U.S. patent application number 12/890109 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for rights and capability-inclusive content selection and delivery.
This patent application is currently assigned to Amazon Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Luis Felipe Cabrera, Peter N. DeSantis, Ethan Z. Evans, Hilliard Bruce Siegel.
Application Number | 20120079606 12/890109 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45872094 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120079606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evans; Ethan Z. ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
RIGHTS AND CAPABILITY-INCLUSIVE CONTENT SELECTION AND DELIVERY
Abstract
Intelligent content delivery enables content to be delivered to
different devices in formats appropriate for those devices based on
the capabilities of those devices. A user might access the same
piece of content on two different devices, and can automatically
receive a higher quality format on a device capable of playing that
higher quality format. The user can purchase rights to content in
any format, such that as new formats emerge or the user upgrades to
devices with enhanced capabilities, the user can receive the
improved formats automatically without having to repurchase the
content. Further, the user can pause and resume content between
devices even when those devices utilize different formats, and can
access content on devices not otherwise associated with the user,
receiving content in formats that are appropriate for those unknown
devices even if the user has not previously accessed content in
those formats.
Inventors: |
Evans; Ethan Z.;
(Snoqualmie, WA) ; Cabrera; Luis Felipe;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Siegel; Hilliard Bruce; (Seattle,
WA) ; DeSantis; Peter N.; (Seattle, WA) |
Assignee: |
Amazon Technologies, Inc.
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
45872094 |
Appl. No.: |
12/890109 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 63/105 20130101;
G06F 2221/2129 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101; G06F 2221/2141
20130101; G06Q 20/123 20130101; G06F 21/10 20130101; G06Q 30/0601
20130101; H04L 2463/101 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
726/28 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/24 20060101
G06F021/24 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method of dynamically determining a
format of content to be provided to an electronic device,
comprising: under control of one or more computer systems
configured with executable instructions, receiving a request for
identified content from a user of an electronic device; determining
rights that the user has to the identified content; sending a
request to the electronic device requesting the capability
information for the electronic device; receiving a response from
the electronic device including capability information for the
electronic device; based at least in part on the capability
information for the device and the rights that the user has to the
identified content, determining at least one format of at least a
portion of the content electronic device appropriate for the
electronic device; and enabling the user to access the determined
at least one format of at least a portion of the content via the
electronic device.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
capability information for the electronic device includes at least
one of information identifying multiple capabilities of the
electronic device or preferred capabilities of the electronic
device for the identified content.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the format
of the content electronic device appropriate for the electronic
device is the highest quality format that is supported by the
electronic device.
4. A computer-implemented method of determining a content format,
comprising: under control of one or more computer systems
configured with executable instructions, receiving a request to
access content via an electronic device; determining one or more
capabilities of the electronic device; based at least in part upon
the one or more capabilities of the electronic device, determining
at least one appropriate format of at least a portion of the
content to be accessible via the electronic device, at least one
portion of the content capable of being accessible in a plurality
of different formats each capable of requiring different
capabilities; and enabling access of at least a portion of the
content in the at least one determined format via the electronic
device.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising:
determining rights of a user of the electronic device with respect
to the content, the determining of at least one appropriate format
of at least a portion of the content being further based at least
in part upon the rights of the user with respect to the
content.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the rights
of the user with respect to the content include at least one of
rights to a single format of the content, multiple formats of at
least one portion of the content, or any existing and future format
of at least a portion of the content.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein enabling
access of the content includes at least one of enabling the content
to be played, displayed, rendered, downloaded, streamed, or
presented on the electronic device.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the
plurality of formats include at least one of formats with different
resolution, audio quality, display requirements, audio channels,
delivery channel, and execution language.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the one or
more capabilities of the electronic device include at least one of
audio capabilities, video rendering capabilities, display
capabilities, rate of power consumption, available battery life,
available input mechanisms, available output mechanisms, data
connection type, and peripheral information.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising:
enabling a user to select a different format of at least a portion
of the content to be accessible via the electronic device than the
determined format.
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, further
comprising: storing user override information for the selected
different format, the user override information capable of being
used for future format determinations for at least one of the user,
the content, or the electronic device.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the content
is further capable of having multiple versions in one or more
formats, and further comprising: determining a version of the
content to be accessible by the user via the electronic device
based at least in part upon rights of the user.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, further
comprising: prompting the user to select a version of the content
to be accessible in the determined format on the electronic
device.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein determining
one or more capabilities of the electronic device includes
receiving capability information from the electronic device.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein determining
one or more capabilities of the electronic device includes looking
up capability information based at least in part upon an identifier
for the electronic device.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising:
enabling a user of the electronic device to specify one or more
formats to be accessible or non-accessible for at least a type of
content via the electronic device.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising:
enabling a user of the electronic device to rank one or more
formats to be accessible for at least a type of content via the
electronic device.
18. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising:
monitoring device performance with respect to at least a portion of
the plurality of formats, the determining of an appropriate format
being further based at least in part upon the monitored device
performance.
19. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the
determining of an appropriate format is further based at least in
part upon user behavior information, user history information, and
user preference information.
20. A system for determining a content format to be accessible via
an electronic device, comprising a processor; and memory including
instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system
to: receive a request to access content via an electronic device;
determine one or more capabilities of the electronic device; based
at least in part upon the one or more capabilities of the
electronic device, determine at least one appropriate format of at
least a portion of the content to be accessible via the electronic
device, at least a portion of the content capable of being
accessible in a plurality of different formats each capable of
requiring different capabilities; and enable access of at least a
portion of the content in the determined format via the electronic
device.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the instructions when executed
further cause the system to: determine rights of a user of the
electronic device with respect to the content, the determining of
at least one appropriate format of at least a portion of the
content being further based at least in part upon the rights of the
user with respect to the content.
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the rights of the user with
respect to the content include at least one of rights to a single
format of the content, multiple formats of at least a portion of
the content, or any existing and future format of at least a
portion of the content.
23. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including
instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the
processor to: receive a request to access content via an electronic
device; determine one or more capabilities of the electronic
device; based at least in part upon the one or more capabilities of
the electronic device, determine at least one appropriate format of
at least a portion of the content to be accessible via the
electronic device, at least a portion of the content capable of
being accessible in a plurality of different formats each capable
of requiring different capabilities; and enable access of at least
a portion of the content in the determined format via the
electronic device.
24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
23, wherein the instructions when executed further cause the
processor to: determine rights of a user of the electronic device
with respect to the content, the determining of at least one
appropriate format of at least a portion of the content being
further based at least in part upon the rights of the user with
respect to the content.
25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
23, wherein the rights of the user with respect to the content
include at least one of rights to a single format of the content,
multiple formats of at least a portion of the content, or any
existing and future format of at least a portion of the content.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] As an expanding number and variety of devices are connected
to networks such as the Internet, an increasing amount of content
is being accessed from across those networks. The content includes
not only traditional electronic content such as data and documents,
but also an increasing amount of media content, such as movies,
music, books, games, and other such multimedia presentations.
Because these types of content can require large electronic files,
and because the amount of storage on many electronic devices is
relatively limited, the content is increasing stored on a
network-accessible appliance and the content is downloaded,
streamed, or otherwise accessed by the various electronic
devices.
[0002] An advantage to obtaining content across a network is that a
customer can obtain copies of the content for a given device as
needed, such as by downloading or streaming another copy or
instance. In certain cases, a license for the content is tied to a
particular device, such that if the user purchases a new device the
user must purchase the content again to obtain a license for the
new device. Even if the content license allows the user to access
the content on a different device, however, the content will still
be in the format that was accessible on the previous device. For
example, if the user purchases a copy of a movie in a compressed
format for viewing on a small portable device and the user
subsequently upgrades to a larger device with improved display
capabilities, the user will only be able to access the compressed
version for the new device under the existing license. If the user
wants a format with greater resolution, for example, the user
typically must purchase a license to the new format. If a user has
multiple devices with different capabilities, the user typically
must purchase a separate license or instance for each desired
format of a particular piece of content, such as a standard
definition DVD for an automobile player, a high definition version
for a home entertainment center, and a compressed or low resolution
digital copy for a personal media player. If the user purchases
another device through which the user wishes to access the content
in a new or different format, such as a 3D format, the user must
again purchase another license or instance of the content to obtain
that format. The user also must know the capabilities of each
device, and which formats are compatible with each device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Various embodiments in accordance with the present
disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in
which:
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which various
embodiments can be implemented;
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates different formats of the same content
displayed on devices with different capabilities in accordance with
various embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an example data table including
capabilities for different types of devices that can be used in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0007] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate examples of capability
information that can be received from various devices in accordance
with various embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an example table including various
licensing options for a group of content that can be used in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for delivering content
to a user in a format appropriate for a specific device that can be
used in accordance with various embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates an example configuration wherein content
can be paused on one device and resumed on another device using
formats that are appropriate for each device, in accordance with
various embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for resuming content
on a separate device using a device-appropriate format that can be
used in accordance with various embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates an example process for accessing content
in an appropriate format from a device previously not associated
with a user that can be used in accordance with various
embodiments; and
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates an example configuration interface that
can be used in accordance with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure overcome one or more of the
above-referenced and other deficiencies in conventional approaches
to providing access to content. In particular, various embodiments
enable content to be delivered to, or otherwise accessed by, a
device in a format that is dynamically determined to be appropriate
for the device. A content provider or other such entity or source
can determine various capabilities of a device, and can select a
format that is appropriate and/or optimal for the device. A user
accessing the same content on two different devices might then
automatically receive that content in two different formats, where
each format is appropriate for the respective device based at least
in part on the relative capabilities of that device.
[0015] Approaches presented herein can be thought of as thinking
about content in terms of rights to the content instead of specific
files or formats. Instead of buying a piece of content in a
particular format, for example, users can be able to purchase
varying types of licenses or rights to content according to a
version- or format-independent content availability business model,
for example, which may include multiple existing and/or future
formats, as well as other versions of a common format. Under such a
license, a user purchasing a device with a new format does not need
to repurchase the content in that new format, as the new format can
already be included under the original license. Further, the
delivery of the content in the new format can be determined
automatically, such that the user can always obtain a format of the
same piece of content that is optimal for the device being used to
access that content. Once the user purchases such a license, the
user can have rights to any evolution or variants of that content
appropriate for a given device. In some embodiments, a user can
automatically receive an updated version of the content whenever
such a version becomes available, depending at least upon the
rights of the user with respect to that content.
[0016] When a user attempts to access a piece of content on a
device, that device can send a communication to an appropriate
system or service to indicate the types of capabilities that the
device offers. In other situations, the device can provider an
identifier that can be used to determine the capabilities. A user
agent or other appropriate module or other component of the system
or service can analyze these capabilities, and determine the
formats to which the user has rights, and can determine the highest
quality (or other appropriate) format to delivery to the user via
the current device. In many embodiments, the system or service does
not need to know the type of device, the manufacturer, or any other
such information, but instead only needs to know one or more
capabilities of the device. In some cases, the device does not even
have to be aware of which formats can be supported by the device,
but instead reports information such as the audio capabilities,
video capabilities, amount of memory, processing speed, video card
capabilities, network connection speed, and/or other such
information.
[0017] A user thus can obtain a variety of formats on any of a
number of devices under a single license, without having to
repurchase instances of that content. The content can even be
delivered to devices that are not associated with the user, such as
publicly available devices or devices of friends, relatives, or
colleagues. The content can be accessed under the license in any
format appropriate for these devices, even if the user has not
previously accessed content in that format. The user also does not
even need to be aware of the particular format or capabilities, and
does not have to reconfigure or perform any actions to receive the
optimal format on a specific device.
[0018] As mentioned, the content can be any appropriate type of
content, such as audio, video, text, electronic book, video game,
mobile applications, or other multimedia content. While the content
might be provided from different sources, the rights determinations
can be performed from a logically centralized location. Further,
user behavior and history information can be tracked by a
centralized service to help improve format selections and
determinations.
[0019] Further, collecting information in a logically centralized
location enables other functionality to be supported as well. For
example, a user pausing playback or other access of content on a
certain device can resume at the same location in the content on
another device. The resumption can be performed even when the
devices access the content in different formats. For example, a
user pausing an audio book can resume at the appropriate point in
text in an electronic book format. Time codes or other appropriate
conversion techniques can be used in order to determine
corresponding locations in different formats.
[0020] A "format" as used herein refers to a type of file or other
instance of electronic content that complies with a particular
standard, protocol, or other data structure that enables that
instance of content to be played, executed, or otherwise accessed
using devices having capability of supporting that type of file.
Examples of different formats include standard definition DVD files
vs. Bluray.RTM. files, Microsoft Xbox 360.RTM. vs. Nintendo
Wii.RTM. files, and the like. A "version" as used herein refers to
variations of content that might be intended for the same format or
a different format. Examples of different versions include the
original Star Wars.RTM. trilogy on DVD vs. the special edition Star
Wars.RTM. trilogy on DVD, and the original version of Let It Be by
the Beatles on compact disc or MP3 vs. the stripped down version of
the Let It Be, etc. It should be understood that although format or
version can be used in various examples, licensing and capability
discussions can apply to both where applicable, as well as other
variations that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art in light of the teachings and suggestions contained herein.
[0021] Further, instances of content might not be limited to a
single format or version in the traditional sense. For example, an
instance of "content" could actually be comprised of multiple
portions or elements of related content, each of which might have a
different format or version, and may require different device
capabilities. For example, an instance of content might relate to a
movie as a primary element or portion of the content, but might
also include other types of content as well, such as game content,
electronic book content, audio or text content, etc. In some
instances, these portions might be part of what is referred to
herein as "static" content, where the instance of content comes
bundled with specific versions or formats of each portion, and
those portions do not change within the instance. In other
instances, the content might be what is referred to herein as
"dynamic" content, wherein portions of the content might change
over time, or be dynamically selected based on interaction with the
content. For example, static content might include a movie with the
ability to view the screenplay along with the movie. Dynamic
content might allow a user to submit and view comments on a social
networking site relating to the movie, or navigate to different
elements via one or more decision points.
[0022] Further, for instances of content with multiple portions
there can be an independent determination of which format or
version to provide for each portion. For example, in one embodiment
where bundles are determined together, an instance of content that
includes an audio book and electronic book content might analyze
the capabilities of the intended device and select the optimal
combination based upon those capabilities. In some cases, the
bundles might then be limited in number and/or the possible
combinations. In other embodiments, the determination might be
separate, such that the optimal electronic book content can be
determined and the optimal audio book content can be determined
separately, whereby the user can receive the optimal version or
format of each portion of the content.
[0023] In some embodiments where the user has the appropriate
rights, the content can also upgrade the capabilities of the device
and versions of various portions automatically. For example, the
content might include an application or other executable script.
The script might be able to determine versions of one or more
applications or scripts on a computing device, such as a media
player, rendering algorithm, or browser plug-in, and where possible
can cause upgraded versions to be downloaded and installed on the
computing device such that the device can have the necessary
capabilities to support a new version or format.
[0024] In some embodiments, "intelligent" content can provide one
or more decision points that can determine which portions or
elements of the content the user is able to access. In some
embodiments, the available decision points can depend at least in
part upon the capabilities and/or rights of the user and the
current device. For example, a movie might "contain" an optional
dream sequence in 3D that can be accessed by a user at a certain
point in the movie. If the user does not have a 3D capable device,
or does not have rights to that portion, then the decision point
might not be available for the user. In some embodiments, the user
might obtain a different option or element, such as the ability to
view a two-dimensional version of that portion, or potentially to
have access to a different portion, such as a storyboard or
commentary describing the contents of the 3D portion. Such an
approach can encourage purchasing of content and repeated viewing
on different devices, as the experience can differ based at least
in part upon the capabilities of the various devices.
[0025] As mentioned, the selection of an appropriate format for a
device can depend at least in part upon the capabilities of the
device. Capabilities in general include things like audio and video
capabilities, but can also include things like connection speed,
processor or GPU capabilities, supported industry formats, types of
input device (particularly for things like games), types of output
device, etc. Various other factors can be used as well as should be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the
present disclosure.
[0026] For example, in some embodiments aspects such as the current
rate of power consumption or amount of remaining battery life can
be factored into the decisions about versions and/or formats to
send to a device. For example, a video game might be able to be
rendered on a device with a high resolution that is relatively
resource intensive. If the user is using a portable device with
limited battery life, for example, the user might configure the
device to maintain power usage below a specified rate, or reduce
consumption when the remaining battery life hits a certain level.
Thus, if the portable device meets at least one of these criteria,
the device can execute or receive a format or version of the game
with a lower resolution. In some embodiments, the device might
monitor power consumption or other such levels, and might contact a
content delivery or management service when such a criterion is
met, which can cause the version or format to change automatically
to the version or format that consumes resources at a lower rate.
As discussed elsewhere herein, switching between versions or
formats can be done virtually seamlessly, with the user able to
resume in substantially the same state in the other format. In some
embodiments, when the user performs an action such as to plug in
the device, the device can go back to rendering the higher
resolution version or format, etc.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an environment 100 for
providing delivery of various types of content to various types of
devices across an electronic network that can be used in accordance
with various embodiments. Although the example environment is
presented as an Internet-based environment for purposes of
explanation, it should be understood that different network
environments may be used, as appropriate, to implement various
embodiments. The example environment includes can include a number
of electronic client devices 102, which can include any appropriate
device operable to send and receive requests, messages, or
information over an appropriate network 104 and convey information
back to a user of the device. Examples of such client devices
include personal computers, cell phones, handheld messaging
devices, laptop computers, set-top boxes, personal data assistants,
electronic book readers, and the like. Each device can correspond
to one or more users, and each user can have one or more devices.
The network can include any appropriate network, including an
intranet, the Internet, a cellular network, a local area network or
any other such network or combination thereof. Components used for
such a system can depend at least in part upon the type of network
and/or environment selected. Protocols and components for
communicating via such a network are well known and will not be
discussed herein in detail. Communication over the network can be
enabled via wired or wireless connections and combinations thereof.
In this example, the network includes the Internet, as the
environment includes a Web server 106 for receiving requests from
user devices and serving content in response thereto, although for
other networks an alternative device serving a similar purpose
could be used, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art in light of the present disclosure.
[0028] The illustrative environment includes at least one
application server 108 (or content server) and at least one data
store 110. It should be understood that there can be several
application servers, layers, processes, components, or other such
elements, which may be chained or otherwise configured, which can
interact to perform tasks such as obtaining data from an
appropriate data store. As used herein the term "data store" refers
to any device or combination of devices capable of storing,
accessing, and retrieving data, which may include any combination
and number of data servers, databases, data storage devices, and
data storage media, in any standard, distributed, or clustered
environment. The application server can include any appropriate
hardware and software for integrating with the data store as needed
to execute aspects of one or more applications for the client
device and handling a majority of the data access and business
logic for an application. The application server provides access
control services in cooperation with the data store and is able to
generate content such as text, graphics, audio, and/or video to be
transferred to the user, which may be served to the user by the Web
server in the form of HTML, XML, or another appropriate structured
language in this example. The handling of all requests and
responses, as well as the delivery of content between the client
device 102 and the application server 108, can be handled by the
Web server 106. It should be understood that the Web and
application servers are not required and are merely example
components, as structured code discussed herein can be executed on
any appropriate device or host machine as discussed elsewhere
herein.
[0029] The data store 110 can include several separate data tables,
databases, or other data storage mechanisms and media for storing
data relating to a particular aspect. For example, the data store
illustrated includes mechanisms for storing content 112 (e.g.,
audio, video, game, and electronic book content), licensing
information 114, user information 116, and device information 118,
which can be used to serve content using one or more of the
approaches discussed herein. It should be understood that there can
be many other types of information stored in such a data store,
such as page image information and access rights information, which
can be stored in any of the above listed mechanisms as appropriate
or in additional mechanisms in the data store 110. The data store
110 is operable, through logic associated therewith, to receive
instructions from the application server 108 and obtain, update, or
otherwise process data in response thereto. In one example, a user
might submit a search request for a certain type of content. In
this case, the data store might access the user information to
verify the identity of the user and access the content information
to obtain information about instances of that type of content. The
information and/or content can then be returned to the user, such
as in a results listing on a Web page that the user is able to view
via a browser or other application on the user device 102.
Information for a particular instance of content can be viewed in a
dedicated page or window of the browser, in a media player, as part
of an application, or via any other appropriate interface.
[0030] Each server typically will include an operating system that
provides executable program instructions for the general
administration and operation of that server and typically will
include non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions
that, when executed by a processor of the server, allow the server
to perform its intended functions. Suitable implementations for the
operating system and general functionality of the servers are known
or commercially available and are readily implemented by persons
having ordinary skill in the art, particularly in light of the
disclosure herein.
[0031] The environment in one embodiment is a distributed computing
environment utilizing several computer systems and components that
are interconnected via communication links, using one or more
computer networks or direct connections. However, it will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that such a
system could operate equally well in a system having fewer or a
greater number of components than are illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus,
the depiction of the system 100 in FIG. 1 should be taken as being
illustrative in nature and not limiting to the scope of the
disclosure.
[0032] An environment such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 is often
referred to as a "cloud computing" environment, as various
operations can occur on behalf of the user on one or more devices
that may be distributed across various appliances, locations,
and/or geographical regions, referred to as being performed "in the
cloud." By storing information and content in such a distributed
environment, and offloading at least some computations or
operations to remote systems or services, user devices can offer
more functionality than would otherwise be possible, or at least
practical, using a device alone. For example, a user of a user
device 102 might want to stream a video file. One approach to
obtaining such a file is to purchase rights (e.g., a license) to a
piece of content, and send a request across a network 104 to an
appropriate address (e.g., a URL of a Web server 106 of a content
provider). The Web server can forward the request to an appropriate
system or service, such as an application server 108, which
includes executable instructions for analyzing the request (and any
related requests) to determine information such as the source of
the request, the intended content, and identifying information for
the user. The application server is able to validate the user
identity against information in a user data store 116, for example,
and determine whether the user has rights to the content using
information in a license data store 114, or similar location. If
the user has rights to the content, the application server can
cause information for the content to be pulled from a content data
store 112 or other such location, and sent to the destination
specified by the request. It should be understood that there can be
many additional or alternative systems or services for performing
any of these or other such tasks as discussed and suggested herein.
Further, the information returned to the destination can include
any appropriate information, such as a copy of the content or an
address from which to download or otherwise obtain the content.
[0033] As discussed, a conventional license that the customer
purchases (or otherwise obtains) often entitles the user to one
copy of the content, or at most one copy of the content at any
given time. In some cases, a user might get a multi-user license or
multi-device license. For each of these cases, however, the user
typically only gets access to the content in one format per the
license. For example, if the user buys a copy of a puzzle game in a
format for a specific video console, the user does not also obtain
rights to a copy of that puzzle game in a different format for use
with different portable video gaming device. Even in cases where
users are able to obtain multiple formats, such as by obtaining
rights to a DVD and a digital copy of the content, the user must
manually select the appropriate content for each device included in
the license, such as by placing the DVD in the device or
downloading the digital copy from a specific address. If the user
buys a device with a different format or capability, the user must
buy another copy of the content in order to take advantage of that
format or capability. The need for multiple purchases of each
instance of content can get expensive, and can result in multiple
versions that must be managed by the user. Further, people often do
not appreciate having to repurchase content such as music by a
favorite artist each time a new format is developed. Customers thus
can either be reluctant to buy into new formats, which can be bad
for manufacturers and content providers, or can even illegally
obtain the content in the new format, which is even worse.
[0034] Approaches in accordance with various embodiments descried
and suggested herein enable users to change the way in which
content is purchased or otherwise consumed. Further, various
embodiments provide for intelligent content delivery such that
users do not need to manage various formats or versions, or make
sure that the optimal format is being accessed on a given device.
Various embodiments enable users to obtain new or updated versions
of certain content, or additional portions of existing content, as
those versions become available and/or as users obtain or access
devices that are capable or presenting new versions or formats.
Various other capabilities and functions are provided as well as
discussed with respect to the various embodiments.
[0035] As an example, consider the situation 200 of FIG. 2 wherein
a user has two devices, a tablet computer 202 and a portable gaming
device 210. Each of these devices is capable of displaying video
content and playing the corresponding audio. As can be seen in FIG.
2, however, the capabilities of these devices are significantly
different. For example, the tablet computer has a much larger
display element 204, which in this example is in a portrait
orientation (although some devices also can be capable of also
displaying in landscape orientation as known in the art, but for
the sake of explanation this capability will be ignored in this
example). The portable gaming device, on the other hand, has a much
smaller display element 212 that is in a landscape orientation.
Various other display capabilities of these display elements can
differ as well, such as the resolution and ability to display
images or video of varying color depth, black and white or
grayscale images, images with a particular sharpness or clarity,
etc. Accordingly, a format of content such as a video file can be
optimized to play with the appropriate characteristics on either
device. Similarly, the tablet computer 202 in this example includes
a single speaker 206 for playing audio in mono, while the portable
gaming device 210 has two speakers 214 capable of playing audio in
stereo (or mono). As is common, a different version or format of
the movie in this example might exist for each device.
[0036] If the user only purchases the movie in one format optimized
for one of the devices, the experience of the content can be less
than optimal using the other device. For example, if the user
purchases a copy in the format for the gaming device 210 but plays
the movie on the tablet 202, the resolution of the movie may be
much lower than is capable of being displayed on the tablet, and
the difference in aspect ratios will require either a portion of
the movie to be cut off (e.g., modified to fit the screen), the
aspect ratio of the movie adjusted (which can cause people in the
movie to either be too elongated or condensed, etc.), or the
display area of the movie can be shrunk (e.g., with bars on the
side) such that only a portion of the screen can be used to display
the movie. Further, since the version of the movie that was
purchased has audio in stereo, the mono capability of the tablet
computer 202 may only be able to play one of the audio channels
(e.g., half the stereo audio), or might not be able to reproduce
the sound at all depending upon the encoding or other such aspects.
Similar problems can arise if the user instead purchased the
content for the tablet computer but attempted to play the content
on the gaming device.
[0037] Approaches in accordance with various embodiments enable a
user to access content on any of a number of different devices, and
obtain that content in a format or version that substantially
matches the capabilities of each device (or at least as much as
possible). The user does not have to know the capabilities of each
device, or the format(s) available for each device, but can
automatically have access to a version and/or format that takes
advantage of the capabilities of the current device. The user can
submit a request from any of these devices without having to
utilize a special address, input or select specific information, or
perform any other such operation, and an application executing in
the cloud or at another remote location can determine the format to
be accessed via the device.
[0038] In the example of FIG. 2, a user might be able to access a
movie about a robot in a "My Library" or similar section of an
interface, Web page, etc., from the tablet computer 202. The user
could select an icon or link for the movie, which can generate a
request to be sent to a content provider. The content provider can
obtain information about the device from which the request was
sent, and can determine the appropriate format of the movie to
provide to the user via the tablet computer. If the user had
instead performed the same operation from the gaming device 210,
the content provider would obtain information about the gaming
device and determine an appropriate format to provide to the user
via the gaming device, which could be the same or different from
the format provided for the tablet computer, based upon information
such as the relative capabilities of each device, the available
formats, and the type of license obtained by the user. Since the
gaming apparatus can provide stereo sound, the content provider
might enable the user to access a version of the movie that has a
soundtrack in stereo sound, while the tablet computer might get a
version with mono sound. Various other formats can be provided as
well, as appropriate.
[0039] In one embodiment, information for various devices is
maintained in a single location. For example, a content provider
could keep a list of device information, or could subscribe to a
service that provides capabilities for various devices. FIG. 3
illustrates an example table 300 that can be maintained for such
purposes. In the example table, a first column 302 contains unique
identifiers for each type of device for which information has been
obtained. These identifiers can be any appropriate unique
identifiers, such as product serial numbers or other such
identifiers. In some embodiments, unique keys will be generated
which then require a mapping to specific devices or categories of
devices having similar capabilities. Various other options can be
used as well. The example table also includes several columns 304
listing various capabilities of each type of device. For example,
the information for the first device (with ID SX3df) indicates that
type of device can handle stereo or mono sound, as well as video in
standard definition (SD) television format, or at (or up to)
640.times.480 resolution. The other devices include information for
these and/or other such capabilities as well. When a request is
received to provide content for a device, the system or service can
access this table to determine the capabilities of that type of
device. Using the capability information, a format selector or
other such component or module can utilize one or more selection
algorithms, criteria, or other such approaches to determine one or
more formats that can be presented on that type of device.
[0040] In some embodiments, the format selector will select the
format with the most advanced capabilities that is compatible with
the device. For example, the format selector can select the format
with the highest resolution, enhanced capabilities such as 3D
video, motion control, etc. In some cases, the selector can utilize
an algorithm that can rank the formats, and select the highest
ranking format (or another format per at least one selection
criterion) to present to the user via the device. In some cases,
there might be various formats available that have different levels
of capability combinations. For example, a first format might have
a higher video resolution but a lower audio capability. Various
ranking factors can be utilized to determine the overall ranking
score of each format in such an instance. For example, the video
resolution might be weighted heaver than the audio quality. In some
cases, the user might prefer certain capabilities over others, such
as HD over 3D, even though 3D might otherwise be weighted more
heavily. In some cases, users can set rankings, specify formats to
be preferred or not considered, etc. In some embodiments, the
content provider can examine other information such as user history
or behavior information to attempt to determine a format that is
not only appropriate for the device, but also optimal for that
particular user.
[0041] In at least some embodiments, however, it can be undesirable
or at least impractical to attempt to maintain a list of all
potential devices and capabilities, which must be updated each time
a new device is available, an upgraded capability is available,
etc. Further, certain software or software upgrades might be made
to specific devices such that devices of the same type might have
different capabilities. Accordingly, approaches in accordance with
various embodiments instead obtain the capability information from
the device itself.
[0042] For example, a content provider might receive a request for
content from a specific device. If not already included in the
initial request, the content provider might send a response back to
the device to ask for the capabilities of the device. In some
embodiments, this response is sent only if there are multiple
formats of the requested content available, or if the content is of
a type of format that might not be able to be accessed properly (or
at all) on certain devices. The response can be for a list of all
relevant capabilities, as may conform to a specific standard, or
for values of specific capabilities. The device then can send the
information to the content provider in a form similar to that
illustrated in the example table 400 of FIG. 4(a). In this example,
the device sends a list of all potential formats and/or
capabilities that are supported by the device. As can be seen,
there can be a separate listing for each type of video supported,
each type of audio, which connections are available, etc. Using
this information, a content selector can determine all potential
combinations of capabilities for the device and use these
combinations to select the optimal content version to be accessible
on that device. The capabilities in some embodiments are ranked by
the relative desire of each capability. It should be understood
that a table is just an example, and that the information can be
conveyed in any appropriate manner.
[0043] FIG. 4(b) illustrates another example of a capability table
450 that can be sent by a device in accordance with various
embodiments. In this example, the device does not include each of
the capabilities of the device, but lists specific capabilities,
such as a video capability, audio capability, etc. In some
embodiments, these can be specific capabilities which the user
requests or requires. In other embodiments, these values can be
preferences or can specify the maximum value for each capability.
For example, if a device can support any common video resolution up
to HD video, the device might return a single value of HD, and the
content provider can select any format including or up to
HD-quality video.
[0044] In some embodiments, the fact that there are multiple
formats available, one or more of which might be optimal for a
particular device, does not necessarily determine which format or
version the device or user receives. For example, the license
obtained by the user for that piece of content might not include
access to certain formats. A user might have only purchased or
otherwise obtained a license for a single format (e.g., downloaded
a specific version without rights to other versions), such that the
other formats are not accessible on other devices even if the
format for the purchased license cannot be accessed on that device.
Even if the license entitled the user to other versions or formats
at the time of obtaining the license, the license might not apply
to future versions or specific formats, etc.
[0045] Embodiments discussed herein can consider the rights to
specific content for a user, as opposed to specific instances of
that content as in previous approaches. For example, instead of
registering that a user has purchased a specific version of an
electronic book in a particular format, a license determination
module or other such component or service can instead register,
update, and otherwise maintain the rights that the user has to
instances of that content. For example, the table 500 of FIG. 5
illustrates variations of rights to a piece of content that can be
obtained by a user. In this example, the user can purchase a
license that enable that user to access the content on a specific
number of devices. For example, the user might purchase a
single-device license whereby the user is only able to access that
content on a specified device. Depending upon the terms of the
license, the user might be able to migrate that license to a
different device, specifying at most one device at a time, or the
license might be tied to a specific physical device. A user might
also be able to purchase a multi-device license, whereby in this
example the user can access the content from up to four devices at
a time. The cost can be greater for a multi-device license than a
single device license. A user in some embodiments might also be
able to purchase a license whereby the user can access the content
from any device, with the license still applying to personal use by
that user (or up to a specified number of users). In an unlimited
personal device license, the user might have to be identified to
the content provider in such a way that the content provider can
monitor whether the user is enabling other users to utilize the
unlimited personal license, in order to prevent content theft. The
cost for unlimited personal use also can increase accordingly.
[0046] While there are various types of multi-user or multi-device
licenses known in the art, approaches in accordance with various
embodiments also enable users to purchase varying levels of format
and/or version licenses, which can include versions or formats that
are not yet developed or available, and that can be provided to a
user automatically when available without the user necessarily
knowing the type of format or version. And, as discussed elsewhere
herein, these formats and/or versions can be selected dynamically
and/or intelligently by a system or service based at least in part
upon the capabilities of the device which the user is using to
access the content.
[0047] For example, in FIG. 5 there is a licensing option that
enables a user to purchase a single version and/or format license,
which enables the user to access only the original format and/or
version that the user obtained via purchase, download, etc.
Depending upon the type of device license, the user might be able
to access this format and version on multiple devices, but those
devices still will only be able to access that particular version
and/or format, independent of the capabilities of those devices.
For example, if the user purchases a version of a movie in standard
definition and decides to play that movie on a device capable of
playing high definition content, the device still will only be able
to play the standard definition version allowed under the
license.
[0048] The user also can be able to obtain, in at least some
embodiments, a license to all current versions and/or formats. For
example, a user purchasing an online video game might be able to
purchase a license to play that game in any existing format, such
that the user can access that game from a personal computer, Xbox
360.RTM., Playstation 3.RTM., or Wii.RTM., which might include all
the formats in which that game can be accessed at the current time.
The cost for such a license might not be any greater than for a
single format license, as the essential content might not be
different, but the interface through which the user accesses the
content might be in sufficiently different formats. In another
example, the user might be able to obtain a license to DVD,
Blu-ray.RTM., and digital copy versions of a movie. The cost for
obtaining the license to all three can be greater than the cost to
obtain a license to just one of these formats, but less than the
cost of obtaining licenses to two or three of the formats
individually. Such an approach can be attractive to a user because
the user can obtain additional formats of the movie for a
relatively small additional cost, and can be attractive to the
provider of the movie as such a pricing structure encourages the
users to purchase a more expensive license with the original
purchase.
[0049] Also as seen in FIG. 5, a user in at least some embodiments
can obtain a license to any version or format, including any future
version or format of the content. For example, the user might today
be able to access content in any existing format for that content,
such as 3D, HD, and SD for a video file. By purchasing or otherwise
obtaining a license to any format, the user also can access that
content in new formats as those formats become available. For
example, technology might develop that enables the video file to be
displayed as a fully three-dimensional hologram. If the user at
some point in time purchases such a holographic player, the user
will not have to repurchase that content in the new format. Such a
license can be attractive to a user as a user can purchase a piece
of content once and not have to worry about repurchasing that
content again at a later time in a new format, etc. Such a license
also can be attractive to a content provider because, although the
provider will lose revenue from users repurchasing their catalog of
content in new formats, the provider will obtain money for formats
that do not yet exist, which can improve short term revenue while
providing funds to develop those future formats up front (instead
of trying to recoup those development funds afterwards, which can
be risky due to events such as competing format wars where one of
the formats often fails and results in losses to supporters or
adopters of that format).
[0050] Also as can be seen in FIG. 5, the user can have the option
of purchasing the unlimited format and/or version license for one,
multiple, or any number of devices. Although the prices can go up
accordingly, an unlimited personal use license in any format can
ensure that a user only has to purchase a license to a piece of
content once, as the user can access that content in any format
from any supported device without having to repurchase the content,
purchase a new license, etc. It should be understood, however, that
users might purchase less than full use licenses in order to reduce
costs, particularly if the user is not sure how much the user will
enjoy the content, but that the user might want additional formats,
versions, or device access at one or more subsequent times.
Approaches in accordance with various embodiments can enable users
to upgrade their licenses for less than the cost of a new license.
For example, in FIG. 5 a user can purchase a single format and
version of a piece of content for access on a single device. If the
user enjoys the content, the user might want to upgrade to own any
version of that content, and be able to access that content from
any device. The single device and format license is $9.99 in that
example, with the limited license being $39.99. In some
embodiments, the user might be only charged the extra $30.00 to
upgrade the license, while in other embodiments the user might be
charged some intermediate additional price, such as $32.99, which
is less than the cost of the unlimited license, but includes an
extra fee to cover the cost of the additional transaction. Various
other approaches and pricing structures can be used as well within
the scope of the various embodiments as should be apparent in light
of the present disclosure. In some cases a user might be able to
receive discounts for licenses, such as by enabling content
providers to share information (not including user identifying
information) about viewing preferences, how often users access
certain content, how often users finish certain content or how far
the average user gets, etc.
[0051] Once a user obtains a license to a piece of content,
information for that license can be stored to an appropriate
(logically) centralized location, such as the license data store
114 illustrated in FIG. 1 to be accessible over a network. In some
embodiments, a content provider or other such entity can subscribe
to a licensing or rights service, which can manage the information
for various content providers, users, and other entities. An
advantage of a rights service is that different formats and/or
versions might be provided by competing content providers, who
might not want to share information with each other but may need to
know the type of license the user has already purchased for the
piece of content. In some embodiments, the licensing service can
handle the royalties associated with the content, and might manage
(or at least provide information needed to manage) the funds
associated with the various licenses, such that various content
providers can receive compensation when the user accesses their
format or version using a license that was purchased through
another provider. Various other revenue sharing approaches can be
used as well.
[0052] Various other types of licenses can be purchased as well
using such a service. For example, a user might purchase a license
to any movie produced by a certain studio in any format, such as
through a subscription, and the service could handle passing rights
information to the various providers, as well as ensuring that
those providers receive proper compensation. Such a license can be
relatively expensive, but can be attractive to a user as the user
can access any movie from any device at any time in the newest or
best format available for that device. Such devices may not be
prohibitively expensive, however, as existing services utilize a
pricing model based on the fact that a user with a personal use
license can only access one instance (or a limited number of
instances) of content at any given time, such that the amount of
content a user can access per billing cycle (e.g., hour, day,
month, or year) is limited. Similar pricing theories could be
applied here, but expanded to include the wide variety of licenses
described and suggested herein.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a process 600 for using
capability and license information as discussed above to
dynamically determine the appropriate format to provide to a user
in response to a request for access or a similar event or
occurrence. In this example, a request is received for a piece of
content 602, such as where a user selects an icon or link on a
device which causes a request to be sent over a network to a
content provider. Unless capability information is included in the
initial request or otherwise available to the content provider, the
provider can send a response to the requesting device asking for
the capabilities of that device 604. This can include a request for
all device capabilities, a specific capability, or anything
inbetween. A message or other communication including at least some
of the requested device capabilities then can be received from the
device 606. The content provider can verify the type of rights that
the requesting user has with respect to that content 608. While in
this example the license verification is performed after obtaining
the device capabilities, it should be understood that these (and
other) steps can be performed in other orders, concurrently, or in
parallel within the scope of the various embodiments unless
otherwise stated. The initial verification can include whether that
user has access to that content on that device. Assuming the user
has rights to that content, the content provider can determine
whether the user has a variable type of license 608, which allows
the content provider to determine a format, version, or other
aspect of an instance of content for the user on that device. If
the user does not have a variable type of license, the content
provider can determine whether the licensed version is compatible
with the requesting device 612. If not, the request can be denied
614 and/or the user can be notified that the content cannot be
accessed on that device. If the licensed format and/or version is
compatible with the capabilities of the requesting device, the
content provider can enable the user to access that version and
format on the requesting device 618. While the term "content
provider" is used for purposes of explanation, it should be
understood that the party determining the appropriate format or
version might be the same as, or separate from, the party storing
license information, storing the content, enabling access to the
content, and/or performing any other aspect of the process. The
term "provider" can be interpreted broadly in at least some
embodiments to include any party or entity that can be involved in
the processes discussed and suggested herein for enabling a user to
obtain access to specific content.
[0054] If the user has a variable or flexible type of license that
is not specific to a single format, version, or other such aspect,
the content provider can determine the appropriate format and/or
version based at least in part upon the device capabilities and
rights information 616. As discussed elsewhere herein, this can
include determining compatible versions or formats, and ranking or
otherwise selecting at least one version or format based on
specific ranking or selection criteria, as well as using any other
appropriate information such as user preference or behavior
information. In some embodiments, the content provider also can
provider the user with an option of a version or format to receive
out of all compatible formats and versions, etc. Once an
appropriate format and version are determined, the user can be
enabled to access that instance of content from the device 618.
[0055] In some instances, a device might not respond with
information about its capabilities. A device might not respond for
any of a number of reasons, such as the device being an older
device without such communication capabilities, or working with a
different format or protocol, etc. Various approaches can be
utilized in accordance with various embodiments to attempt to
determine which format to enable the user to access via the device.
In some embodiments, a format with the least or lowest capability
requirements can be provided, as the device will be most likely to
be able to support that format. For example, if the request is
received from an Internet-enabled television but the television
does not provide information about its possible resolution modes,
the format of the content provided can be standard definition, as
the television most likely will be able to support that format. In
some embodiments, the user can also be presented with an option to
select a different format. If the system has determined the various
formats to which the user has rights for the content, the user can
be presented with a list of at least some of those formats, and
allowed to choose which format to access.
[0056] In another approach, the system might look to user behavior
or preference information to attempt to determine the most likely
format to enable the user to access. If, using the television
example above, the user prefers and almost always watches high
definition video formats, a determination can be made that the user
is likely attempting to access high definition content. The format
delivered to, or accessible by, the user then can be high
definition content. The user again can be presented with a set of
options of other formats or versions of content to which the user
would like access. The set of options might appear automatically if
the format is determined to not be compatible on the device, and
might be accessible to the user at any time via a menu item or
other such option.
[0057] In some embodiments, the system can provide a similar menu
that enables a user to select the desired version when a content
provider system detects different versions for the identified
format. For example, the content provider might determine that the
user should have access to a high definition version of the content
based upon device capabilities, rights, etc. If the content
provider also determines multiple versions, such as an original
black and white version of an old movie, along with a colorized
version and a version with directory commentary, the user can be
presented with options as to which version to access. Such an
approach can be desirable for a user, as the user can learn of
other versions of content to which that user might already have
access rights. Further, if there are related versions such as
remakes, parodies, or other such variations based at least in part
upon that content that can be accessed by that device, those can be
presented as options as well. If the user does not already have
rights, the user can have the ability to obtain rights that include
any related item of interest. And that license can at least include
rights to an optimal format for the current device, as determined
by the content provider system or other such system or service
based at least in part upon the capabilities, preferences, and/or
other such factors as discussed elsewhere herein.
[0058] When a user obtains rights to access content of various
formats on multiple devices, the user can obtain various additional
functionality. For example, since data can be stored in a logically
centralized location, such as in the cloud or across a network, a
content provider or similar party can handle information such as
current locations, points, or other portions of the content to
which the user has navigated or otherwise accessed. For example,
when a user reaches a certain level in a game, a particular chapter
in a book or movie, a track of an album of music, or another such
trigger or threshold, information can be sent to the provider
indicating such state. In some embodiments, each time the user
navigates away from an instance of content, such as by shutting off
a device, pausing an instance of content, or moving to another
instance of content or application, the device can send state
information (e.g., the halt state at which the user stopped
accessing the content from a given device) to the provider such
that the provider can store that state. In other embodiments, the
provider can automatically determine a halt state for the content
as the content provider will stop receiving requests for more
content where the user left off, indicating that the user has
halted accessing the content on the current device. When the user
wants to resume that content on the device, the content can be
accessed from that point using the state, location, or other such
information stored in the cloud by the provider. Further, halt
state information can include other aspects as well, such as the
volume or brightness level, or any other such value that can be
ported over to the other device.
[0059] Such an approach can be particularly desirable for streaming
content, where such state information often is not stored remotely.
In various embodiments, content can be delivered entirely to a
device, portions can be streamed and other portions or elements
delivered or installed entirely, or the entire content can be
streamed. Determinations of halt state thus can depend at least in
part upon the type of content delivery. If the entire instance is
stored on the user device, the user device might be configured to
send halt state information to a central system or service, such
that the user can resume on a different device. If the content is
streamed, the system or service might be able to determine the halt
state automatically, without having to receive state information
from the user device. For content with only certain portions or
elements stored on the device, a combination of the above
approaches might be utilized.
[0060] An advantage to storing this state information in a cloud or
other such location is that the user can resume at the desired
point in the content using another device as well. For example,
consider the situation 700 of FIG. 7. In this example, a user has
obtained rights that enable the user to access a piece of music on
both the user's car stereo 702 and the user's home receiver 710.
The car stereo is connected to the content provider 712 using any
appropriate mechanism, such as a cellular or 3G connection to a
cellular provider system 704, which can then connect through a
network 706 such as the Internet to an appropriate server 714
(e.g., a Web server or other such device) of the content provider.
As should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, FIG. 7
illustrates only basic components for purposes of simplicity of
explanation and a number of other components of the cellular
network, content provider system, and other components are not
shown but could be used to provide such functionality as known in
the respective arts. If the user turns off the car radio 702,
changes the channel on the radio, or otherwise quits listening to
that piece of music at a certain point in the music playback,
information about that point can be transmitted to the content
provider system 712, which can cause that information to be stored
in a time/location data table 716 or similar location. When the
user subsequently turns on the home receiver 710, the receiver can
send a request to the content provider 712, across the network 706
using any appropriate components such as a wireless modem 708 or
other such device. If the receiver already stores a local copy of
that content, the content provider can send the location
information to the receiver such that the receiver can start
playback where the user left off in the car. If the receiver will
instead stream (or otherwise download or obtain) the content, the
content stream can start where the user left off in the car. Such
an approach effectively enables a user to pause content on one
device and resume on another device, without those devices having
to know about each other, communicate with each other, etc. In some
embodiments, however, each device for a user can communicate with
the other user devices to determine whether the user paused certain
content, where to begin playback, etc., instead of storing some or
all of this information in the cloud.
[0061] Another benefit and significant advantage over conventional
systems revolves around the fact that the user can also
automatically resume that content on another device in a different
format. Returning to the example of FIG. 7, the user might receive
a format of the version on the car stereo 702 that is in a
conventional two-channel stereo format. The user's receiver 710,
however, might be capable of playing a higher quality format of the
content, such as a format in 6:1 surround sound. In at least some
embodiments, the receiver when sending the request can also send
capability information (as part of the same or a separate request
as discussed above) which can be analyzed by the content provider
system. The content provider can determine the appropriate format
for the receiver, and can determine the location in that format
where the user should resume playback. When the user accesses that
content on the receiver, the receiver can resume playback of that
content in a format that is optimal for the receiver.
[0062] In some embodiments, the content provider will store
information such as time code conversion information for the
content formats. The determination as to where to resume access in
a different format might not be straightforward. In some cases, the
system may require access to information that indicates how to
translate a time code or position in one format to a time code or
position in another format. For example, the user might be
listening to playback of an audio book on the car stereo. If the
user attempts to resume access to the book on an electronic book
reader at the point where the user left off in the car, but the
book reader does not provide audio playback or the user prefers to
read on the book reader, the content provider will need to
determine, based on the time code of the audio playback, where in
the text of the book format to resume on the book reader.
Similarly, if the user is reads a book up to a certain point and
then wants to instead finish the story by watching the movie
version, the content provider can require some conversion
information to be able to correlate the current position of the
user in the book with a corresponding location in the movie. In
some cases a user might buy a license to various versions of a
piece of content which can include the movie version, electronic
comic version, book version, video game adaptation, novelized
version, screenplay, storyboards, director commentary, etc. At any
time, a user might want to switch to another version or format,
such as to read the original screenplay for a scene after viewing a
chapter of a movie, etc. In such an embodiment, the system must
have a way to correlate various positions within each of those
formats. In some embodiments the system might store specific time
codes that correspond to certain locations across each of the
formats and versions. In other embodiments, the system can store a
curve or function that maps a timeline to locations in each piece
of content, and then can more accurately compare relative positions
in two versions of the content. Various other comparison approaches
can be used as well within the scope of the various
embodiments.
[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for resuming content
800 on another device that can be used in accordance with various
embodiments. In this example, a pause (or similar) command or
request is received from a device 802. As discussed, this can
include any appropriate notification or communication indicating a
point or location where a user left off, paused, terminated, or
otherwise exited the content on the device. The notification can be
generated in response to any appropriate event, such as a user
selecting a pause option, navigating to other content, turning off
the device, etc. Either as part of the notification or as part of a
subsequent communication, the time code (or another appropriate
identifier) for the location where the user left off can be
obtained 804. The time code information for the current format can
then be stored in an appropriate location for later retrieval 806.
In some embodiments, this information will only be stored: for a
specified period of time, upon user request, until the user
accesses different content on the device, or for any of a number of
other reasons as may be selected or configurable by the user,
content provider, or other appropriate entity or party.
Subsequently, a request can be received to resume the content on
another device 808. This request can be generated in response to
the user again accessing that particular content on the other
device, or may be generated automatically when the user powers on
that other device. For example, Internet radio stations might
always pick up where the user left off on the same device or
another device for the same user or license. The capabilities of
the other device can be determined using any approach discussed
elsewhere herein, and an appropriate format can be determined for
the other device 810. An appropriate time code conversion (or
similar process) can be performed to determine the point in the new
format at which to resume playback or other access 812. Once
determined, the other device can begin to stream (or otherwise
playback or provide access to) the content at substantially the
point where the user left off on the original device 814, but in a
format optimal for the current device. It should be understood that
in some cases the format determination for the current device might
result in the same format that was used for the original device,
but the determination is still made dynamically when there is more
than one format available in at least certain embodiments.
[0064] Other advantageous functionality that can be obtained
through various approaches discussed herein is that a user can
obtain, access, and/or resume content on devices that are
previously or otherwise not associated with that user, and that
might include formats that were not previously associated with, or
accessed by, the user. For example, a user might go to a friend's
house which contains a television with 3D display capability. The
user might not own a 3D capable device, and might never have
accessed content through the friend's television. In various
embodiments, the user can cause the 3D television to submit a
request for content that is associated with that user, such as by
the user entering or otherwise providing identifying or
authenticating information. A content provider receiving the
information can identify and/or authenticate the user, and can
enable that user to access any content on the television where the
user licenses or rights permit. Further, the user can access the
content in a 3D format, which might otherwise not have been
previously associated with that user.
[0065] Such approaches enable a user to access specific content in
a format optimized for any device through which the user can obtain
such content. For example, a user can validate an account or
identify to an audio or video system on an airplane, and can obtain
access to the user's content through that system. Further, the
content can be delivered in a format or version appropriate for the
airplane. For example, certain airline carriers place restrictions
on the type of content that can be displayed on a video system in a
plane. When the user accesses content through the system, the user
can automatically obtain not only a format that is appropriate for
the video system (e.g., a relatively low resolution version for a
small LCD screen) but can also automatically receive a version of
the content that is edited or otherwise modified for display on the
airline video system. Similarly, if the user sits at a table in a
diner that has an individual tabletop electronic jukebox, the user
can authenticate himself to the system through the jukebox and
access the user's music through the jukebox. The music can be
delivered in an appropriate format, and since the diner might place
restrictions on explicit language played in the establishment the
content played might be any clean version of that content.
[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a process 900 for enabling
a user to access content in a format appropriate for a previously
unknown or unassociated device that can be used in accordance with
various embodiments. In this example, a request is received from a
user to access content through an unknown device 902. For example,
the request can be received from a device being accessed by the
user, where that device has not previously been used by that user
to access content, and that device is not otherwise associated with
the user or a user account. If the request is received to a content
provider, the provider can verify the user identity and licensing
rights 904 and, at the same time or after determining whether the
user has rights to access content through that device, can request
the capabilities of the device 906, if not included in the original
request. Upon receiving the device capabilities, an appropriate
format can be determined 910 and the user can be enabled to access
the content through the device in the determined format 912. In
some situations, such as the individual table-top electronic
jukebox, multiple users can authenticate themselves to the system
during a common session and can access content for each of those
users in a jukebox-appropriate format. The users can set a random
playlist, for example, which can play music from each of the users'
catalogs, etc.
[0067] In order to enable users to access content from any device,
a content provider might want an increased level of security to
prevent unauthorized license sharing or other such content theft.
In some embodiments, a user accessing unknown devices must provide
more than just a standard username and password or other easily
sharable element. For example, a user in some embodiments must
present a USB key, wireless fob, Bluetooth device, or other device
with a type of private key encryption that can ensure that there is
a single instance of a user accessing the content. Additional keys
can be obtained for a user for additional license costs as should
be apparent. Thus, if a user wants to play content on a friend's
device, the user might first be authenticated using the private
secure key, such that the content provider can be satisfied that it
is not instead the friend improperly accessing the content. Such a
device can also provide some simplicity, as a user wishing to
access content on an airplane video system can simply plug the key
into the system and almost instantly have access to that user's
content in formats appropriate for that system without having to go
through a complex validation or setup process.
[0068] Many aspects of the content delivery and/or access can be
configurable by a user or other party as discussed above. As an
example, FIG. 10 illustrates a sample interface 1000 that could be
used to enable a user to configure various options in accordance
with one embodiment. In this example, the user has several
configurable options 1002. Although these options are shown as
being selectable through drop-down boxes, it should be understood
that any appropriate elements such as radio buttons, text boxes,
check boxes, or other such elements known or subsequently developed
for such purposes can be used as well. In such an interface, a user
can specify formats to be received, formats not to be played,
preferred formats, and other such options. In this example, the
user specified to only receive stereo audio with video quality up
to HD. The user has selected not to receive 3D video, even if
available. The user also has specified maximum resolutions for
other video options. A user might specify maximum quality settings
for less than a possible quality for a device for any number of
reasons, such as to conserve bandwidth, memory, or other such
resources.
[0069] A user can also have the option of placing certain
restrictions on content formats for certain devices. For example, a
user may only allow clean versions of movies, audio, or other
content in car systems, video game consoles, or other devices
likely to be accessed by children. A user might allow unedited
versions to be played in a theater room or on a personal book
reader, or might require a specific password or other requirement
before those formats can be "unlocked" or "available" for those
device. Similarly, while a user might be able to transport a
playlist to a public device or friend's device, the user might
restrict certain types of content from being accessed on devices
other than a private device. For example, if a user likes cheesy
horror movies but is embarrassed to let others know, the user might
restrict certain titles, genres, or other groupings of content from
being accessible on other devices through the user's account or
licenses. Various other access or security controls can be applied
as well within the scope of the various embodiments.
[0070] In at least some embodiments, the conservation or capability
of such resources also can be considered when determining an
appropriate format for a device. For example, going back to the
example of FIG. 7, it might be the case that the car radio 702 is
also capable of playing surround sound or some other relatively
high resolution audio format. When determining the appropriate
format for the car radio, the content provider system might take
into account the fact that the radio connects via a 3G connection.
Due to the bandwidth limitations of the 3G connection, a high
resolution format might not play satisfactorily on the car radio,
as there might be gaps in the playback due to buffering or other
such functions due to the inability to receive data fast enough. In
such a situation, the system might determine that a standard stereo
format is instead preferable as, even though the sound quality
might not be optimal, the overall experience will be better due to
the content being able to be accessed without interruption. In some
cases, a user or device can configure or limit possible formats due
to delivery or connection limitations, or other such factors. In
some cases, a content delivery system might also be able to
communicate with a cellular provider or other such entity to
determine the monthly usage for a user, and if that user is getting
near the amount of bandwidth allowed for the month, for example,
the content provider can lower the quality of the content delivery
or otherwise modify the format selections as appropriate for
certain devices that use that delivery channel. Thus, a device with
higher capabilities might receive a lower quality format than a
device with lower capabilities based on aspects such as the
connection for the device. Further, delivery channels such as
downloading versus streaming can also be determined based upon
various capabilities, the connection, etc.
[0071] In some embodiments, the system can track user behavior and
usage over time to attempt to improve the overall quality of
content delivery. For example, in a situation where the user has
limited monthly bandwidth, the user might end up getting lower
quality formats towards the end of each month. By monitoring the
usage patterns over time, the system can attempt to adjust the
format selections to avoid limitations near the end of each month.
For example, the user might access a piece of content during the
middle of the month on a device that is capable of receiving a very
high resolution format, but due to the size or resolution of the
screen there will be little difference between that format and a
lower quality format. In order to conserve bandwidth for later
usage, the provider might decide to deliver the content in the
lower quality format. Such options can be disallowed by the user,
while in some cases the user can specify to delivery lower quality
formats where the resulting experience will not be significantly
affected. Various other options can be used as well. Further, the
user can have the option to override a format selection and request
that an upgraded format be accessed.
[0072] In some embodiments, a content provider system or other
party can obtain and/or track performance information for a device
for use in format determinations. For example, a user might access
high definition content on a computer that reports that the
computer supports high definition video. Due to limitations of the
computer such as the amount of available memory, processor speed,
number of other applications executing, and other such factors, the
playback of high definition video on the computer might be very
slow or choppy, or might even cause the computer to hang. Similar
problems can occur with other devices as well, which report certain
capabilities but are not actually able to delivery those
capabilities with an acceptable level of quality. Thus, the system
can select formats based at least in part upon actual device
performance. Such an approach can be particularly beneficial for
devices that are previously unknown or not accessed by a user, as
the user may have no idea of the actual performance capabilities of
the device. Further, the system can track when the user selects a
higher or lower quality format on a certain device as an indicator
of the actual capabilities of the device.
[0073] In some embodiments, a device can obtain (or at least have
access to) a list of all content to which a user has rights when
the user is authenticated to the device, including various format
and version information. Such a list can be updated and maintained
as appropriate, such as when new formats become available to which
the user has rights. While the updating and storage of such a list
can require certain resources, such a list can minimize the number
of request received to a content provider to determine the rights a
user has with respect to a certain piece of content.
[0074] As discussed above, the various embodiments can be
implemented in a wide variety of operating environments, which in
some cases can include one or more user computers, computing
devices, or processing devices which can be used to operate any of
a number of applications. User or client devices can include any of
a number of general purpose personal computers, such as desktop or
laptop computers running a standard operating system, as well as
cellular, wireless, and handheld devices running mobile software
and capable of supporting a number of networking and messaging
protocols. Such a system also can include a number of workstations
running any of a variety of commercially-available operating
systems and other known applications for purposes such as
development and database management. These devices also can include
other electronic devices, such as dummy terminals, thin-clients,
gaming systems, and other devices capable of communicating via a
network.
[0075] Various aspects also can be implemented as part of at least
one service or Web service, such as may be part of a
service-oriented architecture. Services such as Web services can
communicate using any appropriate type of messaging, such as by
using messages in extensible markup language (XML) format and
exchanged using an appropriate protocol such as SOAP (derived from
the "Simple Object Access Protocol"). Processes provided or
executed by such services can be written in any appropriate
language, such as the Web Services Description Language (WSDL).
Using a language such as WSDL allows for functionality such as the
automated generation of client-side code in various SOAP
frameworks.
[0076] Most embodiments utilize at least one network that would be
familiar to those skilled in the art for supporting communications
using any of a variety of commercially-available protocols, such as
TCP/IP, OSI, FTP, UPnP, NFS, CIFS, and AppleTalk. The network can
be, for example, a local area network, a wide-area network, a
virtual private network, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a
public switched telephone network, an infrared network, a wireless
network, and any combination thereof.
[0077] In embodiments utilizing a Web server, the Web server can
run any of a variety of server or mid-tier applications, including
HTTP servers, FTP servers, CGI servers, data servers, Java servers,
and business application servers. The server(s) also may be capable
of executing programs or scripts in response requests from user
devices, such as by executing one or more Web applications that may
be implemented as one or more scripts or programs written in any
programming language, such as Java.RTM., C, C# or C++, or any
scripting language, such as Perl, Python, or TCL, as well as
combinations thereof. The server(s) may also include database
servers, including without limitation those commercially available
from Oracle.RTM., Microsoft.RTM., Sybase.RTM., and IBM.RTM..
[0078] The environment can include a variety of data stores and
other memory and storage media as discussed above. These can reside
in a variety of locations, such as on a storage medium local to
(and/or resident in) one or more of the computers or remote from
any or all of the computers across the network. In a particular set
of embodiments, the information may reside in a storage-area
network ("SAN") familiar to those skilled in the art. Similarly,
any necessary files for performing the functions attributed to the
computers, servers, or other network devices may be stored locally
and/or remotely, as appropriate. Where a system includes
computerized devices, each such device can include hardware
elements that may be electrically coupled via a bus, the elements
including, for example, at least one central processing unit (CPU),
at least one input device (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, controller,
touch screen, or keypad), and at least one output device (e.g., a
display device, printer, or speaker). Such a system may also
include one or more storage devices, such as disk drives, optical
storage devices, and solid-state storage devices such as random
access memory ("RAM") or read-only memory ("ROM"), as well as
removable media devices, memory cards, flash cards, etc.
[0079] Such devices also can include a computer-readable storage
media reader, a communications device (e.g., a modem, a network
card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device, etc.),
and working memory as described above. The computer-readable
storage media reader can be connected with, or configured to
receive, a computer-readable storage medium, representing remote,
local, fixed, and/or removable storage devices as well as storage
media for temporarily and/or more permanently containing, storing,
transmitting, and retrieving computer-readable information. The
system and various devices also typically will include a number of
software applications, modules, services, or other elements located
within at least one working memory device, including an operating
system and application programs, such as a client application or
Web browser. It should be appreciated that alternate embodiments
may have numerous variations from that described above. For
example, customized hardware might also be used and/or particular
elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including
portable software, such as applets), or both. Further, connection
to other computing devices such as network input/output devices may
be employed.
[0080] Storage media and computer readable media for containing
code, or portions of code, can include any appropriate media known
or used in the art, including storage media and communication
media, such as but not limited to volatile and non-volatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage and/or transmission of information such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data, including RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other
memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other
optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
which can be used to store the desired information and which can be
accessed by the a system device. Based on the disclosure and
teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the various
embodiments.
[0081] The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It
will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
* * * * *