Virtual assistant for media playback

Abstract

An exemplary method for identifying media may include receiving user input associated with a request for media, where that user input includes unstructured natural language speech including one or more words; identifying at least one context associated with the user input; causing a search for the media based on the at least one context and the user input; determining, based on the at least one context and the user input, at least one media item that satisfies the request; and in accordance with a determination that the at least one media item satisfies the request, obtaining the at least one media item.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 186,182, entitled “Virtual Assistant for Media Playback,” filed Jun. 29, 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to media playback, and more specifically to a virtual assistant used to facilitate media playback.BACKGROUND[0003]Intelligent automated assistants (or digital assistants) provide a beneficial interface between human users and electronic devices. Such assistants allow users to interact with devices or systems using natural language in spoken and / or text forms. For example, a user can access the services of an electronic device by providing a spoken user request to a digital assistant associated with the electronic device. The digital assistant can interpret the user's intent from the spoken user request and operationalize the user's intent into ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes the need for electronic devices to have faster and more efficient methods for finding media based on a nonspecific, unstructured natural language request. This is to reduce the cognitive burden on users and create a better user experience. The methods and interfaces provided in this patent can work alone or in conjunction with other methods for finding media based on the same request. This can make the devices more effective, efficient, and satisfying for users. Furthermore, such methods and interfaces can help conserve power and increase the time between battery charges for battery-operated devices.

Problems solved by technology

Some techniques for discovering media based on a nonspecific, unstructured natural language request, however, are generally cumbersome and inefficient.

For example, existing techniques use a complex and time-consuming user interface, which may include multiple key presses or keystrokes.

Both of those steps may be impractical or impossible in certain circumstances, such as when the user is operating a motor vehicle or has his or her hands full.

Existing techniques require more time than necessary, wasting user time and device energy.

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