Upstream/downstream network and/or content delivery apparatus and methods

摘要

Apparatus and methods in the field of bi-directional (or interactive) networks. In some embodiments, bi-directional networks which provide, include, and/or enable point-of-purchase options (e.g., to or within displays or plays of media such as movies, television, and/or video). In some embodiments, bi-directional networks which permit or allow product placements to be directly monetized. In some embodiments, bi-directional or interactive networks which provide and/or include selectively visible advertising. In some embodiments, bi-directional or interactive networks which provide or include selectively visible advertising or point of purchase opportunities which are uniquely associated, affiliated, or connected to a consumer interest. In still other embodiments, methods and/or apparatus for increasing advertising and/or product placement effectiveness and/or for apportioning profits related to commercialization of advertised goods and/or services.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
storing in an address database consumer viewer delivery address information; storing in a payment database consumer viewer payment account information; transmitting data comprising a program feed from a program feed source in a bi-directional data network to a display screen displaying said program feed to a consumer viewer, the program feed including movie or television or social media content; transmitting data comprising covert or invisible advertising data, not initially visibly displayed on the display screen to the consumer viewer, from a source in said bi-directional network to said display screen displaying said movie or television or social media content feed or to a hardware device communicably connected to said display screen; the consumer viewer, viewing said display screen, activating a query comprising a data request upon viewing a desired product displayed in said movie or television or social media content feed; processing said data request, including by querying a database connected to said bi-directional data network, for available data, to determine whether product information is available for particular products displayed on said display screen at the particular time during which said data request is initiated by said consumer viewer activated query; displaying available product information for the particular products displayed on said display screen at the particular time during which said data request is initiated by said consumer viewer activated query; providing a point of purchase opportunity for the consumer viewer to purchase the products for which available product information is displayed on said display screen; accessing said address and payment databases upon consumer viewer acceptance of said point of purchase opportunity to purchase one or more products, and debiting or charging said stored consumer viewer payment account for a price or prices of the one or more products purchased and initiating delivery of the one or more products purchased to said stored consumer viewer delivery address; and wherein said covert or invisible advertising data originates from a consumer viewer that electronically tags a photograph or video displayed in said program feed, said electronic tai added by the originating consumer viewer becoming a point of purchase opportunity, for a product associated with said electronic tag, for other consumer viewers other than the consumer viewer that originated said electronic tag; and wherein when a different consumer viewer utilizes said electronic tag to complete a product purchase, the consumer viewer which originated said electronic tag is monetarily compensated.