Distribution of multimedia files using a transportation provider wireless device
Methods and apparatus for distributing multimedia files units are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a plurality of multimedia files are downloaded using a transportation provider wireless device associated with a fare-based transport vehicle, such as a taxi, bus, ferry, or airplane. The downloaded multimedia files are stored in a data storage unit operatively connected to the transportation provider wireless device. In response to passenger input data received from a passenger wireless device, a desired multimedia file selected by the passenger is transferred to the passenger wireless device or played back using local speakers and/or video displays. In some embodiments, a selected multimedia file is associated with digital rights management information regulating authorized uses of the file.
1. A method for distributing multimedia content, comprising:
downloading a plurality of multimedia files using a transportation provider wireless device associated with a fare-based transport vehicle;
storing the downloaded multimedia files in a data storage unit operatively connected to the transportation provider wireless device;
receiving passenger input data from a passenger wireless device, the passenger input data including a file selection corresponding to a desired multimedia file; and
outputting the desired multimedia file in response to the passenger input data, wherein outputting the desired multimedia file in response to the passenger input data comprises transferring the desired multimedia file from the data storage unit to the passenger wireless device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein outputting the desired multimedia file in response to the passenger input data further comprises reproducing audio corresponding to audio data included in the desired multimedia file using one or more loudspeakers installed in the fare-based transport vehicle.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein outputting the desired multimedia file in response to the passenger input data further comprises displaying video corresponding to video data included in the desired multimedia file using one or more video displays installed in the fare-based transport vehicle.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data storage unit comprises a removable memory module installed in the transportation provider wireless device, and wherein storing the multimedia files comprises transferring the downloaded multimedia files to the removable memory module.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data storage unit comprises a memory device wirelessly connected to the transportation provider wireless device, and wherein storing the multimedia files comprises wirelessly transferring the downloaded multimedia files to the memory device.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising calculating a fare based on transportation provided and price data associated with the desired multimedia file.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising displaying the calculated fare using one or more video displays installed in the fare-based transportation vehicle.
8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising transferring the calculated fare to the passenger wireless device.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving electronic payment information from the passenger wireless device.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the electronic payment information is received from the passenger wireless device using near-field communications technology.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the electronic payment information corresponds to a fare calculated based on transportation provided and price data associated with the desired multimedia file.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising outputting one or more additional multimedia files, wherein the fare is further calculated based on a credit corresponding to the one or more additional multimedia files.
13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising receiving one or more passenger multimedia files from the passenger wireless device, wherein the fare is further calculated based on a credit corresponding to the one or more passenger multimedia files.
14. A method for distributing multimedia content, comprising:
downloading a plurality of multimedia files using a transportation provider wireless device associated with a fare-based transport vehicle;
storing the multimedia files in a data storage unit operatively connected to the transportation provider wireless device;
receiving passenger input data from a passenger wireless device, the passenger input data including a file selection corresponding to a desired multimedia file;
evaluating the passenger input data and digital rights management (DRM) information associated with the desired multimedia file to determine authorized uses; and,
based on the authorized uses, selectively outputting the desired multimedia file in response to the passenger input data.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein selectively outputting the desired multimedia file comprises transferring the desired multimedia file from the data storage unit to the passenger wireless device, if the authorized uses include such a transfer.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein selectively outputting the desired multimedia file further comprises transferring passenger DRM information to the passenger wireless device.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein selectively outputting the desired multimedia file comprises selectively restricting playback of the desired multimedia file using a vehicle-installed video display, a vehicle-installed loudspeaker, or both, based on the authorized uses.
18. A multimedia distribution system, comprising:
a wireless transceiver associated with a fare-based transport vehicle and configured to download a plurality of multimedia files;
a data storage unit operatively connected to the wireless transceiver and configured to store the downloaded multimedia files;
a passenger device interface configured to receive passenger input data from a passenger wireless device, the passenger input data including a file selection corresponding to a desired multimedia file; and
a distribution section configured to output the desired multimedia file in response to the passenger input data, wherein the distribution section comprises a transmitter section configured to selectively transfer the desired multimedia file to the passenger wireless device, based on the passenger input data.
19. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the transmitter section comprises a short-range wireless transceiver.
20. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the distribution section further comprises an audio output section configured to reproduce audio corresponding to audio data included in the desired multimedia file, using one or more loudspeakers installed in the fare-based transport vehicle.
21. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the distribution section further comprises a video output section configured to display video corresponding to video data included in the desired multimedia file, using one or more video displays installed in the fare-based transport vehicle.
22. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the distribution section is configured to selectively reproduce audio corresponding to audio data included in the desired multimedia file, using one or more loudspeakers installed in the fare-based transport vehicle, or transfer the desired multimedia file from the data storage unit to the passenger wireless device, or both, based on the passenger input data.
23. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the distribution section is configured to selectively display video corresponding to video data included in the desired multimedia file, using one or more video displays installed in the fare-based transport vehicle, or transfer the desired multimedia file from the data storage unit to the passenger wireless device, or both, based on the passenger input data.
24. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the data storage unit comprises a removable memory module installed in the transportation provider wireless device.
25. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the data storage unit comprises a memory device wirelessly connected to the transportation provider wireless device.
26. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , further comprising a transaction module configured to calculate a fare based on transportation provided and price data associated with the desired multimedia file.
27. The multimedia distribution system of claim 16 , wherein the transaction module is further configured to calculate the fare based on a credit corresponding to one or more additional multimedia files received from the passenger wireless device.
28. The multimedia distribution system of claim 26 , wherein the transaction module is further configured to calculate the fare based on a credit corresponding to one or more additional multimedia files output by the distribution section.
29. The multimedia distribution system of claim 26 , wherein the transaction module is further configured to receive electronic payment information from the passenger wireless device via the passenger device interface.
30. The multimedia distribution system of claim 26 , further comprising a near-field communications receiver operatively connected to the transaction module, wherein the transaction module is configured to receive electronic payment information from the passenger wireless device via the near-field communications receiver.
31. The multimedia distribution system of claim 18 , further comprising a security module operatively connected to the passenger device interface and configured to selectively limit outputting of the desired multimedia file by the distribution section in response to digital rights management information associated with the desired multimedia file.