Point-of-Sale Activation of Media Device Account

• US 20080046283A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 02/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: e2Interactive Incorporated
• Original Assignee: e2Interactive Incorporated
• Inventors: Graves, Phillip
• Granted Patent: US 7,437,329 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/105 involving programming of a portable memory device, e.g. IC cards, "electronic purses"
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/407 Cancellation of a transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/265 Personal security, identity or safety

Abstract

The present invention discloses systems and methods for activating and redeeming prepaid media download cards and devices. Methods for activating prepaid media download cards may comprise storing at a central processor a media download card identifier identifying a specific prepaid media download card, inputting the prepaid media download card identifier at a merchant terminal during a purchase of the prepaid media download card, receiving at a central processor a prepaid media download card activation request, determining whether to authorize activation of the prepaid media download card based on the media download card identifier, and activating the prepaid media download card in response to a determination to authorize activation of the prepaid media download card.

Claims

1. A method of activating and using a prepaid media download card comprising:

storing at a central processor a media download card identifier identifying a specific prepaid media download card;

inputting the prepaid media download card identifier at a merchant terminal during a purchase of the prepaid media download card;

receiving at a central processor a prepaid media download card activation request;

determining whether to authorize activation of the prepaid media download card based on the media download card identifier;

activating the prepaid media download card in response to a determination to authorize activation of the prepaid media download card;

receiving at the central processor a redemption request, wherein the redemption request comprises the media download card identifier and a selection of one or more media downloads;

determining whether the media download card identifier received is valid, unredeemed, and authorized for redemption of the one or more media downloads;

upon a determination that the media download card identifier is valid, unredeemed, and authorized for redemption of the one or more media downloads, authorizing the one or more media downloads;

making the one or more media download material available for download.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the activation request is received from a merchant terminal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the activation request is received from a user computer.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the prepaid media download card comprises an indicia redeemable for movies, television programs, games, music that uses MP3, MP4, WMV, WAV or any other music format, and any other entertainment related product or service.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the prepaid media download card is an internet-enabled or downloadable media card.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the media download card comprises passing activation information to a user, the activation information being usable by the user to activate the prepaid media download card.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

preventing activation of the prepaid media download card until the central processor receives a confirmation indicating the completion of the purchase transaction.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the confirmation comprises a confirmation that purchase funds have been transferred from a buyer of the media download card to a seller of the media download card.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the prepaid media download card is activated on the internet or a communications network by a user.

10. A method of activating a media device, comprising:

storing at a central processor media device identifier information identifying a media device;

inputting the media device identifier information at a merchant terminal during a purchase of the media device;

receiving at a central processor the media device identifier information from the merchant terminal;

receiving at the central processor a device activation request;

determining whether to authorize activation of the media device based on the media device identifier information received; and

activating the media device responsive to a determination to authorize activation of the media device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the act of activating the media device comprises causing the media device to store activation information.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the activation information enables a communication functionality of the media device, the communication functionality enabling the media device to communicate in a particular manner with another device.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the act of activating the media device comprises passing activation information to a user, the activation information being usable by the user to activate the media device.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the media device comprises a mobile communication device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mobile communication device has media playing functionality.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the activation of the mobile communication device activates a media player and any media player accounts.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the mobile communication device comprises a media player that can play movies, television programs, games, music that uses MP3, MP4, WMV, WAV or any other music format, and any other entertainment related product or service.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the media device comprises a media player that can play movies, television programs, games, music that uses MP3, MP4, WMV, WAV or any other music format, and any other entertainment related product or service.