Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130046707 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPORTING RATINGS FOR MEDIA CONTENT - Methods of aggregating and importing user-generated and/or professional ratings of media content are provided. User-generated ratings may have been previously created at a ratings source by a user associated with a customer profile. The method for aggregating ratings includes importing the ratings from the ratings source, storing the ratings in a customer profile, normalizing the ratings, and storing the normalized ratings. The normalized rating may be used to determine recommendations and preferences. The method for importing ratings includes receiving authentication information for a ratings source, authenticating to the ratings source, importing the ratings from the ratings source, and storing the ratings in a customer profile. Changes in the ratings may be detected and updated in the customer profile. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046753 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING THE IDENTIFICATION OF GEOGRAPHICALLY CLOSEST ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINES - A system and method of searching for physical media articles available from article dispensing machines within a geographic proximity is provided. Searching may include matching keywords in search criteria or using predefined search criteria for browsing of static or dynamic listings of media content. The method includes receiving a search request including search criteria, and searching the metadata database for a physical media article matching the search criteria. The method also includes determining the availability of the matching media article at an article dispensing machine. The geographic location of article dispensing machines with available matching media articles is determined, based on personally identifying information such as an IP or MAC address. The geographic location may be limited by a proximity from an audio/visual display interface. A search result set with the matching media articles is provided, based on their availabilities. | 02-21-2013 |
20130060648 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AGGREGATING RATINGS FOR MEDIA CONTENT - Methods of aggregating and importing user-generated and/or professional ratings of media content are provided. User-generated ratings may have been previously created at a ratings source by a user associated with a customer profile. The method for aggregating ratings includes importing the ratings from the ratings source, storing the ratings in a customer profile, normalizing the ratings, and storing the normalized ratings. The normalized rating may be used to determine recommendations and preferences. The method for importing ratings includes receiving authentication information for a ratings source, authenticating to the ratings source, importing the ratings from the ratings source, and storing the ratings in a customer profile. Changes in the ratings may be detected and updated in the customer profile. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060660 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING MEDIA-RELATED NOTIFICATIONS - A method of generating notifications related to availability of media content is provided. The method includes receiving a watchlist subscription including a request to monitor for availability of media content. The method also includes detecting a change in the availability of media content based on the subscription, and if a change is detected, determining an access right and transmitting a notification of the change in the availability of the media content. The metadata of the media content is used in the subscriptions to determine when to generate notifications. The media content may include a media article, media selection, live content, or a theatrical media release. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060767 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING AND BROWSING FOR DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY MATCHING MEDIA CONTENT - A method of searching for directly and indirectly matching media content in a metadata database is provided. Searching may include matching keywords in search criteria or using predefined search criteria for browsing of static or dynamic listings of media content. The method includes receiving a search request including search criteria, and searching the metadata database for a digital media selection matching the search criteria. A mapping of metadata of the media selection may be utilized to find a matching media article that directly or indirectly matches the search criteria. The method also includes determining availabilities of the matching media article and the matching media selection. A search result set with the matching media articles and matching media selections is provided, based on their availabilities. An associated content provider may be linked to the customer based on a subscription. The media selection may be accessed by an audio/visual display interface. | 03-07-2013 |
20130061260 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING PARENTAL CONTROL LIMITS FROM CONTENT PROVIDERS TO MEDIA CONTENT - Methods of filtering and modifying access to media content based on parental control limits are provided. The method for filtering media content includes receiving authentication information for a content provider, authenticating to the content provider, importing parental control limits from the content provider, storing the received parental control limits in a customer profile, and filtering the media content based on the parental control limits to produce a filtered list of the media content. The method for modifying access to media content includes authenticating to a customer profile with a unique customer identifier, retrieving parental control limits from the customer profile, and modifying access to the media content based on the retrieved parental control limits. Changes in the parental control limits at a content provider may be detected and updated in the customer profile. | 03-07-2013 |
20130066464 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUBSTITUTING A MEDIA ARTICLE WITH ALTERNATIVE MEDIA - A method of substituting digital alternative media for a physical media article at an article dispensing machine to a customer is provided. The method includes receiving a request related to the media article through a user interface from the customer, identifying an associated content provider, and determining the alternative media selection at the associated content provider that corresponds to the media article. The method also includes receiving a unique customer identifier and identifying the associated content provider based on the unique customer identifier. The method further includes mapping the media article to the alternative media selection based on metadata. The media article may be available at the article dispensing machine or may be unavailable due to being out-of-stock or reserved to another customer. The associated content provider may be linked to the customer based on a subscription. The digital alternative media selection may be accessed by an audio/visual display interface. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066844 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING AND BROWSING MEDIA CONTENT - A method of searching for media content in a metadata database is provided. Searching may include matching keywords in search criteria or using predefined search criteria for browsing of static or dynamic listings of media content. The method includes receiving a search request including search criteria, and searching the metadata database for a physical media article matching the search criteria and a digital media selection matching the search criteria. The method also includes determining availabilities of the matching media article and the matching media selection. A search result set with the matching media articles and matching media selections is provided, based on their availabilities. The search result set may also include media articles and media selections that are indirectly associated with the search criteria. An associated content provider may be linked to the customer based on a subscription. The media selection may be accessed by an audio/visual display interface. | 03-14-2013 |
20130073468 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSOCIATING AN ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINE ACCOUNT WITH A CONTENT PROVIDER ACCOUNT - A method of associating a first customer account for an article dispensing machine with a second customer account at a content provider. The article dispensing machine has a user interface. The method receives a unique customer identifier through the user interface, accesses the first customer account based on the unique customer identifier, and associates the second customer account at the content provider with the first customer account. The second customer account can include a customer subscription with access permission for a digital media selection at the content provider. In addition, the unique customer identifier can include at least one of a credit card number or a debit card number, and the method can apply a hash function to at least one of the credit card number or the debit card number to produce at least one of a hashed credit card number or a hashed debit card number. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of optimizing the redemption of credits in a variable value transaction are disclosed. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be assigned an order of availability for redemption based on credit redemption criteria such as a redemption priority, a product value, an expiration date, and/or a redemption value. The credits with a higher order of availability may be redeemed prior to credits with a lower order of availability. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080223 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF CREDIT SUBSCRIPTIONS - A system and method of managing credit subscriptions corresponding to a customer are disclosed. The credit subscriptions may include quantities of one or more credits with predetermined validity durations. The credit subscriptions may be active for a subscription lifetime, and the credits may be redeemable in a variable value transaction involving a piece of media content. Managing a credit subscription may include receiving a subscription management message, translating a subscription package code to a quantity of credits, creating or renewing the credit subscription with the quantity of credits, modifying the credit subscription, or deleting the credit subscription. The subscription management message may include a customer number, a subscription package code, and a subscription lifetime specification. Credits and credit subscriptions may be created as a one-time issuance or may be automatically renewed on a periodic basis. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080227 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTIVE ACCRUAL OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of predicatively accruing a credit in a variable value transaction are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be accrued for a predicted redemption of the credit for the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. A payment card may also be processed for some or all of the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. A pending revenue amount may be determined based on the accrual of the credits. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080415 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO NEW MEDIA - 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. | 03-28-2013 |
20130227013 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION RELATED TO MEDIA CONTENT - A method of providing supplemental information synchronized with a piece of media content being played and related to a current state of the piece of media content being played is provided. The supplemental information may be transmitted to an electronic device in synchronization with the playing of the piece of media content on an audio/visual display interface. The method includes receiving identifying information from the electronic device and/or the audio/visual display interface, storing the identifying information in an active device table, receiving a viewing initiation notification, and transmitting the supplemental information to the electronic device in response to the viewing initiation notification. The electronic device may also transmit a request to begin playing the piece of media content. Transmission of the supplemental information may be paused, stopped, or resumed in synchronization with the piece of media content being played. | 08-29-2013 |
20140081449 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of processing a variable value transaction with credits and a payment card are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be redeemed for some or all of the initial balance and/or the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. The payment card may also be processed for some or all of the initial balance and/or the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081845 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CURRENCY CONVERSION RELATED TO CREDITS REDEEMABLE IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of converting currency items to credits that are redeemable in a variable value transaction are disclosed. Converting currency items to credits allows the credits to be used for satisfying an initial balance or a remaining balance of the variable value transaction involving a piece of media content. The conversion may include receiving a unique customer identifier identifying a customer, receiving a unique identifier of the currency items, and determining whether the currency item is valid for being converted to a credit. If the currency item is valid, a conversion ratio of the currency items to credits may be retrieved and a quantity of the credits may be calculated from the currency items, based on the conversion ratio. The quantity of the credits may be issued to the customer in a credits database. Invalid currency items may be rejected for conversion to the credit. | 03-20-2014 |
20150032608 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF CREDIT SUBSCRIPTIONS - A system and method of managing credit subscriptions corresponding to a customer are disclosed. The credit subscriptions may include quantities of one or more credits with predetermined validity durations. The credit subscriptions may be active for a subscription lifetime, and the credits may be redeemable in a variable value transaction involving a piece of media content. Managing a credit subscription may include receiving a subscription management message, translating a subscription package code to a quantity of credits, creating or renewing the credit subscription with the quantity of credits, modifying the credit subscription, or deleting the credit subscription. The subscription management message may include a customer number, a subscription package code, and a subscription lifetime specification. Credits and credit subscriptions may be created as a one-time issuance or may be automatically renewed on a periodic basis. | 01-29-2015 |
20150045946 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of optimizing the redemption of credits in a variable value transaction are disclosed. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be assigned an order of availability for redemption based on credit redemption criteria such as a redemption priority, a product value, an expiration date, and/or a redemption value. The credits with a higher order of availability may be redeemed prior to credits with a lower order of availability. | 02-12-2015 |
20150105902 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of predicatively accruing a credit in a variable value transaction are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be accrued for a predicted redemption of the credit for the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. A payment card may also be processed for some or all of the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. A pending revenue amount may be determined based on the accrual of the credits. | 04-16-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100151835 | MESSAGE FORWARDING AND RETRIEVAL WITH A SINGLE MESSAGING SERVICE - Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method and system of integrating a user's voice mail onto a single voice messaging service, e.g., a Unified Messaging (UM) service, such that a client may access this single source for voice mail retrieval, even where such voice mails are from a variety of sources, e.g., work, mobile phone, etc. A user, or the user's mobile operator, need only agree to accept the service, and the registration and configuration requirements for providing the service and forwarding calls to the service are automatically configured. The user's existing “speed dial” key or other setting for retrieving voice mail may also be automatically configured to the access number(s) for the service. Configurations may monitor the status of the service and update access and/or forwarding numbers. Voice mail forwarding and settings may also be automatically reverted back to the user's original service. | 06-17-2010 |
20130045719 | MESSAGE FORWARDING AND RETRIEVAL WITH A SINGLE MESSAGING SERVICE - Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method and system of integrating a user's voice mail onto a single voice messaging service, e.g., a Unified Messaging (UM) service, such that a client may access this single source for voice mail retrieval, even where such voice mails are from a variety of sources, e.g., work, mobile phone, etc. A user, or the user's mobile operator, need only agree to accept the service, and the registration and configuration requirements for providing the service and forwarding calls to the service are automatically configured. The user's existing “speed dial” key or other setting for retrieving voice mail may also be automatically configured to the access number(s) for the service. Configurations may monitor the status of the service and update access and/or forwarding numbers. Voice mail forwarding and settings may also be automatically reverted back to the user's original service. | 02-21-2013 |
20140364091 | MESSAGE FORWARDING AND RETRIEVAL WITH A SINGLE MESSAGING SERVICE - Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method and system of integrating a user's voice mail onto a single voice messaging service, e.g., a Unified Messaging (UM) service, such that a client may access this single source for voice mail retrieval, even where such voice mails are from a variety of sources, e.g., work, mobile phone, etc. A user, or the user's mobile operator, need only agree to accept the service, and the registration and configuration requirements for providing the service and forwarding calls to the service are automatically configured. The user's existing “speed dial” key or other setting for retrieving voice mail may also be automatically configured to the access number(s) for the service. Configurations may monitor the status of the service and update access and/or forwarding numbers. Voice mail forwarding and settings may also be automatically reverted back to the user's original service. | 12-11-2014 |