WO2020250217A1

WO2020250217A1 - Method and system for managing, sharing and executing digital content in a controlled manner

Info

Publication number: WO2020250217A1
Application number: PCT/IL2020/050633
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amir BEN LAYISH
Original assignee: Ben Layish Amir
Priority date: 2019-06-11
Filing date: 2020-06-07
Publication date: 2020-12-17
Also published as: IL267254A

Abstract

A method and system for generating a playlist with one or more controllable content playing parameters for each individual digital file. The controllable content parameters may include the consecutive serial number assigned to each selected digital file in a playlist, starting point and/or ending point of each digital file, playing speed, volume level, file editing such as trimming, splitting, cropping, rotating, flipping, reversing, genre, adding layers or additional content, etc. According to an embodiment of the invention, each controllable parameter may comprise an array of variables in more than one dimension that may involve timing, volume and playing speed so that any of the complex parameters can be changed according/related to its timing and other parameters.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING. SHARING AND EXECUTING DIGITAL CONTENT IN A CONTROLLED MANNER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of systems for organizing and controlling digital files. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for managing and sharing digital content in a controlled manner, such as generating a playlist with one or more controllable content playing / execution parameters for each individual digital file, editing and sharing digital files and their parameters to be executed/played in a controllable manner, etc.

Background of the invention

As digital files storage and playback using mobile devices became common, the term playlist was adopted by various media player software applications intended to organize and control media files, such as image, music and video files. Such playlists may be defined, stored, and selected to run either in sorted order or, if a random playlist function is selected, in a random order. Usages of playlists may include allowing a particular desired musical atmosphere to be created (for the specific playlist and/or its sub-playlists it contains) and maintained without constant user interaction, or to allow a variety of different styles of music be played, without the need of maintenance after being created.

Some Internet streaming services, such as Spotify, Google Play, Apple Music, etc., allow users to categorize, edit, and listen to playlists online. Other sites focus on playlist creation aided by personalized song recommendations, ratings, and reviews. On certain sites, users create and share annotated playlists, giving visitors the option to read contextual information or reviewer comments about each song while listening.

However, such playlist solutions lack the ability to create a playlist with controllable playback parameters for each individual digital file. Moreover, the existing solutions for using digital files lack the ability to provide interactive sharing between users and creators/owners of digital files.

It is therefore desired to provide a novel method for managing and playing digital files in a simple and convenient manner, while enabling interactive sharing between users and creators/owners of digital files.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which is capable of generating a playlist with controllable playing parameters for each individual digital file.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel playlist which is capable of playing different forms and any types of digital files such as audio files, video files, images, presentation files, text files, regardless their origin and locations, i.e., the playlist may use links, shortcuts or paths that point to the storage location of such digital files, thus such digital files can be stored locally (e.g., on a smartphone local storage) or remotely (e.g., "cloud" storage or files available via an Internet streaming service).

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system in which the digital files will be organized much like or similar to the idea that neurons are organized and connected in a human brain. In other words, the structure of the brain, where any file/playlist and its controllable parameters represent the Neurons and any link/path/shortcut represents a connection between the Neurons, while any storage/memory, either locally or in a remote server, represents different parts of the brain. In addition, the way that the files are being executed, represents the way that the different parts in the brain are communicating. Accordingly, the way that the user interacts with the system/application, represents the way that a human uses the brain to think and to make consciousness choices. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

A computer-implemented method for generating a playlist, comprising:

- assigning consecutive serial numbers to digital files according to their order of selection;

- setting one or more controllable parameters for each selected digital file;

- storing in a database references to the actual storage location the selected digital files, their assigned consecutive serial numbers and the setting of the one or more controllable parameters of each individual digital file, thereby generating said playlist; and

- upon executing said generated playlist, loading the saved controllable parameters of each individual digital file and automatically playing each file in the playlist according to its saved controllable parameters.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the database can be a local storage unit (e.g., smartphone's local storage unit) or a remote storage one (e.g., "cloud" storage or a dedicated Internet storage service).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises storing copies of at least some of the selected digital files in the database in order to enable each playlist an access to each digital file that is appear in the list, thus more than one playlist may link to the same copy of a digital file.

According to an embodiment of the invention, an access to a stored file requires an authorized permission to a user that uses the playlist or to the playlist itself.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the digital files are selected from the group consisting of: audio files, video files, image files, presentation files, text files or any combination thereof. According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more controllable parameters are selected from the group consisting of: playing speed, volume level, file editing such as trimming, splitting, cropping, rotating, flipping, reversing and setting starting/ending points, genre, etc. According to an embodiment of the invention, each controllable parameter may comprise an array of variables in more than one dimension that may involve timing, volume and playing speed, so that any of the complex parameters can be changed according/related to its timing and other parameters.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more of the controllable parameters can be set/adjusted by interfacing with one or more additional applications, services, APIs and plug-ins, such as third party video editing applications, text translation application (e.g., Google translate), or any other desired service the user may wish to enable access, thereby making it a type of an "all in one" system.

The following provide some highlights about managing information as playlists and the flexibility and advantages of the method of the present invention:

Because the parameters can be saved as information added to any file or playlist, any set of parameters shall be considered as a set of parameters, whether separate or as part of a primary subset, under the subject to which the file is assigned, which is given to it by the user who uploads the file to the system (or by a user who has access to it).

A particular topic group can be defined, for example, by some parameters, as main, or defined by all parameters. For example, a file associated with the theme "Songs" may have major definitions whereby the system can classify / sort it to belong to a particular group. If all files that are defined as "songs" in the system together contain 50 different parameters, as a primary group, then each file will receive all 50 parameters so that it can contain a given value, a default value, or empty values (which the file does not use). Another option is to simply save each new combination of different parameters, out of the 50 as mentioned, for each file added to the system. In case a new parameter system is added for the song theme, it is added to the other 50 existing ones, and then for each user who chooses to upload a file under the song category, 51 possible parameters will be displayed (i.e., any combination the user may choose), with the option of adding new ones. The theme and sub-theme parameters can be fixed or dynamic and subject to change. This way may also help with advanced search, because one can search under similar theme, overlapping or identical parameter files or parameter sets, in regards to parameter type and / or content.

When links are added as parameters, pointing to other files (such as a song reference or artist's webpage, or a reference to the copyright file if the artist claimed, or a list of playlists that are using the file), whether under the same theme or under another theme, the system can automatically add to the linked file, a new link as a parameter to the above set of parameters, so that the user who own the file, can see all of the playlists or parameters who uses it.

The system will then be able to display, for each file or playlist, the list of parameters it's have, in a graphic way that the user can dynamically edit, for example:

Check box (whether to include a particular parameter or not), and if so, fill in the field that appears, which can be a set of different times, a link, a number, or any parameter set for the same parameter (i.e., parameter set can be for different times in a particular song, and another parameter set for speeds vary by different time points, or link to a file that is indeed an array structure, but not link to text or image for that matter). Links to video files or images, for example, can give the system additional options, if available, for example - if it is a song, then a photo reference can be used for display while the song is playing, so if a plug-in or code is set to display the image while playing the song, for the same parameter set, will use the image as stated, and if there is no image the song will continue to be played without displaying an image. That is, any interaction or combination between the various parameters and links associated with a particular file can be determined by the system, either in a predetermined manner, or as a possibility to dynamically add by the users.

The user will be able to define the content by categorizing, publishing, linking, and searching for content in the system repository. With the addition of advanced characterization that anyone can choose or build the sections they choose to detail for using and managing a file or playlist, and add it to a database of templates.

Like the example of the songs featured hereinabove, one can create playlists on any topic, for example: View rental / sale apartments displayed in a specific country and location, so that any person, country, company or group can register under the topic of "rental apartments" for example, thus allowing users to search for an apartment where they want In the entire world, simply by the parameters they choose (such as location, cost, size, contact information included), and ad rank in terms of credibility or any other possible rating.

The dynamics of the system, then, will allow referrals to existing sites that provide certain services, but, either to replace them or as an additional option to publish any possible content using the various parameters. Other possible topics that can be included and searched in the system can be professionals in certain area, delivery / purchase / rental of certain products, etc.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method enables parallel use of file and playlist executions. For example, a serial play can be selected by playing one list after another, as well as in parallel, so that transferring from a current played song or a current used list can be switched to another selected playlist, and the previous one will keep the paused / stopped state. This option may contain a plurality of playlists. A parallel order of playing, can be determined by using global personal variables for each user automatically or manually adjusting according to other rules that depend on the playlists and files themselves In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for generating a playlist, comprising:

- at least one processor; and

- a memory comprising computer-readable instructions which when executed by the at least one processor causes the processor to execute a playlist generator, wherein the playlist generator:

I. assigns consecutive serial numbers to digital files according to their order of selection;

II. set one or more controllable parameters for each selected digital file;

III. stores in a database references to the actual storage location of the selected digital files, their assigned consecutive serial numbers and the setting of the one or more controllable parameters of each individual digital file, thereby generating said playlist; and

IV. loads the saved controllable parameters of each individual digital file when receiving an instruction to execute the playlist, thereby enabling to automatically play each digital file in the playlist according to its saved controllable parameters.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to non-transitory computer- readable medium comprising instructions which when executed by at least one processor causes the processor to perform the method of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a flowchart generally illustrating the method of the invention; and Figs. 2A-2E schematically illustrate examples for selected screen layouts of generating a playlist, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Throughout this description the term "digital file" refers herein to a digital form of an audio file, video file, image file, presentation file, animated GIF file, text file, online content, Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) address, folder or directory, shortcuts, links, paths, text messages, messages or content of messages from messaging apps (such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or any other instant messaging platform) or any other form of file that may comprise any content combination thereof. In other word, a digital file refers herein to one or more items that can be executed by a computer device in a way that content of these one or more items or content relative to them can be heard and/or viewed and/or feels (like vibrations bits or movement-like dancing phone).

The present invention relates to a method and system for generating a playlist with one or more controllable content playing parameters for each individual digital file. The controllable content parameters may include the consecutive serial number assigned to each selected digital file in a playlist (e.g., by providing starting index to count from), starting point and/or ending point of each digital file, playing speed, volume level, file editing such as trimming, splitting, cropping, rotating, flipping, reversing, genre, adding layers or additional content (e.g., subtitles, links, text-to- speech and a like) etc. According to an embodiment of the invention, each controllable parameter may comprise an array of variables in more than one dimension that may involve timing, volume and playing speed so that any of the complex parameters can be changed according/related to its timing and other parameters. In addition, one or more of the controllable parameters can be set / adjusted by interfacing with one or more additional applications, such as third party video editing applications, Compressor and Equalizer filtering applications, and more. According to some embodiments of the invention, parameters can also include graphic settings for look and feel (i.e., atmosphere), such as: background and text colors, text font and more. Such setting can be saved for the entire app, or for certain folders, playlists, and files, in any combination of which one parameter sets over the other (such as global, playlist or file).

According to an embodiment of the invention, adding files to a playlist can be done by automatically identifying a played file (e.g., an audio file, an image file, etc.), such as Shazam which is a software application that can identify music, movies, advertising, and television shows, based on a short sample played and using the microphone on the device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method may use artificial intelligence techniques for machine learning the way a user uses the system (i.e., user behavior and associated statistics), such as the system may learn the times during the day when a user increases or decreases the volume and accordingly may automatically change the volume in real-time. Similarly, the system may learn any other user behavior in order to automatically adjust different parameters in real time while the user uses the system of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

Fig.l is a flowchart generally illustrating the method of the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, the method may involve the followings:

Assigning consecutive serial numbers to digital files according to their order of selection (e.g., by providing starting index to count from) (bloc 11). The system enables to select the playing order of digital files by selecting/deselecting the desired digital files, wherein each selection of a digital file assigns a consecutive serial number to the selected digital file, while deselection of a file removes the digital file from the playlist and the consecutive serial number is no longer assigned to that deselected digital file. For example, the consecutive serial numbers are assigned to the digital files according to their hierarchal selection order as applied by a user;

Setting one or more controllable parameters for each selected individual digital file (bloc 12). For each individual digital file the system enables to set/adjust parameters such as playing speed (e.g., setting faster or slower speed for playing an audio or video file), volume level (e.g., setting a desired volume level which can be either lower or higher than the original volume level of an audio or video file, e.g., by adjusting the inner volume of the App or the outer volume of the Device), setting time periods such as a starting point and/or ending point for playing the content of the digital file (e.g., from a specific selected starting point to a specific selected ending point. Thus the system may play only a selected portion out of the entire length of a video or an audio file. Such parameter can be used to focus the viewer on a specific portion of the digital file or for applying fading effects during the transition between digital files). According to an embodiment of the present invention, each parameter may refer to one or more / several dimensions array of variables or may relate to a list of attributes that can be applied to each single digital file (wherein a digital file can be a playlist, and a playlist may include one or more sub-playlists), thus each parameter can be applied with different values and for several times and at different timing. For example, the volume level can be changed several times while playing a specific digital file (e.g., at specific timing the volume level can be set to be at a lower level, while during other timing it can be set to a higher level, during the playing of a specific single digital file). In another example, the system may calculate the original sound frequencies of a specific digital file, and accordingly may adjust specific frequencies at specific regions of the digital file (e.g., if the frequencies at specific part of the digital file are determined as too much high, the system may reduce these frequency that accordingly will result in "slowing" the sound at that specific part). For example, the system may calculate different timings in order to match an adjusted playing speed (e.g., slowing) of a file in order to be synchronized with parameters that are scheduled to be applied after terminating the adjusted speed;

Saving the setting of the one or more controllable parameters of each individual digital file (bloc IS). The playlist with the controllable parameters can be saved locally (e.g., on the smartphone of a user or remotely via a dedicated internet service); and

Upon executing the playlist, loading the saved controllable parameters of each individual digital file and automatically playing each file in the playlist according to its saved controllable parameters (bloc 14).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system may automatically apply the controllable parameters to each individual digital file by analyzing the content of the digital file, e.g., to automatically detect the volume level and accordingly to decide whether to lower or increase the volume level with respect to predefined volume threshold level, to automatically detect a predefined piece of content in a digital file (e.g., a specific scene or object in a video file) and accordingly to set its time period to only play the detected piece of content, to automatically change the playing speed of a digital file, etc. Alternatively, one or more of the controllable parameters can be set manually by a user while the file is being played / executed). According to an embodiment of the invention, the above automatic actions can be obtained by applying real-time processing of data related to the audible and/or visual content and/or feels (like vibrations bits or movement-like dancing phone) of the digital file, data linked/associated with the file and/or to meta-data associated with the file, either by retrieving data associated directly or indirectly with the digital file or by extracting data (audible/visual /feels) during the actual execution/playing of the digital file. The data extraction may involve capturing displayed images and/or sampling sound in real-time (e.g., as reproduced by speakers), pre-sampling sound by processing digital values of the digital file (e.g., detecting amplitude values and accordingly increasing/decreasing the volume level, e.g., by performing some kind of a calculations). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controllable parameters can be applied to each individual digital regardless its storage location (local or remote), thus the playlist may use a path, shortcut or link that is commonly used as a reference to a local storage location or a web resource that specifies the location of an online content on a computer network and a mechanism for retrieving it. For example, a generated playlist may refer to selected digital files that may be stored in a folder located in a local storage unit of a smartphone or similar mobile device, and in addition or alternatively, the playlist may include reference to online content or at least some of the digital files may be stored remotely in the cloud.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the online content can be provided in an encrypted manner thus it only can be decrypted and played via an authorized online account of a specific user or restricted to a specific mobile device. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the encryption and decryption of online content or locally copies of stored digital files can be done by using common encryption method while implementing suitable cryptographic protocol used for network traffic, e.g., public and private encryption keys via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Depending on the authorization policies of presenting each content or digital file by the playlist, after completing playing a specific item in the playlist, the system may delete the item or disable it (e.g., one-time decryption key which does not allow any further usage of the digital file or presenting its content, a time limitation or any other on-line or off-line limitation method). In order to comply with some authorization policies, the digital file(s) may be downloaded to a user device for offline playing purpose/option in an encrypted manner (e.g., the playlist's file can be split into several encrypted parts or other common off-line encryption streaming method can be used for such purpose as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art).

According to an embodiment of the invention, each online content or local digital file may appear in more than one playlist, wherein in each playlist either the same or - IB - different controllable parameters can be applied to the same online content or digital file.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the controllable parameters of each digital file can be added to the file name stored in the database (e.g., by renaming stored copy of the file name or the reference link/path/shortcut), thereby enabling the user to easily be aware of the controllable parameters applied to each digital file.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system enables to merge or unite two or more different playlists. The system may show the user duplicates or similar digital files that may appear in more than one playlist. The system may automatically remove duplicates or it may enable the user to manually delete or remove duplicates or similar files while merging playlists. Alternatively, the system enables to link two or more playlists one after the other (e.g., in a serial manner or by applying other desired possible sorting method).

According to an embodiment of the invention, by default the playlist may present and\or played the content of each digital file according to their consecutive serial numbers. For example, in case one or more consecutive serial numbers are missing (due to the deselecting/removing of one or more digital files from the playlist), the playlist may jump to the next consecutive serial number, and so on. Alternatively, digital files may be present and\or played according to other sorting/order (e.g., file names, date, size, randomly, etc.). According to some embodiments, changing the order of selecting/deselecting of digital files may cause to changes of their consecutive serial numbers. Traditional ordering of playlist's file can also be applied (e.g., by dragging files to top of the playlist or any other location along the playlist). The content and the playing order of the playlist's files can be visually presented to the user in variety of ways and in almost any supported language (e.g., in form of a list, thumbnails, or any other suitable displaying form). According to an embodiment of the invention, the system enables multiple selections of digital files by sorting the files in a folder or a playlist, marking one of the sorted files as a first file among the sorted ones in the folder or a playlist and one as a last file among them, thereby enabling to select all the sorted files between the marked ones. For example, the selection can be performed by utilizing the capabilities of a smartphone touch screen.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a playlist may stop after playing the entire listed files, or it may repeat itself from the start. For example, in a shuffle mode, the system may randomly play each file in the list only once until the entire files are played, and only than it may restart a random playing (in order to prevent the playing of the same file twice).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system enables the user to skip few seconds (e.g., 5, 20, BO seconds) backward or forward, thereby enabling a simple an intuitive control when one wishes to at least partially skipped a played file.

The above discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented. While the invention is described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a mobile device such as a smartphone, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may also be implemented in combination with other systems and program modules.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks that are associated with the generation of a playlist, in particular generating a playlist with controllable content playing parameters, such as speed, volume and starting/ending time of each digital file as described hereinabove. Embodiments described herein are directed to, for example, methods, computer- readable media, and apparatuses associated with presentation of content using the playlist of the present invention. In various embodiments, a playlist generator of a content consumption device such as a smartphone may consult a playlist associated with a content selection while assigning consecutive serial numbers to each selected digital file. As aforementioned, the playlist may include controllable content playing parameters that are associated with speed, volume, and time periods (such as, for example time periods relative to a start/end of presentation of content and may identify one or more pieces of content for presentation during the time periods. Other embodiments and additional implementation examples are described below.

As used herein, the term "logic" and "module" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

Digital files, in particular online content, may accessed via data network that can be combinations of private and/or public, wired and/or wireless, local and/or wide area networks. Private networks may include, e.g., but are not limited to, enterprise networks. Public networks, may include, e.g., but is not limited to the Internet. Wired networks, may include, e.g., but are not limited to, Ethernet networks. Wireless networks, may include, e.g., but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, or 3G/4G networks. It would be appreciated that at the content distribution end, data networks may include one or more local area networks with gateways and firewalls, through which content aggregator/distributor server communicate with content consumption devices such as smartphones. Similarly, at the content consumption end, data networks may include base stations and/or access points, through which consumption devices communicate with content aggregator/distributor server. In between the two ends may be any number of network routers, switches and other networking equipment of the like. However, for ease of understanding, these gateways, firewalls, routers, switches, base stations, access points and the like are not shown.

In various embodiments, as shown, a content consumption device such as smartphone may include common modules such as player, display and user input device(s). The player may be configured to receive streamed content, decode and recover the content from the content stream, and present the recovered content on the display, in response to the execution of a playlist generated by the playlist generator of the present invention.

All the above will be better understood through the following illustrative and non- limitative examples.

Referring now to Figs. 2A-2E, an example usage of touchscreen of a smartphone for generating a playlist in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In various embodiments the playlist may be associated with a content selection.

In addition, while certain user inputs or gestures are described as being provided via touchscreen presses, data entry via a keyboard, or by clicking a computer mouse or button, optionally, user inputs can be provided using other techniques, such as by voice, pointing, eye aiming tracking (i.e., user's gaze), one or more gestures (e.g., clapping hands) or any other manipulation method that utilizes one or more sensors or capabilities of a user's device, such as sensors and touch screen technologies implemented in a user's smartphone), or any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the invention, one can select the option of saving a file (while playing it) along with its current parameters or after changing them, into the same folder or another playlist. For example, while file is being playing in the "playing interface", changing the parameters and move to the next playing file will ask the user if he/she wants to save the changes of the parameters, to the same playlist or to a new one. In Another example, while file is being playing in the "playing interface", the user can click on a software button that opens an additional interface in the background or in a limited space on the screen. In this interface one can switch between folders / playlists, to see the items lists in them, and to copy the file (with its current\changed parameters) or a link to it (while/by copy only those parameters) , to those new locations (i.e., folders or another playlists).This item will be saved along with the parameters associated with the file, and those that changed or added to it. This method represents an option to sort the files with different values to different folders/playlists while playing them. Any file gets consecutive serial numbers while being saved (by move, copy or link file and copy only its parameters). This number is different in each chosen folder/playlist according to the number of files it contains. According to an embodiment of the invention, a file being played will not move to the next in the list, if the "additional interface" is still being presented. Moreover, the system may allow a user to create a copy of a specific playlist by saving new/modified parameters for this playlist (e.g., this can be done in case the user has no permission to modify/change a specific playlist).

According to an embodiment of the invention, for each playlist one may determine one or more "transitions" files that will be played at selected time interval or between two following files in the playlist. For example, the transition file can be a logo, a commercial content or any type of digital file that the playlist's creator provided.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the digital files can be divided into more than one folder/playlist in order to make it easier for the user to handle large amount of digital files.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system enables a user to set one or more defaults playing parameters that can be automatically applied or loaded to a desired playlist, and which can temporary replace the existing set of controllable parameters, or automatically apply instant controllable parameters to all files in the playlist of when no parameters are exist.

User may upload (e.g., to a dedicated remote server) or share the playlist they created together with the parameters they applied to it, thus other user may use such shared playlist.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system enables a user to rate files, playlists and other users, thereby enabling to discover more relevant and contents of interest for users.

Creators may use the system to upload different contents, either for free use by other users or may ask for payment for such uploaded content. In a commercial aspect, some of the files or entire playlist may have a free access to users, while some may not be free. A creator may set one or more category for each uploaded file, while users may have the ability to suggest other categories that may suit for each uploaded file.

According to an embodiment of the invention, users may search and sort content by rating, popularity/usages, age, copy rights, location, language, restrictions or any other parameter suitable to be applied to files/playlists.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a file searching feature that is configured to enable users to intuitively locate/find a desired file or playlist. For example, the file searching feature may operate like a common "find in page" feature (that is popular in text documents), where when providing the desired search term, the corresponding files may be presented in a standard way (e.g., list of files), while highlighting only the relevant files that correspond to the provided search term (instead of just filter and display them separately like common search operation). At next, one or more further search terms may be applied, while allowing the user to select how to visually combine the results of the applied search terms. Another search option may enable to skip from one highlighted result to another, in order to quickly view the relevant search results.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a user may have the ability to save/bookmark content, e.g., as a shortcut for later use, or by any other suitable way of bookmarking/saving, as well as the ability to explore his/her playing history or viewed files/playlists.

In terms of a social platform, user may have the ability to contact other users, e.g., by sending message via the system. As used in many poplar social networks, in order to protect user from unsocial or offending behavior, users may have the ability to report inappropriate issues/usage. Moreover, users may provide feedback on files, playlists or other users. In addition, the system may enable a user to set different privacy restrictions, in which the user may manage content and personal preferences. For example, a user may manage a list of website and required credentials for accessing such websites, such as financial institutes (banks), emails, and any other websites that may be useful for the user.

According to an embodiment of the invention, information management may include the following options:

copying files for each playlist; or

saving a single copy (may also involve files backup), thus the source for its upload will remain and its use can be defined by whoever uploaded it first. This may allow reducing copyright violations.

The system may create a kind of neural network that maps and links at least some of the similar parts of the file and various playlists, at any given time, as will be described in further details hereinafter. Using data from these mappings, it may be possible to determine some degree of similarity / correlation between songs or files, and even between playlists. According to some embodiments of the invention, correlation between files can be rated, e.g., in a scale from l to 10, between each two different files in the system. Comparison for this similarity between the different files can be done by calculating similarity for each file added to the system. For example, the system may select whether this similarity applies to all files or for same type of files (i.e., images with images, text with text , etc.). This similarity can be calculated by many parameters, e.g., for songs files by style of music, duration, etc. If, for example, there is the same song but in a different performance, the song may be considered as more similar. In an image file - same content in accordance with resolution of the image or even as part of a video stream. Accordingly, the system may rate the similarity / correlation between playlists. The system can also allow users to set this similarity for files and playlists.

Example for suggestions (for users) of identical playlists:

If two playlists contain exactly the same files (not only their size, but also their content), then replicating said playlist can be different on files order, file names, different parameters for each file or playlist, and more. Therefore, one can simply refer to the source files, or refer to the first created playlist (which has this similarity) and only set other parameters to it.

Example of suggestions for similar and different playlists:

Overlapping similarity can also be between playlists that is some of the files are in two or more playlists. Therefore, even here you can simply refer to the source files, but not to the first playlist created (in this example, it doesn't have an identical playlist).

Same playlists but in a different order can have different meanings, so if the playlists are exactly the same, they will be ranked/scored as 10 in terms of similarity, while same playlist but in a different order will be ranked as 9 for example. This allows determining the differences between files and playlists. For example, mechanisms for finding a number to rank similarities between two playlists, e.g., one in length N and the other in length M. The calculation can be the sum of the total crossover of each file in one playlist to each file in the other playlist, which will give N * M crosses, divided by the number of crosses. Thus if any similarity between files in the playlist is ranked between 1 and 10, then similarity between two playlists will also ranked between 1 to 10.

In this way, even if a playlist contains a link to other playlists, the similarity calculation will always compare all source files between two playlists, including all source included in these playlists.

To do this, a mechanism for preventing the repetition of the main playlist is needed, in order to prevent an endless loop state. The system may also create restrictions on creating a new playlist, which will not include certain playlist inclusion levels within another playlist (e.g., beyond 10 levels you will no longer be able to link playlists).

The system and users will be able to add parameters and give them different permissions. In addition, the system can display the metadata in the data file (if any) as parameters. The system may add and display or save statistics, like for instance: how many times letters are repeated, how many languages a file contains, and other information, whether for comparison, search or other purposes.

An important feature of the system is that it enables to add a playlist or link to it as a parameter. A playlist can also be used to link text placement within a specific document. For example, if there is a reference to a particular thing, in several remote locations in the document, it can be added as a playlist parameter where similar points of interest are linked. In other words, for every text file will be possible to connect different segments which, by parameters and playlists. For example, when login in to the system, the one or more of the followings may be presented:

Different areas to choose from (with multiple choices);

Search files in the system by file types;

Sorted and displayed by name or other option;

Search for specific people or one that have a certain hobbies or skills;

Send messages and build any information that will only be considered by the nature and capabilities of the system as a whole.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, storing information in this way, can then provide a solution for every need in an orderly fashion and comfortable way, and even calculate similarity between two users, and offering relationship / cooperation between people, for whatever purpose (e.g., friends, clients, businesses etc.).

In social terms, for example, family name can be used to connect users who love different domains and even register family relationships if the family connection is verified. Thus, any user can manage the domains they want to manage, and will be responsible for the information they manage in the system.

Displays user information could be made by imaging tables or three- dimensional like. This may allow seeing the different links and connections of the different domains, and the types of files and playlists, and providing the option of searching for content in the form of linked tree.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises live streaming capabilities, e.g., for remote learning, thus teachers can remotely connect to lesson plan files, and even colleges or schools can use the system.

In another embodiment, the system may support the use of virtual currency or other type of unregulated digital currency for purchasing digital content. In terms of security, the system may utilize Quantum cryptography or other methods suitable to protect the privacy of the users (or at least the important data of some users).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system may comprise security/restrictions arrangements such as one or more of the followings:

Assisting in preserving Intellectual Property rights (e.g., copyrights) by allowing to compile lists of authorized websites (i.e., managing whitelist/blacklist), ranking their security level and/or other relevant parameters, etc.

Monitoring attempts of cybersecurity attacks;

Reducing exposures to undesired content, e.g., by blocking access to suspicious websites/IP addresses;

Managing files access and restrictions. For example, allowing to schedule automatic file uploading to the system, dynamically setting file access (e.g., automatically changing file access from private to public, setting file deletion terms, etc.);

Executing "dangerous" files (e.g., ".exe" files) in a virtual/isolated environment, e.g., in order to protect user's privacy from malicious files; Allowing (with / without certain supervision) the user to determine which warnings and conditions apply to those who use an existing file. This may allow controlled information sharing, which defines which files are allowed for commercial, private or other uses, thereby allowing additional users to consolidate files in different groups (e.g., a set of available public photo repositories).

The example screen layouts, appearance, and terminology as depicted and described herein, are intended to be illustrative and exemplary, and in no way limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computer process (method) such as a mobile application (mobile app) or other program product or computer readable media. The mobile app may be a computer storage media readable by a smartphone and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process.

The terms, "for example", "e.g.", as used herein, are intended to be used to introduce non-limiting examples. While certain references are made to certain example system components or services, other components and services can be used as well and/or the example components can be combined into fewer components and/or divided into further components.

All the above description and examples have been given for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Many different mechanisms, methods of analysis, electronic and logical elements can be employed, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for generating a playlist, comprising:

a) assigning consecutive numbers to digital files according to their order of selection, wherein said consecutive numbers represent an initial index for each of said digital ;

b) setting one or more controllable parameters for each selected digital file; c) storing in a database references to the actual storage location of the selected digital files, their assigned consecutive serial numbers and the setting of the one or more controllable parameters of each individual digital file, thereby generating said playlist; and

d) upon executing said generated playlist, loading the saved controllable parameters of each individual digital file and automatically playing each file in the playlist according to its saved controllable parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying playlist's files in a sorted manner.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the database can be a local storage or a remote storage.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising storing copies of at least some of the selected digital files in the database in order to enable each playlist an access to each digital file that is appear in the list, thus more than one playlist may link to the same copy of a digital file.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein an access to a stored file requires an authorized permission to a user that uses the playlist or to the playlist itself, and its files.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital files are selected from the group consisting of: audio files, video files, image files, presentation files, text files or any combination thereof.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllable parameters are selected from the group consisting of: playing speed, volume level, file editing such as trimming, splitting, cropping, rotating, flipping, reversing and setting starting/ending points.

8. A system for generating a playlist, comprising:

a) at least one processor; and

b) a memory comprising computer-readable instructions which when executed by the at least one processor causes the processor to execute a playlist generator, wherein the playlist generator:

II. set one or more controllable parameters for each selected digital file;

III. stores in a database references to the actual storage location the selected digital files, their assigned consecutive serial numbers and the setting of the one or more controllable parameters of each individual digital file, thereby generating said playlist; and

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions which when executed by at least one processor causes the processor to perform the method of claim 1.