PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7848954-B2
Application Number: US-21231405-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: On-line media store that supports pre-ordering of digital media assets

Abstract:
Techniques to facilitate pre-ordering of digital media assets from an on-line media store are disclosed. A user of the on-line media store can view advance listings for digital media assets that have not yet been released. A user can also choose to pre-order a digital media asset that has not yet been released. Such a pre-order is recorded and monitored so that the desired digital media asset can be purchased and delivered to the user once the digital media asset become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery of any pre-order can occur nearly immediately.

Claims:
1. A method for ordering a digital media asset from an on-line media store prior to the digital media asset being released, the on-line media store being hosted by a media store server, said method comprising:
 (a) configuring the on-line media store to provide media content for the digital media asset in advance of the digital media asset being released; 
 (b) subsequently receiving a pre-order request for the digital media asset via the on-line media store; 
 (c) subsequently determining, at the media store server, when the digital media asset of the pre-order request is released; 
 (d) determining whether the pre-order request has been cancelled; and 
 (e) processing a purchase operation for the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said determining (c) determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released so long as the pre-order request has not been cancelled. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said processing (e) comprises:
 (e1) processing electronic payment for the purchase of the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said determining (c) determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released; and 
 (e2) thereafter electronically delivering the digital media asset of the pre-order request. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said processing (e) comprises:
 (e1) electronically delivering the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said determining (c) determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released; and 
 (e2) thereafter processing electronic payment for the purchase of the digital media asset of the pre-order request. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said processing (e) comprises:
 (e1) processing electronic payment for the purchase of the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said determining (c) determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released; and 
 (e2) electronically delivering the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said determining (c) determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pre-order request is from a requestor, and
 wherein, after said determining (c) determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request been released, said processing (e) comprises: 
 (e1) confirming with the requestor that the digital media asset of the pre-order request is to be purchased; 
 (e2) processing electronic payment for the purchase of the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said confirming (e1) confirms that the digital media asset of the pre-order request is to be purchased; and 
 (e3) electronically delivering the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said confirming (e1) confirms that the digital media asset of the pre-order request is to be purchased. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pre-order request is from a requestor, and wherein said method further comprises storing pre-order data for the pre-order request, the pre-order data being stored in association with the requestor. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said processing (e) is performed when the requestor logs in to the on-line media store after the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said processing (e) comprises sending a notification message to the requestor to inform the requestor of the availability of the digital media asset of the pre-order request. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said processing (e) comprises sending a notification message to the requestor to inform the requestor of the availability of the digital media asset of the pre-order request and to invite the requestor to access the on-line media store to electronically acquire the digital media asset. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said processing (e) comprises sending a cancellation message to the requestor to inform the requestor of the cancellation of the pre-order request. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 ,
 wherein said configuring (a) provides a release date for each of a plurality of different territories or storefronts, 
 wherein the pre-order request being received for the digital media asset via the on-line media store is associated with a particular territory or storefront, and 
 wherein said determining (c) determines when the digital media asset of the pre-order request is released based on the release date for the particular territory or storefront associated with the pre-order request. 
 
     
     
       12. A computer readable medium including at least computer program code for ordering a digital media asset from an on-line media store prior to the release of the digital media asset, said computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code for receiving, at the on-line media store, media content for the digital media asset in advance of the digital media assets being released; 
 computer program code for subsequently receiving a pre-order request for the digital media asset via the on-line media store; 
 computer program code for determining when the digital media asset of the pre-order request is released; 
 computer program code for determining whether the pre-order request has been cancelled: and 
 computer program code for purchasing and delivering the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said computer program code for determining determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released so long as the pre-order request has not been cancelled. 
 
     
     
       13. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said computer program code for purchasing and delivering comprises:
 computer program code for processing electronic payment for the purchase of the digital media asset of the pre-order request after it is determined that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has become available; and 
 computer program code for electronically delivering the digital media asset of the pre-order request after it is determined that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has become available. 
 
     
     
       14. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said computer program code for processing sends a notification message to a requestor to inform the requestor of the availability of the digital media asset of the pre-order request. 
     
     
       15. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said computer readable medium further comprises: computer program code for cancelling the pre-order request for the digital media asset of the pre-order. 
     
     
       16. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said computer readable medium further comprises: computer program code for sending a cancellation message to a requestor informing the requestor of the cancellation of the pre-order request. 
     
     
       17. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said computer readable medium further comprises: computer program code for providing a pre-order management page. 
     
     
       18. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said computer readable medium further comprises: computer program code for assisting an administrator in providing the media content for the digital media asset to the on-line media store in advance of the digital media assets being released. 
     
     
       19. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 12 ,
 wherein said computer program code for configuring provides a release date for each of a plurality of different territories or storefronts, 
 wherein the pre-order request being received for the digital media asset via the on-line media store is associated with a particular territory or storefront, and 
 wherein said computer program code for determining determines when the digital media asset of the pre-order request is released based on the release date for the particular territory or storefront associated with the pre-order request. 
 
     
     
       20. A network-based media store server, said server comprising:
 a memory for storage of computer program code; and 
 a processor configured to execute or perform the computer program code, 
 wherein the computer program code includes at least:
 computer program code for configuring the on-line media store to provide media content for a digital media asset in advance of the digital media asset being released; 
 computer program code for receiving a pre-order request for the digital media asset via the on-line media store, the pre-order request being a request to order the digital media asset from the on-line media store prior to the digital media asset being released; 
 computer program code for determining when the digital media asset of the pre-order request is released; 
 computer program code for determining whether the pre-order request has been cancelled; and 
 computer program code for processing a purchase operation for the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said means for determining determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has been released so long as the pre-order request has not been cancelled.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application 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 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. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to digital media assets and, more particularly, to advance purchase of digital media assets from an on-line media store. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     On-line stores, such as on-line bookstores, sometimes offer the ability to purchase a book prior to its released. Typically, this means that the user will purchase the book at that time and then, when the book is later released, the on-line bookstore will physically ship the book to the purchaser. In some cases, the on-line bookstore may have in its possession advance copies of the book that are soon to be released. In such cases, the on-line bookstore may offer purchasers early shipment of the book such that the book arrives to the purchaser on its release date. Since physical shipment is nevertheless required, inventory limitations, manpower and shipping delays can cause delays in purchasers receiving the books they have purchased. 
     Conventionally, music can be purchased from an on-line music store, such as the iTunes Music Server® provided by Apple Computer, Inc. Immediately following the purchase of the music from the on-line music store, it is available for electronic download by the purchaser. However, on-line music stores only offer for purchase music that artists or recording labels have released and authorized its sale on the on-line media store. Unfortunately, however, advertising of new music releases often precedes the availability of new music releases. As a result, users of on-line music stores may be desirous of purchasing music that is being advertised but not yet released. Currently, there is no way to facilitate users&#39; desires of purchasing music at an on-line media store before it has been released. Accordingly, there is a need to facilitate purchase of new music released at an on-line media store. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to pre-ordering of digital media assets from an on-line media store. A user of the on-line media store can view advance listings for digital media assets that have not yet been released. A user can also choose to pre-order a digital media asset that has not yet been released. Such a pre-order is recorded and monitored so that the desired digital media asset can be purchased and delivered to the user once the digital media asset become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery of any pre-order can occur nearly immediately. 
     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 pre-ordering a digital media asset from an on-line media store, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: configuring the on-line media store to provide media asset content for a digital media asset in advance of the digital media asset being released; subsequently receiving a pre-order request for the digital media asset via the on-line media store; determining when the digital media asset of the pre-order request becomes available; and processing a purchase operation for the digital media asset of the pre-order request after it is determined that the digital media asset of the pre-order request becomes available. 
     As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code for pre-ordering a digital media asset from an on-line media store, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: computer program code for receiving, at the on-line media store, media asset content for a digital media asset in advance of the digital media assets being released; computer program code for subsequently receiving a pre-order request for the digital media asset via the on-line media store; computer program code for determining when the digital media asset of the pre-order request becomes available; and computer program code for purchasing and delivering the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said computer program code for determining determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request has become available. 
     As a network-based media store server, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: means for configuring the on-line media store to provide media asset content for a digital media asset in advance of the digital media asset being released; means for receiving a pre-order request for the digital media asset via the on-line media store; means for determining when the digital media asset of the pre-order request becomes available; and means for processing a purchase operation for the digital media asset of the pre-order request after said means for determining determines that the digital media asset of the pre-order request becomes 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. 2  is a flow diagram of a pre-order establishment process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a pre-order request process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a pre-order notification process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a pre-order delivery process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is flow diagram of media commerce processing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of media delivery processing 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 pre-ordering of digital media assets from an on-line media store. A user of the on-line media store can view advance listings for digital media assets that have not yet been released. A user can also choose to pre-order a digital media asset that has not yet been released. Such a pre-order is recorded and monitored so that the desired digital media asset can be purchased and delivered to the user once the digital media asset become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery of any pre-order can occur nearly immediately. 
     Embodiments of various aspects 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. 
     One aspect of the invention pertains to a system and method for pre-ordering digital media assets over a network. A potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous digital media assets that are available for pre-order or purchase. A potential purchaser can purchase a digital media asset with great ease. Upon purchasing a digital media asset, the content for the media item can be downloaded over the network to the purchaser. If a digital media asset is listed but not yet available for purchase, the digital media asset can be pre-ordered. After a digital media asset has been pre-ordered, the digital media asset can be purchased and downloaded with little or no additional effort by the purchaser. 
       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®, 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, pre-ordering and/or purchasing 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  also includes 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 or pre-order at the on-line media store. In one embodiment, the digital asset manager  114  controls 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). Media assets can include, but are not limited to, music, video, text, and/or graphics files. 
     The media store server  102  enables the user of a particular client device  104  to purchase or pre-order media assets (e.g., songs, videos, albums) through on-line transactions. On-line transactions to purchase media items is 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. 2  is a flow diagram of a pre-order establishment process  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The pre-order establishment process  200  begins with a decision  202  that determines whether a pre-order item is to be established. A pre-order item is a digital media asset (digital media item) that is ordered by a user prior to its being actually available for sale (i.e., not yet released). When the decision  202  determines that a pre-order item is not to be established at this time, the pre-order establishment process  200  waits for the appropriate time. In other words, the pre-order establishment process  200  is effectively invoked when a pre-order item is to be established. 
     Once the decision  202  determines that a pre-order item is to be established, descriptive information for the pre-order item is obtained  204 . A decision  206  then determines whether the descriptive information that has been obtained  204  is adequate. When the decision  206  determines that the descriptive information is not adequate, then the pre-order establishment process  200  returns to repeat the block  204  so that additional descriptive information can be obtained. 
     Once the decision  206  determines that the descriptive information that has been obtained  204  is adequate, media store content for the pre-order item is created  208 . Finally, the media store content for the pre-order item is made  210  available on the on-line media store. Following the block  210 , the pre-order establishment process  200  is complete and ends. 
     As one example, when the digital media asset pertains to one or more audio tracks (e.g., music album or audiobook), the descriptive information to be adequate should include at least title, artist or author, date of release and price (wholesale). However, the descriptive information may also include one or more of: artwork (e.g., image), label or producer, territories of storefronts where pre-order is permitted, date of release per territory or storefront, expected price (retail) per territory or storefront, universal product code, track listing, and play line information (e.g., information to be displayed while playing digital media asset). 
     It should also be noted that the media store content for the pre-order item that is made  210  available on the on-line media store is dependent on the descriptive information that is available and thus obtained  204 . For example, if there is no artwork available, then a mock artwork or other temporary artwork can be used until the actual artwork is available. As another example, if the track listing is not available, then a fake track listing can be presented to the user. The territories/storefronts can enable the pre-order of digital media assets to be setup differently for different territories/storefronts. For example, a United States storefront (on-line media store) may offer different pre-orders (at least different prices) than does a United Kingdom storefront. 
     It should be noted that the media store content for the pre-order item can remain available on the on-line media store until removed or until superceded by real media store content. In other words, the media store content for the pre-ordered item represents anticipated media store content for the pre-order item. However, it is possible that the anticipated media store content is not the final media store content for the pre-order item when the item is fully available on the on-line media store. Hence, the media store content available on the on-line media store can initially be the (anticipated) media store content for the pre-order item but is eventually media store content for the actual item itself. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a pre-order request process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The pre-order 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, pre-ordering, and/or organizing digital media assets. The access  302  and the interaction  304  can be facilitated by a media management application operating on a client machine, such as the client machine  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     Next, a decision  306  determines whether a pre-order request has been received. When the decision  306  determines that a pre-order request has not been received, a decision  308  determines whether the pre-order request process  300  should be exited. When the decision  308  determines that the pre-order request process  300  should not be exited, then the pre-order request process  300  returns to repeat the operation  304  and subsequent operations. In one embodiment, when media store content for a pre-ordered item is displayed by the on-line media store, a “pre-order” control (e.g., button) is presented to the user. By selection of the “pre-order ” control, the user can initiate a pre-order request. Alternatively, when the decision  306  determines that the pre-order request process  300  should exit, then the pre-order request process  300  ends. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  306  determines that a pre-order 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 pre-order 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 pre-order for a particular digital media asset is recorded  318  for the registered user. For example, the pre-order can be recorded such that it is associated with the registered user (e.g., associated with the user account for the registered user). Following the operation  316  or  318 , the pre-order 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 pre-order requests if so desired. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a pre-order notification process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The pre-order notification process  400  begins with a decision  402 . The decision  402  determines whether any pre-ordered items are newly available. Here, the decision  402  determines whether any pre-ordered items have recently been made available on the on-line media store such that they can be now purchased and delivered to requesting users. However, in one embodiment, to be available, the pre-ordered items need to be not only physically available to the on-line media store but also the release date for such digital media assets must not be in the future. 
     When the decision  402  determines that there are pre-ordered items that are newly available, the pre-order notification process  400  performs processing operations for each of the pre-ordered items that are now newly available. In particular, a first newly available pre-ordered item is selected  404 . A decision  406  then determines whether the pre-ordered item needs to be canceled. When the decision  406  determines that the pre-ordered item needs to be canceled, a cancellation notification message is prepared  412 . The cancellation notification message is then sent  414  to a requester. Here, the requester is the user that initially pre-ordered the item (i.e., digital media asset). For example, a pre-order item might be cancelled if the price of the actual item changed from its pre-order price, or if it turns out that the actual item will not be available from the on-line store from which it was ordered. Alternatively, when the decision  406  determines that the pre-ordered item does not need to be canceled, an availability notification message is prepared  408 . Then, the availability notification message is sent  410 . As an example, the cancellation notification message and the availability notification message can be implemented as electronic mail (email) messages. 
     Following the operation  410  as well as the operation  414 , the pre-order notification process  400  determines at decision  416  whether more pre-ordered items are to be processed. In other words, when the decision  416  determines that there are other newly available pre-ordered items to be processed, the pre-order notification process  400  returns to repeat the operation  404  so that a next newly available pre-ordered item can be similarly processed. Alternatively, when the decision  416  determines that there are no more other newly available pre-ordered items to be processed, the pre-order notification process  400  is complete and ends. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a pre-order delivery process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The pre-order delivery processed  500  concerns the eventual purchase and delivery of a pre-ordered item to its requesting user. 
     The pre-order 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, pre-ordering and downloading, require that the user be a registered user. In this regard, the on-line media store requires that a user login 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 pre-order 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 pre-ordered items for the user. When the decision  508  determines that there are one or more available pre-ordered items for the user, the available pre-ordered items are 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 allow the user to initiate download of the one or more available pre-ordered items. 
     Thereafter, a decision  512  determines whether the user desires to download the one or more available pre-ordered items at this time. When the decision  512  determines that the user does desired to download one or more of the available pre-ordered items, purchase and download of one or more of the available pre-ordered items is performed  514 . Alternatively, when the decision  512  determines that none of the available pre-ordered items are to be downloaded, the operation  514  is bypassed. In this case, the user chooses to either defer the download or cancel the pre-order. Following the decision  512  when download is not performed, or following the operation  514  following purchase and download, additional interaction  516  with the on-line media store can be provided for the user. Additionally, following the decision  508  when there are no available pre-ordered items for the user, the pre-order delivery process  500  bypasses the operations  510 - 514  and proceeds to permit the additional interaction  516  with the on-line media store. Eventually, when no further interaction  516  with the on-line media store is desired, the pre-order delivery process  500  ends. 
     Additionally, a pre-order management page can be made available to a user. The pre-order management page can allow the user to cancel or otherwise manage any of the pre-orders that they may have made. For example, the pre-order management page could display a list of pending pre-orders 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 pre-order management page, the user can cancel one or more of the pre-orders. The user might also be also to check the status of the pre-orders. Once one of the pre-orders is fulfilled (e.g., purchased and downloaded), the pre-order is removed from the list of pending pre-orders and, if desired, added to a purchase history page that is also available to the user. 
       FIG. 6  is flow diagram of media commerce processing  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media commerce processing  600  is, for example, performed by a media store server, such as the media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which can not only provide an on-line media store but also a media commerce server. Alternatively, the media commerce processing  600  could be performed by a dedicated media commerce server. 
     The media commerce processing  600  begins with a decision  602  that determines whether a buy request has been received. When the decision  602  determines that a buy request has not yet been received, the media commerce processing  600  awaits such a request. A buy request can be as a result of a real-time purchase of a digital media asset from an on-line media store or as the result of a deferred purchase (e.g., due to a pre-order) of a digital media asset from the on-line media store. On the other hand, once the decision  602  determines that a buy request has been received, the media commerce processing  600  proceeds to process the buy request. In this regard, an account identifier is identified  604  from the buy request. Here, the buy request is sent by a client device to the media commerce server on behalf of a user of the client device (namely, a user of a media player application operating on the client device). In one embodiment, the buy request that is sent to the media commerce server includes not only an account identifier for the user of the client but also at least one media item identifier, media price, and a password token. The password token is a random value (e.g., 128 bit string) that is different for every user. The media storage server provides the password token to the client as a result of successful authentication of the user. When the buy request includes a valid password token, the media commerce server can deem the client as properly authenticated. 
     Next, a decision  606  determines whether authentication is required prior to purchase of the media items. When the decision  606  determines that authentication is required, additional processing can be performed to determine whether such authentication exists. In one embodiment, the user&#39;s account or client can configure whether such authentication is required or can be overridden by the user. In one embodiment, the authentication is provided to help protect the user of the client device (e.g., media player) from other unauthorized users who might access the media commerce server from the client device after the user has successfully been authenticated to the media commerce server. The re-authentication is thus used to confirm that the particular user of the client device (e.g., media player) is indeed the authorized user for such a system. In this regard, authentication is requested  608 . Then, a decision  610  determines whether an authentication response has been received. Once the decision  610  receives the authentication response, a decision  612  determines whether the authentication response is able to successfully authenticate the user. When the decision  612  determines that authentication has not been successful, a message indicating that an unauthorized user cannot buy media items is sent  614  to the client for display to the user. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  612  determines that authentication has been successful, then additional processing is performed to facilitate the purchase of the selected media item identified in the buy request. In this regard, payment for the selected media item is initiated  616 . Here, according to one embodiment, the payment can be made by a credit card, and the initiation of such payment can verify the credit card&#39;s existence, but may or may not seek to post the charge at this time. It may be more efficient and desirable to defer the actual posting of the credit to the credit card until a later time. Nevertheless, after the payment for the selected media item has been initiated  616 , media access information is obtained  618 . The media access information is information that will enable the client (e.g., media management application) to retrieve and then access the media content for the selected media item. The media access information, in one embodiment, includes a URL, a download key, and a security token. Next, the media access information is sent  620 . Here, the media access information is sent from the media commerce server to the client device, namely, the media management application operating on the client device. At this point, the transaction is not fully completed because the media content for the selected media item has not yet been received by the client device. Following the operations  614  and  622 , the media commerce processing  600  is complete and ends. 
     Additionally, before processing a buy request for a real-time purchase of a particular digital media asset, the media commerce processing  600  can determine if there is an existing pre-order for the particular digital media asset. If there is an existing pre-order it has likely already been purchased given that the particular digital media asset is now available for real-time purchase. However, the user may have not yet downloaded the particular digital media asset from the on-line media store. Hence, a dialog box can be displayed to inform the user that the particular digital media asset whose purchase is attempted has already been purchased but perhaps not yet downloaded. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of media delivery processing  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The media delivery processing  700  is, for example, performed by the media store server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which can not only provide an on-line media store but also a media storage server that stores and manages delivery of digital media assets. Alternatively, the media delivery processing  700  can be performed by a dedicated media storage server. 
     The media delivery processing  700  begins with a decision  702 . The decision  702  determines whether an access request has been received. An access request is a request from a client device to obtain the media content for one or more media items that are stored in a media store associated with the media storage server. In one embodiment, the access request includes at least a URL for the selected media item and a security token from the client device. When the decision  702  determines that an access request has been received, then the media delivery processing  700  is effectively invoked. In other words, once an access request has been received, the access request is authenticated  704 . The authentication  704  involves the analysis of at least a portion of the access request to authenticate that the request is legitimate and from one that was authorized by the media commerce server. In one embodiment, a hash algorithm can be applied to the URL, a name of the media commerce server, and a time of purchase. The result of the hash algorithm is then compared with the security token which is the product of a complimentary hash algorithm performed at the media commerce server. A decision  706  then determines whether the authentication was successful. Here, in one embodiment, if the hashing algorithm approach is used, the result of the hash algorithm should match the security token within some tolerance set by a time limitation. For example, the tolerance due to time might permit the access request to remain authenticated for forty-eight (48) hours after purchase. 
     When the decision  706  determines that the authentication was not successful, then an access denied indication is returned  708 . Here, the access request is denied and the client device is so notified. On the other hand, when the decision  706  determines that the authentication was successful, then an encrypted version of the selected media item that has been purchased is retrieved  710 . Here, the media storage server would retrieve the encrypted version of the selected media item from a media storage device. Then, the encrypted version of the selected media item is sent  712  to the client device (requestor). In other words, the encrypted version of the selected media item is downloaded to the client device that has requested the selected media item. Following the operations  708  and  712 , the media delivery processing  700  is complete and ends. 
       FIG. 8  shows an exemplary computer system  825  suitable for use with the invention. Computer system  825  includes a display monitor  828  having a single or multi-screen display  830  (or multiple displays), cabinet  832 , keyboard  834 , and mouse  836 . Cabinet  832  houses a drive  838 , such as a CD-ROM or floppy drive, system memory and a hard drive (not shown) which 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  840  is shown as an exemplary computer readable storage medium, other computer readable storage media including floppy disk, tape, flash memory, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized. In one implementation, a software program for the computer system  825  is provided in the system memory, the hard drive, the CD-ROM  840  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 audio items (e.g., audio files or audio tracks, such as for songs (music) or audiobooks), video items (e.g., video files or movies), or image items (e.g., photos). The digital media assets can also include booklets, e.g., portable document format (PDF) 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, and optical data storage devices. 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 pre-orders for digital media assets can be permitted by an on-line media store. Another advantage of the invention is that eventual delivery of the previously pre-ordered digital media assets can be performed electronically and nearly immediately once pre-ordered digital media assets become available. Still another advantage of the invention is that digital media assets can be posted at an on-line media store in advance of their release with only little descriptive information required. Yet still another advantage of the invention is that pre-orders for 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 and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. 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: 20050824
Publication Date: 20101207
Grant Date: 20101207
Priority Date: 20050427
Inventors: POSOKHOW BRUNO
VEROSUB ELLIS M.
MIRRASHIDI PAYAM
NEUMANN DAVID LAWRENCE
SCHECK DAVID
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q40/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0633", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0633", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q40/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 37235608