US20170024386A1 - System and method for generating notifications related to new media - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of generating notifications related to availability of new media content is provided. The method includes receiving a notification subscription including a request to monitor for new media content. The method also includes detecting new media content based on the subscription, and if a change is detected, determining an access right and transmitting a notification of the new media content. The metadata of the new media content is used in the subscriptions to determine when to generate notifications. Media content may include media articles, media selections, theatrical media releases, live content, or miscellaneous media sources.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/563,654, filed Jul. 31, 2012, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO NEW MEDIA”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/514,448, filed Aug. 2, 2011, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO NEW MEDIA”, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This invention relates to a system and method for generating notifications related to new media. More particularly, the present invention provides a system and method for monitoring changes related to new media content and generating notifications about the changes.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• While the present invention is often described herein with reference to a digital video disc, Blu-Ray disc, and video game distribution system, an application to which the present invention is advantageously suited, it will be readily apparent that the present invention is not limited to that application and can be employed in article dispensing systems used to distribute a wide variety of dispensable articles.
• The digital video disc (DVD) player has been one of the most successful consumer electronics product launches in history. The market for DVD movie video, Blu-Ray movie video, and video game rentals is enormous and growing. Millions of households have acquired DVDs since they were introduced in 1997. In the first quarter of 2003 alone, it was estimated that well over three million DVD players were shipped to U.S. retailers.
• In 2003, brick-and-mortar stores dominated the movie video and video game rental landscape in the U.S. Statistics showed that two brick-and-mortar companies controlled nearly sixty-five percent of the home video rental business. One element repeatedly cited for success of certain brick-and mortar store video rental franchises was perceived high availability of new video releases. Consumers want entertainment on demand, and through stocking multiple units of each new release, successful brick-and-mortar companies meet this consumer demand.
• The foregoing indicates that there is a significant market potential for aligning regular routines of consumers (e.g., shopping, getting coffee or gas or going to a convenience store) with their DVD, Blu-Ray, and video game rental activities.
• One improved article dispensing machine is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The invention of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention can function as an article dispensing machine-based distribution system that will typically have multiple units of each new release per article dispensing machine. The dispensing machines of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention can stock up to two thousand DVDs, Blu-Ray, video games, or other discs (movies, games or other entertainment content), making the system competitive with existing brick-and-mortar video rental superstores.
• The dispensing machine and system of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention distinguishes itself from such stores by offering major benefits not conventionally offered by such stores, including additional cross-marketing programs (e.g., promotional rentals for a certain amount of dollars spent at the retail location) and convenience (e.g., open always).
• The dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention yields a competitive advantage in the DVD, Blu-Ray disc, and video game rental marketplace by offering consumers cross-marketing/promotional programs, convenience of selection (e.g., computer-based searches for movies and recommendations based on consumer profiles), and potentially extended hours. The present invention employs a more cost-effective, convenient platform than brick-and-mortar stores. In addition, with the present invention, dispensing machines can be situated in retail locations having high foot traffic, such as at a popular grocery store, restaurant, drug store, and/or other popular retail location.
• The dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention can be operated at a substantial savings over the costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar video rental stores. For example, the present invention does not require hourly employees manning the dispensing machines or restocking them with inventories, due to the ability of the article transport storage units to be delivered to/picked up from retail locations by third-party delivery services, such as traditional or contracted courier services.
• Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention does not require an on-site store manager because all operational decisions can be made at a centralized location by a management team officed remote from the retail locations. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention does not require significant physical space. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention has low operating costs because no heating or air conditioning is required for the dispensing machines and they consume a relatively low level of electrical energy. In addition, the dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 has low maintenance costs and downtime.
• The dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention addresses the shortcomings of traditional brick-and-mortar stores in a convenient and cost-effective delivery vehicle having the added bonus of serving as an effective promotional platform that drives incremental sales to retail locations. In addition, the dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention overcomes these disadvantages by at least offering more new releases and older selections for any given time period, and lower cost per viewing with significantly more convenience than Internet-based and pay-per-view services.
• The dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention is a fully automated, integrated DVD, Blu-Ray, and video game rental and/or purchase systems. It preferably incorporates robust, secure, scalable software that provides a fully personalized user experience and real-time feedback to retail locations and advertisers, scalable hardware that leverages existing technologies such as touch screen, focused audio speakers and video monitors, technology utilizing the Internet through a system website or mobile/consumer electronics device application, and an article transport storage unit that facilitates the exchange of new discs for old discs in each machine with virtually no need for human intervention. These technologies and others fill long-felt needs in the art and give advantages over conventional video distribution options. The dispensing machine of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609 and the present invention functions as much as a promotional platform as it does a rental kiosk.
• By utilizing the dispensing machines and the fully-interactive, real-time, linked Internet website or mobile/consumer electronics device application, consumers can rent one or more DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, video games, or other entertainment content directly from dispensing machines as well as indirectly by making a rental reservation through the website or application for later pickup at a conveniently located machine. These dispensing machines are preferably networked with each other, with the inventory control and/or supply office and with the system website or application by phone-line, DSL, wireless network, or other Internet connection at each retail location. Through this linked network, the rental experience for each consumer can be customized based on a profile for each consumer, such as via personalized home pages and rental screens.
• Existing media notification systems allow users to receive notifications about the availability of media content in a single format and at a single point in time. For example, a user of existing media notification systems may receive a notification that the physical media article corresponding to a piece of media content is available to rent or purchase at a given time. Other existing media notification systems may notify a user that that a digital media selection for the piece of media content is available to view at another given time. However, these existing media notification systems do not notify users of the availability of the piece of media content in different formats at multiple points in time.
• Notifications from existing media notification systems may include media content based directly on a preference, while some users may be interested in additional media content that is indirectly associated with the preference. Furthermore, the notifications from existing media notification systems may include media content that is only available to customers with certain subscription packages. In this case, a user may become frustrated when they attempt to access a particular piece of media content only to find that their subscription package does not allow access.
• The present invention allows for generation of notifications related to the availability of media content in different formats, including physical media articles, digital media selections, and theatrical media releases. The present invention overcomes disadvantages of existing media notification systems by generating notifications regarding availability that include different formats of media content at different points in time. The present invention also allows for generation of notifications related to new media content that includes miscellaneous media sources as well as physical media articles, digital media selections, and theatrical media releases. Information related to inventory and subscription access may also be included in the notifications. A transaction offer may be included in the notifications to assist in increasing consumption of the media content. Other features and advantages are provided by the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system for communicating and processing information in a network of article dispensing machines and dispensing apparatus.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an article dispensing machine constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a high-level block diagram illustrating a networked media content system and connections including an article dispensing machine, a system backend, a content provider backend, and an A/V display interface.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the system backend.
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating connections between the system backend and the content provider backend.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating connections between the system backend, the content provider backend, and the A/V display interface.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations for generating a notification of availability of media content.
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operations for generating a notification related to new media content.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations for determining access rights to a media article.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations for determining access rights to a media selection.
• FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations for determining access rights to a miscellaneous media source.
• FIG. 12 is an exemplary screenshot of an interface related to generating notifications of availability of media content.
• FIG. 13 is an exemplary screenshot of an interface related for generating notifications of availability of media content.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
• FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an article dispensing machine designated230.Article dispensing machine230 is one of a plurality of article dispensing machines included within an article distribution system having a plurality of such machines situated at a plurality of retail locations. The article dispensing machines of a particular article distribution system preferably form a network. As such, those machines are preferably in electrical communication with each other and with a central server or central controller.
• As shown inFIG. 1, eacharticle dispensing machine230 includes a dispensingmachine processor300, also referred to herein as a vending controller, which is connected to afirst sensor270 and asecond sensor370, afirst motor251 and asecond motor262 and a userinterface control system234, collectively referred to as “the peripheral devices.” The processor is capable of executing various programs to provide input to and/or receive outputs from the peripheral devices. Suitable processors for such use are known to those of skill in the art. In addition, the processor is operably connected to at least onememory storage device281, such as a hard-drive or flash-drive or other suitable memory storage device.
• Article dispensing machinememory storage device281 can include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, article dispensing machinememory storage device281 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Article dispensing machinememory storage device281 can have a distributed architecture where various components are situated remote from one another, but are still accessed by processor. Article dispensing machine memory storage device includes an article dispensingmachine database282.
• Thearticle dispensing machines230 preferably comprise a network of machines in communication with one another. As shown inFIG. 1, in the preferred configuration, thearticle dispensing machines230 are networked with one another via a central server orcentral controller302 in a hub-and-spoke system. However, optionally, the article dispensing machines may be connected and communicate directly with one another, and/or subsets of article dispensing machines may communicate with one another directly as well as with thecentral server302.
• Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, thecentral server302 and thecontent provider backend308 shown inFIG. 3 include a central processor and/or controller, central memory, and one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices (or peripherals) that are communicatively coupled via a local interface. The architecture of thecentral server302 is set forth in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,609, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Numerous variations of the architecture of thecentral server302 and thecontent provider backend308 would be understood by one of skill in the art and are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.
• The processor/controller is a hardware device for executing software, particularly software stored in memory. The processor can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with theserver302, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing software instructions. Examples of suitable commercially available microprocessors are as follows: a PA-RISC series microprocessor from Hewlett-Packard Company, an 80x86 or Pentium series microprocessor from Intel Corporation, a PowerPC microprocessor from IBM, a Sparc microprocessor from Sun Microsystems, Inc., or a 68xxx series microprocessor from Motorola Corporation. The processor may also represent a distributed processing architecture such as, but not limited to, SQL, Smalltalk, APL, KLisp, Snobol, Developer 200, MUMPS/Magic.
• The software in memory may include one or more separate programs. The separate programs comprise ordered listings of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in memory includes a suitable operating system (O/S). A non-exhaustive list of examples of suitable commercially available operating systems is as follows: (a) a Windows operating system available from Microsoft Corporation; (b) a Netware operating system available from Novell, Inc.; (c) a Macintosh operating system available from Apple Inc.; (d) a UNIX operating system, which is available for purchase from many vendors, such as the Hewlett-Packard Company, Sun Microsystems, Inc., and AT&T Corporation; (e) a LINUX operating system, which is freeware that is readily available on the Internet; (f) a run time Vxworks operating system from WindRiver Systems, Inc.; or (g) an appliance-based operating system, such as that implemented in handheld computers, smartphones, or personal digital assistants (PDAs) (e.g., PalmOS available from Palm Computing, Inc., Windows CE or Windows Phone available from Microsoft Corporation, iOS available from Apple Inc, Android available from Google Inc., BlackBerry OS available from Research in Motion Limited, Symbian available from Nokia Corp.). The operating system essentially controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services.
• Steps and/or elements, and/or portions thereof of the present invention may be implemented using a source program, executable program (object code), script, or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When a source program, the program needs to be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not be included within the memory, so as to operate properly in connection with the operating system (O/S). Furthermore, the software embodying the present invention can be written as (a) an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods, or (b) a procedural programming language, which has routines, subroutines, and/or functions, for example but not limited to, C, C++, Pascal, Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Perl, Java, Ada, and Lua.
• Whenarticle dispensing machine230 is in operation, the article dispensing machine processor is configured to execute software stored within article dispensing machine memory, to communicate data to and from the dispensing machine memory, and to generally control operations of article dispensing machine pursuant to the software. The software aspects of the present invention and the O/S, in whole or in part, but typically the latter, are read by processor, perhaps buffered within the processor, and then executed.
• When the present invention or aspects thereof are implemented in software, it should be noted that the software can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. The present invention can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.
• For communication with thecentral server302,article dispensing machine230 is equipped with network communication equipment and circuitry. In a preferred embodiment, the network communication equipment includes a network card such as an Ethernet card. In a preferred network environment, each of the plurality ofarticle dispensing machines230 on the network is configured to use the TCP/IP protocol to communicate via thenetwork301. It will be understood, however, that a variety of network protocols could also be employed, such as IPX/SPX, Netware, PPP and others. It will also be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the present invention is forarticle dispensing machine230 to have a “broadband” connection to thenetwork301, the principles of the present invention are also practicable with a dialup connection using a standard modem. Wireless network connections are also contemplated, such as wireless Ethernet, satellite, infrared, radio frequency, Bluetooth, near field communication, and cellular networks.
• Thecentral controller302 communicates with the article dispensingmachine controllers300 via thenetwork301. Thecentral controller302 is preferably located at a central station or office that is remote from the plurality ofarticle dispensing machines230. Thecentral controller302 can operate as the server for communicating over thenetwork301 between the plurality ofarticle dispensing machines230. Thecentral controller302 receives communications and information from thearticle dispensing machines230, and also transmits communications and information to themachines230. For example, when a rental transaction is performed at thearticle dispensing machine230, transaction data such as the rented title is then transmitted from themachine230 to thecentral controller302 via thenetwork301. It will be understood that central servers in general, such as thecentral controller302, are often distributed. A plurality of central servers/controllers302 may optionally be arranged in “load balanced” architecture to improve the speed and efficiency of the network. To accomplish the implementation ofmultiple controllers302, thecontrollers302 may be in communication with a router/distributor303.
• Thecentral controller302 is also in communication with acentral database304. Thecentral database304 stores information regarding the transaction network. For example, thecentral database304 stores data regarding the vending inventory at each of the plurality ofarticle dispensing machines230. Thecentral database304 also stores sales information regarding the sales quantities of the vending merchandise stored in themachines230. For example, thecentral database304 stores information regarding the sales totals for each title and for eachmachine230 vending location.Central database304 also stores user information and rental transaction information, such as user IDs, the date on which discs are due to be returned, the date on which discs were rented from themachines230 and a list of valid coupon codes and restrictions associated with those codes. In certain embodiments,central database304 also may be configured to store user PINs. Some of this information is also preferably stored in article dispensingmachine database282.
• Central database304 and databases in thecontent provider backend308, such as the content providercustomer profile database502 and other databases, are preferably relational databases, although other types of database architectures may be used without departing from the principles of the present invention. For example, thedatabases304 and502 may be a SQL database, an Access database or an Oracle database, and in any such embodiment have the functionality stored herein.Central database304 is also preferably capable of being shared, as illustrated, between a plurality ofcentral controllers302 and its information is also preferably capable of being transmitted vianetwork301. It will be understood that a variety of methods exist for serving the information stored incentral database304 anddatabase502. In one embodiment, .net and Microsoft Reporting Services are employed, however, other technologies such as ODBC, MySQL, CFML and the like may be used.
• Thecentral controller302,central database304, and components of thecontent provider backend308 are also accessible by anelectronic device306, which may include apersonal computer102, mobile device104 (e.g., smartphone, personal digital assistant, etc.),tablet computer106,video game console108,television110, and Blu-Ray player112. Theelectronic device306 may be in direct or indirect communication with thecentral controller302,central database304, and/or thecontent provider backend308 through a wired and/or wireless network connection, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular (3G, 4G, etc.), or other type of connection. As apersonal computer102, theelectronic device306 will be understood as comprising hardware and software consistent with marketable personal and laptop computers, such as a display monitor, a keyboard, and a microprocessor. Theelectronic device306 may also comprise Internet browser software such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Safari. Using the browser software, a user of theelectronic device306 can access a web interface through thecentral controller302. An application may also execute on theelectronic device306 that accesses thecentral controller302. To that end,central controller302 preferably comprises web server software such as IIS or Apache. It will be understood that a variety of web server software and web browser software exists to implement the principles of the present invention without departing therefrom. Through the web browser software or application, theelectronic device306 communicates with thecentral controller302 and allows the user to login to a central command functionality of thecentral controller302 and to view and modify data stored in thecentral database304. The browser interface or application also allows the user to perform certain system functions, which will affect the inventory and behavior of thearticle dispensing machines230. Theelectronic device306 may communicate with thecentral controller302,central database304, components of thesystem backend307, and components of thecontent provider backend308 using rules and specifications of an application programming interface (API).
• In a preferred embodiment, afinancial server305 is also in communication with thenetwork301. It will be understood that a variety of financial services exist for processing financial information via the Internet andother networks301. Those services allow for the processing of credit card and debit card information, so that users of the services do not have to interface directly with credit and debit card companies. InFIG. 1, thefinancial server305 is illustrated as a single server, although thefinancial server305 may comprise an entire sub-network offinancial servers305 responsible for processing financial information.
• As shown inFIG. 2,article dispensing machine230 includes amachine housing232 with front, rear, top, bottom and side panels. Themachine housing232 is preferably a combination molded fiberglass and sheet metal cabinet. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the housing can be constructed from a variety of other suitable materials and with a variety of other suitable manufacturing techniques.
• As shown most clearly inFIG. 2, auser interface portion234 ofhousing232 includes acard reader240, a keypad and/ortouch screen242 and an article transfer opening244. Thecard reader240 is preferably designed in known fashion to read magnetically encoded membership and/or credit/debit cards for authorizing the distribution of articles of inventory through the article transfer opening244. Keypad and/ortouch screen242 permits consumers and/or inventory stocking personnel to communicate with the dispensingmachine230 and/or a central office linked in electrical communication with the dispensing machine. Keypad and/ortouch screen242 also permits consumers and/or inventory stocking personnel to enter appropriate commands directed to carrying out specific machine tasks. It will be appreciated that the optional touch screen includes a monitor made with known technologies making it capable of being utilized as a user interface for entry of commands designed to carry out machine tasks. Thetouch screen242 may also be capable of displaying a QR (Quick Response) code to a customer. The customer may read the QR code with a camera on a mobile device or with a dedicated QR code reader. The QR code can represent a universal resource locator (URL) to access a digital media selection, for example.
• Furthermore, it will be appreciated that additional user interface portions having additional or even identical user interface components could be incorporated withinarticle dispensing machine230. For example, these components could be incorporated on other panels of thehousing232 ofmachine230 so that the machine can be used simultaneously by multiple consumers, translating into more efficient distribution of articles in high traffic areas.Dispensing machine230 also preferably includes speaker units. Known audio technology may be incorporated within dispensingmachine230 to broadcast focused audio directed to relatively small (e.g., three square feet) locations in front of the machines from speaker units and/or in other designated locations at a retail site.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a networkedmedia content system310 including anarticle dispensing machine230, asystem backend307, acontent provider backend308, and an audio/visual (A/V)display interface309. The networkedmedia content system310 provides for a variety of processes involving management, manipulation, searching, presentation, and notification related to digital media content, vendible physical media articles, theatrical media releases, live content, and miscellaneous media sources, including processes related to the present invention. The networkedmedia content system310 allows for direct and indirect communication between the components in the networkedmedia content system310 via one or more networks. The components in the networkedmedia content system310 may be operated by one or more entities. In one embodiment, the article dispensing machine(s)230 and thesystem backend307 are operated by a first entity, such as the operator of the article dispensing machines, while thecontent provider backend308 and the A/V display interface309 are operated by a second entity, such as a content provider. In another embodiment, all of the components shown in the networkedmedia content system310 ofFIG. 3 are operated by the same entity. The physical media article may include at least a DVD, Blu-Ray disc, video game disc, or other media article including those that are out-of-stock or otherwise unavailable for rental. The digital media selections may include streaming video content, video-on-demand content, downloadable video content, streaming video games, downloadable video games, or other digital media content. Theatrical media releases may include theatrical films, theatrical film preview trailers, and other related media, and miscellaneous media sources may include live performances, television appearances, print media articles, internet postings, and other media sources. Live content may include television broadcasts and internet broadcasts. AlthoughFIG. 3 shows a singlecontent provider backend308 and a single A/V display interface309, it is contemplated that more than one content provider backend and/or A/V display interfaces may be in communication with thesystem backend307.
• Thesystem backend307 includes components that primarily communicate information, such as transaction and inventory data, to and from thearticle dispensing machines230. Components in thesystem backend307 also communicate information to and from thecontent provider backend308 and the A/V display interface309. Thesystem backend307 is detailed below with reference toFIG. 4. Thecontent provider backend308 includes components that primarily communicate information to and from the A/V display interface309. Components in thecontent provider backend308 also communicate information to and from thesystem backend307, as detailed further below. Data communicated between thearticle dispensing machines230, thesystem backend307, thecontent provider backend308, and/or theAN display interface309 may utilize the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. Theelectronic device306 and the A/V display interface309 may communicate with thesystem backend307 and/or thecontent provider backend308 using rules and specifications of an application programming interface (API).
• The A/V display interface309 can be a set-top box, a module of an internet-ready television, a Blu-Ray player with internet connectability, a software application executing on a mobile device, cable television converter box, satellite television set-top box, IPTV (Internet Protocol television) set-top box (including AT&T U-Verse), digital video recorder, tablet computer, video game console (including Microsoft Xbox family, Sony PlayStation family, Nintendo Wii, and similar devices), handheld gaming device (including Sony PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and similar devices), laptop computer, desktop computer, streaming media box (including Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, Boxee, and similar devices), or any other device capable of receiving and displaying streaming, on-demand, and/or downloadable electronic media from a content provider. Moreover, applications may be installed and executed on the A/V display interface309 that communicate with thesystem backend307 and/or thecontent provider backend308 to provide media content and other information to a user of the A/V display interface309.
• Thearticle dispensing machines230 can communicate with thesystem backend307, including the central server andcontroller302, via network communication equipment and circuitry, as detailed above. Furthermore, thesystem backend307 can communicate with thecontent provider backend308 and the A/V display interface309 via the same or different network communication equipment and circuitry. In particular, thesystem backend307 can directly communicate with thecontent provider backend308 and theAN display interface309, or in one embodiment, thesystem backend307 can communicate with the A/V display interface309 through thecontent provider backend308. It will also be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the present invention is for the components of thesystem310 to have a “broadband” connection with one another, the principles of the present invention are also practicable with a dialup connection using a standard modem. Wireless network connections are also contemplated, such as wireless Ethernet, satellite, infrared, radio frequency, Bluetooth, near field communication, and cellular networks.
• Each of thearticle dispensing machines230 may operate without requiring continuous connectivity and communication with thecentral controller302. In one embodiment, thecentral controller302 only transmits data in response to communication from anarticle dispensing machine230. For example, anarticle dispensing machine230 may attempt to communicate with thecentral controller302 following completion of one or more rental transactions or one or more media article return transactions. In another embodiment, thearticle dispensing machine230 continues normal operations and transactions even if communication is interrupted or cannot be established with thecentral controller302. In these cases, transaction data can be stored locally in thearticle dispensing machine230, such as in the article dispensing machinememory storage device281, until a predetermined time interval elapses, when a predetermined number of transactions is reached, or until communication with thecentral controller302 can be reestablished. Once communication is established with thecentral controller302, financial and inventory information can be uploaded and the appropriate servers and databases can be updated.
• In one embodiment, thearticle dispensing machine230 can display only media articles which are physically located at thearticle dispensing machine230. In this way, a customer may browse on theuser interface234 only the media articles which are in-stock and available to rent at thatarticle dispensing machine230. Typically, thearticle dispensing machine230 possesses media information for the media articles that are currently located in thearticle dispensing machine230. The media information for a media article includes title, actor, director, studio, publisher, plot synopsis, format, description, parental rating, individualized ratings and reviews, popularity, article type, running time, genre, cover artwork, or other information. Thearticle dispensing machine230 can also store in memory the media information for recently-rented media articles that are no longer physically stored in thearticle dispensing machine230. Thearticle dispensing machine230 can communicate with thecentral controller302 when media information about a particular media article is needed. For example, when a particular media article is returned to anarticle dispensing machine230 that does not have the corresponding media information for that particular media article, thearticle dispensing machine230 can query thecentral controller302,metadata database410, and/orinventory database412 for the media information. Once the media information is obtained, thearticle dispensing machine230 may display that particular media article on theuser interface234 as in-stock and available to rent.
• In another embodiment, thearticle dispensing machine230 can display media articles that are both physically located and not physically located at thearticle dispensing machine230. In this embodiment, media articles which are both available and unavailable to rent can be displayed. A media article may be unavailable to rent if it is not in-stock or is in-stock but has been reserved for rental. In one example, the entire catalog of media articles stored in theinventory database412 can be displayed on thearticle dispensing machine230. In another example, a subset of the entire catalog of media articles can be displayed on thearticle dispensing machine230. The subset of media articles that can be displayed on thearticle dispensing machine230 may be determined, for example, based on geographic location, retailer agreements, contractual obligations, customer rental habits, and other criteria. The media articles that can be displayed on thearticle dispensing machine230 may include recently-rented media articles that are no longer physically stored in thearticle dispensing machine230 or media articles that have never been physically in thearticle dispensing machine230. For example, media articles that have never been physically in thearticle dispensing machine230 may be displayed because those media articles may be available at a nearby article dispensing machine. In this case, those media articles may be displayed to the customer so that the customer has an option to obtain those media articles from the nearbyarticle dispensing machine230. In this embodiment, if a customer attempts to rent a media article that is out-of-stock, reserved for another customer, or otherwise cannot be vended at the particulararticle dispensing machine230, then that media article can be deemed an unavailable media article. Although a physical unavailable media article cannot be rented from the particulararticle dispensing machine230, a digital alternative media selection may be available and substituted for the unavailable media article.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating thesystem backend307 and connections to and from thesystem backend307 to thearticle dispensing machines230, thecontent provider backend308, and the A/V display interface309. Thesystem backend307 includes components that provide and receive data to and from thearticle dispensing machines230 during DVD, Blu-Ray disc, and video game rental transactions and other transactions. Components in thesystem backend307 are utilized in relation to the present invention, as described below. It will be understood thatcomponents402,404,406,408,414,416,418, and420 in thesystem backend307 may be implemented, for example, by thecentral controller302 using instructions stored in a memory connected to thecentral controller302. It will be further understood that thedatabases404,410, and412 may be implemented as part of thecentral database304 or as separate databases.
• The identification andauthentication controller402 can receive a unique customer identifier that a customer provides to thearticle dispensing machines230 during a rental transaction. The unique customer identifier can be a credit or debit card number, a hashed version of a credit or debit card number, or other unique identifier used for payment and/or identification purposes. In the case of hashing of the credit or debit card number, the hash function applied to the credit or debit card number is preferably implemented on thearticle dispensing machines230 and may be, for example, a SHA-256 hashing algorithm. The identification andauthentication controller402 can validate the payment capability of a credit or debit card by communicating with thefinancial server305.
• A customer may be authenticated to multiple customer profiles and accounts by the identification andauthentication controller402. The unique customer identifier provided by the customer can authenticate the customer to an existing customer profile and account for thearticle dispensing machines230. The existing customer profile and account can be stored and looked up using the unique customer identifier in thecustomer profile database404 that is connected to the identification andauthentication controller402. The unique customer identifier can also link the existing customer account to a content provider customer account via a connection from thecustomer profile database404 to the content providercustomer profile database502 in thecontent provider backend308, as shown inFIG. 5. Zero, one, or more content provider customer accounts may be linked in thecustomer profile database404 to the existing customer account for thearticle dispensing machines230. A content provider may include, but is not limited to, a cable television operator, a satellite television service provider, an IPTV (Internet Protocol television) provider, an online gaming and digital media delivery service (Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, OnLive, etc.), a website (YouTube, Hulu, etc.), a movie studio, a television network, a game publisher, or a retailer (Best Buy, Walmart, etc.). Media selections available from a content provider may include videos on demand, streaming videos, downloadable videos, streaming video games, or downloadable video games. The media selections may be available through the A/V display interface309 that is in communication with thecontent provider backend308.
• Thecustomer profile database404 can contain information related to customers of thearticle dispensing machines230, including name, mailing and billing addresses, email addresses, phone and mobile numbers, username, password, payment methods, rental history, purchase history, preferred article dispensing machines, movie and video game genre preferences, customizations, subscriptions, parental controls, linked content provider accounts, content provider subscriptions and entitlements, and other data. A rental transaction can be personalized using information from thecustomer profile database404 at thearticle dispensing machines230 and awebsite interface418. For example, only certain genres and titles of DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, or video games could be shown if a customer sets particular preferences that are then stored in thecustomer profile database404. Some of the information stored in thecustomer profile database404 may also be stored in the article dispensingmachine database282. Thecustomer profile database404 may include a service which facilitates interfacing and communicating with anotification engine406 and other components of thesystem backend307, for example.
• Thewebsite interface418 can be interactive and accessible to a customer using web browser software at anelectronic device306. Thewebsite interface418 may also include a mobile application or consumer electronics device application. Rentable media articles may be searched, browsed, and reserved on thewebsite interface418 for receipt at thearticle dispensing machines230. The location of and the inventory atarticle dispensing machines230 can be viewed at thewebsite interface418. Digital media selections from content providers, such as streaming, downloadable, and on-demand media, may also be searched, browsed, and accessed on thewebsite interface418. A customer can access their customer profile on thewebsite interface418 for purposes of verifying and updating their personal information in thecustomer profile database404. For example, a customer can link an account they have with a content provider on thewebsite interface418 by specifying their username, password, account number, and/or other identifying information for the content provider account. Thesystem backend307 can utilize SAN/IL (Security Assertion Markup Language), OAuth (Open Authentication), or other protocols to authenticate the identity of the customer at the content provider via a connection from thewebsite interface418 to the content provider identification andauthentication controller506 in thecontent provider backend308, as shown inFIG. 5. If the identifying information matches the content provider account, the linkage to the content provider account can be stored in thecustomer profile database404.
• Aninventory database412 may contain a catalog of physical media articles that may be rented at thearticle dispensing machines230 and reserved at thewebsite interface418 for later receipt at thearticle dispensing machines230. A catalog of digital media selections available at the content provider can be contained in themetadata database410. Metadata for the media articles, media selections, theatrical movie releases, and miscellaneous media sources are stored in themetadata database410, including title, release date, running time, chapter information, technical details (resolution, audio options, languages, etc.), format, peripheral device requirements, number of players, online capability, actors, voice actors, director, studio, publisher, developer, platform, availability of downloadable content, episode information, genre, critic ratings, individualized ratings (reviews, recommendations, likes, etc.), parental ratings (MPAA, ESRB, TV Parental Guidelines, etc.), description, related content, media artwork, media stills, and other information.
• Physical media articles that may be rented at thearticle dispensing machines230 and digital media selections available at the content provider may be synchronized and mapped to one another by matching their respective metadata. As seen inFIG. 5, a synchronization andmapping engine414 connected to thecustomer profile database404, themetadata database410, and the content providerasset management system504 in thecontent provider backend308 may compare the metadata for the media articles and media selections to determine matches. Metadata in the content providerasset management system504 for media selections can be compared to metadata in themetadata database410 to perform the matching. For example, a combination of a title, release date, running time, and/or actor information can be used to map a media article to a corresponding media selection. In one embodiment, proprietary identification codes unique to a media article and a media selection can be used to map the media article to the corresponding media selection. The proprietary identification codes for the media article and the media selection can be stored in themetadata database410 and the content providerasset management system504, respectively. Such proprietary identification codes can be assigned to media articles and media selections by third party providers such as Rovi, Baseline, and AMG.
• Availability information for theatrical media releases, including theatrical films and theatrical film preview trailers, may also be stored in themetadata database410. The availability information may include the release date of the theatrical media releases, including multiple release dates for different geographical locations. The theatrical media releases may also be synchronized and mapped to physical media articles and digital media selections using the synchronization andmapping engine414. Metadata for each of the media articles, media selections, and theatrical media releases may be compared to perform the matching, as described above.
• A media selection at a content provider can be placed in the savedprograms queue604 on the A/V display interface309, as shown inFIG. 6, by providing the appropriate instructions to the content providerasset management system504 in thecontent provider backend308. Queuing a media selection may occur, for example, when a customer decides to purchase the digital media selection from the content provider in place of a physical media article at anarticle dispensing machine230.
• Aninventory database412 can be connected to thearticle dispensing machine230 and themetadata database410 to provide information regarding the availability of media articles in thearticle dispensing machines230. In conjunction with asearch engine416, theinventory database412 and themetadata database410 can provide inventory results for media articles and media selections to an A/Vdisplay interface application602 on an A/V display interface309, as shown inFIG. 6. Such results may include the availability of physical media articles at thearticle dispensing machines230 as well as digital media selections available at a content provider. The results may also be provided to thewebsite interface418 or other websites operated by a content provider, for example. The synchronization andmapping engine414 can store the information from the content providerasset management system504 regarding media selections at the content provider in themetadata database410. Theinventory database412 can also supply the availability of media articles in thearticle dispensing machines230 to thewebsite interface418 or to other portals, such as an application on a mobile device, when queried.
• Ametadata database watcher408 can monitor themetadata database410 for changes in metadata related to media articles, media selections, theatrical media releases, live content, and/or miscellaneous media sources. Themetadata database watcher408 can use customer watchlist subscriptions from a customer profile in thecustomer profile database404 to determine what changes to monitor. Customer watchlist subscriptions may include subscriptions where a customer opts into a particular subscription. The changes to the metadata can include inventory availability, content provider availability, release schedules, and other information related to a particular title. The customer watchlist subscriptions can be used by themetadata database watcher408 to monitor these changes in combination with information regarding particular actors, directors, and/or other metadata. When a change corresponding to a customer watchlist subscription is found by themetadata database watcher408, anotification engine406 can transmit notifications and details of the change to the customer. The notifications may be sent via email, SMS, mobile application alerts, A/V display interface alerts, instant messaging alerts, or other electronic channels.
• A customer may also subscribe to be notified about new information and new media content related to their favorite actors, directors, titles, studios, and/or other parameters using customer notification subscriptions. Such information may include information related to live content, live performances, television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, blogs, and other content. A web crawler and data feed420 can obtain this information by searching pertinent websites and through use of a public API connection to update themetadata database410. The data feed in the web crawler and data feed420 may include, for example, information that is pushed from an information source or pulled from an information source. The customer can subscribe to this information about their favorites at thewebsite interface418, for example. Themetadata database watcher408 monitoring themetadata database410 can detect when there is a new piece of information about a favorite and transmit the desired notifications using thenotification engine406.
• An embodiment of aprocess700 for generating notifications related to the availability of media content using themetadata database410 and thenotification engine406 is shown inFIG. 7. Theprocess700 can result in the transmission of notifications describing the availability of physical media articles, digital media selections, live content, and theatrical media releases. A user may subscribe to receive notifications of the availability of different types of media content. The user can specify in the customer watchlist subscription one or more types of metadata corresponding to media content that they wish to be notified about. Availability notifications may include a specific date that the piece of media content will be released, such as the date a media article or media selection corresponding to the media content is available for rent or purchase, or the date when the theatrical media release will be available to view in theaters, on television, etc. The notifications may be filtered based on a customer's subscription package with an associated content provider for a digital media selection. A user may also indicate the desired frequency of notifications. The customer watchlist subscription can be stored in thecustomer profile database404.
• Media content that is included in a notification can include media articles, media selections, live content, and/or theatrical media releases that directly match the specified metadata in the customer watchlist subscription. The notification may also include media content that is indirectly associated with the specified metadata in the customer watchlist subscription, such as media content from the same series, with the same actor(s), with the same director, etc. For example, if the customer watchlist subscription includes the title metadata “Camelot”, the notification provided by theprocess700 may include direct matches, such as a media selection listing for the television series Camelot on the premium cable channel Starz, available as a video-on-demand, and a media article listing for the1967 movie Camelot, available for rental from anarticle dispensing machine230. The notification may also include indirect matches for associated media articles and associated media selections, such as the King Arthur video game or the Merlin television miniseries on DVD, that are available at anarticle dispensing machine230 and/or from a content provider. Metadata for the associated media articles and media selections may match the customer watchlist subscription, which can cause the associated media articles and media selections to be included in the notification. In the example above, the Merlin television miniseries may appear in the notification because the metadata “Camelot” may match a plot keyword in the metadata of that particular media article. In an alternative embodiment, the indirect matches may appear in the notification due to metadata from the direct matches. The metadata from the direct matches may not directly match the customer watchlist subscription, but instead lead to the indirect matches. In the example above, the King Arthur video game may appear in the notification not because “Camelot” is in the metadata for the video game, but because the direct matched television series Camelot has metadata including “King Arthur”.
• As another example, if a customer watchlist subscription includes the actor metadata “Clint Eastwood”, the notification provided by theprocess700 may include direct matches, such as a media article listing for the movie Unforgiven available for rental from anarticle dispensing machine230. Indirect matches based on this metadata may include other media content in which Clint Eastwood appears as an actor (e.g., Dirty Harry, In the Line of Fire, etc.) and/or where Clint Eastwood is a director (e.g., Invictus, Flags of Our Fathers, etc.).
• In some embodiments, the rental or purchase history of the customer from thecustomer database404 may also be utilized in conjunction with the other metadata, as described above, to determine the media content in a notification. For example, if a customer watchlist subscription includes the title metadata for the movie Return of the Jedi, indirect media selections may be determined, such as the movies The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The indirect media selections may be determined based on metadata for the movie Return of the Jedi and/or the prior rental history of the customer that may include, for example, rentals of the movie Star Wars and the video game Star Wars: Battlefront.
• As a further example, the customer watchlist subscription can specify metadata related to a specific title, e.g., the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, for which the user wants notifications of availability. In this example, the notification can include the date that the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone will be available as a digital media selection. In addition, the notification may include the date when a related piece of media content will be available, such as when the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—Part 1 will be available as a media article at thearticle dispensing machines230, or when the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—Part 2 will be released as a theatrical media release at a theater. As another example, the customer watchlist subscription may specify metadata related to an actor and/or a director so that the user is notified when a piece of media content is available with the actor and/or the director.
• The availability and release dates of media content may include whether a certain title is “coming soon” to or “leaving soon” from anarticle dispensing machine230, a content provider, or a theater. Availability and release dates may be designated by studios that produced and created the media. Themetadata database410 can contain metadata information for one or more physical media articles, such as DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and/or video games; one or more digital media selections, such as streaming videos, videos-on-demand, streaming video games, and/or downloadable video games; and one or more theatrical media releases, such as theatrical films and theatrical film preview trailers. Aninventory database412 can be in communication with themetadata database410, and contain information regarding the availability of media articles at thearticle dispensing machines230. Themetadata database410, theinventory database412, and/or other databases may include availability window information that keeps track of when a piece of media content is available from or at a particular source. For example, a movie may be available initially as a theatrical film release, then may be available on a premium cable channel, as a digital media selection, for rental or purchase as a media article from anarticle dispensing machine230, etc. When the movie is available from or at each of the particular sources, the user may be notified.
• Atstep702, a customer watchlist subscription can be received and stored in thecustomer profile database404. The customer watchlist subscription may be created and/or updated by a user through thewebsite interface418 that is accessible onelectronic device306, for example, and may include keywords and phrases that match metadata of media content in themetadata database410. Anapplication602 executing on an A/V display interface309 or theelectronic device306 may also transmit the customer watchlist subscription to be received and stored in thecustomer profile database404. In another embodiment, a QR code may be scanned by a customer to register piece(s) of media content in their customer watchlist subscription. For example, the QR code may be displayed on a movie poster or during a theatrical film preview trailer and scanned by the customer.
• Atstep704, themetadata database watcher408 determines whether a change in the availability of media content has occurred in themetadata database410, based on the specified metadata in the customer watchlist subscription received atstep702. The availability of media content can include a stock status, a viewing availability status, or a price status. The stock status may apply to physical media articles that are distributed fromarticle dispensing machines230, and may include whether the media article is in-stock, out-of-stock, coming soon into stock, or leaving soon from stock. An example of when a media article is coming soon into stock is prior to the release date of the media article, and an example of when a media article is leaving soon from stock is prior to when the media article can no longer be contractually offered in thearticle dispensing machine230. The viewing availability status may apply to a digital media selection, live content, or a theatrical media release, and may include whether the media selection, live content, or theatrical media release is available to view, unavailable to view, coming soon to view, or leaving soon to view. For example, availability to view may include whether a media selection is available for downloading. As another example, a theatrical media release is available to view if it is currently being shown in a theater, but is coming soon to view prior to the release date of the theatrical media release. The price status may apply to any type of media content and may include whether a price increase or a price decrease corresponding to the media content has or will have occurred.
• If no changes in the availability of media content have occurred atstep704, then themetadata database watcher408 continues to monitor themetadata database410 for changes. However, if changes to the availability of media content are detected in themetadata database410 atstep704, then the type of media content for which the changes occurred can be determined atstep706. The type of media content, as described above, can include a physical media article, a digital media selection, live content, or a theatrical media release. The access rights to the media content may be determined atstep708, depending on the type of media content determined atstep706. Access rights for media articles may include whether the media article is available at anarticle dispensing machine230, as detailed below in theprocess900 shown inFIG. 9. For media selections, access rights may include whether the media selection is accessible to the customer based on their subscription, as discussed below in theprocess1000 shown inFIG. 10.
• Atstep710, after the access rights to the media content have been determined, notifications are transmitted by thenotification engine406 with the availability of the media content, according to the customer watchlist subscription. The customer watchlist subscription can include preferences related to the different electronic channels for receipt of the notifications, such as email, SMS, mobile application alerts, and/or A/V display interface alerts. One or more notifications can be transmitted by thenotification engine406 atstep710, depending on the preferences set in the customer watchlist subscription. The notifications may include the media content, i.e., the name of the media article, media selection, live content, or theatrical media release, and the stock status, viewing availability status, or price status, as applicable, depending on the type of change determined atstep704. Specific dates may also be included in the notifications. In one embodiment, the notification may include a uniform resource locator (URL) link to view further details regarding the availability of the media content. In another embodiment, a QR code representing a URL link to view further availability details may be displayed.
• An embodiment of aprocess800 for generating notifications related to new media content using themetadata database410 and thenotification engine406 is shown inFIG. 8. Theprocess800 can result in the transmission of notifications regarding new physical media articles, digital media selections, live content, theatrical media releases, and/or miscellaneous media sources that match metadata preferences in a customer notification subscription. A user may subscribe to receive notification information related to the different types of new media content by specifying one or more types of metadata corresponding to the new media content that they wish to be notified about. Notifications transmitted by theprocess800 may include the new media content and a transaction offer related to the new media content. The notifications may be filtered based on a customer's subscription package with an associated content provider for a digital media selection. A user may also indicate the desired frequency of notifications. The customer notification subscription can be stored in thecustomer profile database404.
• New media content that is included in a notification can include media articles, media selections, live content, theatrical media releases, and/or miscellaneous media sources that directly match the specified metadata in the customer notification subscription. The notification may also include new media content that is indirectly associated with the specified metadata in the customer notification subscription, as detailed above.
• Themetadata database410 can contain metadata information for one or more physical media articles, such as DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and/or video games; one or more digital media selections, such as streaming videos, videos-on-demand, streaming video games, and/or downloadable video games; one or more theatrical media releases, such as theatrical films and theatrical film preview trailers; live content, such as television broadcasts and internet broadcasts; and one or more miscellaneous media sources, such as live performances, television appearances, print media articles (available digitally or physically, e.g., news, editorials, etc.), or internet postings (including blog posts, Twitter posts, discussion board postings, etc.). Aninventory database412 can be in communication with the metadata database, and contain information regarding the availability of media articles at thearticle dispensing machines230.
• Atstep802, a customer notification subscription can be received and stored at thecustomer profile database404. The customer notification subscription may be created and/or updated by a user through thewebsite interface418 that is accessible onelectronic device306, for example, and may include keywords and phrases that match metadata of new media content in themetadata database410. Anapplication602 executing on an A/V display interface309 or theelectronic device306 may also transmit the customer notification subscription to be received and stored in thecustomer profile database404.
• Atstep804, themetadata database watcher408 monitors themetadata database410 to determine whether new media content exists, based on the specified metadata in the customer notification subscription received atstep802. The new media content may include the availability of the new media content, such as a stock status, a viewing availability status, or a price status. The stock status may apply to physical media articles that are distributed fromarticle dispensing machines230, and may include whether the media article is in-stock, out-of-stock, coming soon into stock, or leaving soon from stock. The viewing availability status may apply to a digital media selection, live content, a theatrical media release, or a miscellaneous media source, and may include whether the media selection, live content, theatrical media release, or miscellaneous media source is available to view, unavailable to view, coming soon to view, or leaving soon to view. The price status may apply to any type of new media content and may include whether a price increase or a price decrease of the new media content has or will have occurred.
• If no new media content has been detected atstep804, then themetadata database watcher408 continues to monitor themetadata database410. However, if new media content is detected in themetadata database410 atstep804, then the type of the new media content is determined atstep806. The type of the new media content, as described above, can include a physical media article, a digital media selection, live content, a theatrical media release, or a miscellaneous media source. The access rights to the new media content may be determined atstep808, depending on the type of new media content determined atstep806. Access rights for a new media article may include whether the new media article is available at anarticle dispensing machine230, as detailed below in theprocess900 shown inFIG. 9. For new media selections, access rights may include whether the new media selection is accessible to the customer based on their subscription, as discussed below in theprocess1000 shown inFIG. 10. Access rights related to new miscellaneous media source is discussed below in theprocess1100 shown inFIG. 11.
• Atstep810, after the access rights to the new media content have been determined, notifications are transmitted by thenotification engine406 describing the new media content, according to the customer notification subscription. The customer notification subscription can include preferences on how to receive the notifications, such as email, SMS, mobile application alerts, and/or A/V display interface alerts. In one embodiment, the notification may include a uniform resource locator (URL) link to view further details regarding the new media content or to view the new media content itself. In another embodiment, a QR code representing a URL link may be displayed. One or more notifications can be transmitted by thenotification engine406 atstep810, depending on the preferences set in the customer notification subscription. The notifications may include the new media content, i.e., the name of the media article, media selection, live content, theatrical media release, or miscellaneous media source, and the stock status, viewing availability status, or price status, as applicable. The notifications transmitted atstep810 may further include a transaction offer related to the new media content. The transaction offer may be a reservation offer, a pre-reservation offer, a viewing offer, or a purchase offer that applies to the new media content. Transaction offers may or may not involve payment for access to the new media content, depending on the type of the new media content. For example, purchase of a ticket for a live performance of an actor involves payment, but viewing a blog posting regarding an actor generally does not require payment.
• A reservation offer may be applicable to new media content that can be reserved for rental and/or pickup. A pre-reservation offer may be applicable to new media content that is not yet available but can be reserved in advance for future rental or pickup. The new media content related to reservation and pre-reservation offers may include a media article distributed at anarticle dispensing machine230, for example. Viewing offers may be applicable to new media content, such as digital media selections, that can be streamed or downloaded at an A/V display interface309. A viewing offer may also apply to miscellaneous media sources that can be viewed on the A/V display interface309, such as an internet posting. A purchase offer may be applicable to new media content that can be bought, including media articles, tickets for theatrical media releases, and tickets for miscellaneous media sources, such as live performances.
• A transaction request may be received atstep812 in response to the transaction offer in the notification transmitted atstep810. The transaction request may be related to a media article, a media selection, live content, a theatrical media release, and/or a miscellaneous media source. For example, a media article could be reserved, pre-reserved, or purchased from anarticle dispensing machine230 in response to a reservation offer, pre-reservation offer, or purchase offer, respectively. In another example, a ticket may be purchased in response to a purchase offer related to a theatrical media release that is available to view in the theater. In a further example, a video-on-demand could be streamed in response to a viewing offer related to a digital media selection. In another example, a digital video recording may be requested by a user in response to a viewing offer related to an upcoming television appearance by an actor. In a further example, a ticket may be purchased in response to a purchase offer related to a live performance by an actor.
• Any payment related to the transaction request may be received along with the transaction request atstep812. Payment may be needed, for example, when a user's particular subscription package does not currently include access to a media selection but where the user could access the media selection by upgrading to a premium subscription package. As another example, payment may be needed if the media selection is available from an a la carte content provider that requires payment for individual purchases. The payment received may include, for example, a credit or debit card charge, charging the payment to a customer account at the content provider or at a mobile provider, redeeming credits or promotion codes, or other payment methods.
• An embodiment of determining access rights to media articles is shown in theprocess900 ofFIG. 9. Theprocess900 may be implemented asstep708 ofFIG. 7 or step808 ofFIG. 8 if the media content or new media content, respectively, is a media article that may be available at anarticle dispensing machine230. Atstep902, the location of one or morearticle dispensing machines230 can be determined. The location(s) of thearticle dispensing machines230 can be determined based on geographic proximity to the location where the customer or user is located, such as based on the address of the customer in thecustomer profile database404. Thearticle dispensing machine230 locations could also be determined based on a location that is manually entered by a user. The locations of thearticle dispensing machines230 that are closest to the originating location may then be determined. The locations may be limited by a radius, city, town, zip code, or other limitation. The location of one or more specificarticle dispensing machines230 may also be input by a user atstep902.
• Atstep904, theinventory database412 can be queried to determine whether the media article is available at the locations of thearticle dispensing machines230 determined atstep902. If the media article is available at one or morearticle dispensing machines230 atstep906, then atstep908, the locations of thosearticle dispensing machines230 can be stored for use in the notifications transmitted by theprocesses700 or800. However, if the media articles are not available at anyarticle dispensing machine230 atstep906, then no available locations can be stored atstep910.
• An embodiment of determining access rights to media selections is shown in theprocess1000 ofFIG. 10, including determination of an associated content provider and the availability of the media selections at the associated content provider. Theprocess1000 may be implemented asstep708 ofFIG. 7 or step808 ofFIG. 8 if the media content or new media content, respectively, is a digital media selection that may be available at a content provider. Atstep1002, a unique customer identifier may be received by thecentral controller302. Thecentral controller302 can match the unique customer identifier to a particular customer profile in thecustomer profile database404. The unique customer identifier could be a credit or debit card number processed through a hash function. The hashed credit or debit card number can be used to look up a customer profile in thecustomer profile database404. The unique customer identifier may also include a customer-provided identification of the associated content provider. The customer could also provide what content providers they are associated with, and optionally provide the specific subscription package they subscribe to, instead of providing a credit card number or account number.
• If the unique customer identifier is present in thecustomer profile database404 atstep1004, then the process continues to step1006. Atstep1006, thecentral controller302 can determine whether there is an associated content provider linked to the customer profile found atstep1004. The customer profile in thecustomer profile database404 may contain a linkage to an associated content provider. If there is not a content provider associated with the customer profile atstep1006 or if no unique customer identifier is found in thecustomer profile database404 atstep1004, the customer may provide the linkages of content providers atstep1008. The customer profile in thecustomer profile database404 can include information obtained from the content providercustomer profile database502 in thecontent provider backend308, such as an account number, email address, subscription information, and other information related to the customer's content provider customer profile.
• If there is a content provider associated with the customer identifier atstep1006, the process continues to step1010 where subscription information at the content provider for the customer is retrieved from thecustomer profile database404. Thecustomer profile database404 may contain subscription and entitlement information that was previously received from the content providercustomer profile database502 in thecontent provider backend308. Subscription information at the content provider can include the customer's subscribed service package, premium channel content the customer entitled to access, zip code and address for possible geographical content restrictions, parental authorization and controls for age authentication, and other subscriber information. The subscription information may be used by thecentral controller302 atstep1012 when determining the availability of media selections for the customer at particular content providers.Step1010 is also performed followingstep1008 when a customer has entered a linkage to a content provider.
• Atstep1012, thecentral controller302 determines whether the media selections are available at a content provider that is linked to the customer. In addition to determining whether the media selections are available at a linked content provider, thecentral controller302 can determine atstep1012 whether the customer has permission to access the media selection based on the subscription information in thecustomer profile database404 that was previously obtained atstep1010.
• A customer may be entitled to access a digital media selection for free, such as when the media selection is already available within the customer's subscription package, or when the media selection is publicly available. In other cases, a customer may only have access to a media selection by providing additional payment, such as when the customer's subscription package does not allow access to the media selection or when the media selection is only available at an a la carte content provider. For example, if the customer's subscription package allows access to Home Box Office (HBO) content and the media selection is available through HBO, then the customer will have access to the media selection without additional payment. As another example, if the customer's subscription package only allows access to Showtime content and the media selection is only available through HBO, then the customer will not have access to the media selection. In this case, the customer may have the option to upgrade their subscription package to include HBO or utilize an a la carte content provider for an additional payment. As a further example, if the customer is a Comcast subscriber and the media selection is available as a free video-on-demand selection on Comcast, then the customer will have access to the media selection without additional payment. However, if the media selection is only available through Hulu Plus, then the customer will not have access to the media selection unless the customer provides additional payment.
• Therefore, if the media selection is available at a linked content provider atstep1012, then atstep1014, the media selections and associated content providers can be stored for later use in the notifications transmitted by theprocesses700 and800. If the media selection is not available at a linked content provider atstep1012, then thecentral controller302 can obtain other content provider options, if any, atstep1016. Other content provider options may include a la carte content providers such as Amazon Instant Video, iTunes Store, YouTube, VUDU, and other services that allow a user to individually purchase media without requiring a subscription. Further content provider options that may be obtained atstep1016 include retailers that grant rights to a digital media selection in conjunction with the purchase of a physical item (e.g., Best Buy, Walmart, etc.), movie studios, television networks, video game developers, and online gaming delivery services (Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, OnLive, etc.). For example, a video game may be available from an online gaming delivery service for download, such as from Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network, or for streaming, such as from OnLive. If other content providers are available for the media selection, the media selection and the associated a la carte content provider(s) may be stored atstep1014.
• An embodiment of determining access rights to a miscellaneous media source is shown in theprocess1100 ofFIG. 11. Theprocess1100 may be implemented asstep808 ofFIG. 8 if the new media content involved in theprocess800 is a new miscellaneous media source. As described above, a miscellaneous media source may include live performances, television appearances, print media articles, or internet postings. Atstep1102, the geographic location of the customer or user is determined, such as based on the address of the customer in thecustomer profile database404. The geographic location determined atstep1102 could also be manually entered by the user, determined based on the IP or MAC address of anelectronic device306 or A/V display interface309, or determined based on Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates. Atstep1104, a proximity limit or radius may be received that can limit the search for locations related to the miscellaneous media source in theprocess1100. The proximity limit may be received from a user or may be a predetermined default limit. The proximity limit may include a mile radius, a kilometer radius, or other limit. Based on the geographic location of the user determined atstep1102 and the proximity limit received atstep1104, the miscellaneous media sources that are located within the proximity limit may be determined atstep1106. Atstep1108, the miscellaneous media source located with the proximity limit may be stored for use in the notifications transmitted by theprocess800. It is understood by those in the art that an IP address is a numerical label assigned to any device participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It is also understood by those in the art that a MAC address is a unique hexadecimal identifier assigned to a network interface of a device. The MAC address of the A/V display interface309, for example, may be associated with a customer profile that contains an address.
• Theprocess1100 may be implemented for miscellaneous media sources that occur in a specific geographic location, such as a live performance, or that are related to a geographic location, such as a local newspaper. By determining the location of the user related to the location of the miscellaneous media source, only relevant miscellaneous media sources may be included in the notifications transmitted by theprocess800. For example, if a customer wants to be notified of live performances by a certain actor or comedian, the notifications can include only live performances that are local to the customer, rather than all of the performances nationwide. However, the customer could specify a larger proximity limit if the customer wishes to be notified about live performances in nearby cities. As another example, if a customer desires to be notified of news reports, the notifications can include only reports that are only in a local newspaper or magazine.
• FIG. 12 is an exemplary screenshot of aninterface1200 related to generating notifications of availability of media content.FIG. 13 is an exemplary screenshot of aninterface1300 for generating notifications of availability of media content. Theinterfaces1200 and1300 may be displayed on thewebsite interface418, for example. A user may interact with theinterface1200 when the user wishes to view the releases of media content that is coming soon, such as media articles that are coming soon for rental from anarticle dispensing machine230. Upon interaction with theinterface1200, theinterface1300 may be displayed which can allow the user to select zero, one, or more pieces of media content that the user wishes to receive availability notifications for. For example, the user may click on any of the “Remind Me”buttons1302 on theinterface1300 to generate a notification for inventory availability, which may be included in their customer watchlist subscription or customer notification subscription, as described above.
• Any process descriptions or blocks in figures should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.
• It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A method of generating a notification related to new media content, a type of the new media content comprising one or more of: a media article for being available at an article dispensing machine, a media selection, a theatrical media release, live content, or a miscellaneous media source; the method comprising:

receiving a customer notification subscription comprising a notification request to monitor for the new media content based on metadata of the new media content, wherein the metadata of the new media content are stored in a metadata database connected to a processor;

detecting the new media content based on a comparison of metadata specified in the customer notification subscription against the metadata of the new media content;

when the new media content is detected:

determining an access right to the new media content based on:

determining whether a subscription package corresponding to a customer includes the new media content, and

determining the type of the new media content;

transmitting the notification of the new media content based on the determined access right, the notification including a current availability of the new media content.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the metadata database comprises the metadata of the new media content, and the metadata of the new media content comprises at least one of a release date, a running time, chapter information, technical details, a format, a peripheral device requirement, number of players, online capability, an actor, a voice actor, a director, a studio, a publisher, a developer, a platform, availability of downloadable content, episode information, a genre, a critic rating, an individualized rating, a parental rating, a description, related content, media artwork, a media still, or a proprietary identification code.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the new media content comprises a change in a current availability, the current availability comprising one or more of in-stock, out-of-stock, coming soon into stock, or leaving soon from stock.

4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the new media content comprises a change in a viewing availability status, the viewing availability status comprising one or more of available to view, unavailable to view, coming soon to view, or leaving soon from view.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein determining the access right to the new media content comprises:

associating a unique customer identifier with a customer subscription at an associated content provider, wherein the customer subscription is stored in a customer profile database connected to the processor; and

determining the viewing availability status of the media selection based on an access permission for the media selection in the customer subscription.

6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the access right to the new media content comprises determining the viewing availability status of the theatrical media release based on a release date of the theatrical media release; and the notification further comprises the theatrical media release and the viewing availability status of the theatrical media release.

7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein determining the access right to the new media content comprises determining the viewing availability status of the miscellaneous media source; and the notification further comprises the miscellaneous media source and the viewing availability status of the miscellaneous media source.

8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the new media content comprises a change in a price status, the price status comprising one or more of a price increase or a price decrease.

9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein transmitting the notification comprises one or more of transmitting an electronic mail, transmitting a short message service message, or transmitting an alert on an audio/visual display interface.

10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein:

the media article comprises at least one of a digital video disc, a Blu-Ray disc, or a video game;

the media selection comprises at least one of a video on demand, a streaming video, a downloadable video, a streaming video game, or a downloadable video game;

the theatrical media release comprises at least one of a theatrical film or a theatrical film preview trailer;

the live content comprises a television broadcast or an internet broadcast; and

the miscellaneous media source comprises at least one of a live performance, a television appearance, a print media article, or an internet posting.

11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the customer notification subscription is stored in a customer profile database connected to the processor.

12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising a crawler module in communication with the metadata database, the crawler module for obtaining the new media content.

13. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising a data feed connection in communication with the metadata database, the data feed connection for obtaining the new media content.

14. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the notification includes a transaction offer comprising one or more of a reservation offer, a pre-reservation offer, a viewing offer, or a purchase offer.

15. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising receiving a transaction request in response to the transaction offer, the transaction request comprising a request to access at least one of the media article, the media selection, the theatrical media release, or the miscellaneous media source.

16. A non-transitory computer readable medium for generating a notification related to new media content, a type of the new media content comprising one or more of a media article for being available at an article dispensing machine, a media selection, a theatrical media release, live content, or a miscellaneous media source, the computer readable medium comprising:

a first code segment for receiving a customer notification subscription comprising a notification request to monitor for the new media content based on metadata of the new media content, wherein the metadata of the new media content are stored on a metadata database connected to a processor;

a second code segment for detecting the new media content based on a comparison of metadata specified in the customer notification subscription against the metadata of the new media content;

when the new media content is detected:

a third code segment for detecting the type of the new media content;

a fourth code segment for determining an access right to the new media content based on:

determining whether a subscription package corresponding to a customer includes the new media content;

a fifth code segment for transmitting the notification of the new media content based on the access right, the notification comprising a transaction offer related to the new media content and a current availability of the new media content.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the current availability comprises a viewing availability, and wherein the new media content comprises a change in the viewing availability status, the viewing availability status comprising one or more of available to view, unavailable to view, coming soon to view, or leaving soon from view.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein:

the fourth code segment for determining the access right to the new media content comprises:

a tenth code segment for associating a unique customer identifier with a customer subscription at an associated content provider, wherein the customer subscription is stored in a customer profile database connected to the processor; and

an eleventh code segment for determining the viewing availability status of the media selection based on an access permission for the media selection in the customer subscription; and the notification further comprises the media selection and the viewing availability status of the media selection.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein:

the fourth code segment for determining the access right to the new media content comprises a twelfth code segment for determining the viewing availability status of the theatrical media release based on a release date of the theatrical media release; and

the notification further comprises the theatrical media release and the viewing availability status of the theatrical media release.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein:

the fourth code segment for determining the access right to the new media content comprises a thirteenth code segment for determining the viewing availability status of the miscellaneous media source; and

the notification further comprises the miscellaneous media source and the viewing availability status of the miscellaneous media source.

21. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the new media content comprises a change in a price status, the price status comprising one or more of a price increase or a price decrease.

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