Authorization access controlled content exchange
First Claim
1. A client device that is capable of controlling content exchange in a multimedia content distribution system, comprising:
- at least one search agent that is capable of causing searches for content to be performed with reference to authorization access information, the authorization access information including predetermined authorization access information that is associated with the client device and predefined authorization access information that is associated with the content;
the at least one search agent capable of determining whether the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information responsive to one or more of the searches; and
a content index having a plurality of index entries, each index entry of the plurality of index entries corresponding to at least one content item;
wherein the at least one search agent is adapted to enable access to the content via the client device if the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information;
wherein the at least one search agent is adapted to enable access to the content via the client device by;
causing a positive match result from a search to be displayed and by providing an opportunity to request a transfer of the content to the client device; and
causing the content to be transferred from a target client device to the client device in response to receiving a request to transfer the content to the client device; and
wherein the determining by the at least one search agent comprises;
comparing a plurality of rights holders from the predetermined authorization access information to a rights holder from the predefined authorization access information; and
comparing subscription date information from the predetermined authorization access information to an original broadcast date of the content from the predefined authorization access information.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Authorization access controlled content exchange can be implemented, for example, in a multimedia content distribution environment when individual client devices are capable of storing content. A content index is maintained for each client device that reflects the content stored thereat. Predefined authorization access information for each relevant content item may be included in a content index entry corresponding thereto. A profile is maintained that includes predetermined authorization access information which indicates access rights. A search may be performed by and/or on behalf of a requesting client device for desired content with reference to authorization access information. A content transfer to the requesting client device from a target client device may be enabled if the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information. Searches may be orchestrated or effectuated by the requesting client device or a head end of the multimedia content distribution system.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A client device that is capable of controlling content exchange in a multimedia content distribution system, comprising:
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at least one search agent that is capable of causing searches for content to be performed with reference to authorization access information, the authorization access information including predetermined authorization access information that is associated with the client device and predefined authorization access information that is associated with the content;
the at least one search agent capable of determining whether the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information responsive to one or more of the searches; anda content index having a plurality of index entries, each index entry of the plurality of index entries corresponding to at least one content item; wherein the at least one search agent is adapted to enable access to the content via the client device if the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information; wherein the at least one search agent is adapted to enable access to the content via the client device by; causing a positive match result from a search to be displayed and by providing an opportunity to request a transfer of the content to the client device; and causing the content to be transferred from a target client device to the client device in response to receiving a request to transfer the content to the client device; and wherein the determining by the at least one search agent comprises; comparing a plurality of rights holders from the predetermined authorization access information to a rights holder from the predefined authorization access information; and comparing subscription date information from the predetermined authorization access information to an original broadcast date of the content from the predefined authorization access information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A client device that is capable of controlling multimedia content exchange, comprising:
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at least one search agent that is capable of causing searches for multimedia content to be performed with reference to authorization access information;
the multimedia content stored at a plurality of other client devices, the authorization access information including predetermined authorization access information that is associated with the client device and predefined authorization access information that is associated with the multimedia content;
the at least one search agent capable of determining whether the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information responsive to one or more of the searches;wherein the at least one search agent is adapted to enable access to the multimedia content via the client device if the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information; and wherein the determining by the at least one search agent comprises comparing subscription date information from the predetermined authorization access information to an original broadcast date of the content from the predefined authorization access information.
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11. A client device that is capable of authorization access controlled content exchange, comprising:
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a profile that is directed to predetermined authorization access information that includes subscription date information that indicates access rights to content; a content index including a plurality of content index entries, each content index entry of the plurality of content index entries directed to at least one content item and including identification thereof and predefined authorization access information related thereto; and at least one search agent that is capable of causing searches for content to be performed by searching a plurality of content indexes, each content index of the plurality of content indexes corresponding to a particular client device of a plurality of other client devices, the content being searched stored at the plurality of other client devices; wherein the client device is permitted to transfer the content that is associated with predefined authorization access information to which the predetermined authorization access information comports and is prevented from transferring the content that is associated with predefined authorization access information to which the predetermined authorization access information does not comport; wherein the at least one search agent is capable of determining whether the predetermined authorization access information comports with the predefined authorization access information; and wherein the determining by the at least one search agent comprises comparing subscription date information from the predetermined authorization access information to an original broadcast date of the content from the predefined authorization access information. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification