Method for obtaining and managing restricted media content in a network of media devices
First Claim
1. A method of managing restricted media content with a server and a plurality of media devices, the server and the media devices connected to a network by a plurality of communication paths, wherein restrictive rights restrict how the media devices can process the restricted media content, the method comprising:
- storing information at the server indicative of the restrictive rights associated with the media devices;
receiving a request at the server for delivery of restricted media content to a requested media device, wherein the requested media device lacks the restrictive right to process the requested media content;
determining from the information stored at the server which media device has the restrictive right to process the requested media content;
sending an instruction from the server to the determined media device to process the requested media content according to the restrictive right of the requested media content;
delivering the processed media content from the determined media device to the requested media device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Media devices are connected to a network. Restrictive rights restrict how the media device can process restricted media content on the network. Information indicative of the restrictive rights associated with the network is stored on the network. A request is received to deliver restricted media content to a requested device, which lacks the right to process it. The stored information is used to determine which media device has the restrictive right to process the requested content, and an instruction is sent to that device. The processed content is then delivered from the determined device to the requesting device. A centralized embodiment of the network has a server connected to the media devices. Another embodiment of the network enables the media devices to obtain restricted media content suitable for the restrictive rights of the network from content providers.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of managing restricted media content with a server and a plurality of media devices, the server and the media devices connected to a network by a plurality of communication paths, wherein restrictive rights restrict how the media devices can process the restricted media content, the method comprising:
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storing information at the server indicative of the restrictive rights associated with the media devices;
receiving a request at the server for delivery of restricted media content to a requested media device, wherein the requested media device lacks the restrictive right to process the requested media content;
determining from the information stored at the server which media device has the restrictive right to process the requested media content;
sending an instruction from the server to the determined media device to process the requested media content according to the restrictive right of the requested media content;
delivering the processed media content from the determined media device to the requested media device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of managing restricted media content with a plurality of media devices connected to a network by a plurality of communication paths, wherein restrictive rights restrict how the media devices can process the restricted media content, the method comprising:
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storing information indicative of the restrictive rights associated with the media devices;
receiving a request for delivery of restricted media content to a requested media device, wherein the requested media device lacks the restrictive right to process the requested media content;
determining from the stored information which media device has the restrictive right to process the requested media content;
instructing the determined media device to process the requested media content according to the restrictive right of the requested media content; and
delivering the processed media content from the determined media device to the requested media device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of obtaining restricted media content from external sources of restricted media content for a plurality of media devices, the media devices connected to a network by a plurality of communication paths, wherein restrictive rights restrict how the media devices can process the restricted media content, the method comprising:
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storing first information indicative of restrictive rights associated with the external sources;
storing second information indicative of restrictive rights associated with the media devices;
receiving a request at a requesting media device to obtain restricted media content;
determining from which external source to obtain the requested media content by comparing the first information to the second information, wherein the determined external source provides the requested media content with a restrictive right suitable for processing with at least one of the media devices on the network; and
obtaining the requested media content via the network from the determined external source. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification