WO2000063903A2 - Systeme, procede et article produit pour le support reseau interactif d'informations basees sur le contenu electronique d'un support laser - Google Patents

Systeme, procede et article produit pour le support reseau interactif d'informations basees sur le contenu electronique d'un support laser Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000063903A2
WO2000063903A2 PCT/US2000/010401 US0010401W WO0063903A2 WO 2000063903 A2 WO2000063903 A2 WO 2000063903A2 US 0010401 W US0010401 W US 0010401W WO 0063903 A2 WO0063903 A2 WO 0063903A2
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
information
tracking
storage medium
server
electronic storage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/010401
Other languages
English (en)
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WO2000063903A3 (fr
Inventor
Todd R. Collart
Original Assignee
Interactual Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Interactual Technologies, Inc. filed Critical Interactual Technologies, Inc.
Priority to AU43589/00A priority Critical patent/AU4358900A/en
Priority to EP00923471A priority patent/EP1226583A1/fr
Priority to CA002388558A priority patent/CA2388558A1/fr
Priority to JP2000612946A priority patent/JP4681124B2/ja
Publication of WO2000063903A2 publication Critical patent/WO2000063903A2/fr
Publication of WO2000063903A3 publication Critical patent/WO2000063903A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/30—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture with provision for auxiliary signals
    • G11B23/36—Signals on record carriers or on containers and recorded by the same method as the main recording
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/75—Media network packet handling
    • H04L65/764—Media network packet handling at the destination 

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a distribution and tracking system that utilizes a set of bits on an electronic medium to track and control use of content electronically, and more specifically provides for the support of the electronic information from a network resource.
  • the now familiar compact disk preserves information as a series of microscopic pits and smooth areas, oriented in concentric circular or helical tracks, on the otherwise smooth, planar surface of an annular disk.
  • Recorded information is read from a compact disk by directing a focused laser beam along the recorded tracks, and detecting variations in the intensity of the laser beam as it encounters the microscopic pits and smooth areas on the disk.
  • the coherence and relatively short wavelength of laser radiation enables large volumes of information to be written onto very small spaces of a recording medium.
  • Compact disks were first introduced in the music recording industry in 1982, and now account for 43% of all recorded music sales. In the United States alone, over three hundred million compact disks are sold annually, with a retail value of over three billion dollars, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The recording industry has for the last ten years packaged the five inch in diameter prerecorded compact disks in six inch by twelve inch cardboard boxes known in the industry as "long boxes.” The long box is easily propped up in display bins alongside traditional vinyl LPs in music store display bins. More importantly, however, the bulk of the long box makes it difficult for a shoplifter to hide a prerecorded compact disk under a coat or in a purse and walk out of a music store without paying.
  • disks may be stored or carried on spindles several times before printing or packaging. In the most fully automated processes, disks are only kept on spindles between the inspection and printing steps and just prior to final packaging. In more manual systems, disks may be placed on spindles between every manufacturing step including between molding and metalizing, between metalizing and spin coating, between spin coating and inspection, between inspection and printing, and between printing and final packaging. However, regardless of the number of times the disks are maintained on spindles, each such time the disk is removed for processing, a possibility of theft and confusion as to title exists.
  • CD multimedia are used in audio, video, audio-video, and computer based applications. Since many similar looking duplicate recordings for a particular CD program are often available from many different sources, it is difficult for merchants to track, identify, and distinguish their inventory from the inventory of others. Security is an important concern associated with the rental, loan, or sale of such merchandise. Items such as commercially prerecorded compact disc programs are available from rental shops, stores, and libraries. It is important for a merchant to have a simple means to secure and identify its merchandise. For example, a merchant needs to determine whether merchandise which was rented from it is the same merchandise that is being returned to it to deter customers from attempting to switch good rented merchandise with bad return merchandise (such as a customer's scratched disc).
  • 4,710,754 discloses a multi-directional EAS marker especially designed for its compact dimensions.
  • the marker disclosed in the'754 patent is comprised of a high permeability, low coercive force, generally planar magnetic responder material that includes at least two narrow regions defining switching sections, and adjacent, wider, flux collector sections. The juxtaposition of the narrow switching sections with the flux collector sections causes the flux to be highly concentrated in the switching sections. The high concentration of flux lines in the switching sections produces high frequency harmonics when passed through an alternating magnetic field, allowing the presence of the marker in the field to be detected.
  • the marker is conveniently made dual status, i.e., reversibly deactivatable and reactivatable, by including a piece of magnetizable material adjacent each of the switching sections.
  • the magnetizable material when magnetized, biases the adjacent switching section to either keep the magnetization therein from reversing when in an alternating interrogation field, or at least altering the response of the marker in the field. In either case, readily distinguishably different signals are produced by the marker in an interrogation field depending on whether the magnetizable material is magnetized or demagnetized.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,185 discloses a multi-directional, dual-status EAS marker also designed for its compact dimensions.
  • the marker disclosed in the '185 patent discloses a marker that includes a continuous uninterrupted sheet of remanently magnetizable material overlying a sheet of responder material similar to that disclosed in the '754 patent.
  • the response of the marker within an alternating magnetic field can be discernably altered by selectively magnetizing and demagnetizing the continuous sheet of remanently magnetizable material prior to introducing the marker into the field.
  • the markers disclosed in the above noted prior art can be attached to the packaging for a compact disk. Problems arise, however, when attempting to attach prior art markers directly to the surface of a compact disk.
  • the '813 patent discloses a detachable locking plate with an EAS marker carried on the internal face of the plate that can be selectively locked to the "jewelry box" for a compact disk.
  • the compact disk is physically locked in the box leg by the plate.
  • a clerk or other authorized person can remove the plate with the use of a keyed release tool at the time of payment.
  • a locking plate requires preparation time to attach a plate to each compact disk cartridge, adds an additional step in the check-out process, and leaves the compact disk without EAS protection once the EAS marker carrying plate is removed from the compact disk.
  • a system, method, and article of manufacture is provided for tracking the distribution of content electronically.
  • an electronic storage medium tracking identifier is incorporated onto an electronic storage medium and stored on a database.
  • a package tracking identifier is situated onto a package in which the electronic storage medium is stored.
  • the electronic storage medium is then tracked while being shipped between various entities using the tracking identifier on the package.
  • the electronic storage medium may be identified using the tracking identifier on the electronic storage medium in order to afford various advertising, security, support, or retail-related features.
  • the system includes logic for downloading and updating retailer-specific information of the DVD utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing.
  • Figure 1 is a general block diagram of the method of tracking an electronic medium in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the method of tracking the electronic medium in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware involved with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a pictorial representation of a comparison of the prior lifecycle of electronic storage medium and the electronic storage medium of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a block diagram of a user experience in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 6 is a flowchart of a redirect operation for an electronic commerce transaction in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 7A and 7B are flowcharts setting forth the detailed logic associated with user connection and update for DVD processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 8 presents logic demonstrating the display of specific advertising information based on a retailer/distributor utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 9 is a flowchart demonstrating the display of specific advertising information based on genre/type of DVD utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 10 is a flowchart of a download operation for downloading and updating retailer-specific information of the DVD utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 11 is a flowchart of a download operation for downloading and updating DVD title- specific information utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 12 is a flowchart of a tailored video viewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 13 is a flowchart of a tailored video viewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 14 is a flowchart of the logic associated with a tailored multimedia viewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 15 is a flowchart of a security operation for restricting access to specific web sites utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 16 is a flowchart of a unlock operation for an electronic commerce transaction utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 17 is a flowchart of an unlocking operation for an electronic commerce transaction utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 18 is a flowchart of a logging operation for tracking piracy and misuse of a DVD utilizingBCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 19 is a flowchart of a redirect operation for a support transaction for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 20 is a flowchart of a display operation for a support transaction for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 21 is a flowchart of support tracking utilizing BCA for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • Figure 22 is a flowchart of a redirect operation for a support transaction for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Figure 23 is a flowchart of a broadcast operation for downloading update, support and application information utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • the present invention includes a system, method and article of manufacture for tracking the distribution of content electronically and providing intelligent services based on this information.
  • FIG. 1 is a general block diagram of the method of tracking an electronic medium in accordance with the present invention.
  • content in the form of music, video, data, or any other type of visual or audible entertainment or information is generated in operations 10 and 12.
  • an electronic storage medium tracking identifier such as the Burst Cut Area (BCA) is incorporated onto an electronic storage medium 22 at the time of manufacture.
  • BCA Burst Cut Area
  • the electronic storage medium 22 may take the form of any electronic/optic storage medium capable of storing content. In the present description, however, focus will remain on one embodiment of electronic storage medium, a DVD.
  • the electronic storage medium may be replicated by a replicator in operation 14. Further, a package tracking identifier is incorporated onto a package in which the electronic storage medium is stored. Such tracking identifiers are then stored in a database.
  • the electronic storage medium may be tracked from a distributor to a retailer and the consumer in steps 16, 18, and 20. This tracking is enabled by using the tracking identifier on the package 22 while the electronic storage medium is shipped between various entities such as the replicator, distributor, retailer, and consumer. Furthermore, when a final user obtains the electronic storage medium, the electronic storage medium may be identified using the tracking identifier on the electronic storage medium 22. As will become apparent hereinafter, various features may be afforded by identifying the electronic storage medium.
  • the electronic storage medium may be tracked by using the tracking identifier on the package while the electronic storage medium is shipped between various entities such as a replicator, distributor, retailer, and consumer.
  • the replicator is the company that manufactures, or "presses", the DVD.
  • the replicator receives a DLT (digital linear tape) from the content developer (studio such as New Line) and then creates a "glass master" of the DVD based on the data on the DLT.
  • the glass master then becomes the master DVD from which all replicated DVDs are made.
  • the replicator adds the BCA number to each DVD as part of the replication process and then "packages/boxes" the DVDs for distribution to a distributor or retailer.
  • the distributor is the company that packages together multiple titles together for distribution to a retailer.
  • the value of a distributor is that they maintain direct relationships and channels with the retailers, can maintain larger inventories of products - leveraging economies of scale not possible by smaller retailers.
  • a retailer requests multiple products from the distributor (for example 20 copies of Lost in Space, 50 copies of Ronin, and 100 copies of You've Got Mail - all of which come from different studios), then the distributor can "package" the variety of products together for distribution to the retailer.
  • the retailer is the company that sells product directly to consumer. Examples include "brick-and-mortar" stores such as Blockbuster Video, Hollywood Video, Best Buy, Good Guys, etc. Retailers also include online retailers such as DVDExpress, Amazon.com, and other e- commerce-oriented companies. Other groups are also joining the retailing opportunity, such as Nimbus who already offers both replication and distribution. It is the next logical step to offer direct-to-consumer online sales of product. It should be noted that the aforementioned replicator may also be the distributor (Nimbus/Technicolor, WAMO/Deluxe). Also, replicators may ship directly to retailers, especially in the case of large accounts like Blockbuster.
  • a content owner requests use of the BCA on their DVDs.
  • the replicator (examples include WAMO, Panasonic, Nimbus, Technicolor, Pioneer, Crest) adds unique BCA number to every DVD. Adding BCA number to each DVD requires a special (YAG) laser. This may be the very last step in the manufacturing process.
  • the BCA numbers for a specific DVD must then be entered into InterActual's BCA database. Information to track includes: DVD title, i.e. "Lost in Space"; BCA #/range, i.e. 12345687890; and Shipping Packaging/Tracking Container, i.e. Box 52221 to Hollywood Video.
  • the DVDs are packaging/boxed for distribution to either the Distributor or the Retailer.
  • the replicator and distributor may be one in the same.
  • some retailers are large/important enough to get shipments directly from replicator.
  • the way in which the DVDs are packaging/shipped is very important because one must track the BCA numbers to actual shipping containers (box, etc.). Therefore tracking information must also be added to the BCA database.
  • the distributor also has mechanisms, i.e. scanners, input device, and monitoring devices, in place for tracking based on their distribution. For example, Deluxe may receive a "package" of 100,000 copies of "Lost in Space". However, the distributor ships 10,000 to Retailer A and 5,000 to Retailer B. The distributor should be able to "input" retailer A and B's distribution information into the system. Ideally, this becomes a seamless/automated process.
  • DVDs may be further divided and distributed to local stores/outlets.
  • the retailer should be able to automatically "track” distribution of these DVDs through to their stores.
  • all three entitities are able to add tracking information to BCA database. Due to complexity and dependencies on existing business systems, the retail tracking concept will be rolled out in phases: replicator first most likely with key retail accounts. The distributors will be brought in. Retailers will then begin to embrace the ability to track based on local outlet/store.
  • the electronic storage medium may be identified using the tracking identifier on the electronic storage medium. By this identification, various features may be executed upon identification of the electronic storage medium. It should be noted that, in one embodiment, identification is carried out by a computer and software governs the features that are executed after identification of the electronic storage medium.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a typical hardware configuration of a workstation in accordance with a preferred embodiment having a central processing unit 110, such as a microprocessor, and a number of other units interconnected via a system bus 112.
  • the workstation shown in Figure 3 includes a Random
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • I/O adapter 118 for connecting peripheral devices such as disk storage units 120 to the bus 112
  • a user interface adapter 122 for connecting a keyboard 124, a mouse 126, a speaker 128, a microphone 132, and/or other user interface devices such as a touch screen (not shown) to the bus 112
  • communication adapter 134 for connecting the workstation to a communication network (e.g., a data processing network) and a display adapter 136 for connecting the bus 112 to a display device 138.
  • the workstation typically has resident thereon an operating system such as the Microsoft Windows NT or
  • OS Windows/95 Operating System
  • IBM OS/2 operating system
  • MAC OS UNIX operating system
  • present invention may also be implemented on platforms and operating systems other than those mentioned.
  • OOP object oriented programming
  • a preferred embodiment is written using JAVA, C, and the C++ language and utilizes object oriented programming methodology.
  • Object oriented programming (OOP) has become increasingly used to develop complex applications.
  • OOP moves toward the mainstream of software design and development, various software solutions require adaptation to make use of the benefits of OOP.
  • OOP is a process of developing computer software using objects, including the steps of analyzing the problem, designing the system, and constructing the program.
  • An object is a software package that contains both data and a collection of related structures and procedures.
  • OOP Since it contains both data and a collection of structures and procedures, it can be visualized as a self-sufficient component that does not require other additional structures, procedures or data to perform its specific task. OOP, therefore, views a computer program as a collection of largely autonomous components, called objects, each of which is responsible for a specific task. This concept of packaging data, structures, and procedures together in one component or module is called encapsulation.
  • OOP components are reusable software modules which present an interface that conforms to an object model and which are accessed at run-time through a component integration architecture.
  • a component integration architecture is a set of architecture mechanisms which allow software modules in different process spaces to utilize each others capabilities or functions. This is generally done by assuming a common component object model on which to build the architecture. It is worthwhile to differentiate between an object and a class of objects at this point.
  • An object is a single instance of the class of objects, which is often just called a class.
  • a class of objects can be viewed as a blueprint, from which many objects can be formed.
  • OOP allows the programmer to create an object that is a part of another object.
  • the object representing a piston engine is said to have a composition-relationship with the object representing a piston.
  • a piston engine comprises a piston, valves and many other components; the fact that a piston is an element of a piston engine can be logically and semantically represented in OOP by two objects.
  • OOP also allows creation of an object that "depends from” another object. If there are two objects, one representing a piston engine and the other representing a piston engine wherein the piston is made of ceramic, then the relationship between the two objects is not that of composition.
  • a ceramic piston engine does not make up a piston engine. Rather it is merely one kind of piston engine that has one more limitation than the piston engine; its piston is made of ceramic.
  • the object representing the ceramic piston engine is called a derived object, and it inherits all of the aspects of the object representing the piston engine and adds further limitation or detail to it.
  • the object representing the ceramic piston engine "depends from" the object representing the piston engine. The relationship between these objects is called inheritance.
  • the object or class representing the ceramic piston engine inherits all of the aspects of the objects representing the piston engine, it inherits the thermal characteristics of a standard piston defined in the piston engine class.
  • the ceramic piston engine object overrides these ceramic specific thermal characteristics, which are typically different from those associated with a metal piston. It skips over the original and uses new functions related to ceramic pistons.
  • Objects can represent elements of the computer-user environment such as windows, menus or graphics objects.
  • An object can represent an inventory, such as a personnel file or a table of the latitudes and longitudes of cities.
  • An object can represent user-defined data types such as time, angles, and complex numbers, or points on the plane.
  • OOP allows the software developer to design and implement a computer program that is a model of some aspects of reality, whether that reality is a physical entity, a process, a system, or a composition of matter. Since the object can represent anything, the software developer can create an object which can be used as a component in a larger software project in the future.
  • OOP enables software developers to build objects out of other, previously built objects.
  • C++ appears to be the most popular choice among many OOP programmers, but there is a host of other OOP languages, such as Smalltalk, Common Lisp Object System (CLOS), and Eiffel. Additionally, OOP capabilities are being added to more traditional popular computer programming languages such as Pascal.
  • class libraries allow programmers to use and reuse many small pieces of code, each programmer puts those pieces together in a different way.
  • Two different programmers can use the same set of class libraries to write two programs that do exactly the same thing but whose internal structure (i.e., design) may be quite different, depending on hundreds of small decisions each programmer makes along the way.
  • similar pieces of code end up doing similar things in slightly different ways and do not work as well together as they should.
  • Class libraries are very flexible. As programs grow more complex, more programmers are forced to adopt basic solutions to basic problems over and over again.
  • a relatively new extension of the class library concept is to have a framework of class libraries. This framework is more complex and consists of significant collections of collaborating classes that capture both the small scale patterns and major mechanisms that implement the common requirements and design in a specific application domain. They were first developed to free application programmers from the chores involved in displaying menus, windows, dialog boxes, and other standard user interface elements for personal computers.
  • Frameworks also represent a change in the way programmers think about the interaction between the code they write and code written by others.
  • the programmer called libraries provided by the operating system to perform certain tasks, but basically the program executed down the page from start to finish, and the programmer was solely responsible for the flow of control. This was appropriate for printing out paychecks, calculating a mathematical table, or solving other problems with a program that executed in just one way.
  • event loop programs require programmers to write a lot of code that should not need to be written separately for every application.
  • the concept of an application framework carries the event loop concept further. Instead of dealing with all the nuts and bolts of constructing basic menus, windows, and dialog boxes and then making these things all work together, programmers using application frameworks start with working application code and basic user interface elements in place. Subsequently, they build from there by replacing some of the generic capabilities of the framework with the specific capabilities of the intended application.
  • Application frameworks reduce the total amount of code that a programmer has to write from scratch.
  • the framework is really a generic application that displays windows, supports copy and paste, and so on, the programmer can also relinquish control to a greater degree than event loop programs permit.
  • the framework code takes care of almost all event handling and flow of control, and the programmer's code is called only when the framework needs it (e.g., to create or manipulate a proprietary data structure).
  • a programmer writing a framework program not only relinquishes control to the user (as is also true for event loop programs), but also relinquishes the detailed flow of control within the program to the framework. This approach allows the creation of more complex systems that work together in interesting ways, as opposed to isolated programs, having custom code, being created over and over again for similar problems.
  • a framework basically is a collection of cooperating classes that make up a reusable design solution for a given problem domain. It typically includes objects that provide default behavior (e.g., for menus and windows), and programmers use it by inheriting some of that default behavior and overriding other behavior so that the framework calls application code at the appropriate times.
  • default behavior e.g., for menus and windows
  • Class libraries are essentially collections of behaviors that you can call when you want those individual behaviors in your program.
  • a framework provides not only behavior but also the protocol or set of rules that govern the ways in which behaviors can be combined, including rules for what a programmer is supposed to provide versus what the framework provides.
  • • Call versus override With a class library, the code the programmer instantiates objects and calls their member functions. It's possible to instantiate and call objects in the same way with a framework (i.e., to treat the framework as a class library), but to take full advantage of a framework's reusable design, a programmer typically writes code that overrides and is called by the framework.
  • the framework manages the flow of control among its objects. Writing a program involves dividing responsibilities among the various pieces of software that are called by the framework rather than specifying how the different pieces should work together. • Implementation versus design. With class libraries, programmers reuse only implementations, whereas with frameworks, they reuse design.
  • a framework embodies the way a family of related programs or pieces of software work. It represents a generic design solution that can be adapted to a variety of specific problems in a given domain. For example, a single framework can embody the way a user interface works, even though two different user interfaces created with the same framework might solve quite different interface problems.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes HyperText Markup Language (HTML) to implement documents on the Internet together with a general-purpose secure communication protocol for a transport medium between the client and the Newco. HTTP or other protocols could be readily substituted for HTML without undue experimentation. Information on these products is available in T. Berners-Lee, D. Connoly, "RFC 1866: Hypertext
  • HTML Markup Language - 2.0
  • H Frystyk
  • T Berners-Lee
  • J. Gettys J. C. Mogul
  • HTML Hypertext Transfer Protocol - HTTP/1.1 : HTTP Working Group Internet Draft
  • HTML is a simple data format used to create hypertext documents that are portable from one platform to another.
  • HTML documents are SGML documents with generic semantics that are appropriate for representing information from a wide range of domains. HTML has been in use by the Worldwide Web global information initiative since 1990. HTML is an application of ISO Standard 8879; 1986 Information Processing Text and Office Systems -
  • HTML has been the dominant technology used in development of Web-based solutions.
  • HTML has proven to be inadequate in the following areas:
  • UI User Interface
  • Custom “widgets” e.g., real-time stock tickers, animated icons, etc.
  • client-side performance is improved.
  • Java supports the notion of client-side validation, offloading appropriate processing onto the client for improved performance.
  • Dynamic, real-time Web pages can be created. Using the above-mentioned custom UI components, dynamic Web pages can also be created.
  • Java is a simple, object-oriented, distributed, interpreted, robust, secure, architecture-neutral, portable, high-performance, multithreaded, dynamic, buzzword- compliant, general-purpose programming language. Java supports programming for the Internet in the form of platform-independent Java applets.” Java applets are small, specialized applications that comply with Sun's Java Application Programming Interface (API) allowing developers to add "interactive content” to Web documents (e.g., simple animations, page adornments, basic games, etc.). Applets execute within a Java-compatible browser (e.g., Sun's Java Application Programming Interface (API) allowing developers to add "interactive content” to Web documents (e.g., simple animations, page adornments, basic games, etc.). Applets execute within a Java-compatible browser (e.g.,
  • ActiveX Technologies to give developers and Web designers wherewithal to build dynamic content for the Internet and personal computers.
  • ActiveX includes tools for developing animation, 3-D virtual reality, video and other multimedia content.
  • the tools use Internet standards, work on multiple platforms, and are being supported by over 100 companies.
  • the group's building blocks are called ActiveX Controls, small, fast components that enable developers to embed parts of software in hypertext markup language (HTML) pages.
  • ActiveX Controls work with a variety of programming languages including Microsoft Visual C++, Borland Delphi, Microsoft Visual Basic programming system and, in the future, Microsoft's development tool for Java, code named "Jakarta.”
  • ActiveX Technologies also includes ActiveX Server Framework, allowing developers to create server applications.
  • ActiveX could be substituted for JAVA without undue experimentation to practice the invention.
  • a consumer launches a browser and goes to a web site that utilizes the BCA information to look up information in a database.
  • the database is also updated with information gleaned from the current user and their demographics.
  • a local application like PCFriendly automatically connects to Internet and to a web server that looks up and/or acts on BCA information
  • a local application like PCFriendly utilizes information already contained in the BCA number and tailors experience locally based on this information.
  • Case 1 go to web site that looks up BCA. With a DVD in their drive, consumer connects to a special web site that has an agent/component embedded on the web page that can read the BCA information. This embedded component reads the BCA, along with other potential information (user id, etc.), passes this information to the web server. The web server then tailors a response to the consumer based on pre-defined conditions/marketing/profile.
  • Case 2 local application (like PCFriendly client software) automatically connects to a web server (without manual intervention of consumer) and passes BCA information to the web server. Based on the BCA number and other potential information, the web server passes information to the consumer's client software or presents remote Internet-based information based on this information/profile/retailer/etc .
  • Case 3 location application (like PCFriendly) reads BCA information and acts upon predefined information in the BCA number itself. This case does not necessarily require an Internet connection.
  • the BCA is obtained utilizing ASPI code to read the 188 bytes of information.
  • Case 1 ActiveX control is designed using C++ and embedded in HTML page (using standard OBJECT definition in HTML). When the web page is loaded, so is the ActiveX control. Upon a grant of permission by a consumer, the ActiveX control accesses the DVD-ROM drive, obtains BCA data, and any other pertinent information. The ActiveX control then "posts" this information to the web server using HTTP or FTP POST methods. The web server automatically reads and parses the POST information, and acts upon this information (for example, by sending the consumer to a unique URL that is only accessible if the correct DVD with the correct BCA is in the DVD-ROM drive).
  • Case 2 Local C++ application (PCFriendly) utilizes a remote agent technology developed by InterActual.
  • the remote agent technology automatically connects to the remote web server
  • the remote agent also supports HTTP or FTP POST methods.
  • the web server automatically reads and parses the POST information, and acts upon this information.
  • Examples include: Consumer request to purchase a specific product is automatically routed to the retailer from which the original DVD was purchased. In support of this example, a virtual POP/MDF display and information is downloaded (or unlocked) locally and presented to consumer.
  • Case 3 Local C++ application or activeX controls in a local web page access the BCA information on the DVD. Based on this information, the local application acts upon this information. (In this mode, the information contains in the BCA field must have sufficient information for local application to act upon).
  • the current system involves an online database that provides a real-time lookup based on the BCA.
  • the resulting lookup in the database can retrieve information specific to the application such as a consumer profile, retailer and support location and piracy information.
  • a remote agent When a remote agent connects to a server with BCA information, the server performs a real-time lookup on the BCA number and determines the replicator, distributor, and/or retailer for the passed BCA number. This information can then be used for various projects, such as
  • Figure 2 depicts this operation as a RemoteSync 238.
  • Unlock specific assets such as HTML, video, graphics and others which are depicted in function block Unlock Server 230.
  • the application also downloads new content based on the BCA information RemoteSync 238.
  • the BCA information can also be utilized to direct e-commerce transactions or "buy-me” buttons to an appropriate retailer utilizing the RemoteTrak/BCATrak function 234.
  • An application in accordance with a preferred embodiment can also broadcast new information/updates as shown in the Broadcast Server function block 236.
  • Logic is also provided to unlock and/or control access to specific web sites based on BCA information as shown in the RemoteTrak Server function block 230. This logic provides consumer redirect to specific "storefront" of a retailer.
  • Specific retail store performance and consumer online usage associated with specific retailers can be tracked utilizing information based on the BCA number. This provides a local retailer with information to determine the most successful opportunities to get users online.
  • Information such as a virtual Point of Purchase (POP) and Marketing Development Fund (MDF) utilize the BCA information and the RemoteTrak Server function 230 to track and attract consumers.
  • POP Point of Purchase
  • MDF Marketing Development Fund
  • Discount coupons and the like have become an integral part of marketing strategies for many products, particularly retail consumer goods, sundries, foodstuffs, hardware, clothing, and the like, typically sold at local grocery, drug, and discount stores.
  • Product manufacturers have come to rely upon coupons, rebate and gift certificates or the like to promote new and existing products, boost sales, and obtain demographic information concerning consumer buying patterns. Consumers have come to rely upon coupons or certificates as a technique for reducing costs.
  • Prior art couponing techniques have had several disadvantages, not the least of which are low response rate and fraud.
  • coupons may be distributed using direct mailing techniques, printed in newspapers, magazines, or the like, distributed with other commercial goods (e.g., laundry soap coupon packaged with washing machine), or distributed (e.g., by original equipment manufacturers or OEMs) with the same or like goods, computers or the like (e.g., "cents off toward next purchase).
  • Such techniques require massive amounts of printing and distribution, and historically have a low response rate (e.g., typically less than 2% of coupons distributed are redeemed).
  • mass-distribution techniques may not be cost effective, and are not environmentally friendly, due to the large amount of paper wasted.
  • Such low response rates may be due in part to the difficulty a consumer may have in maintaining, cataloging, and finding appropriate coupons before shopping.
  • a particular consumer may have at his or her disposal only those coupons that have been sent to him or her and have been retained by the consumer.
  • a consumer since many coupons have expiration dates, a consumer may have to carefully catalog each coupon to insure that it is redeemed before such an expiration date occurs.
  • Such techniques are time-consuming and cumbersome. Generally, only those consumers on a budget or those who use couponing as a hobby have sufficient time to maximize their use of available coupons. Busier and more affluent consumers may not believe that such coupon management techniques are cost effective. This latter group of consumers may represent a more desirable demographic for a product manufacturer to attract or track.
  • coupon discounts or rebates may be used for promotional purposes
  • the resulting net price to the consumer with such a discount may be less than the product manufacturer's wholesale price.
  • a product manufacturer may offer such steep discounts in the hope of obtaining future sales at full retail prices. If a consumer uses a photocopied coupon for multiple purchases of a retail item, the product manufacturer may not obtain the desired repeat sales at full retail price, and the entire scheme of couponing may be defeated.
  • prior art couponing techniques have yielded little, if any, useful data to product manufacturers regarding who is redeeming such coupons.
  • Consumer demographic data is invaluable to a product manufacturer in determining which products to target to particular consumer groups (e.g., through particular advertising venues). Moreover, such demographic data may be used to more efficiently distribute future coupons.
  • information as to the buying habits i.e., recency, frequency, and monetary value or RFM
  • demographics of particular consumers or groups of consumers have a market value and such information may be sold or traded for a profit.
  • De Lapa et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,218 discloses a focused coupon system.
  • Figure 6 of De Lapa et al. is most illustrative.
  • De Lapa et al. discloses a system for distributing coupons with a machine readable code (barcode) containing both customer and coupon identifications.
  • the consumer code may be replaced with a generic code used in a look-up table for coupon verification and information.
  • the entire machine-readable code may be captured and uploaded to a central database for determining coupon and consumer identification.
  • the uploaded information may be used for marketing purposes (to determine which coupons to next send to the consumer) and/or for rebate purposes.
  • the system of De Lapa et al. attempts to provide a more focused distribution technique, the system still relies upon paper coupons being distributed to consumers. Consumers may throw out such mass mailings (i.e., "junk mail") without opening them. Moreover, the system relies upon the consumer supplying demographic information in a questionnaire or the like in order to be provided with the coupons. Moreover, since the coupons of De Lapa et al. are preprinted, coupon trading or copying may be more prevalent.
  • Murphy U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,195, issued Apr. 19, 1994, discloses an interactive advertising system for on-line terminals.
  • a series of remote terminals receive compressed and encoded video advertising signals that may be stored on an internal hard drive. The advertising videos are played, and a consumer may select products using the terminal.
  • Figure 4 (Col. 7, lines 45-50) Murphy discloses that a printer may be provided for printing selected coupons.
  • the apparatus of Murphy may solve some of the problems associated with distributing coupons in paper form.
  • the Murphy system appears to be more concerned with directing advertising information than collecting demographic information or distributing coupons. Thus, it does not appear that the apparatus of Murphy is equipped to process demographic information or reduce coupon fraud.
  • Murphy discloses his apparatus for use in college campuses, a limited and narrow consumer demographic.
  • Von Kohorn, U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,752, issued Jul. 7, 1992 discloses a system and method for generating and redeeming tokens selected from television data.
  • Product information and authentication data may be transmitted and displayed on a television and a home printer. A viewer may select a coupon for printing and redeem the coupon at a retail store.
  • Von Kohorn discloses a technique for recording marketing data from consumer information encoded into the coupon.
  • Axler et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,197, issued Apr. 19, 1994, discloses a coupon-dispensing machine with feedback.
  • a consumer kiosk is placed in a retail establishment or the like to display advertising (LED scroll) and allow customers to print out selected coupons.
  • a proximity sensor detects the presence of customers near the apparatus.
  • the Axler device may solve some of the problems associated with paper distribution of coupons. However, it does not appear that the Axler device may retrieve any significant amount of consumer demographic data other than the number and type of coupons printed. Moreover, within the in-store environment, it may be difficult to enter such consumer data, particularly with the keypad disclosed by Axler. Thus, it does not appear that the Axler device may be suitably adapted to retrieve consumer demographic data.
  • a fundamental fault with the Axler device is that it does not appear to target or prior motivates customers with to visit a retailer with specific coupons. Rather, the in-store location of the Axler device may facilitate a consumer "targeting" a coupon. In other words, a consumer may make a number of product selections in a store and then visit the coupon kiosk of Axler to determine whether any purchases are subject to coupon discount or rebate. Thus, the fundamental goal of couponing— to motivate a consumer to purchase a product—may be compromised.
  • the kiosk of Axler may occupy valuable commercial retail space.
  • a retail store In a retail store
  • the BCA is utilized to redirect to a specific support site based on table lookup utilizing the BCA number as shown in
  • FIG. 234 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server function block.
  • Logic is also provided to track disc anomalies and defects from manufacturing process as shown in function block 234 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server.
  • Other logic is also provided to track retailer-specific support issues as shown in function block 234 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server, to track geographical support issues as shown in function block 234 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server, to restrict access to support sites based on BCA information as shown in function block RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server 234.
  • enhanced support is provided for broadcast updates utilizing support and drivers based on BCA information as shown at function block 236 Broadcast Server.
  • the BCA information can also be combined with game unlocking logic to provide an authorized user with unlocked video based on BCA information as shown at function block 238 DVDUnlock Server.
  • BCA information has a unique identifier which, when combined with other data, can track when a movie and/or a game was given to a friend which will trigger another transaction for payment or other information as shown in function block 234 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server.
  • This information can also be used to track pirated DVDs, and report the information back to the retailer as shown in function block 230 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server, back to a manufacturer as shown in function block 230 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server and back to a distributor as shown in function block 230 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server.
  • This capability provides the ability to localize pirated discs to a specific region/retailer as shown in function block 230 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server and track illegal region code use and potentially trace back to retailer/distributor as shown in function block 230 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server.
  • Logic is also provided to tailor video based information as part of the BCA (play video 1 for one demographic, play video 2 for another as shown in function block 238 DVDUnlock Server, RemoteSync, and to tailor internet/browser experience based on BCA information as shown in function block 238 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server.
  • Targeted advertising is also provided based on BCA information and content can be tailored for channel / banner / programming within
  • PCFriendly software based on consumer profile which is associated with BCA as shown in function block 238 RemoteSync.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a user experience in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • the BCA number 503 is burned/added onto DVD 505.
  • InterActual's software automatically reads the BCA number and passes this information to the web server.
  • the BCA information is passed to the web server, running an IS API extension 520, using either HTTP or FTP protocol 515.
  • the information can be passed from a local "client" application, or an applet or ActiveX-type control can be downloaded from a web site that passed this information to the web server.
  • the information is currently passed using an HTTP POST command using the syntax shown below.
  • the current implementation of the web server is an IS API extension written in Visual C++ and is currently named RemoteAgentUpgrade.DLL for use with Microsoft Windows NT.
  • the IS API extension parses the information in the POST command to determine the BCA number and other associated information (such as user ID, etc.). This information is then logged in the web server log table 530, and is used to query specific information in the web server database 550 based on the POST.
  • This flexible database structure enables a variety of uses of the BCA number.
  • a retailer example in accordance with a preferred embodiment is presented to assist one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention without undue experimentation.
  • a consumer inserts a DVD into their DVD-ROM drive.
  • the consumer is presented with an HTML page with a "Buy-Me" button.
  • the Buy-Me button Upon clicking the Buy-Me button, the consumer is connected to the Internet to a specific web page that includes an ActiveX control.
  • the ActiveX control automatically connects to the IS API extension with BCA information for the currently inserted DVD.
  • the ActiveX control also informs the IS API extension that the consumer is attempting an e-commerce transaction.
  • the IS API extension parses the information from the POST command, and connects to the web server database.
  • the ISAPI extension connects to the web server database to determine the retailer from which the DVD was originally purchased. This can be determined because a web server database contains a BCA lookup table 560 with three fields: BCA Number #123458790
  • the appropriate e-commerce URL can be determined from Retailer table 570 that contains information specific for that Retailer:
  • Figure 6 is a flowchart of a redirect operation for an electronic commerce transaction utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 600 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and the electronic commerce operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 610.
  • the user selects the purchase option at 610, logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 620.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the retailer that sold the original DVD as shown in function block 630.
  • the original retailer becomes the target for the purchase that the user initiated in function block 610, and the e-commerce transaction is re- routed to the retailer that sold the disk as shown in function block 640.
  • a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the re-direct operation.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts setting forth the detailed logic associated with user connection and update for DVD processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences when a user connects to the Internet with a DVD application active as illustrated in function block 700.
  • the remote agent detects the live internet connection and connects the application to a server for further processing as shown in function block 710.
  • the server connects the application with the appropriate version identification and upgrades the remote application if an upgraded version is available without further input from the user as shown in function block 720.
  • the server obtains user information from the user utilizing, for example data from the DVD, or a query operation as shown in function block 730.
  • the application collects current DVD usage information and logs the information to a database as shown in function block 740. Finally, the current DVD information is transmitted to the user as shown in function block 750. Processing is then transferred to function block 752 of Figure 7B where the application determines if any broadcast events are available. Then, in function block 754, if a user requests broadcast events, then the server passes the information to the user in HTTP format as shown in function block 756. The remote agent receives the information from the server and coverts the information for the particular DVD player as shown in function block 758, and ultimately logs user information in a database at the server as shown in function block 760.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart setting forth the detailed logic for general advertising services in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • the flowchart illustrates the detailed logic associated with presenting advertising (such as a banner) customized for a particular distributor/retailer/etc.
  • FIG. 8 presents logic demonstrating the display of specific advertising information based on a retailer/distributor utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 800 when a user inserts a DVD with BCA information into a player, and the advertising operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 810.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 820.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the retailer that sold the original DVD as shown in function block 830.
  • the server performs another table lookup to determine the advertising banner as shown in function block 840.
  • the advertising banner associated with original retailer is then displayed in the web site 810 as shown in function block 850.
  • a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the advertising operation 860.
  • Gateway Dell, Creative Labs, New Line, Warner, Activision, Electronic Arts, General Motors and Ford Motor Company.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart demonstrating the display of specific advertising information based on genre/type of DVD utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 900 when a user inserts a DVD with BCA information into a player, and the advertising operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 910.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 920.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the title and genre of the DVD as shown in function block 930. Once the title and genre is ascertained, the server performs another table lookup to determine the advertising banner as shown in function block 940.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a download operation for downloading and updating retailer-specific information of the DVD utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 1000 when a user connects to the Internet with a DVD application active.
  • Logic detects a live Internet connection, reads the BCA information, and initiates a connection to the server as shown in function block 1010.
  • the DVD application requests all available downloads from the server for the retailer of the currently inserted DVD, as shown in function block 1020.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the retailer that sold the original DVD as shown in function block 1030. Then the server performs another table lookup to determine the download informatio as shown in function block 1040. Once the download information is determined for the request initiated by the application in function block 1020, the server passes the download information to the application using HTTP protocal as shown in function block 1050. Finally a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the download operation 1060.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a download operation for downloading and updating DVD title- specific information utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 1100 when a user connects to the Internet with a DVD application active.
  • Logic detects a live Internet connection, reads the BCA information, determines DVD application version information, and initiates a connection to the server as shown in function block 1110.
  • the DVD application requests all available downloads from the server for the currently inserted DVD title, as shown in function block 1120.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the DVD title as shown in function block 1130. Then the server performs another table lookup to determine the download informatio as shown in function block 1140.
  • the server passes the download information to the application using HTTP protocal as shown in function block 1150. Finally a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the download operation 1160.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a tailored video viewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Processing commences at
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a tailored video viewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 1300 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and video playback is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 1310.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 1320 and transmitted to the server.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the genre and/or title as shown in function block 1330. Then the server performs another table lookup to determine the correct genre and/or title video to play as shown in function block 1340.
  • the server initiates playback of the correct video for the genre and/or title as shown in function block 1350. Finally a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the video viewing operation operation 1360.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the logic associated with a tailored multimedia viewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 1400 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and view is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 1410.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information as shown in function block 1420.
  • the DVD application performs a local table lookup to ascertain the genre/title/retailer as shown in function block 1430. Then the DVD application performs another local table lookup to determine the correct multimedia element to display as shown in function block 1440.
  • the DVD application initiates playback of the correct mutlimedia element for the genre/title/retailer as shown in function block 1450. Finally a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the multimedia viewing operation 1460.
  • FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a security operation for restricting access to specific web sites utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 1500 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and the security operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 1510.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 1520.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain if the user, based on the BCA number, is allowed access to the secure web site as shown in function block 1530.
  • the server either allows or restricts entry to the web site based on the BCA number as shown in function block 1540.
  • a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the security operation 1550.
  • Figure 16 is a flowchart of a unlock operation for an electronic commerce transaction utilizing
  • BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Processing commences at 1600 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and the unlock operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 1610. When the user selects the play/install DVD option at 1610, logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 1620. Then the server performs a table lookup to ascertain if the DVD can be unlocked for playing or installation as shown in function block 1630. If the server determines that the user must first perform a purchase transaction, the server prompts the user for any necessary transaction information as shown in function block 1640.
  • FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an unlocking operation for an electronic commerce transaction utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Processing commences at 1700 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and the unlock operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 1710.
  • Figure 18 is a flowchart of a logging operation for tracking piracy and misuse of a DVD utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 1800 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and the logging operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 1810.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 1820.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain if the user, based on the
  • BCA number is allowed to apply or install the DVD as shown in function block 1830. Then the server either enables or disables the DVD for playback/installation as shown in function block 1840. Finally a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the logging operation 1850.
  • the logging information can be used to localize pirated discs to a specific region, track illegal region code use, and trace misuse/pirated DVDs back to retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or content developer.
  • Support Services Figure 19 is a flowchart of a redirect operation for a support transaction for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Processing commences at 1900 when a user inserts a DVD with BCA information into a player, and the redirect operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 1910.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 1920.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the support organization for the original DVD as shown in function block 1930.
  • the support organization becomes the target for the support request that the user initiated in function block 1910, and the support transaction is re-routed to the support organization associated with the DVD in function block 1940.
  • a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the redirect operation 1950.
  • FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a display operation for a support transaction for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 2000 when a user inserts a DVD with BCA information into a player, and the display operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 2010.
  • logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 2020.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the DVD-specific support information for the DVD in the user's player as shown in function block 2030.
  • the server has determined the DVD-specific information for the support request initiated by the user in function block 2010, the DVD- specific information is displayed to the user in function block 2040.
  • a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the display operation 2050.
  • FIG. 21 is a flowchart of support tracking utilizing BCA for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Processing commences at 2100 when a user inserts a DVD with BCA information into a player, and the display operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 2110. When the user selects the support option at 2110, logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the server database as shown in function block 2120. Then the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the DVD-specific support information for the DVD in the user's player as shown in function block 2130.
  • the server has determined the DVD-specific information for the support request initiated by the user in function block 2110, the DVD- specific information is used, for example, to track retailer-specific support issues or geographical support issues as shown in function block 2140. Finally a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the display operation 2150 and the memorialized information is utilized to generate reports tracking retailer-specific support issues or geographical support issues
  • FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a redirect operation for a support transaction for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 2200 when a user inserts a DVD with BCA information into a player, and the redirect operation is initiated by a user action as shown in function block 2210.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the support organization for the original DVD as shown in function block 2230.
  • the support organization becomes the target for the support request that the user initiated in function block 2210, and, if allowed, the support transaction is re-routed to the support organization associated with the DVD in function block 2240. Otherwise, the user is redirected to a location informing the user that support location is not available.
  • Finally a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the redirect operation 2250.
  • FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a broadcast operation for downloading update, support and application information utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
  • Processing commences at 2300 when a user connects to the Internet with a DVD application active.
  • Logic detects a live Internet connection, reads the BCA information, determines DVD application version information, and initiates a connection to the server as shown in function block 2310.
  • the DVD application requests all broadcast information from the server for the the DVD, as shown in function block 2320.
  • the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the broadcast information for the DVD as shown in function block 2330.
  • the server passes the broadcast information to the application using HTTP protocal as shown in function block 2340.
  • the DVD application acts upon the broadcast information by either presenting information to the user or automatically acting upon the information as shown in function block 2350.
  • a transaction is posted to the server database that memorializes the events associated with the download operation 2360.
  • the e-commerce URL is then returned to the ActiveX control so that the consumer's purchase request can be redirected to the appropriate URL.
  • Visual C++ code in accordance with a preferred embodiment is provided below to further embellish the description of the invention.
  • nReturn AtapiSendCommand(Cdb, pbData, cbData); return nReturn;
  • typedef DWORD (_cdecl *LPFNSENDASPI32COMMAND)(LPSRB); typedef DWORD (_cdecl *LPFNGETASPI32SUPPORTINFO)(VOID); BOOL AspiInquiryCmd(BYTE *pblnq, WORD cbData);
  • HINSTANCE g iWNASPI NULL; DWORD Atapilnit(int index)
  • varoius permutations of serialization may be employed including, but not limited to a watermark, hologram, and any other type in substitution or combination with the BCA information without diverging from the spirit of the claimed invention.
  • Watermarking Digital video data can be copied repeatedly without loss of quality. Therefore, copyright protection of video data is a more important issue in digital video delivery networks than it was with analog TV broadcast.
  • One method of copyright protection is the addition of a "watermark" to the video signal which carries information about sender and receiver of the delivered video. Therefore, watermarking enables identification and tracing of different copies of video data.
  • Applications are video distribution over the World-Wide Web (WWW), pay-per-view video broadcast, or labeling of video discs and video tapes. In the mentioned applications, the video data is usually stored in compressed format. Thus, the watermark must be embedded in the compressed domain.
  • An approach for robust watermarking of MPEG-2 encoded video is presented in accordance with an alternate embodiment.
  • the method is of much lower complexity than a complete decoding process followed by watermarking in the pixel domain and re-encoding. Although an existing MPEG-2 bitstream is partly altered, the method avoids drift by adding a drift compensation signal. The method has been implemented and the results confirm that a robust watermark can be embedded into MPEG-encoded video which can be used to securely transmit arbitrary binary information at a data rate of several bytes/second.
  • the method is easily applicable to other video coding schemes like MPEG-1, H.261, and H.263.
  • Digital watermarks exist at a convergence point where creators and publishers of digitized multimedia content demand localized, secured identification and authentication of that content. Because existence of piracy is clearly a disincentive to the digital distribution of copyrighted works, establishment of responsibility for copies and derivative copies of such works is invaluable. In considering the various forms of multimedia content, whether "master,” stereo, NTSC video, audio tape or compact disc, tolerance of quality degradation will vary with individuals and affect the underlying commercial and aesthetic value of the content.
  • These parties may include artists, engineers, studios, Internet access providers, publishers, agents, on-line service providers, aggregators of content for various forms of delivery, on-line retailers, individuals and parties that participate in the transfer of funds to arbitrate the actual delivery of content to intended parties. Since the characteristics of digital recordings vary widely, it is a worth while goal to provide tools to describe an optimized envelope of parameters for inserting, protecting and detecting digital watermarks in a given digitized sample (audio, video, virtual reality, etc.) stream. The optimization techniques described hereinafter make unauthorized removal of digital watermarks containing these parameters a significantly costly operation in terms of the absolute given projected economic gain from undetected commercial distribution.
  • the optimization techniques require significant damage to the content signal, as to make the unauthorized copy commercially worthless, if the digital watermark is removed, absent the use of extremely expensive tools.
  • the commercial value of some works will dictate some level of piracy not detectable in practice and deemed “reasonable” by rights holders given the overall economic return. For example, there will always be fake $100 bills, LEVI jeans, and GUCCI bags given the sizes of the overall markets and potential economic returns for pirates in these markets — as there also will be unauthorized copies of works of music, operating systems (Windows 98, etc.), video and future multimedia goods.
  • what differentiates the "digital marketplace" from the physical marketplace is the absence of any scheme that establishes responsibility and trust in the authenticity of goods. For physical products, corporations and governments that mark the goods and monitor manufacturing capacity and sales to estimate loss from piracy. There are also no reinforcing mechanisms, including legal, electronic, and informational campaigns to better educate consumers.
  • the watermark is a digital code embedded in the bitstream of the digital video that typically identifies the copyright owner.
  • the watermark if applied to individual copies of the video, may also be used to identity of the receiver of each copy. This processing identifies illegally reproduced copies and facilitates tracing back to the receiver from which they originated. For watermarking of digital video, a number of different characteristics of the watermark are desirable.
  • the watermark should be embedded in such a way that it is imperceptible or barely perceptible to a viewer of the video.
  • the watermark should be such that it cannot be removed by intentional or unintentional operations on the digital video bitstream or on the decoded video without, at the same time, degrading the perceived quality of the video to the point of significantly reducing its commercial value (a characteristic referred to as "robustness").
  • the video since the video may be stored for broadcast in a compressed form
  • the addition of the watermark does not increase the bit rate of the video signal.
  • Past watermarking techniques for digital video are limited to the watermarking of uncompressed video data.
  • video sequences are often stored in a compressed format (thereby saving on memory space)
  • watermarking the signal in a way which uniquely identifies each receiver of the signal would require decoding of the signal, addition of the watermark, and recoding before the signal is transmitted. This clearly places a significant time and processing burden on the task of delivering the video sequence.
  • Hologram Information exchange and transfer over a shared transmission channel present a challenge to the security of sensitive information.
  • Internet and Intranet are two examples of such a shared information transmission channeling which many computers are connected with one another by local or wide area communication networks. It is therefore possible for any user or an intruder to intercept a package of sensitive data that is transmitted over the shared channel.
  • the internet is a rapidly growing business forum and securing information transferred through its channels is becoming a major concern for transmitting proprietary information.
  • Data encryption techniques can be used to increase the security in data exchange and transfer over a shared transmission channel.
  • data encryption uses a "key" based on a particular algorithm to change the sequence of a package of data that contains a piece of confidential information ("plain text") so that the data is enciphered or "scrambled” into an form that appears to have no correlation with the embedded confidential information (“cipher text").
  • An unauthorized user who does not have the knowledge of either the encryption method (e.g., the encryption algorithm) or the key formed based on the encryption method, cannot easily decode the information.
  • An authorized user recovers the embedded information in the scrambled data by using a "key” that is constructed based on the encryption method. Therefore, even if the unauthorized user obtains the scrambled data, the knowledge of both of the encryption method and the particular key is needed to decrypt the confidential information embedded therein.
  • DES Data Encryption Standard
  • a round The fundamental building blocking DES (referred to as a round) is a single combination of a substitution followed by a permutation of the text, based on the key.
  • the plain text is encoded through 16 rounds of a function, which usually implement substitution, permutation, XOR and shift operations on subsets of the text and the key in such a way that every bit of the cipher text depends on every bit of the plain text and every bit of the key. This means that if a single bit of the cipher text is corrupted during transmission, the entire message may be lost. This is another weakness of DES-type block ciphers. In each round, a different subset of the elements from the key, Ki, are used to perform the encryption (hence Kl is applied during the first round, and Ki is applied during the ithround, etc.).
  • RSA Cryptographic Secure Digital
  • RSA Data Security Another prior art cryptography system is the RSA Public Key Crypto system available from the RSA Data Security in California.
  • RSA is an asymmetric crypto system in which two different keys are used: a public key to encrypt the plain text and a private key to decrypt the cipher text.
  • the hardware implementations of RSA are usually about 1000 to 10,000 times slower than a hardware implementation of DES.
  • RSA is generally about 100 times slower than DES.
  • RSA will be difficult to approach the speed of a symmetric crypto system. Consequently, RSA is generally not viewed as a replacement for DES or any other fast bulk encryption algorithm. Instead, RSA is often used for secure key exchange without prior exchange of secrets. Hence a long message is encrypted with DES.
  • the message is sent with its DES key encrypted via RSA public key encryption.
  • Many other prior-art encryption systems are variations of the DES-type encryption. Generally, it is suspected that given the advanced state of computational processors, DES may no longer be safe against a brute- force attack, so alternatives have actively been sought since the late 1980's. In response to this need, several alternatives have been developed and are thought to be competitive with DES in terms of the level of security provided. Examples of these systems include the following encryption methods.
  • Triple DES This is a variation of DES where the plain text is encrypted with the DES algorithm by three different keys in succession. This is commonly accepted to be equivalent to increasing the size of the DES key to 112 bits. Triple encryption of the plain text is the current method of dealing with misgivings about DES's security, but this is clearly done at the expense of the throughput rate for encrypting and decrypting messages.
  • REDOC a block algorithm which has a 20 byte (160-bit key) and that operates on an 80 bit block. All of the manipulations, (i.e. substitutions, permutations, and key XOR's) are performed on bytes, which makes it more efficient in software than DES whose initial and final permutations are difficult to efficiently implement in software.
  • the 160 bit key usually makes this algorithm very secure.
  • Khufu is a recently proposed 64 bit block cipher, which calls for a 512-bit key, and leaves the number of rounds open (either 16, 24, or 32). Because of the large key, and the potentially expanded number of rounds, the security of this algorithm is expected to be very high. However, increasing the number of rounds has the disadvantage of slowing the rate at which data can be encrypted.
  • IDEA is a 64-bit block cipher that utilizes a 128 bit key. It usually utilizes three basic operations, XOR, addition modulo 2 sup 16, and multiplication modulo 2 sup 16.
  • the algorithm typically operates on 16-bitsub-blocks, which makes it efficient, even on 16 bit processors. Its current software implementations are about as fast as DES.
  • the inventors of the present invention developed a new crypto system based on optical phase modulation and a corresponding implementation interface between a user computer and the network. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention can exchange any of these methods for enciphering information embedded in a digital bit stream prior to digitization and transmission over a shared network such as the internet.
  • a holographic de-scrambler can be used at the receiving end in accordance with a preferred embodiment by an authorized user to decipher the information.
  • One of many advantages of the present invention is the potential to achieve high rate of encryption/decryption (e.g., larger than 1 Gbit s) as optical fiber networks of high data rates (e.g., larger than 2.4 Gbit/s) become more common.
  • a package of digital data is first imprinted on a carrier light beam. This is done by using a two-dimensional spatial light modulator. The phase of the data-bearing optical waveform is subsequently distorted by a phase-scrambling medium.
  • the data-bearing optical waveform with distorted phase is used to form an optical hologram with a reference beam.
  • the hologram is then converted into electronic signals which are sent to its destination in digital form over a shared transmission channel.
  • the hologram is displayed in a spatial light modulator and a conjugate reconstruction thereof is performed to generate a conjugate of the data-bearing signal waveform with distorted phase.
  • a holographic medium having information indicative of the phase-scrambling medium is used to unscramble the phase and the embedded data is retrieved from the conjugate reconstruction optical waveform by using a light detector array such as a CCD array.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to achieve optical encryption keys up to and greater than 10 sup 6 keys to enhance the security.
  • a brute force attacked encryption based on algorithm techniques is nearly impossible for invading the cryptography systems in accordance with the present invention. It is yet another aspect of the present invention to use optical phase information in a nonobvious way to encipher and decipher digital data. It is yet another aspect of the present invention that optical holographic techniques are used in both enciphering and deciphering processes to further enhance the confidentiality of the encryption systems in accordance with the present invention. It is yet another aspect of the present invention that the phase conjugate reconstruction of data-bearing holograms are implemented in preferred embodiments to ensure the high fidelity of the analog deciphering process.
  • the encrypting speed is usually not limited by the size of the encryption key, but rather by the system speed in converting between the electronic-to-optical and the optical-to-electronic information modes.
  • graphical information identifying the program title and author of a recording is ordinarily placed on the top surface of a CD.
  • Digital data is stored on or just below that top surface.
  • digital data is stored immediately below such graphical information between the top surface and the bottom surface of the CD.
  • the bottom surface of the CD is comprised of a section of clear material through which, in accessing the data, a laser beam from a compact disc player radiates upward.
  • the digital data is delicate and can easily be damaged during processes typically used to identify merchandise, which include engraving, stamping, or marking. As stated above, the digital data is closer to the top surface of the CD than it is to the bottom surface.
  • top surface of a CD usually contains graphical information applied by silk screening that partially protects the digital data from damage
  • the silk screened layer is thinner and more fragile than the bottom surface of a CD which comprises clear material.
  • Engraving may be used to identify merchandise. Engraving CDs with identification markings is problematic since engraving is often attempted on the top surface of the CD and such engraving could interfere with the digital data next to it. Moreover, even if engraving is attempted on the bottom surface of a CD where it is less likely that digital data will be damaged, the data may still be damaged during engraving due to the pressure required to be placed on the top of the CD to hold it in place and the heat that may result from such engraving. In addition, engraving may be undesirable since it is a relatively labor intensive and costly process, especially in high volume situations.
  • Still another option of identifying and securing inventory is the use of ordinary adhesive stickers.
  • stickers do not provide an effective means of identification due to the ease with which such stickers can be removed and reaffixed to similar looking items without a means of clearly indicating any tampering with the sticker.
  • stickers may be difficult to manually apply to CDs (since any sticker should be precisely centered on the CD) in the absence of an applicator workstation such as the one disclosed herein.
  • stickers may be easy to duplicate.
  • Magnetic-type EAS systems are widely used to inhibit the theft of merchandise such as clothing, books, cassettes and compact disks.
  • Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are often used to prevent unauthorized removal of articles from a protected area, such as a library or retail store.
  • An EAS system usually includes an interrogation zone or corridor located near the exit of the protected area and markers or tags attached to the articles to be protected.
  • EAS systems have been based on magnetic, RF, microwave and magneto-restrictive technologies. Regardless of the particular technology involved, the EAS systems are designed such that the tag will produce some characteristic response when exposed to an interrogating signal in the corridor. Detection of this characteristic response indicates the presence of a sensitized tag in the corridor. The EAS system then initiates some appropriate security action, such as sounding an audible alarm, locking an exit gate, etc.
  • tags that are either permanently or reversibly deactivatable (i.e., dual status tags) are often used.
  • EAS markers have been in common use for the theft protection of optically recorded media such as compact disks and CD-ROM's, the markers have generally been adapted for attachment to the packages containing new compact disks and have been poorly suited for direct attachment to the compact disk itself for libraries and other institutions that repeatedly check compact disks in and out to accommodate the needs of customers and clients, effective inventory control would prefer that EAS markers are attached to the compact disk.
  • optical disk a disk-like recording medium (referred to hereinafter as an optical disk) on and from which an information signal is recorded and reproduced by laser beam
  • a so-called compact disc with audio data recorded therein a CD-ROM in which computer data is recorded, a write once optical disk on which an information signal can be recorded once and a recordable optical disk in which an information signal can be reproduced, recorded and erased.
  • the read-only optical disk such as a compact disc or CD-ROM has tracks on which irregular patterns, i.e., phase pits are concentrically or spirally formed on the basis of a recorded information signal formed on one surface thereof.
  • the read-only optical disk is composed of a disk base plate made of a transparent synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or PMMA (polymethyl mefhacrylate), a reflection film made of a metal such as Al or Au formed so as to cover phase pits formed on one surface of the disk base plate and a protection layer formed so as to cover the reflection film in order to protect the reflection film.
  • laser beam from a laser light source is converged by an objective lens and irradiated on the read-only optical disk from the disk base plate side.
  • Reflected light flux modulated by the phase pits on the optical disk is detected by a photodetector, for example, and converted into a detected signal having a signal level corresponding to an intensity of reflected light flux, thereby allowing a reproduced signal of the information signal recorded on the read-only optical disk to be obtained.
  • the read-only optical disk can provide mass-produced products (optical disks) inexpensively on the market, it is not suitable for products of small demand.
  • write once optical disks are prepared for optical disk products of small demand and a variety of data can be provided to the user easily.
  • As write once optical disks there are available a write once optical disk of recording system using physical chemical change of pigment, a write once optical disk of a single layer hole forming recording system, a write once optical disk of multi-layer hole forming recording system, a write once optical disk of phase-change recording system and a write once optical disk of bubble-foaming system.
  • a laser beam (having a weak reproduction laser power) from a laser light source is irradiated on the disk from the disk base plate side under the condition that the laser beam is converged by an objective lens. Then, reflected light flux that is modulated by previously-recorded pits is detected by a photodetector and the detected signal is converted into a detected signal having a signal level corresponding to an intensity of a reflected light bundle, thereby obtaining a reproduced signal of an information signal recorded on the write once optical disk.
  • a laser beam (having a strong recording laser power) from a laser light source is irradiated on the optical disk from the disk base plate side under the condition that the laser beam is converged by an objective lens. Then, the power of the laser beam is turned on and off by modulating the laser beam in response to an information signal and pits (pits substantially similar to those recorded on the read-only optical disk) corresponding to the information signal are formed along recording tracks of the optical disk. Specifically, in the case of the single layer hole forming recording system, a hole is formed on the recording track at an area irradiated with a strong laser beam and this hole is recorded as a pit.
  • a hole is formed on the recording track at an area irradiated with a strong laser beam, e.g., the film of the first layer and the hole on the first layer are recorded as a pit.
  • phase change recording system a portion of the recording track irradiated with a strong laser beam is changed from the amorphous state to the crystal state and the portion that was changed to the crystal state is recorded as a pit.
  • a recording layer of the portion irradiated with a strong laser beam is upheaved and the upheaved portion is recorded as a pit.
  • a guide groove is formed (pre-groove portion) to allow tracking control of laser beam.
  • An end face opposing the pre-groove is formed as a sine wave shape (generally referred to as a wobble shape) having a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined period along the track.
  • a wobble signal serving as absolute time information.
  • the wobble signal is used to control the system of the recording and reproducing apparatus and, in particular, the timing information for recording pits on the optical disk.
  • the wobble signal is used to servo-control an optical disk rotating and driving means, e.g., a spindle motor. According to the servo control operation, the rotational speed of the spindle motor is controlled such that the period of the wobble signal becomes constant.
  • the above write once optical disk is generally of a groove recording 10 system where pits are recorded on the pre-groove portion.
  • a target position is synchronously searched based on the period of the wobble signal obtained by optically detecting the wobble shape formed on the pre-groove portion.
  • the above information data that is to be recorded on the write once optical disk is recorded on the target position according to a predetermined format.
  • a target position is searched as described above.
  • 2 kilobytes of data for example, are sequentially read out, thereby reproducing recorded data.
  • the read-only optical disk and the write once optical disk are the same in reproduction principle as described above, even when the write once optical disk is loaded onto a reproducing apparatus which reproduces an information signal from the read-only optical disk, data recorded on the write once optical disk can be reproduced without distinction of the read-only optical disk.
  • the write once optical disk has a feature that allows a number of optical disks to be easily produced by relatively simple equipment. For this reason, there is the risk that the write once optical disk will be illegally copied (illegal copy).
  • a reproducing apparatus for reproducing an information signal from a read-only optical disk is connected to one external input and output terminal of a personal computer used by the end user.
  • an external storage device for recording and reproducing an information signal on and from the write once optical disk is connected to another external input and output terminal. Then, recorded data that had been read out from the read-only optical disk by the reproducing apparatus are all written in the write once optical disk by the external storage device, thereby producing a pirate edition of the read-only optical disk.
  • the read-only optical-disk is a CD-ROM where computer data (including computer program) are recorded, then a pirate edition of game software can be easily produced. If the readonly optical disk is a compact disc (CD) where music information are recorded, then it becomes possible to easily produce a pirate edition of the compact disc.
  • CD compact disc
  • Interactive productions allow a user of a computer system to interact with movies, video or other displayed images while the images are being updated at a rapid rate.
  • the purpose of these productions is to present useful information, educate or entertain the user.
  • the ultimate goal of interactive technology is to make the user feel as though they are interacting with images on the screen so that, for example, characters or objects in a drama react to the users actions.
  • the user's actions can affect characters, objects or other images on the display screen and change the course of the storyline.
  • One method for providing a high degree of interaction is to make the production completely computer generated. This means that the computer models a three dimensional world and calculates and displays the orientation of figures and objects on the screen.
  • this approach is limited by today's technology because the computing power to fully calculate and render lifelike images, especially human figures, at resolutions approaching television quality in real time at video or film refresh rates is beyond the current technology for mass-marketed systems.
  • a different approach is to prerecord video, film or computer generated image sequences and play the prerecorded images, or frames, back at high speed. This achieves the resolution of television, or better, and is sufficiently lifelike to create a level of believability comparable to television.
  • the user has a very limited amount of interactivity with the production since the user's ability to affect the story is limited to the small number of different "paths" of prerecorded image sequences that are branched to at predetermined decision points in the video or animation sequence.
  • the use of any prerecorded sequences of images that are played back so as to achieve animation while allowing a user to interact with the images is referred to broadly here as "interactive video.”
  • Interactive video productions typically use a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) disc to store the images and a CD-ROM drive to retrieve images during playback.
  • CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory
  • the CD-ROM disc stores information in a concentric spiral on optical media and is "read” or played back with a CD- ROM drive that uses a "read head” with a laser beam.
  • the big problem with CD-ROM based interactive production is the break in continuity due to delays of about a half-second or more required to locate a desired branch path that is different from the current path that the drive's read head is tracking.
  • Another problem is that CD-ROM based interactive video productions are severely limited in the number and types of ways that a user may interact with the video.
  • the length of time to access a different video path depends upon the location of the different video path with respect to the current placement of the CD-ROM drive's read head.
  • access time or "seek time”
  • a computer controller looks up the location of the sequence in an index and instructs the CD-ROM drive to access the new sequence by moving the read head to the beginning of the new sequence on the disc. Since the read head is moved by a mechanical mechanism it takes a comparatively long time to reposition the read head to a new point on the track to access the different video path.
  • the prior art uses caches to try to improve the performance of accessing data in a CD-ROM.
  • the cache can be in the CD-ROM drive, in an interface card between the processor and the drive, in the memory of the computer system controlled by software or even on a hard disk or other storage medium.
  • these caches only provide marginal improvement in access times where video is concerned because of the relatively small sizes of the caches compared to the data rate of the information coming off of the CD-ROM.
  • when a different path is branched to the information in the caches is usually useless since they don't contain the new data.
  • the caches must be "purged" and loaded with new information.
  • CD-ROM drives are not adequate to provide sufficient interactivity in interactive video productions, they represent a huge installed base since hundreds of thousands have already been sold to consumers. Therefore, a system which eliminates the access time in CD-ROM based interactive videos without requiring modification of existing CD-ROM drives is desired.
  • a so-called LD (Laser Disk) and a so-called CD (Compact Disk) are generalized as optical disks, on which information such as video information, audio information and the like is recorded.
  • the video information and the audio information are recorded together with time information indicating a time at which each information is to be reproduced with respect to a reproduction start position, which each LD or the like has, as a standard position.
  • the DVD as an optical disk in which the memory capacity is improved by about ten times without changing the size of the optical disk itself as compared with the aforementioned conventional CD.
  • this DVD if a plurality of subtitles in various languages or a plurality of voice sounds in various languages are recorded, the above mentioned interactive and variegated reproduction is possible as the audience selects one of them.
  • the information amount of the audio information or music information becomes enormous if the audio or voice sounds in various languages or the music in various types are recorded on the above mentioned DVD.
  • the process for searching the audio information etc. to be reproduced becomes complicated, and a case where the audio sound or music sound etc. is interrupted in the middle of the reproduction due to the time required to search the audio information etc. may happen at the time of reproduction, which is a problem.

Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un système, à un procédé et à un article produit servant au suivi et à la prise en charge de la distribution d'un contenu par voie électronique. Un identificateur de suivi sur support de données électronique est d'abord incorporé à un support de données électronique et mémorisé dans une base de données. Un identificateur de suivi de paquet est ensuite placé sur un paquet dans lequel est stocké le support de données électronique. Le support de données électronique est ensuite suivi pendant son expédition entre diverses entités, à l'aide de l'identificateur de suivi placé sur le paquet. Le support de données électronique peut en outre être identifié à l'aide de l'identificateur de suivi se trouvant sur le support de données électronique, pour permettre diverses opérations de promotion, de sécurité, de support ou autre activité de détail. Ce système comporte une logique pour le téléchargement et la mise à jour des informations du DVD spécifiques au détaillant, utilisant des informations BCA pour le traitement intelligent. Lorsqu'un utilisateur se connecte à l'Internet avec une application DVD active, la logique détecte une connexion Internet en direct, lit les informations BCA et initialise une connexion avec le serveur. L'application DVD demande ensuite toutes les informations de support disponibles auprès du serveur pour le détaillant du DVD en cours de lecture. Le serveur effectue une consultation de table pour certifier le détaillant qui a vendu le DVD original, et le serveur effectue une autre consultation de table pour déterminer des informations de téléchargement, et le serveur transmet ces informations de téléchargement à l'application en utilisant un protocole HTTP. Une transaction est finalement adressée à la base de données serveur qui archive l'événement.
PCT/US2000/010401 1999-04-21 2000-04-18 Systeme, procede et article produit pour le support reseau interactif d'informations basees sur le contenu electronique d'un support laser WO2000063903A2 (fr)

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AU43589/00A AU4358900A (en) 1999-04-21 2000-04-18 System, method and article of manufacture for interactive, network support of information based on the electronic content of a laser-centric medium
EP00923471A EP1226583A1 (fr) 1999-04-21 2000-04-18 Systeme, procede et article produit pour le support reseau interactif d'informations basees sur le contenu electronique d'un support laser
CA002388558A CA2388558A1 (fr) 1999-04-21 2000-04-18 Systeme, procede et article produit pour le support reseau interactif d'informations basees sur le contenu electronique d'un support laser
JP2000612946A JP4681124B2 (ja) 1999-04-21 2000-04-18 レーザー中心媒体の電子コンテンツに基づくターゲット広告のための製造のシステム、方法及び商品

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JP2002542566A (ja) 2002-12-10
JP4681124B2 (ja) 2011-05-11
CN1232069C (zh) 2005-12-14
TWI223234B (en) 2004-11-01
EP1226583A1 (fr) 2002-07-31
CN1364364A (zh) 2002-08-14
WO2000063903A3 (fr) 2001-04-05
AU4358900A (en) 2000-11-02

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