AU2012100218A4 - Distribution of viewable content - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, system, server processing system, and method performed by a server processing system, for providing viewable content to a user. In one aspect, the system includes: a storage device provided with an identifier, wherein the identifier is associated with the user; a user processing device configured to associate with the storage device and receive the identifier from the storage device; and a server configured to receive request data including the identifier from the user processing device, and to retrieve electronic content data from a database based on the identifier; wherein, the electronic content data is transmitted from the server to the user processing device, and viewable content derived from the electronic content data is able to be displayed to the user. -2/8 246 240 230 252 ED118, 120 116 252 208 -Z, 202 264\ 26 26 24

Description

Our Ref: 35105523/SPR P/00/0 Il Regulation 3:2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant(s): Greener Ads Pty Ltd Suite 78, Level 2, 1-55 West Parade, West Ryde, New South Wales 2114, Australia Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys 255 Elizabeth Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Invention Title: "Distribution of viewable content" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- DISTRIBUTION OF VIEWABLE CONTENT Technical Field 5 [001] The present invention generally relates to the delivery, provision or distribution of viewable content over a network to users. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to providing a user with viewable content, for example advertising or marketing content, in response to the user associating a storage device, for example a portable storage device, with a user processing device, for example a computer system. 10 Background [002] Presently, delivery of viewable content to a user, such as a client or a customer of an organisation, is sent to the user by email, as a hardcopy via mail, or that the user visit a website and identify content themselves. However, these methods of delivering viewable 15 content are not readily adaptable to provide a user with updated or new content at the user's request or initiation. For example, a user might wish to electronically receive only new or updated content at a convenient time, or to receive content to view later, when the user is ready to view the content. The user may also only want to be presented with new, recent or updated content. 20 [003] There is also a need to provide content providers with information relating to the content that has been viewed by or sent to users. It is difficult to provide useful or accurate viewing statistics about content that has been viewed by users with currently known methods. 25 [004] As used herein, viewable content should be taken as a general reference to a variety of electronic materials that can be made visible to a user, for example documents, video, images, etc. The viewable content can be a wide range of materials, such as advertising, marketing or personal material. For example, marketing material may be in the form of 30 new catalogues, flyers, circulars, etc. [005] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior -2 publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 5 Summary [006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Preferred Embodiments. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 10 [007] There is a need for a method, system, computer program product and/or computer readable medium of instructions for the electronic delivery, distribution or provision of viewable content to users. 15 [008] Embodiments of the present invention relate to providing a user with electronically viewable content, for example advertising or marketing content, in response to the user associating a storage device, preferably a portable storage device, with a user processing device, for example a computer system. Association of the storage device with the processing device triggers or otherwise initiates viewable content being retrieved from a 20 remote server or database so as to be accessible to the user. [009] In one aspect there is provided a method of providing viewable content to a user, including: receiving, at a user processing device, an identifier from a storage device, the 25 identifier being associated with the user; transmitting request data including the identifier from the user processing device to a server; retrieving electronic content data from a database associated with the server; transferring the electronic content data from the server to the user processing 30 device; and displaying viewable content derived from the electronic content data to the user.

-3 [010] In another aspect there is provided a system for providing viewable content to a user, including: a storage device provided with an identifier, wherein the identifier is associated with the user; 5 a user processing device configured to associate with the storage device and receive the identifier from the storage device; and a server configured to receive request data including the identifier from the user processing device, and to retrieve electronic content data from a database based on the identifier; 10 wherein, the electronic content data is transmitted from the server to the user processing device, and viewable content derived from the electronic content data is able to be displayed to the user. [011] In another aspect there is provided a server processing system for providing 15 viewable content to a user, the server processing system is configured to: receive request data indicative of an identifier associated with the user, wherein the request data is at least partially generated by a storage device associated with a user processing device; retrieve electronic content data from a database based on the identifier; and 20 transfer, to the user processing device, electronic content data wherein viewable content derived from the electronic content data is able to be displayed to the user. [012] In another aspect there is provided a method for providing viewable content to a user, wherein the method includes, in a server processing system, steps of: 25 receiving request data indicative of an identifier associated with the user, wherein the request data is at least partially generated by a storage device coupled to a user processing device; retrieving electronic content data from a database based on the identifier; and transmitting, to the user processing device, electronic content data wherein 30 viewable content derived from the electronic content data is able to be displayed to the user.

-4 [013] In various aspects, the viewable content is an advertisement, catalogue, flyer, circular, marketing document, personal document, invitation or the like. [014] In particular example forms the storage device is a portable storage device or 5 computer readable data storage medium, such as a USB key, stick or drive, an optical disc, a compact disc, a magnetic disc, a memory card, or a semiconductor memory device. Brief Description Of Figures [015] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, 10 which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures. [016] Fig. I illustrates a functional block diagram of an example processing device that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment; 15 [017] Fig. 2 illustrates an example network infrastructure that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment; [018] Fig. 3 illustrates an example system for providing or distributing electronic content 20 data that can be viewed as viewable content by a user; [019] Fig. 4 illustrates an example dashboard of a content provider interface presented to a content provider; 25 [020] Fig. 5 illustrates an example statistics interface of the content provider interface presented to the content provider; [021] Fig. 6 illustrates an example upload interface of the content provider interface presented to the content provider; 30 [022] Fig. 7 illustrates a notifications interface of the content provider interface presented to the content provider; and -5 [023] Fig. 8 illustrates an example interface of the processing device application. Preferred Embodiments [024] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to 5 provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. Processing device and network examples [025] A particular embodiment of the present invention can be realised using a 10 processing device, an example of which is shown in Fig. 1. In particular, the processing device 100 generally includes at least one processor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108, coupled together via a bus or group of buses I10. In certain embodiments, input device 106 and output device 108 could be the same device. An interface 112 can also be 15 provided for coupling the processing device 100 to one or more peripheral devices, for example interface 112 could be a PCI card or PC card. At least one storage device 114 which houses at least one database 116 can also be provided. The memory 104 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 102 could include more than one distinct 20 processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing device 100. [026] Input device 106 receives input data 118 (such as electronic content data), for example via a network or from a local storage device. Output device 108 produces or 25 generates output data 120 (such as viewable content) and can include, for example, a display device or monitor in which case output data 120 is visual, a printer in which case output data 120 is printed, a port for example a USB port, a peripheral component adaptor, a data transmitter or antenna such as a modem or wireless network adaptor, etc. Output data 120 could be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example a visual 30 display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted to a network. A user could view data output, or an interpretation of the data output, on, for example, a monitor or using a printer. The storage device 114 can be any form of data or information storage means, for -6 example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.. [027] Examples of electronic data storage devices 114 can include disk storage, optical 5 discs, such as CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, flash memory/memory card (e.g., solid state semiconductor memory), MultiMedia Card, USB sticks or keys, flash drives, Secure Digital (SD) cards, microSD cards, miniSD cards, SDHC cards, miniSDSC cards, solid state drives, and the like. 10 [028] In use, the processing device 100 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least one database 116. The interface 112 may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processing unit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialised purpose. The processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 via input device 106 15 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilising output device 108. More than one input device 106 and/or output device 108 can be provided. It should be appreciated that the processing device 100 may be any form of terminal, PC, laptop, notebook, tablet, smart phone, specialised hardware, or the like. 20 [029] The processing device 100 may be a part of a networked communications system 200, as shown in Fig. 2. Processing device 100 could connect to network 202, for example the Internet or a WAN. Input data 118 and output data 120 could be communicated to other devices via network 202. Other terminals, for example, thin client 204, further processing systems 206 and 208, notebook computer 210, mainframe computer 212, PDA 214, pen 25 based computer 216, server 218, etc., can be connected to network 202. A large variety of other types of terminals or configurations could be utilised. The transfer of information and/or data over network 202 can be achieved using wired communications means 220 or wireless communications means 222. Server 218 can facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 and one or more databases 224. Server 218 and one or more databases 224 30 provide an example of an information source. [030] Other networks may communicate with network 202. For example, telecommunications network 230 could facilitate the transfer of data between network 202 -7 and mobile or cellular telephone 232 or a PDA-type device 234, by utilising wireless communication means 236 and receiving/transmitting station 238. Satellite communications network 240 could communicate with satellite signal receiver 242 which receives data signals from satellite 244 which in turn is in remote communication with 5 satellite signal transmitter 246. Terminals, for example further processing system 248, notebook computer 250 or satellite telephone 252, can thereby communicate with network 202. A local network 260, which for example may be a private network, LAN, etc., may also be connected to network 202. For example, network 202 could be connected with ethernet 262 which connects terminals 264, server 266 which controls the transfer of data 10 to and/or from database 268, and printer 270. Various other types of networks could be utilised. [031] The processing device 100 is adapted to communicate with other terminals, for example further processing systems 206, 208, by sending and receiving data, 118, 120, to 15 and from the network 202, thereby facilitating possible communication with other components of the networked communications system 200. [032] Thus, for example, the networks 202, 230, 240 may form part of, or be connected to, the Internet, in which case, the terminals 206, 212, 218, for example, may be web 20 servers, Internet terminals or the like. The networks 202, 230, 240, 260 may be or form part of other communication networks, such as LAN, WAN, ethernet, token ring, FDDI ring, star, etc., networks, or mobile telephone networks, such as GSM, CDMA or 3G, etc., networks, and may be wholly or partially wired, including for example optical fibre, or wireless networks, depending on a particular implementation. 25 Method/system examples [033] Referring to Fig. 3, there is illustrated a system 300 for providing viewable content 322 to a user operating or using a storage device 310. The user is able to subscribe to the system/process so as to receive electronic content data 315 at a user processing device 320 30 and from a database 335 via one or more servers 325. A copy 315' of the electronic content data can be stored on the user's portable storage device 310. The electronic content data 315 is indicative of user viewable content 322 and may be or include a document, image, video, audio, etc..

-8 [034] Preferably, viewable content 322 is or includes an advertising brochure, marketing material, or the like, which in one example form can be in a PDF format. The electronic content data 315 is initially submitted to one or more servers 325 from one or more content 5 providers, e.g. advertising organisations, via one or more content provider processing devices 330. The electronic content data 315 is uploaded and stored in database 335 associated with one or more servers 325. A timestamp can be stored with each electronic content data file. A user can make selections on which organisations or types of material that the user wishes to subscribe to, the user selections being stored against a user profile in 10 database 335 hosted by the one or more servers 325. [035] In one aspect, storage device 310 is a USB storage device or key. In this aspect, the user couples USB key 310 to a USB port of a PC 320, being an example of user processing device 320. The PC 320 automatically launches a storage device application 15 340, for example a script, contained on USB key 310. The application or script 340, when executed (either automatically or manually), results in a user processing device application 345 being launched on PC 320. [036] The user processing device application 345, when launched, generates and transfers 20 request data 350, preferably automatically, to the one or more servers 325. The request data 350 includes a unique identifier 355 for storage device 310 which is stored on the storage device 310, e.g. USB key, and which may be, but is not necessarily, stored in the storage device application or script 340. 25 [037] The one or more servers 325 receive the request data 350 and identify the user associated with the storage device 310 via identifier 355 indicated in request data 350. The one or more servers 325 identify the stored selected subscriptions for the user by querying database 335. The one or more servers 325 store in database 335 a timestamp 360 indicative of when request data 350 was received. 30 [038] The one or more servers 325 identify, for example using timestamp data 360 stored in the database 335, if one or more relevant electronic content data files have been uploaded to database 335 since the last time request data 350 was received by the one or -9 more servers 325 for a particular user. If one or more new or updated electronic content data files are available for the user to view, the one or more servers 325 generate and transfer to the user processing device 320 response data 365 indicative of each electronic content data file, i.e. new viewable content 322. 5 [039] The processing device application 345 receives response data 365 and at least one electronic content data file 315, if available, and can display receipt of such to the user. The user can then select one of the electronic content data files 315 to view as viewable content 322. A plurality of electronic data files may be visible for the user to make a 10 selection. Preferably, a copy 315' of electronic content data is stored on portable storage device 310 for later retrieval or viewing by the user, for example on a different processing device. The electronic content data 315 may be stored for retrieval or not on the user processing device 320. 15 [040] Each content provider is able to login to an online interface (e.g. website) to upload content to the one or more servers 325. Generally the content provider is required to provide a username and password which the server processing system authenticates to provide access to the online interface 400, an example of which is shown in Figure 4. The content provider is able to control settings 410 for the content provider account, view 20 statistics 420 for particular content, issue notifications 430 to particular users in relation to new content, upload new content 440 to the server processing system, conduct a search of particular users 450, and modify or remove users 460. [041] As shown by example in Figure 5, a content provider is able to view statistics 500 25 about when each electronic content data file was retrieved, and also viewed, by subscribed users. The timestamp information stored in database 335 is used to generate a graphic or statistics to illustrate the distribution of each electronic content data file. As shown in Figure 5, details of the users who viewed particular content is presented to the content provider, wherein the amount of information presented to the content provider about a user 30 is dependent upon whether the content provider is a primary content provider for the user as discussed in more detail later.

- 10 [042] As shown by example in Figure 7 which shows a notification interface of the content provider interface, the content provider can optionally select that an electronic message, such as an SMS message or email, is sent to a subscribed user (the database 335 can contain mobile phone numbers for users) when an electronic content data file is 5 uploaded to the one or more servers 325, wherein the SMS message can indicate to a user that new electronic content is available to view. [043] As shown in Figure 6 which shows an example of the upload interface 600 for the content provider, the content provider is able to upload a document from the processing 10 system controlled by the content provider, wherein the content is then uploaded fro storage by the server processing system. In addition, the content provider is provided the option of removing content from the server processing system. [044] The online interface handles billing for each content provider. If a particular 15 content provider has not paid their bill within a predefined period of time, the content provider can be prevented from uploading new electronic content data to the one or more servers 325 for distribution until the bill is paid. The online interface allows for each content provider to view and edit details for subscribing users. 20 [045] Referring to Figure 8 there is shown an example interface representing the processing device application 345. In particular, the interface of the processing device application 345 includes a plurality of tabs 810 representing each content provider which the user has subscribed thereto. Some of the tabs include an icon 820 representing a number. The icon 820 is indicative of the number of content items waiting for the user to 25 review. As shown in Figure 8, at least some of the tabs include a cross which can be selected by the user using the input device of the user processing device to enable the user to unsubscribe from that particular content provider. However, one of the tabs is associated with a primary content provider 830 which cannot be unsubscribed, and thus this tab does not include a cross. Further details of the primary content provider are discussed later in 30 this document. [046] Still referring to Figure 8, the processing device application 345 includes a plus icon 840 which when selected by the user enables a user to select a new content provider to -11 subscribe thereto. The processing device application 345 also displays the estimated location 850 of the user which the server processing system can determine based on the IP address of the user processing device, as is discussed in more detail below. The processing device application 345 also presents an interface portion 860 for the user to reset the 5 storage device. In particular, files written on the storage device which store settings can be deleted by the user processing device (typically under control by the server processing system). In addition, the server processing system transfers new installation data to the storage device for storage upon the storage device such that the processing device application 345 can be relaunched, without user setting data, in the future. 10 [047] Still referring to Figure 8, the processing device application 345 can include a dedicated advertisement link section 880 for displaying a graphical link which is selectable by the user via the input device in order to be presented with advertisement material. Upon selection, advertising material is presented to the user which can be in the form of video, 15 audio, and/or graphics. The entity associated with the advertisement does not necessarily need to correspond to the content provider associated with the electronic content presented within the processing device application 345. A content provider is able to upload an advertisement to the server processing system, wherein the server processing system presents a link to the advertisement as shown in Figure 8 such that the user is able to select 20 the presentation of the advertising material accordingly. The content provider can access, via the content provider interface, statistics regarding the presentation of the link and the presentation of the advertisement. Information regarding the users who have viewed the advertisement can be presented to the respective content provider via the content provider interface. The dedicated advertisement link section 880 can be a rolling banner wherein 25 focus on each graphical link is changed periodically. Further examples [048] In a general form there is provided a method of providing viewable content 322 to a user. The method includes receiving, at a user processing device 320, an identifier 355 30 from a storage device 310, for example a USB key. Request data 350, which includes identifier 355 is transmitted from user processing device 320 to at least one server 325. The transmission of request data 350 can automatically occur upon association of user storage device 310 with user processing device 320, for example by insertion of a USB key - 12 into a PC. Electronic content data 315 is retrieved from database 335 which is associated with one or more servers 325. The electronic content data 315 then can be transmitted from one or more servers 325 via network 370 to user processing device 320. This then allows a user to display viewable content 322 which is derived from electronic content data 5 315, where the viewable content 322 can be displayed on the user processing device 320 or another processing device. The electronic content data 315 can be stored on the storage device 310, for example as copy 315' of electronic content data. The electronic content data 315 need not necessarily be stored on user processing device 320. 10 [049] The storage device 310 is preferably a USB key, stick or drive, that is it is preferable that storage device 310 is portable. Storage device 310 includes a unique identifier 355 so as to individually identify the storage device 310 which can consequently be used to identify a subscribed user. 15 [050] When the storage device 310 is associated with user processing device 320 a storage device application 340 automatically executes so as to cause execution of processing device application 345 that is hosted on user processing device 320. Processing device application 345 initiates transmission of request data 350, which includes identifier 355, to server 325 via network 370. 20 [051] Time stamp data 360 can be associated with request data 350 and stored in database 335, which assists in providing useful viewing statistics information to a content provider. As a result of receiving request data 350, server 325 hosts one or more programs 380 that cause response data 365 to be transmitted via network 370 to user processing device 320. 25 Response data 365 can indicate if new or updated electronic content data is available to the user, or response data 365 could itself include electronic content data. After electronic content data 315 is transmitted to user processing device 320, processing device application 345 can indicate to a user when or if electronic content data 315 is available for the user to view. For example, the user might simply click or otherwise highlight 30 electronic content data that is available for viewing. [052] In one form storage device 310 can be an encrypted USB stick with a special program embedded that can launch when the USB stick is associated with any PC or - 13 laptop. This acts as a trigger to allow a user to view the latest or new advertisements, catalogues, flyers, circulars, personal material, etc., offered by a wide variety of organisations (i.e. content providers) that have been previously uploaded to a remote server and stored on a database. Retrieval of new viewable content might occur automatically 5 with association of the portable storage device with the PC or laptop, or may require the user to confirm retrieval of viewable content by a user action, for example by a confirmation mouse click or entering of details via a keypad. [053] A variety of organisations can act as content providers for uploading a wide variety 10 of types of viewable content. For example, applications can relate to tourism, medical, pharmaceutical, defence, education, training, transport, etc.. [054] A content provider can upload viewable content using a content provider processing device, such as a PC, via a network to a server to be stored on a database. For 15 example, viewable content may be in the form of a PDF file. The present system then allows that uploaded file to be provided or distributed to a plurality of users when each user associates a portable storage device with a processing device such as a PC. Users can complete an initial subscription process indicating which organisations they wish to receive viewable content from. When new viewable content is uploaded by a content 20 provider, the system can additionally allow for an electronic message, for example a SMS phone message, to be sent to subscribed users informing them of the uploading of new content which is ready for viewing. [055] A user, which may be a client or customer of the content provider organisation, 25 then simply needs to, for example, plug in the user's USB key so that content, for example a PDF file, will be automatically retrieved for viewing by the user and storage of the document on the USB key. This allows users to view the content on any device into which the portable storage device, for example USB key, can be inserted. 30 [056] This also allows content providers to upload and update a variety of documents, such as advertisements, specials, reports or personal documents, and importantly to inform clients or customers of the new content. Clients and customers are provided with a fast and efficient means to obtain such new content from organisations of interest to them. A - 14 storage device is preferably, though not necessarily, encoded and provided with a unique identifier and storage device application such as a script. Reports can be provided to content providers showing viewing statistics of users, for example based on individual viewable content and/or time periods, e.g. monthly. This importantly allows useful 5 viewing statistics that cannot be achieved by conventional material delivery methods. [057] A user interface can be provided by the server, e.g. using a web browser, to allow both users and content providers to manage their interaction with the system. For example users or content providers can adjust a wide variety of settings for retrieving or uploading 10 content and settings for receiving notifications of new content. Users can manage their subscription, for example indicating which organisations they are interested in receiving new content from. Content providers can be provided with a statistics module for viewing statistics or reports in relation to the downloading or viewing of content by users. Content providers can also be provided with an upload module to facilitate ready uploading of new 15 content. Content providers can also be provided with a payments and/or invoices module(s) so that they can view charges and/or make payments for use of the system. [058] In particular embodiments, upon coupling the storage device with the user processing device, an identification request interface is presented upon the output device of 20 the user processing device. The identification request interface can include a username and password fields. In the event that the user has registered with the server processing system, the user can input the username and password. The user processing device can then transfer the request data indicative of the identifier, the username and the password to the server processing system for verification. The server processing system has stored in the 25 database a user record indicative of the username, the password and the associated identifier of the user's storage device. The user can then compare the three data fields, and in response to a positive authentication, the server processing system can then determine the electronic content data as described previously. 30 [059] In the event that the user has not registered a user account with the server processing system once the identification request interface is presented upon coupling the storage device with the server processing system, the user is required to register an account with the server processing system. The user is presented with a form upon the output -15 device of the user processing device, wherein the user completes the form including nominating a username and password to activate the account. The completed form data and the identifier of the storage device is transferred to the server processing system, wherein a user record is created in the database to associate the identifier with the form data. Upon 5 successful registration, the username and password can be input by the user to the identification request interface to access the electronic content data from the server processing system. [060] In an optional form, encrypted identification data indicative of the username and 10 password are stored on the storage device. In the event that the user couples the storage device with a processing system where Internet access is not provided, the user is still requested to provide the username and password within the identification request interface, wherein the application decrypts the identification data and compares the username and password provided by the user via the identification request interface with the decrypted 15 identification data to determine if the user is able to view the copy of electronic content stored on the storage device. [061] In particular embodiments, an administrator of the server processing system may associate particular storage devices with a content provider. In particular embodiments, the 20 content provider purchasers one or more storage devices from the administrator, wherein the administrator pre-configures the one or more storage devices to be associated with the content provider. This can include the server processing system recording a primary content provider association in the database indicative of the content provider associated with the identifier of the respective storage device. Optionally, data may be stored on the 25 storage device indicative of the identity of the primary content provider. The content provider can then provide the storage device to a third party who can then register with the server processing system, as discussed above, to become a user of the system. The user is able to subscribe and unsubscribe from a plurality of content providers over time. However, the server processing system restricts the user unsubscribing from the primary 30 content provider. [062] As discussed above, the content provider is able to review statistics and graphics indicative of the presentation of content to users. In particular embodiments, the content -16 provider may request a list of users which viewed a particular content item. The content provider is able to review at least a limited amount of form data for particular users who have viewed content from the provider. However, the server processing system can be presented with additional form data for users who have the content provider as the primary 5 content provider. [063] The computer interface presented upon the output device of the user device can include a search field. The search field can allow the user to enter search criteria to identify a content provider. In one form, the IP address associated with the user processing device 10 is transferred in addition to the search criteria to the server processing system. The server processing system can then determine a geographical area relevant to the user based upon the IP address and then conduct the search using the search criteria and the identified geographical area as an additional search field to filter the search results. The filtered search results are then transferred and presented via the computer interface, wherein the 15 user can selectively subscribe to one or more of the content providers presented in the search results. [064] In another aspect there is provided a first computer program product for providing viewable content to a user. In particular, the first computer program product is provided 20 upon the storage device. The computer program product includes executable instructions to: automatically transfer, in response to the user processing device detecting association of the storage device therewith, request data including the identifier to the server processing system; receiving electronic content data from the server processing system; and displaying displaying viewable content derived from the electronic content data to the user. 25 [065] In another aspect there is provided a second computer program product for providing viewable content to a user. In particular, the second computer program product is stored in a readable medium for configuring the server processing system to perform the above described method. 30 [066] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, - 17 and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 5 [067] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that many modifications, changes, substitutions or alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (5)

1. A method of providing viewable content to a user, including: receiving, at a user processing device, an identifier from a storage device, the 5 identifier being associated with the user; transmitting request data including the identifier from the user processing device to a server; retrieving electronic content data from a database associated with the server; transferring the electronic content data from the server to the user processing 10 device; and displaying viewable content derived from the electronic content data to the user.

2. A system for providing viewable content to a user, including: a storage device provided with an identifier, wherein the identifier is associated 15 with the user; a user processing device configured to associate with the storage device and receive the identifier from the storage device; and a server configured to receive request data including the identifier from the user processing device, and to retrieve electronic content data from a database based on the 20 identifier; wherein, the electronic content data is transmitted from the server to the user processing device, and viewable content derived from the electronic content data is able to be displayed to the user. 25

3. A server processing system for providing viewable content to a user, the server processing system is configured to: receive request data indicative of an identifier associated with the user, wherein the request data is at least partially generated by a storage device associated with a user processing device; 30 retrieve electronic content data from a database based on the identifier; and transfer, to the user processing device, electronic content data wherein viewable content derived from the electronic content data is able to be displayed to the user. - 19

4. A method for providing viewable content to a user, wherein the method includes, in a server processing system, steps of: receiving request data indicative of an identifier associated with the user, wherein the request data is at least partially generated by a storage device coupled to a user 5 processing device; retrieving electronic content data from a database based on the identifier; and transmitting, to the user processing device, electronic content data wherein viewable content derived from the electronic content data is able to be displayed to the user. 10

5. A method, system, server processing system, and method performed by a server processing system, for providing viewable content to a user, substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15