KR20070022390A - System and method for content management - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein are content management and delivery systems and methods. Embodiments of the present invention include receiving a plurality of content items from a plurality of providers, organizing the plurality of content items in a hierarchy, and receiving a request for at least one item of the plurality of content items. And providing the at least one item following receipt of the request. The content items can be organized on a server. For example, an end user on the client device side that communicates directly or indirectly with a server, such as a mobile device, can browse the content in a consistent manner per content item, preview the content, and purchase the content.

Description

System and method for content management

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of content management, and specifically relates to the organization and distribution of content from a server to a client device when the client device is, for example, a mobile device. It is about providing a mechanism by which a user can find, preview, or purchase content.

The number of applications and the amount of content available to mobile device users continues to grow rapidly. In addition to graphics and ring tones that have been used for mobile device users for some time now, content developers are increasingly providing games, music, videos, applications and the like to mobile device users.

However, it is cumbersome and inconvenient for most mobile device users to find and purchase content suitable for their mobile device. With the increase in the available content, there have been a number of content formats, delivery options and payment methods. For example, while several mobile devices may have access to the Internet when browsing current content, each content developer has their own website, forcing each end user to obtain each individual item or application desired by the end user. The other sites are accessed, which is typically a time-consuming process. Moreover, each content developer can create content in a dedicated format or in a format that is not compatible with other content formats, so that end users may not be compatible with each other and more severely are compatible with the end user's mobile device. Carry multiple content items that may not be possible. In addition, payment methods can vary from one content developer to another, forcing end users to pay for content in different ways and to maintain the ability to pay in different formats.

Thus, the methods by which a mobile device user finds content, has such content delivered, and pays for it, are becoming increasingly complex and frustrating. Mobile device users needed a single system to find content, pay for the content, and integrate the process of having such content delivered to mobile device users' own mobile devices for end users.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for storing and providing content on a server comprises the steps of: receiving a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers; Organizing the plurality of content items into a hierarchy; Receiving a request for at least one content item of the plurality of content items; And providing the at least one content item following receipt of the request. The plurality of content items may include a plurality of formats.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the organizing of the plurality of content items may include setting a plurality of catalogs. Each catalog of the plurality of catalogs may include at least one category. The at least one category may include the at least one content item. The content can be organized on a server.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of receiving the request may include receiving a request generated from the mobile device. The mobile device may be a cellular telephone. Receiving the request may also include receiving a request delivered by an operator server. The operator server may provide a service to the mobile device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for storing and providing content includes a storage device for storing a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers; A processor that organizes a plurality of content items into a hierarchy on the storage device; And a communication device that receives a request for at least one content item of the plurality of content items and provides the at least one content item following receipt of the request. The processor may be configured to divide the storage device into a plurality of catalogs. The processor may also be configured to divide each catalog of the plurality of catalogs into at least one category. The processor may also be configured to divide the at least one category into the at least one content item.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the system may further comprise a client device for requesting and receiving the at least one content item. The client device may generate a request sent to the communication device. The client device may be a mobile device. The mobile device may be a cellular telephone.

The client device may be configured to view the hierarchy of the plurality of content items. The client device may also be configured to select the at least one content item as a hierarchy of the plurality of content items. The client device may also be configured to transmit the selection of the at least one content item. The selection of the at least one content item may be received by the communication device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of selecting and receiving a content item comprises providing a hierarchy of a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers; Facilitating selection of a content item in the hierarchy of the plurality of content items; Sending a request for the selected content item; And receiving the selected content item. Facilitating the selection may include providing a preview of the selected content item. Facilitating the selection may further include facilitating the purchase of the selected content item.

The detailed description of the invention will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers indicate corresponding parts.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a system environment for managing and delivering content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system implementation for managing and delivering content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating content organization according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating acquisition, organization, and delivery of content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating the search, purchase, and reception of content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be implemented. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be employed and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to content delivery between a server and a client device and to content organization on the server. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to the provision of a system in which end users on the client device side may find, preview, or purchase content. Although embodiments of the invention will be described below in connection with a server and a mobile client device, embodiments of the invention can be used in many ways and in various environments. For example, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, content may be delivered to a mobile device by a service operator, retailer or distributor. The mobile device may be a cell phone, a personal digital assistant or the like. The content delivered to the mobile device can be any one of a variety of content types such as applications, graphics, videos, music, and the like. Embodiments of the invention may be used in any environment where content may be provided to a device user from a server.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall content management and delivery system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 of FIG. 1 may include, but is not limited to, a service management server 12, an operator server 14, and a client device 16. The service manager server 12 and the operator server 14 may be connected via a network 18. One or more application / content developer devices 20a, 20b, 20c may interface with the service manager server 12. Similarly, one or more application / content developer devices 20d may interface with the operator device 14. The client device 16 may interface with the operator server 14. According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface between the client device 16 and the operator server 14 may be direct or indirect and may be made via a wireless connection.

The service manager server 12 may be a single server or may be multiple servers. In addition, the service manager server 12 may be configured as a server computer commonly seen in the art and may include, but is not limited to, memory, one or more processors, inputs, outputs, and the like. Likewise, the operator server 14 may be configured as a server computer commonly seen in the art and may include, but is not limited to, memory, one or more processors, inputs, outputs, and the like. The client device may be any one of several mobile devices commonly seen in the art. For example, the client device may be a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, or the like. The network 18 may be the Internet, a wide area communication network, a local area communication network, or the like.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, content is provided to the service manager server 12 by application developers via application / content developer devices 20a, 20b, and 20c. For the description of embodiments of the invention described herein, the term "content" is used to apply to any type of content or application that can be stored on a server and downloaded to a client. For example, the content may include MIDI files, WAV files, MP3 files, JEPG images, PNG images, client device specific applications, Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) applications, and the like. It may include. Content can be developed or produced by developers and delivered to the service manager 12 in any of several formats. For example, content may be sent from developer devices 20a, 20b, and 20c to the service manager server 12 over a network.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the content produced by the developer may be delivered to the service manager server 12 via a fixed medium such as CD or DVD. The content can then be loaded onto the service manager server 12 via a suitable hardware mechanism such as, for example, a CD drive or a DVD drive.

1, if a user of the client device 16 is interested in downloading content to the client device 16, the client device may send a message to the operator server 14, the operator server. 14 may request content from the service manager server 12 again. The service manager server 12 may then deliver the content to the operator server 14 via the network 18, which in turn may send the content to the client device 16. Can be.

2 shows a client-server implementation 30 for content management and delivery according to one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, content 32 may be implemented on a server and application 36 may be implemented on a client. Application 36 on the client device may access content 32 implemented on the server via protocol 34, which may be transmitted between the client device and the server via a network or other mechanism.

The content 32 may be implemented on the server as one or more content catalogs containing content items, as described in more detail below. The application 36 may be a content purchase client on a mobile device that allows a user to access the catalogs and the content items for preview and purchase. The client-server mechanism may be based on several protocols and messaging semantics and may be based on several platforms and standards such as, for example, the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, the client-server mechanism may be based on the HTTP protocol using XML messaging semantics that describe both catalog descriptions and client-server interactions.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention may include, for example, a download descriptor scheme that supports Java MIDP Over-The-Air (OTA) and OMA downloads. Downloadable objects may be described and individual download OTA mechanisms may be supported. Thus, the client can download Java MIDlets and native applications in addition to the rendered content. The download descriptor may include OTA mechanisms and may embed a Java decompiler and an OMA download descriptor in an XML message structure.

Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the application 36 may be implemented such that the application 36 is OTA upgradeable and supports dynamic branding, as will be described in more detail below. In addition, the application 36 may include a protection mechanism, such as an OMA digital rights management system, in particular to protect purchased content and to support new business models as new business models are provided.

According to one embodiment of the invention, several plug-ins may be provided to facilitate the management and distribution of content between the server and the client. For example, plug-ins may be provided that facilitate adapting the client device to any type of content distribution system. As another example, plug-ins may be provided that facilitate physically placing catalogs on various server systems and client devices. According to one embodiment of the invention, plug-ins may be provided that facilitate the physical location of the catalogs between the client device and the third party distribution system or the physical location of the catalogs between the server system and the third party distribution system. .

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of content organization that may be implemented on a server device. The server device may include a master catalog 40 at a higher hierarchical level of content organization. The master catalog 40 may include a plurality of sub-catalogs 42 that further classify the content. For example, sub-catalog 1 may include the content of a retailer or service provider and may provide content items provided by the retailer. For example, sub-catalog 2 may include content provided by an independent third party content developer such as, for example, Disney, Warner Brothers, and the like. Sub-catalog 3 may include, for example, content provided by an independent third party game developer.

Each of the sub-catalogs 42 may include several categories 44. For example, if sub-catalog 2 is a content catalog for Disney, sub-catalog 2 may include one or more Disney development content categories. For example, the first content category may be video features and the second content category may be a children's song, and so forth.

Each category may include one or more content items 46. For example, if the first Disney Company catalog category is movie films, the first content item may be BAMBI, the second content item may be SNOW WHITE, the third content item may be PINOCCHIO, and so forth. Can be.

It should be noted here that the master catalog 40 shown in FIG. 3 can be implemented in any of several ways. For example, each sub-catalog may have additional sub-catalogues, each category may have additional subcategories and each content item may have additional sub-content items. Thus, the master catalog 40 may have a plurality of hierarchical levels. The master catalog 40 can be organized in a number of ways, which are generally considered advantageous.

In addition, each hierarchical level of the master catalog 40 may have several setting values defined for it. For example, each hierarchical level may have configuration values defined for audiovisual Outlook, payment methods, access points, specific plug-ins to be used to interface with a particular distribution system, and the like.

4 is a flowchart illustrating content management and delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 50, content is obtained. The content may be obtained from content developers by a service manager. The content developers may be engaged within the service manager organization or may be independent third party content developers. The obtained content may be any type of content and may be obtained in any manner as mentioned above.

In step 52, the content is organized. Once the service manager obtains the content in step 50, the service manager may then sub-catalog the content to sub-catalogues, categories, sub-categories, content items, sub-content items, and so forth. Can be organized into a master catalog. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the content may be organized on a server in the manner described in connection with FIG.

Once the service manager has organized the content in step 52, the content is available for access by the client application on the client device. Thus, the content is particularly available for preview by the user on the mobile device, purchase by the user, and download to the mobile device.

In step 54, a message may be received from the client by the service manager. The message may indicate several things. For example, the message may indicate that the user is looking for a particular type of content and wishes to preview such content. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the message may also indicate to the service manager that the user wishes to purchase and download the content. Once a decision is made by the user to allow the user to purchase and download the content, the server administrator may deliver the content and provide access to the content at step 56.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a search, purchase, and reception of content according to an embodiment of the present invention. The client device may be configured to allow the user to browse the content available in step 60. For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, the client may request content catalogs or content item descriptions via XML messages. Responses to the message may also be XML formatted messages. The response to the content request may include transmitting to the client device a hierarchy of catalogs and content categories that can be easily browsed for display to the end user. Once the hierarchy of catalogs and content categories have been sent to the client, it may be available for offline viewing. In addition, the end user can be notified of updates or additions to content already installed on the client device.

If necessary, a service operator or distributor can set up their own policy about what the end user is allowed to see or, for example, whether the end user is allowed to view more than one catalog. For example, operators can define which catalogs can be provided to the end user and define which end users themselves can add catalog addresses to the client. Acceptable end user behavior can be defined by the service operator.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the client may be fully branded by the service operator. Thus, each catalog can have its own distinct look, icons, screen background images, colors and the like.

If the end user finds a content item that they feel may be interested in after browsing through the available content, the end user may select that item. Such a selection is then received by the server from the client in step 62. Next, in step 64, a preview of the selection is sent to the end user. In this case, the end user may preview the selected content item. According to one embodiment of the invention, during preview, the end user can view a summary of preview information for each selected item and can be allowed to download a more detailed preview information package. Licensing and pricing information can always be visible to the end user during preview. For example, if the XML protocol is used, the XML protocol may be extensible and may include content item descriptions along with payment options and delivery options.

 If in step 65 the user previews the selected item and then determines that he or she does not like the selected content item, then in step 60 the user can return to browsing the available items. However, if it is determined in step 65 that the user likes the selected content item after previewing, the user may decide to purchase the selected content item. At this time, a purchase request is received in step 66. The payment method may be defined differently for each catalog, sub-catalog, category, sub-category, content item, and the like. The service operator may employ several different payment methods. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the service operator may have a premium short messaging system (SMS), other premium billing systems, credit card billing, operator initiated billing. Etc. may be employed.

In step 68, the purchased content item may be downloaded to the user device. The response to the purchase request may include content items that are embedded or delivered externally (URL). Downloading content items can be managed by the client in a number of ways. Small downloads may not require dedicated handling and may be initiated and completed in a synchronous fashion while the end user is waiting for a progress dialog. In the case of large files, downloads can be problematic for a variety of reasons such that download management can be implemented. For example, large files may be suspended due to incoming calls on the mobile device, bad signal reception, lack of power supply, and the like. Thus, downloading large amounts of files may require management. Download management can be implemented in a number of ways.

For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the download can be made as a background operation. Also, for downloads that are aborted, the downloads may continue and may be scheduled later. Download management may include pre-allocation of storage devices to prevent download termination due to lack of download storage space.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the downloading of content may depend on various characteristics such as platform versions, available APIs, other installed content, and the like. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may implement dependency checking before a user purchases content for download. For example, some hardware or software platforms may need content available on the client device. If the necessary platforms are not available, the client may prevent the end user from accessing the content that the requesting user makes. As another example, some content items may be needed that other components are available on the client device. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the client may inspect the content and the client for content dependencies and notify the end user if additional components are needed for the selected content item.

Thus, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, end user content purchasing tasks can be combined into a single consistent experience for the end user regardless of content type, access points, payment methods, and the like. Content search, delivery and payment can be integrated into a single user experience. Moreover, branding opportunities may be provided to service operators / distributors / retailers.

In addition, multiple OMA enablers may be combined into a single service provided to service operators. Rather than employing multiple individual and independent OMA enablers, a service operator may still benefit from the service provided by the client application and client-server mechanism of embodiments of the present invention, but still the individual and independent OMA enablers Based on the available techniques for Thus, end users can experience a single application that lists the available content and allows end user previews and content purchases through a single, consistent end user experience.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown and described, and that changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It will be clear.

Claims (41)

In a method for storing and providing content on a server, The method for storing and providing content on the server, Receiving a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers; Organizing the plurality of content items into a hierarchy; Defining at least one setting value for each hierarchical level; And Defining at least one setting value for each of the plurality of content items. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of content items comprises a plurality of formats. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein organizing the plurality of content items comprises setting up a plurality of catalogs. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein each catalog of the plurality of catalogs includes at least one category. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said at least one category comprises said at least one content item. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein organizing the content comprises organizing the content on a server. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a request comprises receiving a request generated from a mobile device. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the mobile device is a cellular telephone. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein receiving a request comprises receiving a request delivered by an operator server, wherein the operator server provides a service to the mobile device. How to give. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the setting value is audiovisual Outlook. The method of claim 1, wherein the set value is a payment method. The method of claim 1, wherein the set value is an access point. The method of claim 1, wherein the setting value is a plug-in for interfacing with a distribution system. The method of claim 1, The method for storing and providing content on the server, Receiving a request for at least one content item of the plurality of content items; And And providing the at least one item of content following the step of receiving the request. The method of claim 6, The method for storing and providing content on the server, Providing a plug-in that facilitates physically locating catalogs on the server. The method of claim 7, wherein The method for storing and providing content on the server, Providing a plug-in that facilitates physically locating catalogs on the mobile device. A system for storing and providing content, The system for storing and providing the content, A storage device for storing a plurality of content items from the plurality of content providers; And A processor for organizing the plurality of content items in a hierarchy on the storage device, The processor is configured to define at least one setting value for each hierarchical level, The processor is further configured to define at least one setting value for each of the plurality of content items. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to partition the storage device into a plurality of catalogs. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor is configured to divide each catalog of the plurality of catalogs into at least one category. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor is configured to divide the at least one category into at least one content item. The method of claim 17, The system for storing and providing the content, And a client device for requesting and receiving the at least one content item, the client device generating a request sent to the communication device. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein said client device is a mobile device. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the mobile device is a cellular telephone. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the client device is configured to view the hierarchy of the plurality of content items. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the client device is configured to select the at least one content item in the hierarchy of the plurality of content items. 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the client device is configured to transmit the selection of the at least one content item. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the selection of the at least one content item is received by the communication device. The method of claim 17, The system for storing and providing the content, And a communication device that receives a request for at least one content item of the plurality of content items and provides the at least one content item following receipt of the request. system. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the setting value is an audiovisual Outlook. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the set value is a payment method. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the set value is an access point. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the setting value is a plug-in for interfacing with a distribution system. The method of claim 17, The system for storing and providing the content, And a plug-in that facilitates physically placing catalogs on the storage device. The method of claim 22, The system for storing and providing the content, And a plug-in that facilitates physically placing the catalog on the mobile device. In the method of selecting and receiving a content item, The method for selecting and receiving the content item, Providing a hierarchy of a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers; Facilitating selection of one content item in the hierarchy of the plurality of content items; Sending a request for the selected content item; And receiving the selected content item. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein facilitating the selection includes providing a preview of the selected content item. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein facilitating the selection further comprises facilitating the purchase of the selected content item. A computer system for storing and providing content, A computer system for storing and providing the content, A storage device for storing a plurality of content items from the plurality of content providers; And A processor for organizing the plurality of content items in a hierarchy on the storage device, The storage device, A computer program configured to receive a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers; A computer program configured to organize the plurality of content items into a hierarchy; A computer program configured to receive a request for at least one content item of the plurality of content items; And A computer program configured to provide at least one content item following receipt of a request, The processor is configured to define at least one setting value for each hierarchical level, And wherein said processor is further configured to define at least one setting value for each of said plurality of content items. The method of claim 38, A computer system for storing and providing the content, And a communication device for receiving a request for at least one content of the plurality of content items and for providing the at least one content item following receipt of the request. system. In a system for storing and providing content on a server, The system for storing and providing content on the server, Means for receiving a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers; Means for organizing the plurality of content items into a hierarchy; Means for defining at least one setting value for each hierarchical level; And Means for defining at least one setting value for each of the plurality of content items. The method of claim 40, The system for storing and providing content on the server, Means for receiving a request for at least one content item of the plurality of content items; And And means for providing at least one item of content following receipt of said request.

Images