PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8689254-B2
Application Number: US-77916707-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Techniques and graphical user interfaces for preview of media items

Abstract:
Improved techniques and graphical user interfaces for presenting a media item on a computing device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the media item is a video. A video information window can provide a user with information concerning the video and can enable the user to play at least a portion of the video on request. When the video is to be played, the video information window can expand to present a video playback region in which the video is provided when played. The video can be provided with high resolution and appropriate frame size.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
 displaying, by a computing device, a review mode including a video information window having a video attribute area and an interactive preview selector, wherein the video attribute area displays attributes of a digital video asset, and wherein the interactive preview selector facilitates a preview of the digital video asset; 
 receiving input corresponding to a selection of the interactive preview selector, wherein the selection causes a request for a preview of the digital video asset; 
 sending a request to a media server for a preview of the digital video asset; 
 receiving the video preview; 
 transitioning from the review mode to a play mode, wherein transitioning includes expanding the video information window to include a media playback region in addition to the video attribute area, the interactive preview selector, and an interactive close element, wherein transitioning includes an animated effect, wherein the media playback area is provided at an upper portion of the video information window, and wherein the video attribute area is shifted downward below the media playback region in the video information window; 
 displaying the play mode; 
 previewing the digital asset in the media playback region during the play mode; and 
 transitioning from the play mode to the review mode when the preview ends, wherein transitioning includes reducing the video information window to include the video attribute area and the interactive preview selector, and wherein transitioning from the play mode to the review mode includes removing the interactive close element. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the video preview is a streaming video preview. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving input corresponding to a selection of the interactive close element, wherein the selection causes transitioning from the play mode to the review mode. 
     
     
       4. A computer-implemented system, comprising:
 one or more processors: 
 one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums containing instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations including: 
 displaying a review mode including a video information window having a video attribute area and an interactive preview selector, wherein the video attribute area displays attributes of a digital video asset, and wherein the interactive preview selector facilitates a preview of the digital video asset; 
 receiving input corresponding to a selection of the interactive preview selector, wherein the selection causes a request for a preview of the digital video asset; 
 sending a request to a media server for a preview of the digital video asset; 
 receiving the video preview; 
 transitioning from the review mode to a play mode, wherein transitioning includes expanding the video information window to include a media playback region in addition to the video attribute area, the interactive preview selector, and an interactive close element, wherein transitioning includes an animated effect, wherein the media playback area is provided at an upper portion of the video information window, and wherein the video attribute area is shifted downward below the media playback region in the video information window; 
 displaying the play mode; 
 previewing the digital asset in the media playback region during the play mode; and 
 transitioning from the play mode to the review mode when the preview ends, wherein transitioning includes reducing the video information window to include the video attribute area and the interactive preview selector, and wherein transitioning from the play mode to the review mode includes removing the interactive close element. 
 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the video preview is a streaming video preview. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 4 , further including instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations including:
 receiving input corresponding to a selection of the interactive close element, wherein the selection causes transitioning from the play mode to the review mode. 
 
     
     
       7. A non-transitory computer-program product, tangibly embodied in a machine-readable non-transitory storage medium, including instructions configured to cause a data processing apparatus to:
 display a review mode including a video information window having a video attribute area and an interactive preview selector, wherein the video attribute area displays attributes of a digital video asset, and wherein the interactive preview selector facilitates a preview of the digital video asset; 
 receive input corresponding to a selection of the interactive preview selector, wherein the selection causes a request for a preview of the digital video asset; 
 send a request to a media server for a preview of the digital video asset; receive the video preview; 
 transition from the review mode to a play mode, wherein transitioning includes expanding the video information window to include a media playback region in addition to the video attribute area, the interactive preview selector, and an interactive close element, wherein transitioning includes an animated effect, wherein the media playback area is provided at an upper portion of the video information window, and wherein the video attribute area is shifted downward below the media playback region in the video information window; 
 display the play mode; 
 preview the digital asset in the media playback region during the play mode; 
 transition from the play mode to the review mode when the preview ends, wherein transitioning includes reducing the video information window to include the video attribute area and the interactive preview selector, and wherein transitioning from the play mode to the review mode includes removing the interactive close element. 
 
     
     
       8. The computer-program product of  claim 7 , wherein the video preview is a streaming video preview. 
     
     
       9. The computer-program product of  claim 7 , further comprising instructions configured to cause a data processing apparatus to:
 receive input corresponding to a selection of the interactive close element, wherein the selection causes transitioning from the play mode to the review mode.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provision Application No. 60/825,238, filed Sep. 11, 2006, and entitled “TECHNIQUES AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES FOR PREVIEW OF MEDIA ITEMS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventionally, media management application programs operate on personal computers to facilitate storage and playback of media items, such as songs (music) and videos (music videos, movies). One example of a media management application program is iTunes®, produced by Apple Inc. 
     A media management application program typically enables its user to browse, search and play media items stored on a personal computer. The media management application program can also allow interaction with an online media store (e.g., iTunes® Music Store) to browse, search, preview and purchase media items that are available online from the online media store. Although conventional techniques allow videos to be previewed or played online, such as with streaming video, often a new window for video playback is launched when a video is to be played or previewed. Launching a new window for video playback can be disruptive to the browsing or searching for videos to be purchased. Other disadvantages of conventional approaches, particularly those that do not launch a new window, are that small playback frames and reduced resolution are used for video playback. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improved techniques to allow users to play or preview videos available on an online media store. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to improved techniques and graphical user interfaces for presenting a media item on a computing device. In one embodiment, the media item is a video. A video information window can provide a user with information concerning the video and can enable the user to play at least a portion of the video on request. When the video is to be played, the video information window can expand to present a video playback region in which the video is provided when played. The video can be provided with high resolution and appropriate frame size. The invention is particularly suitable where the video to be played is a preview of a full-length video that is available online for distribution. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface), or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a computer-implemented method for playing a digital video asset on a computing device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: displaying a video information window having at least a video attribute area and a preview selector, the video attribute area displaying attributes of the digital video asset, and the preview selector facilitating a request to preview the digital video asset; receiving a selection of the preview selector to preview the digital video asset; modifying the video information window to further include a video playback area when the selection of the preview selector is received; and thereafter playing a preview of the digital video asset in the video playback area of the video information window. 
     As a graphical user interface for playing a digital video asset on a computing device having a display device associated therewith, one embodiment of the invention includes at least a video information window that is displayed on the display device associated with the computing device. The video information window includes a review mode and a preview mode. When in the review mode, the video information window includes at least a video attribute area and a preview selector. The video attribute area displays attributes of the digital video asset, and the preview selector facilitates a request to preview the digital video asset. On selection of the preview selector, the video information window transitions from the review mode to the preview mode. When in the preview mode, the video information window includes at least the video attribute area as well as a video playback area in which a preview of the digital video asset can be displayed. In the review mode, the video information window does not include the video playback area. 
     As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code for playing a digital video asset on a computing device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: computer program code for displaying a video information window having at least a video attribute area and a preview selector, the video attribute area displaying attributes of the digital video asset, and the preview selector facilitating a request to preview the digital video asset; computer program code for receiving a selection of the preview selector to preview the digital video asset; computer program code for modifying the video information window to further include a video playback area; and computer program code for playing a preview of the digital video asset in the video playback area of the video information window. 
     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 distributed media system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of the client computing device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a video preview process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a diagram of a media information window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a diagram of an enlarged media information window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are exemplary screenshots produced by a media management application according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are exemplary screenshots produced by a media management application according to another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to improved techniques and graphical user interfaces for presenting a media item on a computing device. In one embodiment, the media item is a video. A video information window can provide a user with information concerning the video and can enable the user to play at least a portion of the video on request. When the video is to be played, the video information window can expand to present a video playback region in which the video is provided when played. The video can be provided with high resolution and appropriate frame size. The invention is particularly suitable where the video to be played is a preview of a full-length video that is available online for distribution. 
     The invention is particularly useful for reviewing (e.g., browsing) videos available from an online media store, whereby information concerning a video of interest can be presented and a preview of the video can be played. The preview of the video can be provided in-line and with high resolution and appropriate frame size. For example, resolution and format of the frame for the preview can be same as the video itself. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6B . 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. 
     “Media items,” as used herein, is digital data that pertains to at least one of audio, video, or images. Media items are also referred to as digital media assets. The digital data for media items can be referred to as media data or media content. Some examples of specific forms of media items include, but are not limited to, songs, albums, audiobooks, playlists, movies, music videos, photos, computer games, podcasts, audio and/or video presentations, news reports, and sports updates. Video media items include movies, music videos, video presentations, and any other media items having a video characteristic. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a distributed media system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The distributed media system  100  includes a media server  102 . The media server  102  stores media content that is available for distribution. In one embodiment, the media server  102  hosts an online media store. The online media store can host media content that is able to be browsed, searched, previewed or purchased by various different client computing devices which can interact with the media server  102 . In particular, a client computing device  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1  can access the media server  102  through a network  106 . Both the client computing device  104  and the media server  102  are capable of coupling to the network  106 . The network  106  is typically a wired data network that allows data communication between the client computing device  104  (as well as other client computing devices) and the media server  102 . In addition, the client computing device  108  can also communicate with the media server  102 . However, the client computing device  108  couples to a wireless network  110  that in turn couples to the network  106 . Hence, the client computing device  108  can likewise communicate with the media server  102  through the wireless network  110  and the network  106 . 
     A media management application  112  typically operates on the client computing device  104  and on the client computing device  108 . The client computing device  104 ,  108  can, for example, be a desktop computer, a portable computer, or a portable media device (e.g., portable media player). The media management application  112  allows a user of the corresponding client computing device  104 ,  108  to interact with the media server  102  so that the user is able to browse, search, preview or buy media items that are available (e.g., for purchase) at the online media store hosted by the media server  102 . In the case of previewing of a video (i.e., video media item), the preview of the video can be performed by the media management application  112 . Generally, the user of the client computing device  104 ,  108  requests to preview a particular video, and then the media management application  112  interacts with the media server  102  to receive streaming video for the preview of the particular video from the media server  102 . The media management application  112  can then play the video for the preview. The video for the preview (i.e., streaming video) cab be presented on a display device associated with the client computing device  104 ,  108 . According to one embodiment, the video for the preview can be presented in a media information window which can dynamically enlarge when a preview video is to be played. In one implementation, the dynamic enlargement of the media information window can be performed with a transition effect (e.g., animation). 
       FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of the client computing device  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The client computing device  200  is, for example, suitable for use as the client computing device  104  or the client computing device  108  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The client computing device  200  includes a media management application  202 . The media management application  202  allows a user of the client computing device  200  to manage various media-based operations on the client computing device  200 . For example, the media management application  202  can allow a user to play back media stored at the client computing device  200 . As another example, the media management application  202  can allow a user to interact with an online media store over a network so as to browse, search, buy or preview media items made available at the online media store. The media management application  202  can also allow the user to group, organize, delete or modify media items (including their metadata) stored locally at the client computing device  200 , such as in a media data storage device  208 . 
     In order to support video playback at the client computing device  200 , the media management application  200  includes a video playback module  204 . The video playback module  204  is utilized by the media management application  202  to play back a video at the client computing device  200 . The video being played back can be a full length video or can be a short video clip. One example of a short video clip is a preview of a video. Typically, an online media store can provide previews of videos available at a media server (e.g., media server  102 ). For example, a preview for a video can be a portion (e.g., 30 seconds) of the video that is playable without charge to the user. The preview thus assists the user in determining whether the video is a digital media asset they would want to acquire (e.g., purchase). 
     The media management application  202  also includes a graphical user interface (GUI) Module  210 . The GUI module  210  is utilized to output signals for a display device associated with the client computing device  200 . The client computing device  200  also includes a display interface  212  to interface with the display device. The client computing device  200  can request data for the video information window from a media server (e.g., media server  102 ) via the network interface  206 . In one embodiment, the media server provides the requested data in an XML format. The client computing device  200  can process the requested data and cause the GUI module  210  to present the video information window. 
     When playing back a preview for a video (i.e., when previewing a video), a video information window is modified (e.g., enlarged) to include a video playback region. The GUI module  210  can control the display interface  212  so that the display device modifies the video information window to include the video playback region. The video playback module  204  interacts with a media server (e.g., media server  102 ) via the network interface  206  to receive streaming video data from the media server. The streaming video data can then be output by the GUI module  210  to the display device via the display interface  212  such that the streaming video data is presented to the media playback region of the media information window. Alternatively, instead of streaming video data to the computing device  200 , the preview for the video could be downloaded to the computing device  200  and then played. 
       FIG. 3  is a video preview process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The video preview process  300  is, for example, performed on a client computing device, such as the client computing device  104  or the client computing device  108  illustrated in  FIG. 1  or the client computing device  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The video preview process  300  initially displays  301  a video information window. In one embodiment, the video information window provides information concerning a video. For example, the video information window can include an image, attributes, detailed information and/or other related information pertaining to the video. The video information window can also include a preview request control (e.g., preview selector such as a virtual preview button). After the video information window is displayed  301 , a decision  302  determines whether a preview request has been made. Here, a user of the client computing device can optionally request to preview a video. For example, the video can be a video being offered for purchase at a media server, and the media server can permit a preview of the video to be played without requiring purchase. When the decision  302  determines that a preview request has not been received, then other processing  304  can be performed. The other processing  304  can vary widely depending upon implementation. For example, the other processing  304  could be scrolling, browsing, searching, etc. Following the optional other processing  304 , the video preview process  300  returns to repeat the block  301  and subsequent blocks. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  302  determines that a preview request has been received, the video information window is enlarged  306  for video playback. In one embodiment, the transition from the regular state (or mode) to the enlarged state (or mode) can utilize a transition effect (e.g., animation). The preview video (or video preview) is then played  308  in the enlarged video information window. In one embodiment, the preview video can be played  308  at full size 640×480 and full resolution. A decision  310  then determines whether the video preview process  300  should end. When the decision  310  determines that the video preview process  300  should not end, then a decision  312  determines whether the video preview process  300  should be canceled. During the playing  308  of the video preview, a cancel request can be received. The video information window can also include a cancel preview control (e.g., cancel selector such as a virtual cancel button). The cancel request can be provided by the cancel preview control. When the decision  312  determines that the video preview process  300  has not been canceled by the user of the client computing device, then the video preview process  300  returns to repeat the decision  308  and subsequent blocks so that the preview of the video can continue. 
     Alternatively, when the decision  310  determines that the video preview has completed, as well as when the decision  312  determines that the video preview process  300  has been canceled, the enlarged video information window is reduced  314 . Typically, the reduction  314  to the enlarged video information window operates to return the video information window into the state it had prior to the enlargement  306 . In doing so, in one embodiment, the transition from the enlarged state to the regular state (or reduced state) can use a transition effect (e.g., animation). Following the block  314 , the video preview process  300  ends. 
       FIG. 4A  is a diagram of a media information window  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media information window  400  can be presented by a client computing device on a display device associated with the client computing device. The media information window  400  pertains to a particular digital media asset. In particular, the particular digital media asset can be a video media item available from an online media store that is hosted on a remote media server. 
     The media information window  400  includes an image  402  that is associated with the video media item. For example, the image  402  can correspond to a cover image for the video media item. For example, when the video media item is a movie, the image  402  can pertain to an image appearing on a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) container, poster or advertisement for the video media item. The media information window  400  also includes a video attribute area  404 . The video attribute area  404  provides information on attributes of the video media item. In this example, the video attribute area  404  includes information on: genre, copyright, run time, size, format, widescreen, and rating. 
     The media information window  400  also includes a buy video selector  406  and a buy price  408 . Upon selecting the buy video indicator  406 , the video media item can be purchased from the online media store in accordance with the buy price  408 . Further, the media information window  400  can present a play selector  410 . Upon selection of the play selector  410 , the state or mode of the media information window  400  can be altered to that shown and discussed in  FIG. 4B  below. The video information window  400  can also include an additional information area  412 . In this example, the additional information area  412  can contain detailed information about the video media item. For example, the additional information area  412  can include various credits (attributions) concerning the video, such as actors, director and producer for the video, as well as other descriptive information, such as a plot summary for the video. 
     The media information window  400  can also include a link  414  (e.g., hyperlink) to enable the user to gift the video media item (e.g., movie, music video, preview for movie, preview for music video) to another, or a link  416  (e.g., hyperlink) to tell a friend about the video media item. Still further, the media information window  400  can include a related media information area  418 . The related media information area  418  can contain additional information that may be of interest to users in that are interested in the video media item. For example, the related media information area  418  can display information such as recommendations of other media items that may be of interest to the user. As another example, the related information area  418  could include user review(s) for the video media item and/or other video media items with some common characteristics. 
       FIG. 4B  is a diagram of an enlarged media information window  450  according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the enlarged media information window  450  is generally a modified version of the media information window  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . The enlarged media information window  450  includes a media playback region  452 . The video media item is then played in the media playback region  452 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the media playback region  452  can be presented at an upper portion of the enlarged media information window  450 . The lower part of the enlarged media information window  450  can contain some or all the information that was previously provided in the media information window  400 . The enlarged media information window  450  also includes a close selector  452  that allows the media playback region  452  to close, which removes the media playback region  452  and transitions the enlarged media information window  450  back to the media information window  400 . 
     According to one embodiment, the relationship between the media information window  400  and the enlarged media information window  450  can be explained as follows. Presentation of media information can be done using a media information window, which has a review mode and a play mode. The media information window  400 , illustrated in  FIG. 4A , illustrates a review mode (or state), whereas the media information window  450  illustrated in  FIG. 48  illustrates a play mode (or state). When transitioning between modes (or states), a transition effect (e.g., animation) can be used. The selection of the play selector  410  can initiate the transition from the review mode to the play mode. In one embodiment, after the transition to the play mode, the video media item can automatically begin being played in the media playback region  452 . The selection of the close selector  452  can initiate the transition from the play mode to the review mode. In one embodiment, the transition from the play mode to the review mode can be automatically performed (i.e., without any specific user selection or request) when the playing of the video media item has completed. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are exemplary screenshots produced by a media management application according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary screenshots are, for example, presented (e.g., displayed) on a display device associated with a client computing device. 
     More particularly,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a media information window  500  in a review mode (or state). The media information window  500  includes a media source region  502  where one of a plurality of available media sources can be selected, and a media information region  504  where media information pertaining to a digital media asset is illustrated. In this example, the digital media asset pertains to a video media item, namely, a movie. In the media source region  502 , a particular media source entitled “iTunes Store” is shown as being selected by highlighting  506 . The iTunes Store is an online media store. When the iTunes Store is highlighted  506 , the media information region  504  can display information pertaining to one or more digital media assets that are available from the iTunes Store. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the media information window  500  is illustrated as displaying information pertaining to a particular movie that is available from the iTunes Store. The media information window  500  also includes a “Now Playing” region  508  where text, image or video pertaining to a digital media asset being played can be presented. However, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 5A , there is no digital media asset being played. A header region  510  of the media information window  500  can, for example, include command menus, payback controls, volume control, view controls, and a search dialog. The media information region  504  includes a movie title  512 , an image  514 , media attributes  516  (e.g., genre, release date, copyright and production company, runtime, size, format (e.g., widescreen) and rating for the movie), a “Buy Movie” button  518 , a price  520 , and a “View Trailer” button  522 . The “View Trailer” button  522  can initiate playing of a movie trailer for the movie. A movie trailer is one form of preview for a movie. A gift control  523  (e.g., “Gift This Movie”) can also be provided to enable one to gift the video media item to another. The media information region  504  can also include an additional information region  524  providing additional information concerning the movie. For example, the additional information concerning the movie can include various credits (attributions) concerning the video, such as actors, director and producer for the movie, as well as other descriptive information, such as a plot summary for the movie. Moreover, the media information region  504  can further include additional features  526  (e.g., “Tell A Friend”) and a list  528  of other digital media assets that purchasers of the movie also bought. Although not illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the media information region  504  could also include or link to review information from interested persons (e.g., customers). 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a media information window  550  in an enlarged state (or mode). In the media information window  550 , a media information region  504 ′ is enlarged (or expanded) as compared to the media information region  504  shown in  FIG. 5A . The media information region  504 ′ includes all the information that the media information region  504  includes as well as additionally includes a digital media asset playback window  552 . In this example, the digital media asset playback window  552  allows playing of a movie trailer or preview of the movie that is available to be purchased. The playback can be in full resolution and proper frame size (e.g., 640×480 for VGA, 1920×1280 for HD). In cases where the movie has a widescreen format, the playing of the movie trailer or preview can also be provided in a widescreen format. A user can select a “Close Preview” control  554  to end playing of the preview for the music video. During playing, the media content can be streamed to the client computing device. The media information window  550  can also provide play information in a play information region  556 . For example, the play information can display title, production company, and play progress control for the movie trailer being played. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are exemplary screenshots produced by a media management application according to another embodiment of the invention. The exemplary screenshots are, for example, presented (e.g., displayed) on a display device associated with a client computing device. 
     More particularly,  FIG. 6A  illustrates a media information window  600  in a review mode (or state). The media information window  600  includes a media source region  602  where one of a plurality of available media sources can be selected, and a media information region  604  where media information pertaining to a digital media asset is illustrated. In this example, the digital media asset pertains to a video media item, namely, a music video. In the media source region  602 , a particular media source entitled “iTunes Store” is shown as being selected by highlighting  606 . The iTunes Store is an online media store. When the iTunes Store is highlighted  606 , the media information region  604  can display information pertaining to one or more digital media assets that are available from the iTunes Store. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the media information window  600  is illustrated as displaying information pertaining to a particular music video that is available from the iTunes Store. The media information window  600  also includes a “Now Playing” region  608  where text, image or video pertaining to a digital media asset being played can be presented. However, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 6A , there is no digital media asset being played. A header region  610  of the media information window  600  can, for example, include command menus, payback controls, volume control, view controls, and a search dialog. The media information region  604  includes an artist identifier  612 , an image  614 , media attributes  616  (e.g., title, genre, copyright and recording label, duration, and size for the digital media asset), a “Buy Video” button  618 , a price  620 , and a “Preview” button  622 . A gift control  623  (e.g., “Gift This Video”) can also be provided to enable one to gift the music video to another. The media information region  604  can also include a customer review region  624  providing rating and/or review information from interested persons (e.g., customers). Moreover, the media information region  604  can further include additional features  626  (e.g., “See All Music Videos,” “Celebrity Playlist,” “Alert Me,” and “Tell A Friend”) and a list  628  of top songs of the artist. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a media information window  650  in an enlarged state (or mode). In the media information window  650 , a media information region  604 ′ is enlarged (or expanded) as compared to the media information region  604  shown in  FIG. 6A . The media information region  604 ′ includes all the information that the media information region  604  as well as a digital media asset playback window  652 . In this example, the digital media asset playback window  652  allows playing of a preview of the music video that is available to be purchased. The playback can be in full resolution and proper frame size (e.g., 640×480 for VGA, 1920×1280 for HD). In cases where the music video has a widescreen format, the playing of the music video can also be provided in a widescreen format A user can select a “Close Preview” control  654  to end playing of the preview for the music video. During playing, the media content can be streamed to the client computing device. The media information window  650  can also provide play information in a play information region  656 . For example, the play information can display title, artist and play progress control for the music video being played. 
     U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0268451 A1 is hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0021478 A1 is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination. 
     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 include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list of advantages and there may be other or different advantages. One advantage of the invention is that an existing media information window can be enlarged when video playback is requested. The enlargement of the media information window can be animated to provide a user-friendly transition. Another advantage of the invention is that the video playback can be provided in-line with high resolution and proper frame size. 
     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: 20070717
Publication Date: 20140401
Grant Date: 20140401
Priority Date: 20060911
Inventors: ABRAHAM TAMMY TOVA
ANDERSON ALEXANDREA
JOBS STEVE
KONDRK ROBERT H.
KREVET OLIVER
ROBBIN JEFFREY L.
WIESE MIKE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N21/47", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/85", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4143", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/85", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/472", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/42646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N9/8042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/472", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4316", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/47", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4316", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N9/8042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4438", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4143", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4438", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/42646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/472", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39171283