U.S. patent application number 11/779256 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for system and method for personalizing the user interface of audio rendering devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY LTD. Invention is credited to Lee Morse.
Application Number | 20080022208 11/779256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38957107 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080022208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morse; Lee |
January 24, 2008 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERSONALIZING THE USER INTERFACE OF AUDIO
RENDERING DEVICES
Abstract
Audio playback is used to enhance the control of Personal
Digital Entertainment devices. Embodiments of the present invention
provide audio message files associated with the activation of a
control or provide other device status messaging Audio messages are
also provided in file sets that are user selectable to give the
user a choice of `themes`.
Inventors: |
Morse; Lee; (Sunnyvale,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CREATIVE LABS, INC.;LEGAL DEPARTMENT
1901 MCCARTHY BLVD
MILPITAS
CA
95035
US
|
Assignee: |
CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY LTD
Singapore
SG
|
Family ID: |
38957107 |
Appl. No.: |
11/779256 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60807711 |
Jul 18, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/727 ;
G9B/27.019; G9B/27.051 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/105 20130101;
G06F 16/64 20190101; G11B 27/34 20130101; G06F 16/40 20190101; G06F
16/4387 20190101; G06F 16/639 20190101; Y10S 715/978 20130101; G06F
3/167 20130101; G06Q 30/0255 20130101; G06F 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/727 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/16 20060101
G06F003/16 |
Claims
1. A user interface on a portable media player configured to
perform the following: transform a first message presented on the
display screen of the device to an audio message.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the message is a status
message.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the message is selected
from a set of audio files corresponding to a plurality of
messages.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the message is
correlated with an audio track that is being rendered.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the audio track that is
being rendered and the message is a customized greeting from the
artist of the music track to the user.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the message corresponds
to a button interaction between the user and the device.
7. The user interface as recited in claim 1 further configured to
perform a method of downloading a plurality of message themes and
selecting one or more to be active at the same time.
8. The user interface as recited in claim 1 further configured to
perform a method of exchanging one or more message themes between
portable devices and/or host computers/devices.
9. The user interface as recited in claim 1 further configured to
perform a method of recording one or more messages directly on the
device and creating a personalized theme.
10. A portable device having a user interface configured to perform
the following: selecting a first track; and accessing a media
object in response to the selection, wherein the media object
includes linking information for a plurality of different type of
media files associated with the selected track; and selecting one
of the plurality for access.
11. A method for providing enhanced content in a user interface of
a digital media player, the method comprising: selecting a first
track; and accessing a media object file associated with the track
in response to the selection, wherein the media object includes
linking information for a plurality of different type of media
files associated with the selected track; and selecting one of the
plurality for access.
12. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein accessing the media
object results in a display of the plurality in a media
listing.
13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the media listing
includes linking information for each of the plurality in the
listing.
14. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the first track is a
music track and the media listing includes linking information for
videos and text-based background information.
15. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the first track is a
music track and the media listing includes linking information for
photos associated with the music track.
16. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the first track is a
music track and the media listing includes linking information for
album art associated with the music track.
17. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the media listing is
a flat list.
18. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the media listing
presents a hierarchical arrangement of links to the user.
19. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the media listing
includes at least one grouping of different types of media
files.
20. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the media listing is
configured with a predetermined template for a user interaction
with the media listing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional U.S.
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/807,711, filed Jul. 18, 2006, titled
"System and Method for Personalizing the User Interface of Audio
Rendering Devices" the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to audio products. More
particularly, the present invention relates to methods for
personalizing the user interfaces of audio players.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] With the advancements in audio technology, increased memory
storage, and increased computer processing power, much attention
has been focused on improving the interactions between the user and
the media player to provide a more comfortable experience for the
user. Unfortunately, many current devices require the user's
attention to the display screen of the audio player device to
ascertain the status of the device. In some cases, the status
messages are displayed in small text or graphics that make it
difficult for the user to follow. Moreover, the messages are often
presented in a bland manner that fails to capture the style that a
user wishes to associate with the media player. Accordingly, it is
therefore desirable to provide an improved device and method for
personalizing the user interface of audio computing devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
providing personalized user interfaces on audio computing
devices.
[0007] In one embodiment, a device is configured to announce status
messages and input button interactions on the audio output unit of
the device.
[0008] In another embodiment, the device is customizable to a
predetermined theme for the device. The device is configured to
generate audio status messages, button interaction messages, and
non-device operational messages associated with the predetermined
theme and to play back the respective messages through the device's
audio output circuitry. These and other features and advantages of
the present invention are described below with reference to the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a table illustrating generated audio messages in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a table illustrating generated audio messages in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for generating customized audio
messages in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates alternative methods for positioning audio
messages in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred
embodiments of the invention. Examples of the preferred embodiments
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention
will be described in conjunction with these preferred embodiments,
it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the
invention to such preferred embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as
may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims. In the following description,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. The present
invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific
details. In other instances, well known mechanisms have not been
described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the
present invention.
[0014] It should be noted herein that throughout the various
drawings like numerals refer to like parts. The various drawings
illustrated and described herein are used to illustrate various
features of the invention. To the extent that a particular feature
is illustrated in one drawing and not another, except where
otherwise indicated or where the structure inherently prohibits
incorporation of the feature, it is to be understood that those
features may be adapted to be included in the embodiments
represented in the other figures, as if they were fully illustrated
in those figures. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. Any dimensions provided on the drawings are
not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention but
merely illustrative.
[0015] In accordance with one embodiment, a device that includes
enhanced audio messages is provided. The device is customizable to
a predetermined theme for the device. The device is configured to
generate audio status messages, button interaction messages, and
non-device operational messages associated with the predetermined
theme and to play back the respective messages through the device's
audio output circuitry.
[0016] The scope of the present invention includes but is not
limited to the rendering of audio messages on portable media
players as well as media players configured to render audio on
Personal Computers (PC's). That is, the scope of the present
invention includes at least any digital device that includes a
speaker to interact with the user. The devices can range from
portable devices to PC applications to Consumer devices.
Preferably, the user can select a customized audio message for
various button interactions and status messages. Specific user
interface selection options may be provided in software run on the
host computer (e.g., a PC) or in firmware operating in a portable
media player or other consumer electronic device.
[0017] FIGS. 1-2 are tables illustrating generated audio messages
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. For
example, FIG. 1 is a table illustrating in general audio messages
that may be substituted for conventional player status buttons. In
conventional devices, the user interface function advising the user
that the device is powering up often is limited to a graphical
display or splash screen or a text message appearing on the display
screen of the portable device. Suitable candidates for the audio
message according to embodiments of the present invention include
audio messages such as "Hello"; "Greetings"; "Welcome Back"; etc as
listed in FIG. 1.
[0018] In another example, conventional players will often provide
a graphical representation of the battery condition, the amount of
charge in the battery depicted by the fill in an icon resembling an
outline of a battery. Embodiments of the present invention either
augment this display or replace the displayed message with a
suitable message as illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, when the device
is turned on, the device may be configured to announce (audibly) to
the user that the battery charge level exceeds a predetermined
threshold, for example, by indicating, "we have plenty of juice, so
let's get started where you left off!" Alternatively, when the
state of charge reaches a danger level, i.e., dangerously low for
continued operation, a suitable message may be generated, for
example, "Plug me in or its lights out for me." These examples are
merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. Other
examples of suitable audio messages for various levels of battery
condition are recited in FIG. 1. Other button interaction
conditions may be announced including advising of volume
adjustments made by the user (e.g., "volume up"), skipping tracks,
and powering down the device. In one embodiment, conventional text
strings are associated with the audio messages and displayed
simultaneously on the audio player's display screen.
[0019] FIG. 2 provides additional examples of audio messages that
may be displayed on the device in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. These messages illustrate types of status
messages that can be generated and are not necessarily tied to a
device button interaction. For example, some advanced portable
media players perform advanced track selection techniques including
but not limited to the automatic generation of playlists. These
playlists generation techniques may be entirely automatic based on
the user's playback history of tracks or may in whole or in part be
based on parameters manually entered by the user. Examples of the
former include the generating or updating of a playlist based on
the user's activities in allowing a track to play to completion or
alternatively pressing skip track during the play back of the
track. In this method, the user activity in allowing a track to
play to completion is deemed a positive vote and skipping the track
is deemed a negative vote. The playlist composition is dynamically
changed according to the user rating defined by the accumulation of
votes or other indications of user approval/disapproval. The audio
status messages, such as illustrated in FIG. 2 are especially
conducive to providing "intelligent" status messages to the user
under these conditions. For example, the user may skip several
songs queued up in a playlist, an activity that would in one
embodiment trigger an intelligent selection mechanism in the device
to offer a track with different metadata characteristics than the
rejected (i.e., skipped) tracks. The device would then audibly
respond with a suitable message to advise the user of its
intervention, a message such as, "Here. Try this!" Alternatively,
the device might respond to a sequence of user rejections (e.g.,
skipping tracks) by providing a randomly selected track with the
same message provided. The various messages illustrated in FIG. 2
to audibly describe the player status or changing stations status
are other examples of suitable messages for generation by the
device's audio units.
[0020] As discussed above, the device may also be configured to
provide non-operational messages, for example the message listen in
FIG. 2 as corresponding to the user interface function of "Thanks"
or "Album Introduction". For example, audio messages delivered by
the artist may be stored in files and triggered to play at the
start of the track playback or after completion of playback. For
example, a new release from a particular artist may result in the
playback of the artist graciously thanking the user, "Thanks for
listening to my new release. I hope you enjoy it."
[0021] In another embodiment, entire sets of audio files associated
with the various messages are generated and stored. When
configuring the audio player, the user selects from a plurality of
themes corresponding to the sets of stored audio files. For
example, themes can vary widely such as a theme where the messages
represent a very formal butler (with a British accent) or a Rap
star with the latest slang or even one's own voice with messages
that mean something to themselves.
[0022] In this way, the user is provided with an ability to
personalize the UT to a specific theme. In one variation, the user
is provided with an option to generate arbitrary audio message
recordings of the user or other humans. For example, the user or a
friend may record the audio messages (such as via a host computer's
sound card) and then associate the recorded set of messages with
corresponding user interaction buttons and status messages.
Preferably, the software running on the host computer provides an
interactive step-by-step procedure that enables the user to make an
audio recording and then to determine the one or more status
messages or button interactive messages that can be associated with
the generated audio recording. In one embodiment, a method enabling
user selection is available from a setup option on the user
interface of the portable device or alternatively from a software
music library synchronizing application running on a host computer
(PC).
[0023] In one embodiment, a customized (personalized) audio user
interface is provided. The functionality and the audio rendering of
at least one of audio button interaction messages, status messages,
and non operational audio messages are customized. According to
this embodiment, an audio user interface is selected by the user
from a plurality of available audio user interface templates (or
skins). The scope of the invention is intended to cover all means
capable of associating customized audio rendering messages with a
user in his interaction with an audio player. In a preferred
embodiment, a file is associated with this customized audio user
interface to define the various elements of the audio messages
provided to the user during the course of the operation of the
portable media player. In this way an audio skin or template is
provided and stored with a file. Hence, that same template is
accessible to that user in future sessions. Alternatively, the
audio message rendering options may be selected interactively by
the user at the start of each session. Of course, the viability of
customizing the audio message "skins" at the start of each session
will depend in part upon the number of different options presented
to the user for selection and the impulsive nature of the
particular user.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for generating customized audio
messages in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Customization can include any one or combination of the
following elements: the voice used to render the audio message, the
personality of the announcing voice, the content of the message,
the language used to express the content, the manner in which the
content is generated, and the timing of the presentation of the
audio message with other audio content. These generally relate to
the style of the voice message and the content of the message.
Operations 304-306 relate generally to the style and operations
308-312 to the message content.
[0025] It should be noted that the user can express his preferences
as to generally the styles of the audio message and the message
content through a setup option on a portable media player, an
application software program running on a host computer (PC)
typically used for providing downloaded music to the portable
device, or on both of them.
[0026] The method starts at operation 302. Initially, at operation
304, a determination is made as to whether the user manually
selected a voice style (i.e., user personalized theme for audio
messages) or whether the automated voice style selection applies.
Where the manual selection was made, at operation 306, the user
selected voice to be used is identified and preferably other audio
message characteristics determined. For example, the other features
of the selected style may include an accompanying energy level or
personality. In a particular example, the voice options can include
male or female, computer generated or recorded human voices,
American accents, British accents, Indian accents, etc. Some of the
voices may be associated with different personality
characteristics. For example, a user may select a high energy level
personality characteristic voice for use with fast paced rock
music. In other instances a user may show a preference for
classical music and opt to have the media player render audio
announcements in a laid back or mellow classical host type voice.
For example, using one selection, the media player may inform the
user in a style approaching that of a classical music host, upon
powering up, "Sir! It's a pleasure to welcome you back". Using a
different selection, upon powering up, the user might be greeted
with an alternative message, such as, "We're cooking now Dude."
[0027] In the automated selection variation, illustrated in
operation 305, the user may opt for a computer selection mode that
allows the processor to make an intelligent selection of the audio
messages based on usage history or metadata for audio tracks. For
example, the processor may be configured to identify the genre of a
track or series of tracks and play back the audio messages in
voices and/or personalities associated with those genres. The voice
style may also or alternatively be selected based on the usage
history (track playback history) of the user. For a further
example, if the usage history showed a majority of fast paced
tracks in the tracks selected and played by the user, the voice
selection would be one appropriate for this pace, e.g., a fast
talking, energetic, and loud voice. In yet another variation, a set
of suitable audio messages may be obtained from an artist, for
example by downloading. In another example, the artist or other
celebrity's audio message files may be packaged in the same medium
as the artist's CD music recording or DVD video. These examples are
intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In this instance, the
player may be configured to announce messages in the voice of the
artist whose track or tracks are currently playing. These artist
provided messages may be in the form of informational messages, for
example, the artist talking about how he came to compose the
current song or status massages about the player. Another example
of the former would be the artist commenting, "Thanks for listening
to my new release," or any other track related messages from the
artist including but not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2.
For a specific non-limiting example of an artist provided status
message, during or immediately after playback of one of Bruce
Springsteen's tracks, an audio message may appear in Bruce
Springsteen's voice that the player is low in power and will shut
down in a few minutes.
[0028] Next, in operation 308 the relevant track usage history is
determined. For example, if the usage history, stored for example
in metadata associated with the tracks, indicates that the user has
skipped the track the last few times it has come up on a playlist,
the player might respond with an appropriate audio message, "I was
expecting you to skip it." The next time it is skipped, it might
provide an audio message to the effect, "Let's try something
entirely different." In this way the player gives the perception
that it is an intelligent device because it doesn't provide the
same message twice. The selection of the message content in
operation 312 is preferably then a function of the track usage
history 308 or other metadata relating to the track including more
traditional metadata such as artist name, album name, genre type,
etc.
[0029] In operation 312 the juxtaposition of the audio message and
tracks is determined. Nonlimiting examples of the juxtaposition are
provided in FIG. 4.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates alternative methods for positioning audio
messages in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 4A illustrates one audio message positioning technique
according to embodiments of the present invention. The audio status
402 may be voiced over the track or tracks (e.g., tracks 404 and
406). Techniques for performing this voice over are known to those
of skill in the relevant arts and hence complete details will not
be provided herein. For example, the audio levels of the track 404
and track 405 at the time of the voice over as well as the audio
level of the associated audio status message 404 may be adjusted to
allow both to be heard. The audio levels of the message can be
varied in accordance with the priority or importance of the status
message. An alternative audio status message presentation or
juxtaposition may be provided as illustrated in FIG. 4B. In this
embodiment, the audio status message 402A is provided after
completion of the rendering of track 404 completes its playback and
before track 406 commences playback Finally in operation 316 the
message is announced. The method ends at operation 318, ready to be
initiated upon the occurrence of a suitable triggering event, such
as a button interaction, an indication for a status message, or an
indication of an informational type message.
[0031] In yet another embodiment, non-device operational audio
messages are included in the audio message set and played back
based on how the device is being used. These messages might be a
"Thank You" message from an artist that is played when the user
selected and listened to his latest release.
[0032] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a
method to allow the user to personalize their products with audio
clips. This opens up a new type of media content that has value to
the artists and labels, for at least promotional purposes.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention not only allow the
device to controlled without looking at a visual display, but also
allows the entire operation of the device to be personalized around
a theme. Further, in one embodiment, the interactive application
allows the user to change the audio messages to reflect their
personality.
[0034] In one embodiment, the audio messages are integrated with
smart playlisting features. Smart playlisting refers to the
generation of intelligent playlists by the device, software running
on a host computer, or a combination of these. The smart
playlisting method integrates the user's playback history and in
some cases user selected parameters to generate a new playlist. The
playlist may automatically update itself over time. The audio
messages may include status announcements that apprise the user as
to the activities undertaken by the smart playlisting feature. For
example, FIG. 2 includes several examples of the smart playlisting
announcements. For a specific non-limiting example, after updating
a playlist, the media player device may announce, "I've added a
number of new selections during my sleep.":
[0035] This method allows selected additional `rich` audio content
to be included in the listening experience. Non-limiting examples
include playing a personal `Thank You` message from an artist,
after the listener has listened to his latest release.
[0036] Audio playback is used to enhance the control of Personal
Digital Entertainment devices. Embodiments of the present invention
provide audio message files associated with the activation of a
control or provide other device status messaging ("low battery",
etc.). Audio messages are also provided in file sets that are user
selectable to give the user a choice of `themes`. In a further
embodiment, the enhanced content is extended to allow for
`pre-recorded` additional media files to be played under different
operating conditions.
[0037] Provided also is a method for personalizing the user
interface audio. Conventional electronic devices offer controls and
a menu system for user interactions. The present invention gives
the user the ability to personalize the content of the interaction
with the device, information or content that is normally fixed by
the manufacturer.
[0038] The user can purchase or download the personalized set of
audio messages or other content. While preferably, the content is
audio, the scope of the invention is intended to include other
content, including but not limited to video, backgrounds, images,
and text. For example, an artist's web site may offer a
personalization tailored for the specified electronic device. For
example, the user can go to a web site associated with an artist
(e.g., Bruce Springsteen) and select an interaction package from
available packages (e.g., one tailored for the Zen vision M). More
preferably, the personalization is of a universal type suitable for
playback on a wide variety of different electronic devices and
computers. Users are already familiar with "localizing" a device by
selecting a language option from a main menu. Hence, they would be
expected to adapt easily to selecting the customization or
personalization options described herein.
[0039] The "personalization" gives the user the ability to
customize the feedback from the device, and can include also video
and background. One problem with static interactive responses, even
if customized by the user, is that they may become annoying if
frequently repeated. In a further embodiment, the responses
selected for the device are not static but are dynamic. That is,
sometimes a response is given; sometimes no response, or a
different response is given for an activity. The dynamic responses
preferably adapt to the usage model of the user. Alternatively, in
one embodiment, the audio message generation is controlled by a
suitable control, such as a slider, in combination with the user
interaction history. A slider is a control within a graphical user
interface in which an indicator can be moved along a continuous
path into a number of different positions. In this instance, the
slider control can be used to adjust to the user's vocalization
preferences. For example, some people have chatty personalities and
thrive on voice messages. In this case, they would prefer the
slider to be positioned towards a "chatty" end whereas others would
prefer the amount of voice or other audio message interruptions to
be minimized. In the latter case, the slider would be positioned at
the opposite end of the spectrum.
[0040] Provided in one embodiment is a device that includes a
selection mechanism and a customized presentation layer. The
presentation layer can be configured to convey to the user that it
is an intelligent machine, capable of making decisions independent
from the user. The device intelligently provides an audio message
as a combination of the user's control and the user history. In
some cases, randomness is used to determine whether a particular
message is rendered or which message from a plurality of suitable
audio message options is rendered. That is, the device may be
configured to provide an appropriate response from a plurality of
available responses based on a combination of the user's control
and the user history, randomness, or all of these.
[0041] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a container
providing rich content is provided. This concept is focused on
creating a method of tying together different media files into a
`richer` browsing experience. Today, you can load a set of audio
files, photos and even videos onto a device, but the user interface
treats them all as different items. You must manually search in
different areas of the library to view the files. This method, in
one embodiment, packages the set of different media files in a way
that the user is able to browse a gallery of photos related to the
music track being listened to. It gives the user access to text
based background information (biography, news, lyrics, etc.) and
even links to videos on the player.
[0042] Using a simple scripting method, the background and menus
can be modified by the packager (content developer) to have a
unique personalized look & feel.
[0043] In one embodiment, a method of aggregating multiple types of
digital content (audio, music, image, video and text) into a single
media object is provided. This allows a digital media device to
display all the related content types under a single menu entry and
allows the user to quickly move from one media type to another.
[0044] The basic concept is to create an enhanced version of a
playlist. This `media list` is cross linked to each of the content
files to allow the media list to be quickly accessed from any of
the associated content files.
[0045] The media list can be either flat (having no internal
structure), grouped (grouping the different media types together)
or fully hierarchal (with multiple levels of grouping). The digital
device reads the media list and extracts only the content
information that it can render. This enhanced metadata is added to
the media library of the device.
[0046] A further enhancement is to specify in the media list a
default background and template for interacting with the media list
and it's content. This allows the content developer to personalize
the experience, without regard to the actual digital device that
will render the content.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a sequence of display screens illustrating a media
object file in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention and navigation to the links comprising the media object
file. FIG. 5 comprises 7 pages, each page generally including 6
display screens, such as might appear on a portable media player
(or host PC's) display screen when navigating to the linked files
or locations described by the media object file. To clarify, in
order to show the proper sequence, each page shows the sequence in
order from left to right then proceeding downward.
[0048] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be
apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present
embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details
given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents
of the appended claims.
* * * * *