System and process for delivery of content over a network
First Claim
1. A system for delivering content items over a network to recipient processors within a service region, the system comprising:
- a plurality of edge servers connected for communication on the network and distributed within the service region, each edge server having a storage facility for storing content items for delivery to recipient processors;
at least one parent server connected for communication on the network, for storing content items and providing content items to edge servers; and
at least one main server connected for communication on the network for providing an interface for receiving and processing requests for content items from recipient processors, wherein each main server is programmed or configured for directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Network systems and processes for delivery of electronic content to recipient processors may be configured to facilitate the delivery of relatively large content items and/or a relatively large number of content items. In one example, a movie rental system and process delivers (downloads) movie files to customers across the Internet. System network architecture includes three or more layers of servers, including a main server supporting an interface for recipient processors to request content items, a plurality of parent servers, and a plurality of edge servers. Edge servers are distributed throughout a region in which the system provides content delivery services to recipient processors. Parent servers, spaced across the service region, support edge servers. A copy of each content item available through the service is distributed from the main server to each parent servers for storage. Parent servers distribute content to edges servers, pursuant to instructions from the main server or requests from the edge servers. The main server receives and processes requests for content items from recipient processors and directs recipient processors to edge servers for obtaining requested content items. The main server also authenticates licenses and publishes rules for the distribution of content items.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A system for delivering content items over a network to recipient processors within a service region, the system comprising:
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a plurality of edge servers connected for communication on the network and distributed within the service region, each edge server having a storage facility for storing content items for delivery to recipient processors;
at least one parent server connected for communication on the network, for storing content items and providing content items to edge servers; and
at least one main server connected for communication on the network for providing an interface for receiving and processing requests for content items from recipient processors, wherein each main server is programmed or configured for directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A process for delivering content items over a network to recipient processors within a service region, the method comprising:
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storing content items with at least one parent server connected on the network;
receiving content items from the at least one parent server over the network and storing content items with a plurality of edge servers connected on the network and distributed within the service region;
providing an interface with at least one main server connected on the network, for receiving and processing requests for content items from recipient processors; and
directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items in response to receiving and processing requests for content items on the at least one main server. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24)
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23. A process for delivering content items over a network to recipient processors within a service region, the method comprising:
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storing content items with at least one parent server connected on the network;
receiving content items from the at least one parent server over the network and storing content items with a plurality of edge servers connected on the network and distributed within the service region;
providing an interface with at least one main server connected on the network, for receiving and processing requests and payment information for content items from recipient processors; and
directing recipient processors to edge servers to obtain requested content items in response to receiving and processing requests for content items by the at least one main server; and
controlling access by recipient processors to content items obtained from edge servers, based on payment information received and processed by at least one main server.
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Specification