File transfer method and system
First Claim
1. A file transfer method comprising:
- receiving at a server a request from a client for a file, and wherein in response to a request to download the requested file, the server supplying one or more data segments which data segments together constitute content of the requested file and additional content selected for the user.
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Abstract
A file transfer method is disclosed in which in which a client (100) requests a file from a server (110) and the server (110) sends to the client (100) one or more data segments which data segments together constitute content of the requested file and additional content provided by a service provider. A benefit that may be provided by at least preferred embodiments is that a provider of download files, and in particular audio files, may add additional material such as advertising material to the download content. Targeting of the material to a particular user might be achieved by asking the user to provide information about their interests, and selecting for inclusion those advertisements that most closely accord with the user'"'"'s a preferences. To reduce storage requirements, the server may store a virtual file reference for each user and construct a customised file dynamically.
82 Citations
93 Claims
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1. A file transfer method comprising:
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receiving at a server a request from a client for a file, and wherein in response to a request to download the requested file, the server supplying one or more data segments which data segments together constitute content of the requested file and additional content selected for the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 51, 52, 70)
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- 30. A file transfer server system comprising a request receiver to receive a request for a file from a server, a store for storing content requested by a user and additional content, and an interface arranged to send to the client a plurality of data segments in turn that together constitute content of the requested file and additional content provided by the server.
- 54. A method of operating a file transfer server to respond to a request for a file from a user, comprising receiving a request for a file and compiling a list of data segments to be sent in response to the request, which data segments together constitute content of the requested file and additional content provided by a service provider.
- 71. A method of storing and supplying data for a plurality of users, the method comprising storing at a server a virtual file reference for each user, the virtual file reference for each user corresponding to requested data and additional content selected for the user, the method comprising receiving at the server a file download request containing said virtual file reference from a user download client and supplying data corresponding to the virtual file reference to the user download client to form a contiguous real file, wherein the server does not store contiguous real files corresponding to at least some virtual file references.
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75. A method comprising allocating at a server a virtual file reference to a download request from a user, and mapping the virtual file reference to content selected for the user from among a plurality of available possible content resources available at the server and downloadable by the user as a complete file even if not stored on the server as a complete file.
- 76. A method of distributing requested information comprising receiving data identifying a requestor of the information and sending the information to the requestor along with additional content selected for the requestor on the basis of the data.
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89. A method of distributing advertising, comprising:
- receiving at a server a request from a client for a download of specified information;
also receiving at the server profiling data characterizing a user of the client who issues the download request;
analyzing the profiling data and selecting from among a plurality of available advertisements one or more advertisements that may be expected to appeal to an individual who has provided the profiling data;
assembling the specified information and the specified information into a unitary download and providing to the client the unitary download. - View Dependent Claims (92, 93)
- receiving at a server a request from a client for a download of specified information;
Specification