Pre-ordering Digital Media Assets with Automated Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-line music stores do not allow users to purchase music before its release, as they can only offer music that has been authorized for sale by artists or recording labels, leading to a delay in accessing new music releases.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that enables users to pre-order digital media assets from an on-line media store, allowing them to view advance listings and purchase music before its release, with the system monitoring and delivering the media asset electronically once it becomes available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If users purchase digital media assets before release, then user access time to new media is improved, but the system must handle pre-order management and monitoring complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by allowing users to place pre-orders before the digital media asset is released. The pre-order data is collected and stored in advance, and when the asset becomes available, the system automatically processes delivery to all pre-ordering users without requiring them to manually check for availability or complete new purchase transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated monitoring and processing. Once a digital media asset is released, the system automatically detects its availability, retrieves pre-order information, and initiates delivery to all pre-ordered users without human intervention, reducing the need for manual order management.
2Loss of time
If physical shipment is used for pre-ordered books, then users can receive books before release, but shipping delays and inventory limitations cause delays in delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical shipment system with an electronic digital delivery system. Instead of physically shipping books from warehouses to users, the system electronically delivers digital media assets (such as e-books, music, or video files) directly to users' devices, eliminating all physical constraints including shipping delays, inventory limitations, and manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and delivers digital copies of media assets electronically. When a user pre-orders a digital media asset, the system provides them with a digital copy that can be instantly delivered and accessed, eliminating the need for physical production, storage, and transportation of tangible copies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If on-line music stores only offer authorized released music, then copyright compliance is maintained, but users cannot purchase advertised music before release
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to perform the purchase action in advance, before the music is officially released and authorized. Users can pre-order advertised music during the announcement period, and the system holds these pre-orders until the music becomes available for delivery, enabling users to secure their purchase intent before official release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between users and music distributors. It collects pre-order information from users before music release, then facilitates the transaction and delivery process once the music becomes available, bridging the gap between user demand and official music availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to facilitate pre-ordering of digital media assets from an on-line media store are disclosed. A user of the on-line media store can view advance listings for digital media assets that have not yet been released. A user can also choose to pre-order a digital media asset that has not yet been released. Such a pre-order is recorded and monitored so that the desired digital media asset can be purchased and delivered to the user once the digital media asset become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery of any pre-order can occur nearly immediately.