System and methods for direct targeted media advertising over peer-to-peer networks

• US 20050027821A1
• Filed: 08/12/2003
• Published: 02/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Moganstein
• Original Assignee: David S. Morganstein
• Inventors: Alexander, Justin, Schweitzer, Rob
• Granted Patent: US 8,090,798 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/218
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0253 During e-commerce, i.e. online transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0256 User search
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0269 based on user profile or attribute
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement

Abstract

An information handling system according to the invention comprises an input for receiving search requests seeking one or more specified files; a search engine for searching a database for names of files satisfying a received search request; and server logic for serving a results page comprising the names of files satisfying a received search request and a hyperlink associated with each file name. Each hyperlink in the results, when activated causes transmission of a request for the selected file that is associated with the link. The request for the selected file is directed to a file server controlling a database of files including the selected file. The file server responds to the request by serving a content (or media) file comprising a copy of the selected file with an embedded request for information for presentation to the person from whom the search request was received. When the user runs the downloaded content file the content file sends a request for service to a site (e.g., a reflector server) that responds by serving information such as advertising to the requester.

Claims

1. An information handling system, comprising:

an input for receiving search requests seeking one or more specified files;

a search engine for searching a database for names of files satisfying a received search request;

server logic for serving a results page comprising the names of files satisfying a received search request and a hyperlink associated with each file name;

wherein each hyperlink, when activated, causes transmission of a request for a selected file associated with the link, and wherein the request for the selected file is directed to a file server controlling a database of files including the selected file and wherein the file server responds to the request by serving a content file comprising a copy of the selected file with an embedded request for information for presentation to the person from whom the search request was received.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the content file comprises a unique identifier associated with the content file.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising the file server.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein the request for information is transmitted to a reflector server responsive to a user command to run the content file and wherein the reflector server serves information selected based at least in part on the unique identifier.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the served information comprises advertising.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising logic for searching for files comprising content similar to that of the requested file.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the system serves files comprising content similar to that of the requested file.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein when a user activates a link on the selected file the user is redirected to the file server.

9. The system of claim 4 wherein when the user of the selected file activates a player to play the file, the client unit used by the user contacts the reflector server.

10. A method for distributing content files in a peer-to-peer network, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving search request comprising search criteria;

searching a database for names of files satisfying the received search criteria;

serving a results page comprising the names of files satisfying the search criteria and a hyperlink associated with each file name,

wherein each hyperlink, when activated, causes transmission of a request for a selected file associated with the link, and wherein the request for the selected file is directed to a file server controlling a database of files including the selected file and wherein the file server responds to the request by serving a content file comprising a copy of the selected file and a request for information for presentation to the person from whom the search request was received.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the content file comprises a unique identifier associated with it.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the request for information is transmitted responsive to a user command for the content file to be presented to the user.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the request for information is transmitted responsive to a user play command for the content file to be played by a media player.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the request for information comprises a pop-up window.

15. The method of claim 10 comprising searching for files comprising content similar to that of the requested file.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein when a user activates a link on the content file the user is redirected to the file server.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein when the user of the content file activates a player to play the file, the client unit used by the user contacts the reflector server.

18. A method for distributing content files in a peer-to-peer network, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving search request comprising search criteria;

searching a database for names of files satisfying the received search criteria;

serving a results page comprising the names of files satisfying the search criteria and a hyperlink associated with each file name,

wherein each hyperlink, when activated, causes transmission of a request for a selected file associated with the link, and wherein the request for the selected file is directed to a file server controlling a database of files including the selected file and wherein the file server responds to the request by serving a content file comprising a copy of a content file that has been selected for presentation to the person from whom the search request was received.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the file server further responds to the request by serving a content file comprising a copy of the selected file and a request for information for presentation to the person from whom the search request was received.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the information comprises advertising.