Rechargeable Media Distribution and Play System

• US 20050187936A1
• Filed: 05/09/2005
• Published: 08/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: B# On Demand, LLC
• Original Assignee: Openscape Music
• Inventors: Homer, Gregg S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,877,412 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/3344 using natural language analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/1078 Logging; Metering
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6218 to a system of files or objects, e.g. local or distributed file system or database
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2135 Metering
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2137 Time limited access, e.g. to a computer or data
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/109 Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/405 Establishing or using transaction specific rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0603 Catalogue ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/102 Entity profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/108 when the policy decisions are valid for a limited amount of time
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99932 Access augmentation or optimizing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99939 Privileged access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

An electronic media distribution/play system includes a service facility that has a communications network interface and maintains a data file catalog. The catalog is sent over the network to requesting users, and the system processes payments from customers in establishing file access authorizations. Encrypted user-selected files and a player program are transmitted to each customer for metered access to received data files as limited by the authorization, and customers can make additional selections and play the encrypted files freely while the authorization remains established. The system can transmit the data files from local storage, and also provide links to encrypted files that are stored at remote vendor facilities. Authorizations can be for selected portions or class levels of the catalog, and for terms measured as calendar time, play time, and collective number of plays. Also disclosed is a method for facilitating the distribution and accessing of electronic files.

Claims

1. A system for playing electronic files comprising:

a player program for accessing the electronic files, wherein the player program meters access to the electronic files as limited by an authorization, and

wherein the authorization is capable of one or more subsequent augmentations.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program comprises at least one of player program patches or plug-in for accessing the electronic files.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the one of more subsequent augmentations comprises an extension.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic files comprise at least one of media files, such as music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic files comprise computer programs including at least one of word processing programs, graphic design programs, or editing programs.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program comprise data capable of being distributed to users over at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio telecast, or other data transmission channels.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program is embodied on at least one of computer chips, computer hard drives, or other computer hardware devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program is embodied on at least one of compact discs, floppy discs, or other data storage devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the player program comprises of one or more computer software programs, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio telecast, or other data transmission channels.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of plays.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified duration.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of files.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified type or category of files.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the augmentations are achieved by the introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein the augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of one or more new or additional player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins.

33. The system of claim 16 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of one or more new or additional player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins.

12. The system of claim 111 wherein the specified duration is measured in usage time.

13. The system of claim 111 wherein the specified duration is measured in calendar time.

18. A system comprising one or more player programs, the one or more player programs being implemented for metering access to the electronic files as limited by the authorization, and the authorization being capable of at least one of one or more subsequent extensions or other augmentations.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the one or more player programs comprise at least one of one or more player program patches or plug-ins for accessing the electronic files.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the electronic files are media files including at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

21. The system of claim 18 wherein the electronic files comprise computer programs including at least one of word processing programs, graphic design programs, or editing programs.

22. The system of claim 18 wherein the one or more player programs comprise data capable of being distributed to users over at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels.

23. The system of claim 18 wherein the one or more player programs are embodied on at least one of computer chips, computer hard drives, or other computer hardware devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels.

24. The system of claim 18 wherein the player program is embodied on at least one of compact discs, floppy discs, or other data storage devices, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of mail, retail outlets, or other distribution channels.

25. The system of claim 18 wherein the player program comprises of one or more computer software programs, capable of being distributed to users by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio telecast, or other data transmission channels.

26. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of plays.

27. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified duration.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein the specified duration is measured in usage time.

29. The system of claim 27 wherein the specified duration is measured in calendar time.

30. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of files.

31. The system of claim 18 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified type or category of files.

32. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data.

34. A system comprising one or more player devices for accessing electronic files, the devices metering access to the electronic files as limited by the authorization, and the authorization being capable of at least one of one or more subsequent extensions or other augmentations.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the electronic files comprise media files including at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the electronic files are computer programs comprising at least one of word processing programs, graphic design programs, or editing programs.

37. The system of claim 34 wherein the one or more player devices comprise or are capable of comprising at least one of player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins.

38. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of plays.

39. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified duration.

40. The system of claim 39 wherein the specified duration is measured in usage time.

41. The system of claim 39 wherein the specified duration is measured in calendar time.

42. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified number of files.

43. The system of claim 34 wherein the authorization limits access to a specified type or category of files.

44. The system of claim 34 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data.

45. The system of claim 34 wherein the at least one of subsequent extensions or other augmentations are achieved by the introduction of at least one of one or more new or additional player programs, player program patches, or plug-ins.

46. A method comprising:

providing an authorization level for a media file that is violated if a number of times the media file is used exceeds an initial authorized value;

tracking a number of times the media file is used;

disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and

providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value.

51. The method of claim 46 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file.

52. The method of claim 46 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

53. The method of claim 46 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program.

54. The method of claim 46 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data.

55. The method of claim 46 further comprising:

distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels.

47. A method comprising:

providing an authorization level for a media file that is violated if a usage time of the media file exceeds an initial authorized value;

tracking a usage time of the media file;

disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and

providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value.

56. The method of claim 47 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file.

57. The method of claim 47 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

58. The method of claim 47 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program.

59. The method of claim 47 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data.

60. The method of claim 47 further comprising:

distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels.

48. A method comprising:

providing an authorization level for a media file that is violated if a calendar time exceeds an initial authorized value;

disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and

providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value.

61. The method of claim 48 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file.

62. The method of claim 48 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

63. The method of claim 48 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program.

64. The method of claim 48 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data.

65. The method of claim 48 further comprising:

distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels.

49. A method comprising:

providing an authorization level for a plurality of media files that is violated if usage of a number media files of the plurality of media files exceeds an initial authorized value;

tracking usage of a number media files of the plurality of media files;

disallowing usage of the media file when the authorization level is violated; and

providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of the media file is permitted beyond the initial authorized value.

66. The method of claim 49 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file.

67. The method of claim 49 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

68. The method of claim 49 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program.

69. The method of claim 49 wherein providing for augmentation comprises at least one of an introduction of new or additional keys, tokens, decryption algorithms, or other enabling data.

70. The method of claim 49 further comprising:

distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels.

50. A method comprising:

providing an authorization level for a first plurality of media files in a first category and a second plurality of media files in a second category that is violated when a media file is not in an initial authorized category;

disallowing usage of a media file when media file is not in the initial authorized category; and

providing for augmentation of the authorization level so usage of a media file a category other than the initial authorized category is permitted.

71. The method of claim 50 wherein usage of the media file comprises playing of the media file.

72. The method of claim 50 wherein a media file comprises at least one of music, movies, interviews, news footage, books, magazines, or still photographs.

73. The method of claim 50 wherein the media file is replaced with an electronic file comprising at least one of a file readable by a word processing program, a file readable by a graphic design program, or a file readable by an editing program.

74. The method of claim 50 further comprising:

distributing the media file by at least one of telephone lines, cable, satellite, microwave transmission, radio transmission, or other data transmission channels.