Systems and methods for dynamic content play list creation

Systems and associated methods for dynamic content play list creation are described. A fastplay application provides for dynamic play list generation, using feature categorization and local storage to present a set of custom play list(s) that are tailored to a user's preference(s). The settings may be stored locally on the media player storage device such that the preference(s) can be utilized across titles.

BACKGROUND

Media players, such as optical and magneto-optical disc players (DVD players or BLU-RAY DISC players), are popular for viewing audio-visual content such as movies, games and the like. Most modern players access media content stored on a multi-media disc via an optical drive. Newer formats for discs, such as the BLU-RAY DISC, provide an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the standard DVD format and have a large storage capability, such as suitable for storing high-definition (HD) video content and other data. The BLU-RAY DISC typically provides up to 25 GB per single-layer disc, and 50 GB per dual-layer disc. These figures represent standard storage, however, and the Blu-Ray specification is open-ended. BLU-RAY DISC is a registered trademark of BLU-RAY DISC ASSOCIATION in the United States and other countries.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In summary, one aspect provides a method for dynamic content play list creation comprising: dynamically generating a fastplay play list according to one or more customizable fastplay settings; and playing media of a multi-media disc in a fastplay mode.

Another aspect provides a computer program product for dynamic content play list creation comprising: a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code comprising: computer readable program code configured to dynamically generate a fastplay play list according to one or more customizable fastplay settings; and computer readable program code configured to play media of a multi-media disc in a fastplay mode.

A further aspect provides a system for dynamic content play list creation comprising: one or more processors; and a memory operatively connected to the one or more processors; wherein, responsive to execution of computer readable program code accessible to the one or more processors, the one or more processors are configured to: dynamically generate a fastplay play list according to one or more customizable fastplay settings; and play media of a multi-media disc in a fastplay mode.

The foregoing is a summary. For a better understanding of example embodiments, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to embodiment(s) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “certain embodiments” or “example embodiment” or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Some useful information regarding autoplay/fastplay applications is provided by co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/757,089, entitled “FAST PLAY DVD”, filed on Jan. 13, 2004, incorporated by reference here. Some useful information regarding managing settings across titles is provided by co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,144, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SETTINGS MANAGEMENT ACROSS MULTIPLE TITLES”, filed concurrently herewith, incorporated by reference here.

At the outset, the following terms are given the following meanings herein. Application refers to a program module or executable program having computer readable program code configured to achieve a stated function. An option/setting refers to a given characteristic of an application, which may be chosen from among a variety of characteristics. An application, for example a JAVA application, is loaded by the media player to perform the stated functionality. Applications can be stored in a variety of locations, including on a multi-media disc, on a local storage device of the media player (hard drive or binding unit), on a remote device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

In DVD, a technology referred to as fastplay (also referred to herein as autoplay) gives a DVD consumer the ability to view a set of content (play list) on the disc in a fashion similar to viewing content on VHS, that is, linearly. Moreover, in DVD, fastplay can be utilized automatically, without having to interface with a menu. Currently, using fastplay, the content is not extensively customizable, as the content is presented to consumers without permitting the user to modify fastplay content, for example based on available time and/or content preference. For example, if the user does not want to experience a particular offering in a fastplay application play list, the user is forced to view the particular offering regardless of his or her preference. Moreover, once a user inputs his or her preferences, it would be desirable for these preferences to be retained and applied across titles.

Accordingly, embodiments provide systems and associated methods configured for dynamic content play list creation. The dynamic content play list creation is described in connection with a fastplay application for BLU-RAY DISCs; however, this is by no means limiting, as other media storage devices/discs can be utilized using the general principles described herein.

Embodiments utilize categorization and local media player storage to present a set of custom play list(s) that are tailored to a user's choices and/or available time. The settings associated with the play list thus created are stored locally on the media player storage device (also referred to herein as a hard drive or a binding unit) such that the preferences can be utilized across all titles enabled with settings management technology. Dynamic content play list creation allows the user to customize the viewing experience by offering a user interface to set available time and content preferences.

The description now turns to the figures. The illustrated example embodiments will be best understood by reference to the figures. The following description is intended only by way of example and simply illustrates certain embodiments representative of the invention, as claimed.

Referring toFIG. 1, an example flow for a fastplay application is illustrated. On multi-media disc (“disc”) insert110, such as a BLU-RAY DISC, an application completes an autoplay check120. The autoplay check120includes determining if the disc that has been inserted supports fastplay (that is, determining if the disc has a fastplay application installed). The media player also waits a predetermined time in order for the user to provide a selection (for example, a menu selection) if automatic starting of fastplay is not desired. If no selection is received and the disc supports fastplay, a fastplay functionality can be implemented automatically180. This includes for example starting the fastplay application. As described further herein, the fastplay application includes automatically playing a predefined content list. Moreover, if the disc is autoplay enabled and the user has previously used autoplay, preferred settings saved locally to a media player storage device can be automatically applied to this autoplay session. If the user has no previously saved autoplay settings, the system can redirect the disc to a fastplay setting sub-menu or automatically apply default fastplay settings, as further described herein.

It will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that if the disc is not autoplay enabled, the disc can be handled as a normal disc, that is, without enabling any of the fastplay related menus and modules. Thus, further description of a disc that fails the autoplay check will be omitted, and the remainder of the description focuses on autoplay enabled discs.

If there is a user selection made at120, for example an input on a remote control device of the media play for the main menu, the media player displays the appropriate media display corresponding to the selection. Assuming for example the user selected the main menu button on the remote control, the main menu is displayed130on the screen (for example, HD television screen). The main menu comprises a user interface derived from an application, which can be stored for example on the disc.

Responsive to a user selection on the main menu, the media player presents an appropriate media display corresponding to the selection. For example, the user may select a settings selection, which brings up a settings sub-menu that contains a fastplay settings selection140. Responsive to selection of fastplay settings from the settings sub-menu, a fastplay settings sub-menu is displayed150. From the fastplay settings sub-menu, the user can configure/customize the fastplay application settings, as further described herein, prior to implementing or continuing with a fastplay functionality session180.

Alternatively, the user may select play from the main menu, in which case a play sub-menu is displayed160. The play sub-menu allows for various selections, including a fastplay play selection to bring up a fastplay sub-menu170. The fastplay sub-menu provides selections for beginning fast play functionality180and for customizing fastplay settings. A customize selection from the fastplay sub-menu brings up the fastplay settings sub-menu150.

FIG. 2illustrates a main menu201. The main menu201provides several selections including for example play202, recommended feature203(which may include a recommended feature thumbnail204), more205(which may include bonus features such as audio commentary, documentary and the like), and settings206. More information on the recommended feature and recommended feature thumbnail is contained in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/895,122, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCENTIVIZING CONTENT ENGAGEMENT”, filed concurrently herewith, incorporated by reference here. Selection of settings206corresponds to selection of settings at main menu130, which brings up a setting sub-menu.

Assuming the user selects play from the main menu201, a play sub-menu will be displayed by the media player. Selection of play on main menu201corresponds to selection of play at130. Referring toFIG. 3, the play sub-menu301includes a variety of selections including fastplay302, original theatrical303, special edition304, with story reel305, audio commentary306, sing-a-long307, and scene selection308. Assuming the user selects fastplay302from the play sub-menu201, a fastplay sub-menu is displayed. Selection of fastplay from the play sub-menu301corresponds to selection of fastplay at160.

Responsive to selection of fastplay from the play sub-menu301, a fastplay sub-menu is displayed.FIG. 4illustrates an example fastplay sub-menu401. The fastplay sub-menu401includes several selections, for example play402and customize403. The fastplay sub-menu401may also include other displays, for example current settings404and a fastplay list405. Selection of play402implements fastplay functionality180. Selection of customize403brings up a fastplay settings sub-menu. The current settings404displays the current settings for fast play. InFIG. 4for example, the current settings404are listed as Available Time: Full; Content Settings: Default. The fastplay list405displays the current content included in the fastplay application play list, that is, the content that will be played if the user selects play402given the current fastplay settings. Selection of customize corresponds to a selection of customize at170ofFIG. 1.

Assuming the user selects customize402, a fastplay setting sub-menu is displayed. The same fast play settings sub-menu may be obtained via selecting settings on the main menu and selecting fastplay from the setting sub-menu, as illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5(A-B)illustrate two example fastplay settings sub-menus. Referring toFIG. 5A, a fastplay settings sub-menu501A includes a user interface menu that permits a user to customize the fastplay application settings. The fastplay application settings503A appear below a settings header display502A and include for example an auto-start preference, which determines if the fastplay option should automatically start responsive to disc insert. The user can toggle the auto-start feature on and off.

Additionally, fastplay application settings503A include content preference and time preference. The content preference settings list options for the user to customize which types of content the user prefers. The example illustrated inFIG. 5Aincludes settings corresponding to Backstage, Family and Default. The Default setting is illustrated as highlighted, corresponding to a user preference that whatever predefined fastplay content the producers of the disc have selected is preferred for fastplay playback. The Default setting for example can correspond to a predefined play list for each time constraint.

The time preference settings include options for the user to customize how much time the user intends to spend interacting with (for example, viewing) the disc. The example time preferences illustrated inFIG. 5Ainclude Full Experience, 2 Hours, 30 Minutes, and 10 Minutes. InFIG. 5A, Full Experience is highlighted, corresponding to a user preference for no time limitations to be imposed in compiling the fastplay content play list.

The fastplay settings sub-menu501A further includes a play selections504A for playing the fastplay application and for saving any changes to the fastplay application settings, for example in media player storage (binding unit or hard drive). The saved fastplay application settings can be accessed across titles, as with other saved application settings. InFIG. 5A, the play selection is highlighted, corresponding to an indication that the user has reviewed the fastplay application settings and has chosen to start fastplay. The fastplay settings sub-menu further includes a sample play list505A such that the user is aware of which content will be included in the fastplay experience given the current fastplay application settings. Customization of the fastplay application settings may dynamically change this play list, as further described herein.

Referring toFIG. 5B, another example fastplay settings sub-menu is illustrated. Here, the fastplay setting sub-menu501B includes settings header502B, fastplay application settings503B include content preference and time preference. Given that the fastplay application settings503B indicate Default and Full Experience, the fastplay application compiles a play list505B that matches these settings. The fastplay application will dynamically update the fastplay play list503B if the user changes any of the customizable settings. For example, the sample play list503B includes Features1-5, which are listed along with their running times. Since the Full Experience option has been selected, time constraints do not need to limit the features available, and the features will be selected solely on content descriptors. However, if the user were to customize fastplay such that a time constraint is imposed, for example, 30-minute, the fastplay application would dynamically update the sample play list503B. For example, given a 30-minute time constraint, Features1and5would not be included because their running times exceed this time constraint. Rather, the fastplay application would dynamically compile an alternative play list of not greater than 30 minutes running time and display it for user review and approval. It is of course possible to allow the user to rearrange item ordering in the fastplay play list once the list is compiled.

Referring toFIG. 6(A-B), once the user reviews and approves the fastplay settings, the user may select play and begin fastplay. It will be readily understood that fastplay can be configured to begin playing content from the play list responsive to a predetermined time out or the like, rather than requiring the user to select play. Referring toFIG. 6A, during play of the fastplay play list, the user can bring up a fastplay popup menu601A in order to quickly determine where he or she is in terms of the fastplay play list. The example illustrated inFIG. 6Ashows that the user has progressed to viewing the second feature602A in the play list, that is, Linear Documentary.

Referring toFIG. 6B, the fastplay popup menu601B can be used to navigate to other features in the fastplay play list. For example, the user can simply scroll to the desired feature and select it to navigate to the feature. The example illustrated inFIG. 6Bshows that the user wishes to navigate to Feature3602B. Note that a variety of displays can be utilized. The fastplay popup menu601B illustrated inFIG. 6Blists the features along with their running times.

Referring toFIG. 7, while watching a feature in fastplay, a card701can optionally be displayed, for example at the start of each feature or segment of content. This allows the user to readily ascertain which one of the features is beginning and therefore where in the play list the user is. The card701can contain a variety of information, as for example illustrated inFIG. 7the name of the feature (Beauty and the Beast), a descriptor of the feature (Original Feature), and the running time (84 minutes).

Referring toFIG. 8, an example of dynamic play list generation is illustrated. Variables are accessed810by the fastplay application. The variables correspond to fastplay application settings, which can be stored locally on the media player storage device. As described herein, these variables are customizable. Any existing variables can be changed by the user, for example via accessing the fastplay settings sub-menu and changing one or more customizable settings. The variables used as non-limiting examples in this description are available time/time preference and content preference.

Given the variables, the fastplay application sorts the features820available on the disc such that a play list can be generated within the confines of the variables. In order for the fastplay application to create dynamic play lists, it must be supplied with the appropriate meta data regarding the available features of the disc (or the set of discs if a multi-disc set), for example “category type” and “runtime” of each feature. If the feature is not purely video and contains interactivity, the feature can either be reserved exclusively for the “Full Experience” play list or the “runtime” can be estimated (for example, by empirically solving for the average playback time). The example below shows how content could be categorized.

The fastplay application sorts the features according to the variables, for example running time, and removes features having a running time greater than the indicated running time variable. Likewise, the fastplay application removes features from the play list that have content descriptors not matching the indicated content preferences of the variables. Given the list of available features for inclusion in the play list, the fastplay application chooses an item from the list830for inclusion in the fastplay play list. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, if the features have been sorted according to running times, the fastplay application can simply choose the first feature in the running-time ordered list as the first included feature in the fastplay play list.

Once a feature has been chosen, the fastplay application subtracts its running time840from the available running time indicated in the time preference variable. The fastplay play list now includes one feature. The process iterates850until no remaining feature can be chosen without violating the time preference variable. Once the fastplay play list has been populated, the process ends and the play list has been generated. It should be noted that at any point in the process, an error card and explanation might be displayed. If the generation of a fastplay play list is not possible, an error card displaying an explanation is appropriate. For example, if only the feature and bonus materials are available as features on a given disc, and each is in excess of 30 minutes, and the user stored fastplay customization settings indicate a time variable of 30 minutes, the fastplay application could not select a feature for inclusion and should indicate this to the user.

As an alternative to using the automatic play list generation, as described in connection withFIG. 8, the available play lists may be specifically pre-defined for each category and time combination. When done this way, the play lists should follow the order defined in the order specification.

Referring toFIG. 9, an example of fastplay application operation is illustrated. When fastplay has been entered910, the fastplay application checks the progress920to determine the next step. For example, if a feature has been started at920, it is ascertained if the first feature to be played is an interactive feature, and if so, a warning card may be displayed930prior to beginning an interactive feature, informing the user that some user interactivity will be required to progress through the interactive feature. The warning card could be in the form of a menu prompt, wherein if the user does not interact with the menu prompt, the interactive feature is skipped and the next feature in the play list is begun. Responsive to clearing of the warning card, if one is displayed, the feature is played940.

If the progress check920indicates that a feature has been changed950, as via a user interacting with the fastplay popup menu, the fastplay application checks if the feature is on the disc960. The fastplay application may include features in a disc unbound way, that is, may include features in the fastplay play list from different discs in a multi-volume/disc set. If the feature to be played resides on another disc, a disc change prompt is displayed970. If the new feature is on the same disc, the fastplay application can again determine if the new feature is an interactive feature930prior to playing the feature940.

Referring toFIG. 10, it will be readily understood that embodiments can be implemented using any of a wide variety of devices or combinations of devices. An example device that may be used in implementing one or more embodiments includes a computing device in the form of a media player1010, such as a BLU-RAY DISC player. In this regard, the media player1010may execute program instructions configured to manage application settings and perform other functionality of the embodiments, as described herein.

Components of media player1010may include, but are not limited to, processing units1020, a system memory1030, and a system bus1022that couples various system components including the system memory1030to the processing unit1020. Media player1010may include or have access to a variety of computer readable media such as stored in system memory and/or on a multi-media disc. The system memory1030may include computer readable storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM), and/or a binding unit/hard drive. By way of example, and not limitation, system memory1030may also include an operating system, application programs, other program modules, and program data.

A user can interface with (for example, enter commands and information) the media player1010through input devices1040, which can include remote input devices. A monitor, HD television set, or other type of display device can also be connected to the system bus1022via an interface, such as an output interface1050. In addition to a monitor, media players may also include other peripheral output devices. The media player1010may operate in a networked or distributed environment using logical connections to one or more other remote computers or databases. The logical connections may include a network, such local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but may also include other networks/buses.

It should be noted as well that embodiments may be implemented as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, et cetera) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, aspects of the invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied therewith.

Thus, although illustrative embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.