Method, medium, and system of presenting assets related to media content

In a particular embodiment, a method of presenting assets related to media content includes receiving data indicating a selection of a selectable trigger from a destination device and identifying video content associated with the selectable trigger. The method further includes providing an electronic storefront to the destination device in response to the data indicating the selection of the selectable trigger. A plurality of assets related to the video content can be purchased via the electronic storefront. The plurality of assets includes at least a first asset type and a second asset type.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to presenting assets related to media content.

BACKGROUND

Television is a popular form of entertainment. Additionally, television can be a useful medium for presenting information or advertising. There have been attempts to encourage product purchases through television via images or video promotions. Such promotions provide information related to available goods and services, but they do not facilitate transactions. Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method of presenting assets related to media content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed to present assets related to media content. The system includes a server system having processing logic and memory accessible to the processing logic. The memory includes instructions executable by the processing logic to receive data indicating a selection of a selectable trigger from a destination device and identify video content associated with the selectable trigger. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processing logic to provide an electronic storefront to the destination device in response to the data indicating the selection of the selectable trigger. A plurality of assets related to the video content can be purchased via the electronic storefront. The plurality of assets includes at least a first asset type and a second asset type.

In another particular embodiment, a set-top box device is disclosed that includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to perform a method that includes receiving selected media content from a content source. The selected media content includes a selectable trigger associated with an electronic storefront. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processor to receive a selection of the selectable trigger, to send data related to the selection to a server system adapted to provide the electronic storefront, and to receive a graphical user interface including the electronic storefront. A plurality of assets related to the selected media content can be purchased via the electronic storefront, and the plurality of assets includes at least a first asset type and a second asset type.

In still another particular embodiment, a method of presenting assets related to media content is disclosed that includes receiving data indicating a selection of a selectable trigger from a destination device and identifying video content associated with the selectable trigger. The method further includes providing an electronic storefront to the destination device in response to the data indicating the selection of the selectable trigger, where plurality of assets related to the video content can be purchased via the electronic storefront and where the plurality of assets includes at least a first asset type and a second asset type.

In yet another particular illustrative embodiment, a method of presenting assets related to media content is disclosed that includes receiving selected media content from a content source, where the selected media content includes a selectable trigger associated with an electronic storefront. The method also includes receiving a selection of the selectable trigger and sending data related to the selection to a server system adapted to provide the electronic storefront. The method further includes receiving a graphical user interface including the electronic storefront, where a plurality of assets related to the selected media content can be purchased via the electronic storefront and where the plurality of assets includes at least a first asset type and a second asset type.

In another particular illustrative embodiment, a processor-readable medium is disclosed that includes processor executable instructions to perform a method of presenting assets related to media content. The method includes receiving data indicating a selection of a selectable trigger from a destination device, identifying video content associated with the selectable trigger, and providing an electronic storefront to the destination device in response to the data indicating the selection of the selectable trigger. A plurality of assets related to the video content can be purchased via the electronic storefront. The plurality of assets includes at least a first asset type and a second asset type.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a system100to present assets related to media content. The system100includes a content source102that communicates with a set-top box device104via a network106. The content source102includes a memory to store media content114. The set-top box device104can receive input from a remote control device110and can communicate audio and video to a display device112. In a particular embodiment, the network106may be a public network, such as the Internet, or a private access network, such as a private Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network.

The content source102and the set-top box device104can communicate with an electronic store server108via the network106. The electronic store server108includes data related to one or more assets116, which may be related to the media content114. In an illustrative embodiment, a server system118can include both the content source102and the electronic store108, providing a single interface for media content distribution and for presenting assets related to the media content.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the server system118receives a request for an electronic storefront from a destination device, such as the set-top box device104. The server system118can identify media content received at the set-top box device104based on the request or based on data from the content server102. The server system118(or the electronic store108) can generate an electronic storefront that includes selectable indicators related to assets selected from the assets data116based on the media content. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the assets data116can include data related to physical assets and electronic assets that are related to the media content. For example, the physical assets may include articles of clothing (hats, shirts, jackets, other articles of clothing, or any combination thereof), posters (movie posters, actor photographs, other images, or any combination thereof), soundtracks (e.g., compact discs (CDs)), other physical products, or any combination thereof. The electronic assets can include digital wallpaper (movie images, actor images, other images, or any combination thereof), ring tones (audio clips from media content, soundtrack clips, other audio clips, or any combination thereof), downloadable soundtracks, Video on Demand (VoD) content, video clips, other electronic assets, or any combination thereof. In general, each of the assets may have different associated access rights. For example, a ring tone electronic asset may allow unrestricted use of the ring tone after purchase, while a movie download may allow a limited number of viewings or unlimited access for a period of time.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the server system118generates an electronic storefront including a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface includes multiple selectable indicators related to assets that are associated with media content that is received at the set-top box device104. The server system118can target specific assets to the set-top box device104based on media content received at the set-top box device104.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the graphical user interface may include information describing the selected ones of the assets116or describing a plurality of purchase options related to the selected assets. The information may be personalized to a user or subscriber of the set-top box device104. In another particular embodiment, the information describing the asset or the information describing the plurality of purchase options may be personalized to an account associated with the set-top box device104.

In a particular embodiment, the server system118may provide a plurality of purchase options, including non-exclusive offers and exclusive customized offers. The exclusive customized offers may be based on past purchase history, viewing history, geographic location, length of service with a service provider, time of day, an account status, a type of account. The non-exclusive offers or the exclusive offers may be based on a sponsorship setting of a particular television program, a sponsorship of a particular television channel, or a sponsorship of the television program service. For example, the sponsorship setting may include information about television advertisers that have certain interactive features associated with their advertising content or with other television content. For example, advertisers may associate with this advertising content interactive features such as: information gathering interactive features (e.g., polls); entertainment interactive features (e.g., games); informative interactive features (e.g., product information queries); product request interactive features (e.g., order forms); or any combination thereof.

In another particular illustrative embodiment, the information describing an asset may include information related to a promotion. For example, the server system118may be adapted to cross-sell products for a particular promotion. The promotion may be directed to a particular movie, such as King Kong, where particular regions may be targeted for the promotion. Subscribers in San Antonio, Tex., for example, may receive discounted pricing for accessing the movie “King Kong.” Such pricing promotions may be used to entice viewers to access such services.

In a particular embodiment, the promotion may have specific assets associated with it, such as a particular movie. In a particular embodiment, the particular promotion may include multiple related assets, such as the movie and products related to the movie, such as t-shirts, baseball hats, coffee cups, shot glasses, compact discs (CDs), other paraphernalia, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the promotion may include multiple related electronic assets, such as video clips, computer desktop wallpaper, a downloadable soundtrack, ring tones for a mobile phone, other electronic assets, or any combination thereof. Further, the promotion may include a discounted subscription service, such as an option to modify a subscription associated with the destination device to add a movie channel package, to subscribe to a number of VoD movies per month, another service, or any combination thereof.

More than one promotion may be associated with a particular asset. In a particular embodiment, multiple promotions from more than one asset provider may be included in asset data116, and multiple purchase options may be provided for accessing selected assets. In a particular embodiment, the server system118may provide an interactive feature to direct a customer to an asset that has is associated with a particular promotion. For example, if a destination device104is associated with a subscriber in the San Antonio, Tex. area, the server system118may provide a graphical user interface that includes multiple promotional offers that are available to a particular subscriber. The server system118may provide a feature that allows the user device104to provide a display of a best promotional offer (e.g. lowest price, largest number of related assets, popular promotional options based on selections by other subscribers, other criteria, or any combination thereof). In a particular illustrative embodiment, the server system118may recommend a particular payment option from multiple available payment options. The recommendation may be based on the subscriber account associated with the set-top box device104, based on an active promotion, based on payment option expiration (such as an expiration date associated with a payment coupon or credit), or any combination thereof.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device104may receive data that can be executed by a processor to generate a graphical user interface, which may be provided to the display device112. The graphical user interface can include multiple purchasable assets of different types and multiple related purchase options. The set-top box device104may receive an input related to one or more of the multiple purchasable assets and an associated purchase option via the remote control device110. The set-top box device104can send a request to the server system118that is related to the input.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system200that may be used to present assets related to media content. As shown, the system200can include a client facing tier202, an application tier204, an acquisition tier206, and an operations and management tier208. Each tier202,204,206,208is coupled to a private network210; to a public network212, such as the Internet; or to both the private network210and the public network212. For example, the client-facing tier202can be coupled to the private network210. Further, the application tier204can be coupled to the private network210and to the public network212. The acquisition tier206can also be coupled to the private network210and to the public network212. Additionally, the operations and management tier208can be coupled to the public network212.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the various tiers202,204,206,208communicate with each other via the private network210and the public network212. For instance, the client-facing tier202can communicate with the application tier204and the acquisition tier206via the private network210. The application tier204can communicate with the acquisition tier206via the private network210. Further, the application tier204can communicate with the acquisition tier206and the operations and management tier208via the public network212. Moreover, the acquisition tier206can communicate with the operations and management tier208via the public network212. In a particular embodiment, elements of the application tier204, including, but not limited to, a client gateway250, can communicate directly with the client-facing tier202.

The client-facing tier202can communicate with user equipment via an access network266, such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network. In an illustrative embodiment, customer premises equipment (CPE)214,222can be coupled to a local switch, router, or other device of the access network266. The client-facing tier202can communicate with a first representative set-top box device216via the first CPE214and with a second representative set-top box device224via the second CPE222. In a particular embodiment, the first representative set-top box device216and the first CPE214can be located at a first customer premise, and the second representative set-top box device224and the second CPE222can be located at a second customer premise. In another particular embodiment, the first representative set-top box device216and the second representative set-top box device224can be located at a single customer premise, both coupled to one of the CPE214,222. The CPE214,222can include routers, local area network devices, modems, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) modems, any other suitable devices for facilitating communication between a set-top box device and the access network266, or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the client-facing tier202can be coupled to the CPE214,222via fiber optic cables. In another exemplary embodiment, the CPE214,222can be digital subscriber line (DSL) modems that are coupled to one or more network nodes via twisted pairs, and the client-facing tier202can be coupled to the network nodes via fiber-optic cables. Each set-top box device216,224can process data received via the access network266, via an IPTV software platform, such as Microsoft® TV IPTV Edition.

The first set-top box device216can be coupled to a first external display device, such as a first television monitor218, and the second set-top box device224can be coupled to a second external display device, such as a second television monitor226. Moreover, the first set-top box device216can communicate with a first remote control220, and the second set-top box device224can communicate with a second remote control228. The set-top box devices216,224can include IPTV set-top box devices; video gaming devices or consoles that are adapted to receive IPTV content; personal computers or other computing devices that are adapted to emulate set-top box device functionalities; any other device adapted to receive IPTV content and transmit data to an IPTV system via an access network; or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each set-top box device216,224can receive data, video, or any combination thereof, from the client-facing tier202via the access network266and render or display the data, video, or any combination thereof, at the display device218,226to which it is coupled. In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box devices216,224can include tuners that receive and decode television programming signals or packet streams for transmission to the display devices218,226. Further, the set-top box devices216,224can include a STB processor270and a STB memory device272that is accessible to the STB processor270. In one embodiment, a computer program, such as the STB computer program274, can be embedded within the STB memory device272.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier202can include a client-facing tier (CFT) switch230that manages communication between the client-facing tier202and the access network266and between the client-facing tier202and the private network210. As illustrated, the CFT switch230is coupled to one or more data servers, such as D-servers232, that store, format, encode, replicate, or otherwise manipulate or prepare video content for communication from the client-facing tier202to the set-top box devices216,224. The CFT switch230can also be coupled to a terminal server234that provides terminal devices with a point of connection to the IPTV system200via the client-facing tier202. In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch230can be coupled to a video-on-demand (VOD) server236that stores or provides VOD content imported by the IPTV system200. Further, the CFT switch230is coupled to one or more video servers280that receive video content and transmit the content to the set-top boxes216,224via the access network266. In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch230can also be coupled to an electronic store server282that stores and provides data related to purchasable assets to user devices, such the set-top box devices216and224.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier202can communicate with a large number of set-top boxes, such as the representative set-top boxes216,224, over a wide geographic area, such as a metropolitan area, a viewing area, a statewide area, a regional area, a nationwide area or any other suitable geographic area, market area, or subscriber or customer group that can be supported by networking the client-facing tier202to numerous set-top box devices. In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch230, or any portion thereof, can include a multicast router or switch that communicates with multiple set-top box devices via a multicast-enabled network.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the application tier204can communicate with both the private network210and the public network212. The application tier204can include a first application tier (APP) switch238and a second APP switch240. In a particular embodiment, the first APP switch238can be coupled to the second APP switch240. The first APP switch238can be coupled to an application server242and to an OSS/BSS gateway244. In a particular embodiment, the application server242can provide applications to the set-top box devices216,224via the access network266, which enable the set-top box devices216,224to provide functions, such as interactive program guides, video gaming, display, messaging, processing of VOD material and other IPTV content, etc. In an illustrative embodiment, the application server242can provide location information to the set-top box devices216,224. In a particular embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway244includes operation systems and support (OSS) data, as well as billing systems and support (BSS) data. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway244can provide or restrict access to an OSS/BSS server264that stores operations and billing systems data.

The second APP switch240can be coupled to a domain controller246that provides Internet access, for example, to users at their computers268via the public network212. For example, the domain controller246can provide remote Internet access to IPTV account information, e-mail, personalized Internet services, or other online services via the public network212. In addition, the second APP switch240can be coupled to a subscriber and system store248that includes account information, such as account information that is associated with users who access the IPTV system200via the private network210or the public network212. In an illustrative embodiment, the subscriber and system store248can store subscriber or customer data and create subscriber or customer profiles that are associated with IP addresses, stock-keeping unit (SKU) numbers, other identifiers, or any combination thereof, of corresponding set-top box devices216,224. In another illustrative embodiment, the subscriber and system store can store data associated with capabilities of set-top box devices associated with particular customers.

In a particular embodiment, the application tier204can include a client gateway250that communicates data directly to the client-facing tier202. In this embodiment, the client gateway250can be coupled directly to the CFT switch230. The client gateway250can provide user access to the private network210and the tiers coupled thereto. In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box devices216,224can access the IPTV system200via the access network266, using information received from the client gateway250. User devices can access the client gateway250via the access network266, and the client gateway250can allow such devices to access the private network210once the devices are authenticated or verified. Similarly, the client gateway250can prevent unauthorized devices, such as hacker computers or stolen set-top box devices from accessing the private network210, by denying access to these devices beyond the access network266.

For example, when the first representative set-top box device216accesses the client-facing tier202via the access network266, the client gateway250can verify subscriber information by communicating with the subscriber and system store248via the private network210. Further, the client gateway250can verify billing information and status by communicating with the OSS/BSS gateway244via the private network210. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway244can transmit a query via the public network212to the OSS/BSS server264. After the client gateway250confirms subscriber and/or billing information, the client gateway250can allow the set-top box device216to access IPTV content and VOD content at the client-facing tier202. If the client gateway250cannot verify subscriber information for the set-top box device216, e.g., because it is connected to an unauthorized twisted pair, the client gateway250can block transmissions to and from the set-top box device216beyond the access network266.

As indicated inFIG. 2, the acquisition tier206includes an acquisition tier (AQT) switch252that communicates with the private network210. The AQT switch252can also communicate with the operations and management tier208via the public network212. In a particular embodiment, the AQT switch252can be coupled to a live acquisition server254that receives or acquires television content, movie content, advertisement content, other video content, or any combination thereof, from a broadcast service256, such as a satellite acquisition system or satellite head-end office. In a particular embodiment, the live acquisition server254can transmit content to the AQT switch252, and the AQT switch252can transmit the content to the CFT switch230via the private network210.

In an illustrative embodiment, content can be transmitted to the D-servers232, where it can be encoded, formatted, stored, replicated, or otherwise manipulated and prepared for communication from the video server(s)280to the set-top box devices216,224. The CFT switch230can receive content from the video server(s)280and communicate the content to the CPE214,222via the access network266. The set-top box devices216,224can receive the content via the CPE214,222, and can transmit the content to the television monitors218,226. In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of the content can be streamed to the set-top box devices216,224.

Further, the AQT switch252can be coupled to a video-on-demand importer server258that receives and stores television or movie content received at the acquisition tier206and communicates the stored content to the VOD server236at the client-facing tier202via the private network210. Additionally, at the acquisition tier206, the video-on-demand (VOD) importer server258can receive content from one or more VOD sources outside the IPTV system200, such as movie studios and programmers of non-live content. The VOD importer server258can transmit the VOD content to the AQT switch252, and the AQT switch252, in turn, can communicate the material to the CFT switch230via the private network210. The VOD content can be stored at one or more servers, such as the VOD server236.

When users issue requests for VOD content via the set-top box devices216,224, the requests can be transmitted over the access network266to the VOD server236, via the CFT switch230. Upon receiving such requests, the VOD server236can retrieve the requested VOD content and transmit the content to the set-top box devices216,124across the access network266, via the CFT switch230. The set-top box devices216,224can transmit the VOD content to the television monitors218,226. In an illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of VOD content can be streamed to the set-top box devices216,224.

FIG. 2further illustrates that the operations and management tier208can include an operations and management tier (OMT) switch260that conducts communication between the operations and management tier208and the public network212. In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 2, the OMT switch260is coupled to a TV2server262. Additionally, the OMT switch260can be coupled to an OSS/BSS server264and to a simple network management protocol (SNMP) monitor286that monitors network devices within or coupled to the IPTV system200. In a particular embodiment, the OMT switch260can communicate with the AQT switch252via the public network212.

In an illustrative embodiment, the live acquisition server254can transmit content to the AQT switch252, and the AQT switch252, in turn, can transmit the content to the OMT switch260via the public network212. In this embodiment, the OMT switch260can transmit the content to the TV2server262for display to users accessing the user interface at the TV2server262. For example, a user can access the TV2server262using a personal computer268coupled to the public network212.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier202can provide media content, such as video content, to the set-top box device216. The media content can include a selectable trigger, which may be provided by the set-top box device216to the TV monitor218as a popup within the video display. The client-facing tier202may receive data related to selection of the selectable trigger. In response to receiving the data, the electronic store server282may provide a graphical user interface including an electronic storefront to the set-top box device216for display at the TV monitor218. The electronic storefront can include data related to multiple purchasable assets as well as multiple options for purchasing one or more of the assets.

In another particular illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device224receives media content including an embedded trigger. The set-top box device224identifies the embedded trigger and provides a popup to the TV monitor226that is related to the embedded trigger. The popup can include information related to a particular promotion and an invitation to access an electronic storefront. A user may utilize the remote control device228to request the electronic storefront. The set-top box device224receives an input from the remote control device228and transmits a request to the client-facing tier202for the electronic storefront. The request may include an identifier related to the selected media content, an identifier related to the set-top box device224, an account identifier associated with the set-top box device224, an identifier associated with the electronic storefront, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, in response to sending the request, the set-top box device224receives a graphical user interface that includes an electronic storefront that has multiple purchasable assets and multiple selectable payment options. The set-top box device224provides the graphical user interface to the TV monitor226. In another particular embodiment, the set-top box device216can receive data that can be executed by the processor270to generate a graphical user interface that includes an electronic storefront that has multiple purchasable assets and multiple selectable payment options. The set-top box device224can provide the generated graphical user interface to the TV monitor226. A user may utilize the remote control device226to purchase one or more assets and to select a payment option related to the purchase. The set-top box device224sends an asset identifier and purchase information to the E-store server282for fulfillment.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of a third particular illustrative embodiment of a system300to present assets related to media content. The system300includes a server system302that communicates with a set-top box device304via a network306, which may be the public Internet or a private Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network. The server system302includes an interface316to the network306, processing logic314and memory312that is accessible to the processing logic314.

In a particular embodiment, the memory312includes a media content identification module318that can be executed by the processing logic314to identify media content received at the set-top box device304. The media content identification module318can also be used to transmit media content to the set-top box device304. The media content can include an embedded selectable trigger, that can be executed at the set-top box device304to generate a popup within the video at a display device310. The memory312also includes an electronic store (e-store) identification module320that can be executed by the processing logic314to identify assets. The e-store identification module320can also be executed by the processing logic314to generate an electronic storefront, including a graphical user interface presenting the identified assets. The memory312also includes a set-top box communication module322that can be executed by the processing logic314to communicate with the set-top box device304to receive requests for an electronic storefront related to media content and to communicate the generated electronic storefront to the set-top box device304. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the set-top box communication module322can also receive data related to purchase orders and payment option selections from the set-top box device304.

The set-top box device304includes an interface324to the network306. The set-top box device304also includes a processor326coupled to the interface324and a memory328that is accessible to the processor326. The set-top box device324also includes a remote control interface330that communicates with a remote control device308and a display device interface332that communicates with a display device310. In a particular embodiment, the memory328includes a media content module334that is executable by the processor326to receive media content from the server system302(or from another content source) via the network. The memory328includes a trigger selection module336that is executable by the processor326to identify an embedded selectable trigger within the media content and to generate a selectable popup within the video at the display device based on the embedded trigger. The trigger selection module336can also be executed by the processor326to receive a selection related to the selectable popup via the remote control device308and to communicate data related to the selection to the server system302via the network. The memory328also includes a graphical user interface (GUI) module338that is executable by the processor326to receive instructions related to an electronic storefront and to generate a GUI that can be provided to the display device310that includes one or more selectable indicators related to purchasable assets.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the e-store module320may be executed to select an electronic storefront from a plurality of stored electronic storefronts based on media content received at the set-top box device304. In another particular illustrative embodiment, the e-store module320can be executed to generate the electronic storefront dynamically, such that the graphical user interface includes an electronic storefront having a first selectable element related to a first asset and a second selectable element related to a second asset (both selected based on the media content). The graphical user interface can also include multiple payment options that are related to a first selectable element and a second selectable element. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the multiple payment options can include an electronic coupon payment option, account billing option to bill a subscriber account associated with the destination device (i.e. the set-top box device), a credit card option, a debit card option, other payment options, or any combination thereof.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device304receives media content including an embedded trigger from the server system302. The set-top box device304identifies the embedded trigger and provides the media content and a popup based on the embedded trigger to the display device310. The set-top box device304receives an input from the remote control device308that is related to the popup. The set-top box device304sends a request to the server system302based on the input. The request may include an identifier related to the media content, an identifier associated with the set-top box device304, a subscriber account identifier, an electronic storefront identifier, other information, or any combination thereof. The set-top box device304receives data related to an electronic storefront based on the request, and provides a user interface to the display device310that includes the electronic storefront. The electronic storefront includes one or more selectable indicators related to purchasable assets. The electronic storefront also includes one or more payment options for purchasing selected assets. The set-top box device304receives a selection of at least one indicator and a selected payment option and sends data related to the selection and the selected payment option to the server system302to complete a purchase transaction.

In a particular embodiment, if the purchased asset is an electronic asset, the server system302may provide instructions for downloading the asset, may send the purchased asset, may perform other actions, or any combination thereof. If the purchased asset is a tangible object, the server system302may transmit a purchase order fulfillment request to a fulfillment center (not shown) to complete the packaging and shipping of the purchased asset. The server system302may also notify an inventory system (not shown) to update inventory data based on the purchase.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of a fourth particular illustrative embodiment of a system to present assets related to media content, generally designated400. The system400includes a single sign on interface408to communicate with one or more of a plurality of access points at an access portal module402. The access points may include representative access points, such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) portal410, a web portal412, and a mobile device portal414. The access portal module402also includes a portal agnostic storefront application416. The portal agnostic storefront application416may send data related to a storefront display via the various access portals410,412,414to a user device that is signed on via the single sign on interface408

The system400also includes a content management and aggregation module404having a content manager430, an offer engine440and an administration device490. The administration device490may communicate with the content management and aggregation module404, the fulfillment and delivery module406, and the access portal module402to allow administrative configuration of each module. For example, the administrative device490may be used to establish offer management rules stored at a rules and conditions database442. In another example, the administrative device490may be used to configure a storefront display provided via the access portal module402. In another example, the administrative device490may be used to configure the fulfillment and delivery module406.

In a particular embodiment, the content manager430includes a content catalog and publication module432. The content catalog and publication module432may identify assets that are available to be offered for sale. For example, the content delivery and management module434may query content providers, such as the content provider476, to identify assets that are available for purchase. The catalog and publication module432may process data received from the content providers476to identify metadata related to available assets, such as a description of the content of an asset, a format of the asset, a type of the asset, a cost of the asset, other information about the asset, or any combination thereof. The catalog and publication and module432may provide a catalog publication output420to the portal agnostic storefront application416identifying the available assets. The catalog and publication and module432may also provide information identifying the available assets to the offer engine440to allow offer rules related to the assets to be configured.

In a particular embodiment, the content manager430may also include a content delivery and management module434. The content delivery and management module434may manage delivery of purchased assets to user devices. For example, the content delivery and management module434may receive payment information for the purchase of an asset via the portal agnostic storefront application416. The content delivery and management module434may send an access grant message to a content provider after payment for an asset has been received and approved. The grant message may authorize the content provider to send the content of the purchased asset to the purchasing user device or another user device.

In a particular embodiment, the content manager430may also include a subscriber database436. The subscriber database436may include subscriber data, such as demographic information and geographic information. The subscriber database may be utilized to establish promotional offers, to identify subscribers to which promotional offers should be made, to implement offer rules, and so forth. For example, the offer engine440may access the subscriber database436in order to determine whether a particular offer applies to a particular subscriber based on the subscriber data.

In a particular embodiment, the content manager430may also include a license rights module438. The license rights module438may implement rules to ensure the license rights associated with digital assets are complied with. For example, the license rights module438may ensure that royalties associated with digital assets are paid. In another example, the license rights module438may determine an amount owed to a content provider or third party resulting from the purchase of a digital asset.

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment and delivery module406may include a variety of fulfillment modules including a mobile module470, a third party content module472, a web module474, a dedicated content provider module476and an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) module478. The fulfillment modules470,472,474,476and478provide data identifying assets available for purchase to the content manager430. In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment modules470,472,474,476and478may also send data including the content of a purchased asset to a user device.

In a particular embodiment, the fulfillment and delivery module406may include one or more transaction application modules, such as a billing mediation module480, a billing applications module482, a partner settlement module484, and customer payment suggestion system486. The billing mediation module480may receive data related to the purchase of assets, e.g., billing events data, from the content manager430and may determine a charge for the purchase based on the data. The billing mediation module480may pass data related to the purchase to the billing applications module482. The billing applications module482may prepare a bill to charge a subscriber for the purchase of an asset. For example, the billing application module482may add the charge to a unified subscriber bill for communication services, such as wireless telephone service, telephone service, television service (e.g., IPTV service), Internet access service, other communication services, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the partner settlement module484may receive information associated with the purchase of an asset from the content manager430. The partner settlement module484may process the purchase information to determine an amount owed to another party, such as a content provider, license rights holder, fulfillment agent, or other party as a result of the purchase. The partner settlement module484may execute payment of the owed amount or pass information related to the owed amount to a payment system.

In a particular embodiment, the customer payment suggestion system486may also receive data from the content manager430related to purchase an asset. The purchase information may include a purchase price and information about the subscriber. The customer payment suggestion system486may determine available payment options for the subscriber, such as a charge to the subscriber's account (e.g., a communication services account), payment by credit card, payment by electronic funds transfer, other payment options, or any combination thereof.

The content management and aggregation module404may communicate with the fulfillment and delivery module406via a plurality of communication links. Representative examples of the communication links may include delivery, dispatch and tracking communication links450,452,454, content discovery communication link456, video content discovery link458, IPTV access grant communication link460. In addition, the content management and aggregation module404may communicate with the transaction application modules of the fulfillment and delivery module406via a billing event communication link462, a partner settlement communication link464and credit check and payment authorization communication link466.

The content manager430may communicate with the portal agnostic storefront application416via a plurality of communication links420,422,424,426and228. Representative examples of the communication links may include a catalog publication communication link420to provide information about available assets, purchase request/confirmation communication link422to communicate purchase and purchase confirmation information, a grant access communication link426to communicate access grants, and a payment request confirmation communication link424to communicate payment request and confirmation information. In addition, the offer engine440may communicate with the portal agnostic storefront application416, for example, via an advice of change (AOC) communication link428.

During operation of a particular embodiment, the content manager430prepares a catalog of assets available for purchase and provides the catalog of assets to the administration device490for configuration of offer rules and conditions related to the assets. The offer engine440implements the offer rules and conditions to promote the assets in the catalog via a storefront display sent to user devices via the portal agnostic storefront application416. The content manager430receives requests for purchase of such assets via the portal agnostic application416. The offer engine440provides an advice of charge (AoC) to the subscriber associated with the purchase via the portal agnostic storefront application416. If the subscriber approves the charge, the content manager430sends payment information to the transaction application modules480,482,484,486and communicates with the fulfillment and delivery module406in order to fulfill the purchase.

In a particular embodiment, after purchase of the asset, the portal agnostic storefront application416may provide the content of the electronic asset via a suitable interface based on the asset type. For example, IPTV related asset may be provided via the IPTV portal410, an Internet asset may be available via the web portal412, and a mobile asset may be available via the mobile portal414. Additionally, the content manager430may interact with the fulfillment and delivery module406to provide billing information necessary to billing the subscriber for the asset purchase and to pay content providers or others third parties for the transaction.

FIG. 5is a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a method500of presenting assets related to media content. At502, a content stream is received at a set-top box device. Moving to504, the set-top box device intercepts an embedded trigger. Advancing to506, the set-top box device prompts a user to navigate to an electronic storefront (triggered shopping). If the user does not respond (time out) or if the user rejects the prompt, the method returns to502. If the user accepts the prompt, the method proceeds to508and the set-top box device retrieves a list of assets associated with the trigger. Advancing to510, the set-top box device provides a browse page (GUI) including the associated assets to a display device. Proceeding to512, the set-top box device monitors the shopping experience. At Moving to514, the set-top box device determines if the customer is done shopping. If not, the method returns to512and the set-top box device continues to monitor the shopping experience. Returning to514, if the customer is done shopping, the method advances to502.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a method of presenting assets related to media content. At602, a server system receives data indicating a selection of a selectable trigger from a destination device. In a particular embodiment, the selectable trigger can be specific to selected media content. In another particular embodiment, the selectable trigger can be related to a particular promotion, a particular storefront, another feature, or any combination thereof. Moving to604, the server system identifies video content associated with the selectable trigger. Advancing to606, the server system provides an electronic storefront in response to the data indicating the selection, where a plurality of assets can be purchased via the electronic storefront. Continuing to608, the server system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) including the generated electronic storefront to the destination device. The method terminates at610.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the server system may provide instructions that can be executed at the destination device, using an Internet browser application, a graphical user interface (GUI) generator module, or an other application to render a graphical user interface. Additionally, the graphical user interface can include multiple payment options associated with each of the selectable indicators.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram of a second particular illustrative embodiment of a method of presenting assets related to media content. At702, a set-top box device receives selected media content from a server system, where the selected media content includes a selectable trigger associated with an electronic storefront. Advancing to704, the set-top box device receives a selection of the selectable trigger within selected media content. Advancing to704, the set-top box device receives a selection of the selectable trigger, for example, from a remote control device. Proceeding to706, the set-top box device sends data related to the selection to a server system, where the request includes an identifier related to the selected media content. Continuing to708, the set-top box device receives an electronic storefront from the server system, where the electronic storefront includes at least a first selectable indicator of a first asset and a second selectable indicator of a second asset. Each of the assets presented by the electronic storefront is associated with the selected media content.

FIG. 8is a block diagram of a fourth particular illustrative embodiment of a method of presenting assets related to media content. At802, a destination device, such as a set-top box device, receives an input that is related to a selectable indicator within selected media content, where the selectable indicator is related to an electronic storefront. Moving to804, the destination device sends a request for an electronic storefront to a server system. The request can include an identifier related to the selected media content. Proceeding to806, the destination device receives data that is executable at the destination device to render a graphical user interface (GUI) including an electronic storefront. The electronic storefront can include at least a first selectable indicator of a first asset and a second selectable indicator of a second asset. Each of the assets presented by the electronic storefront can be associated with the selected media content. Continuing to808, the destination device may provide the rendered GUI to a display device. The method terminates at810.

In a particular illustrative embodiment, the electronic storefront can include multiple purchasable assets. The multiple purchasable assets can include physical assets, such as an article of clothing (e.g., a shirt, a baseball hat, other clothing, or any combination thereof), a coffee mug, a glass, collectibles (such as figurines), another physical item, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the multiple purchasable assets can include electronic assets, such as a soundtrack download, a ring tone download, a computer desktop wallpaper download, other digital images, other electronic products, or any combination thereof. In another particular embodiment, the multiple purchase options can include an electronic asset to alter a subscription service, to subscribe to additional services, to interact with other services, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 9-13include ladder diagrams that illustrate examples of interactions between various modules to implement particular embodiments of a method of presenting assets related to media content. In particular, the ladder diagrams illustrate interactions between a user device902, a marketing module904, a storefront module906, a content manager908, an offer engine910, an operation systems and support (OSS) billing systems and support (BSS) gateway912, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system914, a mobile module916, and a billing module918.

Referring toFIG. 9, a ladder diagram of a first particular embodiment of a method of promoting electronic assets is shown and is generally designated900. The method900includes various stages including an entry stage920, a browse stage922, and an asset drill down stage924.

In connection with the entry stage920, a message926may be sent from the user device902to the storefront module906. The message926may include a request to enter the storefront, e.g., to access data related to a storefront display. The storefront module906may include a portal agnostic application adapted to communicate with a variety of user devices, such as the user device902. The storefront module906sends a message928to the offer engine910to request account level promotions. In an illustrative embodiment, account level promotions may include promotions offered to a particular user based on subscriber data associated with the user. For example, an account level promotion may be offered to a user based on the user's purchase history, location or other subscriber data. The offer engine910responds to the storefront module906with a message930that includes account level promotions information. The storefront module906sends a message932to the user device902including the storefront data and the account level promotions.

In connection with the browse stage922, the user device902may display a user interface based on the storefront data and the account level promotions. In an illustrative embodiment, the user interface may include one or more selectable menus associated with particular assets. If the user selects a menu, the user device902may send a message934indicating the selection to the storefront module906. The storefront module906may send a message936to the content manager908to retrieve access right information regarding the selection. The content manager908may respond with a message938including the access right information. In a particular embodiment, a user may have access rights to an asset indicating whether the asset has been purchased, is available for purchase, or has already been viewed.

The storefront module906may also send a message940to the offer engine910to retrieve advice of charge (AoC) information (e.g., purchase price information) related to assets associated with the menu. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the offer engine910may send a message to the content manager908requesting dynamic condition information, and the content manager908may respond with a message including the dynamic condition information.

The offer engine910may determine the advice of charge for the account of each asset identified by storefront module906based on such dynamic condition information or may determine the advice of charge based on the message940. If no offers apply to a particular asset, the offer engine910may not return anything for the particular asset. If multiple offers apply to a particular asset, the offer engine910may return one AoC, but may also indicate that other offers also apply. In a particular embodiment, if multiple offers apply to a particular asset, the offer engine910may return the AoC having the lowest price. The offer engine910may send a message942back to the storefront module906with the account level AoC for the list of assets. The storefront module906may send a message944to the user device902including a list of assets that are available for purchase and an AoC related to each available asset. In a particular embodiment, the storefront module906may only list an advice of charge for assets that are available for purchase. The message944from the storefront module906may also include information identifying assets that have already been purchased.

In connection with the asset drill down stage924, a user may select an asset that has not already been purchased, and the user device902may send a message946indicating the selection to the storefront module906. The storefront module906may access a preview of the selected asset from a fulfillment and delivery module. For example, for a video on demand asset, the storefront module906may access the preview from the IPTV system914via a message948. The storefront module906may also send a message950to the offer engine910to retrieve offers related to the selected asset. The offer engine910may determine the dynamic condition from the content manager908via messages (not shown). The offer engine910may provide a list of offers relate to the asset and AoC for each offer to the storefront module906via a message952. The storefront module906may provide the list of offers related to the asset and the AoC for each such asset to the user device902via a message954. If, after the asset drill down stage930, the user continues with the purchase of the selected asset, the method900may proceed toFIG. 10.

FIG. 10is a ladder diagram of a fourth particular illustrative embodiment of a method of presenting assets related to media content that is generally designated1000. The method1000includes various stages including a purchase intent stage1002, a purchase stage1004, a payment stage1006, and a consume stage1008.

In connection with the purchase intent stage1002, a user can interact with a selectable indicator to select one of the offers via a graphical user interface at the user device902. The user device902may send a message1010to the storefront906to purchase the selected asset. In response to receiving the message1010, the storefront906can send a message1012to provide a purchase confirmation prompt to the user device902.

In connection with the purchase stage1004, the user device902may receive the purchase confirmation prompt1002and provide the prompt to the user device902. A user may confirm the purchase by interacting with a graphical user interface at the user device902, and the user device can send a confirm purchase message1014to the storefront906. The storefront906may send a message1016to a content manager908that includes a purchase request, including asset information, offer identification information, and account information. The content manager908can send a message1018to a billing system918to check a credit limit associated with the account and to request allowable payment methods. The billing system918receives the message1018and sends a message1020to the content manager908that includes the credit limit information and one or more payment methods. The content manager908sends a message1022that acknowledges the purchase and provides the credit limit and available credit methods to the storefront906. The storefront906sends a payment method prompt message1024to the user device902.

In connection with the payment stage1006, the user may interact with a graphical user interface at the user device902to select a payment method related to the payment method prompt. The user device902sends a message1026to the storefront906that includes a selected payment method. The storefront906communicates a message1028to the content manager908that includes a payment request and an associated payment method. The content manager908sends an authorize payment message1030to the billing system918, which returns a payment authorization message1032to the content manager908. The content manager908can send a message1034to an Operations and Systems Support (OSS)/Billing Systems and Support (BSS) gateway912to grant rights to an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) asset. The content manager908may also send a message1036to the mobile system916to grant rights to other assets. The content manager908can also send a message1038to the billing system918to throw a billing event for the asset purchase. The content manager908also sends a message1040to the storefront906to notify the storefront906that an asset has been successfully purchased.

In connection with the consume stage1008, the storefront906sends a message1042to the user device902to display an asset as consumable. The user may interact with a user interface at the user device902to select the consumable asset. The user device902can send a message1044to the storefront906to consume a video on demand (VOD) asset. The storefront906can send a message1046to the IPTV system914to redirect the VOD consume asset message1044.

FIG. 11is a ladder diagram of a fifth particular illustrative embodiment of a method of presenting assets related to media content that is generally designated1100. The method1100includes various stages including a purchase stage1102, a payment stage1104, and a consume stage1106.

In connection with the purchase stage1102, a user may confirm the purchase by interacting with a graphical user interface at the user device902, and the user device can send a confirm purchase message1108to the storefront906. The storefront906may send a message1110to a content manager908that includes a purchase request, including asset information, offer identification information, and account information. The content manager908can send a message1112to a billing system918to check a credit limit associated with the account and to request allowable payment methods. The billing system918receives the message1112and sends a message1114to the content manager908that includes the credit limit information and one or more payment methods. The content manager908sends a message1116that acknowledges the purchase and provides the credit limit and available credit methods to the storefront906. The storefront906sends a payment method prompt message1118to the user device902.

In connection with the payment stage1104, the user may interact with a graphical user interface at the user device902to select a coupon payment method related to the payment method prompt. The user device902sends a message1120to the storefront906that includes a selected coupon payment method. The storefront906communicates a message1122to the user device902to prompt a user to select a coupon to be used. The user can interact with a user interface to select a coupon, and the user device902sends a message1124to the storefront906that includes the selection. The storefront906can send a message1126to the content manager908that includes a payment request and an associated payment method. The content manager908sends an authorize payment message1128to the billing system918, which returns a payment authorization message1130to the content manager908. The content manager908can send a message1132to an Operations and Systems Support (OSS)/Billing Systems and Support (BSS) gateway912to grant rights to an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) asset. The content manager908may also send a message1134to the mobile system916to grant rights to other assets. The content manager908can also send a message1136to the billing system918to throw a billing event for the asset purchase. The content manager908also sends a message1138to the storefront906to notify the storefront906that an asset has been successfully purchased.

In connection with the consume stage1106, the storefront906sends a message1140to the user device902to display an asset as consumable. The user may interact with a user interface at the user device902to select the consumable asset. The user device902can send a message1142to the storefront906to consume a video on demand (VOD) asset.

FIG. 12is a ladder diagram of a sixth particular illustrative embodiment of a method of presenting assets related to media content that is generally designated1200. The method1200includes various stages including a purchase stage1202, a payment stage1204, and a consume stage1206.

In connection with the purchase stage1202, a user may confirm the purchase by interacting with a graphical user interface at the user device902, and the user device can send a confirm purchase message1208to the storefront906. The storefront906may send a message1210to a content manager908that includes a purchase request, including asset information, offer identification information, and account information. The content manager908can send a message1212to a billing system918to check a credit limit associated with the account and to request allowable payment methods. The billing system918receives the message1212and sends a message1214to the content manager908that includes the credit limit information and one or more payment methods. The content manager908sends a message1216that acknowledges the purchase and provides the credit limit and available credit methods to the storefront906. The storefront906sends a payment method prompt message1218to the user device902.

In connection with the payment stage1204, the user may interact with a graphical user interface at the user device902to select a coupon payment method related to the payment method prompt. The user device902sends a message1220to the storefront906that includes a selected coupon payment method. The storefront906communicates a message1222to the user device902to prompt a user to select a coupon to be used. The user can interact with a user interface to select a coupon, and the user device902sends a message1224to the storefront906that includes the selection. The storefront906can send a message1226to the content manager908that includes a payment request and an associated payment method. The content manager908sends an authorize payment message1228to the billing system918, which returns a payment authorization message1230to the content manager908. The content manager908sends a message1232to the storefront906that includes a pending payment response (additional balance information and payment options). The storefront906sends a message1234to the user device902that includes a payment method prompt with balance information. The user can interact with a user interface at the user device902to select a payment method, and the user device can send a message1236including the selected payment method to the storefront. The storefront can send a message1240sends an authorize payment message1240to the billing system918, which returns a payment authorization message1242to the content manager908. The content manager908can send a message1244to an Operations and Systems Support (OSS)/Billing Systems and Support (BSS) gateway912to grant rights to an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) asset. The content manager908may also send a message1246to the mobile system916to grant rights to other assets. The content manager908can also send a message1248to the billing system918to throw a billing event for the asset purchase. The content manager908also sends a message1250to the storefront906to notify the storefront906that an asset has been successfully purchased.

In connection with the consume stage1206, the storefront906sends a message1252to the user device902to display an asset as consumable. The user may interact with a user interface at the user device902to select the consumable asset. The user device902can send a message1254to the storefront906to consume a video on demand (VOD) asset.

FIG. 13is a ladder diagram of a seventh particular illustrative embodiment of a method of presenting assets related to media content that is generally designated1300. The method1300includes various stages including a purchase stage1302, a payment stage1304, and a consume stage1306.

In connection with the purchase stage1302, a user may confirm the purchase by interacting with a graphical user interface at the user device902, and the user device can send a confirm purchase message1308to the storefront906. The storefront906may send a message1310to a content manager908that includes a purchase request, including asset information, offer identification information, and account information. The content manager908can send a message1312to a billing system918to check a credit limit associated with the account and to request allowable payment methods. The billing system918receives the message1312and sends a message1314to the content manager908that includes the credit limit information and one or more payment methods. The content manager908sends a message1316that acknowledges the purchase and provides the credit limit and available credit methods to the storefront906. The storefront906sends a payment method prompt message1318to the user device902.

In connection with the payment stage1304, the user may interact with a graphical user interface at the user device902to select an “on the fly” coupon payment method related to the payment method prompt. The user device902sends a message1320to the storefront906that includes a selected “on the fly” coupon payment method. The storefront906communicates a message1322to the user device902that includes a display coupon entry form. The user can interact with a user interface to interact with the entry form, and the user device902sends a message1324to the storefront906that includes a coupon number. The storefront906can send a message1326to the content manager908that includes the “on the fly” coupon, including a coupon number and an account identifier. The content manager908sends a validate coupon message1328to the billing system918, including the coupon number, the account number, and asset information). The billing system918sends a payment authorization message1230to the content manager908that includes coupon valid information, balance information, and payment information. The content manager908sends a message1332to the storefront906that includes a coupon valid message together with balance and payment method information. The storefront906sends a message1334to the user device902that includes the valid coupon and a payment method prompt with balance information. The user can interact with a user interface at the user device902to select a payment method, and the user device can send a message1336including the selected payment method to the storefront. The storefront can send a message1340sends an authorize payment message1340to the billing system918, which returns a payment authorization message1342to the content manager908. The content manager908can send a message1344to an Operations and Systems Support (OSS)/Billing Systems and Support (BSS) gateway912to grant rights to an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) asset. The content manager908may also send a message1346to the mobile system916to grant rights to other assets. The content manager908can also send a message1348to the billing system918to throw a billing event for the asset purchase. The content manager908also sends a message1350to the storefront906to notify the storefront906that an asset has been successfully purchased.

In connection with the consume stage1306, the storefront906sends a message1352to the user device902to display an asset as consumable. The user may interact with a user interface at the user device902to select the consumable asset. The user device902can send a message1354to the storefront906to consume a video on demand (VOD) asset.

FIG. 14is a block diagram of a system1400to present assets related to media content. The system1400includes a set-top box device1404that can communicate with a display device1402. The set-top box device1404can also receive inputs from a remote control device1406. The set-top box device1404may provide media content, such as the movie King Kong to the display device1402. A selectable trigger may be embedded within the media content, and the set-top box device1404may capture the selectable trigger and provide a popup1408to the display device for display within video of the media content. The popup1408may provide a display representative of a selectable option. A user may access the selectable option by selecting a key, such as the key1410on the remote control device1406. The set-top box device1404may send data related to the selection (i.e. a request) to a server system to retrieve an electronic storefront associated with the media content.

FIG. 15is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI)1500to present assets related to media content. The GUI1500includes a window1502having multiple selectable indicators, including a “Current Rentals” tab1504, a “My Selections” tab1506, a “Current Promotions” tab1508, an “Action” tab1510, and a “Video on Demand” tab1512. The current promotions tab1508is selected. The window1502also includes a “Buy One Video and Get One Free” option1514and a “Half Off Selected Horror Movie” option1516. A server system, such as the server system ofFIG. 3may provide the graphical user interface to a set-top box device or other user device, which can render the GUI at a display device. A user may interact with the selectable options to purchase a video, to view current rentals, to view selections, current promotions, and to view other options.

FIG. 16is a block diagram of a second particular illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI)1600to present assets related to media content. The GUI1600includes a window1602having multiple selectable options. The window1602includes a “Current Rentals” tab1604, a “My Selections” tab1606, a “Current Promotions” tab1608, an “Action” tab1610, and a “Video on Demand” tab1612. The action tab1610is selected. The window1602also includes multiple selectable options to choose particular video content, including “King Kong—As low as $1.99” option1614, “The DaVinci Code—As low as $3.99” option1616, a “Mission Impossible III—As low as $1.99” option1618, a “CARS—Rented” option1620, and a “Serenity” option1622. The Serenity option1622is indicated to not be available. Additionally, the window1602may include an image1624related to a selected option. Selection of one of the selectable options1614,1616, or1618may cause the user device to send a purchase request to an electronic storefront of a server system. Selection of the CARS-rented option1620may cause the user device to transmit a consume Video-on-Demand (VOD) message to the electronic storefront.

FIG. 17is a block diagram of a third particular illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface1700to present assets related to media content. The graphical user interface1700includes a window1702that has multiple selectable options. The multiple selectable options can include a “Summary and Offers” tab1704, a “Details” tab1706, and a “People Involved” tab1708, which can be access to display data about a selected video option. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the “Summary and offers” tab1704is selected, and multiple selectable options1710are display in relation to the video “King Kong.” In particular, the multiple selectable options1710include a “$1.99—San Antonio Promotion” option, a “$3.99—48 hours of playback” option, a “$2.99—Employee Discount” option, and a “Watch Trailer” option. Additionally, the window1602includes multiple payment options1712, including an “Add to My Bill” option, a “Pay by Credit Card” option, a “Pay by Bank Account” option, and a “Pay by Coupon” option. A user can interact with the graphical user interface1700to select a particular video option and to select a desired payment option.

FIG. 18is a block diagram of a fourth particular illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface1800to present assets related to media content. The graphical user interface1800includes a window1802that has multiple selectable options. The multiple selectable options can include a “Summary and Offers” tab1804, a “Details” tab1806, and a “People Involved” tab1808, which can be access to display data about a selected video option. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the “Summary and offers” tab1804is selected, which includes multiple selectable options1810related to the video “King Kong.” In particular, the multiple selectable options1810include a “$1.99—San Antonio Promotion” option, a “$3.99—48 hours of playback” option, a “$2.99—Employee Discount” option, and a “Watch Trailer” option. The “$3.99—48 Hours of playback” option is selected, and the window1802displays a confirmation panel with selectable options1812to “OK” the purchase or to “Cancel” the purchase.

FIG. 19is a block diagram of a fourth particular illustrative embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI)1900to present assets related to media content. The GUI1900includes a window1902having multiple selectable indicators, including a “Current Rentals” tab1904, a “My Selections” tab1906, a “Current Promotions” tab1908, an “Action” tab1910, and a “Video on Demand” tab1912. The current promotions tab1508is selected. The window1502also includes a “Buy a ‘King Kong’ baseball cap for $10.99” option1914, a “Buy a 3′×4′ Movie Poster for $8.99” option1916, and a “Download the Movie Soundtrack for $14.99” option1918. A server system, such as the server system ofFIG. 3may provide the graphical user interface to a set-top box device or other user device, which can render the GUI at a display device. A user may interact with the selectable options to purchase a physical asset, such as the baseball cap option1914or the movie poster option1916. Additionally, the user may interact with the selectable options to download an electronic asset, such as the soundtrack, a ring tone, digital wallpaper, or another electronic asset.

In conjunction with the configuration of structure described herein, the system and method disclosed present assets related to media content to one or more destination devices via a network. In a particular illustrative embodiment, a server system sends media content to a destination device that includes a selectable trigger. The server system receives a request for an electronic storefront that is related to the selectable trigger. The server system dynamically generates or retrieves a graphical user interface including an electronic storefront having multiple selectable options related to assets that are associated with the media content. The assets may be selected from a plurality of assets based on the request. The server system can transmit the graphical user interface to a destination device, such as a computer, a set-top box device, or other computing device. The graphical user interface may include multiple purchase options, such as credit, debit, coupon, or other payment and promotional options to sell assets. The assets may include video, audio, soundtrack, ring tones, or other electronic assets. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the assets may include physical assets, such as articles of clothing to cross-promote physical products that are related to video content.

FIG. 20is a block diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a general computing system. Referring toFIG. 20, an illustrative embodiment of a general computer system is shown and is designated2000. The computer system2000can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system2000to perform any one or more of the methods or computer based functions disclosed herein. The computer system2000may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices, such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system, a server system, a content source, and electronic storefront server, other devices, or any combination thereof. Additionally, in a particular illustrative embodiment, the computing system2000can communicate with other computing devices via a local area network, a wireless network, or a public network, such as the Internet.

As illustrated inFIG. 20, the computer system2000may include a processor2002, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system2000can include a main memory2004and a static memory2006, that can communicate with each other via a bus2008. As shown, the computer system2000may further include a video display unit2010, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). Additionally, the computer system2000may include an input device2012, such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device2014, such as a mouse. The computer system2000can also include a disk drive unit2016, a signal generation device2018, such as a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device2020.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted inFIG. 20, the disk drive unit2016may include a computer-readable medium2022in which one or more sets of instructions2024, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions2024may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions2024may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory2004, the static memory2006, and/or within the processor2002during execution by the computer system2000. The main memory2004and the processor2002also may include computer-readable media.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions2024or receives and executes instructions2024responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a network2026can communicate voice, video or data over the network2026. Further, the instructions2024may be transmitted or received over the network2026via the network interface device2020.