Media Gifting Purchase Engine and Delivery Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media distribution systems do not allow users to easily purchase and gift media items, such as video-on-demand, audio content, or digital services, to others directly within the system.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables users to select and purchase media items for others through a purchase engine, which includes modules for media selection, recipient selection, pricing, transaction processing, and delivery, allowing for digital or tangible media to be gifted via various distribution networks, including broadcast and digital channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional media distribution systems are used, then users can purchase media for themselves, but users cannot easily gift media items to others directly within the system
Solution Approach 1:
The purchase engine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process both self-purchases and gift purchases through the same interface and workflow. The system accepts recipient information as an optional parameter, allowing the same core purchasing mechanism to serve both personal and gifting needs without requiring separate systems or complex conditional logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a notification mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the purchase system and the recipient. When a gift is purchased, the system sends a notification to the recipient device, which then makes the media item available. This intermediary approach enables gifting functionality without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication or complex user interactions between purchaser and recipient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gift functionality is added to media distribution systems, then users can purchase and gift media to others, but the system requires additional modules and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The purchase engine incorporates gift functionality as an extension of its existing capabilities rather than as a separate system. The same purchase processing logic handles both personal and gift purchases, with the only additional requirement being the collection and processing of recipient identification information. This universal approach minimizes structural complexity while maximizing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing recipient information and sending notifications in advance before the recipient needs to access the media item. The notification is sent immediately upon purchase completion, and the media item is pre-configured for delivery to the recipient's device, eliminating the need for complex post-purchase setup or manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple delivery methods are supported, then users can receive media through various channels, but the delivery system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recipient's device automatically receives and processes the notification and media item without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the delivery process by routing the notification to the appropriate device based on stored recipient information and making the media item available through the device's existing media playback capabilities. This self-service approach supports multiple delivery methods without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In various exemplary embodiments, a system and method to provide gift media is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at an interactive media component, a selection of the media item and a selection of at least one recipient for the media item from a user of a client device. A purchase transaction based on the selection of the media item and the at least one recipient is processed. Delivery of the media item to the at least one recipient is triggered.