IP Library › Granted Patent US 12687989
Granted Patent B2
US 12687989 · App. 19/031,918 · Granted Jul 21, 2026

Techniques for providing an upgraded content experience

Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman (Miami, FL)
G06F3/0659G06F3/0607G06F3/0673G06F16/215G06Q30/0283
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12687989
App. No.
19/031,918
Granted
Jul 21, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

New systems and methods for providing access to upgraded version of data to user(s) are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a system implementing aspects of the invention scans or otherwise determines a version and/or condition of data stored on a device owned by the user(s). The control system also determines whether the data can be supplemented. The control system may require a new form of substitute or additional authentication factor (in addition to traditional usernames and passwords) as a condition providing access to the upgraded version. For example, in some embodiments, upon logging in to the system may scan (e.g., a photograph) a uniquely patterned and shaped object, as such an additional authentication factor, to obtain access to the upgraded version of the data.

Claims (44)

1 . A method for providing access to stored information to a user, comprising the following steps:

scanning data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user;

accessing additional data, or a record identifying said additional data, held on a control system including a remote server which is communicatively connected with said local data storage device of said user, wherein the additional data is related to said data recorded on a local data storage device;

assessing differences between the data recorded on the local data storage device and the additional data based on a comparison of the data representing media content recorded on the local data storage device and the additional data and determining that deficiencies exist in the data recorded on the local data storage device;

determining how said data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user can be subjected to an upgrade by said control system including said remote server; and

building and offering an upgraded version of said data representing media content to said user.

2 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , wherein said data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user relates to legacy media content.

3 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , wherein said assessing determines whether said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user includes errors due to said local data storage device being degraded over time, and wherein said differences are, at least in part, due to being degraded over time.

4 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , wherein said assessing determines whether said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user includes gaps, and wherein said differences are, at least in part, due to the gaps in said content recorded on said local data storage device of said user.

5 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , wherein said assessing determines whether said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user has been updated, and wherein said differences are, at least in part, due to updates and/or improvements created in addition to said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user.

6 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , comprising the following additional step:

providing said access by recording new data, in addition to said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user, onto said local data storage device of said user.

7 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , comprising the following additional step:

providing said access by supplementing a consumption feed being delivered to said user with new streaming data, in addition to said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device.

8 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , comprising the following additional step:

providing said access by inserting additional data within data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user.

9 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , comprising the following additional step:

providing said access by filtering, altering or applying an algorithm or other additional factor to data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user.

10 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , comprising the following additional step:

providing new content to said user, wherein said new content is a different type of content than content recorded on said local data storage device of said user.

11 . The method for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 1 , comprising the following additional step:

providing said upgrade by said control system including a remote server which is communicatively connected with said local data storage device of said user, only if said user scans or photographs a uniquely patterned and shaped object, matching a previous scan or photograph recorded as an authentication factor.

12 . A system for providing access to stored information to a user, comprising:

a control system comprising computer hardware and software configured to:

scan and/or identify data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user;

access additional data, or a record identifying said additional data, held on a remote server which is communicatively connected with said local data storage device of said user, wherein the additional data is related to said data recorded on a local data storage device;

assess differences between said data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user and the additional data, or the record identifying said additional data, held on a remote server based on a comparison of the data representing media content recorded on the local data storage device and the additional data and determining that deficiencies exist in the data recorded on the local data storage device;

determine how said data recorded on a local data storage device of said user can be subjected to an upgrade by said control system including said remote server; and

build and offer an upgraded version of said data representing media content to said user.

13 . The system for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 12 , wherein the control system is configured to:

provide said access by recording new data, in addition to said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user, onto said local data storage device of said user.

14 . The system for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 12 , wherein the control system is configured to:

provide said access by inserting additional data into said data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user.

15 . The system for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 12 , wherein the control system is configured to:

provide said upgrade by filtering, altering or applying an algorithm or other additional factor to said data representing media content recorded on said local data storage device of said user.

16 . The system for providing access to stored information to a user of claim 12 , wherein the control system is configured to:

provide new content to said user, wherein said new content is a different type of content than content recorded on said local data storage device of said user.

17 . A system for providing access to stored information to a user, comprising:

a control system comprising computer hardware and software configured to:

scan and/or identify data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user;

access additional data, or a record identifying said additional data, held on a remote server which is communicatively connected with said local data storage device of said user, wherein the additional data is related to said data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device;

determine how said data representing media content recorded on a local data storage device of said user can be subjected to an upgrade by said control system including said remote server;

build and offer an upgraded version of said data representing media content to said user; and

provide access to said additional data, only if said user scans or photographs a uniquely patterned and shaped object, matching a previous scan or photograph recorded as an authentication factor.