U.S. patent application number 11/454060 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for rating media item groups.
Invention is credited to Patrice Gautier, Payam Mirrashidi, Anurag Pandey, Ellis M. Verosub.
Application Number | 20060247980 11/454060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35137650 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060247980 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mirrashidi; Payam ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
Rating media item groups
Abstract
Improved techniques to create, browse, rate and/or purchase
media asset groups are disclosed. Media assets groups can be
created by various users and published to a digital assets manager.
Thereafter, the media assets groups can be finalized and made
available for on-line purchase. Once the media asset groups are
made available for on-line purchase, users can browse, rate and/or
purchase the media asset groups at an on-line media store. One
example of a media asset group (group of media items) is known as a
playlist, which can pertain to a group of audio tracks.
Inventors: |
Mirrashidi; Payam; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Verosub; Ellis M.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Gautier; Patrice; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Pandey; Anurag; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER & THOMAS, LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Family ID: |
35137650 |
Appl. No.: |
11/454060 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11114914 |
Apr 25, 2005 |
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11454060 |
Jun 14, 2006 |
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10833879 |
Apr 27, 2004 |
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11114914 |
Apr 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06F 16/4387 20190101; G06Q 30/0603 20130101; G06Q 10/107 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101; G06Q 30/0245 20130101; G06Q 30/0625 20130101;
G06F 3/0482 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 30/0203 20130101;
G06Q 30/0643 20130101; G06F 3/0484 20130101; H04L 67/42
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/026 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A method for rating media asset groups available on an on-line
media asset store, said method comprising: (a) causing a media
asset group to be displayed for a user, the media asset group
pertaining to a plurality of media assets; (b) receiving a user
rating indication, the user rating indication denoting a user
rating; and (c) updating a media asset group rating in accordance
with the user rating.
2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said updating (c)
produces the media asset group rating based on a plurality of
different user rating indications received at different times from
different users, the different user rating indications denoting
different user ratings.
3. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein the different user
ratings are averaged in producing the media asset group rating.
4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said updating (c) of the
media asset group rating imposes a decay factor to discount older
user ratings.
5. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein said updating (c)
imposes a decay factor to discount older ones of the user
ratings.
6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the decay factor is such
that a user-indicated rating has one-half of its initial
significance after a predetermined number of days.
7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the media asset group
includes at least a group of audio tracks.
8. A method for reviewing groups of media assets available from an
on-line media asset store, the on-line media store supporting
access thereto by one or more client devices via a network, said
method comprising: (a) receiving a user request, from a client
device, for information concerning a particular group of media
assets from a plurality of groups of media assets available on the
on-line media asset store; (b) retrieving media asset group
information for the particular group of media assets from the
on-line media asset store; (c) providing the media asset group
information for display on the client device, the media asset group
information including a list of media items in the particular group
of media assets, at least one media asset illustration, and rating
selection information; (d) receiving a user-indicated rating for
the particular group of media assets, and (e) subsequently updating
a media asset group rating for the particular group of media assets
in accordance with the user-indicated rating.
9. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein the rating selection
information includes a plurality of potential rating selections and
a rating control for display on the client device.
10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the user-indicated
rating is indicated by providing a selection of one of the
potential rating selections and then selection of the rating
control.
11. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein the media assets are
audio tracks.
12. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said updating (e) of
the media asset group rating is influenced by user-indicated
ratings for a plurality of different users that have submitted
user-indicated ratings.
13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein said updating (e)
imposes a decay factor to discount older ones of the user-indicated
ratings.
14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the decay factor is
such that a user-indicated rating has one-half of its initial
significance after 30 days.
15. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the decay factor, D,
is: D = 1 2 H ##EQU4## wherein H is the number of days for the
half-life.
16. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein said updating (e)
imposes an exponential decay function to discount older ones of the
user-indicated ratings.
17. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein said updating (e) of
the media asset group rating discounts the effect of older
user-indicated ratings as compared to more recent user-indicated
ratings.
18. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein the user-indicated
rating is averaged with a plurality of other user-indicated ratings
for the particular group of media assets.
19. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein said updating (e) of
the media asset group rating is performed on a daily basis.
20. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein the media asset
illustration is a media asset group illustration based on two or
more of the media asset illustrations associated with the media
assets of the particular group of media assets.
21. A method as recited in claim 20, wherein the media asset group
illustration is a mosaic.
22. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein the media asset group
illustration includes the two or more of the media asset
illustrations arranged according to a pattern, wherein each of the
two or more media asset illustrations represents only a part of the
media asset group illustration.
23. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein the pattern is based
on the number of the media asset illustrations associated with the
media assets of the media asset group.
24. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein a color to be applied
to some portion of the media asset group illustration can be
automatically from one or more of the media asset illustrations
associated with the media assets of the media asset group.
25. A computer readable medium including at least computer program
code for rating media asset groups available on an on-line media
asset store, said computer readable medium comprising: computer
program code for causing a media asset group to be displayed for a
user, the media asset group pertaining to a plurality of media
assets; computer program code for receiving a user rating
indication, the user rating indication denoting a user rating; and
computer program code for updating a media asset group rating in
accordance with the user rating.
26. A computer readable medium for reviewing groups of media assets
available from an on-line media asset store, the on-line media
store supporting access thereto by one or more client devices via a
network, said computer readable medium comprising: computer program
code for receiving a user request, from a client device, for
information concerning a particular group of media assets from a
plurality of groups of media assets available on the on-line media
asset store; computer program code for retrieving media asset group
information for-the particular group of media assets from the
on-line media asset store; computer program code for providing the
media asset group information for display on the client device, the
media asset group information including a list of media items in
the particular group of media assets, at least one media asset
illustration, and rating selection information; computer program
code for receiving a user-indicated rating for the particular group
of media assets, and computer program code for subsequently
updating a media asset group rating for the particular group of
media assets in accordance with the user-indicated rating.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/114,914, filed Apr. 25, 2005, and entitled
"PUBLISHING, BROWSING, RATING AND PURCHASING OF GROUPS OF MEDIA
ITEMS" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P400], which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/833,879, filed Apr. 27, 2004, and entitled
"METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHARING PLAYLISTS" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P311],
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] This application is related to (i) U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/115,090, filed Apr. 25, 2005, and entitled "PUBLISHING,
BROWSING AND PURCHASING OF GROUPS OF MEDIA ITEMS" [Att.Dkt.No.:
APL1P402]; (ii) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/097,034, filed Apr. 1,
2005, and entitled "PERSISTENT GROUP OF MEDIA ITEMS FOR A MEDIA
DEVICE" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P383], which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/078,583, filed Mar. 11, 2005, and entitled "AUTOMATED CREATION
OF MEDIA ASSET ILLUSTRATION COLLAGE" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P369]; (iv)
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,399, filed Apr. 27, 2004,
and entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONFIGURABLE AUTOMATIC MEDIA
SELECTION" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P313], which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein; (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/832,984,
filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled "GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR
BROWSING, SEARCHING AND PRESENTING MEDIA ITEMS" [Att.Dkt.No.:
APL1P277X1]; (vi) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/622,280, filed Oct. 25, 2004, and entitled "ONLINE PURCHASE OF
DIGITAL MEDIA BUNDLES" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P349P]; (vii) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/620,223, filed Oct. 18, 2004,
and entitled "NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL
MEDIA ITEMS" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P353P], all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein; (viii) U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/832,812, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled "METHOD AND
SYSTEM FOR SECURE NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION OF CONTENT"
[Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P269X1]; (ix) U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/833,267, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM
FOR NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA" [Att.Dkt.No.:
APL1P270X1]; (x) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/277,418, filed
Oct. 21, 2002, and entitled "INTELLIGENT INTERACTION BETWEEN MEDIA
PLAYER AND HOST COMPUTER" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P228X1], which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (xi) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/198,639, filed Jul. 16, 2002, and entitled
"METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING PLAYLISTS" [Att.Dkt.No.: APL1P252],
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to media asset groups and,
more particularly, to publishing, browsing and purchasing media
asset groups.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] A media player stores media assets, such as audio tracks,
that can be played or displayed on the media player. One example of
a media player is the iPod.RTM. media player, which is available
from Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Often, a media
player acquires its media assets from a host computer that serves
to enable a user to manage media assets. In managing media assets,
a user can create playlists for audio tracks. These playlists can
be created at the host computer with the help of a media management
application. Media assets within the playlists can then be copied
to the media player. As an example, the host computer can execute a
media management application to manage media assets. One example of
a media management application is iTunes.RTM. produced by Apple
Computer, Inc.
[0007] Typically, at a host computer, a user would create a
playlist for their own personal use using a media management
application. However, the grouping of the various media assets
within the playlist can be useful to other users. Indeed, if the
users that are performing the grouping are well-known or
noteworthy, there may be particular interest in sharing such
playlists. One difficulty with sharing playlists is that the media
assets within the playlist can originate from a wide variety of
different sources. As a result, given that a playlist does not
include the songs or audio tracks themselves, the recipient of the
playlist needs to have access to the identified songs or audio
tracks in order to re-create the playlist on their own media
management application (e.g., host computer). Another difficultly
with sharing playlists is that, although on-line music stores
provide users of media management application with the ability to
purchase songs or albums, playlists are themselves not saleable
groupings of media assets, at least not according to the recording
industry.
[0008] Thus, there is a need for improved techniques to facilitate
sharing and purchasing of playlists.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention pertains to improved techniques to create,
browse, rate and/or purchase media asset groups. Media asset groups
can be created by various users and published to a digital assets
manager. Thereafter, the media asset groups can be finalized and
made available for on-line purchase. Once the media asset groups
are made available for on-line purchase, users can browse, rate
and/or purchase the media asset groups at an on-line media store.
One example of a media asset group (group of media items) is known
as a playlist, which can pertain to a group of audio tracks.
[0010] One aspect of the invention pertains to creation of media
asset groups of media assets that can be made available at an
on-line media store. Another aspect of the invention is the ability
to process a created media asset group to ensure appropriate
availability of each of the constituent media assets of the media
asset group. Still another aspect of the invention pertains to
creating media asset group illustrations (e.g., mosaics) to be used
with corresponding media asset groups. Yet still another aspect of
the invention is the ability to enable users of an on-line media
store to rate media asset groups that have been made available.
[0011] 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.
[0012] As a method for rating media asset groups available on an
on-line media asset store, one embodiment of the invention includes
at least the acts of: causing a media asset group to be displayed
for a user, the media asset group pertaining to a plurality of
media assets; receiving a user rating indication, the user rating
indication denoting a user rating; and updating a media asset group
rating in accordance with the user rating.
[0013] As a method for reviewing groups of media assets available
from an on-line media asset store, the on-line media store
supporting access thereto by one or more client devices via a
network, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts
of: receiving a user request, from a client device, for information
concerning a particular group of media assets from a plurality of
groups of media assets available on the on-line media asset store;
retrieving media asset group information for the particular group
of media assets from the on-line media asset store; providing the
media asset group information for display on the client device, the
media asset group information including a list of media items in
the particular group of media assets, at least one media asset
illustration, and rating selection information; receiving a
user-indicated rating for the particular group of media assets, and
subsequently updating a media asset group rating for the particular
group of media assets in accordance with the user-indicated
rating.
[0014] As a computer readable medium including at least computer
program code for rating media asset groups available on an on-line
media asset store, one embodiment of the invention includes at
least: computer program code for causing a media asset group to be
displayed for a user, the media asset group pertaining to a
plurality of media assets; computer program code for receiving a
user rating indication, the user rating indication denoting a user
rating; and computer program code for updating a media asset group
rating in accordance with the user rating.
[0015] As a computer readable medium for reviewing groups of media
assets available from an on-line media asset store, the on-line
media store supporting access thereto by one or more client devices
via a network, one embodiment of the invention includes at least:
computer program code for receiving a user request, from a client
device, for information concerning a particular group of media
assets from a plurality of groups of media assets available on the
on-line media asset store; computer program code for retrieving
media asset group information for the particular group of media
assets from the on-line media asset store; computer program code
for providing the media asset group information for display on the
client device, the media asset group information including a list
of media items in the particular group of media assets, at least
one media asset illustration, and rating selection information;
computer program code for receiving a user-indicated rating for the
particular group of media assets, and computer program code for
subsequently updating a media asset group rating for the particular
group of media assets in accordance with the user-indicated
rating.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media purchase system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a diagram of a media asset (i.e., digital media
asset) according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a media asset group according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 3A a flow diagram of a client-side media asset group
publication process according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of a server-side media asset group
publication process according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a media asset group
illustration creation process according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a media asset group
illustration creation process according to another embodiment of
the invention.
[0025] FIGS. 4C-4E are mosaic creation fill pattern examples
according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0026] FIGS. 5A-5F are exemplary screen shots demonstrating a media
asset group process using a media management application.
[0027] FIG. 6A is a flow diagram of a rating process according to
one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 6B illustrated a screen shot of a media asset groups
being listed on an on-line media store.
[0029] FIG. 6C is a visual representation of an exemplary a decayed
average calculation.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary computer system suitable for use
with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The invention pertains to improved techniques to create,
browse, rate and/or purchase media asset groups. Media assets
groups can be created by various users and published to a digital
assets manager. Thereafter, the media assets groups can be
finalized and made available for on-line purchase. Once the media
asset groups are made available for on-line purchase, users can
browse, rate and/or purchase the media asset groups at an on-line
media store. One example of a media asset group (group of media
items) is known as a playlist, which can pertain to a group of
audio tracks. Note that the media asset group (e.g., playlist)
identifies media assets that are within the media asset group, but
does not include the media assets themselves.
[0032] One aspect of the invention pertains to creation of media
asset groups of media assets that can be made available at an
on-line media store. Another aspect of the invention is the ability
to process a created media asset group to ensure appropriate
availability of each of the constituent media assets of the media
asset group. Still another aspect of the invention pertains to
creating media asset group illustrations (e.g., mosaics) to be used
with corresponding media asset groups. Yet still another aspect of
the invention is the ability to enable users of an on-line media
store to rate media asset groups that have been made available.
[0033] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 1-7. 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.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media purchase system 100
according to one embodiment of the invention. The media purchase
system 100 includes a media store server 102 that hosts an on-line
media store. The media store server 102 can off-load commerce
transactions and/or delivery of purchased digital media assets to
other servers, if desired. As shown in FIG. 1, the media purchase
system 100 includes one or more client devices 104 for use by end
users. The client devices 104 couple to a data network 106.
Additionally, the media store server 102 also couples to the data
network 106. In one implementation, the data network 106 can refer
to one or more data networks, typically, high data-bandwidth
networks, namely, wired networks, such as the Internet, Ethernet,
gigabit Ethernet, and fiber optic, as well as wireless networks
such as IEEE 802.11(a),(b) or (g) (WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMax), and
Ultra-Wide Band (UWB).
[0035] A computer program 108, typically a media management
application (MMA) or other media player application, runs on the
client device 104. One example of a media management application is
the iTunes.RTM. application, produced by Apple Computer, Inc. of
Cupertino, Calif. The client devices 104 are, in general, computing
devices. As an example, the client devices 104 can be specific or
general-purpose personal computers or portable media players. One
example of a portable media player suitable for use with the
invention is the ipod.RTM., also produced by Apple Computer, Inc.
The computer program 108 can be used by a consumer for a variety of
purposes, including, but not limited to, browsing and/or purchasing
media assets from the on-line media store provided by the media
store server 102, creating and sharing media asset groups (e.g.,
playlists), organizing media assets, presenting/playing media
assets, and transferring media assets between client devices
104.
[0036] The media purchase system 100 can also includes one or more
client devices 110 for use by media programmers. The client devices
110 also run a computer program 112, typically a media management
application (MMA) or other media player application. The computer
program 112 can be the same as the computer program 108, though the
computer program 112 might offer additional functionality for
support of the media programmer. As an example, the media
programmer uses the computer program 112 to create and share
professionally design media asset groups (e.g., playlists).
[0037] The media purchase system 100 also includes a digital asset
manager 114. The digital asset manager 114 is coupled to a media
assets database 116. The media assets database 116 stores media
asset information including metadata relating to digital media
assets available for purchase at the on-line media store. The
metadata can pertain to individual media assets (digital media
assets) or media asset groups (digital media asset groups). Media
assets can include, but are not limited to, music, video, text,
and/or graphics files. In the case of music, a media asset group
can be a playlist for the music. One specific example of a type of
digital media asset group is referred to as an iMiX.TM., which is a
published playlist currently available for browsing and/or purchase
on Apple Computer's iTunes.RTM. Music Store. Another specific
example of a type of digital media asset group is referred to as an
iEssential.TM., which is a published playlist created by a media
programmer and currently available for browsing and/or purchase on
Apple Computer's iTunes.RTM. Music Store. Still another specific
example of a type of digital media asset group is referred to as a
Celebrity Playlist, which is a published playlist created by a
celebrity and which could be made available for browsing and/or
purchase on Apple Computer's iTunes.RTM. Music Store.
[0038] The media store server 102 enables the user of a particular
client device 104 to purchase media assets (e.g., songs, videos,
albums). Subsequently, the client device 104 can download the
purchased media assets from the media store server 102, or some
other server, via the data network 106. As will be understood by
those familiar with data networks, other network configurations are
possible. Furthermore, while the media store server 102 and the
digital asset manager 114 are shown as individual and separate
devices, it will be understood by those familiar with the art that
other configurations are possible. As one example, each device can
be implemented such that it is distributed over multiple server
computers. As another example, these various servers and/or
managers can be implemented by a single physical server
computer.
[0039] FIG. 2A is a diagram of a media asset 200 (i.e., digital
media asset) according to one embodiment of the invention. The
media asset 200 shown is an audio file (i.e., song file), for
example an MP3 or AAC file, although any media file type may be
used.
[0040] The media asset 200 contains one or more data segments
including a data segment containing media content 206, a data
segment containing media information 208, and a data segment
containing a media asset illustration 204. In one embodiment, the
media content 206 pertains to a song, and the media information 208
is song information, which typically includes song name, artist
name, and album name, as well as other publication information.
Further, the media asset illustration 204 can be an image of an
album cover associated with the media asset 200. In one
implementation, the media asset illustration 204 is an image of a
poster, photograph, or promotional material associated with the
media asset 200.
[0041] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a media asset group 250
according to one embodiment of the invention. The media asset group
contains metadata, typically identifying information such as title,
author/artist, etc., and pointers 252 to one or more media assets
254, for example of the type described in reference to FIG. 2A. In
one example of a media asset group, the media asset group 250
contains a collection of songs gathered by an individual, along
with explanatory or expository text and one or more images or
illustrations.
[0042] The media asset group 250 also includes a data segment
containing media asset group information (e.g., user comments) 256
and a data segment containing one or more media asset illustrations
258 associated with the media asset group 250. The media asset
illustrations 258 can be associated with one or more of the media
assets 252 or can be a media asset illustration associated with the
media asset group 250. The media asset illustration 258 can be, for
instance, a collage or mosaic of one or more of media asset
illustrations associated with the media assets of the media asset
group 250.
[0043] FIG. 3A a flow diagram of a client-side media asset group
publication process 300 according to one embodiment of the
invention. The client-side media asset group publication process
300 is performed, for example, at a client. For example, the client
can refer to a media management application operating on a client
computer. One example of a music management program is the
iTunes.RTM. client application, produced by Apple Computer, Inc. of
Cupertino, Calif. Eventually, media asset groups being processed by
the client-side media asset group publication process 300 become
available on an on-line media store. One example of an on-line
media store is the iTunes.RTM. Music Store, operated by Apple
Computer, Inc.
[0044] The client-side media asset group publication process 300
begins with creation 302 of a proposed media asset group (e.g., a
playlist of songs). The proposed media asset group may be created
manually by a user selecting individual media assets from a media
asset source (e.g., an on-line media store or a library of music
files), or generated automatically using specified criteria such as
user ratings, artist name, or media genre. Next, a decision 304
determines if a publication request has been made. A publication
request can be made, for example, by operating a "publish" control
in a media management application (e.g., selecting a "publish"
button).
[0045] If the decision 304 determines that a publication request
has been made (by a submitter), then the proposed media asset group
is submitted 306 to a digital media manager. The digital media
manager can be, for example, the digital media manager 114 of FIG.
1. Next, a decision 308 determines if a validated media asset group
has been received. Subsequently, once a validated media asset group
has been received, the validated media asset group is displayed 310
for the submitter of the proposed media asset group. Typically, the
validated media asset group serves to inform the submitter of the
proposed media asset group which, if any, of the media assets in
the proposed media asset group are available for purchase at a
particular on-line media store.
[0046] Once the validated media asset group has been received, the
submitter can be given the option to add or edit information (e.g.,
user comments) and/or illustrations (e.g., images) to be associated
with the media asset group. In one embodiment, the validated media
asset group includes a mosaic of media asset illustrations
associated with one or more of the available media assets within
the validated media asset group. Additionally, the validated media
asset group can include instructions (e.g., XML or PostScript.RTM.)
directing the requesting client to display the information or
illustrations in a particular format.
[0047] Next, a decision 312 determines whether the validated media
asset group has been accepted. The user (submitter), for example,
may select an "accept" control in a media management application to
indicate acceptance of the validated media asset group (e.g.,
selecting an "submit" or "accept" button). If the validated media
asset group has been accepted, the validated media asset group is
submitted 314 and the client-side media asset group publication
process 300 ends. If, on the other hand, the decision 312
determines that the validated media asset group has not been
accepted, then the client-side media asset group publication
process 300 returns to repeat block 302 and subsequent blocks,
thereby allowing the user (submitter) to create a new or modified
proposed media asset group for publication.
[0048] FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of a server-side media asset group
publication process 350 according to one embodiment of the
invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the server-side
media asset group publication process is performed using the
digital asset manager of the media purchase system 100 of FIG.
1.
[0049] The server-side media asset group publication process 350
begins with a decision 352 that determines if a proposed media
asset group has been received. The proposed media asset group can
be a proposed media asset group as submitted 206 in FIG. 3A. Next,
the media assets in the proposed media assets are identified 354.
This identification 354 can be performed by the digital asset
manager 114 of FIG. 1. The identification 354 of the media assets
can permit some leeway allowing for typographical errors or
misidentifications of the media assets in the proposed media asset
group (e.g., a title misspelling or improper artist attribution).
In one implementation, the identification 354 is performed with the
aid of a list of common misspellings and/or misattributions.
[0050] Next, the availability of the identified media assets in the
proposed media asset group is determined 356. The determination 356
can be accomplished by checking whether the identified media assets
are contained within list or database containing information about
media assets that are available for purchase. In one
implementation, the availability can depend on a particular on-line
media store where the eventual media asset group is to be made
available. For example, a particular media item might be available
for purchase on a United States website for an on-line media store,
but not a United Kingdom website for an on-line media store. As an
example, the availability can be determined by interacting with the
digital asset manager 114 of FIG. 1. Note that the availability of
media assets can depend on a variety of factors. For example, one
or more media assets may not be available in a particular country.
It is also possible that one or more media assets in the media
asset group may be temporarily or permanently unavailable due to
corrupted or missing digital media files.
[0051] Once the availability of the media assets has been
determined 356, a validated media asset group is created 358. The
validated media asset group includes at least the media assets in
the proposed media asset group that are available for purchase. In
one implementation, the validated media asset group does not list
the media assets in the media asset group that are unavailable. In
another implementation, the unavailable media assets are shown, but
designated as permanently or temporarily unavailable. In still
another implementation, unavailable media assets that are expected
to become available in the near future are displayed along with
available media assets.
[0052] Next, the validated media asset group is sent 360 to the
requesting client for approval. Besides the list of media assets,
the validated media asset group can include one or more images,
text, and/or layout information. In one implementation, the
validated media asset group is sent along with information (e.g.,
XML, HTML, PostScript.RTM.) directing the requesting client to
display the additional text and images in a particular layout
using, for example, a media management application or web browser
at the requesting client. Using such-information, the requesting
client can render the validated media asset group as well as render
a media asset group illustration (discussed below) associated
therewith. In another implementation, the media asset group
illustration can be rendered at a server and delivered to the
requesting client, such that the burden of rendering the media
asset group illustration is off-loaded from the requesting
client.
[0053] The server-side media asset group publication process 350
continues with a decision 362, which waits for acceptance of the
validated media asset group. This acceptance can correspond to the
acceptance as described above in reference to submission 314
operation of FIG. 3A. If the decision determines 362 that the
validated media asset group has been accepted, then the validated
media asset group is published 364 and the server-side media asset
group publication process 350 ends. In one implementation, the
publication 364 makes the media assets in the validated media asset
group available for purchase from an on-line media store. For
example, an on-line media store might display the media assets in
the validated media asset group as a compilation or collection in
the on-line media store. Additionally, the on-line media store
could further display text and/or illustrations pertaining to the
validated media asset group. Examples of published media asset
groups can be noted as iMixes.TM. or iEssentials.TM., which are
available from the iTunes.RTM. Music Store.
[0054] FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a media asset group
illustration creation process 400 according to one embodiment of
the invention. The media asset illustration creation process 400 is
associated with producing a media asset illustration for a media
asset group. In one implementation, the media asset illustration is
a mosaic that can be created by using one or more media asset
illustrations from media assets in the media asset group. For
example, a media asset illustration for a media asset group
containing music files can be a mosaic of album cover art
associated with the music files.
[0055] The media asset group illustration creation process 400
begins by obtaining 402 one or more images associated with media
assets within a media asset group. For example, a media asset group
may contain several music files (i.e., audio tracks), each with an
associated album cover image. Typically, the media asset group will
include a plurality of media assets; hence, a plurality of images
are associated with the media asset group. Next, a mosaic fill
pattern is determined 404. This determination can be based a wide
variety of criteria, such as the number of images obtained 402, the
order of the media assets within the media asset group, and/or user
preferences. In one implementation, the mosaic has a grid-like
arrangement of different images. For example, the different images
used within the mosaic can pertain to some or all of the images
obtained 402 or variations thereof. Once the mosaic fill pattern is
determined 404, a mosaic is created 406 by arranging the different
images according to the determined mosaic fill pattern. After the
mosaic has been created 406, the media asset group illustration
creation process 400 ends.
[0056] FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a media asset group
illustration creation process 450 according to another embodiment
of the invention. The media asset group illustration creation
process 450 can represent a more detailed embodiment than the media
asset group illustration creation process 400 illustrated in FIG.
4A. The media asset illustration creation process 450 is associated
with producing a media asset illustration for a media asset group.
In one implementation, the media asset illustration is a mosaic
that can be created by using one or more media asset illustrations
from media assets in the media asset group. For example, a media
asset illustration for a media asset group containing music files
can be a mosaic of album cover art associated with the music
files.
[0057] The media asset group illustration creation process 450
begins by obtaining 452 one or more images associated with media
assets in a media asset group. For example, a media asset group may
contain several music files, each with an associated album cover
image. Next, image priority is determined 454. Prioritization can
be based on a wide variety of criteria. For example, an image
associated with more than one media asset in a media asset group
can be given a higher priority than an image associated with only
one media asset. As another example, image priority can be
determined by looking at the order of the media assets in the media
asset group, such that the first media asset in the media asset
group has the highest priority.
[0058] Next, transparency is applied 456 to the image determined
454 to have the highest priority. According to one implementation,
the highest priority image is processed such that it has
approximately 75% transparency. However, any value, of transparency
can be used. Next, a mosaic fill pattern is determined 458 based on
the number of media assets in the media asset group. Alternately, a
random pattern or user-generated pattern can be used to determine a
mosaic fill pattern. Once the mosaic fill pattern has been
determined 458, a mosaic is created 460 by arranging one or more of
the obtained images over the transparent image. In one example, the
transparent image is used as a background image for the mosaic, and
then some or all of the obtained images are used to fill portions
of the mosaic in accordance with the image priority. After the
mosaic has been created 460, the media asset group illustration
creation process 450 ends.
[0059] As noted above, a media asset group illustration (e.g.,
mosaic) can be created and used in association with a media asset
group. The media asset group illustration can be created in
accordance with a fill pattern, which includes a layout and a fill
order. The layout identifies a plurality of regions of the media
asset group illustration that are to receive individual image. The
fill order is used to determine which of a plurality of images
associated with media assets of the media asset group are to be
used in the plurality of regions of the media asset group
illustration. The images used within the media asset group
illustration can be static or dynamic. For example, in the dynamic
case, the images could be switch, spun or rotated periodically,
with or without use of transition effects. Still further, during a
creation process, a user can be permitted to edit a proposed media
asset group illustration. For example, a user could drag and drop
different ones of the associated images into different positions of
the media asset group illustration.
[0060] Additionally, the media assets group illustration can make
use of primary colors of one or more of the associated images to
determine and utilize a compatible color. Additional details on
determining and using compatible colors as well as creating mosaics
or collages are contained in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/078,583, filed Mar. 11, 2005, and entitled "AUTOMATED CREATION
OF MEDIA ASSET ILLUSTRATION COLLAGE."
[0061] FIGS. 4C-4E are mosaic creation fill pattern examples
according to various embodiments of the invention. These fill
patterns are intended to be exemplary only. It is understood that
many other fill patterns, including those incorporating other
shapes (e.g., circles or hexagons), and those utilizing different
relative image sizes are possible. Additionally, mosaics may be
dynamic, i.e., mosaics may change over time, such as by swapping or
animating images. For example, in cases where there are too many
images to fit into a mosaic pattern, the various positions in these
mosaic patterns may cycle through a set of images.
[0062] FIG. 4C illustrates exemplary mosaics constructed from one
to four images. These mosaics can, for example, be created in
accordance with the media asset group illustration creation process
400 illustrated in FIG. 4A. Part (a) shows four different images
pertaining to media assets of a media asset group. These images can
represent, for example, four different album covers for music
files. These images are arranged left-to-right in their order of
priority. Next, part (b) shows a mosaic fill pattern. Each number,
1-4, represents a position in the mosaic. Finally, part (c) shows
four resulting exemplary mosaics for one, two, three and four image
mosaics.
[0063] FIG. 4D illustrates exemplary mosaics constructed from five
to nine images. These mosaics can, for example, be created in
accordance with the media asset group illustration creation process
400 illustrated in FIG. 4A. Part (a) shows nine different images
pertaining to media assets of a media asset group. These images can
represent, for example, nine different album covers for music
files. These images are arranged left-to-right in their order of
priority. Next, part (b) shows a mosaic fill pattern. Each number,
1-9, represents a position in the mosaic. Finally, part (c) shows
nine resulting exemplary mosaics for five, six, seven, eight, and
nine images.
[0064] FIG. 4E illustrates exemplary mosaics constructed from five
or six images. These mosaics can, for example, be created in
accordance with the media asset group illustration creation process
450 illustrated in FIG. 4B. Part (a) shows six different images
pertaining to media assets of a media asset group. These images can
represent, for example, six different album covers for music files.
These images are arranged left-to-right in their order of priority.
Part (b) shows the first image with 0% transparency and with 75%
transparency applied. The first image with 75% transparency is
applied as a overall background image for the mosaic. Next, part
(c) shows a mosaic fill pattern superimposed over the transparent
image. Each number, 1-6, represents a position in the mosaic. Part
(d) shows two mosaics, where images have been placed over the
transparent image, demonstrating fill patterns for five and six
images. Note the first mosaic of five images has no specific image
in the 6.sup.th position of the mosaic. Hence, the 6.sup.th
position merely contains that portion of the 75% transparent first
image, which provides a background image, that corresponds to the
6.sup.th position.
[0065] FIGS. 5A-5F are exemplary screen shots demonstrating a media
asset group process using a media management application. These
screen shots roughly correspond to steps in the client-side media
asset group publication process 300 of FIG. 3A. The media asset
group can be referred to as an iMix.RTM., and the media management
application can refer to iTunes.RTM..
[0066] FIG. 5A is a screen shot of an application window 500
demonstrating a first step of a media asset group creation process.
The screen shot of the application window 500 can correspond to
block 302 in FIG. 3A. Shown in FIG. 5A are a media asset group 506,
a media asset group title 502 (`A-Playlist`), and a media asset
group publication request control 504. The media asset group 506 is
represented as a list of media assets. In this example, the media
asset group 506 includes a list of ten media assets, namely, songs.
The media asset group can correspond to the proposed media asset
group of FIGS. 3A and 3B. A user can start the media asset group
creation process by selecting the media asset group publication
request control 504. Operation of the media asset group publication
request control 504 can correspond with block 304 in FIG. 3A.
[0067] FIG. 5B is a screen shot of an application window 510
demonstrating a second step of a media asset group creation
process. The screenshot shows a user login screen, which allows a
user to access an on-line media store (e.g., media storefront).
[0068] FIG. 5C is a screen shot of an application window 520
demonstrating a third step of a media asset group creation process.
In this step, a media asset group 526 is displayed. The media asset
group 526 can correspond to the validated media asset group of FIG.
3A and 3B. More particularly, the displaying of the media asset
group within the application window 520 can correspond to operation
308 of FIG. 3A. In this example, the media asset group 526 includes
a list of the same ten media assets, namely, songs, as the media
asset group 506 in FIG. 5A. In this particular example, all ten
media assets from the media asset group 506 are available from the
on-line media store; hence, the media asset group 526 includes the
same ten media assets. However, the media asset group 526 can
include less than the same ten media assets as the media asset
group when one or more of the ten media assets are not available
from the on-line media store. A mosaic 528 is also depicted in the
application window 520. In the particular mosaic 528 illustrated in
FIG. 5C, the media asset group only includes two associated images
(i.e., album covers). Hence, the mosaic 528 includes the first and
second images in two positions of the grid, and a largely
translucent first image as a background in the remaining two
positions. Additionally, text boxes 522 and 524 are shown. The text
box 522 allows a user to enter a title for the media asset group.
The text box 524 allows a user to enter descriptive information to
describe the media asset group. If the user is satisfied with the
media asset group and has entered a title and/or descriptive
information, the user may operate a media asset group approval
control 530. For example, the media asset group approval control
530 can be a "Publish" button that a user can select. Operation of
the media asset group approval control 530 can correspond with
block 312 of FIG. 3A.
[0069] FIG. 5D is a screen shot of an application window 520'
demonstrating a third step of a media asset group creation process.
The application window 520' is generally the same as the
application window 520 illustrated in FIG. 5C. However, in FIG. 5D,
the mosaic 528' includes two associated images (i.e., album
covers). Hence, the mosaic 528 includes the first and second images
in two positions of the grid, and a largely translucent first image
as a background in the remaining two positions.
[0070] FIG. 5E is a screen shot of an application window 530
demonstrating a fourth step of a media asset group creation
process. At this point, the media asset group has been published
and has become available at an on-line media store for consumers to
browse. This screen shot serves as a confirmation to a user that
their media asset group has been published and is available on the
on-line media store. The screen shot also informs the user how the
media asset will be illustrated on the on-line media store.
Additionally, the screen shot includes a rating area 532 that
allows a user (creator or browser) to rate the associated media
asset group. In this example, the user selects a rating (e.g., via
a radio button) and then operates a rating control 534 (e.g.,
"Submit" button). Hence, even the user who created the media asset
group is able to rate his or her own media asset group.
[0071] FIG. 5F is a screen shot of an application window 540
demonstrating a fifth step of a media asset group creation process.
The application window 540 is an example of an application window
that is visible to a consumer who visits an on-line media store.
The application window 540 displays a published media asset group.
The published media assets group was created in accordance with the
screen shots illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E. Any consumer (user) of the
on-line media store, which has the media asset group available, can
view the media asset group and select any or all the songs in the
group for purchase by operating purchase controls 542 or 544. The
purchase control 542 is labeled "Add All Songs", indicating that a
user of the on-line media store may add all songs in the media
asset group to a virtual shopping cart (for subsequent purchase).
The purchase controls 544 are labeled "Add Song" and allow a user
to individually add songs to the virtual shopping cart (for
subsequent purchase). Alternately, the purchase controls 542 and
544 can be labeled "Buy" rather than "Add", allowing single-click
purchases. It should be noted that regardless of whether a
single-click or virtual shopping cart is used, the media assets
(songs) are individually purchased by the system. For example, the
operation (e.g., selection) of the purchase control 542 would
initiate the separate purchase of each of the ten individual songs
of the media asset group display in the application window 540. In
addition, the user can rate the media asset group by making a
rating selection and operating a rating control 546.
[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, a rating
system incorporating a decay factor is employed. The decay factor
keeps average user ratings for publicly viewable media access
groups from becoming stale over time.
[0073] For instance, as described above in FIGS. 5E and 5F, a user
of an online media store may rate a media asset group. One rating
system in common use employs a rating system of one to five stars,
with a one star indicating that the user strongly dislikes the
displayed media asset group and a five star rating indicating that
the user strongly likes the displayed media asset group. However,
due to the nature of public opinion, a group of media assets may be
popular for only a short time. Conversely, a media asset group
might become more popular over time as one or more of the media
assets in the group is discovered by the public. Under conventional
ratings schemes, old ratings are counted the same as newer ratings,
leading to ratings that do not accurately reflect the current
opinion of the rating public. According to one embodiment of the
invention, a decay factor is used to minimize the effect of old or
"stale" ratings.
[0074] FIG. 6A is a flow diagram of a rating process 600 according
to one embodiment of the invention. The rating process 600 begins
by displaying 602 a media asset group. Typically, the media asset
group would be displayed 602 with a media asset group rating
associated with the media asset group. For example, the on-line
media store can present the media asset group and its rating to the
user. In one implementation, a user of the on-line media store can
participate in rating the media asset group. Hence, following the
display 602 of the media asset group, a decision 604 receives user
rating for the media asset group. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5E
and 5F, a user (viewer) of the media asset group can enter a
rating. Once the decision 604 determines that a user rating is
received, an media asset group rating is updated 606. Here, the
media asset group rating is updated 606 according to the user
rating that has been received. The updated media asset group rating
is then stored and used subsequently, such as, when displaying the
associated media asset group. In one implementation, the updated
media asset group rating represents an average user rating for the
media asset group. In another implementation the updated media
asset group rating can be a decayed average rating.
[0075] The on-line media store can also make use of the media asset
group rating when users browse thought large numbers of media
assets groups. For example, a use of the on-line music store could
browse, search or sort media asset groups based on ratings.
[0076] FIG. 6B illustrated a screen shot of a media asset groups
being listed on an on-line media store. In this example, the screen
shot pertains to an application window having iMixes displayed
along with their current user rating. Note that the media asset
group ratings 608 are also depicted proximate to their associated
media asset groups. Mini-mosaics 610 and 612 are also depicted in
the application window shown in FIG. 6B. For example, the
mini-mosaics 610 and 612 can be generated as a regular mosaic for a
media asset group with limits on the number of images that are
included. In this example, the mini-mosaics 610 and 612 are limited
to four images, arranged in a 2.times.2 grid. In the particular
mini-mosaic 610 illustrated in FIG. 6B, the media asset group only
includes two associated images (i.e., album covers). Hence, the
mini-mosaic 610 includes the first and second images in two
positions of the grid, and a largely translucent first image as a
background in the remaining two positions. In the mosaic 612, the
media asset group might include two or more associated images, but
not more than four images would be presented in the 2.times.2 grid.
Typically, the mini-mosaics 610 and 612 would be displayed when the
overall size of the mosaic to be displayed is limited, even though
the regular mosaic would include more images, such provides a
better illustration of the mosaic (less images presented) given the
confined size.
[0077] In another implementation the updated media asset group
rating can be a decayed average rating. Here, the update 606 of the
update process 600 to the media asset group rating can be
calculated using a decayed average rating. The decayed average
rating calculation can utilize, for example, an exponential decay
function, updated daily, hourly, or continuously.
[0078] For instance, old ratings can decay exponentially, according
to an exponential decay equation, similar to a half-life
calculation. In a half-life calculation, a valued is halved over
specific period of time. As subsequent time periods pass, the value
is halved repeatedly. Thus, taking a value of 100 and assigning a
half life of one day, the value will be 50 on day two, 25 on day
three, 12.5 on day four, etc. Using this concept, and applying
basic mathematical principles, a weighted average rating can be
calculated such that any particular rating has one half of its
original weight after 30 days, one quarter of its original weight
after 60 days, etc. In general, for m ratings, each having v.sub.n
votes, with each rating r.sub.n being t.sub.n days old, and a decay
factor of D, the average weighted rating R.sub.w is: R w = n = 1 m
.times. r n v n D t m - t n n = 1 m .times. v n D t n ( 1 )
##EQU1##
[0079] If it is desired that a rating decay such that it is has
one-half of its initial significance (weight) after 30 days, the
decay factor D is: D = 1 2 30 .apprxeq. 0.97716 .times. .times. day
- 1 ( 2 ) ##EQU2##
[0080] FIG. 6C is a visual representation of an exemplary a decayed
average calculation applying equations (1) and (2) to a series of
ratings varying in age from 0 to 120 days. For simplicity, only
five days of ratings are shown, and no other votes are shown during
the remainder of the time period. In this particular example, 20
votes are cast on each day. On day t.sub.1, 20 votes are cast,
having an average rating of five stars. On day t.sub.2, 30 days
later, 20 votes are cast, averaging four stars. Similarly, every 30
days, 20 votes are cast on days t.sub.3, t.sub.4 and t.sub.5. The
average ratings for each day are three, two, and one stars,
respectively. This is meant to simulate a decrease in ratings over
time, from an average rating of five stars at t.sub.1 to a average
rating of one star on day t.sub.5. Using the above equations, at
time t.sub.5, 120 days after time t.sub.1, the decayed average
rating is 1.83 stars. For comparison, a non-weighted average
rating, R, calculated over the same time period, using the formula:
R = n = 1 m .times. r n v n x = 1 y .times. v x ( 3 ) ##EQU3##
yields an average rating of 3.00 stars. It can be seen that, in the
weighted rating, the newer ratings have more weight, which is
believed to more accurately reflect the current public opinion of
the media asset group. It is understood that the above is for
exemplary purposes only and that a myriad of other decayed rating
schemes may be used.
[0081] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary computer system 725 suitable for
use with the invention. Computer system 725 includes a display
monitor 728 having a single or multi-screen display 730 (or
multiple displays), cabinet 732, keyboard 734, and mouse 736.
Cabinet 732 houses a drive 738, such as a CD-ROM or floppy drive,
system memory and a hard drive (not shown) which may be utilized to
store and retrieve software programs incorporating computer code
that implements some or all aspects of the invention, data for use
with the invention, and the like. Although CD-ROM 740 is shown as
an exemplary computer readable storage medium, other computer
readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, flash memory,
system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. Additionally, a data
signal embodied in a carrier wave (e.g., in a network) may be the
computer readable storage medium. In one implementation, an
operating system for the computer system 725 is provided in the
system memory, the hard drive, the CD-ROM 740 or other computer
readable storage medium and serves to incorporate the computer code
that implements some or all aspects of the invention.
[0082] Although the media assets (or media items) of emphasis in
several of the above embodiments were audio items (e.g., audio
files or audio tracks), the media assets are not limited to audio
items. For example, the media assets can alternatively pertain to
videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). Also, in one
implementation, the audio files or audio tracks can pertain to
songs or audiobooks.
[0083] The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or
features of the invention can be used separately or in any
combination.
[0084] The invention can be implemented by software, hardware or a
combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be
embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium.
The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can
store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system.
Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory,
random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data
storage devices, and carrier waves. 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.
[0085] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of
the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that
media asset groups can be created and published with greater ease.
Another advantage of the invention is that mosaics for submitted
media assets groups can be automatically generated. Still another
advantage of the invention is that users can rate published media
asset groups.
[0086] The many features and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention
should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as
illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *