Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q30/00—Commerce
  • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• • 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 the purchase and use of content electronically.
• 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. While the long box packaging technique for prerecorded compact disks has been somewhat effective as an anti-theft device, the excess packaging it creates accounts for as much as twenty five million pounds of packaging waste annually.
• disks are only kept on spindles between the inspection and p ⁇ nting steps and just p ⁇ or to final packaging
• disks may be placed on spindles between every manufactu ⁇ ng step including between molding and metalizmg, between metahzing and spin coating, between spin coating and inspection, between inspection and p ⁇ nting, and between p ⁇ nting and final packaging
• every manufactu ⁇ ng step including between molding and metalizmg, between metahzing and spin coating, between spin coating and inspection, between inspection and p ⁇ nting, and between p ⁇ nting and final packaging
• CD multimedia The merchandising of compact disc (hereinafter "CD") multimedia is a growing industry CD multimedia are used in audio, ⁇ ideo, aud ⁇ o- ⁇ ideo, and computer based applications Since many similar looking duplicate recordings for a pa ⁇ icular CD program are often available from manv different sources, it is difficult for merchants to track, identify, and distinguish their inventory from the in entory of others
• Secu ⁇ ty 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 hbra ⁇ es 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 as rented from it is the same merchandise that is being returned to it to deter customers from attempting to switch good rented merchandise w ith bad return merchandise (such as a customer's scratched disc)
• Electronic article surveillance systems for monito ⁇ ng the egress of sensitive objects from controlled spaces are w ell known, and have been used alone and along with the long box packaging technique for controlling the unautho ⁇ zed taking of compact disks Markers formed from a piece of high permeability magnetic mate ⁇ al can be placed on the packaging for the disk Spaced apa ⁇ detection panels are then placed across the access points to the store, library or other repositorv for the monitored compact disks
• the panels include field coils and detector coils for producing a magnetic field across the access point that can detect the
• U.S. Pat. No 4,710.754 discloses a multi-directional EAS marker especialK 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 mate ⁇ al 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 s itching 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 mate ⁇ al adjacent each of the switching sections.
• the magnetizable mate ⁇ al when magnetized, biases the adjacent switching section to either keep the magnetization therein from reversing when in an alternating interrogation field, or at least alte ⁇ ng 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 w hether 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 mate ⁇ al overlying a sheet of responder mate ⁇ al similar to that disclosed in the '754 patent
• the response of the marker withm an alternating magnetic field can be discemably altered by selectively magnetizing and demagnetizing the continuous sheet of remanently magnetizable mate ⁇ al p ⁇ or to introducing the marker into the field.
• U S Pat No 4,709,813 proposed an anti-theft device for compact disks that overcame the inability to directly apply an EAS marker to the surface of a compact disk
• the '813 patent discloses a detachable locking plate with an EAS marker earned 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 autho ⁇ zed person can remove the plate with the use of a keyed release tool at the time of payment
• the use of 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 dist ⁇ bution. purchase and use of content electronically First, an electronic storage medium tracking identifier is incorporated onto an electronic storage medium and stored on a database Next, a package tracking identifier is situated onto a package in which the electronic storage medium is stored The electronic storage medium is then tracked hile being shipped between va ⁇ ous entities using the tracking identifier on the package Further, the electronic storage medium may be identified using the tracking identifier on the electronic storage medium in order to afford autho ⁇ zed purchase and use of the information contained on the electronic storage medium
• Figure 1 is a general block diagram of the method of tracking an electronic medium m 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 picto ⁇ al representation of a compa ⁇ son of the prior fecycle of electronic storage medium and the electronic storage medium of the present invention
• Figure 5 is a block diagram of a user expe ⁇ ence 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 ad ertising information based on a retailer/dist ⁇ butor 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
• 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 m accordance with a preferred embodiment
• 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
• Figure 12 is a flowchart of a tailored video v iewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
• Figure 13 is a flowchart of a tailored v ideo v iewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
• Figure 14 is a flowchart of the logic associated w ith a tailored multimedia v iewing operation utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance w ith a preferred embodiment.
• Figure 15 is a flowchart of a secu ⁇ ty operation for rest ⁇ cting access to specific web sites utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance with a prefe ⁇ ed 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 uti zingBCA information for intelligent processing accordance with a preferred embodiment
• Figure 19 is a flow chart of a redirect operation for a support transaction for intelligent processing in accordance w ith 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 flo chart 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 w ith 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
• 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 stonng content. In the present descnption, 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 dist ⁇ butor 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 va ⁇ ous entities such as the replicator, dist ⁇ butor, 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 w ill become apparent hereinafter. v anous features may be afforded by identif ing 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 va ⁇ ous entities such as a replicator, dist ⁇ butor. retailer, and consumer
• the replicator is the compan 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 dist ⁇ bution to a dist ⁇ butor or retailer
• the dist ⁇ butor is the company that packages together multiple titles together for dist ⁇ bution to a retailer
• the value of a dist ⁇ butor is that they maintain direct relationships and channels with the retailers, can maintain larger invento ⁇ es of products - leveraging economies of scale not possible by smaller retailers
• a retailer requests multiple products from the dist ⁇ butor (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 dist ⁇ butor can "package" the va ⁇ ety of products together for dist ⁇ bution to the retailer
• the retailer is the company that sells product directly to consumer Examples include "b ⁇ ck-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-o ⁇ ented companies Other groups are also joining the retailing opportunity, such as Nimbus who already offers both replication and dist ⁇ bution 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 dist ⁇ butor (Nimbus/Technicolor, WAMO Deluxe) Also, replicators may ship directly to retailers, especially in the case of large accounts like Blockbuster
• the DVDs are packaging/boxed for distribution to either the Distributor or the Retailer. It should be noted that many companies take multiple forms, so the replicator and distributor may be one in the same. Also, 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.
• Deluxe may receive a "package" of 100,000 copies of "Lost in Space”.
• 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, v a ⁇ ous features may be executed upon identification of the electronic storage medium It should be noted that, in one embodiment, identification is earned out by a computer and soft are 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 Access Memory (RAM) 114, Read Only Memory (ROM) 116, an I/O adapter 118 for connecting peripheral devices such as disk storage units 120 to the bus 112.
• 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 w orkstation typically has resident thereon an operating system such as the
• a preferred embodiment is wntten using JAVA, C, and the C- ⁇ -+ language and utilizes object o ⁇ ented programming methodology
• Object o ⁇ ented programming has become increasingly used to develop complex applications
• 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 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
• 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 m 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 bluepnnt, 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 comp ⁇ ses 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 de ⁇ ved object, and it inhe ⁇ ts 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
• inheritance inheritance
• the object or class representing the ceramic piston engine inhe ⁇ ts all of the aspects of the objects representing the piston engine, it inhents the thermal charactenstics of a standard piston defined in the piston engine class.
• the ceramic piston engine object ovemdes these ceramic specific thermal characte ⁇ stics. which are typically different from those associated with a metal piston It skips over the o ⁇ gmal and uses new functions related to ceramic pistons
• Different kinds of piston engines have different charactenstics, but may have the same underlying functions associated with it (e g., how many pistons in the engine, ignition sequences, lubncation, etc.).
• Objects can represent physical objects, such as automobiles in a traffic-flow simulation, elect ⁇ cal components in a circuit-design program, count ⁇ es in an economics model, or aircraft in an air-traffic-control system
• Objects can represent elements of the computer-user environment such as windows, menus or graphics objects
• An object can represent an invento . such as a personnel file or a table of the latitudes and longitudes of cities
• OOP allows the software dev eloper 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 C++ is an OOP language that offers a fast, machine-executable code
• C++ is suitable for both commercial-application and systems-programming projects
• CLOS Common Lisp Obiect System
• Eiffel Additionally. OOP capabilities are being added to more traditional popular computer programming languages such as Pascal
• Encapsulation enforces data abstraction through the organization of data into small, independent objects that can communicate w ith each other Encapsulation protects the data in an object from accidental damage, but allows other objects to interact with that data bv calling the object s member functions and structures
• Class hierarchies and containment hierarchies provide a flexible mechanism for modeling real-world objects and the relationships among them • Libra ⁇ es of reusable classes are useful m many situations, but they also have some limitations For example
• 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 libra ⁇ es to wnte 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 Inevitably, similar pieces of code end up doing similar things in slightly different ways and do not work as well together as thev should Class libra ⁇ es are v ery flexible As programs grow more complex, more programmers are forced to reinv ent basic solutions to basic problems ov er and over again A relativ ely new extension of the class library concept is to have a framework of class libra ⁇ es 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,
• Frameworks also represent a change in the way programmers think about the interaction between the code they wnte and code ntten by others
• the programmer called hbranes 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 approp ⁇ ate for p ⁇ nting out paychecks, calculating a mathematical table, or solving other problems with a program that executed in just one way
• Application frameworks reduce the total amount of code that a programmer has to wnte from scratch
• the framework is really a genenc 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 prop ⁇ etary data structure)
• a programmer vvntmg 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 m 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 w indows), and programmers use it by lnhe ⁇ tmg some of that default behavior and ov ernding other behav lor so that the framework calls application code at the appropnate times
• preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes HyperText Markup
• HTML HyperText Markup Language
• HTML is a simple data format used to create hypertext documents that are portable from one platform to another HTML documents are SGML documents vv ith genenc semantics that are approp ⁇ ate for representing information from a wide range of domains HTML has been in use by the World Wide Web global information initiativ e since 1990 HTML is an application of ISO Standard 8879, 1986 Information Processing Text and Office Systems - Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).
• SGML Generalized Markup Language
• HTML has been the dominant technology used in dev elopment of Web-based solutions.
• HTML has proven to be inadequate in the follow ing areas:
• Sun Microsystem's Java language solves many of the client-side problems by: • Improving performance on the client side;
• 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 approp ⁇ ate 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.
• Sun's Java language has emerged as an industry-recognized language for "programming the Internet " Sun defines Java as- "a simple, object-o ⁇ ented. distnubbed. inte ⁇ reted, robust, secure, architecture-neutral, portable, high-performance, multithreaded, dynamic, buzzword- compliant, general-pu ⁇ ose 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.).
• API Java Application Programming Interface
• Applets execute within a Java-compatible browser (e.g., Netscape Navigator) by copying code from the server to client. From a language standpoint, Java's core feature set is based on C++. Sun's Java literature states that Java is basically, "C++ with extensions from Objective C for more dynamic method resolution.”
• 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, or
• 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 eb 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 co ⁇ ect BCA is in the DVD-ROM drive).
• the remote agent technology automatically connects to the remote eb server (without consumer interaction) and passes the web server the BCA number with any other pertinent information
• the remote agent also supports HTTP or FTP POST methods
• the web ser er automatically reads and parses the POST information, and acts upon this information
• 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
• the resulting lookup in the database can ret ⁇ eve information specific to the application such as a consumer profile, retailer and support location and piracy information
• the sener When a remote agent connects to a server w ith BCA information, the sener performs a realtime lookup on the BCA number and determines the replicator, dist ⁇ butor. and/or retailer for the passed BCA number This information can then be used for va ⁇ ous projects, such as
• the BCA information can also be utilized to direct e-commerce transactions or "buy-me” buttons to an appropnate 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. Moreover, 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.
• coupon discounts or rebates may be used for promotional pu ⁇ oses
• the resulting net p ⁇ ce to the consumer with such a discount may be less than the product manufacturer's wholesale p ⁇ ce.
• a product manufacturer may offer such steep discounts in the hope of obtaining future sales at full retail p ⁇ ces. 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 p ⁇ ce, and the entire scheme of couponing may be defeated.
• p ⁇ or 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 dist ⁇ bute 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.
• Va ⁇ ous techniques have been t ⁇ ed to eliminate or reduce fraud, prov ide more convenient techniques for dist ⁇ buting coupons, and to better track consumer demographic data.
• De Lapa et al. U.S. Pat No 5J53J18 discloses a focused coupon system Figure 6 of De Lapa et al is most illustrative De Lapa et al.
• a system for dist ⁇ buting coupons with a machine readable code containing both customer and coupon identifications
• the consumer code may be replaced with a genenc code used in a look-up table for coupon venfication 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 pu ⁇ oses (to determine which coupons to next send to the consumer) and/or for rebate pu ⁇ oses
• 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 prepnnted, coupon trading or copying may be more prevalent
• the apparatus of Mu ⁇ hy may solve some of the problems associated with dist ⁇ buting coupons in paper form.
• the Mu ⁇ hy system appears to be more concerned with directing advertising information than collecting demographic information or dist ⁇ buting coupons. Thus, it does not appear that the apparatus of Mu ⁇ hy is equipped to process demographic information or reduce coupon fraud.
• Mu ⁇ hy discloses his apparatus for use in college campuses, a limited and narrow consumer demographic.
• 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 p ⁇ nter.
• a viewer may select a coupon for p ⁇ nting and redeem the coupon at a retail store.
• Von Kohom which relies on broadcasting, does not target specific consumers with particular coupons. Rather, it appears that the coupons are dist ⁇ ubbed to all viewers equipped with the approp ⁇ ate apparatus. Note that in FIG. 6 (Col. 9, lines 40-48) Von Kohorn discloses a technique for recording marketing data from consumer information encoded into the coupon
• Axler et al U S Pat. No 5J05J 97, issued Apr 19. 1994, discloses a coupon-dispensing machine w ith feedback
• a consumer kiosk is placed in a retail establishment or the like to display adv erasing (LED scroll) and allow customers to p ⁇ nt 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 distnbution of coupons However, it does not appear that the Axler device may retnev e any significant amount of consumer demographic data other than the number and type of coupons p ⁇ nted Moreover, vv ithin 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 ret ⁇ eve consumer demographic data
• a fundamental fault w ith the Axler device is that it does not appear to target or p ⁇ or 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 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
• RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server function block Logic is also provided to track disc anomalies and defects from manufactunng 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 rest ⁇ ct 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 dnvers 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 autho ⁇ zed 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
• 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 dist ⁇ butor as shown in function block 230
• 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/dist ⁇ butor as shown in function block 230 RemoteTrak/BCATrak Server
• Logic is also provided to tailor v ideo 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 intemet hro ser expe ⁇ ence 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 ISAPI 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 ISAPI extension written in Visual C++ and is currently named RemoteAgentUpgrade.DLL for use with Microsoft Windows NT.
• the ISAPI 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 ISAPI extension with BCA information for the currently inserted DVD.
• the ActiveX control also informs the ISAPI extension that the consumer is attempting an e-commerce transaction.
• the ISAPI extension parses the information from the POST command, and connects to the web server database. Since the ActiveX control informed the ISAPI extension that an e-commerce transaction is being attempted, 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:
• the appropriate e-commerce URL can be determined from Retailer table 570 that contains information specific for that Retailer:
• FIG. 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.
• Figure 7A and 7B are flowcharts setting forth the detailed logic associated with user connection and update for DVD processing in accordance with a prefe ⁇ ed 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 ser er for further processing as show n in function block 710 Then, the server connects the application w ith the approp ⁇ ate v ersion identification and upgrades the remote application if an upgraded v ersion is av ailable w ithout 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
• 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
• 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 dist ⁇ butor/retailer/etc.
• Figure 8 presents logic demonstrating the display of specific advertising information based on a retailer/dist ⁇ butor 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 w ith other user information from the sen er 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 sen er performs another table lookup to determine the adv ertising banner as shown in function block 840
• the advertising banner associated with onginal retailer is then displayed in the w eb site 810 as shown in function block 850
• a transaction is posted to the sener database that memonahzes the events associated with the advertising operation
• Distnbutors retailers, computer or other hardware manufacturers, direct sales people, content developers or anyone who dist ⁇ butes. sells, or gives away DVDs will all receive benefits as detailed below in accordance with a preferred embodiment Some of these include for example
• Blockbuster DVDExpress.
• 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 w hen 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 adv ertising banner as shown in function block 940
• the advertising banner associated with the title and genre of the DVD is then displayed in the web site 910 as shown in function block 950
• a transaction is posted to the server database that memonahzes the events associated with the advertising operation 960
• 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 se er as shown in function block 1010 After logic initiates the connection to the sen'er in 1010, the DVD application requests all av ailable downloads from the sen er for the retailer of the currently inserted DVD.
• function block 1020 The se er performs a table lookup to ascertain the retailer that sold the original DVD as shown in function block 1030 Then the sen'er 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 memonahzes 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 sener as shown in function block 1110 After logic initiates the connection to the server in
• 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
• the server performs another table lookup to determine the download informatio as shown in function block 1140
• the download information is determined for the request initiated by the application in function block 1120.
• the sen'er passes the download information to the application using HTTP protocal as shown in function block 1150
• a transaction is posted to the server database that memonahzes 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 prefe ⁇ ed embodiment Processing commences at 1200 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and v ideo playback is initiated by a user action as sho n in function block 1210
• logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined w ith other user information from the sen'er database as shown in function block 1220
• the sener performs a table lookup to ascertain the retailer that sold the onginal DVD as shown in function block
• 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 m 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 Once the genre and/or title video information is determined for the request initiated by the application in function block 1310, the sen'er 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 memonahzes 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 When the user selects the view option at 1410, logic is initiated to read the BCA information as shown in function block
• 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 sho n in function block 1440 Once the multimedia element is determined for the request initiated by the application in function block 1410, the DVD application initiates playback of the correct mut media element for the genre/title/retailer as shown in function block 1450 Finally a transaction is posted to the sen er database that memonahzes the events associated w ith the multimedia viewing operation 1460
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a secunty operation for rest ⁇ cting access to specific eb sites utilizing BCA information for intelligent processing in accordance w ith a preferred embodiment Processing commences at 1500 when a user inserts a DVD into a player and the secu ⁇ ty 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 rest ⁇ cts 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 memonahzes the events associated with the secu ⁇ ty operation 1550
• FIG. 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 sho n in function block 1610
• 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 sen'er database as shown in function block 1620
• the server performs a table lookup to ascertain if the DVD can be unlocked for playing or installation as shown in function block 1630
• the server determines that the user must first perform a purchase transaction, the sen er prompts the user for any necessary transaction information as shown in function block 1640 After the user completes the transaction 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 When the user selects the play/ install DVD option at 1710, 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 1720 The server performs a table lookup to ascertain the user information for the DVD using the BCA information as shown in function block 1730 Then the server performs a table lookup to ascertain if the DVD can be unlocked for playing or installation as shown in function block 1740 If
• FIG. 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
• the sen'er either enables or disables the DVD for playback/installation as shown in function block 1840
• a transaction is posted to the server database that memonahzes the ev ents associated ith 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
• FIG. 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.
• the user selects the support option at 1910.
• logic is initiated to read the BCA information and this information is combined with other user information from the sener 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 w ith 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 ⁇ hen 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 sener 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 Once 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 memonahzes the events associated with the display operation 2150 and the memo ⁇ ahzed information is utilized to generate reports tracking retailer-specific support issues or
• 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 onginal 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
• a transaction is posted to the server database that memonahzes 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 m accordance with a preferred embodiment Processing commences at 2300 when a user connects to the Internet with a DVD application acti e Logic detects a live Internet connection, reads the
• BCA information determines DVD application version information, and initiates a connection to the sen er as shown in function block 2310
• the DVD application requests all broadcast information from the sener for the the DVD. as shown in function block 2320
• the server performs a table lookup to ascertain the broadcast information tor the DVD as shown in function block 2330 Once the broadcast information is determined for the request initiated bv the application in function block 2320.
• the sener 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 memonahzes 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 appropnate URL
• nRetum Atap ⁇ SendCommand(Cdb, pbData. cbData), return nRetum,
• typedef DWORD (__cdecl *LPFNSENDASPI32COMMAND)(LPSRB), typedef DWORD ( cdecl *LPFNGETASPI32SUPPORTINFO)(VOID),
• 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 spi ⁇ t of the claimed invention.
• w atermarking enables identification and tracing of different copies of video data
• Applications are video dist ⁇ bution over the World-Wide Web (WWW), pay- per-view video broadcast, or labeling of video discs and video tapes
• the video data is usually stored in compressed format
• the watermark must be embedded m the compressed domain
• An approach for robust watermarking of MPEG-2 encoded video is presented in accordance ith an alternate embodiment
• the method is of much lower complexity than a complete decoding process follow ed by watermarking in the pixel domain and re-encoding
• an existing MPEG-2 bitstream is partly altered, the method avoids d ⁇ ft by adding a dnft 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 HJ63 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 dist ⁇ bution of copyrighted works, establishment of responsibility for copies and de ⁇ vative copies of such works is invaluable In considenng the va ⁇ ous forms of multimedia content, whether "master,” stereo, NTSC v ideo, audio tape or compact disc, tolerance of quality degradation will v ary with individuals and affect the underlying commercial and aesthetic value of the content
• the watermark is a digital code embedded in the bitstream of the digital v ideo that typically identifies the copynght owner
• the watermark if applied to indiv idual 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 o ⁇ ginated
• a number of different characte ⁇ stics of the watermark are desirable
• the watermark should be embedded in such a ay 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,
• Information exchange and transfer ov er a shared transmission channel present a challenge to the secu ⁇ ty of sensitive information Internet and Intranet are t o 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 ov er the shared channel
• the internet is a rapidly growing business forum and secu ⁇ ng information transferred through its channels is becoming a major concern for transmitting prop ⁇ etary information
• Data encryption techniques can be used to increase the secu ⁇ ty in data exchange and transfer over a shared transmission channel
• data encryption uses a
• DES Data Encryption Standard
• l e the p ⁇ vate key system
• asymmetncal system i.e., the pubhc- p ⁇ vate key system
• the DES symmetnc crypto systems typically encrypt 64 bit blocks of plain text using a key length of 56 bits.
• 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 ev ery bit of the key This means that if a single bit of the cipher text is corrupted du ⁇ ng transmission, the entire message may be lost This is another eakness 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 du ⁇ ng the first round, and Ki is applied dunng the ithround.
• RSA is an asymmetnc crypto system in which two different keys are used: a public key to encrypt the plain text and a pnvate 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
• REDOC a block algo ⁇ thm which has a 20 byte ( 160-bit key) and that operates on an 80 bit block. All of the manipulations. (1 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 algo ⁇ thm 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 secunty of this algorithm is expected to be very high. However, increasing the number of rounds has the disad antage 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 algonthm typically operates on 16-b ⁇ tsub-blocks. which makes it efficient, even on 16 bit processors.
• a package of digital data is first impnnted on a earner light beam This is done by using a two-dimensional spatial light modulator
• the phase of the data-bea ⁇ ng optical waveform is subsequently distorted by a phase-scrambling medium
• the data-bea ⁇ ng 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-bea ⁇ ng 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 ret ⁇ eve
• graphical information identifying the program title and author of a recording is ordina ⁇ ly 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 compnsed of a section of clear mate ⁇ al 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 abov e, the digital data is closer to the top surface ot the CD than it is to the bottom surface Although the top surface ot a
• CD usuallv 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 comp ⁇ ses clear mate ⁇ al Thus, there is a greater need to protect the top surface of the CD and the digital data close to it from physical damage such as scratching
• 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 w ith 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 du ⁇ ng 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
• the EAS systems are designed such that the tag will produce some characte ⁇ stic response when exposed to an interrogating signal in the comdor Detection of this characte ⁇ stic response indicates the presence of a sensitized tag in the comdor The EAS system then initiates some approp ⁇ ate secu ⁇ ty action, such as sounding an audible alarm, locking an exit gate, etc To allow autho ⁇ zed removal of articles from the protected area, tags that are either permanently or reversibly deactivatable ( ⁇ 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 libra ⁇ es 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
• the p ⁇ nciples of the present invention may be applied to other types of media beyond the electronic storage medium discussed hereinabove
• a disk-like recording medium (refe ⁇ ed 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 wnte 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 concent ⁇ cally 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 methacrylate), 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
• 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 For this end.
• wnte once optical disks are prepared for optical disk products ot small demand and a vanety of data can be provided to the user easily
• wnte once optical disks there are available a wnte once optical disk of recording system using physical chemical change of pigment, a wnte once optical disk of a single layer hole forming recording system, a wnte once optical disk of multilayer hole forming recording system, a wnte once optical disk of phase-change recording system and a wnte once optical disk of bubble-foaming system
• a laser beam having a weak reproduction laser power
• 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.
• 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 In the case of a multi-layer hole forming recording system, 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 amo ⁇ hous 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 upheav ed and the upheav ed portion is recorded as a pit
• a guide groov e 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 refe ⁇ ed to as a wobble shape) having a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined pe ⁇ od 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 d ⁇ ving means, e g , a spindle motor According to the seno control operation, the rotational speed of the spindle motor is controlled such that the penod of the wobble signal becomes constant
• the above wnte 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 pe ⁇ od 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 nte once optical disk is recorded on the target position according to a predetermined format
• a target position is searched as desc ⁇ bed above
• a frame synchronizing signal inserted into the data to be recorded on the wnte once optical disk 2 kilobytes of data, for example, are sequentially read out, thereby reproducing recorded data
• the read-only optical disk and the nte once optical disk are the same in reproduction pnnciple as desc ⁇ bed abov e, even w hen the wnte once optical disk is loaded onto a reproducing apparatus which reproduces an information signal from the read-only optical disk, data recorded on the wnte once optical disk can be reproduced without distinction of the read-only optical disk
• the wnte 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 ⁇ sk that the wnte once optical disk will be illegally copied (illegal copy)
• a computer system w herein 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 wnte once optical disk is connected to another external input and output terminal.
• recorded data that had been read out from the read-only optical disk by the reproducing apparatus are all wntten in the wnte 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.
• the read-only 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
• 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 pu ⁇ ose 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 onentation 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.
• CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory
• CD-ROM d ⁇ ve to retneve images du ⁇ ng playback
• the CD-ROM disc stores information in a concent ⁇ c spiral on optical media and is "read” or played back with a CD-ROM dnve that uses a "read head” with a laser beam
• 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 dnve's read head is tracking
• CD-ROM based interactive v ideo 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 dnve'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 p ⁇ or art uses caches to try to improve the performance of accessing data in a CD-ROM
• the cache can be in the CD-ROM d ⁇ ve, in an interface card between the processor and the dnve, 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
• w hen 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 w ith new information
• CD-ROM d ⁇ ves While current CD-ROM d ⁇ ves 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 v ideos without requi ⁇ ng modification of existing CD-ROM d ⁇ ves 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 On the LD or the like, the video information and the audio information are recorded together with time information indicating a time at which each information is to be reproduced ith respect to a reproduction start position, which each LD or the like has, as a standard position
• vanous special reproductions are possible, such as a reproduction to extract and listen to an only desirable music out of a plurality of recorded musics, a reproduction to listen to the recorded musics in a random order and so on. in case of the CD. for example
• 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.

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• 2000
  • 2000-04-18 CN CN00809026.2A patent/CN1451132A/zh active Pending
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  • 2000-04-18 AU AU49742/00A patent/AU4974200A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-04-18 EP EP00931936A patent/EP1242929A2/en not_active Withdrawn
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