Method and apparatus for the free licensing of digital media content

• US 20040003398A1
• Filed: 06/26/2003
• Published: 01/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Piranha Media Distribution, LLC
• Original Assignee: Piranha Media Distribution Incorporated
• Inventors: Malione, Michael M., Donian, Philip M., Henneman, Larry E. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 10,986,403 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/612 for unicast
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23424 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for inserting or substituting an advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2541 Rights Management protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10; security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25891 being end-user preferences retrieval of video data in a video database based on user preferences G06F16/739; arrangements for recognizing users' preferences H04H60/46; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4147 PVR [Personal Video Recorder] H04N5/76 takes precedence ; arrangements for broadcast with accumulation-type receivers H04H20/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4312 involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4314 for fitting data in a restricted space on the screen, e.g. EPG data in a rectangular grid
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44016 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for substituting a video clip
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44204 Monitoring of content usage, e.g. the number of times a movie has been viewed, copied or the amount which has been watched monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; protecting generic digital content where the protection is independent of the precise nature of the content G06F21/10; arrangements for monitoring the use made of the broadcast services in broadcast systems H04H60/31
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/454 Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/458 Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or during the distribution H04H20/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4627 Rights management associated to the content security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4667 Processing of monitored end-user data, e.g. trend analysis based on the log file of viewer selections
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47202 for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4788 communicating with other users, e.g. chatting arrangements for providing for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms, to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1813; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/482 End-user interface for program selection broadcast systems using EPGs H04H60/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4825 using a list of items to be played back in a given order, e.g. playlists
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6582 : Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number arrangements where receivers interact with the broadcast H04H20/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/812 : involving advertisement data advertising per se G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8173 : End-user applications, e.g. Web browser, game
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8193 : dedicated tools, e.g. video decoder software or IPMP tool
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 : involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8456 : by decomposing the content in the time domain, e.g. in time segments
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 : Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Abstract

A system and method for displaying digital media files with compulsory advertisement files is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a user interface, a media file decryptor, an ad manager, an intersplicer, and a media player. The user interface receives input from a user indicating the selection of media files to be presented. The media file decryptor receives and decrypts the selected media files. The ad manager receives and manages ad files from an ad file source. The intersplicer combines the media files with the ad files by providing control signals to the media player, causing the media player to present the ad files with the selected media files. Various embodiments of the invention facilitate the wide distribution of media content in a way that allows the free use of media properties, on demand, with direct consumer exchange capabilities, while at the same time enabling compensation to copyright holders.

Claims

1. A method for presenting ads with user selected media files, said method comprising:

receiving at least one ad file;

receiving input indicative of a user'"'"'s selection of at least one media file;

receiving a copy of said media file; and

presenting said media file content and said ad file content to said user.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

receiving another ad file; and

re-presenting said media file content to said user with said another ad file content.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

said step of receiving at least one ad file includes receiving a plurality of ad files; and

said step of presenting said ad to said user includes selecting said ad file from said plurality of ad files.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on said media file content.

5. A method according to claim 3, further comprising:

receiving demographic information from said user; and

wherein said ad file is selected at least in part based on said user demographic information.

6. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on a marketing preference.

7. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on a geographic location.

8. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on a time of day.

9. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on a position of presentation of ad file content with respect to said media file content.

10. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on a position of presentation of said ad file content with respect to other ad file content.

11. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on a number of said media files to be presented.

12. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on other ad files being presented with said media file content.

13. A method according to claim 3, wherein said ad file is selected based at least in part on a format of said media file content.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of presenting said ad file content to said user includes ensuring that said ad file content is presented in its entirety.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein ensuring that said ad file content is presented in its entirety includes disabling media player playback controls.

16. A method according to claim 14, wherein ensuring that said ad file content is presented in its entirety includes maintaining a volume setting above a predetermined threshold level.

17. A method according to claim 1, further comprising making a record of ad files that have been presented to said user.

18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising transmitting said ad file presentation records to a provider of said ad files.

19. A method according to claim 17, further comprising selecting subsequent ad files based at least in part on said ad file presentation records.

20. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

said step of receiving at least one ad file includes receiving a plurality of ad files;

said step of receiving input indicative of a user'"'"'s selection of at least one media file includes receiving a list of media files; and

said step of receiving a copy of said media file includes receiving a copy of each media file in said list of media files.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said step of presenting said media file content with said ad file content includes:

arranging said ad files into ad blocks;

presenting the content of said media files included in said list; and

interrupting the presentation of said media file content with the presentation of the content of said ad blocks at predetermined points.

22. A method according to claim 21, further comprising:

altering the order of presentation of the content of said media files responsive to input from said user; and

altering said predetermined points for presenting said ad block content based on the altered order of presentation of the content of said media files.

23. A method according to claim 21, further comprising:

receiving input indicative of said user'"'"'s desire to re-present the media files included in said list;

generating new ad blocks; and

presenting said media file content with the content of said new ad blocks.

24. A method according to claim 21, further comprising:

altering the order of presentation of the content of said media files responsive to input from said user; and

altering said ad block content based on the altered order of presentation of the content of said media files.

25. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of presenting said media file content and said ad file content includes:

associating an ad requirement with said media file; and

presenting sufficient ad file content to satisfy said ad requirement.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein said ad requirement depends at least in part on the length of said associated media file content.

27. A method according to claim 25, wherein said ad requirement is predetermined for said associated media file.

28. A method according to claim 25, wherein a value indicative of said ad requirement is included in said associated media file.

29. A method according to claim 25, wherein an ad requirement associated with a particular media file is set to indicate that no ad content is required after said particular media file content has been presented with ad file content a predetermined number of times.

30. A method according to claim 25, wherein said ad requirement depends at least in part on a service level associated with said user.

31. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

said media file content is presented in a first format; and

said ad file content is presented in a second format different from said first format.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein:

said first format is print; and

said second format is audio.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein presenting said media file content and said ad file content includes presenting subsequent pages of said media file content, responsive to user input, while said ad file content is being presented.

34. A method according to claim 1, wherein said media file content and said ad file content are both presented in the same format.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein said media file content and said ad file content are both presented in audio format.

36. A method according to claim 34, wherein said media file content and said ad file content are both presented in video format.

37. A method according to claim 34, wherein said media file content and said ad file content are both presented in print format.

38. A method according to claim 1, wherein said media file comprises a real time broadcast.

39. A method according to claim 1, wherein said ad file includes user interactive content.

40. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a media file from said user;

associating an ad requirement with said media file; and

providing said media file to another user;

whereby the content of said media file can be presented to said other user with ad file content.

41. A method according to claim 1, wherein said media file is received from the provider of said ad file.

42. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said media file is received via a peer-to-peer transfer.

43. A method according to claim 42, further comprising providing feedback to said user to create the impression that said media file is being received from the provider of said ad file.

44. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving updated ad files for use with subsequent presentation of media files.

45. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving media file identifiers associated with media files that should no longer be presented.

46. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving media file identifiers associated with media files that are not be transferred.

47. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving media file identifiers associated with media files that are to be removed from said user'"'"'s system.

48. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving a new media file identifier associated with a new media file that should be substituted for an existing media file.

49. A method according to claim 1, further comprising associating an identifier with each media file, said identifier being uniquely indicative of a work of authorship contained in said media file.

50. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of receiving a copy of said media file includes receiving a copy of said media file in an encrypted format.

51. A method according to claim 50, wherein said step of presenting said media file content to said user includes:

decrypting said media file; and

providing said decrypted media file to a media player.

52. A method according to claim 51, further comprising restricting access to said decrypted media file.

53. A method according to claim 50, wherein said step of receiving said ad file includes receiving a copy of said ad file in an encrypted format.

54. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

said step of receiving said at least one ad file includes receiving a plurality of ad files; and

said step of presenting said media file content and said ad file content includes dividing said media file into a plurality of segments, and presenting ad file content between said segments.

55. A method according to claim 1, further comprising presenting a graphical user interface representing a media player to said user, said interface including:

a first tab indicative of a first media type; and

a second tab indicative of a second media type; and

whereby

user selection of said first tab results in the presentation of an active window for the presentation of a media file of said first type, while a media file of said second type is presented in background.

56. A method according to claim 55, wherein:

said first media type is print; and

said second media type is audio.

57. A method according to claim 55, wherein said first media type and said second media typre are the same media type.

58. A method according to claim 1, further comprising making a record of media files that have been presented to said user.

59. A method according to claim 58, further comprising transmitting said media file presentation records to a provider of said ad files.

60. A method according to claim 58, further comprising selecting subsequent ad files based at least in part on said media file presentation records.

61. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

requiring that said ad file content be presented in order to present said media file content; and

relaxing the requirement for presenting said ad file for the remainder of a single media presentation session after said ad file has been presented.

62. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 1.

63. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 2.

64. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 3.

65. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 4.

66. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 5.

67. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 14.

68. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 15.

69. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 16.

70. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 17.

71. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 21.

72. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 22.

73. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 23.

74. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 25.

75. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 31.

76. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 34.

77. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 38.

78. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 50.

79. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 54.

80. An electronically-readable medium having code embodied therein for causing an electronic device to perform the steps of claim 55.

81. A system for presenting ads with user selected media files, said system comprising:

a user interface operative to receive input indicative of a user'"'"'s selection of media files to be presented;

an ad manager operative to receive ad files from an ad file source;

an intersplicer operative to provide control signals indicative of a presentation sequence for said ad files and said media files; and

a media player responsive to said control signals and operative to present the content of said media files and the content of said ad files to said user.

82. A system according to claim 81, further comprising an ad rotator operative to replace said ad files with new ad files after said ad files have been presented.

83. A system according to claim 81, wherein said ad manager is operative to select ad files for presentation from a database of ad files.

84. A system according to claim 83, wherein said ad manager is operative to select said ad files based on said content of said selected media files.

85. A system according to claim 83, wherein said ad manager is operative to select said ad files based on user provided demographic information.

86. A system according to claim 81, wherein said intersplicer is operative to ensure that said ad files are presented in their entirety.

87. A system according to claim 86, wherein said intersplicer is operative to provide control signals to disable playback controls of said media player during the presentation of said ad file content.

88. A system according to claim 86, wherein said intersplicer is operative to provide control signals to set a minimum volume level of said media player during the presentation of said ad file content.

89. A system according to claim 81, wherein said intersplicer is further operative to make records of ad files that have been presented to said user.

90. A system according to claim 81, wherein said intersplicer is further operative to make records of media files that have been presented to said user.

91. A system according to claim 81, wherein:

said input indicative of a user'"'"'s selection of media files to be presented comprises a list of media files;

said ad manager is operative to arrange said ad files into ad blocks; and

said media player responsive to control signals from said intersplicer is operative to present the content of said media files included in said list, and to interrupt the presentation of said media file content with the presentation of the content of said ad blocks at predetermined points.

92. A system according to claim 91, wherein:

said media player responsive to input from said user is operative to alter the order of presentation of said media file content; and

said intersplicer responsive to the altered order of presentation of said media file content alters said predetermined points for presenting said ad block content.

93. A system according to claim 91, wherein said ad manager is operative to provide new ad blocks for presentation with repeat presentation of said list of media files.

94. A system according to claim 91, wherein:

said media player responsive to input from said user is operative to alter the order of presentation of said media file content; and

said ad manager responsive to the altered order of presentation of said media file content alters the content of said ad blocks.

95. A system according to claim 81, wherein said ad manager is further operative to associate an ad requirement value with each media file.

96. A system according to claim 81, wherein said media player responsive to control signals from said intersplicer is operative to present said ad files in a first format and said media files in a second format different from said first format.

97. A system according to claim 81, wherein said media player responsive to control signals from said intersplicer is operative to present said ad files and said media files in the same format.

98. A system according to claim 81, wherein said media files comprise a real time broadcast.

99. A system according to claim 81, wherein:

at least one of said media files is divided into a plurality of segments; and

said media player is operative to present said ad files between said segments of said media file.

100. A system according to claim 81, wherein said user interface is further operative to present a graphical user interface representing said media player to said user, said graphical user interface including:

a representation of a first tab indicative of a first media type; and

a representation of a second tab indicative of a second media type; and

whereby user selection of said first tab causes said media player to present a media file of said first type in an active display window, and to present a media file of said second type in background.

101. A system according to claim 81, further comprising a media file decryptor operative to receive and decrypt said user selected media files.

102. A system for presenting ads with user selected media files, said system comprising:

a user interface operative to receive input indicative of a user'"'"'s selection of media files to be presented;

means for presenting the content of said media files to said user with commercial advertisements embedded therein.

103. A system according to claim 102, further comprising means for preventing the presentation of the content of said media files to said user without said commercial advertisements.

104. A method of doing business, said method comprising:

providing media files containing copyrighted works;

providing ad files;

providing a media player operative to combine and present the content of said media files with the content of said ad files; and

providing a free license to consumers to present said media files and said ad files with said media player.

105. A method according to claim 104, further comprising authorizing said consumers to reproduce and transfer said media files free of charge.

106. A method according to claim 104, further comprising:

monitoring the presentation of said ad files to said consumers; and

conferring a benefit on particular ones of said consumers based at least in part on the presentation of said ad files to said particular consumers.

107. An electronically-readable medium having stored thereon a data structure comprising:

a first field containing data identifying a media file; and

a second field containing data indicative of an ad requirement associated with said media file.

108. An electronically-readable medium according to claim 107, wherein said data structure further comprises a third field containing data representing an ad file to be displayed with said media file.