SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INTEGRATED MEDIA

• US 20100169464A1
• Filed: 03/08/2010
• Published: 07/01/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: RealNetworks, Inc.
• Inventors: Grandy, Leslie L., Hall, J. Mark, Meghji, Karim, Mahlum, Edward T., Meyerson, Randy A., Ehrlich, Scott H., Kowalik, Olaf W., Chasen, Jeffrey M.
• Granted Patent: US 9,055,315 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/219
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9535 Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/123 Shopping for digital content
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/145 Payments according to the detected use or quantity
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0257 User requested
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25435 involving characteristics of content or additional data, e.g. video resolution or the amount of advertising
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25866 Management of end-user data customer care in data networks H04L41/5077
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2668 Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. insertion of targeted commercials based on end-user profiles information retrieval from the Internet by querying with filtering and personalisation G06F16/9535; arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast H04H20/10; push services over packet-switching network H04L12/1859; adaptation of message content in packet-switching networks H04L51/063
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/472 End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content end-user interfaces for retrieving video data from a database G06F16/739; network services for supporting unicast streaming H04L65/612
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/485 End-user interface for client configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6125 involving transmission via Internet transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82
• 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 21/8453 by locking or enabling a set of features, e.g. optional functionalities in an executable program
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17336 Handling of requests in head-ends

Abstract

Methods and system deliver media to users of media presentation systems. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a media server communicates with a media presentation system, such as a media player for streaming video and audio, to present subscription and non-subscription media to the user of the media presentation system. Subscription media may include multi-tiered media packages and individual media offerings as selected by the user. The media may be presented in various formats, including video, a graphical display, an audio presentation, a graphical and audio presentation, URL links, and interactive windows. Information about the user, the user'"'"'s subscription status, the user'"'"'s media presentation system and information about the media providers and the media offered by the media providers are maintained by the media server. The media server updates the foregoing information in accordance with the interaction between the media server, the users of media presentation systems, and the media providers.

Claims

1-90. -90. (canceled)

91. A computer implemented method for delivering media content, the method comprising:

a computer maintaining a record comprising information about a user and a media subscription level obtained by the user;

the computer receiving from the user a request for media content;

the computer determining whether the user qualifies to receive the media content;

in response to the determination that the user does qualify to receive the media content, the computer sending the media content to a device of the user that includes a media player to play the media content;

the computer determining whether the user qualifies to access a feature of the media player that enhances the playback of the media content by operating on the received media content; and

in response to the determination that the user does qualify to access the feature, the computer allowing the user to access the feature of the media player.

92. The method of claim 91, further comprising, in response to the determination that the user does not qualify to receive the media content, offering a media subscription level to the user that includes the requested media content.

93. The method of claim 91, wherein sending the media content includes sending the media content via the Internet.

94. The method of claim 91, wherein, in response to the determination that the user does qualify to receive the media content, initiating playback of the media content by the media player.

95. The method of claim 91, wherein allowing the user to access the feature of the media player includes modifying the media player.

96. The method of claim 91, wherein the requested media content is included in a group of media content available under the user'"'"'s media subscription level.

97. The method of claim 91, further comprising:

the computer receiving from the user a request to change the availability of media content under the user'"'"'s media subscription level;

the computer determining whether the user'"'"'s media subscription level covers the requested change in availability; and

in response to the determination that the subscription level does cover the change in availability, the computer changing the availability of the media content under the user'"'"'s media subscription level.

133. The method of claim 91, further comprising receiving a periodic payment to keep the user qualified to receive media content covered by the media subscription level.

135. The method of claim 91, wherein, in response to the determination that the user does not qualify to receive the media content, sending the user an opportunity to purchase a media subscription level that would qualify the user to receive the requested media content.

136. The method of claim 91, wherein the request from the user includes selecting a hyperlink that corresponds to the media content.

145. The method of claim 91, wherein the feature includes a graphic equalizer.

146. The method of claim 91, wherein the feature includes a screen selection mode that permits a user to vary a screen size for a multimedia presentation.

147. The method of claim 91, wherein the feature includes doing one of the following:

reducing the number of advertisements included in the media content or omitting the advertisements.

148. The method of claim 91, wherein determining whether the user qualifies to access the feature includes determining whether the user'"'"'s media subscription level has expired.

149. The method of claim 91, wherein determining whether the user qualifies to receive the media content includes determining whether the user'"'"'s media subscription level has expired.

98. A computer system for delivering media content, the computer system comprising:

a database module configured to store a record comprising information about a user and a media subscription level obtained by the user;

a communication module configured to receive from a user a request for media content; and

a control module configured to;

determine whether the user qualifies to receive the requested media content according to the media subscription level, and, in response to the determination that the user does qualify to receive the media content, send the media content to a device of the user that includes a media player to play the media content, and

determine whether the user qualifies to access a feature of the media player that enhances the playback of the received media content, and in response to the determination that the user does qualify to access the feature, allow the user to access the feature of the media player.

99. The computer system of claim 98, wherein, in response to the determination that the user does not qualify to receive the media content, the control module is further configured to offer a media subscription level to the user that includes the requested media content.

100. The computer system of claim 98, wherein the control module is further configured to send the media content via the Internet.

101. The computer system of claim 98, wherein the control module is configured to modify the media player to allow the user to access the feature of the media player.

102. The computer system of claim 98, wherein the control module, in response to the determination that the user does qualify to receive the media content, initiates playback of the media content by the media player.

103. The computer system of claim 98, wherein the requested media content is included in a group of media content available under the user'"'"'s media subscription level.

104. The computer system of claim 98, wherein:

the communication module is further configured to receive from the user a request to change the availability of media content under the user'"'"'s media subscription level, and

the control module is further configured to;

determine whether the user'"'"'s media subscription level covers the requested change in availability, and

in response to the determination that the subscription level does cover the change in availability, change the availability of the media content under the user'"'"'s media subscription level.

134. The system of claim 98, wherein the request from the user includes selecting a hyperlink that corresponds to the media content.

105. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to:

store a record comprising information about a user and a media subscription level obtained by the user;

determine whether the user qualifies to receive pre-recorded media content that the user has requested from the computer;

in response to the determination that the user does qualify to receive the pre-recorded media content, send the media content to a device of the user that includes a media player to play the media content;

determine whether the user qualifies to access a feature of the media player that enhances the playback of the pre-recorded media content; and

in response to the determination that the user does qualify to access the feature, allow the user to access the feature of the media player.

106. The medium of claim 105, wherein, in response to the determination that the user does not qualify to receive the media content, the program further causes the computer to offer a media subscription level to the user that includes the requested media content.

107. The medium of claim 105, wherein, the program further causes the computer to send the media selection via the Internet.

108. The medium of claim 105, wherein, the program causes the computer to modify the media player to allow the user to access the feature of the media player.

109. The medium of claim 105, wherein the program further causes the computer to:

determine whether a user'"'"'s media subscription level covers a user'"'"'s requested change in media content available under the user'"'"'s media subscription level, and

in response to the determination that the subscription level does cover the change in availability, change the availability of the media content under the user'"'"'s media subscription level.

137. The medium of claim 105, wherein, in response to the determination that the user does not qualify to receive the media content, the program further causes the computer to send the user an opportunity to obtain a media subscription level that would qualify the user to receive the requested media content.

138. The method of claim 105, wherein, in response to the determination that the user does qualify to receive the media content, the program further causes the computer to initiate playback of the media content by the media player.

110. A computer system for receiving media content, the computer system comprising:

a control module configured to;

request pre-recorded media content from a provider;

receive the pre-recorded media content from the provider, provided that the reception of the content is included in a media subscription level obtained from the provider; and

receive access to a feature of a media player that enhances the playback of the pre-recorded media content, provided that access to the feature is included in the media subscription level.

111. The computer system of claim 110, wherein the control module is configured to receive the media content via the Internet.

112. The computer system of claim 110, wherein the control module is configured to sign in to a sever of the provider to request the media content from the provider.

113. The computer system of claim 110, wherein the feature includes a graphic equalizer.

114. The computer system of claim 110, wherein the feature includes a screen selection mode that permits a user to vary a screen size for a multimedia presentation.

115. The computer system of claim 110, wherein the feature does one of the following:

reduces the number of advertisements included in the media content or omits the advertisements.

116. The computer system of claim 110, wherein the control module is configured to:

sign in to a server of the provider to request the media content from the provider, and

disable access to the feature while not signed in to the provider'"'"'s server.

117. The computer system of claim 110, wherein the control module is configured to receive access to the feature each time the media content is received.

118. A computer implemented method for receiving media content, the method comprising:

a computer requesting pre-recorded media content from a provider;

the computer receiving the pre-recorded media content from the provider, provided that the reception of the content is included in a media subscription level obtained from the provider;

the computer receiving access to a feature of a media player that enhances the playback of the pre-recorded media content, provided that access to the feature is included in the media subscription level; and

the computer playing the pre-recorded media content.

119. The method of claim 118, wherein receiving the media content includes receiving the content via the Internet.

120. The method of claim 118, wherein requesting the media content from the provider includes signing in to a server of the provider.

121. The method of claim 118, wherein access to the feature is included in the media subscription level as long as the subscription level includes media content from the provider.

122. The method of claim 118, wherein the feature comprises a graphic equalizer.

123. The method of claim 118, wherein the feature comprises a screen selection mode that permits a user to vary a screen size for a multimedia presentation.

124. The method of claim 118, wherein the feature does one of the following:

reduces the number of advertisements included in the media content or omits the advertisements.

125. The method of claim 118,

wherein requesting the media content from the provider includes signing in to a server of the provider, and

further comprising losing access to the feature while not signed in to the provider'"'"'s server.

126. The method of claim 118, wherein access to the feature is received each time the media content is received.

127. The method of claim 118, wherein receiving access to the feature includes modifying the media player.

128. A computer readable storage medium storing a program that, when executed by a computer causes the computer to:

receive media content requested from a provider, provided that the reception of the content is included in a media subscription level obtained from the provider; and

receive access to a feature of a media player that enhances the playback of the received media content, provided that access to the feature is included in the media subscription level.

129. The medium of claim 128, wherein the program causes the computer to receive the media content via the Internet.

130. The medium of claim 128, wherein the feature includes a graphic equalizer.

131. The medium of claim 128, wherein the feature includes a screen selection mode that permits a user to vary a screen size for a multimedia presentation.

132. The medium of claim 128, wherein the feature does one of the following:

reduces the number of advertisements included in the media content or omits the advertisements.

139. A computer implemented method of allocating subscription fees for media content, the method comprising:

a computer receiving from a user a subscription fee to allow the user to access media content from a plurality of media content providers;

the computer providing to the user access to the media content;

the computer providing a media content provider included in the plurality of content providers a portion of the subscription fee, wherein the portion is determined by the number of times the user accesses the media content from the media content provider;

the computer receiving from a second user a subscription fee to allow the second user to access media content from the media content provider; and

the computer providing the media content provider a portion of the subscription fee from the second user, wherein the portion of the subscription fee from the second user is higher than the portion of the subscription fee from the other user based on the type and duration of provided media content.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein access to the media content is provided via the Internet.

141. The method of claim 139, wherein the media content is transmitted in a packet format.

142. The method of claim 139, wherein the portion of the subscription fee is provided to the media content provider electronically.

143. The method of claim 139, wherein the media content comprises audio and video content.

144. The method of claim 139, wherein the media content is streamed over the internet.

150. A computer implemented method for allocating subscription fees for media content, the method comprising:

a computer receiving from a user a subscription fee to allow the user to access media content from a plurality of media content providers;

the computer providing to the user access to the media content; and

the computer providing a media content provider included in the plurality of content providers a portion of the subscription fee, wherein the portion is determined by the number of users who have included the media content provider in their subscription plan.

151. The method of claim 150, wherein the media content comprises audio and video content.

152. The method of claim 150, wherein the media content is streamed over the internet.

153. The method of claim 150, further comprising:

the computer receiving from a second user a subscription fee to allow the second user to access media content from the media content provider; and

the computer providing the media content provider a portion of the subscription fee from the second user.

154. A computer implemented method for allocating subscription fees for media content, the method comprising:

a computer receiving from a user a subscription fee to allow the user to access media content from a plurality of media content providers;

the computer providing to the user access to the media content; and

the computer providing a media content provider included in the plurality of content providers a portion of the subscription fee, wherein the portion is determined by the type of media content provided by the media content provider.

155. The method of claim 154, wherein the portion of the subscription fee provided to a media content provider for a weather report is less than the portion provided to a media content provider for a television show.

156. The method of claim 154, wherein the media content comprises audio and video content.

157. The method of claim 154, wherein the media content is streamed over the internet.

158. The method of claim 154, further comprising:

the computer receiving from a second user a subscription fee to allow the second user to access media content from the media content provider; and

the computer providing the media content provider a portion of the subscription fee from the second user.