Method and apparatus for delivery of content to a mobile device

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

p-0002In today's fast-paced, information-driven culture, the publishing and sharing of content with device users in mass is facilitated through various information dissemination and communication techniques, including podcasting, really simple syndication (RSS) feeding, streaming media and the like. Typically, a device user will subscribe to a content delivery service offered by a content services provider to receive the most relevant and up-to-date content corresponding to their preferences. While content preferences vary depending on the context or environment in which the device user is engaged, it is common for organizations, groups and businesses wishing to convey pertinent or sensitive content to employ a directory service for dissemination of content to specific user devices maintained by the directory.

p-0003Unfortunately, while helpful for facilitating delivery of content, use of a directory service typically is not sufficient to ensure proper and timely execution of content by the user. For example, a device user may regularly receive podcasts from a content delivery platform to the user device, but never actually play the podcasts. Still further, valuable data and network resources are consumed to fulfill a content request that could have been better allocated for a user intent on executing the content (e.g., listening to the podcast).

p-0004Therefore, a way of facilitating the automatic execution of content by a user device is needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0005Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

p-0006<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a diagram of a system capable of facilitating the delivery of content to a user device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

p-0007<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> are, respectively, a diagram of a content delivery platform configured to push content to a user device, and a diagram of a user device configured to facilitate the delivery of select content to a user device, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

p-0008<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagram of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device configured to facilitate the download of content to the device through activation of an indicator executable on the device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

p-0009<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref> are flowcharts of a process for facilitating the delivery of select content to a user device through activation of an indicator executable on the device, according to various embodiments;

p-0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flowchart of a process for enabling the transfer of content by a delivery platform in response to activation of an indicator executable on a user device, according to various embodiments;

p-0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a diagram of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device for executing content as transferred to the device from a content delivery platform, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a diagram of a computer system that can be used to implement various exemplary embodiments; and

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to implement various exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

p-0014A preferred apparatus, method and software for facilitating the delivery of content to a device through activation of an indicator executable on the device is described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, that the preferred embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the preferred embodiments of the invention.

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a diagram of a system for facilitating the delivery of select content to a device through activation of an indicator executable on the device, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, content can be directed to one or more user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<b>101</b><i>n </i>in accordance with an established syndication model, automated download or update period, content transmission arrangement or the like. Users of user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>are able to subscribe with a content services provider for the periodic receipt of such content from a content delivery platform <b>103</b>—i.e., a content management system that facilitates the transmission of select content to subscribers over a communication network <b>105</b> in accordance with an arranged syndication, content publishing or other like distribution agreement means. Once received, content is then stored by the devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<b>101</b><i>n </i>in data storage <b>109</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>accordingly or played back as streaming data.

p-0016Regular and timely delivery and execution of content, particularly in group settings, are key factors for ensuring the effective dissemination of relevant news, intelligence and other communications of critical importance. One technique for communicating and sharing content with members of a group at large is through podcasting, non-streamed webcast, screencasting and other content execution techniques. Podcasting, for example, is a content execution technique where a video or audio message is made available for direct transmission to the devices of group members on a periodic basis. In particular, podcasting involves the creation, syndication and subsequent pushing of content as a web feed to user devices from a central server to a podcatcher active on the device. The podcatcher, operable on the device for detecting web feeds, accesses the pushed content through a subscription process, checks for content updates and downloads any new content automatically or on a manual basis. By pushing content to the user devices through syndication, it can be subsequently executed by the user device offline, making it suitable for execution at anytime.

p-0017As presented herein, content capable of being pushed to a device as a podcast, screencast, data stream, etc. is any data capable of being rendered, played, presented and/or manipulated by the device. Such content may include, but is not limited to, video and audio data, streaming data, data files, object code, image data, contextual and semantic data, textual data, media data, etc. Generally, the content once accessed and received by a podcatcher active on a receiving device, is executed with a media player, audio player, video player, web-based content aggregator or the like. Any means of enabling the delivery and execution of streamed and/or non-streamed content is relevant to the exemplary embodiments presented herein.

p-0018While podcasting and other content execution techniques are useful modes of communication, the fact that a message is retrieved by a podcatcher or other means by a user device does not ensure that the message is actively executed (e.g., listened to or viewed). Moreover, transmission of audio, video and/or textual content to a group at the same time can consume tremendous network resources, especially when large messages and/or large groups are involved. As a result, content providers expend these resources on messages that are never effectively listened to or viewed (or otherwise experienced) by the recipient. Likewise, for the receiving user device, internal storage is expended on the downloading of content that does not actually get played or viewed by the user. Though automated transmission and downloading of executable content/messages on a periodic communication basis to one or more user devices is useful, a means of triggering the execution of content in a manner that does not tax network resources is needed.

p-0019While implementations can vary, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> may feature various web management software utilities, servers or a group or suite of applications and tools that enable a content services provider to seamlessly create, edit, review and publish electronic text, audio data, video data or a combination thereof. Moreover, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> allows the content to be published in syndication—i.e., disseminating the content via one or more web feeds (for example, the latest news or forum posts). In addition, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> executes various protocols and network communication schemes that enable proper formatting and packaging of content for transmission over a communication network <b>105</b>, and ultimately to enable its execution by one or more user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n. </i>

p-0020Generally, content delivery platforms <b>103</b> are maintained by one or more service providers that ensure the consistent updating and/or generation of content. In one embodiment, the services of content delivery platform <b>103</b> can be provided as managed services by a service provider that also a telecommunications service provider of a portion or all of communication network <b>105</b>. Alternatively, the service provider can be a business entity that provides a particular service. As an example, a service provider, named ACMELegalContent.com, maintains a content delivery platform <b>103</b> dedicated to the provision of legal content. In this case, the content is catered to various factions of the law and/or areas of specialization/discipline within the legal community in general, i.e., case law, legal news, family law, jurisprudence topics, etc. Users interested in receiving content from this provider register with the content delivery platform <b>103</b> through a web-based subscription/account activation process presented by the ACMELegalContent.com web server. The subscription/account activation and registration process may include, but is not limited to, performance of the following user activities: establishing a user profile (user name, contact info), indicating a device type for receipt of the content, selecting a preferred data format for delivery of the content (e.g., audio, video), indicating the frequency of content delivery to the user device, selecting a subscription level or pricing tier, selecting specific categories and/or subcategories of legal content (e.g., intellectual property news, pharmaceuticals, appellate law, legal careers, ecommerce). Ultimately, the user preferences are defined by the user directly and/or by an overriding administrator on said user's behalf (e.g., an administrator for the organization or group to which the user belongs).

p-0021Once the subscription is established, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> can provide different types of content <b>115</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>to different users accordingly based on the aforementioned preferences, requirements and needs. For example, a user of a first user device <b>101</b><i>a </i>may receive content <b>115</b><i>a </i>per the user's subscription agreement while a second user of user device <b>101</b><i>n </i>receives content <b>115</b><i>n</i>. In other instances, such as when the users share a common subscription agreement, mutual context such as a like organization, group or business association or other affiliations, user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>receive the same content. By way of example, a law firm may arrange for the transmission of regular legal content to be provided by ACMELegalContent.com to all employees who were issued firm provided user devices, i.e., user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n. </i>

p-0022While the example presented above depicts the content delivery platform <b>103</b> as an external or third party resource, the exemplary embodiments presented herein also apply to internally coordinated content delivery platforms <b>103</b>. Internally coordinated content delivery platforms may be facilitated within a private network, such as that maintained by a business, organization or other group having a computing presence over the communication network <b>105</b>. The content <b>115</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>may be generated internally, such as by a group member, the communication department or an affiliated source, and subsequently transmitted via a content delivery platform implemented within the enterprise network infrastructure (e.g., a mobile device enterprise server system). In this example, the means by which users arrange for the transmission of content to their respective user devices be it internally or externally sourced content, is managed by or in conjunction with a network administrator.

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a diagram of a content delivery platform configured to push content to a user device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As suggested with respect to the example above, content delivery platforms <b>103</b> can be maintained over the communication network <b>105</b> by a service provider (or enterprise), and implemented as one or more application server devices and/or as one or more software applications. Various modules may be employed for providing the necessary functions and features of the content delivery platform <b>103</b>. By way of example, a subscription management module <b>201</b> manages the user account registration and/or activation process that allows users to access content. In addition to maintaining user profile information, account preferences data, and the like, the subscription management module <b>201</b> also enforces one or more subscriber level policies. Subscription policies may be established and enforced by the content services provider on a paid subscription basis or permission basis, wherein varying subscription levels or tiers determine the type of content a given user may access, the frequency of syndication of the content, the amount of information made available for transmission at a time, the regularity of updates, etc.

p-0024In one embodiment, web-based interaction with the content delivery platform <b>103</b> for enabling the user or network administrator to specify their settings and features is performed by way of a user interface module <b>211</b>.

p-0025Platform <b>103</b> also includes a content retrieval module <b>203</b> that allows a requesting user device <b>101</b> to retrieve select content from data storage <b>215</b> in accordance with their established subscription and/or preferences. In addition, the content retrieval module <b>203</b> also provides intelligence for determining whether or not content requests, as received from various devices, are to be granted. The content retrieval module <b>203</b> additionally operates in connection with a content syndication module <b>205</b> that publishes and/or feeds select content according to a syndication arrangement. In particular, the content syndication module <b>205</b> manages the various channels, sites and web feeds through which content is to be disseminated. In addition, the content syndication module <b>205</b> manages the release of content or content updates in accordance with a syndication schedule. For example, the content syndication module <b>205</b> can restrict the pushing out of content for a lower tier subscriber based on a more limited syndication schedule, while unrestricting the pushing out of content for higher tier subscribers.

p-0026Operable in connection with the content syndication module <b>205</b> is push module <b>207</b>, which pushes content from the content delivery platform <b>103</b> via a communication interface <b>213</b> to one or more subscribing user devices <b>101</b> configured over the network <b>105</b>. The content is pushed out in response to the determined syndication schedule of the content syndication module <b>205</b>. The push module <b>207</b> also facilitates proper packaging and arranging of content for delivery to receiving user devices in accordance with the defined device preferences (e.g., codec settings, preferred data formats). Moreover, the push module <b>207</b> can transmit an application to the user devices in response to the availability of content per the content syndication module <b>205</b>. For example, when a content update is made available for syndication, the push module <b>207</b> selects an application that is capable of execution by the user device <b>101</b> for providing an indicator (e.g., an icon) representative of the content to be pushed to the user device <b>101</b>. Of particular note, the application features instructions for rendering an indicator to the interface of the user device <b>101</b>, in which the execution is a precursor to the pushing of content to the device <b>101</b>. One or more applications for providing indicators representative of content are maintained in data storage <b>215</b> for representing varying types of content—i.e., an indicator for indicating the first time content has been published versus an update to prior downloaded content.

p-0027Operating in connection with the content delivery platform <b>103</b> of system <b>100</b>, in accordance with various embodiments, is a directory service <b>113</b>. The directory service <b>113</b> is employed by the content delivery platform <b>103</b> to properly direct content to the one or more user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n</i>. To facilitate interaction with the directory service <b>113</b>, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> executes a directory service access module <b>209</b>. The directory service access module <b>209</b> provides communication between the directory service <b>113</b> and the push module <b>207</b> for controlling content delivery. The directory service access module <b>209</b> also ensures that content is directed by way of the directory service <b>113</b> to subscribing users on the predetermined schedule maintained by the content syndication module <b>205</b>, i.e., such as during off-peak hours of operation.

p-0028The directory service <b>113</b> is a network service that identifies all resources configured to a given network and makes them accessible to users and applications i.e., accessible to the content delivery platform <b>103</b>. For example, user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>are considered resources within the directory service <b>113</b> of an organization, each of the user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>being identified by the directory service <b>113</b> in accord with a naming convention corresponding to the topology of the directory service <b>113</b> (e.g., database topology thereof). While user devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>represent a specific type of resource, others maintained by the directory service <b>113</b> may include, but are not limited to, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, employee or group identifiers, specific documents and data files, computers and peripheral devices such as printers.

p-0029Generally, the directory service <b>113</b> provides for the use of protocols that readily enable access to select information by users associated with the directory service <b>113</b> or third party entities, such as the content delivery platform <b>103</b> (as permitted by an organization). Exemplary directory service <b>113</b> topologies and/or protocols may include, but is not limited to, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), which can be used for e-mail addresses, Domain Name System (DNS) as used frequently for organizing and naming computers, services and other resources connected to the communication network <b>105</b> or a private network or Netware Directory Service (NDS). As an application protocol, LDAP can support directory services over TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), and is more detailed in Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request for Comment (RFC) 4510, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The exemplary directory service <b>113</b> as presented herein is not limited to any one particular approach.

p-0030In one embodiment, the directory service <b>113</b> is made available to the content delivery platform <b>103</b> at the discretion of an administrator of directory service <b>113</b> to enable the coordinated direction of content transmissions to select users and/or user devices. For example, a network administrator of a corporation that maintains one or more servers for housing the directory service <b>113</b> may enable the appropriate security settings and access configurations required for the content delivery platform <b>103</b> to transmit a podcast to select computers or user devices configured to the internal network. Of particular note, the directory service <b>113</b> and content delivery platform <b>103</b> may operate in tandem to maintain a record of which content has been transmitted to and/or downloaded by which user device, when such transmission and/or downloading occurred and other pertinent details. In this way, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> avoids the transmission/pushing of repeat content while staying up-to-date on the current content needs of the user. The above described elements of the system <b>100</b> are communicable with one another over communication network <b>105</b>. In system <b>100</b>, according to certain embodiments, communication network <b>105</b> may be one or more of a combination of a data network, service provider network, telephony network, and/or wireless network, configured to handle various communication sessions, voice communications as well as non-voice communications. Communication network <b>105</b> may be any suitable wireline and/or wireless network. In the example of a telephony network, communication network <b>105</b> may include a circuit-switched network, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN), an integrated services digital network (ISDN), a private branch exchange (PBX), or other like network.

p-0031When configured for wireless communication, communication network <b>105</b> may employ various technologies including, for example, code division multiple access (CDMA), enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), mobile ad hoc network (MANET), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), wireless fidelity (WiFi), long term evolution (LTE), satellite, and the like. Meanwhile, when configured as a data network, communication network <b>105</b> may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, such as a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network.

p-0032Additionally, the communication network <b>105</b> may embody circuit-switched and/or packet-switched networks that include facilities to provide for transport of circuit-switched and/or packet-based communications. It is further contemplated that the communication network <b>105</b> includes components and facilities to provide for signaling and/or bearer communications between the various components or facilities of system <b>100</b>. In this manner, the network <b>105</b> may embody or include portions of a signaling system 7 (SS7) network, or other suitable infrastructure to support control and signaling functions. As such, network <b>105</b> may be adapted to facilitate the content transmission and execution services of system <b>100</b>.

p-0033While the various embodiments discussed herein pertain to the transmission of content to user devices through a directory service <b>113</b>, the principles apply to any type of user device through which data may be received or relayed. User devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>may include, but is not limited to, mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones, BLUETOOTH-enabled devices, WiFi-enable devices, etc.), a set-top box (STB), a computer (e.g., desktop computer, laptop, web appliance, netbook, iPad, etc.) and voice station. Regardless of type, generally, user devices are configured to communicate over the wireless communication network <b>105</b> using voice sessions as well as other non-voice sessions, e.g., short messaging service (SMS), enhanced messaging service (EMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), instant messaging (IM), etc. Also, the devices may convey geographical or spatial information with a constellation of global positioning system (GPS) satellites <b>117</b>, such as to enable location detection, by way of example. User devices may be any cellular phone, radiophone, satellite phone, smart phone, wireless phone or any other suitable mobile device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA, Blackberry), pocket personal computer, tablet, customized hardware, etc. The specific configuration of a user device for enabling content execution is more fully detailed in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>.

p-0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a diagram of a user device configured to enable the execution of content as transmitted by a content delivery platform through the activation of an indicator, according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the indicator is passed on to the user device <b>101</b> by the content delivery platform <b>103</b> in connection with the directory service <b>113</b> and then rendered to the graphical user interface of the user device <b>101</b> for enabling user activation. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> presents an exemplary diagram of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device <b>101</b> as configured to enable the execution of content through activation of said indicator, according to an exemplary embodiment.

p-0035With respect to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, the user device <b>101</b>, which may be a mobile phone (as depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 6</figref>), mobile computer or other wireless communication device includes a notification presentation module <b>217</b> that is configured to support text based communication—i.e., present and create text-based notification messages. In addition, the device <b>101</b> includes a voice module <b>219</b> configured to establish a voice-based call. Such voice-based calls can be traditional plain-old-telephone service (POTS) calls or packetized voice calls (e.g., VoIP). These communication sessions can occur concurrently during a call. It is noted that these communication sessions can be established over a circuit-switched network, a packet-switch network or a combination thereof. Thus, communication interface <b>229</b> can be appropriately configured depending on the transport systems and/or communication network <b>105</b> elements involved.

p-0036Still further, a user interface module <b>221</b> enables presentment of data to a graphical user interface of the user device <b>101</b>. Various software applications operable by the user device may feature application programming interfaces (APIs) or other function calls corresponding to the user interface module <b>221</b> for enabling graphical elements to be displayed by the device. This includes, but is not limited to, the application pushed to the device <b>101</b> by the push module <b>207</b> of the content delivery platform <b>103</b> for presenting to the interface indicators representative of content available for download. It is noted that in some instances multiple communication interfaces may be utilized depending on the type of user device involved. Moreover, the user device <b>101</b> employs the user interface module <b>221</b> to enable control by the user of the device <b>101</b> of various communication features during a session. Additionally, a controller module <b>223</b> is configured to coordinate the concurrent communication sessions provided by the notification presentation module <b>217</b> and voice module <b>219</b>. For example, the controller module <b>223</b> generates the appropriate signals to control the communication interface <b>229</b> for transmission over the voice channel and the messaging channel.

p-0037Also operable in connection with the user device <b>101</b> are the content execution module <b>225</b> and indicator application module <b>227</b>. The content execution module <b>225</b> enables the viewing, playing and/or rendering of digital content maintained in data storage <b>109</b> as provided by the content delivery platform <b>103</b>. Likewise, the content execution module <b>225</b> executes the appropriate instructions for decoding the received content properly, including the processing of video/audio codecs, the performance of various compression or decompression techniques, etc. Exemplary applications useful for execution as, or in connection with the content execution module <b>225</b> may include, but are not limited to, a digital media player, an MP3 player or other audio player, a video player, a podcast feedback mechanism or any other application or software suited for the execution of content of various formats. Exemplary formats for video content may include, but is not limited to, MPEG, AVI, Real Video and QuickTime, while exemplary audio formats aside from MP3 may include, but is not limited to AAC, WMA, WAV and AIFF. In the case of video and/or audio content, the user interface module <b>229</b> operates in connection with the content execution module <b>225</b> and controller module <b>223</b>; for example, to render video content to the graphical user interface and audio content to the internal speakers of the user device.

p-0038The indicator application module <b>227</b> enables the receipt and execution of an application for rendering of an indicator to the graphical user interface of the user device <b>101</b> in response to the determined availability of content for the user device <b>101</b>. As mentioned previously, the application enables presentment of an indicator to the device interface as a graphical element, icon, hyperlink, button, symbol, message queue or other visual indicator, which upon activation (e.g., clicking, selecting, etc.) by the user, triggers the content delivery platform <b>103</b> to push/transmit the scheduled content to the requesting user. In some instances, the visual indicator may be accompanied by a sound or physical indicator, such as an alarm or vibration for alerting the user of the rendering of the indicator to the device interface. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an exemplary user device <b>300</b> that features a graphical user interface <b>401</b> with various indicators as graphical elements, in the form of icons, presented thereon. In this example, a desktop feature of the mobile device <b>300</b> is presented to the display <b>301</b> from which the user can select one or more applications to launch (labeled as APP #1 through APP #5) via a soft touch screen or hard keypad, invoke various device or user options <b>305</b>, view a digital clock <b>307</b>, etc. While not shown expressly, the one or more applications may be represented by one or more icons that depict the particular application, which upon user selection, results in the execution of the application.

p-0039Likewise, in accordance with the one embodiment, an indicator <b>303</b> in the form of an icon is also presented to the interface <b>301</b> for representing the availability of new content for download from the content delivery platform <b>103</b>. Depending on device capabilities or user preferences, the indicator application module <b>227</b> can be made to enable the icon <b>303</b> to blink or appear/disappear depending on availability of content, vary between different images as an animation or avatar, cause an associated sound or any other means of user alert or notification. Also, the icon <b>303</b> may also have associated therewith, i.e., as metadata, useful profile information <b>309</b> for providing a description of the content in question that is to be downloaded in connection with activation of the icon. For example, the user can one-click, press and hold, mouseover or perform any other triggering action with respect to the icon <b>303</b> based indicator, thereby causing a caption <b>309</b> containing the profile information to be displayed. Alternatively, the profile information can be invoked in connection with the indicator without user invocation, such as in the form of a scrolling message prompt. These and various other approaches are feasible for the exemplary embodiments herein. In the event of full selection of the icon <b>303</b> form of indicator (e.g., a double-click activation) from the desktop by the user, a procedure is followed to render execution of the content, as depicted with respect to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-6</figref>.

p-0040<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref> are flowcharts of a process for facilitating the delivery of select content to a user device through activation of an indicator executable on the device, according to various embodiments. In step <b>401</b> of process <b>400</b>, media content is retrieved by the content delivery platform <b>103</b>. In step <b>403</b>, a determination is made as to which of the devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n </i>are to receive the retrieved content. In one embodiment, this determination is made by the content delivery platform <b>103</b> based, at least in part, on the use of a directory system configured to provide an electronic directory service <b>113</b>. The configuration of the directory service <b>113</b> may include maintenance of a content delivery schedule, a listing of specific resources to receive the content, a current version of content, last download data, etc. While implementation approaches may vary, the directory service <b>113</b> may also coordinate the determination process based, at least in part, on known subscription and user preferences as maintained by the content delivery platform <b>103</b>.

p-0041In step <b>405</b>, an application is pushed by the content delivery platform to a determined recipient user device. The pushed application provides an indicator representing the content for which the user device is to receive from the content delivery platform <b>103</b>—the indicator being pushed prior to pushing of the actual content. Also, as mentioned previously, the application for providing said indicator may also have associated therewith profile information, such as in the form of a certain schema syntax or metadata that is descriptive of the intended content to ultimately be downloaded/pushed to the device.

p-0042In step <b>407</b>, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> operating in connection with the directory service receives a request for the content from the user device to which the application was pushed. The request for delivery of the content to the user device is triggered or signaled to the content delivery platform <b>103</b> by way of activation of the indicator pushed to the user device <b>101</b>, i.e., as described with respect to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Once the request is received, in accordance with a further step <b>409</b>, a determination is then made as to whether or not to grant the request of delivery of the content to the user device <b>101</b>.

p-0043In step <b>501</b> of process <b>500</b>, an application to present an indicator representing media content that is available for delivery to the user device is automatically received and executed by the user device <b>101</b>. In step <b>503</b>, the user activates the indicator as it is rendered to the device user interface to generate a request for the content. In yet another step <b>505</b>, the user device <b>101</b> initiates transfer of the request over a wireless network to the content delivery platform <b>103</b> to obtain the content.

p-0044With respect now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a flowchart of a process for enabling the transfer of content by a content delivery platform in response to activation of an indicator executable on a user device is shown, in accordance with one embodiment. As earlier described, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> interacts with the directory service <b>113</b> to identify and/or select user devices to transmit content to over the network <b>105</b>. As seen in process <b>600</b>, per step <b>601</b>, the directory system (for providing a directory service <b>113</b>) is queried by the content delivery platform <b>103</b> in order to obtain identifiers of one or more user devices <b>101</b> that are scheduled to receive content <b>115</b>. The identifiers may be specified as a domain name entry, internet protocol (IP) Address, device identifier, or other attribute, object or value corresponding to the topology of the directory service. In response to the query, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> receives the identifiers of the one or more user devices <b>101</b> for which content <b>115</b> is to be directed, corresponding to step <b>603</b>.

p-0045Having identified the appropriate recipients, the content delivery platform <b>103</b> is able to identify a specific device (e.g., devices <b>101</b><i>a</i>-<i>n</i>) to direct content to in response to a request as initiated by way of step <b>503</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The initiated request is received by the content delivery platform <b>103</b>; the request indicating at least an identifier associated with the user device as in step <b>605</b>. In step <b>607</b>, a determination is made by the content delivery platform <b>103</b> as to whether the identifier indicated in the request matches any identifiers specified by the delivery service <b>113</b>. When a match is identified, the content intended specifically for the user device associated with said identifier is streamed or transferred over the data network to the requesting device, as specified in step <b>611</b>. The transfer process may be completed by way of a server side transformation as performed by the content delivery platform <b>103</b> followed by, for instance, an internal database lookup for accessing the specific content associated with the device. Conversely, when the identifier indicated with the request does not match the known list of identifiers indicated by the directory service, the request for content is denied. This corresponds to optional step <b>609</b>. Once the content is streamed or transferred to the user device, as depicted in step <b>611</b>, the content is executed by the user device accordingly.

p-0046<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a diagram of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device <b>700</b> for executing content in response to the transfer of content to the device from the content delivery platform, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary depiction, the device <b>700</b> executes playback of video content <b>703</b> via the graphical user interface <b>701</b>. The content as transferred results in execution of a media player, i.e., the media player compatible for playback of the content via the device <b>700</b> according to the received data format. The video content may also be accompanied by a message <b>705</b> indicating details regarding the video content—i.e., profile data, metadata, etc. As the content is automatically executed/played upon completion of or during download, the user may pause, forward, rewind or stop execution at their own discretion using control buttons <b>707</b>. It is noted that automated invocation of the media player as depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is preceded by activation of the application for rendering the indicator <b>303</b> as depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

p-0047It is noted that the above described processes, in certain exemplary embodiments, provide for effective delivery and execution of content to a user device, i.e., as a podcast message. Moreover, actual execution of the message is performed on demand, the execution being triggered automatically by user activation of an indicator that is rendered to the display of a user device resulting from an application being pushed to the device by the content delivery platform. Unlike traditional approaches to content enablement, particularly for podcasts, screencasts, streaming media and the like, the approach as presented herein provides a higher level of assurance that the content is actually played, listened to or enjoyed by the user. Moreover, content delivery is performed in a manner that more effectively utilizes network resources respective to those messages that are actually executed by the user.

p-0048The processes described herein for providing content to devices may be implemented via software, hardware (e.g., general processor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.), firmware or a combination thereof. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below.

p-0049<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates computing hardware (e.g., a computer system) upon which these embodiments can be implemented. The computer system <b>800</b> includes a bus <b>801</b> or other communication mechanism for communicating information and a processor <b>803</b> coupled to the bus <b>801</b> for processing information. The computer system <b>800</b> also includes main memory <b>805</b>, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus <b>801</b> for storing information and instructions (computer program code) to be executed by the processor <b>803</b>. Main memory <b>805</b> also can be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor <b>803</b>. The computer system <b>800</b> may further include a read only memory (ROM) <b>807</b> or other static storage device coupled to the bus <b>801</b> for storing static information and instructions for the processor <b>803</b>. A storage device <b>809</b>, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to the bus <b>801</b> for persistently storing information and instructions.

p-0050The computer system <b>800</b> may be coupled via the bus <b>801</b> to a display <b>811</b>, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display, active matrix display, or plasma display, for displaying information to a computer user. An input device <b>813</b>, such as a keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus <b>801</b> for communicating information and command selections to the processor <b>803</b>. Another type of user input device is a cursor control <b>815</b>, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor <b>803</b> and for controlling cursor movement on the display <b>811</b>.

p-0051According to certain embodiments, the processes described herein are performed by the computer system <b>800</b>, in response to the processor <b>803</b> executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory <b>805</b>. Such instructions can be read into main memory <b>805</b> from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device <b>809</b>. Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory <b>805</b> causes the processor <b>803</b> to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory <b>805</b>. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the embodiment of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

p-0052The computer system <b>800</b> also includes a communication interface <b>817</b> coupled to bus <b>801</b>. The communication interface <b>817</b> provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link <b>819</b> connected to a local network <b>821</b>. For example, the communication interface <b>817</b> may be a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a telephone modem, or any other communication interface to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of communication line. As another example, communication interface <b>817</b> may be a local area network (LAN) card (e.g. for Ethernet™ or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM) network) to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface <b>817</b> sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. Further, the communication interface <b>817</b> can include peripheral interface devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) interface, etc. Although a single communication interface <b>817</b> is depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 7</figref>, multiple communication interfaces can also be employed.

p-0053The network link <b>819</b> typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link <b>819</b> may provide a connection through local network <b>821</b> to a host computer <b>823</b>, which has connectivity to a network <b>825</b> (e.g. a wide area network (WAN) or the global packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet”) or to data equipment operated by a service provider. The local network <b>821</b> and the network <b>825</b> both use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey information and instructions. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link <b>819</b> and through the communication interface <b>817</b>, which communicate digital data with the computer system <b>800</b>, are exemplary forms of carrier waves bearing the information and instructions.

p-0054The computer system <b>800</b> can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link <b>819</b>, and the communication interface <b>817</b>. In the Internet example, a server (not shown) might transmit requested code belonging to an application program for implementing an embodiment of the invention through the network <b>825</b>, the local network <b>821</b> and the communication interface <b>817</b>. The processor <b>803</b> may execute the transmitted code while being received and/or store the code in the storage device <b>809</b>, or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, the computer system <b>800</b> may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave.

p-0055The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor <b>803</b> for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to computer-readable storage medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Non-transitory media, such as non-volatile media, include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device <b>809</b>. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory <b>805</b>. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus <b>801</b>. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

p-0056Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in providing instructions to a processor for execution. For example, the instructions for carrying out at least part of the embodiments of the invention may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. In such a scenario, the remote computer loads the instructions into main memory and sends the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem of a local computer system receives the data on the telephone line and uses an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal and transmit the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector on the portable computing device receives the information and instructions borne by the infrared signal and places the data on a bus. The bus conveys the data to main memory, from which a processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory can optionally be stored on storage device either before or after execution by processor.

p-0057<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a chip set <b>900</b> upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Chip set <b>900</b> is programmed to present a slideshow as described herein and includes, for instance, the processor and memory components described with respect to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set can be implemented in a single chip. Chip set <b>900</b>, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-6</figref>.

p-0058In one embodiment, the chip set <b>900</b> includes a communication mechanism such as a bus <b>901</b> for passing information among the components of the chip set <b>900</b>. A processor <b>903</b> has connectivity to the bus <b>901</b> to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory <b>905</b>. The processor <b>903</b> may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor <b>903</b> may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus <b>901</b> to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor <b>903</b> may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) <b>907</b>, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) <b>909</b>. A DSP <b>907</b> typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor <b>903</b>. Similarly, an ASIC <b>909</b> can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a general purposed processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) (not shown), one or more controllers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computer chips.

p-0059The processor <b>903</b> and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory <b>905</b> via the bus <b>901</b>. The memory <b>905</b> includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform the inventive steps described herein to controlling a set-top box based on device events. The memory <b>905</b> also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventive steps.

p-0060While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.