Interactive user content delivered across multiple user devices

Abstract

To provide a method, a system, and a computer-readable medium for initiating a content download.SOLUTION: A method includes receiving, by one or more processors of a mobile computing device, an indication of a selection made by a user of the mobile computing device and associated with third party content provided by a nearby media player device, identifying an indication of downloadable content associated with the third party content displayed by the media player device, and in response to receiving an indication that the user has selected the icon, downloading the downloadable content to a memory of the mobile computing device without further input from the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to content provided via a media player device, and more particularly to interactive content provided via a media player device as well as other user devices.

Background Art

[0002] The description of the background art provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The achievements of the inventors, whose names are currently cited, are not, in the context of this description, which may not in some cases be recognized as prior art at the time of filing, admitted as prior art to the present disclosure, either explicitly or implicitly, in the same way as aspects of this description.

[0003] Today, various electronic devices can present interactive content, but in some of such devices, the interactivity that can be provided to the user is limited. For example, a television set has a limited set of commands that can be received from a remote control unit, while a smartphone can execute various software applications to provide a rich and interactive experience.

[0004] Examples of such interactive content include links to software that can be downloaded to a smartphone. For example, a digital media player such as a connected television (CTV) device can display streaming content from certain content providers (e.g., video streaming services) as well as third-party content including descriptions of software executable on a smartphone.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for initiating the download of content implemented on a mobile device is provided. The method includes receiving, by one or more processors of a mobile computing device, an indication of a selection associated with third-party content provided by a nearby media player device and performed by a user of the mobile computing device; identifying, by one or more processors of the mobile computing device, an indication of downloadable content associated with the third-party content displayed by the media player device; and downloading, by one or more processors of the mobile computing device without further input from the user in response to receiving the indication of the selection, the downloadable content to the memory of the mobile computing device. The method achieves the technical effect of providing content to the user's mobile computing device without further input from the user. In particular, in conventional known methods, the user has to actively search for downloadable content on their mobile computing device in response to receiving third-party content provided by a media player device. Therefore, it consumes time on the user's side and is resource-intensive on the side of the mobile computing device. The method of the present disclosure enables the user to make a selection associated with third-party content provided by a media player device. The selection can be made when the third-party content is provided by the media player device. Following the selection, the content is downloaded to the mobile computing device, and the user does not need to search for and actively download the content.Accordingly, a simpler and more efficient means for providing content to a user device is provided that is responsive to third-party content provided by a media player device, has little computational overhead (thus providing a better user experience by requiring little user input), and provides content to the user device with little computational overhead.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for initiating the download of content implemented on a server is provided. The method includes receiving, by one or more processors of the server, an indication of a selection associated with third-party content that is performed by a user and presented by a media player device from the media player device; identifying, by one or more processors of the server, a mobile computing device associated with the user and located near the media player device; identifying, by one or more processors of the server, downloadable content associated with third-party content provided by the media player device; transmitting, by one or more processors of the server, an indication of the downloadable content associated with third-party content provided by the media player device to the mobile computing device; and receiving, by one or more processors of the server, an indication that the mobile computing device has downloaded the downloadable content. Thus, by this method implemented by the server, the user does not need to actively search for and download the content. In response to the user receiving third-party content provided by the media player device, it is possible to download the downloadable content to the mobile computing device. This is achieved by the server providing an indication of the downloadable content to the mobile computing device, whereby the mobile computing device can automatically download the content based on the indication without further input from the user of the mobile computing device. Thus, this method also realizes the technical effect of providing a simpler and more efficient means for providing content to a user device in response to third-party content provided by a media player device.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a system for initiating the download of content is provided, the system comprising one or more processors and a memory storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to receive an indication of a selection, made by a user of a mobile computing device and associated with third-party content provided by a nearby media player device; identify an indication of downloadable content associated with third-party content displayed by the media player device; and, in response to receiving an indication that the user has selected an icon, download the downloadable content to the memory of the mobile computing device without further input from the user.

[0008] One or more computer-readable media (optionally non-transitory), which when executed by one or more processors hold instructions for performing one or more of the methods disclosed herein, are also disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]

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[0010] Overview The present disclosure is a technique for providing interactive third-party content via a media player device (such as a CTV device) that includes selectable icons or buttons, where the selectable icons or buttons, when selected by a user, lead to actions or activities such as clicking on a link, downloading an application or other content item, directly completing an online store visit or purchase, or displaying / viewing third-party content on the user's mobile device. These techniques provide an improved user experience and implement a more efficient way of providing content to a mobile device in response to third-party content provided via a media player device. The improvement in efficiency is achieved by background processing that automatically causes an action on the user's mobile device in response to the user making a selection via the media player device. The user can make a selection associated with third-party content provided by the media player device, thereby causing an action to occur automatically on the user device (without further action from the user).

[0011] Interactive third-party content may include direct response advertising, a form of advertising in which the advertiser pays for specific, measurable actions or activities, rather than for impressions or views (i.e., proxies). For example, the specific, measurable actions or activities may include clicking on a link, purchasing or downloading an application or other content item. Since CTV devices typically do not include a web browser or a mobile "app store" and cannot direct the user to a web browser to complete actions such as clicking on a link, or purchasing or downloading an application or other content item, it is difficult to measure interactions with such content when the advertisement is served via a CTV device. The system of the present disclosure removes the need for the CTV device to support a web browser or provide similar functionality, while supporting a quantitative assessment of how users interact with third-party content presented by the CTV device by automatically directing additional content related to the third-party content or third-party content presented by the CTV device to another platform. Moreover, the techniques of the present disclosure remove the need for the CTV device to support a web browser or provide similar functionality by leveraging this functionality of the user's mobile device. The techniques enable an association to be created between the user's mobile device and the CTV device that provides the third-party content to that user. The association between the mobile device and the media player device enables the functionality of the mobile device to be automatically leveraged in response to user interaction with the CTV device, thereby enabling the user to further interact with additional content via their mobile device, which cannot be achieved with the limited functionality of the CTV device.

[0012] Furthermore, the techniques of the present disclosure enable the system to automatically identify related events occurring on different, unrelated platforms. For example, when a user interacts with certain third-party content via a CTV device and then the user activates a link included in the third-party content via a mobile device, installs an application, etc., and further interacts with this third-party content or related third-party content, the system can automatically determine that these events are related by, for example, comparing the length of time elapsed between the two interactions, or by comparing identifiers or keys associated with the versions of the third-party content displayed via the CTV device and the smartphone. Optionally, the user can indicate their preferences regarding the system and adjust between the CTV device and the mobile device in terms of the selection of third-party content and the interaction with the third-party content by manipulating some controls and / or by installing some applications.

[0013] In one example, when a user selects an icon that is part of an advertisement for a mobile device application via a media player device (e.g., using a remote control associated with the media player device), the media player device identifies the mobile computing device associated with the user and sends an indication that the icon has been selected to the user's mobile computing device, causing the mobile computing device to automatically download the application. In another example, when a user selects an icon that is part of an advertisement on a media player device (e.g., using a remote control associated with the media player device), the media player device identifies the mobile computing device associated with the user and sends a unique, user-specific link to the content associated with the advertisement to the mobile computing device. In yet another example, when a mobile device user viewing an advertisement on a media player device has a content viewing application open on their mobile computing device, the media player device can send an indication of which advertisement is being displayed to the user's mobile computing device, and this mobile computing device may then identify relevant content to provide to the user via the content viewing application.

[0014] In various implementations or scenarios, the mobile device can receive a copy of third-party content selected by the user via the media player device, or content related to the third-party content selected by the user via the media player device. For example, the content provided by the server to the mobile device can be an enlarged version of an advertisement displayed via the media player device.

[0015] Depending on the implementation form or scenario, the media player device can send an indication directly to the user's mobile computing device via a short-range communication link such as a link of a wireless personal area network (WPAN) or an infrared data association (IrDA) link, or via a wireless local area network (WLAN), or indirectly via a server. In the latter case, the media player device can notify the remote server that the user's mobile computing device is near the media player device (e.g., within a certain geopreference of the media player device), and the remote server can send a corresponding notification to the user's mobile device.

[0016] Exemplary system FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 according to some examples provided herein. The high-level architecture illustrated in FIG. 1 can include both hardware and software applications, as well as various data communication channels for communicating data between various hardware and software components as described below.

[0017] System 100 can include a media player device 102 (e.g., a connected or "smart" television (TV) device, etc.), a remote control device 103 associated with the media player device 102, a server 104, and a mobile computing device 106 (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, a laptop computer, other personal computers, etc.) that is near the media player device 102 and is configured to communicate with each other via a network 108 that can include, for example, a local wireless network.

[0018] The media player device 102 can include a user interface 110 (e.g., a display screen) configured to provide content and information to and / or receive input from a user, one or more processors 112, and a memory 114 (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory). The memory 114 may be accessible by one or more processors 112 (e.g., via a memory controller). One or more processors 112 can interact with the memory 114 to obtain, for example, computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 114. The computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 114 can cause one or more processors 112 to execute one or more applications, including a media player application 115. Additionally, in some examples, the computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 114 may include instructions for performing any of the steps of method 300, which is detailed below with respect to FIG. 3.

[0019] Executing media player application 115 may include requesting and / or receiving primary content and third-party content from server 104 (or, in some examples, multiple servers), and providing primary media content and third-party content to a user via user interface 110. For example, primary media content may include streaming content such as streamed TV programs and / or other video content, or streamed music and / or other audio content, and in some examples, game content. Third-party content may include, for example, informational content, advertising content, and the like. Moreover, executing media player application 115 may include providing interactive third-party content, i.e., third-party content selectable by a user of media player device 102, or third-party content including portions selectable by a user of media player device 102. In some examples, executing media player application 115 may include providing items of third-party content including selectable icons, buttons, or other control elements through which a user can indicate a selection associated with a particular item of third-party content. In some examples, executing media player application 115 may include receiving an indication of a selection associated with third-party content from a user of media player device 102, e.g., via user interface 110 of media player device 102 (e.g., via tactile / touch input, via voice command, etc.), via a separate remote control device 103, or via mobile computing device 106.

[0020] When the media player application 115 receives an indication of a user selection associated with a particular item of third - party content from a user of the media player device 102, the media player application 115 can send the indication of the user selection associated with the particular item of third - party content to the server 104. The indication of the user selection sent to the server 104 by the media player application 115 may include the identification information of the particular item of third - party content selected by the user, as well as the identification information of the user or the mobile computing device 106 associated with the user.

[0021] For example, in some cases, running the media player application 115 may require the user to sign in, and based on identifying the username or other identifying information (e.g., login authentication information) of the signed-in user when selecting an item of third-party content, the user who selected the item of third-party content can be identified. Moreover, in some cases, running the media player application 115 may include identifying the mobile computing device 106 of the user who selected the item of third-party content based on the mobile computing device 106. For example, running the media player application 115 may include identifying the mobile computing device 106 on which the selection of the item of third-party content was received (i.e., the mobile computing device 106 through which the media player device 102 passed when receiving a signal indicating the selection of the item of third-party content). As another example, running the media player application 115 may include identifying the mobile computing device 106 near the media player device 102 when an item of third-party content is selected. For example, the media player application 115 can determine that the mobile computing device 106 is near the media player device 102 based on the media player device 102 receiving a short-range signal (e.g., a Bluetooth (trademark) signal) from the mobile computing device).

[0022] In addition, in some examples, when the media player application 115 receives an indication of a user selection associated with a particular item of third-party content from a user of the media player device 102, the media player application 115 can send the indication of the user selection associated with the particular item of third-party content to the server 104. Subsequently, the media player device 102 can receive content associated with the third-party content from the server 104 based on the user selection associated with the particular item of third-party content. For example, the related content can be an indication of a subscription to a particular television streaming channel, or an item of primary content including a movie, a television program, or other audio or video content, which can be accessible from the media player application 115 or by other applications on the media player device 102.

[0023] Furthermore, media player application 115 (or more generally, media player device 102) can indicate to server 104 which primary content media player device 102 displayed when the user made a selection of third party content. In this way, server 104 can correctly attribute user interaction to third party content via mobile device 106. Server 104 can log an event E corresponding to, for example, the user clicking on third party content C displayed via the user interface of media player device 102 at time t1, or interacting with third party content C. At a time t2 relatively distant from time t1 (e.g., one hour later), even if the user further interacts with related content C' via mobile device 106, the server can remember an indication that mobile device 106 received content C' in response to the user interacting with content C via media player device 102.

[0024] Turning now to server 104, server 104 can include one or more processors 122 and a memory 124 (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory). Memory 124 may be accessible by one or more processors 122 (e.g., via a memory controller). One or more processors 118 can interact with memory 124 to obtain, for example, computer-readable instructions stored in memory 124. The computer-readable instructions stored in memory 124 can cause one or more processors 122 to execute one or more applications including content application 125. Furthermore, in some examples, the computer-readable instructions stored in memory 124 may include instructions for performing any of the steps of method 400 detailed below with respect to FIG. 4, and / or method 500 detailed below with respect to FIG. 5.

[0025] For example, executing content application 125 may include receiving requests for primary and / or third-party content from media player device 102, and providing primary and / or third-party content to media player device 102 in response to such requests. For example, content application 125 may be able to access primary media content database 126 and / or third-party content database 128, and provide content from databases 126, 128 to media player device 102. Additionally, executing content application 125 may include receiving, from media player device 102, an indication of a selection made by a user associated with third-party content provided by media player device 102. Moreover, executing content application 125 may include receiving, from media player device 102, an indication of a user selection associated with third-party content provided by the media player device, as well as identification information of the user who made such a selection associated with the third-party content. In some examples, executing content application 125 may include identifying individual mobile computing devices 106 associated with each user making a selection associated with third-party content provided by media player device 102.

[0026] For example, in some instances, server 104 may receive from media player device 102 an indication of the identification information of individual mobile computing device 106 associated with a user who makes such a selection associated with third-party content provided by media player device 102. Additionally, in some instances, content application 125 can determine the identification information of mobile computing device 106 associated with the identified user based on, for example, the username or other identification information (e.g., login authentication information) of the user signed in to media player application 121 of media player device 102 at the time of selection of an item of third-party content. That is, the username or other identification information of the user signed in to media player application 121 may correspond to a particular mobile computing device 106 or may correspond to an application installed on a particular mobile computing device 106. In some instances, content application 125 can access user identification information database 130, which can indicate, for example, the username or other login authentication information associated with various users and the identification information of their individual mobile computing devices 106. Additionally, a particular user can utilize common login authentication information for media player application 121 and applications installed on mobile computing device 106.

[0027] In addition, in some examples, the content application 125 can receive identification information of the mobile computing device 106 associated with the identified user and an indication of the location associated with the media player device 102 (e.g., from the media player device 102), and can determine based on receiving an indication of the location associated with the mobile computing device 106 (e.g., from the mobile computing device 106). That is, the content application 125 can determine that the mobile computing device 106 is associated with the identified user who has made a selection associated with the third-party content provided by the media player device 102, based on the distance between the respective locations of the media player device 102 and the mobile computing device 106, i.e., that distance is less than a threshold distance, indicating proximity between the media player device and the mobile computing device 106.

[0028] Furthermore, executing the content application 125 may include identifying content associated with selected third-party content provided by the media player device 102. For example, the content application 125 can access an associated content database 132 that can store indications of content associated with third-party content provided by the media player device 102 and / or content associated with specific selections that a user can make with respect to the third-party content provided by the media player device 102. Executing the content application 125 may include identifying items of associated content (e.g., stored in the associated content database 132) associated with specific selections made by the user with respect to third-party content provided by the media player device 102. That is, in some examples, a particular item of third-party content provided by the media player device 102 may correspond to an individual item of associated content. Moreover, in some examples, a specific selection that a user can make with respect to third-party content provided by the media player device 102 may correspond to an individual item of associated content. In some examples, the indication of associated content stored in the associated content database 132 may include an indication of a mobile device application and / or a specific item of application content that is accessible by a particular mobile device application and associated with an individual item of third-party content provided by the media player device 102. In some examples, the mobile device application may be a mobile-only application, i.e., an application that can be downloaded and executed only on the mobile computing device 106 and not on the media player device 102, or an application that is actually used only by the mobile computing device 106 and not by the media player device 102.Similarly, in some examples, items of application content accessible by a mobile device application may be items of application content for mobile-only applications and may be accessible only by a mobile-only application rather than an application of the media player device 102. Moreover, in some examples, indications of related content stored in the related content database 132 may include indications of items of web content associated with individual items of third-party content provided by the media player device 102.

[0029] Executing content application 125 may include providing an indication of the identified related content (and / or the related content itself) to the identified mobile computing device 106. That is, in some examples, content application 125 may send an indication of the identified related content, such as an indication of an application, an item of application content, an item of web content, etc., to mobile computing device 106. In some examples, content application 125 may generate a unique and user-specific way to access the identified related content, such as a unique and user-specific URL for accessing an item of web content, and may send the unique and user-specific way to access the identified related content to mobile computing device 106. Additionally, in some examples, content application 125 may send downloadable related content (e.g., a downloadable application, a downloadable item of application content, a downloadable item of web content, etc.) to mobile computing device 106. Also, executing content application 125 may include receiving, from mobile computing device 106, an indication that the related content has been downloaded and / or accessed by the user of mobile computing device 106. In some examples, the indication that the related content has been downloaded and / or accessed by the user of mobile computing device 106 may further include other characteristics of downloading or accessing the related content by the mobile computing device.For example, content application 125 can receive an indication of the time when mobile computing device 106 downloads or accesses related content, or an indication of the length of time that the mobile computing device has accessed the related content. As another example, content application 125 can receive an indication of any other action performed by mobile computing device 106 in relation to the related content, such as whether the user has logged in to the downloaded application or logged in to a website with respect to the related content, or an indication of whether the user has made a purchase via the related content.

[0030] In addition, in some examples, content application 125 can identify content associated with selected third-party content accessible by media player application 115 or other applications on media player device 102, and in response to receiving an indication that the user has made a selection associated with the third-party content, can send such related content to the media player device. For example, content application 125 can identify an indication of a subscription to a certain television streaming channel, or an item of primary content including a movie, television program, or other audio or video content associated with the selected third-party content, and can send an indication of this related content or an item of this related content to media player device 102.

[0031] Next, looking at the mobile computing device 106, the mobile computing device 106 can include a user interface 116, one or more processors 118, and a memory 120 (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory). The memory 120 may be accessible by one or more processors 118 (e.g., via a memory controller). One or more processors 118 can interact with the memory 120 to obtain, for example, computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 120. The computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 120 can cause one or more processors 118 to execute one or more applications, including a mobile device application 121. Additionally, in some examples, the computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 120 may include instructions for performing any of the steps of method 600, detailed below with respect to FIG. 6, and / or method 700, detailed below with respect to FIG. 7.

[0032] Executing the mobile device application 121 can, in some examples, enable the user to access content provided via the mobile device application 121 based on, for example, the user signing in to the mobile device application 121 or providing login authentication information or other user identification information to the mobile device application 121, whereupon the mobile device application 121 can provide the login authentication information or other user identification information to the server 104. Moreover, in some examples, executing the mobile device application 121 may include providing additional information to the server 104, such as an indication of the location of the mobile computing device 106.

[0033] In some examples, executing the mobile device application 121 may include receiving user input or selections associated with primary or third-party content provided by the media player device 102, and the mobile device application 121 may directly send an indication of such a selection to the media player device 102 or send it to the server 104, and then the server 104 may send an indication of such a selection to the media player device 102. That is, in some examples, the user may control the media player device 102 via the user interface 116 of the mobile computing device 106.

[0034] In addition, executing the mobile device application 121 may include receiving an indication (e.g., from the media player device 102 or from the server 104) that a user of the mobile computing device 106 has made a selection associated with third party content provided by a nearby media player device 102. Further, executing the mobile device application 121 may include receiving from the server 104 an indication of content associated with third party content provided by a nearby media player device 102. The associated content may include items of web content, items of application content, and / or mobile device applications that can access items of application content. In some examples, the mobile device application may be a mobile-only application, i.e., an application that can be downloaded and executed only on the mobile computing device 106 and not on the media player device 102. Similarly, in some examples, items of application content accessible by the mobile device application may be items of application content for mobile-only applications and may be accessible only by the mobile-only applications of the mobile computing device 106 and not by the applications of the media player device 102.

[0035] In some examples, the mobile device application 121 can receive instructions or other information associated with accessing related content from the server 104, and based thereon, the mobile device application 121 can request the server 104 or another server to download or access the related content. Additionally, in some examples, the mobile device application 121 may receive the related content itself from the server 104. In any case, the mobile device application 121 can download or access the identified related content in response to receiving an indication that the user of the mobile computing device 106 has made a selection associated with third-party content to which the content is related. In some examples, the mobile device application 121 may determine whether another mobile device application is required to access the associated content, and in response to receiving an indication that the user of the mobile computing device 106 has made a selection associated with third-party content to which the content is related, can initiate the download of another mobile device application.

[0036] In addition, in some examples, the mobile device application 121 may determine whether the mobile device application used to access the relevant content is currently running or currently open on the mobile computing device 106. The mobile device application used to access the relevant content may, in response to receiving an indication that the user of the mobile computing device 106 has made a selection associated with third-party content with which the content is associated, and in response to the mobile device application used to access the relevant content being currently running or currently open when the user makes the selection, automatically access (e.g., open, activate, start, and / or begin playback, etc.) the relevant content (i.e., without further action from the user of the mobile computing device 106). For example, if the relevant content is video content to be played by a video player mobile device application, the video player mobile device application may begin playing the video content based on the user's selection and based on the fact that the video player mobile device application is running and / or open when the selection is made.

[0037] In particular, the mobile device application 121 may download the identified related content to the memory of the mobile computing device 106 without further input from the user of the mobile computing device 106 and / or may access the identified related content. Moreover, in some examples, the mobile device application 121 may, without input provided via the mobile computing device 106 at any point in the process, i.e., when the user of the mobile computing device 106 makes a selection associated with third party content provided by the media player device 102 via a separate remote control device 103 or via the user interface of the media player device 102, download the identified related content to the memory of the mobile computing device 106 and / or may access the identified related content.

[0038] Furthermore, in some examples, when related content is downloaded, accessed, or received, mobile device application 121 may send an indication, for example, to server 104 or to another server. In some examples, an indication that related content has been downloaded, accessed, or received by mobile computing device 106 may include other characteristics of the download or access of the related content by the mobile computing device. For example, mobile device application 121 may send an indication of the time when mobile computing device 106 downloaded or accessed the related content, or an indication of the length of time that the mobile computing device accessed the related content. As another example, mobile device application 121 may send an indication of any other action performed by mobile computing device 106 in relation to the related content, such as whether the user logged in to the downloaded action or logged in to the website in relation to the related content, or an indication of whether the user made a purchase via the related content.

[0039] Exemplary user interface display Figures 2A - 2F are diagrams of exemplary user interface displays associated with the techniques of the present disclosure for providing interactive content via a plurality of user devices.

[0040] For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the media player application 115 of the media player device 102 can provide third-party content 202 via the user interface 110 of the media player device 102. In the example of FIG. 2A, the third-party content 202 may include advertisements for mobile device applications. The third-party content 202 can include various selectable portions or icons 204A and 204B. The selectable icon 204A is associated with installing a mobile device application via the mobile computing device 106 associated with the user, while the selectable icon 204B is associated with skipping the third-party content 202. Although two such icons 204A and 204B are shown in FIG. 2A, in other examples, more or fewer selectable icons may be associated with the third-party content 202.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2B, in response to the user selecting selectable icon 204A, media player application 115 may, in some examples, provide confirmation window 206 that includes the user's login authentication information for the signed-in account (e.g., "rachelgreen@gmail.com") and confirmation of the mobile computing device 106 associated with the user (e.g., "Rachel's Pixel 4"). Confirmation window 206 may include additional selectable icon 204C associated with confirmation of whether to download and install the mobile device application on mobile computing device 106 associated with the user. When the user selects selectable icon 204C, media player application 115 of media player device 102 may send an indication of the selection (as well as an indication of the user's identification information and / or an indication of the user's mobile computing device 106) to server 104, which in turn may send the mobile device application, or an indication identifying the mobile device application, to mobile computing device 106 associated with the user. In some examples, mobile computing device 106 can download and / or install the mobile device application without further input from the user. That is, in some examples, mobile computing device 106 can download and / or install the mobile device application sent and / or identified by server 104 without any user input being provided via mobile computing device 106 itself (i.e., based only on the user input provided via media player device 102).

[0042] Figure 2C shows another example of a media player application 115 of a media player device 102 that provides third-party content 202 via a user interface 110 of the media player device 102. In the example of Figure 2C, the third-party content 202 includes an advertisement for pizza delivery orders that are available for use in a pizza delivery mobile application. The third-party content 202 can include various selectable portions or icons 204D and 204B. The selectable icon 204D ("Send Order") is associated with providing application content related to an order to a pizza delivery mobile application installed on a mobile computing device 106 associated with the user, and / or downloading the pizza delivery mobile application to the mobile computing device 106 and installing the pizza delivery mobile application on the mobile computing device 106 if the pizza delivery mobile application is not already installed. As discussed above, the selectable icon 204B is associated with skipping the third-party content 202. When the user selects the selectable icon 204D, the media player application 115 of the media player device 102 may send an indication of the selection (as well as an indication of the user's identification information and / or an indication of the identification information of the user's mobile computing device 106) to the server 104, and this server 104 may in turn send application content related to an order to a pizza delivery mobile application installed on a mobile computing device 106 associated with the user. For example, as shown in Figure 2C, when the mobile computing device 106 receives the application content related to the order, it can display a notification 208 via a user interface 116.

[0043] Figure 2D shows another example of a media player application 115 of a media player device 102 that provides third - party content 202 via a user interface 110 of the media player device 102. In the example of Figure 2D, the third - party content 202 includes an advertisement for an update for a mobile game application. The third - party content 202 can include a selectable icon 204E. The selectable icon 204E (“Send Link”) is associated with providing application content related to an update to a mobile game application installed on a mobile computing device 106 associated with the user and / or downloading the mobile game application to the mobile computing device 106 and installing the mobile game application on the mobile computing device 106 if the mobile game application is not already installed. When the user selects the selectable icon 204E, the media player application 115 of the media player device 102 may send an indication of the selection (as well as an indication of the user's identification information and / or an indication of the identification information of the user's mobile computing device 106) to the server 104, and in turn, this server 104 may send the application content associated with an update to a mobile game application installed on the mobile computing device 106 associated with the user. For example, as shown in Figure 2D, when the mobile computing device 106 receives the application content associated with the update, it can display a notification 208 via the user interface 116. In some examples, the mobile computing device 106 can download and / or install an update to the mobile game application without further input from the user.That is, in some examples, the mobile computing device 106 can download and / or install an update to a mobile game application transmitted by the server 104 without any user input being provided through the mobile computing device 106 itself (i.e., based only on user input provided through the media player device 102), or (in an example where the user makes a selection related to the media player device 102 through the mobile computing device 106) without any additional user input being provided through the mobile computing device 106.

[0044] FIG. 2E shows another example of the media player application 115 of the media player device 102 that provides third-party content 202 via the user interface 110 of the media player device 102. In the example of FIG. 2E, the third-party content 202 includes advertisements and / or information about a subscription television streaming channel or service. The third-party content 202 can include selectable icons 204F. The selectable icon 204F (“subscribe now”) is associated with application content for activating a subscription to a television streaming channel or server via the media player application 115 or another application of the media player device 102. When the user selects the selectable icon 204F, the media player application 115 of the media player device 102 can send an indication of the selection to the server 104, and this server 104 can then send the application content associated with the subscription to the media player application 115 or another application of the media player device 102.

[0045] Figure 2F shows another example of a media player application 115 of a media player device 102 that provides third - party content 202 via a user interface 110 of the media player device 102. In the example of Figure 2F, the third - party content 202 includes advertisements and / or information about a movie or a streaming television program (i.e., primary content). The third - party content 202 can include selectable icons 204G. A selectable icon 204F (“Purchase or Rent”) is associated with application content for streaming the primary content via the media player application 115 or another application of the media player device 102. When the user selects the selectable icon 204G, the media player application 115 of the media player device 102 can send an indication of the selection to the server 104, and in turn, this server 104 can send the application content associated with streaming the primary content to the media player application 115 or another application of the media player device 102.

[0046] Exemplary Method in a Media Player Device Figure 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 when it can be used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to some examples provided herein. One or more steps of the method 300 can be stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., the memory 114 of the media player device 102) and implemented as a set of instructions executable on one or more processors (e.g., the processor 112 of the media player device 102). At block 302, primary media content can be provided. At block 304, third-party content can be provided. At block 306, a determination can be made that the user has made a selection associated with the third-party content. At block 308, an indication that the user has made a selection associated with the third-party content can be sent to the server.

[0047] Exemplary Method at Server Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 400 when used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to some examples provided herein. One or more steps of method 400 may be stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., memory 124) and implemented as a set of instructions executable on one or more processors (e.g., processor 122). At block 402, an indication may be received that a user of a mobile computing device has made a selection associated with third-party content displayed by a nearby media player device. At block 404, the mobile computing device associated with the user may be identified. At block 406, application content associated with the third-party content displayed by the media player device may be identified. At block 408, an indication of the identified application content, and / or an indication of an application associated with the identified application content, may be sent to the mobile computing device. At block 410, an indication may be received that the mobile computing device has downloaded the identified application content, and / or an application associated with the identified application content.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 500 when it can be used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to some examples provided herein. One or more steps of the method 500 can be stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., memory 124) and implemented as a set of instructions executable on one or more processors (e.g., processor 122). At block 502, an indication can be received that a user of a mobile computing device has made a selection associated with third-party content displayed by a nearby media player device. At block 504, the mobile computing device associated with the user can be identified. At block 506, the content associated with the third-party content displayed by the media player device can be identified. At block 508, an indication of a unique and user-specific link associated with the identified content may be transmitted to the mobile computing device. At block 510, an indication can be received that the user of the mobile computing device has selected the unique and user-specific link.

[0049] Exemplary Method in a Mobile Device FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 when it can be used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to some examples provided herein. One or more steps of the method 600 can be stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., the memory 120 of the mobile computing device 106) and implemented as a set of instructions executable on one or more processors (e.g., the processor 118 of the mobile computing device 106). At block 602, an indication that a user of a mobile computing device has made a selection associated with third-party content provided by a media player device can be received. At block 604, an indication of downloadable content associated with third-party content provided by a media player device can be identified. At block 606, in response to receiving an indication that a user of a mobile device has made a selection associated with third-party content provided by a media player device and without further input from the user, the identified downloadable content associated with the third-party content provided by the media player device can be downloaded to the memory of the mobile computing device.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 700 that may be used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with some examples provided herein. One or more steps of method 700 may be stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., memory 120 of mobile computing device 106) and implemented as a set of instructions executable on one or more processors (e.g., processor 118 of mobile computing device 106). At block 702, an indication that a user of a mobile computing device has made a selection associated with third-party content provided by a media player device may be received. At block 704, an indication of application content associated with third-party content provided by the media player device may be identified. At block 706, a determination may be made as to whether an application associated with the identified application content is one or more of currently installed or open on the mobile computing device. At block 708, in response to receiving an indication that a user of the mobile device has made a selection associated with third-party content provided by the media player device, and in response to a determination as to whether an application associated with the identified application content is currently installed or open on the mobile computing device, and without further input from the user, the identified application content associated with the third-party content provided by the media player device may be provided by the application.

[0051] Further Considerations The following further considerations apply to the foregoing discussion. Throughout this specification, multiple instances can implement components, operations, or structures that are described as a single instance. Individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, but one or more of the individual operations can be performed simultaneously and are not required to be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0052] In addition, some embodiments are described herein as including logic or some components, modules, or mechanisms. A module can comprise either a software module (e.g., code stored in a machine-readable medium) or a hardware module. A hardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing some operations and can be set or configured in several ways. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more computer systems (e.g., a stand-alone, client, or server computer system), or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor, or a group of processors) can be set as a hardware module that operates to perform some operations as described herein by software (e.g., an application or a portion of an application).

[0053] A hardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform some operations. A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software (e.g., as included within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) to perform some operations. It should be understood that the decision to implement a hardware module in dedicated, permanently configured circuitry or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be determined by cost and time considerations.

[0054] Thus, the term hardware should be understood to encompass tangible entities such as physical entities that are physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in some manner or to perform some of the operations described herein. Considering embodiments in which a hardware module is temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated at one instant in time. For example, if a hardware module includes a general-purpose processor that is configured using software, this general-purpose processor may be configured as individual, distinct hardware modules at different times. Accordingly, the software can configure the processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one instant and to constitute different hardware modules at different instants.

[0055] Hardware and software modules can provide information to other hardware and / or software modules and receive information from other hardware and / or software modules. Thus, the hardware modules described can be considered to be communicatively coupled. If multiple such hardware or software modules exist simultaneously, communication can be realized through signal transmission (e.g., on appropriate circuits and buses) that connects the hardware or software modules. In embodiments where multiple hardware modules or software are set or instantiated at different times, communication between such hardware or software modules may be realized, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information within a memory structure accessible to the multiple hardware or software modules. For example, one hardware or software module can perform one operation and store the output of that operation in a communicatively coupled memory device. At a later time, a further hardware or software module can access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware and software modules may also initiate communication with input or output devices and act on resources (e.g., collect information).

[0056] The various operations of the exemplary methods described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more processors that are temporarily set (e.g., by software) or permanently set to perform the associated operations. Whether temporarily or permanently set, such processors can configure processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in some exemplary embodiments, include processor-implemented modules.

[0057] Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be at least partially processor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations of the method may be performed by one or more processors or hardware modules of a processor implementation. Some implementations of the operations may be distributed among one or more processors and may exist not only within a single machine but also span multiple machines. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more processors may be located in a single location (e.g., within a residential environment, an office environment, or as a server farm), while in other embodiments, the processors may be distributed across several locations.

[0058] One or more processors may also operate to perform the associated operations within a "cloud computing" environment or as supported by SaaS. For example, as shown above, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as an example of a machine including a processor), and such operations are accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and one or more suitable interfaces (e.g., an API).

[0059] Some implementations of the operations may be distributed among one or more processors and may exist not only within a single machine but also span multiple machines. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more processors or processor implementation modules may be located in a single geographical location (e.g., within a residential environment, an office environment, or as a server farm). In other exemplary embodiments, one or more processors or processor implementation modules may be distributed across several geographical locations.

[0060] Part of this specification is presented in terms of symbolic representations of algorithms or operations on data stored in a machine memory (e.g., a computer memory) as bits or binary digital signals. Such algorithmic or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to other workers. As used herein, an "algorithm" or "routine" is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processes leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms, routines, and operations involve physical manipulations of physical quantities. Typically, though not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. For reasons mainly of common usage, such signals may conveniently be referred to using terms such as "data", "content", "bit", "value", "element", "symbol", "character", "term", "number", "numerical value", etc. However, these terms are merely convenient labels and should be associated with appropriate physical quantities.

[0061] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the discussions in this specification using terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "presenting", "displaying", etc. may refer to actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electrical, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or combinations thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the particular elements, features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. The phrase "in one embodiment" that appears in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0063] Some embodiments may use the expressions "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives when being described. For example, some embodiments may use the term "coupled" to describe that two or more elements are in physical direct contact or in electrical contact. However, the term "coupled" also means that two or more elements, while not in direct contact with each other, still cooperate or interact with each other. Embodiments are not limited to this context.

[0064] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has", "having", or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, and may include other elements not explicitly listed or not inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to the inclusive "or" and not the exclusive "or". For example, the condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0065] In addition, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe the elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is for convenience only and to give a general sense of the description. This description should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is clearly meant otherwise.

[0066] Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will fully recognize additional and alternative structural and functional designs through the principles disclosed herein. Therefore, while specific embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the exact construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those skilled in the art can be made to the construction, operation, and details of the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0067] 100 System 102 Media Player Device 103 Remote Control Device 104 Server 106 Mobile Computing Device 108 Network 110 User Interface 112 Processor 114 Memory 115 Media Player Application 118 Processor 121 Mobile Device Application 122 Processor 124 Memory 125 Content Application 126 Primary Media Content Database 128 Additional Content Database 130 User Identification Information Database 132 Related content database 202 Third-party content 204A Selectable icon 204B Selectable icon 204C Selectable icon 204D Selectable icon 204E Selectable icon 204F Selectable icon 204G Selectable icon 206 Confirmation window 208 Notification 300 Method 400 Method 500 Method 600 Method 700 Method

Claims

1. A method for initiating the download of content implemented on a mobile device associated with a user, the method comprising: receiving, by one or more processors of the mobile computing device, an indication of the third-party content selected by the user via a media player device that is displaying the third-party content near the primary content; identifying, by the one or more processors, downloadable content associated with the selected third-party content being displayed by the media player device; downloading, by the one or more processors, the downloadable content to a memory of the mobile computing device without further input from the user in response to receiving the indication; and a method.

2. The step of identifying downloadable content associated with the selected third-party content being displayed by the media player device includes: receiving, by the one or more processors of the mobile computing device, the indication of the downloadable content associated with the third-party content being displayed by the media player device from a server. The method according to claim 1.

3. The step of downloading the downloadable content to a memory of the mobile computing device includes downloading a mobile-only application to the memory of the mobile computing device. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The step of downloading the downloadable content to a memory of the mobile computing device includes downloading a content item accessible by a mobile device application to the memory of the mobile computing device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A step of determining, by the one or more processors of the mobile computing device, that the mobile device application is one or more of being executed or open on the mobile computing device, and downloading, to the memory of the mobile computing device, the content item accessible by the mobile device application, the step of downloading being based on the mobile device application being one or more of being executed or open on the mobile computing device The method according to claim 4, further comprising.

6. A step of transmitting, by the one or more processors of the mobile computing device, an indication that the mobile computing device has downloaded the downloadable content to a server The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising.

7. A method of initiating a download of content, implemented on a server, the method comprising Receiving, by the one or more processors of the server, an indication of a user selection associated with third-party content displayed by the media player device from the media player device Identifying, by the one or more processors of the server, a mobile computing device near the media player device associated with the user Identifying, by the one or more processors of the server, downloadable content associated with the third-party content provided by the media player device Transmitting, by the one or more processors of the server, an indication of the downloadable content associated with the third-party content provided by the media player device to the mobile computing device Receiving, by the one or more processors of the server, an indication that the mobile computing device has downloaded the downloadable content A method comprising the above. **Claim 8** Transmitting, by the one or more processors of the server, the downloadable content associated with the third-party content provided by the media player device to the mobile computing device The method according to claim 7, further comprising the above. **Claim 9** The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of transmitting the downloadable content to the mobile computing device includes transmitting a downloadable mobile-only application to the mobile computing device. **Claim 10** The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the step of transmitting the downloadable content to the mobile computing device includes transmitting a content item accessible by a mobile device application to the mobile computing device. **Claim 11** A system for initiating content download, the system comprising one or more processors and a memory storing computer-readable instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to Receive an indication of a selection made by a user of a mobile computing device, the selection being associated with third-party content provided by a nearby media player device Identify an indication of downloadable content associated with the third-party content displayed by the media player device In response to receiving the indication of the selection, download the downloadable content to the memory of the mobile computing device without further input from the user A system that performs the above. **Claim 12** When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to Receiving, from a server, an indication of the downloadable content associated with the third-party content displayed by the media player device The system according to claim 11, further causing the step to be performed **Claim 13** The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein when the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, the instruction causes the one or more processors to download the downloadable content to the memory of the mobile computing device and causes the one or more processors to download a mobile-only application to the memory of the mobile computing device **Claim 14** The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein when the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, the instruction causes the one or more processors to download the downloadable content to the memory of the mobile computing device and causes the one or more processors to download content items accessible by a mobile device application to the memory of the mobile computing device **Claim 15** When the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors Determining whether the mobile device application is one or more of being executed or open on the mobile computing device, and downloading the content item accessible by the mobile device application to the memory of the mobile computing device, wherein the downloading step is based on whether the mobile device application is one or more of being executed or open on the mobile computing device The system according to claim 14, further causing the step to be performed **Claim 16** When the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors Sending, to the server, an indication that the mobile computing device has downloaded the downloadable content The system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, which further causes the operation to be performed.

17. A system for starting the download of content, the system comprising one or more processors and a memory storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

18. A computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

19. A computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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