PUSHBUTTON RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG FOR MEDIA CONTENT DELIVERY

• US 20090234472A1
• Filed: 03/13/2008
• Published: 09/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Pyle, Hugh Francis
• Granted Patent: US 8,755,919 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/94
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/188 Media card holders, e.g. memory cards, SIM cards
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2541 Rights Management protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10; security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08

Abstract

A media token with a pushbutton RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag which, when activated by a button press, enables a globally unique identifier (“GUID”) encoded in the tag to be read by an RFID reader that is operatively coupled to a client device. The GUID is resolved by an on-line media content service which identifies media content that is associated with the media token. The service streams the content to the client device, or delivers it for local storage which is rendered by the client device. Since the press of the button causes the content to begin playing, an association is created between the media token and the rendered content. However, the media token itself does not function as a content container, but instead provides a convenient way to control content playback while functioning as a physical vehicle that can be packaged, touched, and shared much like traditional media.

Claims

1. A method for enabling playback of digital media content at a client device, the method comprising the steps of:

selecting a media token that is arranged for representing media content that is renderable by the client device;

associating a GUID with the digital media content, the digital media content being deliverable to a client device from an on-line service responsively to i) the GUID being read by an RFID reader that is operatively coupled to the client device and, ii) the GUID being sent to the on-line service; and

programming the GUID into an RFID tag, the RFID tag being configurable for distribution with the media token, and including an activation switch arranged for enabling the GUID to be read by the RFID reader when the switch is actuated.

2. The method of claim 1 including a further step of distributing the media token through one of retail channel, self-service kiosk, promotional channel, direct mail, or physical distribution means.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the media token is a card which includes information relating to the media content, the information being expressed using one of text or graphics.

4. The method of claim 1 in which the media token is an object selected from one of printed material, promotional gift item, or article of clothing.

5. The method of claim 1 in which the activation switch is one of membrane switch or tactile switch.

6. The method of claim 1 in which the activation switch is arranged for momentary contact behavior or code switched behavior.

7. The method of claim 1 in which the RFID tag is a passive tag.

8. The method of claim 7 in which the RFID tag is arranged in accordance with EPCglobal Class 1, Generation 2.

9. The method of claim 1 in which the RFID tag is configured for distribution through one of being fixedly attached to the media token, being laminated to the media token, or being adhesively attached to the media token.

10. An automated method for receiving media content from a service, the method comprising the steps of:

using an RFID reader to scan an area in which an RFID tag having an encoded GUID may be located;

reading the GUID from the RFID tag with the RFID reader when the RFID tag is in the area and activated;

sending the GUID to an on-line activation service so that media content associated with the GUID may be identified;

receiving the media content associated with the GUID from an on-line media content service; and

rendering the media content associated with GUID that is received from the on-line media content service.

11. The automated method of claim 10 in which the method includes a further step of receiving descriptive metadata or usage policy metadata that is associated with the GUID.

12. The automated method of claim 10 including a further step of transferring the media content to a device.

13. The automated method of claim 10 including a further step of caching the media content in a local store.

14. The automated method of claim 10 in which the method includes a further step of enforcing a usage policy when performing one of rendering the media content, storing the media content, or transferring the media content to a device.

15. The automated method of claim 14 including a further step of performing one or more look-ups in a local database to locate the media content in the local store and identify usage policy that is applicable to the media content.

16. The automated method of claim 10 in which the RFID tag is activated by manual actuation of a switch.

17. A method of providing media content from an on-line service to a client device, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a GUID scanned by an RFID reader operatively coupled to the client device, the GUID being encoded in a passive RFID tag that is incorporated in a media token;

resolving the GUID to identify one of media content or descriptive metadata that is related to the media content; and

delivering the media content or descriptive metadata over a network to the client device.

18. The method of claim 17 including a further step of providing a link to related content that is accessible by the client device from an on-line source.

19. The method of claim 17 including a further step of providing a usage policy that controls how the media content delivered to the client device is to be used.

20. The method of claim 17 in which the client device is one of PC, media center, game console, set-top box, PDA, portable media player, handheld game device, mobile phone, or smart phone.