PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9342287-B2
Application Number: US-17117108-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Software program ratings

Abstract:
Improved approaches for rating a software program are disclosed. The rating can be automatically determined from a plurality of user characterizations. The user characterizations can be designated by a user (e.g., developer or publisher) with respect to a plurality of content descriptors. The user characterizations can be supplied by the user on submitting a software program to an online distribution system. Once a rating is determined and associated with a software program, the rating can be used to influence availability of the software program from an online distribution system. The rating (or how the rating influences availability) can be dependent on geographical region. The rating being determined can also be influenced by rating rules.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computer-implemented method for determining a rating for a software program, comprising:
 displaying, on a display associated with a computing device, a plurality of content descriptors and options for user selection of both the frequency and intensity of the content in the software program by non-numerical selections; 
 receiving, from the computing device, a non-numerical user characterization selection for each of the content descriptors with respect to the software program; 
 associating a numerical rating level to each of the received non-numerical user characterization selections; and 
 determining a content rating for the software program based on, the numerical rating level associated with each of the non-numerical user characterizations compared to a characterization specific rating rule and a geographical rule; 
 using the rating to influence geographical availability of the software. 
 
     
     
       2. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 assigning the rating to the software program. 
 
     
     
       3. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said receiving comprises:
 receiving a user selection of a level for each of the content descriptors. 
 
     
     
       4. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the user selection of the level is a selection of one of a set of predetermined levels. 
     
     
       5. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said determining of the rating is based on the user selections of the levels for the content descriptors. 
     
     
       6. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said determining of the rating comprises:
 selecting the highest rating level from the rating levels assigned to the user characterization for each of the content descriptors; and 
 assigning the rating for the software program to the selected rating level. 
 
     
     
       7. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said determining of the rating comprises:
 identifying the rating rule; 
 evaluating the rating rule; and 
 determining the rating for the software program based on the rating rule. 
 
     
     
       8. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said evaluating evaluates the rating rule based on at least one of the rating levels. 
     
     
       9. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein
 the rating rule is 
 the highest rating level from the numerical rating levels assigned to the user characterization for each of the content descriptors. 
 
     
     
       10. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the rating is an age group rating. 
     
     
       11. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said displaying comprises:
 displaying a table having content descriptors on one axis and having a plurality of selectable levels on another axis. 
 
     
     
       12. The computer-implemented method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said determining of the rating is based exclusively on one or more of the user characterizations. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1  wherein the characterization specific rating is at least one of, cartoon violence, fantasy violence, prolonged graphic violence, and sadistic realistic violence. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1  wherein the characterization specific rating is at least one of, sexual content, nudity, profanity, crude humor, mature themes, suggestive themes and horror themed. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1  wherein the characterization specific rating is at least one of, alcohol use, tobacco use, drug use, and simulated gambling. 
     
     
       16. A non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code for determining a rating for a software program, the code comprising instructions for:
 displaying a plurality of content descriptors; 
 receiving a non-numerical user characterization for each of the content descriptors with respect to the software program by user selectable features indicating a frequency each characterization appears in the software; 
 associating a numerical rating level to each of the received non-numerical user characterizations; 
 determining a rating for the software program based on geographical rating rules and the numerical rating level associated with each of the received non-numerical user characterizations; and 
 using the rating to influence geographical availability of the software. 
 
     
     
       17. The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 computer program code for assigning the rating to the software program. 
 
     
     
       18. The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , wherein the computer program code for determining the rating further comprises:
 computer program code for selecting the highest rating level from the rating levels assigned to the user characterization for each of the content descriptors; and 
 computer program code for assigning the rating for the software program to the selected rating level. 
 
     
     
       19. The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , wherein the computer program code for determining the rating further comprises:
 computer program code for identifying a rating rule to be applied; 
 computer program code for evaluating the rating rule; and 
 computer program code for determining the rating for the software program based on the rating rule. 
 
     
     
       20. The computer readable medium of  claim 16 , wherein the computer program code for determining the rating further comprises:
 computer program code for determining whether a rating rule is applicable; 
 if said computer program code for determining determines that the rating rule is applicable,
 computer program code for evaluating the rating rule based on at least one of the rating levels; and 
 computer program code for determining the rating for the software program based on the rating rule; and 
 
 if said computer program code for determining determines that the rating rule is not applicable, 
 computer program code for selecting the highest rating level from the rating levels assigned to the user characterization for each of the content descriptors; and 
 determining the rating for the software program based on the selected rating level. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 16  wherein the characterization specific rating is at least one of, cartoon violence, fantasy violence, prolonged graphic violence, sadistic realistic violence, sexual content, nudity, profanity, crude humor, mature themes, suggestive themes horror themed, alcohol use, tobacco use, drug use, and simulated gambling. 
     
     
       22. An apparatus to determine a rating for a software program, comprising:
 a memory configured to store a plurality of content descriptors, a plurality of selectable user characterizations, and a plurality of rating levels; 
 a display; and 
 a processor configured to:
 display, on the display, a plurality of content descriptors and selection choices for a user to select the intensity each characterization appears in the software; 
 receive a non-numerical user characterization selection for each of the content descriptors with respect to the software program; 
 associate one of the plurality of numerical rating levels to each of the received non-numerical user characterizations based on the received non-numerical selections; 
 determine a rating for the software program based on geographical rules and the numerical rating level associated with each of the received non-numerical user characterizations; and 
 use the rating to influence geographical availability of the software. 
 
 
     
     
       23. The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 assign the rating to the software program. 
 
     
     
       24. The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 select the highest rating level from the rating levels assigned to the user characterization for each of the content descriptors; and 
 assign the rating for the software program to the selected rating level. 
 
     
     
       25. The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 identify a rating rule to be applied; 
 evaluate the rating rule; and 
 determine the rating for the software program based on the rating rule. 
 
     
     
       26. The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 evaluate the rating rule based on at least one of the rating levels. 
 
     
     
       27. The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the processor is further configured to:
 determine whether a rating rule is applicable; and 
 if a rating rule is determined to be applicable, evaluate the rating rule based on at least one of the rating levels; and 
 determine the rating for the software program based on the rating rule. 
 
     
     
       28. The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein if the rating rule is not applicable, select the highest rating level from the rating levels assigned to the user characterization for each of the content descriptors; and
 determine the rating for the software program based on the selected rating level. 
 
     
     
       29. The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the rating is determined exclusively on one or more of the user characterizations from a single user. 
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 22  wherein the characterization specific rating is at least one of, cartoon violence, fantasy violence, prolonged graphic violence, sadistic realistic violence, sexual content, nudity, profanity, crude humor, mature themes, suggestive themes horror themed, alcohol use, tobacco use, drug use, and simulated gambling.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
     This application references and/or incorporates: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/050,478, filed May 5, 2008, entitled “ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIGITAL PRODUCTS FOR NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/059,792, filed Jun. 8, 2008, entitled “ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION PROGRAMS FOR NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (iii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/059,790, filed Jun. 8, 2008, entitled “NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICATION PRODUCTS”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to updates for software programs and, more particularly, to ratings for software programs. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Software programs are commonly available for purchase (or license) at brick-and-mortar stores as well as online stores. A software program is often purchased as a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD) containing the software program. Alternatively, purchasers can purchase and download a software program from an online retailer or software provider&#39;s website. 
     Like movie ratings, software games can be rated. The ratings provide potential purchasers with information on suitability of software games to different age groups. The rating for a software game can be determined by an independent rating board. One known rating board is the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) which rates software games for game publishers. Examples of ratings used by ESRB include: EC (Early Childhood), E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10 and older), T (Teen), M (Mature), and AD (Adults Only). 
     To obtain a rating from the ESRB, a game publisher submits a written ESRB questionnaire specifying pertinent content within the software game. Additionally, the game publisher must submit a videotape or DVD which captures all pertinent content, including the most extreme instances, across all relevant categories including but not limited to violence, language, sex, controlled substances and gambling. ESRB then determines a rating for the software game and so informs the game publisher. The game publisher, if unsatisfied, can appeal the rating to an appeal board or revise the game and resubmit the revised game for a rating. 
     Unfortunately, however, it is costly and time consuming to obtain a rating from a rating board. While a rating board is a useful option for larger game publishers, the costs and delays associated with obtaining a rating from a rating board are burdensome on small game publishers. Moreover, for world-wide distribution of a software game, game publishers need to obtain and utilize ratings from various different rating boards, which can be burdensome on all game publishers. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improved approaches to rating software programs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to rating a software program. The rating can be automatically determined from a plurality of user characterizations. The user characterizations can be designated by a user (e.g., developer or publisher) with respect to a plurality of content descriptors. The user characterizations can be supplied by the user on submitting a software program to an online distribution system. Once a rating is determined and associated with a software program, the rating can be used to influence availability of the software program from an online distribution system. The rating (or how the rating influences availability) can be dependent on geographical region. The rating being determined can also be influenced by rating rules. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including computer readable medium and graphical user interface). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a computer-implemented method for determining a rating for a software program, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: displaying a plurality of content descriptors; receiving a user characterization for each of the content descriptors with respect to the software program; and determining a rating for the software program based on the user characterizations. 
     As a method for distributing a software program from an online repository, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: receiving product information pertaining to a software program; receiving characterizations of content descriptors with respect to the software program; receiving at least one electronic file pertaining to the software program; receiving at least one distribution parameter to be used for the software program; and storing the at least one electronic file pertaining to the software program to the online repository for distribution. 
     As a method for submitting a software product to an online repository for distribution, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: receiving product information pertaining to a software product to be submitted to the online repository; receiving characterizations of content descriptors with respect to the software product; uploading at least one electronic file pertaining to the software product; receiving at least one distribution parameter to be used for the software product; and submitting the software product to the online repository for distribution. 
     As a system for facilitating submission and management of digital products to be distributed online, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: a product management and distribution system configured to permit digital product providers to submit digital products and manage distribution of their digital products. The product management and distribution system can include at least a product submission module configured to receive submission of new digital products for distribution, where each of the new digital products being submitted can provide at least product information and product content characterization information. The product content characterization information can include at least characterizations of a plurality of content descriptors with respect to the corresponding digital product. 
     As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code for determining a rating for a software program, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: computer program code for displaying a plurality of content descriptors; computer program code for receiving a user characterization for each of the content descriptors with respect to the software program; and computer program code for determining a rating for the software program based on the user characterizations. 
     Other aspects 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 elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a rating process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is exemplary graphical user interface according to one embodiment on the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a rating determination process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is a flow diagram of a rating determination process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a product submission and distribution system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a software program submission process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary state diagram according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of software program availability process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to rating a software program. The rating can be automatically determined from a plurality of user characterizations. The user characterizations can be designated by a user (e.g., developer or publisher) with respect to a plurality of content descriptors. The user characterizations can be supplied by the user on submitting a software program to an online distribution system. Once a rating is determined and associated with a software program, the rating can be used to influence availability of the software program from an online distribution system. The rating (or how the rating influences availability) can be dependent on geographical region. The rating being determined can also be influenced by rating rules. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . 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. 
       FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a rating process  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The rating process  100  is performed by a computing device, such as a client device or a server device. 
     The rating process  100  can display  102  a plurality of content descriptors. The content descriptors pertain to a plurality of descriptive categories that pertained to a digital product. As an example, the digital product can be a software program. The software program is a computer program that can be executed on a computing device. The computing device can be a handheld, portable, desktop or rack-mounted computing device. The rating process  100  can then receive  104  a user characterization for each of the content descriptors with respect to the software program. In one implementation, a user can inform the computing device of their characterization of each of the content descriptors being displayed  102 . Thereafter, a rating can be determined  106  based on the user characterizations. Following the block  106 , the rating process  100  can end. 
     In one embodiment, a user can provide user characterizations of a plurality of different content descriptors using a graphical user interface presented on a display associated with the computing device. The graphical user interface can include user interface controls that assist the user in providing the user characterizations. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface can have a table arrangement. The table arrangement can have a plurality of rows, where each row pertains to one of the content descriptors. The table arrangement can also have a plurality of columns, where each column contains separate characterizations for such content descriptors. In one embodiment, the characterizations can be selected from predetermined characterization options. Hence, the user can interact with the graphical user interface to select one of the predetermined characterization options for each of the corresponding content descriptor. 
       FIG. 2A  is exemplary graphical user interface  200  according to one embodiment on the invention. The exemplary graphical user interface  200  includes a row-column configuration with content descriptors listed along the rows and with selectable user characterizations listed along the columns. In the exemplary graphical user interface  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the content descriptors displayed in the rows include: Cartoon or Fantasy Violence; Realistic Violence; Sexual Conduct or Nudity; Profanity or Crude Humor; Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References; Mature/Suggestive Themes; Simulated Gambling; Horror/Fear Themes; Prolonged graphic or sadistic realistic violence; and Graphical sexual content and nudity. Also, the selectable user characterizations in the columns can pertain to a level of frequency or intensity. More particularly, the selectable user characterizations in the exemplary graphical user interface  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  include: None, Infrequent/Mild, Frequent/intense. 
       FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a rating determination process  220  according to one embodiment of the invention. The rating determination process  220  can, for example, pertain to rating determination processing performed by the block  106  of the rating process  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In the rating determination process  220 , a rating level of the user characterization for each of the content descriptors can be determined  222 . The highest one of the rating levels can then be selected  224 . Thereafter, the rating for the software program can be assigned  226  to the selected rating level. Following the assignment  226  of the rating, the rating determination process  220  can end. 
     In one embodiment, rating levels can be determined in accordance with the following Table I for the user characterizations of each of a plurality of content descriptors. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Content Descriptors 
                 Infrequent/Mild 
                 Frequent/Intense 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Cartoon or Fantasy Violence 
                 9+ 
                 9+ 
               
               
                 Realistic Violence 
                 9+ 
                 12+  
               
               
                 Sexual Conduct or Nudity 
                 12+  
                 17+  
               
               
                 Profanity or Crude Humor 
                 9+ 
                 12+  
               
               
                 Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or 
                 12+  
                 17+  
               
               
                 References 
               
               
                 Mature/Suggestive Themes 
                 9+ 
                 17+  
               
               
                 Simulated Gambling 
                 12+  
                 17+  
               
               
                 Horror/Fear Themes 
                 9+ 
                 12+  
               
               
                 Prolonged graphic or sadistic 
                 Adult Only 
                 Adult Only 
               
               
                 realistic violence 
               
               
                 Graphical sexual content and 
                 Adult Only 
                 Adult Only 
               
               
                 nudity 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     For example, with respect to the ten (10) different content descriptors illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the user characterizations indicated by the user for a particular software application might be respectively assigned to the following user characterizations as provided in Table II. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE II 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Content Descriptors 
                 None 
                 Infrequent/Mild 
                 Frequent/Intense 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Cartoon or Fantasy Violence 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Realistic Violence 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Sexual Conduct or Nudity 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Profanity or Crude Humor 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Use or References 
               
               
                 Mature/Suggestive Themes 
                 ∘ 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Simulated Gambling 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
                 ● 
               
               
                 Horror/Fear Themes 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 Prolonged graphic or sadistic 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 realistic violence 
               
               
                 Graphical sexual content and 
                 ● 
                 ∘ 
                 ∘ 
               
               
                 nudity 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As indicated in Table II, the content descriptor for “Mature/Suggestive Themes” has a user characterization of “Infrequent/Mild”, and the content descriptor for “Simulating Gambling” has a user characterization of “Frequent/intense”. These user characterizations then respectively correlate to rating levels of 9+ and 17+, as provided in Table I. Of these rating levels, the rating level of 17+ is the highest of the rating levels. The rating for the software program can then be assigned to the highest rating level. Hence, in this example, the rating for the software program is 17+. Here, in this representative example, the rating for the software program is exclusively determined from the user characterizations. 
     As noted above, a rating for a software program can be exclusively determined from user characterizations. However, a rating for a software program can alternatively or additionally be determined by a rating rule. A rating rule can also be referred to as a policy rule since a policy can be set to impose a rule used in determining a rating. 
       FIG. 2C  is a flow diagram of a rating determination process  240  according to one embodiment of the invention. The rating determination process  240  can, for example, pertain to processing performed by the block  106  of the rating process  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The rating determination process  240  can determine  242  a rating level of the user characterization for each of the content descriptors. A decision  244  can then determine whether a rating rule is applicable. In this embodiment, the rating determination process  240  can make use of one or more rating rules to determine a rating (or impact the determination of the rating) to be applied to a software program. In one embodiment, the rating rules are dependent upon the user characterizations. For example, a rating rule could state that if user characterizations indicate high levels of three different content descriptors (of undesired characteristics) pertaining to undesired content of the software program, then a rating can be set to an Adult Only rating. The Adult Only rating can cause the associated software application to be unavailable for distribution. More generally, when the decision  244  determines that a rating rule is applicable, the rating rule can be evaluated  246 . In one implementation, the rating rule is a rule that determines a rating based on a rating level of one or more user characterizations for one or more of the content descriptors. After the rating rule has been evaluated  246 , a rating for the software program can be determined  248  based on the rating rule. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  244  determines that a rating rule is not applicable, the highest one of the rating levels determined  242  by the user for each of the user characterizations can be selected  250 . After the highest one of the rating levels is selected  250 , the rating for the software program can be assigned  252  to the selected rating level. Following the block  248  or  252 , the rating determination process  240  can end. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a product submission and distribution system  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The product submission and distribution system  300  includes a product distribution site  302 . The product distribution site  302  provides an online access point for distribution of various digital products. For example, the product distribution site  302  can also be referred to as an online product hosting site or an online store. 
     A product submission and management system  304  operates to receive submissions of digital products from various digital product submitters. The product submission and management system  304  can process submission of digital products and authorize distribution of approved digital products. The digital products can be stored in a products store  306 . In one embodiment, the products store  306  includes a mass data store and one or more databases. The products store  306  provides mass storage of the numerous digital products that are available for distribution (e.g., purchase or rental). For example, digital products that have been purchased can be accessed from the products store  306  over a data network  308  by way of the product distribution site  302 . Also, purchases made by users can be maintained as purchase history data by the product submission and distribution system  300 . For example, the purchase history data can be stored in a database or file at any of a variety of locations, such as the product submission and management system  304 , the production distribution site  302  or the products store  306 . In one embodiment, the digital products are computer program products (e.g., computer software programs). Examples of computer program products are: applications (or application programs), animations, or presentations. 
     The product submission and distribution system  300  also includes a first client  310  and a second client  312 . Typically, the product submission and distribution system  300  would include a plurality of different clients  310 ,  312 . The first client  310  includes a network access program  314 . The second client  312  includes a product submission program  316 . Some clients can also include both the network access program  314  and the product submission program  316 . The network access program  314  is an application program (e.g., software program) that operates on the first client  310 , which is a computing device. One example of a suitable network access program is a network browser (e.g., Microsoft Explorer or Safari). Another example of a suitable network access program is iTunes™ offered by Apple Inc. The first client  310  is coupled to the product distribution site  302  through the data network  308 . Hence, any of the first clients  310  can interact with the product distribution site  302  to review, purchase and/or manage digital products. 
     The product submission program  316  is also an application program (e.g., software application) that operates on the second client  312 , which is a computing device. The product submission program  316  is used to submit digital products to the product submission and management system  304  for eventual distribution by the media distribution site  302 . Although the network access program  314  and the product submission program  316  are shown in  FIG. 3  as separate programs, it should be understood that such programs can be integrated into a single program or reside on the same client machine. 
     In the product submission and distribution system  300  shown in  FIG. 3 , the digital products are submitted to the product submission and management system  304  by way of the product submission program  316 . The digital products that have been submitted (e.g., via the second client  312 ) are processed and then stored in the products store  306 . Thereafter, the stored digital products are available to be purchased from the product distribution site  302 . Upon purchasing a particular digital product, the product distribution site  302  permits the digital data for the particular digital product to be retrieved from the products store  306  and then delivered (e.g., downloaded) from the product distribution site  302  to the requesting client  310  through the data network  308 . In this regard, the product distribution site  302  or some other delivery server (not shown) obtains the digital data corresponding to the particular digital product from the products store  306  and downloads such digital data through the data network  308  to the client  310 . The downloaded digital data can then be stored on the client  310 . In one embodiment, the downloaded digital data is encrypted as received at the client  310  but is decrypted and then perhaps re-encrypted before persistently stored on the client  310 . Thereafter, the client  310  can utilize (e.g., execute) the digital data of the digital product at the client  310 . 
     The product submission and distribution system  300  allows a user of the client  310  to utilize the network access program  314  to browse, search or sort through a plurality of digital products that can be purchased from the product distribution site  302 . The network access program  314  may also allow the user to preview or demo some or all of a digital product. In the event that the user of the network access program  314  desires to purchase a particular digital product, the user (via the network access program  314 ) and the product distribution site  302  can engage in an online commerce transaction in which the user pays for access rights to the particular digital product. In one embodiment, a credit card associated with the user is credited for a purchase (or rental amount) of the particular digital product. 
     The submission and purchase of the digital products can be achieved over the data network  308 . In other words, the submission and purchase of the digital products can be achieved online. The purchase of media items online can also be referred to as electronic commerce (e-commerce). In one embodiment, the data network  308  can make use of at least a portion of the Internet. The clients  310 ,  312  can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients  310 ,  312  are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting media to their users. In one embodiment, the connections through the data network  308  between the product distribution site  302  and the clients  310 ,  312  can be through secure connections, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). 
     Although the product distribution site  302 , the product submission and management system  304  and the products store  306  are shown in  FIG. 3  as being separate components, it should be understood that any of these components can be combined into one or more apparatus. For example, the product submission and management system  304  can be incorporated into the product distribution site  302 . As another example, the products store  306  can be incorporated into the product distribution site  302  or the product submission and management system  304 . 
     Additional details on the product submission and management system  304  can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/050,478, filed May 5, 2008, entitled “ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIGITAL PRODUCTS FOR NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 4  is a software program submission process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The software program submission process  400  can, for example, be performed by the product submission and management system  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The software program submission process  400  can receive  402  product information pertaining to a software program. Further, user characterizations of content descriptors with respect to the software program can be received  404 . Also, at least one electronic file pertaining to the software program can be received  406 . Typically, the electronic file contains the executable program code of the software program. Further, at least one distribution parameter to be used for the software program can be received  408 . A distribution parameter is a parameter that can be utilized to control or influence the manner in which the software program is able to be distributed. One example of a distribution parameter is a pricing parameter. As an example, a pricing parameter can specify a price or a price tier to be associated with the software program. Other distribution parameters can pertain to digital storefronts from which the digital product is to be distributed from (i.e., geographic availability). Still further, distribution parameters could also pertain to preview eligibility, license categories (types), etc. 
     The software program submission process  400  can also store  410  the software program to an online repository. For example, the online repository can store software programs that are made available for distribution through an online store. The software program submission process  400  further operates to determine  412  a rating for the software program based on at least the user characterizations. Still further, these software program submission process  400  can facilitate  414  distribution of the software program from the online repository. More particularly, the distribution of the software program from the online repository can be performed in accordance with the product information, the at least one distribution parameter, and/or the rating. Following the block  414 , the software program submission process  400  can end. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary state diagram  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. In the state diagram  500  a client  502  receives a software application  504 . Here, the software application  504  is being identified or provided to the client  502 . Through user interaction, intensity selections  506  can be associated with the software application. The intensity selections  506  can pertain to characterization data. Then, the software application  504  together with the intensity selections  506  can be packaged together as a submission  508  to a server  510 . The server  510  can implement a rating process  512  to determine a rating for the software application. In one embodiment, the rating process  512  makes use of the intensity selections  506  that were submitted to the server  510 . The server  510  can also implement an availability process  514 . The availability process  514  can determine which of one or more geographic regions the software application is available for distribution. In one embodiment, the rating associated with the software application can influence where the software application is available for distribution. An online store  518  renders the software application  504  available for online distribution. The server  510  can provide availability data  516  to the online store  518 . The availability data  516  is data produced by the availability process  514  and informs the online store as to which of the one or more geographic areas that the software application  504  is available for online distribution. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of software program availability process  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. The software program availability process  600  can, for example, be performed by a server device. 
     The software program availability process  600  can identify  602  geographical locations where a software program is available for distribution. Then, a first geographical location can be selected  604  for processing. An availability rule associated with the selected geographical location can be obtained  606 . The availability of the software program in the selected geographical location can then be evaluated  608  based on the obtained availability rule and a rating of the software program. For example, based on a rating, an available rule can render a software program unavailable. 
     Next, a decision  610  determines whether the software program is available in the selected geographical location. When the decision  610  determines that the software program is not available in the selected geographical location, the software program can be denoted  612  as is being unavailable in the selected geographical location. Alternatively, when the decision  610  determines that the software program is available in the selected geographical location, the software program can be denoted  614  as available in the selected geographical location. 
     Next, following either the block  612  or the block  614 , a decision  616  can determine whether there are more geographical locations to be processed. When the decision  616  determines that there are more geographical locations to be processed, the software program availability process  600  can return to repeat the block  604  so that a next geographical location can be selected  604  and further processing at blocks  604  through  616  can be performed. Alternatively, when the decision  616  determines that there are no more geographical locations to be processed, the software program availability process  600  can end. 
     Moreover, ratings systems or sensitivities can vary geographically, such as in different countries, A game rating for a game to be distributed in the United Kingdom can receive a different (e.g., higher) rating than if the game were rated in the United Kingdom than in the United States. In one embodiment, a rating rule can be used to impose a higher rating for the United Kingdom. 
     Rating can be presented to users of an online store when browsing or review information on software programs available for purchase. The rating provide users with an indication of suitability of the software programs to different age groups. Ratings can also be use by parental control feature of a network access program (e.g., iTunes™) to limit accessibility to software programs based on level of rating. 
     As noted above, rating for software programs can be based on user characterizations. An online store can also permit other users to inform the online store of software programs that may have an inaccurate rating. As appropriate, software programs that are noted (e.g., flagged) as being inaccurately rated can be remove from the online store, personally reviewed, and/or cause developers/publishers to receive a warning. Hence, other users can provide monitor for the ratings of the software programs made available for distribution via an online store. 
     This application also references and/or incorporates: (1) 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; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/712,303, filed Feb. 27, 2007, and entitled “PROCESSING OF METADATA CONTENT AND MEDIA CONTENT RECEIVED BY A MEDIA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/609,815, filed Dec. 12, 2006, and entitled “TECHNIQUES AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF MEDIA FOR NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/622,923, filed Jan. 12, 2007, and entitled “COMPUTERIZED MANAGEMENT OF MEDIA DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (5) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/050,478, filed May 5, 2008, entitled “ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIGITAL PRODUCTS FOR NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTION”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     Embodiments of the invention can, for example, be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. Embodiments of 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 generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. 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 embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that ratings for software programs can be obtained in a simplified, cost-effective manner. Another advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that ratings can be centrally determined for different geographical regions. Another advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that previously determined ratings can be changed in a computer implemented manner if rating criteria used to determine the ratings changes. Still another advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that rating rules can be used to deterministically set ratings. Yet still another advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that once a rating is associated with a software program, the rating can be used to influence availability of the software program from an online distribution system. 
     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: 20080710
Publication Date: 20160517
Grant Date: 20160517
Priority Date: 20080505
Inventors: MULLER MAX
CORTES RICARDO D.
BHATNAGAR ALOKE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q30/0282", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0278", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4756", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/248", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/24578", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F8/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F8/60", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0278", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 41506222