PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7956272-B2
Application Number: US-29569405-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Management of files in a personal communication device

Abstract:
Improved approaches for assisting a user interacting with a portable wireless communication device are disclosed. The improved approaches can provide a user interface for the portable wireless communication device that includes including a plurality of linked display screens and a plurality of physical keys.

Claims:
1. A method of assisting a user interacting with a portable wireless communication device having a display and a plurality of user input devices, comprising:
 providing a user interface for the portable wireless communication device, the user interface including a plurality of linked display screens; 
 displaying one of the linked display screens on the display as a current display screen; 
 determining an occurrence of a user input comprising pressing a selected user input device; 
 displaying a resulting action associated with the user input on a next display screen based upon the current displayed screen and a most recently displayed previous display screen, wherein the resulting action comprises fast-forwarding or rewinding a playback position with respect to a selected track; 
 comparing total press time of the selected user input device to a first value; 
 applying an acceleration factor dependant on total press time to the resulting action when total press time exceeds the first value; and 
 automatically decreasing the acceleration factor applied to the resulting action when the playback position approaches but has not yet reached an end of the track or a beginning of the track. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising displaying a plurality of user selectable items on the current display screen. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of user input devices includes a plurality of navigation keys arranged to provide a navigation signal used to navigate amongst the selectable items being displayed. 
     
     
       4. A method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of user input devices includes a plurality of keypad keys arranged to provide a keypad input signal. 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the portable wireless communication device is selected from a group that includes a cell phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a digital multimedia player. 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the keypad input signals are suitable for initiating a communication session by the portable wireless communication device. 
     
     
       7. A method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the portable wireless communication device includes a memory device, and the method further comprises:
 receiving a key press at a particular one of the keypad keys being configured to initiate a digital data file download operation; 
 downloading the digital data file in response to the key press of the particular one of the keypad keys; and 
 storing the digital data file in the memory device. 
 
     
     
       8. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the digital data file is a digital audio file. 
     
     
       9. A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the downloaded digital audio file is incorporated into a library of digital audio files stored in the memory device. 
     
     
       10. A method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of linked display screens includes a main menu screen that is a home screen of the graphical user interface from which a user can view and interact with, at least, a selectable master playlist item, a selectable list of artist items, a selectable list of all album items, and a selectable list of song items corresponding to the digital audio files stored in the memory device. 
     
     
       11. A method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of the master playlist item; and 
 displaying a playlists screen that lists selectable items corresponding to the names of all the playlists that have been stored in the memory device. 
 
     
     
       12. A method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the items of the playlists screen corresponding to a selected playlist; and 
 displaying a selected playlist screen corresponding to the selected playlist that includes a list of selectable items corresponding to the names of the songs in the selected playlist in the order in which they will be played. 
 
     
     
       13. A method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the user can arrange the order of the songs in the selected playlist as desired. 
     
     
       14. A method as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the items of the selected playlist corresponding to a selected song; and 
 displaying a now playing screen associated with the selected song. 
 
     
     
       15. A method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the selectable artist items; and 
 displaying an all artists screen that lists selectable items corresponding to the names of all the artists that have been stored in the memory device. 
 
     
     
       16. A method as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the items of the all artists screen corresponding to a selected artist; and 
 displaying an artist screen corresponding to the selected artist that includes a list of selectable items corresponding to the names of the songs stored in the memory device that correspond to the selected artist. 
 
     
     
       17. A method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein user can arrange the order of the songs in the artists screen as desired. 
     
     
       18. A method as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the items of the artist screen corresponding to a selected song; and 
 displaying a now playing screen associated with the selected song. 
 
     
     
       19. A method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the all albums items; and 
 displaying an album screen that lists selectable items corresponding to the names of all the albums stored in the memory device. 
 
     
     
       20. A method as recited in  claim 19 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the items of the albums screen corresponding to a selected album; and 
 displaying a selected album screen corresponding to the selected album that includes a list of selectable items corresponding to the names of the songs in the selected album in the order in which they will be played. 
 
     
     
       21. A method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the user can arrange the order of the songs in the selected album screen as desired. 
     
     
       22. A method as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the items of the selected album screen corresponding to a selected song; and 
 displaying a now playing screen associated with the selected song. 
 
     
     
       23. A method as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the selectable items in the selected album screen corresponding to a selected album; and 
 displaying a songs screen that lists selectable items corresponding to the names of all the songs stored in the memory device that correspond to the selected album. 
 
     
     
       24. A method as recited in  claim 23 , further comprising:
 receiving a user selection of one of the items of the songs screen corresponding to a selected song; and 
 displaying a now playing screen associated with the selected song. 
 
     
     
       25. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the acceleration factor increases as total press time increases. 
     
     
       26. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the resulting action includes displaying a position indicator associated with the playback position. 
     
     
       27. A method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising comparing total press time to a second value and changing the resulting action from a first mode to a second mode when total press time exceeds the second value. 
     
     
       28. A portable handheld device, comprising:
 a display configured to display a user interface including a plurality of linked display screens; 
 multiple keys; and 
 a processor configured to determine an occurrence of a user input comprising pressing a selected key of the multiple keys and compare total press time of the selected key to a first value, 
 wherein the display is further configured to display a resulting action associated with the user input on a display screen, the resulting action comprising fast-forwarding or rewinding a playback position with respect to a selected track, and 
 wherein the processor is further configured to (i) apply an acceleration factor dependant on total press time to the resulting action when total press time exceeds the first value and (ii) automatically decrease the acceleration factor applied to the resulting action when the playback position approaches but has not yet reached an end of the track or a beginning of the track. 
 
     
     
       29. A device as recited in  claim 28 , wherein the acceleration factor increases as total press time increases. 
     
     
       30. A device as recited in  claim 28 , wherein the resulting action includes displaying a position indicator associated with the playback position. 
     
     
       31. A device as recited in  claim 28 , further comprising comparing total press time to a second value and changing the resulting action from a first mode to a second mode when total press time exceeds the second value. 
     
     
       32. A method of assisting a user interacting with a device, comprising:
 displaying a display screen having an indicator moving along a track at a first rate; 
 determining an occurrence of a user input comprising actuating a user input device; 
 displaying a resulting action associated with the user input, the resulting action comprising moving the indicator along the track at a second rate greater than the first rate; 
 comparing total press time of the user input device to a value; 
 applying an acceleration factor dependant on total press time to the second rate when total press time exceeds the value; and 
 automatically decreasing the acceleration factor applied to the second rate when the indicator approaches but has not yet reached an end of the track or a beginning of the track.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/221,368, filed Sep. 6, 2005, now abandoned entitled “MANAGEMENT OF FILES IN A PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/282,861, filed Oct. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,166,791 entitled “GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF IN A MULTIMEDIA PLAYER,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which, in turn, claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/399,806, filed Jul. 30, 2002, entitled “GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF IN A MULTIMEDIA PLAYER,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application also claims the priority benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 60/714,537, filed Sep. 2, 2005, entitled “MANAGEMENT OF FILES IN A PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates generally to portable communication devices both wired and wireless in nature. More specifically, the invention describes a graphical user interface for use in a portable wireless communication device suitable for assisting a user in retrieving and accessing files stored therein. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Recent developments in consumer electronics have included the introduction of portable communication devices such as cell phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, minidisk players, and the like. For example, in the case of an MP3 player, a number of digitized audio files in the form of MP3 files are stored in a storage medium included in the MP3 player. In the case of MP3 files, for example, a user of the MP3 player must be able to peruse and select a particular file, or files, based upon such characteristics as music genre, author, album, or whatever grouping of MP3 files is present in the MP3 player. In other examples, cell phones and PDAs have been upgraded to include both still picture and video capture functions as well as acting as a repository of personal information (such as phone numbers, addresses) which require new and more efficient methods of locating and retrieving sought out information and/or files. 
     What is required is a user interface that provides for a user friendly and efficient retrieval of stored data in a portable communication device such as a cell phone, multimedia player, and the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention described herein pertains to a user interface that provides for a user friendly and efficient utilization of stored multimedia asset files. 
     In one embodiment, a method of assisting user interaction with a personal portable wireless device by way of a hierarchically ordered user interface is described. The method includes at least the operations of: displaying a first order user interface having a first list of user selectable items each of which points to at least one of a second list of user selectable items displayed on a corresponding second order user interface; receiving a user selection of one of the user selectable items from the first list; and automatically transitioning to and displaying the second order user interface based upon the selected one of the user selectable items from the first list, wherein each of the user selectable items in the second list points back to the corresponding one of the user selectable items in the first list and points forward to at least one of a user selectable items in a third list displayed on a corresponding third order user interface, and wherein each of the user selectable items in the second list are different from the first list of user selectable items. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of assisting a user in interacting with the selectable items displayed on a mobile phone is described. The method includes at least the operations of: displaying the selectable items on the display screen; receiving a key press corresponding to a selected physical key; determining a duration of time of the pressing of the selected physical key; displaying a resulting action on the display screen based upon the received key press; and, if the duration of time is greater than a predetermined amount of time, then applying an acceleration adjustment to the resulting action based on the duration of time. 
     These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary portable multimedia device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a hierarchically ordered menu corresponding to stored media assets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a flowchart illustrating a particular process for selecting a particular one of a group of stored media assets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a state diagram of a user interface suitable for providing user provided input for an exemplary MP3 player (along the lines of the player shown in  FIG. 1 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate various exemplary user interfaces consistent with selection and play of a media asset in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a cell phone as an exemplary wireless communication device in accordance with the invention. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  is a flow diagram of synchronization processing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  show a main menu screen each being associated with a particular operational state (i.e., stopped in  FIG. 9A , playing in  FIG. 9B , or stopped in  FIG. 9C ) of the personal communication device. 
         FIG. 10  shows a particular example of a playlists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a particular example of a playlist screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a particular example of an artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows a particular example of an albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a particular example of a songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 15-20  shows a particular example of a now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows a contextual menu in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows an about screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows a legal screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 24 and 25  shows a delete menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 26  shows a delete albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  shows a delete songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a flowchart detailing a process describing an accelerated resulting action in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 29A , B- 30  shows exemplary screen flows in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 31-63  show operational tables for each of the above described menu screens for list items, soft keys, and hard keys in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a list item operational table for the main menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a soft key operational table for the main menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a hard key operational table for the main menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 34  is a list item operational table for the playlist screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a soft key operational table for the playlist screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a hard key operational table for the playlist screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 37  is a list item operational table for the playlists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 38  is a soft key operational table for the playlists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a hard key operational table for the playlists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 40  is a list item operational table for the artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a soft key operational table for the artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 42  is a hard key operational table for the artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a list item operational table for the albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 44  is a soft key operational table for the albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 45  is a hard key operational table for the albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 46  is a list item operational table for the songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 47  is a soft key operational table for the songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 48  is a hard key operational table for the songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 49  is a repeat indicator and shuffle indicator operational table for the now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 50  is a soft key operational table for the now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 51A-51D  are a hard key operational table for the now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 52  is a list item operational table for the contextual menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 53  is a soft key operational table for the contextual menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 54  is a hard key operational table for the contextual menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 55  is a list item operational table for the about screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 56  is a soft key operational table for the about screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 57  is a hard key operational table for the about screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 58  is a soft key operational table for the legal screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 59  is a hard key operational table for the legal screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 60  is a list item operational table for the delete menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 61  is a soft key operational table for the delete menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 62  is a hard key operational table for the delete menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 63  is a list item operational table for the delete artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 64  is a soft key operational table for the delete artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 65  is a hard key operational table for the delete artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 66  is a list item operational table for the delete albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 67  is a soft key operational table for the delete albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 68  is a hard key operational table for the delete albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 69  is a list item operational table for the delete songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 70  is a soft key operational table for the delete songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention. An example of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     With the rapid advancement in the ability to store data, personal communication devices, such as MP3 players, cell phones (mobile phones), PDAs, and the like, can accommodate hundreds or even thousands of such data files making the task of selecting, grouping, or retrieving a particular file, or files, a daunting task indeed. Therefore the invention described herein is well suited for providing a user friendly user interface which provides efficient retrieval of data files for use by a portable communication device. Portable communication devices include wireless communication devices as well those communication devices tethered by way of a data link (such as a cable) to a server or other such device. 
     In the described embodiment, the personal communication device takes the form of a pocket size wireless communication device, such as a cell phone having a display screen suitable for displaying a graphical user interface (GUlI) as well as a number of input sensors (such as buttons, dials, wheels, etc.) arrange to receive user supplied input events. Such user supplied inputs can include user supplied commands directed at retrieving specific files, such as digital media, such as audio files, image files, or video files. 
     In one embodiment, a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface are provided that facilitates a user file selection procedure. In this particular embodiment, a first order (sometimes referred to as a home interface) provides a highest order of user selectable items each of which, when selected, results in an automatic transition to a lower order user interface associated with the selected item. In one of the described embodiments, the lower order interface includes other user selectable items associated with the previously selected item from the higher order user interface. In this way, a user can automatically transition from a higher order interface to a lower order interface (and vice versa) by, in some cases, a direct transition. In other cases, the user can transition from the higher order user interface to the lower order user interface (and vice versa) in a stepwise fashion whereby each intervening interface is displayed having any number of user selectable input items each directly associated with the previously selected input item. 
     In a particular embodiment, the portable multimedia device is a pocket sized, multimedia device (personal digital assistant, personal MP3 player/recorder, and the like) having a display screen arranged to display the various user interfaces and a corresponding user input device. The user input device is typically a manually operated switch, button, dial, wheel, or other such contrivances. Accordingly, the invention will now be described in terms a portable multimedia device (capable of storing a number of multimedia assets. For example, in the case of the multimedia device being a multimedia asset player, the multimedia assets can include audio files, image files or video files, as well as any other appropriately formatted data files. 
     Accordingly,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary portable multimedia device, or media player,  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The media player  100  includes a processor  102  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the media player  100 . The media player  100  stores media data pertaining to media assets in a file system  104 . The file system  104  is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. Alternatively, the file system  104  can be re-writable non-volatile memory, such as FLASH memory. The file system  104  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the media player  100 . However, since the access time to the file system  104  is relatively slow, the media player  100  can also include a cache  106 . The cache  106  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  106  is substantially shorter than for the file system  104 . However, the cache  106  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  104 . Further, the file system  104 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  106 . The media player  100  also includes a RAM  120  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  122 . The ROM  122  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  120  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  106 . 
     The media player  100  also includes a user input device  108  that allows a user of the media player  100  to interact with the media player  100 . For example, the user input device  108  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, wheel, etc. Still further, the media player  100  includes a display  110  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  102  to display information to the user. A data bus  116  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  104 , the cache  106 , the processor  102 , and the CODEC  112 . The media player  100  also includes a bus interface  116  that couples to a data link  118 . The data link  118  allows the media player  100  to couple to a host computer. 
     In one embodiment, the media player  100  serves to store a plurality of media assets (e.g., songs) in the file system  104 . When a user desires to have the media player play a particular media item, a list of available media assets is displayed on the display  110 . Then, using the user input device  108 , a user can select one of the available media assets. The processor  102 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  112 . The CODEC  112  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  114 . The speaker  114  can be a speaker internal to the media player  100  or external to the media player  100 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the media player  100  would be considered an external speaker. 
     For example, in a particular embodiment, the available media assets are arranged in a hierarchical manner based upon a selected number and type of groupings appropriate to the available media assets. For example, in the case where the media player  100  is a music player, the available media assets take the form of audio files (each of which corresponds to a digitally encoded song or other audio rendition) stored at least in part in the file system  104 . The available media assets (or in this case, songs) can be grouped in any manner deemed appropriate. In one arrangement, the songs can be arranged hierarchically as a list of music genres at a first level, a list of artists associated with each genre at a second level, a list of albums for each artist listed in the second level at a third level, a list of songs for each album listed in the third level at a fourth level, and so on. 
     Accordingly,  FIG. 2  illustrates an hierarchically ordered menu  200  used to navigate through those stored media assets of interest to a user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that in the described embodiment, the menu  200  is navigated by the user scrolling vertically within a particular level in order to peruse and eventually select a particular item located within that level. Once selected, the menu  200  is automatically transitioned in a horizontal manner to a lower order interface associated with the selected item. For example, at a first level, a list of music genres  202  (ROCK, JAZZ, HIP HOP) corresponding to the available audio files is displayed. In order to select a particular music genre, a user scrolls “vertically down” the list  202  (usually accompanied by a pointer such as an arrow or by highlighting the adjacent item) until a desired input item is reached. Upon selecting a particular music genre (ROCK, for example), an automatic horizontal traversal  203  to a lower order interface  204  that includes a display of a list of ROCK artists  204   a  corresponding to the selected ROCK genre. Again after scrolling in a vertical direction in the ROCK artists list  204   a , a user selects a particular one of the listed ROCK artists included in the list  204   a  resulting in another automatic horizontal traversal  205  to a lower order interface  206  denoting an album  206   a  (from a list of albums  206 , if appropriate) associated with the selected artist. This procedure is continued until a particular song  208   a  from a list of songs  208  (included in the selected album) is selected. Once selected, the song  208   a  is then ready to be played as described at a play song interface  210  that can in some cases include information related to the selected song  208   a.    
       FIG. 3  shows a flowchart  300  illustrating a particular process  300  for selecting a particular one of a group of stored media assets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, at  302 , a first order user interface is displayed having a list of first order user selectable items. In the example of  FIG. 2 , the first order user interface is the list of genres  202  whereas the first order user selectable items correspond to the various genres listed. Next, at  304 , at least one of the user selectable items are selected. Subsequently, at  306 , an automatic transition to and substantially simultaneous display of a lower order user interface corresponding to the selected item. At  308 , a determination is made whether or not there are additional order user interfaces based upon the latest selected item. For example, from  FIG. 2  above, selection of the Rock genre from the list  202  initiates the automatic transition to the lower order user interface and substantially simultaneous display of the list of ROCK artists  204   a . This process continues until a lowest order interface (i.e., the Play Song display  210 ) is reached at which point the selection process ends and the selected multimedia asset is played. 
       FIG. 4  shows a state diagram  400  of a user interface suitable for providing user provided input for an exemplary media player (along the lines of the player  100 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that for sake of simplicity, only a single selection path is shown corresponding to a single selection item (i.e., Artists). Accordingly, a home interface  402  provides a list that includes a PLAYLIST item  404 , an ARTISTS item  406 , and a SONGS item  408  each of which is selectable by a user. It should be noted that each item is associated with a particular grouping of the multimedia assets (which in this example are audio files) stored at least in the file system  104 . For example, the PLAYLIST item  404  is associated with a number of customizable playlists (i.e., a compendium of artists, songs, albums, etc. in any order and grouping as deemed appropriate) whereas the ARTISTS item  406  is associated with particular artists whose songs are stored in the file system  104  and so on. 
     Therefore, once a user selects either the PLAYLIST item  404 , the ARTISTS item  406 , or the SONGS item  408 , an automatic transition to a lower order user interface occurs corresponding to the selected item. For example, if the user selects the ARTISTS item  406 , an automatic transition  410  to the ARTISTS user interface  412  occurs where an ALL item  414  (associated with all artists) and a list of specific artists  416  are concurrently displayed. It should be noted that, although not shown, if the user had selected a particular song from the list of songs associated with the SONGS item  408 , then the display would automatically transition directly to a now playing interface (not shown) indicating that the selected song is playing (or is prepared to be played) along with any other data or information deemed appropriate. 
     Once in the ARTISTS user interface  412 , the user has the option of selecting a particular artist by selecting a desired artist from the list of specific artists  416  or selecting all artists by invoking the ALL item  414 . For example, if the user selects all artists by invoking the ALL item  414 , an automatic transition to a lower order ALBUMS interface  418  occurs where an ALL item  420  corresponding to all songs of all artists and a list of specific albums for all artists  422  are concurrently displayed. If, for example, the user selected a specific album from the list of specific albums  422 , then an automatic transition to a still lower order interface ALL SONGS  424  occurs that displays a list of all songs of the selected album  426 . At this point, when the user selects a particular song, an automatic transition to a now playing interface  428  occurs having a song information display  430  consistent with the selected song. 
     If, on the other hand, had the user had invoked the ALL item  420  in the ALBUMS interface  418 , then songs interface  424  would display a list of all songs  432  of all the artists. At this point, the user could select a particular song from the list of all songs  432  resulting in an automatic transition to the now playing interface  428  having a song information display  434  consistent with the selected song. 
     A similar procedure can be followed in the case where instead of invoking the ALL item  414 , the user had selected a particular artist from the list of artists  416 . In this case, the act of selecting a particular artist initiates an automatic transition to a selected artist interface  436  that includes an ALL item  438  that points to all songs of the selected artist stored in the media player and a list of all albums of the selected artist  440  that are stored in the media player. Selecting one of the albums from the list of albums  440  results in an automatic transition to the songs interface  424  that includes a list of all songs associated with the selected album  442 . On the other hand, invoking the ALL item  438  results in an automatic transition to the songs interface  424  having a list of all songs of the selected artist  444 . Once in the songs interface  424 , the user is free to select any song listed resulting in an automatic transition to the now playing interface  428 . For example, selecting one of the songs listed in list of all songs of selected artist  444  or from the list of all songs of selected album  442  results in an automatic transition to the now playing interface  428  simultaneously with the display of song information displays  446  and  448 , respectively. 
     It should be noted that the procedure described above is pathwise bi-directional in that the user can go in either direction along a selected path. It should be further noted, that in some embodiments, it is desirable to directly transition from the now playing interface  428  to the home interface  402  (and vice-versa) without displaying any of the intervening interfaces. 
       FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate various exemplary user interfaces consistent with selection and play of a media asset in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. One should note that the various user interfaces illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5E  correspond to particular embodiments of the HOME interface  402 , the ARTISTS interface  412 , the ALBUMS interface  418 , the SONGS interface  424 , and the NOW PLAYING interface  428  described above. Accordingly, it should be further noted that each of the interfaces described are incorporated into a representative media player  500  having a display  502  and a user input device  504  that includes a central button  506 , a selector wheel  508 , and selectors  510 - 516 . It is well to note that in this particular embodiment, the selectors  510 - 516  are a back up one level  510 , a rewind  512 , a play/pause  514 , and a fast forward  516 . Accordingly,  FIG. 5A  shows a particular implementation of the HOME interface  402  displayed on the display  502 . In order to select the ARTISTS item  406 , the user rotates selector wheel  508  in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (or any appropriate combination thereof) until the ARTISTS item  406  is rendered selectable (as noted by a semi-transparent highlight bar  518 ). Once the desired item is highlighted, the user selects the highlighted item by invoking a selection protocol by, for example, pressing the central button  506 . Once selected, the HOME interface  402  immediately transitions to the ARTISTS interface  412  as shown in  FIG. 5B . As with the selection in the HOME interface  402  of the ARTISTS item  406 , a particular artist (or all artists) is selected by manipulating any of the user input devices  504  (such as the selector wheel  508 ) in combination with an appropriate selection event which can include pressing the central button  506 . In this way, the user is provided the capability of navigating the user input menu in any manner that the user deems to be most convenient and efficient. It should be noted that a stack indicator bar  520  indicates the relative position of the selected item in relation to the stack of items associated with the particular selected group. Accordingly,  FIGS. 5C-5E  show various exemplary user interfaces consistent with the described embodiment of the invention. 
     In yet other embodiments, the personal communication device takes the form of a wireless communication device such as a cell phone (mobile phone), PDA, or other such device. One example of a personal communication device is a cell phone  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The cell phone  600  includes a display  602  suitable for displaying any of a number of icons (not shown) useful for providing information to a user, a number of input keys  604  (which in this case represent telephonic input characters useful for telephone dialing, text messaging, etc.) and a navigation tool  606  that provides a user the ability to navigate amongst the displayed icons. For example, a user can use the navigation tool  606  to search for and display previously dialed telephone numbers. In the described embodiment, the navigation tool  606  includes any of a number of navigation input devices such as an up-pointer  608 , a down pointer  610 , a right pointer  612 , and a left pointer  614  each of which provides a corresponding navigation instruction to the cell phone  600  that translates into a particular observable action on the display  602 . A selector  616  provides for a user to select a designated (e.g., highlighted) icon. 
     When used as a cell phone, any number of useful personal data files can be loaded into a memory device (not shown) incorporated into the cell phone  600  for later retrieval and access by a user. It should be noted, however, that other embodiments, the wireless communication device can be used as a multimedia player in much the same manner described above. However, in particularly useful embodiments, the wireless communication device can provide the functionality of the cell phone as well as provide for the storage and playback of multimedia asset files, such as AAC or MP3 files. In this case, the cell phone/multimedia player wirelessly synchronizes with a remote server. In some cases, the cell phone/multimedia player  600  will periodically wirelessly synchronize to a host computer (e.g., personal computer) as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  that show a flow diagram of synchronization processing  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The synchronization processing  700  is, for example, performed by a host computer that connects to the wireless communication device over a wired or wireless data link. The media device synchronization processing  700  is performed by a media device that interacts with a host computer over a network. For example, the media device can pertain to the media player  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the media device synchronization processing  700  is generally operative on the media device when the media device is powered-on. Initially, a decision  702  determines whether the media device has just been coupled to the host computer. When the media device is a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device can couple to the host computer via a wireless network. When the decision  702  determines that the media device has not just been coupled to host computer, then the media device is operated  704  as a media player. In such a mode, the media device operates to browse, search or play media items for its user. The media items can be audio items (e.g., songs). Following the operation  704 , the media device synchronization processing  700  returns to repeat the decision  702  and subsequent operations. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  702  determines that the media device has just been coupled to the host computer, then the media device is placed in a hard disk mode  706 . In the hard disk mode, the media device acts as an external hard drive to the host computer. A decision  708  then determines whether the host computer has requested media and or programmable button attributes for the media items residing on the media device. When the decision  708  determines that the host computer is not requesting media and or programmable button attributes, the media device can, but need not, perform other hard drive operations for non-synchronization purposes (not shown). When the decision  708  determines that the host computer is requesting media and or programmable button attributes (i.e., such as through a read operation), then the media and or programmable button attributes of the media items stored on the media device are retrieved  710 . After the media and or programmable button attributes are retrieved  710 , the media attributes are forwarded  712  to the host computer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a decision  714  determines whether new and or media file attributes have been received at the media device from the host computer. In other words, in an effort to synchronize the media content and or media attributes residing on the media device with the media content residing at the host computer, the media device will often receive media content from the host computer. Hence, the decision  714  determines whether new media items have been or are presently being received. When the decision  714  determines that such new media items have not been received, then the media device synchronization processing  700  can await such new media items. While waiting for new media items, the media device can, but need not, perform other hard drive operations for non-synchronization purposes (not shown). More generally, other hard disk operations can occur concurrently with synchronization operations. On the other hand, when the decision  714  determines that new media items have been received from the host computer, then the new media items and their associated media attributes are stored  716  to the media device. In one embodiment, the new media items are stored to files in the media device, and the associated media attributes pertaining to the media items are stored in a media database residing on the media device. Additionally, any unneeded media items and their associated media attributes and or programmable button attributes can be removed  718  from the media device. Hence, in this embodiment, by synchronizing the media content residing on the media device with that on the host computer, new media items are not only stored to the media device, but unneeded (e.g., old) media items and their associated media attributes are also removed from the media device. 
     Following the operation  718 , a decision  720  determines whether a play list update has been received. When the decision  720  determines that a play list update has not been received, then the media device synchronization processing  700  can await such a play list update. Alternatively, when the decision  720  determines that a play list update has been received, then an updated play list for the media device is produced  722 . The play list update could be the updated play list or could be instructions to update an existing play list. The updated play list is then stored  722  to the media device. 
     In effect, one or more play lists at the host computer can be synchronized with the media device and thus made available to the media device. A play list identifies particular media items that are to be played in a sequence. Internally, the play list can be represented in the media database as a data structure that points to files of the appropriate media items residing on the storage device within the media device. Hence, for a given play list, the pointers to the files of the appropriate media items on the media device can differ from the pointers to the files for the same media items on the host computer, thus the need to update the pointers if a particular play list is moved between the host computer and the media device. 
     Once the wireless communication device (e.g., cell phone  600 ) is properly synchronized, a user has the option of selecting any of a number of audio files stored therein. In order to facilitate this selection process, a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface can be presented on a display (e.g., the display  602 ) having, in one embodiment, a form illustrated in  FIGS. 9-27 . It should be noted that for the remainder of this discussion, the wireless communication device is assumed to have a number of audio (i.e., music and song) files stored therein. In this way, the wireless communication device can be a cell phone/media player combination device, or any other device arranged in a like manner. 
     Accordingly,  FIGS. 9A-9C  show a main menu screen  900 ,  904  and  906 , respectively, each being associated with a particular operational state (i.e., stopped in  FIG. 9A , playing in  FIG. 9B , or paused in  FIG. 9C ) of a wireless communication device. In general, the main menu screen is the home screen of a graphical user interface from which a user can view, at least, a master playlist, a list of artists, a list of albums, and a list of songs in a library of audio files stored in the wireless communication device. The main menu screens can also enable the user to request operations. For example, the main menu screen  902  includes a “shuffle songs” item in the graphical user interface, which if selected causes a shuffle operation. As another example, the main menu screens  904  and  906  include a “Now Playing” item in the graphical user interface, which, if selected, causes display of media attribute information for a media item being played. In addition to the above list of stored data, the various screens provide one or more soft key functions. The soft key functions can include an EXIT icon, a play icon, and a pause icon depending upon the corresponding operational state of the personal communication device. 
       FIG. 10  shows a particular example of a playlists screen  1000  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , the playlists screen  1000  displays the names of all the playlists that have been added to the wireless communication device including and starting with a master playlist  1002 , that includes all the tracks stored in the wireless communication device. From the playlists screen  1000 , the user can view the tracks in a playlist or start playing the first track in a playlist. 
       FIG. 11  shows a particular example of a playlist screen  1100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The playlist screen displays the names of the tracks in the current playlist in the order in which they will be played. The user can arrange the order of the tracks in the playlist as desired. 
       FIG. 12  shows a particular example of an artists screen  1200  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The artists screen  1200  displays a list of all the artists stored in the wireless communication device in any appropriate order, such as alphabetical. From the artists screen  1200 , the user can view all the albums by an artist or start playing all the tracks by an artist. 
       FIG. 13  shows a particular example of an albums screen  1300  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The albums screen  1300  displays a list of the albums stored in the wireless communication device in any appropriate order, such as alphabetical or order set by user, or order added to the device. When entered from the main menu screen  900 , all the albums stored in the wireless communication device are displayed in an all albums screen  1302 . When entered from the artists screen  1200 , the albums for the selected artist are displayed in a particular albums screen  1304 . From the albums screen  1300 , the user can view all the tracks in an album or start playing all the tracks in an album. 
       FIG. 14  shows a particular example of a songs screen  1400  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The songs screen  1400  displays a list of track names in any appropriate order, such as alphabetical, or order set by user, or order added to the device. When entered from the main menu screen  900 , all the tracks in the library are displayed in an all songs screen  1402 . When entered from the albums screen  1300 , the tracks for the selected album are displayed in a particular songs screen  1404 . 
       FIGS. 15-20  shows a particular example of a now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 15 , in general, the now playing screen displays metadata information for the track that is currently playing, along with playback progress information, and in particular displays an index  1502  of the current track in play order, and the total number  1504  of tracks in the play order. The metadata information includes artist, album, track name and any available album artwork image  1506 . In the described embodiment, the track name scrolls horizontally if it is wider than the width of the screen. In addition, the repeat and shuffle settings for the current playlist are indicated by icons in the upper right corner ( 1508 ). In the described embodiment, the now playing screen has five modes each having a particular display screen: progress mode (progress mode screen  1600  in  FIG. 16 ), artwork mode (artwork mode screen  1700  in  FIG. 17 ), position mode (position mode screen  1800  in  FIG. 18 ), rating mode (rating mode screen  1900  in  FIG. 19 ), and volume mode (volume mode screen  2000  in  FIG. 20 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , in progress mode, the progress mode screen  1600  displays a progress bar  1602  with an elapsed time and a remaining time for the current track. In artwork mode ( FIG. 17 ), the artwork mode screen  1700  a full screen album artwork image  1702  is displayed if artwork is available for the current track. In position mode ( FIG. 18 ), the position mode screen  1800  (with or without artwork) displays a progress bar  1802  with a position indicator  1804 and allows the user to adjust the playback position with the current track. In rating mode ( FIG. 19 ), the rating mode screen  1900  (with or without artwork) displays a user rating  1902  for the current track and may allow the user to adjust the rating. In volume mode ( FIG. 20 ), the volume mode screen  2000  (with or without artwork) displays a current volume level  2002  of the player and allows the user to adjust the volume level. 
       FIG. 21  shows a contextual menu screen  2100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The contextual menu screen  2100  is a screen that can be accessed via a soft key to display infrequently used preferences, settings or information. 
       FIG. 22  shows an about screen  2200  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The about screen  2200  displays statistical information that includes the total number of tracks in the library, the maximum number of tracks supported by the wireless communication device, the capacity of internal memory (such as a flash memory card), the available space in the internal memory, and the current version of a software application used on the wireless communication device. 
       FIG. 23  shows a legal screen  2300  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The legal screen  2300  displays copyright and other legal information pertinent to the wireless communication device and any application thereon. 
       FIG. 24  shows a delete menu screen  2400  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The delete menu screen  2400  is displayed in what is referred to in the delete-on-download mode. It allows the user to delete one or more tracks from the wireless communication device in order to free-up space on the internal memory for over the air downloaded content. The delete menu screen  2400  also indicates an amount of space needed. 
       FIG. 25  shows a delete artists screen  2500  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The delete artists screen  2500  displays a list of all the artists stored in the wireless communication device and allows the user to view the albums for an artist or to delete all of the tracks for an artist on the wireless communication device. The delete artists screen  2500  also indicates an amount of space needed. 
       FIG. 26  shows delete albums screens  2600  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The delete albums screens  2600  displays a list of all the albums stored in the device and allows the user to view all the tracks in an album or to delete all the tracks in an album. When entered from the delete menu screen  2400 , all the albums in the wireless communication device are displayed ( 2602 ). When entered from the delete artists screen  2500 , the albums for the selected artist are displayed ( 2604 ). 
       FIG. 27  shows delete songs screens  2700  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The delete songs screens  2700  display the name and size of a list of tracks and allows the user to delete one or more songs from the library. When entered from the delete menu screen  2400 , all the tracks are displayed ( 2702 ). Alternatively, when entered from the delete albums screen  2600 , the tracks for the selected album are displayed ( 2704 ). 
     It should be noted that each of the display screens described herein provides a number of user activated icons whose functions are determined by the particular screen being displayed. For example, referring to  FIG. 9A , in the stopped mode and the paused mode, the user activated icons include an exit icon, a soft key icon, and a play icon, whereas in the playing mode, the play icon is replaced with a pause icon. In addition, an acceleration feature whereby during a period of time in which a particular user input button, or key, having the acceleration feature is held down, the observed resulting action (such as moving a playback position forward, for example) can be accelerated in a predetermined manner. Using the example of moving the playback position, providing what is referred to as a long press input (i.e., holding a key down for a length of time greater than a predetermined threshold) to a forward hard key results in moving the playback position forward starting in pre-determined time intervals increments (such as 5 seconds) and accelerating in larger time interval increments while the playback position key is being held down. In some embodiments, after a period of time, the mode switches to another mode (to progress mode, for example). The acceleration behavior that occurs while a key is held down also takes into account the relation of the current playback position to the beginning and end of the track. More specifically, as the playback position approaches the end of the track when fast-forwarding or the beginning of the track when rewinding, the rate of acceleration automatically decreases so as to allow for more precise positioning and to avoid overshooting the end or beginning of the track. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a flowchart detailing a process  2800  describing an accelerated resulting action in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The process  2800  begins at  2802  by determining if a key press has occurred. When a key press has occurred, then at  2804 , a corresponding resulting action is initiated while at  2806  the key press time is incremented (such as  5  seconds). At  2808 , the total key press time (i.e., the total length of time that the key in question has been held down) is compared to a pre-determined threshold length of time. If the total length of key press time is less than the pre-determined threshold, then a determination is made at  2810  if the key press is still ongoing. If the key press is still ongoing, then control is passed back to  2806  where the key press time is incremented, otherwise, the process  2800  stops. On the other hand, if at  2808  it had been determined that the total key press time is greater than the pre-determined threshold length of time, then at  2812 , an acceleration factor is applied to the resulting action where the applied acceleration depends upon the total key press time. In some embodiments, after a period of time, the mode switches to another mode (to progress mode, for example). 
       FIGS. 29A , B- 30  shows exemplary screen flows in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIGS.  29 A,B shows an exemplary main menu screen flows whereas  FIG. 30  shows a contextual menu flow. 
       FIGS. 31-63  show operational tables for each of the above described menu screens for list items, soft keys, and hard keys in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 31  is a list item operational table for the main menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 32  is a soft key operational table for the main menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 33  is a hard key operational table for the main menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 34  is a list item operational table for the playlist screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 35  is a soft key operational table for the playlist screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 36  is a hard key operational table for the playlist screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 37  is a list item operational table for the playlists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 38  is a soft key operational table for the playlists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 39  is a hard key operational table for the playlists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 40  is a list item operational table for the artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 41  is a soft key operational table for the artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 42  is a hard key operational table for the artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 43  is a list item operational table for the albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 44  is a soft key operational table for the albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 45  is a hard key operational table for the albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 46  is a list item operational table for the songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 47  is a soft key operational table for the songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 48  is a hard key operational table for the songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 49  is a repeat indicator and shuffle indicator operational table for the now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 50  is a soft key operational table for the now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 51A-51D  are hard key operational tables for the now playing screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 52  is a list item operational table for the contextual menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 53  is a soft key operational table for the contextual menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 54  is a hard key operational table for the contextual menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 55  is a list item operational table for the about screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 56  is a soft key operational table for the about screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 57  is a hard key operational table for the about screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 58  is a soft key operational table for the legal screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 59  is a hard key operational table for the legal screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 60  is a list item operational table for the delete menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 61  is a soft key operational table for the delete menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 62  is a hard key operational table for the delete menu screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 63  is a list item operational table for the delete artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 64  is a soft key operational table for the delete artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 65  is a hard key operational table for the delete artists screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 66  is a list item operational table for the delete albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 67  is a soft key operational table for the delete albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 68  is a hard key operational table for the delete albums screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 69  is a list item operational table for the delete songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 70  is a soft key operational table for the delete songs screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents that fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the process and apparatus of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20051205
Publication Date: 20110607
Grant Date: 20110607
Priority Date: 20020730
Inventors: WYSOCKI CHRISTOPHER R.
WASKO TIMOTHY
ROBBIN JEFFREY L.
JOBS STEVE
CHRISTIE GREG
CHAUDHRI IMRAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72442", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72442", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72469", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0482", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72469", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 37743963