PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7657459-B2
Application Number: US-37034706-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Techniques for acquiring a media season of digital media assets

Abstract:
Techniques to facilitate acquiring a media season, or a related series, of digital media assets from an on-line media store are disclosed. A user can view various media seasons that have been listed as available for purchase from the on-line media store. A user can choose to purchase a particular media season, either before or during the season. Subsequent to the purchase of the particular media season, digital media assets of the particular media season can be delivered to the user once the digital media assets become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery can be automatically processed.

Claims:
1. A method for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, said method comprising:
 causing related series information pertaining to a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the on-line media store to be presented on a display of a client device, at least a plurality of the related series having a plurality of episodes associated thereto; 
 receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased; 
 initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and 
 permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets from the on-line media store to the client device. 
 
     
     
       2. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the selected one of the related series of digital media assets includes a plurality of episodes of a show. 
     
     
       3. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the selected one of the related series of digital media assets pertains to a show. 
     
     
       4. The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the selected one of the related series of digital media assets consists of a predetermined number of consecutive episodes of the show. 
     
     
       5. The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the selected one of the related series of digital media assets includes those episodes of the show corresponding to a particular media season. 
     
     
       6. The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the show is a television show. 
     
     
       7. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the selected one of the related series of digital media assets includes episodes containing audiovisual content pertaining to a show. 
     
     
       8. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the selected one of the related series of digital media assets includes episodes containing audiovisual content regarding highlights of one or more events, shows, or programs. 
     
     
       9. The method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the highlights correspond to a particular media season. 
     
     
       10. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at the time the purchase is initiated, none or only a portion of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets are available. 
     
     
       11. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein when the related series of digital media assets are available on the on-line music store, the number of digital media assets to be included in the related series of digital media assets is known or estimated. 
     
     
       12. The method as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein as one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets become available, the one or more other of the digital media assets are made available to or provided to the client device. 
 
     
     
       13. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the delivery involves downloading to the client device. 
     
     
       14. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at the time of purchase only a portion of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets are available. 
     
     
       15. The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein at the time of purchase, the cost applied to a user account is a pro-rata amount of a total series cost. 
     
     
       16. The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the pro-rata amount of the total series cost is determined dependent on (i) the number of digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets that are available at the time of purchase and (ii) the total number of digital media assets expected in the related series of digital media assets. 
     
     
       17. The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein, as other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets subsequently are made available, an additional portion of the total series cost is applied to the user account. 
     
     
       18. The method as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets is at a total series cost, and 
 wherein the total series cost is less than the sum of the individual costs of all the digital media assets, including available and expected, within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       19. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 determining whether one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available; and 
 sending an electronic notification to the client device or its user that the one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available. 
 
     
     
       20. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 subsequently receiving a request to cancel the purchase of a remaining portion of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       21. The method as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said method further comprises:
 processing at least a partial refund for the related series of digital media assets so long as not all of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have not been made available or delivered. 
 
     
     
       22. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the digital media assets include audiovisual content. 
     
     
       23. The method as recited in  claim 22 , wherein the audiovisual content is a video or movie. 
     
     
       24. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the purchase is performed by an electronic payment. 
     
     
       25. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 processing at least a partial electronic payment for the purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets after completion of delivery of one or more of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       26. A computer readable medium including at least computer program code for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, said computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code for presenting related series information pertaining to a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the online media store, at least a plurality of the related series having a plurality of episodes associated thereto; 
 computer program code for receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased; 
 computer program code for initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and 
 computer program code for permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets. 
 
     
     
       27. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the selected one of the related series of digital media assets includes episodes containing audiovisual content regarding highlights of one or more events, shows, or programs. 
     
     
       28. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 27 , wherein said computer readable medium further comprises:
 computer program code for determining whether one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available; and 
 computer program code for sending an electronic notification to the client device or its user that the one or more other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets have subsequently been made available. 
 
     
     
       29. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 28 ,
 wherein at the time of purchase only a portion of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets are available, 
 wherein at the time of purchase, the cost applied to a user account is a pro-rata amount of a total series cost, the pro-rata amount of the total series cost being determined dependent on (i) the number of digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets that are available at the time of purchase and (ii) the total number of digital media assets expected in the related series of digital media assets, and 
 wherein, as other of the digital media assets within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets subsequently are made available, an additional portion of the total series cost is applied to the user account. 
 
     
     
       30. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 29 , wherein the total series cost is less than the sum of the individual costs of all the digital media assets, including available and expected, within the selected one of the related series of digital media assets. 
     
     
       31. A media server, comprising:
 at least one data storage device, said data storage device storing (i) season product information that contains characteristics on a plurality of related series, (ii) related series information, the related series, information relates a plurality of episodes to each of the plurality of related series, and (iii) the plurality of episodes or pointers thereto; and 
 a data processing unit operatively connected to said at least one data storage device, said data processing unit performing a purchase process to enable users to select one or more of the related series for purchase, said data processing unit further performing a fulfillment process to deliver, to the user that has purchased such, the episodes for the purchased one of more of the related series as they become available. 
 
     
     
       32. The media system as recited in  claim 31 , wherein said media server further comprises:
 an import engine for receiving episodes from media content providers, the episodes include media content and descriptive information, 
 wherein using the descriptive information, each of the received episodes can be automatically added to the data storage device in a manner so as to correspond to the appropriate related series.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/247,948, filed Oct. 10, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/212,314, filed Aug. 24, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/675,731, filed Apr. 27, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/675,731, filed Apr. 27, 2005, and entitled “ON-LINE MEDIA STORE THAT SUPPORTS PRE-ORDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application is also related to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,267, filed Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/687,534, filed Oct. 15, 2003, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUBMITTING MEDIA FOR NETWORK-BASED PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to digital media assets and, more particularly, to network-based purchase of sets of digital media assets. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Television shows are recorded and then scheduled for broadcast to viewers over cable or airwaves. Often the television shows are daily or weekly programs. As such, in a given season of television shows, many shows will provide a number of different episodes that are broadcast over the course of the season. Users can receive and view the shows at the specific times of their broadcast. However, after the episodes have been broadcasted, the episodes are not readily available, unless a user has recorded the broadcast onto a tape (e.g., VHS tape), DVD or data storage drive (e.g., TIVO). Occasionally, a previously broadcasted episode of a show will be re-broadcast (known as a “re-run”). After a season is over, a media company owning rights in a television show may package the various episodes of a show onto a DVD and offer the DVD for sale at retail stores. For example, an entire season of episodes of a particular television show can be provided on a DVD and sold. 
     Recently, videos have become available for download from media servers located on the Internet. Unfortunately, when a video pertains to a show that has a season of episodes, the user has to access, locate and download each of the episodes for the show. This is time consuming and burdensome on the user, particularly since the episodes are released over the course of the season. Thus, there is a need for improved approaches to acquiring a season of shows from an on-line media source. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to acquiring a media season, or a related series, of digital media assets. The digital media assets are electronically delivered, such as from an on-line media store. A user can view various media seasons that have been listed as available for purchase from the on-line media store. A user can choose to purchase a particular media season, either before or during the season. Subsequent to the purchase of the particular media season, digital media assets of the particular media season can be delivered to the user once the digital media assets become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery can be automatically processed. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a season, or related series, of digital media assets can be purchased as a set. Often, the set can be purchased at a lower price than would be charged if the digital media assets were individually purchased. Typically, none or some but not all of the digital media assets of the set are available at the time of purchase. Consequently, as the digital media assets become available, they are associated with the set and can be delivered to the user. 
     In one embodiment, the digital media assets of a particular media season, or related season, are episodes of a show, such as a television show or event. The episodes, in one example, are audiovisual media content, such as video content. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface), or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: presenting a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the on-line media store; receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased; initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets. 
     As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code for acquiring a related series of digital media assets from an on-line media store, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: computer program code for presenting a plurality of related series of digital media assets that are available for purchase on the on-line media store; computer program code for receiving a selection of one of the related series of digital media assets to be purchased; computer program code for initiating purchase of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets; and computer program code for permitting delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected one of the related series of digital media assets. 
     As a media server, one embodiment includes at least one data storage device and a data processing unit. The at least one data storage device stores (i) season product information that contains characteristics on a plurality of related series, (ii) related series information, the related series object relates a plurality of episodes to each of the plurality of related series, and (iii) the plurality of episodes or pointers thereto. The data processing unit performs a purchase process to enable users to select one or more of the related series for purchase, and a fulfillment process to deliver, to the user that has purchased such, the episodes for the purchased one of more of the related series as they become available. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a media purchase system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a diagram of a media season management system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a media series acquisition process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a flow diagram of a season purchase request process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a flow diagram of a season purchase process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a diagram of a representative media season window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a representative season purchase confirmation window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of an episode notification process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of an episode delivery process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a season cancellation process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a representative season status window according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exemplary computer system suitable for use with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to acquiring a media season, or a related series, of digital media assets. The digital media assets are electronically delivered, such as from an on-line media store. A user can view various media seasons that have been listed as available for purchase from the on-line media store. A user can choose to purchase a particular media season, either before or during the season. Subsequent to the purchase of the particular media season, digital media assets of the particular media season can be delivered to the user once the digital media assets become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery can be automatically processed. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a season, or related series, of digital media assets can be purchased as a set. Often, the set can be purchased at a lower price than would be charged if the digital media assets were individually purchased. Typically, none or some but not all of the digital media assets of the set are available at the time of purchase. Consequently, as the digital media assets become available, they are associated with the set and can be delivered to the user. 
     In one embodiment, the digital media assets of a particular media season, or related season, are episodes of a show, such as a television show or event. The episodes, in one example, are audiovisual media content, such as video content. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
     The invention pertains to a system and method for acquiring a season of digital media assets over a network. A potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous seasons of digital media assets that are available for purchase. A potential purchaser can purchase a season of digital media assets, including numerous episodes, with a single transaction. Upon purchasing a season, as the digital media assets become available, they are made available to the purchaser. A season of digital media assets can correspond to a show or event. The digital media assets can also be referred to as episodes. Regardless, the digital media assets can pertain to audiovisual content, such as videos or movies. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a media purchase system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media purchase system  100  includes a media store server  102  that hosts an on-line media store. The media store server  102  can off-load commerce transactions and/or delivery of purchased digital media assets to other servers, if desired. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the media purchase system  100  includes one or more client devices  104  for use by end users. The client devices  104  couple to a data network  106 . Additionally, the media store server  102  also couples to the data network  106 . In one implementation, the data network  106  can refer to one or more data networks, typically, high data-bandwidth networks, namely, wired networks, such as the Internet, Ethernet, gigabit Ethernet, and fiber optic, as well as wireless networks such as IEEE 802.11(a), (b) or (g) (WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMax), and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB). 
     A computer program  108 , typically a media management application (MMA) or other media player application, runs on the client device  104 . One example of a media management application is the iTunes® application, produced by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The client devices  104  are, in general, computing devices. As an example, the client devices  104  can be specific or general-purpose personal computers or portable media players. One example of a portable media player suitable for use with the invention is the iPod® media player, also produced by Apple Computer, Inc. The computer program  108  can be used by a consumer for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to: (i) browsing and/or purchasing media assets (including seasons of media assets) from the on-line media store provided by the media store server  102 , (ii) creating and sharing media asset groups (e.g., playlists), (iii) organizing media assets, (iv) presenting/playing media assets, and (v) transferring media assets between client devices  104 . 
     The media purchase system  100  can also include a digital asset manager  114 . The digital asset manager  114  is coupled to a media assets database  116 . The media assets database  116  stores media asset information including metadata relating to digital media assets available for purchase at the on-line media store. In one embodiment, the digital asset manager  114  can control what media assets and media asset information are available on the on-line media store. The metadata can pertain to individual media assets (digital media assets) or media asset groups (digital media asset groups). One type of group of digital media assets is a season or a series of media assets. Media assets can include, but are not limited to, video, music, text, and/or graphics files. 
     The media store server  102  enables the user of a particular client device  104  to purchase a set (e.g., season or series) of media assets (e.g., videos or songs) through on-line transactions. On-line transactions to purchase media items are also referred to as electronic commerce (e-commerce). Subsequently, the client device  104  can download the purchased media assets from the media store server  102 , or some other server, via the data network  106 . As will be understood by those familiar with data networks, other network configurations are possible. Furthermore, while the media store server  102  and the digital asset manager  114  are shown as individual and separate devices, it will be understood by those familiar with the art that other configurations are possible. As one example, each device can be implemented such that it is distributed over multiple server computers. As another example, these various servers and/or managers can be implemented by a single physical server computer. 
       FIG. 2A  is a diagram of a media season management system  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media season management system  200  can be provided by the media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1  or some other server associated therewith. 
     The media season management system  200  includes season product characteristics  202  for a plurality of media seasons. The season product characteristics  202  describe attributes of the media seasons which are made available and managed by the media season management system  200 . For example, the attributes of a media season can include title, price, type, start and end dates, number of expected episodes, countries of distribution, etc. Each of the seasons has a related series of episodes associated therewith. For example, a particular media season has an associated related series  204 . The related series  204  pertains to a group of episodes  206  that are associated with the particular media season. For example, the media season can pertain to a television show, and thus the related series  204  includes a plurality of episodes that pertain to the television show in the given media season. As another example, the media season can pertain to an event, such as a sporting event, and thus the related series  204  includes a plurality of episodes that pertain to the event in the given media season. Typically, the episodes of a series or media season are developed over the length of the season. For example, some related series have new episodes weekly, others have new episodes daily, etc. As these new episodes become available from content providers, the new episodes can be imported into the media season management system  200  by an import process  208 . The import process  208  is automated such that the electronic delivery of new episodes can be automatically placed in the appropriate related series  204  as additional episodes  206  pertaining to a particular media season. To assist with the automatic import process  208 , the new episodes contain metadata that describes certain characteristics of the new episodes. For example, the metadata can indicate the season or related series (i.e., title) and episode number for the new episode. 
     The media season management system  200  also maintains recorded users  210 . The recorded users are those users that are recorded as having access to a season product. Typically, a user will become a recorded user when the user purchases access to a particular media season. The recorded users  210  are thus associated with the particular media season that they have permission to access. The recorded users  210  can also indicate one or more preferences they have regarding fulfillment of their access to the media seasons. 
     The media season management system  200  also includes a fulfillment process  212 . The fulfillment process  212  operates to recognize the presence of new episodes  206  and then determines if there are any recorded users  210  that are to be notified about the presence of a new episode regarding a particular media season that they have permission to access. When the fulfillment process  212  determines that a particular user is to be provided with a new episode  206 , then the fulfillment process  212  can provide the new episode  206  to a user queue  214  associated with the particular user. 
     The media season management system  200  also includes a delivery manager  216 . The delivery manager  216  operates to assist with the delivery of the new episodes from the user queues  214  to the corresponding client devices. For example, the delivery manager  216  can electronically deliver (e.g., download) the new episodes from the appropriate user queue  214  to the corresponding client device when requested by a user or automatically upon accessing an on-line media store that incorporates or couples to the media season management system  200 . In addition, in one embodiment, the fulfillment process  212  could initiate or provide an email notification to the particular user that the new episode is now available to be acquired (e.g., downloaded) by the particular user. 
       FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a media series acquisition process  250  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media series acquisition process  250  can be associated with a media store server that provides or supports an on-line media store. For example, the media series acquisition process  250  can be associated with the media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The media series acquisition process  250  initially presents  252  a plurality of related series of digital media assets available from an on-line media store. The related series of digital media assets can pertain to a media season, such as a media season for a particular show or event. For example, the media season can pertain to the 2005 media season for the television show “24”. As another example, the media season can pertain to the 2005 National Football League (NFL) season, namely, all games, highlights, or commentary. The presenting  252  of the plurality of related series is typically presented on a display device of a client device associated with a user. The user typically interacts with the client device so as to browse, search or otherwise navigate an on-line media store to review different available related series. At some point, the user can opt to purchase one of the plurality of related series that are being presented  252 . Hence, a decision  254  determines whether a selected series is to be purchased. When the decision  254  determines that a selected series is not to be purchased, the media series acquisition process  250  can return to repeat the block  252  so that the user can continue to review the available related series. On the other hand, when the decision  254  determines that a related series is to be purchased, purchase of the selected series of digital media assets is initiated  256 . The processing of the purchase can be performed immediately or can be deferred or can be partially performed. In one embodiment, the purchase price for the selected series of digital media assets is not completely charged or otherwise imposed on the purchaser at the time of initial purchase. Instead, the purchase price can be prorated over the episodes associated with the selected series. In any case, after the purchase of the selected series of digital media assets has been at least initiated  256 , delivery of available ones of the digital media assets of the selected series can be permitted  258 . When the delivery of the available ones of the digital media assets is permitted  258 , the purchaser (user) is able to gain access to the available digital media assets. For example, the available digital media assets might immediately be downloaded to the client device associated with the purchaser, or the available digital media assets can be downloaded at a later point in time when more convenient for the purchaser. Following the block  258 , the media series acquisition process  250  ends. 
       FIG. 3A  is a flow diagram of a season purchase request process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The season purchase request process  300  begins with access  302  to an on-line media store. Typically, a user will access  302  the on-line media store via a data network, such as the Internet. Once the user has accessed  302  the on-line media store, the user can interact  304  with the on-line media store. The interaction  304  with the on-line media store can, for example, involve searching, browsing, displaying, previewing, purchasing, and/or organizing digital media assets. Although the season purchase request process  300  is primarily provided by a server, such as the media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the access  302  and the interaction  304  can be facilitated by a media management application operating on a client device, such as the client device  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     Next, a decision  306  determines whether a season purchase request has been received. When the decision  306  determines that a season purchase request has not been received, a decision  308  determines whether the season purchase request process  300  should be exited. When the decision  308  determines that the season purchase request process  300  should not be exited, then the season purchase request process  300  returns to repeat the operation  304  and subsequent operations. Alternatively, when the decision  306  determines that the season purchase request process  300  should exit, then the season purchase request process  300  ends. In one embodiment, when media store content for a season is displayed by the on-line media store, a “season purchase” control (e.g., button) can be presented to the user. By selection of the “season purchase” control, the user can initiate a season purchase request. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  306  determines that a season purchase request has been received, then a decision  310  determines whether the user is logged-in to the on-line media store. When the decision  310  determines that the user is not currently logged-in to the on-line media store, a user login is requested  312 . A decision  314  then determines whether the login has been successful. As an example, the user will submit login information, such as a user name and/or password, which is evaluated to determine whether the user is permitted to login. When the decision  314  determines that login was not successful, the season purchase request is denied  316 . Alternatively, when the decision  310  determines that the user is already logged-in, or when the decision  314  determines that the user has just successfully logged-in, the season purchase for a particular season of digital media assets is processed  318  for the registered user. For example, the season purchase can be purchased such that it is associated with the registered user (e.g., associated with the user account for the registered user) so that the registered user is able to acquire the various digital media assets within the particular season that has been purchased. Following the operation  316  or  318 , the season purchase request process  300  returns to repeat the operation  304  and subsequent operations so that additional interaction  304  with the on-line media store is permitted, including making additional season purchase requests if so desired. 
       FIG. 3B  is a flow diagram of a season purchase process  340  according to one embodiment of the invention. The season purchase process  340  is, for example, processing suitable for being performed by the block  318  of the season purchase request process  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A . 
     The season purchase process  340  begins with a decision  342 . The decision  342  determines whether the purchaser (user) has confirmed purchase of the particular season being purchased. The season can also be referred to as a media season. When the decision  342  determines that the user has not confirmed purchase of the media season, then the season purchase process  340  returns back to the block  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3A , thereby undoing the previous season purchase request. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  342  determines that the user has confirmed purchase of the particular season, the season purchase for the registered user is recorded  344 . For example, the season purchase can be recorded  344  in the recorded users  210  of the media season management system  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
     After the season purchase for the registered user has been recorded  344 , a decision  346  determines whether there are existing episodes for the media season that has been purchased. When the decision  346  determines that there are existing episodes, then the existing episodes are rendered  348  available for download. This permits the registered user to acquire the existing episodes at or soon after the time of purchase of the media season. Payment for the media season is also processed  350 . Typically, the payment is processed such that only a portion of the total cost of the media season is initially imposed or charged to the registered user. In other words, the total cost for the media season can be pro-rated with respect to the percentage of existing episodes that are initially available as compared to the total number of episodes expected to be provided during the media season. Following the block  350 , the season purchase process  340  ends and processing can return to block  304  of the season purchase request process  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A  so that the user can continue to interact with the on-line media store for various operations, including again purchasing a media season. 
     Although the season purchase process  340  permits the registered user to acquire the existing episodes at or soon after the time of purchase of the media season, in some embodiments there are no prior episodes to be delivered. For example, if the media season has not yet started, there are no episodes. 
     A media season can include all episodes of a show or event corresponding to a particular media season. A media season can consist of a predetermined number of consecutive episodes of a show or event. For example, the media season being purchased can be defined as forward looking, meaning that only a current episode and future episodes are contained in the media season for the registered user. Consequently, different registered users can get a different set of episodes depending on when they purchase the media season. A media season can include episodes containing audiovisual content regarding highlights of one or more events, shows, or programs. For example, the media season can be audiovisual highlights for a particular sporting event. 
       FIG. 3C  is a diagram of a representative media season window  360  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media season window  360  is typically presented on a display device associated with a client device when the client device is interacting with the on-line media store via a Media Management Application (MMA). More particularly, when the user is interacting with the on-line media store to view information pertaining to a media season (or season pass) that is available for purchase on the on-line media store. The media season window  360  includes a source portion  362  and a media season portion  364 . The source portion  362  indicates the source for the information being presented in the media season portion  364 . In this example, the source portion  362  indicates that a “Media Store” has been selected, such that the information being presented in the media season portion  364  is information provided by an on-line media store. In this case, the information corresponds to one of a plurality of media seasons that are available for purchase from the on-line media store. The media season portion  364  includes a media season information portion  366  and an episode listing area  368 . The media season information portion  366  includes information pertaining to the media season, which in this implementation is referred to as a show. Hence, the media season information portion  366  includes a show title  370 , a release date  371 , total number of episodes  372  for the show, total cost  373  for the media season, and a “Buy Season” button  374 . Upon selecting the “Buy Season” button  374 , the user requests to purchase the particular media season. The media season information area  366  can also display a show graphic  375  and a show description  376  for the media season. The show graphic  375 , for example, is a still graphic, animated graphics or video associated with the media season. The show description  376  details the specifics of the media season (e.g., show) being purchased, including how many episodes are to be provided. 
     The episode listing area  368  illustrates those of the episodes that are currently available for the associated media season being described in the media season information area  366 . In this example, the episode listing area  368  indicates the presence of two episodes, namely, “Episode 1” and “Episode 2.” For each of the available episodes listed in the episode listing area, the name, time (duration), show and description for such episodes can be displayed in the episode listing area  368 . 
       FIG. 3D  is a representative season purchase confirmation window  380  according to one embodiment of the invention. The season purchase confirmation window  380  can be presented to a user after the user has initially requested to buy a particular media season. For example, the user can select the buy season button  374  illustrated in  FIG. 3C , and then be presented with the season purchase confirmation window  380 . 
     The season purchase confirmation window  380  includes a media source portion  382  and a media season portion  384 . The media source portion  382  indicates that a “Media Store” source has been selected, such that the media season portion  384  is displaying information provided by an on-line media store. The media season portion  384  includes a confirmation area  386  and an episode listing area  388 . The episode listing area  388  is similar to the episode listing area  368  illustrated in  FIG. 3C . The confirmation area  386  provides information to the user so that the user can confirm purchase of the media season. Here, in this implementation, the media season pertains to a show. The confirmation information area  368  includes a show description  390 , a show graphic  392 , and a show price  394 . In addition, an email reminder regarding new episodes can be enabled or disabled as desired by the user through use of a user interface control (e.g., check-box)  396 . Further, the media confirmation area  386  includes a “Cancel” button  398  and a “Buy” button  399 . In the event that the user elects to not confirm the media season purchase, the user selects the “Cancel” button  398 . On the other hand, if the user desires to confirm the purchase of the media season, the user selects the “Buy” button  399 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of an episode notification process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The episode notification process  400  begins with a decision  402 . The decision  402  determines whether any episodes are newly available. Here, the decision  402  determines whether any episodes have recently been made available on the on-line media store such that they can now be delivered to requesting users. Typically, the episodes are associated with shows (e.g., television shows) or events (e.g., sporting events) that have been broadcast. Soon after a show is broadcast, the digital media content can be made available to the on-line media store so that the episode can be made available to those users that have purchased the corresponding media season. 
     When the decision  402  determines that there are episodes that are newly available, the episode notification process  400  performs processing operations for each of the episodes that are now newly available. In particular, a first newly available episode is selected  404 . Next, an availability notification message is prepared  406 . The availability notification message is then sent  408  to the appropriate users that have purchased the media season for which the episode pertains. As an example, the availability notification message can be implemented as an electronic mail (email) message. However, as noted in  FIG. 3D , the purchaser can enable or disable receiving of notification messages (e.g., using a user interface control  396 ). 
     Following the operation  408 , the episode notification process  400  determines at decision  410  whether more episodes are to be processed. In other words, when the decision  410  determines that there are other newly available episodes to be processed, the episode notification process  400  returns to repeat the operation  404  so that a next newly available episode can be similarly processed. Alternatively, when the decision  410  determines that there are no more other newly available episodes to be processed, the episode notification process  400  is complete and ends. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of an episode delivery process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The episode delivery process  500  concerns the eventual purchase and delivery of episodes of a media season to requesting users that have previously purchased the media season. 
     The episode delivery process  500  initially involves access  502  to an on-line media store. Typically, a user gains access  502  to the on-line media store via a data network, such as the Internet. After the user has access  502  to the on-line media store, the user can interact  504  with the on-line store. Certain interactions with the on-line media store, such as purchasing and downloading, require that the user be a registered user. In this regard, the on-line media store requires that a user log in to authenticate that the user is indeed a registered user of the on-line media store. Hence, when the interaction  504  requires such login, a decision  506  determines whether the user has successfully logged in to the on-line media store. When the decision  506  determines that the user has not yet logged in, then the episode delivery process  500  returns to repeat the operation  504  for other interaction with the on-line media store. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  506  determines that the user has successfully logged-in, a decision  508  determines whether there are any available episodes for the user. When the decision  508  determines that there are one or more available episodes for the user, an indication of the one or more available episodes is displayed  510  for the user. For example, a dialog box can be presented on a display screen that the user is able to view. The dialog box can list the one or more available episodes and allow the user to initiate download of the one or more available episodes. 
     Thereafter, a decision  512  determines whether the user desires to download the one or more available episodes at this time. When the decision  512  determines that the user does desire to download one or more of the available episodes, download of one or more of the available episodes is performed  514 . Also, the revenue associated with the one or more of the available episodes that have been downloaded can then be recognized  516 . Alternatively, when the decision  512  determines that none of the available episodes are to be downloaded, the operations  514  and  516  are bypassed. In this case, the user can choose to either defer the download of the one or more available episodes or cancel the media season. Following the decision  512  when download is not performed, or following the operation  516  following download and revenue recognition, additional interaction  518  with the on-line media store can be provided for the user. Additionally, following the decision  508  when there are no available episodes for the user, the episode delivery process  500  bypasses the operations  510 - 516  and proceeds to permit the additional interaction  518  with the on-line media store. Eventually, when no further interaction  518  with the on-line media store is desired, the episode delivery process  500  ends. 
     In addition, even after a media season has been purchased, the purchaser (i.e., registered user) can subsequently cancel the media season.  FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a season cancellation process  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. The season cancellation process  600  begins with a decision  602  that determines whether a media season is to be cancelled. When the decision  602  determines that the media season is not to be cancelled, then the season cancellation process  600  is effectively not invoked. On the other hand, when the decision  602  determines that the media season is to be cancelled, the season cancellation process  600  is invoked and processing continues. When the processing continues, the season purchase for the registered user is unrecorded  604 . For example, the previous indication recorded to the recorded users  210  within the media season management system  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  can be removed so that the system no longer acknowledges that the registered user is the purchaser of the associated media season. In addition, a decision  606  can determine whether a refund is due to the registered user. Typically, the user is charged for the episodes that the user has received. In which case, a refund may not be due to the registered user. However, in other cases, the user may be permitted to get a refund even though they cancel a previously purchased media season. Hence, the decision  606  determines whether a refund is due to the registered user. When the decision  606  determines that a refund is due to the registered user, a payment refund can be processed  608  so that the registered user receives the appropriate refund. On the other hand, when the decision  606  determines that a refund is not due, the block  608  is bypassed. Following the block  608 , or its being bypassed, the season cancellation process  600  ends. 
     Additionally, a season management page can be made available to a user. The season management page can allow the user to view status, cancel or otherwise manage any of the media seasons that they may have purchased. For example, the season management page could display a list of active media seasons that are associated with the user (e.g., associated with a user&#39;s account with the on-line media store). Then, through interaction with the season management page, the user can cancel one or more of the media seasons. The user might also be able to check the status of the media seasons. Once one of the media seasons is completed or fulfilled (e.g., all episodes downloaded), the media season is completed and can be removed from the list of active media seasons and, if desired, can be added to a list of completed media seasons and/or a purchase history page that is also available to the user. 
       FIG. 7  is a representative season status window  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The season status window  700  allows a user to receive status information regarding media seasons they have previously purchased. In particular, the season status window  700  includes a media source portion  702  and a media status portion  704 . The media source portion  702  indicates the media source for the information presented in the media status portion  704 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the media source portion  702  indicates that the media source is a “Media Store,” namely, the on-line media store. The media status portion  704  includes media season status information. The media season status information presented in the media status portion  704  includes current season passes  706  and completed season passes  708 . A season pass corresponds to a media season. For each of the season passes, the seasons that have been purchased can be identified as well as an indication of the extent to which the season has been provided. In addition, a user interface control  710  (e.g., check-box) can be presented so that email notifications of new episodes can be enabled or disabled. 
       FIG. 8  shows an exemplary computer system  800  suitable for use with the invention. Although the client device need not be a personal computer, the client device can be the exemplary computer system  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The computer system  800  includes a display monitor  802  having a single or multi-screen display  804  (or multiple displays), a cabinet  806 , a keyboard  808 , and a mouse  810 . The cabinet  806  houses a processing unit (or processor), system memory and a hard drive (not shown). The cabinet  806  also houses a drive  812 , such as a CD-ROM or floppy drive. The drive  812  can also be a removable hard drive, a Flash or EEPROM device, etc. Regardless, the drive  812  may be utilized to store and retrieve software programs incorporating computer code that implements some or all aspects of the invention, data for use with the invention, and the like. Although CD-ROM  814  is shown as an exemplary computer readable storage medium, other computer readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, Flash or EEPROM memory, memory card, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. Additionally, a data signal embodied in a carrier wave (e.g., in a network) may be the computer readable storage medium. In one implementation, a software program for the computer system  800  is provided in the system memory, the hard drive, the CD-ROM  814  or other computer readable storage medium and serves to incorporate the computer code that implements some or all aspects of the invention. 
     The digital media assets (i.e., digital media items) can pertain to video items (e.g., video files or movies), audio items (e.g., audio files or audio tracks, such as for songs (music) or audiobooks), or image items (e.g., photos). The digital media assets can also include or be supplemented by text or multimedia files. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     The invention is preferably implemented by software, but can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that seasons of digital media assets can be supported by an on-line media store. Another advantage of the invention is that a season of digital media assets can be purchased and an initial portion of digital media assets of the season delivered, while a remaining portion of digital media assets of the season can be subsequently delivered when they later become available. Another advantage of the invention is that an entire season of digital media assets can be purchased with a single transaction even though the season has not completed. Still another advantage of the invention is that seasons of digital media assets can be managed via an on-line media store. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20060307
Publication Date: 20100202
Grant Date: 20100202
Priority Date: 20050427
Inventors: ANDERSON ALEXANDREA
SHIMIZU DEBBIE
D'ERRICO ELIZABETH
KONDRK ROBERT
GAUTIER PATRICE
BURKHOLDER THOMAS
MELDRUM COLIN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q40/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0601", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q40/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0601", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46324006