processing 1300 of blog is determined blog with programming mode in this embodiment, thus 1308 one-tenth of blog draftings is inactive.Therefore, suppose that client user seldom or not interested in the blog.Thereby the download 1214 of the new segment that will be undertaken by blog update processing shown in figure 12 1200 is skipped, thereby saves network and server resource.

On the other hand; When judging that 1302 definite fragments download countings are no more than N; Maybe, perhaps work as and judge that 1306 confirm that the date client computer of downloading from initial fragment is just inactive, then blog is drawn 1310 one-tenth and enliven when judging that 1304 confirm when the date that initial fragment is downloaded surpasses M days.After square frame 1308 and 1310, accomplish and the active processing 1300 of end blog.

Figure 14 representes the process flow diagram of replacement active variables processing 1400 according to an embodiment of the invention.The replacement active variables is handled 1400 and is for example carried out through the client computer that operates on the client devices.Client computer be used for its operating period in suitable time replacement active variables, so that handle 1300 generation effects with reference to the described blog of Figure 13 is active to above.In other words, at special time, the active 1300 employed active variables of handling of the blog of can resetting are so that exert an influence to the operation of the active processing 1300 of blog.For example, the active variables of resetting can comprise the date that fragment download counting or initial fragment are downloaded.Notice that these replacement variablees can be directly exert an influence to the judgement 1302,1304 and 1306 of the active processing 1300 of blog.

The replacement active variables is handled 1400 and is started from judging 1402, and it determines whether to have set up the replacement condition.The replacement condition can adopt multitude of different ways to set up.Replacement condition automatically starting or start by the user.In any situation, when judgement 1402 was confirmed not have the replacement condition, the active variables of then resetting was handled 1400 and is waited for such condition.In other words, replacement active variables is handled 1400 and is started from when satisfying in the suitable replacement condition.In case judge that 1402 confirm to satisfy suitable replacement condition, 1404 fragments of then resetting are downloaded counting.Can fragment be downloaded counting replacement 1404 here, is zero.The date of in addition, initial fragment being downloaded resets 1406.Here, can be current date with the date replacement 1404 of initial fragment.After square frame 1406, accomplish and end replacement active variables processing 1400.

Although can adopt multiple mode to set up the replacement condition, no matter be to be started by the user with programming mode, event can be facilitated the replacement condition on the client computer.Generally speaking, recognize client computer or client user when client computer blog is triggered the replacement condition with programming mode when very interested.Expression has the interested Event Example of blog: (1) user plays the blog fragment, and (2) client computer (or portable electronic device) is accomplished the broadcast to the blog fragment, and (3) user's download blog fragment.

The chapter that another aspect of the present invention relates to blog expands (chapter enhancement).Chapter expands can provide the modified that uses with blog user interface.The blog that chapter expands through including chapter information starts.For example, chapter information can adopt multiple mode to show, to improve playback experience.

Chapter information can include but not limited to: title, picture, url, description explanation (for example, adopt rich text, comprise embedding link), video display (audio frequency video), artist, collection of records and blog are subscribed.All chapter information all be optional-for example, some chapter can have title and picture, and other Zhang Keneng only have title.

Blog can carry and be embedded in the file (for example, XML file) or the chapter information of in podcast feeds, carrying.

For chapter information is embedded in the file, can the m4a file layout be expanded to support additional chapter information.According to the ISO file layout rail information is formatd.Rail (being labeled as chapter rail (chapter track)) can comprise chapter information.Rail can be title rail, url rail, picture rail, describes explanation rail or other metadata rails.The place that begins at any chapter can change the chapter information that in user interface, comprises, so that corresponding with chapter.

For chapter information is provided in podcast feeds, can expand to comprise the chapter relevant information blog (RSS that is blog presents).This chapter relevant information can be stipulated by the XML element (for example, chapter label) of new regulation.Understand the client application of these XML elements, for example, media management application can be presented retrieval chapter relevant information from RSS, thereby located to provide the expansion user interface at client devices (or the portable media device that is associated with client devices).The chapter relevant information can be text, audio frequency, image and/or video.Do not understand in the situation of Zhang Yuansu of new regulation in client application, RSS presents still useful, expands but do not have user interface.

In one embodiment, the XML element of new regulation is: (i) section element, and the effect that it plays Container elements is used for signal delivery section (that is chapter); (ii) linking element-wherein one or more are used to define the multimedia element (picture, auxiliary audio frequency, auxiliary video) that is associated with section.Each section all can have multimedia element zero-time, title and URL.For example, at the zero-time place, demonstrate title and multimedia element.Each section also can include other metadata (for example, author, rail, related urls link) that are used for the blog section.

Exemplary RSS with 3 chapters is fed as:

<segment?xmlns:it＝″http://www.itunes.com/ext/chapters/1.0>

<it:starttime>0</it:starttime>

<it:title>lntroduction</it:title>

<it:link?rel＝″enclosure″type＝″vldeo/JPEG″href＝″http://foo.com/chapter1?picture.jpg″/>

<it:link?rel＝″related″href＝″http://foo.com/infoAboutChapter1.html″/>

</segment>

<segment?xmlns＝″http://www.itunes.com/ext/podcasts/1.0>

<it:starttime>0:30</it:starttime>

<it:title>Music?segmentone</it:title>

<it:link?rel＝″enclosure″type＝″video/JPEG″href＝″http://foo.com/chapter2picture.jpg″/>

<it:link?rel＝″related″href＝″http://foo.com/infoAboutChapter2.html″/>

<it:author>Some?Great?Band</it:author>

<it:track>My?Great?Hit</it:track>

</segment>

<segment?xmlns＝″http://www.itunes.com/ext/podcasts/1.0>

<it:starttime>0:30</it:starttime>

<it:title>Muslc?segment?one</it:tltle>

<it:link?rel＝″enclosure″type＝″video/JPEG″href＝″http://foo.com/chapter2picture.jpg″/>

<it:link?rel＝″related″href＝″http://foo.com/infoAboutChapter2.html″/>

<it:link?rel＝″feed″href＝″itpc://foo.com/podcasts/myfeed.xml″/>

<it:author>Some?Great?Band</it:author>

<it:track>My?Great?Hit</it:track>

</segment>

Expand (for client application or portable media device) through the user interface that provides chapter information to realize and to comprise following any example.As an example, can the chapter picture be shown as the Zhang Xiangguan with blog.When playing blog, the chapter picture changes to and current Zhang Xiangfu automatically.In addition, the chapter picture also can be along with the user jumps to (for example, inswept) another chapter browsing Zhang Shicong one chapter, and changes.Another example is that when the user selected popup menu and chooses a certain chapter, each menu item in the popup menu all comprised the thumbnail of chapter title and chapter picture.As another example, when the user selected (for example, clicking) chapter picture, client application link (hyperlink) was to chapter URL.In another example, chapter information can be different with the variation of chapter.Can demonstrate chapter artist, performance, description explanation and other information in a plurality of parts of user interface, so that it can change with the variation of chapter here.In another example, can be used as chapter information with subscribing link.If selected to subscribe link, then client application will be subscribed podcast feeds automatically.In one embodiment, subscribe link and can point to portable reservation file.

Although above-mentioned the media asset of stressing (or media item) is arranged among several embodiment is blog, it comprises audio item (for example, audio file or track), and media asset is not limited to audio item.For example, media asset also can relate to video (for example, video display) or image (for example, photo).More general, also can blog be called the digital multimedia assets.

Many aspects of the present invention, embodiment, implementation or characteristic can be used separately or use by any array mode.

The present invention preferably realizes through software, but also can adopt the combination of hardware or software and hardware to realize.Also can the present invention be shown as the computer-readable code on the computer-readable medium.Computer-readable medium is any data storage device that can store after this data that can be read by computer system.The example of computer-readable medium comprises ROM (read-only memory), RAS, CD-ROM, DVD, tape, light data storage device, and carrier wave.Computer-readable medium also can be distributed on the computer system of network connection, so that distributed storage and computer readable code executed.

Through above description, many feature and advantage of the present invention are conspicuous, thereby accompanying claims is intended to contain all these feature and advantage of the present invention.In addition because those skilled in the art can be easy to expect many modifications and variation, shown in the present invention should not be limited to concrete structure and the operation described.Therefore, can all suitable modifications examples and equivalent aspect be regarded as within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (58)

1. method that is used to subscribe blog, said method comprises:

On the client application that is operated on the client devices,

(a) through client application, find a plurality of different blogs available on main process equipment, each blog is associated with blog metadata and podcast content;

(b) subscribe the specific blog a plurality of different blogs from client application;

(c) subsequently through client application and in response to said reservation, obtain the blog metadata and the blog media content of specific blog;

(d) be updated in the blog metadata and the blog media content at client devices place, and

(e) copy at least a portion of blog media content and at least a portion of blog metadata to be operably connected to personal computer portable media device subsequently,

Wherein, said renewal and copy step automatically perform.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein, client application is a media management application.

3. method according to claim 1, wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog.

4. method according to claim 3, wherein, said method also comprises:

(f) with said at least one fragments store in the blog library archive.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein, a plurality of blogs are available by the place, online Media shop of main process equipment trustship, and wherein the online Media shop has descriptive information and the visit information for a plurality of blogs.

6. method according to claim 5 wherein, demonstrates the descriptive information for one or more blogs during said discovery (a).

7. method according to claim 5, wherein, said discovery (a) comprises at least one in searching for and browsing.

8. method according to claim 5, wherein, said discovery (a) comprises at least browses a plurality of blogs available on the online Media shop.

9. method according to claim 8, wherein, said browsing comprises:

Demonstrate the tabulation of the school that can browse, one of them school is the blog school;

Reception is to the selection of blog school;

Demonstrate the list of categories that can be used for blog; And

Reception from list of categories to the selection of one of classification.

10. method according to claim 9, wherein, said browsing also comprises:

Demonstrate the tabulation of the available podcasts that is complementary with selected classification.

11. method according to claim 9, wherein, said browsing also comprises:

Demonstrate the tabulation of the subclass that can use for selected classification;

Reception from the tabulation of subclass to the selection of one of subclass; And

Demonstrate the tabulation of the available podcasts that is complementary with selected classification and selected subclass.

12. according to each described method among the claim 5-11, wherein, the visit information for specific blog is used in said reservation (b).

13. method according to claim 12, wherein, visit information is included in the network address that the RSS of specific blog presents at least.

14. method according to claim 1, wherein, said method also comprises:

(f) demonstrate at least a portion of blog metadata.

15. method according to claim 14,

Wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog, and

Wherein, said demonstration (f) demonstrates feasible at least one user interface control that can obtain each fragment.

16. method according to claim 15,

Wherein, said demonstration (f) demonstrates at least a portion of the blog metadata of a plurality of blogs, and

Wherein, demonstrate to said demonstration (f) property distinguished local those available fragments and need to download so that those fragments of playing.

17. method according to claim 1; Wherein, Available a plurality of blogs comprise by the trustship blog of online Media shop trustship and the online Media shop non-trustship blog of trustship not at online Media shop place, but the online Media shop stores the metadata that relates to said non-trustship blog.

18. method according to claim 1, wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog, and wherein, said at least one fragment is provided as audio file.

19. method according to claim 1, wherein, said copy (e) is automatically performed by client application.

20. method according to claim 1, wherein, said copy (e) is the part of the synchronous operation between client application and the portable media device.

21. method according to claim 1 wherein, when the user has carried out selection to the user's that is shown to client application user interface element, starts the said reservation (b) to specific blog.

22. method according to claim 1, wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog, and

Wherein, said method also comprises:

(f) reception is selected the broadcast of at least one fragment of specific blog; And

(g) fragment of the said specific blog of broadcast.

23. an equipment that is used to subscribe blog comprises:

Be used to find the device of a plurality of different blogs available on main process equipment, each blog is associated with blog metadata and podcast content;

Be used for subscribing the device of the specific blog of said a plurality of different blogs;

Be used for subsequently obtaining the blog metadata of said specific blog and the device of blog media content in response to said reservation;

Be used to be updated in the blog metadata at portable consumer electronic product place and the updating device of blog media content, and

Be used for subsequently at least a portion of at least a portion of blog media content and blog metadata is copied to the copy device of the portable media device that is operably connected to personal computer,

Wherein, the operation of said updating device and said copy device automatically performs.

24. equipment according to claim 23, wherein, said main process equipment trustship at least has the online Media shop for the descriptive information and the visit information of said a plurality of different blogs.

25. equipment according to claim 24 wherein, shows the descriptive information for one or more blogs between the said discovery period.

26. equipment according to claim 23, wherein, said discovery comprises at least one in searching for and browsing.

27. equipment according to claim 24, wherein, said discovery comprises at least browses a plurality of blogs available on the online Media shop.

28. equipment according to claim 23, wherein, said client application is a media management application.

29. equipment according to claim 24, wherein, online Media shop trustship blog or trustship have can be from the metadata of the blog of the media content of remote server retrieval.

30. an equipment that is used to subscribe blog, said equipment comprises:

Be used for through client application, find the discovery device of available a plurality of different blogs on main process equipment, each blog is associated with blog metadata and podcast content;

Be used for subscribing the reservation device of the specific blog of a plurality of different blogs from client application;

Be used for passing through client application subsequently and, obtaining the blog metadata of specific blog and the deriving means of blog media content in response to said reservation;

Be used to be updated in the blog metadata at client devices place and the updating device of blog media content, and

Be used for subsequently at least a portion of at least a portion of blog media content and blog metadata is copied to the copy device of the portable media device that is operably connected to personal computer,

Wherein, the operation of said updating device and said copy device automatically performs.

31. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, client application is a media management application.

32. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog.

33. equipment according to claim 32, wherein, said equipment also comprises:

Be used for the memory storage of said at least one fragments store in the blog library archive.

34. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, a plurality of blogs are available by the place, online Media shop of main process equipment trustship, and wherein the online Media shop has descriptive information and the visit information for a plurality of blogs.

35. equipment according to claim 34 wherein, demonstrates the descriptive information for one or more blogs in said discovery device.

36. equipment according to claim 34, wherein, said discovery device comprises at least one in search unit and the browse unit.

37. equipment according to claim 34, wherein, said discovery device comprises the browse unit that is used to browse a plurality of blogs available on the online Media shop at least.

38. according to the described equipment of claim 37, wherein, said browse unit comprises:

Be used to demonstrate the parts of the tabulation of the school that can browse, one of them school is the blog school;

Be used to receive parts to the selection of blog school;

Be used to demonstrate the parts of the list of categories that can be used for blog; And

Be used for receiving from the parts of list of categories to the selection of one of classification.

39. according to the described equipment of claim 38, wherein, said browse unit also comprises:

Be used to demonstrate the parts of the tabulation of the available podcasts that is complementary with selected classification.

40. according to the described equipment of claim 38, wherein, said browse unit also comprises:

Be used to demonstrate the parts of the tabulation of the subclass that can use for selected classification;

Be used for receiving from the tabulation of subclass parts to the selection of one of subclass; And

Be used to demonstrate the parts of the tabulation of the available podcasts that is complementary with selected classification and selected subclass.

41. according to each described equipment among the claim 34-40, wherein, said reservation device uses the visit information for specific blog.

42. according to the described equipment of claim 41, wherein, visit information is included in the network address that the RSS of specific blog presents at least.

43. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, said equipment also comprises:

Be used to demonstrate the display device of at least a portion of blog metadata.

44. according to the described equipment of claim 43,

Wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog, and

Wherein, said display device demonstrates feasible at least one user interface control that can obtain each fragment.

45. according to the described equipment of claim 44,

Wherein, said display device demonstrates at least a portion of the blog metadata of a plurality of blogs, and

Wherein, demonstrate to the said display device property distinguished local those available fragments and need to download so that those fragments of playing.

46. equipment according to claim 30; Wherein, Available a plurality of blogs comprise by the trustship blog of online Media shop trustship and the online Media shop non-trustship blog of trustship not at online Media shop place, but the online Media shop stores the metadata that relates to said non-trustship blog.

47. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog, and wherein, said at least one fragment is provided as audio file.

48. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, said copy device is realized by client application automatically.

49. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, said copy device is to realize as the part of the synchronous operation between client application and the portable media device.

50. equipment according to claim 30 wherein, when the user has carried out selection to the user's that is shown to client application user interface element, starts the said reservation device that is used to subscribe specific blog.

51. equipment according to claim 30, wherein, the blog media content relates at least one fragment of specific blog, and

Wherein, said equipment also comprises:

Be used to receive the receiving trap that the broadcast of at least one fragment of specific blog is selected; And

Be used to play the playing device of the fragment of said specific blog.

52. a method that is used to subscribe blog, said method comprises:

From the available a plurality of blogs in online Media shop, find specific blog;

Subscribe specific blog;

Obtain the blog metadata and the blog media content of specific blog;

Be updated in the blog metadata and the blog media content at client devices place; And

Copy at least a portion of blog media content and at least a portion of blog metadata to be operably connected to personal computer portable media device subsequently,

Wherein, said step of updating and said copy step automatically perform.

53. according to the described method of claim 52, wherein, the blog metadata is stored in place, online Media shop, and the blog media content is not stored in place, online Media shop.

54. an equipment that is used to subscribe blog, said equipment comprises:

Be used for a plurality of blogs available and find the device of specific blog from the online Media shop;

Be used to subscribe the device of specific blog;

Be used to obtain the blog metadata of specific blog and the device of blog media content;

Be used to be updated in the blog metadata at client devices place and the device of blog media content; And

Be used for subsequently at least a portion of at least a portion of blog media content and blog metadata is copied to the device of the portable media device that is operably connected to personal computer,

Wherein, the operation of said device that is used to upgrade and the said device that is used to copy automatically performs.

55. according to the described equipment of claim 54, wherein, the blog metadata is stored in place, online Media shop, and the blog media content is not stored in place, online Media shop.

56. a system that is used to visit blog comprises:

Be used for finding the device of at least one blog from the online Media shop of descriptive information with a plurality of blogs and visit information;

Be used for obtaining the device of said at least one blog from the online Media shop;

Be used for said at least one blog is copied to the device of client devices;

Be used for subsequently at least a portion of blog being copied to the device of the portable media device that is operably connected to personal computer,

Wherein, the said operation of device that is used for the device and said that said at least one blog copies client devices to is used for copying subsequently at least a portion of blog automatically performs.

57. according to the described system of claim 56, wherein, said system realizes through single computer program.

58. according to the described system of claim 57, wherein, online Media shop trustship blog or trustship have can be from the metadata of the blog of the media content of remote server retrieval.

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