On May 7, 2009, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple’s patent application relating to media distribution and, more particularly, to controlling media distribution to personal media devices using a media distribution kiosk. Although the concept of an iTunes Store Kiosk had been rumored since 2006, the proof of such of development is now in hand. Apple’s iTunes Store Kiosks will introduce us to something that Apple calls a virtual physical connector . By establishing a virtual physical connection as opposed to using the media device’s actual connector, the wear on the media device’s connector is minimized. The virtual physical connection also reduces the likelihood of eavesdropping, hacking, and overloading of a wireless connection between the media distribution kiosk and a media device. The virtual physical connection further eliminates the need for a media device to connect with a possibly damaged, worn, or unreliable connector of a publicly or environmentally exposed media distribution device. Apple’s kiosk will utilize a limited RF range connection to ensure security. The kiosks will also allow users the ability to access one or more of their own existing libraries of media content at a different location. The new kiosks may also include a web browser using a touch screen display much like the new HP tourist kiosks. The kiosks will work with Apple handhelds such as the iPod touch, iPhone and notebooks and allow burning content such as music and/or movies to CD, DVD’s or Blu-ray Disk. Apple also introduces us to a new security feature called a presence sensor. This will assist users make secure and private wireless purchases.

Overview: The Media Distribution System

Apple’s patent FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media distribution system 100. The media distribution and/or purchase system includes a media commerce server 102. In one embodiment, the media commerce server coordinates the review and/or purchase of media content through on-line transactions. On-line transactions to purchase media items may also be referred to as electronic commerce (e-commerce). The media purchase system may also include one or more media distribution kiosks 104. Each media distribution kiosk (MDK) may interface with one or more personal media devices 108. Each MDK may be coupled to the media commerce server via a data network 106. Hence, any of the MDKs can interact with the media commerce server to enable a user to review and/or purchase media content and/or items. In one embodiment, the data network includes at least a portion of the Internet, Public switched telephone network (PSTN), a private network, mobile network, cellular network, mobile data network, satellite network, and/or any like communications network. One example of a media content storage and distribution system includes the Apple iTunes on-line media store, provided via the Internet by Apple, Inc.

In one embodiment, a media device user utilizes a browser application of the MDK to browse, search or sort through a plurality of media items that can be purchased from the media commerce server and downloaded from the media storage server 110. The MDK may also allow the user to preview media content such as, without limitation, media clips, video clips, movies, songs, pictures, ringtones, audio files, podcasts, electronic books, and the like.

The iTunes Store Kiosk: a Media Distribution Kiosk (MDK)

Apple’s patent FIG. 2 shows an exemplary media distribution kiosk (MDK) 200. The MDK may include a display 202, a keypad 204, an access pad 206, a media device docking station 208, a credit/data card receptacle 210, a housing 212, a media device presence sensor 216, a wireless antenna 218, and a media dispenser 220. The dispenser may enable the dispensing of media content on certain media articles such as a CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disk, data card, portable drive, and the like. The MDK of FIG. 2 includes an exemplary form factor similar in shape and size to a stand-alone Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). However, other form factors and configurations may be employed. For example, the MDK may include a personal computer with an accessory docking station. The MDK may include a panel or wall-mounted ATM form factor. The MDK may simply include a wireless interface for a media device. In certain embodiments, the MDK employs a web browser and/or other application that interfaces with the media commerce server, media storage server, a user specific server, a remote client 118, an authentication server, and/or any other remote system via the data network 106.

Security Features: Limited RF Region, Presence & Other New Sensors

Apple’s patent FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a media distribution kiosk (MDK) 300 employing a directed and limited radio frequency zone 302 for interaction with a particular media device 304 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the MDK advantageously addresses the overloading and eavesdropping problems by employing a directional antenna 310 and/or 218 that provides a limited RF region in which a media device can exchange data with the MDK. In another embodiment, the power output and/or signal strength from the antenna and/or 218 is limited to further limit the size of the RF region in which a wireless device can interact with the MDK. Thus, while the media device is able to communicate with the MDK, the media devices 306 and 308, being outside of the RF region, are unable to receive sufficient signal strength to acquire and/or interface with the MDK.

Returning to FIG. 2, the MDK may include an access pad 206 that receives a media device 214. The access pad may include a surface upon which the media device is placed. In one embodiment, the access pad is enclosed, at least partially, by a RF-shielded cover to limit the RF emissions from the antenna 218 to only a media device positioned on the access pad 206. In another embodiment, the MDK includes a media device presence sensor 216. In one embodiment, the presence sensor senses when the media device is positioned on and/or within the vicinity of the access pad. The presence sensor may also determine the position and/or orientation of the media device. In one embodiment, the presence sensor generates a presence indicator only when the media device is properly positioned in relation to the MDK 200. The presence sensor may include an electromagnetic sensor, RF sensor, weight sensor, pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, inductive sensor, optical sensor, sonic sensor, video sensor, acoustic sensor, or other like proximity sensor. For example, the presence sensor may include an optical sensor that sense when a media device is placed on the access pad 206. In one embodiment, the presence sensor includes a directional RF receiver for receiving a data signal from a media device 108 only when the media device 108 is positioned within the directional field of the RF receiver. The RF receiver may be directed toward an enclosed space, semi-enclosed space and/or a confined location such that detection of a particular RF and/or wireless signal indicates the physical presence of a media device 108 with regard to the MDK. In one embodiment, a presence sensor may be integrated with a wireless transceiver in communications with the directional antenna 218.

Apple’s patent FIG. 9 includes a flow diagram of an exemplary process for establishing a data connection between a media device and media distribution kiosk according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

NOTICE: MacNN presents only a brief summary of patents with associated graphic(s) for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application and/or grant is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent applications and/or grants should be read in its entirety for further details.

Jack Purcher, MacNN Senior Patent Editor.