System for distributed media network and meta data server
First Claim
1. A method of obtaining media data in a client device from a plurality of media data servers on a network, the method comprising the steps of:
- accessing a meta data server;
receiving meta data from said meta data server;
utilizing said meta data to locate at least one data server of said plurality of media data servers on the network; and
accessing said media data from said at least one media data server.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method of operation for a distributed media network and meta data server provides a low cost, efficient, reliable and versatile alternative to traditional media network systems. Multiple media data file servers are designated as primary or alternate data file servers for different media data media files. Related or linked media data files may be distributed throughout a media network which results in lower peak bandwidth usage at each media data file server. Each server in the distributed media network responds more quickly and efficiently due to its limited functionality and scope of media data files that it must server. Media data file servers transfer low bandwidth meta data to client devices allowing a significant increase in the number of clients which can simultaneously log in to a dedicated network server. The distributed system also provides media data owners with greater control over the media data files that they own by allowing the owners to encode, post or remove files from servers that they control and maintain. The alternate media data file servers of the distributed media network also can act as primary file servers during catastrophic errors of the primary media data file servers, thus resulting in a more reliable and fault tolerant media network.
203 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of obtaining media data in a client device from a plurality of media data servers on a network, the method comprising the steps of:
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accessing a meta data server;
receiving meta data from said meta data server;
utilizing said meta data to locate at least one data server of said plurality of media data servers on the network; and
accessing said media data from said at least one media data server.
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2. A system for a distributed media network and meta data server, the system comprising:
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at least one meta data server connected to a communications network;
at least one media data server for retrieving requested media data, the at least one media data server connected to the communications network;
at least one client transceiver connected to the communications network for receiving, storing and messaging to said meta data server; and
at least one meta data information source connected to said at least one meta data server. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for receiving and processing requests in a meta data server, said requests received from a client on a communication network, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a log in request from said client over the communication network;
performing a client access permission verification;
receiving a media data request from said client;
requesting meta data for said media data request form a meta data database; and
transmitting meta data for said media data request to said client over the communication network. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
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19. A method in a client device for obtaining a media data file from a media data server, the method comprising the steps of:
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logging into a meta data server;
requesting meta data associated with said media data file from said meta data server;
receiving said meta data associated with said media data file;
requesting said media data file from said media data server identified by said meta data; and
receiving said media data file from said media data server.
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Specification