User interface application for managing media files

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: user interface is based on hierarchical display of different levels or categories of classifying media files and is suitable for portable digital devices having small displays. Hierarchical display of levels of media files enables a user to easily navigate between levels in search of required media files, find and display the needed media element on the display. The user interface provides a search function which can be activated and which searches based on key words based on information associated with files and media elements, and using graphic icons as a level of search results.

EFFECT: provision for user interface instructions which correspond to media element classification levels.

55 cl, 16 dwg

The technical FIELD

The present invention relates to the management of media elements, and more specifically to the application user interface for such a control, usually embedded in a digital communication device, which provides search capabilities, visual representation and access to media elements.

The LEVEL of TECHNOLOGY

The rapid growth of digital communications have made possible the transmission of different types of digital media between different types of wireless and wired communication devices. For example, a cellular or mobile phones are no longer limited to phone voice communications, and may include other means of digital communication, such as digital network (i.e. Internet connection, text messages, etc.). In addition, an increasing number of cell phones and other mobile wireless communication devices, such as portable computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other, integrated with other means of capture or production of digital media, such as digital cameras, digital recorders, digital cameras and others. Technical development of other digital devices such as digital cameras, digital video cameras, digital audio devices and other, made it possible to supply the x means of digital communication. As more and more digital devices receive the digital communication with each other, the number of digital media files that are transferred between these devices is growing at an alarming rate.

In addition, more and more digital devices are digital communication, storage of digital data in these devices is constantly growing. In the near future the majority of mobile digital communication terminal can be equipped with storage capacity of the order of gigabytes or more, which will allow these devices to store huge amounts of digital data. In such circumstances, the capacity of the memory will not prevent the storage of large quantities of large files such as video, audio, or other media.

Portable digital devices, especially handheld digital devices, such as cellular phones, PDAs, or similar, are usually limited in the size of the display. For example, the display cell phone usually has less than 200×200 pixels, a typical display sizes currently available phones are in the range of about 120×160 pixels. Displays small size cause difficulties for users who require the ability to quickly find and access media content stored in the digital device. In particular, the sky display is isogo size makes it difficult to identify the content of the media file, if you don't play the whole file or a significant part of its content. Essentially, it is often difficult to make navigating the file contents to find specific MediaElement. Most traditional applications user interface to access the files were developed for full-size display and essentially not suitable for handheld portable devices with small displays.

Problems associated with finding and accessing the media elements on portable digital devices will increase in the future, when these portable devices will have the memory capacity of the order of gigabytes. The user of such device would be difficult to find a specific MediaElement in the storage module, which allows you to store hundreds or thousands of media elements. To make it easier and more efficient to detect MediaElement among such a large volume of media elements, the user must be able to break the media elements and media files by category in accordance with various options and files, such as file types, dates of their creation, the events associated with the media files, etc.

Thus, there is a need for the development of application user interface for media suitable for portable digital devices with a small display. Treb is radiated, the application must provide the ability to effectively and efficiently produce navigation media to detect specific media elements. Essentially, the application should provide the media and the media elements so that this contributed navigation on devices with small displays. In addition, the application must contain easy to activate the search function, which will provide the user the ability to search based on the information stored in metadata associated with the media elements stored user information relating to the media elements, text within MediaElement, etc. in Addition, the application must present the search results in a user-friendly form and a good fit for use on small displays.

The INVENTION

This invention is the application user interface (UI)that provides access to media elements and media, and provides navigation and search among the media. The application user interface described in this invention, associated with a hierarchical category of media at various levels and, thus, the application is particularly well suited for portable digital devices with a small display. Hierarchical output levels of the media allows the user to easily produce n is Vigasio levels to identify the desired media file and detect and output the desired MediaElement. In addition, the application user interface described in this invention, provides easy-to-activate the search function, which allows you to search for keywords based on the information associated with the media content and media elements. As additional advantages, the application provides a visual representation of search results in user-friendly form and allows the user to rationally make navigation through the search results to locate MediaElement.

In one of the embodiments of the invention proposed the application of a user interface for providing access to media elements on the display of the digital device. The application user interface includes a means of storing data which is read by the computer, which contains the program instructions for reading by the computer. Program instructions for reading the computer that contains the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements, with each level contains a number of icons of the media elements, and the second instruction to establish a focal point on one of the classification levels of media elements, and cockatoos has a fixed position on the display and indicates one level icon view media elements, belongs to this icon.

First instructions for classification levels of media elements usually ask the representation of the levels in the form of a horizontally oriented lines. In this configuration, each of the lines will contain a number of icons of media elements displayed horizontally. In one of the embodiments of the invention the classification levels of media elements will contain the first level with the selected icon, which is the focal point of the display, and the second level, where are the icons of the second level, corresponding to the selected icon first level. In this embodiment of the invention, the first statement would include the activation of the selected icon first level for the transition from the first level to the second and the view icon MediaElement second level so that it will be installed at the point of focus.

In one of the embodiments of the invention the classification levels of media elements will contain the first level, which can contain an icon timeline icon medialab and the icon for "people". The icon of the timeline is usually associated with a second level, which contains a number of icons of media elements, which are arranged along the timeline. With this application user can move from icon timeline of the first level is on the second level and go through the icons, to select a specific MediaElement based on the time of their creation, receipt, or other method of entering the date and time of MediaElement, in accordance with which he has been placed on the timeline.

The icon medialab usually will be associated with the second level, which contains a number of icons for specific medialab. Icons for specific medialab can be defined by metadata associated with stored media elements, or can be defined by the user depending on his preferences. For example, the icon medicalbuy can be associated with a particular event, and this album will typically contain all the media elements associated with this event. Access to the media elements associated with a particular icon medicalbuy may be made through an additional level of classification of media elements.

The icon "the people" will usually be associated with the second level, which contains a number of icons for specific people. Icons for specific people will be associated with individuals or groups of people. Access to the media elements associated with a person or group of people can be done through an additional level of classification of media elements.

The second instruction will usually provide a point of focus, centered on the vertical line of the second axis of the display. In addition, the second instruction usually provides a view that is defined as the enlarged view window and can also be aligned relative to the vertical axis of the display.

For reading the computer program instructions of the application user interface can also include a third set of instructions for scrolling the icons of the media elements of the same level into the focus point. In addition, the third instruction can provide scrolling of one or more classification levels of media elements, for example, when the icon MediaElement one of the levels is scrolled into the focus point, or can provide scrolling in one direction to move one or more icons of the media elements of the same level in the point of focus and scrolling in the other direction to move the icon MediaElement another level into the focus point.

For reading the computer program instructions of the application user interface can further include instructions to activate the search window, which is displayed in connection with the control screen media elements, and how to view search results on the level of search results containing the icons of the media elements associated with search results. In addition, the results of the CIP is ka may be set a focus point, while initially the focus point can be a generic icon. A generic icon will usually be associated with information about the search results.

The invention can also be implemented in the application user interface to search for media elements in a digital device. The application user interface includes a storage medium, readable by a computer, which contains the program instructions for reading by the computer. Program instructions for reading by the computer include first instructions for creating input fields to search on the digital display device and the second instruction to generate a level of search results, which contains one or more icons, each of which is associated with the search results of media elements.

In the specific form of the invention, the input field for the search that created the first instructions may be configured in such a way as to be superimposed on the control screen media elements having one or more classification levels of media elements, each of which contains a number of icons of media elements. In addition, the input field for the search will normally be a field to enter keywords. The second instruction of the application user interface can determine the level of results of the CIP is ka as a horizontal line, contains along her icons search results. The second instructions may further comprise instructions for providing the information icon on the search results, which is located at the point of focus on the level of search results. The info icon search results are typically displayed on the initial screen of search results. In addition, the second instruction can provide instructions for creating a view window of search results that will be shown if the information icon on the search results is in the focus point. View search results may contain information records search results, for example, classified by types of media files, etc. that you can usually choose. Selection of data records on the search results usually leads to the creation of a second tier of search results, which contains a number of icons, where each icon is associated with the detailed information about the search results.

In another form of the invention, the proposed digital device. Digital device contains a processor module that executes the program instructions for reading by the computer, for accessing media content. Program instructions for reading by the computer, the content is at the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements. Each level will contain one or more icons of the media elements. Program instructions for reading a computer will also include second instructions for establishing a focal point on one of the classification levels of media elements, and the focus point will occupy on the screen in a fixed position and select one of the one or more icons on this level to represent one or more media elements associated with the icon. The digital device includes a display associated with the processor module, which displays the control screen media elements. The digital device may be a portable digital device such as a handheld digital device having a small display size. Examples of portable digital devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cameras, video cameras, sound recording and reproducing apparatus, video players, portable TVs, devices, global positioning system (GPS), wrist watches and so on. In addition, the digital device may have limited functionality display control device, such as TV, set-top box to the TV (STB), a car navigation system, on-Board computer (such as a car computer is lately), home appliances and so on. Usually the digital device according to this invention will be able to receive signals of digital communication such as email, short text messages (SMS), multimedia messages (MMS), and so on, although the digital device according to this invention does not require the capabilities of a digital connection.

The processor executes the program instructions for reading a computer, including first instructions that define the classification levels of the media elements in the form of horizontal bars, each of which contains one or more icons of the media elements. The first instructions may also include instructions for creating a first level containing the selected icon located at the point of focus, and the second level, where are the icons of the second level associated with the selected icon second level. In this embodiment of the invention the first instructions may also include instructions to activate the selected icon first level for the transition from the first level to the second and provision icon MediaElement second level to place it in point of focus.

The processor executes the program instructions for reading by the computer, which may further comprise third instructions for how scrolling icons medial the cops one level to put them in the focus point, and scroll classification levels of media elements, such as icon MediaElement one of the scrollable levels in the focus point. Third instructions can optionally provide the ability to scroll in a first direction to move the icons of the media elements of the same level into the focus point and scroll in the other direction to move the icon MediaElement another level into the focus point.

In another embodiment, the present invention proposed another digital device. Digital device contains a processor module that executes the program instructions for reading by the computer, for accessing media content. Program instructions for reading by the computer include first instructions for creating the display of the digital device input fields for search, and the second instruction to generate a level of search results containing one or more icons, where each icon relates to the search results of media elements. The digital device further comprises a display associated with the processor module, which displays the input field for the search and search results. The digital device is typically a portable digital device such as a handheld digital device having a display for small times the EPA. Examples of portable digital devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cameras, video cameras, sound recording and reproducing apparatus, video players, portable TVs, devices, global positioning system (GPS), wrist watches and so on. Usually the digital device according to this invention will be able to receive signals of digital communication such as email, short text messages (SMS), multimedia messages (MMS), and so on, although from the digital device according to this invention does not require the capabilities of a digital connection.

The program instructions of the application user interface, designed to be read by a computer, may include first instructions that define the configuration of the input field to search as overlay it on top of the control screen media elements that has one or more classification levels of media elements, where each level contains one or more icons of the media elements. The first instruction will be usually optionally set the level of search results in the form of a horizontal line, which contains icons that are associated with search results.

Program instructions for reading a computer and executed by the application user is Lyskovo interface, it may further specify the second instruction as containing instructions for providing information icon on the search results, which is located on the source screen of the search results in the focus point of the display. The focal point is a fixed area on the display, which selects the desired icon and provides additional information related to the desired icon in the enlarged view window. In this embodiment of the invention, when the information icon on the search results is in the focus point, the view window will contain detailed information about the search results, for example the classification of search results by type of media, or other lists of information related to the search results. In this embodiment of the invention the second instruction of the application user interface executed by the processor of the digital device may include instructions for selecting one of the data records on the search results to display the second level of search results, which contains one or more icons. Each of the icons on the second level of the search results may be associated with the selected information on the search results. For example, if detailed information about the search results view window contains information about the type of the x media the user can select the image files, and then the second level of search results will be limited to media elements of the selected type

Thus, the present invention offers a user interface to control media and media elements in a digital device. The application uses a hierarchical output levels or categories of media elements, allowing the user to easily navigate between levels and files, to select the desired MediaElement. The hierarchical nature of the presentation of the media content and media elements makes the application particularly suitable for portable digital devices with a small display. In addition, the application provides easy-to-activate the search function that lets you find files and media elements based on the information associated with a file or MediaElement. The results of the search are presented in a user-friendly form that allows the user to quickly and efficiently make navigation through search results to find the desired MediaElement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION of DRAWINGS

Described thus, the invention in General terms, then you should make reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily true to scale and showing the following :

On IG shows the timeline screen of the first level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows the timeline screen of the second level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows the full-screen view of the timeline, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows the screen medialab first level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows the screen medialab second level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows the screen medialab third level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

7 shows the screen medialab second level, or a screenshot of when is ogene user interface to control the media elements with the selected the selected album in the focus point and the window information about the item, located at the point of focus, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig shows the screen medialab second level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements, with the selected the selected album in the focus point and the window information about the element at the focal point, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows the screen "people" of the first level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows the screen "people" of the second level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows the screen of the "people" of the third level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig shown full-screen view "people", or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig structural diagram describing an example of the different the levels and the corresponding contents of the folders and files on all levels of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig shows the data entry screen to search for, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig shows the search result screen of the first level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig shows the search result screen of the second level, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the INVENTION

The invention will be described below more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings that show some, but not all embodiments of the invention. Of course, these embodiments of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not interpret this description as limiting the invention to the implementations listed below; rather, these embodiments of the invention are presented in order to description meet existing requirements. The same numbers indicate the same elements throughout the text.

The present invention represents an application uses the custom interface (UI) to control media elements for access, navigation and searching of media content and media elements.

The application uses a hierarchical representation of the levels or categories of media elements, allowing the user to easily navigate the levels and files to find the right MediaElement. The hierarchical nature of the presentation files and media elements together with other features of the presentation makes the application particularly suitable for portable digital devices with a small display. In addition, the application provides easy-to-activate the search function that lets you find files and media elements based on the information associated with a file or MediaElement. The invention additionally provides performance advantages of search results in a user-friendly form that allows users to easily and efficiently make navigation through search results to find the desired MediaElement.

Figure 1 shows an example of a typical user interface, or a screenshot of the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The General concept of this invention is to allow you to present the user with the media elements, such as image files, video files, audio files, t is xmovie files notes, emails, folders, albums, presentations, maps, data files, calendar entries, functions, commands, icons, minimized image and so on, in a hierarchy levels, which are referred to here by the classification levels of media elements. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the screen 10 management of media elements contains the first level of classification of media elements 20. The first level 20 is generally the most General level or upper level in the hierarchy of the user interface and is the level from which the user usually starts after activation of the application user interface. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention figure 1 is visible only the first level, however, as will be shown in the following drawings, while the screen can be seen in several levels. Typically, the screen can contain from one to about three levels. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the levels specified in the form of horizontal bars present on the screen. However, it is also possible to place the level on the display in a different way, for example, in the form of vertically oriented bars, and the modified configuration levels will also be within the present concept of the invention.

Each level on the screen is driven by the I-media elements will include one or more icons of media elements 30. In the illustrated figure 1 is a variant of the invention, the first layer 20 contains three icons of media elements 30A, 30B and 30C. Each icon is associated with one or more media elements. The first level icons are typically used as the root level for different folders management of media elements. The levels below are intended for the respective subfolders. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention the first level contains the icon timeline 30A, which provides access to the following levels, categorizes the media elements in accordance with the timeline;

the icon medialab 30V, which provides access to the following levels, categorizes the media elements in accordance with the assigned user or application the names of albums, and the icon ' people ' 30S, which provides access to the following levels, categorizes the media elements in accordance with the person associated with this MediaElement. Additional details relating to each of the illustrated examples of the icons of the first level, will be presented below.

It should be noted that the icons shown on the first level 20 in figure 1, only examples, and thus, the first level may be constructed using other icons without derogating from your presentation of the nd here the concept of the invention. In other (neprogruntovannye) variants of the invention, the first level of the classification of media elements can also contain an icon system that provides access to the following levels of the system and device-specific functions such as start, shutdown, standby, close, lock, unlock, synchronization, etc. in Addition, the first level of classification of media elements can also contain an icon file Manager, which provides access to the files in the file hierarchy.

In one of the embodiments of the invention the control screen media elements 10 will also determine the focus point 40, which occupies a fixed position on the display. The horizontal position of the point of focus can be aligned relative to the vertical axis of the display. The vertical position of the focal point may be determined by the number and position classification levels of media elements on the display. For example, the vertical position of the focal point can be aligned along the horizontal axis line of the top-level classification of media elements. In addition, the range of classification levels of media elements may have a fixed position or fixed reserved position on the display. The number and the vertical position classification levels media is a separate estimate can be determined by the type and characteristics of the display, and/or the type and structure of the hierarchy of the user interface and/or selected by the user. In addition, the vertical position of the focal point can be determined in known relationship to the height of the display. For example, a horizontal line, which determines the level of the focal point may be located at a distance of 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, or other relationship with the display's height from its bottom edge. On the other hand, the focus point can be defined only in the horizontal position, while the vertical position can be changed by moving along the axis of the display; a focus point can also be defined only in the vertical position, while the horizontal position can be changed by moving along the axis of the display.

The focus point is usually highlighted, is supplied frame or otherwise visually highlighted to give the user information about where is currently a focus point. One of the icons on one of the levels will be in the focus point. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention icon timeline 30A is in the focus point 40. The user of the application user interface can move the icons to the focus point. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention a horizontal scroll with the joystick, mouse, input from the keyboard is URS, arrow buttons, etc. will result in moving icons 30A-C in the display left or right, one of them will stand in the focus point. Hit the icon in the focus point provides access to the following levels associated with the icon, and provides information or content associated with the icon in the information window 50 focal point. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the user will have access to the following levels associated with the icon timeline 30A, and, accordingly, access to the following levels associated with icons medialab 30V or icon ' people ' 30S, if the user moves the corresponding icon in the focus point. In addition to providing access to the following levels associated with the icon, the focal point also provides information related to the icon or the media elements associated with the icon which is displayed in the information window 50 focal point. For example, in the embodiment of the invention figure 1 is an information window focus point contains the name of the icon (i.e. "time Scale"), located at the focal point 40, and a diagram similar to the icon image. On the upper levels of the application user interface, as mentioned earlier, the information window the focal point will contain MediaElement or more media elements associated with the icon in the focus point. In addition, if necessary, any function relating to the icon located at the point of focus, such as start, output, run, play, etc. that can be activated by pressing a hot key or button, or by selecting it from the menu. Similarly, the point of focus information window the focal point will typically have a fixed location on the screen, for example, will be centered relative to the vertical axis of the display. In addition, the information window of the focal point can be located near the point of focus. Information window the focal point can have a variable size and be located so as to present on the display, portable or handheld digital device as much information as possible.

In one of the embodiments of the invention the user of the application user interface can scroll icon in the focus point for access to the following levels associated with the icon. In the example in figure 1, the user can implement vertical scrolling using the joystick, mouse, keyboard input and other ways to move to a higher or lower level. Figure 2 shows an example of a screen 60 control the media elements of the second level on which the user has moved to the next level with the first level, not only at the frame in figure 1, more specifically, the user has moved from the icon in the timeline 30A at the first level 20 on the second level 70, which represents the time scale. Thus, in the figure 2 the screen of the first level is moved to the position below the second level. If the user selects the continuation of the transition to the next level, usually by scrolling preceding levels in the box below. The second level, as shown, is active or available level, because the icon on the second level is the focal point 40, and the image of the first level on the screen contains information about the background, about how to return to the previous level. The previous icon (the icon in the timeline 30A) at the first level may be placed below, near the point of focus. Position below and near the focus point may be termed continue to be the focus, because it shows the previous steps and the choices made in the UI hierarchy. Nearby points of focus at adjacent levels and depict more fully describe the history of the selection.

At the second level depicts one or more icons of media elements, such as icons of media elements 80A, 80V, 80C, 80D and 80E. Each of the icons of the media elements on the second level usually corresponds to the type of media elements or individual MediaElement, such as images, view the files, sound files, e-mail, SMS, MMS, etc. These badges will usually be on the second level and can be available for viewing on the display by horizontal scrolling. In the picture of the second level icons placed in accordance with the timeline. For example, icons to the left of the focal point 40 correspond to the media elements that predate MediaElement associated with an icon located at the point of focus, and the icons to the right of the focal point, correspond to the media elements, the next time after MediaElement associated with an icon located at the point of focus.

In the embodiment of the invention figure 2 icon 80D is in the focus point 40. Icon 80D is a reduced image of a corresponding image file. Information window 50 focal point, which is associated with the icon 80D, in this example contains the date, associated with MediaElement, Tuesday 3/2/2004 (Tuesday 02.03.2004), and an enlarged image from the corresponding image file. The adjacent Windows 52 and 54 are on the screen part of the media elements associated with icons 80C and 80E, along with an icon 80D located at the point of focus. Thus, when the user scrolls the second level to the right horizontally, and the icon of the 80'S gets to the point of focus, the information shall include the box, the focal point will be displayed MediaElement, associated with the icon 80E (i.e. the part of the text of the SMS message). If the application user UI wants to get a full-screen image corresponding MediaElement, he can carry out vertical scroll up, it will move to the next level and get a full-screen image 90 shown in figure 3. Handheld digital devices with a small display size, full-screen view of the image will typically include rotating the image 90° to better match the image size to screen size. The user can switch from full-screen image in figure 3 to the view shown in figure 2, by scrolling down and thus returning back to the second level. Further, the user can navigate from the screen shown in figure 2, to the view shown in figure 1, having additional scrolling down and clicking from the second level to the first.

Figure 4-8 shows image examples of the levels of management of the media elements associated with the folder medialab, in accordance with the variants of implementation of the present invention. For example, figure 4 illustrates the control screen media elements 10, in which access to the first level 20, and in the focus point 40 is the icon medialab 30V. The user Bud is t to pass from the screen of the first level 10 figure 4 the screen of the second level 60 figure 5, usually when scrolling, in this case, the vertical scroll bar. The second level 70 will have one or more icons that correspond to medialan. Medialogy can be specified either by the user or based on metadata associated with the media elements. For example, medialon can be tied to the event, date, subject, location or other specific user or metadata categories. In the illustrated example, there are 5 icons 100A, 100B, 100C, 100C and 100E, and the icon 100V is in the focus point 40. Horizontal scrolling line of the second level will change the icon located at the point of focus, and can provide a display additional icons on the screen of the second level. Icon 100V, which is in the focus point, associated with the information displayed in the information window 50 focal point. For example, in the embodiment of the invention figure 5 information window focus point contains the name of the album, a reduced image of a part of the media elements of this album and the number of items in the album.

If the user wants to access individual elements of the album, the user will move from the screen of the second level 60 figure 5 to the screen of the third level 110, which is depicted in Fig.6. The third level 120 will contain one or more icons corresponding to the individual media is the ways in metalbone. In the example of figure 6 shows the icons 130A, B, 130C, 130D, E and 130F, and the icon 130C is in the focus point 40. Horizontal scrolling line of the third level will change the icon located at the point of focus, and can provide a display additional icons of media elements on the screen of the third level, depending on how many medialab available on the second level. Icon 130C, which is in the focus point, is a reduced image corresponding to the image displayed in the information window 50 focal point. In addition to increased image information window the focal point may contain other relevant information such as album name and the time stamp of MediaElement. Usually the items in the album will be located on the third level in accordance with time, such as the earliest time MediaElement may initially be in the focus point, and a horizontal scroll on the third level will allow you to get an idea about the later the media elements. On the other hand, the media elements can be arranged alphabetically or according to user-selected location criteria.

If the application user UI wants to get full screen view MediaElement displayed in the information window is 50 focal point, he can scroll up by clicking on the next level. Handheld digital devices with a small display size, full-screen view of the image will typically include rotating the image 90° to better match the image size to screen size. The user can switch from full screen to the screen of the third level, is depicted in Fig.6, by scrolling down and going back to the third level. Subsequent scrolling down will allow him to move from the screen of the third level to the second screen and, finally, the first level.

7 and 8 illustrate the control screens of the media elements in the application user interface in which medialb is defined as the favorite album of the user, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. 7 illustrates a screen of the second level 60, with the icon of your favorite album 130A, which is in the focus point 40. Typically, the application user interface will be configured so that when the user moves from icon medialab 30V first level to the screen of the second level icon favorite album 130A was originally placed in the focus point. Favorite album will normally be assigned by the user and will contain those media elements that the user considers predstavlyayushie and the greatest interest, ie favorite. On the screen of the second level corresponding information window 50 focal point will contain information related to a favorite album, for example the name of the album, the number of elements included in the album and so on.

When scrolling vertically from the position of the focal point, the user will move from the screen of the second level 60, shown in Fig.7, the screen 110 of the third level, shown in Fig. The third level 120 will contain one or more icons corresponding to individual media elements in your favorite album. In illustrating example Fig shows the icons 140A, 140V, 140 C and 140D, and the icon E is in the focus point 40. Horizontal scrolling on the third level will change the icon in the focus point and will display on the screen of the third level additional icons of media elements. Icon 140A, which is in the focus point, is a smaller version of a larger image that is displayed in the information window 50 focal point. In addition to the enlarged image, the information window the focal point may contain other information such as the album name and the time stamp of MediaElement, or other information from the metadata.

Fig.9-12 contain an illustration of examples of levels of management of the media elements associated with the folder "people", in accordance with the embodiment of this is subramania. For example, figure 9 illustrates the control screen media elements 10, which contains the first level 20, and in the focus point 40 is the icon ' people ' 30S. The user will move from the screen 10 of the first level, shown in Fig.9, the screen 60 of the second level, as shown in figure 10, usually by scrolling, in particular vertical scroll bar. The second level 70 will have one or more icons that correspond to locations reserved for individuals or groups of people. Usually the user of the application user interface can select people or groups of people to include in the folder, the appropriate people or groups. In the illustrate example, figure 10 shows the icons 150A, 150V, 150C, 150D and E, and the icon 150D is in the focus point 40. Horizontal scrolling on the second level will change the icon in the focus point and may display on the screen of the second level additional icons depending on the number of folders people, available on the second level. Icon 150D, which is in the focus point, associated with the information displayed in the information window 50 focal point. For example, in the embodiment of the invention figure 10 information window focus point contains the name of the person or group, a reduced image of a portion of MediaElement in the folder, etc.

If the application user UI wants in order to teach access to individual items folder, dedicated to one person or group of people, he can move, usually with vertical scrolling, the screen 60 of the second level, as shown in figure 10, the screen 110 of the third level, which is shown figure 11. The third level 120 will contain one or more icons corresponding to various information associated with a specific person or group. In the illustrate example, figure 11 shows the icons 160A, 160V and 160S, and the icon 160A is in the focus point 40. Horizontal scrolling on the third level will change the icon in the focus point and will display on the screen of the third level additional icons that correspond to individuals or groups. Icon 160A, which is in the focus point, is a smaller version of a larger image that is displayed in the information window 50 focal point. Information window the focal point contains information related to the history of communication with a person or group. For example, to the history of communication may include the number of messages that have been sent to a person or group, analysis of messages by message type, etc.

In addition to the icon of the history of communication the third level folder "people" may contain the icon of the shared item and the icon for the shared timeline. The icon of the shared item is associated with a folder shared media elements, which the traveler contains media elements, shared by the user and this particular person. Sharing can be private (i.e. by sharing via email, MMS, etc) or open (i.e. by posting on a public server and so on). The following levels of application user interface will provide access to shared media elements. The icon for the shared timeline associated with a related person or a group of media elements, the communication which takes place according to a common time scale, such as with a shared server, accessed over public networks such as the Internet. The following levels of application user interface will provide access to a related person or a group of the media elements, the communication which takes place according to a common time scale.

Refer to 11, in particular to the icon of the history of communication 160A, which is in the focus point 40. If the application user UI wants to get more information about the history of communication, and/or the person or group, he can scroll up, the result is going to the next level, such as the one shown on the screen 170 of the fourth level on Fig. Expanded to full screen history of communication 180, depicted in Fig contains information about East the history of communication, for example, the date/time of last contact, the contact analysis/media elements by type (i.e. messages, phone calls, images, and so on) and so on. In addition, expanded to full screen history of communication may include contact and/or personal information such as address of the person, phone number, names of family members and others. The user can perform vertical scrolling full screen history of communication, to display in full screen mode for more information.

On Fig presents an example flow levels for folders in the application user interface to control the media elements in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrate example, the initial or first level contains the folder 200 timeline, folder 300 medialab and folder 400 people. It should be noted that the first application-level user interface may contain more or fewer folders or media elements, and the number of folders at the first level, usually dictated by user preferences or default settings applications manage media elements.

Folder timeline 200 will provide access to the second level, which contains the scale 210 time of media elements. Timeline of media elements contains the icons of individual media elements placed is according to the timeline. Timeline of media elements will provide access to the third level, which contains the full-screen view 220 of any of the items on the timeline of the media elements.

Folder 300 medialab will provide access to the second level, which contains separate albums 310. Individual albums will be presented in the form of icons displayed on the second level in one of the albums that are in the focus point, you will be able to access their content. Individual albums will be to provide access to the third level, which contains the items of media content 320 for each album. The media contains icons for each MediaElement included in the album. Each MediaElement album will provide access to the fourth level, which contains the full-screen view 330 of any element on the timeline of the media elements.

Folder 400 "people" will provide access to the second level, which contains the files 410 individuals or groups. Files of individuals or groups will be presented in the form of icons displayed on the second level and allows you to access the contents of files that are in the focus point. Files of individuals or groups will be to provide access to the third level, which may contain file 420 the history of communication, file 430 shared al is bomb and record 440 of the overall timeline. File 420 the history of communication will typically contain information related to the communication between the user and the individual, including the number of messages and the analysis of messages by message type. In addition, the file history of communication may contain contact or personal information associated with a specific person. Information window the focal point will be to ensure the conclusion of open communications and may be extended for additional information, such as screen 450 of the fourth level of the history of communication in full screen size. File jointly 430 used albums will provide access to the fourth level, which typically contains the shared media elements 460, which can be used by the user and the particular person together, openly or in private, or in both ways. Each individual shared MediaElement will provide access to the fifth level, which contains the full-screen view 470 shared media elements. File 440 total time scale will provide access to the fourth level, which contains a timeline 480 public media elements associated with a specific person. The timeline contains the icons of individual media elements, ordered by time scale. Time scale public media elements will provide the account access to the fifth level, which contains the full-screen view, 490 selected MediaElement.

On Fig-16 shows illustrative screen shots, or application screens of the user interface control media elements that demonstrate the search function in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. On Fig illustrates the initial screen 500 search that contains a field 510 type to search, which will typically be generated on the display by a user action, for example by pressing or alphanumeric keys. The search box may be displayed so that it overlaps the underlying one or more classification levels of media elements on the control screens of the media elements described above. Usually done by finding a particular MediaElement, such as a folder, collection, database, album, etc. on the level at which the user of the application user interface is at the moment. For example, if the user wants to restrict the search to the file of the individual, he will come to the necessary level, will scroll the specified icon file for the individual in the focus point, then activate the search function. Similarly, if the user wants to search the entire database of media elements, it must be on the base or the first choice of the level, to make scrolling a certain icon in the focus point and activate the search function.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the search box is a standard feature in keyword search, which searches for a Boolean type, although it is also possible to provide certain types of search, not limited to keyword search, without deviation from the present concept of the invention. The user enters a keyword and activates the search icon 520 activation search. Activation of the search will display the search result screen shown in Fig.

The screen 600 of the search results Fig provides a layer 610 of the search results displayed in the form of a horizontal line next to the previous level 620, the access to which the user had to activate the search function. The level of search results will contain one or more icons 630, 630 V and S, each of which is associated with the search results. In addition, the level of the search results usually contains the information icon on the search results 640, which at the time of the initial search results is usually located in the focal point 40. The information icon on the search results provides information about the search results displayed in the information window 5 focal point, when the information icon is in the focus point. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, an informational window focus point contains the search word, the total number of results found and classifying search results according to types of media elements. In the information window of the focal point can be supplemented with additional information that would normally appear in the window with vertical scroll functions.

Information about search results in an information window 50 focal point is usually chosen to match the next level, which seems to limit the search results. For example, on Fig you can scroll and select the entry "images" ("image")as the search results to only consider the image files. On Fig is an illustration of a screen 700 of search results obtained after selecting the record from the information in the information window 50 focal point. The second level 710 search results displayed near the level 610 of the initial search results. The second level of the search results will contain one or more icons A, B, 720P and 720D, each of which is associated with a particular search result for the file type selected in the information window the focal point. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the user you who iret images ("images") in the information window, focal point, in the second level of search results will be limited to image files that contain the selected term. Icon A is in the focus point 40 and is connected with an information window the focal point. Information window the focal point on this screen usually contains a magnified portion of the image file and the timestamp.

If the application user UI wants to get a full screen view of the found image file displayed in the information window 50 focal point, he can scroll up, it will go to the next level. Handheld digital devices with a small display size, full-screen view of the image will typically include rotating the image 90° to better match the image size to screen size. In addition, the search results can be saved for use next time. Usually the settings icon 640, shown in Fig and 16, provides a drop-down menu, which in the application user interface allows you to save the search results. Subsequent access to the saved search results are also typically provided from the options menu.

Thus, this invention provides a user interface for managing medialen nami and related devices and methods for providing access to media elements and media as well as to provide navigation and search media. The application user interface according to this invention is associated with a hierarchical representation with different levels or categories of media, and, thus, is well suited for use in portable digital devices with small displays. Hierarchical output levels of the media allows the user to easily navigate through the levels to find the desired media file, and find and display the desired MediaElement. In addition, the application user interface according to this invention provides easy to activate the search function, which is designed to search for keywords based on the information associated with media content and media elements. Thus, the application provides a visual representation of search results in a very user-friendly and allows the user to effectively make navigation through the search results to detect the desired MediaElement.

This invention provides a user interface, as well as related devices and methods that provide access to items such as commands or data files in that user interest is the face and providing navigation and search to find items in the user interface and the memory device. The user interface according to this invention is hierarchically different levels or categories of items, and, thus, is well suited for use in portable digital devices with small displays or devices with limited functions control the display. A hierarchical representation of the levels of the elements allows the user to easily navigate through the levels to search for a desired item and detection, display or activation of the desired item. In addition, the user interface according to this invention provides easy to activate the search function, which allows you to search for keywords based on the information associated with elements. Accordingly, the user interface provides a visual representation of search results in a very user-friendly and allows the user to effectively make navigation through the search results for the detection of the desired item.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention may be offered by a specialist familiar with the information presented in the above description and shown in the drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to a specific i.e. monitoring) reference is s, the above, and modifications and other embodiments of the invention within the framework of the attached claims. Although the description used in concrete terms, they are used only in a General and descriptive sense only and not for limitation of the invention.

1. The storage medium information contains a user interface for providing access to media elements on the digital display device, when the specified application contains program instructions for reading by a computer and containing:
first instructions for creating control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements, for each of the various categories of media elements, where each level contains one or more icons of the media elements and the classification level of the media elements of the same category of media elements includes the classification level of the media elements of the other categories;
second instructions for establishing a focal point on one of the classification levels of media elements, and the focus point has a fixed position on the screen and selects one or more icons on the specified level to represent one or more media elements associated with the icon; and
third instructions for creating, in response to the search level is the results of the search, which contains one or more icons, each of which include at least one MediaElement found in the search result, and the level of search results also includes the information icon on the search results, configured to be placed in the focus point, so choose to allow to display information about the search results that specifies the category that represents the search results, and the appropriate media elements in each category representing the search results.

2. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements set the levels as horizontal lines, each of which contains one or more icons of the media elements.

3. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements provide the first level that contains the icon of the timeline.

4. A means of storing information according to claim 3, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements provide a second level associated with the icon to the timeline that contains one or more C is accom of media elements, output in accordance with the timeline.

5. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements provide the first level that contains the icon medialab.

6. A means of storing information according to claim 5, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements provide a second level associated with the icon medialab containing one or more icons specific medialab.

7. A means of storing information according to claim 6, in which the second instructions include a second level associated with the icon medialab containing one or more icons specific medialab, and icons specific medialab are defined by the metadata associated with the media elements.

8. A means of storing information according to claim 6, in which the second instructions include a second level associated with the icon medialab, which contains one or more icons specific medialab, and icons specific medialab specified by the user preferences.

9. A means of storing information of claim 8, in which the second instructions include a second level associated with snack the m medialab, containing one or more icons specific medialab, and one of the icons of specific medialab set as the user's preferred medicalbuy.

10. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements provide the first level that contains the icon for "people".

11. A means of storing information of claim 10, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements provide a second level associated with the icon "the people" and containing one or more icons for specific people, and each icon for a specific person associated with one or more media elements related to a specific person.

12. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the second instruction to establish a focal point on one of the classification levels of media elements, where the focus point has a fixed position on the screen and selects one or more icons on the specified level to represent one or more media elements associated with the icon, set the focus point as centered relative to the vertical axis of the display.

13. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the instructions which specify the fixed position of the focal point, centered about the horizontal axis of the upper level of the media elements.

14. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the second instruction set the position of the point of focus, centered on the vertical axis of the display, centered about the horizontal axis of the upper level of classification of media elements, at the intersection of the specified vertical axis and the horizontal axis.

15. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the second instruction set the position of the point of focus, centered on the vertical axis of the display and centered about the horizontal axis of the upper level of classification of media elements, passing on the height, which is the certain height of the display, at the intersection of the specified vertical axis and the horizontal axis.

16. A means of storing information according to claim 1, comprising fourth instructions for scrolling the one or more icons of media elements inside the level to the point of focus.

17. A means of storing information according to claim 1, comprising fourth instructions for scrolling the one or more classification levels of media elements, so that the icon MediaElement one of the scrollable levels is moved to the focal point.

18. A means of storing information according to claim 1, containing also the fourth in the e.g. for scrolling in the first direction to move one or more icons of media elements inside the level to a point of focus and scrolling in a second direction to move the focus point icon MediaElement other level.

19. A means of storing information according to claim 1, comprising fourth instructions for scrolling in the first direction to move one or more icons of the media elements of the first level into the focus point and scrolling in a second direction to move the focus point icon MediaElement the second level.

20. Tool storage information interface according to claim 19, in which the second layer is moved so that it passes through the point of focus, and the first level is below next to the second level.

21. A means of storing information according to claim 20, in which the first level icon MediaElement, which had previously been in the focus point, is located below and near the point of focus.

22. A means of storing information according to claim 1, in which the second instruction to establish a focal point on one of the classification levels of media elements, where the focus point has a fixed position on the screen and selects one or more icons on the specified level to represent one or more media elements associated with this icon defines this view as magnified of the presentation window, which is centered relative to the vertical axis of the display.

23. A means of storing information according to article 22, which increased the presentation window has a fixed position aligned with the focal point.

24. Means is about storing information according to claim 1, in which the first instruction to generate a control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements, where each level contains one or more icons of the media elements that include the creation of the first level having a selected icon, located at the point of focus, and the second level, one or more icons on the second level corresponding to the selected icon on the first level.

25. A means of storing information according to paragraph 24, in which the first instructions for creating a first level and second level also contain instructions to activate the selected icon first level to scroll from the first level to the second level, so that the icon MediaElement second level will be in the focus point.

26. A means of storing information on A.25, in which the first level moves down and next to the second level.

27. A means of storing information according to claim 1, also containing a fourth instruction to activate the search box that appears in connection with the control screen media elements.

28. A means of storing information of claim 1, wherein the third instructions also provide for the establishment of a focal point at the level of the search results and select the General icon at the level of the search results to view information about the search results.

29. A means of storing information DL the search of media elements in a digital device, containing software instructions, for reading by a computer and containing:
first instructions for creating the display of the digital device input field for the search; and
second instructions for creating, in response to the search, search results, which contains one or more icons, each of which include at least one MediaElement found in the search result, and the level of search results also includes the information icon on the search results, configured to be placed in the focus point, so that the choice allows you to display information about the search results that specifies the category that represents the search results, and the appropriate media elements in each category representing the search results.

30. A means of storing information according to clause 29, in which the first instructions for creating the display of the digital device input fields for search set it as overlay on the control screen media elements having one or more classification levels of media elements, each of which contains one or more icons of the media elements.

31. A means of storing information according to clause 29, in which the first instruction set the input field for the search field, enter keywords to search for.

32. A means of storing information according to clause 29, in which the second instruction d is I the level of search results, containing one or more icons, each of which relates to the media elements found in the search result set the level of search results as a horizontal line.

33. A means of storing information according to clause 29, in which the second instruction to generate a level of search results containing one or more icons, each of which relates to the media elements found in the search result, also contain instructions for providing information icon on the search results, which in the initial search results is displayed in the focus point.

34. A means of storing information on p, in which the second instruction to provide information icon on the search results, which in the initial search results is displayed in the focus point, provide the information window about the search results displayed when the information icon on the search results is in the focus point.

35. A means of storing information according to § 34, in which the second instruction to provide an information window about the search results displayed when the information icon on the search results is a point of focus, and includes records with detailed information about the search results set record detailed information about the search results in a classification result is s search by types of media elements.

36. A means of storing information on p, in which the second instruction to provide an information window about the search results, which contains detailed information about the search results also contain instructions for selecting one of the entries with detailed information about the search results to navigate to the second level of search results, which contains one or more icons, each of which is associated with the selected information on the search results.

37. Device to access the media elements containing a processor and a memory including software instructions, the memory, and software instructions with the processor to provide performance of the device at least:
first instructions for creating control screen media elements with one or more classification levels of media elements for each of the various categories of media elements, where each level contains one or more icons of the media elements and the classification level of the media elements of the same category of media elements includes the classification level of the media elements of the other categories;
second instructions for establishing a focal point on one of the classification levels of media elements, and the focus point has a fixed position on the screen and selects one or more icons at a specified level on which I represent one or more media elements, associated with the icon; and
third instructions for creating, in response to the search, search results, which contains one or more icons, each of which include at least one MediaElement found in the search result, and the level of search results also includes the information icon on the search results, configured to be placed in the focus point, so choose to allow to display information about the search results that specifies the category that represents the search results, and the appropriate media elements in each category representing the search results.

38. The device according to clause 37, which is a portable digital device containing a display associated with the processor, which is mentioned control screen media elements.

39. The device according to § 38, in which the portable digital device is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone, a pocket PC (PDA), camera, camcorder, sound recording and reproducing apparatus, video player, portable TV, device, global positioning system (GPS), wrist watches, set-top boxes to TVs, car navigation system, on-Board computer (for example, automotive and home appliances.

40. The device according to claim 7, in which a processor that executes software instructions including the first instruction also specifies the classification levels of the media elements in the form of horizontal bars containing one or more icons of the media elements.

41. The device according to clause 37, in which a processor that executes software instructions includes fourth instructions for scrolling the one or more icons of media elements inside the level to the point of focus.

42. The device according to clause 37, in which a processor that executes software instructions includes fourth instructions for scrolling the one or more classification levels of media elements so that the icon MediaElement one of the scrollable levels is moved to the focal point.

43. The device according to clause 37, in which a processor that executes software instructions includes fourth instructions for scrolling in the first direction to move one or more icons of media elements inside the level to a point of focus and scrolling in a second direction to move the focus point icon MediaElement another level.

44. The device according to clause 37, in which a processor that executes program instructions including first instructions includes instructions for creating a first level having a selected icon, located at the point of focus, and create a second level, when the fact one or more icons of the second level associated with the selected icon first level.

45. The device according to item 44, in which a processor that executes program instructions including first instructions includes instructions to activate the selected icon first level to scroll from the first level to the second level, while the icon MediaElement second level is placed in the focus point.

46. Device to access the media elements containing a processor and a memory including software instructions, the memory, and software instructions with the processor to provide performance of the device at least:
first instructions for creating the mentioned display device of the input field for the search; and
second instructions for creating, in response to the search, search results, which contains one or more icons, each of which include at least one MediaElement found in the search result, and the level of search results also includes the information icon on the search results, configured to be placed in the focus point, so choose to allow to display information about the search results that specifies the category that represents the search results, and the appropriate media elements in each category representing the search results.

47. The device according to item 46, which is a portable digital device containing a display connected to the processor, which is the input field for the search and search results.

48. The device according to p, which is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone, a pocket PC (PDA), camera, camcorder, audio recording and reproducing device.

49. The device according to item 46, in which a processor that executes software instructions including the first instruction sets the input field to search as an overlay on the control screen media elements having one or more classification levels of media elements, where each level contains one or more icons of the media elements.

50. The device according to item 46, in which a processor that executes software instructions, including the second instruction specifies the level of search results in the form of a horizontal line.

51. The device according to item 46, in which a processor that executes software instructions, including second instructions includes instructions for providing information icon on the search results, which in the initial display of search results is displayed in the focus point.

52. The device according to § 51, in which a processor that executes software instructions, including second instructions includes instructions for providing a view window that is displayed when snookyville about the search results is in the focus point.

53. The device according to paragraph 52, in which a processor that executes software instructions, including the second instruction sets the view window containing detailed information about the search results.

54. The device according to item 53, in which a processor that executes software instructions, including the second instruction, sets records with detailed information about the search results in a classification of search results according to types of media elements.

55. The device according to item 54, in which a processor that executes software instructions, including second instructions includes instructions for selecting one of the entries with detailed information about the search results to navigate to the second level of search results, which contains one or more icons, each of which is associated with the selected information on the search results.