Facilitating the creation and use of collections on an electronic device

A method for facilitating the creation and use of collections on an electronic device may include receiving user input related to the creation of collections of items that are stored on the electronic device. The method may also include creating the collections of items. The method may also include storing the collections of items on the electronic device. The method may also include backing up the collections to a backup server.

BACKGROUND

Electronic distribution of information has gained in importance with the proliferation of personal computers and has undergone a tremendous upsurge in popularity as the Internet has become widely available. With the widespread use of the Internet, it has become possible to distribute large, coherent units of information using electronic technologies.

Advances in electronic and computer-related technologies have permitted computers to be packaged into smaller and more powerful electronic devices. An electronic device may be used to receive and process information. The electronic device may provide compact storage of the information as well as ease of access to the information. For example, a single electronic device may store a large quantity of information that might be downloaded at any time via the Internet. In addition, the electronic device may be backed up, so that physical damage to the device does not necessarily correspond to a loss of the information stored on the device.

In addition, a user may interact with the electronic device. For example, the user may read information that is displayed by the electronic device. Further, the user may instruct the device to display a specific piece of information stored on the electronic device. Benefits may be realized from improved systems and methods for interacting with an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method for facilitating the creation and use of collections on an electronic device is disclosed. The method may include receiving user input related to the creation of collections of items that are stored on the electronic device. The method may also include creating the collections of items. The method may also include storing the collections of items on the electronic device. The method may further include backing up the collections to a backup server.

The electronic device may be an electronic book (eBook) reader, and at least some of the items in the collections may be eBooks. The backing up of the collections may occur in response to user input. Alternatively, the backing up of the collections may occur automatically.

The method may also include automatically creating at least one of the collections for the user of the electronic device. For example, the method may include automatically creating collections of items for use during a specified time period. As another example, the method may include automatically creating collections of items for keeping the user of the electronic device on a defined schedule. The method may further include sharing one or more of the collections with at least one user of another electronic device.

An electronic device that is configured to facilitate the creation and use of collections is disclosed. The electronic device includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. Instructions may be stored in the memory. The instructions may executable to receive user input related to the creation of collections of items that are stored on the electronic device. The instructions may also be executable to create the collections of items. The instructions may also be executable to store the collections of items on the electronic device. The instructions may also be executable to back up the collections to a backup server.

A computer-readable medium for facilitating the creation and use of collections on an electronic device is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include executable instructions for receiving user input related to the creation of collections of items that are stored on the electronic device. The computer-readable medium may also include executable instructions for creating the collections of items. The computer-readable medium may also include executable instructions for storing the collections of items on the electronic device. The computer-readable medium may also include executable instructions for backing up the collections to a backup server.

An electronic device that is configured to facilitate the creation and use of collections is disclosed. The electronic device may include means for receiving user input related to the creation of collections of items that are stored on the electronic device. The electronic device may also include means for creating the collections of items. The electronic device may also include means for storing the collections of items on the electronic device. Further, the electronic device may include means for backing up the collections to a backup server.

According to one illustrative implementation, this disclosure sets forth functionality for downloading items to a user device. The functionality may be manifested in various systems, modules, computer readable media, data structures, methods, and other forms.

The “item” referenced above may correspond to any type of content. In one case, the item corresponds to a digital media item. The media item may include, without limitation, text content, image content, audio content, video content, hypertext protocol content, and so on, or any combination of these kinds of content. In addition, or alternatively, the item may include instruction-bearing content, such as machine readable program code, markup language content, script content, and so forth. For instance, an item may correspond to a software upgrade or the like.

More specifically, in one case, the term “item” may refer to a specific unit of merchandisable content, such as a book (e.g., an “eBook”), an issue of a magazine, and so on. Alternatively, an item may refer to smaller parts of a merchandisable unit, such as a chapter of a book or a song in an album. Alternatively, an item may refer to a larger compilation of component items which are related in any manner. For instance, an item may refer to multiple issues of a magazine in a particular year.

In general, the various features described in the implementations may be regarded as optional features, meaning that these features may be omitted or replaced with other features. Further, the various implementations described herein may be supplemented by adding additional features.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a system100for downloading items from an Item Providing System (IPS)102to a user device104. At the device104, the user may consume the media items in electronic form, as opposed to traditional hard-copy form. Although not shown, the user device104represents one of a potentially great number of user devices.

As explained above, the term “item” has broad connotation. The following list, which is non-exhaustive, identifies representative types of items.

An item may correspond to an eBook item. An eBook item, in turn, may refer to a book in electronic form or to one or more portions of a book (such as a chapter of a book) or to a compilation of multiple books (such as a book series), and so on. An eBook is an example of a general class of items referred to herein as pre-generated items. The term pre-generated item refers to content typically (although not necessarily) provided to a user in response to the user's on-demand request for the content after it has been received and stored by the IPS102.

An item of content may also correspond to a subscription-related item. A subscription-related item refers to any item the user receives based on a schedule or based on some other type of pre-established arrangement. Without limitation, representative forms of subscription-related items include magazines, journals, newspapers, newsletters, and so on. Other forms of subscription-related items include electronic feeds of various types, such as Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, and so on. In contrast to a pre-generated item, a subscription-related item is typically provided to a user in response to the receipt of the item by the IPS102, rather than the user's on-demand request for a pre-generated item.

An item may also correspond to a personal document item, or simply “personal item.” A personal item refers to a document the user forwards in advance to the IPS102, whereupon the IPS102converts the item to a device-readable format.

An item may also correspond to audio content, such as a piece of music, a collection of music, an audio book, and so on. An item may also correspond to a bundle of information generated in response to a query made by the user. An item may also correspond to instruction-bearing content, such as a software update. An item may also correspond to advertising material downloaded to the user device by any entity or combination of entities. Various rules may be applied to govern the downloading of this type of item.

An item may also correspond to a sample of a more complete version of the item. In one case, a sample-type item may embed one or more links to allow the user to acquire its full-version counterpart, or another part (e.g., chapter) of the item. In another case, a publisher or author may release an eBook or other item in a series of installments. Each installment may be regarded as an item.

The item-providing system (IPS)102corresponds to any functionality or combination of functionality for forwarding items to the user device104. In one case, the IPS102may correspond to network-accessible server-based functionality, various data stores, and/or other data processing equipment. The IPS102may be implemented by a single collection of functionality provided at a single physical site. Alternatively, the IPS102may be implemented by multiple collections of functionality, optionally provided at plural physical sites. The IPS102may be administered by a single entity or plural entities.

In one case, the IPS102corresponds to an entity which provides items to users upon the users' purchase of the items. In this role, the IPS102may essentially act as a bookseller or the like. In one particular commercial environment, the IPS102may also offer services which allow users to purchase hard-copy books for physical delivery to the users; in this context, the IPS102may allow users to download electronic items to respective user devices as part of its entire suite of services. In other cases, the IPS102corresponds to an entity which provides items to users on a non-fee basis or on the basis of some other type of alternative compensation arrangement. Thus, the term “provider” of items should be construed broadly to encompass educational institutions, governmental organizations, libraries, non-profit organizations, and so on, or some cooperative combination of any two or more entities.

The user device104corresponds to any type of electronic processing device104for receiving items from the IPS102. In one implementation, the user device104is readily portable, meaning the user may freely carry the user device104from one location to another. In one particular case, the user device is designed as a book reader device, also known as an eBook reader device. In this case, the user device104functions as the electronic counterpart of a paper-based book. The user may hold the user device104in a manner similar to a physical book; the user may electronically turn the pages of the book, and so on.

Without limitation,FIG. 1illustrates a particular type of eBook reader device. Additional details regarding this particular type of reader device are provided below. Alternatively, the user device104may correspond to any other type of portable device, such as a portable music player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, a game module, a laptop computer, and so on, and/or any combination of these types of devices. Alternatively, or in addition, the user device104may correspond to a device which is not readily portable, such as a personal computer, a set-top box associated with a television, a gaming console, and so on.

A communication infrastructure106bi-directionally couples the IPS102to the user device104. Namely, the IPS102downloads items, upgrades, and/or other information to the user device104via the communication infrastructure106. The IPS102receives various instructions and other data from the user device104via the communication infrastructure106.

The communication infrastructure106may include any combination of communication functionality, including any combination of hardwired links and/or wireless links, etc. For instance,FIG. 2(to be discussed below in turn) shows one implementation of the communication infrastructure106which includes a combination of a wide area network (WAN) and wireless infrastructure. By virtue of the wireless component of the communication infrastructure106, the user may use the user device104to purchase items and consume items without being tethered to the IPS102via hardwired links. Thus, for instance, a user may purchase and consume an eBook using the device while riding in a car as a passenger, while hiking in a park, while boating on a lake, and so forth.

FIG. 1shows four exchanges which describe, in very high-level form, part of a procedure for downloading items to the user. In a first message108, the IPS102may send a notification message to the user device104. The notification message108instructs the user device104to download one or more items from the IPS102and/or perform other actions. In a second message110, the user device104requests the IPS102to supply a list which identifies one or more items to be downloaded (and/or other actions to be performed, such as, in one case, sending information back to the IPS102).

The user device104receives the list from the IPS102in response to the second message110(noteFIG. 1does not specifically identify the transmission of the list from the IPS102to the user device104). If the instructions identify items to be downloaded, in a third message112, the user device104sends a request to the IPS102, asking the IPS102to download the items identified in the list. In a fourth message114, the IPS102downloads the requested items to the user device104. In effect, the user device104retrieves the items using a pull approach, but the pull approach is initiated by a push operation (by virtue of the IPS102“pushing” a notification message108to the user device104).

FIG. 2shows a system200which represents one illustrative implementation of the general system100ofFIG. 1. By way of overview, the system200includes the components identified above, namely IPS102coupled to a user device104via communication infrastructure106.

The communication infrastructure106may include multiple components. A first component may be a wireless provider system202. The wireless provider system202corresponds to any infrastructure for providing a wireless exchange204with the user device104. In one case, the wireless provider system202is implemented using various data processing equipment, communication towers, and so forth (not shown).

Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless provider system202may rely on satellite technology to exchange information with the user device104. The wireless provider system202may use any form of electromagnetic energy to transfer signals, such as, without limitation, radio-wave signals. The wireless provider system202may use any communication technology to transfer signals, such as, without limitation, spread spectrum technology, implemented, for instance, using the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) protocol. The wireless provider system202may be administered by a single entity or by a cooperative combination of multiple entities.

The communication infrastructure106may also include a communication-enabling system206. One purpose of the communication-enabling system206is to serve as an intermediary in passing information between the IPS102and the wireless provider system202. The communication-enabling system210may be implemented in any manner, such as, without limitation, by one or more server-type computers, data stores, and/or other data processing equipment.

The communication-enabling system206may communicate with the wireless provider system202via a dedicated channel210, also referred to as a dedicated communication pipe or private pipe. The channel210is dedicated in the sense it is exclusively used to transfer information between the communication-enabling system206and the wireless provider system202. In contrast, the communication enabling system206communicates with the IPS102via a non-dedicated communication mechanism, such as a public Wide Area Network (WAN)212. For example, the WAN212may represent the Internet.

The users may access the IPS102through alternative communication routes which bypass the wireless provider system202. For instance, as indicated by alternative access path218, a user may use a personal computer or the like to access the IPS102via the wide area network212, circumventing the wireless provider system202and the communication-enabling system206. The user may download items through this route in conventional fashion. The user may then transfer the items from the personal computer to the user device104, e.g., via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) transfer mechanism, through the manual transfer of a portable memory device, and so on. This mode of transfer may be particularly appropriate for large files, such as audio books and the like. Transferring such a large amount of data in wireless fashion may have a relatively high cost. However, the system200may also be configured to transfer large files (such as audio files) via the wireless exchange204.

FIG. 3shows a system300including a more detailed depiction of the IPS102and the user device104(which were introduced inFIGS. 1 and 2). Although not shown, the system300shown inFIG. 3may use the wireless features shown inFIG. 2.

In another implementation, the system300may use some other communication infrastructure than is shown inFIG. 2, which may optionally omit the use of wireless communication.

Addressing the details of the IPS102first, this system102performs various functions. Different modules are associated with these different functions. One module is a content reception system302. The content reception system302receives content from one or more sources of content304. The sources304may represent any type of provider of content, such as eBook publishers, newspaper publishers, other publishers of periodicals, various feed sources, music sources, and so on.

The sources304may be administered by a single entity or may be administered by separate respective entities. Further, the entity administering the IPS102may correspond to a same entity which administers one or more of the sources304. Alternatively, or in addition, the entity administering the IPS102may interact with one or more different entities administering one or more respective sources304. In the latter case, the entity administering the IPS102may enter into an agreement with the source entities to receive content from these source entities.

In the above example, the entities associated with the sources304may correspond to commercial organizations or other types of organizations. In another case, one or more of the sources may correspond to individual users, such as the creators of the items. For example, a user may directly provide items to the IPS102. Alternatively, or in addition, a user may supply content to a community repository of items, and the IPS102may receive content from this repository, and so on.

The content reception system302may obtain the content through various mechanisms. In one case, the content reception system302obtains the content via one or more networks306. The networks306may represent a WAN, such as the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), or some combination thereof. The content reception system302may receive the information in various forms using any protocol or combination of protocols. For instance, the content reception system302may receive the information by making a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request, by making a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) request, by receiving a feed (e.g., an RSS feed), and so forth.

In another case, the IPS102may obtain content via a peer-to-peer (P2P) network of sources304. More generally, the content reception system302may proactively request the content in an on-demand manner (based on a pull method of information transfer). Or the content reception system302may receive the content in response to independent transfer operations initiated and performed by the sources304(based on a push method of information transfer). Alternatively, the content reception system302may use a combination of pull and push transfer mechanisms to receive the content.

The content reception system302may receive content in the form of items. Without limitation, the items may include eBooks, audio books, music, magazine issues, journal issues, newspaper editions, various feeds, and so forth. In one case, the content reception system302may receive some items expressed in a format not readable by the user device104(where the user device may optionally be configured to receive, process, and present content expressed in one or more predefined formats). To address this situation, the content reception system302may convert the items from their original format into a device-readable format (such as, without limitation, the .mobi format).

The content reception system302stores the items received (and optionally converts them to another format) in a content store308. The content store308includes one or more storage systems for retaining items in electronic form, located at a single site or distributed over plural sites, administered by one or more entities.

The IPS102also includes a subscription module310. The subscription module310manages users' subscriptions to subscription-related items. Generally, a subscription entitles a user to receive one or more subscription-related items (which are yet to be received and stored by the content reception system302) based on any type of consideration or combination of considerations. Without limitation, subscription-related item types include magazines, journals, newsletters, newspapers, various feeds, and so forth. Users may arrange to receive subscription-related items by purchasing such subscriptions, or, more generally, by registering to receive such subscriptions (which, in some cases, may not involve the payment of a fee).

Alternatively, or in addition, the IPS102may automatically register users to receive subscription-related items without the involvement of the users (and possibly without the approval of the users). The latter scenario may be appropriate in the case in which the IPS102(or some other entity) registers a user to receive unsolicited advertisements, newsletters, and so on. The system300may allow the user to opt out of receiving such unsolicited information.

The IPS102may consult the subscription module310to determine which user devices should receive a newly-received subscription-related item. For instance, upon receiving an electronic issue of the magazine Forbes, the IPS102consults the subscription module310to determine the users who have paid to receive this magazine. The IPS102then sends the issue to the appropriate user devices.

An item delivery system312represents the functionality which actually performs the transfer of content to the user device104. In one illustrative representation, the item-delivery system312includes two components: a to-do list server module314and a content delivery module316. The to-do list server module314generally provides instructions for the user device104. The instructions direct the user device104to retrieve items and perform other operations. The content delivery module316allows the user device104to obtain the items identified in the instructions received from the to-do list server module314.

More specifically, in a first phase of information retrieval, the to-do list server module314sends a notification message to the user device104. The user device104responds to the notification message by waking up (if “asleep”), which may involve switching from a first power state to a second power state (where the second power state consumes more power than the first power state).

The user device104may then contact the to-do list server module314to request instructions from the to-do list server module314. More specifically, for each user device, the to-do list server module314maintains a list of entries, also referred to herein as a “to-do queue.” An entry provides an instruction for a user device to perform an action. As will be described in greater detail below, there are different instructions that a device may be directed to perform, wherein a collection of instructions defines an IPS-device interaction protocol. One such action (e.g., associated with a GET instruction of the protocol) directs the user device104to retrieve an item from a specified location by specifying an appropriate network address (e.g., a URL) and appropriate arguments.

In a first phase of the downloading procedure, the user device104may retrieve n such entries, wherein n is an integer. In one scenario, the number n may be a subset of a total number of items in the to-do queue associated with the user device104. In a second phase of the downloading procedure, the user device104may contact the content delivery module316to retrieve one or more items identified in the GET-related entries.

In general, after receiving the notification message, the item delivery system312may interact with the user device104in a data mode, e.g., using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), or some other protocol or combination of protocols.

The IPS102may also include a merchant store module318. The merchant store module318may provide access to an item catalog320, which, in turn, may provide information regarding a plurality of items (such as eBooks, audio books, subscription related items, and so on). As will be described in greater detail below, the merchant store module318may include functionality allowing a user to search and browse though the item catalog320. The merchant store module318may also include functionality allowing a user to purchase items (or, more generally, acquire items based on any terms).

In one case, a user may interact with the merchant store module318via the user device104using wireless communication. Alternatively, or in addition, the user may interact with the merchant store module318via another type of device322, such as a personal computer, optionally via wired links. In either case, when the user purchases or otherwise acquires an item via the merchant store module318, the IPS102may invoke the item delivery system312to deliver the item to the user.

The IPS102may also include a personal media library module324. The personal media library module324may store, for each user, a list of the user's prior purchases. More specifically, in one case, the personal media library module324may provide metadata information regarding eBook items and other on-demand selections (e.g., “a la carte” selections, such as subscription issues, etc.) which a user already owns. The personal media library module324may also provide links to the items in the content store308. As will be described in greater detail below, to download an eBook item (or the like) which the user has already purchased, the user device104contacts the content delivery module316.

The content delivery module316may interact with permission information and linking information in the personal media library module324in order to download the item to the user. In one use scenario, the user device104may access the content delivery module316in this manner to initiate downloading of an item which has been previously purchased by the user but has been deleted by the user device104for any reason.

The IPS102may also include various security-related features, such as one or more authorization stores330. The authorization stores330may provide information which enables various components of the IPS102to determine whether to allow the user to perform various functions, such as access the merchant store module318, download items, change settings, and so on.

The above-enumerated list of modules is representative and is not exhaustive of the types of functions performed by the IPS102. As indicated by the label “Other Server-Side Functionality,” the IPS102may include additional functions, many of which are described below.

Now turning to the device-side features of the system300, the user device104may include a device to-do list processing module334. The purpose of the device to do list processing module334may be to interact with the item delivery system312to download items from the item delivery system312. Namely, in a first phase of the downloading procedure, the device to-do list processing module334may first receive a notification message from the to-do list server module314, which prompts it to wake up (if “asleep”) and contact the to-do list server module314to retrieve a set of n entries.

Each entry may include an instruction which directs the device to-do list processing module334to perform an action. In a second phase, for a GET-type entry, the device to-do list processing module334may contact the content delivery module316to request and retrieve an item identified by the GET-type entry. As will be described in greater detail below, the user device104may signal a successful completion of the download process or a failure in the download process.

Upon downloading an item, the user device104may store the item in a device side memory336, which in one example is a flash-type memory and may be any other type of memory in other examples. Although not shown, the user device104may also exchange information with any other source of content338. In one illustrative case, the other source of content338may represent a personal computer or other data processing device. Such other source of content338may transfer an item to the user device104via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection and/or any other type(s) of connection(s). In this scenario, the other source of content338, in turn, may receive the item from the IPS102(or other source) via hardwired connection (e.g., non-wireless connection). For example, to receive an audio book, the user may use a personal computer to non-wirelessly download the audio book from a network-accessible source of such content. The user may then transfer the audio book to the user device104via USB connection. In another illustrative case, the other source of content338may represent a portable memory module of any type, such as a flash type memory module, a magnetic memory module, an optical memory module, and so on.

The user device104may also include a reader module340. The illustrative purpose of the reader module340is to present media items for consumption by the user using the user device104. For example, the reader module340may be used to display an eBook to the user to provide a user experience which simulates the reading of a paper-based physical book.

The user device104may also include a content manager module342. The purpose of the content manager module342is to allow the user to manage items available for consumption using the user device104. For example, the content manager module342may allow the user to view a list of items available for consumption.

The content manager module342may also identify the sources of respective items: one such source corresponds to the device memory336; another source corresponds to an attached portable memory (e.g., represented by the other source338); another source corresponds to items identified in the personal media library module324(as may be revealed, in turn, by device-side metadata provided by the IPS102); another source corresponds to subscription-related items identified by the subscription module310, and so on. The content manager module342may allow the user to filter and sort the items in various ways. For example, the user may selectively view items which originate from the device store336.

The user device104may also include a store interaction module344. The store interaction module344may allow the user device104to interact with the merchant store module318. The user may engage the store interaction module344to search and browse through items, to purchase items, to read and author customer reviews, and so on. As described above, the user may also use a personal computer or the like to interact with the merchant store module318via hardwired links.

The above-enumerated list of modules is representative and is not exhaustive of the types of functions performed by the user device104. As indicated by the label “Other Device-Side Functionality,” the user device104may include additional functions, many of which are described below. In fact,FIG. 4shows additional device-side functionality. For completeness,FIG. 4also identifies the various modules described above, including the device to-do list processing module334, the device memory336, the reader module340, the content manager module342, and the store interaction module344. These features perform the functions described above.

FIG. 4shows one configuration of the user device104. The user device104may include searching and indexing functionality404. The indexing aspect of this functionality404provides a mechanism for indexing an item received from the IPS102and/or for interacting with an index generated and supplied by the IPS102or by some other source. An index for a particular item (such as an eBook or newspaper edition) identifies the component parts (e.g., words) in the item, linking the component parts to their respective locations in the item. The searching aspect of the functionality404provides a mechanism for searching for identified components (e.g., words, phrases, etc.) in an item, and for performing other search-related functions. The searching aspect relies on the indexing aspect.

The user device104may also include a home presentation module408. The home presentation module408may provide a home page when the user first turns on the user device and/or at other junctures. The home page may act as a general portal allowing a user to access media items and various features provided by the user device104. In one illustrative case, the home page may present a summary of some (or all) of the items available for consumption using the user device104.

The user device104may also include an audio play module410. The audio player module410may provide an interface which allows the user to play back and interact with audio items, such as music, audio books and the like.

The above-described features of the user device104may pertain to applications with which the user may interact or which otherwise play a high-level role in the user's interaction with the user device104. The user device104may include a number of other features to perform various lower-level tasks, possibly as background-type operations.

Power management functionality412performs one such background-type operation. More specifically, the power management functionality412corresponds to a collection of hardware and/or software features operating to manage the power consumed by the user device104. The power management functionality412generally operates to reduce the power consumed by the device104. The power management functionality412achieves this goal by selectively powering down features not actively being used (or for which there is an assumption these features are not actively being used). The power management functionality412achieves particularly noteworthy power savings by powering down features which make large power demands, such as one or more features associated with wireless communication.

The user device104may also include performance Monitoring and Testing (MT) functionality414. The MT functionality414maintains a performance log416identifying the behavior of the device104. The IPS102and/or other entities may access the performance log416, along with other information gleaned from the communication infrastructure106, to help diagnose anomalies in the operation of the user device104and the system300as a whole. The MT functionality414may also interact with testing functionality provided by the IPS102and/or other entities. For example, the MT functionality414may respond to test probes generated by the IPS102.

The user device104may also include an upgrade-related functionality418. The upgrade-related functionality418allows the user device104to receive and integrate instruction-bearing update items (such as software updates). In one case, the upgrade-related functionality418may automatically receive instruction-bearing items provided by the IPS102(and/or by other entities). An administrator at the IPS102may manually initiate the upgrade procedure by which an instruction-bearing update item is forwarded to the user device104. Or an automated IPS-side routine may initiate the upgrade procedure. In any event, the user device may receive the instruction-bearing update item without the involvement of the user or with minimal involvement from the user. In this sense, the upgrade procedure may be viewed as “transparent.” In another case, the upgrade-related functionality418may be operated by the user to manually access a source of instruction-bearing items (such as a prescribed website or the like) and download an item from this source.

To repeat, the above-enumerated list of modules is representative and is not exhaustive of the types of functions performed by the user device104. As indicated by the label “Other Device-Side Functionality,” the user device104may include additional functions.

The IPS102described above may interact with any type of user device104. In one case, the user device104is a portable-type device, meaning a device designed to be readily carried from location to location. In one specific case, the user device104allows the user to consume the media items while holding the user device104, e.g., in a manner which simulates the way a user might hold a physical book. A portable user device may take the form of an eBook reader device, a portable music player, a personal digital assistant, a mobile telephone, a game module, a laptop computer, and so forth, and/or any combination of these types of devices. Alternatively, or in addition, the user device104may correspond to a device not readily portable, such as a personal computer, set-top box associated with a television, gaming console, and so on.

Without limitation,FIG. 5shows one type of user device500which may be used to interact with the IPS102. The user device500may include a wedge-shaped body designed to fit easily in the hands of a user, generally having the size of a paperback book. Other user devices may adopt different shapes and sizes.

In one representative design, the user device500includes two display parts: a main display part502and a supplemental display part504. The main display part502presents various pages provided by the store interaction module344, the reader module340, and so on. In one case, the supplemental display part504is used to present a cursor. The user may position the cursor to identify laterally adjacent portions in the main display part502. Without limitation, in one illustrative case, the main display part502and/or the supplemental display part504may be implemented using electronic paper technology, such as provided by E Ink Corporation of Cambridge, Mass. This technology presents information using a non-volatile mechanism; using this technology, the user device500may retain information on its display even when the device is powered off.

The user device500includes various input keys and mechanisms. A cursor-movement mechanism506allows a user to move a cursor within the supplemental display part504. In one representative case, the cursor-movement mechanism506may include a cursor wheel that may be rotated to move a cursor up and down within the supplemental display part504. The cursor-movement mechanism506may be configured to allow the user to make a selection by pressing down the wheel. Other types of selection mechanisms may be used, such as a touch-sensitive display, a series of vertically and/or horizontally arrayed keys along the edge(s) of the main display part502, one or more graphical scroll bar(s) in the main display part502, and so on.

The user device500also includes various page-turning buttons, such as next page buttons (508,510) and a previous page button512. The next page buttons (508,510) advance the user to a next page in an item (relative to a page that is currently being displayed). The previous page512button advances the user to a previous page in an item (relative to a page that is currently being displayed). The user device500may also include a page-turning input mechanism514actuated by the user's thumb as it passes over the mechanism514. This user experience simulates the manner in which a user turns a page in a physical book (e.g., by “thumbing through” a book). The user device500may also include a back button516allowing the user to advance to a previous page when using the browsing module402. Although not shown, the user device500may include a switch for turning power on and off, a switch for enabling and disabling a wireless interface, and so on. The user device500may also include a keyboard518. The keyboard518may include alphanumeric keys. The keys may be shaped and oriented in a manner which facilitates the user's interaction with the keys while the user holds the device104in the manner of a physical book. The user may use the keyboard518to enter search terms, annotations, URLs, and so forth. The user may also use the keyboard518to respond to testing content. The keyboard518may also include various special-function keys.

Reference is now made toFIG. 6.FIG. 6illustrates an example showing how collections604may be displayed on a user device500.

A user interface window602is shown. The user interface window602may be displayed in the main display part502of a user device500. In the user interface window602there is a list of collections604. The list of collections604illustrates examples of possible collections604that a user may have on a user device500.

The list of collections604includes a collection604acalled Science Fiction. This illustrates that a user may create a collection604for a category of items606that the user enjoys reading, listening to, etc.

In the example shown inFIG. 6, the Science Fiction collection604aincludes an eBook606a(called “Star Force” in this example), a subscription-related item606b(called “Science Fiction Times” in this example), and a personal item606c(called “Personal Item 1” in this example). This illustrates that a collection604may include different types of items606. As indicated above, an item606may be a specific unit of merchandisable content (e.g., an eBook, an issue of a magazine, etc.). Alternatively, an item606may be a smaller part of a merchandisable unit (e.g., a chapter of an eBook, an article in a magazine, etc.).

The list of collections604also includes a collection604bcalled Economics101. This illustrates that a user may create a collection604for a class that the user is taking. The items606in such a collection604may correspond to reading materials from the class.

The list of collections604also includes a collection604ccalled Luke's Favorites. This illustrates that a user may receive a collection604from a friend. Thus, collections604may be shared among multiple people.

The list of collections604also includes a collection604dcalled Tech News. This illustrates that a collection604may include news-related items606that are updated on a regular basis. The items606in a particular collection604, such as the Tech News collection604d, may be updated automatically and/or they may be updated by the user.

The list of collections604also includes a collection604ecalled Book Club. This illustrates that a user may participate in a book club, and the ability of the user device500to create collections604may enhance participation in the book club. The items in the Book Club collection604emay correspond to items606that are being read (or listened to, etc.) by members of the book club.

FIG. 6also illustrates that the same item can be included in multiple collections. In particular, the eBook606acalled “Star Force” is shown in the Science Fiction collection604a, the Luke's Favorites collection604c, and the Book Club collection604e.

FIG. 6also illustrates that an item606can be moved from one collection604to another. For example, the item606ccalled “Personal Item 1” is shown being moved from the Science Fiction collection604ato the Economics101collection604b. This illustrates that collections604are not static, and can change over time.

FIG. 6illustrates just one possible way that collections604may be displayed on a user device500. There are many other ways that this may be done in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, instead of displaying the names of collections604, collections604may be represented in graphical form (e.g., a picture of a famous science fiction character may be displayed to represent the Science Fiction collection604a). As another example, although the list of collections604occupies most of the space in the user interface window602shown inFIG. 6, the list of collections604may alternatively occupy a much smaller amount of space in the user interface window602. This may permit other content (e.g., the content of an item606, such as an eBook606a) to be prominently displayed in the user interface window602. Also, although just a single level of collections604is shown inFIG. 6, the user device500may permit the user to create sub-collections (e.g., the Science Fiction collection604amay include a Star Trek sub-collection and a Star Wars sub-collection). The example shown inFIG. 6should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 7.FIG. 7illustrates an example showing how a user may add an item706to a collection704. As indicated above, an item706may be a specific unit of merchandisable content (e.g., an eBook, an issue of a magazine, etc.). Alternatively, an item706may be a smaller part of a merchandisable unit (e.g., a chapter of an eBook, an article in a magazine, etc.).

A user interface window702is shown. The user interface window702may be displayed in the main display part502of a user device500. Inside the user interface window702, multiple items706are shown. A user device500may be configured to display a list of all of the items706that are stored on the user device500, as shown inFIG. 7.

To add an item706to a collection704, a user may select the item706that is to be added. When an item706is selected, the selected item706may be highlighted. In response to an item706being selected, a pop-up window710may be displayed. Inside the pop-up window710, there may be a list of the collections704that have been created on the user device500. For example, in the pop-up window710that is shown inFIG. 7, there is a heading712called Add To Collection712. Underneath this heading712, there is a list of the collections704on the user device500(e.g., a Science Fiction collection704a, an Economics101collection704b, etc.). A user may select the collection704to which the selected item706is to be added. For example, the Science Fiction collection704ais shown selected inFIG. 7.

FIG. 7illustrates just one possible way that a user may add an item706to a collection704. There are many other ways that this may be done in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, a user interface element (e.g., a button, check box, etc.) may be displayed next to each of the items706in the list. As another example, a user may be permitted to add an item706to a collection704while the user is reading (or listening to, etc.) the item704. Also, althoughFIG. 7shows just a single item706being added to a collection704, a user may be permitted to add multiple items706to a collection704. The example shown inFIG. 7should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 8.FIG. 8illustrates an example of a system800for backing up collections804to a backup server818.

Multiple user devices814are shown. Some or all of the user devices814may be configured similarly to the user device500that is shown inFIG. 5. On each user device814, multiple collections804are shown. Each collection804may include multiple items806. As indicated above, an item806may be a specific unit of merchandisable content (e.g., an eBook, an issue of a magazine, etc.). Alternatively, an item806may be a smaller part of a merchandisable unit (e.g., a chapter of an eBook, an article in a magazine, etc.).

Each user device814may also include a backup module816. The backup module816on a particular user device814may be configured to backup the collections804that are stored on that user device814to a backup server818.

The backing up of collections804to a backup server818may occur in response to user input. One of the backup modules816inFIG. 8is shown with a manual backup setting819. The manual backup setting819may indicate that the backup module816does not backup the collections804on the user device814unless prompted to do so by the user of the device814.

Alternatively, the backing up of collections804to a backup server818may occur automatically. One of the backup modules816inFIG. 8is shown with an automatic backup setting817, which may indicate that the backup module816is configured to automatically backup the collections804on the user device814to the backup server818. Collections804may be automatically backed up to a backup server818on a periodic basis (e.g., daily, weekly, etc.).

The backup server818may include a collections database820. The collections database820may include backup copies of collections804for multiple users821. The backup server818may also include a database manager822. The database manager822may be configured to communicate with the backup modules816on the user devices814to facilitate the backing up of the collections804to the backup server818.

FIG. 8illustrates just one possible example of a system800for backing up collections804to a backup server818. Other configurations are possible in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, although just a single collections database820is shown inFIG. 8, alternatively multiple collections databases820may be utilized. As another example, multiple backup servers818may be utilized. Also,FIG. 8is not meant to imply that different user devices814backup their collections804to the backup server818at the same time. Different user devices814may backup their collections804to the backup server818at different times, or at the same time. The example shown inFIG. 8should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 9.FIG. 9illustrates an example showing how items906may be associated with collections904using annotations924and tags926.

A user device914is shown in electronic communication with a backup server918. The user device914may be configured similarly to the user device500that is shown inFIG. 5. Multiple items906may be stored on the user device914.

Each item906may be associated with one or more annotations924. An annotation924may be any piece of information that is associated with an item906. Annotations924may be provided by a user of the device914. For example, if the user device914is configured similarly to the user device500that is shown inFIG. 5, the user may use the keyboard518to enter annotations924.

One or more of the annotations924may include a tag926. The tag926may associate the item906with a particular collection904. A tag926may be a type of metadata, e.g., a keyword or term that is associated with and/or assigned to a collection904. For example, a tag926may include textual information that is descriptive of the collection904with which the item906is being associated (e.g., a textual label for the collection904).

The collections904on the user device914may be backed up to the backup server918. The backup server918may include a collections database920. The backup copies of the collections904on the user device914may be stored in the collections database920. In the collections database920, items906may be associated with collections904using annotations924and tags926in a similar manner to the way in which annotations924and tags926were used on the user device914.

FIG. 9illustrates just one possible way that items906may be associated with collections904using annotations924and tags926. There are many other ways that this may be done in accordance with the present disclosure. For example,FIG. 9shows annotations924and tags926being utilized on the user device914and also in the collections database920. However, annotations924and tags926may be utilized on the user device914but not the collections database920(or vice versa). As another example,FIG. 9shows just a single tag926being associated with an item906. However, multiple tags926may be associated with a single item906(e.g., to associate the item906with multiple collections904). Also,FIG. 9shows all of the annotations924and tags926from the user device914being backed up on a single backup server918having a single collections database920. Alternatively, multiple backup servers918and/or multiple collections databases920may be used to backup the annotations924and tags926from the user device914. Additionally,FIG. 9is showing a logical structure of a collections database920. The logical structure that is shown inFIG. 9may be implemented in a variety of ways. The example shown inFIG. 9should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 10.FIG. 10illustrates an example of a user device1014that may be configured to automatically create collections1004based on certain criteria. The user device1014may be configured similarly to the user device500that is shown inFIG. 5.

One or more automatically created collections1004may be stored on the user device1014. Each automatically created collection1004may include one or more items1006. As indicated above, an item1006may be a specific unit of merchandisable content (e.g., an eBook, an issue of a magazine, etc.). Alternatively, an item1006may be a smaller part of a merchandisable unit (e.g., a chapter of an eBook, an article in a magazine, etc.).

The user device1014may include a collections creation module1030. The collections creation module1030may be configured to automatically create collections1004for the user of the device1014based on certain criteria.

The collections creation module1030may include a time-based collections creation module1032. The time-based collections creation module1032may be configured to automatically create collections1004of items1006that the user of the device1014may use (e.g., read, listen to, etc.) during a specified time period.

The collections creation module1030may also include a schedule-based collections creation module1034. The schedule-based collections creation module1034may be configured to automatically create collections1004that may help keep the user of the device1014on a defined reading schedule with respect to one or more items1006. This may be advantageous, for example, if the user of the device1014is taking a class and needs to keep on an assigned reading schedule.

Multiple items1006may be stored on the user device1014. There may be certain information associated with each item1006that facilitates the automatic creation of collections1004.

Some of the information associated with particular items1006may facilitate time-based automatic creation of collections1004. For example, the estimated time to read1036a particular item1006may be associated with the item1006. The estimated time to read1036may be based on the length1038of the item1006and/or an estimated reading speed1040. The estimated reading speed1040may be determined with respect to an average user, or to the specific user of the device1014.

Each item1006may also be associated with one or more categories1042. Examples of categories1042may include: science fiction, biography, sports, current events, school, etc.

Some items1006may be assigned to the user of the device1014. For example, this may be the case where the user of the device1014is a student. Each assigned item1006may be associated with an assigned completion date1048. The assigned completion date1048may be the date that the user of the device1014has been assigned to complete reading of the item1006. The user's progress to date1050may also be stored on the user device1014. The progress to date1050may indicate how much of the item1006has been read, and how much remains to be read (or listened to, etc.).

User preferences1044may also be stored on the user device1014. Examples of user preferences1044include category rankings1046. The category rankings1046may provide a way to prioritize the categories1042of items1006that are stored on the user device1014. For example, if the user of the device1014is a fan of science fiction, then the science fiction category1042may be ranked first.

FIG. 10illustrates just one example of a user device1014that may be configured to automatically create collections1004based on certain criteria. Other configurations are possible in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the collections creation module1030may be capable of automatically creating collections1004based on criteria other than (or possibly in addition to) time and/or an assigned schedule. Also, although this is not explicitly shown inFIG. 10, the user device1014may include both automatically created collections1004and manually created collections1004. Moreover, in addition to automatically creating collections, the user device1014may also be configured to automatically remove items1006from a collection. Other modifications to the user device1014shown inFIG. 10are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure. The example shown inFIG. 10should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 11.FIG. 11illustrates an example of a method1100for time-based automatic creation of collections1004. The time-based collections creation module1032in the user device1014ofFIG. 10may be configured to operate in accordance with the depicted method1100.

The method1100may include receiving1102user input requesting a collection1004to read in a specified time period. For example, if the user of the device1014has a thirty-minute train ride to work, the user of the device1014may request a collection1004of items1006to read in that thirty-minute commute.

The method1100may also include receiving1104user input regarding the length of the time period for which the requested collection1004is to be created. In the above example, the user of the device1014may input the length of his/her commute (e.g., thirty minutes).

The method1100may also include receiving1106user input regarding preferred categories1042from which the items1006in the automatically-created collection1004should be selected. For example, suppose that one of the available categories1042is related to current events. If the user of the device1014wants to catch up on current events during his/her commute, the user may provide input indicating that the items1006in the automatically-created collection1004should be selected from the current events category.

The method1100may also include identifying1108items1006from the preferred categories1042that may be read in the available time period. For example, if the estimated time to read1036a particular item1006exceeds the available time period, then that item1006may not be included in the automatically created collection1004. However, if the estimated time to read1036a particular item1006is less than the specified time period, that item1006may be included in the automatically-created collection1004, possibly along with one or more other items1006. For example, if the available time period is thirty minutes, then the automatically-created collection1004may include an item1006that may be read in ten minutes, another item1006that may be read in fifteen minutes, and another item1006that may be read in five minutes.

FIG. 11illustrates just one example of a method1100for time-based automatic creation of collections1004. There are many possible modifications to the method1100in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the user of the device1014may not provide input about preferred categories1042, and identification1108of items1006may occur without reference to categories1042. As another example, instead of providing input about a fixed time period, the user of the device1014may provide input about a range of time periods (e.g., twenty-five to thirty-five minutes). Other modifications to the method1100shown inFIG. 11are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure. The example shown inFIG. 11should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 12.FIG. 12illustrates an example of a method1200for schedule-based automatic creation of collections1004. The schedule-based collections creation module1034in the user device1014ofFIG. 10may be configured to operate in accordance with the depicted method1200.

The method1200may be performed with respect to an item1006that has been assigned to the user of the device1014(e.g., a reading assignment for a class that the user of the device1014is taking). As indicated above, an item1006that has been assigned to the user of the device1014may have an assigned completion date1048. Also, the user's progress to date1050with respect to the assigned item1006may be stored on the user device1014. In the depicted method1200it is assumed that the assigned item1006is some type of reading material (e.g., an eBook, an article in a magazine, etc.).

The method1200may include determining1202the number of days until the assigned completion date1048. The method1200may also include determining1204the number of pages remaining to read. This may involve evaluating the user's progress to date1050with respect to the assigned item1006.

The method1200may also include determining1206the number of pages to be read per day to finish by the assigned completion date1048. This may involve dividing the number of pages remaining to read by the number of days until the assigned completion date1048.

The method1200may also include creating1208a collection1004that includes the appropriate number of pages in order to stay on schedule to finish reading the item1006by the assigned completion date1048. The method1200may be repeated with respect to one or more other assigned items1006, and pages from those other assigned items1006may also be added to the automatically-created collection1004. Once the automatically-created collection1004has been completed, the user of the device1014may know exactly what items1006should be read today in order to stay on schedule with respect to assigned completion dates1048for assigned items1006.

FIG. 12illustrates just one example of a method1200for schedule-based automatic creation of collections1004. There are many possible modifications to the method1200in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, although in the method1200shown inFIG. 12it is assumed that the assigned item1006is some type of reading material, a similar method may be performed for other types of items1006that do not include reading material (e.g., audiobooks). As another example, in the method1200ofFIG. 12it is assumed that the user of the device1014reads an equal number of pages/day. Alternatively, the user of the device1014may be able to read more pages on some days than others, and this may be taken into consideration when determining1206the pages/day to finish by the assigned completion date1048. Other modifications to the method1200shown inFIG. 12are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure. The example shown inFIG. 12should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 13.FIG. 13illustrates an example showing how a person may share one or more collections1304with other people.

The example shown inFIG. 13is relevant to a classroom setting. Multiple user devices1314are shown. In particular, a user device1314abelonging to a teacher is shown. Also, multiple user devices1314bbelonging to students are shown. Each user device1314may be configured similarly to the user device500that is shown inFIG. 5.

A class reading list collection1304may be stored on the teacher user device1314a. The class reading list collection1304may include items606(e.g., chapters from textbooks, articles from magazines, etc.) that the teacher would like students of the class to read. The class reading list collection1304may be created by the teacher.

The teacher user device1314amay also include a sharing module1352. The sharing module1352may be configured to facilitate sharing of the class reading list collection1304with students of the class.

The sharing module1352may include a registration module1354. The registration module1354may be configured to permit students to register to receive copies of the class reading list collection1304, as well as updates to the class reading list collection1304. For example, the teacher may update the class reading list collection1304on a periodic basis (e.g., weekly). Whenever updates to the class reading list collection1304are made, updated versions of the class reading list collection1304may be transmitted to devices1314bof students who have registered for the class reading list collection1304.

The sharing module1352may also include a distribution module1356. The distribution module1356may be configured to distribute the class reading list collection1304, and updates to the class reading list collection1304, to devices1314bof students who have registered for the class reading list collection1304.

Device addresses1357may also be stored on the teacher user device1314a. The device addresses1357may be addresses of student user devices1314bthat have registered to receive the class reading list collection1304. The distribution module1356may use the device addresses1357to distribute the class reading list collection1304to devices1304bof registered students.

FIG. 13illustrates just one example of a way in which a person may share one or more collections1304with other people. There are many other ways that this may be done in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, instead of distributing the class reading list collection1304directly to the student user devices1314b, the class reading list collection1304may be stored on a server, and the student user devices1314bmay download the class reading list collection1304from the server. Also, although the example shown inFIG. 13is relevant to a classroom setting, collections1304may be shared in a variety of other contexts and situations. For example, famous individuals (e.g., well-known entertainers, athletes, business leaders) may make their personal collections1304available to interested individuals, such as fans. Other variations are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure. The example shown inFIG. 13should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 14.FIG. 14illustrates an example of a user device1402that is configured to facilitate the creation and use of collections1434. The user device1402is an example of an electronic device that may be configured to implement the techniques described herein.

The user device1402may be an eBook reader, i.e., a device that may be used to read eBooks. If the user device1402is an eBook reader, the eBook reader may be specifically designed for the purpose of reading eBooks. Alternatively, the eBook reader may be intended for other purposes as well. The user device1402may be configured similarly to the user device500that is shown inFIG. 5.

The user device1402includes a processor1406. The processor1406may be a general purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor (e.g., an ARM), a special purpose microprocessor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. The processor1406may be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU).

The user device1402also includes memory1408. The memory1408may be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The memory1408may be embodied as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices in RAM, on-board memory included with the processor, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, and other non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including combinations thereof.

Data1410and instructions1412may be stored in the memory1408. The instructions1412may be executable by the processor1406to perform various tasks and to implement various methods, such as the tasks and methods described herein. Executing the instructions1412may involve the use of the data1410that is stored in the memory1408.

The user device1402may also include a transmitter1414to allow transmission of data from the user device1402to a remote location. The user device1402may also include a receiver1416to allow reception of data at the user device1402from a remote location. The transmitter1414and receiver1416may be collectively referred to as a transceiver1418. An antenna1420may be electrically coupled to the transceiver1418.

The user device1402may also include one or more communication ports1422for communicating with other electronic devices. Communication with other electronic devices may occur directly and/or via a computer network. Some examples of communication ports1422include Ethernet ports, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, parallel ports, serial ports, etc.

The user device1402may also include one or more input devices1424. Examples of input devices1424include a keyboard, mouse, remote control device, microphone, button, joystick, trackball, touchpad, lightpen, etc.

The user device1402may also include a display1426. A display controller1428may also be provided, for converting data1410stored in the memory1408into text, graphics, and/or moving images (as appropriate) shown on the display1426.

The display1426may be an electronic paper display, which is a display that is capable of holding text and images indefinitely without drawing electricity, while allowing the text and images to be changed later. There are several different technologies that may be used to create an electronic paper display, including electrophoretic display technology, bistable liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, cholesteric LCD display technology, etc. Alternatively, the display1426may utilize another image projection technology, such as liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light-emitting diode (LED), etc. One or more other output devices1430, such as audio speakers, may also be included in the user device1402.

The data1410in the memory1408may include one or more collections1434. Each collection1434may include one or more items1436. As indicated above, an item1436may be a specific unit of merchandisable content (e.g., an eBook, an issue of a magazine, etc.). Alternatively, an item1436may be a smaller part of a merchandisable unit (e.g., a chapter of an eBook, an article in a magazine, etc.).

The data1410in the memory1408may also include user input1438. The user input1438may be related to the creation of collections1434of items1436that are stored on the electronic device1402. Alternatively, or in addition, the user input1438may be related to the backing up of collections1434to a backup server818.

The data1410in the memory1408may also include one or more defined time periods1440that may relate to time-based automatic creation of collections1434. The data1410in the memory1408may also include one or more defined schedules1442that may relate to schedule-based automatic creation of collections1434.

The instructions1412in the memory1408may include instructions1444for receiving user input1438related to the creation of collections1434of items1436that are stored on the electronic device1402. The user input1438may specify which collections1434are to be created. The user input1438may also specify which items1436should be included in the collections1434that are created.

The instructions1412in the memory1408may also include instructions1446for creating collections1434of items1436based on the user input1438. The instructions1412in the memory1408may also include instructions1448for storing the collections1434on the electronic device1402.

The instructions1412in the memory1408may also include instructions1450for backing up the collections1434to a backup server818. The backing up of the collections1434may occur in response to user input1438. Alternatively, the backing up of the collections1434may occur automatically. An example of a system800for backing up collections804to a backup server818was discussed above in relation toFIG. 8.

The instructions1412in the memory1408may also include instructions1452,1454for automatically creating collections1434of items1436. For example, instructions1452may be provided for automatically creating one or more collections1434for use by the user of the device1402during a specified time period1440. An example of a method1100for time-based automatic creation of collections1004was discussed above in relation toFIG. 11. As another example, instructions1454may be provided for automatically creating one or more collections1434for keeping the user of the device1402on a defined schedule1442. An example of a method1200for schedule-based automatic creation of collections1004was discussed above in relation toFIG. 12.

The instructions1412in the memory1408may also include instructions1456for sharing one or more of the collections1434with at least one user of another electronic device1402. An example showing how a person may share one or more collections1304with other people was discussed above in relation toFIG. 13.

FIG. 14illustrates just one possible example of a user device1402that is configured to facilitate the creation and use of collections1434. There are a number of modifications that may be made to the user device1402in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, although just a single processor1406is shown in the user device1402ofFIG. 14, alternatively a combination of processors1406(e.g., an ARM and DSP) could be used. As another example, the user device1402may include multiple transmitters1414, multiple receivers1416, multiple transceivers1418and/or multiple antenna1420. Also, some of the data1410and/or the instructions1412that are shown in the memory1408of the user device1402may be optional and may be omitted. For example, the defined time period(s)1440, the defined schedule(s)1442, the instructions1452,1454for automatically creating collections1434of items1436and the instructions1456for sharing collections1434may be optional and may be omitted. Other modifications are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure. Thus, the example shown inFIG. 14should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made toFIG. 15.FIG. 15illustrates an example of a method1500for facilitating the creation and use of collections1434on an electronic device1402. The method1500may be implemented by an electronic device1402. The instructions1412in the memory1408of the electronic device1402may be executed by the processor1406to implement the depicted method1500.

The method1500may include receiving1502user input1438related to the creation of collections1434of items1436that are stored on the electronic device1402. The user input1438may specify which collections1434are to be created. The user input1438may also specify which items1436should be included in the collections1434that are created.

The method1500may also include creating1504the collections1434of items1436based on the user input1438. The method1500may also include storing1506the collections1434on the electronic device1402.

The method1500may also include backing up1508the collections1434to a backup server818. The backing up1508of the collections1434may occur in response to user input1438. Alternatively, the backing up of the collections1434may occur automatically. An example of a system800for backing up collections804to a backup server818was discussed above in relation toFIG. 8.

The method1500may also include automatically creating1510,1512collections1434of items1436. For example, one or more collections1434may be automatically created1510for use by the user of the device1402during a specified time period1440. An example of a method1100for time-based automatic creation of collections1004was discussed above in relation toFIG. 11. As another example, one or more collections1434may be automatically created1512for keeping the user of the device1402on a defined schedule1442. An example of a method1200for schedule-based automatic creation of collections1004was discussed above in relation toFIG. 12.

The method1500may also include sharing1514one or more of the collections1434with at least one user of another electronic device1402. An example showing how a person may share one or more collections1304with other people was discussed above in relation toFIG. 13.

As mentioned, the method1500may be implemented by an electronic device1402. The electronic device1402that implements the method1500may be an eBook reader. At least some of the items1436in the collections1434may be eBooks.

FIG. 15illustrates just one example of a method1500for facilitating the creation and use of collections1434on an electronic device1402. There are many possible modifications to the method1500in accordance with the present disclosure. Some of the steps in the method1500may be optional and may be omitted. For example, the steps of automatically creating1510,1512collections1434of items1436and/or sharing1514one or more collections1434may be optional. Other modifications to the method1500shown inFIG. 15are also possible in accordance with the present disclosure. The example shown inFIG. 15should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “code” and “instructions” should be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable statement(s). For example, the terms “code” and “instructions” may refer to one or more programs, routines, sub-routines, functions, procedures, etc.

The functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray® Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

Functions such as executing, processing, performing, running, determining, notifying, sending, receiving, storing, requesting, and/or other functions may include performing the function using a web service. Web services may include software systems designed to support interoperable machine-to-machine interaction over a computer network, such as the Internet. Web services may include various protocols and standards that may be used to exchange data between applications or systems. For example, the web services may include messaging specifications, security specifications, reliable messaging specifications, transaction specifications, metadata specifications, XML specifications, management specifications, and/or business process specifications. Commonly used specifications like SOAP, WSDL, XML, and/or other specifications may be used.