PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8667422-B2
Application Number: US-84988207-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Graphical user interface with location-specific interface elements

Abstract:
Improved approaches to allow a portable electronic device to dynamically present location-specific information while the portable electronic device is at a predetermined location are disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device has a display that can display the location-specific information and has wireless capabilities for use in receiving the location-specific information from the server. The location-specific information can, for example, augment other information that is to be presented on the display. In one embodiment, the location-specific information can be information pertaining to a media item being played in an establishment, such as a store, where the portable electronic device is located.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code for displaying a graphical user interface for a portable electronic device having an associated display, said graphical user interface comprising:
 at least one media store display panel for presenting a plurality of digital media assets that can be purchased, previewed, played or browsed; and 
 an additional display panel configured to display a location-specific display element for displaying establishment-specific information associated with a specific establishment, wherein the establishment-specific information comprises information about a digital media asset that is currently playing in the specific establishment, 
 wherein the establishment-specific information dynamically appears in the additional display panel while the portable electronic device is at or proximate to the specific establishment, 
 wherein, when the establishment-specific information dynamically appears in the additional display panel, the additional display panel is displayed along with the display of the media store display panel. 
 
     
     
       2. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the location-specific display element only appears when enhanced online media store content is available. 
     
     
       3. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the establishment-specific information is provided by an enhanced online media store. 
     
     
       4. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the establishment-specific information further comprises media information about digital media assets that have previously played in the specific establishment. 
     
     
       5. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the media store panel is configured to display on online media store display element, and the online media store display element displays media information about digital media assets available from an online media store. 
     
     
       6. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , comprising:
 one or more device controls for initiating purchase of at least one of the digital media assets displayed in the media store display panel. 
 
     
     
       7. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 6  of a portable electronic device, wherein the establishment-specific information comprises graphical and text elements that provide information that identifies the digital media asset currently playing in the specific establishment. 
     
     
       8. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the graphical elements comprise album cover graphics. 
     
     
       9. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display panel that provides a link to a listing of digital media assets that have previously been played in the specific establishment. 
 
     
     
       10. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the establishment-specific information comprises information about a digital media asset that was previously played in the specific establishment. 
     
     
       11. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the information about the digital media asset comprises metadata pertaining to the digital media asset, and
 wherein the establishment-specific information comprises a now-playing module. 
 
     
     
       12. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the digital media asset is a song, and wherein the information about the digital media asset comprises two or more of artist name, album name and album image. 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said graphical user interface further comprising:
 a recently played indicator that provides or serves as a reference to recently played digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the establishment-specific information further comprises a list of recently played digital media assets. 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said graphical user interface further comprising:
 one or more device controls for purchasing one or more digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said graphical user interface further comprising:
 a two-state device control for purchasing an associated one or more displayed digital media assets, wherein the device control displays a price for the associated one or more displayed digital media assets in the first state and the device control displays a purchase confirmation for the purchase of the associated one or more displayed digital media assets in the second state. 
 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein operating the two-state control when the two-state control is in the first state transitions the two-state control from the first state to the second state, and
 wherein operating the two-state control when the two-state control is in the second state initiates the purchase of the associated one or more digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the establishment-specific information comprises media information about media assets that have previously played in the particular establishment. 
     
     
       19. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said graphical user interface further comprising:
 one or more links to one or more displayed digital media assets displayed on the media store display panel, wherein the one or more links to the one or more displayed digital media assets comprise media asset information about the one or more displayed digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       20. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 19 , wherein using a single-tap to operate a link to a displayed digital media asset initiates a preview of the displayed digital media asset to be presented, and
 wherein using a double-tap to operate a link to a displayed media asset displays additional information about the displayed digital media asset. 
 
     
     
       21. The non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the establishment-specific information comprises media information about media assets that have previously played in the particular establishment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATION 
     This application hereby references U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/849,865, filed Sep. 4, 2007, entitled “DYNAMIC PRESENTATION OF LOCATION-SPECIFIC INFORMATION”, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that 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 providing location-specific data and, more particularly, to providing location-specific data to patrons of a store. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Businesses normally couple to the Internet by way of a leased line, such as a T1 line. Patrons (e.g., customers) to these businesses can also be permitted to access the Internet over the leased line by way of a router at the business location. In some cases, the router is a wireless router such that the patrons can gain access to the leased line by way of local wireless connections (e.g., WiFi). Some businesses, or independent network service providers that provide network access services at the businesses, charge patrons for Internet access, while other businesses offer network access free of charge. Regardless, once Internet access is provided, patrons are typically free to navigate the network. 
     Businesses can also play music, movies or music videos at their establishments for the benefit of employees and patrons. When a patron hears a song being played at the store, the patron could (while still at the establishment) attempt to remember the name of the song and then navigate to a portion of an online media store, e.g., iTunes™ media store, that offers the media content of the song for purchase. The navigation, however, can be cumbersome particularly when the patron does not know the exact name of the song. There can also be various versions (e.g., remixes, live version, acoustic version, clean version, explicit version) of some songs which can further complicate the navigation. These complications in navigation can frustrate a patron and cause them to fail to locate the desired song in the online media store. Electronic commerce (e-commerce) activity with respect to such songs, such as purchasing digital versions for download, can be frustrated given that locating of a particular song being played in an establishment on an online media store can be cumbersome. 
     Therefore, there is a need for improved approaches to assist patrons of businesses playing media items with the purchase or review of media items at an online media store. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to improved approaches to allow a portable electronic device to dynamically present location-specific information while the portable electronic device is at a predetermined location. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device has a display that can display the location-specific information and has wireless capabilities for use in receiving the location-specific information from the server. The location-specific information can, for example, augment other information that is to be presented on the display. In one embodiment, the location-specific information can be information pertaining to a media item being played in an establishment, such as a store, where the portable electronic device is located. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, or apparatus (including computer readable medium or graphical user interface). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a graphical user-interface for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The graphical user-interface contains location-specific or establishment-specific display panels, which display establishment-specific information such as an enhanced online media store. In addition, some establishment-specific display elements only appear when location specific or establishment-specific online media store content is available. Additionally, establishment-specific information can include media information about a media item that is currently playing, for instance over a media-play system, in a particular establishment. Another establishment specific display shows media information about media content that has been recently played in a particular establishment. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a graphical user-interface for a portable electronic device is disclosed. In this embodiment, a display panel that displays location-specific information about a currently playing media asset and one or more device controls for purchasing at least the media asset being displayed are shown in the graphical user-interface 
     In another embodiment of the invention, graphical user-interface for a portable electronic device that displays a two-state ‘Buy’ button for purchasing displayed media assets is disclosed. The two state button changes its appearance based on how many times the button has been operated. According to one embodiment of the invention, if the two-state ‘Buy’ button has not been operated, then the two-state ‘Buy’ button displays a price for one or more displayed media assets. If the button has been operated (i.e., tapped on or clicked on) twice, then the two-state ‘Buy’ button displays a purchase confirmation for the purchase of that media item. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a graphical user-interface for a portable electronic device that allows a user to display, preview, and obtain more information about a media asset is disclosed. In this embodiment, a single media asset is previewed by single-tapping a displayed media while double-tapping on that a single media asset displays a media asset collection associated with that single media asset, for example a double tapping on a displayed music single will display a music album associated with that music single. 
     In still another embodiment of the invention, a graphical user interface for a portable electronic device having an associated display is disclosed. In this embodiment, the graphical user interface includes at least a page of information displayed on the display, and a location-specific module that displays location-specific information on the page. 
     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. 1  is a block diagram of a media delivery system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a page request process according to one environment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a data request process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are flow diagrams of a page request process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a page response process according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a page customization process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of a navigation arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of an exemplary page according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a diagram of a now playing module according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a diagram of a now playing module according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a screenshot of an exemplary media store home page according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a screen shot of an exemplary recently played page according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a screenshot of an exemplary media store internal page according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a screenshot of an exemplary redeem page according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14(   a ) is a block diagram of a portable electronic media store graphical user interface according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14(   b ) is a block diagram of an exemplary media store navigation display panel according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14(   c ) is a block diagram of an exemplary featured artist display panel, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14(   d ) a block diagram of an exemplary media browser display panel according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14(   e ) a block diagram of an exemplary device control panel, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15(   a ) is a block diagram of a portable electronic media store graphical user interface according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15(   b ) is a block diagram of an exemplary media store navigation display panel according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15(   c ) is a block diagram of an exemplary featured artist display panel, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15(   d ) is a block diagram of an exemplary media browser display panel according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15(   e ) is a block diagram of an exemplary device control panel, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15(   f ) is a block diagram of an exemplary transition between a device control panel and a device control panel according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16(   a ) is a block diagram of an enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16(   b ) is a block diagram of an exemplary ‘Now Playing’ display panel, according to one embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 16(   c ) is a block diagram of an exemplary ‘Recently Played Songs’ display panel, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16(   d ) is a block diagram of an exemplary device control panel, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a portable media device media store purchase interface, according to one embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 18  is a portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an exemplary portable media device graphical user interface tree, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 20-27  are screenshots of various specific combinations of display panels and device control panels. 
         FIG. 28  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to improved approaches to allow a portable electronic device to dynamically present location-specific information while the portable electronic device is at a predetermined location. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device has a display that can display the location-specific information and has wireless capabilities for use in receiving the location-specific information from the server. The location-specific information can, for example, augment other information that is to be presented on the display. In one embodiment, the location-specific information can be information pertaining to a media item being played in an establishment, such as a store, where the portable electronic device is located. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-28 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a media delivery system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media delivery system  100  includes an online media store server  102  that couples to a data network  104 . The online media store can offer digital media assets (e.g., media items) for purchase, rental, preview, etc. One example of an online media store is iTunes™ media store operated by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The data network  104  can include one or more networks, which can be not only public or private but also wired or wireless. The media delivery system  100  also includes equipment at a store location  106 , a central store server  108  and a regional cache server  110 , each of which can also couple to the data network  104 . Although the media delivery system  100  illustrates only a single store location, namely, the store location  106 , it should be understood that the media delivery system  100  typically supports a plurality of different store locations in different geographical locations. 
     The online media store server  102  hosts an online media store from which digital media assets can be acquired (e.g., purchased). On acquisition of a digital media asset, media content for the purchased digital media asset can be delivered to the purchaser. More particularly, the media content can be delivered to an electronic device (media device) associated with the user. In one scenario, the purchaser has interacted with the online media store server  102  from the store location  106  using an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device. In such case, the media content for the digital media asset can be delivered to the electronic device associated with the purchaser while residing at the store location  106 . 
     The store location  106  includes a wireless network  112  and a store cache server  114 . The wireless network  112  and/or the store cache server  114  can couple to the data network  104 . Additionally, at the store location  106 , one or more media devices  116  and  118  can be coupled to the wireless network  112 . The wireless access network  110  can, for example, by a local area wireless network generally associated with the first store  104 . One specific example of a local area wireless network is a WiFi network. Accordingly, patrons to the store location  106  that have a portable electronic device that supports wireless communication are able to communicate with the online media store server  102  by way of the data network  108  and the wireless access network  112 . In doing so, the patron may purchase or otherwise acquire media content pertaining to a media item that is offered for acquisition (e.g., purchase, rental, etc.) by the online media store server  102 . 
     Typically, the media devices  116  and  118  are portable electronic devices that are associated with persons (patrons) visiting the store location  106 . When the media devices  116  and  118  are within the store location  106 , the electronic devices, assuming that they support wireless communications, are able to access the wireless network  112  associated with the store location  106 . As such, the media devices  116  and  118  are able to communicate to the online media store server  102  by way of the wireless network  112  and the data network  104 . In the event that a user of one of the media devices  116  and  118  purchases is a digital media asset from the online media store server  102 , the media content associated with the purchased digital media asset can be delivered to the media device  116  or  118  associated with the user. 
     In one embodiment, the central store server  108  operates in advance to store to the store cache server  114  at the store location  106  the likely required media content. Consequently, media content for a purchased digital media asset can be delivered locally at the store location  106  from the store cache server  114  to the requesting media device  116  or  118  via the wireless network  112 . As such, the delivery of the media content is not required to be requested and returned from a remote server by way of the data network  104  or a network access link thereto which can suffer from network traffic or congestion. In one embodiment, the purchased digital media asset can be delivered directly from the store cache server  114 . In another embodiment, the purchased digital media asset can be delivered from the online media store  102  or other remote server. 
     The store location  106  can also support a media play system  120 . The media play system  120  can also be coupled to the data network  104 . By being coupled to the data network  104 , the central store server  108  can operate to manage the operation of the media play system  120  at the store location  106 . In one embodiment, the media play system  120  operates to play media items at the store location  106 . For example, the media play system  120  can cause songs and/or videos to be played at the store location  106  for the benefit of employees and patrons. The central store server  108  can centrally manage the media items that are to be played at the store location  106 . In one embodiment, the media items being played by the media play system  120  are media items that are also offered for purchase by the online media store server  102 . 
     The networking components in the store location  106  can couple to the data network  104  via a network access link  122 . The network access link  122  is a shared network access resource, such as a lease line (e.g., T1 line) to the data network  104 . The wireless network  112 , the store cache server  114  and the media play system  120  can access the data network  104  via the network access link  122 . 
     As an example of one usage scenario, a user at the store location  106  could hear a media item being played by the media play system  120  and elect to interact with the online media store server  102  to purchase the media item. As such, should a user of the media device  116  request to purchase such a media item from the online media store server  102  while at the store location  106 , the media content for the purchased media item can be delivered to the media device  116 . 
     In one embodiment, the media content for the media items that are to be delivered and stored in the store cache server  114  can be made available from the regional cache server  110 . The regional cache server  110  is remotely located from the store location  106  but within a similar regional or metropolitan area as is the store location  106 . Hence, the delivery of the media content to the store cache server  114  can efficiently utilize the regional cache server  110  to offload or distribute server loads for media content delivery. The regional cache server  110  can also be referred to as an edge server. 
     Although the media delivery system  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as having one store at the store location  106 , it should be understood that the media delivery system  100  is suitable for use with one or more stores. Typically, a particular retailer will have a plurality of retail stores in different geographical locations. With all of the stores coupled to the data network  104 , such as a global public network, the central store server  108  can manage the media being played in any of the plurality of retail stores. Consequently, these various retails stores can allow its patrons to wirelessly access a remote online media store while at a store location. 
     In one embodiment, the network or the networking infrastructure (e.g., WiFi wireless network) at the store facilitates access to the global network and can also inform another device (e.g., the electronic device and/or server) as to whether or not the electronic device is within the store. Various other ways can be used to determine whether an electronic device is within a store, such as using location technology (e.g., GPS, triangle navigation, or localized beacons). 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a page request process  200  according to one environment of the invention. The page request process  200  is performed by a client device. The client device is an electronic device, namely, a portable electronic device. For example, the client device can be the media device A  116  or the media device B  116  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The page request process can begin with a decision  202 . In the decision  202  can determine whether a page request is to be issued to a remote server. As an example, the remote server can pertain to the online media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . When the decision  202  determines that a page request is not to be made to a remote server, other processing can be optionally performed  204 . The other processing being performed  204  can be associated with various other features, applications or modules that are available on the client device. Following the block  204 , the page request process  200  can return to repeat the decision  202 . 
     When the decision  202  determines that a page request has been made to a remote server, a decision  206  can determine whether the client device is in a store. There are various different techniques that can be utilized to determine whether the client device is within a particular store. In one implementation, a local network available at the store can provide a store identifier to the client device when the client device accesses the local area network (e.g., wireless network  112 ), thereby signifying to the device that the client device is currently at the particular store identified by the store identifier. For example, the store cache server  114  can operate to attach a store identifier to a response header being sent to the client device. 
     When the decision  206  determines that the device is in a store, a request for a page with stored-based information can be sent  208 . The request is sent  208  over one or more networks to the remote server. On the other hand, when the decision  206  determines that the client device is not in a store, a request for a page without store-based information can be sent  210 . The request can be sent  210  over one or more networks to the remote server. Following the blocks  208  and  210 , a decision  212  determines whether the requested page has been received. Here, in the page request process  200  is waiting to receive the requested page from the remote server. However, with reference to  FIG. 1 , it should be recognized that the requested page can be returned from not only the online media store server  102  but also a cache server, such as the store cache server  114  or the regional cache server  110 . When the decision  212  determines that the requested page has been received, the requested page can be presented  214  on the client device. Typically, the client device includes a display and the requested page can be displayed on the display. The requested page can thus provide a graphical user interface (e.g., display screen). 
     Depending on whether or not the client device is within a store, the requested page being displayed may or may not display store-based information. Also, the store-based information when provided is typically only a portion of the requested page. Following the block  214 , the page request process  200  can return to repeat the decision  202  and subsequent operations so that additional page requests can be similarly processed. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a data request process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The data request process  300  is processing performed by a server. For example, the server can be an online media store server, such as the online media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The data request process  300  can begin with a decision  302 . The decision  302  determines whether a data request has been received. When the decision  302  determines that a data request has not been received, other processing can optionally be performed  304  by the server. The other processing  304  is, for example, various other different types of data or information requests, such as requests to browse, search, preview or purchase media items available on an online media store hosted by the online media store server. Following the block  304 , the data request process  300  returns to repeat the decision  302 . 
     When the decision  302  determines that a data request has been received, a store identifier associated with the location of the requesting electronic device (e.g., computing device) can be obtained  306 . For example, in one implementation, the store identifier can be provided with the data request and thus obtained  306  from the data request. Next, store-based information associated with the store can be retrieved  308  based on the store identifier. In one implementation, the store-based information for the particular store associated with the store identifier can be retrieved  308  from a server that stores or manages information for various stores, such as the central store server  108  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A data response including at least the store-based information can then be formed  310 . The data response can then be sent  312  to the requesting electronic device. Following the block  312 , the data request process  300  can return to repeat the decision  302  and subsequent blocks so that subsequent data requests can be similarly processed. 
     The store-based information being requested or received by the page request process  200  or the data request process  300  can vary with implementation. One example of store-based information is media playing information associated with a particular store. The store-based information can, for example, indicate a particular media item (e.g., song, movie, music video, etc.) that is playing at a store. The client device can present a graphical user interface relevant to the particular media item. The graphical user interface can display descriptive information concerning the particular media item. For example, in the case of a song, the descriptive information can include artist, album, and song name. The graphical user interface can also facilitate navigation to additional related information for review or purchase of media items. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are flow diagrams of a page request process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The page request process  400  is, for example, performed by a client device, such as a media device or other electronic device having wireless networking capability and a display screen. In one embodiment, the client device is a portable computing device (e.g., laptop computer) having wireless data capabilities. In another embodiment, the client device is a mobile phone having wireless voice and wireless data capabilities. 
     The page request process  400  can begin with a decision  402  that determines whether a wireless network is available. The wireless network is generally commensurate with the location of a store. Consequently, the availability of the wireless network to the client device can serve as an indication that the client device (and thus its user) is physically present at the store. On the other hand, when the wireless network is not available to the client device, it is can serve as an indication that the client device (and thus its user) is not physically at the store. 
     When the decision  402  determines that a wireless network is available to the client device, a decision  404  can determine whether a media management application has been launched. When the decision  404  determines that a media management application has not been launched, a decision  406  can determine whether the network browser has been launched. When the decision  406  determines that a network browser has not been launched, and then the page request process  400  returns to repeat the decision  402 . Accordingly, further processing by the page request process  400  can require either launching of a media management application or a network browser. One example of media management application is the iTunes™ application program available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino Calif. One example of a network browser is Safari™ network browser available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     When the decision  406  determines that a network browser has launched, a decision  408  can determine whether to navigate to an online store (e.g., online media store). When the decision  408  determines that the network browser (or its user) is not attempting to navigate to an online store, navigation can be restricted  412  such that only certain approved network destinations are accessible. Here, according to one embodiment, the wireless network being utilized by the network browser can limit the ability for the network browser to access network destinations that are not approved. For example, the page request process  400  could permit the network browser to access only those network addresses that are listed in a set of approved network addresses. Attempts to access other non-approved network destinations could then be restricted  410 . As an example, network access can be blocked for non-paying users but permitted for paying users. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  404  determines that a media management application has launched or when the decision  408  determines that the network browser has been utilized to navigate to an online store that is approved for access, the page request process  400  can continue. In particular, when the page request process  400  continues, an online store page request can be sent  412 . Here, the online store page request can be sent  412  to a server, such as an online media store server that hosts an online store. The online store page request requests information available from the online store. In addition, a store identifier can be sent  414  with or associated to the online store page request. 
     A decision  416  determines whether the requested page has been received. When the decision  416  determines that the requested page has not been received, the page request process  400  can await the requested page. On the other hand, when the decision  416  determines that the requested page has been received, the requested page can be displayed  418 . 
     Next, a decision  420  determines whether another online store page request has been received. When the decision  420  determines that another online store page request has been received, the page request process  400  can return to repeat the block  412  and subsequent blocks so that the other online store page request can be similarly processed. Here, it is assumed that the another online store page request is with respect to the same online store, and thus still an improved network destination. On the other hand, when the decision  420  determines that another online store page request has not been received, a decision  422  determines whether a purchase request has been received. When the decision  422  determines that a purchase request has not been received, then other processing can be optionally performed  424  prior to returning to repeat the decision  420 . The other processing can be other actions that can be performed with respect to the requested page that is being displayed  418 . 
     On the other hand, when the decision  422  determines that a purchase request has been received, the one or more items being purchased can be processed  428 . The media content associated with the purchased item can then be downloaded  430  to the device. Depending on the type of client device being used, some items that can be purchased may or may not be useable on the client device. Hence, in one embodiment, items that have been purchased that are either too cumbersome to download or not useful on the client device are not delivered (e.g., downloaded) to the client device. In one embodiment, such items that are not delivered to the client device can be subsequently delivered to another device associated with the requestor (purchaser). 
     Next, a decision  434  determines whether the page request process  400  should stop. When the decision  434  determines that the page request process  400  should not stop, the page request process  400  can return to repeat the block  412  and subsequent blocks. On the other hand, when the decision  434  determines that the page request process  400  should stop, the page request process  400  can end. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a page response process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The page response process  500  is, for example, performed by a server. For example, the server can be an online media store server, such as the online media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The page response process  500  can begin with a decision  502  that determines whether a page request has been received from a requester. When the decision  502  determines that a page request has not been received, the page response process  500  can await such a request. Once the decision  502  determines that a page request has been received from a requester, a decision  504  it can determine whether a store identifier is associated with the request. In this regard, the page request itself can directly include the store identifier or the page request can indirectly reference the store identifier. The store identifier is an identification of a particular store from which the requestor (namely, a client device used by the requester) is located. 
     When the decision  504  determines that the page request has a store identifier associated with it, store-based information associated with a store using the store identifier can be requested  506 . In one embodiment, the store-based information for a store is requested from a server, such as the central store server  108  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Next, a decision  508  determines whether store-based information has been received. When the decision  508  determines that the stored-based information has been received, a requested page can be formed  510  with the requested page including or referencing at least the store-based information. 
     Alternatively, when the decision  508  determines that store-based information is not received, then the page response process  500  can assume that the store-based information is currently unavailable and thus form  512  the requested page without any store-based information. Also, when the decision  504  determines that the page request does not have a store identifier associated therewith, the page response process  500  can form  512  the requested page without any store-based information. Following the block  510  or the block  512 , the page response process  500  can operate to send a  514  the requested page to the requester. After the requested page has been sent  514 , the page response process  500  can return to repeat the decision  502  and subsequent blocks so that a subsequent page request can be similarly processed. 
     In the page response process  500 , a page is returned to a requester. In one embodiment, the page returned to the requestor can be displayed on the client device used by the requester. If the requestor is at a particular store that supports monitoring of store-based information, the displayed page can include store-based information as well as other content. For example, the store-based information can pertain to one or more items being played at the store and the other content can be information about one or more media items available for purchase on an online media store. Alternatively, If the requester is not at a store that supports monitoring of store-based information, the displayed page can include the other content without the store-based information. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a server can evaluate whether the client device is in a store and form (e.g., select, generate) the appropriate page to be delivered to the client device. In contrast, in other embodiment such as discussed above, a client device understands that it is in a store and requests the appropriate pages (data) from the server. In either case, store-based information can be delivered to a client device which can present a graphical user interface (or display screen) using the store-based information. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a page customization process  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. The page customization process  600  is, for example, performed by a server such as an online media store server that hosts an online media store. 
     The page customization process  600  can begin with a decision  602 . The decision  602  can determine whether a page request has been received. When the decision  602  determines that a page request has not been received, the page customization process  600  can await such a request. However, once the decision  602  determines that a page request has been received, the page customization process  600  can perform further processing to service the page request. In this regard, once the decision  602  determines that a page request has been received, a decision  604  can determine whether the requestor for the page is in a store. Here, the requestor (user) operates an electronic device (client device), such as a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can be carried by its user to various different locations. In some of those locations, the portable electronic device may be able to gain wireless access to a network, such as a WiFi network, which in turn enables access to a global network (e.g., the Internet). In such cases, the decision  604  of the page customization process  600  can determine whether the requester, namely, the electronic device used by the requester, is in a store. If the electronic device is in a store, it can be assumed that the portable computing device has wireless access to a local network within the store. In one embodiment, the network or the networking infrastructure (e.g., WiFi wireless network) at the store facilitates access to the global network and can also inform another device (e.g., the electronic device and/or server) as to whether or not the electronic device is within the store. Various other ways can be used to determine whether an electronic device is within a store, such as using location technology (e.g., GPS, triangle navigation, or localized beacons). 
     When the decision  604  determines that the requestor (electronic device) is within a store, a page can be formed  606  that includes store-based information. In one embodiment, the page has its ordinary content (default content) and the store-based information is additional content that is included in the page. Alternatively, when the decision  604  determines that the requestor (electronic device) is not in a store, the page can be formed  608  without including store-based information. In one embodiment, the page that is formed  608  thus includes only its ordinary content. 
     Following the blocks  606  and  608 , the formed page can be sent  610  to the client device associated with the requestor. Following the block  610 , a decision  612  can determine whether the page customization process  600  should stop. When the decision  612  determines that the page customization process  600  should not stop, then the page customization process  600  returns to repeat the decision  602  and subsequent blocks so that another page request could be similarly processed. Alternatively, when the decision  612  determines that the page customization process  600  should stop, then the page customization process  600  can end. 
     As used herein, a page can refer to a graphical user interface or a display screen that can be presented on a display device. 
     According to one aspect of the invention location-specific information, such as store-specific information, can be presented on a display associated with a computing device while resident at an establishment. The location-specific information can be presented as a graphical user interface, such as a screen or page presented on a display of the computing device. The portable computing device can, for example, be a portable electronic device having a display, such as a portable computer (e.g., notebook or laptop computer), personal digital assistant, or mobile communication device. 
       FIGS. 7-13  pertain to graphical user interfaces, such as pages, according to one implementation that can be presented on a display. The graphical user interfaces illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13  are particularly suitable for display that has a screen area larger than 10×10 centimeters (or approximately 4″×4″), though such is not a requirement. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of a navigation arrangement  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The navigation arrangement  700  pertains to navigation through a hierarchy of pages (or screens) associated with a computing device, such as a portable computer. When a user of the computing device it is located at an establishment, the computing device can be connected to a wireless network available at the establishment. The local wireless network can permit the user with access to the Internet. As noted above, the access to the Internet can be limited to certain network addresses. Nevertheless, since the establishment can control the wireless network access, the use of the computing device to access the Internet can cause an establishment intercept page  702  to be initially displayed on a display associated with the computing device. The establishment intercept page  702  can display establishment information. From the establishment intercept page  702 , a user can access an online media store home page  704 . 
     The online media store home page  704  can allow the user to search, browse, preview and/or purchase digital media assets from an online media store. Additionally, the media store home page  704  can including a now playing module that allows a user to navigate to various different pages that provide additional information concerning media being played at the establishment. In particular, from the media store home page  704  (via the now playing module), a user can navigate to a recently played page  706 , an artist page  708  for a now playing media item, an album page  710  for a now playing media item, or an album page  712  for a now playing media item where the now playing media item is highlighted. Still further, the navigation arrangement  700  can permit a user to navigate to a redeem page  714  where a card (e.g., gift card) or other store credit can be redeemed. For example, the user can navigate to the redeem page  714  by way of the media store home page  704  or the recently played page  706 . The artist page  708  for a now playing media item is an artist page provided by the online media store that is descriptive of the particular artist of the now playing media item. The album page  710  for a now playing media item is an album page provided by the online media store that is descriptive of the particular album associated with the now playing media item. The album page  712  for a now playing media item where the now playing media item is highlighted is descriptive of the particular album associated with the now playing media item but also indicated the now playing media item in a track listing by highlighting. 
     Also, from the media store home page  704 , a user can also navigate to a media store internal page  716 . The media store internal page associated with a page produced by the online media store. The media store internal page  716  can include a now playing module that facilitates the user transitioning to the pages  706 - 714  discussed above. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram of an exemplary page  800  according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary page  800  is, for example, suitable for use as any of the pages discussed above with regard to the navigation arrangement  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The exemplary page  800  includes a now playing module  802 , a text portion  804  and a graphic portion  806 . The now playing module  802  can thus represent a portion of a page (or screen) on any of the various pages discussed above with reference to  FIG. 7 . The now playing module  802  has a size, configuration and placement that varies depending upon implementation. The now playing module  802  can include information and more links to store-based information available from an online media store. The text portion  804  and the graphic portion  806  can contain information concerning the establishment or concerning one or more digital media assets available from the online media store. 
     In one embodiment, the exemplary page  800  is available for display on a computing device while that the computing device is at an establishment. Hence, when the computing device is at the establishment, the exemplary page  800  can be presented to the user of the computing device. In this regard, in one implementation, a remote server provided the exemplary page  800  to the computing device can control whether or not the now playing module  802  is included. In another implementation, the computing device can control whether or not the now playing module  802  is included. For example, a page provided to the computing device can include a “condition include” statement for the now playing module  802 ; hence, if the computing device is in an establishment, the condition holds true and the “include” statement is processed to retrieve and display the now playing module  802 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a diagram of a now playing module  900  according to one embodiment of the invention. The now playing module  900  pertains to a particular digital media asset that is teamed to be now playing at an establishment. The now playing module  900  includes a now playing indicator  902 , an artist name  904 , an album name  906  and an album image  908 . The artist name  904 , the album name  906  and the album image  908  are descriptive of (e.g., metadata of) the particular digital media asset that is deemed to be now playing at the establishment. The now playing module  900  can further include a recently played indicator  910  that can provide or serve as a reference (or link) to recently played digital media assets. In an alternative embodiment, the now playing module could include (e.g., list) the recently played digital media assets. 
       FIG. 9B  is a diagram of a now playing module  950  according to another embodiment of the invention. The now playing module  950  includes a now playing indicator  952 , an artist name  954 , an album name  956 , and a recently played indicator  958 . The recently played indicator  958  can provide or serve as a reference (or link) to recently played digital media assets. The now playing module  950  is, in one implementation, provided in the form of a bar that is suitable for inclusion on a page (or screen) to be displayed by a computing device while consuming little area of the page. 
     Although the embodiments discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 7-9B  concerning now playing information, it should be understood that these figures are more generally suitable for accessing location-specific information (or location-based information), of which now playing information is one variety. 
     When a page (or screen) is to be presented to a user operating the computing device, if the computing device (and thus the user) are located at an establishment that provides the wireless access capability as discussed above, and the page being presented to the user via the computing device can include location-based information. In one embodiment, the location-based information is store-based information that can be included on the page. In one implementation, the establishment-based information (or store-based information) can pertain to now playing information at the establishment. The placement of the location-based information on the particular page can vary depending upon implementation. 
       FIG. 10  is a screenshot of an exemplary media store home page  1000  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media store home page  1000  is, for example, suitable for use as the media store home page  704  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The media store home page  1000  includes a media source region  1002  that specifies a particular one of a plurality of different media sources that are available for selection. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a “iTunes store” source is highlighted  1004  to indicate selection of an online media store (which is remotely located) as the media source. A media region  1006  displays information concerning a plurality of media items that are available from the online media store. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the invention, the media store home page  1000  can include a now playing module  1008 . In this example, the now playing module  1008  represents an implementation of the now playing module  900  illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
       FIG. 11  is a screen shot of an exemplary recently played page  1100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The recently played page  1100  is, for example, suitable for use as the recently played page  706  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The recently played page  1100  can also be referred to as a now playing page since it contains not only now playing formation but also recently played information. The recently played page  1100  includes a media source region  1102  that specifies a particular one of a plurality of different media sources that are available for selection. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a “iTunes store” source is highlighted  1104  to indicate selection of an online media store (which is remotely located) as the media source. A now playing region  1106  and a recently played listing region  1108  are also presented in the recently played page  1100 . The now playing region  1106  and the recently played listing region  1108  are associated with a navigation tab  1110  which indicates that the user has navigated to a detailed screen concerning media content now playing at an establishment (e.g., Starbucks). In the now playing region  1106  includes a now playing indicator  1112  as well as an artist name  1114 , an album name  1116  and an image  1118  associated with the media item that is now playing at the establishment. The now playing region  1106  can also include a redeem link  1120  that allows navigation to a redeem page. The recently played listing region  1108  displays a list  1122  of media items (e.g., songs) that have recently been played at the establishment. The user can navigate from the list  1122  to media store internal pages, such as an album page or artist page. A user can also initiate purchase of any of the media items in the list  1122  from the online media store. 
       FIG. 12  is a screenshot of an exemplary media store internal page  1200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media store internal page  1200  is, for example, suitable for use as the media store internal page  716  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The media store internal page  1200  includes a media source region  1202  that specifies a particular one of a plurality of different media sources that are available for selection. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , “iTunes store” source is highlighted  1204  to indicate selection of an online media store as the media source. A media region  1206  displays information concerning a plurality of media items that are available from the online media store. Various different visual descriptors can be used to identify the various media items. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the invention, the media store internal page  1200  can include a now playing module  1208 . In this example, the now playing module  1008  represents an implementation of the now playing module  950  illustrated in  FIG. 9B . The now playing module  1208  includes a now playing indicator  1210  as well as an artist name  1212  and album name  1214  associated with the media item that is now playing at the establishment. The now playing module  1208  can also include a recently played reference (link)  1216  that allows navigation to a recently played page (e.g., the recently played page  1100  illustrated in  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 13  is a screenshot of an exemplary redeem page  1300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The redeem page  1300  is, for example, suitable for use as the redeem page  714  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The redeem page  1300  includes a media source region  1302  that specifies a particular one of a plurality of different media sources that are available for selection. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , “iTunes store” source is highlighted  1304  to indicate selection of an online media store as the media source. A navigation tab  1306  indicates that the user has navigated to a redeem page. The redeem page  1200  include a redeem region  1308  that ails a user to enter a code to redeem a gift card, gift certificate or other code. The redeem page  1300  also includes a redeem button  1320  that submits the redeem code for processing by a remote server, such as a remote server hosting the online media store. 
       FIGS. 14(   a )- 27  pertain to graphical user interfaces, such as pages, according to another implementation that can be presented on a display. The graphical user interfaces illustrated in  FIGS. 14(   a )- 27  are particularly suitable for display that has a screen area smaller than 10×10 centimeters (or approximately 4″×4″), though such is not a requirement. 
       FIG. 14(   a ) is a block diagram of a portable electronic media store graphical user interface  1400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The portable electronic media store user-interface  1400  can be used to interact with a media management application operating on a portable media device. The portable media device can, for example, be a mobile telephone capable of playing media assets. According to one embodiment of the invention, interacting with a media management application via the portable electronic media store user-interface  1400  allows the user of a portable media device to shop for and purchase media assets such as music or video files at an online media store via a wireless network, for example a cellular phone network or a WiFi network. In one embodiment of the invention, the portable electronic media store graphical user interface  1400  is only accessible (or usable) when a high-speed wireless network (e.g., a WiFi network) is detected. In this embodiment, if a user attempts to use the portable electronic media store user-interface  1400  and no suitable network is found, then the portable electronic media store user-interface  1400  can display an error message to the user. 
     In  FIG. 14(   a ), the portable electronic media store user-interface  1400  has three media store display panels  1401 . Media store display panels  1401  can be used, for example, for displaying graphics, text blocks and/or navigation buttons that identify corresponding individual media assets or groups of media assets (e.g., a music album or a collection of ‘new releases’). In one embodiment of the invention, any of the graphics, texts blocks and/or navigation buttons can function as links (e.g., hyperlinks) to media content that is available for purchase at the online media store. Additionally, media store display panels  1401  can include one or more controls (e.g., ‘Purchase’ or ‘Buy Now’ buttons) to allow a user to purchase displayed media assets. Clearly, media store display panels  1401  can be implemented using various permutations and combinations of graphics, text blocks, and navigation buttons. Furthermore, the media store display panels  1401  can include dynamic elements as well as static elements. An example of a dynamic element in a media store display panel is a dynamic graphic (not shown) that changes periodically while cycling through a set of featured music artist graphics. 
     The portable electronic media store user-interface  1400  also includes a device control panel  1403 . Device control panels  1403  can be used for displaying device controls, for example, a home button or a search button. The media store user-interface  1400  is only one configuration example; clearly other user-interface arrangements are possible. 
     Media store display panels  1401  come in a wide variety of types.  FIGS. 14(   b )- 14 ( d ) are illustrations of three possible media store display panels  1401 . 
       FIG. 14(   b ) is a block diagram of an exemplary media store navigation display panel  1410  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media store navigation display panel  1410  is shown with three navigation buttons  1411 . Navigation buttons  1411  are used to direct a user to media asset collections. Media asset collections can be any arbitrary grouping of media assets, such as music albums or media asset collections put together for marketing purposes, for example top ten lists, genre groupings, or lists of new releases. 
       FIG. 14(   c ) is a block diagram of an exemplary featured artist display panel  1420 , according to one embodiment of the invention. The featured artist display panel  1420  is shown with two featured artist graphics  1421 . These featured artist graphics  1421  can be, for example, promotional graphics encouraging the purchase of a particular artist&#39;s music. Featured artist  1421  graphics can be selected (e.g., clicked on using a mouse or tapped on using a touch-sensitive screen) by a user to direct that user to a featured artist page. Other media categories media can be featured as well, for instance featured songs, featured music videos, or featured albums. 
       FIG. 14(   d ) a block diagram of an exemplary media browser display panel  1430  containing one or more graphics  1431 , for example album cover art, and one or more text blocks  1433 , for example music artist name or a music album title. The graphics  1431  and text blocks  1433  can be arranged in a wide variety of ways, for example in scrollable lists for browsing. Alternately, a small number of graphics  1431  and/or text blocks  1433  can be prominently grouped such that it is not necessary to scroll in order to see the entire group. 
       FIG. 14(   e ) a block diagram of an exemplary device control panel  1440 , according to one embodiment of the invention. The device control panel  1440  includes four device controls  1441 . Device controls  1441  can include buttons or tabs that allow the user of the portable electronic media store user-interface  1400  to access the functionality of an online media store or the functionality of a portable electronic device upon which the portable media device user-interface  1400  is running. In one embodiment of the invention, the device controls  1441  include buttons that direct the user of the device to, for example, a search page, a top ten list, a featured music page, and a download queue. The number of controls  1441  in the device control panel can vary. For example, additional controls  1441  may appear in the device control panel  1440  when a network with additional functionality is available. For example, one or more additional controls  1441  may become available upon detecting a specific wireless network, such as a retail store&#39;s wireless network, that offers enhanced functionality and/or enhanced content. 
       FIG. 15(   a ) is a block diagram of a portable electronic media store graphical user interface (UI)  1500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The portable media device media store user-interface  1500  can replace or augment the portable media device media store user-interface  1400 . The portable electronic media store user-interface can be used to interact with a media management application on a portable media device when the portable media device detects that it is in an area where media assets can be purchased and downloaded. For example, in the case where a retail store has a local wireless network that is available for use by their customers, access to media assets may be made available at an accessible online media store for purchase and download while they on the premises (i.e., connected to or within range of the network). In one embodiment of the invention, when a portable media device detects that it is in a wireless network, additional options can become available in the portable media store user-interface  1500 . In another embodiment of the invention, location- or establishment-specific content and functionality can be accessed while using that particular retail establishment&#39;s network. 
     In  FIG. 15(   a ), the portable electronic media store user-interface  1500  has three media store display panels  1501 . Media store display panels  1501  can be used, for example, for displaying graphics, text blocks and/or navigation buttons that identify corresponding individual media assets or groups of media assets (e.g., a music album or a collection of ‘new releases’). In one embodiment of the invention, any of the graphics, texts blocks and/or navigation buttons can function as links (e.g., hyperlinks) to media content that is available for purchase at the online media store. Additionally, media store display panels  1501  can include one or more controls (e.g., ‘Purchase’ or ‘Buy Now’ buttons) to allow a user to purchase displayed media assets. Clearly, media store display panels  1501  can be implemented using various permutations and combinations of graphics, text blocks, and navigation buttons. Furthermore, the media store display panels  1501  can include dynamic elements as well as static elements. An example of a dynamic element in a media store display panel is a dynamic graphic (not shown) that changes periodically while cycling through a set of featured music artist graphics. 
     The portable electronic media store user-interface  1500  also includes a device control panel  1503 . Device control panels  1503  can be used for displaying device controls, for example, a home button or a search button. The media store user-interface  1500  is only one configuration example; clearly other user-interface arrangements are possible. 
     Media store display panels  1501  come in a wide variety of types.  FIGS. 15(   b )- 15 ( d ) are illustrations of three possible media store display panels  1501 . 
       FIG. 15(   b ) is a block diagram of an exemplary media store navigation display panel  1510  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media store navigation display panel  1510  is shown with three navigation buttons  1511 . Navigation buttons  1511  are used to direct a user to media asset collections. Media asset collections can be any arbitrary grouping of media assets, such as music albums or collections put together for marketing purposes, for example top ten lists, genre groupings, or lists of new releases. 
       FIG. 15(   c ) is a block diagram of an exemplary featured artist display panel  1520 , according to one embodiment of the invention. The featured artist display panel is shown with two featured artist graphics  1521 . These featured artist graphics  1521  can be, for example, promotional graphics encouraging the purchase of a particular artist&#39;s music. Featured artist  1521  graphics can be selected (e.g., clicked on using a mouse or tapped on using a touch-sensitive screen) by a user to direct that user to a featured artist page. Other media categories media can be featured as well, for instance featured songs or featured albums. 
       FIG. 15(   d ) is a block diagram of an exemplary media browser display panel  1530  containing one or more graphics  1531 , for example album cover art, and one or more text blocks  1533 , for example music artist name or a music album title. The graphics  1531  and text blocks  1533  can be arranged in a wide variety of ways, for example in scrollable lists for browsing. Alternately, a small number of graphics  1531  and/or text blocks  1533  can be prominently grouped such that it is not necessary to scroll in order to see the entire group. 
       FIG. 15(   e ) is a block diagram of an exemplary device control panel  1540 , according to one embodiment of the invention. The device control panel  1540  includes four device controls  1541 . Device controls  1541  can include buttons or tabs that allow the user of the portable electronic media store user-interface  1500  to access the functionality of an online media store or the functionality of a portable electronic device upon which the portable media device user-interface  1500  is running. In one embodiment of the invention, the device controls  1541  include buttons that direct the user of the device to, for example, a search page, a top ten list, a featured music page, and a download queue. The number of controls  1541  in the device control panel can vary. For example, additional controls  1541  may appear in the device control panel  1540  when a network with additional functionality is available. For example, one or more additional controls  1541 ′ may become available upon detecting a specific wireless network, such as a specific retail establishment&#39;s wireless network, that offers enhanced functionality and/or enhanced content. 
       FIG. 15(   f ) is a block diagram of an exemplary transition  1550  between a device control panel  1551  and a device control panel  1553  according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     In  FIG. 15(   f ), the device control panel  1551  is displayed under normal circumstances, such as when a non-commercial public or home wireless network is detected. The device control panel  1551  can be similar to the device control panel  1541  of  FIG. 15(   e ) above, for example. In one embodiment of the invention, the four device controls  1555  are shown, including device controls  1525  (e.g., buttons) that direct the user of the device to a search page, a top ten list, a featured music page, and a download page. In contrast, device control panel  1553  is displayed when a wireless network with enhanced functionality or enhanced content is detected. The device control panel  1553  has five device controls  1555 . The additional device control  1555 , designated  1555 ′ in  FIG. 15(   f ), appears after the transition  1550  between device control panel  1551  and device control panel  1555  and provides additional functionality that is available when an enhanced wireless network is detected. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the additional device control  1555 ′ functions as a link to enhanced online media store content associated with a retailer&#39;s local wireless network. In this embodiment, operating the additional device control  1513  causes an enhanced portable media device media store user-interface to load. In a second embodiment of the invention, the additional device control  1555 ′ is a location-specific device control or an establishment specific device control that appears whenever location-specific or establishment-specific content and/or functionality are accessible. 
       FIG. 16(   a ) is a block diagram of an enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  according to one embodiment of the invention. The enhanced portable media device media store user-interface  1600  can replace or augment the portable media device media store user-interface  1500 . In one embodiment of the invention, users can switch back and forth between the portable media device media store user-interface  1500  and the enhanced portable media device media store user-interface  1600  at will by operating one or more device controls. 
     The enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  can be used to access enhanced retailer-specific media store content. In one embodiment of the invention, the enhanced retailer-specific online media store content is featured in the enhanced portable media store user-interface  1600 . 
     In  FIG. 16(   a ), the portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  has three media store display panels  1601 . Media store display panels  1601  can be used, for example, for displaying graphics, text blocks and/or navigation buttons that identify corresponding individual media assets or groups of media assets (e.g., a music album or a collection of ‘new releases’). In one embodiment of the invention, any of the graphics, texts blocks and/or navigation buttons can function as links (e.g., hyperlinks) to media content that is available for purchase at the online media store. Additionally, media store display panels  1601  can include one or more controls (e.g., ‘Purchase’ or ‘Buy Now’ buttons) to allow a user to purchase displayed media assets. Clearly, media store display panels  1601  can be implemented using various permutations and combinations of graphics, text blocks, and navigation buttons. Furthermore, the media store display panels  1601  can include dynamic elements as well as static elements. An example of a dynamic element in a media store display panel is a dynamic graphic (not shown) that changes periodically while cycling through a set of featured music artist graphics. 
     Enhanced media store display panels  1601  come in a wide variety of types. Any of the media store display panels  1401  described above in reference to  FIG. 14  and media store display panels  1501  described above in reference to  FIG. 15  can be used in an enhanced media store display panel  1601 . In addition  FIGS. 16(   b )- 16 ( d ) illustrate three other enhanced media store display panels  1601 . 
     The enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  also includes a device control panel  1603 . The device control panel  1603  can be used for displaying device controls, for example, a home button or a search button. The enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  is only one configuration example; clearly other user-interface arrangements are possible. 
       FIG. 16(   b ) is a block diagram of an exemplary ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610 , according to one embodiment of the invention. The ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610  can contain location-specific information about whatever media asset is currently being presented to customers in a particular establishment. 
     For example, if a retail store (i.e., a retail establishment) uses a media-play system to present media content to its patrons (e.g., music or video) in the retail store for customers to see and/or hear, then any customer who wishes to know artist other information about the media content currently playing can access the ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610  in the portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  in order to learn information about that media content. In one embodiment, the media items being played by the media play system and displayed on the ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610  are media items that are also offered for sale using the enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface  1600 . 
     In  FIG. 16(   b ) the ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610  contains a graphic  1611  (e.g., album cover art) and a text block  1613  associated with the currently playing media content. The text block  1613  can contain artist, album, and song title information about the media content currently playing in a specific establishment. Additionally, the ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610  can contain a purchase control button  1615  (e.g., a ‘Buy’ button), which a customer can operate to purchase the displayed media asset. 
       FIG. 16(   c ) is a block diagram of an exemplary ‘Recently Played Songs’ display panel  1620 , according to one embodiment of the invention. Much like the ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610  of  FIG. 16(   b ), the ‘Recently Played Songs’ display panel  1620  displays information including graphics  1621 , for example album cover art, and one or more text blocks  1623 , for example music artist name or a music album title, about media content that was presented before the currently playing media content. For example, if a retail store uses a media play system to present media content to its patrons (e.g., music or video) in the retail store for customers to see and/or hear, then any customer who wishes to know artist other information about the previously played media content can access the ‘Recently Played Songs’ display panel  1620  in the portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  in order to learn information about recently played songs (e.g., the last 10 songs or music videos played.) Additionally, the ‘Recently Played Songs’ display panel  1620  can contain a purchase control button  1625  (e.g., a ‘Buy’ button), which a customer can operate to purchase one or more of the displayed media assets. 
       FIG. 16(   d ) is a block diagram of an exemplary device control panel  1640 , according to one embodiment of the invention. The device control panel  1640  shown includes five device controls  1641 . Device controls  1641  can include buttons or tabs that allow the user of the enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  to access the functionality of an enhanced online media store or the functionality of the portable electronic device upon which the enhanced portable media device user-interface  1600  is operating. In one embodiment of the invention, the device controls  1641  include buttons that direct the user of the device to, for example, a search page, a top ten list, a featured music page, and a download page. The device controls  1641  can, for example, allow a user to utilize the functionality and features of the portable electronic media store user-interface  1500  as described above. Additionally, the device control panel includes one enhanced device control  1641 ′, for example an enhanced online media store content home key, which can be used to direct a user to the enhanced portable electronic media store user-interface  1600  if the enhanced portable media store user-interface  1600  is not currently selected. 
       FIG. 17  is a portable media device media store purchase interface  1700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The portable media device media store purchase interface  1700  can appear, for example, in any media store display panel  1401 ,  1501 , or  1601  as described above in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16 . Further, the portable media device media store purchase interface  1700  can display a single media asset for sale or a group of media assets in a scrollable list. 
     The portable media device media store purchase interface  1700  displays one or more media assets for sale. Media asset identifying information, which can include graphics  1703  and text  1705 , are displayed. Additionally, the portable media device media store purchase interface  1700  includes at least one purchase control button  1707  (e.g., ‘Buy’ button.) In one embodiment of the invention, the purchase control button  1707  has two states, for example a purchase state and a purchase confirmation state. Depending on what state the purchase control button  1707  is in, the purchase control button has a different appearance. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the purchase control button  1707  displays a purchase price for the associated one or more displayed media assets when it is in the purchase state. Once the purchase control button  1707  is operated, for example by clicking on the button with a mouse or tapping on the button using a touch screen, the purchase control button  1707  enters the purchase confirmation state. In one embodiment of the invention, when the purchase control button  1707  is in the purchase confirmation state, the purchase control button  1707  prompts the user for a confirmation that that user wants to purchase the one or more associated media assets, for example by displaying ‘Buy Now’ on the purchase control button  1707 . In one embodiment of the invention, operating the purchase control button a second time places the one or more associated media assets in a download queue for immediate download to the user&#39;s portable media device. 
       FIG. 18  is a portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800  according to one embodiment of the invention. The portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800  can appear, for example, in any media store display panel  1401 ,  1501 , or  1601  as described above in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16 . Further, the portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800  can display a single media asset for browsing or previewing or a group of media assets in a scrollable list. Additionally, the portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800  can be combined with the portable media device media store purchasing graphical user interface  1700  described in  FIG. 17 . 
     The portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800  includes media asset information  1801 , which can include graphics  1805  and text  1807 . For example, graphics  1805  can be a representation of album cover art for a music album and text  1807  can be artist and song information associated with the graphic  1805 . Additionally, the portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800  provides instructions  1809  for how to operate the portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800 . When operating the portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800 , a user can click or tap on media asset information  1801  to see and/or hear a preview (i.e., a snippet of the larger media asset), of that media asset. Alternately, the user can double-click or double-tap on media asset information  1805  to receive additional information about that media asset, including for example, a track listing of an album associated with that media asset. 
       FIG. 19  is an exemplary portable media device graphical user interface tree  1900  according to one embodiment of the invention. The components of the portable media device graphical user interface tree  1900  are accessed via device controls, for example the device controls  1441 ,  1541 , and  1641 , and via media store display panels  1440 ,  1540 , and  1640  as described in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16 .  FIG. 19  illustrates three interface levels, designated home level interfaces  1901 , browse level interfaces  1903 , and preview/buy level interfaces  1905 . Home level interfaces  1901  appear, for example, when an portable media device graphical user interface first starts (i.e., is launched) first starts or when a home key, for example a device control  1641  or  1641 ′, described in  FIG. 16 , is pressed. Typically, home keys allow a user to start at the root of a interface tree. Two home level options  1901  are shown in  FIG. 19 : a media store home  1907  and an enhanced media store home  1909 . The media store home  1907  is the interface displayed, for example, when the enhanced portable electronic media store graphical user interface  1600 , described in  FIG. 16 , first starts. The enhanced media store home  1909  is available when enhanced media store content is available, for example as described above in  FIG. 16 . Next, a variety of browse level menus  1903  are shown. Browse level interfaces  1903  allow for browsing interactions, such as browsing through collections  1911 , featured content  1913 , or search results  1915  (for example, the results of a media store search based on search terms supplied by a user). Collections  1911  can be any collection of media assets, such as collections grouped by album, playlist, genre, popularity (e.g., “What&#39;s Hot”), novelty (e.g., “New Releases”), or other criteria, such as a collection of recently played songs, for example as in the ‘Recently Played Songs’ display panel  1620  of  FIG. 16(   c ). Featured content  1913  is media content that is displayed prominently in a list or singly, for example the featured artist  1420 , described in  FIG. 14 . 
     The preview/buy level interfaces  1905  include allow users to listen to samples of media content, and/or purchase media content. At this level, a user can interact with, for example, elements of the portable media device media store ‘Two Click Buy’ interface  1700  of  FIG. 17 , elements of the portable media device media store browsing and previewing interface  1800  of  FIG. 18 , or with the ‘Now Playing’ display panel  1610  of  FIG. 16 . 
       FIGS. 20-27  are screenshots of various permutations and combinations of display panels and device control panels like those generally described above in  FIGS. 14-19 . Specifically, the screenshots in  FIGS. 20-27  are screenshots of iTunes™ media application, produced by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., operating on an iPhone™, also produced by Apple Inc. The location specific device controls in  FIGS. 20-27  allow a user to interact with page(s), such as page(s) hosted by iTunes™ media store. 
       FIG. 20  is a sample screenshot of an iTunes™ page running on an iPhone™, described generally in  FIGS. 14(   a )- 14 ( e ). 
       FIG. 21  is a sample screenshot of an iTunes™ Starbucks™ media store page, including ‘Now Playing’ and ‘Recently Played’ panels, described generally in  FIGS. 16(   a )- 16 ( d ). 
       FIG. 22  is a sample screenshot of an iTunes™ page showing a Starbucks™ home key in the lower left corner of the display, which is an example of an enhanced device control  1641  as described above in  FIG. 16(   d ). 
       FIG. 23  is a sample screenshot of an iTunes™ page showing a list of media content collections. 
       FIG. 24  is a sample screenshot of an iTunes™ search results page, displaying both artist and album results in a scrollable display panel. 
       FIG. 25  is a sample screenshot of an iTunes™ download queue, described generally in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 26  is a sample screenshot of an error message in iTunes™ when a user attempts to access iTunes™ in an area that lacks a suitable network for iTunes™ to operate properly, described generally in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 27  is a sample screenshot of an iTunes™ media purchase interface, described generally in  FIG. 17 . 
     Retail locations or retail stores are, more generally, business locations or stores, respectively. Business locations or stores can also be referred to as establishments (or business establishments). One type of establishment is a retail establishment. Examples of establishments include coffee/tea shops, new stands, gyms, electronic stores, media stores, food service stores, sporting goods stores, bars, sporting venues, concert halls, etc. A group businesses that are closely proximate to one another can also share network resources so as to effectively offer the same advantages. For example, a shopping mall can support all its individual business tenants in the mall by providing the network access and storage equipment throughout the shopping mall to be shared by the various business tenants. 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can, for example, correspond to a computing device (e.g., personal computer), mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), media player (e.g., music, videos, games, images), media storage device, camera, and/or the like. The electronic device may also be a multi-functional device that combine two or more of these device functionalities into a single device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device should support wireless communications so that the portable electronic device can wirelessly couple to a local area wireless network. 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can further be a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held generally means that the electronic device has a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device). 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can, for example, correspond to a computing device (e.g., personal computer), mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), media player (e.g., music, videos, games, images), media storage device, camera, remote control, and/or the like. The electronic device may also be a multi-functional device that combine two or more of these device functionalities into a single device. Examples of multi-functional devices can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060197753, entitled “MULTI-FUNCTIONAL HAND-HELD DEVICE”, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 28  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device  2800  according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile multi-function device  2800  can include the circuitry of a portable electronic device that can perform the operations described above. The mobile multi-function device  2800  includes hardware and software components to provide at least two functions, namely, a media playback function (including display screen/menu presentations) and a wireless voice communications function. When providing media playback, the mobile multi-function device  2800  can operate as a media player capable of playing (including displaying) media items. The media items can, for example, pertain to audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). When providing wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  2800  can operate as a mobile telephone (e.g., cellular phone). 
     The mobile multi-function device  2800  includes a processor  2802  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the mobile multi-function device  2800 . The mobile multi-function device  2800  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  2804  and a cache  2806 . In one embodiment, the file system  2804  is implemented by a storage disk or a plurality of disks. In another embodiment, the file system  2804  is implemented by EEPROM or Flash type memory. The file system  2804  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the mobile multi-function device  2800 . However, because the access time to the file system  2804  can be relatively slow, the mobile multi-function device  2800  can also include a cache  2806 . The cache  2806  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  2806  is substantially shorter than for the file system  2804 . However, the cache  2806  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  2804 . Further, the file system  2804 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  2806 . The power consumption is often a concern when the mobile multi-function device  2800  is a portable mobile multi-function device that is powered by a battery  2824 . The mobile multi-function device  2800  also includes a RAM  2820  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  2822 . The ROM  2822  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The ROM  2822  can be implemented by an EEPROM or Flash type memory so as to provide writable non-volatile data storage. The RAM  2820  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  2806 . 
     In one embodiment, to support wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  2800  includes a transceiver  2826  and a SIM card  2828 . The transceiver  2826  supports wireless communication with a wireless network (such as a wireless cellular network). The SIM card  2828  includes an identifier (e.g., SIM identifier) can be used by the mobile multi-function device  2800  to gain access and utilize the wireless network. In other embodiments, a SIM card  2828  is not utilized. 
     The mobile multi-function device  2800  also includes a user input device  2808  that allows a user of the mobile multi-function device  2800  to interact with the mobile multi-function device  2800 . For example, the user input device  2808  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the mobile multi-function device  2800  includes a display  2810  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  2802  to display information to the user. A data bus  2811  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  2804 , the cache  2806 , the processor  2802 , and the CODEC  2812 . 
     In one embodiment, the mobile multi-function device  2800  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs) in the file system  2804 . When a user desires to have the mobile multi-function device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  2810 . Then, using the user input device  2808 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  2802 , 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)  2812 . The CODEC  2812  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  2814 . The speaker  2814  can be a speaker internal to the mobile multi-function device  2800  or external to the mobile multi-function device  2800 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the mobile multi-function device  2800  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The mobile multi-function device  2800  also includes a bus interface  2816  that couples to a data link  2818 . The data link  2818  allows the mobile multi-function device  2800  to couple to a host device (e.g., host computer or power source). The data link  2818  can also provide power to the mobile multi-function device  2800 . 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can further be a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held generally means that the electronic device has a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device). 
     The digital media assets (i.e., digital media items) can pertain to video items (e.g., video files or movies), audio items (e.g., audio files or audio tracks, such as for songs (music) or audiobooks), or image items (e.g., photos). The digital media assets can also include or be supplemented by text or multimedia files. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     The invention is preferably 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 generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that patrons of establishments can dynamically receive store-based information while at the establishments. The store-based information can facilitates user experience at the establishment. The store-based information can also facilitate locating associated media content from an online media store. Another advantage of the invention is that store-based information can be displayed on a patron&#39;s portable electronic device while the patron is at an establishment. Still another advantage of the invention is that a media content provider, such as an online media store, can coordinate with central management for various establishments so store-based information can be centrally stored and accessible. Yet still another advantage of the invention is that improved graphical user interfaces can be provided to patrons of establishments. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070904
Publication Date: 20140304
Grant Date: 20140304
Priority Date: 20070904
Inventors: ANDERSON ALEXANDREA
MILLER MARK
MIRRASHIDI PAYAM
VEROSUB ELLIS M.
STRAND TYLER A.
ROSSELL JOSEPH M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q20/123", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q20/123", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q20/3224", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q20/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q20/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q20/3224", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 40409490