Network apparatus and method for preview of music products and compilation of market data

Abstract

A system for on-line user-interactive multimedia based point-of-preview. The system provides for a network web site and accompanying software and hardware for allowing users to access the web site over a network such as the internet via a computer. The user is uniquely identified to the web site server through an identification name or number. The hardware associated with the web site includes storage of discrete increments of pre-selected portions of music products for user selection and preview. After user selection, a programmable data processor selects the particular pre-recorded music product from data storage and then transmits that chosen music product over the network to the user for preview. Subscriber selection and profile data (i.e. demographic information) can optionally be collected and stored to develop market research data. Since the system provides for multiple embodiments, the system contemplates previewing of audio programs such as music on compact discs, video programs such as movies and text from books and other written documents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the network web site can be accessed from a publicly accessible kiosk, available, e.g. at a retail store location, or from a desk top computer.

1 . A method for previewing a music product using a computer accessing memory containing audio information relating to the music product, and the computer having interactive audio/video playback means, including audio output means, wherein said method comprises the steps of 
 a) identifying the user to the computer by entering an identification code;    b) selecting a music product for previewing on the computer by entering music-product-identifying data; and,    c) previewing audio information for the selected music product by interaction of the user with the computer's audio/visual playback means to audibly preview the audio information for the selected music product.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of rating the selected music product that has been previewed.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of tracking the user's activities on the computer by associating the user identification code with the user's selection of music products for previewing, and storing the tracking data in memory.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising the step of gathering market research data by accessing the tracking data in memory.  
     
     
         5 . A method for previewing a music product using a computer, wherein said method comprises the steps of: 
 a) providing a computer having data input means, interactive audio playback means including an audio output means;    b) presenting a code to the computer that identifies the user;    c) using the computer, accessing memory containing audio information relating to music products;    d) selecting a music product to be previewed on the computer by supplying a code associated with the music product; and,    e) previewing audio information concerning the music product on the computer using the interactive audio playback means including an audio output means.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising the step of rating the selected music product that has been previewed.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising the step of tracking the user's activities on the computer by associating the user identification code with the user's selection of music products for previewing, and storing the tracking data in memory.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising the step of gathering market research data by accessing the tracking data in memory.  
     
     
         9 . A method for previewing music products using a computer with interactive audio playback means and audio output means, the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) identifying the user to the computer by presenting an identification code;    b) coupling the computer to memory containing audio information about music products; and,    c) selecting the music product on the computer to commence a preview session during which a user interactively controls the playback of audio information concerning the music product using the computer playback means and output means.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the step of rating the selected music product that has been previewed.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the step of tracking the user's activities on the computer by associating the user identification code with the user's selection of music products for previewing, and storing the tracking data in memory.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of gathering market research data by accessing the tracking data in memory.