Music information online platform, search and discovery systems, related interfaces, and related methods

Abstract

Methods, systems, and related interfaces for interacting in an online music platform in which a music search graphical selection tool user interface is presented to a user for the user to select one or more category value items to create a resultant displayable representation of a music related item via manipulation of one or more graphical category display elements of the music search graphical selection tool. A resultant displayable representation of a music related item may be used to search (e.g., for a music selection, for a music artist, for a fan user, for information about any of the same), to initiate interaction between users of the platform, and / or for other related activity via the platform.

Description

MUSIC INFORMATION ONLINE PLATFORM, SEARCH AND DISCOVERY SYSTEMS, RELATED INTERFACES, AND RELATED METHODSRELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 559,018, filed on February 28, 2024, and titled “Music Information Online Platform, Search and Discovery Systems, Related Interfaces, and Related Methods,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 745,310, filed on January 14, 2025, and titled “Music Information Online Platform, Search and Discovery Systems, Related Interfaces, and Related Methods,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0002] Systems and methods are provided that relate to concepts, systems, platforms, features, and other various implementations of one or more music information online platforms (“MIO platform”). An MIO platform may include and / or be included in a platform having social media functionality, music video and / or audio streaming functionality (e.g., audio and / or video streaming), electronic messaging functionality, ecommerce / virtual store functionality, and / or another online functionality. An MIO platform may include one or more display interfaces that is an augmented reality interface. In one example, an MIO platform includes at least one display interface that is an augmented reality interface.

[0003] In one exemplary aspect, an MIO platform according to the current disclosure may provide music artists (e.g., indie artists, less popular artists, new artists, established artists, highly popular artists, and / or other artists) an ability to interact with fans and / or distribute content to fans in a more immersive (e.g., via augmented reality (“AR”), via engaging interaction) and feature rich relevant manner than other platforms using one or more of the features disclosed herein. In another exemplary aspect, an MIO platform (e.g., via one or more of the features disclosed herein) may provide fans to discover new music and artists relevant to their tastes and / or to interact with other fans having similarities or like interests with them. In another exemplary aspect, an MIO platform (e.g., via one or more of the features disclosed herein) may provide a musical artist with an ability todiscover new fan users and / or interact with new fan users (e.g., fan users having tastes and / or interests that align with the musical artist and / or the musical artist’s music).

[0004] In one exemplary implementation, tools, interfaces, systems, and methods for searching an online music platform are provided. One such feature is the use of a music search graphical selection tool that is configured to visually represent a music related item. Examples of such a feature may provide a user with a visual experience for finding music in which a displayed tool has a visual appearance of a music related item such that the search experience can be more relevantly engaging. Music related items that can be visually represented by a music search graphical selection tool include but are not limited to, a sound wave, a music disc, an equalizer board, a physical music mixer, a record album, an audio speaker, a cassette tape, a boom box, a musical staff, a sheet music, a jukebox, a turntable disc jockey equipment, a music conductor’s baton, piano keys, a guitar fretboard and neck, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a music search graphical selection tool is configured to visually represent a music disc (e.g., a compact disc, a vinyl record, etc.). In another example, a music search graphical selection tool is configured to visually represent a sound wave (e.g., in the form of a sound wave depiction, in the form of a music equalizer and / or mixing board, etc.). Details of these and other examples are discussed further herein.

[0005] A music search graphical selection tool includes one or more graphical category display elements. A graphical category display element of a music search graphical selection tool is an element of a display to a user that allows a user to select (e.g., via manipulation of the display element) a value or information from a category of values / information (e.g., a value or information relevant to a music category). In one example, each graphical category display element represents a music related category. Examples of a music related category include, but are not limited to, a music genre category, a music subgenre category, a mood category, a sound category, a vocal style category, a lyrical themes category, a tempo category, a studio category, a geographic origin category, a region category, a production style category, a performance type category, an influence category, an era of influence category, an artist dynamics category, a stage presence category, a creative themes category, a musical complexity category, an audience and community category, a time of release category (e.g., by year, decade, recent vs old, etc.), and any combinations thereof.

[0006] A category may have any number of one or more category value items for a user to select (e.g., a plurality of category value items may exist within a category). A graphical category display element is configured (e.g., size, shape, text, presentation style, etc.) to display a set ofcategory value items (e.g., when a user selects a graphical representation of the graphical category display element in a music search graphical selection tool) that correspond to the category for the particular graphical category display element. For example, a graphical category display element for a music genre category may be configured to display to a user a set of music genres as category value items from which a user may select a desired genre (e.g., for building their visual representation of a music related item with the music search graphical selection tool).

[0007] Examples of music genres for inclusion as a category value item include, but are not limited to, alternative, blues, children’s, Christian, classical, country, electronic, folk, hip hop, rap, holiday, jazz, Latin music, metal, new age, pop, R&B, soul, reggae, rock, soundtracks, spiritual, religious, world music, pod cast, audio book, and any combinations thereof. Examples of moods for inclusion as a category value item (e.g., of a music mood category) include, but are not limited to, aggressive, anthemic, energetic, motivational, uplifting, happy, dance, party, sexy, love, romance, hopeful, nostalgic, reflective, thoughtful, bittersweet, emo, sad, dark, chill, vibey, mellow, relaxed, calm, and any combinations thereof. A sound category may include category value items that relate to the type of sound presented by a musical selection. Examples of a sound item for inclusion as a category value item include, but are not limited to, whistle, acapella, instrumental, orchestral, full band, small band, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, piano, strings, keyboard, brass, woodwind, percussion, drum, drum machine, synth, electronic, samples, and any combinations thereof. A vocal category may include category value items that relate to a quality of a vocal that may exist in a musical selection. Examples of a vocal category value item include, but are not limited to, female, male, duet, duet female, duet male, harmony, harmony female, harmony male, and any combinations thereof. A lyric category may include category value items that relate to a quality of lyrics that may exist in a musical selection. Examples of a lyric category value item include, but are not limited to, for kids, care free, humor / humorous, party, novelty, fantasy, love, heartbreak, nostalgic, inspirational, empowerment, patriotic, spiritual, educational, and any combinations thereof. A tempo category may include category value items that relate to the tempo of music, lyrics, or other qualities of a music selection. Examples of a tempo category value item include super slow, slow, mid-tempo, fast, super fast, fast to slow, slow to fast, varied, and any combinations thereof. A studio category may include category value items that relate to the type of studio or other venue used in recording a musical selection and / or a studio / venue related quality that may be perceived from and / or included in a musical selection. Examples of a studio category value item include, but are not limited to, acoustic, organic, analog, lo-fi, bedroom, DIY (“Do ItYourself’), garage, field recording, remote, rehearsal, live venue, dynamic, digital, sample based, programmed, studio, polished, and any combinations thereof. A region category may include category value items that relate to a musical region (e.g., region of recording, region of origin of a musical artist, region of origin of a type of music, etc.). Examples of region category value items include, but are not limited to, North America, South America, Caribbean, Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, Pacific, Africa, Central America, Mediterranean, and any combinations thereof.

[0008] A category may include one or more subcategories (e.g., having a category value item represent a subcategory). A graphical category display element may be configured to allow a user to select a subcategory (e.g., as one of a list of category value items) that then is configured to display to the user one or more subcategory value items. In one exemplary aspect, a subcategory value item may provide a way for a user to better characterize a selection to be used for creating a visual representation of a music related item with a music search graphical selection tool. In one example, a music genre category value item may represent a genre subcategory that includes one or more subcategory value items (e.g., subgenre’s) for selection.

[0009] Examples of a subcategory value item relevant to a vocal category subcategory include, but are not limited to, aggressive, powerful, raw, processed, rhythmic, smooth, melodic, natural, breathy, ethereal, soulful, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a user may select from a vocal graphical category display element a “male” vocal category value item representing a “male” subcategory for the vocal category and be presented with a list of subcategory value items from which the user selects a “powerful” subcategory value item to narrow the selection to powerful male vocals as a characteristic of a desired music search using a tool according to the current disclosure. A music genre category may include one or more genre category value items that each represent a subcategory within that genre that in turn have one or more subcategory (subgenre) value items displayable to a user for selection.

[0010] A graphical category display element is configured (e.g., shape, size, color, etc.) and arranged within the display of the music search graphical selection tool to form a displayable representation of the particular music item being represented. Such a displayable representation may be formed as a music search graphical selection tool is initially presented to a user and / or as the user manipulates one or more of the components of a graphical category display element.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary implementation of a method of searching an online music platform. At step 105, a music search graphical selection tool is provided to an end user (e.g., via a display on a user computing device). The music search graphical selection tool is configured to visually represent a music related item, such as a musical disc, an audio wave, etc. FIG. 3 discussed further below illustrates an example of a music search graphical selection tool that is configured to visually represent a musical disc (e.g., a compact disk optical disc, a vinyl record album). FIGS. 4A to 4R discussed further below illustrate another example of a music search graphical selection tool that is configured to visually represent an audio wave.

[0012] Each music search graphical selection tool includes a plurality of graphical category display elements. The graphical category display elements of a music search graphical selection tool are configured and arranged to form a displayable representation of a music related item. Each graphical category display element includes a display of one or more (in some examples a plurality) of category value items (e.g., that relate to the corresponding category of the graphical category display element). A graphical category display element is configured to be selectable and / or otherwise manipulated by a user. Within each graphical category display element the category value items are configured to be selectable and / or otherwise manipulated by a user (e.g., after selection of the corresponding graphical category display element) to select a desired category value item.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates one example implementation of a user interface 300 for discovering music (e.g., via an MIO platform) that includes a music search graphical selection tool 305 (e.g., for allowing a user to select a category value item from a plurality of music related categories, such as a principle of music theory category). Music search graphical selection tool 305 includes a plurality of graphical category display elements 310 (shown as 310a, 310b, ..., 31 Oh) each representing a different music category and arranged within music search graphical selection tool 305 to form a displayable representation of a music related item, in this case a music disk. In this example, each graphical category display element 310 is configured as a pie slice-type configuration within a disc shaped display interface (e.g., a shape similar to a musical record, compact disc). Other configurations are allowable and contemplated for displaying a plurality of categories (e.g., for a user to select category value item(s) from within a category). Additionally, in this example there are eight categories, however, any number of categories is contemplated and allowable to be displayed via any number of graphical category display elements. Each category includes a plurality of category value items, such as the category value items 315 in category 310e (e.g., “Rap,” “Country,” “Folk,” “R&B,” etc. in the “Genre” category).

[0014] FIGS. 4A to 4R illustrate another example implementation of a user interface 400 that includes a music search graphical selection tool 405 (e.g., for allowing a user to select a category value item from a plurality of music related categories). Music search graphical selection tool 405 includes a plurality of graphical category display elements 410 which are arranged in a row (in the figure are not numbered separately) and each representing a music category: a genre category graphical category display element, a mood category graphical category display element, a sound category graphical category display element, a vocals category graphical category display element, a lyrics category graphical category display element, a tempo category graphical category display element, a studio category graphical category display element, and a region category graphical category display element. Each of the graphical category display elements 410 includes an elliptically shaped label portion with the name of the corresponding genre inside in text form. Each of the graphical category display element 410 also includes an upper portion 415 that is configured to be selectable by a user and to change its displayable size (as is discussed further below) in an upward direction to form a displayable representation of a music related item, in this case a representation of a sound wave. Each of the graphical category display elements 410 also includes an optional lower portion 420 that is configured to be selectable by a user and to change its displayable size (as is discussed further below) in a downward direction to form an extended portion of a displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., a sound wave). In one exemplary aspect, each of graphical category display elements 410 (e.g., via upper portions 415) are configured (e.g., similar to moving bars on a music graphic equalizer) to move upwardly to a desired user position together forming a wave like graphical representation together.

[0015] It is recognized that a music search graphical selection tool and its graphical category display elements may in some examples resemble visually a particular music related item before a user makes any selections and / or otherwise manipulates one or more of the graphical category display elements. For example, music search graphical selection tool 305 visually resembles the music related item (music disk) of which it is configured to form a displayable representation before a user makes any selections (e.g., making selections customizes the visual display and creates a resultant displayable representation of a music related item with certain category value items selected). In another example, a music search graphical selection tool and its graphical category display elements may be configured to form a displayable representation of a music related item via selection and / or other manipulation of one or more of the tool’s graphical category display elements. Music search graphical selection tool 405 is configured to form a displayable representation of asound wave via selection or otherwise manipulation of its graphical category display elements.Variations on these concepts will be understood by those of ordinary skill from the disclosure herein.

[0016] Returning to FIG. 1, at step 110, a selection of a category value item is received for each of one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements of a music search graphical selection tool. A user can make a selection in any of a variety of ways for making a selection from a graphically displayed item. Such ways may depend on the type of displayable element of a graphical category display element that is utilized to display to the user a set of category value items. Example display techniques for displaying a category value item and / or a subcategory value item (see below for description of subcategory value items) and / or receiving a user input related thereto as part of a configuration of a graphical category display element include, but are not limited to, a pop up display, a scrolling menu, a hover induced display, a multi-screen sequential display, a drag induced display, a text listing, an expandable accordion display panel, a voice responsive display element, a dynamic content filter element, a radial menu, a contextual tooltip, a gesture-based display element, a carousel display, a split-screen display, a three-dimensional flip and / or rotating display element, an interactive map display, a stacked card display, a timeline scroll element, representation of category display item by a graphical icon, a drag-and-drop interface element, an animated slide-out panel, an augmented reality overlay display of one or more selectable category value items over a depiction of a real world environment, and any combinations thereof. Manipulation of a graphical category display element by a user may occur in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, selection of a graphical category display element, selection of a corresponding category and / or subcategory value item, movement of all or a portion of a display of a graphical category display element, extending a display of a graphical category display element (e g., changing the display of the element to form a portion of the corresponding displayable representation of a music related item), input via any known user input process, and any combinations thereof.

[0017] In one example of a radial menu display element, a graphical category display element is configured to have a listing of category value items arranged extending radially from a central point of the graphical category display element (e g., from a central point of the corresponding music search graphical selection tool). In such an example, graphical category display elements may be arranged in a circular fashion (see for example, graphical category display elements of the music search graphical selection tool of FIG. 3). In one example of an expandable accordion display panel, a graphical category display element is configured to have a display that expands outwardly (e.g.,vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc.) when selected to display one or more category value items. In one example of a tooltip display element, a graphical category display element is configured with a displayable tooltip appears when selected by a user, the tooltip including a display of one or more of the corresponding category value items. In one example of a gesture-based display element, a graphical category display element is configured to be responsive to user gestures (e.g., swiping, pinching, etc. such as via a touch sensitive display or optical-gesture-detecting device). In such an example, a graphical category display element may be configured to be responsive to a user gesture for initiating a display of one or more category display elements, and / or moving through a partial display of category display elements (e.g., to show successively different portions of a list of category display elements, such as via scrolling). In one example of a carousel display, a graphical category display element is configured with a carousel-type rotating display of one or more category value items (e g., that can be moved through and / or selected by a user). In one such example, category value items may be represented by graphical icons that revolve around the carousel. In one example of a voice-activated display element, a graphical category display element is configured to initiate display of one or more category value items and / or receive selection of a category value item based on one or more voice commands received from a user. In one example of a split-screen display, a graphical category display element is configured to divide a display into two sections (e.g., in response to a user instruction / selection) with category indicators on one section and category value items on the other section (e.g., allowing a user to compare and / or interact with categories and category value items simultaneously). In one example of a three-dimensional flip / rotating display element, a graphical category display element is configured to have the display of the graphical category display element flip and / or rotate in virtual three-dimensions while a list of category value items is displayed to a user (e.g., providing a visually dynamic interaction to a user). In one example of a drag-and-drop interface element, a graphical category display element is configured allow a user to drag the graphical category display element (or a portion thereof) to a designated area of the display triggering a display of category value item(s) for selection. In one such example, a graphical category display element is configured to receive an instruction from a user via a dragging of a portion of the displayable elements of the graphical category display element (e.g., upwardly from the remaining portions of the graphical category display element) causing a pop-up display to appear that includes all or a portion of the corresponding category value items. In one example of an animated slide-out panel, a graphical category display element is configured to have a displayable panel slide out (e.g., from the side of a displayable area of a display screen) to display all or a portion of the corresponding category value items upon receiving a selection of all or a portion of thegraphical category display element by a user. In one such example, the sliding out of the panel occurs in an animated, smooth motion. In one example of an interactive map display, a graphical category display element is configured to display one or more category value items on an interactive map display (e.g., for categories related to geographic areas, such as regions, corresponding category value items can be displayed on a map allowing a user to select a region, which may be highlighted in the display once selected). In one example of a stacked card display element, a graphical category display element is configured to display category value items as stacked displayable cards that a user can “flip” through via selection or other types of user input manipulation. In one example of a timeline scroll element, a graphical category display element is configured to display a timeline that a user can interact with (e.g., via scrolling or other input) to select different time periods to view and / or select (e.g., for categories related to time).

[0018] In FIG. 3, music search graphical selection tool 305 includes graphical category display elements 310 that each include a plurality of category value items. For example, graphical category display element 310e corresponding to the “Genre” category includes multiple selectable category value items (e.g., hip-hop, rap, county, folk, R&B, Soul, Jazz, and optionally others not displayed but logically in the list below jazz and / or above hip-hop). Graphical category display element 310 is configured to display the category value items such that a user can (e.g., via a user input interaction, such as swiping, drag / drop, pointer device movement, etc.) move through the listing of available category value items to have a desired category value item be centered (and have its color changed and / or bolded to indicate it is selected). In music search graphical selection tool 305, each of the graphical category display elements 310a to 31 Of has a selected (e.g., via default starting value and / or via user interaction to select such a value) category value item of “Piano”, “Example” (see customization option discussed below), “Calm”, “Indie”, “Folk”, “Story”, “Gritty”, and “Very Slow”, respectively. In one example, a user may select a category (e.g., via tapping the category display area, via spinning the disc to align a desired category display area with a particular location on the display (such as bottom), etc.) and then select a category value item within (e g., the “Folk” category value item is selected by highlighted selection in the Genre category 3 lOe). Selected category value items may then be used (see further discussion below) to create a resultant displayable representation of a music related item, in this case a music disc with selected information that can be utilized in a music related search (e g., finding music selections that match the selected category value items).

[0019] Discussion of the selection of one or more category value items (and any corresponding subcategory value items) for the graphical category display elements 410 of music search graphical selection tool 405 appears further below. Other music related items may be represented visually for display (and have category (and / or subcategory) value items selected by a user) as part of a music search graphical selection tool.

[0020] It is noted that selection of a graphical category display element, selection of a category value item, and / or selection of a subcategory value item may include any known user input interaction (examples of ways to make a selection being discussed below and elsewhere herein including without limitation, user interface interactions such as clicking, gesturing, hovering, pressing, swiping, pinching, detecting real world motion with user input sensors such as gesture controls, dragging / dropping, etc ).

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates one exemplary implementation of receiving a selection of a category value item. At step 505, a selection of a graphical category display element is received from a user (e.g., a user interacts with all or a portion of the graphical category display element via an input or other instruction provided via the user’s computing device). At step 510, one or more of a plurality of category value items associated with the selected graphical category display element are displayed to a user (e.g., via the user’s computing device). In one example, such a display may include all of the available category value items. In another example, such a display may include a portion of all of the available category value items with a user interface actuation control to allow a user to change the display (e.g., “next” buttons, arrows, etc. for changing virtual pages of lists of items) to allow display of another portion of the available category value items. At step 515, a selection of a category value item is received from the user. The selected category value item may then be used by the corresponding music search graphical selection tool (e.g., to form and / or display a displayable representation of a music related item, for music related searches, for changing a displayable representation, for displaying the category value item back to a user, and combinations thereof). Optionally, a music search graphical selection tool may utilize a selected category value item to extend (e.g., change the shape, arrangement, and / or display of) the corresponding graphical category display element based on the selected category value item. At optional step 520, the display of a graphical category display element is extended based on the selected category value item. In one such example, based on the selected category value item (which may include receiving a user input that drags or otherwise moves all or a portion of the corresponding graphical category display element and / or a receiving a user selection otherwise selecting the category value item such as via apop up display window / tile) the display is extended. Optionally, is such an example, as the user drags the graphical category display element (or portion thereof), the music search graphical selection tool is configured to display to the user all or a portion of the available category value items such that the user selects a category value item by stopping the dragging of the graphical category display element.

[0022] As discussed above, a category may include one or more subcategories. In such a case, a selectable category value item may represent a subcategory that itself has one or more selectable subcategory value items. Such selectable subcategory value items may be displayed to a user of the corresponding music search graphical selection tool (e.g., upon the user selecting the corresponding category value item representing a subcategory). FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary implementation of receiving a selection of a category value item. At step 605, a selection of a graphical category display element is received from a user (e.g., a user interacts with all or a portion of the graphical category display element via an input or other instruction provided via the user’s computing device). At step 610, one or more of a plurality of category value items associated with the selected graphical category display element are displayed to a user (e.g., via the user’s computing device). In one example, such a display may include all of the available category value items. In another example, such a display may include a portion of all of the available category value items with a user interface actuation control to allow a user to change the display (e.g., “next” buttons, arrows, etc. for changing virtual pages of lists of items) to allow display of another portion of the available category value items. At step 615, a selection of a category value item is received from the user. At step 620, one or more subcategory value items corresponding to the selected category value item are displayed to the user (e.g., via the user’s computing device). In one example, such a display may include all of the available subcategory value items. In another example, such a display may include a portion of all of the available subcategory value items with a user interface actuation control to allow a user to change the display (e.g., “next” buttons, arrows, etc. for changing virtual pages of lists of items) to allow display of another portion of the available subcategory value items. At step 625, a selection of one or more of the subcategory value items (e.g., at least one of the available subcategory value items) is received from the user. The selected one or more subcategory value items (and optionally also the selected category value item) may then be used by the corresponding music search graphical selection tool (e.g., to form and / or display a displayable representation of a music related item, for music related searches, for changing a displayable representation, for displaying the category and / or subcategory value item(s) back to a user, andcombinations thereof). Optionally, a music search graphical selection tool may utilize a selected category and / or subcategory value item to extend (e.g., change the shape, arrangement, and / or display of) the corresponding graphical category display element based on the selected category and / or subcategory value item. At optional step 630, the display of a graphical category display element is extended based on the selected one or more subcategory value items (and / or based on the selected category value item).

[0023] Returning again to FIG. 1, at step 115, a di splay able representation of a music related item is created using the category value item(s) (inclusive of any selected subcategory value items for a given graphical category display element) and the music search graphical selection tool that is configured to form a displayable representation of the music related item (e.g., in certain cases all or a part of the displayable configuration and arrangement of the tool and its graphical category display elements as displayed to the user prior to selection of any categories or value items may form a part and / or starting point for the formation of a resultant displayable representation of a music related item using selected value items). In FIG. 3, music search graphical selection tool 305 with selected category value items for its graphical category display elements 310 includes itself the resultant representation of a music related item using the received selections of category value items, in this case a completed visual representation of a music disk having displayed category value item selections for its categories (i.e., in a textual and graphical manner). Further discussion related to music search graphical selection tool 405 appears below with respect to its exemplary resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

[0024] A resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., that created at step 115 and / or as updated) can be used by an MIO platform and / or a user of the platform to perform one or more actions or interactions with the platform, other users, and content of the platform. Example actions and interactions include, but are not limited to searching an online music platform for a music selection, searching an online music platform for a musical artist, matching a user (e.g., a fan user, a musical artist user, etc.) with another user (e.g., a fan user, a musical artist user), matching the a user with one or more musical artist user of the platform, creating a user profile for the user, creating a sound sequence profile graphic for the first user, initiating an electronic communication between the first user and a second user, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a resultant displayable representation of a music related item is used for searching an MIO platform (e.g., searching for one or more music selections, searching for one or more music artists, searching for information about one or more music artists, and any combinations thereof). In one such example, aresultant displayable representation of a music related item is used by a platform to return a display of one or more music selections (e.g., that can be interacted with, listened to and / or watched, such as via a streaming content, by a user). A user of an MIO platform (e.g., and a music search graphical selection tool) may be a fan user, a music artist (e.g., individual artist, band, other group of artists) user, or other user. In one example, a fan user uses a music search graphical selection tool to create a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., selecting category and / or subcategory value items representing characteristics of desired music and / or music artist(s) matching the user’s interests, values, etc.). In another example, a music artist user uses a music search graphical selection tool to create a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., selecting category and / or subcategory value items representing characteristics of the music artist user’s music and / or the music artist themselves).

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary implementation of a method of searching an online music platform. The method of FIG. 2 is similar in its first three steps to that of FIG. 1. Where applicable any one or more of the details and variations discussed above with respect to the method of FIG. 1 (which are not repeated here for the sake of brevity) may be applied to the corresponding aspects of the method of FIG. 2 unless otherwise described. At step 205, a music search graphical selection tool is provided to an end user (e.g., via a display on a user computing device). The music search graphical selection tool is configured to visually represent a music related item, such as a musical disc, an audio wave, etc.

[0026] Returning to FIG. 2, at step 210, a selection of a category value item is received for each of one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements of a music search graphical selection tool. A user can make a selection in any of a variety of ways for making a selection from a graphically displayed item. Such ways may depend on the type of displayable element of a graphical category display element that is utilized to display to the user a set of category value items.

[0027] Returning again to FIG. 2, at step 215, a displayable representation of a music related item is created using the category value item(s) (inclusive of any selected subcategory value items for a given graphical category display element) and the music search graphical selection tool that is configured to form a displayable representation of the music related item (e.g., in certain cases all or a part of the displayable configuration and arrangement of the tool and its graphical category display elements as displayed to the user prior to selection of any categories or value items may form a part and / or starting point for the formation of a resultant displayable representation of a music relateditem using selected value items). In FIG. 3, music search graphical selection tool 305 with selected category value items for its graphical category display elements 310 includes itself the resultant representation of a music related item using the received selections of category value items, in this case a completed visual representation of a music disk having displayed category value item selections for its categories (i.e., in a textual and graphical manner). Further discussion related to music search graphical selection tool 405 appears below with respect to its exemplary resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

[0028] At step 220 of FIG. 2, one or more music selections of an online music platform associated with the corresponding music search graphical selection tool are provided to the user of the music search graphical selection tool (e.g., via a display of the user’s computing device) based on the displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., which includes the selected category, category value items, subcategory value items used to form the displayable representation).

[0029] A resultant displayable representation of a music related item may be displayed to the user that created the representation and / or to other users of the platform (e.g., during a music related search, during a social interaction with another user of the platform, etc.).

[0030] Returning to a further discussion of music search graphical selection tool 305 in FIG. 3, an artist profile panel 320 is shown that includes a display of a selection of a music content matching the selected criteria of the resultant displayable representation of a music related item (i.e., the music disc completed by selections of a user of category value items from one or more of the graphical category display elements 310 of music search graphical selection tool 305) (e.g., the top matching or other matching algorithm criteria to arrive at this content item). The example artist profile panel 320 includes interactive controls, such as a control to favorite (heart shaped button) the particular content item, a follow artist (person with plus sign) control, a control to launch the content item in an augmented reality user interface (eye shaped button), pausing playback (pause icon button), and other controls. Artist profile panel 320 also includes a description of the artist associated with the content item 325, a graphic representing a content item play timeline control 330 (i.e., for indicating and controlling location within a content item for current playback), a graphic representing a thumbnail associated with the content item 335 (e.g., an album cover artwork thumbnail graphic), and a title designation indicator 340 (e.g., song title and artist name, along with a number indicating location in search results from selected criteria). User interface 300 also includes a play / skip control 345 (e.g., located in the center of the disc display graphic 305) for starting play (e.g., audioplayblack) of the content item shown in panel 320 and / or skipping to the next search / match result from the matching of criteria / category value items in the categories. It is noted that other criteria (other user information, user preferences, etc.) may be also factored into / along with the category value item criteria to determine search / match results. Additionally, other controls may be included, such as, but not limited to, a control to save a discover disk set of selections as a particular later- retrievable set / discover disk, a control to save a content item from panel 320 to a playlist, a control to save a playlist including content items matching the search / discover disk settings, and any combinations thereof.

[0031] Returning again to a discussion of music search graphical selection tool 405 in FIG. 4A which includes graphical category display elements 410 having upper portions 415 and lower portions 420. Tool 405 is configured to visually represent a sound wave. It is noted that as shown in FIG. 4A, tool 405 has graphical category display element 410 are configured and arranged to visually represent and to form a sound wave, but are in a state in which a user has yet to select one or more category and / or subcategory value items such that the display does not yet show a sound wave formed by the selection. A music search graphical selection tool, such as tool 405, may be presented to a user prior to (and / or during) selection of one or more category / subcategory value items in a state that does not have a completed (e.g., resultant) displayable representation of a music related item. In such an example, the music search graphical selection tool if configured to produce the resultant displayable representation of a music related item based on user selection, is deemed configured to visually represent the music related item and corresponding graphical category display elements can be configured and arranged to form the displayable representation of the music related item. As is seen with respect to tool 405 in FIGS. 4A to 4R, tool 405 and graphical category display elements 410 are configured and arranged to visually represent and form a sound wave (e.g., after a user selects category / subcategory value items) (e.g., see FIG. 4R). A partially completed music search graphical selection tool (i.e., one in which a user has selected one or more category value items for one or more graphical category display elements, but not all graphical category display elements) can form a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., even if not completely formed). A resultant displayable representation of a music related item can be a continuously modifiable tool. In one such aspect, a platform may be configured to allow a user to save (and / or a platform may automatically save) a resultant displayable representation. In such a case, a user may return to a previously saved resultant displayable representation of a music related item to select additional category / subcategory value items, interact with additional graphical category displayelements, modify prior selections, and / or modify / change the resultant displayable representation of a music related item. An action taken by a platform based on a resultant displayable representation (e.g., displaying one or more music selections) can change as a resultant displayable representation of a music related item changes. In one such example, a platform may be configured to present a manual user interface actuation control to a user to allow a user to apply a current resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., as originally created and / or as modified by a user) to an action, such as providing / displaying one or more music selections. In another such example, a platform may be configured to automatically apply a then current resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., as originally created and / or as modified by a user) to an action, such as providing / displaying one or more music selections. As a resultant displayable representation of a music related item changes the one or more music selections provided to a user can be changed based on differing selected value items by a user (e.g., different music selections will have characteristics matching differing selected value items). In one exemplary aspect, a dynamically changing resultant displayable representation of a music related item may provide a user with an increased engagement with music related discoveries.

[0032] A user can interact with tool 405 by user interface interactions. For example, a user may select upper portion 415 for the “Genre” graphical category display element to reveal a pop-up display listing 425 having a portion of all the available category value items 430 displayed (e.g., category value items “alternative”, “blues”, “children’s”, “Christian”, “classical”, etc.). These category value items in this example represent different genres of music for which a user can select for building their representation of a music related item. The category value items 430 shown in listing 425 represent subcategories and the display includes an indication of the number 435 of subcategory value items available for each of the category value items 430 (e.g., for the category value item “Blues” the number of available subcategory value items is 2, for the “classical” category value item there are 4 available subcategory value items). Graphical category display elements 410 are configured to allow a user to select a desired category value item 430 to cause a display of available subcategory value items. For example, FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate a selection of the “classical” category value item (e.g., by a user hovering over or otherwise indicating toward the “classical” category value item, clicking or otherwise selecting the category value item, and having displayed a listing of available subcategory value items). In FIG. 4C the “classical” category value item is shown highlighted (e.g., via a user hovering over it) and the number of available subcategory value items 435 is changed in the display to be an arrow indicator (e.g., to show the availability of anadditional display screen that includes the subcategory value items). In one example, a graphical category display element, such as the Genre graphical category display element 410, may be configured such that as a user hovers over or otherwise moves a selection of category value items (e g., up and down) across available category value items, a graphical display of all or a portion of the corresponding graphical category display element, such as upper portion 415 of the Genre graphical category display element, may extend, move, or otherwise change its display. In FIG. 4C, upper portion 415 is shown extended upward an amount that corresponds to the selection of the “classical” category value item. Such an extension / change in display may be dynamic such that as a user moves over (e.g., via hover) the degree of extension changes (e.g., for the “electronic” category value item, the extension would be less, being a bit more for the “country” category value item but still less than the “classical” category value item, with the extension getting greater for each of the category value items displayed above the “classical” category value item.

[0033] FIG. 4D shows the Genre graphical category display element after a user has selected (e.g., via clicking, pressing, etc.) the “classical” category value item (e.g., after hovering over it to cause it to be highlighted). A subcategory listing display screen 440 is displayed showing a listing of available subcategory value items 445 (in this case being subgenre’s of the classical music genre) ranging from the “avant-gard” subcategory value item to the “musical theater” subcategory value item. Each of the subcategory value items in the listing is shown textually in a graphical bubble. Additionally, there is an “Any” value item 450 (e.g., that by default is shown as highlighted to indicate it is the currently selected subcategory value item). A set of category or subcategory value items may include a selection that allows a user to indicate that they want to select all of the available category value items or all of the available subcategory value items that are available for selection. If in the example of tool 405 the user were to select the “Any” item 450, the user would select all of the available subcategories (e.g., effectively selecting the higher level category as a whole, in this case the “classical” category, without further detailed specification). Graphical category display elements 410 include with the display of available category value items an “Explore all” selectable display item 455 which if selected by a user has a similar function as the “All” item 450, but instead allows a user to select all possible category value items. In the Genre category, selecting display item 455 would allow a user to search for musical items matching any genre. In one example, upper portion 415 may be displayed at a minimal extension when a selection such as that made by item 455 (i.e., selecting all category value items) is made by a user. In another example, upper portion 415 may be displayed at a maximum extension when a selection such as thatmade by item 455 (i.e., selecting all category value items) is made by a user. As will be discussed later with respect to selecting a weighting factor (e.g., using lower portion 420), selecting a category and / or subcategory value item that selects all available items may have an impact on such a weighting factor and / or the ability of a user to select such a weighting factor.

[0034] FIG. 4E shows the Genre graphical category display element after a user has selected the “choral” subcategory value item (e.g., as shown by the “choral” item being highlighted and the default highlighting of item 450 being removed). In one example, a graphical category display element may be configured such that upon selection of a subcategory value item by a user (e.g., via a click or other user interaction) the selected subcategory value item is set (e.g., and the display of the selection display windows may close, such as after a pointer device is no longer hovering over that region of the display). In another example, a graphical category display element may be configured such that after a user clicks on or otherwise causes a subcategory value item to be highlighted or otherwise selected within the display of the available subcategory value items, there is a need for the user to actuate a control to finalize their selection. Such a configuration may allow a user to select two or more available subcategory value items from a display prior to finalizing selection. FIG. 4E shows the Genre graphical category display element and display screen 440 with a finalization actuation control 460 (e.g., in the display shape of an checkmark). A user may interact with finalization actuation control 460 to select the control and indicate finalization of selection of subcategory value items for the Genre category value item. Such a finalization may automatically close display window 440 and, optionally, category display window 425. While the implementation shown with respect to tool 405 illustrates selection of one category value item for each graphical category display element, it is contemplated that a music search graphical selection tool (e g., via one or more graphical category display elements) may be configured to allow a user to select more than one category value item for a category (and, optionally, where appropriate also select one or more subcategory value items for each category value item).

[0035] FIGS. 4B through 4G show tool 405 with the configuration such that when a graphical category display element or portion thereof is selected (e.g., and one or more associated display windows for listings of options, such as category / sub category value items, is displayed) the remaining portion of the display of tool 405 is greyed out and relevant portions of the selected graphical category display element are highlighted, in this case via a color change. Other variations on display techniques may be utilized in other examples and implementations.

[0036] Tool 405 is configured to allow a user to set a weighting factor using lower portions 420 of each of graphical category display elements 410. Having a configuration that allows for a user to set a weighting factor is not required of a music search graphical selection tool and an alternative version of tool 405 that does not have a weighting feature or corresponding structure (i.e., does not include lower portions 420 and is configured to visually represent and form a sound wave with only the upper portion shown) is contemplated. However, a music search graphical selection tool according to the current disclosure may have a configuration for allowing a user to set a weighting factor. A weighting factor is a setting received from a user that indicates a weighting, importance, and / or influence in a displayable representation of a music related item (and in any music search or other platform action involving the same and the selected category / subcategory value items used in the resultant displayable representation of a music item). Different types of weighting factors may be utilized. Example weighting factors include, but are not limited to, a numerical value, a relative value (e.g., textually displayed, determined by arrangement of graphical category display elements, determined by a user input, determined by a relative arrangement of category and / or subcategory value items, and any combinations thereof), a graphical indicator, and any combinations thereof. In one example, weighting factors used in a music search graphical selection tool are based on a scale that include incremental values that may be selected by a user (e.g., integer values). In another example, weightin factors used in a music search graphical selection tool are based on a scale that includes continuous values from which a user may select a value (e.g., values on a sliding scale between two values). Combinations of incremental and continuous scales are contemplated. Different algorithmic approaches for weighting a selection are known and may be utilized here. Other example approaches are discussed herein, such as with respect to tool 405.

[0037] For example, a selected weighting factor for a user’s selected category value items in a given category can be used in a weighting manner when comparing the selected category value items of a resultant displayable representation of a music related item to data elements associated with a content item (e.g., a music selection) in a database of the corresponding MIO platform. In one such example, the genre and tempo categories may be given higher weighting values than an instruments category or a lyrical themes category. In such an approach the higher weighted category values are given more importance in the comparison / searching actions and content items with greater matches in the higher weighted categories are given more importance in a discovery result (e.g., content items can be given ranks based on weighted comparison of the content item’s own characteristic data to the user’s resultant displayable representation of a music related item and its category / subcategoryvalue items selected therein). A score can be calculated based on such comparisons and content items that have a score higher than a predetermined threshold value can be returned from the search / discovery action as displayable one or more content items (e.g., one or more music selections) to the user (e.g., via a playlist).

[0038] In another example, a selected weighting factor for a user’s selected category value items in a given category can be used to broaden a selection of additional category value items from within a given category for applicability in comparison of the corresponding resultant displayable representation of a music related item to content items of the MIO platform. For example, the available category / subcategory value items of a graphical category display element can be arranged in an orderly fashion such that value items that are displayed next to other value items have some relationship to each other. In such an example, if a user selects a given value item from the displayed available value items and the user selects a given weighting value for that corresponding graphical category display element, the MIO platform may be configured to use the given weighting value to broaden the value items used in any platform action (e.g., music selections search) to include one or more additional value items from the one selected by the user wherein the one or more additional value items are those displayed adjacent to the selected value item. The example music search graphical selection tool of FIGS. 4E and 4F can be used to illustrate an example of such a weighting approach. In the graphical category display element for the “Genre” category shown in FIG. 4E, the category value item “Classical” is shown as selected with the subcategory value item “Choral” selected. The “Choral” subcategory value item is arranged in an order with “Chamber Music” value item before it in the listing and “Opera” value item after it in the listing. Going one step further in each direction from the “Choral” subcategory value item there is “Classical Guitar” value item before it and “Symphonic” value item after it in the listing. In an example where the value items in the listing are arranged in a predetermined organized order, the relative position in the listing of other value items from the user selected value item can be used to set a broader inclusive range of value items based on a weighting factor (e.g., + / - 1, + / - 2, etc. from the selected value item). Corresponding weighting factors of a music search graphical selection tool can be related to different ranges of value items (e.g., a weighting factor of 5 can be related to a zero range where only the selected value item is considered, a weighting factor of 4 can be related to a + / - 1 range from the selected value such that three total value items (the selected value, one before, and one after in the listing) are considered in any action taken based on the corresponding resultant displayable representation of a music related item, a weighting factor of 3 can be related to a + / - 2range from the selected value such that five total value items are considered, a weighting factor of 2 can be related to a + / - 3 range from the selected value such that seven total value items are considered, and a weighting factor of 1 can be related to a + / - 4 range from the selected value such that nine total value items are considered). Other variations (e.g., where increasing value of a weighting factor equates to decreasing range size, differing value ranges are used, etc.) will be apparent for constructing other weighting schemes similar to this prior example in which the range of considered category / subcategory value items is increased or decreased based on a selected weighting factor. Additionally, combinations of such a weighting approach with a weighting approach in which categories generally are given more or less weight in a comparison ranking (as discussed above) and / or with other approaches are contemplated.

[0039] FIG. 4F shows a user selection of the lower portion 420 for the Genre graphical category display element 410 (e.g., as indicated by the highlighting in color of the lower portion and the display of weighting / priority value item display screen 465). Upper portion 415 of the Genre graphical category display element is shown extended with the textual display indicator “Classical” (e.g., as set by user selection discussed above). Weighting / priority value item display screen 465 includes a listing of available weighting factors 470 (including a Low (1), a Moderate (2), a Medium (3), a High (4), and a Top (5) weighting factor). In this example, graphical category display elements 410 are configured to allow a user to select one of the weighting factors from listing 470. Similarly to the discussion above with respect to selection of a category value item, a user hovering over and / or selecting a weighting factor from a listing of available weighting factors (e.g., listing 470) can cause a configuration of the corresponding graphical category display element to extend or otherwise change the display of a portion of the display element (e.g., in tool 405 a lower portion 420). FIG. 4G shows the “Moderate (2)” weighting factor highlighted (e.g., via being hovered over for selection) and lower portion 420 of the Genre category being extended downward to a level corresponding to the moderate factor. A user may select the desired weighting factor (e.g., by a click of the item and causing display window 465 to close).

[0040] FIG. 4H shows tool 405 after a selection by a user of the Medium (3) weighting factor from listing 470. Lower portion 420 of the Genre graphical category display element is shown having a textual indicator of “3” to indicate the selection of the Medium (3) weighting factor. Other graphical category elements 410 have yet to receive a user selection of a category or subcategory value item or a weighting factor.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 4B and addressing the fact that category listing display screen 425 only displays a portion of the available category value items, the display includes arrows 475 that are configured to allow a user to toggle between different displays of window 425 to show additional / different portions of available category value items (e.g., that would not fit on one display screen / window). While not shown for the Genre category, such functionality is illustrated with respect to the “Mood” graphical category display element shown in FIGS. 41 to 4K. FIGS. 41 to 4K show the Mood graphical category display element upper portion selected (e.g., by user interaction) to highlight the upper portion and to display a category listing display window 480 having a listing of a portion of available category value items 485. The category value items for the Mood category do not represent subcategories and do not include the ability to select subcategory value items. Display window 480 is configured with arrow actuation controls 490 that are configured to allow a user to navigate between different displays of display window 480 including different portions of the available category value items. In FIG. 41, display window 480 shows a portion of category value items ranging from an “Aggressive” value item to a “Dance” value item. Display window 480 includes a selectable “Explore all” item. Via actuation of controls 490 a user can navigate to a different display of window 480. FIG. 4J shows a display “2 / 3” of display window 480 that shows a second set of the available category value items ranging from a “Party” value item to a “Reflective / Thoughtful” value item. FIG. 4K shows a display “3 / 3 of display window 480 that shows a third set of the available category value items ranging from a “Bittersweet” value item to a “Relaxed / Calm” value item. FIG. 4L illustrates the upper portion of the Mood graphical category display element extended upwardly and having a “Dark” textual indicator (e.g., representing after a user selection of the “Dark” category value item to from display 3 / 3 of window 480).

[0042] FIG. 4M shows the lower portion of the Mood graphical category display element selected (as indicated by highlighting of the lower portion by color and display of a weighting / priority value item display screen 492 that is similar to the weighting / priority value item display screen 465 discussed above. FIG. 4N shows a portion of tool 405 showing category value item selection and weighting selection having been made for the Genre and Mood graphical category display elements. FIG. 40 shows tool 405 after similar selections for graphical category display elements for the Genre through Studio categories showing an upper sound wave formed by the selections of category / subcategory value items and a lower sound wave formed by the selections of weighting factors. FIG. 4P shows the selection by a user of an upper portion of the remaining “Region” graphical category display element with a category value item listing showing categoryvalue items ranging from “North America” to “South Asia.” FIG. 4Q illustrates a user selection of the North America category value item (e.g., shown by highlighting of the value item and the display of a subcategory value listing window). In this example, the “Any” value item is selected in the window to indicate the desire of the user to have all subcategory value items selected (e.g., or alternatively considered to have the category selected be without further refinement). Upon a user finalizing this selection, the music search graphical selection tool 405 is shown in FIG. 4R as a resultant displayable representation of a sound wave (e.g., here with value items selected for all categories). In one exemplary aspect of the selection of the “Any” item in FIG. 4Q, the weighting factor for the Region graphical category display element was automatically set to a Top (5) weighting factor. Other approaches for automatic selection are contemplated (e.g., setting to a lowest weighting factor) depending on the weighting approach utilized. In one example of a weighting approach that can be used in tool 405, the numerical equivalent of a weighting factor (e.g., 5 for Top and 1 for Low) is used to determine a range of category value items above and below a user selected category value item (e.g., a 1 being a small range and 5 being a large range) in an ordered listing of available category value items that will be also included as search qualities in a music search using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item. Where a selected category has subcategory value items, the range associated with an applied weighting factor may be applied to an ordered listing of the available subcategory value items instead of at the category level. By selecting the “Any” item for the Region category, this negates the need for a range in the subcategory listing since all subcategory value items will be included regardless of the range set.

[0043] Category and / or subcategory value items may be arranged in a listing in an order that has some music related logical relationship (e.g., items near each other are more related in some musical sense to each other than items further away).

[0044] The resultant displayable representation of a sound wave shown in FIG. 4R may be utilized in a music related search (e.g., to provide one or more music selections to a user, such as via a display of the same and or a display of a playlist including the same) or other actions of a platform as discussed herein.

[0045] As discussed herein, one or more music selections, music artists, information about an artist, etc. can be matched to a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., to provide a display and access to one or more music selections or information about an artist, etc. to a user). An MIO platform may be configured to have a discoverable content item (e.g., a musicselection, a music artist, an artist profile, another user profile, etc.) be associated in the platform with one or more data elements (e.g., metadata or other information characterizing the content item). In one exemplary aspect, the one or more data elements for a discoverable content item may be configured to correspond to the category and subcategory value items of the corresponding platform’s configuration for a music search graphical selection tool. Various matching algorithms are known in the field for matching such a content item to data such as that representing a resultant displayable representation of a music related item. One or more data elements for a discoverable content item may be input to an MIO platform by a music artist user. In one such example, a music artist user inputs one or more data elements to an MIO platform (e.g.., when uploading a music selection content item, when inputting information about the music artist user for an artist profile, etc.). Such an input of data elements may be by any known method and / or organizational structure. Examples of ways to input such data elements include, but are not limited to, tagging a content item with one or more tags (e.g., tags corresponding to category / subcategory value items of a music search graphical selection tool), inputting a textual description of a content item, creating a resultant displayable representation of a music related item from a music search graphical selection tool for the content item, other user input mechanism, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a user (e.g., a music artist user) is presented with a music search graphical selection tool for each music selection they upload to an MIO platform, which receives from the user selections of one or more category / subcategory value items as described herein for the creation of a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., see methods of FIGS. 1, 2). In another example, a user (e.g., a music artist user) is presented with a music search graphical selection tool for creating a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., see methods of FIGS. 1, 2) for association with the user’s profile information (i.e., a resultant displayable representation of a music related item that has selected value items describing characteristic(s) of the user, such as a music artist user, themselves). In an example where a content item has an associated resultant displayable representation of a music related item, an action taken by a platform (e.g., providing one or more music selections) may include comparing a resultant display able representation of a music related item (e.g., and its representative category / subcategory value items and weighting factors) against a database of the MIO platform including other resultant displayable representations of a music related item (e.g., and its representative category / subcategory value items and weighting factors) for content items, such as music selections and / or music artist information.

[0046] In another example, an MIO platform may be configured to have one or more data elements for a content item generated (e.g., in addition to manual entry by a user, such as via a music search graphical selection tool or otherwise) automatically by the platform. Example ways for automatic generation include, but are not limited to, analyzing a content item for audio and / or video characteristics (e.g., using a computer analysis), applying an artificial intelligence algorithm or system to a content item to determine one or more characteristics of the content item, other known content analysis technique(s), comparison to other content items of the platform and / or such content item’s data elements, comparison to user usage information of one or more content items on the platform, and any combinations thereof.

[0047] It is contemplated that in addition to using a comparison of a user’s resultant displayable representation of a music related item (and included value item selections and / or weighting factors) to conduct a platform action (e.g., searching the platform to provide one or more content items, such as one or more music selections, to a user), an MIO platform may be configured to also use other information in conducting the platform action. Examples of such other information include, but are not limited to, user platform interaction data (e.g., user interactions, user prior preferences, user searches, user music selection listening habits, etc.), music artist platform interaction data, social media interaction data, information generated by an artificial intelligence system, information generated by a platform modeling algorithm (e.g., modeling activity of real and / or artificial users of the platform), and any combinations thereof.

[0048] One or more content items displayed or otherwise provided to a user based on a resultant displayable representation of a music related item may be displayed and / or otherwise provided to the user in a variety of ways. In one example, one or more content items are displayed to a user on a separate display from a display of the user’s created resultant displayable representation of a music related item. In another example, , one or more content items are displayed to a user at the same time as a display of the user’s created resultant displayable representation of a music related item. An MIO platform may also be configured to display to a user a resultant displayable representation of a music related item that is associated with a content item displayed to the user (e.g., displaying the resultant displayable representation of a music related item created by a music artist when uploading a content item). Such a display may be at the same time or different time from displaying the content item (e.g., displaying the content item in a playlist).

[0049] An MIO platform may be configured such that a playlist of one or more content items and / or a resultant displayable representation of a music related item may be shared with other users of the platform (e.g., via a user interface presented to a user of the platform). Additionally, an MIO platform may be configured to allow multiple users to merge their respective resultant displayable representations of a music related item (e.g., into a single resultant displayable representation of a music related item, into a single display showing the multiple resultant displayable representations of a music related item). In one such example, an MIO platform may be configured to allow the multiple users to share an online session in which collaborative playlist generation from shared resultant displayable representations of a music related item can occur.

[0050] An MIO platform may include any number of user actuatable controls on a user interface having one or more content items (e.g., a playlist) based on a resultant displayable representation of a music related item to allow the user to access the one or more content items (e.g., stream audio and / or video content items). Examples of such actuatable controls include, but are not limited to, a play control, a next item control, a previous item control, a fast forward control, a backward control, a skip control, a share a content item control, other types of content access controls, and any combinations thereof.

[0051] An MIO platform may be configured such that a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., created by a user, such as via a method of FIG. 1, 2, or otherwise described herein) may be saved (e.g., such that a user may return to the resultant displayable representation of a music related item and / or the corresponding music search graphical selection tool at a later time, such as to view and / or modify the resultant displayable representation of a music related item and / or to view and / or modify associated content items that result from a search of the MIO platform based on the resultant displayable representation of a music related item). An MIO platform may be configured to have a resultant displayable representation of a music related item have a name (e.g., an automatically assigned name, a default name, a name changed and / or input by a user, etc.), for example to assist a user with recalling a saved representation.

[0052] One or more content items (e.g., one or more music selections displayable or providable to a user based on a user’s resultant displayable representation of a music related item) may be displayed or otherwise provided to a user as part of a playlist. Such a playlist may be associated with the corresponding resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., so that when the resultant displayable representation of a music related item is saved the playlist is alsosaved, such that the playlist and / or the resultant displayable representation of a music related item can be displayed separately and / or together to a user, etc.). A playlist of music selections based on a user’s resultant displayable representation of a music related item may be configured such that music selections returned from a search are automatically assigned (made to have permanence / persistence in subsequent accessing of the playlist) to the playlist such that a user needs to provide active input to the platform to remove a music selection from the playlist (e.g., such that a music selection is not in the playlist upon saving the playlist and / or corresponding resultant displayable representation of a music related item). In one such example, the first time such a music selection in a playlist is displayed to a user the display may include one or more user actuation controls for each music selection to allow the user to input a request to remove the music selection from the playlist. Upon subsequent displays of the playlist any previously removed music selections are not displayed. A playlist of music selections based on a user’s resultant displayable representation of a music related item may also be configured such that music selections returned from a search are listed for the user’s review prior to being assigned to the playlist such that they remain in the playlist for subsequent displays / accessing of the playlist. In one such example, a display of a playlist may be configured such that the display includes one or more user actuatable controls for inputting a request to the platform to add a particular music selection to the playlist for inclusion in the playlist on subsequent display / access. Such a playlist becomes user accessible (e.g., after saving, for subsequent access, etc.) and includes a set of the one or more music selections that the user has indicated to the platform should be added to the user accessible playlist. It is noted that in a playlist any content item removed by a user and / or not selected for permanence inclusion in the playlist (where such selection is required), such content item may not be displayed to a user in a subsequent di splay / accessing of the playlist and / or the corresponding resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

[0053] An MIO platform may be configured such that as a resultant displayable representation of a music related item changes (e.g., via user modification during initial creation, via user modification after initial creation, etc.) and / or new content items matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item are added to the platform, additional matching content items are added to any associated playlist (e.g., automatically added, listed for user review to be added, etc ). In one such example, new matching content items are added to the top of a listing of a playlist (e.g., so that a user can review to determine if they should be deleted, such as in a system where they are automatically added, and / or so that a user can review to determine if they should be added forsubsequent access, such as in a system where user review and selection are required for permanence in the playlist). In one exemplary aspect, dynamically adding new content to a playlist that matches a corresponding resultant displayable representation of a music item may provide a user with a more engaging music discovery experience.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a listing of one or more music selections that are provided to a user in response to a music search using a resultant displayable representation of a music related item, such as the sound wave representation shown in FIG. 4R. FIG. 7 includes a display 705 that includes a portion of a listing 710 of music selections (in the form of songs by artists listed with song title, artist, album title on which the song appears if any, duration of the song, duration of a preview of the song. Listing 710 includes the music search results that match (either in part or fully depending on a configuration of a platform) the displayable representation of a music item created by user selections of category / sub category value items. Listing 710 includes a title 715 (e.g., assigned by default after the search, editable by a user, etc.). Each music selection also includes an addition actuation control 720 that can be selected by a user (e.g., after previewing the music selection) to indicate the user wishes to keep the music selection in the playlist created by the search and using title 715 (e.g., automatically created playlist that is dynamically modifiable by the user via actuation of controls 720 to indicate which musical selections to keep in the playlist and which will be removed). In this example, controls 720 for each music selection for permanence inclusion / addition of the music selection in the playlist such that they can be accessed / di splayed in subsequent accessing / displays of the playlist by the user. FIG. 8 shows display 705 with the first and third music selection in listing 710 having their corresponding displayable actuation controls 720 changed to check marks (e.g., indicating user actuation to select those music selections). These check marked music selections will remain in the automatic playlist with title 715 (which is modifiable by the user). In subsequent displays of this playlist, the second and fourth music selections in listing 710 not having their corresponding actuation controls 720 selected by the user (indicated by the control remaining a plus sign and not a check mark) will be omitted from subsequent displays / accessing of this playlist by the user. A display, such as display 705, may be configured to allow a user to save their actuations of controls 720 (e.g., via a “Done” or save actuation control, such as control 725). An MIO platform may also be configured such that a saving of the playlist (and / or corresponding resultant displayable representation of a music related item) may be automatic. When a user returns to this automatically created playlist, the unselected music selections will not be present. In one example, upon a return to the playlist newly added musicselections to the corresponding music platform that match the displayable representation of a music item that produced the searched listing of music selections (and the resulting playlist) will be added with the ability for the user to actuate a control 720 for that newly added musical selection (e.g., to change it from a displayed addition symbol to a check mark) and add it to the playlist. Display 705 includes an actuation control 730 that allows a user to switch back and forth from the “Results” tab (having the listing 710 and resulting playlist) and a tab that shows the corresponding displayable representation of a music item (e.g., the sound wave representation shown in FIG. 4R).

[0055] A music selection such as those that can be provided to a user upon a music search of a platform can include any music related item that may be of interest to a music fan and / or created by a musical artist. Examples of a music selection include, but are not limited to, an audio item (e.g., a recorded or live song), a video item (e.g., a recorded or live song), an artist promotional item, and artist information item, an artist profile display, a playlist of music selections, and any combinations thereof. Other examples are contemplated.

[0056] A displayable representation of a music item may be used for a music search for music selections. It may also be utilized to search for music artists. A music artist user may create a displayable representation of a music item for each music selection they add to the platform. That displayable representation of a music item created by the artist (or alternatively created by the platform or other service, such as using artificial intelligence) can be used in a music search in comparison to one created by a fan user to provide search results to the fan user. Additionally a music artist user may create a more general displayable representation of a music item that represents characteristics of the artist themselves. Such a general displayable representation of a music related item can be used in a matching to a fan user created displayable representation of a music related item in a search for matching a fan user with an artist generally. Such a matching may result in communications between a fan user and matched artist(s). Such communications can be utilized by artists to engage with new fans for promoting and / or providing their music.

[0057] Other Examples of a Music Related Item

[0058] FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4R discussed above show example implementations in which a music search graphical selection tool is configured to visually represent a music related item that is a musical disk and a sound wave, respectively. Other variations are contemplated in which a music search graphical selection tool and its graphical category display elements are arranged and configured to visually represent other music related items and / or similar music related items in adifferent fashion. Some examples of such variations are now discussed with the recognition that any one or more of the details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives discussed herein with respect to music search graphical selection tools (generally and with respect to music search graphical selection tools 305 and 405) may apply to the following examples where not contradictory to that example. In one example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a music equalizer (e.g., an equalizer board) with the graphical category display elements configured and arranged as the sliders of the equalizer with each slider being a different graphical category display element representing a music related category (e.g., a plurality of sliders arranged in a sequence representing categories such as genre, mood, sound, etc.). In this example and examples like it, the graphical category display elements may be configured to allow a user to interact with them by moving the sliders up and / or down (or in an alternative example, side to side) from a set position to select a category (and, optionally, a subcategory) value item and / or to adjust an influence or weighting of a category and / or subcategory (e.g., adjusting the weighting / influence of the category on a resulting musical search). In one such example, moving a “genre” category slider upwardly increases the emphasis of the genre on a resulting music search. In another such example, moving a “tempo” slider adjusts the desired tempo to be faster or slower depending on the direction the slider is moved (e.g., adjusting desired tempo to be faster if moved upwardly or to the right and slower if moved downwardly or to the left).

[0059] In another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a sound mixer (e.g., a physical music mixer) with the graphical category display elements configured and arranged as faders or channel sliders of a mixing board with each fader or channel slider being a different graphical category display element representing a music related category. In this example and examples like it, the graphical category display element may be configured to allow a user to interact with all or a portion of the graphical category display element to adjust the faders / channel sliders to up and / or down (or in an alternative example, side to side) from a set position to select a category (and, optionally, a subcategory) value item and / or to adjust an influence or weighting of a category and / or subcategory (e.g., adjusting the weighting / influence of the category on a resulting musical search). In one such example, a user interacting with a fader / channel slider to replicate pushing the fader / channel slider representing a “vocal” category upwardly on a display would increase the emphasis or prominence of the vocal category and / or category / subcategory value item on a resulting music search. In another such example, a user interacting with a fader / channel slider to replicate pushing the fader / channel slider would allow auser to adjust a selection of a particular moving a “tempo” slider adjusts the desired tempo to be faster or slower depending on the direction the slider is moved (e.g., adjusting desired tempo to be faster if moved upwardly or to the right and slower if moved downwardly or to the left).

[0060] In yet another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a music disk (e.g., a record album) with the graphical category display elements configured and arranged as musical tracks of the record album (e.g., each graphical category display element being a concentric circular region similar to those of music tracks on a traditional vinyl record album) with each “track” region being a different graphical category display element representing a music related category. In this example and examples like it, a graphical category display element may be configured to allow a user to interact with the music search graphical selection tool to select (e.g., via placing into a corresponding concentric circular region) a category and / or subcategory value item for the graphical category display element. In such an example, a music search graphical selection tool may be optionally configured to allow a user to assign a category to each of the graphical category display elements. Optionally, such a music search graphical selection tool may also be configured such that the arrangement of categories in different locations (e.g., by user placement) on the visual representation of a record album are used to set a weighting factor for the relative weighting of categories and / or any selected cat egory / sub category value item (e.g., categories closer to the center of the album are weighted more heavily than those further from the center, categories closer to the center of the album are weighted less heavily than those further from the center, or some other relative positioning weighting determination) in a resulting music search using the music search graphical selection tool (e.g., via the resulting displayable representation of the relevant music related item. Similarly, other examples and implementations of a music search selection tool (e.g., tool 305, tool 405, other tools discussed herein, and similarly configured tools) may be configured to allow a user to interact with the tool to allow the user to change the relative positioning of graphical category display elements to each other (e.g., via a drag and drop user interaction with the relevant interface) and to use such relative positioning to determine a weighting factor to apply to a music search using the resulting displayable representation of a music related item.

[0061] Similarly to the example above, any music search graphical selection tool (e.g., tool 305, tool 405, other tools discussed herein, and similarly configured tools) may optionally be configured to allow a user to interact with the tool to allow the user to assign a music related category to a particular graphical category display element of the music search graphical selection tool (e.g., via adisplayable listing of available categories). In one exemplary aspect, such ability to customize which categories are included in a music search graphical selection tool may increase the user experience and detailed impact of a resulting displayable representation of a music related item on a music search.

[0062] In still another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a set of musical speakers with each speaker being configured as a graphical category display elements with each representing a music related category. In this example and examples like it, a graphical category display element may be configured to allow a user to interact with the music search graphical selection tool to select a category and / or subcategory value item for the graphical category display element and / or to adjust an influence or weighting of a category and / or subcategory. In such an example, a graphical category display element may be configured to present to a user a volume control (e.g., a display of a volume button or other interactive element that is associated with the corresponding speaker) that functionally allow the user to interact with the volume control to adjust a weighting of the corresponding category.

[0063] In still yet another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a cassette tape with different segments of the tape being different graphical category display elements with each representing a music related category. In this example and examples like it, a graphical category display element may be configured to allow a user to interact with the music search graphical selection tool to select a category and / or subcategory value item for the graphical category display element and / or to adjust an influence or weighting of a category and / or subcategory. In such an example, a graphical category display element may be configured to have a user fast-forward or rewind the cassette tape to select a particular graphical category display element (e.g., to select one or more category and / or subcategory value items). Such a music search graphical selection tool may also be optionally configured to allow a user to fast-forward and rewind the visual representation of a cassette tape to change the weighting / influence of one or more categories (e.g., fast-forwarding or rewinding toward a given graphical category display element may align that graphical category display element with a location on the representation indicating a different level of weighting, such as, for example, those graphical category display element sections of a tape wound together at a particular end of the cassette tape being weighted in a certain way or lining up a particular graphical category display element in the middle giving that category a particular weighting treatment).

[0064] In a further example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a boom box with graphical category display elements being configured as different buttons and / or dials on the boom box with each assigned a music related category. In this example and examples like it, a graphical category display element may be configured to allow a user to interact with the buttons and / or dials to make selections and adjustments related to each graphical category display element.

[0065] In still a further example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a musical staff and / or sheet music. In one such example, graphical category display elements are configured as a staff on a sheet of music with each staff representing a category and the music search graphical selection tool being configured to allow a user to select music notes representing category and / or subcategory value items on the staff. Each staff (or stave) may be arranged in a variety of ways with respect to other staff / staves (e.g., multiple staffs / staves in a horizontal arrangement with respect to each other, multiple staffs / staves stacked vertically with respect to each other, and combinations of the two approaches). In an alternative approach, graphical category display elements may be configured as different horizontal regions of a staff / stave. Category and / or subcategory value items may be presented to a user in any of a variety of ways (e.g., via a displayable list, such as via a pop up display associated with each staff). A graphical category display element may optionally be configured to allow a user to place a musical note in a particular location on the representation of a staff (e.g., at a certain line or space, at a certain horizontal position, in a certain location relative to other “notes” / value items, etc.) to indicate a setting of a weighting factor.

[0066] In yet a further example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a jukebox with graphical category display elements configured to include a slot or section into which a user is allowed to select (e.g., via insertion or other selection approach) one or more category and / or subcategory value items that each visually represented as music records (e.g., with a textual or other indication of which value item each represents, such as in a traditional place of a song title on a “single” music record).

[0067] In still yet a further example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent disc jockey (DJ) turntable or other setup with graphical category display elements configured as a different record on a turntable with each record representing a category. In such an example, the music search graphical selection tool may be configured to allow a user tointeract with the representations of the graphical category display elements to make a selection or other setting with respect to a category (e.g., via spinning the record on the turntable).

[0068] In another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a conductor’s baton interacting with a plurality of nodes (e.g., visually depicted as instruments and / or singers) with each node being a graphical category display element for a different category. The baton and nodes are configured to allow a user to dynamically move the baton (e.g., in different directions and with varying intensity) to select category / subcategory value items for each category and / or make settings of a weighting factor for a category. For example, directional movement may be utilized for selecting categories, subcategories, and corresponding value items and the intensity of movement utilized to make a setting of a weighting factor.

[0069] In yet another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent piano keys with each graphical category display element being a different piano key representing a different category. In one such example, such a tool can be configured to allow a user to press a key to select a category (e.g., for selecting a category / subcategory value item, such as via a listing of corresponding value items that appears when the key is depressed). A music search graphical selection tool may be optionally configured to allow an intensity of depression of a key and / or depth of depression of a key to be used by a user to select a weighting factor.

[0070] In still another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent piano keys with each graphical category display element being a different piano key representing a different category. In one such example, such a tool can be configured to allow a user to press a key to select a category (e.g., for selecting a category / subcategory value item, such as via a listing of corresponding value items that appears when the key is depressed). A music search graphical selection tool may be optionally configured to allow an intensity of depression of a key and / or depth of depression of a key to be used by a user to select a weighting factor. A key of such an example may indicate that it has been selected by a variety of ways (e.g., by staying visually depressed, by changing color, by lighting up, etc.).

[0071] In still yet another example of a music search graphical selection tool, it is configured to visually represent a guitar fretboard and neck with graphical category display elements configured as one or more regions of the displayable guitar fretboard and neck (e.g., each graphical category display element being configured as a fret. In one such example, a user may interact with graphical category display elements by selecting (e.g., via a user input pressing, tapping, etc.) a graphicalcategory display element (e.g., a fret) to make a selection or adjustment related to the corresponding category. A music search graphical selection tool may be optionally configured to allow a user to depress a graphical category display element (e.g., a fret) and / or a representation of a guitar string in relation to a fret to make a selection and / or adjustment. In one such example, the pressure applied to a fret or one or more strings can be utilized to make a selection / adjustment to a weighting factor associated with the corresponding category. A tool may be configured to have certain visual feedback (e.g., glowing strings, highlighted frets, or other changes to displayed elements) to indicate selection of a category, weighting information, value items, and / or other factors related to a graphical category display element.

[0072] In examples of a music search graphical selection tool, discussion of changing (e.g., increasing, decreasing, adjusting, etc.) a weighting, prominence, influence, or importance of a category and / or subcategory may involve changing a weight of a particularly selected category / sub category value item, broadening or narrowing the included cat egory / sub category value items by a factor (e.g., by a numerical factor to include x number of on either side of a selected category / sub category value item in an ordering of the same), and / or changing a weight of the category / subcategory generally with respect to other categories represented in a music search graphical selection tool. Additionally, combinations of examples may occur. For example, a music search graphical selection tool may be configured to visually represent a slider-based music item (e.g., an equalizer, mixer, sound wave, etc.) for one aspect of functionality (e.g., selecting a weighting for a category) and be configured to visually represent another type of music related item, such as a musical disc, for selection of a category and / or subcategory value item. It will be understood from the disclosure herein that other combinations may work visually and / or functionally in a particular user interface. Additionally, having combinations of graphical category display elements that adjust a weighting for one or more categories and graphical category display elements that allow a user to select one or more category and / or subcategory value items in the same music search graphical selection tool is contemplated. Music search graphical selection tool 405 was described above to optionally have both functionalities for each graphical category display element in one graphical category display element (e.g., sliding portions that move upwardly to represent parts of an audio wave by selecting a category and / or subcategory value item and sliding portions that move downwardly to represent lower parts of an audio wave by adjusting a weighting factor). In an alternative approach or description of such an example, the portions moving upwardly may be one set of graphical category display elements and the portions moving downwardly may be anotherset of graphical category display elements. In another example of combinations, one set of graphical category display elements representing certain categories (e.g., those forming one or more parts of an audio wave representation) are configured to adjust category weighting and another set of graphical category display elements representing certain categories (e.g., those forming one or more other parts of an audio wave representation, including being interspersed with the first set) are configured to select one or more category and / or subcategory value items together forming the total representation of a music related item.

[0073] In any one or more examples of basing a musical search (and / or other platform action) on a displayable representation of a music related item or otherwise using a displayable representation of a music related item in a musical search such may include using the information used to derive the displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., selected categories, selected subcategories, selected category and / or subcategory value items, weighting factor(s), etc.) in conducting the musical search.

[0074] It is noted that an MIO platform configured with a music search graphical selection tool and / or resultant displayable representation of a music related item and / or one or more of the related features and functionalities discussed herein may provide a user with one or more benefits.Examples of benefits that may be associated with an example of a music search graphical selection tool and / or resultant displayable representation of a music related item of the current disclosure include, but are not limited to, creating a music discovery experience that visually resonates with a user’s intended musical taste, allowing a user to visualize their musical preferences, allowing a user to adjust their musical preferences (e.g., in real time), creating an immersive and engaging experience, allowing real time adjustments to a resultant displayable representation of a music related item (e.g., via changed selections of category / sub category value items, via changes to a weighting factor) that create an interactive visual discovery journey within an MIO platform, turning music discovery into a visual artistic representation, marrying the visual language of music (e.g., a sound waveform) with a user’s preferences, including a feature that relies on characteristic matching to provide music selection listings instead of user history tracking, allowing a music artist (e.g., indie artists who do not have large exposure on traditional streaming services) to have their music discovered by new fan users based on characteristics of their music instead of unrelated factors such as streaming statistics used by existing streaming services, allowing fan users to match to music artist that align with user preferences and values (e.g., enhancing authentic engagement opportunities) and vice versa, and any combinations thereof. Any given implementation of a musicsearch graphical selection tool and / or resultant displayable representation of a music related item according to the current disclosure may include one or more (or none) of such exemplary benefits.

[0075] Backstage Pass

[0076] Another set of features for use in an MIO platform or other type of online platform is referred to herein as a Backstage Pass. In various exemplary implementation, tools, interfaces, systems, and methods related to the Backstage Pass set of features are provided (e.g., for enabling communication between a musical artist and one or more fan users (or vice versa) on a music service platform, for producing a sharable graphical indicator of a user profile information for sharing on a music service platform, for allowing fans and artists to visually represent their profile information (e g., musical preferences, personalities, brand identities and / or other information related to the person and / or their music persona), for searching an online music platform, and any combinations thereof. Such graphical indicators of a user profile information (whether the user is a fan user or a musical artist user) and visual representations of artists and music selection may be referred to herein as a sound sequence graphic (e.g., a sound sequence profile graphic for a user, a sound sequence graphic for a musical selection, etc.).

[0077] In one exemplary implementation, artist users and fan users each create user profile information (e.g., by an artist user answering a set of artist profile characteristic questions and a fan user answering a set of questions relating to characteristics of music and / or music artists, by both an artist user and a fan user answering a set of profile characteristic questions). In one such example, an artist profile is created based on answers to artist profile characteristic questions provided by an artist user and a fan user profile is created using answers to fan profile characteristic questions provided by a fan user. Such a process may be completed by any number of artist and fan users on a platform. The platform can be configured to match fan users to artist users (e.g., to promote engagement between fans and artists, to allow for communication between fans and artists (e.g., initiated by a fan and / or initiated by an artist), and combinations thereof) based on answers to corresponding questions by fans and artists. In one exemplary aspect, such matching may occur via the creation of a displayable graphical representation for a fan user based on answers provided by the fan to the fan profile characteristic questions and the creation of a displayable graphical representation for an artist user based on answers provided by the artist user to the artist profile characteristic questions. Such matching may be performed by the music platform automatically, may occur by users visually comparing their displayable graphical representations, by otherprocesses, and combinations thereof. Weighting factors similar to those assigned to categories discussed above in music search graphical selection tools may be assigned by users to answers to profile characteristic questions to select an importance of one or more questions (related answers) and a corresponding portion of a displayable graphical representation based on the answers.

[0078] Examples of a profile characteristic question include, but are not limited to, a core message question (e.g., a core message conveyed by music), a fan engagement question (e.g., a question related to how an artist may engage with a fan), an artistic ambition question (e.g., a question related to an ambition characteristic of a band), a band dynamic question (e.g., a question related to a band dynamic, vibe, or working characteristic), a user taste question, a user belief question, a user characteristic question, a musical preference question (e.g., related to a type or characteristic of music created by an artist, related to a type or characteristic of music that a fan user prefers, etc.), an identity question (e.g., related to an identity or related characteristic of a fan user, related to an identity or related characteristic of an artist user, etc.), a personality question (e.g., related to a personality of a fan or artist user), a musical journey question (e.g., a question related to a journey taken by an artist during a career), a values question, a creative style question), a public persona question, and any combinations thereof.

[0079] In an exemplary implementation, an artist user would answer questions based on the artist themselves and a fan user would answer questions based on the type of artist and / or music they are seeking to connect with. In other examples, an artist may also answer questions (depending on the questions) based on a characteristic of a fan they seek to connect with. Additionally, a fan user may answer one or more questions (depending on the questions) based on characteristics about themselves.

[0080] Questions may be presented to a user via a user interface that includes a framework for producing a displayable graphical representation (e g., a section / region for each question that is selectable by a user to answer the question that once answered changes its presentation, e.g., by adopting a color associated with the answer to the question for the section / region). Questions may be organized into categories (or question / answer genres) and have subcategories (or question / answer subgenres). Question / answer genre sections / regions of a framework for producing a displayable graphical representation and the resulting section / region of a displayable graphical representation may be presented in a more dominant manner than their corresponding question / answer subgenre sections / regions (e.g., genre sections / regions may be presented larger or more centrally withsubgenre sections / regions presented smaller, more peripherally and / or contained within a genre section / region. A subgenre question / answer may provide a user with an ability to provide more refined characterization to their answers and resulting displayable graphical representation.

[0081] An MIO platform may be configured to allow one way and / or two-way connection of users (e.g., only fan users to artist users, only artist users to fan users, and / or both artist and fan users being able to connect with each other).

[0082] A displayable graphical representation based on answers to profile characteristic questions (e.g., for a fan, for an artist) may be in any form that is capable of conveying relevant information regarding answers provided by users. In one example, a grid design form is utilized in which each question / answer (and any related subcategory (“subgenre”) question / answer provided to refine an answer to a primary (“genre”) question / answer) having a section / region of the grid design. Each section / region would then have a particular color assigned to it upon the user answering the corresponding question (e.g., the color being related to the particular answer provided / selected by the user). In another example, a form similar to the grid design discussed above is utilized but the sections / regions are not necessarily grid like and may take any of a variety of shapes and arrangements. In yet another example, a custom image can be provided by a user (e.g., via a file upload) or the platform. The custom image may be selected with content that represents one or more characteristics of the user (e.g., something representing style, branding, or persona of the artist, such as an album cover, artwork, personal photo, etc) or that the user wishes to portray. In a custom image example, section / regions of the custom image may then be assigned questions which once answered will be assigned particular colors associated with the answer provided / selected by the user.

[0083] A displayable graphical representation based on answers to profile characteristic questions may be part of a Backstage Pass display element (or badge) (e.g., shaped and arranged similar to a real-world backstage pass). Other information, such as user name and other user information may also be added to a Backstage Pass display element.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates two examples of a Backstage Pass display element, a first Backstage Pass display element 905 having a grid-like structured displayable graphical representation 910 and a second Backstage Pass display element 915 having a custom image displayable graphical representation 920. Displayable graphical representation 910 includes multiple grid regions, each for a different profile characteristic question and colored differently based on answers provided by the corresponding user. Region 925 corresponds to a question / answer that has been given a higherweighting (e.g., as indicated by the region being outlined with a border). Region 930 corresponds to a question / answer in which there is a primary (category / genre based) question / answer that is indicated by the lighter color fill and larger region and a refinement (subcategory / subgenre based) question / answer that is indicated by the darker color small region inside of the larger region of the primary question / answer. Displayable graphical representation 920 includes a custom image of a dog with different sections of the image of the dog, its surrounding, and the borders to the image corresponding to different question / answers. Region / section 935 is displayed with a strong dark border around the light blue coloring corresponding to the answer for that region. The dark border in this example illustrates that this region 935 was given a stronger weight by the user to emphasize this region.

[0085] It is contemplated that a Backstage Pass implementation may be combined with a music search graphical selection tool of the present disclosure (e.g., a music search graphical selection tool may be used to present profile characteristic questions to a fan or artist user, a music search graphical selection tool and / or a resultant displayable representation of a music related item may appear as part of a Backstage Pass display to a user, a music search graphical selection tool and / or a resultant displayable representation of a music related item may appear as part of a graphical representation based on answers to one or more profile characteristic questions, and any combinations thereof). Therefore, relevant method steps, user interfaces, details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives related to a music search graphical selection tool described herein may be applicable to one or more implementations of a Backstage Pass feature.

[0086] In one exemplary implementation, an MIO platform may include a video content analysis and virtual concert generation system and related features. For example, content on an MIO platform (e.g., that uploaded by one or more artists, that uploaded by one or more fans, etc.) may be analyzed and / or presented to users of the platform using any one or more of the features, methods, functionalities, systems, user interfaces, music search graphical selection tools, methods of enabling communication between a musical artist and one or more fan users, graphical representations based on user (e.g., artist user, fan user) answers and / or profde information, along with any one or more of the following optional features:Content Classification: The platform (e.g., programming, artificial intelligence, etc. thereon) identifies the musical event's genre, whether it's a concert, rehearsal, backstageinterview, a message from bands or artists, or content contributed by bands or the audience.Proximity Analysis: The system assesses whether the musical selection is close to the stage or captured from a distance, providing varied perspectives for the audience.Music / Audio Recognition: The platform (e.g., programming, artificial intelligence, etc. thereon) recognizes the type of music in the musical selection, enhancing the overall experience for users passionate about specific music genres. The platform recognizes the audio of spoken words to determine musical selection content as an interview or a message to fans and align with search results.Intelligent Curation: Leveraging machine learning, the system learns from user preferences over time, improving the accuracy and relevance of content curation.Musical selection Upload: bands, artists, and fans upload musical selection content to the platform.Musical selection Analysis with Al: The platform analyzes the musical selection content using computer vision and audio analysis techniques. The system identifies critical elements within the video or audio.Data Encryption and Security: Ensure musical selection content and GPS location data are encrypted for security and user privacy.Integration with APIs: platform programming may integrate with ticket sales, distribution companies, and other Venue APIs to collect event details. This integration allows the platform to cross-reference the event details with the analyzed musical selection content.Event Identification: The platform pinpoints the event within the musical selection content or by utilizing GPS location data from the user's mobile device, cross-referencing with other API data for accuracy.Enhanced Metadata Creation: The system enriches the musical selection metadata with details obtained from the API, including event name, venue details, and scheduled time.User Preference Learning: The platform uses machine learning algorithms to learn from the user's historical data and preferences to improve future curation accuracy.Content Curation for Augmented Reality (AR) Immersive Event: Based on the analyzed musical selection content, GPS location, and event details, the system delivers content for an AR immersive concave video wall.User Notification and Access: Users receive notifications about the created immersive content based on their preferences and location. Users can access the content, virtually experiencing shared events through the platform.Continuous Improvement: The platform continuously learns and improves its capabilities by analyzing user interactions and feedback.Other aspects and features may also be employed alone or in combination with the above aspects and features and / or other aspects and features disclosed herein.

[0087] An MIO platform may include a user interface that displays content objects to a user / fan (e.g., those related to a musical artist the user is interested in and / or is following in the platform, those related to a musical artist that a user discovers using the platform, a musical selection, a music search graphical selection tool, a graphical representations based on user (e.g., artist user, fan user) answers and / or profde information, etc.). In one example, such a user interface may be displayed as a video wall including a plurality of video content (or other types of content) objects represented (e g., via thumbnail and / or preview). In one such example, a video wall may be displayed in an augmented reality user interface of an MIO platform. In one exemplary aspect of a content display interface, one or more content objects may be a main display object in which an active video is displayed to a user. A content display interface, such as a video wall interface, may be divided into a plurality of displayable sections. In such an example, a display may be divided into multiple video thread categories in which different types of content are displayable (e.g., different categories of content related to an artist, a display screen topic, a virtual concert, etc.). Assignment of a thread category to a displayable section may be by a variety of mechanisms including, but not limited to, manually by a user, automatically by an MIO platform (e.g., using user profile information, using artist input information, by default organization, etc.), manually by an artist (e.g., an artist whose content is displayable by a video wall), and any combinations thereof. In one example, a user (e.g., a fan, an artist, etc.) may be presented with a user interface for assigning a thread category to adisplayable section. Examples of thread categories include, but are not limited to, Genre-Specific Concerts (Adjust the content based on the music genre, catering to individual preferences, whether that's rock, pop, country western, jazz, rap, electronic, or any other style); Fan Excitement (Immerse yourself in the euphoria and excitement of the audience during the concert. Feel the energy as fans cheer and react to every thrilling moment); Artist Performances (Showcase the central performances and special moments on stage, bringing you front and center to the heart of the artist's captivating show); Backstage Moments (Gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes glimpses, artist interactions, and preparations, offering a unique perspective on the event); Audience Sing-Alongs (For users who want to experience the joy of the crowd singing along with the artists, fostering a sense of collective celebration); Light Show and Effects (Emphasize the spectacular light shows, special effects, and visual elements that contribute to the immersive atmosphere of the event); Instrumental Solos (Include moments of instrumental solos and musical virtuosity, capturing the skill and artistry of the performers); Encore and Closing Moments (Relish the final moments of the concert, including encores and closing acts, bringing the entire event to a memorable conclusion); and any combinations thereof. Other exemplary aspects and features of displayable user interfaces are described herein. Such a user interface may be used to provide one or more music selections to a user (e.g., based on a displayable representation of a music related item, based on a matching of one or more user profiles (e.g., via matching graphical representations based on user answers as disclosed herein), etc.).

[0088] In one aspect, one or more embodiments of a music information online platform and associated methods according to the current disclosure may be implemented across a plurality of computing devices, for example over one or more networks. In one such example, components of a platform are located on one or more centralized computer devices (e.g., a cloud resource) and users of the platform access the one or more centralized computer devices via one or more networks. Such access may be by any well-known mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, Internet connectivity using a web-based application user interface (e.g., using an Internet browsing application on a user device), application software running on a user device that connects to the platform over a network, other known distributed and centralized systems, and any combinations thereof. In one example, machine-executable instructions exist on one or more centralized computer devices and each user of the platform utilizes a local application program or a web-based interface to connect to the one or more centralized computer devices. In one such example, a user can download a user application program that is a part of the platform from a mobileoperating system application store (e.g., an Apple iOS store, an Android application store, etc.), from one of the one or more centralized computer devices of the platform, or from another downloadable resource center. One example of a user application program may include machine executable instructions stored in the user computing device that interacts with operating system components and hardware components of the user computing device to communicate over a network to the centralized portions of an MIO platform of the current disclosure and to execute such instructions to provide one or more user interfaces of the MIO platform to the user and execute portions of one or more of the aspects of an MIO platform and related methods as disclosed herein.

[0089] FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary network disbursed implementation 1000 that can be utilized for a music information online platform and associated methods. Implementation 1000 has its components disbursed across physical components (e g., memory elements, processors, etc.) of one or more platform computing devices 1005 and user computer devices 1010 and 1015. Computer devices 1005, 1010, and 1015 are connected via networks 1020, 1025. In one example of a disbursed implementation, such as implementation 1000, a portion of the music information online platform (“MIO platform”) is stored in a memory of computing device 1005 for execution by a processor of device 1005 and communication with one or more of user computers (such as computers 1010, 1015) on which a portion (e.g., a client portion) of the MIO platform is stored (e g., via a memory) and executed (e g., via a processor). In one such example, programmatic elements (as described herein) of an MIO platform are downloaded to a client portion on computer 1010, 1015 from computer 1005 (or other source) with executable programming running on a processor of computer 1010, 1015 and a displayable and interactive portion being run at the client portion on computer 1010, 1015. MIO platform 1000 is shown with optional user application portion 1030 (on user computing device 1010) and user application portion 1035 (on user computing device 1015). In another example, a majority of an MIO platform is stored and processed on computer 1005 with displayable interactions being communicated to one or more of client computers 1010, 1015. Examples of computing devices, networks, and other related components are discussed below.

[0090] In one exemplary aspect, a MIO platform of the current disclosure includes one or more user interfaces that display images and / or graphic elements to a user (e.g., via a display device associated with a user computing device) and allow a user to interact with the MIO platform. For example displaying objects (e.g., a music search graphical selection tool, a resultant displayable representation of a music related item, one or more music selections, a playlist, a value item (e.g., acategory value item, a subcategory value item, a weighting factor, a graphical category display element, a component of a graphical category display element, etc.) and / or receiving inputs from a user (e.g., receiving a selection) may be performed via one or more user interfaces of an MIO platform according to the current disclosure. Multiple users can access and interact with exemplary implementations of an MIO platform and, optionally, interact with each other (e.g., taking part in electronic messaging, interactive play, sharing of user generated content, sharing of third-party content, taking part in events presented via the MIO platform, interacting as will be understood by those of ordinary skill by the current disclosure, otherwise interacting as is well known and common in social media platforms, and combinations of such interactions). Some example implementations of an MIO platform and related methods of the current disclosure include at least one user interface that blends aspects of the real-world with digital aspects (i.e., an augmented reality user interface). It is noted that not all user interfaces of an MIO platform will include both real-world and digital world aspects (sometimes referred to as virtual aspects / virtual objects). General concepts of augmented reality are known and will be understood to a person of ordinary skill in light of the current disclosure, some of which will be understood to be combinable with the embodiments, implementations, and aspects described herein.

[0091] An MIO platform according to the current disclosure includes one or more user interfaces for interacting with users of the MIO platform. In one example, at least one of the one or more user interfaces includes an augmented reality user interface. An augmented reality user interface includes a display of a portion of the real-world and a display of one or more virtual objects. In one example of an MIO platform, an augmented reality user interface includes a display of a portion of the real-world in the proximity of the computing device used by a first user and a display of one or more objects associated with a feature or aspect of the MIO platform as described herein (e.g., a video wall, one or more music selections, a playlist, a music search graphical selection tool, a resultant displayable representation of a music related item, etc.). In one such example, the still and / or video image of the real-world proximity is obtained via an optical device (e.g., a camera) of the computing device of the first user and the one or more virtual objects are overlaid on the still and / or video image of the real-world proximity in the augmented reality user interface displayed to the first user. In another example of an MIO platform, an augmented reality user interface includes a display of one or more virtual objects (e.g., a virtual object representing music selection content) associated with an MIO platform that are overlaid upon a real time view of a real-world proximity to a device of a first user of the MIO platform (e.g., a view obtained through an eyeglass of anaugmented eyeglass device, a view surrounding a holographic display device that projects the one or more virtual objects into three space in the real -world proximity).

[0092] In one exemplary aspect that may appear in one or more implementations of an MIO platform, an augmented reality user interface (e.g., used in a user interface related to searching for a music selections and / or artists, displaying a music search graphical selection tool, creating and / or displaying a resultant displayable representation of a music related item, creating and / or displaying a sound sequence graphic, providing one or more music selections, and / or other displayable interaction of the current disclosure) may provide a user of the platform with a more immersive experience that may also be more engaging than that of a traditional display. Such an augmented reality display combines with the already more immersive and engaging experience provided to a user via a music search graphical selection tool in manipulating visual representations of music discovery criteria (e.g., via modifying a sound wave visual representation for different music matching experiences).

[0093] An augmented reality user interface may include any number or type of virtual objects (e.g., any displayable item of the current disclosure that could be displayed on a traditional display) displayed with a real-world view / image of a proximity (e.g., a proximity of a real-world area, including a particular real-world subdivision to which a virtual subdivision of a virtual mapping may correlate). One type of virtual object is a virtual indicator of a music selection content item. Other examples of a virtual object include, but are not limited to, a video wall, one or more music selections, a playlist, a music search graphical selection tool, a resultant displayable representation of a music related item, a Backstage Pass graphic, a sound sequence graphic, and any combinations thereof.

[0094] A virtual object or other traditionally displayed object may include a real-world offering. A real-world offering is an offering presented to a user in an augmented reality user interface of a MIO platform of the current disclosure wherein the offering is for some object, service, participation, or other thing in the real-world (e.g., augmented by use of the MIO platform). In one example, a real-world offering is a video content item (e.g., a live stream of a music event). In another example, a real-world offering is an object for sale by a musical artist. A real-world offering may be represented by a virtual indicator. Examples of a real-world offering include, but are not limited to, a product for sale, a service for sale, a product offering, a service offering, a promotional item, a recruiting item, an event item, a discount coupon (e.g., a general discount, a discount for aparticular product or service), a voucher (e.g., a general voucher, a voucher related to a specific product or service), an item related to a loyalty program, a reward (e.g., a frequent customer reward), access to an event (e.g., an exclusive event or experience), a virtual tour of a location, an interactive game (e.g., a game or challenge related to a product or service), a virtual try-on of a product, a virtual demonstration of a product, an informational content (e.g., a tutorial, an educational material), an opportunity to donate (e.g., donation to a particular cause or organization), an opportunity to sponsor an entity, an opportunity to provide a recommendation), a personal recommendation to a user (e.g., based on a user’s preference and / or behavior within an MIO platform), and any combinations thereof.

[0095] One or more real-world offerings may be included in a set of real-world offerings (e.g., organized as an inventory list). An MIO platform and / or a subsection of an MIO platform (e.g., a section dedicated to a musical artist) may include a virtual store. A virtual store may offer any real- world offering or virtual offering for sale to users of the corresponding MIO platform.

[0096] A digital platform, such as an MIO platform, may include and / or otherwise utilize any of a variety of technologies to assist in the generation of a virtual object or other traditional display object (such as, for example, a virtual store and other virtual objects and displayable elements, and related user interfaces). Examples of such technologies include, but are not limited to, an augmented reality content creation tool (e.g., Unity3D by Unity Technologies; Snapchat Lens Studio by Snap, Inc.), a computer vision technology (e.g., NVIDIA Deep Learning Al by NVIDIA Corporation; OpenCV Open Source Computer Library originally authored by Intel Corporation and others), an object recognition technology (e.g., Google Cloud Vision API by Google; Vuforia by PTC, Inc.), a mobile computing device with augmented reality functionality (e.g., an Apple iPhone with ARKit; a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with ARCore technology), a cloud-based augmented reality platform (including related technology tools) (e.g., Microsoft Azure Mixed Reality Services by Microsoft Corporation; Amazon Sumerian by Amazon Web Services), three-dimensional (3D) modeling software (e.g., Autodesk Maya by Autodesk, Inc.; Blender open source software originally developed by NeoGeo), an integrated payment system (e.g., Square by Block, Inc.; PayPal integrated payment services), a third-party payment system (e g., a cloud-based payment system connected to a platform via one or more API’s) (e.g., Stripe by Stripe, Inc.; Braintree by PayPal, Inc ), an interactive display element (e.g., a Samsung Interactive Display; an LG OLED touch display), other software creation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud Suite by Adobe Systems; Unreal Engine by Epic Games, Inc.), and any combinations thereof. Examples of each of these technologies are known.

[0097] In one exemplary aspect, an augmented reality content creation tool may be used to create and design virtual objects (e.g., a 3D virtual object representing a product for sale) and environments (e.g., a virtual store infrastructure, a virtual store decor presentation, a virtual representation of a real-world defined area, a virtual subdivision, etc ). In another exemplary aspect, a computer vision technology and / or an object recognition technology may be used to identify and track real -world objects, which can be used as a marker to anchor a virtual object and / or a store location, in an augmented reality platform. For example, products for sale in a virtual store may have virtual objects created by an MIO platform using one or more computer vision and / or object recognition technologies. In yet another exemplary aspect, a cloud-based augmented reality platform (and / or related tools) may be used to build and manage augmented reality experiences (such as those described herein, including virtual stores experiences / interactions by users), across multiple devices and locations. In still another exemplary aspect, a 3D modeling technology and / or related software can be used to create and design virtual objects (such as a product of a virtual store or other virtual objects and display elements) and environments. For example, one or more virtual products and / or store display elements may be generated and made displayable via a user interface of an MIO platform with the use of one or more 3D modeling technologies. In still yet another exemplary aspect, an MIO platform may include a payment system (integrated directly into the platform and / or connected via a network (and related API or other programming) to a third-party payment system) that can be utilized by users of the platform to make and receive payments. For example, a user visiting a virtual store may use a payment system to make a payment to the owner of the virtual store for buying a product associated with the virtual store.

[0098] A virtual indicator or other virtual object may be associated with a pop up graphic that when the virtual indicator or other virtual object is interacted with by a user the pop up graphic is displayed. A virtual indicator or other virtual object may also be presented to a user via an augmented reality overlay display of a digital platform. An augmented reality overlay display is a graphical display of a user interface that is overlaid directly onto an image (e g., still and / or moving image) of a real-world proximity (e.g., a moving image obtained from a camera of a user’s device). In one example, an augmented reality overlay display is part of a pop up graphic of a user interface. In another example, an augmented reality overlay display is part of a user interface presented to a user. A virtual indicator or other virtual object may be presented to a user via a virtual assistant (e.g., a chatbot functionality, a voice-activated artificial intelligence functionality). A digital platform, such as an MIO platform of the current disclosure, may also utilize one or more pushnotifications related to a virtual indicator or other virtual object. A push notification is an electronic message (e.g., a mobile device operating system notification, an MIO platform notification, a text message, an email, and combinations thereof) sent to a user to provide information. Further, examples of computing devices that have augmented reality capabilities may be used to create and display to users one or more aspects of an MIO platform, such as virtual stores, products, etc. For example, devices such as augmented reality headsets can be used to display a user interface of an MIO platform. Additionally, such devices may implement protocols that include related tools for developing content for an MIO platform.

[0099] A pop up graphic, an augmented reality overlay, and / or a push notification may include any number and type of displayable graphic elements. Examples of displayable graphic elements for inclusion with a pop up graphic include, but are not limited to, one or more value items of a graphical category display element, a music search graphical selection tool (and / or one or more components thereof), a music selection, a playlist, information about a music artist, a user profile information, a listing of one or more available real-world offerings, a description of one or more real-world offerings, an image of one or more real-world offerings, a graphical display for purchasing a real-world offering, a link to a graphical display for purchasing a real-world offering, a listing of one or more products for sale, a description of a product for sale, an image of a product for sale, a graphical display for purchasing a product and / or service for sale, a link to a graphical display for purchasing a product and / or service for sale, a user interface for providing comment, a logo of a virtual store, a logo associated with the first user or another user, and any combinations thereof.Information to be conveyed to a user of a digital platform may also be conveyed to a user as an audio output (e.g., using a speaker element of a computing device). For example, an MIO platform may provide audio information to a user (e.g., in the form of a computer-generated voice).

[0100] Other Examples of Music Search Graphical Selection Tools and Backstage Pass Implementations and Related Methods

[0101] It is noted that any of the following method examples may be implemented as a computer implemented method. The following examples #1 to 69 relate to examples of music search graphical selection tools as discussed herein. The following examples #70 to 110 (e.g., and graphical representations based on sets of answers) relate to examples of a Backstage Pass feature as discussed herein. It is contemplated that any of the details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives of a component / element discussed with respect to thefollowing examples may be combined alone or in combination with others with one or more of the details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives of a component / element discussed above with respect to music search graphical selection tools (corresponding resultant displayable representations of a music related item) and Backstage Pass features, as appropriate.1. A method of searching an online music platform including: displaying a music search graphical selection tool that is configured to visually represent a music related item to a first user of the platform via a first user device, the music search selection tool having a plurality of graphical category display elements arranged within the music search graphical selection tool to form a display able representation of the music related item, each of the plurality of graphical category display elements including one or more category value items configured to be selectable in association with the corresponding one of the plurality of graphical category display elements; and receiving a selection of a category value item from the first user via the first user device for each of one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements via manipulation of the corresponding graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements to create a resultant displayable representation of a music related item.2. A method according to example 1, wherein said displaying a music search graphical selection tool includes: displaying the music search graphical selection tool in an augmented reality user interface, the augmented reality user interface including a depiction of a real world environment surrounding the first user device and one or more virtual objects representing the music search graphical selection tool overlaid on the depiction of the real world environment.3. A method according to example 2, wherein said receiving a selection of a category value item includes receiving from the first user an input via the augmented reality user interface.4. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 3, wherein the input via the augmented reality user interface includes a user input selected from the group consisting of a gesture input, a voice input, a touch screen input, and any combinations thereof.5. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 4, wherein the manipulation of the corresponding graphical category display element includes extending a display of a graphical category display element to form a portion of the displayable representation of a music related item.6. A method according to example 5, wherein the extending a display includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; displaying to the first user the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; receiving from the first user a selection of a first value item from the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; and extending the display of the first graphical category display element based on the selection of the first value item.7. A method according to example 5, wherein the extending a display includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; and receiving from the first user an input that drags a component of the first graphical category display element in a direction for extending the display of the first graphical category display element, wherein as the first user drags the component of the first graphical category display element the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element are displayable to the first user such that the first user selects a first value item of the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element by stopping the dragging of the component.8. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 4, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; displaying to the first user the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; receiving from the first user a selection of a first value item from the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; and extending the display of the first graphical category display element based on the selection of the first value item.9. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 4, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; andreceiving from the first user an input that drags a component of the first graphical category display element in a direction for extending the display of the first graphical category display element, wherein as the first user drags the component of the first graphical category display element the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element are displayable to the first user such that the first user selects a first value item of the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element by stopping the dragging of the component.10. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 9, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to perform a search of the online music platform for a music selection.11. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 10, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to create a sound sequence profile graphic for the first user.12. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 11, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to initiate an electronic communication between the first user and a second user.13. A method according to example 1, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to perform an action in the online music platform, the action selected from the group consisting of searching the online music platform for a music selection, matching the first user with a second user of the platform, matching the first user with a musical artist user of the platform, creating a user profile for the first user, creating a sound sequence profile graphic for the first user, initiating an electronic communication between the first user and a second user, and any combinations thereof.14. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 13, wherein the first user is a fan user.15. A method according to any one of examples 12 to 14, wherein the second user is an artist user.16. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 13, wherein the first user is an artist user.17. A method according to any one of examples 12, 13, and 16, wherein the second user is a fan user.18. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 17, wherein each of the one or more category value items for a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements includes one or more selectable subcategory value items.19. A method according to example 18, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes: receiving from the first user a selection of the first graphical category display element; displaying to the first user the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; receiving from the first user a selection of a first category value item from the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; displaying to the first user the one or more selectable subcategory value items for the first category value item; receiving from the first user a selection of at least one of the one or more selectable subcategory value items for the first category value item; and extending the display of the first graphical category display element based on the selection of the first subitem and the at least one of the one or more selectable subcategory value items.20. A method according to example 19, wherein the displaying of the one or more selectable subcategory value items includes a display technique selected from the group consisting of a pop up display, a scrolling menu, a hover induced display, a multi-screen sequential display, a drag induced display, a text listing, an expandable accordion display panel, a voice responsive display element, a dynamic content filter element, a radial menu, a contextual tooltip, a gesture-based display element, a carousel display, a split-screen display, a three-dimensional flip and / or rotating display element, an interactive map display, a stacked card display, a timeline scroll element, representation of category display item by a graphical icon, a drag-and-drop interface element, an animated slide-out panel, an augmented reality overlay display of one or more selectable value items over a depiction of a real world environment, and any combinations thereof.21. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 20, wherein the displaying of the one or more category value items includes a display technique selected from the group consisting of a pop up display, a scrolling menu, a hover induced display, a multi-screen sequential display, a drag induced display, a text listing, an expandable accordion display panel, a voice responsive display element, a dynamic content filter element, a radial menu, a contextual tooltip, a gesture-based display element, a carousel display, a split-screen display, a three-dimensional flip and / or rotating display element, an interactive map display, a stacked card display, a timeline scroll element, representation of category display item by a graphical icon, a drag-and-drop interface element, ananimated slide-out panel, an augmented reality overlay display of one or more selectable value items over a depiction of a real world environment, and any combinations thereof.22. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 20, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes a displaying of the one or more category value items via a display technique selected from the group consisting of a pop up display, a scrolling menu, a hover induced display, a multi-screen sequential display, a drag induced display, a text listing, an expandable accordion display panel, a voice responsive display element, a dynamic content fdter element, a radial menu, a contextual tooltip, a gesture-based display element, a carousel display, a split-screen display, a three-dimensional flip and / or rotating display element, an interactive map display, a stacked card display, a timeline scroll element, representation of category display item by a graphical icon, a drag-and-drop interface element, an animated slide-out panel, an augmented reality overlay display of one or more selectable value items over a depiction of a real world environment, and any combinations thereof.23. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 22, wherein a first music selection of the one or more music selections includes a second graphical displayable representation of a music related item associated with the first music selection.24. A method according to example 23, wherein the second graphical displayable representation includes one or more graphical category display elements that are each set to category value item values that correspond to the first music selection itself.25. A method according to example 23 or example 24, wherein the second graphical displayable representation includes one or more graphical category display elements that are each set to category value item values that correspond to the music artist of the first music selection.26. A method according to any one of examples 23 to 25, further comprising matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to the second graphical displayable representation.27. A method according to any one of examples 23 to 26, wherein each of the one or more music selections has a corresponding graphical displayable representation of a music related item.28. A method according to any one of examples 23 to 27, further comprising displaying to the first user the second graphical displayable representation of a music related item in association with the display of the first music selection.29. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 28, wherein a musical artist associated with a select one of the one or more music selections has a third graphical displayable representation of a music related item associated with the musical artist.30. A method according to example 29, further comprising matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to the third graphical displayable representation.31. A method according to example 30, further comprising displaying to the first user information about the musical artist based on the matching of the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to the third graphical displayable representation.32. A method according to any one of examples 1 to 26, wherein the music search graphical selection tool is further configured to allow a user to set a weighting factor for one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements.33. A method according to example 32, further comprising receiving from the first user a weighting factor for one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements.34. A method according to example 32, further comprising: receiving from the first user a selection of a second graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; displaying to the first user one or more possible weighting factors for the second graphical category display element; receiving from the first user a selection of a first weighting factor for the second graphical category display element; and extending the display of the second graphical category display element based on the selection of the first weighting factor.35. A method according to any one of examples 32 to 34, further comprising including the weighting factor for at least one of the one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements as part of the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.36. A method according to any one of examples 32 to 35, wherein the weighting factor is a weighting factor on an incremental scale.37. A method according to any one of examples 32 to 35, wherein the weighting factor is a weighting factor on a continuous scale.38. A method according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising displaying a textual representation of a selected category value item for any of the plurality of graphical category display elements for which the first user has provided a selection of a corresponding category value item.39. A method according to example 38, wherein the textual representation is overlayed upon the corresponding graphical category display element.40. A method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the music related item is an item selected from the group consisting of a sound wave, a music disc, an equalizer board, a physical music mixer, a record album, an audio speaker, a cassette tape, a boom box, a musical staff, a sheet music, a jukebox, a turntable disc jockey equipment, a music conductor’s baton, piano keys, a guitar fretboard and neck, and any combinations thereof .41. A method according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the music related item includes a sound wave.42. A method according to example 41, wherein each of the plurality of graphical category display elements forms a node of the sound wave.43. A method according to example 42, wherein each node of the sound wave extends in a direction relative to the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.44. A method according to any of examples 1 to 40, wherein the music related item includes a music disc.45. A method according to example 44, wherein each of the plurality of graphical category display elements is depicted as a pie shaped component of the music disc.46. A method according to example 45, wherein the one or more category value items are depicted within a graphical category display element in a scrolling interface configured to allow the first user to scroll through the one or more category value items during selection.47. A method according to example 45 or example 46, wherein when a select graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements is active, the display of the select graphical category display element is extended outwardly from the center of the music disc.48. A method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein each of the plurality of graphical category display elements represents a music related category.49. A method according to example 48, wherein the music related category for one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements is a music related category selected from the group of a music genre category, a music subgenre category, a mood category, a sound category, a vocal style category, a lyrical themes category, a tempo category, a studio category, a geographic origin category, a region category, a production style category, a performance type category, an influence category, an era of influence category, an artist dynamics category, a stage presence category, a creative themes category, a musical complexity category, an audience and community category, a time of release category (e.g., by year, decade, recent vs old, etc ), and any combinations thereof.50. A method according to example 48, wherein the music related category for one of the plurality of graphical category display elements is a music genre category.51. A method according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising returning a display of one or more music selections of the online music platform based on the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.52. A method according to example 51, wherein the one or more music selections includes a music selection selected from the group consisting of an audio music selection, a video music selection, an audio / video music selection, an artist profile display, a playlist of music selections, and any combinations thereof.53. A method according to example 51, wherein the one or more music selections are displayed to the user as part of a playlist.54. A method according to example 53, wherein the playlist is configured and displayed to the first user such that the first user can select at least one of the one or more music selections displayed to the first user in a first display of the playlist for adding to a user accessible playlist associated with the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.55. A method according to example 54, wherein the display of the one or more music selections includes a user selectable input for each of the one or more music selections to allow the user to select the at least one of the one or more music selections.56. A method according to example 54 or example 55, further comprising receiving from the first user a selection of the at least one of the one or more music selections.57. A method according to any one of examples 54 to 56, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: displaying to the first user any additional music selections matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item that have been added to the platform since the previous display of the playlist.58. A method according to example 57, further comprising allowing the first user to select one or more of the additional music selections for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.59. A method according to any one of examples 56 to 58, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: omitting from display of the user accessible playlist any music selections previously displayed in a prior display of the user accessible playlist that the first user did not select for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.60. A method according to any one of examples 51 to 59, wherein the display of one or more music selections includes the displaying of the one or more music selections as part of an augmented reality user interface, the augmented reality user interface including a display of the one or more music selections overlaid on a depiction of a real world environment.61. A method according to any one of examples 51 to 60, further comprising receiving an input from the first user indicating the first user is done manipulation of the music search graphical selection tool such that the display of the one or more music selections is displayed.62. A method according to any one of examples 51 to 61, wherein as the platform receives selections of the category value items for each of the one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements, the one or more music selections are automatically updated.63. A method according to any one of examples 51 to 62, wherein the resultant displayable representation of a music related item is displayed to the first user at the same time as at least a portion of the display of the one or more music selections.64. A method according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising displaying to the first user the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.65. A method according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising displaying to at least one additional user the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.66. A user interface for an online music platform, the user interface including interface items for performing the method of any of the preceding examples.67. A machine-readable storage medium including processor-executable instructions which when executed by a processor of a machine perform the method of any one of examples 1 to 66.68. A method of searching an online music platform including: displaying a music search graphical selection tool to a first user of the platform, the music search graphical selection tool having a plurality of graphical category display elements arranged within the music search graphical selection tool to form a displayable representation of a music related item, each of the plurality of graphical category display elements including one or more category value items configured to be selectable within a displayable space assigned to the corresponding graphical category display element; receiving a selection of a first one of the plurality of graphical category display elements from the first user; allowing the first user to manipulate the first one of the plurality of graphical category display elements to select a first subitem of the one or more category value items of the first one of the plurality of graphical category display elements;returning a display of one or more music selections of the online music platform based on the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.69. A method of enabling communication between a musical artist and one or more fan users on a music service platform, the method including: providing to a first musical artist user a first interface including a first plurality of artist profile characteristic questions; receiving from a first user device of the first musical artist a first set of answers to one or more of the first plurality of artist profile characteristic questions; creating an artist profile based on the first set of answers; providing to each of a plurality of fan users a second interface including a second plurality of questions, the second plurality of questions relating to characteristics of music and / or musical artists; receiving from each of the plurality of fan users second set of answers to one or more of the second plurality of questions; creating a fan music profile for each of the plurality of fan users based on the corresponding second set of answers for each fan user; matching a first subset of fan users of the plurality of fan users to the first musical artist based on a comparison of the artist profile and / or the first set of answers to the fan music profiles and / or the second sets of answers of the plurality of fan users; and allowing a first electronic communication between the first musical artist and a first fan user of the first subset of fan users via the music service platform based on said matching, the first electronic communication being initiated by the first musical artist or the first fan user.70. A method according to example 69, wherein the first electronic communication is initiated by the first musical artist.71. A method according to example 69, wherein the first electronic communication is initiated by the first fan user.72. A method according to any one of examples 69 to 71, further comprising: creating a first graphical representation based on the first set of answers; creating a second graphical representation for each of the first subset of fan users based on the corresponding set of the second set of answers.73. A method according to example 72, wherein the artist profile includes the first graphical representation and each of the fan music profiles includes the corresponding one of the second graphical representations.74. A method according to example 72 or example 73, further comprising displaying the fan music profile for each of the first subset of fan users to the first musical artist.75. A method according to example 74, wherein the displaying the fan music profile includes displaying the corresponding second graphical representation.76. A method according to example 72 or example 73, further comprising displaying the artist profile to the first fan user.77. A method according to example 76, wherein the displaying the fan music profile includes displaying the first graphical representation.78. A method according to example 69, wherein said allowing a first electronic communication includes providing to the first musical artist a fan match display interface configured to allow the first musical artist to initiate the first electronic communication.79. A method according to example 78, wherein the fan match display interface includes a display of information related to the second set of answers.80. A method according to example 78 or example 79, wherein the fan match display interface includes a fan engagement element.81. A method according to one of examples 78 to 80, further comprising: creating a first graphical representation based on the first set of answers; creating a second graphical representation for each of the first subset of fan users based on the corresponding set of the second set of answers, wherein the fan match display interface includes a display of one or more of the second graphical representation corresponding to at least one of the first subset of fan users.82. A method according to example 81, further comprising displaying as part of the fan match display interface the first graphical representation.83. A method according to one of examples 78 to 80, further comprising: creating a second graphical representation for each of the first subset of fan users based on the corresponding set of the second set of answers, wherein the fan match display interface includes a display of one or more of the second graphical representation corresponding to at least one of the first subset of fan users.84. A method according to example 83, further comprising:creating a first graphical representation based on the first set of answers, wherein the fan match display interface includes a display of the first graphical representation.85. A method according to any one of examples 69 to 84, wherein said allowing a first electronic communication includes providing to the first fan user an artist match display interface configured to allow the first fan user to initiate the first electronic communication.86. A method according to example 85, wherein the artist match display interface includes a display of information related to the first set of answers.87. A method according to example 85 or example 86, wherein the artist match display interface includes a fan engagement element.88. A method according to one of examples 85 to 87, further comprising: creating a first graphical representation based on the first set of answers; creating a second graphical representation for the first fan user based on the corresponding set of the second set of answers, wherein the artist match display interface includes a display of the first graphical representation.89. A method according to example 88, further comprising displaying as part of the fan match display interface the second graphical representation.90. A method according to one of examples 85 to 87, further comprising: creating a first graphical representation based on the first set of answers, wherein the artist match display interface includes a display of the first graphical representation.91. A method according to example 90, further comprising: creating a second graphical representation for the first fan user based on the corresponding set of the second set of answers, wherein the artist match display interface includes a display of the second graphical representation.92. A method according to any one of examples 72 to 91, wherein the first graphical representation and / or the second graphical representation include a graphical element selected from the group consisting of a backstage pass design element, a color indication wherein the color displayed corresponds to an answer from the first set of answers, a color indication wherein the color displayed corresponds to an answer from the second set of answers, and any combinations thereof.93. A method according to any one of examples 72 to 91, wherein the first graphical representation is designed to replicate a live performance backstage pass and includes a display of information derived from the first set of answers.94. A method according to any one of examples 72 to 91, wherein the second graphical representation is designed to replicate a live performance backstage pass and includes a display of information derived from the second set of answers.95. A method according to any one of examples 69 to 94, further comprising providing a third interface display to the first fan user, the third interface display configured to allow the first fan user to provide a financial payment to first musical artist.96. A method according to example 95, wherein the financial payment includes a repeating sponsorship payment.97. A method according to any one of examples 69 to 96, wherein the first electronic communication includes a sharing of a musical content element from the first musical artist to the first fan user.98. A method according to example 97, wherein the first musical content element includes a musical content element selected from the group consisting of a music video, an audio content element, a link to a content item, and any combinations thereof.99. A method according to any one of examples 69 to 98, wherein said matching includes a matching factors selected from the group consisting of a percentage match, a number of questions match, a ranked match, and any combinations thereof.100. A method according to any one of examples 69 to 99, wherein the first plurality of artist profile characteristic questions includes a question selected from the group consisting of a description of a brand identity question, an artist traits question, musical journey question, an artist dynamics question, an artist values question, a public persona question, a musical identity question, a core message question, an artistic ambition question, a fan engagement question, an inspirational source question, a creative process question, an artist challenges question, a social impact question, a vision question, a question regarding live performance experience, and any combinations thereof.101. A method according to any one of examples 69 to 100, wherein at least one question of the first plurality of artist profile characteristic questions is the same as at least one of the second plurality of questions.102. A method according to example 101, wherein all of the questions of the first plurality of artist profile characteristic questions have corresponding questions in the second plurality of questions.103. A method of producing a sharable graphical indicator of a user profile information for sharing on a music service platform, the method including:providing to a first musical artist user a first interface including a first plurality of artist profile characteristic questions; receiving from a first user device of the first musical artist a first set of answers to one or more of the first plurality of artist profile characteristic questions; creating an artist profile based on the first set of answers; providing to each of a plurality of fan users a second interface including a second plurality of questions, the second plurality of questions relating to characteristics of music and / or musical artists; receiving from each of the plurality of fan users second set of answers to one or more of the second plurality of questions; creating a fan music profile for each of the plurality of fan users based on the corresponding second set of answers for each fan user; matching a first subset of fan users of the plurality of fan users to the first musical artist based on a comparison of the artist profile and / or the first set of answers to the fan music profiles and / or the second sets of answers of the plurality of fan users; creating a first graphical representation based on the first set of answers; and creating a second graphical representation for each of the first subset of fan users based on the corresponding set of the second set of answers.104. A method according to example 103, wherein the artist profile includes the first graphical representation and each of the fan music profiles includes the corresponding one of the second graphical representations.105. A method according to example 103 or example 104, further comprising displaying the fan music profile for each of the first subset of fan users to the first musical artist.106. A method according to example 105, wherein the displaying the fan music profile includes displaying the corresponding second graphical representation.107. A method according to example 103 or example 104, further comprising displaying the artist profile to the first fan user.108. A method according to example 107, wherein the displaying the fan music profile includes displaying the first graphical representation.109. A user interface for an online music platform, the user interface including interface items for performing the method of any one of the preceding examples.110. A machine-readable storage medium including processor-executable instructions which when executed by a processor of a machine perform the method of any one of the preceding examples.100102] Machine Implementation

[0103] It is to be noted that any one or more of the aspects, ideas, concepts, implementations, examples, and embodiments described herein may be conveniently implemented using one or more machines (referred to herein as a computing device, e.g., one or more user computing devices, one or more server devices,) programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the computer art. Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by skilled programmers based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the software and related platform arts. Aspects, ideas, concepts, implementations, examples, and embodiments discussed herein may employ software and / or software modules and may also include appropriate hardware for assisting in the implementation of the machine executable instructions of the software and / or software module.

[0104] Such software may be a computer program product that employs a machine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable storage medium may be any medium that is capable of storing and / or encoding a sequence of instructions for execution by a machine (e.g., a computing device) and that causes the machine to perform any one of the methodologies and / or embodiments described herein, except that a machine-readable storage medium is not a medium that simply transports data from one point to another without a time period (however short or long) of storage in a hardware material (e.g., a signal is not a machine-readable storage medium). Examples of a machine-readable storage medium include, but are not limited to, a solid state memory, a flash memory, a random access memory (e.g., a static RAM “SRAM”, a dynamic RAM “DRAM”, etc.), , a magnetic memory (e.g., a hard disk, a tape, a floppy disk, etc.), an optical memory (e.g., a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc (BD); a readable, writeable, and / or re-writable disc, etc.), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a field programmable read-only memory (FPROM), a one-time programmable non-volatile memory (OTP NVM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and any combinations thereof., and any combinations thereof. Such examples are hardware storage media. If used herein, the term “non-transitory” in relation to a medium refers to a hardware storage medium that stores machine-readable instructions for a period of time, even if that time period is extremely small or temporary, and even if the storage of such instructions is fragile or reliant upon the provision of a continued electrical source. The examples of a machine-readable storage medium listed above in this paragraph are considered non -transitory. For example, machine executable instructions for a MIO platform (or a portion of a MIO platform) and / or related aspects and / or related methods and / or data may, in addition to one or more other machine-readable storage media, be stored in a RAM memory of a computing device (e g., in RAM memory of a user computing device while a user accesses the digital platform, in RAM memory of a cloud computing device while the platform is being accessed and / or operating, in combination of memory locations in a distributed network environment, etc.) for short periods of time and / or only while the computing device is powered on. In such a case, the RAM memory may be referred to, for example, as a non- transitory medium, A machine-readable medium, as used herein, is intended to include a single medium as well as a collection of physically separate media (localized and / or dispersed physically as in a distributed digital platform having a portion of machine-executable instructions on one or more server computers and / or one or more user devices), such as, for example, a collection of compact disks, one or more hard disk drives in combination with a computer memory, an array of RAM modules, etc. When used herein, the term “memory” includes examples that would include one or more machine-readable storage media. As used herein, the term “machine-readable storage medium” does not include a signal, carrier wave, or similar non-hardware based forms of encoding data, by themselves such forms being transitory in nature.

[0105] Such software may also include information (e.g., data, instructions, etc.) carried as a data signal on a data carrier, such as a carrier wave. For example, machine-executable information may be included as a data-carrying signal embodied in a data carrier in which the signal encodes a sequence of instruction, or portion thereof, for execution by a machine (e.g., a computing device) and any related information (e.g., data structures and data) that causes the machine to perform any one of the methodologies and / or embodiments described herein. Such examples are not to be considered a machine-readable storage medium as that term is used herein. However, it is contemplated that such examples may be used in implementing one or more aspects, ideas, concepts, implementations, examples, and embodiments of the current disclosure if appropriate.

[0106] Machine-executable instructions may be disbursed across a plurality of computing devices (e.g., one or more user devices and one or more server computers) and connected via one or more networks, such as in the example shown in FIG. 10 above.

[0107] A computing device is any machine that is capable of executing machine-executable instructions to perform one or more tasks. Examples of a computing device include, but are notlimited to, a tablet, an electronic book reading device, a workstation computer, a terminal computer, a server computer, a laptop computer, a mobile telephone (e.g., a smartphone), a portable and / or handheld computing device, a wearable computing device (e.g., a smart watch, a smart wearable eyeglass, a smart wearable headset, an augmented reality wearable device, etc ), a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, one or more application specific integrated circuits, an application specific programmable logic device, an application specific field programmable gate array, any machine capable of executing a sequence of instructions that specify an action to be taken by that machine (e.g., an optical, chemical, biological, quantum and / or nanoengineered system and / or mechanism), and any combinations thereof. In one example, a computing device may include and / or be included in, a kiosk. In another example, a computing device is a smartphone. A computing device may include and / or be programed with specific machine-executable instructions (e.g., to perform one or more of the features, aspects, examples, or implementation of the current disclosure; to operate the computing device generally) and include required circuitry and components such that the combination of the circuitry / components and the instructions allow it to perform as a specialized machine in one or more of the implementations disclosed in the current disclosure. For example, a computing device may utilize any of a variety of known or yet to be developed operating systems, firmware, and / or other software for its operation. Examples of an operating system include, but are not limited to, Apple’s iOS, Amazon’s Fire OS, Google’s Android operating system, Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system, Microsoft’s Windows operating system, Apple’s Operating System, a Linux-kernel based operating system, and any combinations thereof.

[0108] A network is a way for connecting two or more computing devices to each other for communicating information (e.g., data, machine-executable instructions, image files, video files, electronic messages, etc.). Examples of a network include, but are not limited to, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local area network (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campus or other relatively small geographic space), a short distance network connection, a telephone network, a data network associated with a telephone / voice provider (e.g., a mobile communications provider data and / or voice network), another data network, a direct connection between two computing devices (e.g., a peer-to-peer connection), a proprietary serviceprovider network (e.g., a cable provider network), a wired connection, a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection (such as an IEEE 802.11 connection), a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access connection (WiMAX) (such as an IEEE 802.16connection), a Global System for Mobile Communications connection (GSM), a Personal Communications Service (PCS) connection, a Code Division Multiplex Access connection (CDMA), and any combinations thereof. A network may employ one or more wired, one or more wireless, and / or one or more other modes of communication. A network may include any number of network segment types and / or network segments. In one example, a network connection between two computing devices may include a Wi-Fi connection between a sending computing device and a local router, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) owned network connecting the local router to the Internet, an Internet network (e.g., itself potentially having multiple network segments) connection connecting to one or more server computing devices and also to a wireless network (e.g., mobile phone) provider of a recipient computing device, and a telephone-service-provider network connecting the Internet to the recipient computing device.

[0109] FIG. 11 illustrates one example diagrammatic representation of one implementation of a computing device 1100. Computing device 1100 includes a processing element 1105, a memory 1110, a display generator 1115, a user input 1120, a networking element 1125, and a power supply 1130. Processing element 1105 includes circuitry and / or machine-executable instructions (e.g., in the form of firmware stored within a memory element included with and / or associated with processing element 1105) for executing instructions for completing one or more tasks (e.g., tasks associated with one or more of the implementations, methodologies, features, aspects, and / or examples described herein). Examples of a processing element include, but are not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, one or more circuit elements capable of executing a machineexecutable instruction, and any combinations thereof.

[0110] Memory 1110 may be any device capable of storing data (e.g., user data as part of or affiliated with a MIO platform or other digital platform, information input by a user, information stored by a user, information received at computing device 1100 as part of a MIO or other digital platform, etc.), machine-executable instructions, an operating system, an “app” as part of a MIO or other digital platform, a basic input / output system (BIOS) including basic routines that help to transfer information between components of a computing device, and / or other information related to one or more of the implementations, methodologies, features, aspects, and / or examples described herein. A memory, such as memory 1 110, may include one or more machine-readable storage medium.

[0111] A memory may be removable from device 1100. A memory, such as memory 1110, may include and / or be associated with a memory access device. For example, a memory may include a medium for storage and an access device including one or more circuitry and / or other components for reading from and / or writing to the medium. In one such example, a computing device may include a port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port) for accepting a memory component (e.g., a removable flash USB memory device).

[0112] Device 1100 includes camera 1115 connected to processing element 1105 (and other components). Examples of a camera include, but are not limited to, a still image camera, a video camera, and any combinations thereof.

[0113] Display component 1120 is connected to processing element 1105 for providing a display according to any one or more of the implementations, examples, aspects, etc. of the current disclosure (e.g., providing an interface, displaying separated display screens for each of a plurality of portions of an image, etc.). A display component 1115 may include a display element, a driver circuitry, display adapter, a display generator, machine-executable instructions stored in a memory for execution by a processing element for displaying still and / or moving images on a screen, and / or other circuitry for generating one or more displayable images for display via a display element. Example display elements are discussed below. In one example, a display element is integrated with device 1100 (e.g., a built-in LCD touch screen). In another example, a display element is associated with device 1100 in a different fashion (e.g., an external LCD panel connected via a display adapter of display component 1115, a wearable headset having one or more display panels wirelessly connected to device 1100).

[0114] User input 1125 is configured to allow a user to input one or more commands, instructions, and / or other information to computing device 1100. For example, user input 1125 is connected to processing element 1105 (and optionally to other components directly or indirectly via processing element 1105) to allow a user to interface with computing device 1100 (e.g., to actuate camera 1115, to input instructions, information, or other inputs for performing (or as otherwise needed for) one or more aspects and / or methodologies of the present disclosure). Examples of a user input include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a keypad, a screen displayable input (e.g., a screen displayable keyboard), a button, a toggle, a microphone (e.g., for receiving audio instructions), a pointing device, a joystick, a gamepad, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a touchpad, an optical scanner, a video / image capture device (e.g., a camera), a touch screen of a displayelement / component, a pen device (e.g., a pen that interacts with a touch screen and / or a touchpad), a motion and / or image detecting device (e.g., a three dimensional motion detector) for receiving user gesture commands, and any combination thereof. It is noted that camera 1115 and / or a touch screen of a display element of display component 1120 may function also as an input element. It is also contemplated that one or more commands, data, and / or other information may be input to a computing device via a data transfer over a network and / or via a memory device (e.g., a removable memory device). A user input, such as user input 1125, may be connected to computing device 1100 via an external connector (e.g., an interface port).

[0115] External interface element 1130 includes circuitry and / or machine-executable instructions (e.g., in the form of firmware stored within a memory element included with and / or associated with interface element 1 130) for communicating with one or more additional computing devices and / or connecting an external device to computing device 1100. An external interface element, such as element 1130, may include one or more external ports. In another example, an external interface element includes an antenna element for assisting with wireless communication. Examples of an external interface element include, but are not limited to, a network adapter, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), an advanced technology attachment interface (ATA), a serial ATA interface (SATA), an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) interface, an extended ISA interface, a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB), an IEEE 1394 interface (FIREWIRE), and any combinations thereof. A network adapter includes circuitry and / or machine-executable instructions configured to connect a computing device, such as computing device 1100, to a network.

[0116] Power supply 1130 is shown connected to other components of computing device 1105 to provide power for operation of each component. Examples of a power supply include, but are not limited to, an internal power supply, an external power supply, a battery, a fuel cell, a connection to an alternating current power supply (e.g., a wall outlet, a power adapter, etc.), a connection to a direct current power supply (e.g., a wall outlet, a power adapter, etc.), and any combinations thereof.

[0117] Components of device 1100 (processing element 1105, memory 1110, camera 1115, display component 1120, user input 1125, interface element 1130, power supply 1135) are shown as single components. A computing device may include multiple components of the same type. A function of any one component may be performed by any number of the same components and / or in conjunction with another component. For example, it is contemplated that the functionality of anytwo or more of processing element 1105, memory 1110, camera 1115, display component 1120, user input 1125, interface element 1130, power supply 1135, and another component of a computing device may be combined in an integrated circuit. In one such example, a processor (e g., processing element 1105) may include a memory for storing one or more machine executable instructions for performing one or more aspects and / or methodologies of the present disclosure. Functionality of any one or more components may also be distributed across multiple computing devices. Such distribution may be in different geographic locations (e.g., connected via a network). Components of device 1100 are shown as internal components to device 1100. A component of a computing device, such as device 1100, may be associated with the computing device in a way other than by being internally connected.

[0118] Components of computing device 1 100 are shown connected to other components. Examples of ways to connect components of a computing device include, but are not limited to, a bus, a component connection interface, another type of connection, and / or any combinations thereof. Examples of a bus and / or component connection interface include, but are not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, a local bus, a parallel bus, a serial bus, a SCSI interface, an ATA interface, an SATA interface, an ISA interface, a PCI interface, a USB interface, a FIREWIRE interface, and any combinations thereof. Various bus architectures are known. Select connections and components in device 1100 are shown. For clarity, other connections and various other well-known components (e.g., an audio speaker, a printer, etc.) have been omitted and may be included in a computing device. Additionally, a computing device may omit in certain implementations one or more of the shown components.

[0119] As discussed above, one example of a computing device that may be utilized in one or more of the implementations of a method of the present disclosure is a handheld computing device. FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a portable handheld computing device in the form of a smartphone 1200. Smartphone 1200 includes a body 1205, a microphone input element 1210, a display element 1215, and a speaker output element 1220. Display element 1215 may be a touch screen to provide a user with additional input interface capabilities. A computing device, such as smartphone 1200, may be used in a variety of ways with respect to any of the implementations, embodiments, and / or methodologies described herein. Exemplary ways to utilize smartphone 1200 (or another computing device) include, but are not limited to, receiving an instruction (and / or other input, request, etc.) from a user of a computing device, presenting information or other displayable aspects to a user of a digital platform, and any combinations thereof.

[0120] Examples of a display element or component include, but are not limited to, a computer monitor, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display screen, a light emitting diode (LED) display screen, a touch display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, a projection device, a holographic image projection device, and any combinations thereof. A display element may include, be connected with, and / or associated with adjunct elements to assist with the display of still and / or moving images. Examples of an adjunct display elements include, but are not limited to, a display generator (e.g., image / image display circuitry), a display adapter, a display driver, machine-executable instructions stored in a memory for execution by a processing element for displaying still and / or moving images on a screen, and any combinations thereof. Such display devices may be included in any of a variety of known forms including, but not limited to, a display element directly connected to a computing device, a display element connected to a computing device via a wire, a display element wirelessly connected, a display element of a headset device, a display element of a stand-alone device, a display element of an eyeglass device, and any combinations thereof.

[0121] In one exemplary aspect, a MIO platform of the current disclosure includes one or more user interfaces that display images, text, and / or graphic elements to a user (e.g., via a display device associated with a user computing device) and allow a user to interact with a MIO platform (e.g., via one or more user inputs, such as a mouse, touch screen, etc.). For example, via one or more user interfaces, one or more users can access and interact with exemplary implementations of a MIO platform and, optionally, interact with each other, interact with a system element (e.g., shop and / or buy one or more products), setup a virtual store), enter one or more settings, make other interactions, and any combinations thereof.

[0122] A user may interact with a user interface via actuation of user interface elements and inputting information. Example displayable input elements of a user interface (e.g., actuatable via a user input device, such as user input 1125) for interacting with a user include, but are not limited to, a radio button, a toggle switch, a pull-down menu, a text entry field, a hover button, a drag and drop functionality, a pop-up menu, a right-click menu, a screen displayed keyboard (e.g., a touchscreen keyboard), any of the displayable configuration elements and techniques discussed above with respect to display configuration for a graphical category display element (including that associated with a display of a category value item and / or a subcategory value item), and any combinations thereof. Examples of interactions with a user interface include, but are not limited to, providing instructions to a digital platform, inputting information to a digital platform (e.g., information required for a user setting, information for a request, etc.), actuating a user interface element, makinga selection (e.g., selecting an option in a menu, selecting a category / subcategory value item, selecting a graphical category display element or component thereof, etc.), make an association of one object with another object, inputting text, typing (e.g., on an on-screen keyboard), hovering, gesturing (e g., moving a hand or other object for detection by a motion detection device of a computing device), swiping in a direction of a user interface, swipe and / or pinch actuation (e.g., via a touch display), moving a pointer device, a drag and drop actuation, and any combinations thereof. Other example user input element actuations and combinations of actuations will be understood and applicable depending on the particular computing device, interface, display element, etc. Selection of a user interface element of a graphical category display element, a category value item, and / or a subcategory value item, may include any user input or actuation (e.g., a user interaction or user input listed above in this paragraph and / or another type of user interaction with a displayable user interface element).

[0123] A user interface may be presented to a user as multiple screen displays presented at different times to a user (e.g., in succession). Additionally, multiple user interfaces may be provided as a combined interface (e.g., such that the combined interface displays combined functionality at the same time to a user). Examples of ways to combine functionality in a screen display interface include, but are not limited to, using different portions of a screen display of an interface for different functionality, superimposing a user actuatable element of a screen display over another element of a screen display (e.g., superimposing user actuatable elements for performing one or more functions over an interaction object or subcomponent thereof), and any combinations thereof. Examples of a user actuatable element include but are not limited to, a graphical element, a textual element, an image element, an element selectable using a pointer device, an element selectable using a touch screen actuation, and any combinations thereof.

[0124] A user of a digital platform, such as a MIO platform, may utilize one or more user interfaces of the platform to input, make a selection, provide, be presented to, otherwise provide information and / or otherwise interact with the platform (and / or other users) as required by any one or more of the details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives of an implementation, embodiment, method, and / or other methodology disclosed herein.

[0125] A computer device, such as computing device 1100, 1200, 1300 (see below), may include a haptic response generator (e.g., a vibrating functionality). When a user interacts with an element of a user interface (e.g., a virtual object, another user actuatable element, etc.) a digitalplatform, such as an MIO platform as described herein, may be configured to provide a haptic response to a user (e.g., via a haptic response generator of the user’s computing device). In one example, an MIO platform includes a user interface haptic response that vibrates a user’s computing device. In another example, an MIO platform includes a user interface haptic response that vibrates a user’s computing device when the user selects an item in a user interface (e.g., selects a virtual indicator).

[0126] An MIO platform my need to communicate with one or more computing devices or software applications outside of the MIO platform, such as when an MIO platform needs to communicate with a third-party resource (e.g., a sensor network, weather agency, or other information provider), and / or communicate with software operating on a user’s device. Such communication may be achieved by known mechanisms or future developed mechanisms. One such mechanism is an Application Programming Interface (“API”). In one example, an MIO platform can communicate via an API of a phone’s software to obtain information (e.g., GPS information) for use in the MIO platform. In another example, an MIO platform can communicate via an API of a database to obtain information for use in the MIO platform.

[0127] FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a computing device in the exemplary form of a computer system 1300 within which a set of instructions for causing the device to perform any one or more of the aspects and / or methodologies of the present disclosure may be executed. It is also contemplated that multiple computing devices may be utilized to implement a specially configured set of instructions for causing the device to perform any one or more of the aspects and / or methodologies of the present disclosure. Any such device or combination of devices constitutes a specially programmed machine for the functionalities of the current disclosure (e.g., an MIO platform or related methods disclosed herein). Computer system 1300 includes a processor 1305 and a memory 1310 that communicate with each other, and with other components, via a bus 1315. Bus 1315 may include any of several types of bus structures including, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any of a variety of bus architectures.

[0128] Memory 1310 may include various components (e.g., machine readable media) including, but not limited to, a random access memory component (e.g., a static RAM “SRAM”, a dynamic RAM “DRAM”, etc.), a read only component, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a basic input / output system 1320 (BIOS), including basic routines that help to transferinformation between elements within computer system 1300, such as during start-up, may be stored in memory 1310. Memory 1310 may also include (e.g., stored on one or more machine-readable media) instructions (e.g., software) 1325 embodying any one or more of the aspects and / or methodologies of the present disclosure. In another example, memory 1310 may further include any number of program modules including, but not limited to, an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, program data, and any combinations thereof.

[0129] Computer system 1300 may also include a storage device 1330. Examples of a storage device (e.g., storage device 1330) include, but are not limited to, a hard disk drive for reading from and / or writing to a hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and / or writing to a removable magnetic disk, an optical disk drive for reading from and / or writing to an optical media (e.g., a CD, a DVD, etc.), a solid-state memory device, and any combinations thereof. Storage device 1330 may be connected to bus 1315 by an appropriate interface (not shown). Example interfaces include, but are not limited to, SCSI, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA, universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 794 (FIREWIRE), and any combinations thereof. In one example, storage device 1330 (or one or more components thereof) may be remotely interfaced with computer system 1300 (e.g., via an external port connector (not shown)). Particularly, storage device 1330 and an associated machine-readable medium 1335 may provide nonvolatile and / or volatile storage of machine- readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data for computer system 1300. In one example, software 1325 may reside, completely or partially, within machine-readable medium 1335. In another example, software 1325 may reside, completely or partially, within processor 1305.

[0130] Computer system 1300 may also include an input device 1340 (e.g., a user input). In one example, a user of computer system 1300 may enter commands and / or other information into computer system 1300 via input device 1340. Input device 1340 may be interfaced to bus 1315 via any of a variety of interfaces (not shown) including, but not limited to, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a game port, a USB interface, a FIREWIRE interface, a direct interface to bus 1315, and any combinations thereof. Input device may include a touch screen interface that may be a part of or separate from display 1365, discussed further below.

[0131] A user may also input commands and / or other information to computer system 1300 via storage device 1330 (e.g., a removable disk drive, a flash drive, etc.) and / or a network interface device 1345. A network interface device, such as network interface device 1345 may be utilized forconnecting computer system 1300 to one or more of a variety of networks, such as network 1350, and one or more remote devices 1355 connected thereto. Examples of a network interface device include, but are not limited to, a network interface card (e.g., a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a wireless transceiver, and any combination thereof. Information (e g., data, software 1325, etc.) may be communicated to and / or from computer system 1300 via network interface device 1345.

[0132] Computer system 1300 may further include a video display adapter 1360 for communicating a displayable image to a display device, such as display device 1365 (e.g., for providing user access to one or more user interfaces). In addition to a display device, a computer system 1300 may include one or more other peripheral output devices including, but not limited to, an audio speaker, a printer, and any combinations thereof. Such peripheral output devices may be connected to bus 1315 via a external interface element 1370.

[0133] A computer system, such as system 1100, 1200, 1300, may include a positioning device (not shown) to determine the location of the computer system (and, optionally, a user of the computer system). Example positioning devices, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, a GLONASS positioning system device, a Galileo positioning system device, another satellite based positioning device, a radio frequency based positioning system device, a Wi-Fi based positioning system device, a mobile network positioning system device, a local positioning system device, and any combinations thereof. A computer system, such as system 1100, 1200,1700, may also include an orientation device (not shown) capable of determining an orientation of the computer system in two or more dimensions. Orientation determining devices and related circuitries are well known to those of ordinary skill.

[0134] Some of the details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives of a component / element discussed above with respect to one implementation, embodiment, and / or methodology may be applicable to a like component in another implementation, embodiment, and / or methodology, even though for the sake of brevity it may not have been repeated above. It is noted that any suitable combinations of components and elements of different implementations, embodiments, and / or methodologies (as well as other variations and modifications) are possible in light of the teachings herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill, and should be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, functionality described with respect to a single component / element is contemplated to be performed by a pluralityof like components / elements (e.g., in a more dispersed fashion locally and / or remotely). Functionality described with respect to multiple components / elements may be performed by fewer like or different components / elements (e.g., in a more integrated fashion).

[0135] For example, for the sake of brevity, some of the details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives discussed with respect to one implementation and / or embodiment of the current disclosure may not be repeated in a discussion of another implementation and / or embodiment where such details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives may be applicable for like items or in combination with other items discussed with respect to the subsequent figure and, as applicable, may be included in (or otherwise apply similarly with) the implementation of that additional discussion, except where noted or inapplicable / incompatible.

[0136] While details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives of various implementations and embodiments herein are described in the context of one or more embodiments of an MIO platform, it is contemplated that any such details, concepts, aspects, features, characteristics, examples, and / or alternatives and corresponding implementations and embodiments may also be utilized with a different embodiment of a MIO platform or other type of online platform, system, or environment as applicable.

[0137] If present in a claim or a description herein, the use of ordinal terms (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) to modify another term or phrase, such use is solely as labels to distinguish one item from another item of the same name and should not itself be construed to impart any order, precedence, or priority of one item over another. If any method is presented herein through the use of a flowchart or other flow diagram with a sequential nature, it is noted that it may be possible for one or more of the steps depicted to be performed in a parallel fashion to each other. Additionally, methods presented in a particular order of steps may have their steps performed in a different order than presented as applicable as well as having fewer steps or additional steps involved in the method. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items.

[0138] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is Claimed:1 . A method of interacting in an online music platform including: displaying a music search graphical selection tool that is configured to visually represent a music related item to a first user of the platform via a first user device, the music search selection tool having a plurality of graphical category display elements arranged within the music search graphical selection tool to form a display able representation of the music related item, each of the plurality of graphical category display elements including one or more category value items configured to be selectable in association with the corresponding one of the plurality of graphical category display elements; and receiving a selection of a category value item from the first user via the first user device for each of one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements via manipulation of the corresponding graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements to create a resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said displaying a music search graphical selection tool includes: displaying the music search graphical selection tool in an augmented reality user interface, the augmented reality user interface including a depiction of a real world environment surrounding the first user device and one or more virtual objects representing the music search graphical selection tool overlaid on the depiction of the real world environment.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said receiving a selection of a category value item includes receiving from the first user an input via the augmented reality user interface.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the input via the augmented reality user interface includes a user input selected from the group consisting of a gesture input, a voice input, a touch screen input, and any combinations thereof.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the music related item is an item selected from the group consisting of a sound wave, a music disc, an equalizer board, a physical music mixer, a record album, an audio speaker, a cassette tape, a boom box, a musical staff, a sheet music, a jukebox, a turntable disc jockey equipment, a music conductor’s baton, piano keys, a guitar fretboard and neck, and any combinations thereof .

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the music related item includes a sound wave.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of graphical category display elements forms a node of the sound wave.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein each node of the sound wave extends in a direction relative to the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the music related item includes a music disc.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of graphical category display elements is depicted as a pie shaped component of the music disc.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the one or more category value items are depicted within a graphical category display element in a scrolling interface configured to allow the first user to scroll through the one or more category value items during selection.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein when a select graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements is active, the display of the select graphical category display element is extended outwardly from the center of the music disc.

13. A method according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of graphical category display elements represents a music related category.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the music related category for one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements is a music related category selected from the group of a music genre category, a music subgenre category, a mood category, a sound category, a vocal style category, a lyrical themes category, a tempo category, a studio category, a geographic origin category, a region category, a production style category, a performance type category, an influence category, an era of influence category, an artist dynamics category, a stage presence category, a creative themes category, a musical complexity category, an audience and community category, a time of release category (e.g., by year, decade, recent vs old, etc.), and any combinations thereof.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the music related category for one of the plurality of graphical category display elements is a music genre category.

16. A method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying to the first user the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

17. A method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying to at least one additional user the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

18. A method according to claim 1, further comprising returning a display of one or more music selections of the online music platform based on the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the one or more music selections includes a music selection selected from the group consisting of an audio music selection, a video music selection, anaudio / video music selection, an artist profile display, a playlist of music selections, and any combinations thereof20. A method according to claim 18, wherein the one or more music selections are displayed to the user as part of a playlist.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the playlist is configured and displayed to the first user such that the first user can select at least one of the one or more music selections displayed to the first user in a first display of the playlist for adding to a user accessible playlist associated with the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the display of the one or more music selections includes a user selectable input for each of the one or more music selections to allow the user to select the at least one of the one or more music selections.

23. A method according to claim 22, further comprising receiving from the first user a selection of the at least one of the one or more music selections.

24. A method according to claim 23, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: displaying to the first user any additional music selections matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item that have been added to the platform since the previous display of the playlist.

25. A method according to claim 24, further comprising allowing the first user to select one or more of the additional music selections for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.

26. A method according to claim 24, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: omitting from display of the user accessible playlist any music selections previously displayed in a prior display of the user accessible playlist that the first user did not select for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.

27. A method according to claim 23, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: omitting from display of the user accessible playlist any music selections previously displayed in a prior display of the user accessible playlist that the first user did not select for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.

28. A method according to claim 21, further comprising receiving from the first user a selection of the at least one of the one or more music selections.

29. A method according to claim 28, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: displaying to the first user any additional music selections matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item that have been added to the platform since the previous display of the playlist.

30. A method according to claim 29, further comprising allowing the first user to select one or more of the additional music selections for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.

31. A method according to claim 29, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: omitting from display of the user accessible playlist any music selections previously displayed in a prior display of the user accessible playlist that the first user did not select for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.

32. A method according to claim 28, further comprising upon any subsequent display of the user accessible playlist after the first display of the playlist: omitting from display of the user accessible playlist any music selections previously displayed in a prior display of the user accessible playlist that the first user did not select for inclusion in the user accessible playlist.

33. A method according to claim 18, wherein the display of one or more music selections includes the displaying of the one or more music selections as part of an augmented reality user interface, the augmented reality user interface including a display of the one or more music selections overlaid on a depiction of a real world environment.

34. A method according to claim 18, further comprising receiving an input from the first user indicating the first user is done manipulation of the music search graphical selection tool such that the display of the one or more music selections is displayed.

35. A method according to claim 18, wherein as the platform receives selections of the category value items for each of the one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements, the one or more music selections are automatically updated.

36. A method according to claim 18, wherein the resultant displayable representation of a music related item is displayed to the first user at the same time as at least a portion of the display of the one or more music selections.

37. A method according to claim 1, wherein the displaying of the one or more category value items includes a display technique selected from the group consisting of a pop up display, a scrolling menu, a hover induced display, a multi-screen sequential display, a drag induced display, a textlisting, an expandable accordion display panel, a voice responsive display element, a dynamic content filter element, a radial menu, a contextual tooltip, a gesture-based display element, a carousel display, a split-screen display, a three-dimensional flip and / or rotating display element, an interactive map display, a stacked card display, a timeline scroll element, representation of category display item by a graphical icon, a drag-and-drop interface element, an animated slide-out panel, an augmented reality overlay display of one or more selectable value items over a depiction of a real world environment, and any combinations thereof.

38. A method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes a displaying of the one or more category value items via a display technique selected from the group consisting of a pop up display, a scrolling menu, a hover induced display, a multi-screen sequential display, a drag induced display, a text listing, an expandable accordion display panel, a voice responsive display element, a dynamic content filter element, a radial menu, a contextual tooltip, a gesture-based display element, a carousel display, a split-screen display, a three- dimensional flip and / or rotating display element, an interactive map display, a stacked card display, a timeline scroll element, representation of category display item by a graphical icon, a drag-and- drop interface element, an animated slide-out panel, an augmented reality overlay display of one or more selectable value items over a depiction of a real world environment, and any combinations thereof.

39. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the manipulation of the corresponding graphical category display element includes extending a display of a graphical category display element to form a portion of the displayable representation of a music related item.

40. A method according to claim 39, wherein the extending a display includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; displaying to the first user the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; receiving from the first user a selection of a first value item from the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; and extending the display of the first graphical category display element based on the selection of the first value item.

41. A method according to claim 39, wherein the extending a display includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; andreceiving from the first user an input that drags a component of the first graphical category display element in a direction for extending the display of the first graphical category display element, wherein as the first user drags the component of the first graphical category display element the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element are displayable to the first user such that the first user selects a first value item of the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element by stopping the dragging of the component.

42. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; displaying to the first user the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; receiving from the first user a selection of a first value item from the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; and extending the display of the first graphical category display element based on the selection of the first value item.

43. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes: receiving from the first user a selection of a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; and receiving from the first user an input that drags a component of the first graphical category display element in a direction for extending the display of the first graphical category display element, wherein as the first user drags the component of the first graphical category display element the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element are displayable to the first user such that the first user selects a first value item of the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element by stopping the dragging of the component.

44. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising using the resultant display able representation of a music related item to perform a search of the online music platform for a music selection.

45. A method according to claim 44, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to create a sound sequence profile graphic for the first user.

46. A method according to claim 45, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to initiate an electronic communication between the first user and a second user.

47. A method according to claim 46, wherein the first user is a fan user.

48. A method according to claim 47, wherein the second user is an artist user.

49. A method according to claim 46, wherein the first user is an artist user.

50. A method according to claim 49, wherein the second user is a fan user.

51. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to create a sound sequence profile graphic for the first user.

52. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to initiate an electronic communication between the first user and a second user.

53. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising using the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to perform an action in the online music platform, the action selected from the group consisting of searching the online music platform for a music selection, matching the first user with a second user of the platform, matching the first user with a musical artist user of the platform, creating a user profile for the first user, creating a sound sequence profile graphic for the first user, initiating an electronic communication between the first user and a second user, and any combinations thereof.

54. A method according to claim 53, wherein the first user is a fan user.

55. A method according to claim 54, wherein the second user is an artist user.

56. A method according to claim 53, wherein the first user is an artist user.

57. A method according to claim 56, wherein the second user is a fan user.

58. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein each of the one or more category value items for a first graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements includes one or more selectable subcategory value items.

59. A method according to claim 58, wherein the receiving a selection of a category value item includes: receiving from the first user a selection of the first graphical category display element; displaying to the first user the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element;receiving from the first user a selection of a first category value item from the one or more category value items for the first graphical category display element; displaying to the first user the one or more selectable subcategory value items for the first category value item; receiving from the first user a selection of at least one of the one or more selectable subcategory value items for the first category value item; and extending the display of the first graphical category display element based on the selection of the first subitem and the at least one of the one or more selectable subcategory value items.

60. A method according to claim 59, wherein the displaying of the one or more selectable subcategory value items includes a display technique selected from the group consisting of a pop up display, a scrolling menu, a hover induced display, a multi-screen sequential display, a drag induced display, a text listing, an expandable accordion display panel, a voice responsive display element, a dynamic content filter element, a radial menu, a contextual tooltip, a gesture-based display element, a carousel display, a split-screen display, a three-dimensional flip and / or rotating display element, an interactive map display, a stacked card display, a timeline scroll element, representation of category display item by a graphical icon, a drag-and-drop interface element, an animated slide-out panel, an augmented reality overlay display of one or more selectable value items over a depiction of a real world environment, and any combinations thereof.

61. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein a first music selection of the one or more music selections includes a second graphical displayable representation of a music related item associated with the first music selection.

62. A method according to claim 61, wherein the second graphical displayable representation includes one or more graphical category display elements that are each set to category value item values that correspond to the first music selection itself.

63. A method according to claim 62, wherein the second graphical displayable representation includes one or more graphical category display elements that are each set to category value item values that correspond to the music artist of the first music selection.

64. A method according to claim 61, wherein the second graphical displayable representation includes one or more graphical category display elements that are each set to category value item values that correspond to the music artist of the first music selection.

65. A method according to claim 61, further comprising matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to the second graphical displayable representation.

66. A method according to claim 61, wherein each of the one or more music selections has a corresponding graphical displayable representation of a music related item.

67. A method according to claim 61, further comprising displaying to the first user the second graphical displayable representation of a music related item in association with the display of the first music selection.

68. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein a musical artist associated with a select one of the one or more music selections has a third graphical displayable representation of a music related item associated with the musical artist.

69. A method according to claim 68, further comprising matching the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to the third graphical displayable representation.

70. A method according to claim 69, further comprising displaying to the first user information about the musical artist based on the matching of the resultant displayable representation of a music related item to the third graphical displayable representation.

71. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the music search graphical selection tool is further configured to allow a user to set a weighting factor for one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements.

72. A method according to claim 71, further comprising receiving from the first user a weighting factor for one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements.

73. A method according to claim 71, further comprising: receiving from the first user a selection of a second graphical category display element of the plurality of graphical category display elements; displaying to the first user one or more possible weighting factors for the second graphical category display element; receiving from the first user a selection of a first weighting factor for the second graphical category display element; and extending the display of the second graphical category display element based on the selection of the first weighting factor.

74. A method according to claim 71, further comprising including the weighting factor for at least one of the one or more of the plurality of graphical category display elements as part of the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

75. A method according to claim 71, wherein the weighting factor is a weighting factor on an incremental scale.

76. A method according to claim 71, wherein the weighting factor is a weighting factor on a continuous scale.

77. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising displaying a textual representation of a selected category value item for any of the plurality of graphical category display elements for which the first user has provided a selection of a corresponding category value item.

78. A method according to claim 77, wherein the textual representation is overlayed upon the corresponding graphical category display element.

79. A method of searching an online music platform including: displaying a music search graphical selection tool to a first user of the platform, the music search graphical selection tool having a plurality of graphical category display elements arranged within the music search graphical selection tool to form a displayable representation of a music related item, each of the plurality of graphical category display elements including one or more category value items configured to be selectable within a displayable space assigned to the corresponding graphical category display element; receiving a selection of a first one of the plurality of graphical category display elements from the first user; allowing the first user to manipulate the first one of the plurality of graphical category display elements to select a first subitem of the one or more category value items of the first one of the plurality of graphical category display elements; returning a display of one or more music selections of the online music platform based on the resultant displayable representation of a music related item.

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