Methods and apparatuses for sharing media content, libraries and playlists
First Claim
1. A system to share media content stored on a home network among devices of the home network, the system comprising:
- a processor; and
memory accessible to the processor, the memory comprising;
a content database storing media content files available for sharing among the devices of the home network, the home network utilizing universal plug-and-play (UPnP) protocols;
a media library service to provide metadata associated with the media content files available for sharing to a media catalog service;
a content server to;
receive a request from a home network device to access a particular media content file;
retrieve the particular media content file from the content database; and
send the particular media content file to the home network device;
a digital rights management client to;
determine whether an original media playing license associated with the particular media content file is available; and
generate a temporary media playing license from the original media playing license, the temporary media playing license specifying restrictions relating to playback of the particular media content file via the home network device;
a license generator to;
receive a request from the home network device for a media playing license relating to the particular media content file;
determine whether the home network device is properly registered;
send a request to the digital rights management client for the temporary media playing license relating to the particular media content file when the home network device is properly registered; and
send the temporary media playing license to the home network device.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems suitable for sharing media content are provided. One system includes at least one media holder, at least one media cataloger, at least one user control point, at least one media player, and at least one network operatively connecting them. The media holder is configured to selectively output shared media metadata, media content and at least one corresponding media playing license over the network. The media cataloger is configured to receive the metadata identifying the shared media content that is available from the media holder(s). The media cataloger is configured to output at least one media catalog over the network. The media catalog identifies the shared media content that is available from the media holder(s). The user control point is configured to receive the media catalog(s) and request the shared media content as selected from the media catalog, for example, by a user. The user control point configures the media player to receive the media playing license and the media content over the network. The media player cannot play protected media content without having a proper license. The license may be withheld if certain authentication criteria are not met by the playing device. In certain implementations, the network includes a Universal Plug-and-Play network that allows the various devices to quickly integrate with one another without user intervention. The network also provides a robust environment, such that, e.g., media content sharing can easily be accomplished even if the media cataloger is not available.
756 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system to share media content stored on a home network among devices of the home network, the system comprising:
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a processor; and memory accessible to the processor, the memory comprising; a content database storing media content files available for sharing among the devices of the home network, the home network utilizing universal plug-and-play (UPnP) protocols; a media library service to provide metadata associated with the media content files available for sharing to a media catalog service; a content server to; receive a request from a home network device to access a particular media content file; retrieve the particular media content file from the content database; and send the particular media content file to the home network device; a digital rights management client to; determine whether an original media playing license associated with the particular media content file is available; and generate a temporary media playing license from the original media playing license, the temporary media playing license specifying restrictions relating to playback of the particular media content file via the home network device;
a license generator to;receive a request from the home network device for a media playing license relating to the particular media content file; determine whether the home network device is properly registered; send a request to the digital rights management client for the temporary media playing license relating to the particular media content file when the home network device is properly registered; and send the temporary media playing license to the home network device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification