PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7774708-B2
Application Number: US-39835406-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Graphical user interface with improved media presentation

Abstract:
Improved graphical user interfaces and techniques for providing remote media content to users are disclosed. According to one aspect, an application window display on a display device can expose a user not only to local media content but also to remote media content that is associated with the local media content. The local media content is stored locally, while the remote media content is stored remotely and available from a remote media server. According to another aspect, the remote media content to be displayed can be determined in a manner that is dependent on a user interaction with the local media content. According to still a further aspect, the manner by which the remote media content is displayed can be dependent on the availability of remote media content at the remote media server.

Claims:
1. A method for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, said method comprising:
 obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; 
 displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; 
 selecting at least one of the local media information displayed on the display screen; 
 determining at least one media type for remote information to be presented based on the selected local media information; 
 determining an appropriate remote media presentation format, the remote media presentation format being determined from a plurality of available remote media presentation formats based upon the media type of the remote information to be presented; 
 acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and 
 displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the determined remote media presentation format, wherein the remote media information and the local media information are concurrently displayed on the display screen. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the determining at least one media type is based on a user selection corresponding to at least one of the local media items. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the determining at least one media type is dependent on availability of media items from the remote media source that match the selected at least one of the local media items. 
     
     
       4. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the remote media source is a remote media store. 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the local media source is integral with or proximate to the computing device. 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the media items pertain to one or more of songs, audiobooks, podcasts, and videos. 
     
     
       7. A method for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, said method comprising:
 (a) obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; 
 (b) displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; 
 (c) receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen; 
 (d) distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; 
 (e) determining a media type for the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; 
 (f) determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the determined media type, the remote media presentation format being determined from a plurality of available remote media presentation formats; 
 (g) acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and 
 (h) displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format. 
 
     
     
       8. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said determining (f) comprises:
 (f1) determining whether the remote media source stores media content corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; and 
 (f2) determining the appropriate remote media presentation format based on said determining (f1). 
 
     
     
       9. A method as recited in  claim 8 ,
 wherein when the one of the local media items selected by the user selection is a song, said determining (f1) at least determines whether the remote media source stores an album associated to the song, and 
 wherein said determining (f2) determines that the appropriate remote media presentation format is a first media presentation format when the remote media source is determined to store an album associated to the song. 
 
     
     
       10. A method as recited in  claim 9 ,
 wherein said determining (f1) at least determines whether the remote media source stores media content from an artist associated to the song, and 
 wherein said determining (f2) determines that the appropriate remote media presentation format is a second media presentation format when the remote media source is determined to store media content from the artist associated to the song. 
 
     
     
       11. A method as recited in  claim 8 ,
 wherein when the one of the local media items selected by the user selection is a song, said determining (f1) at least determines whether the remote media source stores media content associated to the song, 
 wherein said determining (f2) determines that the appropriate remote media presentation format is first media presentation format when the remote media source is determined to store media content associated to the song, and 
 wherein said determining (f2) determines that the appropriate remote media presentation format is a second media presentation format when the remote media source is determined not to store any media content associated to the song. 
 
     
     
       12. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the remote media source is an online media store. 
     
     
       13. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the remote media information and the local media information are concurrently displayed on the display screen. 
     
     
       14. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said acquiring (f) operates to acquire the remote media information from the remote media source based on the user selection. 
     
     
       15. A computing system capable of displaying media information, said computing device comprising:
 a data storage device that stores media content; 
 a display device; and 
 a processor for storing, accessing and presenting the stored media content from said data storage device, said processor being configured to: (i) obtain local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; (ii) display the local media information on a first part of the display device; (iii) select at least one of the local media information displayed on the display screen; (iv) determine at least one media type for the remote media information to be displayed based on the selected local media information; (iv) determine an appropriate remote media presentation format, the appropriate remote media presentation format being determined from a plurality of available remote media presentation formats based upon the determined media type; (vi) acquire remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and (vii) display the remote media information on a second part of the display device in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format, wherein the remote media information and the local media information are concurrently displayed on the display device. 
 
     
     
       16. A computer readable medium including at least executable computer program code tangibly stored therein for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, said computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code for obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; 
 computer program code for displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; 
 computer program code for receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen; 
 computer program code for distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; 
 computer program code for determining at least one media type for remote information to be presented based on the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; 
 computer program code for determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection, the appropriate remote media presentation format being determined from a plurality of available remote media presentation formats based upon the media type of the remote information; 
 computer program code for acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and 
 computer program code for displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format. 
 
     
     
       17. A computer system including at least executable computer program code tangibly stored therein for displaying media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, said system comprising:
 means for obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; 
 means for displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; 
 means for receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen; 
 means for distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; 
 means for determining at least one media type for local media information to be presented based on the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; 
 means for determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection, the appropriate remote media presentation format being determined from a plurality of available remote media presentation formats based upon the media type of the local media information to be presented; 
 means for acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and 
 means for displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/756,511, filed Jan. 4, 2006, and entitled “GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE WITH IMPROVED MEDIA PRESENTATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application is related to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,267, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/832,984, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled “GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR BROWSING, SEARCHING AND PRESENTING MEDIA ITEMS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to media presentation and, more particularly, to media presentation in a client-server environment. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Today, media management applications are available for use on personal computers to assist users with managing and playing their electronic media. One popular media management application is iTunes® media program available from Apple Computer, Inc. Through a graphical user interface, the iTunes® media program enables a user to not only display a track listing of locally stored songs but also browse or purchase media information or items from a remote music store. However, users cannot view media information or items from the music store while also viewing a track listing of locally stored songs. 
       FIG. 1A  is a screen shot of a conventional media display window  100 . The media display window  100  includes a source region  102  and a track list region  104 . The source region  102  indicates a plurality of different sources that can be selected. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the “Library” source is currently selected. The track list region  104  lists a plurality of tracks that are available from the “Library” source (i.e., local storage). In this case, the audio tracks are displayed in a row and column format. For example, each row can pertain to a different song, and each column can provide name, time, artist and album for the corresponding song. In addition, the media display window  100  includes playback controls  106  (including play, rewind and fast forward), a search box  108 , and a browse control  110 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a screen shot of another conventional media display window  150 . The media display window  150  includes a source region  152  and an online browse window  154 . The source region  152  includes a plurality of sources that can be selected. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the “Music Store” source has been selected. In such case, the browse window  154  displays music information or items that are available from a remote music store. The browse window  154  presents media items and other descriptive information for media content available from the music store. In particular, the browse window  154  includes navigation links in an “Inside the Music Store” section  156  and account information in an “Account” section  158 . The browse window  154  also includes a “New Releases” section  160  and various promotional images for certain media items in regions  162  and  164 . The browse window  154  also includes a “Todays Top Songs” section  166  and a “Todays Top Albums” section  168 . 
     A media management application, such as the iTunes® media program, is able to present the media display screens  100  and  150  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , depending upon the particular media source selected. However, often, many users use the media management application only with regard to their own local (or personal) content, such as the “Library” source. As a result, such users do not get the benefits of interacting with the “Music Store” source. For example, the “Music Store” can provide not only media content for preview and purchase but also informational content to the user related to new releases, top songs, promotions, etc. However, since many users do not utilize the “Music Store”, they do not recognize the benefits or extent of the content available from the “Music Store.” 
     Thus, there is a need for improved graphical user interfaces that facilitate user interaction with not only local media content but also remote media content. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to improved graphical user interfaces and techniques for providing remote media content to users. According to one aspect of the invention, an application window display on a display device can expose a user not only to local media content but also to remote media content that is associated with the local media content. The local media content is stored locally, while the remote media content is stored remotely and available from a remote media server. According to another aspect of the invention, the remote media content to be displayed can be determined in a manner that is dependent on a user interaction with the local media content. According to still another aspect of the invention, the manner by which the remote media content is displayed can be dependent on the availability of remote media content at the remote media server. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus, or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; determining an appropriate remote media presentation format; acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen, wherein the remote media information and the local media information are concurrently displayed on the display screen. 
     As a method for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, another embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen; distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection; acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format. 
     As a computing system capable of displaying media information, one embodiment of the invention includes at least a data storage device that stores media content, a display device, and a processor for storing, accessing and presenting the stored content from the data storage device. The processor is configured to: (i) obtain local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; (ii) display the local media information on a first part of the display screen; (iii) determine an appropriate remote media presentation format; (iv) acquire remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and (v) display the remote media information on a second part of the display screen, wherein the remote media information and the local media information are concurrently displayed on the display screen. 
     As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code for displaying local media information and remote media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: computer program code for obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; computer program code for displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; computer program code for receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen; computer program code for distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; computer program code for determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection; computer program code for acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and computer program code for displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format. 
     As a system for displaying media information on a display screen associated with a computing device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: means for obtaining local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source; means for displaying the local media information on a first part of the display screen; means for receiving a user selection of one of the local media items by interacting with the local media information being displayed on the first part of the display screen; means for distinguishably displaying at least a portion of the local media information corresponding to the one of the local media items selected by the user selection; means for determining an appropriate remote media presentation format based on the user selection; means for acquiring remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source; and means for displaying the remote media information on a second part of the display screen in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format. 
     Other 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. 
    
    
     
       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. 1A  is a screen shot of a conventional media display window. 
         FIG. 1B  is a screen shot of another conventional media display window. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a media presentation system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a media presentation process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are flow diagrams of a media presentation process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a media presentation format determination process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a media presentation format determination process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of a representative media presentation window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a screen shot of a media presentation window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a screen shot of a media presentation window according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8C  is a screen shot of a media presentation window according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows an exemplary computer system suitable for use with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to improved graphical user interfaces and techniques for providing remote media content to users. According to one aspect of the invention, an application window display on a display device can expose a user not only to local media content but also to remote media content that is associated with the local media content. The local media content is stored locally, while the remote media content is stored remotely and available from a remote media server. According to another aspect of the invention, the remote media content to be displayed can be determined in a manner that is dependent on a user interaction with the local media content. According to still a further aspect of the invention, the manner by which the remote media content is displayed can be dependent on the availability of remote media content at the remote media server. 
     A graphical user interface according to one embodiment of the invention can be presented to a user at a client (client machine). In one embodiment, the graphical user interface is presented to the user by an application program that runs on the client. The graphical user interface is particularly useful for an application program that provides management, playback and purchase of media in a client-server environment. The media can, for example, be audio, video, or image data. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 2-9 . 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. 2  is a block diagram of a media presentation system  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media presentation system  200  includes a remote media server  202 . The remote media server  202  coordinates review and/or purchase of media items through on-line interaction. The media presentation system  200  also includes a client  204 . Typically, the media presentation system  200  would include a plurality of different clients  204 . Each client  204  includes a media management application  208 . The media management application  208  is an application program (e.g., software application) that operates on the client  204 , which is a computing device. The client  204  is coupled to the remote media server  202  through a data network  206 . Hence, any of the clients  204  can interact with the remote media server  202  to review and/or purchase media items. In one embodiment, the data network  206  includes at least a portion of the Internet. The clients  204  can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients  204  are personal computers or other computing devices (including portable computing devices such as portable computers and portable media players) that are capable of storing and presenting media to their users. 
     The media presentation system  200  also includes a media storage server  210  and a media storage device  212 . The media storage server  210  represents a remote storage server that couples to the data network  206 . The media storage device  212  provides mass storage of the numerous media items that are available for review or purchase via the media presentation system  200 . Once purchased, the media items can be accessed from the media storage device  212  over the data network  206  by way of the media storage server  210 . 
     More particularly, the media presentation system  200  allows a user of the client  204  to utilize the media management application  208  to browse, search or sort through a plurality of media items that can be purchased from the remote media server  202 . The media management application  208  may also allow the user to preview a media clip of the media items. Still further, the media management application  208  may permit the media items to be streamed to the client  204 . In the event that the user of the media management application  208  desires to purchase a particular media item, the user (via the media management application  208 ) and the remote media server  202  engage in an on-line commerce transaction in which the user pays for access rights to the particular media item. In one embodiment, a credit card associated with the user is credited for the purchase amount of the particular media item. 
     In the media presentation system  200  shown in  FIG. 2 , the media items are stored in the media store  212  and retrieved via the media storage server  210 . Hence, the remote media server  202  need not burden its resources to deliver any of the media items that may be purchased to the client  204 . Instead, on purchasing a particular media item, the remote media server  202  sends download information to the media management application  208  on the client  204 . The download information can then be used by the media management application  208  (and the client  204 ) to retrieve the media content for the particular media item by interacting with the media storage server  210  through the data network  206 . In this regard, the media storage server  210  obtains the media content corresponding to the particular media item from the media store  212  and downloads such content through the data network  206  to the client  204 . The downloaded media content can then be stored on the client  204 . 
     The connections through the data network  206  between the remote media server  202 , the client  204  and the media storage server  210  can be through secure connections, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Further, the media content can be stored at the client  204  in an encrypted manner. 
     As discussed in greater detail below, the media management application  208  can utilize an improved graphical user interface. More particularly, in one embodiment, a window presented on a display device of the client  204 , when executing the media management application  208 , includes (i) an upper portion that displays local media information from the client  204  and (ii) a lower portion that displays remote media information. The local media information pertains to media items stored locally at the client  204 . The media items stored locally can also be referred to as a local collection of media, such as a user&#39;s local collection of media. The remote media information pertains to media information stored remotely at the remote media server  202 , the media storage server  210  or the media store  212 . In one embodiment, the remote media information can pertain to media items that are available remotely, or other information about media items. 
     Additionally, the media presentation system  200  can also include or couple to other remote data sources (e.g., remote servers). In such an embodiment, other remote data acquired from the remote data sources can be provided in the window presented on the display device of the client  204 , such as in the lower portion along with or in place of the remote media information. This other remote data can, for example, be related to or complementary to the remote media information and/or the local media information. As a specific example, the other remote data can be information on concerts, music stations, etc. in the area that are related to or complementary to the remote media information and/or the local media information. As another specific example, the other remote data can be e-commerce offers for products or services that are related to or complementary to the remote media information and/or the local media information. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a media presentation process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media presentation process  300  is, for example, performed by a media management application, such as the media management application  208  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The media presentation process  300  initially obtains  302  local media information pertaining to local media items stored on a local media source. For example, the media management application can operate on a client machine, such as a personal computer, and the local media source can be a storage device of the client. The local media information can pertain to media attributes of the local media items. For example, the media attributes can pertain to name, time, artist, album and genre. 
     The local media information is then displayed  304  on a first portion of a display screen. The display screen can correspond to a full screen or a window presented on a display device associated with the client machine. The first portion of the display screen is then a sub-part of the full screen or window. Next, an appropriate remote media presentation format is determined  306 . Here, according to one embodiment of the invention, remote media can be dynamically presented in a variety of different formats. Hence, the media presentation process  300  operates to determine  306  the appropriate remote media presentation format. Once the appropriate remote media presentation format has been determined  306 , remote media information pertaining to remote media items stored on a remote media source are acquired  308 . In one embodiment, the remote media information being acquired  308  is dependent upon the particular remote media presentation format being determined  306 . In any case, after the remote media information has been acquired  308 , the remote media information is displayed  310  on a second part of the display screen. Following the block  310 , the media presentation process  300  is complete and ends. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are flow diagrams of a media presentation process  400  according to another embodiment of the invention. The media presentation process  400  can be considered a more detailed implementation of the media presentation process  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The media presentation process  400  is, for example, performed by a media management application operating on a computing device, such as the client  204  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The media presentation process  400  initially sets  402  a local display mode. Then, local media information is acquired  404 . The local media information is then displayed  406 . The local display mode is a display mode in which the window or display screen is at least substantially consumed by local media information. The local media information would be displayed  406  on a display device associated with the computing device. The computing device would typically also support a user input device that allows the user to interact with the computing device, such as with a mouse, trackball, keyboard, touch screen, remote controller, etc. 
     The media presentation process  400  also includes a decision  408  that determines whether a user selection has been made. When the decision  408  determines that a user selection has not been made, then the media presentation process  400  can await a user selection. Once the decision  408  determines that a user selection has been made, a decision  410  determines whether a local media item has been selected. Here, the decision  410  determines whether the user selection is a selection of a local media item that is being displayed. When the decision  410  determines that a local media item has been selected, then the selected local media item is highlighted or played  412 . The user selection can be a designation of an item, in which case the item can be highlighted, or can be a request to play the selected local media item, in which case the computing device can play the selected local media item. Following the block  412 , the media presentation process  400  can return to repeat the decision  408  so that additional user selections can be similarly processed. In the event that there are no user selections for an extended period of time, the media presentation process  400  can reset the media presentation process  400  or can permit other processing, although not shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     Alternatively, when the decision  410  determines that a local media item selection has not been made, then a decision  414  determines whether a local-remote display mode has been requested. The local-remote display mode is a mode in which the display device concurrently displays local media information as well as remote media information. Hence, when the decision  414  determines that a local-remote display mode has been requested, the local-remote display mode is set  416 . Then, an appropriate remote media presentation format is determined  418 . Here, the media presentation process  400  enables the remote media to be presented in a plurality of different media presentation formats. Hence, the block  418  operates to determine the appropriate one of the available remote media presentation formats. Next, remote media information is acquired  420 . In one embodiment, the remote media information being acquired  420  is dependent upon the particular remote media presentation format that has been determined  418 . After the remote media information has been acquired  420 , the remote media information is displayed  422  in accordance with the appropriate remote media presentation format. Following the block  422 , the media presentation process  400  returns to repeat the decision  408  and subsequent operations so that additional user selections can be similarly processed. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  414  determines that a local-remote display mode has not been requested, a decision  424  determines whether the user selection is a remote media item selection. When the decision  424  determines that the user selection is a remote media item selection, a remote display mode is set  426 . The remote display mode is a display mode in which the window or display screen is at least substantially consumed by remote media information. After the remote display mode has been set  426 , remote media information is acquired  428 . The remote media information is acquired from a remote media server. For example, the remote media server can be the media storage server  210  (or its media store  212 ) or the media commerce server  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . After the remote media information has been acquired  428 , the remote media information is displayed  430 . Following the block  430 , the media presentation process  400  returns to repeat the decision  408  and subsequent blocks so that additional user requests can be similarly processed. 
     Alternatively, when the decision  424  determines that the user selection is not a remote media item selection, then a decision  432  determines whether the user selection is associated with other processing. When the decision  432  determines that the user selection is associated with other processing, the other processing can be performed  434 . On the other hand, when the decision  432  determines that the user selection is not associated with other processing, then a decision  436  determines whether the media presentation process  400  should end. When the decision  436  determines that the media presentation process  400  should not end, then the media presentation process  400  returns to repeat the decision  408 . Likewise, following the block  434 , the media presentation process  400  returns to repeat the decision  408 . Alternatively, when the decision  436  determines that the media presentation process  400  should end, then the media presentation process  400  ends. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a media presentation format determination process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media presentation format determination process  500  is, for example, processing that can be performed by the block  418  of the media presentation process  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . In this embodiment, the type of media is used in determining the appropriate media presentation format to be utilized. The different media presentation formats can serve to cause media information, namely, remote media information, to be displayed differently. More specifically, in one embodiment, the media presentation format operates to determine what media information will be presented (e.g., displayed) as well as where and how that media information will be presented. 
     The media presentation format determination process  500  begins with a decision  502  that determines whether a local media item has been selected. Here, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the media presentation process  400  previously displayed local media information on a display device. The local media information pertains to or corresponds to local media items. Hence, the decision  502  determines whether a local media item has been selected. As one example, a local media item can be selected by a selection of the associated local media information being displayed. In any case, when the decision  502  determines that a local media item has not been selected, then a default media presentation format is selected  504 . 
     On the other hand, when the decision  502  determines that a local media item has been selected, a decision  506  determines whether the selected local media item is an audio item. The local media items that can be selected typically include at least audio and video items, which are considered different types of media. When the decision  506  determines that the selected local media item is an audio item, then an audio media presentation format is selected  508 . 
     Alternatively, when the decision  506  determines that the selected local media item is not an audio item, a decision  510  determines whether the selected local media item is a video item. When the decision  510  determines that the selected local media item is a video item, a video media presentation format is selected  512 . On the other hand, when the decision  510  determines that the selected local media item is not a video item, then the default media presentation format can be selected  504 . Following the blocks  504 ,  508  and  512 , the media presentation format determination process  500  ends. 
     Although the type of media used with the media presentation format determination process  500  are audio and video, it should be understood that other types could be similarly used, and that more specific types could also be used. Examples of possible more specific types include songs, audiobooks, movies, music videos, podcasts, etc. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a media presentation format determination process  600  according to another embodiment of the invention. The media presentation format determination process  600  is, for example, suitable for use as the processing associated with the block  418  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . In this embodiment, media availability is used in determining the appropriate media presentation format to be utilized. The different media presentation formats can serve to cause media information to be displayed differently. More specifically, in one embodiment, the media presentation format operates to determine what media information will be presented (e.g., displayed) as well as where and how that media information will be presented. 
     In this embodiment of the media presentation format determination process  600 , the local media item is most suitably an audio item, such as a song. As such, the song would have an associated artist and an associated album. However, similar processing can be performed for other non-song media items, such as videos, podcasts, audiobooks. 
     The media presentation format determination process  600  begins with a decision  602 . The decision  602  determines whether a local media item has been selected. Here, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the media presentation process  400  previously displayed local media information on a display device. The local media information pertains to or corresponds to local media items. Hence, the decision  602  determines whether a local media item has been selected. As one example, a local media item can be selected by a selection of the associated local media information being displayed. In any case, when the decision  602  determines that a local media item has not been selected, then a default media presentation format is selected  604 . 
     On the other hand, when the decision  602  determines that a local media item has been selected, then a decision  606  determines whether a media store (a type of remote media source) has an associated album. In other words, based on the local media item selected, the media store, which is remotely located, can be searched to determine whether the media store offers an associated album. Typically, the media store would offer the associated album for purchase, preview, streaming or other possible uses. When the decision  606  determines that the media store does offer an associated album, an album media presentation format is selected  608 . 
     Alternatively, when the decision  606  determines that the media store does not have an associated album, a decision  610  determines whether the media store offers content of an associated artist. Here, the local media item selected has an associated artist. The media store is searched to determine whether it offers content from the associated artist. When the decision  610  determines that the media store does offer content of the associated artist, an artist media presentation format is selected  612 . On the other hand, when the decision  610  determines that the media store does not offer content of the associated artist, then a no-match media presentation format is selected  614 . Following the blocks  604 ,  608 ,  612  and  614 , the media presentation format determination process  600  ends. 
     The media presentation format determination process  500  can be used separately or in combination with the media presentation format determination process  600 . For example, when used together, the blocks  606 - 614  of  FIG. 6  can be performed at block  508  of  FIG. 5  to select one of a plurality of different audio media presentation formats. Similar processing could be performed at block  512  of  FIG. 5  to select one of a plurality of different video media presentation formats. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of a representative media presentation window  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media presentation window  700  is a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a media source region  702 , a media listing area  704 , a remote media area  706 , and a control and status area  708 . The source region  702  can facilitate the selection of one of a plurality of different media sources. The media item listing area  704  provides a listing of media information pertaining to available media items from the selected media source. The remote media area  706  provides information on remotely available media items or other media information available from a remote media server. The media presentation format for the information displayed in the remote media area  706  can be a plurality of different formats. The particular format to be used can be dynamically determined. For example, the media presentation format determination process  500  or the media presentation format determination process  600  can be used to dynamically determine the format to be used. In one embodiment, the media information being presented in the remote media area  706  is dependent upon a selection of one of the available media items listed in the media item listing area  704 . The media presentation window  700  can also include an information and status area  708 . The information and status area  708  can provide user playback controls, search boxes, browse controls, toolbars, status information, volume control, etc. 
       FIG. 8A  is a screen shot of a media presentation window  800  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media presentation window  800  includes a media source region  802 , a media listing area  804 , and a remote media area  806 . The remote media area  806  displays media items or media information in accordance with a media presentation format. As noted above, the media presentation format being utilized can be dynamically determined. In this embodiment, the media presentation format can be referred to as a default media presentation format. The default media presentation format, as illustrated in  FIG. 8A , includes a promotional image section  808 , an “Inside the Music Store” section  810 , a “New Releases” section  812 , a “Todays Top Songs” section  814 , and a “Todays Top Albums” section  816 . In this embodiment, the various sections  808 - 816  are presented as shown in  FIG. 8A . The media presentation format, in this embodiment, controls the size of the various sections  808 - 816  and also the media items or media information being presented in each of such sections. The media presentation window  800  can also include an information and status area  817  at an upper portion of the media presentation window  800 . The information and status area  817 , as an example, can include user playback controls  818 , a volume control  819 , playback status information  820 , a search box  822 , and a browse control  824 . Still further, the media presentation window  800  can include a control button or icon  826 . The control button or icon  826  can operate to open or close, in a toggle-like manner, the remote media area  806 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the remote media area  806  is open. Upon user selection of the button or control  826 , the remote media area  806  would close (i.e., be removed from being displayed) and the media item listing area  804  would enlarge. 
       FIG. 8B  is a screen shot of a media presentation window  830  according to another embodiment of the invention. The media presentation window  830  is generally similar to the media presentation window  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A ; however, the media presentation format being utilized in the remote media area  806  is different. More particularly, a particular track  832  has been selected from the media item listing area  804  which displays a track listing. In view of this selection, the media presentation format being utilized in the remote media area  806  can be dependent upon the selection of the particular track  832 . In this particular example, it is assumed that the album “99.9 F.°” on which the particular track  832  resides is available from a remote media store. Hence, the media presentation format being utilized in the remote media area  806  is that presentation format that has been designated for use when the album on which the particular track  832  resides is available from the remote music store. The media presentation format in this situation includes a “This Album in the Music Store” section  834 , a “More in the Music Store” section  836 , and a “Listeners Also Bought” section  838 . The “This Album in the Music Store” section  834  provides media information pertaining to the album (“99.9 F.°”) on which the particular track  832  resides. The “More in the Music Store” section  836  provides media information concerning a plurality of other media items available from the music store, such as other albums from the same artist. The “Listeners Also Bought” section  838  provides a listing of other artists for which previous users of the music store have bought music from not only the other artists but also the artist of the particular track  832 . 
       FIG. 8C  is a screen shot of a media presentation window  860  according to still another embodiment of the invention. The media presentation window  860  is generally similar to the media presentation window  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A . Here, a user has made a user selection  862  of the particular track “99.9 F.°” by Suzanne Vega from the “99.9 F.°” album. In view of the user selection  862 , the media presentation format being utilized in the remote media area  806  is dynamically determined. In this embodiment, the music store is searched to see if it offers media content associated with the artist or album corresponding to the user selection  862 . In this example, it is assumed that the music store does not offer any media content from the artist or the album of the user selection  862 . Hence, in the remote media area  806 , the media presentation format being utilized corresponds to a situation in which there is no album or artist match with respect to the music store. The media presentation format includes an unavailable notification section  864  that informs a user that the artist was not found in the music store by either artist or album. In addition, the media presentation format includes additional sections  866 - 872  which can respectively correspond to the sections  810 - 816  of  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 9  shows an exemplary computer system  925  suitable for use with the invention. The computer system  925  includes a display monitor  928  having a single or multi-screen display  930  (or multiple displays), a cabinet  932 , a keyboard  934 , and a mouse  936 . The cabinet  932  houses a drive  938 , such as a CD-ROM  940 , a system memory and a hard drive (not shown) which may be utilized to store and retrieve software programs incorporating computer code that implements the present invention, data for use with the invention, and the like. Although the CD-ROM  940  is shown as an exemplary computer readable storage medium, other computer readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, flash memory, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. 
     The invention can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. 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 include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. 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. 
     The media items of emphasis in several of the above embodiments can be audio items (e.g., audio files or songs, audiobooks, and/or podcasts), videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). The media items can also be multimedia items. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. 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: 20060404
Publication Date: 20100810
Grant Date: 20100810
Priority Date: 20060104
Inventors: BELL CHRIS
WARD ALAN
MELDRUM COLIN
MARTIN TIMOTHY BENJAMIN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4316", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4316", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/47", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/93", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/93", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/81", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/81", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4143", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/31", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4143", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 38263604