Patent Publication Number: US-2012036104-A1

Title: System and method for synchronizing media files and associated media art

Description:
CROSS-RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/370,352, filed on Aug. 3, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure, in a broad sense, is directed toward the synchronization of electronic devices, and specifically to a system and method for synchronizing media files and associated media art of electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     With the advent of more robust electronic systems, advancements of electronic devices are becoming more prevalent. Electronic devices can provide a variety of functions including, for example, telephonic, audio/video, and gaming functions. Electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile stations such as cellular telephones, smart telephones, portable gaming systems, portable audio players, portable audio and video players, electronic writing or typing tablets, handheld messaging devices, personal digital assistants, and handheld computers. 
     Electronic devices allow users to have an integrated device which can perform a variety of different tasks. For example, a mobile electronic device can be enabled for each of or some of the following functions: voice transmission (cell phones), text transmission (pagers and PDAs), sending and receiving data for viewing of Internet websites, multi-media messages, videography and photography, and playback of media content, such as movies, videos, music, or any other similar multimedia content. Additionally, mobile electronic devices can be enabled to connect to another electronic device, such as a desktop computer, to receive information, such as files and settings, from the desktop computer. In other words, mobile electronic devices can be enabled for synchronization with other electronic devices. 
     Synchronizing electronic devices, such as mobile electronic devices and desktop computers, has become commonplace as people have become used to the portability of information. Synchronization of electronic devices generally includes updating and transferring one or more files from a desktop computer to the mobile electronic device, updating and transferring one or more files from the mobile electronic device to the desktop computer, or both. For example, the desktop computer may contain a multimedia application that contains playlists of songs/videos etc., that can be synchronized with the mobile electronic device, such that at least some of the playlists/songs/videos etc. are the same at both electronic devices. If the playlists etc. at the desktop computer have been updated between synchronizations, at the next synchronization the updated playlists/songs/videos etc. are downloaded to the mobile electronic device. The configuration files can instruct a synchronization application of which playlists to update during synchronization. 
     However, changes to the files stored on the desktop computer can be made when the mobile electronic device is uncoupled from the desktop computer. For example, if preferences regarding which playlists to synchronize change between synchronizations, then a user must wait until the establishment of a synchronization session to make changes to the configuration files. However, this paradigm is generally lacking in versatility, and furthermore demands that a strain be put on the system resources of the desktop computer as it simultaneously processes communications with the mobile electronic device and updates to the configuration files. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system for synchronizing media files and media art on electronic devices, according to non-limiting embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of an exemplary Graphical User Interface (GUI) for synchronizing media files and media art on electronic devices; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for synchronizing media files and media art on an electronic device; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating an alternative embodiment of a method for synchronizing media files and media art on an electronic device; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary graphical user interface displayed on the display of a management device configured to synchronize media files and media art of the management device with the media files and media art on an electronic device; 
         FIG. 6  is an exemplary display of an electronic device configured to synchronize media files and media art of the electronic device with media files and media art from a management device; and 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram representing configured to synchronize media files and media art interacting in a communication network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As will be appreciated for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the implementations described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations described herein. 
     Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now be presented. The word “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The term “communicatively coupled” is defined as connected whether directly or indirectly though intervening components, is not necessarily limited to a physical connection, and allows for the transfer of data. The term “mobile electronic device” is defined as any electronic device that is capable of at least accepting information entries from a user and includes the device&#39;s own power source. Examples of mobile electronic devices include but are not limited to a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellphone, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable MP3 player, a portable video player, a portable audio player, a laptop, or any other electronic device that can store and receive data files such as media files and media art associated with the media files. The term “wireless communication” means communication that occurs without wires using electromagnetic radiation. The term “media” is defined as visual, audio, or combined visual and audio data which can be outputted by a mobile device. For example, media can include video files, audio tracks, multimedia files, music files, songs, movies, animations, graphics, MIDI files, or any other media file which can be played or outputted by a mobile device. The term “highlight” refers to altering the appearance of a graphical item displayed on the display screen to indicate that the graphical item has been selected for execution. For example, highlighting can include changing the color of the graphical item, changing the font or appearance of the graphical item, applying a background color to the graphical item, superimposing a block of semi-transparent color over the graphical item, placing a border around the graphical item, enlarging the graphical item as compared to other graphical items proximate to the highlighted graphical item, or other similar and known method of highlighting graphical items or text items display on a display screen. The term “memory” refers to transitory memory, Random Access Memory (RAM) and non-transitory memory. For example, non-transitory memory can be implemented as flash memory, ferromagnetic, phase-change memory, and other non-transitory memory technologies. 
     The term “management device” is defined as any electronic device having a display and its own source that will provide files to another electronic device connected thereto for synchronization. Examples of a management device include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a computing tablet, a second mobile electronic device, or any other electronic device which can store and transfer media files and media art associated with the media files to another electronic device. The term “media art” refers to a graphic file associated with a media file. For example, media art can include album art, cover art, movie art, a video screenshot, or any other graphic file that is displayed when the media file is played or is listed in a library, database, or menu. The term “media source” refers to resource of media and media art that can be external to or local to an electronic device. For example, a media source can be a media management application (e.g., iTunes™, Windows Media Player™, Rhapsody™, etc.), an internet site, an internet database, a file sharing server, a remote server, a memory associated with a management device, a web-based server, or any other similar media source. 
     Electronic devices enabled for media playback and synchronization with another electronic device, such as a management device, allow a user to transfer at least some files from the management device to an electronic device communicatively connected thereto. For example, synchronizing the electronic device with a management device can include transferring, uploading, or downloading one or more media files stored in a library of the management device to a library of the electronic device connected to the management device. In some instances, the media file can include a media art, such as a cover art, album art, movie screenshot, or other graphic associated with the media art file. The media art can be embedded in the media file but is often embedded in a tag or metadata of the media file or is a separate media art file associated with the media file. When synchronizing the library of the electronic device with the library of the management device, the media files can be transferred from the management device to the electronic device, but the media art may not be transferred. In order to transfer media art along with the media file to the electronic device additional steps are required. For example, a prompt is typically presented on the electronic device or the management device asking the user if media art is associated with the media file to be transferred or if the user desires to retrieve media art associated with the media file. Upon receipt of a response input to the prompt, the media art can be retrieved from a media source and transferred to the electronic device. Alternatively, if media art has not been received or associated with the media file, the electronic device can download the media file without verification of whether media art is missing. In another implementation, the electronic device may not automatically retrieve a missing media art associated with the media file if a no media art has been associated with the media file. In other instances, when a management device retrieves media art, the media art retrieval takes effect on the entire library of the management device, rather than retrieving the media art of the files that had been missing media art. 
     In other instances, the media art retrieval retrieves media art for all files in the library of the management device, even if only the media art of a subset of the files is desired. Also, if new media files are added to the management device library after the media art of the library of the management device has been retrieved, the new media files are not scanned for associated media art, and media art is not retrieved for the new files, until an input is received by the management device to do so. Therefore, the library of the management device can include some media files with associated media art and some files that do not have associated media art. Thus, when the electronic device and the management device are synchronized, the electronic device will also include some media files that do not have associated media art. Seamless transferring media files from a management device to an electronic device, along with the associated media art, is desirable, as the synchronization of the management device and the electronic device is simplified and made more efficient since fewer steps are required to transfer the media files along with the associated media art. 
     The system and method for synchronizing media files and media art on an electronic device includes an electronic device configured to be communicatively coupled with a management device. The management device can be a computing device from which the electronic device can receive media files. The management device can have a management device library having a storage or database of media files. The electronic device has a processor and at least one computer readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor. An electronic device media library can be stored on the at least one computer readable medium. 
     The electronic device media library can be a storage or database of media files stored on the electronic device. The electronic device can also include at least one program module stored on the at least one computer readable medium. The at least one program module can be operable, upon execution by the processor to display, on a display of the management device, a graphical user interface displaying the management device media library. The program module can also be operable to receive at least one media file from the management device media library and store the at least one media file in the electronic device media library. Alternatively, the program module can also be operable to perform an indirect transfer of the at least one media file from the management device media library to the electronic device media library. For example, the program module can supply a directory or file link to the media file providing the processor of the electronic device a location in the memory to retrieve the media file for playback. The program module can further be operable to determine whether media art is associated with the at least one media file. If the program module determines that no media art is associated with the at least one media file, the program module can be operable to transfer the associated media art from a media source associated with the management device and to store the associated media art in a memory of the electronic device. The program module can either directly transfer or indirectly transfer the associated media art from the management device to the electronic device. A direct transfer can include uploading (or downloading or otherwise retrieving) and storing the media art to a memory of the electronic device. An indirect transfer can include associating a link or directory location with the media art, thereby providing the processor and the media playback application with the location of the associated media art to be displayed when the media file is played back on the electronic device. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a system for synchronizing files on a first electronic device  100 , such as a mobile electronic device when a second electronic device  200  that is a management device is in communication with the first electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  and the management device  200  synchronize via a link  125 . The link  125  can be wireless or wired, as desired. The link  125  can further comprise any suitable communication network. For example the link  125  can be a Bluetooth™ connection, a wired USB connection, or any other connection that provides communication between the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 . Synchronization can occur between the electronic devices  100 ,  200  periodically, when communications are initialized, when triggered by a user of the electronic device  100  or the management device  200 , or any combination thereof. In general, during synchronization, specific data present at each of the electronic device  100  and the management device  200  can be resolved such that similar versions of at least some of the data are present on both of the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 . Such synchronization can comprise at least one of: downloading data to the electronic device  100  from the management device  200 ; uploading data to the electronic device  100  from the management device  200 ; deleting data from at least one of the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 , or any combination thereof. 
     The management device  200  can be a desktop computer, a laptop, a network server, a database server, an internet server, a computer having a media management software application, or any other similar computing device. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the management device  200  includes a display  210 , a management device library  205 , and a media source  215 . The management device  200  can also include a management device processor  203  coupled to the management device  200  to operate and transmit instructions to applications and programs stored on the management device  200 . The management device library  205  can be a database or a storage of media files and data files that can be transferred to another device. The management device library  205  can be stored on a memory of the management device  200 , such as a hard disk drive, a flash drive, an external drive, or any other similar memory. The media source  215  can be a database or any other electronic storage of media files and media art associated with the media files. For example, the media source  215  can be a media management application, an internet site, a local memory stored on the management device, or any other media source from which the electronic device  100  can retrieve media files and media art. The display  210  can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a plasma screen display, or any other display screen or monitor which can display graphical images or graphical user interfaces. 
     The management device  200  can be enabled to communicate with the electronic device  100  via the link  125 . For example, if the link  125  comprises a wireless link, the management device  200  can be enabled to communicate with the electronic device  100  wirelessly, using any suitable protocol. Alternatively, if the link  125  comprises a wired link, then the management device  200  can be enabled to communicate via a wired link, using any suitable wired protocol. 
     The electronic device  100  can be a mobile device, a netbook, a portable media player, an electronic tablet, a laptop computer, or any other similar electronic device that can be communicatively coupled to a management device for synchronizing media files and media art therebetween. In the particular embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first electronic device  100  comprises a processor  105  communicatively coupled to a computer readable medium  110 . The computer readable medium can be a memory, such as random access memory (RAM), removable memory, memory cards, hard disks, or any other similar memory. A program module  115  and an electronic device library  120  can be stored on the computer readable medium  110 . The electronic device library  120  can be a storage or a database for media files, playlist files associated with the media files, data files, or any other similar files which can have media or graphical art associated therewith, that will be utilized on the electronic device  100 . The program module  115  has access to the electronic device library  120  and can be operable upon execution by the processor  105  to display, on the display  210  of the management device  200 , a graphical user interface displaying a management device media library  205 ; receive at least one media file from the management device media library  205 ; store the at least one media file in the electronic device media library  120 ; determine whether media art is associated with the at least one media file; and provide the associated media art from a media source  215  in response to the determination that no media art is associated with the at least one media file. 
     The electronic device  100  can also be in communication with any suitable input device (not shown), or combination of input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, a touchpad, and any other similar device from which an operator of the electronic device can enter inputs. The electronic device  100  is generally enabled to receive input data from the input device for processing by the processor  105 . 
       FIG. 2  is a screenshot of a graphical user interface displayed on the management device  200  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the system and method of synchronizing media files and media art. When the electronic device  100  is connected to the management device  200 , the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  can instruct the program module  115  to display the graphical user interface  220  on the display  210  of the management device  200 . The graphical user interface  220  of  FIG. 2  includes a graphical depiction of the management device library  215  of the management device  200 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, the management device library  215  includes a list of playlists of media files. For example, playlists can be a collection of media files chosen by the operator of the management device or by an algorithm executed by the management device. The playlist can be a collection or group of media files having the same genre, having the same purchase date, having the same artist, having similar media file titles, being the most frequently played media files, media files selected by the operator according to a desired grouping, or any other grouping of files. From the graphical user interface  220 , the operator of the electronic device  100  can select which media files to transfer from the management device  200  to the electronic device  100 . In  FIG. 2 , the media files can be selected by selecting a checkbox  230  associated with the media file. In alternative embodiment, the media file can be selected by highlighting the media file to be transferred to the electronic device  100 , double clicking the desired media file, right clicking on the desired media file, or any other type of selection. 
     The graphical user interface  220  can include a user-selectable option  225  to synchronize the media files of the management device  200  with the electronic device  100 . In  FIG. 2 , the user-selectable option  225  is a button bearing the phrase “Sync.” Upon selection of the user-selectable option  225 , the media files of the management media library  215  selected for synchronization can be transferred from the management media library  215  to the electronic device media library  120 . In the illustrated example, the Blackberry Curve playlist is selected and has twenty items or media files in the playlist. When the user-selectable option  225  is selected, the twenty media files in the selected playlist  230  are transferred to the electronic device media library  120 . Details of the method for synchronizing the media files and media art on an electronic device  100  with a management device  200  are described below in relation to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the method  300  of synchronizing media files and media art on an electronic device  100 . In  FIG. 3 , a detection is made that the electronic device  100  is coupled to the management device  200  (block  305 ). The detection can be made by one or more processors  105  coupled to the electronic device  100  or the management device  200 . The detection can be a detection that a link  125 , such as a wireless connection or wired connection, has been made between the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 . If no connection between the electronic device  100  and the management device  200  is detected, the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  will take no action to synchronize media files between the electronic device  100  and the management device  200  (bock  310 ). Alternatively, if a coupling, such as a direct or indirect connection, is detected, the electronic device  100  can access the electronic device library  120  and the management device library  205  (block  315 ). Additionally, the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  can execute instructions to the electronic device  100  to display a graphical user interface on the display  210  of the management device  200 . For example, the graphical user interface can display the management device library  205  and a user-selectable option  225  to synchronize the management device library  205  and the electronic device library  120 . 
     At block  320 , a processor  203  of the management device  200  can transfer at least one media file from the management device library  205  to the electronic device library  120 . At block  320 , the electronic device  100  receives the at least one media file from the management device library  205 . The at least one media is added to the electronic device library  120  and can be stored in a memory associated with the electronic device  100 . For example, the media file can be stored on a local cache of the electronic device  100 , a memory card or disk coupled to the electronic device, a hard drive memory of the electronic device, or any other similar memory associated with the electronic device. Alternatively, the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  can associate a directory location or link to a memory with the at least one media file, thereby providing a location on a memory associated with the electronic device  100  from which the electronic device library  120  can retrieve the at least one media file for playback. 
     While transferring the at least one media file from the management device library  205  to the electronic device library  120 , the electronic device  100  can determine whether there is a media art associated with the at least one media (block  325 ). This determination can be performed by the processor  105  or a program module  115 . In alternative embodiments, the determination of whether there is media art associated with the at least one media can occur before the at least one media file is transferred to the electronic device  100 , after the at least one media file is transferred to the electronic device  100 , or concurrently with the transfer of the at least one media file to the electronic device  100 . If there is a media art associated with the at least one media file, the electronic device  100  completes synchronization (block  330 ). When synchronization is completed, the at least one media file from the management device  200  has been successfully transferred to the electronic device  100  along with the media art associated with the at least one media file. In one embodiment, a copy of the media file from the management device library  205  is transferred to the electronic device  100 . In other embodiments, the actual media file from the management device library  205  can be removed from the management device library  205  and saved to the electronic device library  115 . In such an embodiment, the management device  200  no longer has a copy of the media file. 
     If, however, no media art is associated with the at least one media file, a determination is made that the media art is missing. The determination can be made by the processor  105  or the program module  115  of the electronic device  100 . The missing media art associated with the at least one media file can be retrieved and transferred to the electronic device along with the at least one media file (block  335 ). The processor  105  of the electronic device  100  can execute instructions to the electronic device  100  to retrieve the missing media art from a media source  215 , as described above. Exemplary media sources  215  can include an internet site, an internet server, a media management application, or any other media source that has media art that are associated with media files. Alternatively, the processor  105  can transmit instructions to the management device  200  to retrieve the media art from a media source  215  and transfer the media art to the electronic device  100 . In another example, the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  can execute instructions to launch or run the media management application on the management device  200  that manages the management device library  205 . The processor  105  can then retrieve the missing media art. 
     When the media art is retrieved, the media art can then be transferred to and received by the electronic device  100  to complete synchronization (block  330 ). The retrieved missing media art can be added to the electronic media library  120  and stored in a local memory associated with the electronic device  100 . For example, the media art can be stored in the same memory as the media files of the electronic device library  120 , in a memory different from the one having the media files, in a local cache, on a removable memory card, in a flash memory, or any other similar memory. As a detection of missing media art results in a retrieval of the missing media art when media files are transferred to the electronic device  100 , fewer steps are required to synchronize the media files and media art between the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 . The operator of the electronic device  100  does not need to manually request that missing media art be retrieved and does not need to execute a separate synchronization of the media art. In  FIG. 3 , the synchronization of the media files and media art of the electronic device  100  and the management device  200  can be automatic when a connection is detected between the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 . Alternatively, the operator of the electronic device  100  and the management device  200  can enter an input at the electronic device  100  or the management device  200  to begin the synchronization of the media files and the media art, as will be described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flow diagram of an alternative embodiment a method  400  of synchronizing media files and media art on an electronic device  100 . The method  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4  is similar to the method  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3  in that the method  400  includes a detection of whether the electronic device  100  is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to the management device  200  (block  405 ). If no connection is detected, no action is taken (block  410 ). If a coupling is detected, the management device database  205  and the electronic device database  120  are accessed (block  415 ) and a graphical user interface is displayed (block  420 ) on the display  210  of the management device  200 . The graphical user interface  220  can be the same as the one illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the graphical user interface  220  can also display the electronic device database  115 . Additionally, the graphical user interface  220  can display prompt to the operator of the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 , requesting an input from the operator that is indicative of a request to synchronize the electronic device database  115  with the management device database  205 . 
     The method  400  differs from the method  300  of  FIG. 3 , in that the method does not automatically synchronize the management device  200 . Instead in  FIG. 4 , synchronization of the media file begins after an input has been entered by the operator of the management device  200  and the electronic device  100  requesting that synchronization begin (block  425 ). For example, the operator can select a user-selectable option  225  displayed on the display  210  of the management device  200  to begin synchronization. Alternatively, the user-selectable option  225  can be displayed on a display of the electronic device  100 . If no input is received to synchronize the electronic device database  115  and the management device database  205 , no action is taken by the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  (block  430 ). 
     If, however, an input is received to synchronize the electronic device database  115  and the management device database  205 , synchronization begins and at least one media file from the management device database  205  is transferred to the electronic device database  115  (block  435 ). As described above, the at least one media file is added to the electronic device database  115  and stored on a memory associated with the electronic device  100 . 
     Similar to the method  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the method  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4  determines whether the at least one media file has an associated media art (block  440 ). If media art is associated with the media file, the media art and the media file are received by the electronic device  100  and added to the electronic device database  115 . If the at least one media file has media art associated therewith, synchronization continues to the next step (block  445 ), as will be described below. If, however, the at least one media file does not have a media art associated therewith, the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  can retrieve the missing associated media art from a media source (block  450 ), as described above. After the missing media art is retrieved, the media art is received by the electronic device  100  and added to the electronic device database  115 . In at least one embodiment, the media art can be received by the electronic device  100  and stored to a local memory associated with the electronic device  100 . 
     After block  440  or  450 , a determination is made as to whether all the media files in the electronic device database  115  each have media art associated with a media file (block  445 ). If all the media files do not have media art associated therewith, the processor  105  of the electronic device  100  retrieves the missing media art from a media source (block  450 ). If all the media files have media art associated therewith, synchronization is completed (block  455 ), and the electronic device  100  and the management device  200  can be disconnected from each other. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a graphical user interface  500 , such as a dialogue box that can be presented on the display  210  of a management device  200 . The graphical user interface  500  displays the settings for synchronizing the management device database  205  or library and the electronic device database  115  or library. In  FIG. 5 , the graphical user interface  500  can allow the operator to select what media source  505  to retrieve the media art associated with the media files. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the selected media source is a media management application, for example, iTunes™. Additionally, in  FIG. 5 , the media source  505  is presented in a pull-down list of media source options; however, the media source options can be presented in any other manner, such as a displayed list, a grid, a list of radio buttons, a list with selectable check-boxes, or any other similar list of media source options. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5 , there is a selectable option  507  to start or launch the media application to retrieve media art associated with the media files to be transferred to the electronic device  100 . In  FIG. 5 , the selectable option  507  is a check-box option but can also be a radio button, a toggle button, an option button, or any other selectable graphical element. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the selectable option  507  can be default-selected. 
     Also illustrated n  FIG. 5 , a memory list  510  that allows the operator of the electronic device  100  to choose or select the memory on which to store the media and media art. In the illustrated example, the memory list  510  is a pull-down menu, and the electronic device&#39;s internal memory has been selected as the memory to store media files and media art. In alternative embodiments, the media files and media art can be stored on a flash memory, a local cache, an external hard drive, a removable memory card, or any other memory associated with the electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of an exemplary display of an electronic device  100  configured to be coupled to a management device  200  for synchronization of media files between the electronic device  100  and the management device  200 . In  FIG. 6 , the electronic device  100  can be a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone. A media file  605 , such as an audio music file, can be played on the electronic device. Media control buttons  615  which can include a play button, a pause button, a forward button, and a back button, or the like, are displayed on the display. Additionally, the title of the audio music file and the media art  610  associated with the audio music file can be displayed. As the electronic device is configured to synchronize the media files and media art as described herein, each media file played on the electronic device can have a media art  610  displayed on the display as the media file is played. 
     While the present disclosure has been described in relation to media files such as audio files, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the system and method of synchronizing media files and associated media art can be implemented using any type of data file having associated graphical art or graphical elements that will be displayed when the data file is opened or presented on the display of the electronic device. For example, the data file can be a MIDI file, an address book content file, an audiobook file, or any other data file having an associated graphical art. 
     A mobile device  100 , according to the present disclosure, can include components as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . While the components of  FIG. 7  are not all inclusive,  FIG. 7  illustrates components that can be included on a mobile device  100  according to the present disclosure. Additional components are required to allow the mobile device  100  to function, but have been omitted for clarity. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the mobile device  100  includes a communication subsystem  1112  to perform all communication transmission and reception with a wireless network  1114 . A processor module  105  can be connected with an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem  1130  which can be connected to the mobile device  100 . The processor module  105  can include one or more processors. Additionally, the processors can be micro-processors for example. In at least one implementation, the processor module  105  can be connected to a serial port (for example, a Universal Serial Bus port) which can allow for communication with other devices or systems. The display  110  can be connected to the processor module  105  to allow for displaying of information to a user of the mobile device  100 . When the mobile device  100  is equipped with a keyboard  124 , the keyboard  124  can also be connected with the processor module  105 . The mobile device  100  can include a speaker  125 , a microphone, random access memory (RAM)  1124 , and flash memory  1126 , all of which can be connected to the processor module  105 . Other similar components can be provided on the mobile device  100  as well and optionally connected to the processor module  105 . Other communication subsystems  1130  and other communication device subsystems  1128  are generally indicated as being functionally connected with the processor module  105  as well. An example of the communication subsystem  1112  is that of a short range communication system such as BLUETOOTH® communication module or a WI-FI® communication module (a communication module in compliance with IEEE 802.11 set of protocols) and associated circuits and components. The processor module  105  is able to perform operating system functions and enables execution of programs on the mobile device  100 . In some implementations not all of the above components can be included in the mobile device  100 . 
     The auxiliary I/O subsystem  1160  can take the form of a trackpad navigation tool, or a trackball, a thumbwheel, a navigation pad, a joystick, touch-sensitive interface, or other I/O interface. While the above examples have been provided in relation to the auxiliary I/O subsystem  1160 , other subsystems capable of providing input or receiving output from the mobile device  100  are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Other keys can be placed along the side of the mobile device  100  to function as escape keys, volume control keys, scrolling keys, power switches, or user programmable keys, and can likewise be programmed accordingly. 
     Furthermore, the mobile device  100  is equipped with components to enable operation of various programs, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In an exemplary implementation, the flash memory  1126  is enabled to provide a storage location for the operating system  1132 , device programs  1134 , and data. The operating system  1132  is generally configured to manage other programs  1142  that are also stored in memory  1126  and executable on the processor. The operating system  1132  honors requests for services made by programs  1134  through predefined program  1134  interfaces. More specifically, the operating system  1126  typically determines the order in which multiple programs  1134  are executed on the processor and the execution time allotted for each program  1134 , manages the sharing of memory  1126  among multiple programs  1134 , handles input and output to and from other device subsystems  1130 , and so on. In addition, users can typically interact directly with the operating system  1132  through a user interface which can include the keyboard  124  and display screen  110 . While in an exemplary implementation the operating system  1132  is stored in flash memory  1126 , the operating system  1132  in other implementations is stored in read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the operating system  1132 , device program  1134  or parts thereof can be loaded in RAM  1124  or other volatile memory. 
     In one exemplary implementation, the flash memory  1126  contains programs  1134  for execution on the mobile device  100  including an address book  1136 , a personal information manager (PIM)  1138 , and the device state  1140 . Furthermore, programs  1134  and other information  1148  including data can be segregated upon storage in the flash memory  1126  of the mobile device  100 . 
     When the mobile device  100  is enabled for two-way communication within the wireless communication network  1114 , the mobile device  100  can send and receive messages from a mobile communication service. Examples of communication systems enabled for two-way communication include, but are not limited to, the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, the Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service (UMTS) network, the Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) network, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service Time Division Duplexing (UMTS-TDD), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) networks, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and other networks that can be used for data and voice, or just data or voice. For the systems listed above, the communication device  100  can require a unique identifier to enable the communication device  100  to transmit and receive messages from the communication network  1114 . Other systems may not require such identifying information. GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE use a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in order to allow communication with the communication network  1114 . Likewise, most CDMA systems use a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) in order to communicate with the CDMA network. The RUIM and SIM card can be used in multiple different mobile devices  100 . The mobile device  100  can be able to operate some features without a SIM/RUIM card, but the mobile device will not be able to communicate with the network  1114 . A SIM/RUIM interface  1144  located within the mobile device  100  allows for removal or insertion of a SIM/RUIM card (not shown). The SIM/RUIM card features memory and holds key configurations  1146 , and other information  1148  such as identification and subscriber related information. With a properly enabled mobile device  100 , two-way communication between the mobile device  100  and communication network  1114  is possible. 
     If the mobile device  100  is enabled as described above or the communication network  1114  does not require such enablement, the two-way communication enabled mobile device  100  is able to both transmit and receive information from the communication network  1114 . The transfer of communication can be from the mobile device  100  or to the mobile device  100 . In order to communicate with the communication network  1114 , the mobile device  100  in the presently described exemplary implementation is equipped with an integral or internal antenna  1150  for transmitting messages to the communication network  1114 . Likewise the mobile device  100  in the presently described exemplary implementation is equipped with another antenna  1152  for receiving communication from the communication network  1114 . These antennae ( 1152 ,  1150  in another exemplary implementation are combined into a single antenna (not shown). As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the antenna or antennae ( 1152 ,  1150 ) in another implementation are externally mounted on the mobile device  100 . 
     When equipped for two-way communication, the mobile device  100  features the communication subsystem  1112 . As is understood in the art, the communication subsystem  1112  is modified so that the subsystem  1112  can support the operational needs of the mobile device  100 . The subsystem  1112  includes a transmitter  1154  and receiver  1156  including the associated antenna or antennae ( 152 ,  1150 ) as described above, local oscillators (LOs)  1158 , and a processing module which in the presently described exemplary implementation is a digital signal processor (DSP)  1160 . 
     The present disclosure contemplates that communication by the mobile device  100  with the wireless network  1114  can be any type of communication that both the wireless network  1114  and mobile device  100  are enabled to transmit, receive and process. In general, these can be classified as voice and data. Voice communication generally refers to communication in which messages for audible sounds are transmitted by the mobile device  100  through the communication network  1114 . Data generally refers to all other types of communication that the mobile device  100  is capable of performing within the constraints of the wireless network  1114 . 
     Example device programs that can depend on such data include email, contacts and calendars. For each such program, synchronization with home-based versions of the programs can be desirable for either or both of the program&#39;s long term and short term utility. As an example, emails are often time sensitive, so substantially real time synchronization can be desired. Contacts, on the other hand, can be usually updated less frequently without inconvenience. Therefore, the utility of the mobile device  100  is enhanced when connectable within a communication system, and when connectable on a wireless basis in the network  1114  in which voice, text messaging, and other data transfer are accommodated. 
     The technology described herein can take the forms of hardware, software or both hardware and software elements. In some implementations, the technology is implemented in software, which includes, but is not limited to, firmware, resident software, microcode, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. In particular, for real-time or near real-time use, an FPGA or ASIC implementation is desirable. 
     Furthermore, the present technology can take the form of a computer program product comprising program modules accessible from computer-usable or computer-readable medium storing program code for use by or in connection with one or more computers, processors, or instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium (though propagation mediums as signal carriers per se are not included in the definition of physical computer-readable medium). Examples of a physical computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk—read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk—read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD. Both processors and program code for implementing each as aspect of the technology can be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof) as known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the memory can be a non-transitory computer readable medium and can include processor executable instructions and data structures that implement aspect of the subject innovation. 
     The technology can take the forms of hardware, or both hardware and software elements. In some implementations, the technology is implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. In particular, for real-time or near real-time use, an FPGA or ASIC implementation is desirable. 
     Furthermore, the present technology can take the form of a computer program product comprising program modules accessible from computer-usable or computer-readable medium storing program code for use by or in connection with one or more computers, processors, or instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium (though propagation mediums as signal carriers per se are not included in the definition of physical computer-readable medium). Examples of a physical computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, removable memory connected via USB, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, an optical disk, transitory memory, and non-transitory memory. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk—read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk—read/write (CD-R/W), DVD, and Blu Ray™. Additionally, Non-transitory memory also can store programs, device state, various user information, one or more operating systems, device configuration data, and other data that may need to be accessed persistently. Both processors and program code for implementing each medium as an aspect of the technology can be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof) as known to those skilled in the art. 
     A data processing system suitable for storing a computer program product of the present technology and for executing the program code of the computer program product will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. Network adapters can also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modem, WiFi, and Ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters. Such systems can be centralized or distributed, e.g., in peer-to-peer and client/server configurations. In some implementations, the data processing system is implemented using one or both of FPGAs and ASICs. 
     Exemplary implementations have been described hereinabove regarding system and method for synchronizing media files and media art on electronic devices. With the system and method for synchronizing media files and media art, fewer steps are required to synchronize media files and media art when synchronizing an electronic device with a management device. Therefore, less user frustration and more efficient synchronization is provided to the user of the electronic device. Various modifications to and departures from the disclosed implementations will occur to those having skill in the art. The subject matter that is intended to be within the spirit of this disclosure is set forth in the following claims.