Content exchange system
The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for providing more content choices to a user ( 14 ) independent of their geography. In one embodiment of the invention, a user ( 14 ) utilizes a content terminal ( 18 ) to enjoy and audio and/or video content based on a customized set of content preferences ( 34 ). The present invention retrieves digital files utilizing a wired or wireless Internet connection over a network ( 20 ), irrespective of the location of the user ( 14 ). In one embodiment of the invention, the content terminal ( 18 ) is a personal computer, cell phone, portable television or some other appropriate content replication appliance. Users ( 14 ) may search for and obtain content selections ( 36 ) by accessing a website which displays a library of content in the form of an easy-to-use graphical interface.
1 . A method comprising the steps of:
storing a plurality of content preferences ( 34 );
connecting a user ( 14 ) to a network ( 20 );
selecting a content selection ( 36 ) from among said plurality of content preferences ( 34 );
storing a plurality of content selections ( 36 ) in a network cache ( 26 ); said network cache ( 26 ) being connected to a network ( 20 );
retrieving one of said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) by downloading said content selection ( 36 ) from said network ( 20 ) cache at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) selected by said user ( 14 ); and
reproducing a selected one of said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) using said content terminal ( 18 ).
2 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) includes a radio program.
3 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) includes a television program.
4 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) includes an audio recording.
5 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) includes a video recording.
6 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) includes text.
7 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) includes an image.
8 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said user ( 14 ) is traveling away from home.
9 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ) is a server; said server being connected to said network ( 20 ).
10 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ) further comprises a plurality of storage devices in a peer-to-peer network ( 20 -PTP).
11 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ) is located in said content terminal ( 18 ).
12 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ) is maintained by a content provider ( 22 ).
13 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ) is co-located with said content provider ( 22 ).
14 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ) resides in a location which is remote from said content provider ( 22 ).
15 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) is stored in said network cache ( 26 ).
16 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ), which is located in said content terminal ( 18 ), is a hard drive.
17 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network cache ( 26 ) which is located in said content terminal ( 18 ) is a non-volatile, sold-state memory.
18 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network ( 20 ) is the Internet ( 20 -I).
19 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said network ( 20 ) is a private network ( 20 -P).
20 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) is stored in a subscriber identity module ( 30 ) in said content terminal ( 18 ).
21 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content sources includes a website.
22 . A method as recited in claim 21 , in which said website provides access to one of said plurality of content selections ( 36 ).
23 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said content terminal ( 18 ) is a mobile telephone.
24 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said content terminal ( 18 ) is a portable computer.
25 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said content terminal ( 18 ) is a personal digital assistant.
26 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said content terminal ( 18 ) is installed aboard an aircraft.
27 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said content terminal ( 18 ) is installed aboard an automobile.
28 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said content terminal ( 18 ) is installed in a hotel.
29 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said content terminal ( 18 ) is installed in a residence.
30 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said user ( 14 ) obtains foreign-system access.
31 . A method as recited in claim 30 , in which said foreign-system access is enabled by an operations support system which is employed to authenticate said user ( 14 )'s connection to said network ( 20 ).
32 . A method as recited in claim 30 , in which user access information is contained in a home system database ( 64 -H).
33 . A method as recited in claim 30 , in which said foreign-system access is enabled by information that is stored in a home system database ( 64 -H).
34 . A method as recited in claim 30 , in which said home system database ( 64 -H) also includes a set of channel structure information ( 66 ).
35 . A method as recited in claim 34 , in which said set of channel structure information ( 66 ) is stored in a centralized database ( 68 ).
36 . A method as recited in claim 34 , in which said plurality of content preferences ( 34 ) are stored in said centralized database ( 68 ).
37 . A method as recited in claim 1 , in which said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) are licensed to an intermediary ( 74 ).
38 . A method comprising the steps of:
identifying a content selection ( 36 );
conveying the identification of said content selection ( 36 ) to a content search agent using a network ( 20 );
acquiring said content selection ( 36 );
storing said content selection ( 36 ) in a network cache ( 26 ); said network cache ( 26 ) being connected to said network ( 20 );
downloading said content selection ( 36 ) from said network cache ( 26 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) selected by a user ( 14 ) a time selected by said user ( 14 ).
39 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) are presented to a user ( 14 ) in a searchable database on a website.
40 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which a portion of said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) may be previewed by a user ( 14 ).
41 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which a download price is associated with each of said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) and is presented on said website.
42 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which said download price is for a single view with commercials.
43 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which said download price is for a single view without commercials.
44 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which said download price is for unlimited viewing.
45 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which said website offers a user ( 14 ) a download of a plurality of related content selections ( 36 ).
46 . A method as recited in claim 38 , in which a user ( 14 ) may store a content selection ( 36 ) on a website for a specified period of time.
47 . A method comprising the steps of:
providing a listing ( 158 ) of a plurality of content selections ( 36 ) to an intermediary ( 74 ); said intermediary ( 74 ) operating a website ( 156 );
paying a first fee ( 160 ) for listing said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) on said website ( 156 ); said first fee ( 160 ) being paid by a content provider ( 22 ) to said intermediary ( 74 );
displaying said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) on said website ( 156 );
choosing a content selection ( 36 ) from among said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) shown on said website ( 156 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being chosen by a user ( 14 );
paying a second fee ( 164 ) for a download of said content selection ( 36 ); said second fee ( 164 ) being paid by said user ( 14 ) to said content provider ( 22 ); and
downloading said content selection ( 36 ) over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 ).
48 . A method as recited in claim 47 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a radio program.
49 . A method as recited in claim 47 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a television program.
50 . A method as recited in claim 47 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an audio recording.
51 . A method as recited in claim 47 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a video recording.
52 . A method as recited in claim 47 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is text.
53 . A method as recited in claim 47 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an image.
54 . A method as recited in claim 47 , in which said user ( 14 ) is traveling away from home.
55 . A method comprising the steps of:
acquiring a plurality of content selections ( 36 ) from a plurality of content providers ( 22 );
paying a plurality of content fees ( 166 ) to said plurality of content providers ( 22 );
said plurality of content fees ( 166 ) being paid by an intermediary ( 74 );
storing said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) in a network cache ( 26 ); said network cache ( 26 ) being operated and maintained by said intermediary ( 74 );
purchasing a content selection ( 36 ) from among said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) using a website ( 156 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being purchased by a user ( 14 );
paying a user fee ( 164 ) to said intermediary ( 74 ) for said content selection ( 36 ); and
downloading said content selection ( 36 ) from said network cache ( 26 ) over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 ).
56 . A method as recited in claim 55 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a radio program.
57 . A method as recited in claim 55 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a television program.
58 . A method as recited in claim 55 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an audio recording.
59 . A method as recited in claim 55 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a video recording.
60 . A method as recited in claim 55 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is text.
61 . A method as recited in claim 55 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an image.
62 . A method as recited in claim 55 , in which said user ( 14 ) is traveling away from home.
63 . A method comprising the steps of:
acquiring a plurality of content selections ( 36 ) from a plurality of content providers ( 22 );
paying a plurality of content fees ( 166 ) to said plurality of content providers ( 22 ); said plurality of content fees ( 166 ) being paid by an intermediary ( 74 );
storing said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) in a network cache ( 26 ); said network cache ( 26 ) being operated and maintained by said intermediary ( 74 );
purchasing a content selection ( 36 ) from among said plurality of content selections ( 36 ) using a website ( 156 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being purchased by a user ( 14 );
paying a user fee ( 164 ) to said intermediary ( 74 ) for said content selection ( 36 ); and
downloading said content selection ( 36 ) from said network cache ( 26 ) over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 ).
64 . A method as recited in claim 63 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a radio program.
65 . A method as recited in claim 63 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a television program.
66 . A method as recited in claim 63 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an audio recording.
67 . A method as recited in claim 63 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a video recording.
68 . A method as recited in claim 63 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is text.
69 . A method as recited in claim 63 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an image.
70 . A method as recited in claim 63 , in which said user ( 14 ) is traveling away from home.
71 . A method comprising the steps of:
providing a listing ( 158 ) of a plurality of content selections ( 36 ) to an intermediary ( 74 ); said listing ( 158 ) being provided by a first user ( 14 a );
paying a display fee ( 160 ) to said intermediary ( 74 ) for displaying said first user's plurality of content selections ( 36 ) on a website ( 156 ); said fee ( 160 ) being paid by said first user ( 14 a );
acquiring a content selection ( 36 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being acquired from said first user ( 14 a ) by a second user ( 14 b ); said content selection being downloaded from a cache ( 168 );
paying a download fee; said download fee being paid by said second user ( 14 b ) to said first user ( 14 a ); and
downloading said content selection ( 36 ) over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said second user ( 14 b ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said second user ( 14 b ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said second user ( 14 b ).
72 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a radio program.
73 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a television program.
74 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an audio recording.
75 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a video recording.
76 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is text.
77 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an image.
78 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) includes graphics.
79 . A method as recited in claim 71 , in which said user ( 14 ) is traveling away from home.
80 . A method comprising the steps of:
requesting an intermediary ( 74 ) to find a specific content selection ( 36 ) for a user ( 14 );
searching for said specific content selection ( 36 );
locating and acquiring said specific content selection ( 36 );
paying said intermediary ( 174 ) for said specific content selection ( 36 ); said intermediary ( 174 ) being paid by said user ( 14 ); and
downloading said specific content selection ( 36 ) over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 ).
81 . A method as recited in claim 80 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a radio program.
82 . A method as recited in claim 80 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a television program.
83 . A method as recited in claim 80 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an audio recording.
84 . A method as recited in claim 80 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a video recording.
85 . A method as recited in claim 80 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is text.
86 . A method as recited in claim 80 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an image.
87 . A method as recited in claim 80 , in which said user ( 14 ) is traveling away from home.
88 . A method comprising the steps of:
displaying a plurality of categories of content selections ( 36 ) on a website ( 82 ); said plurality of categories of content selections ( 36 ) being displayed by a plurality of content providers ( 22 );
displaying a variable market price for each of said content selections ( 36 );
selecting a content selection ( 36 ) from among said plurality of content selections ( 36 );
paying a fee for one of said content selections ( 36 ); said fee being based on said variable market price; said fee being paid by a user ( 14 ); and
downloading said specific content selection ( 36 ) over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 ).
89 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a radio program.
90 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a television program.
91 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an audio recording.
92 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is a video recording.
93 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is text.
94 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said content selection ( 36 ) is an image.
95 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is traveling away from home.
96 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a retail purchaser.
97 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a wholesale purchaser.
98 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a media content distributor ( 200 ).
99 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a television network.
100 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a cable network.
101 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a radio network.
102 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a magazine publisher.
103 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said user ( 14 ) is a satellite television provider.
104 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which one of said content providers ( 22 ) is a record company.
105 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which one of said content providers ( 22 ) is a Hollywood movie studio.
106 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which one of said content providers ( 22 ) is a television program syndicator.
107 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which one of said content providers ( 22 ) is an independent entertainment producer.
108 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which one of said content providers ( 22 ) is a book publisher.
109 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said fee is based on a single view of said content selection ( 36 ).
110 . A method as recited in claim 88 , in which said fee is based on multiple views of said content selection ( 36 ).
111 . A method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of sensors;
using said plurality of sensors to collect data;
displaying a listing of said data that may be downloaded by a user ( 14 );
downloading data over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 ).
112 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data pertains to disaster response.
113 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data pertains to weather conditions.
114 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data is received from a satellite.
115 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes radar images.
116 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data pertains to emergency preparations.
117 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to supplies.
118 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to infrastructure.
119 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to road conditions.
120 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to air travel.
121 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to travel notices.
122 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to homeland security.
123 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to port security.
124 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to border control.
125 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to ships.
126 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to military operations.
127 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to crops.
128 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data includes information related to flood control.
129 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data originates at a surveillance camera.
130 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data originates at an audio sensor.
131 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data originates at a radiological sensor.
132 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data originates at a motion sensor.
133 . A method as recited in claim 111 , in which said data originates at an appliance.
134 . A method comprising the steps of:
acquiring a plurality of publications in digital form;
displaying a listing of said plurality of publications to a user on a website; and
downloading one of said plurality of publications over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 ).
135 . A method as recited in claim 134 , in which said plurality of publications includes a book.
136 . A method as recited in claim 134 , in which said plurality of publications includes a magazine.
137 . A method as recited in claim 134 , in which said plurality of publications includes a newspaper.
138 . A method as recited in claim 134 , in which said plurality of publications includes an academic journal.
139 . A method as recited in claim 134 , in which said plurality of publications includes a periodical.
140 . A method comprising the steps of:
acquiring a plurality of content selections ( 36 );
displaying a listing of said plurality of said content selections ( 36 ) to a user ( 14 ) on a website; and
downloading one of said plurality of publications over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 );
said content terminal ( 18 ) being located in a vehicle;
said network ( 20 ) including a cellular telephone network; said cellular telephone network for delivering said content selection ( 36 ) to said user ( 14 ); said cellular telephone network also for determining the position of said vehicle.
141 . A method comprising the steps of:
acquiring a plurality of content selections ( 36 );
displaying a listing of said plurality of said content selections ( 36 ) to a user ( 14 ) on a website; and
downloading one of said plurality of publications over a network ( 20 ) to a content terminal ( 18 ) operated by said user ( 14 ); said content selection ( 36 ) being downloaded at a future time selected by said user ( 14 ); said content terminal ( 18 ) being selected by said user ( 14 );
said content terminal ( 18 ) being located in a vehicle;
said network ( 20 ) including a satellite in orbit; said satellite for delivering said content selection ( 36 ) to said user ( 14 ).