PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8819577-B2
Application Number: US-201113249084-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Emotional ratings of digital assets and related processing

Abstract:
Improved techniques are disclosed to associate emotions (or feelings) with digital assets, such as digital media assets. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface can be presented to assist a user in associating emotions or feelings with a digital asset (e.g., digital media asset). The emotions of a user can be graphically represented by images, such as icons. For example, by selecting one or more of the images or manipulating a user control in relation to the images, a user can associate (e.g., tag) emotions to a digital asset. Once digital assets are associated (e.g., tagged) with one or more emotions, operations (e.g., playlist creation, search, shuffle, etc.) can be performed based on emotions.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of rating digital media assets, the method comprising:
 identifying a digital media asset to be rated; 
 presenting an emotion rating user interface on a display device; 
 receiving at least one user selection via the emotion rating user interface to set an emotion rating for the digital media asset; 
 tagging the digital media asset with the emotion rating; and 
 storing the tagged digital media asset. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the identifying comprises:
 playing the digital media asset; and 
 presenting a media asset image associated with the digital media asset on the display device. 
 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the emotion rating user interface is displayed concurrently with the media asset image. 
     
     
       4. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the emotion rating user interface includes a plurality of user-selectable controls, each of the user-selectable controls enables the user to influence the emotion rating. 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the emotion rating comprises a set of emotion parameters, and 
 wherein the emotion rating user interface includes a plurality of user-selectable controls, each of the user-selectable controls enables the user to set or alter one or more of the emotion parameters. 
 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in  claim 5 , at least one of the plurality of user-selectable controls includes at least one slider control, wherein the user can manipulate the slider control to set or alter the one of more of the emotion parameters. 
     
     
       7. A method as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the set of emotion parameters includes at least a light-heavy parameter and a fast-slow parameter. 
     
     
       8. A method as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the set of emotion parameters includes at least: a light-heavy parameter, a fast-slow parameter, an expressive introspective parameter, and a bright-dark parameter. 
     
     
       9. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the emotion rating comprises a set of emotion parameters. 
     
     
       10. A method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the set of emotion parameters includes at least a light-heavy parameter and a fast-slow parameter. 
     
     
       11. A method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the set of emotion parameters includes at least one of a light-heavy parameter, a fast-slow parameter, an expressive-introspective parameter, or a bright-dark parameter. 
     
     
       12. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of the emotion parameters are able to be set or altered via the emotion rating user interface, and wherein each of the emotion parameters are represented in the emotion rating user interface by a graphical component. 
     
     
       13. A method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the graphical component comprises a graphical icon. 
     
     
       14. A non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored thereon for rating digital media assets, the non-transitory computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code for identifying a particular media asset to be rated; 
 computer program code for presenting an emotion rating user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device; 
 computer program code for receiving at least one user selection via the emotion rating user interface to set an emotion rating for the particular media asset; 
 computer program code for tagging the digital media asset with the emotion rating; and 
 computer program code for storing, in data storage of the electronic device, the tagged digital media asset. 
 
     
     
       15. A non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored thereon for creating a playlist of digital media assets suitable for playback on an electronic device, the non-transitory computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code for presenting a playlist creation user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device, the playlist creation user interface having selectable emotion icons; 
 computer program code for receiving one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; 
 computer program code for receiving a request to create a playlist in accordance with the one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; 
 computer program code for querying a media library to identify a set of digital media assets that correspond to the one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; and 
 computer program code for forming the playlist from the identified set of digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       16. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the computer readable medium comprises:
 computer program code for storing the playlist in data storage of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       17. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the computer readable medium comprises:
 computer program code for playing the playlist at the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       18. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the computer readable medium comprises:
 computer program code for visually designating the one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons on the playlist creation user interface as the selections are made. 
 
     
     
       19. A method of shuffling a collection of digital media assets prior to subsequent playback of the collection at an electronic device, the method comprising:
 presenting a shuffle user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device, the shuffle user interface having a plurality of user-controllable emotion parameters; 
 receiving a user input regarding at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; 
 visually designating the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; 
 storing the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; 
 subsequently receiving a shuffle request; and 
 shuffling the collection to order the digital media assets in the collection according to the designated at least one user-controlled emotion parameter, where the digital media assets in the collection are tagged with emotion parameters. 
 
     
     
       20. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the computer readable medium comprises:
 computer program code for playing the digital media assets as ordered by the shuffled media collection at the electronic device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Today, digital assets (e.g., musical songs, movies, games, computer application programs) are readily available for purchase from online stores. Users (e.g., purchasers) of digital assets can be permitted to rate the digital assets, such as with a rating system. A common rating system permits user to rate songs from one (1) to five (5) stars (star ratings). Since songs are able to be rated, once rated, playlists are able to be automatically formed using the ratings applied to the songs. Besides star ratings, songs have also conventionally been tagged by associating words with the digital assets. 
     SUMMARY 
     Improved techniques are disclosed to associate emotions (or feelings) with digital assets, such as digital media assets. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface can be presented to assist a user in associating emotions or feelings with a digital asset (e.g., digital media asset). The emotions of a user can be graphically represented by images, such as icons. For example, by selecting one or more of the images or manipulating a user control in relation to the images, a user can associate (e.g., tag) emotions to a digital asset. Once digital assets are associated (e.g., tagged) with one or more emotions, operations can be performed based on emotions. In one embodiment, an operation that can be performed based on emotions is creation of a playlist. For example, a user can select one or more emotions, and then initiate creation of a playlist that include digital assets (e.g., songs) that are tagged with the selected one or more emotions. In another embodiment, an operation that can be performed based on emotions is shuffling a digital media collection. For example, a user can select one or more emotions, and then initiate shuffling of a digital media collection that include digital assets (e.g., songs) that are tagged with one or more emotions, such that the shuffled media collection is organized to prefer those digital media assets in the digital media collection that are tagged to match the selected one or more emotions. In still another embodiment, an operation that can be performed based on emotions is searching a digital library to locate digital assets matching one or more emotions. 
     Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including computer readable medium and graphical user interface). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method for rating digital media assets, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least the acts of: identifying a particular media asset to be rated; presenting an emotion rating user interface on a display device; receiving at least one user selection via the emotion rating user interface to set an emotion rating for the particular media asset; and storing the emotion rating for the particular media asset. 
     As a non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored thereon for rating digital media assets, the non-transitory computer readable medium can, for example, include at least: computer program code for identifying a particular media asset to be rated; computer program code for presenting an emotion rating user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device; computer program code for receiving at least one user selection via the emotion rating user interface to set an emotion rating for the particular media asset; and computer program code for storing, in a data storage of the electronic device, the emotion rating for the particular media asset. 
     As a method for creating a playlist of digital media assets suitable for playback on an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: presenting a playlist creation user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device, the playlist creation user interface having selectable emotion icons; receiving one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; receiving a request to create a playlist in accordance with the one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; querying a media library to identify a set of digital media assets that correspond to the one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; and forming the playlist from the identified set of digital media assets. 
     As a non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored thereon for creating a playlist of digital media assets suitable for playback on an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: computer program code for presenting a playlist creation user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device, the playlist creation user interface having selectable emotion icons; computer program code for receiving one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; computer program code for receiving a request to create a playlist in accordance with the one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; computer program code for querying a media library to identify a set of digital media assets that correspond to the one or more selections of the selectable emotion icons; and computer program code for forming the playlist from the identified set of digital media assets. 
     As a method for shuffling a media collection prior to subsequent playback of the media collection ay an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: presenting a shuffle user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device, the shuffle user interface having a plurality of user-controllable emotion parameters; receiving a user input regarding at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; visually designating the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; storing the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; subsequently receiving a shuffle request; and shuffling the media collection to order the digital media assets biased in favor of those if the digital media assets that match the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters. 
     As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored thereon for shuffling a media collection prior to subsequent playback of the media collection ay an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: computer program code for presenting a shuffle user interface on a display device associated with the electronic device, the shuffle user interface having a plurality of user-controllable emotion parameters; computer program code for receiving a user input regarding at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; computer program code for visually designating the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; computer program code for storing the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters; computer program code for subsequently receiving a shuffle request; and computer program code for shuffling the media collection to order the digital media assets biased in favor of those if the digital media assets that match the at least one of the user-controlled emotion parameters. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of an emotion rating process according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are flow diagrams of an emotion rating process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  is a simplified view of an emotion rating graphical user interface (GUI) according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3B  is a simplified view of an emotion rating graphical user interface (GUI) according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a view of an emotion rating graphical user interface (GUI) according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary media playback screen according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an exemplary media playback screen according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an exemplary media playback screen according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a playlist creation process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of a playlist creation graphical user interface (playlist creation GUI) according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a shuffle process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an exemplary media playback screen according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows an exemplary computer system suitable for use with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Improved techniques are disclosed to associate emotions (or feelings) with digital assets, such as digital media assets. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface can be presented to assist a user in associating emotions or feelings with a digital asset (e.g., digital media asset). The emotions of a user can be graphically represented by images, such as icons. For example, by selecting one or more of the images or manipulating a user control in relation to the images, a user can associate (e.g., tag) emotions to a digital asset. Once digital assets are associated (e.g., tagged) with one or more emotions, operations can be performed based on emotions. In one embodiment, an operation that can be performed based on emotions is creation of a playlist. For example, a user can select one or more emotions, and then initiate creation of a playlist that include digital assets (e.g., songs) that are tagged with the selected one or more emotions. In another embodiment, an operation that can be performed based on emotions is shuffling a digital media collection. For example, a user can select one or more emotions, and then initiate shuffling of a digital media collection that include digital assets (e.g., songs) that are tagged with one or more emotions, such that the shuffled media collection is organized to prefer those digital media assets in the digital media collection that are tagged to match the selected one or more emotions. In still another embodiment, an operation that can be performed based on emotions is searching a digital library to locate digital assets matching one or more emotions. 
     The following detailed description is illustrative only, and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will generally be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. It should be appreciated that the drawings are generally not drawn to scale, and at least some features of the drawings may have been exaggerated for ease of illustration. 
     Embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of an emotion rating process  100  according to one embodiment. The emotion rating process  100  can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., computing device), such as a personal computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or handheld electronic device (e.g. multi-function handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone). 
     The emotion rating process  100  can identify  102  a particular media asset to be rated. Here, a user of the computing device can interact with the computing device in any of a variety of different ways to select the particular media asset to be rated. Next, an emotion rating user interface can be presented  104 . For example, the emotion rating user interface can be presented  104  on a display device associated with the computing device. After the emotion rating user interface has been presented  104 , a user selection can be received  106  via the emotion rating user interface. Here, the user selection with respect to the emotion rating user interface is for the purpose of setting an emotion rating for the particular media asset. The user selection can itself determine the emotion rating or can be used to influence an emotion rating. Thereafter, the emotion rating for the particular media asset can be stored  108  for subsequent use by the computing device or other electronic devices. For example, the emotion rating can be stored locally at the computing device and/or the emotion rating can be stored to a remote server. The emotion rating that has been established for a given user can be used exclusively by the user, can be shared with other users, or can be generally accessible by a media distribution system (e.g. online media store) for making use of aggregated emotion ratings for various digital media assets. Following the storage  108  of the emotion rating for the particular media asset, the emotion rating process  100  can end. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are flow diagrams of an emotion rating process  200  according to one embodiment. The emotion rating process  200  can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., computing device), such as a personal computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or handheld electronic device (e.g. multi-function handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone). The emotion rating process  200  allows a user to determine emotion ratings for media assets while the media assets are being played by an electronic device supporting digital media playback. 
     The emotion rating process  200  can select  202  a particular media asset to be played. After the particular media asset to be played has been selected  202 , playback of the particular media asset can be initiated  204 . Additionally, a media asset image associated with the particular media asset can be presented  206 . Typically, the electronic device providing the playback of the particular media asset includes or couples to a display device which can display the media asset image while the particular media asset is being played. 
     Next, a decision  208  determines whether a user of the electronic device has an emotion rating interest. For example, the user can interact with the electronic device (e.g., button or touch input) to indicate an emotion rating interest. For example, the user can interact with a user control (e.g., icon) being displayed to signal an interest in emotion rating. When the decision  208  determines that the user has not designated an emotion rating interest, a decision  210  can determine whether playback of the particular media asset is complete. When the decision  210  determines that playback of the particular media asset is not complete, the emotion rating process  200  can return to repeat the decision  208  and subsequent blocks. Alternatively, when the decision  210  determines that playback of the particular media asset is complete, the emotion rating process  200  is complete and ends. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  208  determines that the user of the electronic device has designated an emotion rating interest, an emotion rating user interface can be presented  212  on the display device. Typically, the emotion rating user interface is presented  212  concurrently with at least a portion of the media asset image. Consequently, the user of the electronic device is able to provide his/her emotion rating for the particular media asset while the particular media asset is being played. 
     Once the emotion rating user interface has been presented  212 , a decision  214  can determine whether a user rating selection has been received. When the decision  214  determines that a user rating selection has been received, the emotion rating for the particular media assets can be determined  216  based on at least the user rating selection. Then, the emotion rating for the particular media asset can be stored  218 . Alternatively, when the decision  214  determines that a user rating selection has not been received, a decision  220  can determine whether an emotion rating should end. When the decision  220  determines that the emotion rating should end, the emotion rating user interface can be removed  222  from being displayed. 
     Following the block  218 , the block  222  or the decision  220  when emotion rating is not to end, a decision  224  can determine whether playback of the particular media asset has completed. When the decision  224  determines that playback of the particular media asset has not completed, the emotion rating process  200  can return to repeat the decision  214  and subsequent blocks. Alternatively, when the decision  224  determines that playback of the particular media asset has completed, the emotion rating process  200  can end. 
     In general, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an emotion rating can be performed at an electronic device while a media asset is be provided. However, in other embodiments of the emotion rating process  200 , an emotion rating can be performed even though the media asset being emotion rated is not currently being played. 
       FIG. 3A  is a simplified view of an emotion rating graphical user interface (GUI)  300  according to one embodiment. The emotion rating GUI  300  allows a user to make one or more selections to effect an emotion rating. Typically, the emotion rating is for a particular digital media asset. In one embodiment, the emotion rating is performed or provided by a user while the particular digital media asset is being presented to the user. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the emotion rating GUI  300  includes a first user interface control  302  and a second user interface control  304 . In one implementation, these user interface controls  302  and  304  can be referred to as sliders or slider bars. By manipulating one or both of the user interface controls  302  and  304 , the user is able to set or alter the emotion rating. 
     The first user interface control  302  includes a fast end  306  and a slow end  308 . A movable selector  310  is able to be slid, by the user control, along the first user interface control  302 . As a result, the user can move the movable selector  310  either towards the “fast” end  306  or towards the “slow” end  308 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the movable selector  302  is placed slightly towards the “fast” end  306 . As a result, the user has designated that the particular digital media asset associated with the emotion rating feels somewhat “fast” to them. 
     The second user interface control  304  includes a “bright” end  310  and a “dark” end  312 . A movable selector  314  is able to be slid, by the user control, along the second user interface control  304 . As a result, the user can move the movable selector  314  either towards the “bright” end  310  or towards the “dark” end  312 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the movable selector  304  is placed slightly towards the “dark” end  306 . As a result, the user has designated that the particular digital media asset associated with the emotion rating feels somewhat “dark” to them. 
       FIG. 3B  is a simplified view of an emotion rating graphical user interface (GUI)  320  according to one embodiment. The emotion rating GUI  320  allows a user to make one or more selections to effect an emotion rating. Typically, the emotion rating is for a particular digital media asset. In one embodiment, the emotion rating is performed or provided by a user while the particular digital media asset is being presented to the user. As shown in  FIG. 3B , the emotion rating GUI  300  includes a first user interface control  322  and a second user interface control  324 . In one implementation, these user interface controls  322  and  324  can be referred to as sliders or slider bars. By manipulating one or both of the user interface controls  322  and  324 , the user is able to set or alter the emotion rating. 
     The first user interface control  322  includes a fast end  326  and a slow end  328 . A movable selector  330  is able to be slid, by the user control, along the first user interface control  322 . As a result, the user can move the movable selector  330  either towards the fast end  326  or towards the slow end  328 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the movable selector  330  is placed slightly towards the fast end  306 . As a result, the user has designated that the particular digital media asset associated with the emotion rating feels somewhat “fast” to them. 
     The second user interface control  324  includes a “light” end  332  and a “dark” end  334 . A movable selector  324  is able to be slid, by the user control, along the second user interface control  324 . As a result, the user can move the movable selector  336  either towards the “light” end  332  or towards the “dark” end  334 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the movable selector  336  is placed slightly towards the “dark” end  334 . As a result, the user has designated that the particular digital media asset associated with the emotion rating feels somewhat “dark” to them. Although the parameters being used to control the emotion rating are the same in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ,  FIG. 3B  utilizes icons, or emotion icons, to represent the parameters being controlled. For example, “fast” is represented by a small image of a rabbit, a “slow” parameter is represented by a small image of a turtle, “light” is represented by a small image of a sun, and “dark” is represented by a small image of a partial moon. 
     It should be recognized from the examples illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  that the number, type and parameter(s) for the user interface controls can vary depending upon implementation. For example, in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , there are two user interface controls that can be manipulated by a user to effectuate an emotion rating. The specific types of parameters being controlled can reflect an emotion (e.g., mood, feeling, etc.) that the user receives from a particular digital media asset. Hence, the specific parameters can vary depending upon implementation. In other words, although the parameters of fast/slow and light/dark are used, different embodiments can use different parameters. 
       FIG. 4  is a view of an emotion rating graphical user interface (GUI)  400  according to one embodiment. The emotion rating GUI  400  can be used to allow a user to establish an emotion rating for a digital media asset, such as a song. The emotion rating GUI  400  includes textual instructions  402  that inform the user how to provide an emotion rating. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the textual instructions can specify “choose images that remind you of this song.” In addition, the emotion rating GUI  400  can also include an image selection region  404  that provides a plurality of user-selectable images  406 . The user is able to select one or more of the user-selectable images  406 . For example, if the emotion rating GUI  400  is presented in a touchscreen, then a user can select one or more of the user-selectable images  406  with a touch input. In one embodiment, the meaning of the one or more of the user-selectable images  406  can be user dependent in that they denote an emotion (e.g., feeling) of the user. 
     Once one or more of the user-selectable images  406  have been selected, the one or more user-selectable images  406  can be visually highlighted or otherwise distinguished. In one embodiment, the visual appearance of the user-selectable images  406  can be predetermined or standard. In another embodiment, the visual appearance of the user-selectable images  406  can be user determined, which can allow a user to customize the visual appearance of the user-selectable images  406 . Each of the one or more of the user-selectable images that have been selected can correspond to an emotion that the user associates with the song, which is typically being played when the motion rating is provided by the user. The meanings of the user-selectable images  406  can be subjective to the user. Alternatively, the meaning of the images can be explained, such as by text provided over or adjacent the images, or text available when a cursor or finger hovers over the images. 
     The emotion rating GUI  400  can also include a done control  408 . Upon selection of the done control  408 , the user can cause the emotion rating GUI  400  to close (i.e., removed from being displayed). When the emotion rating GUI  400  is subsequently re-opened, the previously designated one or more of the user-selectable images  406  can be visually identified as pertaining to current emotion selections. The user would thereafter be able to unselect any of the previously selected images  406  and/or newly designate additional one or more of the user-selectable images  406 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exemplary media playback screen  500  according to one embodiment. The media playback screen  500  can be presented on a display device associated with an electronic device. For example, the electronic device can support a multimedia application that supports playback of digital media assets, such as songs. 
     The media playback screen  500  includes a song listing region  502  that presents a list of songs. As illustrated, Song # 5  in the song list region  502  is selected for playback which is ongoing. The media playback screen  500  also includes an image region  504 . The image region  504  can display at least one image (e.g., cover art, poster, video trailer, etc.) associated with the song being played (e.g., Song # 5 ). The media playback screen  500  can also include a playback status bar  506  that illustrates playback position and permits user adjustment to the playback position. Still further, the media playback screen  500  can also include playback controls  508 , descriptive song information  510  for the song being played (e.g., title and/or artist/album name), and a volume control  512 . 
     In addition, the media playback screen  500  can include a user-selectable rating control  514 , such as an icon, that allows a user to cause an emotion rating GUI  516  to be displayed, such as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, the emoting rating GUI  516  can, for example, be implemented as the emotion rating GUI  320  illustrated in  FIG. 3B . The user can use the emotion rating GUI  516  to set or alter an emotion rating for the song being played (e.g., Song #5). The emotion rating GUI  516  can be closed when the user is done with the emotion rating GUI  516  (e.g., after the emotion rating has been provided). 
       FIG. 6  is an exemplary media playback screen  600  according to another embodiment. The media playback screen  600  can be presented on a display device associated with an electronic device. For example, the electronic device can support a multimedia application that supports playback of digital media assets, such as songs. The electronic device can, for example, be a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or handheld electronic device (e.g. multi-function handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone). 
     The media playback screen  600  includes a song listing region  602  that presents a list of songs. As illustrated, Song # 5  in the song list region  602  is selected for playback which is ongoing. The media playback screen  600  also includes an image region  604 . The image region  604  can display at least one image (e.g., cover art, poster, video trailer, etc.) associated with the song being played (e.g., Song # 5 ). The media playback screen  600  can also include a playback status bar  606  that illustrates playback position and permits user adjustment to the playback position. Still further, the media playback screen  600  can also include playback controls  608 , descriptive song information  610  for the song being played (e.g., title and/or artist/album name), and a volume control  612 . 
     In addition, the media playback screen  600  can include a user-selectable rating control  614 , such as an icon, that allows a user to cause an emotion rating GUI  616  to be displayed, such as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The user can use the emotion rating GUI  616  to set or alter an emotion rating for the song being played (e.g., Song # 5 ). In one embodiment, the emoting rating GUI  616  can, for example, be implemented similar to the GUI emotion rating  320  illustrated in  FIG. 3B . However, unlike the GUI emotion rating  320  illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the emotion rating GUI  616  includes four (4) user interface controls, which can be manipulated by a user to set or alter the emotion rating. In one embodiment, the four (4) user interface controls can include at least a light-heavy parameter, a fast-slow parameter, an expressive-introspective parameter, and a bright-dark parameter. The emotion rating GUI  616  can be closed when the user is done with the emotion rating GUI  616  (e.g., after the emotion rating has been provided). 
       FIG. 7  is an exemplary media playback screen  700  according to one embodiment. The media playback screen  700  can be presented on a display device associated with an electronic device. For example, the electronic device can support a multimedia application that supports playback of digital media assets, such as songs. The electronic device can, for example, be a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or handheld electronic device (e.g. multi-function handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone). 
     The media playback screen  700  includes a user-selectable rating control  702 , such as an icon, that allows a user to cause an emotion rating GUI  704  to be displayed, such as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In one embodiment, the emotion rating GUI  704  can, for example, be implemented as the emotion rating GUI  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The user can use the emotion rating GUI  704  to set or alter an emotion rating for a digital media asset. 
     The emotion rating GUI  704  provides a plurality of user-selectable images  706 . The user is able to select one or more of the user-selectable images  706 . For example, if the emotion rating GUI  700  is presented by a touchscreen, then a user can select one or more of the user-selectable images  706  with a touch input. In one embodiment, the meaning of the one or more of the user-selectable images  706  can be user dependent in that they denote an emotion (e.g., feeling) of the user. The meanings of the user-selectable images  706  can be subjective to the user. Alternatively, the meaning of the images can be explained, such as text by being provided over or adjacent the images, or text available when a cursor hovers over the images. 
     Once one or more of the user-selectable images  706  have been selected, the one or more selected user-selectable images  706  can also be placed in an emotion selection area  708 . In one embodiment, the selected one or more user-selectable images  706  can be placed in the emotion selection area  708  with a drag and drop operation. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the emotion selection area  708  can include those of the selected user-selectable images  706 ′ have been so placed. 
     Once one or more of the user-selectable images  706  have been selected, the one or more user-selectable images  706  can also be visually highlighted or otherwise distinguished. In one embodiment, the visual appearance of the user-selectable images  706  can be predetermined or standard. In another embodiment, the visual appearance of the user-selectable images  706  can be user determined, which can allow a user to customize the visual appearance of the user-selectable images  706 . 
     The emotion rating GUI  704  can also include a done control  710 . Upon selection of the done control  710 , the user can cause the emotion rating GUI  704  to close (i.e., removed from being displayed). When the emotion rating GUI  704  is subsequently re-opened, the previously designated one or more of the user-selectable images  706  can be displayed in the emotion selection area  708  and can be visually identified as pertaining to current emotion selections. The user would thereafter be able to unselect any of the previously selected images  706  and/or newly designate additional one or more of the user-selectable images  706 . 
     The media playback screen  700 , although not shown, can include a song listing region that presents a list of songs (e.g., song listing area  502 ). The media playback screen  700  also includes an image region (e.g., image region  504 ). The image region can display at least one image (e.g., cover art, poster, video trailer, etc.) associated with the song being played. The media playback screen  700  can also include a playback status bar  712  that illustrates playback position and permits user adjustment to the playback position. Still further, the media playback screen  700  can also include playback controls  714 , descriptive asset information  716  for the digital asset being played (e.g., title and/or artist/album name), and a volume control  718 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a playlist creation process  800  according to one embodiment. The playlist creation process  800  can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., computing device), such as a personal computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or handheld electronic device (e.g. multi-function handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone). 
     The playlist creation process  800  can initially display a playlist creation user interface having selectable emotion icons. The user is able to interact with the playlist creation user interface to select one or more of the selectable emotion icons that represent characteristics that the user desires in a playlist that is being created for the user. After the playlist creation user interface has been displayed, a decision  804  can determine whether a user selection of one of the selectable emotion icons has been received. When the decision  804  determines that a user selection of one of the selectable emotion icons has not yet been received, the playlist creation process  800  can await such a selection. Once the decision  804  determines that a user selection of one of the selectable emotion icons has been received, the selected emotion icons can be visibly denoted in the playlist creation user interface. For example, the selected emotion icon can be highlighted by a color or brightness change or by placing a visual indicator around the selected emotion icon (e.g. a bounding box around the selected emotion icon). 
     Next, decision  808  can determine whether a request to create a playlist has been received. Here, in one embodiment, the playlist creation user interface can include a user control (e.g., “create playlist” soft or touch button) that allows the user to specify when it desires to create a playlist using the one or more previously selected emotion icons. When the decision  808  determines that a request to create a playlist has not yet been received, the playlist creation process  800  can return to repeat the decision  804  and subsequent blocks so that additional or different emotion icons can be selected. 
     Alternatively, when the decision  808  determines that a request to create a playlist has been received, a media library can be queried  810  to identify those digital media assets corresponding to the one or more selected emotion icons. Here, the media library can include, reference or be associated with a media database. The media database can be queried to identify the digital media assets within the media library that correspond to the one or more selected emotion icons. Here, to the extent that the digital media assets within the media library have been previously “tagged” to have emotion ratings, these emotion readings can be used to identify those of the digital media assets in the media library that corresponds to the one or more selected emotion icons. Following the identification of the digital media assets that correspond to the one or more selected emotion icons, a playlist can be formed  812  from the identified digital media assets. Following the block  812 , the playlist creation process  800  can end since the playlist has been formed. 
       FIG. 9  is a view of a playlist creation graphical user interface (playlist creation GUI)  900  according to one embodiment. The playlist creation GUI  900  can be used to allow a user to create a playlist using characteristics associated with emotion ratings. The playlist can include a plurality of digital media assets, such as songs. The playlist creation rating GUI  900  includes textual instructions  902  that inform the user to select one or more tags. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the textual instructions can specify “create a playlist by selecting tags below.” In addition, the playlist creation GUI  900  can also include a tag selection region  904  that provides a plurality of user-selectable tags  906 . The user-selectable tags  906  can be presented in the playlist creation GUI  900  as graphical images (e.g., icons). The user-selectable tags  906  are able to be selected by a user. For example, if the playlist creation GUI  900  is presented in a touchscreen, then a user can select one or more of the user-selectable tags  906  with a touch input. In one embodiment, the meaning of the one or more of the user-selectable tags  906  is user dependent in that they denote an emotion or feeling of the user. 
     Once one or more of the user-selectable tags  906  have been selected, the one or more user-selectable tags  906  can be visually highlighted or otherwise distinguished. In one embodiment, the visual appearance of the user-selectable tags  906  can be predetermined or standard. In another embodiment, the visual appearance of the user-selectable tags  906  can be user determined, which can allow a user to customize the visual appearance of the user-selectable tags  906 . Each of the one or more of the user-selectable tags that have been selected can correspond to an emotion (e.g., feeling) that the user associates with the song, which is typically being played when the emotion rating is provided by the user. The meanings of the user-selectable tags  906  can be subjective to the user. Alternatively, the meaning of the images can be explained, such as by text provided over or adjacent the images, or text available when a cursor or finger hovers over the images. 
     The playlist creation GUI  900  can also include a create playlist control  908 . Upon selection of the create playlist control  908 , the user can cause the playlist creation GUI  900  to form a playlist in accordance with the one or more user-selectable tags  906  that have been selected. Since the user-selectable tags  906  are premised on emotions, the playlist created is associated with the emotions associated with the one or more user-selectable tags  906  that have been selected. Thereafter, the playlist can be presented (e.g., displays) for the user and the playlist creation GUI  900  can close (i.e., removed from being displayed). 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a shuffle process  1000  according to one embodiment. The shuffle process  1000  can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., computing device), such as a personal computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or handheld electronic device (e.g. multi-function handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone). 
     The shuffle process  1000  can display  1002  a shuffle user interface having a plurality of user-controllable emotion parameters. After the shuffle user interface has been displayed  1002 , a decision  1004  can determine whether a user input has been received. When the decision  1004  determines that a user input with respect to the shuffle user interface has been received, the one or more emotion parameters specified by the user input can be visually designated  106 . The visual designation can be provided using one or more of color, brightness, or graphical attribute applied to or adjacent the representation for the user-specified emotion parameters. In one embodiment, the shuffle user interface can display the user-controllable emotion parameters as selectable emotion icons as discussed above. In general, the shuffle user interface can provide a graphical representation pertaining to a single emotion parameter, a plurality of emotion parameters, or an aggregate effect of a plurality of emotion parameters. The shuffle process  1000  can also operate to store  1008  the user-specified emotion parameters. By storing the user-specified emotion parameters, the default settings for the shuffle process  1000  can be maintained and utilized with subsequent shuffle actions, unless the user operates to alter the emotion parameters. 
     Following the block  1008 , as well as following the decision  1004  if a user input with respect to the shuffle user interface has not been received, a decision  1010  can determine whether a smart shuffle request has been made. In one embodiment, the shuffle user interface includes a user-selectable control that can be activated by the user to initiate a shuffle request. In any case, when the decision  1010  determines that a shuffle request has been received, a media collection can be shuffled  1012  to order the digital media assets biased in favor of those of the digital media assets that match the user-specified emotion parameters. 
     Alternatively, when the decision  1010  determines that a smart shuffle request has not been received, a decision  1014  determines whether the shuffle process should quit. If the decision  1014  determines that the shuffle process  1000  should not quit, the shuffle process  1000  returns to repeat the decision  1004  and subsequent blocks so that additional user input can be received and processed. On the other hand, when the decision  1014  determines that the shuffle process  1000  should quit, as well as directly following the block  1012 , the shuffle process  1000  can end. However, before doing so, the display of the shuffle user interface can be removed  1016 . 
       FIG. 11  is an exemplary media playback screen  1100  according to one embodiment. The media playback screen  1100  can be presented on a display device associated with an electronic device. For example, the electronic device can support a multimedia application that supports playback of digital media assets, such as songs. The electronic device can, for example, be a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer or handheld electronic device (e.g. multi-function handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone). 
     The media playback screen  1100  includes a song listing region  1102  that presents a list of songs. As illustrated, Song # 5  in the song list region  1102  is selected for playback which is ongoing. The media playback screen  1100  also includes an image region  1104 . The image region  1104  can display at least one image (e.g., cover art, poster, video trailer, etc.) associated with the song being played (e.g., Song # 5 ). The media playback screen  1100  can also include a playback status bar  1106  that illustrates playback position and permits user adjustment to the playback position. Still further, the media playback screen  1100  can also include playback controls  1108 , descriptive song information  1110  for the song being played (e.g., title and/or artist/album name), and a volume control  1112 . 
     In addition, the media playback screen  1100  can include a user-selectable rating control  1114 , such as a visual representation of an icon, that allows a user to cause an emotion rating GUI  1116  to be displayed, such as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The user can use the emotion rating GUI  1116  to set or alter an emotion rating for the song being played (e.g., Song # 5 ). The emotion rating GUI  1116  can include a rating indicator  1118  that can be positioned (by a user) in a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of emotion parameters (which can be represented by graphical representations (e.g., icons). The position of the rating indicator  1118  influences the plurality of emotion parameters. In  FIG. 11 , the two-dimensional arrangement has four sides, and each side has an associated emotion parameter. As one example, the two-dimensional arrangement has a fast parameter at a first side, a slow parameter at a side opposite the first side, an expressive parameter at a second side, and an introspective parameter at a side opposite the second side. The emotion rating GUI  1116  can be closed when the user is done with the emotion rating GUI  516  (e.g., after the emotion rating has been provided). 
     In view of the foregoing, it will readily be known that an electronic device provided in accordance with one or more embodiments can, for example, be a computing device (e.g., desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer), mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone, smart phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), media player (e.g., music, videos, games, images), and/or the like. An electronic device may also be a multi-functional device that combines two or more of these device functionalities into a single device. A portable electronic device may support various types of network communications. 
     A portable electronic device can be provided as a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held can generally refer to an electronic device with a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device). 
       FIG. 12  shows an exemplary computer system  1200  suitable for use with at least one embodiment. The methods, processes and/or graphical user interfaces discussed above can be provided by a computer system. The computer system  1200  can include a display monitor  1202  having a single or multi-screen display  1204  (or multiple displays), a cabinet  1206 , a keyboard  1208 , and a mouse  1210 . The mouse  1210  is representative of one type of pointing device. The cabinet  1206  houses a processing unit (or processor), system memory and a hard drive (not shown). The cabinet  1206  also houses a drive  1212 , such as a DVD, CD-ROM or floppy drive. The drive  1212  can also be a removable hard drive, a Flash or EEPROM device, etc. Regardless, the drive  1212  may be utilized to store and retrieve software programs incorporating computer code that implements some or all aspects of the embodiments described above. Although CD-ROM  1214  is shown as an exemplary computer readable storage medium, other computer readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, Flash or EEPROM memory, memory card, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. In one implementation, a software program for the computer system  1200  is provided in the system memory, the hard drive, the drive  1212 , the CD-ROM  1214  or other computer readable storage medium and serves to incorporate the computer code that implements some or all aspects of the embodiment described above. 
     The emotion rating discussed herein is application for use to digital assets, in general. The digital assets can, for example, pertain to musical songs, movies, videos, games, or computer application programs. In some embodiment, the digital assets are media based and can be referred to as digital media assets. The digital media assets can, for example pertain to video items (e.g., video files or movies), audio items (e.g., audio files or audio tracks, such as for songs, musical albums, podcasts or audiobooks), or image items (e.g., photos). Games and computer application programs having media aspects can also be considered digital media aspects. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     Embodiments of the invention can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. Embodiments of the invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     In general, the steps associated with the methods of the present invention may vary widely. Steps may be added, removed, altered, combined, and reordered without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention. 
     While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110929
Publication Date: 20140826
Grant Date: 20140826
Priority Date: 20110929
Inventors: FINO JORGE S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q30/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B27/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/64", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B27/031", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/638", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B27/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B27/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/638", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B27/031", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/7867", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B27/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/7867", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/64", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F17/30775", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F17/3082", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47993876