Peer-to-peer media sharing
First Claim
1. A method for peer-to-peer media sharing via a network such as the Internet, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a messaging server in communication with the network;
receiving in the server a request to initiate a peer-to-peer media-sharing session including at least two entities as participants;
confirming that the at least two entities are in communication with the network;
determining the network address of each participant;
determining which of the participants will be the first media source; and
transmitting to the media sources the network addresses of each other participant to enable the media to be sent to them directly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for peer-to-peer media sharing through a network such as the Internet. The shared media will often be audio media, but could include other types as well. A server, for example an instant messaging (IM) server in communication with the network receives requests to initiate media-sharing sessions, the requests including the addresses of potential participants. Upon receiving the request, the IM server determines if any of the potential participants are, in fact, connected to the network and, if so, transmits their network address to the requesting entity so that it can begin transmitting the media to each of them. The media is usually played from a recording by one of the participants, but the selection is heard by the group members as it is being transmitted, creating a shared-listening environment. To avoid potential copyright infringement, the media is played but not stored for later play at any of the recipient terminals.
194 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for peer-to-peer media sharing via a network such as the Internet, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a messaging server in communication with the network;
receiving in the server a request to initiate a peer-to-peer media-sharing session including at least two entities as participants;
confirming that the at least two entities are in communication with the network;
determining the network address of each participant;
determining which of the participants will be the first media source; and
transmitting to the media sources the network addresses of each other participant to enable the media to be sent to them directly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An system for peer-to-peer media sharing via a communication network such as the Internet, said system comprising:
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a server in communication with the network, the server comprising;
a chat-room function for supporting a chat room accessible through the network, and through which media-sharing requests may be received; and
a controller for processing received requests by determining network addresses for each intended participant; and
a database for storing the addresses associated with media-sharing participants;
wherein the sever enables the transmission of shared media by providing an originating participant with the addresses of the other participants. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification