U.S. patent application number 10/265342 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-27 for purchase and delivery of digital content using multiple devices and data networks.
Invention is credited to Henrick, Robert F..
Application Number | 20030060157 10/265342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24768014 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030060157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Henrick, Robert F. |
March 27, 2003 |
Purchase and delivery of digital content using multiple devices and
data networks
Abstract
A system that facilitates the purchase and delivery of audio and
video content (e.g., entertainment media) over the Internet is
disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed system allows a
user who hears or sees an audio or video broadcast to use a cell
phone or other wireless device to order the broadcast material, and
have it remotely delivered to an independent device (e.g., the
user's personal computer) without further user intervention. Thus,
the system allows the user to order the desired content using a
wireless device that the user will often have in his or her
possession when he or she hears or sees the desired content, but to
have the content delivered to a second remote device.
Inventors: |
Henrick, Robert F.; (Basking
Ridge, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PENNIE AND EDMONDS
1155 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100362711
|
Family ID: |
24768014 |
Appl. No.: |
10/265342 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10265342 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
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09689336 |
Oct 13, 2000 |
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6507727 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/3.04 ;
348/E7.071; 455/3.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4227 20130101;
H04N 21/4753 20130101; H04L 67/53 20220501; G06Q 30/06 20130101;
H04H 60/85 20130101; H04H 60/43 20130101; H04L 67/04 20130101; H04L
69/329 20130101; H04N 21/8113 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; H04L
67/06 20130101; H04N 21/4143 20130101; H04N 21/6181 20130101; H04N
7/17318 20130101; H04L 67/025 20130101; H04N 21/472 20130101; H04N
21/4622 20130101; H04H 20/93 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/3.04 ;
455/3.06 |
International
Class: |
H04H 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for the delivery of digital content corresponding to
content identified by a media source viewed or heard by an
individual, the individual possessing a first data device adapted
to transmit and receive data messages and having access to a second
data device adapted to download digital data files, comprising: a
server that is accessed in an interactive manner by the individual
using the first data device to select desired content by entering a
content identifier; a piece of software adapted to be installed on
the second data device to facilitate the downloading of digital
content from the server; the server being adapted to download the
selected content to the second data device with the aid of the
piece of software.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the media source is a source
selected from the group of: a billboard, a poster, a newspaper, a
book, a magazine, and a catalog.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the media source is a source
selected from a group of: a compact disc, a video tape, a cellular
telephone network, and the Internet.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first data device is a
digital cell phone adapted to communicate with the server via a
wireless connection.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the wireless connection is
established via a local area wireless network
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first data device is a PDA or
other appliance with a wireless connection.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first data device is a PC
with a wired Internet connection.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the content received by the
broadcast receiver is broadcast via a digital satellite
network.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the content received by the
broadcast receiver is broadcast via a cable network
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive manner in which
the first device communicates with the server is via a voice
telephone call.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the voice call is taken by a
human.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the voice call is taken by a
voice response system.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein selected content is downloaded
through a community or subscription service that does not charge
for each download.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein selected content is downloaded
from a second server upon authorization.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the second server is operated
by the same entity that operates the first server.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the second server is operated
by a distinct entity from the entity that operates the first
server.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the second data device is a
PC.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the second data device is a
music playback client that has connectivity to the Internet
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the second data device is
preconfigured with the piece of software before being purchased by
the individual.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the second data device
communicates with the first server via a wireless connection.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the first server is further
adapted to stream said digital content to the first data device or
the second data device at a time specified by the individual.
22. The system of claim 1, where the second data device maintains
an always-on connection to the Internet.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the second data device
periodically connects to the Internet and checks with the first
server to determine whether there is content for the second data
device to download.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the server multicasts content
and the second data device is provided with a code that permits it
to decrypt and save a particular portion of the multicast
content.
25. The system of claim 1, wherein the second data device comprises
a digital receiver for a digital radio broadcast and is given
instructions to save a particular content.
26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a digital recording
device for recording the downloaded music.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the digital recording device
comprises a recordable CD ROM, DVD, hard disk, or minidisk.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the digital recording device
comprises removable FLASH or other memory usable in a portable MP3
player.
29. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is adapted to bill
the individual for downloaded content.
30. A system for the delivery of digital content corresponding to
content received by an audiovisual receiver in the possession of an
individual, the individual also possessing a first data device
adapted to transmit and receive data messages and having access to
a second data device adapted to download digital data files,
comprising: a server that is accessed in an interactive manner by
the individual using the first data device to select desired
content; a piece of software adapted for installation on the second
data device to facilitate the downloading of digital content from
the server; the server being adapted to download the selected
content to the second data device with the aid of the piece of
software.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the audiovisual receiver is a
television.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the content received by the
audiovisual receiver is broadcast from a television station.
33. The system of claim 30, wherein the content received by the
audiovisual receiver is broadcast via a cable television
network.
34. The system of claim 30, wherein the content received by the
audiovisual receiver is broadcast via an Internet netcast.
35. The system of claim 30, wherein the first data device is a
digital cell phone adapted to communicate with the server via a
wireless connection.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the wireless connection is
established via a local area wireless network
37. The system of claim 30, wherein the first data device is a PDA
or other appliance with a wireless connection.
38. The system of claim 30, wherein the first data device is a PC
with a wired Internet connection.
39. The system of claim 30, wherein the content received by the
broadcast receiver is broadcast via a digital satellite
network.
40. The system of claim 30, wherein the content received by the
broadcast receiver is broadcast via a cable network
41. The system of claim 30, wherein the interactive manner in which
the first device communicates with the server is via a voice
telephone call.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the voice call is taken by a
human.
43. The system of claim 41, wherein the voice call is taken by a
voice response system.
44. The system of claim 30, wherein selected content is downloaded
through a community or subscription service that does not charge
for each download.
45. The system of claim 30, wherein selected content is downloaded
from a second server upon authorization.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein the second server is operated
by the same entity that operates the first server.
47. The system of claim 45, wherein the second server is operated
by a distinct entity from the entity that operates the first
server.
48. The system of claim 30, wherein the second data device is a
PC.
49. The system of claim 30, wherein the second data device is a
music playback client that has connectivity to the Internet
50. The system of claim 30, wherein the second data device is
preconfigured with the piece of software before being purchased by
the individual.
51. The system of claim 30, wherein the second data device
communicates with the first server via a wireless connection.
52. The system of claim 30, wherein the first server is further
adapted to stream said digital content to the first data device or
the second data device at a time specified by the individual.
53. The system of claim 30, where the second data device maintains
an always-on connection to the Internet.
54. The system of claim 30, wherein the second data device
periodically connects to the Internet and checks with the first
server to determine whether there is content for the second data
device to download.
55. The system of claim 30, wherein the server multicasts content
and the second data device is provided with a code that permits it
to decrypt and save a particular portion of the multicast
content.
56. The system of claim 30, wherein the second data device
comprises a digital receiver for a digital radio broadcast and is
given instructions to save a particular content.
57. The system of claim 30, further comprising a digital recording
device for recording the downloaded music.
58. The system of claim 57, wherein the digital recording device
comprises a recordable CD ROM, DVD, hard disk, or minidisk.
59. The system of claim 57, wherein the digital recording device
comprises removable FLASH or other memory usable in a portable MP3
player.
60. The system of claim 30, wherein the server is adapted to bill
the individual for downloaded content.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
No. 09/689,336, filed Oct. 13, 2000, entitled "Purchase and
Delivery of Digital Content using Multiple Devices and Data
Networks," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety for each of its teachings and embodiments.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the field of delivering digital
entertainment media.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The Internet is changing the distribution of music and video
content. Recent advances in audio and video compression, higher
bandwidth Internet connections, and the decreasing cost of memory
have made it practical for users to download audio and video
content via the Internet to personal computers and other dedicated
digital devices. The downloaded content can also be transferred to
CDs, hard drives, mini-discs, or digital video discs and played on
other audio and video devices such as MP3 players.
[0004] Typically, a user who wishes to download a particular album
or video via the Internet searches for the title at a Web site,
finds the title, and requests that it be downloaded. A digital file
containing the requested content is then transferred to the user's
computer using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and stored on the
computer's hard disc. Even with high-speed lines, the download time
may be ten minutes or more, depending on the amount and type of
data requested by the user.
[0005] This practice of using the same computer to search for and
then download requested content has several disadvantages. To begin
with, the downloading process may occupy most or all of the
bandwidth of the user's connection and may prevent or degrade
simultaneous activities such as browsing or viewing a streaming
multimedia program. In addition, the user is often not at his or
her PC when he or she hears music or sees a video that he or she
wishes to request. Accordingly, the user must later remember to
download the desired material. This may require the user to write
down the music title of interest on a piece of paper and save the
paper until he or she logs on to the Internet.
[0006] Another alternative for downloading digital content is to
download the desired content to a wireless device, such as a WAP or
SMS-enabled cell phone. But this alternative also has certain
drawbacks. Current wireless data networks used for cell phones,
pagers, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are limited to
connection rates of approximately 10 kilobits per second and lower
transfer rates. Consequently, such devices are unsuitable for
transferring quality media recorded in the hundreds to millions of
kilobits per second range. Moreover, even if wireless-download data
rates increase in the future, the cost of wireless bandwidth is
likely to remain significantly higher than the cost of wired or
fiber bandwidth. In addition, downloading content to the user's
wireless device occupies available bandwidth and decreases the
amount of data that the user may receive during the download.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The system disclosed herein facilitates the purchase and
delivery of audio and video content (e.g., entertainment media)
over the Internet. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed system
allows a user who hears or sees an audio or video broadcast to use
a cell phone or other wireless device to order the broadcast
material, and have it remotely delivered to an independent device
(e.g., the user's personal computer) without further user
intervention. Thus, the system allows the user to order the desired
content using a wireless device that the user will often have in
his or her possession when he or she hears or sees the desired
content, but to have the content delivered to a second remote
device.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed system comprises a
Web site that is accessible via a digital wireless device to allow
a user to request selected entertainment content for download to a
second device. This system architecture makes it simple to deploy
the present system as a service to be provided to users.
[0009] The user preferably pre-registers with the Web site,
typically from the second device. A software agent is installed on
the second device that acts as an agent for the service and
facilitates downloading of requested content to the second device.
In a preferred embodiment, the second device may be a personal
computer owned by the user that is connected to the Internet via an
always-on connection, such as a cable modem. In an alternative
embodiment, the software agent may periodically dial to the
Internet to check for content to be delivered. A payment
arrangement may also be established during the registration
process.
[0010] Once registered, the user may log on to the Web site from
his or her cell phone or other wireless device (e.g., a personal
digital assistant (PDA) or other wireless appliance). The service
provided by the Web site is synchronized with the broadcast content
of a broadcast network, such as a broadcast radio station,
television station, cable television network, Internet netcast, or
a digital satellite network. In a preferred embodiment, a user
listening, for example, to a radio station may transmit a station
identifier to the Web site. The Web site identifies the content
currently being broadcast on the station, and then downloads a
screen to the user's wireless device that displays information
concerning the broadcast content and gives the user the option of
downloading that content (e.g., the current song) to the second
device. If the user selects this option, the Web site contacts the
software agent in the second device and arranges for download and
archiving of that content in that device or to another connected
device or storage medium.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment, services provided by the
Web site may alternatively or additionally include download and
archiving of content included in or referenced by other media
sources such as poster or billboard advertisements, newspapers,
books, magazines, catalogs or other print media, compact discs,
video tapes, cellular telephone networks, or the Internet. In a
preferred embodiment, a user viewing or listening to a media source
such as a poster or compact disc (CD) with an associated identifier
contained within the printed media source, the casing or envelope
of the CD or on a display on the CD player may transmit an
identifier for the source or a portion of the source's content to
the Web site. The Web site identifies content associated with the
reference, and then downloads a screen to the user's wireless
device that displays information concerning the content and gives
the user the option of downloading that or related content to the
second device. If the user selects this option, the Web site
contacts the software agent in the second device and arranges for
download and archiving of that content in that device or to another
connected device or storage medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other aspects of the invention will be better
appreciated when taken in conjunction with the detailed description
and accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a
system for delivering audio content;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a preferred embodiment of a
registration process and installation of the service client;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a preferred embodiment of
user interaction with the system in requesting and authorizing
download of content;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the server to client download of
the audio content in a preferred embodiment; and
[0017] FIGS. 5 A-C are illustrative examples of screens that may be
displayed on a digital-cell-phone display in a preferred embodiment
of the present system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] A preferred embodiment of a system 100 for delivering media
content is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment where
media content is broadcast from a radio station 101. One of skill
in the art will recognize that the principles of the present
embodiment may be applied in other broadcast contexts such as a
television station, cable television network, Internet netcast, or
a digital satellite network. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100
preferably comprises a broadcast radio station 101 that broadcasts
music at a predesignated frequency. This broadcast signal is
preferably received by a radio 103 owned by a user. The user also
preferably has in his or her possession a digital cellular phone
104 that is capable of accessing the Internet 102 through a
standard protocol such as WAP or SMS over a wireless connection
105. The user also preferably owns a PC 108 that may be located,
for example, in the user's home or office. PC 108 is preferably
connected to the Internet 102 via a wired connection 107. PC 108 is
also preferably connected to a portable music device 110, such as
an MP3 player. A software agent 112 is preferably downloaded and
stored on PC 108, as described in more detail below.
[0019] System 100 further comprises a Web server 106 that is
adapted to provide a downloading service in accordance with the
present disclosure. Both cell phone 104 and PC 108 are preferably
adapted to communicate with Web server 106 via Internet 102.
[0020] Operation of the present system comprises three main
segments: user registration, ordering of content by the user, and
delivery of the ordered content. Before describing each of these
segments in detail, a brief overview of a preferred embodiment of
system operation is first provided.
[0021] The user first registers and establishes an account with Web
server 106 via PC 108. A software agent 112 is loaded on PC 108.
Software agent 112 is adapted to facilitate downloading of content
from Web server 106 to PC 108.
[0022] Subsequently, radio station 101 broadcasts a song on its
predesignated frequency. The broadcast song is received and played
by radio 103. If the user (i.e., the listener) wishes to purchase
the song (or the album on which the song appears) for download, the
user navigates to Web server 106 from his or her cell phone 104,
authenticates himself or herself, and identifies the station he or
she is listening to. The downloading service provided by Web server
106 then provides the user with a screen indicating the name of the
song and album that he or she is listening to, as well as other
information such as the group name and information related to the
band. The user may then indicate through cell phone 104 a desire to
buy the song or album. During and after this interaction with Web
server 106, the user may continue to listen to the radio as other
songs, entertainment, or advertising are broadcast.
[0023] The requested song or album is queued by Web server 106
which then contacts PC 108 without further intervention by the
user. Web server 106 downloads the requested song or album to PC
108. Software agent 112 running on PC 108 facilitates this
downloading and stores the received content to a mass storage
device such as a hard disk. Web server 106 then bills the user's
account for the cost of the song. The song or album may then be
uploaded to portable music device 110.
[0024] Each segment of system operation in this preferred
embodiment will now be described in more detail. A preferred
registration sequence is illustrated in FIG. 2. In step 202, the
user connects to the Internet 102 from PC 108. In step 204, the
user navigates to Web server 106, typically by entering a URL
associated with the Web server on a command line of a browser
running on PC 108. Alternatively, the user may click on a hyperlink
to Web server 106 that is included in an advertisement or e-mail
received by the user.
[0025] In step 206, the service prompts the user to enter his or
her registration and billing information. In step 208, the user
enters this information and, in step 210, transmits it to Web
server 106. In step 212, Web server 106 selects a user name and
password for the user and then creates an account for that user.
Alternatively, Web server 106 may allow the user to create his or
her own user name and password, verify that the user name is unique
among existing user accounts, and then create an account for that
user. The advantage of having a user create his or her own user
name and password is that the user is more likely to be able to
remember a user name and password that he or she created.
[0026] In step 214, Web server 106 downloads software agent 112, a
thin client, to PC 108 which is stored by the PC as an executable
file that is automatically run whenever PC 108 is turned on. When
run, this executable file registers with Web server 106 in a manner
well known in the state of the art, as for example, is done by
programs such as AOL instant messaging. This allows the server to
initiate a conversation with the client without intervention by the
user.
[0027] A preferred process for selecting a song for download is
depicted in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, in step 302, the user hears
a song broadcast by radio station 101 that he or she wishes to
download or regarding which he or she wishes to receive further
information. In step 304, the user accesses the service of the
present system via digital cell phone 104 which is provided with
wireless Internet-access capability. In particular, the user may
navigate to Web server 106 by manually entering the URL of the
service, by clicking on a hyperlink to the service, or by opening a
bookmark to the service.
[0028] An illustrative screen display that a user might see in
reaching Web server 106 by opening a bookmark is shown in FIG. 5A.
As shown in FIG. 5A, digital cell phone 104 is preferably provided
with a digital display 502 for displaying information, buttons 504
for scrolling and selecting displayed options, and a keypad 506 for
entering information. As further shown in FIG. 5A, display 502
displays a plurality of bookmarks 508 including a bookmark "RADWAP"
(TM) which, illustratively, may be the identifier for the
content-download service described in the present application. The
user uses buttons 504 to scroll down and select the RADWAP
bookmark. The user may also use two way Short Message Service (SMS)
to have a similar dialogue with the server. Alternatively, the user
accesses the RADWAP service through a voice recognition application
that selects the service after the user speaks "RADWAP" into
digital cell phone 104.
[0029] In step 306, the user logs on to Web server 106 by entering
his or her user name and password. Alternatively, the service may
permit automatic log on by identifying the user's cell phone 104 in
a secure and reliable manner using security features that are part
of the cell phone or network or by using a voice recognition system
as described above.
[0030] In step 308, the user enters an identifier (e.g., the call
letters or frequency) of the radio station to which he or she is
listening. An illustrative example of how display 502 of digital
cell phone 104 might appear after the user has entered the station
identifier is shown in FIG. 5B. Alternatively, the user employs the
voice recognition system described above or places a voice call to
a human or voice response system to transmit the log on and
broadcast identifier data.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, Web server 106 tracks the songs
being played on one or more radio stations in one or more
geographic regions. This tracking may be achieved using the
techniques described in my copending patent application Ser. No.
09/571,337, filed May 16, 2000, and entitled Enhancement of
Broadcast Signals Through Automatic Signal Detection and Providing
of Services Through Data Networks and Devices. Alternatively, Web
server 106 may track the songs being played on a radio station in
other ways such as by obtaining a copy of the station schedule.
[0032] In step 310, Web server 106 uses the information it obtains
from tracking the radio station to which the user is listening to
generate a screen with information such as the identity of the
song, album, and artist. In addition, this screen may provide the
user with one or more options. In a preferred embodiment, one of
the options is to purchase the current song or album. This screen
is downloaded to cell phone 104 where it is displayed to the user.
An illustrative example of how this screen might appear is shown in
FIG. 5C. Alternatively, song information is conveyed to the user
during a voice call with a human or voice response system.
[0033] In step 312, the user selects the purchase option. In step
314, Web server 106 logs this selection. The user then returns to
or continues listening to radio 103.
[0034] A preferred process for downloading selected content to the
second device is depicted in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, in step
402, Web server 106 accesses a request to purchase content from a
queue of requests. In step 404, Web server 106 identifies the PC
108 to which the user wishes the requested content to be
downloaded. In step 406, Web server 106 determines if PC 108 is
currently registered with Web server 106, and, if so (406-Yes)
contacts software agent 112 on PC 108 in step 408. If PC 108 is not
registered with Web server 106 (406-No) the download process is
terminated in step 410. In step 412, Web server 106 confirms that
the correct client has been contacted by, for example, securely
identifying PC 108.
[0035] In step 414, Web server 106 transmits to software agent 112
the name and location of the requested song, as well as an
authorization code for downloading. Software agent 112 is then able
to download the song, in step 415, from Web server 106 or another
location authorized by the service by transmitting the
authorization code to a server storing a copy of the requested
song. In one embodiment, the song is downloaded from Web server
106. In another embodiment, the song is downloaded from a second
server operated by the service. In yet another embodiment, the song
is downloaded from a third party authorized by the service; this
arrangement would be practical, for example, if the service did not
itself have the desired song or content on its own servers, or if
the service specialized in finding the most cost effective third
party source from which to download content. Alternatively, rather
than issue an authorization code to PC 108, Web server may instead
simply push the requested digital content to PC 108 or issue a
command to the second server or third party server to do so. Once
the download is complete and verified, in step 416, the user's
service account is charged and any required payments are made to
the content owners or download source.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, software agent 112 may be adapted
to automatically transfer the file to another device for
portability or archive. In this preferred embodiment, in step 418,
software agent 112 searches for the availability of that device
and, if available (418-Yes), transfers the downloaded song to it
(step 420). If the device is unavailable (418-No), the file is
queued until the device is available (step 422).
[0037] As will be apparent, the particular preferred embodiment
described above is for a system that facilitates download of music
by permitting a radio listener to order content through a cell
phone with background delivery to a separate device, such as the
user's home computer. It will be recognized, however, that the
principles of the present invention may alternatively be applied to
other environments and components.
[0038] For example, the downloaded content may be delivered to the
user via an alternative broadcast network, such as digital
satellite radio over a cable network or other wireless network.
Alternatively, the downloaded content may be delivered via a
broadband network. This may be especially appropriate in the case
of digital video.
[0039] In addition, instead of digital cell phone 104, the user may
alternatively interact with the service via a PDA, a dedicated
music device with an Internet connection, or a PC having a wireless
connection. Connection from the user's wireless device to Web
server 106 may also be established via a wireless local area
network or other wireless network such as a satellite network.
[0040] In an alternative preferred embodiment, rather than have the
user enter an identifier for the radio station that he or she is
listening to, the system may instead be adapted to receive the
complete or partial name of a song, artist, or album from the user.
The system may then identify one or more songs on the basis of the
information entered by the user and provide an interface for
selecting and ordering one or more of the identified songs, in a
manner analogous to that described above.
[0041] In another preferred embodiment, a service that provides a
registered community with unlimited downloads (e.g., the Napster
service) may deliver the requested content, so that there is no
charge for an individual download. In another preferred embodiment,
the server that communicates with the user client may initiate the
transfer directly to the client in a well known manner such as by
FTP transfer. In another preferred embodiment, the server that
communicates with the user client may multicast large amounts of
audio content to multiple clients. In this embodiment, each user
client preferably comprises a digital receiver for a digital media
broadcast and is adapted to select and record only requested and
authorized content. In yet another preferred embodiment, the user
client may periodically connect to the Internet and check with the
server to determine whether there is content for the client to
download, either from the server or a third party source.
[0042] In an alternative preferred embodiment, rather than download
the requested content to a PC 108, the content may instead be
downloaded to a special purpose appliance intended for music
download and playback with an Internet connection. In another
preferred embodiment, software agent 112 may come preconfigured on
the client, so that it need not be downloaded when the user
registers. In another preferred embodiment, connection to the
device receiving the download may be via wireless Internet
connection. In another preferred embodiment, portable music device
110 may comprise digital media for recording such as a writeable CD
ROM, hard disk, mini disk or flash or other memory storage.
[0043] In yet another preferred embodiment, the requested content
is streamed, rather than downloaded, to a device specified by the
user, at a time specified by the individual. This embodiment allows
the individual to listen or view the requested content on demand,
for a fee, and has the advantage of affording the digital content
owner greater protection against unauthorized copying of the
requested content.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a
system 600 for delivering content to a user that is similar to the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, content is
broadcast from a television station 601. One of skill in the art
will recognize that the principles of the present embodiment may be
applied to other broadcast contexts such as a cable television
network, Internet netcast, or a digital satellite network. As shown
in FIG. 6, system 600 preferably comprises a broadcast television
station 601 that broadcasts programs on a predesignated frequency
channel. This broadcast signal is preferably received and displayed
on an audiovisual receiver 603 such as a television or other
suitable device owned by a user. The user also preferably has in
his or her possession a digital cellular phone 604 that is capable
of accessing Web server 606 through the Internet 602 using a
standard protocol such as WAP or SMS over a wireless connection
605. The user also preferably owns a PC 608 that may be located,
for example, in the user's home or office. PC 608 is preferably
connected to the Internet 602 via a wired connection 607. PC 608 is
also preferably connected to a portable device 610. A software
agent 612 is preferably downloaded and stored on PC 608, and
provides unattended downloads of audiovisual content in a manner
analogous to that described in connection with FIGS. 1-4 above.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a
system 700 for delivering content to a user. In this embodiment,
the user views a billboard 701 or other analogous service. One of
skill in the art will recognize that this embodiment is
illustrative only, and could be implemented in other advertising
contexts where text, images, and/or sounds may be viewed or heard
such as posters, newspapers, books, magazines, catalogs or other
print media, compact discs, video tapes, cellular telephone
networks, or the Internet. As shown in FIG. 7, system 700
preferably comprises a billboard 701 that displays an offer for
content, and includes a content identifier. Billboard 701 is
preferably viewed by a user. The user also preferably has in his or
her possession a digital cellular phone 704 that is capable of
accessing Web server 706 through the Internet 702 using a standard
protocol such as WAP or SMS over a wireless connection 705. The
user also preferably owns a PC 708 that may be located, for
example, in the user's home or office. PC 708 is preferably
connected to the Internet 702 via a wired connection 707. PC 708 is
also preferably connected to a portable rendering device 710, such
as an MP3 player. A software agent 712 is preferably downloaded and
stored on PC 708, and provides unattended downloads of audiovisual
content as described below.
[0046] Operation of system 700 comprises three main segments: user
registration, ordering of content by the user, and delivery of the
ordered content. Before describing the segments in detail, a brief
overview of a preferred embodiment of system operation is first
provided.
[0047] The user first registers and establishes an account with Web
server 706 via PC 708. A software agent 712 is loaded on PC 708.
Software agent 712 is adapted to facilitate downloading of content
from Web server 706 to PC 708.
[0048] Subsequently, the user views billboard 701 containing a
content identifier. If the user (i.e., the viewer) wishes to
purchase the media (i.e., a song or the album on which the song
appears) for download, the user navigates to Web server 706 from
his or her cell phone 704, authenticates himself or herself, and
enters the content identifier he or she saw on billboard 701. The
downloading service provided by Web server 706 then provides the
user with a screen identifying the content he or she identified, as
well as other related information. The user may then indicate
through cell phone 704 a desire to buy the content.
[0049] The requested content is queued by Web server 706 which then
contacts PC 708 without further intervention by the user. Web
server 706 downloads the requested content to PC 708. Software
agent 712 running on PC 708 facilitates this downloading and stores
the received content to a mass storage device such as a hard disk.
Web server 706 then bills the user's account for the cost of the
content. The content may then be uploaded to portable rendering
device 710.
[0050] The preferred registration sequence in this embodiment is
analogous to that described above in connection with FIG. 2, and
will not be repeated here.
[0051] A preferred process for selecting content for download is
depicted in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, in step 802, the user
learns of the content by viewing billboard 701. In step 804, the
user accesses the service of the present system via digital cell
phone 704 which is provided with wireless Internet-access
capability. In particular, the user may navigate to Web server 706
by manually entering the URL of the service, by clicking on a
hyperlink to the service, or by opening a bookmark to the
service.
[0052] An illustrative screen display that a user might see in
reaching Web server 706 by opening a bookmark is shown in FIG. 5A.
As shown in FIG. 5A, digital cell phone 704 is preferably provided
with a digital display 502 for displaying information, buttons 504
for scrolling and selecting displayed options, and a keypad 506 for
entering information. As further shown in FIG. 5A, display 502
displays a plurality of bookmarks 508 including a bookmark "RADWAP"
(TM) which, illustratively, may be the identifier for the
content-download service described in the present application. The
user uses buttons 504 to scroll down and select the RADWAP
bookmark. The user may also use two way Short Message Service (SMS)
to have a similar dialogue with the server. Alternatively, the user
accesses the RADWAP service through a voice recognition application
that selects the service after the user speaks "RADWAP" into
digital cell phone 704.
[0053] In step 306, the user logs on to Web server 706 by entering
his or her user name and password. Alternatively, the service may
permit automatic log on by identifying the user's cell phone 704 in
a secure and reliable manner using security features that are part
of the cell phone or network or by using a voice recognition system
as described above.
[0054] In step 808, the user enters a content identifier (e.g., the
text "SW435") from billboard 701. Alternatively, the user employs
the voice recognition system described above or places a voice call
to a human or voice response system to transmit the log on and
provide identifier data.
[0055] In step 810, Web server 706 uses the content identifier to
generate a screen with content information such as the identity of
a song, album, and artist. In addition, this screen may provide the
user with one or more options. In a preferred embodiment, one of
the options is to purchase the current song or album. This screen
is downloaded to cell phone 704 where it is displayed to the user.
An illustrative example of how this screen might appear is shown in
FIG. 5C. Alternatively, song information is conveyed to the user
during a voice call with a human or voice response system.
[0056] In step 812, the user selects the purchase option. In step
814, Web server 706 logs this selection. In step 814, Web server
706 downloads the content to the PC 708 via software agent 712.
[0057] A preferred process for downloading selected content to the
second device is depicted in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, in step
902, Web server 706 accesses a request to purchase content from a
queue of requests. In step 904, Web server 906 identifies the PC
708 to which the user wishes the requested content to be
downloaded. In step 906, Web server 706 determines if PC 708 is
currently registered with Web server 706, and, if so (906-Yes)
contacts software agent 712 on PC 708 in step 908. If PC 708 is not
registered with Web server 706 (906-No) the download process is
terminated in step 910. In step 912, Web server 706 confirms that
the correct client has been contacted by, for example, securely
identifying PC 708.
[0058] In step 914, Web server 706 transmits to software agent 712
the name and location of the requested content, as well as an
authorization code for downloading. Software agent 712 is then able
to download the content, in step 915, from Web server 706 or
another location authorized by the service by transmitting the
authorization code to a server storing a copy of the requested
content. In one embodiment, the content is downloaded from Web
server 706. In another embodiment, the content is downloaded from a
second server operated by the service. In yet another embodiment,
the content is downloaded from a third party authorized by the
service; this arrangement would be practical, for example, if the
service did not itself have the desired content on its own servers,
or if the service specialized in finding the most cost effective
third party source from which to download content. Alternatively,
rather than issue an authorization code to PC 708, Web server may
instead simply push the requested digital content to PC 708 or
issue a command to the second server or third party server to do
so. Once the download is complete and verified, in step 916, the
user's service account is charged and any required payments are
made to the content owners or download source.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, software agent 712 may be adapted
to automatically transfer the file to another device for
portability or archive. In this preferred embodiment, in step 918,
software agent 712 searches for the availability of that device
and, if available (918-Yes), transfers the downloaded content to it
(step 920). If the device is unavailable (918-No), the file is
queued until the device is available (step 922).
[0060] It will be appreciated that, although the invention has been
described in the context of specific illustrative embodiments,
those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous
alternative arrangements which, although not explicitly shown or
described herein, nevertheless embody the principles of the
invention.
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