U.S. patent application number 11/193783 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for network apparatus and method for preview of music products and compilation of market data.
Invention is credited to Kaplan, Joshua D..
Application Number | 20050267819 11/193783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27534567 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050267819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaplan, Joshua D. |
December 1, 2005 |
Network apparatus and method for preview of music products and
compilation of market data
Abstract
A system for on-line user-interactive multimedia based
point-of-preview. The system provides for a network web site and
accompanying software and hardware for allowing users to access the
web site over a network such as the internet via a computer. The
user is uniquely identified to the web site server through an
identification name or number. The hardware associated with the web
site includes storage of discrete increments of pre-selected
portions of music products for user selection and preview. After
user selection, a programmable data processor selects the
particular pre-recorded music product from data storage and then
transmits that chosen music product over the network to the user
for preview. Subscriber selection and profile data (i.e.
demographic information) can optionally be collected and stored to
develop market research data. Since the system provides for
multiple embodiments, the system contemplates previewing of audio
programs such as music on compact discs, video programs such as
movies and text from books and other written documents.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that the network web site can be
accessed from a publicly accessible kiosk, available, e.g. at a
retail store location, or from a desk top computer.
Inventors: |
Kaplan, Joshua D.;
(Berkeley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DERGOSITS & NOAH LLP
FOUR EMBARCADERO CENTER, SUITE 1450
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111
US
|
Family ID: |
27534567 |
Appl. No.: |
11/193783 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11193783 |
Jul 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
10932206 |
Sep 1, 2004 |
|
|
|
10932206 |
Sep 1, 2004 |
|
|
|
09412404 |
Oct 5, 1999 |
|
|
|
09412404 |
Oct 5, 1999 |
|
|
|
08741915 |
Oct 31, 1996 |
|
|
|
5963916 |
|
|
|
|
08741915 |
Oct 31, 1996 |
|
|
|
08668327 |
Jun 26, 1996 |
|
|
|
08668327 |
Jun 26, 1996 |
|
|
|
08282153 |
Jul 28, 1994 |
|
|
|
08282153 |
Jul 28, 1994 |
|
|
|
08035661 |
Mar 23, 1993 |
|
|
|
08035661 |
Mar 23, 1993 |
|
|
|
07957444 |
Oct 6, 1992 |
|
|
|
5237157 |
|
|
|
|
07957444 |
Oct 6, 1992 |
|
|
|
07582253 |
Sep 13, 1990 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.29 ;
705/27.1; 707/E17.101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0633 20130101;
G11B 2220/2545 20130101; G06Q 30/0201 20130101; G07F 17/16
20130101; G06Q 30/00 20130101; G11B 27/002 20130101; G11B 27/34
20130101; G06F 16/686 20190101; G06F 16/64 20190101; G11B 2220/41
20130101; G11B 2220/20 20130101; G06F 16/68 20190101; G11B 27/031
20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 20/18 20130101; G06Q 30/0641
20130101; G06Q 20/123 20130101; G06Q 30/0603 20130101; G06Q 30/0601
20130101; G11B 27/034 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/026 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60; G10H
001/38; G10H 007/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. A method for previewing a music product using a computer,
wherein said method comprises the steps of: a) providing a computer
having data input means, interactive audio playback means including
an audio output means; b) presenting a code to the computer that
identifies the user; c) using the computer, accessing memory
containing audio information relating to music products; d)
selecting a music product to be previewed on the computer by
supplying a code associated with the music product; and, e)
previewing audio information concerning the music product on the
computer using the interactive audio playback means including an
audio output means.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of rating the
selected music product that has been previewed.
7. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of tracking
the user's activities on the computer by associating the user
identification code with the user's selection of music products for
previewing, and storing the tracking data in memory.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of gathering
market research data by accessing the tracking data in memory.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to user controlled preview
of a plurality of different pre-recorded products. More
particularly, this invention relates to the use of an on-line
network web site for interactive preview of a portion of a
pre-recorded product by the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The 1980s witnessed a tremendous rise in consumer demand for
home entertainment products, particularly, the compact disc (CD)
player. Wide consumer acceptance has been the result of more
affordable ownership costs, superior fidelity (compared with LPs
and cassettes) and remarkable ease-of-use. In the United States
alone, total sales of CD players skyrocketed from 1.2 million units
in 1985 to over 17 million units in 1989 (over three times the
growth rate of VCRs). CD players now represent one third of all new
audio component sales with projections pointing to total U.S. sales
topping 30 million players in the U.S. by 1991--making the CD
player the fasted growing consumer electronics product in the last
twenty-five years.
[0003] Despite the explosion of CD player sales, most consumers own
very few CDs (studies indicate the average CD player owner posses
only nine discs). In large part, this is due to the fact that when
it comes to purchasing a specific compact disc, the consumer is
faced with several constraints and dilemmas. For example, compact
discs are roughly twice the retail price ($14-$16) of LPs and
cassettes and as a result, consumers are more reluctant to explore
new and/or unproven artists for fear of wasting money. Moreover,
there is the issue of "selection stress," a common problem for the
average music buyer who is confronted with an enormous catalogue
from which to choose and few mechanisms to assist her in evaluating
these choices. This is exemplified by typical retail music stores
which have developed the "superstore" format in which to promote
its products. Unfortunately, the salespeople generally have not
kept up with the sophistication of the market. Hence, consumers are
at a clear disadvantage. Consumers often cannot sample or interact
with the product while in the music store and they cannot return
products they do not like. Therefore, although many consumers wish
to build larger music collections, purchasing decisions are often
risky and mistakes can be costly.
[0004] At the artist level, the proliferation of new music markets,
styles and tastes has caused the number of record labels to
increase dramatically. The record industry has expanded from
several major labels in the 1970s to more than 2,500 distributed
and independent labels today. Each year more than 2,500 new artists
are introduced into an already crowded market.
[0005] Currently, label executives have no way to test market their
respective acts or albums before dollars are committed to the
production, promotion and distribution process. Furthermore, there
is no current methodology to provide consumer exposure to a
particular artist's work outside of radio and television or concert
tours. Therefore, print media is heavily utilized by retail music
stores to draw attention to new and old labels and special
promotions. Music labels recognize this and consequently subsidized
these efforts to promote their individual artists.
[0006] The problem of consumer awareness is aggravated by the glut
of records on the market which inhibits consumer exposure at the
retail level and over the airways. Because each record label is
responsible for the recruitment, development and promotion of their
artists, some record companies have been compelled to establish
marketing promotions where records are given away to promote
awareness of certain acts.
[0007] Labels managers have also acknowledged that because a
greater investment of time, money and creativity is required to
develop many of today's acts, they are more likely than ever to cut
short promotion in order to cut their losses quickly on albums that
don't show early signs of returning the investment. This strongly
limits the potential for success because some artists require
longer and more diverse promotion in order to succeed.
[0008] In order to provide for greater consumer exposure to
artist's works, a number of different inventions have been
designed. For example, a music sampling device called PICS Previews
has been developed. Although it permits some in store sampling, its
use is severely limited because its primary format is based on a
particular hardware configuration which is not easily
modifiable.
[0009] The PICS preview device incorporates a television screen
with a large keypad covered with miniature album covers, and these
are locked into a laser disk player. A master disk which holds a
fixed number of videoclips--usually about 80--is used as the source
of music information. The consumer is permitted to view a video
which represents a selection from the album. However, information
from only those artists who have made a video and who are featured
on the PICS preview system can be accessed. The consumer cannot
make her own selection. The selections are not necessarily those
that are in the store inventory.
[0010] Another in-store device, known as the Personics System,
provides users with the ability to make customized tapes from
selected music stored on the 'machines. A drawback with this device
is that it is expensive to use and time consuming to operate.
Furthermore, exposure to various artists is limited. Still further,
the device is viewed by record production companies as
cannibalistic. Therefore record production companies have been
reluctant to permit new songs from their top artists to be
presented on these devices.
[0011] Perhaps the greatest advance in market exposure of a
prerecorded product as of its issuance is U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,157
(the '157 patent) to Kaplan, from which this application continues.
The '157 patent is directed to a user-interactive multi-media based
point-of-preview system. In particular, interactive digital music
sampling kiosks are provided to the retail music industry. In
essence, the listening booth of the 1950s has been reborn and
through the application of software and hardware technology has
been brought into the next century.
[0012] Through the kiosk station which acts as a computer age
"listening booth," the consumer, as a subscriber, is exposed to her
potential purchases by being offered the ability to preview music
before purchasing selections at record stores. The guesswork is
thereby taken out of music purchasing by allowing consumers to make
more informed purchasing decisions comparable with those available
for other consumer products.
[0013] The kiosk station provides access to music products through
the sampling of individual selections as discrete increments of
information. This allows the subscriber to make more educated
purchases. The kiosk station thereby dramatically changes the way
in which consumers purchase music. This increases buying activity
and improves overall customer satisfaction. Moreover, the kiosk
system stimulates sales gains for the record stores and provides
record companies a cheaper and more effective promotional
alternative which can sample consumer opinions at the point-of-sale
level.
[0014] The device described in the '157 patent utilizes a graphical
interface software, a hi-resolution touchscreen monitor, and
unprecedented storage capacity. Each system can offer the consumer
the ability to preview selections from up to 25,000 albums, thus
allowing more informed purchasing decisions by listening to songs
on an album in a mode as uninhibited as using a telephone. The
customer simply takes any music selection in the store display and
approaches the kiosk. After scanning their user/subscriber card
(free to the user and available at the store counter) across the
UPC bar code reader, the customer scans their chosen audio
selection. The touch screen monitor then displays an image of the
album cover in full color with songs from the album. The user then
simply touches the name of the desired song on the screen, and,
through the privacy of headphones, listens to a 30 second clip of
the audio program. Additional options include full motion MTV
videos or Rolling Stone record reviews. The listening booth of the
1950s is effectively reborn and improved and through the
application of software and hardware technology, brought into the
1990s.
[0015] Because of the high level of software content, the device
described in the '157 patent remains flexible and dynamic. The
interactive touchscreen can be programmed to accommodate multiple
applications running under one environment on one system.
Touchscreen interface can be continually modified with additional
features added over time. This encourages subscriber interest and
permits a competitive advantage over competitors who have locked
their design into predominately hardware based configurations with
little value-added software content.
[0016] The selection and input data from the subscriber is
collected from each kiosk location and is transmitted to a central
database for analysis by the central processing unit. Through the
central processing unit, the subscriber selection and subscriber
profile data can be analyzed, packaged, and distributed as
information products to the entire music industry as timely and
focused market research.
[0017] It was therefore an object of the '157 patent to provide a
computer age "listening booth." Consumers would be offered the
ability to preview music before purchasing selections at record
stores. Preview and associated purchase data would be collected and
stored to provide music industry market research data.
[0018] Another object of the '157 patent was to take the
"guesswork" out of music buying by allowing for more informed
purchasing decisions comparable with what was previously available.
The '157 patent allows for access to prerecorded products through
sampling of individual selections and allow the consumer to make
more educated purchases. This increases buying activity and
improves overall customer satisfaction.
[0019] While the '157 patent provides for a convenient and
effective system for allowing a user to preview selected portions
of a pre-recorded product, improvements may be incorporated. What
is needed is an improvement that allows for rapid and up-to-date
changes in the pre-recorded product selections that are available
to users located at multiple locations across the world. What is
further needed is an improvement for providing convenient
centralized reprogramming of the controlling software. What is
still further needed is an improvement that allows for access to
the system by subscribers using publicly accessible kiosks or from
private computers. What is further needed is an improvement that
allows for purchasing over a network such as the internet. What is
still further needed is an improvement that allows for relational
previewing wherein musical works related to the user's selected
work, is conveniently available to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention provides for an improvement to the
'157 patent by integrating a network web site as the source of the
pre-recorded products and the controlling software.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides
for a method for enabling a user to preview a portion of a
pre-recorded music product from a network web site containing
pre-selected portions of different pre-recorded music products,
using a computer, a computer display and a telecommunications link,
the method comprising the steps of: a) using the computer to
establish a telecommunications link to the network web site wherein
the network web site contains pre-selected portions of different
pre-recorded music products; b) transmitting user identification
data from the computer to the network web site thereby providing
user access to the network web site; c) choosing at least one
pre-selected portion of the pre-recorded music products from the
network web site; d) receiving the selected portion of the
pre-recorded products; and e) interactively previewing the received
chosen pre-selected portion of the pre-recorded music product.
[0022] The preferred method may also comprise the step of rating
the chosen pre-selected portion of the pre-recorded music products.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that the computer and the display
are housed within a kiosk. The kiosk can further include a product
code scanner coupled to the computer for allowing the user to scan
a product code located on a product which the user desires to
preview.
[0023] The preferred method may also include a plurality of compact
disc--read only memory (CD-ROMs) or a RAID array drive for storing
the portions of pre-recorded products.
[0024] The present invention also provides for a preferred network
web site for allowing a remote user to preview a pre-selected
portion of a pre-recorded music product, using a computer, a
computer display and a telecommunications link, the network web
site comprising: a) a processor for controlling the network web
site; b) memory for storing pre-selected portions of a plurality of
different pre-recorded music products, the memory coupled to the
processor; c) identification (ID) means for recognizing a user ID
which specifically identifies the user to the network web site; d)
reception means for receiving and processing a request from the
user to transmit a pre-selected portion of at least one of the
pre-recorded products back to the user; e) transmission means for
transmitting the requested pre-selected portion to the user; f)
control means for providing the user with interactive control over
the transmission of the pre-selected portion of the pre-recorded
music products.
[0025] The preferred network web site also contemplates the
portions of the plurality of different pre-selected pre-recorded
music products being identified and called from the memory using
unique product codes. The preferred network web site can further
include a purchasing means for allowing the user to place an order
for purchasing at least one of the portions of the pre-selected
pre-recorded music products; a listing means for providing the user
with dynamic lists of the pre-selected portions of the plurality of
different pre-recorded music products that have been previewed the
most; a recording means for providing the user with a record of
previous previews by the user; a ratings means for prompting the
user for a user rating of a particular one of the pre-selected
portions of the plurality of different pre-recorded music products
and storing the rating; a first market research means for
correlating the user rating with the user ID, for compiling market
research data and a second market research means for correlating
the user ID with all previews performed by the user, for compiling
market research data; and a means for collecting demographic
information regarding the user. It is further contemplated that the
demographic information is selected from the group of informational
types consisting of age, sex, income, ethnicity, education level,
marital status, hobbies, and occupation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical apparatus used in
the parent kiosk embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of devices
which comprise the apparatus of the parent kiosk embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a view of a typical touchscreen software generated
display interface used in the apparatus of the parent kiosk
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a different view of a typical touchscreen software
generated display interface used in the apparatus of the parent
kiosk embodiment, further having a point-of-purchase capacity.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the possible paths accessible by
a user of the original kiosk invention.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the search engines used with the
original kiosk invention, the kiosk-based network embodiment, and
the network embodiment independent from a kiosk.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the hardware requirements for
the network web site.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the possible paths accessible by
a user of the kiosk-based network embodiment.
[0034] FIGS. 9-33 are screen shots of display screens that are
accessible by a user in the kiosk-based network embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 34 is a flow diagram of the possible paths accessible
by a user in the network embodiment independent from a kiosk.
[0036] FIGS. 35-57 are screen shots of display screens that are
accessible by a user in the network embodiment of the present
invention independent from a kiosk.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The Original Kiosk Embodiment
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is a kiosk
station 10 shown embodying the principles of this invention. The
kiosk station 10 utilizes a custom, graphical interface (not
shown), proprietary software, a hi-resolution touchscreen monitor
20, and data storage capacity. Each kiosk station 10 is provided
with data compression technology which is state-of-the-art. The
data compression technology is available from Fredericks and Shoe
(Chicago, Ill.). The core of the kiosk station 10 is this digital
compression technology, coupled with the storage and playback
design. An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip
serves in the data compression and decoding component of the kiosk
station 10. This ASIC firmware is integrated onto a custom-designed
board which delivers 24 bit graphics, full motion video digital
signal processing and decompression of the audio information to the
subscriber. The new combination of bus technology provides for a
high resolution, high quality, user friendly subscriber interface
at the kiosk station 10.
[0038] On an ongoing basis, music CDs are identified for addition
to the kiosk station 10 storage. Once the audio samples are
identified, the samples are encoded at the CD authoring station.
Music CDs are digitized and encoded for storage on a CD ROM discs.
The record jacket associated with each preview album is scanned and
digitized. A MacIntosh Sound Tool, which is a stereo direct-to-disc
recording and playback system is used to process the digital signal
to the CD. A Topiz CD Premaster/Encoding System or the like is
used. In addition, manufacturers' UPC bar code data corresponding
to the selected albums is copied and stored. The compression
technology permits high capacity storage on CD ROM discs in the
kiosk body 50. Each kiosk station 10 can offer the subscriber the
ability to preview selections from up to 25,000 albums, thereby
allowing more informed purchasing decisions by listening to songs
on an album in a mode as uninhibited as using a telephone. Preview
selections may be expanded or changed by altering the data on the
CD-ROM discs. The CD-ROM discs are stored in a CD automatic disc
loader. For example, the Sony Auto Disc Loader CDK-006 can be used.
This loader can house up to 60 CD ROM discs and is controlled by an
external 8-bit microprocessor control system. When a subscriber
scans an album and touches particular selections, the disc loader
will automatically scan to the appropriate slot on the disk tray.
An Apple MacIntosh platform is used with a CDSC which is like a
CD-ROM drive capable of reading data and audio disks or the like.
CD-ROM interface can be accomplished with a Hypercard or its
equivalent. In addition, the database code will create a file for
data collection each time a subscriber begins a preview session.
This will identify a specific subscriber with the selections and
ratings which were processed and the kiosk station.
[0039] To excite the subscriber, and inspire her to pick up an
album from the CD rack and preview it on the kiosk station, the
retail store can also be provided with a library of CD ROM discs.
For example, 600 minutes of top 200 song cuts can be offered on a
single CD ROM disc. These discs can be played for an entire 10
hours period without changing. The length of the CD means that
there is no recurring pattern or loop. Musical selections will vary
from Rock, to Jazz, to Classical, etc. with widespread appeal. This
CD ROM disc sampler will contain songs from albums found on the
kiosk station. In that way, a subscriber can become interested in a
cut heard over the store's in-house sound system, approach the
clerk and ask for the album or the artist responsible, and then
proceed to pick out their selection.
[0040] To use the invention, the subscriber takes any music
selection in the store display and approaches the kiosk station 10.
The subscriber is provided with an access card, similar to a credit
card, which is used to activate the kiosk station 10. The system
interface is based on a touchscreen 20 and activated by the access
card which is passed over a UPC scanner. There is no keyboard to
add to levels of confusion or intimidation.
[0041] Each customer can complete a brief membership application
which asks for basic demographic information, general music
listening preferences and buying habits and an access card will
then be generated for that subscriber. Each subscriber will have a
bar code on their access card which will immediately identify them
when beginning a session on the kiosk station 10. The subscriber
identification can be further interfaced with the music store cash
register so that with each music purchase following CD preview, the
transaction will be identified as a kiosk-related sale.
[0042] A program similar to an airline frequent flyer club can be
generated. The central database 60 can maintain a library of
subscribers with subscriber profile information and specific
preview activity. In order to provide subscribers with an incentive
to use the kiosk station 10 regularly, subscribers will earn bonus
points for answering the rating questions after previewing
selections at the kiosk station 10. Earned bonus points will also
accumulate for kiosk-related purchases. Through a combination of
rating and purchase bonus points, subscribers will become eligible
for discounted and even free music sponsored by music industry
participants.
[0043] Subscribers may additionally be sent quarterly statements
showing a list of albums previewed and kiosk-related purchases.
Listings of new releases on the kiosk stations 10, as well as
various promotions sponsored by recording labels and music stores,
can be disseminated to the subscribers by generation of a news
letter update. Subscriber mailing lists can be used to send
additional promotional material.
[0044] After scanning the access card across the bar code reader 30
which can use multiple mirrors to enhance the scan rate for a dense
scan (such as the MS 700 manufactured by Metrologic of Camden,
N.J.), the subscriber scans the bar code of the CD chosen, and up
on the touchscreen 20 appears the album cover in full color
photographs along with songs from the album. The subscriber then
touches the desired song at the desired location of the touchscreen
20 and through the headphones 40 listens to a 30 second clip.
Additional options include full motion MTV videos or record
reviews.
[0045] The access card which is used to activate the kiosk station
10 can be used to monitor all subscriber activities and generate,
for example, demographic information and market research.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown a block diagram
demonstrating the apparatus including the storage and transmission
to a centralized database 60 for analysis by the central processing
unit 70. Each time a subscriber activates the kiosk at the scanner
50 to begin a session, a data file is created identifying the
subscriber and generating a selection preview. Additional
information in the form of responses to rating questions for the
selected CD and purchase indications can also be captured in the
data file. The centralized database 60 can poll each kiosk station
10 at all of the remote locations through a telecommunications
link. The information gathered will be analyzed and packaged into
market research products for distribution in the record industry
and radio stations.
[0047] FIG. 2. demonstrates that the selection choice and
subscriber data can be transmitted via a public data network 80 for
analysis by use of an Execution Information System (EIS) 90. Such
systems provide the capabilities to analyze vast amounts of data
and to convert this data into useful information on a real-time
basis. EIS's allow non-programmers access to large quantities of
data through an intuitive user interface. EIS's have built in tools
which make modeling much easier than conventional spreadsheet or
database software. The software and technical support of a major
telecommunications and information network, such as Comshare, can
be used. This EIS software operates in a distributed and portable
environment. In addition, the EIS used will be supported on
multiple platforms and operating systems. This provides for
delivery of proprietary data and its analysis appropriate to the
business needs of the record industry. A key attribute to most EIS
systems is the provision for multidimensional data dimensions,
which, in the music industry, may include unit sales, time periods,
geographic markets, specific music categories, configuration
breakdowns, and demographic profiles of the subscriber base. The
capabilities of CD-ROM discs will allow for the periodic delivery
of market research to the record industry on CD-ROM discs.
[0048] FIGS. 3 and 4 show various software configured touchscreen
display interfaces. Because the touchscreen display is matrix
generated by software configuration, it is flexible and dynamic.
The touchscreen display can be programmed to accommodate multiple
applications running under one environment on one system as
demonstrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The software configuration provides
for modifications with additional features added over time by
software upgrades.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the possible paths accessible by
a user of the original kiosk invention. The different blocks are
rough illustrations of the different screens viewed by users and
the arrows illustrate the possible paths the users can follow
through the original kiosk system. In order to better explain the
flow diagram, an example path will be discussed.
[0050] A user starts at the idle screen 1 where she can touch the
"start" section to begin. From there, the user is shown screen 2
where she is asked to select a category to search (i.e. new
releases or radio station hits). If she selects "new releases" she
is asked to scan her I-Station card subscriber card. This
identifies her to the system. From there, she is shown screen 4
which illustrates the different music genres which can be searched
(i.e. pop/dance or heavy metal). If a particular genre is selected,
the user is shown screen 5 which illustrates the CD covers of the
new releases in the chosen genre. After selecting a particular CD,
the user is shown screen 6 which illustrates the CD cover and the
tracks that can be previewed. After previewing a music sample, the
user is shown screen 7 which requests a rating for that track. The
user is then asked if she wants a printed record of her preview at
screen 8. Screen 9 then asks the user if she wants to preview
another selection. If not, the user is shown screen 11 which thanks
the user for her use. The system then returns to the idle screen
1.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates an overview of the different search
engines used with the original kiosk invention, the kiosk-based
network embodiment (described below), and the network embodiment
independent from a kiosk (described below). As with the previous
figure, an example path will be described which will provide an
understanding of the program's logical flow. This example discusses
the search engines involved in a classical music search.
[0052] Starting at block 12, a user determines the initial search
parameters (i.e. vocalist, composer, conductor). Depending on which
parameter is chosen, the appropriate search engine is selected
13-18. Assuming the vocalist parameter 13 is selected, the vocalist
list is provided to the user at block 19. The vocalist-by-composer
search engine is then selected at block 21. The particular piece by
the selected vocalist and composer is then selected at block 22.
The particular album is then produced at block 23. Finally, the
preview page is provided at block 24 where the user can preview the
selected album.
A Preferred Networked Embodiment for Incorporation with the
Kiosk-Based System
[0053] While it can be appreciated that the in-store kiosk
described above provides for a large selection of musical choices
and a convenient access point for consumers, improvements can be
made to increase the efficiency and capacity of the system. This
embodiment provides for such improvements.
[0054] The kiosk-based network embodiment of the present invention
utilizes many of the basic kiosk features as discussed above with
the use of a telecommunications link to establish a
point-of-preview on-line web site.
[0055] In the kiosk-based embodiment of the present invention, mass
data storage capability is found at a central location, the web
site, rather than at the kiosk itself Furthermore, the operating
environment is controlled via software resident on the web site
instead of within memory at each individual kiosk. Instead of
incorporating the memory and central processing of the system
within each kiosk, this embodiment of the present invention
provides for each kiosk to merely serve as an access terminal to
the web site. The web site server therefore provides for a
centralized location for storing the operating system software as
well as data storage for the pre-selected portions of music
products, associated artwork and text. As is conventional for this
type of architecture, the web site server is able to service a
plurality of kiosks across the country or across the world.
Furthermore, by providing for a centralized storage and software
point, updating the product data and software becomes a more
efficient and cost effective process because the data and/or
software need only be updated at the web site server instead of at
each kiosk.
[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the hardware
requirements for the preferred kiosk-based network (i.e. internet)
embodiment of the present invention. While described here using
particular hardware elements, those skilled in the art will
recognize that modifications can be made without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0057] The preferred embodiment of the present invention
incorporates an STI Silicon Graphics Unix Server (Model Name:
"Challenge L") 93 which controls the basic operations of the web
site. Stored within the server is the Silicon Graphics operating
system and an Oracle database which has been created to contain all
of the data for presentation the users, including but not limited
to, the number of tracks within each music CD, the names of the
tracks, etc. Additionally, the server 93 runs the Netscape Commerce
Server which provides the http protocol for generating a web page.
Additionally, the server 93 utilizes a RealAudio server
(Progressive Networks, Seattle, Wash.) which streams the RealAudio
data to the web site users through the network. This server 93
allows the user to play the audio selections directly from the web
site on the kiosk. Additionally, the server 93 contains static HTML
script files which are executed to provide users with the different
web pages. In other words, the web pages are not stored and then
merely displayed. Instead, the pages are dynamically generated
whenever the web site user selects a page for viewing. In essence,
these scripts tie the databases and their content together.
[0058] A 60 gigabyte RAID array drive 95 provides storage of data
for generating the CD artwork and the pre-selected and pre-recorded
portions of the music products (i.e., available audio samples) in
two different formats, the "au" format and the "RealAudio" format.
The "au" format requires that the user download the data to her
location where she can play the audio sample. Web site user control
of the audio sample playback (ie. stop, play, seek, fast forward,
rewind, etc.) depends on the specific software the user uses to
playback the audio sample once the sample is downloaded to the web
site user's computer. The "RealAudio" data format allows the user
to playback the audio sample directly from the web site without
having to download the audio sample. The RealAudio server provides
the web site user with control over playback of the audio
sample.
[0059] Within the web site server 93 is a network interface card
(i.e. an ethernet card) (not shown) which allows connectivity to
outside users. This network interface card is provided with the STI
Silicon Graphics Unix Server. The network card 94 is connected to a
router 92 (SISCO, Model 2500, Redwood City, Calif.) which connects
the server 93 to an internet provider.
[0060] In order for a web site user to use the kiosk-based network
web site embodiment to preview music products, she must first
identify herself to the network web site server. This
identification allows the web site server to uniquely associate
events during web site usage, such as, for example, the user's
searches, ratings and purchase requests, with a particular user.
This information is very important for insuring that the correct
purchase order is delivered to the right user. In addition, the
user identification can also be used to gather accurate demographic
information which can be correlated with events during web site
usage, such as, for example, the user's ratings.
[0061] The step of web site user identification to the web site
server can be accomplished using a number of different known
methods. It is not particularly critical which method is used. For
example, the web site user can enter an identification (D) name or
number which is assigned by the web site server (or chosen by the
user) upon completion of a membership application. Alternatively, a
credit card number, phone number or address can be used to uniquely
identify the web site user. These web site user EDs can be entered
using a number of different methods. For example, using a keyboard
or touchscreen display keyboard simulation to type in the web site
user's name or number. A bar code reader can also be used to scan
ID number from an ID card. Alternatively, the user identification
can be automatically provided upon access (i.e. sign-on or log-on)
to the web site server either by the internet service provider
directly or by the local terminal. Each and every one of these
different techniques of establishing a user ID with the web site
server is considered to be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0062] In the preferred kiosk-based network embodiment of the
present invention, the user enters her unique identification in the
form of the user's name and password in order to access the web
site server. The first time a user gains access to the web site
server, the user completes a membership application which requests
specific demographic information about the user (e.g. age, sex,
etc.). The user is then able to select a password which will
correspond with her name. The user's name is then assigned an 11
digit ID. Upon all subsequent accesses to the web site, the user's
events will be linked with the information provided in the
membership application. The web site server maintains a database of
which pages are accessed by the user, which pre-selected portions
of music products are downloaded, and what ratings the users give
to particular samples.
[0063] Once the user has identified herself and gained access to
the web site server, she can then preview pre-selected portions of
music products and enter purchase requests. FIGS. 9-33 illustrate a
sequence of screen displays from a preferred embodiment, the web
site for incorporation with an in-store kiosk (the "HI Station").
This example is provided for illustrative purposes and is not
intended to limit the present invention to these particular screen
display layouts or the corresponding functions. It should be
apparent to one skilled in the art that numerous layout designs and
corresponding functions can be employed without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0064] In order to provide for a more user friendly environment at
the in-store kiosk, a touch screen format is employed wherein
different "hot zones" are established on the screen. Thus, by
touching one of these hot zones, a user is able to execute
particular functions (i.e. go to the next screen, select an album
for preview, etc.) without the need for operation of a separate
hardware peripheral device such as a mouse or trackball. However,
other well known means for allowing a user to enter commands can
also be incorporated (i.e. a keyboard, a scanner, a mouse,
etc.).
[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of the possible paths
accessible by a user of the kiosk-based network embodiment. This
diagram is similar to FIG. 5 for the original kiosk invention.
[0066] Starting at screen 31, a user is shown the main menu (see
FIG. 10). From here, she can select any of the different choices
(i.e. general search, new releases by genre, Top 10 chart, etc.).
If she chooses the new releases by genre, she is taken to screen 33
which illustrates the genre selections available. Depending on the
user's selection from this screen 33, she can choose the Top 10
chart by genre screen 36 or the Promotions by genre screen 35. Once
she chooses a CD from either of these screens, she is taken to the
Album Preview screen 37. From this screen 37 she can preview any of
the pre-selected and pre-recorded music products. If she previews
one of the music products, she is asked at screen 39 to rate the
previewed music product. Then depending on the availability of the
selection, a printed record or order slip of the selection is
provided. From there, the user can proceed through the web site
again. This is accomplished by selecting one of the different paths
42-49 which returns the user to the corresponding branches from the
original main menu screen 31.
[0067] It should be noted from this flow chart that regardless of
which searching tool is used (i.e. General Search, New Releases By
Genre, Top 10 Charts By Genre), the user always ends up at the
Album Preview screen 37. The different searching tools merely vary
the manner in which the user gets to the Album Preview screen
37.
[0068] Example screens of the kiosk-based network embodiment are
now discussed in more detail. The start screen is illustrated in
FIG. 9. This screen has two hot zones 200, and 220 which provide
the user with control over her direction of travel through the web
site. Hot zone 200 allows the user to travel back to the preceding
screen and hot zone 220 allows a user to access the main menu.
These hot zones are provided on each screen as the user travels
through the web site.
[0069] FIG. 10 illustrates the main menu screen which allows the
user to access particular paths by selecting (i.e. touching)
specific hot zones 201-208. Although a number of different paths
can be incorporated, the preferred embodiment described here
includes a "Promotions" path (hot zone 201), a "General Music
Search" path (hot zone 202), a "Classical Music Search" path (hot
zone 203), a "New Releases" path (hot zone 204), an "Intune
magazine" path (hot zone 205), a Top 10 By Genre" path (hot zone
206), a "Top 25 In Store" path (hot zone 207) and a "Merchandise"
(hot zone 208) path. These path names are self-explanatory.
[0070] By choosing the "Promotions" path (hot zone 201), a user to
taken to the "Promotions By Genre" screens shown in FIGS. 11 and 12
which allow the user to select particular musical genres (see hot
zones 221-241) in which their target musical interests fall.
Although not limited to any particular number or types of genres,
the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a
"Pop/Dance" genre (hot zone 221), a "Rock/Alternative" genre (hot
zone 222), a "Heavy Metal" genre (hot zone 223), a "R& B Soul"
genre (hot zone 224), a "Rap" genre (hot zone 225), a "Classical"
genre (hot zone 226), a "Jazz" genre (hot zone 227), a
"Movies/Shows" genre (hot zone 228), a "Country" genre (hot zone
229), a "New Age" genre (hot zone 230), a "World" genre (hot zone
231), a "Blues" genre (hot zone 232), a" Gospel/Religious" genre
(hot zone 234), a "Vocalist" genre (hot zone 235), a "Spoken Word"
genre (hot zone 236), a "Children's" genre (hot zone 237), a
"Comedy/Novelty" genre (hot zone 238), a "Christmas/Seasonal" genre
(hot zone 239), a "Reggae/Ska" genre (hot zone 240), and a "Latin"
genre (hot zone 241)
[0071] By selecting a particular genre, the user is able to access
promotional albums or singles which fall within that genre. The hot
zones 242 and 243 allow the user to quickly access the General
Search and Classical Search paths without having to backtrack to
the Main Menu screen shown in FIG. 10. It should be noted that
these hot zones or similar hot zones may be located in the right
margin of the screens which allow the user to quickly access
specific paths without having to backtrack to preceding screens.
The Up and Down arrows 244 and 245 on the right of the screen allow
the user to scroll through the different genre selections. It
should again be noted that identical Up and Down arrows are located
on many if not all of the screens utilized in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention. They perform the same
operations on the different screens.
[0072] By choosing the "General Search" path (i.e. hot zone 202
from FIG. 10 or hot zone 242 from FIGS. 11 & 12), a user is
taken to the "General Search" screen shown in FIG. 13. This screen
allows users to perform key word searches in different categories
such of album genre (hot zone 246), artist genre (hot zone 247) and
song title genre (hot zone 248). Because a touch screen is
incorporated into this example embodiment, the user need only touch
the appropriate letters on the keyboard 250 illustrated on the
computer screen to enter her search terms.
[0073] It should be noted that once a particular musical piece
(i.e. song or album) is selected, the proper data corresponding to
that selection must be called from memory including the appropriate
CD wherein the musical samples are stored. Although these musical
pieces can be identified by any identification scheme, the
preferred embodiment incorporates the product code established by
the manufacturer or distributor. This allows for convenient and
efficient ordering of the musical pieces once a purchase order is
submitted. Therefore, even though a user may input an album or song
title, the web site will translate that request into the
corresponding product code in order to call the appropriate data.
In the preferred embodiment, the audio samples are identified by
the following designation: UPC_number.disk_number.track_num-
ber.format(au or RealAudio).
[0074] FIG. 14 illustrates an "Album Preview" screen which can be
accessed by different preceding screens (i.e. from the search
screens, the promotions screens, etc.). The Album Preview screen
allows the user to view the album cover 255, information about the
album 256 and a list of the song tracks that have been sampled
260-264. Portions of the sampled tracks 260-264 can be selected for
playback by the user. As an optional feature, the system can be
programmed to provide interactive control of the song playback
wherein the user can control the speed of the playback, pause the
playback, repeat a specific portion, skip to the next portion, etc.
Also illustrated are back and forth arrows 265 which allow the user
to select between any of the five disks included in the selection
(i.e. Beatles Anthology).
[0075] Also illustrated in the left margin of FIG. 14 are hot zones
for a "Track List" 257 which allows the user to view a complete
list of the tracks on the illustrated album 255, a hot zone for
"Related Albums" 258 which allows the user to sample albums related
to the currently selected album, and a hot zone for "New Genre
Releases" 259. In the lower left corner of the screen is a
"Featured Album" hot zone 266 which allows the user to quickly
access a "Featured Album" which may be pre-selected or randomly
chosen by the system.
[0076] FIG. 15 provides a list of the album tracks which can be
accessed by selecting the hot zone "Track List" hot zone 257
illustrated in the preceding screen. Those tracks that have been
sampled 267-271 are underlined. By selecting any of these
highlighted tracks, a user is able to listen to that sample.
[0077] FIG. 16 illustrates the complete track list from the album
illustrated in FIG. 14. By scrolling with the Up and Down buttons
253 and 254 until the desired work is highlighted, the user can
access the work and related information (i.e. information on which
album the song is located). If the first element "Free As A Bird"
251 is selected, that selection is provided.
[0078] FIG. 17 provides cover illustrations of related albums
272-283 that can be accessed by selecting the "Related Albums" hot
zone 258 shown in FIG. 14. The albums identified by the web site as
related albums are determined by administrators of the web site
server. When a new song or album is stored in the system storage,
the administrator determines which albums will be accessed when the
related albums function is accessed. The parameters used in
determining which albums will be designated as a "related album"
include, for example, other albums with the same artist. Once a
related album list is generated, that list is linked with the new
song or album. When a web site user selects the related albums
feature, a script is executed which locates the appropriate related
albums list and provides the web site user with access to the
related albums on the list.
[0079] FIG. 18 illustrates the "Rock Alternative" screen which
provides album covers 284-295 of alternative rock performers. This
screen can be accessed, for example, by selecting the rock
alternative hot zone 222 shown in FIG. 11.
[0080] According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, once a user has previewed an album or a particular track
from an album, the network web site prompts her for a rating of the
selection. FIG. 19 illustrates a "Sample Ratings" screen wherein
the user is provided with an image of the album or track 400 he or
she has just previewed, and a five scale rating system 401-405. The
system maintains the ratings in a database and correlates the
ratings information with the user's ID and demographic information
(e.g., age, sex, geographic location, etc.). These ratings and
corresponding demographic information can be sold to music
companies in the form of reports for market research. The format of
the reports can be customized depending on the parameters chosen.
It is a simple procedure to gather information from a database
using particular parameters.
[0081] Following a user's preview of a selected album or track,
FIG. 20 allows the user to receive a printed record of their
preview ("Yes": hot zone 406, "No": hot zone 407). For example, the
printed record can include the title of the album, the included
tracks and the rating given by the user.
[0082] FIG. 21 illustrates the initial screen for conducting a
classical music search. The screen illustrates six hot zones
408-413 which allow a user to perform searches in particular
classical music categories (i.e. paths). Although not limited to
particular types or a particular number of categories, the
preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a "Composer"
category (hot zone 408), a "Conductor" category (hot zone 409), an
"Instrumentalist" category (hot zone 410), a "Vocalist" category
(hot zone 411), an "Ensemble" category (hot zone 412) and a
"Collection" category (hot zone 413). These path names are
self-explanatory.
[0083] FIGS. 22-27 illustrate search screens for the different
classical categories. For Example, FIG. 22 illustrates a search
screen for the Composer category (hot zone 408 from FIG. 21) The
user uses the simulated key pad 419 to enter the search terms for
their composer search which appears in the "Search String Field"
418. The results of the search are listed as "Search Results"
414-417. The user can use the arrows 419 and 420 to scroll through
the search results in order to select a particular result for
preview. The search screens illustrated in FIGS. 23-27 operate
similarly.
[0084] FIGS. 28-29 illustrate the "New Releases By Genre" screen
which allows a user to preview selected new releases within a
particular genre. Although the particular types or number of genre
can vary, the genres included in the preferred embodiment of the
present invention 421-441 are the same genres 221-241 included in
the "Promotions By Genre" screen illustrated in FIGS. 11-12. FIG.
30 allows a user to browse through different magazines. Here, the
Intune magazine 442 is available for viewing.
[0085] FIGS. 31-32 illustrate the "Top Ten By Genre" screen which
allows the user to view the top ten singles or albums within a
particular genre. Although the particular types or number of genre
can vary, the genres included in the preferred embodiment of the
present invention 443-463 are the same genres 421-441 included in
the "New Releases By Genre" screen illustrated in FIGS. 28-29.
[0086] A unique feature of the present invention is that the
creation of the "Top _" lists described above and below, is
dynamic. In other words, the web site dynamically determines the
"Top 10 or 25" albums or selections (for example) depending on the
number of users that access the particular selection. This is as
opposed to using a published top 10 or 25 list provided by
Billboard Magazine for example. Each time an album or selection is
selected by a web site user for preview, a counter for that album
or selection is incremented. The counters with the highest counts
are then located whenever a web site user selects a "Top _" list
for preview. The albums or selections corresponding to those top
counters are then provided to the web site user. A more accurate
and up-to-date "Top _" list is therefore provided to the web site
user.
[0087] FIG. 33 illustrates the "Top 25" screen which shows the
covers of the top twenty-five albums 464-475. Again, as with all of
the previous screens, the user is able to select a particular album
for preview by merely touching the album cover which is programmed
as a hot zone.
[0088] An alternate embodiment of the present kiosk-based network
invention incorporates the bar code reader feature of the original
kiosk invention. This allows the web site user to quickly and
conveniently access a particular album or song without having to
manually type in the selection's title. The bar code reader reads
the UPC code on an album and searches for the stored data which
corresponds to that UPC code. That information can include an album
cover, track list, and pre-selected and pre-recorded music
samples.
Network Embodiment for Use Independent from a Kiosk
[0089] An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides
for a network embodiment independent from a kiosk. A home-based
computer system is therefore capable of providing a web site user
with private access to the web site server. It should be noted that
the same hardware and much of the operating software described
above with regard to the kiosk-based invention are applicable
here.
[0090] FIG. 34 is a flow diagram of the possible paths accessible
by a user in the network embodiment independent from a kiosk. This
figure is similar in logic to FIGS. 5 and 8.
[0091] Starting at the outside store front (see FIG. 35), a user is
asked to enter as a member or a visitor. If she wants to enter to
the web server as a member, she is asked to enter her name and
password at screen 52. This provides her with access to the virtual
store lobby (see FIG. 38). From the lobby, the user can view the
Top 25 albums screen 504 (see FIGS. 43-45). From there, the user
can view a list of recommendations based upon certain albums in the
Top 25 list or she can directly preview an album in the top 25 list
at the preview page screen 506. From the preview page screen 506
(see, for example, FIG. 53) the user can sample one of the
pre-selected pre-recorded tracks from the album at points 507 or
508 in the flow diagram. The details of these particular functions
will be described in more detail below.
[0092] FIGS. 35-57 illustrate a sequence of screen shots from a
preferred embodiment of a network web site ("World Wide Music") for
use independent from a kiosk. It should be appreciated that while
described here utilizing these screen shots, a wide variety of
different screens and operations can be incorporated without
departing from the scope of this invention. It should also be
appreciated that network web sites and servers and their operation
are widely known and understood in the art. Consequently, the
following discussion will provide only a brief discussion of the
operational mechanics.
[0093] FIG. 34 illustrates the initial screen which appears upon
access to the web site server. The screen provides an image of a
virtual retail music establishment (music store) from the outside
as a web site user approaches the establishment. There are two hot
zones on the screen 300 and 302, which allow the web site user to
access the virtual music store as a "member" or as a "visitor" by
simply selecting one of the choices. Both members and visitors have
complete access to the web site server. Also, each user must enter
a unique ID in order to gain access. The difference is that
membership requires that the web site user provide the web site
server with demographic information. In exchange for this
information, the web site user will be able to take advantage of
better prices when purchasing particular albums.
[0094] As with the kiosk-based network embodiment, a web site user
must identify herself to the web site server. This identification
allows the web site server to uniquely associate events during web
site usage, such as, for example, the user's searches, ratings and
purchase requests, with a particular user. This information is
very, important for insuring that the correct purchase order is
delivered to the right user. In addition, the user identification
can also be used gather accurate demographic information which
events during web site usage, such as, for example, the user's
ratings.
[0095] FIGS. 36-37 illustrate a sample membership application which
requests identification information about the user as well as
demographic information. Use of this information will be discussed
in more detail below.
[0096] FIG. 38 illustrates the lobby of the virtual retail music
store with hot zones for providing web site users with quick and
easy access to various departments of the store and the ability to
engage various options. Hot zones 304 and 306 allow web site users
to access the stores information center and store directory. The
information center 304, illustrated in FIG. 39, provides the web
site user with the ability to access particular features of the web
site, such as the "Store Directory" (hot zone 327), "Preview
History" (hot zone 328) which allows the web site user to preview
her previous music selections, the "Recommendations" feature (hot
zone 329) which allows the web site user to view recommendations on
particular musical works. It is contemplated that the web server
can create a profile of the web site user to determine works that
will interested the user. This feature can combine the prior
selections and ratings of the web site user and combine this
information with the web site user's demographic information to
determine other albums that may be of interest to the web site
user. The "Membership" feature (hot zone 330) allows the web site
user to become a member of the World Wide Music system. The "CD
mail" feature (hot zone 331) sends the user e-mail on events or
products of interest based upon the user's prior previews. For
example, the CDmail feature can provide the user with an e-mail
notifying her that a new Madonna album has just been released and
can be sampled on the web site.
[0097] FIG. 40 illustrates the "Store Directory" accessible by
selecting hot zone 327. This directory includes the different music
departments within the virtual retail store divided by musical
genre. A web site user can visit (i.e., access) any of these
departments by selecting one of the genres 332 shown on the screen.
Also illustrated in this screen are five hot zones 334-338 which
allow provide the web site user with quick access to specific
departments. For example, hot zone 334 allows the web site user to
go back to the lobby, hot zone 335 allows the web site user to
perform a music search, hot zone 336 allows the web site user to
visit the information center which provides the web site user with
information about the World Wide Music virtual retail store, hot
zone 337 allows the web site user to see what she has in her
shopping basket and hot zone 338 provides the web site user with
information on ordering specific products. It should be noted that
each of the different hot zones illustrated in the lobby of FIG. 38
can be provided at the bottom of the web site screens similarly to
hot zones 334-338.
[0098] FIG. 41 illustrates the "Pop/Dance" department which can be
accessed by selecting the "Pop/Dance" genre illustrated in FIG. 40.
This department is similar to the main lobby illustrated in FIG. 38
with similar hot zones except that here, the different features
relate to the pop/dance genre. For example, the "Top 10" hot zone
339 will provide the web site user with a list of the top ten
pop/dance tracks. Similarly, selecting the "Music Search" hot zone
340 will allow the web site user to perform a search of only
pop/dance works.
[0099] FIG. 42 illustrates the "Preview History" screen accessible
by selecting hot zone 328 from FIG. 39. Here, a list of the musical
selections previewed by the web site user is provided including the
rating given by the web site user.
[0100] Referring back to FIG. 38, hot zone, 308 provides access to
the "Top 25" albums or songs on a certain music chart. FIGS. 43-45
illustrate a sample Top 25 screen illustrating album covers of the
top 25 albums.
[0101] Referring back to FIG. 38, hot zone 310 provides access to
the "Merchandise" department providing merchandise which the web
site user can purchase. Hot zone 312 provides access to the "Music
Search" feature of the web site illustrated in FIGS. 46-50. This
allows web site users to search for a particular musical work using
a number of different formats.
[0102] FIG. 46 illustrates the starting music search screen wherein
a web site user is able to search the different categories
generally or by a specific genre such as classical music. The web
site user can select a general search (hot zone 341) which will
take her to the general search screen illustrated in FIG. 47. Here
a web site user can perform a key word search. For example, the web
site user can select a search by artist name (hot zone 343), album
name (hot zone 344) or song title (hot zone 345) and then enter the
search terms in the "Search For" field 346.
[0103] It should be noted that, as described above for the
kiosk-based network embodiment, once a particular musical piece
(i.e. song or album) is selected, the proper data corresponding to
that selection must be called from memory. Although these musical
pieces can be identified by any identification scheme, the
preferred embodiment incorporates the product code established by
the manufacturer or distributor. This allows for convenient and
efficient ordering of the musical pieces once a purchase order is
submitted. Therefore, even though a user may input an album or song
title, the web site will translate that request into the
corresponding product code in order to call the appropriate
data.
[0104] If a user decides to search the "Classical" genre, the
classical search screen illustrated in FIG. 48 will be provided.
This screen prompts the user to select particular search
parameters. For example, the user can search by "Composer" (hot
zone 347), "Conductor" (hot zone 348). "Ensemble" (hot zone 349),
"Instrumentalist" (hot zone 350), "Vocalist" (hot zone 351) and
"Collections" (hot zone 352). Once the user has selected a
particular parameter (i.e. Composer), the corresponding search
screen (i.e. see FIG. 49 for the Composer search screen) allows her
to search by key word by entering the key terms in the "Search For"
field 353 and selecting "Submit Search" (hot zone 354).
[0105] FIG. 50 illustrates the different collections categories
within which the user can perform her search.
[0106] Referring back to FIG. 38, hot zone 330 allows a user to
view particular magazines. FIG. 51 illustrates covers of magazines
550-552 (i.e., Virtual City and Wired) which can be viewed.
[0107] Referring back to FIG. 38, hot zone 316 allows a user to
view new music releases. For example, FIG. 52 illustrates a sample
new release screen for the rock/alterative genre. Of course, from
this screen a user is able to click on any of the albums (hot zones
355-366) to view specific information about the particular album
and to sample portions of selected tracks from that album.
[0108] Referring back to FIG. 38, hot zones 320-326 illustrate
featured albums which can be previewed by the user. For example,
FIG. 53 illustrates an album preview screen for the "Beatles
Anthology 1" album which provides an image of the album cover (hot
zone 367), information on the album (hot zone 368), the price of
the album (hot zone 375), selected tracks which may be sampled (hot
zones 369-373), the disk being previewed (hot zone 374) and a
request that the user rate the album (hot zone 377). Hot zone 376
allows the user to include this album in her shopping basket for
use in purchasing selected items.
[0109] Next to each track pre-recorded track title are two hot
zones 378 and 379. Hot zone 378 allows the user to download the
music sample for playback by the user. Hot zone 379 allows the user
to use the RealAudio 2.0 player to directly sample the musical
recording.
[0110] FIG. 54 illustrates the track list for the album illustrated
in FIG. 53. This screen allows the user to view the entire track
list for particular albums including those tracks that have not
been sampled. It should be noted that illustrated here, those
tracks that have been sampled are underlined.
[0111] Referring back to FIG. 38, hot zone 314 allows a user to
view her shopping basket which contains items he or she has
selected for purchase. Selecting this hot zone takes the user to
FIG. 55 which itemizes the contents of the user's shipping basket
including a running total of the selected items. FIG. 56
illustrates an order form which prompts the user for information
regarding where and how the selected items should be shipped. FIG.
57 allows the user to select a particular credit payment method
(i.e., Visa or MasterCard).
Video Rental Embodiment
[0112] An alternate preferred embodiment contemplates the
incorporation of the present invention with videos for aiding video
renters. It is further contemplated that this alternate preferred
embodiment incorporate both the network and stand-alone kiosk
embodiments described above. In this embodiment, the system allows
users to choose from a bank of different movie clips (i.e. movie
trailers) in order to assist them in making their rental
selections.
[0113] A common problem among many video renters is that they are
faced with a wide selection of movies about which they do not have
much information. While they may be familiar with many of the big
name movies, or recently released movies, some of the more obscure
movies may be completely unknown. For this reason, many of these
movies may go unrented because of fear by the customer of renting a
movie they will not like. In fact, the only practical source of
information the customer has access to regarding these movies is
what is written on the video box cover. What is therefore needed is
a method for providing customers with access to a preview of the
movie so that they can make a more informed decision as to whether
they will enjoy a particular movie.
[0114] The present invention satisfies this need by providing for a
bank of movie previews and possible critical reviews that the
customer can view in much the same manner as music recordings as
discussed above. The customer can select a particular video box
cover and access the point-of-preview web site in order to view a
preview of the particular movie. By scanning the box cover (i.e.
the box cover's bar code) or typing the movie title into the
system, the customer can view a short preview (i.e. film trailer)
of the movie. If the customer likes the preview, the system can
also be programmed to provide the customer with other similar movie
titles which may be of interest to the customer.
[0115] Alternatively, if a customer does not have a particular
movie in mind, he or she may input movie categories such as
"Action," "Drama" or "Comedy." This will allow the customer to
narrow her selections to only those movies within a specific
category. Further query limitations can include movies including
particular actors, directors or producers. This allows customers to
further narrow the focus of their search based upon the type of
movie they may be interested in. Once the customer has narrowed her
choices, he or she can preview the selected choices.
[0116] It should be noted that while the present invention has been
described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes
of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that certain changes and modifications may be made to
the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit
of the invention and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *