US009269107B2
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9.269,107 B2 Boulter et al. (45) Date of Patent: Feb. 23, 2016
(54) INTERNET RADIO AND BROADCAST (2013.01); G06N 5/02 (2013.01); G06O20/123 METHOD PERSONALIZED BY D. (2013.01); H04H 60/46 (2013.01); (71) Applicant: Pandora Media, Inc., Oakland, CA (Continued) (US) (58) Field of Classification Search (72) Inventors: Jeffrey R. Boulter, Los Angeles, CA CPC ... H04L 65/4076; H04H 60/46; H04H 60/82; (US); Todd M. Beaupre, Los Angeles, HO4H22O1/13 CA (US) See application file for complete search history. (73) Assignee: Pandora Media, Inc., Oakland, CA (56) References Cited (US) U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,410,344 A 4/1995 Graves et al. U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 5,675,743 A 10/1997 Mavity (21) Appl. No.: 14/578,015 (Continued) (22) Filed: Dec. 19, 2014 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS Prior Publication Data (65) WO WO97O2537 1, 1997 US 2015/O106451 A1 Apr. 16, 2015 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Related U.S. Application Data European Extended Search Report in EPO application 11 190849.7 (63) Continuation of application No. 14/195.434, filed on mailed Apr. 4, 2014. Mar. 3, 2014, which is a continuation of application (Continued) No. 12/765,525, filed on Apr. 22, 2010, now Pat. No. 8,700,795, which is a continuation-in-part of Primary Examiner — Jeong S Park application No. 09/709,234, filedon Nov. 9, 2000, now (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Beyer Law Group LLP Pat. No. 7,711,838. (57) ABSTRACT (60) Provisional application No. 60/164,846, filed on Nov. 10, 1999. Data streams are generally selected according to user prefer ences and transmitted to the user in general alignment with (51) Int. C. expressed preferences of the user. Such data streams may be G06F 15/16 (2006.01) music, including music videos. Users may indicate their gen G06O 30/06 (2012.01) eral or specific preferences with regards to song, artists, or (Continued) albums. Any other aspects or factors that might affect the (52) U.S. C. user's preferences can be taken into account. A playlist is CPC ...... G06O 30/0641 (2013.01); G06F 3/0482 created that combines all of these factors. The playlist then (2013.01); G06F 3/04817 (2013.01); G06F serves as the basis for feeding the data streams to the user. 3/04842 (2013.01); G06F 3/04847 (2013.01); Each user is able to express his or her own preferences and G06F 17/2235 (2013.01); G06F 17/30053 receive music corresponding to those preferences on an on (2013.01); G06F 17/30752 (2013.01); G06F going basis. 17/30761 (2013.01); G06F 17/30772 (2013.01); G06F 17/30867 (2013.01); G06F 17/30902 28 Claims, 37 Drawing Sheets
20s 220 222 Sasa (9 al () - a t-O - (- OLAUNCHastco ?ix HOME a TCH is STEN INTERACT READ a No MYLAUNCH music that listens to you" 223 Personalizing LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATIONSTATIONSRATEMUSICFEEDBACK HELP cussian)|224 asjordan's STATION Who's Listening aver 228 LAY YOUR STATION FANS HitsMarc Ad 227 Meries Fadel Tears. For Fear E.minature cosa Corlettes 688 Moder Rock 228 Crazy Seal 1930's an as minature Ad coo34 Invisible Sun i The Police 210|S" JE Woidsong & AD 6) Rotten Applei Alice in Chains LAUNCHast Ad PLAY > KrawMasons 230 232 234 - PLAY () Aquiminii Outkast
LAUNCHcast Top 10 Movember 8 RATINs TITLE ARTIST Statis 1 Intergaletic The Beasty Boys Moods 3: 1 special Garbage US 9.269,107 B2 Page 2
(51) Int. Cl. (56) References Cited G06F 7/30 (2006.01) U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS H04H 60/46 (2008.01) M H04H 60/66 (2008.01) 5,734,720 A 3/1998 Salaganicoff 5,931.901 A 8, 1999 Wolfe et al. H4N2L/443 (2011.01) 5,963,916 A 10/1999 Kaplan H4N2L/45 (2011.01) 6,088,455 A 7/2000 Logan et al. 6,118,450 A 9, 2000 Proehlet al. H4N2L/454 (2011.01) 6, 192,340 B1 2/2001 Abecassis H4N2L/466 (2011.01) 6,226,672 B1* 5/2001 DeMartin ...... GO9B 7,04 369/30.08 H4N2L/475 (2011.01) 6,248,946 B1 6/2001 Dwek H4N2L/482 (2011.01) 6,314,094 B1 1 1/2001 Boys 6,370,513 B1 4/2002 Kolawa H4N2L/6 (2011.01) 6,434,621 B1* 8/2002 Pezzillo ...... HO4N 7/17318 H4N2L/8 (2011.01) 348/E7.071 6,438,579 B1* 8/2002 Hosken ...... GO6F 17,30867 G06N 5/02 (2006.01) 707,999.OO2 H04L 29/08 (2006.01) 6,498,955 B1* 12/2002 McCarthy ...... GOSB 13,0265 TOOf1 G06F 3/0482 (2013.01) 6,546.421 B1 * 4/2003 Wynblatt ...... GO6F 17,30867 G06F 3/0484 (2013.01) 707/E17.109 6,581,103 B1* 6/2003 Dengler ...... HO4L 29/06 G06F 3/048. I (2013.01) TO7 (999-001 G06F 7/22 (2006.01) 6,587,127 B1 * 7/2003 Leeke ...... G06Q 20/123 71.5/733 G06O20/12 (2012.01) 6,662,231 B1 12/2003 Drosset et al. HO4H 6O/82 (2008.01) 7,711,838 B1* 5/2010 Boulter ...... GO6F 17,30761 TO9,231 HO4L 29/06 (2006.01) 8,700,795 B2 * 4/2014 Boulter ...... GO6F 17,30761 TO9,231 HO4H2O/82 (2008.01) 2008/0285.552 A1 11/2008 Abdulla et al. HO4H 60/06 (2008.01) 2015/0106727 A1 4/2015 Boulter et al. HO4N 2 1/462 (2011.01) OTHER PUBLICATIONS (52) U.S. Cl. Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/578,047, dated Mar. 12, 2015. CPC ...... H04H 60/66 (2013.01); H04L 65/4084 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/577,957, dated Mar. 6, 2015. (2013.01); H04L 67/02 (2013.01), H04L 67/10 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14578.057, dated Mar. 4, 2015. (2013.0).(2013.01), H0416722(2013-0). H04N2 1/443 (2013.01). H04L H04N6742 officeESSENEENESS Action in Us Apl. No. 14/577974, datedMar. 17, 2015. 21/454 (2013.01); H04N 2 1/4532 (2013.01); Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/195.434, dated Jun. 25, 2015. H04N 2 1/4668 (2013.01); H04N21/4756 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/578,041, dated Jul. 31, 2015. (2013.01); H04N21/.4825 (2013.01); H04N Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/578,047, dated Jul. 28, 2015. Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/578,076, dated Jul. 15, 2015. 2L/62in NS, Hety2.8E%. Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/578,076, dated Jul. 23, 2015. ( .01): Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/577,957, dated Jul. 15, 2015. (2013.01). H04H 60/06 (2013.01). H04H 60/82 Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 14/578.057, dated Jul 15, 2015. (2013.01); H04L 65/4076 (2013.01); H04N 21/4622 (2013.01) * cited by examiner U.S. Patent US 9.269,107 B2
Diff
U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 2 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
s,uepJOISe CATEDCETHSOORTÕTSIEDOTICED
U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 5 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
205
S20 V 69 al Q -Dari Q - (- HitsMancN FANS 8 Memories Fade / Tears For Fear HitsMan Corlette1i.e : G Corlette 1 (W) Genre Crazy | Seal Modern Rock 1980's minature (W) Invisible Sun / The Police Voidsong & Rotten Apple? Alice in Chains KravMason (W) Aquiminil Outkast STATION MANAGER
Y LAUNCHcast Top 10 November 8 CD CC D RATING TITLE ARTIST Z Genres 1 Intergalctic CC The Beasty Boys s Stations 1 Special Garbage 2 3 Out Of My Head Fastball O MOOd's H 4. Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana < H Options EE CO Share O 6 Elderly Woman Behind The Counter.... Pearl Jam 7 Daughter Pearl Jam 8 Sweetest Thing U2 9 Been Caught Stealing Jane's Addiction 10 Where The Streets Have No Name U2
LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP
FIG. 3 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 6 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
06O…)
ZZZ
DDDDDDDDDDD OZZ 0||#7 SEEVNWWNOIIVIS][Ang][SØNOSINEOE, ?Se9HONOVIDI U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 7 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
220
Terrapin Station {a} asjordan's LAUNCHCast Station Terrapin Station {a} 530 Grateful Dead 525 The Arista YearS (1996(
520
510 512 HitsMan COrlette1 minature Average Rating 60 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 8 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
220
Terrapin Station {a} asjordan's LAUNCHCast Station Terrapin Station {a} Grateful Dead The Arista Years (1996) ODI b) IX I ()DDDDDDDDDD You have not rated this album RATE IT
FANS HitsMan COrlette 1 minature Average Rating 60
RECENT SONGS STATION MANAGER () LAUNCH.Cast
F.G. 6 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 9 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
Mama Said Knock You Out X asjordan's LAUNCHCast Station 5\lama Said KnOCk You Out LL COOl J 710 All World (1996)
FANS Angie5 COrlette 1
Average Rating 60
RECENT SONGS STATION MANAGER
AD "" LAUNCH.Cast
FIG. 7 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 10 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
Pretty Good Year? Tori Amo. asjordan's LAUNCHCast Station y Pretty Good Year TOri AmOS Under the Pink (1994) 805 O Why this song was played You rated this artist
FANS Samatha COrlette 1
Average Rating 53
RECENT SONGS STATION MANAGER AD "" LAUNCH.Cast
FIG. 8 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 11 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
LAUNCHcast - Microsoft. X asjordan's LAUNCHCast Station Updating
OO }} X ()DDDDDDDDDD RATE IT
RECENT SONGS STATION MANAGER (a LAUNCH.Cast FIG. 9 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 12 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
205 Y20 N 69 al Q -Dari Q - (- LAUNCH ARTISTSEARCH IGO) aa. DiscOver New Music November 8, 1999 HOME o WATCH o LISTEN o INTERACT o READ o WIN o MYLAUNCH
music that listens to you" LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP asjordan's STATION Who's Listening NOW PLAYING there are 22 members listening She Has Funny Cars Jefferson Airplane badluckroy QP AC 2400 Fulton Street Mama Said KnOCKYOU Out I LL COOJ PLAY YOUR STATION jnaut QP LAUNCHCast Guilty Gravity Kills O she Has Funny Cars O, Januare a techno girl (WP Ad Cant BackDown Toad The Wet Sprocket Msinformation(WP Creep Radiohead p Ad Kin Rock richard99 Q We Will ROCKYOUI Queen MORE RESULTS PLAY (D) STATION MANAGER
5.SDJs Ratings f;(ARPI I 2 o 1 Intergalctic The Beasty Boys S Genres E 2 E 1 Special Garbage O Stations S 3 Out Of My Head Fastball Mood's 3 4 Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana Y FIG. 10 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 13 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2
S20 N 69 al Q - X - i. Q - his The Prodigy Experience Bad Businessman | Squirrel Nut Zippers PLAY YOUR STATION LAUNCHCast Every Morning ) Goldleader & Sugar Ray (Rock) Wonderwal / Oasis 14:59 (1999
Recommended by fans of jnaut () The Beatles y RATE IT S Time After Time? Cindi Lauper badluckboyg Ad Modern Rock Something So Right? Annie Lennox 1980's U M RECENTSGS STATIONRAMACER OrDahl (W) SA Brothers Rag-Wynton Marsalis PLAY Gd) Seplet? Wynton Marsalis STATION MANAGER E Y LAUNCHcast Top 10 November 8 CD D J S CC RATING TITLE ARTIST 2 Genres CC 1 Intergalctic The Beasty Boys s Stations 1 Special Garbage 2. 3 Out Of My Head Fastball O MOOds C H 4. Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana LAUNCHCast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AOOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help (GM) FIG. 11 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 17 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 asjordan's LAUNCHcast Station Page Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Bookmarks Tools Help Y20 V 69 al Q - a -i- Q ?t ?' ARTISTSEARCH 4th ANICH Vy November 8, 1999 HOME o WATCH o LISTEN o INTERACT o READ o WIN o MYLAUNCH Music that listens to you LAUNCHCast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP asjordan's Highest-rated Songs Now Showing #1-10 Title Artist Watermark Enya Wooden Ships Jefferson Airplane Today Jefferson Airplane Somebody To Love Jefferson Airplane She Has Funny Cars Jefferson Airplane Embryonic Journey Jefferson Airplane Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd It's The End Of The World ASWe R.E.M Know it (And I Feel Fine) So Central Rain (I'm Sorry) R.E.M. Losing My Religion R.E.M. LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP SOOnSOrs AbOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help (GM) w FIG. 15 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 18 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH DisCOver New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Bookmarks Tools Help LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP You can improve your station by liking other DJs that share your music tastes and SupSCribing to them by using the checkboxes below. This will allow those members to influence your station with their ratings of artists, albums, and songs that you haven't rated. Featured DJs Station Picked By LAUNCH Toad The Wet The Meters, R.E.M. Radiohead, Sprocket, Garbage, Commadors, Grant Sinead O'Connor, Counting CrOWS, Ne Green, Frank The Werve Radical, more Sinatra, more Pipe, more asjordan's DJs DJSYOU Have SubSCribed TO Member Name G Online n = Subscribed Use the SubSCribe buttons to SubSCribe to Other DJs Stations Popular DJs DJs With The MOSt SubSCriberSTOTheir LAUNCHCast Station Member Name Q Online n/ = Subscribed HitsMan Q D PLAY Gd) 180 SubSCribers Toad The Wet Sprocket, Garbage, COunting CrOWS, New Radical, Colony (ROCk), more boulter D 145 SubSCriberS Pet Shop Boys, Sting, Sarah McLaughlan, Ben Folds Five, Garbage, more gmoney411 Q 119 SubScribers 311, Dave Matthews Band, UB40, Kid Rock, Red Hot Chili Peppers, more ratcage2 109 SubSCriberS U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 19 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH Discover New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Bookmarks Tools Help |Yap V 69 QQ Ya Yi asjordan's DJs DJs YOU Have Subscribed TO Member Name GP Online R7 = Subscribed Use the SubSCribe buttons to SubSCribe to Other DJs stations Popular DJs DJs WithThe Most SubSCriberSTOTheir LAUNCHCast Station Member Name Q Online R7 = SubSCribed HitsMan Q 180 SubSCriberS Toad The Wet Sprocket, Garbage, Counting Crows, New Radical, Colony (Rock), more bOulter 145 SubSCriberS Pet Shop Boys, Sting, Sarah McLaughlan, Ben Folds Five, Garbage, more gmoney411 Q D 119 SubSCriberS 311, Dave Matthews Band, UB40, Kid Rock, Red Hot Chili Peppers, more ratcage2 109 SubSCriberS U2. Dave Matthew Band, Lemonheads, R.E.M., Santana, mOre launchthis 99 SubSCriberS Rush. The Verve Pipe, The Police. The Smiths, U2, more DJ SEARCH Find a DJ named Go LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AbOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help GM FIG. 17 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 20 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH DisCOver New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Tools Help Y2N 69 al Q. al-Hi-Q - i. BOOKmarks LAUINVU.S. LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP By Selecting the local stations you like to listento, LAUNCHCast can perSonalize yOur music by playing more of whats ordinarily played on those stations. Click on a radio stations call letters to see what they are currently playing Check the radio stations around zip To add more radio Stations, enter a code 90293 that you like and press Zip Code to find stations in that area the 'Save' button when you're done. LOS ANGELES (U.S. Only) KACD 103.1 Find Radio Stations SES 104.3 (City - Zip Code LOOkup) KISS 100.3 KIIS 103.7 KIKF KICK FM KJLH Rhythm 102.3 KKBT 92.3 The Beat KLOS 95.5 KLYYY107 KOST 103.5 KPWR 105.9 KROQ 108.7 KSCA 101.9 KYSR Star 98.7 KZLA 93.9 SAN BERNADINO-RIVER KCAL 96 Rock KCAL FM KCXX 103.9 KFRGK-Frog KGG|99 ONE FIG. 18 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 21 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH Discover New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Tools Help S20 N 69 al Q - a - E - Q - (- LOS ANGELES KACD 103.1 Find Radio Stations D SS 104.3 (City - Zip COde LOOkup) KISS 100.3 KIIS 103.7 KIKF KICKFM KJLH Rhythm 102.3 KKBT 92.3 The Beat KLOS 95.5 KLYYY107 KOST 103.5 KPWR 105.9 KROQ 108.7 KSCA 101.9 KYSR Star 98.7 KZLA 93.9 SAN BERNADINO-RIVER KCAL 96 Rock KCAL FM KCXX 103.9 KFRGK-Frog KGG|99 ONE Save LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AbOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help Ge. FIG. 19 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 22 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH DisCOver New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Tools Help Y20 V 69 al Q a E. Q - (-) LAU NCH ARTISTSEARCH (GO) DiscOver New Music November 8, 1999 HOME o WATCH o LISTEN o INTERACT o READ o WIN o MYLAUNCH LAUNCHCast LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP What type of Internet Connection do you have? AUDIO CONNECTION TYPE QUALITY 64 kb/s O Office Or School LAN, Cable modem, DSL ISDN Stere0 32 kb/s O 56K modem Stereo 16 kb/s O 28.8 Or 33.6 mOdem Mono How much new music would you like to discover? O Want to disCOVer a lot of music O O O Wantamix of music Verated highly and music haven'trated O O O want to listen to mostly music I've rated FIG. 20 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 23 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH DisCOver New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Tools Help Y20 V 69 a Q a E. Q is CONNECTION TYPE QPR O Office Or School LAN, Cable modem, DSL ISDN 64Stereo kbis O 56K modem S. O 28.8 Or 33.6 modem ass How much new music would you like to discover? O Want to disCOver a lot of music O O G) wantamix of music I've rated highly and music haven'trated O O O want to listen to mostly music I've rated Do you want to hear music with explicit lyrics? DYes, play music that COntains explicitlyrics LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AbOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help (GM) O v FIG 21 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 24 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH DiscOver New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View GO Tools Help YZ2 \ 69 al Q - x -i- Q the LAU NCH ARTISTSEARCH G) 4tha Discover New Music November 8, 1999 HOME o WATCH o LISTEN o INTERACT o READ o WIN o MYLAUNCH LAUNCHCast LAUNCHcast STATION MANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP MOOdsallow you to Create 'Sub-Stations" of yOur LAUNCHcast Station. These moods can have SOme Oral Of the radio Stations, genres, and DJs you've Selected to perSonalize yOur Station, My moods (You have not Created any moods yet) CREATEAMOOD LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AOOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help Ga W FIG. 22 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 25 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH Discover New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View GO Tools Help Y9 V 62 al () v. My Ei LAU NCH ARTISTSEARCH GO DiscOVer New Music November 8, 1999 HOME o WATCH o LISTEN o INTERACT o READ o WIN o MYLAUNCH LAUNCHCast LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP MOOd Name Choose a name for thismOOdlike"MeNow", "Friday Afternoon", or "Jazz and Blues". Regular Mood Genres Select which Genre you want to hear music from in thismOOd. LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AbOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help GM F.G. 23 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 26 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH Discover New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Tools Help Y20 V (9 al Q a E. Q - 9 LAUNCHCast LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP Tell the personalized DJ Which kinds of music you usually listen to and that information will be used to play Similar music On your personalized LAUNCHcast station. POP/ROCK REGGAE Generation Pop-Rock General reggae Mainstream ROCK Roots Modern ROCk Dub Heavy Metal Ragga-Dancehall Classic ROCK Ska Industrial Rock WORLD Progressive Rock General WOrld Gothic Rock Celtic Psychedelic Rock African Indie Rock Middle Eastern Adult Contemporary Top 40 Carribean Surf SOUth Pacific Hardcore-Punk Asian BLUES New Age General Blues General new age Modern Blues FOLK Classic Blues O General folk JAZZ Modem Generation JaZZ Traditional Mainstream Jazz GOSPEL Smooth Jazz O General gospel Fusion Contemporary Christian Big Band SINGER-SONGWRITERS Swing General singer-songwriters Latin JaZZ ORIGINAL CAST RECORDER LOunge General original cast recording FIG. 24 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 27 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH DisCOver New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Tools Help YZ2 \ 69 al Q - a -i- O - (- DLOunge COMEDY SPOKEN WORD Adult Jazz General Comedy-spokenword COUNTRY General Country CHILDREN'S Traditional COuntry D General children's Modern Country CHRISTMAS O Alt Country General Christmas D Bluegrass EASYLISTENING OCajun O General easy listening URBAN GENERAL General urban General general O Rap INSTRUMENTAL Hip-Hop General instrumental Traditional R&B SOUND EFFECTS SOUNDTRACKS O General sound effects General Soundtracks Original SCOres Pop Soundtracks ELECTRONIC DANCE General electronic dance Ambient House And Garage Techno Drums N Bass TripHop LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AOOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help (GM) FIG. 25 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 28 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH Discover New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Tools Help Y20 N 69 a G) - X - i. Q - (- LAUNCHCast LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP asjord al 's asjordan's station LAUNCHCast station Q PLAY Gd) asjordan'has rated 86 songs, 59 artists, and 31 albums level enthusiast 1 member has listened to asjordan's station asjordan is Currently listening to Doll Parts. (acoustic version) Hole Ask For it (EP) asjordan's Highest Rated Songs Title Artist Rating Watermark Enya 100 Wooden Ships Jefferson Airplane 100 Today Jefferson Airplane 100 Somebody To Love Jefferson Airplane 100 She Has Funny Cars Jefferson Airplane 100 Embryonic Journey Jefferson Airplane 100 Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd 1OO It's The End Of The World As We Know it (And I Feel Fine) R.E.M. 100 So Central Rain (I'm Sorry) R.E.M. 100 Losing My Religion R.E.M. 100 asjordan's DJs asjordan's Subscribers asjordan's Radio-Stations (None) (None) (None) (edit) Total: 0 (edit) FIG. 26 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 29 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 LAUNCH Discover New Music Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View GO Tools Help Y20 V 69 al Q - a -i- O - (- asjordan is Currently listening to Doll Parts. (acoustic version) Hole Ask For it (EP) asjordan's Highest Rated Songs Title Artist Rating Watermark Enya 100 Wooden Ships Jefferson Airplane 100 Today Jefferson Airplane 100 Somebody To Love Jefferson Airplane 100 She Has Funny Cars Jefferson Airplane 100 Embryonic Journey Jefferson Airplane 100 Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd 100 It's The End Of The World As We Know it (And I Feel Fine) R.E.M. 100 So Central Rain (I'm Sorry) R.E.M. 100 LOsing My Religion R.E.M. 100 asjordan's DJs asjordan's Subscribers asjordan's Radio-Stations (None) (None) (None) (edit) Total: 0 (edit) DJ SEARCH Find a DJ named Go LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors About Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help Ge. FIG. 27 U.S. Patent US 9.269,107 B2 ise0HONmwiDj U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 31 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 ?SBOHONNWT dTEHMOWGOREJOISNINBIWHSNOIIVISNOIIVISÁNH3OWNWWNOIIVIS1880HONñWT |96euaay U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 32 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 5)NOSILNEHOE, U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 33 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 asjordan's LAUNCHcast Station Page Microsoft Internet Explorer File Edit View Go Bookmarks Tools Help Y20 V 69 al Q - Da - E - Q - (- LAU NCH ARTISTSEARCH GO) Discover New Music November 8, 1999 f HOME o WATCH o LISTEN o INTERACT o READ o WIN o MYLAUNCH LAUNCHCast LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION STATIONS RATE MUSIC FEEDBACK HELP Monday, November 8, 1999 Compiled daily from all LAUNCHcast stations TW = THIS WEK LW = ASTWEEK NET PLAYS = number of plays over 14 day period NET TW LW TITLE BIGGEST MOVE ARTIST is RATE IT 1 31 Intergalactic Beastie Boys 73 (GEO) 1 2 Special Garbage 73 (EO.) 3 1 Out Of My Head Fastball 71 4 3 Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana (Punk) 70 E33 5 7 Song 2 Blur 67 6 6 Elderly Woman Behind The Counter. Pearl Jam 66 6 4 Daughter Pearl Jam 66 8 9 Sweetest Thing - (The Single Mix) U2 65 9 5 Been Caught Stealing Jane's Addiction 64 10 36 Where the Streets Have No Name U2 62 GEO ...) NEXTX LAUNCHcast STATIONMANAGER MySTATION DJs TOP 100 FEEDBACK HELP Sponsors AbOut Launch Launch On CD-ROM Feedback Help FIG. 31 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 34 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 Audio Video' window expansion (Contains basic player functionality) (displays video when in video mode) "When video is off in a community channel. chat takes up entire right pane" Users WindoW Chat window expansion (v2.5) (who's listening to this) (type and view chat) FIG. 32 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 35. Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 Old Rating Text The Best Great like that It'S OK Not mything Pretty Bad Hate it FIG. 33 U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 36 of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 Album Artist Neither Weight Matrix Exists Exists Exists Album->song ratin 9 30 0 O Artist->song rating 0 20 O MyDJs avgrating 15 15 .220 O BDS Playlist->song rating 15 15 .220 O Venue->artist->song rating 05 .05 .05O5 NetP recommendation rating 101 O Community average rating .05O5 Last Played 2 O Total 1.0 .09 .08 Album- Artist MyDJs BDS Community Last >Song >Song Avg DiZZ Knee Land Building A O |O 569 1612 562 Mystery 75 o (55.1) U.S. Patent Feb. 23, 2016 Sheet 37 Of 37 US 9.269,107 B2 FIG. 35 Weight matrix: Album- Artist- MyDJs BDS Community Last E"Land lo o 0.20 020 005 |005 |005 020 Eystery 103 o 0.15 O15 005 |005 |005 |o 25 Army o 0.2 0.15 0.15 005 |005 |005 |0.25 FIG. 36 Score matrix: Album- Artist- MyDJs BDS Community Last DiZZ Knee 13.68 2.85 3.06 11.24 Land MysteryBuilding A 22.5 8.63 5 3.26 2.76 5.78 Army O 130 1849 s 237 264 |250 FIG. 37 US 9,269,107 B2 1. 2 INTERNET RADIO AND BROADCAST system and method. The present invention provides means by METHOD PERSONALIZED BY D. which users may individually rate or indicate music, music Videos, or other recorded media that they enjoy hearing from CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED a vast musical or other database. Additionally, Such users may APPLICATIONS also indicate the exclusion of music/media that is to their This application is a Continuation of prior, U.S. application distaste. In so doing, the user interaction is limited to that Ser. No. 14/195,434, filed on Mar. 3, 2014, which is a con decision-making role that is necessary for the user to establish tinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/765,525, now his or her preferences. The Internet radio of the present inven U.S. Pat. No. 8,700,795, filed Apr. 22, 2010, which is a tion and its method take care of the rest, providing the end Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/709,234, 10 user a media or radio channel tailored to his or her own filed Nov. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,711,838, which claims musical tastes. In this way, the present invention can be said to the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/164, “microcast' or “narrowcast the content of personalized 846 filed Nov. 10, 1999, the contents of each of which are Songlists to individual listening stations or users. As the incorporated herein by reference. 15 broadcast uses Internet protocol, each data packet of each BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION data stream has its own individual address, namely, the end user's data stream player. As the present invention is scalable, 1. Field of the Invention thousands, eventens or hundreds of thousands of listeners can This invention relates to Internet media data streams and be handled by the present invention. With the advance of the like, and more particularly to a copyright-compliant data-transmission technology, tens or hundreds of millions of audio/video/radio broadcast system over the Internet where users may be served by, or given access to, a system incorpo each individual user is able to set his or her preferences rating the present invention, including the delivery of user regarding works played so as to influence the frequency Such preferred data streams by wireless communication links. works are broadcast to the user. 2. Description of the Related Art Mention is made herein of the present invention with The rise of the Internet has provided many different chan 25 respect to music broadcast to provide a personalized Internet, nels through which media can be presented to users. RealNet or data stream, radio. Note should be taken that use of the term works RealMedia, Apple QuickTime, and Windows Media “radio” “music, and the like includes any recorded datas all provide players through which live or previously-recorded tream content, including music videos and the like. data streams can be displayed, played hack, or broadcast to At the core of the present invention is the playlist generator. the individual user. Both audio and video are generally avail 30 It is the generated Songlist that is associated with the user's able through these programs and provide a higher and more account and indicates to the system which song is to be played attractive degree of interactivity with the Internet. next. Once a song has been selected, it is then streamed as data Regular radio broadcasts arc based upon a central indi out to the individual’s computer (uniquely identified by Inter vidual or station broadcasting Songs, or other audio informa tion, electromagnetically. Different radio stations are sepa 35 net protocol). As the central server of the system can handle a rated by their different carrier frequencies. Amplitude large number of users at any one time, it becomes possible to modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) provide serve each user with his or her own individual data stream. In two means by which radio broadcast can be effected by a this case, the data stream comprises audio and/or video infor transmitter to a receiver. If an individual wants to affect the mation and serves to establish a situation similar to each user Songs that are played by the radio station, he or she may write, 40 having his or her own individual radio station that he or she call, fax, e-mail, or otherwise transmit their preferences to the programs. The list can be created in advance and stored, or radio station. generated, in real time when needed. Collaborative filtering However, one person’s preferred music may not be as techniques may be used in constructing the playlist. appreciated by another individual. Music can be very per Other applications for the present method may also exist Sonal, often affecting a person at an emotional level. When the 45 when similar circumstances are present where a large data radio station broadcasts a song or other audio signal, all base of information is available that is subject to individual receivers tuned to the carrier frequency pick up the broadcast preferences. In a broad sense, the present invention provides and either enjoy or Suffer the broadcast equally. means by which individual Subsets of an all-encompassing It would be much more advantageous to allow each indi data space may be defined, modified, and preserved, Subject vidual to influence their own set of Song playlists. Currently, 50 to a variety of influences and allowing some serendipitous, or this is not achievable by wireless broadcast means. However, random, events to occur. unique data stream addressing available through Internet data processing might provide means by which an Internet radio OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION could be advantageously affected. Other Internet broadcast ing processes are known, but generally follow the known 55 It is an object of the present invention to provide individu radio station format of broadcasting a single song, or data alized data stream programming according to an individuals stream, to all users tuned to the station or channel. In compli preference. ance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), Such a radio would have to comply with statutory regulations It is yet another object of the present invention to provide regarding the broadcast of songs and would generally have to 60 an Internet-based radio or music playing system that is biased avoid the role of an “on-demand” system, as this might be in according to each user's preferences. violation of statutory regulation. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a means by which song playlists may be generated for Such an SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Internet radio. 65 It is an object of the present invention to provide copyright The present invention provides a copyright-compliant, compliant media streams for Internet and other networked broad-based, individually-tailored Internet media broadcast systems broadcast US 9,269,107 B2 3 4 These and other objects and advantages of the present FIG. 23 shows the data window displayed when a mood is invention will be apparent from a review of the following to be created by selecting the “Create a Mood' link shown in specification and accompanying drawings. FIG. 22 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 24 and 25 show the data window display when the “Genres’ hyperlink of FIG. 14 is selected in accordance with FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the system architecture used an embodiment of the present invention. to achieve one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 26 and 27 show the data window displayed when the FIG. 1B is a screen shot showing a computer desktop with “MySTATION’ link is selected as show at the top of FIG. 26 the audio player and user homepage in accordance with an 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 28-30 show the present invention window displays FIG. 1C is a screen shot showing a computer desktop with as background to a “whisper” or instant messaging, function the video player and user homepage in accordance with an enabling users to send messages to one another across the embodiment of the present invention. LAUNCHcast system in accordance with an embodiment of FIG. 2 shows an initial desktop with two browser windows 15 the present invention. arising from an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.31 shows an initial data window display upon select FIG. 3 is a continuation of a larger window in FIG. 2 in ing the “TOP 100” link shown above and below the list of accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. songs in FIG. 31 in accordance with an embodiment of the FIG. 4 shows the smaller player window and the larger data present invention. window used in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 shows an expandable window for video display FIG. 5 is the smaller player window of FIGS. 2-4 with the and chat in accordance with an embodiment of the present artist highlighted. invention. FIG. 6 is the player window with the album highlighted in FIG. 33 shows additional examples of a song ratings accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. scheme in accordance with an embodiment of the present FIG. 7 shows the player window with the song highlighted 25 invention. and the tool tip indicating "Skip for now’ in accordance with FIG. 34 shows an example of a weight matrix in accor an embodiment of the present invention. dance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is the player window with the tool tip indicating the FIG. 35 shows an example of a user profile matrix in reason why the Song is being played in accordance with an accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. embodiment of the present invention. 30 FIG. 36 shows a weight matrix in accordance with an FIG.9 is the player window showing to the viewer that it is embodiment of the present invention. "Updating its broadcast in accordance with an embodiment FIG. 37 shows a score matrix in accordance with an of the present invention. embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a close up view of the initial LAUNCHcast window of FIG. 2. 35 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDICES FIG. 11 shows the bottom half of a second and different initial LAUNCHcast screen similar to that in FIG. 10 in The following appendices are incorporated herein by this accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. reference thereto from U.S. Pat. No. 7,711,838. FIG. 12 shows the player window with its “RECENT Appendix 1 is an excerpted text listing of a playlist gener SONGS tool tip, as well as the data window displayed in 40 ated in conformance with the present invention. response to selecting the recent song's hyperlink in accor Appendix 2 is a source code listing for one embodiment of dance with an embodiment of the present invention. the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a Windows 98 desktop with the smaller player and larger data windows. The “BUY tool tip is dis Description of the Preferred Embodiment(S) played, as well as the data window corresponding to the BUY 45 hyperlink in accordance with an embodiment of the present The detailed description set forth below in connection with invention. the appended drawings is intended as a description of pres FIG. 14 shows the desktop of the player and data windows ently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not with the player window showing the “STATION MAN intended to represent the only forms in which the present AGER' tool tip, as well as the data window corresponding to 50 invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description the STATION MANAGER hyperlink in the player window in sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for con accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. structing and operating the invention in connection with the FIG. 15 is the data window show for selecting the “YOUR illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that RATINGS hyperlink in FIG. 14 in accordance with an the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be embodiment of the present invention. 55 accomplished by different embodiments that are also FIGS. 16 and 17 show the data window display when intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the selecting the “DJs' hyperlink of FIG. 14 in accordance with invention. an embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned above, use of the term “radio,” “music, and FIGS. 18 and 19 show the data window for selecting the the like includes any recorded datastream content, including "Radio Stations' link of FIG. 14 in accordance with an 60 music, videos, recorded sports events and concerts, and the embodiment of the present invention. like. FIGS. 20 and 21 show the data windows displayed when In FIG. 1A, the general structure of the present system is the “Options' hyperlink is selected in FIG. 14 in accordance shown where the LAUNCHcast Player provides user feed with an embodiment of the present invention. back and indication of Song preference through Java Servlets FIG. 22 is the data window display when the “Moods’ 65 and JavaScript code. In one embodiment, a Windows Media hyperlink of FIG. 14 is selected in accordance with an Player may provide the interface allowing the audio and/or embodiment of the present invention. video broadcast to take place at the user's computer. Other US 9,269,107 B2 5 6 media players now known or developed in the future may also database 160 and updated by the servlets as set forth in the Suffice and operate to good advantage. Mentioned use of the present invention, including the user code set forth in Appen Windows Media Player system is to be considered as indicat dix 2. ing any appropriately functioning media player. Song or In FIG. 1B, the player, or playback, window 102 is shown video information is available through both the player and the and is highly interactive with several embedded hyperlinks. accompanying data window. In the upper right-hand corner of the playback window 102, Referring now to FIG. 1A, the architecture and system the indication of “asjordan' is made. By clicking on this link, structure of the Internet radio and broadcast method of the more information about the current station may be given present invention is shown in schematic form. The system 100 and/or the ability to change such station. The user's page 140 is generally focused upon the player 102. The player 102 is 10 may be activated and shown upon clicking the username link. the component that the user sees and is ultimately the arbiter In the right center of the playback window, a “RATE IT' of the media datastream service provided by the present window indicator that is the rating tool 106 is given, allowing invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the player 102 has a song the individual to rate the current “SONG.' the “ARTIST information section 104, a rating tool 106, and a player 108. performing the current Song, and/or an ALBUM containing For this last component, the player 108 is indicated as being 15 the song. Below the “RATE IT indicator, hyperlinks to a Windows Media Player. However, other media players can “RECENT SONGS.” “BUY and “STATION MANAGER also be used to good advantage in order to achieve the present are present allowing the user to travel to those destinations invention. and either learn more information, purchase or review pur Through its components, the player 102 is linked or asso chasing information about the current album being played, as ciated to a number of other sources of information and pro well as access the station manager for the present invention. grams, including Java or other servlets. The present invention, Below the Song information window 104, icons arc given when implemented in Software, may be so implemented using for Play/Pause. Skip This Song. Skip This Song and Never Java-family of computer program languages. A servlet is Java Play It Again (“Delete'), and a Volume control. The question programming that runs as a part of a network service, such as mark (“?) shown below the “Song Information area win an HTTP server, in response to requests from clients. In this 25 dow is a hyperlink to a Help file for the playback window 102 case, the client can be considered to be the player 102 while and the Internet Radio system of the present invention. These the HTTP server can be the servers for the database 160 and icons are also shown in the other playback window FIGS., the media content library 180. such as that for the video playback user interface/client 102 At a center of the present invention is the player 108. The shown in FIG. 1C. player 108 allows the content to be broadcast to the individual 30 FIGS. 1B and 1C show a desktop display of the system 100 user and serves as means by which the user can enjoy Such inaction from the user's point of view. A tool lip may be given content. In addition to being linked to the media database 180, when the cursor hovers over the song title. The same may be the player 108 is also in communication with a media gateway similarly true for the artist and the album currently playing. servlet 120 and a playlist generator servlet 122. As discussed Note should be taken that just as the song rating indicator is in more detail below, these two servlets provide the player the 35 highlighted and active in the middle right section of the play ability to play streaming media in conformance with the back window, the Song title is highlighted in the upperportion present invention. of the playback window. The rating tool 106 is coupled to the database 160 via a Additionally, the left and center middle portion of the play rating accepter servlet 130 and a ratings cache servlet 132. As back window provides information regarding fans who have indicated in FIG.1, the rating accepter servlet 130 and ratings 40 strong positive feelings about the present song, artist, and/or cache servlet 132 are also in communication with one album, as well as an average rating for all users or Some Subset another, as set forth in more detail below. of users on the system. The song information component 104 of the player 102 FIGS. 1B and 1C show small balloons on the right-hand may provide links to other information available through the side of the central dark area across from the "Fans.” These database 160 or otherwise. For example, the song information 45 balloons may have a letter 'W' inside of them to indicate tool 104 may provide links to other user pages 140, a station another listener is currently online and can be engaged via the manager 142, provided home pages of various artists 144, as instant messaging (“whisper) function. FIGS. 1B and 1C well as links to album pages 146 of such artists or otherwise. also show graphic information that may be used for advertis Additionally, a central homepage 148 may be present that ing or other hyperlinks. In generating the playlist of the allows travel or linking to any or all of available pages or 50 present invention, the user can be informed as to why a services. particular song was picked. Note should be taken that the database 160 is not necessar For other links and presentation of information in the ily the home for the media library 180. In fact, according to player 102, a tool tip may be presented when the cursor hovers present technology, it may be more advantageous to provide over an area. A tool tip is a small window providing Succinct Some means by which high-speed access can be provided to 55 information about the item under the cursor when the cursor the media library 180. By separating the database 160 from hovers over that item. the media library 180 faster and better service may be pro When the system 100 is updating and obtaining a new data vided to users so they may enjoy the content of datastream stream from the system for the user, a display may be given to better. Certain infrastructures may allow for offsite residence the user to indicate ongoing activity of the playback system. of the media contained in the media library 180. Pointers or 60 Such visual activity in the form of animation assures the other indicators to Such information in an indexed or other listener/viewer that the short span of silence, or “dead air.” form can thereby provide the link necessary to deliver the following a song is only temporary and that a new song will preferred or indicated content by the user from the media Soon play. Generally, in order to promote interactivity and to library 180 to that same user. take advantage of the new media that the Internet provides, As shown in FIG. 1A, the database 160 may hold a variety 65 the windows shown in the FIGS. 2 and 3 contain ample of types of information, including: user data 162, playlists internal hyperlinks that lead to web pages providing informa 164, and song data 166. Such information is stored by the tion regarding music, artists 144, and/or their works 146, web US 9,269,107 B2 7 8 pages regarding other users of the system (as DJs or other bandwidth: if the bandwidth is not already specified in the wise) 140, and/or web pages regarding the user's control of generator parameters, it is read from Stored data. Currently, the system (preferences, etc.) 142. bandwidth options include 28.8, 56, and T1/LAN. The default The default paradigm for the user interface/player 102 is to is 28.8 if a valid setting of “none' is found in the database. allow the user the greatest degree of freedom in expressing A list of all the possible songs available for play (via preferences and in obtaining that preference information PlaylistGenerator-gatherMedia(() as well as some other data regarding music artists, and their publications/albums. In this about those songs is obtained. This is generally done using way, the user's experience is enhanced as he or she hears more multiple threads running at the same time for better perfor of the music he or she likes. Access to purchasing web sites is mance. The list of songs is held in hashtable (as via the also made available where users may purchase artists’ works. 10 In implementing the present invention in Software, the Population subroutine (Appendix 2, page 198)). accompanying source code (Appendix 2) may be used to The database 160 is first called to load a history of all the achieve the present invention. Such code is Subject to copy songs played for the user in the last 30 days. This is stored in right protection and is owned by LAUNCH Media, Inc. of the database as a long string, formatted as: Santa Monica. Calif. 15 “Date= song id=9806650&song name=One&artist name=U2&artist id=90900&album name=Zooropa&album id=8759&new-O&popular=1&exclusive=O&Iast played=9808655&fan id1 = 13302&fan name1=HitsMan&fan id2=6474162&fan name2=boulter&d rating id1 =13302&d rating name1=Hitsman&d rating value1=78&d rating id 2=6474162&d rating name2=boulter&d rating value2=65&image url=http://www.launch.com/images/87980.jpg&origin=Your-rating+for+this-Song song url: The URL to which a browser window opens 10 5) Retrieve and scale user's implicit BDS playlist->song when a user clicks on the song title in the player window. The ratings and populate rating matrix ratee should be appended to the query string like this: 6) Retrieve and scale user's venue->artists->song ratings