Media keying for updateable content distribution

• US 20050204017A1
• Filed: 08/09/2004
• Published: 09/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kincaid Technology Corporation
• Original Assignee: Kincaid Technology Corporation
• Inventors: Graves, Roger, Kincaid, Preston
• Granted Patent: US 7,606,876 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: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

A method and system for keying media allows for the distribution of updateable content to an end user. The media are any type of processor readable, portable apparatus containing a preinstalled Keying Application and unique Source ID. A particular medium is provided to an end user and the end user runs the Keying Application on a network-connected electronic device, such as a computer or PDA. The Keying Application interacts with a Content Server via the network connection. The end user also interacts with the Content Server via the Keying Application. Through these interactions, the Content Server distributes specific updateable content to the Keying Application, which displays the specific content to the end user. The content may comprise catalog and directory information.

Claims

1. A system for distributing and remotely updating information contained on storage media, wherein the information includes a media identifier and a user accesses the information by connecting the media to an electronic device adapted to connect to a network, the system comprising:

at least one content server connected to the network and adapted for automatically creating and updating the information according to a profile associated with the user and for delivering updated information to the electronic device, wherein the profile is generated from factors including the media identifier, a user identity (user ID), a history of transactions involving the user ID, and a history of transactions involving the electronic device; and

a keying application installed on the electronic device for selecting the user ID and transmitting the user ID and the media identifier to the content server, wherein the keying application selects the user ID based on the media identifier and other indicia of user identification including a social security number and a mailing address.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the factors further include recorded personal and demographic information of the user, wherein the content server and electronic device collect and record the personal and demographic information of the user.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the factors further include original source and content of the media, wherein the original source of the media includes vendors, marketers and retailers and wherein the original content of the media may vary according to time and location of original distribution.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the factors further include linking data wherein the linking data is obtained by combining a plurality of user records, wherein each of the plurality of user records shares at least one element of common personal information with any other of the plurality of user records.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the history of transactions is recorded by the keying application and the content server, and the history of transactions comprises:

prior purchases executed using the user ID;

prior access of certain portions of the information;

absence of prior accesses of certain other portions of the information; and

prior searches and requests for different information wherein the searches and requests were initiated by the user.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the keying application is stored on the media and automatically starts when the media is connected to the electronic device.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the information further includes information organized according to relationships between elements of the information and the system further comprises a browsing application for presenting the elements in the form of a product catalog.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the information further includes information organized according to relationships between elements of the information and the system further comprises a browsing application for presenting the elements in the form of a directory.

9. A method for distributing and remotely updating information contained on storage media, wherein the information includes a media identifier and a user accesses the information by connecting the media to an electronic device adapted to connect to a network, the method comprising the steps of:

creating original information on a content server and storing the original information on the media, wherein the original information is customized according to time and location of distribution;

identifying a user of the media by associating the media identifier with a user ID, wherein the user ID is linked to personal identifying information of the user and the media identifier is associated with the user ID using a keying application;

transmitting the user ID and media identifier to the content server to access a profile of the user, wherein the profile is based on factors including;

a past history of transactions,

demographic information received from the user, and

the location of original distribution of the media; and

creating updated information and transmitting the updated information to the electronic device.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the information further includes information organized according to relationships between elements of the information and the system further comprises a browsing application for presenting the elements in the form of a product catalog.

11. A method according to claim 9, wherein the information further includes information organized according to relationships between elements of the information and the system further comprises a browsing application for presenting the elements in the form of a directory.

12. An electronic catalog comprising a carrier of data, the data being readable and updateable through an electronic device using at least one application, wherein:

the carrier comprises a data storage media adapted for storing the data and copies of the at least one application;

the data includes information organized according to relationships between elements of the information;

the data further includes a listing of the relationships;

the at least one application includes a browsing application adapted to

receive the listing,

provide a user with a browsing interface for navigating the information,

search the listing and the information for related elements of the information according to search terms selected by the user, and

display selected elements of the information;

the at least one application includes a keying application for

connecting to at least one update server using a network,

transmitting indicators to the at least one update server, the indicators identifying the user and the carrier; and

receiving additional and updated elements, the updated elements being generated based on information including the indicators and original content of the data stored on the carrier.

13. An electronic directory comprising a carrier of data, the data being readable and updateable through an electronic device using at least one application, wherein:

the carrier comprises a data storage media adapted for storing the data and copies of the at least one application;

the data includes information organized according to relationships between elements of the information;

the data further includes a listing of the relationships;

the at least one application includes a browsing application adapted to

receive the listing,

provide a user with a browsing interface for navigating the information,

search the listing and the information for related elements of the information according to search terms selected by the user, and

display selected elements of the information;

the at least one application includes a keying application for

connecting to at least one update server using a network,

transmitting indicators to the at least one update server, the indicators identifying the user and the carrier; and

receiving additional and updated elements, the updated elements being generated based on information including the indicators and original content of the data stored on the carrier.