Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The subject application is a continuation of, and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/832,717, filed on Apr. 26, 2004, and entitled “M ETHODS AND  A PPARATUS FOR  G IFTING  O VER A  D ATA  N ETWORK ,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,412,411, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     The present disclosure relates generally to the operation of data networks, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for providing a content gift in a data network. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Advances in technology have resulted in the development and deployment of extensive data networks. These networks include both public data networks, such as the Internet, and specialized networks, such as wireless telecommunication networks. Users of these networks have the ability to access a wide variety of information and services that are available as network resources. 
     One area where data networks have become especially useful is in the area of downloadable content. Typically this content includes executables, program files, applications, image or multimedia files, data, meta-data, or any other type of file or content that provides information or additional functionality to a device. For example, a downloadable application may provide the device user with a real-time display of information such as news or traffic conditions, provide productivity functions, such as a personal organizer, or provide entertainment through various online or offline games. 
     There currently exists an increasing demand for downloadable content in wireless network environments. In a wireless environment, a variety of wireless devices, such as wireless telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), communicate over a wireless network. The wireless network includes network servers that operate to provide various network services and resources to the devices. Furthermore, the wireless network may also be coupled to a public network (i.e., the Internet), so that servers on the public network can also provide services to the wireless devices. 
     Typically, a wireless device downloads content over the air from a network server. For example, the content may be an application that is downloaded for free or purchased by the user of the wireless device, who effectively obtains the rights to use the application for an unlimited, fixed, or usage count based expiration period. 
     It has become increasingly desirable to allow a content gift to be given to a specific network terminal. For example, a user of a first network terminal may wish to give a content gift to the user of a second network terminal. The content gift comprises any type of file, data, or information that can be downloaded and used on the second network terminal. Typically, the user of the first terminal assumes any costs associated with the content gift. For example, the content gift may be a downloadable application that the first user finds to be especially useful or productive, or the content gift may simply be content that the second user would like to have. 
     Unfortunately, current systems operate so that when a gift-giver gives a content gift, it is done without knowing whether or not the content gift is compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. For example, an application may operate properly on the gift-giver&#39;s terminal, however, that same application may not operate properly on the gift-receiving terminal because of hardware or software incompatibilities. Furthermore, the user of the gift-receiving terminal may have previously purchased the same application, so that a duplication of the application on the gift-receiving terminal results. Thus, the gift-giver has no way of knowing what content is compatible with the gift-receiving terminal, or what content has already been purchased for use on that terminal. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a system that allows a content gift to be given to a gift-receiving terminal in a data network, where the content gift is known to be compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. The system should also allow a gift-giver to determine in advance whether or not the intended content gift currently exists on the gift-receiving terminal. As a result, such a system would avoid the compatibility problems and potential duplicate purchases associated with current systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In another aspect, a gift-giver selects the content gift from a catalog that comprises a list of content that is known to be compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. The catalog may also describe content that currently exists on the gift-receiving terminal, so that duplication can be avoided. 
     In one embodiment, the gift-giver requests the catalog from a server (or gift-server) operating on a data network. The request includes an identifier that identifies the gift-receiving terminal. For example, if the gift-receiving terminal is a wireless telephone, the gift-giver specifies the telephone number of the gift-receiving terminal in a request for a catalog of compatible content that is sent to the gift-server. Due to security and privacy concerns, additional security codes may be required in the catalog request. The gift-server responds to the request by compiling and transmitting to the gift-giver a description of content that is compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. The gift-giver then selects one or more content items from the catalog as content gifts to be provided to the gift-receiving terminal. Because the content gift is selected from a list of content known to be compatible with the gift-receiving terminal, the system operates to extend the view of the gift-giver to see what would work on another user&#39;s terminal. Thus, terminal compatibility and content duplication problems are resolved up front before the gift is given. 
     In one or more embodiments, the gift-giver may give a content gift using any one of several methods. For example, the gift-giver may operate a terminal similar to the gift-receiving terminal on the same data network. In another embodiment, the gift-giver may provide the content gift using other means to access the gift-server associated with the gift-receiver. For example, the gift-giver may use a Web page associated with the gift-server to view the catalog and select a content gift. Thus, the content gift may originate from a wired or wireless device, a fixed computer device, such as a personal computer, or any other device having access to the gift-server associated with the gift-receiving terminal. 
     In one embodiment, the gifting system allows for targeted content to appear in the catalog. For example, the gift-receiver may be a member of a financial organization and the gift-server compiles the catalog to include compatible content targeted for that organization. Thus, the gift-giver can select a content gift from the targeted information that is compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. 
     In one embodiment, a method is provided for operating a server to allow a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. The method comprises receiving a catalog request from the first terminal for a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal. The method also comprises generating the catalog and transmitting the catalog to the first terminal. The method also comprises receiving a gift request from the first terminal requesting that a content gift selected from the identified content in the catalog be provided to the second terminal, and providing the content gift to the second terminal. 
     In one embodiment, apparatus is provided for operating a server to allow a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. The apparatus comprises a catalog request receiver for receiving a catalog request from the first terminal for a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal, and a database for generating the catalog. The apparatus also comprises a catalog transmitter for transmitting the catalog to the first terminal. The apparatus also comprises a gift receiver for receiving a gift request from the first terminal requesting that a content gift selected from the identified content in the catalog be provided to the second terminal, and logic for providing the content gift to the second terminal. 
     In one embodiment, a computer-readable media is provided that comprises instructions, which when executed by a processor in a server, operate to allow a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. The computer-readable media comprises instructions for receiving a catalog request from the first terminal for a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal, and instructions for generating the catalog. The computer-readable media also comprises instructions for transmitting the catalog to the first terminal. The computer-readable media also comprises instructions for receiving a gift request from the first terminal requesting that a content gift selected from the identified content in the catalog be provided to the second terminal, and instructions for providing the content gift to the second terminal. 
     In one embodiment, a method is provided for operating a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a gift server. The method comprises transmitting a catalog request to the gift server to obtain a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal. The method also comprises receiving the catalog, and selecting a content gift from the catalog. The method also comprises transmitting a gift request to the gift server requesting that the content gift be provided to the second terminal. 
     In one embodiment, apparatus is provided for use in a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a server. The apparatus comprises a catalog request transmitter that operates to transmit a catalog request to the server to obtain a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal. The apparatus also comprises a catalog receiver that operates to receive the catalog, and selection logic that operates to select a content gift from the catalog. The apparatus also comprises a gift request transmitter that operates to transmit a gift request to the server requesting that the content gift be provided to the second terminal. 
     In one embodiment, apparatus is provided for use in a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a server. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting a catalog request to the server to obtain a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal, and means for receiving the catalog. The apparatus also comprises means for selecting a content gift from the catalog, and means for transmitting a gift request to the server requesting that the content gift be provided to the second terminal. 
     In one embodiment, a computer-readable media is provided that comprises instructions, which when executed by a processor in a first terminal, operate to provide a content gift to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a server. The computer-readable media comprises instructions for transmitting a catalog request to the gift server to obtain a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal. The computer-readable media also comprises instructions for receiving the catalog, and instructions for selecting a content gift from the catalog. The computer-readable media also comprises instructions for transmitting a gift request to the gift server requesting that the content gift be provided to the second terminal. 
     In one embodiment, a method is provided for operating a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with each other over a data network. The method comprises transmitting a catalog request to the second terminal to obtain a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal. The method also comprises receiving the catalog, selecting a content gift from the catalog, and transmitting a gift request to a gift server, wherein the gift server provides the content gift to the second terminal. 
     Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and the attendant advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a gifting system that allows a content gift to be provided to a terminal in a data network; 
         FIG. 2  shows a functional diagram of one embodiment of a server for use in one embodiment of a gifting system; 
         FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of a method for use in server to provide one embodiment of a gifting system; 
         FIG. 4  shows a functional diagram of one embodiment of a terminal device for use in one embodiment of a gifting system; 
         FIG. 5  shows one embodiment of a method for use in a terminal device to provide one embodiment of a gifting system; 
         FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of a catalog for use in one or more embodiments of a gifting system; and 
         FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a method for use in a terminal device to provide one embodiment of a gifting system using peer-to-peer communication. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description describes one or more embodiments of a gifting system that includes methods and apparatus to allow a user of a first terminal in a data network to give a content gift to a user of a second terminal in the network. In one embodiment, the gifting system assembles a catalog of content that is compatible with the second terminal and transmits the catalog to the first terminal. The user of the first terminal selects a specific content gift to be given to the second terminal. The selection is transmitted to a gift server that operates to provide the selected content gift to the second terminal. The user of the first terminal assumes the cost of the content gift. The first and second terminals may be any type of wired or wireless terminals, including but not limited to, desktop computers, notebook computers, wireless telephones, pagers, PDAs, email devices, tablet computers, or other type of wired or wireless devices. 
     In one or more embodiments, the gifting systems interacts with a runtime environment executing on the device that is used to simplify operation of the device, such as by providing generalized calls for device specific resources. One such runtime environment is the Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless® (BREW™) software platform developed by QUALCOMM, Inc., of San Diego, Calif. In the following description, it will be assumed that one embodiment of a gifting system is implemented using a wireless device that is executing a runtime environment, such as the BREW software platform. However, one or more embodiments of the gifting system are suitable for use with other types of runtime environments to provide content gifts to wired and wireless devices. Furthermore, the term “content” is use herein to describe any type of application, multimedia file, image file, executable, program, web page, script, document, presentation, message, data, meta-data, or any other type of content or information that may be rendered, processed, or executed on a device. 
       FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a gifting system  100  that allows a gift to be provided to a terminal in a data network. The system  100  comprises a first wireless terminal  102  that communicates with a data network  104  via a wireless communication channel  106 . The data network  104  comprises any type of data network that may include, but is not limited to, a wired, wireless, private, or public data network, or any combination thereof. 
     The system  100  also comprises a server  108  (also known as a “gift-server”) that is coupled to the network  104  via a communication channel  120  to provide services to devices in communication with the network  104 . For example, the wireless terminal  102  may be a wireless telephone, and the server  108  may be part of a nationwide telecommunications network that provides telecommunication services to the telephone. The communication channel  120  may be any type of wired or wireless communication channel. 
     Also in communication with the network  104  is a second terminal  110 . The terminal  110  is in communication with the data network  104  via the wireless communication channel  122 . The terminal  110  may be any type of wireless device. 
     In one embodiment, the server  108  comprises a database  112  and downloadable content  114 . The database  112  comprises information about the operation of the data network  104  and information about the terminal devices supported by the server  108 . For example, the database  112  includes information about the hardware and software configurations of the terminals  102  and  110 . Thus, the database  112  comprises identifying information and configuration information about network terminals. 
     The content  114  comprises any type of application, executable, image file, multimedia file, data file, or any other type of content file. The content  114  may include applications designed for a specific type of device or content that is operable on a wide variety of devices. The files included in the content  114  have associated identifiers that can be used to identify each file. 
     In one embodiment, the gifting system operates to allow the user of the first terminal  102  to give a content gift to the user of the second terminal  110 . For example, the content gift may comprise one or more applications, programs, executables, data files, content files, or any other available files selected from the content  114 . Because the gift is selected from a catalog of compatible content, the selected content gift is compatible with the terminal  110 . In one or more embodiments, the gifting system  100  operates to provide the content gift by performing one or more of the following steps. 
     Terminal  102  transmits a request to the server  108  (as show by path  124 ) to receive a catalog of content files that are compatible with the terminal  110 . The requests include an identifier that identifies the terminal  110  and any authorization information that may be necessary for the server  108  to verify the request. 
     The server  108  receives and verifies the request and uses the identifier to compile a list of content files that are compatible with terminal  110 . For example, the server  108  uses the identifier to search the database  112  to determine the configuration of the terminal  110  and compatible content files from the available content  114 . 
     The server  108  transmits a catalog  116  of compatible content files to the terminal  102  (as shown by path  126 ). For example, the catalog  116  contains a list of identifiers that identify content files that are compatible with the hardware/software of the terminal  110 . For example, the catalog  116  identifies three applications that are compatible with the terminal  110 . The catalog may also indicate whether or not the terminal  110  already owns any of the content files. 
     The user of terminal  102  selects one or more content files from the received catalog  116  to be content gifts, and transmits a gift request that includes the selection of the content gifts to the server  108  (as shown by path  128 ). 
     The server  108  receives and authenticates the gift request and updates the database  112  to show that terminal  110  has been given a content gift. The server  108  may also update its records to show that the user of terminal  102  will pay the costs associated with the selected content gift. 
     When communication is established between the server  108  and the terminal  110 , the content gift  118  is transmitted to the terminal  110  (as shown by path  130 ). The user of terminal  110  may then use the information gift  118  because the content gift  118  is known to be compatible with the terminal  110 . 
     For the purpose of this description, it will be assumed that entities transmitting the above-described information are properly credentialed using any type of known credentialing or authentication technique, so that any receiving device can verify that it is receiving information from a trusted source. 
     In one or more embodiments, the server  108 , the terminal  102 , and the terminal  110  may be any type of devices and their associated connections to the data network  104  may be wireless, wired, or any combination thereof. Thus, embodiments of the gifting system may be implemented using virtually any network configuration having a variety of servers and terminals that operate to provide the functions of the gifting system as described herein. 
     In one or more embodiments, the gifting system utilizes one or more security techniques to provide security and/or privacy during the gifting process. For example, in one embodiment, the gift-server requires secret security codes from the gift-giver before processing the catalog request. The security codes may comprise the identity of the gift-receiver, a PIN number or other security code, or any other type of security information, so that the security and privacy of the gift-receiver can be maintained. Therefore, the gift-giver must provide proper authorization to the gift-server before receiving private information about the gift-receiving terminal or its user. 
     In another embodiment, the gifting system  100  operates to allow a gift to be provided to a terminal in a data network using a peer-to-peer transaction. For example, the terminals  102  and  110  may communicate with each other to allow the terminal  102  to provide a content gift to the terminal  110 . In one embodiment, the gifting system  100  operates to allow the terminal  102  to communicate peer-to-peer with terminal  110  to provide the content gift by performing one or more of the following steps. 
     Terminal  102  transmits a request to the terminal  110  (as show by path  130 ) to receive a catalog of content files that are compatible with the terminal  110 . The request includes any required authentication information to allow a catalog of information to be obtained by the terminal  102 . 
     The terminal  110  receives and verifies the request and compiles a list of content files that are compatible with terminal  110 . For example, the terminal may already know what content is compatible, or may content the server  108  to determine what content is compatible. 
     The terminal  110  transmits a catalog  116  of compatible content files to the terminal  102  (as shown by path  132 ). For example, the catalog  116  contains a list of identifiers that identify content files that are compatible with the hardware/software of the terminal  110 . For example, the catalog  116  identifies three applications that are compatible with the terminal  110 . 
     The user of terminal  102  selects one or more content files from the received catalog  116  to be content gifts, and transmits a gift request to the server  108  that includes the selection of the content gifts (as shown by path  128 ). In another embodiment, the terminal  102  already has the content gift as part of content  136 , and so no gift request is sent to the server  108 . 
     If the server  108  receives a gift request it authenticates the gift request and updates the database  112  to show that terminal  110  has been given a content gift. The server  108  may also update its records to show that the user of terminal  102  will pay the costs associated with the selected content gift. If the terminal  102  already has the content gift as part of the content  136 , the terminal  102  transmits the content gift to the terminal  102 , as shown by path  134 . 
     Thus, the terminals  102  and  110  may communicate in a peer-to-peer fashion to allow the terminal  102  to provide a content gift to the terminal  110 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a functional diagram of one embodiment of the server  108  for use in one or more embodiments of a gifting system. The server  108  comprises the database  112  and the content  114 . The server  108  also comprises a catalog request receiver  202 , a catalog transmitter  204 , and a gift request receiver  206 . The server  108  also comprises verification logic  208 ,  210  and login logic  212 . 
     The database  112  comprises information about network terminals, such as terminal identifiers and associated software and hardware configuration information. The content  114  comprises any type of application, executable, program file, or any other type of content file that may be processed by a terminal device. 
     In one embodiment, the catalog request receiver  202 , the catalog transmitter  204 , and the gift request receiver  206  comprise a processor, CPU, gate array, logic, software, or any combination thereof For example, in one embodiment, a processor executing program instructions provides the functions of the receiver  202 , the transmitter  204 , and the receiver  206 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the server  108  generally comprises logic to execute machine-readable instructions to perform the functions described herein. For example, instructions may be loaded into the server  108  from a computer-readable media, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, Flash memory, or other computer-readable media that interfaces to the server  108 . In another embodiment, the instructions may be downloaded into the server  108  from a network resource, such as a network server or any other type of network resource that interfaces to the server  108 . The instructions, when executed by the server  108 , provide one or more embodiments of a gifting system as described herein. 
     The catalog request receiver  202  operates to receive a request for a catalog that contains a list of identifiers that identify one or more content files of the content  114 . A communication channel  214  couples the receiver  202  to external devices or systems. For example, the channel  214  may be a network connection that couples the receiver  202  to a data network to receive catalog requests. In one or more embodiments, the channel  214  may be any type of communication channel that operates to couple the receiver  202  to other devices. 
     The catalog transmitter  204  operates to transmit a catalog to an external device or system. A communication channel  216  couples the transmitter  204  to external devices or systems. For example, the channel  216  may be a network connection that couples the transmitter  202  to a data network to transmit catalogs to other devices. In one or more embodiments, the channel  216  may be any type of communication channel that operates to couple the transmitter  204  to other devices. 
     The gift request receiver  206  operates to receive gift requests from external devices or systems. A gift requests identifies a content gift to be provided to an identified terminal. For example, the database  112  comprises information about terminals serviced by the server  108 . A communication channel  218  couples the receiver  206  to external devices or systems. For example, the channel  218  may be a network connection that couples the receiver  206  to a data network to receive gift requests. In one or more embodiments, the channel  218  may be any type of communication channel that operates to couple the receiver  206  to other devices. 
     The login logic  212  operates to process login input received from one or more terminals that are serviced by the server  108 . For example, the server may be part of a data network and operates to provide network services to multiple terminal devices. The login logic  212  communicates with various terminals using a communication channel  220 . For example, the channel  220  may be a network connection that couples the login logic  212  to a data network to communicate with various terminals. In one or more embodiments, the channel  220  may be any type of communication channel that operates to couple the login logic  212  to other devices. 
     In one embodiment, the login logic  212  operates to communicate with the gift-receiving terminal to determine what content is owned by that terminal. For example, the gift-receiving terminal may have independently acquired the intended content gift and this information can be discovered by the login logic  212 . For example, the login logic  212  queries the gift-receiving terminal about the content it owns via the channel  220 . In one embodiment, if the logic  212  discovers that the gift-receiving terminal has independently acquired the intended content gift, then the logic  212  operates to terminate the gift. In this case, the gift-giving terminal will be refunded any costs associated with the intended gift (i.e., the database  112  will be updated) and a notification message will be transmitted to the gift-giving terminal that indicates that the content gift was not provided to the second terminal. Thus, it is possible for the gifting system to avoid giving a content gift that duplicates the content owned by the gift-receiving terminal. 
     In one embodiment, the communication channels  214 ,  216 ,  218 , and  220  are independent channels. In another embodiment, the channels  214 ,  216 ,  218 , and  220  are the same channel. The channels  214 ,  216 ,  218 , and  220  may comprise any type of wired or wireless channel, or any combination thereof. Thus, any configuration may be used to allow the functional elements of the server  108  to communication with external devices or systems. 
     It should be noted that the server  108  illustrates just one embodiment, and that other server configurations are possible to provide the functions described herein. For example, it is possible that the functional elements of the server  108  be combined, rearranged, changed, added to, or deleted within the scope of the described embodiments. 
       FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of a method  300  for use in server to provide one embodiment of a gifting system. For the purpose of clarity, the operation of the method  300  will be described with reference to the server  108  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     At block  302 , a request for a catalog is received at the server. For example, a terminal communicates with the server  108  via the channel  214  to request a catalog of content compatible with a gift-receiving terminal. The request includes information to identify a requesting terminal and the gift-receiving terminal. 
     At block  304 , the request for a catalog is verified. For example, the verification logic  208  operates to verify that the requesting terminal is authorized to request the catalog and receive private information about the gift-receiving terminal. Any type of authorization and/or verification technique may be used to verify the request. 
     At block  306 , the request is used to compile a catalog that identifies content that is compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. For example, the request is sent from the verification logic  208  to the database  112  where the identifier of the gift-receiving terminal is used to assemble a catalog identifying compatible content. For example, the database includes hardware and software configuration information about the gift-receiving terminal. The configuration information is used to determine which of the files included in the content  114  is compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. In one embodiment, the catalog also includes information about content currently owned by the gift-receiving terminal. 
     At block  308 , a listing identifying all compatible content is assembled into a catalog file, which may be in any suitable type of file format. The catalog file may also include any other information relevant to the operation or configuration of the gift-receiving terminal. For example, the catalog file may include information about current content and licenses associated with the gift-receiving terminal. 
     At block  310 , the assembled catalog is transmitted to the gift-giving terminal that requested the catalog. For example, the compiled catalog of compatible content is sent from the database  112  to the catalog transmitter  216 , which then transmits the catalog to the gift-giving terminal via the communication channel  216 . 
     At block  312 , a gift request is received at the server  108 . For example, the gift request receiver  206  receives the gift request via the channel  218 . In one embodiment, a terminal that has received the catalog and selected one or more compatible content files to give as a gift to another terminal generates the gift request. The gift request includes information to identify the gift-giving terminal, a content gift, and the gift-receiving terminal. 
     At block  314 , the server verifies the gift request. For example, the verification logic  210  operates to verify that the requesting terminal is authorized to request a gift. Any type of authorization and/or verification technique may be used to verify the request. 
     At block  318  the server establishes communication with the gift-receiving terminal. For example, in one embodiment, communication is established when the gift-receiving terminal logs in to the login logic  212  via the channel  220 . Communication with the gift-receiving terminal may also be established in any other way. For example, the server  108  may initiate communication with the gift-receiving terminal. 
     At block  320 , a test is performed to see if the gift-receiving terminal has already acquired the content gift. In one embodiment, the gift server  108  contacts the gift-receiving terminal  110  to determine if the content gift already resides on the gift-receiving terminal  110 . For example, during the time that the gift-giving terminal  102  was processing the catalog to select a content gift to give, the gift-receiving terminal acquired the selected content gift by some other means. For example, the gift-receiving terminal purchased the content independently. If the gift-receiving terminal already has the content, then a gift of the identical content would result in duplicate content on the gift-receiving terminal. It is desirable to avoid such a duplicate situation. Thus, if the gift-receiving terminal already has the selected content, the method proceeds to block  322 , and if the selected content does not already reside on the gift-receiving terminal, the method proceeds to block  324 . 
     At block  322 , it has been determined that the content gift already resides on the gift-receiving terminal so a refund is provided to the gift-giving terminal. For example, the database on the gift-server is updated to reflect that the gift was not given and no costs are to be charged to the gift-giving terminal. In one embodiment, a notification is sent to the gift-giving terminal to notify that terminal that the content gift was not provided to avoid duplicate content on the gift-receiving terminal. It is also possible to send a notification to the gift-receiving terminal that a content gift was returned because of duplicate content. 
     At block  324 , the gift-receiving terminal does not already own the content gift, so the content gift is transmitted to the gift-receiving terminal. For example, in one embodiment, the selected content gift is retrieved from the content  114  by the login logic  212  and transmitted to the gift-receiving terminal via the channel  220 . Any other technique may be used to transmit the content gift to the gift-receiving terminal. 
     Thus, the method  300  operates to provide a content gift in a data network. It should be noted that the method  300  illustrates just one method and that it is possible to rearrange, change, combine, or delete method steps within the scope of the described embodiments. 
       FIG. 4  shows a functional diagram of one embodiment of the terminal  102  for use in one embodiment of a gifting system. The terminal  102  comprises a catalog request transmitter  402 , catalog receiver  404 , gift request transmitter  406 , and selection logic  408 . 
     In one embodiment, the catalog request transmitter  402 , catalog receiver  404 , gift request transmitter  406 , and selection logic  408  comprise a processor, CPU, gate array, logic, software, or any combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, a processor executing program instructions may provide the functions of any or all of the receiver transmitter  402 , the receiver  404 , the transmitter  406 , and the selection logic  408 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the terminal  102  generally comprises logic to execute machine-readable instructions to perform the functions described herein. For example, instructions may be loaded into the terminal  102  from a computer-readable media, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, Flash memory, or other computer-readable media that interfaces to the terminal  102 . In another embodiment, the instructions may be downloaded into the terminal  102  from a network resource, such as a network server or any other type of network resource that interfaces to the terminal  102 . The instructions, when executed by the terminal  102 , provide one or more embodiments of a gifting system as described herein. 
     The catalog request transmitter  402  operates to transmit a request for a catalog to a gift server, such as the server  108 . In one embodiment, the transmitter  402  receives information from a user input  410 . The user input  410  allows the user of the terminal  102  to input information that is used as part of a catalog request. The information includes an identifier that identifies a gift-receiving terminal. The catalog request is transmitted via a communication channel  412  that allows communication with the gift server. 
     The catalog receiver  404  operates to receive a catalog from a gift server. The catalog includes a list identifying content that are compatible with the selected gift-receiving terminal. The catalog receiver  404  communicates with the gift server via the communication channel  414 . 
     The selection logic  408  receives the catalog from the catalog receiver and displays it to the terminal user. The user then selects (using the user input  410 ) one or more content gifts to be given to the gift-receiving terminal. 
     The selections are sent to the gift request transmitter  406 , which transmits a gift request to the gift server via the communication channel  416 . In one embodiment, the gift request transmitter includes logic to receive a notification that the gift was not given to the gift-receiving terminal because the selected content gift is already owned by the gift-receiving terminal. For example, while the gift-giving terminal selects the content gift from the catalog, the gift-receiving terminal acquires the selected content gift by some other means. For example, the gift-receiving terminal acquires the selected content gift through an independent purchase. Thus, the gift server will not provide the content gift to the gift-receiving terminal to avoid duplicate content on the gift-receiving terminal. In one embodiment, the gift server sends a notification message that the content gift was not delivered to avoid a duplicate content situation. The notification message is received by logic at the gift request transmitter  406  for further processing at the gift-giving terminal. 
     In one embodiment, the communication channels  412 ,  414 , and  416  are independent channels. In another embodiment, the channels  412 ,  414 , and  416  are the same channel. The channels  412 ,  414 , and  416  may comprise any type of wired or wireless channel, or any combination thereof. Thus, any configuration may be used to allow the functional elements of the terminal  102  to communication with external devices or systems. 
     It should be noted that the terminal  102  illustrates just one embodiment, and that other server configurations are possible to provide the functions described herein. For example, it is possible that the functional elements of the terminal  102  be combined, rearranged, changed, added to, or deleted within the scope of the described embodiments. 
       FIG. 5  shows one embodiment of a method  500  for use in a terminal device to provide one embodiment of a gifting system. For example, the method  500  is suitable for use with the terminal  102  shown in  FIG. 4 . Therefore, for added clarity, the following detailed description of the method  500  includes additional references to the terminal  102  in  FIG. 4 . 
     At block  502 , a catalog identifying content compatible with a gift-receiving terminal is requested. For example, the user of terminal  102  provides user input to the transmitter  402  via input  410 . The user input comprises information that includes an identifier that identifies the gift-receiving terminal. The information is used to create a catalog request that is transmitted by the transmitter  402  to a gift server via the communication channel  412 . 
     At block  504 , the terminal receives a catalog that identifies content compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. For example, the gift server receives the catalog request, and after a verification process, compiles a list of content compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. The list is used to create the catalog that is transmitted to the terminal  102  and received by the catalog receiver  404  via the channel  414 . 
     At block  506 , the user of the terminal selects one or more content gifts from the catalog to be given to the gift-receiving terminal. For example, the received catalog is provided to the selection logic  408  and thereafter displayed to the terminal user. The terminal user selects the desired content gifts from the catalog via the user input  410 . 
     At block  508 , a gift request is transmitted from the terminal  102  to the gift server. The gift request includes one or more identifiers that identify content gifts that have been selected to be given to a gift-receiving terminal that is also identified in the request. For example, the user selects content gifts from the catalog to give as gifts to the gift-receiving terminal. The selections are incorporated into a gift request that is transmitted from the transmitter  406  to the gift server. When the gift server receives the gift request, the content gifts are provided to the gift-receiving terminal and the gift-giving terminal  102  assumes any costs associated with the content gifts. 
     The method  500  is intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the operation of the various embodiments described herein. For example, it would be obvious to one with skill in the art to make minor changes, additions, or deletions to any of the described method steps. Furthermore, the described method steps may be combined, rearranged, or reordered without deviating from the scope of the described embodiments. 
       FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of a catalog  600  for use in one or more embodiments of a gifting system. In one embodiment, the catalog is prepared by a gift server in response to a catalog request received from a gift-giving terminal. The catalog  600  comprises a header section  602  that identifies the gift-receiving terminal. The catalog  600  also comprises an active content section  604 , a compatible content section  608 , and a targeted content section  610 . 
     The active content section  604  shows content that is currently owned by the gift-receiving terminal. The active content is owned or licensed by the gift-receiving terminal and the existing license information is provided at  606 . 
     The compatible content section  608  shows content that is compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. For example, a gift-giver may select content gifts from several categories, such as entertainment, news, finance, or games. 
     The targeted content section  610  shows content that has been targeted for the gift-receiving terminal. For example, if the gift-receiving terminal is a member of a financial organization, the targeted content may be the content shown in section  610 . 
     Therefore, the catalog  600  can be used in one embodiment of a gifting system to allow a content gift to be given to a gift-receiving terminal. It should be noted that the catalog  600  shows just one embodiment, and that other embodiments of a catalog are possible for use with one or more embodiments of a gifting system. 
       FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a method  700  for use in a terminal device to provide one embodiment of a gifting system using peer-to-peer communication. For example, the method  700  is suitable for use with the terminal  102  shown in  FIG. 4 . Therefore, for added clarity, the following detailed description of the method  700  includes additional references to the terminal  102  in  FIG. 4 . 
     At block  702 , a catalog identifying content compatible with a gift-receiving terminal is requested. For example, the user of terminal  102  provides user input to the transmitter  402  via input  410 . The user input comprises information that includes an identifier that identifies the gift-receiving terminal  110 . The information is used to create a catalog request that is transmitted by the transmitter  402  to the gift-receiving terminal  110  using peer-to-peer communication, for example, by using the communication channel  412 . 
     At block  704 , the terminal receives a catalog that identifies content compatible with the gift-receiving terminal. For example, the terminal  110  receives the catalog request, and after a verification process, compiles a list of compatible content. In one embodiment, information about compatible content is available at the terminal  110 . In another embodiment, the terminal  110  requests information about compatible content from a gift server, for example, the server  108 . The information about compatible content is used to create the catalog that is transmitted from the terminal  110  to the terminal  102  and received by the catalog receiver  404  via the channel  414 . 
     At block  706 , the user of the gift-giving terminal selects one or more content gifts from the catalog to be given to the gift-receiving terminal. For example, the received catalog is provided to the selection logic  408  and thereafter displayed to the terminal user. The terminal user selects the desired content gifts from the catalog via the user input  410 . 
     In one embodiment, the method  700  proceeds to block  708  where a gift request is transmitted from the terminal  102  to the gift server. The gift request includes one or more identifiers that identify content gifts that have been selected to be given to a gift-receiving terminal that is also identified in the request. For example, the user selects content gifts from the catalog to give as gifts to the gift-receiving terminal. The selections are incorporated into a gift request that is transmitted from the transmitter  406  to the gift server  108 . When the gift server receives the gift request, the content gifts are provided to the gift-receiving terminal  110  and the gift-giving terminal  102  assumes any costs associated with the content gifts. 
     In another embodiment, the method proceeds to block  710  where the gift-giving terminal  102  transmits the content gift directly to the gift-receiving terminal  110 . For example, using peer-to-peer communication, a content gift located at the terminal  102  is transmitted to the gift-receiving terminal  110 . 
     Thus, it is possible for the gifting system to provide content gifts to a terminal in a data network using a variety of methods to generate a catalog of compatible content and transmitting the selected content gift from one of several sources. 
     Accordingly, while one or more embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing gifts in a data network have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.

Technology Category: h