U.S. patent application number 14/161501 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for techniques for correlating events to digital media assets.
This patent application is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Yoon Sub Hwang, Mark Miller, Joseph M. Rossell, Ellis M. Verosub.
Application Number | 20140136371 14/161501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40509503 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140136371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Verosub; Ellis M. ; et
al. |
May 15, 2014 |
Techniques for Correlating Events to Digital Media Assets
Abstract
Improved approaches to intelligently refer users of one online
media store to another online store are disclosed. The inter-store
referral can permit a user of an online media store, such as an
online media store that offers digital media assets for purchase,
to easily access related information, such as event information,
from another online store. According to another aspect, improved
approaches to access and present event information are
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Verosub; Ellis M.; (San
Carlos, CA) ; Miller; Mark; (San Francisco, CA)
; Hwang; Yoon Sub; (Alameda, CA) ; Rossell; Joseph
M.; (Mountain View, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Apple Inc.
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
40509503 |
Appl. No.: |
14/161501 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11865615 |
Oct 1, 2007 |
8682746 |
|
|
14161501 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/48 20190101;
G06Q 30/0623 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.61 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06 |
Claims
1. A method for informing a user of related information, said
method comprising: (a) receiving a request for media item
information from an online media store; (b) determining whether
there is available related information at a partner online store
that is related to the media item information; and (c) responding,
if it is determined that there is available related information at
a partner online store, to the request with a response that
includes at least the media item information as well as the
available related information or an indication thereto.
2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further
comprises: (d) responding, if it is determined that there is no
available related information at a partner online store, to the
request with a response that includes at least the media item
information and does not include the available related information
or the indication thereto.
3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the indication to the
available related information is a hyperlink.
4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the response includes
the media item information as well as the indication to the
available related information.
5. A method as recited in claim 4, wherein said determining (b)
comprises: (b1) determining an artist associated with the media
item information being requested; and (b2) determining, based on
the determined artist, whether the partner online store has
available related information that is related to the media item
information.
6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the partner online store
is provided by a business partner, and wherein said determining
(d2) comprises examining a data file provided by the partner that
specifies artists that the partner online store has available
related information therefor.
7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the requested media item
information concerns a song or collection of songs available for
purchase on the online media store.
8. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the available related
information pertains to an event.
9. A computer readable medium including executable computer program
code tangibly stored therein for informing a user of related
information, said computer readable medium comprising: computer
program code for receiving a request for media item information
from an online media store; computer program code for determining
whether there is available related information at a partner online
store that is related to the media item information; and computer
program code for responding, if the computer program code for
determining determines that there is available related information
at a partner online store, to the request with a response that
includes at least the media item information as well as the
available related information or an indication thereto.
10. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 9, wherein said
method further comprises: computer program code for responding, if
the computer program code for determining determines that there is
no available related information at a partner online store, to the
request with a response that includes at least the media item
information and does not include the available related information
or the indication thereto.
11. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 9, wherein the
indication to the available related information is a hyperlink.
12. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 9, wherein said
computer program code for determining comprises: computer program
code for determining an artist associated with the media item
information being requested; and computer program code for
determining, based on the determined artist, whether the partner
online store has available related information that is related to
the media item information.
13. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 12, wherein the
partner online store is provided by a business partner, and wherein
said computer program code for determining comprises computer
program code for examining a data file provided by the partner that
specifies artists that the partner online store has available
related information therefor.
14. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 9, wherein the
requested media item information concerns a song or collection of
songs available for purchase on the online media store.
15. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 9, wherein the
available related information pertains to an event.
16. A system for informing a user of related information, said
system comprising: a computing device capable of executing computer
program code for informing a user of related information, the
computer program code including at least: computer program code for
receiving a request for media item information from an online media
store; computer program code for determining whether there is
available related information at a partner online store that is
related to the media item information; and computer program code
for responding, if the computer program code for determining
determines that there is available related information at a partner
online store, to the request with a response that includes at least
the media item information as well as the available related
information or an indication thereto.
17. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 16, wherein said
computer program code for determining comprises: computer program
code for determining an artist associated with the media item
information being requested; and computer program code for
determining, based on the determined artist, whether the partner
online store has available related information that is related to
the media item information.
18. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 17, wherein the
partner online store is provided by a business partner, and wherein
said computer program code for determining comprises computer
program code for examining a data file provided by the partner that
specifies artists that the partner online store has available
related information therefor.
19. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 16, wherein the
indication to the available related information is a hyperlink,
wherein the response includes the media item information as well as
the indication to the available related information, and wherein
the available related information pertains to an event.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/865,615, filed Oct. 1, 2007, and entitled
"TECHNIQUES FOR CORRELATING EVENTS TO DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS", which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to media information delivery
and, more particularly, to delivery of related information along
with requested media information.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Today, online media stores, such as iTunes.TM. Music Store,
provided by Apple Inc. provides users with access to information
pertaining to many digital media assets (i.e., media items such as
songs, videos, etc.). This information is available to computing
devices that have Internet access. The information allows users to
browse, review and purchase media items.
[0006] Other online websites can provide information that can also
be of interest to user of an online media store. For example, other
websites, such as Ticketmaster.TM., can offer and permit purchase
of tickets to concerts. Currently, there is no way for a user of an
online media store to automatically be linked to a specific portion
of another online website that provides information to related to
particular information being presented to the user by the online
media store. Conventionally, users have to independently access the
other online website stores and navigate such website stores to
potentially locate other related information. Hence, it is
inconvenient for users to have to independently access both online
stores.
[0007] Thus, there is a need facilitate relationships between
online stores so that users of an online media store are able to
efficiently access appropriate portions of other online website
stores.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect, the invention pertains to improved
approaches to intelligently refer users of one online media store
to another online store. The inter-store referral can permit a user
of an online media store, such as an online media store that offers
digital media assets for purchase, to easily access related
information, such as event information, from another online store.
According to another aspect, the invention pertains to improved
approaches to access and present event information.
[0009] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including
as a method, system, device, or apparatus (including computer
readable medium or graphical user interface). Several embodiments
of the invention are discussed below.
[0010] As a method for informing a user of related information, one
embodiment of the invention can include at least the acts of:
receiving a request for media item information from an online media
store; determining whether there is available related information
at a partner online store that is related to the media item
information; and responding, if it is determined that there is
available related information at a partner online store, to the
request with a response that includes at least the media item
information as well as the available related information or an
indication thereto.
[0011] As a computer readable medium including executable computer
program code tangibly stored therein for responding to a request
for information regarding a digital media item, one embodiment of
the invention can include at least: computer program code for
receiving a media item information request concerning a requested
media item; computer program code for retrieving media item
information responsive to the media item information request;
computer program code for determining an attribute associated with
the requested media item; computer program code for determining
whether event information pertaining to the determined attribute is
available; computer program code for obtaining a reference to the
event information if event information is determined to be
available; and computer program code for returning the media item
information and the reference to the event information if event
information is determined to be available.
[0012] As a method for responding to a request for a digital media
item, one embodiment of the invention can include at least the acts
of: receiving a media item information request concerning a
requested media item; retrieving media item information responsive
to the media item information request; determining an artist
associated with the requested media item; determining whether
concert information pertaining to the determined artist is
available; obtaining a reference to the concert information if
concert information is determined to be available; and returning
the media item information and the reference to the concert
information if concert information is determined to be
available.
[0013] As a computing system that supports an online media store,
one embodiment of the invention can include at least: means for
processing a request for media item information; means for
determining whether there is available related information at a
partner online store that is related to the media item information;
and means for responding to the request with a response that
includes at least the media item information as well as the
available related information or an indication thereto.
[0014] As a method for presenting event information, one embodiment
of the invention can include at least the acts of: receiving an
event information request from a requestor; obtaining event
information; processing the event information based on user
interests; and providing the processed event information to the
requestor.
[0015] 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
[0016] 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:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information delivery system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a media information process
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow diagrams of a client media item
information request process according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a media item information
response process according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an inter-store referral system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an event information response
process according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary diagram of an event window
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary diagram of an event window
according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 1-7B. 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.
[0026] According to one aspect, the invention can pertain to
improved approaches to intelligently refer users of one online
media store to another online store. The inter-store referral can
permit a user of an online media store, such as an online media
store that offers digital media assets for purchase, to easily
access related information, such as event information, from another
online store.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information delivery system
100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The information
delivery system 100 has a system of networked server devices that
can provide not only requested information to client devices but
also related information that is not specifically requested. In one
implementation, the requested information is provided by an online
media store, while the related information is provided by a partner
online store.
[0028] The information delivery system 100 includes an online media
store server 102. The online media store server 102 can host an
online media store. The online media store server 102 is coupled to
a network 104. The network 104 is, for example, a data network.
More particularly, the network 104 can represent a wide area
network or a global network. For example, the network 104 can
pertain to a private network or a public network. One example of a
global public network is the Internet.
[0029] The information delivery system 100 also supports a
plurality of client devices that are able to couple to the network
104. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the client devices can be
represented by client device A 106, client device B 108 and client
device C 110. Any of the client devices can access the online media
store server 102 via the network 104. The client devices can be of
different capacity, size or form factor. For example, the client
devices can pertain to an electronic device. The electronic device
can, for example, correspond to a portable digital assistant, a
multi-function portable electronic devices, a handheld electronic
devices, a portable computing device, a stationary computing device
(e.g., desktop computer), and the like.
[0030] The information delivery system 100 also includes a partner
online store server 112 that couples to the network 104. The
partner online store server 112 can host a partner online store.
The partner online store 112 can contain information that is deemed
related to digital media assets available from the online media
store 102. Hence, when a particular one of the client devices 106,
108 or 110 makes a request for media item information from the
online media store 102, the online media store 102 can provide a
response to the particular client device. The response can not only
provide the media item information from the online media store but
also facilitate access to related information that is available
from the partner online store 112. In one implementation, the
response can include the media item information as well as a
reference to the related information available from the partner
online store 112. The reference to the partner online store 112 can
be dynamic, that is, presented only when the partner online store
112 has relevant information. As an example, the reference can be a
link, such as a hyperlink. For example, the link can be to a
webpage hosted by the partner online store server 112 that contains
the related information of interest. In another implementation, the
response can include the media item information as well as the
related information available from the partner online store
112.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a media information process 200
according to one embodiment of the invention. The media information
process 200 is, for example, performed by a information delivery
system, such as the information delivery system 100 illustrated in
FIG. 1. More particularly, the media information process 200 can be
performed by a server, such as the online media store server 102
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0032] The media information process 200 can receive 202 a request
from a requestor for media item information from an online media
store. For example, the request can be provided by a client device
to a server, namely, the online media store hosted on a media store
server, by way of a data network. The online media store provides
media information for a plurality of different media items that are
available for review or purchase on the online media store.
[0033] Next, a decision 204 can determine whether related
information is available at a partner online store. When the
decision 204 determines that related information is not available
at the partner online store, the media information process 200 can
respond 206 to the request with media item information. Here, the
response to the request for media item information is satisfied by
providing the requested media item information to the requestor. On
the other hand, when the decision 204 determines that related
information is available at the partner online store, the media
information process 200 can respond 208 to the request by providing
not only media item information but also available related
information or an indication thereto. The available related
information is information from a partner online store that is
related to the media item information or the corresponding media
item. An indication to the available related information is a
reference to the available related information. For example, the
reference can pertain to a link, such as a hyperlink. Following the
blocks 206 and 208, the media information process 200 can end.
[0034] FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow diagrams of a client media item
information request process 300 according to one embodiment of the
invention. The client media item information request process 300
can be performed by a client device, such as any of the client
devices 106-110 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0035] The client media item information request process 300 can
begin with a decision 302. The decision 302 can determine whether
online media store access is requested. When the decision 302
determines that online media store access is not being requested,
then the client media item information request process 300 is
inactive until access to the online media store is pursued. In
other words, the client media item information request process 300
can be deemed invoked when online media store access is
requested.
[0036] Once the decision 302 determines that online media store
access is requested, the client media item information request
process 300 can continue. When the client media item information
request process 300 continues, a decision 304 can determine whether
media item information is being requested. When the decision 304
determines that media item information is being requested, a
request for media item information is sent 305. For example, the
request for media item information can be sent 305 to an online
media store, such as the online media store hosted by the online
media store server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0037] Next, a decision 306 determines whether a response to the
request for media item information has been received. When the
decision 306 determines that a response to the request for media
item information has not yet been received, the client media item
information request process 300 can awaits such a response. Once
the decision 306 determines that a response has been received, a
decision 308 can determine whether in the response to the request
for media item information includes a link to event information.
When the decision 308 determines that a link to event information
is provided with the response, the media item information as well
as the link to the event information can be displayed 310. For
example, the media item information with the link to the event
information can be displayed 310 on a display associated with the
client device. As one example, the event information can be concert
information.
[0038] Next, the decision 312 can determine whether the link to the
event information has been selected. When the decision 312
determines that the link to the event information has not been
selected, a decision 314 can determine whether the client media
item information request process 300 should end. When the decision
314 determines that the client media item information request
process 300 should end, then the client media item information
request process 300 can end. Alternatively, when the decision 314
determines that the client media item information request process
300 should not end, the client media item information request
process 300 can return to repeat the decision 304 and subsequent
blocks so that additional requests for media item information can
be similarly processed.
[0039] Further, when the decision 304 determines that a media item
information request has not been received, other processing 316 can
be optionally performed. The optional other processing 316 can vary
depending upon implementation. However, examples of other
processing can include searching, browsing, previewing or
purchasing media items with respect to the online media store.
Following the block 316, the client media item information request
process 300 can proceed to the decision 314 that determines whether
the client media item information request process 300 should
end.
[0040] On the other hand, when the decision 312 determines that a
link to event information has been selected, a default browser can
be launched 320 at the client device. A request for a webpage
associated with the link to event information is sent 322.
Typically, the request for the webpage associated with the link to
event information would be sent to the partner online store server
112 that hosts the partner online store and stores the event
information.
[0041] Next, a decision 324 determines whether a response has been
received to the request for the webpage. When the decision 324
determines that a response has not yet been received, the client
media item information request process 300 can await such a
response. Alternatively, when the decision 324 determines that a
response has been received, the webpage that was requested can be
displayed 326 in the default browser. At this point, the default
browser presents a webpage containing event information to the user
of the client device. Advantageously, the user is able to interact
with the webpage containing event information to search, browse or
purchase event tickets (e.g., concert tickets) or other
memorabilia. Hence, the client media item information request
process 300 can process 328 other interactions with the webpage.
Thereafter, a decision 330 can determine whether the default
browser is to be closed. When the decision 330 determines that the
default browser is not to be closed, the client media item
information request process 300 can returned to repeat the block
328. Alternatively, when the decision 330 determines that the
default browser is to be closed, the default browser is closed 332.
Following the block 332, the client media item information request
process 300 proceeds to the decision 314 that determines whether
the client media item information request process 300 should
end.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a media item information
response process 400 according to one embodiment of the invention.
The media item information response process 400 is, for example,
performed by a server device, such as the online media store server
102 illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the media item
information response process 400 can be partly or wholly performed
at the client device.
[0043] The media item information response process 400 can begin
with a decision 402. The decision 402 can determine whether a media
item information request has been received. When the decision 402
determines that a media item information request has not been
received, the media item information response process 400 can await
such a request. Alternatively, once the decision 402 determines
that a media item information request has been received, media item
information responsive to the request can be retrieved 404. A
decision 406 can then determine whether the request is eligible for
an event link. Here, the decision 406 determines whether the
particular request for media item information is a request that is
eligible to be provided with an event link. One example of an event
link is a concert link. In other words, in this embodiment, not all
media item information requests are provided with an event
link.
[0044] When the decision 406 determines that the request is
eligible to be provided with an event link, an artists associated
with the requested media item can be determined 408. A decision 410
can then determine whether there are event tickets (e.g., concert
tickets) available for the determined artist. When the decision 410
determines that there are event tickets available for the artist, a
link to event information pertaining to the artist is obtained 412.
The event information can facilitate the review of events for the
determined artist. The event information can also facilitate
purchase (e.g., online purchase) of event tickets or other products
or services associated with the determined artist. Next, media item
information as well as the link to event information can be
returned a 414 to the requestor.
[0045] Alternatively, when the decision 406 determines that the
request is not eligible to be provided with an event link, the
media item information is returned 416 to the requestor. Here, the
request is determined not to be eligible to receive an event link;
hence, the response to the request is the return 416 of the media
item information. As such, the requestor in this situation does not
also receive a link to event information. Following the blocks 414
and 416, the media item information response process 400 can return
to repeat the decision 402 and subsequent blocks so that additional
media item information requests can be similarly processed.
[0046] In one embodiment, the event information can be provided by
a partner online store. For example, the partner online store can
pertain to the partner online store hosted by the partner online
store server 112 illustrated in FIG. 1. The artist associated with
the requested media item can be determined 408 by examining a data
feed provided by a business partner that provides the partner
online store. The business partner can be periodically provide the
data feed. Alternatively, the partner online store server 112 can
be accessed to retrieve the data feed. In one embodiment, the data
feed can include at least artist identifier, asset identifier
(e.g., atomID (iTunes.TM. identifier), AMG ID, etc.) and network
location (e.g., URL) for event information.
[0047] The event information can pertain to concert information.
For example, the event information can pertain to upcoming concerts
that are related to media items available from an online media
store. The upcoming concerts are concerts for which a partner
online store has tickets available for sale. As a particular
example, when a user of the online media store access information
and/or purchases a media item, the user can be provided with
information or a reference (e.g., link) to concert information for
which the partner online store has available tickets for sale.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an inter-store referral system
500 according to one embodiment of the invention. The inter-store
referral system 500 includes a media management application 502.
The media management application 502 operates on a client device
and serves to manage storage, purchase, search, browse and play
back of media items. Among other things, the media management
application 502 can present a media item information window 504 to
a user. The media item information window 504 can display
information regarding one or more media items. For example, the
information regarding one or more media items can include text
and/or graphics that correspond to the one or more media items. The
media item information window can also include one or more user
interface controls (e.g., links, buttons, etc.).
[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the media item
information window 504 can display an event control 506. The event
control 506 can pertain to a user interface control, such as a link
(e.g., hyperlink) or a button. Upon user selection of the event
control 506 (e.g., by way of a user input), the user can be linked
to event information that is associated with the one or more media
items for which media item information is displayed in the media
item information window 504. More particularly, the inter-store
referral system 500 operates to refer the user of the media
management application 502 to a network browser application 508
that can also operate on the client device. In response to the
selection of the event control 506, the network browser application
508 can be launched and can present an event information page 510.
The event information page 510 can contain information on one or
more events that are related to the media item information
presented in the media item information window 504. The event
information page 510 can also include a user interface control,
namely, a buy button 512, that enables the user of the network
browser application 508 to purchase event related goods or
services. For example, the buy button 512 can enable the user to
purchase tickets to an event, such as a concert. In one particular
implementation, the media item information window 504 can pertain
to a particular artist, and the event control 506 can operate to
refer the user to the event information page 510 that concerns the
same artist. As a particular example, the media item information
window 504 can pertain to the artist "U2" and the event information
page 510 can present information regarding upcoming concerts for
the artist "U2". The buy button 512 can enable the user to purchase
tickets to one or more of the upcoming concerts. However, if there
are no upcoming concerts for the artist "U2", then the event
information page 510 can instead be an artist page.
[0050] In one embodiment, content for the media item information
window 504 is provided by an online media store utilized by the
media management application 502. The event control 506 can be
presented in the media item information window 504 when relevant
event information is available from another online store (e.g., a
partner online store). Hence, in such an embodiment, the event
control 506 would not be displayed within the media item
information window 504 if the other online store does not have any
particularly relevant event information to present. In such case,
the network browser application 508 would not be launched and the
event information page 510 would thus not be presented.
[0051] According to another aspect, the invention can pertain to
accessing and presenting event information. In one embodiment, the
event information can be customized or personalized for users. The
customization or personalization can render the event information
presented to users more likely of interest.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an event information response
process 600 according to one embodiment of the invention. The event
information response process 600 is, for example, performed by a
server device, such as the online media store server 102
illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the event information
response process 600 can be partly or wholly performed at the
client device. In any case, the resulting event information is
presented to the user at the client device.
[0053] The event information response process 600 can begin with a
decision 602. The decision 602 can determine whether an event item
information request has been received. When the decision 602
determines that an event information request has not been received,
the event information response process 600 can await such a
request. Alternatively, once the decision 602 determines that an
event information request has been received, event information
responsive to the request can be obtained 604. In one example, the
event information can be stored locally in the device performing
the event information response process 600. In another example, the
event information can be stored in a network accessible manner such
that the device performing the event information response process
600 can access the event information. In one implementation, a
partner online store makes event information available to the event
information response process 600. For example, the partner online
store can pertain to the partner online store hosted by the partner
online store server 112 illustrated in FIG. 1. The business partner
or partner online store can make a data feed available that contain
the event information. Alternatively, a database of event
information can be accessed, regardless of whether the database is
local or remote.
[0054] After the event information has been obtained 604, the event
information can then be processed 606 based on the user interests.
Thereafter, the processed event information can be returned 608 to
the requestor.
[0055] Typically, the processing 606 serves to restrict the events
to a subset of the event information that is more likely to be of
interest to the user. Various techniques and criteria can be used
to determine the subset of the event information. Examples of
techniques that can be used are filtering and sorting. Examples of
criteria that can be used include: location, a user's media
library, a user's purchase history. The criteria can be used
individually or in combination. In one implement, the event
information is processed 606 to filter out those events that are
not in the user's general location. In another implementation, the
event information is processed 606 to filter out those events that
are not in the user's general location, and then further filtered
or sorted to retain or prioritize those events that are related to
media items in the user's media library. Since the events are
eventually displayed for the user, the sorting serves to order the
events so that more relevant event are displayed or displayed
first. In still another implementation, the event information is
processed 606 to filter out those events that are not in the user's
general location, and then further filtered or sorted to retain or
prioritize those events that are related to media items that the
user has previously purchased from an online media store (e.g., as
indicated by the purchase history). In another embodiment, event
information more likely of interest to a user can be determined by
a recommendation engine. The recommendation engine can be supplied
with certain criteria (such as noted above) to assist the
recommendation engine in making recommendation of those events more
likely of interest.
[0056] In one embodiment, the partner online store can make
available event information to the online media store. The event
information can, in one implementation, include at least event
name, date, venue and location for each of a plurality of events.
The event information might also include event status (e.g., active
or cancelled) and/or an indication whether tickets for such are
currently on-sale.
[0057] Using the event information, the media management
application can present information regarding events in a user's
geographical area to the user of the client device. The
geographical area (i.e., location) of the client device or its user
can be known or determined as noted above. For example, the
location can be determined automatically by the network or a GPS
receiver, can be determined manually by user input (e.g., entry of
zip code). The event information can then be filtered in view of
the user's location. For example, nearby events can be presented to
a user, while other events that are remote from the user's location
are filtered out and thus not shown. Here, location information can
be used to provide location-specific event information to a
user.
[0058] Additionally, references (e.g., links such as hyperlinks) to
the partner online store for purchase of event tickets can be
provided. Alternatively, the event information can be sorted based
on proximity to the geographical area (i.e., location) of the
client device or its user. The event information could also be
filtered or sorted based on other criteria such as event status or
availability of tickets.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, other data
(stored locally at the client device or remotely at the online
media store) can be used to present relevant event information. As
one example, the client device might store or have access to a
media library associated with a user (e.g., associated with a user
account or resident on the client device). As another example, the
client device might store or have access to purchase history data
(e.g., media item purchases) associated with the client device or
its user. In such a case, events can be identified that are related
to prior purchases. In one implementation, a user's purchase
history at an online media store can be used to identify events
that are of likely interest to the user. By using such data
pertaining to the client device or its user, a server device can
provide more relevant event information to users. As an example,
event information can be filtered, sorted or presented such that it
is related to the user by way of: location, media library, and/or
purchases.
[0060] The event information can pertain to concert information.
For example, the event information can pertain to upcoming concerts
that are related to media items available from an online media
store. The upcoming concerts are concerts for which a partner
online store has tickets available for sale. As a particular
example, when a user of the online media store access information
and/or purchases a media item, the user can be provided with
information or a reference (e.g., link) to concert information for
which the partner online store has available tickets for sale.
[0061] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary diagram of an event window
700 according to one embodiment of the invention. The event window
700 can, for example, be presented on a client device. In one
implementation, an application program, such as a media management
application, operating on the client device can operate to produce
the event window 700.
[0062] The event window 700 includes an event listing 702. In the
event listing 702 can present information regarding events in the
geographic area associated with the client device or the user of
the client device. As one example, the event listing 702 can
pertain to upcoming concerts in the geographic area is associated
with the client device or its user. In such case, the event listing
702 can provide descriptive information concerning the upcoming
concerts, such as artist, date, city and venue. In addition, the
event listing 702 can also provide information or a reference to
tickets for the upcoming concerts. In one implementation, the
reference is a hyperlink. As one example, the information regarding
tickets could indicate whether tickets are available for a
particular concert. As another example, the reference to tickets,
if provided, could operate (on selection by user) to direct the
client device to present more particular information concerning
tickets for the associated upcoming concert.
[0063] In producing the event window 700, the application program
can, in one embodiment, obtain a geographic location for the client
device or the user of the client device. The geographic location
can pertain to a preconfigured location for the client device or a
location associated with a user (e.g., via user profile).
Alternatively, network address or network resources being utilized
by the client device can be used to estimate the geographic
location for the client device or its user. As yet another
alternative, the client device can include location detection
resources (hardware or software) that enable the client device to
determine its location. As one example, the client device can
include a GPS receiver and thus directly determine its
position.
[0064] Regardless of how geographic location (or position) is
determined for the client device or its user, the event window 700
can present the event listing 702 with respect to that geographic
area. In one implementation, the event window 700 presents the
event listing 702 with respect to the preconfigured or determined
geographic location for the client device as a default. In such an
implementation, the user of the client device can be permitted to
request information on events in a different geographic area.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, the event window 700 can include a
zip code entry box 704 where a user of the client device can enter
a zip code to specify a particular geographic area of interest.
Following entry of the zip code, a submit button 706 can be
selected to request that the event window 700 by updated in
accordance with the geographic area associated with the entered zip
code.
[0065] Although the event listing 702 pertains to upcoming
concerts, it should be understood that the event listing 702, in
general, can pertain to any of a variety of one or more different
events that might be available in a particular geographic area. For
example, the upcoming events could pertain to one or more of:
sporting events, musical events, local events, city events, county
events, school events, new events, financial events, business
events, religious events, etc.
[0066] FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary diagram of an event window
750 according to another embodiment of the invention. The event
window 750 can, for example, be presented on a client device. In
one implementation, an application program, such as a media
management application, operating on the client device can operate
to produce the event window 750.
[0067] The event window 750, like the event window 700, also
presents information regarding events happening in the geographic
area associated with the client device or the user of the client
device. However, in this embodiment, the event window 750 can
further categorized the events based on other criteria. As
illustrated in FIG. 7B, the event window 750 includes a first event
listing 752, a second event listing 754, and a third event listing
756.
[0068] The first event listing 752 is a list of events that are not
only in the geographic area associated with the client device or
its user but also directly associated with interests of the user of
the client device. For example, the client device producing the
event window 750 can operate a media management application that
manages a plurality of different digital media assets (e.g., media
items) on the client device. Hence, the first event listing 752 can
list events net are directly associated with one or more of the
digital media assets provided on the client device. For example,
when the events pertain to concerts, the first event listing 752
can list those concerts that are from artists for which the media
management application manages digital media assets from one of
those artists. Again, the first event listing 752 also only
presents those concerts that are in the geographic area associated
with the client device or its user.
[0069] The second event listing 754 is a list of events that are
not only in the geographic area associated with the client device
or its user but also deemed of potential interest to the user of
the client device. For example, the second event listing 754 can
list in one or more events that are indirectly estimated to be of
interest to the user of the client device. Since the media
management application can manages a plurality of different digital
media assets on the client device, it can be determined the
characteristics of the type of digital media assets that the user
of the client device makes use of. For example, of the digital
media assets pertain to songs, by examination of the genre of the
songs, it can be estimated what type or genre of music the user of
the client device generally likes. Using such an analysis, other
concerts in the geographic area can be examined to estimate whether
they may be of interest to the user of the client device. Hence,
the second event listing 754 can list concerts in a geographic area
that the user of the client device might also like. The third event
listing 756 can include a list of upcoming concerts in the
geographic area associated with the client device or the user of
the client device. The third event listing 756 is generally similar
to the event listing 702 illustrated in figure FA. The third event
listing 756 can include our exclude those events that are listed in
the first event listing 752 and/or in the second event listing
754.
[0070] Hence, the first event listing 752 and the second event
listing 754 are able to be personalized to the user's interests.
Regardless of the particular event listings within the event window
750, the event listings are provided with respect to the geographic
area of the client device or its user. In one implementation, the
event window 750 presents the event listings with respect to the
preconfigured or determined geographic location for the client
device as a default. In such an implementation, the user of the
client device can be permitted to request information on events in
a different geographic area. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the
event window 750 can include a zip code entry box 758 where a user
of the client device can enter a zip code to specify a particular
geographic area of interest. Following entry of the zip code, a
submit button 760 can be selected to request that the event
listings in the event window 750 can be updated in accordance with
the geographic area associated with the entered zip code.
[0071] This application also references U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/865,618, filed Oct. 1, 2007, entitled "METHOD AND
SYSTEM FOR ACQUIRING AND TRACKING REDEEMABLE CODES", which is
herein incorporated by reference.
[0072] The digital media assets (i.e., digital media items) can
pertain to video items (e.g., video files or movies), audio items
(e.g., audio files or audio tracks, such as for songs (music),
podcasts or audiobooks), or image items (e.g., photos).
[0073] The various aspects, features, embodiments or
implementations of the invention described above can be used alone
or in various combinations.
[0074] The invention is preferably implemented by software,
hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The invention
can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer
readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage
device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a
computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generally
include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific
examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash
memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive,
magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer
readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled
computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and
executed in a distributed fashion.
[0075] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield
one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the
invention is that one online store can permit a user to easily
assess related information, such as event information, from another
online store. As an example, an inter-store referral can permit a
user of an online media store, such as an online media store that
offers digital media assets for purchase, to easily access related
information, such as event information, from another online store.
Another advantage of the invention is that when a media item is
purchased from one online store, event tickets associated with the
media item can be made available for purchase from another online
store. Another advantage of the invention is that a link to related
information can be dynamically presented depending on whether there
is related information to be provided to a requestor of media item
information. Still another advantage of the invention is that event
information can be accessed and presented to used in a personalized
manner.
[0076] The many features and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact
construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all
suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as
falling within the scope of the invention.
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