U.S. patent application number 14/836690 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for location-specific or range-based licensing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arvato Digital Services LLC. Invention is credited to Karl HIRSCH.
Application Number | 20160112385 14/836690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37193957 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160112385 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIRSCH; Karl |
April 21, 2016 |
LOCATION-SPECIFIC OR RANGE-BASED LICENSING SYSTEM
Abstract
A system and method are provided for providing content to a user
terminal based on the location of the user terminal within a
specific range. If the user is proximate the boundary of the range,
the user is prompted to make a decision concerning purchase or
authorized use of the content. User options can be, before leaving
the range, to purchase the content, to end the current session or
leave the range with less than full functionality of the content,
and to return to operating the user terminal within the range.
Inventors: |
HIRSCH; Karl; (Sammamish,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Arvato Digital Services LLC |
Valencia |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
37193957 |
Appl. No.: |
14/836690 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11409267 |
Apr 24, 2006 |
9124584 |
|
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14836690 |
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60673787 |
Apr 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
726/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 7/185 20130101;
H04L 2463/101 20130101; H04L 63/0492 20130101; H04L 63/10 20130101;
G06F 21/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/06 20060101
H04L029/06 |
Claims
1. A range-based system for licensing protected content in a
communication network, comprising: an access point device for
providing internet access to a location having a selected range in
which authorized use of protected content is provided; and a
site-specific licensing application having a server side and client
side operable, respectively, on the internet access point device
and at least one guest computing device; wherein the guest
computing device is programmed via the client side to obtain
selected protected content for use within the range; and wherein
the access point device is programmed via the server side to
determine when the at least one guest computing device has left or
is about to leave the range, and to generate a prompt to indicate
when the guest computing device has left or is about to leave the
range.
2. A range-based system for licensing protected content as claimed
in claim 1, further comprising a license server connected to the
communication network and programmed to manage a distribution of
authorizations to use protected content to at least one guest
computing device operating within the range of authorized
operation.
3. A range-based system for licensing protected content as claimed
in claim 2, wherein the authorizations can comprise a license, the
terms of the license can vary between a provider of the access
point and the license server.
4. A range-based system for licensing protected content as claimed
in claim 3, wherein the license comprises a timing operation that
restricts use of selected content at the location.
5. A range-based system for licensing protected content as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the protected content comprises one or more
pieces of content selected from the group consisting of a software
application, text, graphics, audio, video, a software executable
file, a multimedia file, a digital file, and a video game.
6. A range-based system for licensing protected content as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the prompt is an indication prompting a user to
select from a plurality of options comprising acquiring a license
for the protected content for authorized use outside the range,
purchasing a license for the protected content for authorized use
outside the range, registration for authorized use of the protected
content outside the range, terminating a current session with a
license server operating to make the protected content accessible
within the range, leaving the range with less than full
functionality of the protected content, and returning to operating
the at least one guest computing device within the range.
7. A range-based system for licensing protected content as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the access point device is programmed to
determine range based on at least one of signal strength between
the guest computing device and the access point device, and the
geographic position of the guest computing device relative to the
location.
8-33. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/409,267, filed Apr. 24, 2006, which claims
the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/673,787,
filed Apr. 22, 2005, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0002] Related subject matter is disclosed and claimed in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/434,355, filed May 9, 2003, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for
providing geographic location or site-specific licensing of content
and, more specifically, to a site-specific licensing application
installed on a user's personal computer or available via a local
web server that allows use of protected content within a
predetermined distance range and restricts use outside of the range
(e.g., converts the protected content to trial mode, requires
purchase of a license, or terminates execution of the
application).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A number of content publishers offer a variety of content to
users of computer and/or media playback devices. The content (e.g.,
software applications, video games, videos, graphic, text and/or
audio content, and so on) is made available to users (e.g., via
downloading) as freeware, shareware, trialware, protected content,
and so on. Protected content can be, but is not limited to, content
for which a user must be registered and/or authorized to use, and
for which purchase of a license may be required before use.
[0005] A number of physical or geographic locations or sites are
available which promote the use of computers and internet access.
For example, a number of coffee houses, bars, restaurants,
libraries, travel assistance locations (e.g., airport lounges),
hotels and so on provide connectivity and internet access points to
users for profit or for free as a convenience to customers.
[0006] It would be advantageous to configure physical or geographic
locations with internet access points that offer a variety of
protected content for use within a limited range. Such a
configuration would benefit content providers and publishers,
establishments promoting computer connectivity and internet access,
and users alike.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
system and method provide geographic location or site-specific
licensing of content and, more specifically, a site-specific
licensing application installed on a user's personal computer or
available via a web server that allows use of protected content
within a predetermined distance range and restricts use outside of
the range (e.g., converts the protected content to trial mode,
requires purchase of a license, or terminates execution of the
application).
[0008] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a range-based system for licensing protected content in
a communication network is provided that comprises: an access point
device for providing internet access to a location having a
selected range in which authorized use of protected content is
provided, and a site-specific licensing application having a server
side and client side operable, respectively, on the internet access
point device and at least one guest computing device. The guest
computing device is programmed via the client side to obtain
selected protected content for use within the range. The access
point device is programmed via the server side to determine when
the at least one guest computing device has left or is about to
leave the range, and to generate a prompt to indicate when the
guest computing device has left or is about to leave the range.
[0009] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the location can be non-stationary.
[0010] In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, a
license server is connected to the communication network and
programmed to manage a distribution of authorizations to use
protected content to at least one guest computing device operating
within the range of authorized operation. The terms of a license
can vary between a provider of the access point and a license
server connected to the communication network and programmed to
manage a distribution of authorizations to use protected content to
at least one guest computing device operating within the range of
authorized operation. A license can comprise a timing operation
that restricts use of selected content at the location.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a prompt is an indication prompting a user to select
from a plurality of options comprising of acquiring a license for
the protected content for authorized use outside the range,
purchasing a license for the protected content for authorized use
outside the range, registration for authorized use of the protected
content outside the range, terminating a current session with a
license server operating to make the protected content accessible
within the range, leaving the range with less than full
functionality of the protected content, and returning to operating
the at least one guest computing device within the range.
[0012] In accordance with other aspects of the present invention,
the access point device is programmed to determine range based on
at least one of signal strength between the guest computing device
and the access point device, and the geographic position of the
guest computing device relative to the location. The guest
computing device can be programmed to periodically validate use of
the selected protected content by determining the signal strength
of communication signals transmitted between the user computing
device and the access point device. A client side site-specific
licensing application and selected protected content can remain
resident on the guest computing device and are used again when the
guest computing device is within the range again.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above and other exemplary objects, features and
advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present
invention will be more apparent from the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIGS. 1A and 1B each depict an exemplary internet access
point having a predetermined range within which protected content
can be used and outside of which a user must choose to either
license the content or return within the range in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for implementing a
location or site-specific content licensing system in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting operations to implement a
site-specific content licensing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exemplary screen generated on the graphical
user interface of a guest computer by site-specific content
licensing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The matters defined in the description such as a detailed
construction and elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive
understanding of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly,
those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various
changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can
be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and
constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0019] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary internet
access point 10 is illustrated that implements a predetermined
range 40 within which protected content can be used in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The internet
access point 10 is connected to the internet 50 or a private
network and can comprise a web server 17 and access point either
integrated or separated therefrom, and a database 15 described
below. The access point 10 can connect to the internet via a
wireless connection (e.g., a satellite, cellular or other radio
frequency network) or via a wired connection (e.g., cable, POTS,
DSL, and so on) The internet access point 10 preferably comprises
wireless or wired internet access to at least one user computing
device hereinafter referred to as a "guest computer" 30. The guest
computer 30 can be a personal computer, a laptop or other portable
computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant, a cellular
telephone with wireless internet access and the like). The internet
access point 10 preferably provides a variety of content from which
a user can select to download and use without charge within the
predetermined range 40 of the stationary location 20. The
stationary location 20 can comprise a coffee shop, hotel, motel,
resort, office building, internet cafe, bookstore, conference
center and the like. The content can comprise a trial version of a
computer application software, as well as other protected content
such as text, graphic, audio, digital or multimedia files. Within
the confines of the range 40, a user is free to use the application
or content. However, if the user nears the borders of the range 40,
the user is prompted to overcome the content protection via one or
more different types of digital rights management solutions such as
requiring registration, authentication, entry of a receipt or
transaction number, or purchase of a license to use the
application. If the user chooses not to overcome the content
protection, the application will become inactive outside the range
40, or at least only partially functional or functioning at a
degraded level (e.g., at lesser speed or quality).
[0020] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the internet access point 10 is not limited to a stationary
location as illustrated in FIG. 1A. For example, a non-stationary
location 60 can comprise a train, plane, cruise ship, bus or the
like, as shown in FIG. 1B. In this example, internet access point
10 can connect to the internet 50 via a satellite 80, which
communicates with a base station 70 (e.g., a satellite and/or a
cellular network), or the internet access point 10 can connect to
the base station 70 directly. In the case of a cruise ship or where
there are no terrestrial base stations, internet access point 10
can connect to the internet 50 via satellite. It should be noted
that the range 40 travels with the non-stationary location 60.
Specifically, when a user travels, the user is connected to the
internet access point 10, which moves with the user and provides a
local network address. Since the internet access point 10 is
connected to the internet 50 via satellite 80, base station 70 or
other radio frequency communication system component, the user is
isolated from their actual movement. To the user, being in a
stationary location or non-stationary location is transparent. The
user's signal strength and the internet access point 10 identity
will remain constant unless the user moves. However, when a user
departs the location or nears the range 40, the user will be
prompted as to whether the user wants to continue using the content
off site by overcoming the content protection.
[0021] The access point identity is important since, at some later
point in time, internet connectivity could be re-established at a
different access point 10 and also the device may or may not be in
use when leaving range of the access point. Accessing the content
when in good range of a different (license invalid) access point
preferably triggers the same operations described above that occur
when leaving the original access point range.
[0022] The present invention will now be discussed in more detail.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
site-specific licensing application can be locally installed on the
guest computer 30 or accessible via a local web server 17
associated with the location 20 or 60 or a remote web server 17.
The access and/or installation of protected content can be managed
based on rights or specific wireless networks used by the location.
By way of an example, a wireless application server can be
implemented via a wireless LAN or hot spot or other protocol (e.g.,
Blue Tooth) whereby a wireless communication network associated
with the location can broadcast a secure system ID to the guest
computer 30 to allow a connection thereto via a radio frequency
channel within a selected spectrum. The guest computer 30 can then
negotiate with the wireless communication network in a manner
similar to a modem. The connection to the wireless communication
network can be range-specific based on the signal strength of the
signals communicated from the guest computer 30 to the wireless
network via the internet access point 10. That is, when the signal
strength of the signals from the guest computer 30 degrade below a
predetermined level for the wireless communication network, the
site-specific licensing application is programmed to terminate. The
site-specific licensing application and/or the protected content
can be served on demand at run-time. The guest computer 30 is
programmed via the site-specific licensing application to negotiate
with the internet access point 10 associated with the site to get
the necessary applet or other content. The internet access point 10
then sends the desired protected content or application to the
guest computer 30 as long as the guest computer 30 is within range
40 of the wireless communication network.
[0023] Specifically, whether or not the content is provided by a
wide area local area network (WLAN) provider, using content that is
marked as, for example, WLAN licensable preferably causes a
"license request" to go the internet access point 10 serving as a
license server authorized to grant licenses for that WLAN. It
should be appreciated that the server 17 may be anywhere on the
internet. If a license server is authorized to grant licenses for
the given content and/or the internet access point 10, then an
access point specific license can be generated and distributed to
satisfy the license request. This could be accompanied by, for
example, pre-authorized or immediate payment, be permanent or
time-limited, or the license can be part of the service provided by
the institution hosting the WLAN or their WLAN service provider.
For illustrative purposes, a server is indicated at 17 in FIG. 1A.
It is to be understood that the wireless application server, a
protected content server and the license server can be remote or
local with respect to the access point 10 and can be configured as
a unitary device, as separate and respective devices or in
different combinations thereof.
[0024] In this manner, content acquisition and installation are
separate from licensing. The user can select and install a game,
for example, from some menu available through the WLAN provider,
acquire (through various means as above) a license, and use the
game in this example within the proximity of the internet access
point 10. When the user visits another internet access point, they
only have to negotiate a new license to use the game again. Once
again, the terms or even availability of the license at the new
internet access point are dependant on the relationship between the
access point provider and the license server: the game might be
free to use while visiting any location of a particular
establishment, or through any access point served by a particular
provider, or may cost extra or not be licensable for use through an
unrelated access point, or the license may be granted to loyalty
card holders, and the like.
[0025] The site-specific licensing application is programmed to
generate one or more queries to the user when the application
detects that the user is outside of the predetermined range 40 or
periphery. For example, a query can be generated and displayed on a
graphic user interface or audibly generated via a speaker
associated with the guest computer 30 as to whether the user wishes
to license the protected content or application(s), or return to
within the range or periphery, or terminate access to the protected
content and/or terminate the application in accordance with another
aspect of the present invention. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that, although the range 40 is shown outside the
location, the range 40 can also be within the location. Further the
query can be generated by the application using an intercom or
loudspeaker system or display system provided at the site 20,
60.
[0026] If the user elects to purchase a license for the protected
content or application(s) to allow use thereof outside the
predetermined range, the site-specific licensing application can
provide one or more dialog boxes to guide the user to purchase the
protected content from the vendor or third party fulfillment
center.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the location
or range specific feature can be combined with a timing feature.
That is, the limitations of a user's use or protected
content/application(s) can be confined by location, range and the
amount of time the user has used a specific application or
applications in general. This would prevent a user from
continuously accessing a specific protected application every time
the user is at that location and within the range of coverage.
Thus, the user would have to accept a license to access that
specific application again at that location or chain of locations.
This would also allow merchants to have equal access to users
without the concern that only popular applications would be
accessed. Database 15 can store MAC or IP addresses of guest
computers 30 and distribute the specific application they accessed
to other locations of a chain, for example.
[0028] As an alternative to wireless network protocol technology to
limit the range of an application, the site-specific licensing
application can be programmed to track the location of the guest
computer with respect to a predetermined range 40 or physical
boundary corresponding to the location. By way of an example, the
use of the site-specific licensing application and therefore the
protected content/application(s) to which it restricts access can
be limited to a selected signal strength of a pilot signal
transmitted to and received by the guest computer 30, or to the
confirmed connection of a peripheral device to an auxiliary port of
the guest computer via programmed logic. The peripheral device can
comprise any of a number of location determination devices such as
a satellite-based position system like GPS, or triangulation
system, or a proximity sensor. The client technology of the
site-specific licensing application continues to check the location
of protected application use and manage the access to the use of
the protected application based on rules of use specific to
geographic boundaries depicted by latitude and longitude or any
other communicated units of geographic location via GPS or other
position determination devices.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for implementing a
site-specific content licensing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the
internet access point of FIG. 2, comprises a controller 210, a
memory 220, an input device 230, an antenna 240 and an interface
device 250. The controller 210 serves to control the internet
access point 10 to broadcast a secure system ID to the guest
computer 30 via the antenna 240 in order to allow a connection
thereto via a radio frequency channel within a selected spectrum
(e.g., WiFi, WiMax, EV-DO, and so on). The guest computer 30 then
negotiates with the wireless communication network. The internet
access point 10 retrieves the desired content from the internet 50
via interface device 250, which can be an Ethernet connection or
the like. The connection to the wireless communication network can
be range-specific based on the signal strength of the signals
communicated from the guest computer 30 to the wireless network via
the internet access point 10. That is, when the signal strength of
the signals from the guest computer 30 degrades or falls below a
predetermined level for the wireless communication network, the
site-specific licensing application is programmed to terminate. The
site-specific licensing application and/or the protected
content/application(s) can be served on demand at run-time. The
internet access point 10 then sends the desired protected content
or application to the guest computer 30 as long as the guest
computer 30 is within range 40 of the wireless communication
network.
[0030] The processor 210 generates one or more queries to the user
when the application or the internet access point 10 detects that
the user is outside of the predetermined range 40 or periphery.
[0031] The memory 220 can store MAC addresses or IP addresses of
guest computers 30 and programs for querying the user on whether
the protected content/application(s) should be purchased when it is
detected that the user is near the range 40.
[0032] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the guest computer's client application that is
protecting the software or file (i.e., the client side of the
site-specific licensing application) periodically (e.g., every
minute, and at least upon launch) checks with the server (e.g., the
wireless access point 10) to validate for continued use. When the
range is too weak to reach the server or access point 10, no
validation can occur. Thus, the client application restricts
further use of the protected content. This licensing client (and
the actual content) remains resident on the guest computing device
and could be used again when the guest computing device is within
range again.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting operations to implement a
site-specific content licensing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method begins at
step 310 where the internet access point negotiates with the guest
computer 30 concerning establishing a session. At step 320, the
user selects the protected content/application(s) the user wants
for trial purposes via the guest computer 30. Optionally, if the
user has visited that location or that chain of locations before,
the establishment may require that the user select a different
content via the internet access point 10 at step 325.
[0034] At step 330, a determination is made as to whether the user
is within range of the location. The determination can be made by
the internet access point 10 or via the internet access point and
software or hardware communicated or provided to the guest computer
30. If the user is within range the internet access point continues
to monitor the range 40 of the guest computer 30 at step 340.
[0035] If the user is out of range 40, the user is prompted to make
a decision concerning purchase of the protected
content/applications at step 350. FIG. 4 discloses an example of
what the guest computer 30 may display to the user. The display may
require the user to either register, authenticate, purchase a
license or go within range.
[0036] At step 360, if a purchase is made or authorized use is
otherwise obtained, the method ends. If a purchase is not made or
authorized use is not obtained, the user is asked whether the user
wants to continue the trial at step 370. The user then gets back
within range and the method returns to step 330. If the user does
not want to stay. the content terminates and removes user access to
the user or a degraded version of the content is provided. The
program returns to step 380.
[0037] FIG. 4 is an exemplary screen generated on the graphical
user interface of a guest computer by site-specific content
licensing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates user prompts on
the display of the guest computer 30. In this case, the user is
told that the user is out of range and must either purchase a
license or the content will be terminated if the user does not get
back within range 40.
[0038] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to a certain embodiment thereof, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not
be limited to the embodiment, but should be defined by the appended
claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *