Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of digital content delivery and storage products and more specifically to a system, method and associated apparatus for obtaining, delivering and transporting digital contents. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    In the modern digital age, sending mail by traditional means such as through the United States Postal Service is becoming less desirable. Paper postcards, letters, and advertisements are increasingly seen as a hassle and waste of precious environmental resources. However, for many businesses a combination of modern electronic information and postal mail is still an effective marketing tool. Digital content drives are small non-volatile electronic devices with a predetermined amount of memory, similar to a computer&#39;s hard drive. They can come in various profiles and geometries ranging from USB and 1394 devices to SD and Compact Digital content devices, to name just a few. These digital content drives can be pre-loaded with a business&#39;s marketing information and sent to consumers as a way to attract business. This type of marketing is becoming increasingly popular and effective, not only for it&#39;s use of modern technology instead of traditional paper advertisements, but also because it evokes interest and curiosity in the minds of consumers. 
         [0005]    Even when padded, traditional mailing envelopes do not ensure that a digital content drive will arrive at its destination in pristine condition. Small boxes may be used, however they are generally too large for a digital content drive, which can get tossed around inside the box during transit if unaccompanied by sufficient padding material. Therefore, it is desirable to have a mailing device with a hollow portion that can accommodate a digital content drive and provide a snug fit for secure transport of the digital content drive. It is also preferable to have a mailing device with a substantially planar portion for handwriting addresses or other information or affixing labels. Further, it is desirable to have a mailing device which is equipped with a female port for receiving and securely fitting to the male end of a digital content drive. 
         [0006]    Additionally in this age of digital technology and high-speed computing and internet access, it is archaic to require retail “brick and mortar” stores to purchase physical instances of digital content, when such content could be readily stored as a single copy and duplicated at a high-speed only when needed. With the advent of portable digital devices, the antiquated system of requiring a retail establishment to purchase multiple copies of digital content and store the physical instances until a consumer is ready to purchase the item is not only a waste of physical space within a store, but also a waste of operating capital for the retail establishment. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a device with a hollow portion that can accommodate a digital content drive and provide a snug fit for secure transport of the digital content drive and a system, method and apparatus for rapidly creating physical instances of digital content, upon demand, whereby a retail establishment does not pay for the physical instance until such time as a consumer has purchased or is purchasing a copy of the digital content. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIGS. 1A-1C  depict views of an embodiment of the present device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present device with a digital content drive being inserted therein. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the present device which shows an interior female port. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1C  depicts various embodiments of apparatuses in which the a digital storage device can be implemented. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of a magazine delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a video delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a book (audio or text) delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a software delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of an ID/Nametag system and apparatus. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of an e-card delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a brochure delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of a catalog delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of an advertisement delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 11A  and B depict embodiments of a package file delivery system and apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  depicts an embodiment of a system of implementing digital content delivery. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of a method of implementing digital content delivery. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  depicts a network system over which the system and method could be operated. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict perspective views of an embodiment of the present device. A substantially planar member  102  can have a first surface and a second surface, said first surface having a protrusion  104  attached thereto. Protrusion  104  can have an opening  106  for selectively receiving and securing a digital content drive  108 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . In some embodiments the digital content drive  108  can be fully removable. However, in alternate embodiments the digital content drive  108  can be only partially removable from the protrusion  104 . In some embodiments the digital content drive  108  can frictionally engage the interior walls of the protrusion. However, in alternate embodiments any know and/or convenient mechanism can be employed to selectively engage the digital content drive  108  within the protrusion  104 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , a protrusion  104  can have an interior female port  110  that can receive the male end  112  of a digital content drive  108  and/or any other desired USB or desired device. 
         [0026]    The substantially planar member  102  can be plastic, paper, cardboard, metal or any other known and/or convenient material for shipping through postal mail. The protrusion  104  can also be plastic, paper, cardboard, metal or any other known and/or convenient material. The exterior of a digital content drive  108  can be plastic, polymer or any other known/and or convenient material. In some embodiment the substantially planar member  102  can have any known and/or desired designs which can be indicative of use and/or can portray any desired image and/or contain any desired text. In still further alternate embodiment the substantially planar member can include an addressable region, a postage region and an identifier region. In some embodiments the addressable region can be comprised of a surface that can be easily marked using any known and/or convenient writing implement. In some embodiments the postage region can be comprised of a surface to which conventional postage can be adhered. In some embodiments the identifier region can include a bar code, stock keeping unit (SKU) number, pictures, logos, ISBN and/or any other desired information. 
         [0027]    In an alternate embodiment, the substantially planar member  102  can have a thickness at least a great as that of a digital content drive  108 . However in alternate embodiments, the planer member  102  can be thinner than and/or the same thickness as the digital content drive  108 . In some embodiments, the substantially planar member  102  can have an opening  106  on at least one side for receiving and securing a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0028]    In use, a digital content drive  108  can be inserted into the opening  106  of a protrusion  104  of the present device  100 . The male end  112  of the digital content drive  108  can be secured to an interior female port  110  of the protrusion  104 . In alternate embodiments the roles of male and female ports can be reversed and/or any alternate mating mechanism can be employed. When a digital content drive  108  is completely secured inside the present device  100 , the present device  100  can be sent through postal mail for secure transport of a digital content drive  108 . Additionally, a user can write on or affix a label to the first and/or second surface of the substantially planar member  102 . In some embodiments the digital content drive  108  can be pre-loaded with any desired data and/or program and/or can be sold with loadable software and/or sold containing a software key which can be used to activate software downloaded and/or otherwise obtained elsewhere. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments the protrusion  104  can have an opening  114  that can allow a portion of the digital content drive  108  to extend through a section of the protrusion  104  other than the section where the male and/or female ends of the digital content drive  108  are accessible. In some embodiments the opening  114  can allow a mechanically operated mechanism to be operated such that the engageable portion of the digital content drive  108  can be selectively extended from the protrusion  104 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 1C  depicts a group of alternate embodiments of the present device, including a magazine delivery system, a package mailing system, a name/ID tag system, a software delivery system and a movie delivery system. In alternate embodiments, the digital content delivery device can be included in any known and/or convenient packaging and/or delivery system. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of a magazine delivery system  200 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the delivery system  200  can be comprised of a package  202  that can include a graphic/text region  204 , a display connection element  206  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  204  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  204  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  204  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  204  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  204  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  202 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  204  may not be present. 
         [0033]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the device includes a display connection element  206 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the display connection element  206  is shown as an affixed element having a penetration such that the package  202  can be hung and/or displayed on a hanging form. However, in alternate embodiments the display connection element  206  can be permanently and/or removably coupled with the package  202  in any known and/or convenient manner and in any known and/or convenient location on the package  202 . In still further alternate embodiments, the display connection element  206  may be absent. 
         [0034]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a video delivery system  300 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the delivery system  300  can be comprised of a package  302  that can include a graphic/text region  304 , a display connection element  306  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  304  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  304  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  304  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  304  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  304  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  302 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  304  may not be present. In some embodiments, the graphic/text region  304  can include a transparent and/or semi-transparent sleeve  308  which would allow a user to selectively insert a card containing any desired graphic, image and/or text. 
         [0037]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the device includes a display connection element  306 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the display connection element  306  is shown as an affixed element having a penetration such that the package  302  can be hung and/or displayed on a hanging form. However, in alternate embodiments the display connection element  306  can be permanently and/or removably coupled with the package  302  in any known and/or convenient manner and in any known and/or convenient location on the package  302 . In still further alternate embodiments, the display connection element  306  may be absent. 
         [0038]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of an audio and/or textural book delivery system  400 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the delivery system  400  can be comprised of a package  402  that can include a graphic/text region  404 , a spine display element  406  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0040]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  404  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  404  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  404  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  404  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  404  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  402 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  404  may not be present. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the device includes a spine display element  406 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the spine display element  406  can be an affixed graphic/text region as described above, located on a separate face of the package  402 . In some embodiments, the spine display element  406  may be absent. In some embodiments the spine display element  406  can be coupled with the package  402  such that in a first position the spine display element  506  covers the connection port of the drive  108  when the drive  108  is in a retracted state and in a second position, the spine display element  406  leaves the connection port of the drive  108  exposed. 
         [0042]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a software delivery system  500 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the delivery system  500  can be comprised of a package  502  that can include a graphic/text region  504 , a spine display element  506  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  504  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  504  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  504  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  504  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  504  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  502 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  504  may not be present. 
         [0045]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the device includes a spine display element  506 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the spine display element  506  can be an affixed graphic/text region as described above, located on a separate face of the package  502 . In some embodiments, the spine display element  506  may be absent. In some embodiments the spine display element  506  can be coupled with the package  502  such that in a first position the spine display element  506  covers the connection port of the drive  108  when the drive  108  is in a retracted state and in a second position, the spine display element  506  leaves the connection port of the drive  108  exposed. Additionally in some embodiments, the package  502  can be opened and additional content can be added to the package  502 . 
         [0046]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0047]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the drive  108  associated with the package  108  is depicted as being associated with a tether  508 . In some embodiments, the tether can be coupled with a device capable of either activating and/or introducing digital content on/to the drive  108 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a nametag/ID system  600 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , the system  600  can be comprised of a package  602  that can include a graphic/text region  604 , one or more connection elements  606   608  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0049]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  604  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  604  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  604  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  604  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  604  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  602 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  604  may not be present. 
         [0050]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , the device includes connection elements  606   608 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , one connection element  606  is shown as an affixed element having a penetration such that the package  602  can be hung and/or displayed on a hanging element. Additionally, hanging element  608  is depicted as being selectively couplable with connection element  606 . However, in alternate embodiments one or both of the display connection elements  606   608  can be permanently and/or removably coupled with the package  602  in any known and/or convenient manner and in any known and/or convenient location on the package  602 . In still further alternate embodiments, the display one or more of the connection elements  606   608  may be absent. 
         [0051]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a card delivery system  700 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , the delivery system  700  can be comprised of a package  702  that can include a graphic/text region  704 , an internal message section  706  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0053]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  704  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  704  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  704  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  704  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  704  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  702 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  704  may not be present. 
         [0054]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , the device includes an internal message section  706 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , the internal message section  706  can be, as in a standard card, a writable area located between a front and back, foldable cover. That is, the package itself can be folded like a card to have a front and back and two interior surfaces. However, in alternate embodiments the internal message section  706  can be permanently and/or removably coupled with the interior and/or exterior of the package  702  in any known and/or convenient manner and in any known and/or convenient location on the package  702 . In still further alternate embodiments, the internal message section  706  may be absent. 
         [0055]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a brochure delivery system  800 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the delivery system  800  can be comprised of a package  802  that can include a graphic/text region  804 , an internal message section  806  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0057]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  804  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  804  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  804  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  804  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  804  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  802 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  804  may not be present. 
         [0058]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the device includes an internal message section  806 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the internal message section  806  can be, as in a standard brochure, written content located between a front and back, foldable cover. That is, the package itself can be folded in any known and/or convenient manner to have a front and back and any number of interior surfaces. However, in alternate embodiments the internal message section  806  can be permanently and/or removably coupled with the interior and/or exterior of the package  802  in any known and/or convenient manner and in any known and/or convenient location on the package  802 . In still further alternate embodiments, the internal message section  806  may be absent. 
         [0059]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0060]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of a catalog delivery system  900 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the delivery system  900  can be comprised of a package  902  that can include a graphic/text region  904 , an internal message section  906  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0061]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  904  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  904  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  904  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  904  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  904  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  902 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  904  may not be present. 
         [0062]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the device includes an internal message section  906 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the internal message section  906  can be, as in a standard brochure, written content located between a front and back, foldable cover. That is, the package itself can be folded in any known and/or convenient manner to have a front and back and any number of interior surfaces. However, in alternate embodiments the internal message section  906  can be permanently and/or removably coupled with the interior and/or exterior of the package  902  in any known and/or convenient manner and in any known and/or convenient location on the package  902 . In still further alternate embodiments, the internal message section  906  may be absent. 
         [0063]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of an advertisement delivery system  1000 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , the delivery system  1000  can be comprised of a package  1002  that can include a graphic/text region  1004 , an internal message section  1006  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0065]    In some embodiments the graphic/text region  1004  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  1004  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display static and/or changing text and graphics depending on the contents of the drive  108 . In alternate embodiments, the graphic/text region  1004  can be static graphics and/or text based that merely identifies the general content of the drive  108 . In still further alternate embodiments, the contents of the graphic/text region  1004  can be controlled by an independent source and/or can be blank. In still further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  1004  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  1002 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  1004  may not be present. 
         [0066]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , the device includes an internal message section  1006 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , the internal message section  1006  can be, as in a standard brochure, written content located between a front and back, foldable cover. That is, the package itself can be folded in any known and/or convenient manner to have a front and back and any number of interior surfaces. However, in alternate embodiments the internal message section  1006  can be permanently and/or removably coupled with the interior and/or exterior of the package  1002  in any known and/or convenient manner and in any known and/or convenient location on the package  1002 . In still further alternate embodiments, the internal message section  1006  may be absent. 
         [0067]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0068]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict an embodiment of a mailing package  1100 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the delivery system  1100  can be comprised of a package  1002  that can include a graphic/text region  1004 , a postage region  1006  and a digital content drive  108 . 
         [0069]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the graphic/text region  1104  can be adapted to be a writable region, such that a user can write a delivery and/or a return address within the region. In some embodiments the graphic/text region  1104  can be a display that can be associated with the digital content stored on the drive  108 . Moreover, in some embodiment, the graphic/text region  1104  can access portions of the data stored on the drive  108  and display delivery and/or return address information. In further alternate embodiments, the graphics/text region  1104  can be merely a region adapted to selectively receive an adhesive sticker containing identifying information that may be selectively and/or permanently adhered to the package  1102 . In still further alternate embodiments, the region  1104  may not be present. 
         [0070]    In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the package  1102  can include a postage region  1106 . The postage region can be adapted to be bondable with standard postage. In alternate embodiments, the region may not be present. 
         [0071]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , the digital content drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any known and/or convenient manner and have any desired features as described in with reference to  FIGS. 1-1C . In some embodiments, the drive  108  can be coupled with the package in any one or more of the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-1C . 
         [0072]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the package can include a slidable cover  1108 . In a first position, the slidable cover can allow the engagement portion of the digital content drive  108  to pass through the exterior surface of the package  1102  and in a second position, it can cover the engagement portion of the digital content drive  108 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 12  depicts an in-store system that can utilize one or more of the packages  202 - 1102  described above. In some embodiments, a consumer  1202  can select an identifier  1204  for a digital product from a shelf and/or from a catalog and/or from any other physical location within a store and/or can retrieve and print and/or generate the identifier from any other source. The consumer  1202  can then take the identifier  1204  to any cashier and/or automated cash register device and pay for the desired content. After payment for the content has occurred and/or during the payment process and/or prior to the payment process, a package (as described in detail above)  1208  can be obtained and coupled either via physical tether or wirelessly and/or via any other known and/or convenient connection mechanism and the consumer-desired digital content can be activated and/or transferred to the digital content drive  108  on the package. Simultaneously with the transfer/activation, prior to the transfer/activation and/or after the transfer/activation, the transfer/activation can be logged. The log can be used to invoice, bill and or record transfers/activations of the digital content and such information can be used to charge the store for the product. The charge can be instantaneous and/or can occur at any time prior or subsequent to the activation/transfer. 
         [0074]    The identifier  1204  and/or any other desired physical materials can then be placed in and/or on the package  1208 . The consumer/user  1208  can then use the digital content on any desired device  1210  and, if necessary, receive sensory output of the content on an output device  1212 . In some embodiments, the content can be audio/visual content and/or software capable of running on a computing system. However, in alternate embodiments the digital content can be any digital content. 
         [0075]    It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, that the system described in  FIG. 12  can be implemented in various forms and or using various additional steps and/or can be implemented using fewer steps. 
         [0076]      FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of a method of digital content distribution comprising the steps of product selection  1302 , purchase  1304 , package selection  1306 , coupling  1308 , delivery/recordation  1310   1312 , transfer/activation  1314 , assembly  1316  and delivery to consumer  1318 . 
         [0077]    In step  1302 , a user/consumer selects a desired digital content product  1302 . In some embodiments, this can happen within a physical store and/or can happen in a virtual/online store via the internet. 
         [0078]    Then in step  1304 , a user/consumer purchases the desired digital content product  1304 . In some embodiments, this can happen in a physical store with the consumer present and/or it can happen in a virtual/online store via the internet. 
         [0079]    In step  1306 , the retailer selects appropriate packaging for the desired digital content product and retrieves any desired additional contents and/or literature that may be packaged with the desired digital content product. 
         [0080]    In step  1308 , the retailer couples the packaging with a digital content delivery system. In some embodiments the couple can be a physical connection however, in alternate embodiments it can be a wireless couple and/or the couple can occur in any known and/or convenient manner which would allow the transfer of a signal between the system and the package. 
         [0081]    In step  1310 , transfer/activation of the product is authorized. In some embodiments, the authorization can occur via the internet at the time the content is transferred. However, in alternate embodiments authorization can be obtained prior to the transfer/activation. 
         [0082]    In step  1312 , the retailer records the authorization and can either accrue an invoice to the wholesale supplier and/or can immediately pay the wholesale supplier for the digital content product. 
         [0083]    Simultaneously, prior and/or subsequently to the authorization and/or recordation, the system can write/activate the digital content product to the digital content drive  108  located within/on the package. 
         [0084]    In steps  1316  and  1318 , the components of the package are assembled and delivered to the consumer/user. 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, the digital content drive can be configured such that the data stored on the digital content drive can only be access for a fixed period of time and/or a maximum number of times. Moreover, any desired security features can be implemented within the digital content to prohibit/restrict unauthorized use. By way of non-limiting example, the digital content could be encoded such that a maximum of 3 installations of a software package would be permitted. In an alternate, non-limiting example, in some embodiments the digital content of a movie could be configured to run for a maximum of 24 hours after the data is initially accessed. 
         [0086]    To those of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that any known and/or convenient digital rights management method/mechanism can be employed due to the read/write capabilities of the digital content drive  108 . 
         [0087]    In some embodiments, the system can be automated. In alternate embodiments, the package  1208  can be pre-customized based on specific content and/or can contain any desired documents and/or items. 
         [0088]    While depicted as using USB connections in some figures, it will be readily evident to any person of ordinary skill in the art that the USB connection and/or device can be substituted with any known and/or convenient non-volatile memory/storage device. 
         [0089]    The execution of the sequences of instructions required to practice the embodiments may be performed by a computer system  1400  as shown in  FIG. 14 . In an embodiment, execution of the sequences of instructions is performed by a single computer system  1400 . According to other embodiments, two or more computer systems  1400  coupled by a communication link  1415  may perform the sequence of instructions in coordination with one another. Although a description of only one computer system  1400  will be presented below, however, it should be understood that any number of computer systems  1400  may be employed to practice the embodiments. 
         [0090]    A computer system  1400  which may be implemented according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to  FIG. 14 , which is a block diagram of the functional components of a computer system  1400 . As used herein, the term computer system  1400  is broadly used to describe any computing device that can store and independently run one or more programs. 
         [0091]    Each computer system  1400  may include a communication interface  1414  coupled to the bus  1406 . The communication interface  1414  provides two-way communication between computer systems  1400 . The communication interface  1414  of a respective computer system  1400  transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, that include data streams representing various types of signal information, e.g., instructions, messages and data. A communication link  1415  links one computer system  1400  with another computer system  1400 . For example, the communication link  1415  may be a LAN, in which case the communication interface  1414  may be a LAN card, or the communication link  1415  may be a PSTN, in which case the communication interface  1414  may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem, or the communication link  1415  may be the Internet, in which case the communication interface  1414  may be a dial-up, cable or wireless modem. 
         [0092]    A computer system  1400  may transmit and receive messages, data, and instructions, including program, i.e., application, code, through its respective communication link  1415  and communication interface  1414 . Received program code may be executed by the respective processor(s)  1407  as it is received, and/or stored in the storage device  1410 , or other associated non-volatile media, for later execution. 
         [0093]    In an embodiment, the computer system  1400  operates in conjunction with a data storage system  1431 , e.g., a data storage system  1431  that contains a database  1432  that is readily accessible by the computer system  1400 . The computer system  1400  communicates with the data storage system  1431  through a data interface  1433 . A data interface  1433 , which is coupled to the bus  1406 , transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, that include data streams representing various types of signal information, e.g., instructions, messages and data. In embodiments, the functions of the data interface  1433  may be performed by the communication interface  1414 . 
         [0094]    Computer system  1400  includes a bus  1406  or other communication mechanism for communicating instructions, messages and data, collectively, information, and one or more processors  1407  coupled with the bus  1406  for processing information. Computer system  1400  also includes a main memory  1408 , such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus  1406  for storing dynamic data and instructions to be executed by the processor(s)  1407 . The main memory  1408  also may be used for storing temporary data, i.e., variables, or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor(s)  1407 . 
         [0095]    The computer system  1400  may further include a read only memory (ROM)  1409  or other static storage device coupled to the bus  1406  for storing static data and instructions for the processor(s)  1407 . A storage device  1410 , such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, may also be provided and coupled to the bus  1406  for storing data and instructions for the processor(s)  1407 . 
         [0096]    A computer system  1400  may be coupled via the bus  1406  to a display device  1411 , such as, but not limited to, a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a user. An input device  1412 , e.g., alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus  1406  for communicating information and command selections to the processor(s)  1407 . 
         [0097]    According to one embodiment, an individual computer system  1400  performs specific operations by their respective processor(s)  1407  executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory  1408 . Such instructions may be read into the main memory  1408  from another computer-usable medium, such as the ROM  1409  or the storage device  1410 . Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory  1408  causes the processor(s)  1407  to perform the processes described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and/or software. 
         [0098]    The term “computer-usable medium,” as used herein, refers to any medium that provides information or is usable by the processor(s)  1407 . Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile, volatile and transmission media. Non-volatile media, i.e., media that can retain information in the absence of power, includes the ROM  1409 , CD ROM, magnetic tape, and magnetic discs. Volatile media, i.e., media that cannot retain information in the absence of power, includes the main memory  1408 . Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus  1406 . Transmission media can also take the form of carrier waves; i.e., electromagnetic waves that can be modulated, as in frequency, amplitude or phase, to transmit information signals. Additionally, transmission media can take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications. 
         [0099]    In the foregoing specification, the embodiments have been described with reference to specific elements thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. For example, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering and combination of process actions shown in the process flow diagrams described herein is merely illustrative, and that using different or additional process actions, or a different combination or ordering of process actions can be used to enact the embodiments. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. 
         [0100]    It should also be noted that the present invention may be implemented in a variety of computer systems. The various techniques described herein may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. Preferably, the techniques are implemented in computer programs executing on programmable computers that each include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. Program code is applied to data entered using the input device to perform the functions described above and to generate output information. The output information is applied to one or more output devices. Each program is preferably implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program is preferably stored on a storage medium or device (e.g., ROM or magnetic disk) that is readable by a general or special purpose programmable computer for configuring and operating the computer when the storage medium or device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described above. The system may also be considered to be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium, configured with a computer program, where the storage medium so configured causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner. Further, the storage elements of the exemplary computing applications may be relational or sequential (flat file) type computing databases that are capable of storing data in various combinations and configurations. 
         [0101]    Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, these and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

Technology Category: 3