AU2005100610A4

AU2005100610A4 - System and method for distribution of multi-media products in a retail environment utilising online suppliers

Info

Publication number: AU2005100610A4
Application number: AU2005100610A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Douglas Robert Claydon; Sydney Grant Priscott; Paul Anthony Skelton
Original assignee: SYDNEY PRISCOTT
Current assignee: SYDNEY PRISCOTT
Priority date: 2005-07-29
Filing date: 2005-07-29
Publication date: 2005-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-29

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF MULTI-MEDIA PRODUCTS IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT UTILISING ONLINE SUPPLIERS.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF MULTI-MEDIA PRODUCTS IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT UTILISING ONLINE

SUPPLIERS.

DESCRIPTION

A method and system for the secure and controlled delivery of multi-media content at a retail storefront level utilising computer technology to deliver requested audio and visual products in the customers requested formats. This would include any future products as they become available. This entire delivery process would use industry best standards to ensure delivery is performed in a fully legal and controlled, licensed environment. The operating systems and methods and/or process for the deliverance of this delivery service would cover all current and future computer and electronic systems so as to be fully compatible with all equipment available for public use. All media which is placed on playable equipment CD, DVD, portable media player, Computer Chip, Sound Card, Memory Card, Computer) would have incorporated within the recording a copy control programme to further safeguard the original copyright owners from the piracy of their intellectual property.

The present invention relates to the delivery, distribution and/or sale of multimedia content in a retail environment utilising both current and future computer technology. As multi-media distribution via the internet has become more popular and accessible to the general public so have the advances in format made choice for the consumer more practical and economical, thus enabling the consumer to choose and utilise a greater range of multi-media.

This invention would allow for the consumer to compensate the relevant parties to whom royalties, fees, and/or costs are due in a lawful manner yet give the consumer further choice how they receive the product they have paid for. Computer technology in conjunction with traditional retail environment would allow the consumer to select the media either through their own computer, pay for same at that time yet complete the transaction through a download in a retail environment, or alternatively choose, pay and receive the product/s of their choice instore. Alternatively the consumer would be able to access the delivery method and/or system by way of payment of a subscription. This subscription would be predetermined between the content provider and the consumer, setting out the values and limits to which the consumer would have access to the service, according to the subscription payment. It is with these combinations in mind that this invention utilises computer technology to deliver state of the art products at an everyday location namely retail locations where all consumers may take advantage of this technology in a legitimate environment.

All multi-media data content distributed in the utilisation of this invention would be secure and done in a controlled manner, yet at the same time allow the users of this data a controlled and reasonable use of the products they have purchased.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1. is a block diagram flow chart showing the complete method according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2. is a block diagram showing the overall distribution from and to both ends of each transaction.

FIG. 3. is a block diagram of media purchase and download processing according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4. is a block diagram of the process from the media content supplier to the consumer as an embodiment of the invention.

DEFINITIONS AS RELATING TOCLAIMS Retail shopfront also having the following definitions and/or meanings: premises contained within shopping centres and /or commercial buildings, speciality stores, franchised businesses, chain stores, department stores and stand alone business premises.

The term customer also having the following definitions and/or meanings: end user, consumer, purchaser, lessee, renter, client, subscriber.

Individual user ID and password also having the following definitions and/or meanings: user name, proprietary name or title, surname, first name, nickname, code, key, key code, global key, PIN number, personal smart card, purchase card, subscription card, membership card, asset code, asset identifier.

Merchant to also having the following definitions and/or meanings: Owner, Retailer, proprietor, store operator, Franchisee, Manager, and/or staff of all of the preceding.

Payment to also have the following definitions and/or meanings: Cash, cheque, credit and/or debit card, EFTPOS, transaction credits, vouchers, tokens, loyalty programme credits, hardware purchase benefit programmes, promotional enticements, giveaways, subscription, programme membership, pre-paid shopping card, online payment receipt including identifier details.

Internet/intranet facilities to also have the following definitions and/or meanings: any system which allows the transfer of data to or from one or more computers including local networks.

Requested format to also have the following definitions and/or meanings: CD, CD-ROM, DVD,MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPE3, MP4,QuickTime movies, Portable multi media player, client machine, disk drive or any other media format that may be or will become available.

Delivery vehicle to also have the following definitions and/or meanings: Terminal, computer, kiosk, shopping cart, merchant delivery unit, listening module, visual display station, audio station, fulfilment terminal, server delivery terminal.

Claims

1. A method and system for the delivery and distribution of multi- media products and/or assets in a retail environment where the said products and/or assets have been pre-purchased, through the use of a computer network, the method and system comprising: A member of the general public (being the customer) is able to have delivered to them multi-media which they have purchased or to which they have the right of use through them having made payment (see definitions), this delivery being performed within a retail shopfront environment upon the presentation of proof of purchase i.e. payment (see definitions) entitling them to these multi- media products. This proof of purchase would then pass from the delivery vehicle to a secure content manager system utilising either an internet or intranet network or both, or a local network where in turn the digital multi-media would be downloaded to the delivery vehicle to be delivered to the customer in the format of their choice. The merchant receiving any additional fees or charges that may be applicable with regard to their services performed. Requesting delivery of the requested multi-media product(s) from the content manager system which can be different from the merchant system and which is coupled to the merchant system through a computer network utilising internet/intranet facilities. Receiving in the content manager computer system, a delivery request signal from the merchant system wherein the delivery request signal requests delivery of the multi-media product(s) to the merchants system on behalf of the customer. Sending transaction identification data to the merchant computer system wherein the transaction identification data identifies the the digital multi-media product(s) and represents remuneration in accordance with the payment data. Receiving, in the merchant computer system the transaction identification data from the content manager system determining that the digital multi-media relating to said identification data is available for delivery to the customer in their requested format.

2. A method for conducting a retail multi-media delivery business utilising standard shop layouts with e commerce through a computer network, the method comprising: Conducting the payment phase through a variety of means (e.g. payment through the internet using secure payment systems). The customer would be able to peruse multi-media available for purchase utilising an instore audio visual terminal or by utilising their own intemrnet facilities remote to the merchant premises. The customer using the virtual shopping cart method would select and purchase the multi-media of their choice for download. After the purchase phase has been completed the customer may then request delivery of these products through the merchant computer system. Receiving through the merchant computer system the customers digital multi-media product(s) delivery request(s). Receiving payment data in the merchant system wherein the payment data specifies remuneration has been paid by the customer for the digital multi-media product(s); requesting a delivery reservation of the digital multi-media product(s) from a content manager computer system which can be different from the merchant computer system and which is coupled to the content manager computer system through the internet or by a intranet network. Receiving from the merchant computer system, voucher data which is readable by the content manager computer system and which represents to the content manager computer system a transaction is to be completed in which the remuneration specified by the payment data has been paid by the customer entitling them to receive the digital multi- media products as specified.

3. A method for conducting the delivery phase of the purchase and/or rental of multi-media product(s) in a retail environment wherein the delivery phase may be conducted within a second computer system which is coupled to the first computer system by intemrnet or intranet or a local network.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the digital multi-media product(s) may include a digitised audio signal. Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) may include a digitised visual signal either in combination with or without a digitised audio signal. Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) may include a selection of one or more musical pieces. Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) may include a selection of one or more visual and/or graphical signals either in combination with or without a digitised audio signal. Wherein the requested format may include portable media player. Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) further includes textual data representing lyrics of the one or more musical pieces. the digital multi-media product(s) further includes textual data representing the product(s) in their original state as presented by the copyright owner.

Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) further includes textual data representing artist/copyright credits of the one or more of the digital multi-media product(s). Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) further include textual data representing critical commentary of the one or more digital multi-media product(s). Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) further includes one or more graphical images of artwork to accompany the one or more digital multi-media product(s). Wherein the digital multi-media product(s) includes one or more graphical images of advertisement artwork to accompany the one or

6. more digital multi-media product(s). Wherein the advertisement artwork is selected specifically for the merchants customer using customer information on a demographic basis. Wherein the right of the merchant to receive a service fee for services rendered in delivering the digital multi-media product(s) to the customer in their requested format.