Selectively deteriorate eBook for secondary market

A method, an eBook, and an apparatus. The method includes calculating, by a processor, a usage metric describing a timing at which an eBook has been displayed for viewing by a user. The method further includes selectively deteriorating, by the processor, a look of the eBook for a secondary market based on the usage metric of the eBook.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to eBooks and, in particular, to selectively deteriorating eBooks for the secondary market.

Description of the Related Art

Amazon® patented a way to sell “used” eBooks, whereby the original owner of a digital book can transfer the rights to use that eBook to another person permanently. Of course, the seller will lose his right to read the eBook. The transferred copy of the eBook is a perfect copy of the original. Thus, it is not really “used” and instead appears to be digitally “new”. This creates a problem regarding how to determine the price of this “used” copy of an eBook that is indistinguishable from a brand new copy of that eBook. Amazon® solved this by limiting the number of times the eBook rights can be transferred. However, other methods are needed for implementing pricing for the secondary market.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present principles, a method is provided. The method includes calculating, by a processor, a usage metric describing a timing at which an eBook has been displayed for viewing by a user. The method further includes selectively deteriorating, by the processor, a look of the eBook for a secondary market based on the usage metric of the eBook.

According to another aspect of the present principles, an eBook is provided. The eBook includes a processor, a memory, and a display. The processor is configured to calculate a usage metric describing a timing at which the eBook has been displayed for viewing by a user. The processor is further configured to selectively deteriorate a look of the eBook for a secondary market based on the usage metric of the eBook.

According to yet another aspect of the present principles, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a communication device configured to communicate with an eBook. The apparatus further includes a processor, configured to calculate a usage metric describing a timing at which the eBook has been displayed for viewing by a user. The processor is further configured to selectively deteriorate a look of the eBook for a secondary market based on the usage metric of the eBook.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to selectively deteriorating eBooks for the secondary market.

We are proposing here a method and system to define and store, into the digital media, an eBook “level of usage” indicator, dependent on a set of factors that can include, but are not limited to, the following: the number of times the eBook has been read; the number of times the eBook rights can be transferred; how many bookmarks have been used; how much time each page has been opened; how much sun light was the eBook exposed to; what is the time of the day when the book is read; and so forth.

This indicator is used to make the “used” copy of the eBook less attractive against the “new” copy and to decide the right price of a “used” copy based on the degree of usage.

FIG. 1shows an exemplary processing system100to which the present invention may be applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The processing system100can form an eBook or be used to view an eBook.

Moreover, it is to be appreciated that environment200described below with respect toFIG. 2is an environment for implementing respective embodiments of the present invention. Part or all of processing system100may be implemented in one or more of the elements of environment200.

Further, it is to be appreciated that processing system100may perform at least part of the method described herein including, for example, at least part of method300ofFIGS. 3-4and/or at least part of method500ofFIGS. 5-8. Similarly, part or all of environment200may be used to perform at least part of method300ofFIGS. 3-4and/or at least part of method500ofFIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 2shows an exemplary environment200to which the present invention can be applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The environment200can include an eBook210, a secondary marketplace network220, and a device250attachable to the eBook.

The eBook210and/or the device250attachable to the eBook includes, among other elements (not shown inFIG. 2for the sake of brevity, and in consideration of the statement above that any of the aforementioned elements inFIG. 1can also be in any of the elements ofFIG. 2), a processor211, a storage memory212, deterioration filters213, a GPS sensor214, a light sensor215, a touch screen display216, a time counter (hereinafter “timer”)217, and a communication device218.

The device250can connect to the eBook210using the communication device218. The communication device218can include and/or otherwise involve/employ, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB), micro-USB, WIFI, Bluetooth®, cellular, and so forth. That is, any known signal communication technique can be used to exchange communications between the device250and the eBook210. In an embodiment, the device250can be implemented in a USB key or other type of device. Moreover, each of the eBook210and the device250can include and/or otherwise involve/employ more than one type of communication technology/technique. For the sake of illustration, a micro-USB cable277is shown inFIG. 2connecting device250to eBook210, while a wireless link278(e.g., WIFI, Bluetooth, cellular, etc.) is shown inFIG. 2connecting device250and eBook210to the secondary marketplace network220.

In an embodiment, the eBook210is enabled to fully include the present invention (without the use of device250). In an embodiment, the device250is used to implement the present invention on eBook210. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, both eBook210and device250are enabled to perform the present invention such that eBook210can implement the present invention by itself or device250can implement the present invention with respect to (along with) eBook210. Thus, the following description of capabilities associated with the eBook210can also apply to the device250. In yet another embodiment (seeFIGS. 9-10), one or more elements ofFIG. 2can be implemented using a cloud configuration.

The storage memory212can include a “secured” storage memory212A and an “unsecured” storage memory212B. In another embodiment, the entire storage memory212can be “secured”. The eBook context, as well as other information, can be stored in storage memory212.

The eBook210is able to securely store a usage metric, embodied as “Usage Indicator” (UI) metadata261, in the storage memory212. Preferably, the usage metric is stored in the secured storage memory212A, which is not accessible by external devices, in order to avoid tampering. Moreover, the eBook210is able to apply selected deterioration filters213when the eBook210is sold. The eBook210can connect with the secondary marketplace network220to enable the transfer of the rights to use that eBook210to another person on loan or permanently. In an embodiment, the Usage Indicator metadata261can be signed using a private key262available on the eBook210. The private key262can also be stored in the storage memory212. Preferably, the private key262is stored in secured storage memory212A in order to avoid tampering.

The Usage Indicator metadata261is a collection of information needed to apply the correct deterioration filters213and to calculate the level of usage of the eBook210that can be used to estimate the selling price.

The deterioration filters213can apply different types of deterioration. For example, such deterioration can include, but is not limited to, adding food stains, adding age, at least partially breaking pages, removing at least one image from a page, ripping a page, adding tape to a rip on a page, making a flip function inactive/inoperable on at least one page, making a zoom function inactive/inoperable on at least one page; making at least one page incapable of being bookmarked, and so forth.

The GPS sensor214determines the eBook reader position.

The light sensor215determines the ambient light intensity.

The touch screen216shows the eBook content as well provides user interface elements for controlling eBook functions and to get the “slide” page velocity.

The timer217collects time information about the read mean time of a page, and other timing-based parameters/metrics.

The secured storage memory212A or another on-board memory can store a time table that includes a lunch schedule and/or other user or use related information.

Thus, as noted above, the present invention can be embodied in an eBook (e.g., Ebook210) or can be embodied in a device (e.g., device250) that connects to an eBook in order to realize the present invention.

The device250could connect to an eBook210implemented by a normal (conventional) smartphone or tablet. The device250can be configured to exploit any features and sensors (e.g., GPS sensor, light sensor, etc.) already resident on the attached eBook210, or can provide them for use if they are absent from the attached eBook210. For example, one implementation of device250can be without a screen, where the user interacts with device250through the screen of the eBook210once the device250is connected to the eBook210. These and other variations of the elements ofFIG. 2are readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art given the teachings of the present invention provided herein, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

FIGS. 3-4show an exemplary method300for selectively deteriorating eBooks for the secondary market, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

At step310, calculate a usage metric describing a timing at which an eBook has been displayed for viewing by a user. The usage metric can be based on, for example, but not limited to, one or more of the following: the number of times (or at least a predetermined amount) the eBook has been read; the number of times the eBook rights can be transferred; how many bookmarks have been used; how much time each page has been opened; how much sun light was the eBook exposed to; what is the time of the day when the book is read; and so forth.

At step310A, collect usage information for the eBook and form a usage metric from the usage information. The usage information can be collected, for example, using one or more sensors/elements such as GPS sensor214, light sensor215, touch screen216, timer217, and so forth.

At step310B, sign the usage metric.

At step310C, store the (signed) usage metric in a secured storage memory.

At step320, selectively deteriorate a look of the eBook for a secondary market based on the usage metric of the eBook. Exemplary types of deteriorations can include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: pages with food stains; aged pages; partially broken pages; pages with removed images; ripped pages; ripped pages with tape (e.g., scotch tape) over the rip; inability to flip one or more pages using a sliding finger; inability to zoom into some pages; inability to use a bookmark on one or more pages; and so forth.

At step320A, determine if the usage metric is properly signed. If so, then continue to step320B. Otherwise, terminate the method.

At step320B, selectively deteriorate a look of the eBook based on the usage metric of the eBook.

FIGS. 5-8show another exemplary method500for selectively deteriorating eBooks for the secondary market, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

At step502, detect a current page being open for viewing by a user.

At step504, calculate a Read Mean Time (RMT).

At step506, determine whether or not the page was turned. If so, then proceed to step508. Otherwise, return to step502.

At step508, determine whether or not the RMT is greater than a standard Read Mean Time. If so, then continue to step510. Otherwise, return to step502.

At step510, enable standard deterioration filters. In an embodiment, the standard deterioration filters can cause deteriorations that include, but are not limited to, for example, removed images and an inability to zoom. In other embodiments, other types of standard deterioration filters can be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

At step512, update the Usage Indicator (UI), such that UI=UI+a*RMT, where a is a coefficient used to calculate the UI of standard deterioration.

At step514, determine whether or not it is lunch time. If so, then proceed to step516. Otherwise, proceed to step522.

At step516, calculate the time spent during lunch (TI).

At step518, enable lunch-based deterioration filters. In an embodiment, the lunch-based deterioration filters can cause deteriorations that include, but are not limited to, for example, food stain and water stain. In other embodiments, other types of lunch-based deterioration filters can be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

At step520, update the Usage Indicator (UI), such that UI=UI+b*TI, where b is a coefficient used to calculate the UI of lunch-based deterioration.

At step522, determine whether or not there is sunlight (and/or any ambient light). If so, then continue to step524. Otherwise, continue to step530.

At step524, calculate the light intensity (Li).

At step526, enable light-based deterioration filters. In an embodiment, the light-based deterioration filters can cause deteriorations that include, but are not limited to, for example, aged pages. In other embodiments, other types of light-based deterioration filters can be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

At step528, update the Usage Indicator (UI), such that UI=UI+c*Li, where c is a coefficient used to calculate the UI of light-based deterioration.

At step530, determine whether or not the user is out of their home. If so, then continue to step532. Otherwise, continue to step538.

At step532, calculate time spend out (To).

At step534, enable travel-based deterioration filters. In an embodiment, the travel-based deterioration filters can cause deteriorations that include, but are not limited to, for example, partially broken pages and an inability to use bookmarks on one or more pages. In other embodiments, other types of travel-based deterioration filters can be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

At step536, update the Usage Indicator (UI), such that UI=UI+d*To, where d is a coefficient used to calculate the UI of travel-based deterioration.

At step538, determine whether or not the page was slid with a force above a threshold amount. If so, then proceed to step540. Otherwise, proceed to step546.

At step540, calculate the “slide” velocity (Sv).

At step542, enable “hard use” based deterioration filters. In an embodiment, the hard use based deterioration filters can cause deteriorations that include, but are not limited to, for example, partially broken pages, ripped pages, ripped pages with tape, and an inability to slide (flip) one or more pages. In other embodiments, other types of hard use based deterioration filters can be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

At step544, update the Usage Indicator (UI), such that UI=UI+e*Sv, where e is a coefficient used to calculate the UI of hard use based deterioration.

At step546, determine whether or not the user is using bookmarks. If so, then proceed to step548. Otherwise, proceed to step554.

At step548, calculate the number of bookmarks used (Nb).

At step550, enable bookmark-based deterioration filters. In an embodiment, the bookmark-based deterioration filters can cause deteriorations that include, but are not limited to, for example, partially broken pages and an inability to use bookmarks on one or more pages. In other embodiments, other types of bookmark-based deterioration filters can be used, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

At step552, update the Usage Indicator (UI), such that UI=UI+f*Nb, where f is a coefficient used to calculate the UI of bookmark-based deterioration.

At step554, randomly select enabled deterioration filters.

At step556, select a level of deterioration of each filter based on the calculated IU.

At step558, apply the selected deterioration filters.

At step560, store the UI with the eBook.

A description will now be given regarding some of the many attendant advantages of the present invention.

One advantage is that the present invention make the “used” eBook copy less attractive, selectively deteriorating the eBook in different ways depending on the “level of usage” indicator.

Another advantage is that the proposed approach combines different “deterioration” methods to obtain a “used” copy of the eBook that is unique: each copy of the same eBook can differ because different “deterioration” methods can be applied.

Yet another advantage is that beside the eBook secondary market, the present invention opens the ability to also create an “eBook ancient and collection market” where “deteriorated” copies of special ancient eBooks can be collected and traded.

Still another advantage is that it is possible to define a well suited selling price for the “used” eBook.

These and many other attendant advantages are readily contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art given the teachings of the present invention provided herein, while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

Characteristics are as follows:

Service Models are as follows:

Deployment Models are as follows:

Referring now toFIG. 9, illustrative cloud computing environment950is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment950includes one or more cloud computing nodes910with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone954A, desktop computer954B, laptop computer954C, and/or automobile computer system954N may communicate. Nodes910may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment950to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices954A-N shown inFIG. 9are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes910and cloud computing environment950can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

Hardware and software layer1060includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes1061; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers1062; servers1063; blade servers1064; storage devices1065; and networks and networking components1066. In some embodiments, software components include network application server software1067and database software1068.

Virtualization layer1070provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers1071; virtual storage1072; virtual networks1073, including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems1074; and virtual clients1075.

Workloads layer1090provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation1091; software development and lifecycle management1092; virtual classroom education delivery1093; data analytics processing1094; transaction processing1095; and selective deterioration of eBook for secondary market1096.