US 20030120541A1
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0120541 A1
`Siann et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 26, 2003
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF
`ELECTRONIC MEDIA CONTENT WITH
`ADVERTISING
`
`Inventors: Jonathan I. Siann, Rancho Santa Fe,
`CA (US); Anthony J. Wechselberger,
`Escondido, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP
`12390 EL CAMINO REAL
`SAN DIEGO, CA 92130 (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/028,013
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 21, 2001
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`(52)
`
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................... .. G06F 17/60
`U.S. Cl.
`............................................... .. 705/14; 725/32
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A method and device for electronically providing electronic
`media content and advertising content includes a media
`player and electronic media content from an electronic
`media content provider. The media player is electronically
`provided with the electronic media content via a first method
`of transmission. The media player is also electronically
`provided with advertising content, from an advertising con-
`tent provider, via a second method of transmission. If
`necessary, the electronic media content is decrypted by the
`media player prior to the electronic media content being
`provided to the user. The media player electronically deter-
`mines when advertising is to be played on the media player.
`Additionally, according to an embodiment, when the media
`player is disconnected from the first method of transmission,
`and the media player ceases to receive electronic media
`content via the first method of transmission,
`the media
`player is electronically provided with advertising content via
`the second method of transmission.
`
`
`
`Advertising
`Content
`
`
`
` Electronic
`Media Content
`
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`1
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 1 of 7
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`US 2003/0120541 A1
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`FIGURE 1A
`
`
`
`Advertising
`Content
`
`
`
` Electronic
`Media Content
`
`2
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 2 of 7
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`Us 2003/0120541 A1
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`1 60
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 4 of 7
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 2003/0120541 A1
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`FIGURE 4
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`470
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`User Input
`
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`Jun. 26, 2003 Sheet 6 of 7
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`Us 2003/01205-41A1
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`FIGURE 5
`
`
`
`Electronically supplying
`media player with electronic
`
`media content via first
`method of transmission
`
`510
`
`
`
`Disconnect media player
`from first method of
`
`
`
`Electronically supplying
`media player with advertising
`content via second method of
`
`
`
`transmission
`
`540
`
`550
`
`5 60
`
`
`
`
`
`Electronically supplying media
`player with updated advertising
`content via second method of
`transmission
`
`
`
`Providing electronic media
`content and advertising
`
`content to user
`
`Media player controls when,
`what and/or how much
`advertising content is
`provided to user
`
`7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
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`

`
`US 2003/0120541 A1
`
`Jun. 26, 2003
`
`STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF ELECTRONIC
`MEDIA CONTENT WITH ADVERTISING
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Patent Application No.
`, filed Dec. 5, 2001, entitled
`“Pandrox Security Study,” which is incorporated herein by
`reference in its entirety.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The invention relates generally to the storage and
`delivery of electronic media content and, more specifically,
`to a device, system and method for offering and distributing
`electronic media content with targeted, replenishable adver-
`tisements.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Current systems for the distribution of copyrighted
`audio media consist of retail sales, AM/FM radio, Internet
`based “radio” service, peer-to-peer music file sharing ser-
`vices, and pay/subscription based Internet websites. Similar
`systems exist for the distribution of copyrighted video media
`including rental and pay-per-view services. However, these
`methods are susceptible to abuses such as illegal copying
`and casual distribution. Such abuses result in significant loss
`of revenue to copyright holders that create and produce such
`media. Further, many of these current systems utilize high-
`bandwidth systems for the transmission of the media making
`portable transmission expensive to the provider or user.
`Thus, the current systems do not allow for the portable
`distribution of digital copyrighted media on demand at little
`or no cost to the user while at the same time providing
`compensation to copyright holders.
`
`through
`[0004] The retail sale of copyrighted media,
`stores,
`the mail, rentals and on-line via the Internet,
`is
`problematic because the media can be illegally copied and
`distributed by a purchaser from a legitimate copy of the
`media. The copyright holder receives no compensation for
`the illegal copies.
`
`Internet based “radio” services and AM/FM radio
`[0005]
`services, while providing some protection for copyright
`holders, do not allow the user to choose the content he or she
`is to listen to or view. These systems also cannot adapt to or
`integrate user preferences. In addition, AM/FM radio does
`not allow for highly targeted advertising based upon user
`preferences,
`interests or demographics.
`Internet based
`“radio” services require a full keyboard and display and a
`connection to the Internet, making transportation difficult.
`Furthermore, because of the random nature of advertise-
`ments that “pop-up” on the display with some Internet based
`“radio” services, Web page based advertisements are easy to
`ignore because they generally occupy only a small area of
`the display.
`
`[0007] Finally, pay/subscription services, while compen-
`sating the copyright holder, fail to meet the demand for
`access at little to no cost to the user. Moreover, in some
`systems, the media can be illegally copied and distributed by
`a purchaser. Further, these services again utilize high-band-
`width systems for the transmission of information making
`transportation expensive because of the high cost of high-
`bandwidth wireless transmissions.
`
`there is a long felt need for the
`[0008] Accordingly,
`portable distribution of electronic media content that allows
`for equitable payment to the copyright holders of the media
`at little to no cost to the user. An additional advancement is
`needed which allows advertisers to monitor the user’s inter-
`
`ests and appropriately target advertising to users with par-
`ticular preferences, interests or demographics.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] The present invention relates to the storage and
`delivery of electronic media content and advertising content
`by way of multiple methods of transmission to a media
`player. One embodiment of the present invention comprises
`a device, system and method for offering and distributing
`copyrighted media content with targeted,
`replenishable
`advertisements in a secure transmission environment by way
`of two methods of transmission wherein the copyright
`holder is compensated based upon advertising generated
`revenues. Additionally, according to an embodiment, adver-
`tisers can target advertising to particular users.
`
`[0010] An embodiment of the present invention comprises
`a method of electronically providing electronic media con-
`tent and advertising content,
`the method comprising the
`steps of: providing a media player; providing electronic
`media content; providing advertising content; electronically
`providing the media player with the electronic media content
`via a first method of transmission; electronically providing
`the media player with the advertising content via a second
`method of transmission; and wherein the media player
`provides the electronic media content to a user and further
`wherein the media player electronically controls when the
`advertising content is provided to the user.
`
`[0011] An embodiment of the present invention comprises
`a media player that electronically provides electronic media
`content and advertising content comprising: an electronic
`media content storage device, wherein the electronic media
`content storage device receives and stores electronic media
`content; an electronic advertising content storage device,
`wherein the electronic advertising content storage device
`receives and stores advertising content; an output compo-
`nent that outputs the electronic media content and advertis-
`ing content to a user, wherein the electronic media content
`that is encrypted is decrypted prior to being output; and an
`advertising control module, wherein the advertising control
`module electronically controls when advertising is provided
`to the user.
`
`[0006] Peer-to-peer music file sharing services allow users
`to “pirate” copyrighted media, make illegal copies, and
`distribute electronic media content without compensating
`the copyright holder. Further, peer-to-peer music file sharing
`services also utilize high-bandwidth transmission methods,
`making transportation expensive for a user. However, peer-
`to-peer services demonstrate the demand among consumers
`for access to copyrighted media at little to no cost to the user.
`
`[0012] An embodiment of the present invention comprises
`computer executable process steps operative to control a
`computer, stored on a computer readable medium, compris-
`ing: a plurality of steps to receive data required for subse-
`quent calculations; and a plurality of steps to automatically
`control when advertising content is provided to a user via a
`media player based on electronic media content
`that
`is
`provided by the media player to the user.
`
`9
`
`

`
`US 2003/0120541 A1
`
`Jun. 26, 2003
`
`[0013] An embodiment of the present invention comprises
`a method for electronically providing electronic media con-
`tent and advertising content, the method comprising: pro-
`viding a media player; providing electronic media content,
`wherein the electronic media content is from an electronic
`
`media content provider; electronically providing the media
`player with the electronic media content via a first method
`of transmission; disconnecting the media player from the
`first method of transmission wherein the media player ceases
`to receive electronic media content via the first method of
`
`transmission; and after the step of disconnecting, electroni-
`cally providing the media player with advertising content via
`a second method of transmission.
`
`[0014] An embodiment of the present invention comprises
`a method for electronically providing electronic media con-
`tent and advertising content, the method comprising: pro-
`viding a media player; providing electronic media content;
`providing advertising content; providing access data regard-
`ing the electronic media content; electronically providing
`the media player with the electronic media content via a first
`method of transmission; decrypting the electronic media
`content; electronically providing the media player with the
`access data via a third method of transmission, wherein the
`media player provides the electronic media content to a user
`after the step of electronically providing the media player
`with the access data and after
`the step of decrypting;
`disconnecting the media player from the first method of
`transmission wherein the media player ceases to receive
`electronic media content via the first method of transmis-
`
`sion; and after the step of disconnecting, electronically
`providing the media player with advertising content via a
`second method of transmission.
`
`[0015] According to another embodiment of the present
`invention, the media player can be enabled in three forms
`with regard to the second method of transmission: (1) where
`the second method of transmission is physically similar to
`first method of transmission; (2) where the second method of
`transmission is physically different than the first method of
`transmission and the second method of transmission is a
`
`one-way link such that the media player can receive data but
`not transmit data; and (3) where the second method of
`transmission is physically different than the first method of
`transmission and the second method of transmission is a
`
`two-way link such that
`receive data.
`
`the media player can send and
`
`[0016] A technical advantage of an embodiment of the
`present invention is that copyright holders are compensated
`for each delivery or use of their media. In one embodiment,
`copyright holders are compensated by advertisers whose
`advertisements are transmitted and replenished.
`
`[0017] Afurther technical advantage of an embodiment of
`the present
`invention is that advertising content can be
`played along with electronic media content when the media
`player is disconnected from the first method of transmission.
`
`[0018] Afurther technical advantage of an embodiment of
`the present
`invention is that
`the media player delivers
`electronic media content and advertising content while it is
`disconnected from the first method of transmission.
`
`[0019] Afurther technical advantage of an embodiment of
`the present invention is that advertising content is replaced
`periodically with new advertisements keeping the advertis-
`
`10
`
`ing up-to-date while the media player is disconnected from
`the first method of transmission.
`
`[0020] Afurther technical advantage of an embodiment of
`the present invention is that users are given the option to
`subscribe to a service or purchase the electronic media
`content and thereby receive the electronic media content
`without having to receive advertisements.
`
`[0021] Afurther technical advantage of an embodiment of
`the present invention is that advertisers can track the number
`of media players receiving their advertising content, iden-
`tification data regarding the users of such media players and
`how frequently the advertising content is being listened to or
`viewed.
`
`[0022] Afurther technical advantage of an embodiment of
`the present invention is that the user can receive media
`content and advertisements while disconnected from means
`of external transmissions.
`
`[0023] Afurther technical advantage of an embodiment of
`the present invention is that interactive advertisements are
`used. For example, through a user interface on the media
`player, the user can provide feedback on electronic media
`content or advertising content, which the advertising pro-
`vider could then use to modify the advertising content that
`is provided to the user.
`
`[0024] Other obj ects, features, and technical advantages of
`the present invention will become more apparent from a
`consideration of the detailed description herein and from the
`accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0025] Reference is now made to the following description
`and the accompanying drawings, in which:
`
`[0026] FIG. 1A is a schematic system diagram illustrating
`an embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0027] FIG. 1B is a schematic system diagram illustrating
`an embodiment of the present invention that includes access
`data;
`
`[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic system diagram illustrating
`another embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic system diagram illustrating
`another embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic system diagram illustrating
`a media player according to an embodiment of the present
`invention;
`
`[0031] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment
`of the present invention; and
`
`[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another embodi-
`ment of the present invention showing how the media player
`determines whether advertising content is to be played.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN
`ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
`
`[0033] The following detailed description refers to the
`accompanying drawings. Other embodiments are possible
`and modifications may be made to the embodiments without
`departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There-
`
`10
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`

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`US 2003/0120541 A1
`
`Jun. 26, 2003
`
`fore, the following detailed description is not meant to limit
`the invention. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by
`the appended claims.
`
`the
`[0034] For convenience in the ensuing description,
`following explanations of terms are adopted. However, these
`explanations are intended to be exemplary only. They are not
`intended to limit the terms as they are described or referred
`to throughout the specification. Rather these explanations
`are meant to include any additional aspects and/or examples
`of the terms as described and claimed herein.
`
`“Electronic media content” includes audio and/or
`[0035]
`visual data,
`textual data and/or graphical data.
`In one
`embodiment,
`the electronic media content is copyrighted
`electronic media content, such as an audio artistic work or
`a video artistic work.
`
`“Advertising content” refers to a notice or mes-
`[0036]
`sage, such as an announcement in the print, broadcast, or
`electronic media, designed to attract public attention or
`patronage. It includes the activity of attracting public atten-
`tion to a product, service or business, as by paid announce-
`ments in the print, broadcast, or electronic media. It includes
`audio and/or visual advertisements.
`
`“Media player” refers to a portable device that
`[0037]
`plays electronic audio and/or video content and can elec-
`tronically receive a transmission for electronic media con-
`tent and advertising content.
`
`[0038] A “memory storage device” is a device that inter-
`acts directly with the media player and provides data to the
`media player, including without limitation, a CD-ROM, a
`DVD, a floppy diskette, other diskettes, a hard drive, RAM
`memory, ROM memory,
`flash memory, or any other
`machine-readable storage medium.
`
`“Access data” refers to data, for example decryp-
`[0039]
`tion keys, that is used to ensure that a media player can
`decode secured electronic media content. Access data can be
`
`in the form of decryption keys, authorization codes, or the
`like.
`
`“Access rules” refers to criteria that is used by the
`[0040]
`media player to determine if the media player should be
`disabled from playing electronic media content.
`
`“First method of transmission” refers to the method
`[0041]
`in which electronic media content is transmitted to the media
`
`player. It includes, without limitation, interactive, high band-
`width transmissions, connections to the Internet, wireless
`LAN (“Local Area Network”) connections, wireless Internet
`connections via 2.5G or 3G cellular networks, standard
`dial-up-modem connections (such as V32.bis, VLAN (“Vir-
`tual Local Area Networ ”), cable modem, DSL (“Digital
`Subscriber Line”) other Internet connections, and the like),
`or other such systems that allow access to the Internet.
`Alternatively, the first method of transmission may be any
`method of transmission that may be used as the second or
`third method of transmission, may be the second or third
`method of transmission or may be a side channel of the
`second or
`third method of transmission. According to
`another embodiment, advertising content, access data is also
`transmitted via the first method of transmission.
`
`“Second method of transmission” refers to the
`[0042]
`method in which advertising content is transmitted to the
`media player. It includes, without limitation, any wireless
`
`11
`
`to, ATSC
`limited
`not
`including, but
`infrastructure
`(“Advanced Television Systems Committee”), any one-way
`or two-way wireless service, one-way or two-way paging,
`3G (“Third Generation”) cellular networks, SMS (“Short
`Messaging System”) on GSM (“Global System for Mobile
`Communications”) networks, CDPD (“Cellular Digital
`Packet Data”), 2.5G cellular networks running GPRS (“Gen-
`eral Packet Radio Service”)/EDGE (“Enhanced Data rates
`for Global Evolution”), one-way or two-way data transmis-
`sion infrastructures including cellular phone systems or
`VHF/UHF terrestrial systems or any other such known
`service. Alternatively, the second method of transmission
`may be any method of transmission that may be used as the
`first or third method of transmission, may be the first or third
`method of transmission or may be a side channel of the first
`or third method of transmission. According to one embodi-
`ment
`the second method of transmission is a one-way
`transmission and according to another embodiment,
`the
`second method of transmission is a two-way transmission.
`According to another embodiment, when the second method
`of transmission is a two-way transmission, user data can be
`transmitted to a coordination system via the second method
`of transmission.
`
`“Third method of transmission” refers to the
`[0043]
`method by which access data and/or access rules are trans-
`mitted to the media player. This method of transmission
`includes any wireless infrastructure include, without limita-
`tion, ATSC, any one or two-way wireless service, one or
`two-way paging, 3G cellular networks, SMS on GSM net-
`works, CDPD, 2.5G cellular networks running GPRS/
`EDGE, one or two-way data transmission infrastructures
`including cellular phone systems or VHF/UHF terrestrial
`systems or any other such known service. Alternatively, the
`third method of transmission may be any method of trans-
`mission that may be used as the first or second method of
`transmission, may be a side channel of the first or second
`method of transmission or may be the first or second method
`of transmission.
`
`[0044] A “User” is any individual or entity who uses a
`media player for the delivery of electronic media content.
`Generally, the user will be at least one individual but the user
`may be multiple individuals or a computer. With regard to
`the present invention the number of users is not considered
`a limiting aspect. In particular, there can be as many users as
`are capable of accessing the electronic media content.
`[0045]
`“Advertising criteria” refers to the criteria that is
`selected by the advertising provider for determining what
`advertising content to provide to a particular user or a group
`of particular users. By way of example,
`the advertising
`provider may select advertisement “A” for users of a par-
`ticular age group, advertisement “B” for users of a particular
`geographic location, and so on. In one embodiment, the
`advertising provider selects the particular advertising con-
`tent to be provided before the advertising content is trans-
`mitted to the media player. In one embodiment, the adver-
`tising criteria
`is based upon user data.
`In another
`embodiment, the advertising content is randomly selected.
`[0046]
`“User interface” refers to a display and/or controls
`on the media player including, but not limited to, controls
`such as play, pause, stop, mute, yes, no, volume level and the
`like.
`:7“
`:7“
`
`automated,” or the
`automatically,
`“Automatic,
`[0047]
`like, as used herein, means to occur without human inter-
`
`11
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`

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`US 2003/0120541 A1
`
`Jun. 26, 2003
`
`the event has
`this may mean that
`action. For example,
`occurred using a computer that is programmed to perform
`the event using information that the computer has received,
`obtained and/or gathered. Operation of some embodiments
`of the present invention allow for the elimination of sub-
`stantial human effort at various phases, such phases are
`described herein as being “automatic,”“automated,” occur-
`ring “automatically,” or the like. However, human interven-
`tion may occur such that that such phases may be completed
`manually.
`[0048]
`“User data” refers to information that is provided
`by the user including, but not limited to, the user’s prefer-
`ences, interests, demographics (such as age, sex, marital
`status, profession, geographic location, and the like) desired
`electronic media, billing data, and the like. In one embodi-
`ment, the user data is gathered and stored by the media
`player by way of the user interface on the media player. In
`one embodiment, the user data is transmitted via the second
`method of transmission to the advertising content provider
`or the electronic media content provider. In another embodi-
`ment, the user data is provided by the user when he or she
`registers his or her media play. Such registration can occur
`over the Internet, over the telephone, via the mail, in person,
`via a handwritten registration card, or the like. Additionally,
`the user data may be periodically updated by the user or
`automatically by the media player.
`[0049]
`“Advertising control module” refers to software
`and/or hardware that controls when advertising content is to
`be played by the media player.
`[0050] A “computer,” as used herein, includes any gen-
`eral-purpose machine that processes data according to a set
`of instructions that is stored internally either temporarily or
`permanently, including, but not limited to, a general purpose
`computer, workstation, laptop computer, personal computer,
`set
`top box, web access device (such as WEB TVTM
`(Microsoft Corporation)), television interfaces, kiosks, cable
`television, satellite television, broadband network, an elec-
`tronic viewing or listening device, wireless devices, such as
`a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), cellular or mobile
`telephones, an electronic handheld unit for the wireless
`receipt and/or transmission of data, such as a BLACK-
`BERRYTM (Research In Motion Limited Corporation), or
`the like.
`
`“Secure manner” or “secured” refers to providing
`[0051]
`electronic media content in an exclusive, private manner.
`Such access can be granted to a user by access data.
`Encryption methods can also be used to provide access to the
`electronic media content on an exclusive basis. Encryption
`methods involve transmitting media from the electronic
`media content provider in a manner which must be trans-
`lated by an encryption system that is running on both the
`electronic media content provider and the media player.
`Electronic information may also be kept on the media player
`storage device in a secure manner allowing access to users
`that have the proper access data.
`is any
`[0052]
`“Electronic connection,” as used herein,
`electronic connection, including connections via hardwire,
`Ethernet, token ring, modem, digital subscriber line, cable
`modem, wireless, radio, satellite, and combinations thereof
`Such connections may be implemented using copper wire,
`fiber optics, radio waves, coherent light, or other media.
`[0053]
`It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
`that an embodiment of the present invention, as described
`
`12
`
`below, may be realized in a variety of implementations,
`including the software, firmware, and hardware of the enti-
`ties illustrated in the figures. The actual software code or
`control hardware used to implement the present invention is
`not limiting of the present invention. Thus, the operation and
`behavior of the present invention will be described without
`specific reference to the actual software code or hardware
`components. Such non-specific references are acceptable
`because it is understood that a person of ordinary skill in the
`art would be able to design software and control hardware to
`implement the present invention based on the description
`herein.
`
`[0054] FIG. 1A is a schematic system diagram illustrating
`an embodiment of the present invention. Amedia player 120
`receives electronic media content 110 and advertising con-
`tent 130. Additionally,
`the media player 120 can receive
`other content, such as access data. Auser selects the desired
`electronic media content 110. Electronic media content 110
`
`is provided via a first method of transmission 112. Adver-
`tising content 130 is provided to media player 120 via a
`second method of transmission 126. Media player 120
`provides electronic media content 144 to user 140. Media
`player 120 controls when, what and/or how much 140
`advertising content 130 is played on media player 120.
`
`[0055] Media player 120 is used for storing and delivering
`electronic media content 110, and providing electronic
`media content 110 and advertising content 130 to the user.
`Alternatively, multiple media players may be used. Addi-
`tionally, the media player 120 collects, receives and stores
`user data 146 and provides user data to advertising content
`provider 134 via the second method of transmission 126.
`
`[0056] The user does not have to pay for use of the
`electronic media content 110, or alternatively pays a reduced
`fee for use of the electronic media content 110, because of
`the advertising content 130. Advertisers pay to have their
`products or services promoted in the advertising content
`130. At
`least a portion of these payments are used to
`compensate the owners of the electronic media content 110.
`Therefore, by having the advertising content 110 played
`along with the electronic media content, users pay a reduced
`fee or pay no fee to play the electronic media content 110.
`
`In one example, the second method of transmission
`[0057]
`126 is a wireless infrastructure with wide geographical
`coverage. The second method of transmission 126 broad-
`casts the advertising content 130 to the media player by
`utilizing a fixed set of advertising channels with pre-created
`slots for each advertising spot. Thus, depending on the
`second method of transmission 126, the advertising content
`130 may be transmitted via a low cost wireless infrastruc-
`ture. By way of example, the second method of transmission
`126 may be any broadcast method, such as a multicast,
`ATSC or a wireless digital system implement available on
`many North American terrestrial television transmitters or
`stations. By way of another example, the second method of
`transmission 126 may be any two-way wireless service
`which operates in a broadcast manner, such as two-way
`paging, 3G cellular networks, SMS on GSM networks,
`CDPD, 2.5G cellular networks running GPRS/EDGE, or
`any other such service known in the art. By further way of
`example,
`the second method of transmission may be a
`paging network that costs $0.05 per kilobyte of information
`to send in a local area. Thus, to send 1 megabyte of data in
`
`12
`
`

`
`US 2003/0120541 A1
`
`Jun. 26, 2003
`
`this data may be
`this local area costs $50.00. However,
`received and used by a large number of users. If 100,000
`subscribers were in this area, to send such a broadcast would
`only cost $00005 per user.
`
`In another embodiment of the invention, the second
`[0058]
`method of transmission 126 is a two-way data transmission
`infrastructure. The second method of transmission 126
`
`transmits low bandwidth advertising content 130, the user
`data 134 and other data (such as current status of playback,
`identification data, access data, and the like), to and from the
`media player 120. By way of example, the second method of
`transmission 126 may be any two-way data transmission
`infrastructure, such as cellular phone system, SMS on GSM
`networks, CDPD, 2.5G cellular networks running GPRS/
`EDGE, two-way paging infrastructures or VHF/UHF terres-
`trial systems.
`
`[0059] Additionally, the second method of transmission
`126 may continuously loop various different advertising
`content 130. This loop is shown as a dashed loop in FIG.
`1A. When media player 120 is required to play at least one
`advertisement, the media player 120 plays the start of the
`next advertisement being transmitted via the second method
`of transmission 126.
`
`[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, the
`first method of transmission 112 is an interactive, high
`bandwidth transmission. The interactive nature of the first
`method of transmission 112 allows for the user to select
`
`specific media to be transmitted to the media player 120. By
`way of example, the first method of transmission 112 may be
`a wireless LAN, wireless Internet connections via 2.5G or
`3G cellular networks