EP1938180A2 - Procede et systeme de selection de multimedia - Google Patents

Procede et systeme de selection de multimedia

Info

Publication number
EP1938180A2
EP1938180A2 EP06825981A EP06825981A EP1938180A2 EP 1938180 A2 EP1938180 A2 EP 1938180A2 EP 06825981 A EP06825981 A EP 06825981A EP 06825981 A EP06825981 A EP 06825981A EP 1938180 A2 EP1938180 A2 EP 1938180A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
media
media file
files
user
file
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP06825981A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1938180A4 (fr
Inventor
Bradley De Kindig
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Excalibur IP LLC
Original Assignee
Yahoo Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/250,358 external-priority patent/US9665629B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/250,359 external-priority patent/US20070089057A1/en
Application filed by Yahoo Inc filed Critical Yahoo Inc
Publication of EP1938180A2 publication Critical patent/EP1938180A2/fr
Publication of EP1938180A4 publication Critical patent/EP1938180A4/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F15/00—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
    • G06F15/16—Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/40—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of multimedia data, e.g. slideshows comprising image and additional audio data
    • G06F16/44—Browsing; Visualisation therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers

Definitions

  • the present disclosure pertains to a media device such as a portable media player, and to a method for selecting media in which media files (such as recordings for playback on the device) are identified and selected.
  • the method may be implemented on car audio systems, consumer electronics devices, cellular phones, software programs running on personal computers, or any other device capable of reproducing media files.
  • Portable media players are designed to operate in environments that not only challenge the ability of the device to operate, but that also challenge the user to operate the device.
  • Personal computer based media players have undergone a transition that can put the user in a similar predicament.
  • Personal computer based media players are now often driving home entertainment systems consisting of component audio amplifiers and speakers. In such an environment, the listening environment may be in a different room from the Personal computer.
  • 'Media Center' Personal computers use a simplified user interface displayed on a large format display device such as a television screen.
  • Such simplified user interfaces designed for viewing from a distance are often called '10 foot
  • UIs' referring to the typical distance of the user from the display. As with portables, the power to manipulate playlists and interact with the music based on mood or situation is reduced and the user is likely to be passive.
  • the 'living room' listening environment also may discourage the user from interacting with the music selection process. If the personal computer is remote, the user may need to walk into another room to access the interface. If the personal computer is a media center personal computer, the display must be on and switched appropriately and the interface devices
  • the present disclosure addresses these issues where limits of the media player interface and the complexities of the listening environment conspire to prevent the user from interacting with the selection of musical recordings.
  • the present disclosure describes a method and system that enables interaction with media devices in such a way as to tailor the music program to the user, especially when the user interface to the media devices is simple and the operating environment of the user is not conducive to complex device interactions.
  • a media device includes data indicating a relationship measure among a plurality of media files; a user interface; and first, second and third elements.
  • the first element receives user input indicative of a desired relationship measure and a desire to identify a second media file.
  • the second element identifies a first media file.
  • the third element identifies the second media file, in accordance with the desired relationship measure and the identity of the first media file.
  • a portable media player for interactive playback of media files includes storage and software.
  • the storage is for media files and for data indicating relationships between the media files.
  • the software receives an event that triggers a skip having a magnitude, and selects a next media file for playback based on the magnitude of the skip; the magnitude of the skip and associations between a current media file and selectable alternate media files affects the likelihood of selection of one of the alternate media files as the next media file.
  • the portable player may also include a database system containing information used to identify media files and relationships between media files, and a communications unit for connecting to one or more computing devices. Relationships between media files can be transferred to the portable media player from one or more of the computing devices.
  • a method of selecting media includes the steps of recognizing the identity of a first media file of a plurality of media files; receiving a user input indicative of a desired relationship measure and a desire to select a second media file; accessing relationship data that indicates a relationship measure among the media files; and selecting the second media file in accordance with the desired relationship measure, the user input, the relationship data, and the identity of the first media file.
  • the media files may be characterized as recordings for playback, where the first media file is a current recording, and the second media file is a new recording.
  • a system in an additional embodiment, includes one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions thereon which, when executed by one or more computing devices, implements the above-described method; and a computing device embodying the one or more computer-readable media.
  • Still other embodiments include methods for creating sequences of recordings, for selecting media files using a skip command, and for selecting a media file for playback
  • Fig. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of creating and/or loading relationship data onto a portable device
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary system configuration or architecture creating and/or loading relationship data onto a portable device
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a navigation path of an exemplary embodiment
  • Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary system configuration or architecture for creating and/or loading relationship data onto a personal computer based media appliance
  • Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of creating and/or loading relationship data onto a personal computer based media appliance
  • Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary system configuration or architecture for creating and/or loading relationship data onto a media appliance
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of creating and/or loading relationship data onto a media appliance
  • Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary system configuration or architecture for creating and/or loading relationship data onto a streaming media appliance
  • Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of creating and/or loading relationship data onto a streaming media appliance
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a navigation path of an exemplary embodiment
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a organizational tree built on genre-based relationships
  • Fig. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the artist selection logic supporting a big skip playback function using genre-based relationships
  • Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the track selection logic supporting a big skip playback function using genre-based relationships
  • Fig. 14 illustrates a state machine of one exemplary embodiment
  • Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating for determining the popularity attribute of an exemplary embodiment
  • Fig. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the artist selection logic supporting a playback functions using artist-based relationships
  • Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the track selection logic supporting playback functions using artist-based relationships
  • Fig. 18 illustrates a user interface of an exemplary embodiment
  • Fig. 19 illustrates a user interface of an exemplary embodiment
  • Fig. 20 illustrates an icon of an exemplary embodiment.
  • the present disclosure relates to a method, media device, system, and user interface for selecting media.
  • media is selected based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file on a device.
  • Such devices include but are not limited to, a portable media device, a personal computer-based media player, a media appliance, a streaming media appliance, satellite radio or video receiver, a cellular telephone and/or any other appliance or hardware/software configuration appropriate for converting stored information into a perceptible user experience. Accordingly, each device is supported by a particular system configuration or architecture to facilitate the selection of a media.
  • the method comprises recognizing the value of at least one attribute of a media file of a plurality of media files; receiving a user input, indicative of a desired relationship measure and a desire to select a second media file of said plurality of media files; accessing relationship data that indicates a relationship measure among the values of the at least one attribute of the media files of said plurality of media files; selecting said second attribute value in accordance with said desired relationship measure, said user input, said relationship data, and said first attribute value; and selecting a second media file in accordance with said selected second attribute value.
  • the attribute is the principle recording artist of the media file. In another embodiment, the attribute is the genre of the media file or recording. In one embodiment, the media file is a sound recording.
  • the method further comprises biasing the selection of the second media file based on an additional attribute, hi one embodiment, the additional attribute is the popularity of the media file, hi another embodiment, the additional attribute represents the explicit rating of the media file. In another embodiment, the additional attributes represents the implicit rating of the media file based upon observed user behavior tracked by one or more components of the system (e.g. user track selection, frequency of selection of a track, standard skipping to avoid a track, deletion of track from playlists, etc.).
  • the additional attributes represents the implicit rating of the media file based upon observed user behavior tracked by one or more components of the system (e.g. user track selection, frequency of selection of a track, standard skipping to avoid a track, deletion of track from playlists, etc.).
  • each device is supported by a particular system configuration or architecture to also facilitate the creation of the data that indicates a relationship measure among media files.
  • the device when the device stores the data that indicates a relationship measure among a plurality of media files, the user is able to engage in several playback functions with respect to the plurality of media files. These interactive playback functions are described in greater detail later.
  • a portable media device or portable media player has the capability to select a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file.
  • portable media player devices include but are not limited to MP3 players such as those known by the trade names APPLE IPOD, CREATIVE LABS ZEN MICRO, DELL DJ, IRIVER HlO, RIO CARBON, or cell phones incorporating such functionality, or similar devices capable of storing and/or reproducing media files.
  • Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary method of creating, relationship data and loading the relationship data onto a portable media device.
  • FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary system architecture or configuration for creating and then loading relationship data onto the portable media device.
  • Fig. 2 depicts a portable music player 205 connected to a personal computer 210 which is connected to a centralized music information server 215.
  • the portable music player 205 comprises at least one user input icon such as button 206, an optional display 207, a selection engine 209, audio rendering capabilities 203, a synchronization manager 208, a relationship graph 201 that be based on artist, genre, album or any other type of category, and audio recordings 202.
  • the personal computer 210 comprises a music management software 212, a portable device manager 204, and an audio library 211.
  • the centralized music information server 215 comprises a server interface adapter 213, a relationship database 214, and an identification database 216.
  • Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary method for creating and then loading relationship data onto a portable media device.
  • a connection is established 100 between the portable media device, the personal computer, and a centralized music information server.
  • Such communication connections may be wired or wireless, LAN, WAN, WiFi, cellular, satellite, or other means of establishing communication now known or to become known.
  • the personal computer 210 interfaces with the centralized music information server 215 through the music management software 212 and server interface adapter 213. Further, the personal computer 210 interfaces with the portable music player 205 through the synchronization manager 208 and the portable device manager 204.
  • the function of the portable device manager 204 is to synchronize all of the user's media library 212 which is located on the personal computer 210 with the media files located on the portable device 205. In one embodiment, synchronization may be accomplished by transferring some or all of the media files located on the personal computer to the portable device.
  • the playlist data is synchronized 105 between the portable media device and the personal computer.
  • the synchronization manager 208 manages the transfer of media files from the personal computer 210 to the portable device 205. Furthermore, the synchronization manager 208 stores the transferred media files. Thus, together, the synchronization manager 208 and the portable device manager 204 work together to transfer and list all the media files on the portable device 205.
  • a list of files to be transferred to the portable device is built 110.
  • a "target list” is built 110.
  • the portable device manager 204 and the synchronization manager 208 work together to create a list of associated artists (can be album, genre, or any other type of category) with the media files that will be stored on the portable device 205 at the completion of the synchronization process.
  • the list may be transferred 115 from the PC to a centralized music information server.
  • the centralized music information server may be located on the internet, or a network.
  • the server interface adapter processes a request containing the target list. For example, artists' names are identified, as necessary, using an identification database. In one embodiment, each artist name is assigned a unique identifier corresponding to the particular artist. It is noted that the reference to relationships based on artists is exemplary and that many other types of relationships may be used.
  • each media file is associated not only, or in addition to, the artist's name, but with respect to the album name, and/or genre name, or any other type of category.
  • the relationships between one or more media files may be based on an album, track, ratings, user Id, genre and/or era.
  • metadata may also be utilized to form relationships, depending on the file type and associated metadata. For example, if the media file is a text article, metadata may include author, title, subject or abstract.
  • the centralized music information server constructs 120 a relationship data between media files in the target list .
  • the relationships data is a graph constructed and based on a master relationship database.
  • the graph contains a vertex for each unique artist ID (or any other type of ID) and an edge between artists that are related.
  • the edge contains a value called a "weight" which encodes the strength of the relationship between the two artists.
  • the relationship data set can be constructed in other ways as well, provided the information concerning interrelationships may be stored, interpreted, and accessed in accordance with the teachings set forth herein.
  • the graph and the mapping of artists' names to IDs are encoded in such a way (for example, serialized) that it may be transferred over the network and sent to the music management software as the reply to the original request.
  • the relationship data between one or more media files may established at the portable device itself, without the use of a remote network server, or other connected comprising devices. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished by forming a relationship data based on analysis of the media files on the portable device and, then by digital signal processing of the device itself.
  • the portable device could host the master database of keep or media files relationships and host a method and way for mapping the recordings or media files loaded on the portable device against this database. It should be clear that there are many possible ways to distribute the processing described in the methods of the present disclosure.
  • the relationship set is constructed 120 (whether via graphs and maps or some other type) 120, the relationship data is sent 125 to the personal computer.
  • the relationship data is sent from the centralized music server 215 to the personal computer 210 by interfacing the server interface adapter 213 and the music management software 212.
  • the server sends the relationship data to the personal computer and the personal computer sends 130 the relationship data to the portable device.
  • the personal computer 210 sends the relationship data set to the portable device 205 by interfacing the portable device manager 204 and the synchronization manager 204.
  • the portable device or portable media player contains the relationship data set and is capable of selecting a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file.
  • thejuser can select the media file not only based on based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, but also the identity of a media file.
  • this media file is the currently playing media file.
  • this media file is the currently paused media file.
  • the user can initiate the selection and/or playback of these media files on the portable device using the existing user interface buttons or other type of media device input element or icon. These playback functions are described in greater detail further below.
  • this device has the appropriate processing power and the capability to receive and/or derive the relationship data, invoke a playback function, and to select a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, the relationship data, and the identity of a media file.
  • FIG. 4 Another exemplary embodiment of a method, device, and system configuration for selecting a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file on a personal computer-based music management system is depicted in Figs. 4 and 5.
  • Examples of personal computer based music management systems include but are not limited to, systems marketed under the trade names YAHOO! MUSIC ENGINE, MUSICMATCH JUKEBOX, WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER, APPLE ITUNES, AND REAL JUKEBOX.
  • Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary method of creating relationship data and loading the relationship data onto the personal computer.
  • Fig. 4 depicts an exemplary system architecture or configuration for creating and loading the relationship data onto the personal computer.
  • the system configuration includes a personal computer 210, a centralized music information server 215, a streaming server 440, at least one remote or local input device 430, and at least one or more remote or local audio rendering device 425.
  • the personal computer 210 includes a media management software user interface 212, audio rendering capabilities 420, a selection engine 415, and an artist relationship graph 405 (based on any type of category), an audio library 211, and a streaming library inventory 410.
  • the centralized music information server 215 further includes a server interface adapter 213, a streaming inventory database 435, a relationship database 214, and an identification database 216.
  • the functionality represented by the centralized music information server may be implemented by one or more servers.
  • the personal computer 210 may be connected to the centralized music information server 215 by interfacing the media management software 212 of a personal computer based music management system 212 and the server interface adapter 213.
  • the personal computer 210 is also connected to the streaming server 440 via the media management software 212.
  • the personal computer 210 is connected to at least one remote or local input device 430 via the media management software 212.
  • the personal computer 210 is connected to at least one local or remote input device 430 that provides input events to the media management software 212.
  • the media management software 212 renders audio using the device.
  • the media management software 212 which may be located on the personal computer 210 acts to integrate the components used to play back the digital audio or media files.
  • the personal computer builds 510 a list of media files, otherwise referred as a target list.
  • the personal computer 210 can build the list of media files via the media management software 212.
  • the media management software 212 transmits a list of artists (or any other type of media file association) to the centralized music information server 215 through the server's interface adapter 213.
  • the list is comprised of .. . artists associated with locally stored media files from the user's library.
  • the centralized music information server constructs 520 a relationship data set between the media files and the target list.
  • the relationship data is sent 525 to the personal computer.
  • the centralized music information server 215 sends the relationship data set to the personal computer 210 through the server interface adapter 213 and the media management software 212.
  • the centralized music server can construct a relationship data set between the media files and the target list and send the relationship data to the personal computer 210 by assigning each media file an identifier, constructing a graph based on the relationship, and sending back the graph and the map of the artists' or media files' names and IDs back to the media management software located on the personal computer.
  • the server can supplement the relationships with artists or media files, not stored in the user's local library, but available through the streaming service.
  • This optional step 530 is also depicted in Fig. 5.
  • the selection engine may elect to select a track or media file from the local library or a track or media file from the available streaming library. Portions or the entirety of the streaming library inventory are transferred from the music information server database to the personal computer for use by the selection engine.
  • the software located on the PC integrates the selection engine to interactively select tracks or media files for playback based on data stored on the relationship graph.
  • the selection engine may be located on the user's personal computer. In alternate embodiments, the selection engine may be located on a remote server.
  • a user can now engage 535 the personal computer in selecting a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file. For example, the user can apply a playback function based on the currently playing or paused artist and/or media file.
  • FIG. 6 depicts the exemplary method of creating and then loading relationship data onto a media appliance.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates the system architecture or configuration 600 of a system for loading and/or creating a relationship data using a media appliance and/or a component audio device 610.
  • Such media appliances or component audio devices include, but are not limited to networked component audio devices (digital multimedia receivers) marketed under trade names such as NETGEAR MPlOl and LINKSYS WMSLl 1.
  • the component audio device or media appliance is connected to at least one remote input device or local input device and at least one external display.
  • the system configuration 600 of the exemplary embodiment comprises a personal computer 210, a centralized music information server 215, a component audio device or a media appliance 610, at least one remote or local input device 430, and at least one external display 605.
  • the personal computer 210 further comprises a music management software 212, a UPNP adapter 650, an audio library 211, and a component audio device gateway 655.
  • the centralized music information server 215 comprises a server interface adapter 213, a relationship database 214, and an identification database 216.
  • the component audio device 610 comprises a user input element, or icon such as an input button 620, a display 615, a selection engine 625, audio rendering 630, a Universal Plug & Play (UPNP) adapter 635, an artist relationship graph 640, and an audio library inventory 645.
  • the external display 605, which is connected to the component audio device 610 or media appliance includes, but is not limited to, a TV, CRT, plasma screen, LCD or any other contemplated appliances or methods for displaying.
  • the remote input device 430 or local input device can include a remote control. For example, as depicted in Fig.
  • the component audio device or media appliance 610 is connected to the personal computer 210 via the Universal Plug & Play adaptor (UPNP) 650.
  • the UPNP adaptor 650 obtains the list of media files and transfers the media files to the audio rendering device 630 as necessary.
  • the component audio device gateway 655 located on the personal computer 210 interfaces the centralized music server 215 with the selection engine 625 located on the component audio device or media appliance 610.
  • the personal computer builds 705 a list of media files, (target list ). As discussed above, in one embodiment, the personal computer may build and synchronizes the target list with the server. Then, the target list is transferred from the personal computer to the centralized music information server.
  • the server After the server constructs 715 the relationship data, the server either sends 720 the relationship data set to the personal computer or the server can send 730 the relationship data directly to the media appliance.
  • the server can send the relationship data set to the media appliance through a gateway program installed on a personal computer. For example, referring to Fig. 6, using the component audio device gateway 655, the server 215 can send the relationship data to the component audio device 610. If the server does not send the relationship data directly to the media appliance or component audio device 730, the server can send 720 the relationship data to the personal computer, and then the personal computer will send 725 the relationship data set to the media appliance.
  • FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system and method for selecting a media file using a streaming media appliance.
  • Fig. 9 depicts an exemplary method of creating relationship data and loading the relationship data onto a personal computer or other type of streaming media appliance.
  • Fig. 8 depicts an architecture or configuration of a system for selecting a media file using a personal computer or other streaming appliance 805.
  • streaming appliances include, but are not limited to items marketed under trade names such as the PHILIPS STREAMIUM.
  • PC based streaming applications include services such as those marketed under trade names REAL RHAPSODY, YAHOO! UNLIMITED and MUSICMATCH 'ON DEMAND'.
  • a connection is established 900 between at least a centralized music information server, a personal computer or streaming appliance, a streaming server, an input device, and/or an audio rendering device.
  • the system configuration of the exemplary embodiment comprises a personal computer or streaming appliance 805, a centralized music information server 215, a remote or local input device 430, and optionally, a remote audio rendering device 425.
  • Such remote or local input devices 430 include, but are not limited to a keyboard, mouse, and/or remote control.
  • Such remote audio rendering devices 425 include, but are not limited to a home stereo component with a wireless connection to the personal computer or streaming appliance 805. Audio rendering may also take place through direct attached amplifiers and speakers. As seen in Fig.
  • the personal computer or streaming appliance 805 comprises a streaming/interactive radio user interface 810, audio rendering capabilities 820, and at least one streaming client 815,
  • the.audio is streamed from a remote server 440.
  • the streaming client component 815 receives the audio stream from the remote server 440 and a rendering component renders the audio 820 to local or remote amplifiers and speakers.
  • the centralized music information server 215 comprises at least a server interface adapter 213, a relationship database 214, a selection engine 830, and a streaming inventory database 825.
  • the personal computer or streaming appliance 805 facilitates this communication with the centralized music information server 215 through the streaming/interactive radio user interface 810 and the server interface adapter 213.
  • the centralized music information server selects 915 the next media file and returns streaming identifiers/instruction to the personal computer or streaming appliance. Then, the personal computer or streaming appliance uses the identifier/instructions to initiate 920 streaming of the next media file from the streaming server. Thus, the personal computer or streaming appliance communicates 925 with the streaming media file server. In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 8, the streaming is initiated by the streaming client 815 located on the personal computer or streaming appliance 805 and the streaming server 440. Next, turning back to Fig. 9, the personal computer or streaming appliance renders 930 the audio. In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 8, the personal computer or streaming appliance 850 renders the audio through its audio rendering capabilities 820 which is connected to a remote audio rendering device 425.
  • the relationship data is created autonomously by a stand alone device (not depicted).
  • this device has the appropriate processing power and the capability to receive and/or derive the data used to create and implement the relationship data, and playback functions.
  • the stand alone device would have the full capabilities of the embodiments described above, yet may not require being connected to server, and/or connection to a separate audio rendering device, and/or require a separate display device.
  • the method and system for selecting a media file is based upon relationship data. In other embodiments, the method and system for selecting a media file is based on realtionship data and attributes associated with a media file. .
  • relationship data is to denote a relationship measure. For example, the similarity of one media file to another media file.
  • a relationship measure For example, the similarity of one media file to another media file.
  • one relationship can deal with Media File A and Media File B, and the relationship is defined as the probability that Media File B will directly follow Media File A as a selected media file.
  • the relationship data may be based on these probabilities and other similar statistics that can be established or determined by analyzing explicit and/or implicit user play list data among a population of users. The population can be large or small, from one user to many, or may in fact encompass an entire user population of a music service provider.
  • the relationship data can be based on recording and analyzing the explicit and/or implicit user behavior on an on-demand streaming media service.
  • a community site that encourages users to publish and share playlists is another source of data that can be used to derive relationship data.
  • Media players that report the sequence of songs played or the playlists created by end users is another source of this data.
  • E-commerce applications that sell media, peer-to-peer applications that observe the files a user requests or downloads, or music recognition services that observe at least some of the contents of a user's media library through recognition requests are other possible sources of data that can be used to form relationship data.
  • a relationship measure is based on a particular degree of similarity between one or more media files.
  • the degree of similarity between at least two media files is based upon whether the two media files are associated with the same or similar genre.
  • the degree of similarity between at least two media files is based upon whether the two media files are related by a statistical measure of co-occurrences in playlists, documents, purchased behavior, explicit user preferences, and/ or observed user interactions with web sites or services.
  • the degree of similarity between at least two media files is based upon whether they are associated with artists that are related by statistical measure of co-occurrences in playlist, documents, purchase behavior, explicit user preferences, or observed user interactions with web sites or services.
  • the degree of similarity between at least two media files is based upon whether they are associated with albums that are related by statistical measure of co-occurrences in playlist, documents, purchase behavior, explicit user preferences, or observed user interactions with web sites or services, hi another embodiment, the degree of similarity between at least two media files is based upon whether the media files are identified as similar by expert or na ⁇ ve listeners. In another embodiment, the degree of similarity between at least two media files is based upon whether the media files have similar attributes as perceived by listeners. For example, tempo, mood, and/or rhythmic power or intensity, and/or volume. In further embodiment, the degree of similarity between at least two media files is based upon whether the media files have similar attributes as extracted by algorithms that that analyze the wave forms of the recordings.
  • playback functions based on the currently playing artist and/or media file. These playback functions enable the user to select media based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file. Such playback functions include, but are not limited to, a "Next" playback function, a "Small Skip” playback function and a "Big Skip” playback function. Moreover, while reference is made herein to playlists, no particular playlist or subset of media files need to be selected from, but rather the entire universe of available media may be utilized as the playlist, or any portion or subset thereof.
  • Each one of these playback functions or functionalities is invoked by a user input and represents a particular relationship measure between one or more media files whether based on artist, genre, album, track, ratings, another user, or era relationships.
  • a playback function which can be invoked by a user input can correlate to a degree of similarity between media files. Invoking a playback function allows the user to select a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file.
  • the "Next" playback function represents a high level of similarity between the currently playing or paused media file and the next media file to be played.
  • the user can invoke the "Next" playback function.
  • the methods for invoking the playback functions are described in further detail below.
  • the "Small Skip” playback function represents a mid level of similarity between the currently playing or paused media file and the next media file to be played.
  • the user can invoke the small skip playback function.
  • the "Big Skip” playback function represents a low level of similarity, i.e.
  • the device could present an array of knobs or input elements to the user representing genre, era, tempo, and artist-similarity. Thus for example, a small turn of the knob would select a next track that is similar to the previous track on that dimension.
  • a large turn of the knob would select a track that is dissimilar to the previous track along that dimension.
  • Other control linkages and combinations can be carried out in accordance with the teachings herein.
  • the relationship data is created using artist relationships and is loaded onto a media or device.
  • artist relationships may be used such as genre, album, track, or any other type of category.
  • FIG. 14 An exemplary state machine for this embodiment is depicted in Fig. 14.
  • the portable media player can be in a playing 1405, paused 1415, or stopped 1410 state.
  • the user can select media files by playing, stopping, pausing within the playlist and engage in playback functions such as "Back" 143O 5 "Next" 1440, "Small Skip” 1435, or "Big Skip” 1445.
  • the user can select the initial media file or track 1425 manually. In an alternative embodiment, the initial media file or track can be selected 1425 randomly.
  • the playing state 1405 denotes that the system is reproducing a media file. From this playing state 1405, the user can invoke any one of the playback functions to select a media file. If the user selects any one of the playback functions (Back 1430, Next 1440, Small Skip 1435, or Big Skip 1445), a new media file is selected and the media device begins, playing that new media file. In one embodiment, the audio rendering engine starts playback of the media file.
  • the system re-centers on the current track and the current track becomes the 'Playlist Center'. For example, in an embodiment based on artist relationships, if the system is centered on artist A and the system plays related artist B, then the system can re-center on artist B if the user presses the play button while artist B is playing, meaning, artist B becomes the current or "center” (Playlist Center). In one embodiment, this means that if the user does not execute a playback function, some fixed percentage of tracks will be chosen from the artist at the "center” of the playlist and the remaining percentage will be chosen from artists that are similar to the artist at the "center”.
  • the stopped state 1410 is similar to a start state, meaning, no media files are being played. Thus, a play event may be required to initiate playing of the media files.
  • the "Back" playback function 1430 selects and replays the current track from the start, or plays the previous track if the current track has not yet started (or is already very near the beginning.) Furthermore, the "Back" playback function 1430 resets the Playlist Center to the artist associated with the selected track.
  • Fig. 14 when a media file is playing 1405, and the current track ends or the user invokes the "Next" playback function 1440, the next playback function logic (Figs. 16 and 17) is executed, and the next track is selected and is played 1405. Furthermore, when the media file is playing 1405 and the user invokes the "Small skip” playback function 1435, the small skip playback function logic (Figs. 16 and 17) is executed and the next track is selected and is played 1405.
  • the big skip playback function logic (Figs. 12 and 13) is executed and the next track is selected and played 1405.
  • the media file histories are cleared 1450, that is the histories the algorithms prevent repeated media files.
  • the system chooses the next media file based upon the artist that is the playlist center.
  • the Playlist Center can be an album, genre, track, and or era.
  • Figs. 16 and 17 depict an exemplary embodiment of the logic supporting the next playback function when the relationship data is based on artist relationships. Specifically, in an embodiment where the relationship data is created from artist relationships when the next playback function is selected, the system selects the next artist based on the artist playlist center (denoted current artist in Fig. 16) as depicted in Fig. 16. Then, as depicted in Fig. 17, once the next artist is determined, the system determines which track or media file from that artist will be selected and played.
  • the artist playlist center denoted current artist in Fig. 16
  • next playback function logic is triggered when the user selects the "Next" playback function.
  • the next playback function is correlated to a particular user interface button.
  • the "Next" playback function is correlated and invoked by a specific pattern of pressing a user interface button.
  • the "Next" playback function could be correlated to the fast forward button of the device's user interface or to pressing the fast forward button twice rapidly or in any other pattern.
  • the "Next" playback function is preferably associated with a highly similar media file with respect to the current Playlist Center media file. In Fig. 16, the relationship and similarities are based upon how artists are related to one another and how similar one artist is to another.
  • the user invokes the "Next" playback function, 1600 by pressing the designated button or dial, key pattern, or associated key on the device's user interface or any other type of input element.
  • the "Next" playback function is invoked by a user input which can further include a voice activated command.
  • the "Next" playback function is also invoked automatically on the user's behalf when the currently playing track ends.
  • the system determines whether the current artist is marked as exhausted or not 1601, meaning, whether the current artist has no more un-played tracks. If the current artist is not marked as exhausted, the system generates a random number between 0 and 100 and then compares 1602 this number to the focus setting position. This comparison 1602 determines whether the media file should be selected from the current artist or a related artist. If the current artist is selected 1608, then the system attempts to select a track 1700 for the artist and determines if a track 1610 can be selected. If no track can be selected, the artist is marked 1612 as exhausted, meaning the artist has no more un-played tracks. Otherwise, a track from that artist is selected 1611 for playback.
  • the system selects ib ⁇ )5 a next related artist relative to tile current artist. Furthermore, the system will reach this step 1603 if the system determined that the next artist to be selected should be a related artist and not the current artist. If a track from a related artist will be chosen, all artists related to the current artist are scored 1606. In one embodiment, scores are generated based on the strength of the relationship to the current artist (stronger relationships score higher) 1606 and are biased by the history of which has been recently played. For example, related artists that have been played in the last 5 (or any other number) tracks get a score of 0.0. In one aspect, this biasing ensures that a high scoring artist who has been played in the last 5 times is not selected again.
  • the weights in the artist relationship graphs represent the rank of the related artists. For example, the most similar artist receives rank of 1.0, the next most related artist gets a rank of 2.0, the next most related artist gets a rank of 3.0 and so on.
  • the inverse (1.0 / rank) is used as the base score for selection of related artists.
  • many alternate formulations are possible and should be considered as configuration or tuning parameters.
  • related artists and their associated scores are added 1607 into a list for selection.
  • the process of scoring 1607 artists and adding 1607 each score to the selector list is repeated until all the related artists have been scored. If the selection list is empty 1612, the system will return 1621 a response indicating that there are no more tracks.
  • a random number is generated and applied 1615 to the list such that the probability of selection of an element is proportional to its score relative the other elements in the list.
  • One such technique is to ensure that all scores in the list are non- negative.
  • a random number is generated between 0.0 and the sum of all scores in the list. The list is iterated until the sum of scores of iterated elements would equal or exceed the random number.
  • a track for the artist is selected 1700. If there are no more tracks to be selected from the artist, the artist is marked 1619 as exhausted and the artist is removed 1620 from the selection (selector) list.
  • Fig. 17 depicts one exemplary embodiment of the track selection logic for an artist-based relationship embodiment.
  • each track or media file associated with the selected artist is scored 1703.
  • the tracks or media files are scored relative to their popularity attribute.
  • the position of the popularity setting determines how the popularity attribute will affect the probability of track or media file selection. The popularity position is discussed in further detail below.
  • each track or media file is scored 1703 based on track selection criteria and then added 1704 into a selection or selector list. This process (1701-1704) is repeated until all the media files or tracks for that particular artist have been scored 1703 and added 1704 to the selection list. Then a weighted random selector chooses 1707 the appropriate track. When the last track for the artist has been selected 1708 the artist is marked as exhausted 1709 and the track history is updated. The chosen track or media file and its associated artist are added to history tables 1710, 1711. In one embodiment, the media file or track history tables prevent the same media file or track from being repeated in a single session. In a further embodiment, the artist history table ensures a variety of related artists are played.
  • history tables are used to prevent repetition in the media files being selected.
  • the history tables are used when scoring tracks 1703 or artists 1606 for selection.
  • the song or other attribute of the media file is added to a table to prevent alternate renditions of the same media file from appearing.
  • a list of the last 5 (or other number) artists played is also maintained.
  • an artist's score is penalized to 0.0 when that artist is associated with one of the last five tracks played.
  • a set of all artists played in the session is kept.
  • a set of all artist edges that have been used is kept.
  • a penalty is applied to reduce the probability of selection of the repeat edge.
  • the penalty factor for repeat edges is a parameter to the system and is applied as a multiplicative factor to the relationship score.
  • the repeat edge penalty factor ranges from 0.0 (maximum penalty) to 1.0 (no penalty).
  • the logic supporting the "Small Skip" playback function is the same as "Next" playback function logic as depicted in Figs. 16 and 17 with the exception that a new artist is always selected and this new artist becomes the Playlist Center.
  • the system selects the next artist based on the Playlist Center / current artist. Then, once the next artist is determined (Fig. 16), the system determines (Fig. 17) which track or media file from that artist will be selected and played and the selected artist becomes the new current artist.
  • the user when the user invokes a number of "Small Skip" playback functions, the user can move through a plurality of media files in small increments with each step related to the previous step. Accordingly, the history mechanism generally prevents repeat artists, so the system will tour through the user's media library or set of media files. While each track is related to the previous track, the current track, after a number of skips, may be far removed from the starting track.
  • the object of the "Big Skip” playback function is to choose a track or media file that is unrelated or dissimilar to the currently playing track.
  • the relationship data score which relates every item to every other item, as used to determine the "Next" playback function logic is inverted.
  • the Big Skip log is the same as depicted in Figs. 16 and 17, except that the relationship score (1606 in Fig. 16) is inverted. Thus, resulting in selecting a dissimilar artist and then track.
  • a 'shortest path' graph traversal algorithm can be used to compute the distance between any two artists.
  • the Dijkstra Shortest Path algorithm is well known to those skilled in the art and can be used for this purpose. However, often, the Dijkstra algorithm results in the second and third order relations being extremely weak compared to first order relationships.
  • a solution is to create a relationship graph that stores only the top N relations for each artist and contains homogenous weights (for example, 1.0).
  • the Shortest Path algorithm calculates the number of invoked playback functions required to get from artist A to artist B. This forms the basis of the score used to select an appropriate artist for the "Big Skip" playback function.
  • an alternative formulation for the "Big Skip" playback function is to use “Genre based” playback functions.
  • the "Genre Based” playback function uses the same relationship/graph based algorithms as discussed in the embodiments above.
  • a genre is a label placed on a set of artists, albums, or tracks that are thematically related. Genres can be determined by clustering the elements comprising them. Usually, however, human experts create genres by categorizing based on styles, roots, peers, and influences.
  • a genre is comprised of a label and a ranked set of artists. The rank of an artist within the genre is determined by the 'fit' of the artist to the genre.
  • an artist within a genre can be ranked by looking at the artist relationships and scoring based on how many of the related artists are also in the set defined by the genre.
  • Alternate embodiments of the present disclosure could define genres in terms of sets of albums, tracks, or other recordings.
  • other types of media such as in the television domain, one might use a channel as the genre for the programs that appear on that channel.
  • a relationship graph is constructed for the set of genres.
  • the relationship strengths are defined in terms of the number of artists in common.
  • genres are ranked by number of artists in common and the rank becomes the weight in the relationship graph.
  • sub-genres and super-genres can also be used to define relationships and relationship data.
  • sub-genres are grouped under super- genres.
  • skips or movement from one media file to another of different magnitudes can be achieved by going up one or more levels of the tree, making a lateral move, and descending again as illustrated in Fig. 11.
  • a hierarchical (tree) organization of genres 1100 is depicted.
  • numerous playback functions such as a "Small Skip", “Medium Skip”, and "Big Skip” can be executed.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates an example of how these playback functions allow the user to select a media file based in part upon genre relationships.
  • a "Small Skip” playback function is illustrated by a solid, bold line . .. 1107.
  • the solid, bold line 1107 ascends to the parent node and descends to a different artist in the same sub-genre.
  • a "Small Skip” playback function represents a mid level of similarity between the currently playing media file and the media file to be played next. For example, in Fig. 11, considering the currently playing artist, Mandy Moore 1106, invoking the "Small Skip” playback function results in selecting Britney Spears 1109 as the next media file.
  • the solid, bold line 1107 which represents the "Small Skip” playback function 1107 begins at the artist Mandy Moore 1106, moves to the parent node, Teen Pop 1118, then descends to a different artist, Britney Spears 1109.
  • a medium skip playback function is illustrated by a dotted line 1115.
  • the dotted line 1115 ascends two levels in the tree (up a sub genre and a genre) and then descends two levels down to another artist.
  • a "Medium Skip” playback function could represent a mid level of similarity (as compared to the Small Skip and Big Skip as described in the present embodiment) between the currently playing media file and the media file to be played next. For example, in Fig.
  • a "Big Skip” playback function could represent a low level of similarity or dissimilarity (as compared to the Small Skip and Medium Skip as described in the present embodiment) between the currently playing or paused media file and the media file to be selected next. For example, in Fig. 11, considering the currently playing artist, Aerosmith 1116, invoking the "Big Skip" playback function results in selecting Diana Krall 1123 as the next media file. As can be seen in Fig.
  • the dashed line 1117 which represents the "Big Skip” playback function 1117 begins at the artist Aerosmith 1116, moves up three parent nodes Album Rock 1105, Rock 1119, and All Genres 1120, and then descends down two different nodes jazz 1121, Swing 1122 and then to a different artist, Diana Krall 1123.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the logic supporting a "Big Skip” playback function using genre based relationships is illustrated in Fig. 12.
  • the "Big Skip" playback function logic is invoked by the user via the device's existing user interface 1200.
  • the currently playing artist is mapped to a genre 1201.
  • the currently playing artist is mapped to a genre using an artist to genre map.
  • the artist to genre mapping can come from the central music database and may be stored a part of the artist relationship graph. Thus, for each artist in the graph, a genre is also stored. The genre for the current artist is now called the current genre.
  • a score is calculated based on the strength of the relationship between itself and the current genre.
  • the genre/score pair is added 1206 to a selection list. This process (1202-1206) continues until all the genres have been scored and added into the selection list.
  • the algorithm loops on all genres related to the Current Genre.
  • the genre relationships are obtained from the centralized music information server's relationship database along with the artist relationships.
  • the score 9 is related to the inverse of the relationship strength. That is, similar genres yield smaller scores resulting in less probability of selection.
  • One such scoring is to take the relationship rank as the score, or 1000 if there is no relationship between the genres.
  • the selection may be heavily biased towards the related genres.
  • the inverse of the "Big Skip” scoring method can be used: 1.0 / relationship rank.
  • an artist and track are selected for the genre 1210.
  • An exemplary embodiment of selecting an artist and track for the genre 1210 is depicted in further detail in Fig. 13. If an artist/track cannot be selected for the genre 1211, the genre is marked as exhausted 1213 and is removed 1214 from the selection list. The genre selection is retired until a track is found 1212 or all genres are exhausted.
  • Fig. 13 depicts an exemplary embodiment of selecting and artist and track once the genre has been selected as depicted in Fig. 12. Specifically, Fig. 13 illustrates exemplary logic supporting the artist and track selection in a "Big Skip" playback function using genre based relationships.
  • each artist is scored 1304 based on its 'fit' to the current genre.
  • 'fit' is based on the size of the intersection of the set of artists in the genre and the set of artists comprising the related artists for the given artist.
  • the score is based on artist popularity scaled by the 'fit' metric.
  • the artist/score pair is added 1305 to a selection list. This process (1301-1305) continues until all the artists have been scored and added to the selector list. In other words, the algorithm loops over all artists associated with the selected
  • an artist is selected 1307 such that the probability of selection is equal to the artist score divided by the sum of all scores of artists added to the selector list.
  • the track is selected 1700 for the artist as described previously and depicted in Fig. 17. If there are no eligible tracks for the artist 1309, the artist is marked as exhausted 1310, removed 1311 from the selector or selection list, and a new artist is selected. If all eligible artists are exhausted 1306, the 'No More Tracks' status is returned 1313.
  • the user can select a media file by invoking a series and combination of playback functions as described above.
  • the user invokes a number of playback functions, through a user input, the user is selecting a media file based on a first media file and the playback function which represents a relationship measure between the first media file and the media file to be selected.
  • the user can move through a plurality of media files in designated increments, depending on the playback function invoked, with each step related to the previous step.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a selection engine's interface which shows the navigation path of a session constrained to the contents of a local library consisting of about 2000 media files.
  • Artist based relationships are used for small skips as described in Figs. 16- 17.
  • Genre based relationships are used for medium and big skips as described in Figs. 12 and 13.
  • the device keeps track of what has been played and skipped, and avoids repeating tracks. As can be seen in Fig.
  • a tab 310 with a large window pane 300 is displayed with a text box 305 denoting a starting artist 315 a button with the word “Random” 313, a "Back” button 380, a "Play” button 390 a "Next” button 303, a “Stop” button 309, a "Small Skip” button 385, a “Medium Skip” button 395, and a "Big Skip” button 307.
  • the window pane 300 includes lists of artists and associated tracks (Items numbered 315-375). Within this list, a playback function is denoted in parentheses before each artist entry.
  • the list of artists in the window pane shows not only the artist's name and media file title relative to the starting artist 315, but also the associated playback function invoked by the user prior resulting in the selection of that media file. Accordingly, the window pane 300 shows the navigation path of the particular session. Meaning, the order and selection of playback functions the user invoked and what media files that were selected in a particular session.
  • the Clash is the starting artist 315.
  • the Clash is listed 315, and in parentheses the term "Play" appears before it, denoting that The Clash is the first artist selected when the user initiated the playback function or the user input session by pressing the "Play” button.
  • the next playback function invoked by the user was a "Big Skip” playback function 307, which selected the artist M.C. Hammer and the track "Pray 320".
  • the user selected a "Big Skip” playback function, meaning that the user desired the next media file's artist to be dissimilar from the currently playing artist, The Clash 315. Accordingly, as can be seen in Fig. 3, M.C.
  • Hammer 320 was selected, a dissimilar artist relative to the Clash 315.
  • the user invoked a series of several "Big Skip” playback functions 320-355, each rendering a media file which had a dissimilar artist with respect to the previous media file.
  • Diana Krall, "Deed I Do" 355 was the currently playing artist and track.
  • the user invoked the "Small Skip” playback function and the artist Charlie. Christian and track "I found a new baby" 360 was selected.
  • the "Small Skip” playback function the user was able to move from one artist to a somewhat similar artist.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a sessions' navigation when constrained to a large streaming service catalog containing several hundred thousand tracks.
  • artist based relationships may be used for small skips as described in Figs. 16-17 and genre based relationships are used for medium and big skips as described in Figs. 12-13.
  • a tab 1000 with a large window pane 1003 is displayed with a text box 1001 denoting a starting artist 1010, a "Back” button 1004, a "Play” button 1006, a "Next” button 1008, a "Stop” button 1027, a "Small Skip” button 1005, a "Medium Skip” button 1007, and a "Big Skip” button 1009.
  • a window pane 1003 includes lists of artists and associated tracks (Items numbered 1011-1026) in a session.
  • the session began with Rage against the machine 1010 as the starting artist.
  • the user invoked a "Big Skip” playback function and the artist Bezerra Da Silva and the Malandragem Da um Tempo 1012 track media file was selected.
  • the currently playing artist was Rage against the Machine 1010, then the user, desiring a dissimilar genre, invoked a "Big Skip" playback function which selected the artist (using logic as depicted in Figs. 12-13) and track in a dissimilar genre with respect to the currently playing artist.
  • the currently playing media file 1011 was under the heavy metal genre and a '"Big Skip” playback function selected a media file in a dissimilar genre, Salsa 1012.
  • a '"Big Skip” playback function selected a media file in a dissimilar genre, Salsa 1012.
  • the user continued to select media files based using "Big Skip”, “Medium Skip”, and “Small Skip” playback functions that selected the next media file based on a level of similarity based on genres with respect to the currently playing or paused media file.
  • Miles Davis Blue in Green 1017 a media file in the Bop genre
  • the user invoked the "Medium Skip” playback function which selected Boney James, Ain't No Sunshine 1018, which is under the Smooth jazz genre.
  • the user was able to move from the Bob category to a somewhat similar category, Smooth jazz.
  • the user can navigate and hone in on particular media file using a series and combination of playback functions.
  • the user does not need to know in advance which particular file Js . .._ desired, but can request and select media files using the playback functions to choose media files that are highly similar, somewhat similar, or dissimilar from the currently playing or paused media file.
  • the user can select a media file with a simple interface.
  • the feedback can be principally auditory.
  • the present disclosure is well suited for use in an automobile.
  • the user can select a media file and invoke playback functions through a remote control or fob.
  • a user can further shape or customize the relationship data through one or more settings.
  • the user can set these settings before creating the relationship data and/or loading the relationship data onto a device.
  • the settings will be applied during the creation and loading of the relationship data.
  • these settings can have default criteria.
  • the user can specify these settings through a property sheet available on the device's user interface, as a software plug-in tool, or as any other graphical user interface which allows the user to select and specify one or more settings.
  • a setting is a focus setting.
  • the focus setting may be represented on a user interface as a slider or a series of radio buttons, a dial, a drop down menu, or any other visual representation of a setting.
  • the focus setting biases the selection of media files relative to the currently playing media file.
  • the focus slider could bias the selection of media files relative to the currently playing artist, album, or track. Meaning, the focus setting determines the approximate probability that the next media file will be the most strongly associated item to the current playing artist, album or track.
  • the focus setting could have a range of 0 — 100.
  • the 100 setting denotes that media files will be chosen largely in the order of their relationship strength to the currently playing media file will be selected.
  • the currently playing artist is the Rolling Stones, and the focus setting is set at 100, then the only media files from the Rolling Stones will be selected.
  • a 0 setting denotes that the media files related to (but not the same as) the currently playing media file will be selected. For example, again, if the currently playing artist is the Rolling Stones and the focus setting is set at 0, then only media files with artists which are related to the Rolling Stones will be selected.
  • a setting is a popularity setting.
  • the popularity setting can take many forms such as, but not limited to, a slider, a dial, a series of radio buttons, and/or a drop down menu.
  • the popularity setting biases the selection of media files relative to the currently playing or paused media file.
  • the 100 setting denotes that the most popular tracks relative to the currently playing media file will be chosen.
  • the media file selection with respect to the currently playing media file can have a relationship set based on artist relationships, album relationships, genre, and/or era relationships.
  • the popularity is based upon relationship or affinity data between media files.
  • the popularity setting determines the track or media selection related to a particular artist.
  • the popularity attribute of a particular track or media file can be based and gathered from several sources such as implicit and explicit user behavior or ratings and/or implicit and explicit data collected from a large group of users.
  • implicit user behavior or input is the frequency of play for a particular media file by the user.
  • the frequency of play can be used to determine the popularity attribute.
  • explicit user data is a rating which the user applies to a track or media file.
  • a rating system can be based on a 1 to 5 star scale where 1 star denotes a low or disfavorable rating, 3 stars denote a mid or favorable rating, and 5 stars denote a high or very favorable rating.
  • the aggregate popularity data is normalized to a 1 to 5 star ranking.
  • the tracks can be ranked relative to each other. For example, the top 10% media files are those media files with a 5 star rating. The next 15% media files are a 4 star rating. The middle 50% are a 3 star rating. The following 15% media files are a 2 star rating, and the bottom 10% media files are a 1 star rating.
  • the system determines the popularity attribute from a hierarchical process using the available data.
  • An exemplary process for determining the popularity attribute of each media file is depicted in Fig. 15. This process ensures that each media file is assigned a popularity rating.
  • the system determines 1505 if an explicit user rating is available for the particular media file. An explicit user rating may be rating consciously applied to a media file by a user. If an explicit user rating is available, then the system assigns 1510 this rating to the particular media file. If an explicit user rating is not available, then the system determines 1515 if aggregate popularity gathered from a large number of users is available 1515.
  • "a large number of users" can refer to the users in an on-demand, streaming music service or a similar online community. If an aggregate popularity attribute is available, then the system assigns 1520 this attribute or rating to the media file. If aggregate popularity data from a large number of users is not available, then the system determines 1525 whether popularity attributes based on the users' frequency of play is available 1525. If this data is available, the system assigns 1530 this popularity attribute or rating to the media file. If the frequency of play popularity attribute is not available, then the system assigns 1535 a default popularity attribute or rating to the media file 1535. For example, the default popularity attribute could be an average rating such as a 3.0 on a 1 to 5 star rating scale.
  • Table 1 illustrates an exemplary table which associates popularity settings with a scoring function. In this table, probabilities are shown assuming 10% of the population is 5 star, 15% is 4 star, 15% is 2 star, and 10% is 1 star.
  • the 0 setting denotes that the least popular tracks will be selected. This allows the user to play less commonly known media files from the area of the particular playlist center (artist, album, track, genre, and/or era). Accordingly, focus and popularity settings have selectors ranging in between the 0 and 100 settings. For example, in an embodiment based on artist relationships, if the focus setting is set to 75, the system will choose media files from the currently playing artist 75% of the time and will choose media files from related artists (relative to the currently playing artist) 25% of the time.
  • the user can select settings in both the focus and popularity settings. This allows the user to shape or customize the media files available for selection based on a specified level of popularity and diversity with respect to the currently playing media files.
  • each playback function is associated with a button, key, dial, switch, touch screen, or key pattern of the device's user interface.
  • Fig. 18 depicts an user interface of one exemplary embodiment. As can be seen in Fig. 18, the user interface comprises of a wheel or dial 1805 with a fast forward icon 1810, a rewind icon 1820, and a pause, play, or stop icon 1815.
  • Fig. 19 depicts another wheel or dial user interface 1805 of another exemplary embodiment with similar icons.
  • most media rendering devices contain a fast forward icon a rewind icon and a play or pause icon.
  • Fig. 20 depicts one exemplary embodiment of icons that may be used to invoke a playback function.
  • Fig. 20a depicts a rewind icon
  • Fig. 20b depicts a fast forward icon
  • Fig. 20c depicts a pause or play icon.
  • the "Next" playback function can be invoked by pressing the fast forward button (Fig.20b) once
  • the "Small Skip” playback function can be invoked by double-clicking the Fast Forward (Fig. 20b) button twice rapidly
  • the "Big Skip” playback function can be invoked by pressing down the fast forward button (Fig.
  • the user is able to selecting a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file using the device's existing user interface.
  • the present disclosure is not dependent on a particular implementation of the user interface element for skipping and invoking playback functions. Nor is it dependent on exactly two magnitudes of skip as described as Small Skip and Big Skip. For example, if the portable device has a wheel or dial base scroll mechanism, an appropriate implementation of the present disclosure might be to map the speed or distance traveled by the wheel or dial scroll to the magnitude of a skip performed.
  • a dial based user interface is depicted in Figs. 18 and 19.
  • the user can perform the "Next", “Small Skip”, and “Big Skip” playback functions on a currently- playing or paused track or media file by correlating these interactive functionalities to a specific turn or speed of turn of the wheel or dial. For example, if the user moves the wheel or dial in 45 degrees in a certain direction that could be correlated with the "Next" playback function. Thus, when the user moves the dial 45 degrees the user is signaling that he or she wishes to play a track or media file closely related to the currently-playing media file. Furthermore, a 90 degree turn of the dial to correlate to the "Small Skip" playback function.
  • the user when the user turns the scroll-based dial 90 degrees the user is signifying or signaling that the user wishes to select an artist that is somewhat related to the currently playing or paused artist. Finally, if the user wishes to invoke the "Big Skip playback function, the user can turn the scroll-based dial 180 degrees. That will signal that the user wishes to select very different or not similar at all to the currently-playing artist.
  • the particular key, button, icon or dial associated with the playback functions will depend on the particular device. Indeed, a device with a single user input or icon element could be utilized, e.g. the entire user interface could comprise a skip button or icon.
  • the method, device and system for selecting a media file based on a desired relationship measure, a user input, relationship data, and the identity of a media file on an external device encompasses not only portable music players and media files, but can also encompass video, DVDR, satellite or on-demand programming, and any other type of device capable of reproducing media.
  • the list of programs is synchronized with the personal computer and then the personal computer sends this to the server.
  • the server initiates a list of relationships or relationship data among those programs. Those listed relationships can be based on genre, play date, play time, similar actors, similar channels, ratings.
  • the server Once the server has created this list as relationship data among the media programs, it will send it back to the personal computer and then it can be loaded onto the on-demand video programming service.
  • the use can invoke playback functions by pressing particular buttons on the remote or any other user input.
  • buttons such as the FAST FORWARD button, the UP/DOWN button on a remote control, or any buttons located on the existing interface for the television program or on- demand programming device.
  • this relationship data is loaded onto devices with a minimal or basically no display, or where it is not practical for a user to select a media file through the display, such as an MP3 player or CD player in an automobile.
  • a remote control, fob which will have different keys corresponding to the playback functions, such as "Next”, “Small Skip” or “Big Skip” or other types of playback functions such as "Yes", “No 5 But Close To”, “No and Not Close To.”
  • a possible mapping could be that pressing and holding the button invokes the playing function or a stop function if the playlist is currently playing. Pressing the button once could invoke the "Next" playback function and pressing the button twice could invoke the "Small Skip” playback function, three times "Big Skip” and so on.
  • each direction could correlate, be mapped to, or invoke a particular playback function.
  • pressing the North direction could invoke the "Big” playback function.
  • Pressing the South direction could invoke the "Small Skip” playback function.
  • Pressing the East direction could invoke the "Next” playback function.
  • pressing the West direction could invoke the "Back” playback function.
  • pressing the center could invoke the playlist to re-center on the current track.
  • the present method and system are applicable to a wide range of media devices such as car audio systems, consumer electronics devices, cellular phones, software programs running on . personal computers and any other device capable of reproducing media files.
  • the present method and system are particularly applicable to portable media players.
  • Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method and system of the present invention within the application may be implemented in many manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional elements being performed by a single or multiple components, in various combinations of hardware and software, and individual functions can be distributed among software applications at either the client or server level.
  • any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into one single embodiment and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible.
  • Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known.
  • myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations are possible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces and preferences described herein.
  • the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known and features of those variations and modifications through the system component described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art. I claim:

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Management Or Editing Of Information On Record Carriers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système et sur un procédé de sélection de multimédia. Dans un mode de réalisation, le multimédia est sélectionné en fonction d'une mesure relationnelle désirée, d'une entrée utilisateur, de données relationnelles et de l'identité d'un fichier multimédia. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, lesdits procédé et système sont mis en oeuvre sur des dispositifs portables, sur des systèmes audio de voiture, sur des dispositifs électroniques grand public, sur des téléphones cellulaires ou sur des programmes logiciels fonctionnant sur des ordinateurs individuels et sur tout autre dispositif capable de reproduire des fichiers multimédia.
EP06825981A 2005-10-14 2006-10-13 Procede et systeme de selection de multimedia Ceased EP1938180A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/250,358 US9665629B2 (en) 2005-10-14 2005-10-14 Media device and user interface for selecting media
US11/250,359 US20070089057A1 (en) 2005-10-14 2005-10-14 Method and system for selecting media
PCT/US2006/040282 WO2007047541A2 (fr) 2005-10-14 2006-10-13 Procede et systeme de selection de multimedia

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EP1938180A2 true EP1938180A2 (fr) 2008-07-02
EP1938180A4 EP1938180A4 (fr) 2009-11-11

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JP (1) JP2009516240A (fr)
KR (1) KR100978689B1 (fr)
HK (1) HK1137238A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007047541A2 (fr)

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Publication number Publication date
EP1938180A4 (fr) 2009-11-11
WO2007047541A2 (fr) 2007-04-26
KR20080056013A (ko) 2008-06-19
JP2009516240A (ja) 2009-04-16
HK1137238A1 (zh) 2010-07-23
KR100978689B1 (ko) 2010-08-30
WO2007047541A3 (fr) 2009-04-23

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