Multimedia delivery system
First Claim
1. An improved multimedia delivery system, comprising:
- a computer which processes multimedia content;
a storage device for storing multimedia content connected to said computer;
a user interface means for receiving user input connected to said computer;
a means for evaluating and analyzing said user input for advertising and marketing purposes, thereby generating a demographic profile of said user input;
one or more converter means connected to said computer for converting said multimedia content transferred from said storage device to said one or more converter means from digital to analog format, each said converter means capable of simultaneously presenting multiple streams of multimedia content in analog format; and
a presentation means, capable of presenting said multimedia content in analog format to a user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computerized multimedia delivery system designed to simultaneously display multiple streams of multimedia content is disclosed. The interactive delivery system is capable of (1) providing multiple streams of content to users of the system, (2) allowing users to interact with the system, (3) providing information concerning such users to a centralized computer for processing, (4) providing users with the ability to perform financial transactions, and (5) provide a printed receipt or redemption coupon. Content is digitally stored on a medium suitable for storage and retrieval by the computer system such as large capacity hard disk drives. The content to be displayed is selected either using a scheduling device or by user interaction. A user can interact with the system through a touch-screen graphical user interface on a video display. Once the content is selected, the system reads the configuration information for that particular content. The digital data representing the selected content is sent to a series of suitable digital to analog converters capable of converting the digital representation of the content into an analog signal which can be transferred to analog devices capable of audio and video reproduction. A device capable of financial transactions such as a magnetic stripe reader, smartcard reader, or currency validator is connected to the computer through input/output interfaces allowing the user to perform financial transactions through the system. An attached printer has the ability to provide the user with printed material related to the selected content. Two-way communication between the user and the system allows the system to collect user information directly related to specific content and transmit such information to a centralized data management center through a modem connected to the system. The system'"'"'s multimedia content can be upgraded through an optical disk or data transmission by satellite.
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Citations
40 Claims
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1. An improved multimedia delivery system, comprising:
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a computer which processes multimedia content;
a storage device for storing multimedia content connected to said computer;
a user interface means for receiving user input connected to said computer;
a means for evaluating and analyzing said user input for advertising and marketing purposes, thereby generating a demographic profile of said user input;
one or more converter means connected to said computer for converting said multimedia content transferred from said storage device to said one or more converter means from digital to analog format, each said converter means capable of simultaneously presenting multiple streams of multimedia content in analog format; and
a presentation means, capable of presenting said multimedia content in analog format to a user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
a central data collection system; and
a communication means for communicating said computer with said central data collection system.
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13. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 12, wherein said communication means consists of a modem connected to said computer, wherein said modem transfers said user input gathered from users of said multimedia delivery system to said data collection system.
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16. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 1, wherein said presentation means comprises one or more pieces of external equipment selected from the group consisting of video monitors, television monitors, aesthetic lighting displays, audio amplifiers, and speakers.
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17. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a means for delivering physical output to a user of the multimedia delivery system.
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18. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 17, wherein said physical output is selected from the group consisting of advertisements, promotional materials, and coupons.
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19. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 18, wherein said physical output contains a watermark or bar code for identification and verification purposes.
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20. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 17, wherein said physical output is dynamically generated.
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21. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a means for purchasing products.
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22. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 21, wherein said means for purchasing comprises:
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a means for displaying one or more products;
a means for receiving payment for a selected product; and
a means for providing a recepit for said payment for said selected product.
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23. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 22, wherein said means for receiving payment is a card reader capable of secure credit and debit card transactions.
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24. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 22, wherein said means for receiving payment is a currency validator allowing cash transactions.
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14. An improved multimedia deliver system comprising:
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a computer which process multimedia content;
a storage device for storing multimedia content connected to said computer;
a user interface means, connected to said computer, for receiving user information;
a plurality of decompression means for decompressing compressed multimedia digital data, connected to said computer;
a plurality of converter means, connected to said decompression means, for converting decompressed multimedia content transferred from the storage device from digital multimedia content into analog multimedia content and capable of simultaneously delivering multiple streams of multimedia content;
a plurality of RF modulators connected to said converter means for converting said multimedia content in analog format into RF modulated outputs at different predetermined frequencies;
a means for combining said RF modulated outputs into a single RF cable connected to said RF modulator means;
a printer connected to said computer;
a card reader connected to said computer;
a currency validator connected to said computer;
an infrared transceiver connected to said computer;
a modem connected to said computer; and
a presentation means for presenting said multimedia content in analog format to a user.
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15. A method for simultaneously providing multiple streams of multimedia content from a multimedia delivery system to a user or group of users, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. storing database signals representative of the multimedia content to be delivered in digital format;
b. selecting the multimedia content to be delivered;
c. transferring the unprocessed digital signals representing the selection of the multimedia content to be delivered to a plurality of converters;
d. converting the unprocessed digital signals into a series of processed analog signals capable of being simultaneously transferred to presentation devices;
e. presenting the analog signals to a user of the system through presentation devices;
f. evaluating and analyzing the selection of the multimedia content to be delivered for advertising and marketing purposes; and
g. generating a demographic profile. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40)
h. delivering physical output to the user of the multimedia delivery system.
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40. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
h. purchasing a product through the multimedia delivery system.
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25. A multimedia delivery system, comprising:
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a computer which processes multimedia content;
a storage device for storing multimedia content connected to said computer;
a user interface means for receiving user input connected to said computer;
a means for purchasing products;
one or more converter means connected to said computer for converting said multimedia content transferred from said storage device to said one or more converter means from digital to analog format, each said converter means capable of simultaneously presenting multiple streams of multimedia content in analog format; and
a presentation means, capable of presenting said multimedia content analog format to a user. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
a means for displaying one or more products;
a means for receiving payment for a selected product; and
a means for providing a receipt for said payment for said selected product.
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31. The improved multimedia delivery system of claim 30, wherein said means for receiving payment is a card reader capable of secure credit and debit card transactions.
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32. The multimedia delivery system of claim 30, wherein said means for receiving payment is a currency validator allowing cash transactions.
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33. The multimedia delivery system of claim 25, wherein said presentation means comprises one or more pieces of external equipment selected from the group consisting of video monitors, television monitors, aesthetic lighting displays, audio amplifiers, and speakers.
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34. A multimedia delivery system, comprising:
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a computer which processes multimedia content;
a storage device for storing multimedia content connected to said computer;
a user interface means for receiving user input connected to said computer;
a means for delivering physical output to a user of the multimedia delivery system;
one or more converter means connected to said computer for converting said multimedia content transferred from said storage device to said one or more converter means from digital to analog format, each said converter means capable of simultaneousley presenting multiple streams of multimedia content in analog format; and
a presentation means, capable of presenting said multimedia content in analog format to a user. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification