US6845396B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for content deployment and activation
Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
•
Filing: 2000-03-06
•
Granted: 2005-01-18
•
Expires: 2020-03-06
Abstract
Abstract The present disclosed system is directed toward a communication and management system that dynamically targets network devices for content deployment, such as application programs, device drivers, configuration files, and registry subhives. Moreover, the present system targets users of network devices for promotions, such as advertisements offered by Internet e-commerce sites. Promotions are generally icons or graphic images with links to host web servers overlaying a video display, but also includes audio and video clips or data streams. Network devices and their users are targeted through user profiles. User profiles are created when network devices register with the system server and are continually updated with information provided by user activity and event logs that are periodically uploaded from each device, a scalable messaging system provides for data transmission between the system server and among the network devices such that it is neutral as to the specific hardware platforms on which it is implemented.
Inventors
- 👤 Chaitanya Kanojia
- 👤 Lee Kamenstky
- 👤 Peter Hall
- 👤 Ian Copeman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 04:58
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L67/00; H04L67/01; H04L67/06; G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/90; G06F16/95; G06F16/953; G06F16/9535; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
315 words
A system for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: a content store that stores the content; a bulk data transfer manager that has access to the content store: a system manager for scheduling a download of content from the content store to targeted network devices and downloading criteria for activation of the content on the targeted network devices by generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of targeted content to the targeted network devices; each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the content to be downloaded to a network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded content at a time subsequent to content download in a manner free of user intervention; the system manager scheduling content download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the targeted network devices in advance of content activation to cause the network devices to download and activate the content according to the scheduling messages; and at each of the targeted network devices, a system agent and a bulk data transfer agent executing in the targeted network device, the system agent receiving one of the scheduling messages delivered from the system manager; in response to receiving the scheduling message, the system agent automatically directing the bulk data transfer agent to establish a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and to download the content identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer agent initiating a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and requesting the content identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer manager downloading the requested content from the content store to the bulk data transfer agent; and the system agent activating the downloaded content free of user intervention at a time subsequent to content download according to the data that schedules activation of the content in the scheduling message.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
315 words
A system for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: a content store that stores the content; a bulk data transfer manager that has access to the content store: a system manager for scheduling a download of content from the content store to targeted network devices and downloading criteria for activation of the content on the targeted network devices by generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of targeted content to the targeted network devices; each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the content to be downloaded to a network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded content at a time subsequent to content download in a manner free of user intervention; the system manager scheduling content download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the targeted network devices in advance of content activation to cause the network devices to download and activate the content according to the scheduling messages; and at each of the targeted network devices, a system agent and a bulk data transfer agent executing in the targeted network device, the system agent receiving one of the scheduling messages delivered from the system manager; in response to receiving the scheduling message, the system agent automatically directing the bulk data transfer agent to establish a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and to download the content identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer agent initiating a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and requesting the content identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer manager downloading the requested content from the content store to the bulk data transfer agent; and the system agent activating the downloaded content free of user intervention at a time subsequent to content download according to the data that schedules activation of the content in the scheduling message.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the system manager selects the targeted network devices among other network devices on the data network based on profile information associated with the network devices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the system manager generates the individual scheduling messages to schedule download of the targeted content to the targeted network devices during periods when usage of the data network is typically low.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the system manager monitors usage of the data network and generates the individual scheduling messages to schedule download of the targeted content when usage of the data network falls below a predetermined level.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a management console that provides an interface to identify content for deployment on the network devices, the management console downloading the content to the content store.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system as recited in claim 5 , wherein the management console further provides an interface to identify a group profile for targeting the network devices for content deployment, the management console downloading the group profile to the content store.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as recited in claim 5 , wherein the management console further provides an interface for identifying activation criteria for activating the content on the network devices.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising: a system agent executing on the network device; and the system manager activating the downloaded content sending a message to the system agent to activate the downloaded content.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a system agent executing on the network device, the system agent activating the downloaded content on the network device at a predetermined date and time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a system agent executing on the network device, the system agent activating the downloaded content on the network device in response to an event.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as recited in claim 10 , wherein the event is a channel event.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as recited in claim 10 , wherein the event is an attachment of a peripheral device to the network device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a promotion notification agent executing on the network device; wherein the downloaded content is a promotion; the promotion notification agent activating the promotion in response to an event.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the event is a channel event.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the event is an attachment of a peripheral device to the network device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the promotion notification agent activates a plurality of promotions on the network device in response to the event.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the data network is a cable network.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the data network is a satellite-linked network.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the data network is a Digital Subscriber Line network.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the data network is a wireless network.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
321 words
A system for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: a content store that stores the content, the content being promotions; a bulk data transfer manager that has access to the content store; a system manager for scheduling a download of content from the content store to targeted network devices and downloading criteria for activation of the content on the targeted network devices by generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of targeted promotions to the targeted network devices; each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the targeted promotions to be downloaded to a network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded targeted promotions at a time subsequent to content download in a manner free of user intervention: the system manager scheduling promotion download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the targeted network devices in advance of promotion activation to cause the network devices to download and activate the promotions according to the scheduling messages; at each of the targeted network devices, a system agent, a promotion notification agent and a bulk data transfer agent executing in the targeted network device, the system agent receiving one of the scheduling messages delivered from the system manager; in response to receiving the scheduling message, the system agent automatically directing the bulk data transfer agent to establish a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and to download the promotions identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer agent initiating a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and requesting the promotions identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer manager downloading the requested promotion from the content store to the bulk data transfer agent; and the promotion notification agent activating the targeted promotions at a time subsequent to promotion download according to the data that schedules activation of the promotions in the scheduling messages.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
321 words
A system for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: a content store that stores the content, the content being promotions; a bulk data transfer manager that has access to the content store; a system manager for scheduling a download of content from the content store to targeted network devices and downloading criteria for activation of the content on the targeted network devices by generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of targeted promotions to the targeted network devices; each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the targeted promotions to be downloaded to a network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded targeted promotions at a time subsequent to content download in a manner free of user intervention: the system manager scheduling promotion download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the targeted network devices in advance of promotion activation to cause the network devices to download and activate the promotions according to the scheduling messages; at each of the targeted network devices, a system agent, a promotion notification agent and a bulk data transfer agent executing in the targeted network device, the system agent receiving one of the scheduling messages delivered from the system manager; in response to receiving the scheduling message, the system agent automatically directing the bulk data transfer agent to establish a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and to download the promotions identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer agent initiating a connection to the bulk data transfer manager and requesting the promotions identified in the scheduling message; the bulk data transfer manager downloading the requested promotion from the content store to the bulk data transfer agent; and the promotion notification agent activating the targeted promotions at a time subsequent to promotion download according to the data that schedules activation of the promotions in the scheduling messages.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the promotion notification agent waits for a message from the system agent to activate the content.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the promotion notification agent waits for a predetermined date and time established by the activation criteria to activate the content.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the promotion notification agent monitors user activity and waits for a predetermined user action established by the activation criteria to activate the content.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the promotion notification agent monitors a video stream for embedded signal established by the activation criteria to activate the content.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as recited in claim 21 , wherein the promotion notification agent monitors a current channel for a television display device and activates the content in response to the current channel.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: storing content on a server system on the network; generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of targeted content to a plurality of targeted network devices, each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the content to be downloaded to a targeted network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded content at a time subsequent to content download in a manner free of user intervention; scheduling content download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the plurality of targeted network devices in advance of content activation to cause the targeted network devices to download and activate the content according to the scheduling messages; and receiving one of the delivered scheduling messages: in response to receiving the scheduling message, automatically establishing a connection in order to download the content targeted in the received scheduling message; requesting the content identified in the scheduling message; downloading the requested content; and activating the downloaded content free of user intervention at a time subsequent to content download according to the data that schedules activation of the content in the scheduling message.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: storing content on a server system on the network; generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of targeted content to a plurality of targeted network devices, each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the content to be downloaded to a targeted network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded content at a time subsequent to content download in a manner free of user intervention; scheduling content download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the plurality of targeted network devices in advance of content activation to cause the targeted network devices to download and activate the content according to the scheduling messages; and receiving one of the delivered scheduling messages: in response to receiving the scheduling message, automatically establishing a connection in order to download the content targeted in the received scheduling message; requesting the content identified in the scheduling message; downloading the requested content; and activating the downloaded content free of user intervention at a time subsequent to content download according to the data that schedules activation of the content in the scheduling message.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising selecting the targeted network devices among other network devices on the data network based on profile information associated with the network devices.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising generating the individual scheduling messages to schedule download of the targeted content to the plurality of targeted network devices during periods when usage of the data network is typically low.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising: monitoring usage of the data network; and generating the individual scheduling messages to schedule download of the targeted content to the plurality of targeted network devices when usage of the data network falls below a predetermined level.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising using a bulk data transfer manager and a bulk data transfer agent to download the content to the network device.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising an advertiser selecting activation criteria and target group profile via an interface to the server system.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , wherein the step of downloading activation criteria comprises downloading a predetermined activation date and time.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , wherein the step of downloading activation criteria comprises downloading activation event information.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising activating the content in response to user attachment of a peripheral device to the network device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising activating the content in response to a selected channel for a television display device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as recited in claim 27 , further comprising activating the content in response to a signal embedded in a video stream.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
218 words
A method for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: storing content on a server system on the network, wherein the content is a promotion; downloading activation criteria for the promotion on the targeted network devices; and generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of the promotion to a plurality of targeted network devices, each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the promotions to be downloaded to a targeted network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded promotions at a time subsequent to promotion download in a manner free of user intervention; scheduling content download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the plurality of targeted network devices in advance of promotion activation to cause the targeted network devices to download and activate the promotions according to the scheduling messages; receiving one of the delivered scheduling messages; in response to receiving the scheduling message, automatically establishing a connection in order to download the promotions targeted in the received scheduling message; requesting the promotions identified in the scheduling message; downloading the requested promotions; and activating the downloaded promotions free of user intervention at a time subsequent to content download according to the data that schedules activation of the promotions in the scheduling message.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
218 words
A method for deploying content to network devices over a data network, comprising: storing content on a server system on the network, wherein the content is a promotion; downloading activation criteria for the promotion on the targeted network devices; and generating individual scheduling messages to schedule download and activation of the promotion to a plurality of targeted network devices, each of the scheduling messages containing data that identifies the promotions to be downloaded to a targeted network device, each of the scheduling messages further containing data that schedules activation of the downloaded promotions at a time subsequent to promotion download in a manner free of user intervention; scheduling content download by initiating download of the scheduling messages to the plurality of targeted network devices in advance of promotion activation to cause the targeted network devices to download and activate the promotions according to the scheduling messages; receiving one of the delivered scheduling messages; in response to receiving the scheduling message, automatically establishing a connection in order to download the promotions targeted in the received scheduling message; requesting the promotions identified in the scheduling message; downloading the requested promotions; and activating the downloaded promotions free of user intervention at a time subsequent to content download according to the data that schedules activation of the promotions in the scheduling message.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5099319A
Cited
US5539449A
Cited
US5481542A
Cited
US5636346A
Cited
US6611862B2
Cited
US5515098A
Cited
US5724521A
Cited
US5774170A
Cited
US5583563A
Cited
US5818438A
Cited
US5892508A
Cited
US5646676A
Cited
US5740549A
Cited
US6026368A
Cited
WO1997007656A2
Cited
US6002393A
Cited
US6317116B1
Cited
US6018766A
Cited
US5951639A
Cited
US6047327A
Cited
US6400958B1
Cited
US5848397A
Cited
US5974461A
Cited
US5940074A
Cited
US5919247A
Cited
US5915243A
Cited
US6038561A
Cited
US6247012B1
Cited
US6293865B1
Cited
US5838927A
Cited
US6446261B1
Cited
US5961602A
Cited
US6282508B1
Cited
US6009409A
Cited
US5978381A
Cited
US6119098A
Cited
US6092074A
Cited
US6075971A
Cited
WO1999052285A1
Cited
US6133912A
Cited
WO1999060504A1
Cited
US6182050B1
Cited
WO1999066719A1
Cited
US6363356B1
Cited
US6226618B1
Cited
US6345256B1
Cited
US6434535B1
Cited
US6084628A
Cited
US6351747B1
Cited
EP1071287A2
Cited
US6434747B1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-01-18 | 2008-07-19 | 2009-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-01-18 | 2012-07-19 | 2013-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-01-18 | 2016-07-19 | 2017-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |