Method, apparatus and system for file sharing between computers
First Claim
1. A method of providing at least one data file from a database maintained by an operator to a user connected to the database by a network, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) associating a target query term with a data file within a database, b) producing a variant target query term by applying at least one variant rule to the target query term, c) associating the variant target query term with the data file, d) receiving a query for at least one of the target query term and the variant target query term from a user via a network, e) responding to the query by providing the user with a listing of query hits, each query hit being associated with at least one of the target query term and the variant target query term, f) receiving from the user a download request associated with a query hit, and g) providing the data file to the user in response to the download request.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a file sharing system, method and apparatus which operate on a network and provide peer to peer file sharing. The file delivery system receives data files from third parties, encrypts the data and stores the file in a database. Once the file has been stored, the file delivery system creates ‘clone’ identifiers, or variant target query terms for the file, wherein the clone identifiers are shortcuts or aliases for the file identification that create a set of variations upon which a file can be identified. The ‘clone’ identifiers are stored in a database and are associated with the specific file. Upon request from a user for the file, the file is transmitted to the user. In addition, tracking software is transmitted with the file such that the subsequent downloading of other files from a third party to the user can be monitored and targeted advertisements can be displayed.
95 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method of providing at least one data file from a database maintained by an operator to a user connected to the database by a network, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) associating a target query term with a data file within a database, b) producing a variant target query term by applying at least one variant rule to the target query term, c) associating the variant target query term with the data file, d) receiving a query for at least one of the target query term and the variant target query term from a user via a network, e) responding to the query by providing the user with a listing of query hits, each query hit being associated with at least one of the target query term and the variant target query term, f) receiving from the user a download request associated with a query hit, and g) providing the data file to the user in response to the download request. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of providing a user with access to at least one data file, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) receiving a request for a data file from a database, b) uploading an application in response to a request activated by the request of step (a); and
c) installing the application on a computer operated by the user. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of accessing at least one data file, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) requesting a data file from a database, b) receiving an application in response to a request activated by the request of step (a), wherein the application is installed on a computer operated by a user after receipt thereof, and c) receiving a key enabling the user to access the requested data file after installation of the application. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of delivering information to a user accessing a data file over a network, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) identifying the data file accessed by the user;
b) providing the identification of the data file to a server, c) comparing the identification of the data file with a database comprising a plurality of data files, d) associating at least one data file of the database with the data file provided to the user, and e) providing the associated data file to the user. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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Specification