Systems and methods for providing customized media channels

The present application describes systems and methods for creating customized media channels. A method of the invention according to some embodiments includes: (a) transmitting to a user device information comprising a list of music genres; receiving from the user device a message indicating that a user selected one of the listed genres and including an identifier identifying the selected genre; selecting one or more media content items in response to receiving the message, wherein the selection is based, at least in part, on (i) the genre selected by the user and (ii) profile information associated with a user identifier input by the user and/or a device identifier associated with the device; and transmitting the selected media content items to the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to systems and methods for providing customized media channels.

2. Discussion of the Background

Users who frequently use conventional media systems (e.g., users that listen to conventional radio stations or watch conventional music video stations) know all too well that the conventional media systems do not always provide (e.g., play) the media content (e.g. songs or music videos) that the listener wants to consume (e.g., hear or, in the case of music videos, watch). This is due to the simple fact that conventional media systems must accommodate the tastes of a mass audience.

What is desired, therefore, is a system to overcome these and other disadvantages of conventional media systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention provides media systems and methods that overcome many of the above described disadvantages associated with conventional media systems and methods

According to one embodiment, a method for providing a customized media channel includes: (a), displaying to the user a graphical user interface that comprises a list of music genres using the client's display; (b) enabling the user to select one of the listed music genres; (c) in response to the user selecting one of the listed music genres, transmitting a message from the client to a server, wherein the message includes a genre identifier identifying the selected genre; (d) in response to receiving the message, selecting a media content item based, at least in part, on the genre selected by the user; (e) immediately after step (d), transmitting the selected media content item to the client using a one-to-one connection; and (f) receiving the media content item at the client and playing the media content item for the user.

In some embodiments the media content item is selected based, at least in part, not only on the selected genre but also profile information associated with a user identifier input by the user and/or a client identifier associated with the client. The profile information may include or consist of only a set of identifiers identifying media content items previously played for the user and/or previously transmitted to the device. The method my also include the step of adding to the set of identifiers an identifier that identifies the selected media content item and occasionally removing one or more identifies from the set of identifiers. In some embodiments, the set of identifiers has a predefined maximum size. Additionally, in some embodiments, the method may also include enabling a user to indicate that the user likes or does not like the media content item while the media content item is being played and updating the profile information as a result of the user indicating that he or she likes or does not like the media content item. In some embodiments, the step of selecting a media content item comprises retrieving a media content item identifier from a playlist.

According to one embodiment, a system for providing a customized media channel includes: a server system; and a network enabling a user client to communicate with the server system, wherein the server system is operable to: (a) transmit to the user client information comprising a list of music genres; (b) receive from the user client a message indicating that the user selected one of the listed genres and including an identifier identifying the selected genre; (c) select one or more media content items in response to receiving the message, wherein the selection of the one or more media content items is based, at least in part, the genre selected by the user; and (d) transmit the selected media items to, and only to, the user client.

In some embodiments the media content item is selected based, at least in part, not only on the selected genre but also profile information associated with a user identifier input by the user and/or a client identifier associated with the client. The profile information may comprise or consists of a set of identifiers identifying media content items previously played for the user and/or previously transmitted to the device and the sever system is further operable to add to the set of identifiers an identifier that identifies one of the selected media content items.

In some embodiments, the user device is operable to enable a user to indicate that the user likes or does not like a media content item while the media content item is being played by the user device and the server system is further operable to update the profile information as a result of receiving from the user device a communication indicating that the user likes or does not like the media content item. In some embodiments, the user device is a set-top box and a television monitor is connected to the set-top box.

Further features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of these embodiments, are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a diagram of a conventional media system100. As shown inFIG. 1, there is illustrated a music broadcaster102broadcasting sound recordings (e.g., songs) over three stations (stations A, B, and C) to users110(1)110(N). For the sake of simplicity, we can assume station A is devoted to Alternative music, station B is dedicated to Jazz, and station C is devoted to Classical music. Also for the sake of simplicity,FIG. 1only shows a single music broadcaster. However, it is well understood that there could exist a number of music broadcasters like broadcaster102, and that music broadcaster102may broadcast music over fewer or more stations than that shown. Additionally, broadcaster102may employ many networks and/or systems to broadcast music to users110. Such networks/systems include: satellite networks, cable television networks, the Internet, conventional radio towers, and other like networks and systems.

Music broadcaster102may have a master sound recording library104that contains a collection of sound recordings that are available to be broadcast to the listeners110. Additionally, music broadcaster102may have three playlists112,114, and116. Each playlist is associated with one of the stations A, B, and C. As its name implies, a playlist contains an ordered list of media content identifiers (e.g., song titles) that identify the sound recordings that are to be broadcast to listeners110. Music broadcaster102may use the playlists to determine which sound recordings to select from sound recording library104for broadcast to listeners110. For example, the music broadcaster102may broadcast the sound recordings listed in the playlist in the order in which they are listed. The playlists may contain a day's worth of sound recordings, in which case, every day a new playlist is generated so that the music broadcaster102does not broadcast the same sound recordings in the same order two days in a row.

Users110each have at least a receiver106for receiving one of the stations of music and sound reproducing equipment108for reproducing the received music. Because each station of music is necessarily broadcast to each user110, music broadcaster102must select sound recordings to broadcast that will be favorable to a wide audience. In other words, play-lists112,114, and116each contain a list of sound recordings that are expected to be enjoyed by a mass audience, rather than any particular user110.

Because of bandwidth limitation problems, it may be too costly for music broadcaster102to create a customized audio station for each user110. Thus, there may be times when broadcaster102is not broadcasting any sound recordings that a user110prefers to receive. The system shown inFIG. 2is designed to overcome this problem.

Customized Media System200

FIG. 2shows a functional block diagram of a customized media system200(e.g., a system for providing to a user a customized stream of media content) according to one embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 2, media system200includes a user device202and a remote server280.

A block diagram of user device202, according to one embodiment, is illustrated inFIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, user device202includes one or more receivers210that are operable to receive transmitted data, a transmitter211for transmitting signals to other devices (such as server280), a data processing unit212, a persistent storage device214, a user interface220, a decoder222, an amplifier224, and a removable storage drive276(e.g., CD ROM or DVD drive).

Receiver210can be any device that can receive data. For example, it can be any one or a combination of the following: a radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving data broadcast by radio waves, a cable-tv receiver for receiving signals transmitted through an analog or digital cable-tv system, a satellite receiver for receiving signals transmitted by satellite, a data network receiver for receiving data transmitted through a data network (e.g., the Internet), etc. It is also contemplated that receiver210can function to transmit data as well as receive data, in which case separate transmitter211may not be needed, in which case device210is a transceiver.

Data processing unit212is adapted to control the operation of user device202through software250. Data processing unit212may include one or more programmable processors and memory (e.g., RAM and ROM) for storing data and software250. Based on the detailed description of the functionality of user device202given below, one of ordinary skill in the art is able create software250.

User interface220allows user110to interact with user device202. User interface220may include input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, infrared remote control, etc.) for user110to input commands to processing unit212. Additionally, in one embodiment, user interface220may include a display screen for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI), that enables user110to input commands and make selections. The display screen may be a standard television monitor, a standard computer monitor, or any other display device that is capable of displaying a user interface.

Storage device214, in one embodiment, stores one or more sound recordings (referred to as local sound recording library216). Preferably, to prevent theft and/or copyright violations and for other security reasons, each sound recording not owned by user110is encrypted and/or watermarked before the sound recording is placed in the library216. User110may be considered to own a sound recording in the cases where the user has either purchased the sound recording or otherwise has unrestricted possession of the sound recording.

Storage device214, in one embodiment, also stores a library catalogue217. Catalogue217maintains a list of each sound recording that is in local sound recording library216.FIG. 3illustrates one embodiment of library catalogue217. In this embodiment, for each sound recording in library216, catalogue217keeps track of the genre(s) and style(s) to which the sound recording belongs and also keeps track of whether or not user110owns the sound recording.

In one embodiment, user device202is a cable-tv set-top box or implemented within a cable-tv set-top box, server280is a “head-end sever” (i.e., located at a cable system head-end), and device202communicates with server280through a cable-tv transmission system. Server280may have a hardware component and a software component. The hardware component may include conventional sever hardware components (e.g., processor, memory, etc.) and one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to create the software component from the description herein of server280's functionality.

Features and Operation of User Device202

As appreciated by one or ordinary skill in the art, the features and operations described below are illustrative and not mean to limit the invention.

Software250enables user110to perform a number of operations. For example, in some embodiments, software250enables user110to select to listen to a particular media channel (a.k.a., media station), modify or delete an existing media channel, and create one or more media channels. In one embodiment, user110can also use a separate computer299to modify and delete existing media channels and to create new media channels, provided that computer299is able to communicate with remote server280or device202.

FIG. 4illustrates a user interface page400, according to one embodiment, from which user110can (1) select to play (e.g., watch and/or listen to) an active media channel, (2) activate additional media channels, (3) modify an active media channel, and (4) delete an active media channel.

Page400includes a text window402for listing the active media channels. Page400also includes a play-button403, an activate-button404, a modify-button406, a delete-button408, and an exit-button409. In one embodiment, the first time user110uses device202, there are no active media channels, so the first step is for user110is to activate one or more media channels. User110performs this function by first selecting activate-button404.

In response to user110activating button404, a page500(seeFIG. 5) is displayed to the user using user interface220. Page500is referred to as the “activate media channels page.” From the activate media channels page500, user110can activate one or more media channels and create a media channel. The process of creating a media channel is described further below with reference toFIG. 10.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a text box502lists all of the media channels that are available to be activated. These channels may include predefined and user-created media channels. A service provider may predefine a number of media channels. The predefined media channels may be identified according to the genre and/or style of music and/or information associated with the channel. For example, as shown in page500, the following six channels were predefined: (1) Rock, (2) Jazz, (3) Blues, (4) Alternative, (5) Country, and (6) Top-40. The predefined media channels may be customized by and/or for the user110as described herein.

In some embodiments, each predefined media channel is logically linked with one or more “channel profiles”219(as used herein a “channel profile219” means a set of information related to a user or users), and each said channel profile219is logically linked to a different user110and/or different device202. Also, in some embodiments, a user-created media channel is logically linked with a channel profile219that is linked with a user110or device202. A channel profile219linked with a user110and/or device202may be stored in device202. Additionally (or alternatively) the channel profile219may be stored in a storage unit directly accessibly by server280. Additionally, in some embodiments, each user110or device202is logically linked with a user profile221.

A channel profile219may contain, among other things, information that is used in selecting media content that is reproduced in response to a user110selecting to play a media channel. For example, a channel profile219may include information identifying a user's media content preferences (i.e., specific likes and dislikes) and/or information identifying media content to which the user has recently been exposed. Similarly, a user profile221linked with a particular user110may contain, among other things, information that is used in selecting the media content that is reproduced in response to the particular user110selecting to play a predefined or user-created media channel. An example channel profile219is described in greater detail further below with reference toFIG. 9.

In some embodiments, each predefined media channel is linked with a specific genre and/or style. In some of these embodiments, for each predefined media channel that is set to active, a plurality of media content items (e.g., sound recordings) that match the genre/style with which the media channel is linked is placed in library216and the library catalogue217is appropriately updated and/or a playlist218associated with the media channel is created and stored in storage device214. Playlists218is described in greater detail further below with reference toFIG. 8.

To activate one or more media channels listed in window502, user110selects one or more of the media channels by placing a mark in one or more of the boxes adjacent to the media channels and then selects done-button506. In response to user110activating done-button506, device202determines which of the listed channels were selected and then changes the state of the selected channels from in-active to active or device202communicates the user's selections to server280, which then keeps track of the user's selection by storing information identifying the selections in, for example, a database.

Referring back toFIG. 4, page400enables user110to select to play an active media channel by, for example, selecting a channel listed in window402and then activating a play-button403. In some embodiments, in response to user110selecting a channel and activating play-button403, device202selects and plays one or more media content items (e.g., sound recordings or videos) that match the channel profile219linked with the selected media channel and particular user110. Additionally, the media content items selected by device202may be based on a user profile221linked with the particular user110. Also, in some embodiments, a user interface page600(SeeFIG. 6) is displayed to user110in response to the user activating play-button403.

Referring now toFIG. 6, page600is like page400except that additional command-buttons and a meta-data display area650are included in page600. The additional command-buttons include the following: a next-button602, a purchase-button604, a more-button606, a like-button608, and a dislike-button610.

In one embodiment, from user110's perspective, listening to a media channel is very similar to listening to a conventional media channel. What we mean by this is that when listening to one of the predefined or user-created media channels, user110has no direct control over which songs get played and, in most cases, user has no way of determining the next song that is to be played.

In some embodiments, however, user110has indirect control over which songs get played because, in some embodiments, user110has direct control over a media channel's profile, which may specify, among other things, the types of sound recordings that the channel plays at least a majority of the time. Thus, user110can specify that a particular media channel should play Hard Rock songs and/or other songs matching other characteristics (e.g., tempo) at least a majority of the time, but user110can not specify that a particular set of Hard Rock songs will be played in a particular order at any desired point in time. In other words, user110has no direct control over a media channel's playlist or the process through which the media channel selects songs to be played. In some embodiments, there is at least an exception to the above rule. User110may specify that a particular set of sound recordings is played in a particular order at a particular time if, and only if, user110owns a copy of each sound recording in the set.

As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, user interface pages400,500, and600are not the only user interfaces that can be employed in the present invention. Thus, it is understood that page400,500and600are used merely to illustrate an embodiment of the invention and not to limit the invention.

FIG. 7is a flow chart illustrating a process700, according to one embodiment, that is performed by device202in response to user110selecting to listen to an active media channel. Process700begins in step702, where device202selects a media content item based on the channel profile219that is linked with the selected channel and with the user and/or based on the user profile221linked with the user. In one embodiment, in addition to the selection of the media content item being based on the channel and/or user profile, the selection is also based on one or more provisions of a statute, regulation, or contract (e.g., the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)). More specifically, in one embodiment, the audio system may select and play media content items for user110in such a manner that the use of the audio system by user110falls within a statutory compulsory license provision(s) of the DMCA.

In an embodiment where the selected media content item is in local media content item library216, the selected media content item is retrieved from storage device214, otherwise the selected media content item may be transmitted from server280to device202.

In step703, device202automatically adds an identifier identifying the selected media content item to a set of identifiers, which set identifies the media content items most recently played for the user110or by the device202, and which set may be part of (a) the channel profile219linked with the selected media channel and user or device and/or (b) the user profile221linked with the user or device. This is done so that the system can keep track of the media content items to which the user110or device202has been most recently exposed. In some embodiments, the set may have a predefined maximum size (e.g., in one embodiment the set should not contain more than 20 media content item identifiers). In these embodiments, if adding an identifier to the set would cause the set to exceed the maximum size, then after or before adding an identifier to the set an identifier is removed from the set. Preferably, the identifier that is removed from the set is the identifier that has been a member of the set the longest. In some other embodiments, the set may not be limited to any particular size, but identifiers are removed from the set occasionally (e.g., periodically) so that the set size does not grow indefinitely. On the occasions when identifiers are removed from the set, it is preferred that the one removed are the ones that have been member of the set the longest or that have been a member of the set for more than a predetermined length of time.

In step704, device202determines whether it can pre-announce the media content item. Pre-announce means to audibly and/or visually inform user110of the title and artist of the selected media content item prior to reproducing the media content item for user110. If it can pre-announce the media content item it may be allowed to pre-announce it (step706), otherwise control passes to step708.

Preferably, if the selected media content item is a song or other type of music, device202can not pre-announce the media content item, unless so doing does not “violate” a law (statute or regulation) or contract. By violate we mean not conforming to one or more provisions of a statute or regulation or contract. Thus, for example, to ensure that device202does not violate the DMCA, device202might limit pre-announcements to only those music media content items that are owned by user110. In one embodiment, device202determines which media content items that are owned by user110by examining library catalogue217, which, as mentioned earlier, keeps track of which songs in library216are owned by user110.

In step708, device202plays the selected media content item for the user110. While the media content item is being reproduced for user110, device202performs steps710-724. In step710, device202determines whether the media content item selected in step702is finished playing. If it is, control passes back to step702, otherwise control passes to step712.

In step712, device202determines whether user110has selected one of the buttons602-610or has selected off-button409or has selected to listen to a new media channel. If no button is activated and if user110hasn't selected to listen to a new media channel, control passes back to step710, otherwise control passes to step713(next-button activated602or user110has selected to listen to a new media channel), step714(purchase-button604activated), step718(more-button606activated), step720(like-button608activated), step722(dislike-button610activated), or step724(off-button409activated).

If user110selects next-button602or user110selects to listen to a different media channel (e.g., user110selects a new media channel from box402and then activates listen-button403), device202stops reproducing the current media content item (step713). Control then passes back to step702where another media content item is selected.

In one embodiment, user110's use of next-button602may be limited. For example, in one embodiment, user110may only activate next-button602a predetermined number of times in any given predetermined time interval. If user110's activation of next-button602causes this limit to be exceeded, then device202will not skip to the next media content item in response to the activation, as it normally would. A reason for this feature is to ensure that the set of media content items that are played for user110do not violate the DMCA.

If user110selects purchase-button604, user110wants to purchase a copy of the media content item that is currently being played. In one embodiment, after user110selects purchase-button604, device202communicates with a remote server to verify that the user is qualified to make the purchase (e.g., does the user have enough money is his or her account) (step714). If device202determines that user may purchase the media content item that was playing when purchase-button604was activated, control passes to step716, otherwise control passes back to step710. In step716, device202may create a decrypted copy of the media content item for user110to listen to whenever the user so desires. That is, device202may allow user110to listen to any one of the media content items that user110has purchased at anytime.

If user110activates more-button606, user110wants to hear more media content items that are like the current media content item being played. In response to activation of more-button606, device202updates appropriately the channel profile219and/or user profile221(step718). If the profile219,221is stored in storage device214, device202updates the profile directly. Otherwise, if the profile is stored on server280, device202transmits an update profile message to server280. In this case, the update profile message indicates that user110selected more-button606and contains a media content item identifier that identifies the current media content item being reproduced, an identifier identifying the user and/or device202, and an identifier identifying the media channel being played. In one embodiment, whenever a profile is updated, a new playlist218corresponding to the selected media channel and user is generated and stored in storage device214.

If user110activates like-button608, user110wants to add the media content item being played to his or her list of most favorite media content items (e.g., to favorite media content items table904). In response to activation of like-button608, device202updates appropriately the channel profile219and/or user profile221(step720). If the profile is stored in storage device214, device202updates the profile directly. Otherwise, if the profile is stored on server280, device202transmits an update profile message to server280. In this case, the update profile message indicates that user110selected like-button608and contains a media content item identifier that identifies the current media content item being reproduced, an identifier identifying the user and/or device202, and an identifier identifying the media channel being played.

Advantageously, in one embodiment, user110can indicate the degree to which he or she likes the media content item that is playing. In one embodiment, user110indicates the degree to which he or she likes the media content item that is playing by the number of times user110activates like-button608while the song is playing. For example, if user110likes the song that is playing a great deal, user110might activate like-button608three times in quick succession. Whereas, if user110likes the song that is playing, but only likes it a small degree compared to other songs he or she likes, user110might activate like-button608only once while the song is playing. The appropriate profile is updated to reflect the degree to which the user likes the song that is playing. In another embodiment, user110indicates the degree to which he or she likes the media content item that is playing by the length of time that user110holds down like-button608. For example, if user110likes the song that is playing a great deal, user110would hold down the like-button608for a longer period of time than if user110only liked the playing song a little bit.

If user110doesn't want to hear the current media content item ever again, he or she can select dislike-button610. In response to activation of dislike-button610, device202stops reproducing the current media content item and updates appropriately the profile of the currently playing media channel (step722). That is, device202, at a minimum, adds the playing media content item to the user110's list of least favorite media content items. If the profile219is stored in storage device214, device202updates the profile219directly. Otherwise, if profile219is stored on server280, device202transmits an update profile message to server280. In this case, the update profile message indicates that user110selected dislike-button610and contains a media content item identifier that identifies the current media content item being reproduced, an identifier identifying the user and/or device202, and an identifier identifying the media channel being played. After step722, control passes back to step702where another media content item is selected and reproduced.

In one embodiment, user110's use of dislike-button610may be limited. For example, user110may only activate dislike-button a predetermined number of times in any given predetermined time interval. If user110's activation of dislike button causes this limit to be exceeded, then device202will not skip to the next media content item in response to the activation, as it otherwise might. A reason for this feature could be to ensure that the set of media content items that are played for user110do not violate (i.e., conforms to) the DMCA.

Preferably, in performing step702, the media content items may be selected “intelligently.” For example, the media content items are selected such that the resulting set of selected media content items “matches” the channel profile219of the selected media channel and/or user profile221linked with the user. For example, if the media channel is specified as follows: 40% rock genre (30% hard rock and 10% light rock) and 60% alternative genre, then the resulting set of selected media content items should closely conform to this specification. Additionally, if the channel profile219and/or user profile221indicates that the user has recently been exposed to a certain media content item, then, when selecting a media content item, the system may take this into account so that the certain media content item is not selected until after some amount of time has elapsed since the user was last exposed to the certain media content.

Additionally, the media content items can be selected to not only match a profile linked with the media channel or user, but also to conform to any statutory, regulatory or contractual requirement that governs the broadcasting of media content items. For example, if there is a requirement that all songs not owned by the listener are not allowed to be played more than once within a certain time interval (e.g., you can't play a song more than once within any given hour), then system200will be configured so as not to violate this requirement when it selects songs for reproduction in step702. In short, device202can be programmed to ensure that device202does not violate any statutory, regulatory or contractual requirement, such as the DMCA.

Furthermore, in performing step702, the set of identifiers that identifies the media content items most recently played for the user110or by the device202may be examined to ensure that the item selected in step702is not identified by an identifier included in the set. This feature prevents system200from playing an item that was recently played for the user110or by device202.

As an additional feature, user110may have no direct control over which songs are selected in step702. All that user110might directly control is a media channel's profile or the user's user profile, which merely gives user110indirect control over which songs are selected in step702. That is, by having direct control over a profile, user110may influence which songs are selected in step702, but can not directly control which songs will get selected. Further, user110has no way to determine which songs will get selected. With these features, listening to a media channel according to the present invention may be just like listening to a conventional media channel in terms of not knowing what is going to be selected next to be played.

Playlists

In some embodiments, to facilitate the selection of media content items in step702, there exists a playlist218for each active channel profile219and/or user profile221. As shown inFIG. 2, playlists218can be stored either within user device202or on server280.

In most embodiments, a playlist218linked with a channel profile219and/or user profile221includes a list of media content item identifiers that identify media content items that have a high probability of being enjoyed by a user110who created the profile. The media content items identified in the playlist218may have a high probability of being enjoyed by the user because, at the least, a majority of the identified media content items “match” (or “fit”) the profile(s). In one embodiment, all of the identified media content items match the profile(s). A playlist218“matches” or “fits” a profile if at least a majority of the media content items identified by the playlist match or fit the profile.

Preferably, user110can not directly access any playlist218. That is, user110should not be allowed to view or otherwise determine the contents of any of the playlists218. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by encrypting each playlist218or only storing the playlist at the server280and not in a user device202. Thus, in some embodiments, software program250may have the key to decrypt a playlist but user110does not. At least one exception to this rule is that user110may have direct access to a playlist218if user110owns a copy of each media content item identified in the playlist218.

FIG. 8illustrates the information contained in an exemplary playlist218. As shown inFIG. 8, playlist218contains a list of media content item identifies. Each media content item identifier uniquely identifies a media content item. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, each media content item identifier uniquely identifies a media content item that matches a profile with which the playlist is associated. A media content item can be any type of recording, such as a music only recording, a music video recording, or a recording of a news segment, etc. Meta-data is preferably associated with each media content item. In the case of music recordings, the meta-data may include such information as the name of the artist(s) who created the media content item, the name of an album on which the media content item is recorded, the title of the media content item, etc. Meta-data associated with a particular media content item may be displayed to user110in display box850when the particular media content item is played by device202.

In one embodiment, a playlist generator288is provided to create a playlist. In other embodiments, a playlist218may be created by a professional audio programmer or combination of a playlist generator288and programmer. Playlist generator288may be installed in device202or in an external computing device, such as server280or PC299, and is preferably implemented in software. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the operation of playlist generator is same whether it is installed in server280, PC299or other external computing device, and thus only the embodiments where playlist generator is stored in server280or device202are described, for the sake of brevity.

In generating a playlist218, playlist generator288uses information included in the profile(s) for which the playlist is being created. Accordingly, if playlist generator288is installed in server280and not on device202, and the profile(s) for which the playlist is being created is stored in device202but not on server280, then before playlist generator288can generate the playlist218, device202must first transmit to server280the profile(s). In this embodiment, after the playlist218is generated, server280may transmit the playlist218to device202.

In one embodiment where a local media content item library216is stored in storage unit214, a playlist218may be constructed so as to contain only media content item identifiers that identify a media content item that is in library216. Thus, in this embodiment, playlist generator288uses the information in catalogue217in conjunction with a profile to create a playlist218. Consequently, if playlist generator is installed in server280and not on device202, then before playlist generator288can generate a playlist218, device202must first transmit to server280library catalogue217.

Each playlist218created by playlist generator288preferably matches the profile(s) that is/are used in creating the playlist. So, for example, if playlist generator288creates a playlist218using a profile that indicates that artist ABC is one of the user's least favorite artists, then playlist218might not contain any media content items from artist ABC. Similarly, for example, if the profile indicates that one of user110's favorite songs is “Let it Be” by the Beatles, then this song may be included in the playlist218. Also, as anyone of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, a profile may include preferences for other characteristics, such as tempo.

Additionally, in generating a playlist based on a profile associated with a particular user110or device202, playlist generator may take into account the set of identifiers that identifies media content items that have previously been played for the particular user110or by the particular device202so that the playlist does not identify items that have recently been played for the user or by the device. As an additional feature, playlist generator288or the programmer that creates playlist218may create the playlist218so that for each media content item identified in the playlist218there is provided an indication of whether or not the identified media content item may be pre-announced.

Each active media channel has one or more associated channel profiles219. For example, a media channel predefined by the service provider would likely be linked with numerous channel profiles219, one or each user or device, whereas, a user created media channel would be linked with just one channel profile219(i.e., the one created by the user). As discussed above, a profile219may be used, in one embodiment, to create a playlist218. In certain embodiments, the channel profiles219may be stored in storage device214. In other embodiments, profiles219may be stored on server280.

Referring toFIG. 9, an exemplary media channel profile219is illustrated. The profile219illustrated inFIG. 9belongs to a music/information channel, as opposed to an all music channel or an all information channel. The example channel profile219contains channel specification information.

As shown inFIG. 9, the channel specification information, according to one embodiment, may include a table of one or more music genres (“genre-table”901) with corresponding genre percentages, and, for each listed genre, it may include a table of styles associated with the genre (“style tables”902) and corresponding style percentages. Profile219additionally may include a favorite artists table903, a favorite media content item table904, a least favorite artists list905, and a least favorite media content items list906. Favorite artists table903includes two columns. One column is for identifying an artist and the other column contains an integer value between and including the numbers 1 and 3. This column represents the degree to which user110likes the corresponding artist. A value of 1 means user110likes the corresponding artist only a very little, while a value of 3 means user110likes the corresponding artist very much. A value of 2 means user110likes the corresponding artist more than a just a little, but not very much.

Likewise, the favorite media content items table includes two columns, one column for identifying a media content item and one column for indicating the degree to which user110likes a particular media content item in the table. Because, in this embodiment, profile219belongs to a music/information channel, profile219also includes news item categories and keywords910.

Although not shown inFIG. 9, because a particular channel profile is may be associated not only with a particular media channel, but also with a particular user or device, a channel profile219may include or consist only of a set of identifiers that identifies media content items that have recently been played for the particular user or device. As discussed above, this information is useful because it can be used to ensure that a device does not play a content item that it has recently played or the user has recently seen/heard.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any particular design of profile219. As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, all that is required is that profile219be designed to contain profile information from which a “customized” playlist can be generated. That is, profiles219, at a minimum, contain information corresponding to, or related to, user110's media content item preferences. In short, the profile219shown inFIG. 9is used merely to illustrate an embodiment of the invention and not to limit the invention.

In one embodiment, in addition to or instead of each media channel being associated with one or more channel profiles, each user110of system200may be associated with a user profile221. A user profile221may contain some or all of the same information as a channel profile219or different information. In embodiments that do not include channel profiles219but include user profiles221for each user or device of the system, the user profiles contain information from which a “customized” playlist can be generated. Examples of such profile information are described above in connection withFIG. 9.

Creating a New Media Channel

A feature of the present invention provides user110with the ability to create and modify media channels.FIG. 10is an illustration of a possible user interface for enabling user110to create and modify media channels. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the user interface illustrated inFIG. 10or to any particular user interface. As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, any user interface through which user110can specify his or her media content item preferences could be employed in the present invention. In short,FIG. 10is used merely to illustrate an embodiment of the invention and not to limit the invention.

FIG. 10illustrates a user interface page1000. Page1000is referred to as the “create/modify profile form.” User110accesses user interface page1000by selecting button504on page500(seeFIG. 5). Page1000is a fill-in form that enables user110to define or modify a media channel by inputting his or her media content item preferences. The information requested by fill-in form1000is used to illustrate one set of user preference information. Other information in addition to or instead of the information requested by fill-in form1000could be collected from user110to define a media channel.

In filling out form1000, user110may first name the channel by inputting a name into text box1002. Next, user110may select one or more genres of music to be associated with the channel by selecting the appropriate genre checkboxes1004. Next, user110may: (1) input the names of one or more of his or her most favorite and least favorite artists into text boxes1006and1007, respectively, (2) input the names of one or more of his or her most favorite and least favorite media content items into text boxes1008and1009, respectively, (3) specify news category of interest by inputting a news category into box1010, and/or (4) specify one or more news keywords by inputting one or more keywords into box1011. After user110has completed entering in the user's desired profile information user110selects done-button1090. In this manner, user110is enabled to define customized media channels.

In one embodiment, after user110selects done-button1090, the specified media channel profile information219is stored in storage device214. Additionally, the newly created media channel may be placed in the active state. Optionally, device202may then use playlist generator288to create a playlist218that matches the profile information entered by user110. Alternatively, if playlist generator288is installed on server280instead of in device202, then device202transmits profile219to server280. After receiving profile219, server280uses playlist generator288to create a playlist218that matches the received profile219, and transmits the playlist218to device202where it is then stored in storage device214.

In another embodiment, after user110selects done-button1090, the specified channel profile information219is transmitted to server280, which then may store the received profile information219. Additionally, the newly created media channel may be placed in the active state. In this embodiment, the software program250can be a web browser or other thin client software. After receiving the media channel profile information, server280may use playlist generator288to create a playlist218that matches the received profile information, and transmits the playlist218to device202where it is stored in storage device214.

If user110specifies that a particular artiste (e.g, U2) is one of his or her favorite artists, a relatively large number of media content items created by U2 might be placed into the customized playlist and/or device202/server280may select that artist more frequently, but, in one embodiment, in no event is the artist selected so frequently that in doing the resulting playlist would run afoul of a governing statutory, regulatory or contractual provision (e.g., the DMCA). And if a user specified one or more media content items as being favorite, then device202might ensure that those media content items are placed in the customized playlist and may select those media content items more frequently, but, in one embodiment, in no event are the media content items played so often that in doing so device202would run afoul of a governing statutory, regulatory or contractual provision. Similarly, in one embodiment, songs from the user's least favorite artists and the user's least favorite songs are not included in the playlist218or are included on only a limited basis. Advantageously, playlist generator288could be programmed to determine a set of media content items that are similar to the user's favorite media content items and to place this set of media content items into playlist218.

In an embodiment where user interface220is limited (e.g., device202is a cable-tv set-top box as opposed to a personal computer), user110may use a personal computer (PC)299or other like device to create the media channels instead of directly using device202. In this embodiment, software program250is installed on PC299. In this embodiment, after user110enters the media channel specification information into pages1000,1400, and1700, the entered information is sent to server280or to device202, which then may store the received profile information. Server280or device202then creates playlist218in the manner described above and, in one embodiment, server280then transmits playlist218to device202. In this embodiment, the software program250can be a web browser or other thin client software and server280can implement a web server.

Additional methods for creating and/or modifying a playlist218are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,876 to Cluts and U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,160 to Foladare et al., both of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

FIGS. 11-15illustrate various other processes1100,1200,1300,1400, and1500, respectively, that are performed by device202in response to user110selecting to listen to a particular media channel.

Referring toFIG. 11, process1100is preferably used in the embodiment where a profile (e.g., channel profile219associated with the particular media channel and user110and/or user profile221associated with the user) and a local media content item library216is stored in storage device214.

Process1100is identical to process700, with the exception of step1102. In step1102, device202selects a media content item from library216that fits the channel profile219and/or user profile221. In one embodiment, library catalogue217is examined to select a media content item from library216that fits the channel and/or user profile. As illustrated inFIG. 3, in one embodiment, for each media content item in library216, library catalogue maintains a record of the genre(s) and style(s) to which the media content item belongs. This genre and/or style information is used to by device202in determining whether a particular media content item in library216matches the channel and/or user profile. Preferably, in performing step1102, the media content items are selected “intelligently.” For example, the media content items are selected such that the resulting set of selected media content items does not violate any statutory, regulatory or contractual requirement. Also, in the case where the channel and/or user profile includes a set of identifiers that identifies one or more previously played media content items (e.g., content items that were played for the user the last time the user selected to play the selected media channel or any media channel), in step1102device202will not select a content item from library216if an identifier identifying the content item is included in the set of content item identifiers. In this way, it is less likely device202will play for user110a content item that has recently been played for user110.

Referring toFIG. 12, process1200is preferably used in the embodiment where a profile (e.g., channel profile219associated with the particular media channel and user110and/or user profile221associated with the user) is stored in storage device214.

Process1200begins in step1202where device202selects a media content item from library216that matches the channel and/or user profile. After step1202control passes to step1204, where device202determines whether it may pre-announce the selected media content item. If it may, control passes to step1205, otherwise control passes to step1206. In step1205the selected media content item is audibly and/or visually announced to user110. After step1205, control passes to step1206. In step1206, device202begins playing the selected media content item.

While the selected media content item is being played for the user110, device202selects another media content item that matches the selected channel and/or user profile (step1208). Next, a determination is made as to whether the media content item selected in step1208is part of the media content item library216(step1210). If the selected media content item is part of the media content item library216, control passes to step1226, otherwise control passes to steps1212and1214.

In step1226a determination is made as to whether the media content item currently being reproduced is finished. If it is finished, device202determines whether it may pre-announce the media content item selected in step1208(step1230). If it may, control passes to step1231, otherwise control passes to step1232. In step1231the media content item selected in step1208is audibly and/or visually announced to user110. After step1231, control passes to step1232. In step1232, device202begins playing the media content item selected in step1208.

If the current media content item is not finished, device202determines whether next-button602or dislike-button610were selected by user110(step1228). If either of those buttons were selected, then control passes to step1226.

In step1214, device202automatically downloads the media content item selected in step1208from server280, stores the recording onto storage device214, and adds the recording to local media content item library216. Preferably, the downloaded recording is encrypted (either by the server before it transmits the recording to device202or by device202after it receives the recording). In this way, because the media content item is encrypted, only authorized people or systems can directly access the recording. Preferably, user110is not authorized to directly access the media content item. That is, device202does not give user110the capability to play the media content item whenever user110so desires. It is also preferred that the media content item be compressed before it is transmitted to save time in downloading the media content item.

In step1212, device202selects a media content item from library216that matches the channel and/or user profile. Preferably, the media content item selected in step1212is very similar in genre and style to the media content item selected in step1208. Next, device202determines whether the media content item currently being played is finished (step1216). If it is finished, control passes to step1220, otherwise control passes to step1218.

In step1218, device202determines whether next-button602or dislike-button610were selected by user110. If either of those buttons were selected, then control proceeds to step1220, otherwise the process returns to step1216.

In step1220, device202determines whether the media content item that is being downloaded in step1214is ready to be played. That is, it determines, among other things, whether a sufficient amount of the media content item has been successfully downloaded and stored onto storage device214. If the media content item is ready to be played, then control passes to step1230, otherwise control passes to step1222. In step1222, device202determines whether it may pre-announce the media content item selected in step1212. If it may, control passes to step1223, otherwise control passes to step1224. In step1223the media content item selected in step1212is audibly and/or visually announced to user110. After step1223, control passes to step1224. In step1224, device202begins playing the media content item selected in step1212. After step1224, control passes back to step1208.

In one embodiment, after device202performs step1214, device202determines the next N media content items that are to be played and that are not stored in library216and downloads those N media content items (this could be done sequentially or all at one time or other ways). N can be any integer greater than or equal to 1. In this way, when a media content item is selected to be played in step1208, it is likely that the media content item will be in library216.

Although not shown as part of process1200, when either next-button602or dislike-button610are selected, device202ceases playing the currently playing media content item. Additionally, if dislike-button610is selected, the profile of the currently selected media channel is appropriately updated. Also, although it is not shown in process1200, device202processes the more-button606, purchase-button604, like-button608, and off-button409activation event in the same manner as was described with reference to process700.

Referring toFIG. 13, process1300is preferably used in the embodiment where a local media content item library216and a playlist219associated with the selected media channel are stored in storage device214, and the playlist218only lists media content item identifiers that identify a media content item stored in library216. Process1300is identical to process700, with the exception of step1902. In step1902, device202selects a media content item that is listed in the playlist218.

Preferably, in this embodiment, playlist218contains an ordered list of media content items having a beginning and end, and, in selecting a media content item from the playlist218, device202simply begins at the beginning of the playlist and selects the recordings in the order in which they are listed. Consequently, device202keeps track of the last media content item that it selected so it knows the next media content item to select. In one embodiment, when the last media content item that device202selected is at or near the end of the playlist, device202will use playlist generator288to generate a new playlist218. In another embodiment, a new playlist218is generated on a periodic basis (i.e., daily, weekly, . . . ). In still another embodiment, a new playlist218is generated for a given active media channel whenever a profile linked with the media channel is updated.

Preferably, playlist generator288uses the existing playlist218, the channel profile219, the user profile221, and/or library catalogue217to create a new playlist218. Alternatively, if playlist generator288is installed in server280as opposed to in device202, then device202may transmit to server280the existing playlist218, the channel profile219, the user profile221, and/or library catalogue217(if these items are not already stored on server280). Playlist generator288installed on server280will then have the information necessary to create the new playlist. After the new playlist is created, it may be transmitted from server280to device202, where it is then stored in storage unit214and associated with the appropriate media channel.

Regardless of where playlist generator288is installed, playlist generator288preferably creates only playlists that (1) conform to the DMCA or similar statute, regulation or contract and (2) matches the profile219of the media channel with which the playlist218is associated.

Referring toFIG. 14, process1400may be used in embodiments where device202does not maintain a local media content item library216. Process1400begins in step1402, where device202selects a media content item based on the media channel selected by user110. The step of selecting a media content item may be accomplished by (A) choosing, from a given set of media content items, a media content item based on information in the channel profile219associated with the selected media channel and user110and/or information in the user profile221associated with the user110, or (B) selecting a media content item that is identified by a media content item identifier that is listed in a playlist218that is associated with the selected media channel and user. After step1402, device202downloads the selected item from a remote server (e.g., server280) (step1404). After step1404, control passes to step1406.

In step1406, device202determines whether it can pre-announce the most recently selected media content item. If it can pre-announce the media content item it will (step1408), otherwise control passes to step1410.

In step1410, device202plays the most recently selected media content item for user110. Device202also selects N number of media content items based on the channel profile219or user profile221(step1412), where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Preferably, N is determined by the amount of free space available in a local cache269, which can be implemented using memory available within in data processing unit212(such as RAM) or which can be implemented using storage space available in storage device214, as is illustrated inFIG. 2. While the media content item is being reproduced for user110, device202performs steps1414-1430in parallel with steps1432-1434.

In step1432, device202downloads the selected N media content items from a remote server (e.g., server280). In step1434, device202stores each downloaded media content item in local cache269.

In steps1414-1424, device202determines whether listen-button403has been selected, whether dislike-button610has been selected, whether next-button602has been selected, and whether the last media content item selected to be played (i.e., the “current” media content item) is finished playing, respectively. If listen button403was selected, control passes back to step1402and, preferably, the local cache is cleared (i.e., all media content items stored in the cache are deleted). If dislike-button610was selected, control passes to step1418, where device202updates appropriately the channel profile associated with the selected media channel and user, stops playing the current media content item, and may delete the current media content item from the cache269if it is stored in the cache269(steps1418,1422, and1426, respectively). If next-button602was selected, control passes to step1422, and if the current media content item is finished playing, control passes to step1426. After step1426, control passes to step1428.

In step1428, device202determines whether there are any media content items in the local cache269that are ready to be played. If not, device pauses and then returns to step1428, otherwise control passes to step1430. In step1430, device202selects a media content item from local cache269that is ready to be played and control then passes back to step1406.

Referring toFIG. 15, process1500may be used in embodiments where device202does not maintain a local media content item library216. Process1500begins in step1502, where device202selects a media content item based on the channel selected by user110. The step of selecting a media content item may be accomplished by (A) choosing, from a given set of media content items, a media content item based on information in the channel profile219associated with the selected media channel and user110and/or information in the user profile221associated with the user110, or (B) selecting a media content item that is identified by a media content item identifier that is listed in a playlist218that is associated with the selected media channel and user. After step1502, device202downloads the selected song from a remote server (e.g., server280) (step1504). After step1504, control passes to step1506.

In step1506, device202determines whether it can pre-announce the most recently selected media content item. If it can pre-announce the media content item it will (step1508), otherwise control passes to step1510.

In step1510, device202plays the most recently selected media content item for user110. Device202also selects another media content item based on the channel profile219or user profile221(step1512).

While the media content item is being reproduced for user110, device202performs steps1514-1526in parallel with step1528. In step1528, device202downloads the most recently selected media content item (i.e., the media content item selected in step1512) from a remote server.

In steps1514-1524, device202determines whether listen-button403has been selected, whether dislike-button610has been selected, whether next-button602has been selected, and whether the last media content item selected to be played (i.e., the “current” media content item) is finished playing, respectively. If listen-button403was selected, control passes back to step1502and. If dislike-button610was selected, control passes to step1518, where device202updates appropriately the channel profile associated with the selected media channel and user, and stops playing the current media content item (steps1518and1522). If next-button602was selected, control passes to step1522, and if the current media content item is finished playing, control passes to step1526.

In step1526, device202determines whether the most recently selected media content item is ready to be played. If it is not ready, device pauses and then returns to step1526, otherwise control then passes back to step1506.

Although it is not shown in either process1400or process1500, device202processes the more-button606, purchase-button604, like-button608, and off-button409activation event in the same manner as was described with reference to process700.

In some embodiments, in performing process1400and1500, the media content items that are selected to be played are selected based on a channel profile and/or a user profile221. Also, as discussed above, in some embodiments, the resulting set of media content items that are played matches a profile associated with the selected media channel and user and, do not violate a statutory, regulatory, or contractual provision.

Referring toFIG. 16,FIG. 16illustrates a process1600according to another embodiment of the invention. Process1600may begin in step1602, where a user110of device202uses device202in order to access an interactive application (e.g., a portal, such as a VOD portal, a website, or other interactive service). For example, if device202is a set-top-box, user110may tune receiver210to a particular channel (e.g., a video-on-demand (VOD) channel) in order to access a VOD portal. In step1603, information is transmitted from a server to device202. The information includes a list of music genres. In step1604, a GUI including the list of music genres is displayed by the display device. Next, user110selects to listen to one of the listed music genres (step1606). In response, device202may transmit a message to a server (e.g., server280) (step1608). The message may include a genre identifier identifying the genre selected by the user, a user identifier, and/or a device identifier identifying device202. In response to the message, the server may select a media content item based on the identified genre and/or based on profile information linked with the user identifier and/or device identifier (step1610). As discussed herein, profile information may include media content preference information and/or a set of identifiers that identifies media content items that were previously played for user110or by device202.

Next, the server transmits (e.g., streams) the selected media content item to device202(step1612) and only to device202(i.e., the media content item is not broadcast or multicast, but rather unicast—transmitted using a one-to-one “connection”). Steps1610and1612are repeated. Meanwhile, device202receives the items transmitted from the server and reproduces the items for the user110to enjoy (step1614) and waits for user110to activate a button (e.g.,403,409,602,604,606,608, or610) (step1616).

If listen-button403is activated, control goes back to step1608. If off-button409is activated, process1600may end. If next-button602, more-button606, like-button608, or dislike-button610are activated, device202sends a command message to server280(step1622) and control goes back to step1616. Server280may process the command message in a similar manner as these buttons are processed by device202as described in process700. For example, if next-button602is activated, server280may stop transmitting the current media content item and perform steps1610and1612. The command message contains an identifier that identifies which of the buttons was activated. If purchase-button604is activated, device202or a server280determines whether user110may purchase the currently playing media content item (step1624). If not, control goes back to step1616, otherwise a copy of the currently playing media content item is stored on a storage device accessible to user110(step1626) and the control then goes back to step1616.

Referring toFIG. 17,FIG. 17illustrates a process1700according to another embodiment of the invention. Process1700may begin in step1702where a user110of device202tunes receiver210to a particular broadcast channel (e.g., channel402) over which music of predominantly a single genre is broadcast (e.g., a broadcast ‘80’s music channel). That is, the channel is associated with a particular genre. After receiver210is tuned to the broadcast music channel, device202plays the music that is currently being broadcast over the broadcast music channel and may cause one or more links (images and/or text) to be displayed on the display device (step1704). In some embodiments, device202causes to be displayed on the display device a “Video Channel” link or the like and enables the user to select the link by manipulating controls on a remote control that is in communication with device202.

In step1706, the user selects the “Video Channel” link. In response to the user selecting the link, device202may transmit a message to a server (e.g., server280) (step1708). The message may include an identifier identifying the broadcast music channel to which receiver210was tuned when the user selected the link, an identifier identifying a genre (e.g., the genre associated with the broadcast music channel to which receiver210was tuned when the user selected the link), a user identifier, and/or a device identifier identifying device202.

In response to the message, the server determines whether to perform step1710or to step1750. Step1710may be performed where the genre associated with the broadcast channel is also associated with a set of videos, whereas step1750may be performed where the genre is not associated with a set of videos. As an example, the Rock genre may be associated with a set of Rock music videos, whereas the Classical genre is not associated with any videos.

In step1750, the server transmits a list of music genres to device202. In step1752, the list of music genres is displayed by the display device. Next, user110selects to listen to one of the listed music genres (step1754). In response, device202may transmit a message to the server (step1756). The message may include a genre identifier identifying the genre selected by the user, a user identifier, and/or a device identifier identifying device202. After step1756the process may proceed to step1710.

In step1710, the server may select a media content item based on the identified channel or genre and/or based on profile information linked with the user identifier and/or device identifier (step1710). After step1710, the process may proceed to step1712. In step1712, the server transmits (e.g., streams) the selected media content item to device202. Steps1710and1712are repeated. Meanwhile, device202receives the items transmitted from the server and reproduces the items for the user110to enjoy (step1714) and waits for user110to activate a button (e.g.,602,604,606,608, or610) (step1716).

Referring toFIG. 18,FIG. 18illustrates a process1800according to another embodiment of the invention. Process1800may begin in step1802where a user110requests device202to display an electronic program guide (EPG), which may be an interactive application. For example, as is well known in the art, a remote control device for sending commands to device202may have a “guide” button and the user110requests device202to display an EPG by activating the “guide” button. In response to activating the “guide” button, the remote control sends a signal to device202that causes device202to retrieve and display the electronic program guide. As used herein, an electronic program guide is (a) an on-screen guide to scheduled broadcast television content and/or on-demand content, allowing a viewer to navigate, select, and discover content by, among other things, time, title, channel, and/or genre by use of a remote control or other input device and/or (b) an application to list current and scheduled broadcast programs that are or will be available on each channel and on-demand channels.

In step1804, device202displays an EPG screen.FIG. 19illustrates an example EPG screen1900that may be displayed in step1804. As illustrated inFIG. 19, EPG1900enables a user to select particular content by displaying a menu of options (e.g., as illustrated, the options may include movies, sports, news, and music). Assuming EPG screen1900is displayed in step1804, process1800may proceed to step1806, where user110selects the displayed “music” option from the menu. Next, a list of music genres is displayed and the user may select one of the genres (step1608). For example, in step1608, device202may display user interface400or a similar user interface. Next, steps1606-1626, which are described above, may be performed.

Additionally, while the processes described above and illustrated in the drawings are shown as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, and the order of the steps may be re-arranged.