Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
  • H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
  • H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
  • H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
  • H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
  • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
  • H04L65/61—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
  • H04L65/612—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of content delivery systems and in particular to a system and method for the delivery of music, video and other digital content over a computer network, for example the Internet.
• Audio media distribution in particular has become increasingly popular and available to the public. Distribution systems for the supply of audio files (in MP3 or NETrax type formats) to users have generally been purchase orientated with users having direct access to audio files for download to their local PCs or music players.
• International patent application WO 00/62265 discloses a further distribution system which attempts to address unlawful distribution of files by providing for a secure distribution method.
• the system comprises a music distribution centre which interfaces with a media-licensing centre.
• a content manager maintains a transaction database that tracks every stage of the purchase distribution of audio files and the system further employs encryption techniques to safeguard transferred files.
• the system is inherently complex and difficult to maintain and further necessitates extensive e-commerce software that also introduces security risks.
• a further disadvantage present with the variety of different legal download sites that are available is the range of different formats that are used.
• the music industry has used the MP3 format for audio files the appearance of proprietary portable music players such as the Apple iPod ® and Sony Walkman ® has resulted in different formats (AAC for Apple and ATRACs for Sony) being used for music downloads.
• AAC Apple and ATRACs for Sony
• the presence of a variety of different formats has lead to incompatibility problems for consumers in that their chosen media player may not be compatible with the format of the desired music file.
• a further disadvantage with some current music distribution systems is that in an attempt to prevent the direct burning of unpurchased music files onto CDs digital information is "streamed" to a user's PC at a bit rate of less than 44kHz. The resultant sound quality is therefore not optimum.
• a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the system comprising: a first server comprising means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user terminal; and a content server operably connected to the first server and arranged to store one or more content files; wherein upon receipt of a request from the user for content stored on the content server the first server creates a link to the content on the content server such that upon selection of the link by the user in use the requested content streams from the content server to the user terminal.
• the present invention provides for a distribution system comprising two separate servers, the first of which interacts with a system user and the second of which stores the content to be distributed.
• a user connects to the first server, for example via a suitable web page interface, and requests content from the system.
• the first server is in communication with the content server and creates a link (e.g. a hyperlink or shortcut link) to the requested content which the user can then access. Selection of the generated link by the user initiates the streaming of the selected content from the second (content) server directly to the user's terminal.
• the first server which the user interacts with (the "interface” server) is separate to the location where the content is actually stored. This therefore increases the security of the system and helps mitigate against unauthorised access of the content server. It is also noted that the user does not gain direct access to the content server under the present invention. Instead, interaction with the content server is controlled by the first server therefore increasing the security of the content files on the distribution system.
• the user terminal is a computer and the means for establishing a connection with the user comprises a connection via a computer network, such as the Internet or any other wide area network or local area network.
• a computer network such as the Internet or any other wide area network or local area network.
• the user terminal may be any audio/visual device (such as a television) that is arranged to be connectable to the distribution system.
• audio/visual device such as a television
• the user terminal may be a wireless device (such as a mobile phone or Wi-fi enabled computer) and the means for establishing a connection with the terminal may include a mobile phone network.
• a wireless device such as a mobile phone or Wi-fi enabled computer
• the content server is associated with a database containing the content files.
• the content files may comprise one or more of the following file types: audio files, video files, application files (e.g. for games applications). It is therefore noted that the distribution system of the present invention may allow a user to listen to music, to initiate and listen to podcasts, to download film content or to supply television on demand. Such content may be provided to a computer owned by a user or, as noted above, may be supplied to a television or mobile device.
• the first server may additionally require a first time user to register for access to the stored content and for returning users to login to the system on each visit.
• the system comprises a search engine which allows a user to search content stored on the system and available for distribution.
• the first server comprises a web page interface and the search engine is provided as a function within the web page.
• the first server will preferably interact with a contents managing system on the content server in order to provide a user with search results.
• the distribution system may conveniently comprise a plurality of content servers each of which is operably connected to the first server.
• the search function provided to the user can conveniently search across all the available content servers for content requested by the user.
• the first server is arranged to create a link to the content on the relevant content server.
• the link provided by the first server to the content on the content server may hide the content's actual URL address (universal resource address) from the user.
• the user may be provided by a link represented by an icon or some other type of identifier (e.g. a hyperlink associated with the content's title and author) without any access to the actual address of the content on the content server.
• the first server may comprise a local storage area and a file streaming engine of its own. Copies of selected content files could then be potentially transferred from the content server to the first server and then streamed to the user from the first server.
• Such an arrangement may be used in cases of limited bandwidth on the communications link between the first server and content server or alternatively at times of high system usage.
• the link created by the first server would be to the copied version(s) of the content files rather than to the original version(s) of the content on the content server.
• a method of distributing content to a user of a distribution system comprising a first server and a content server operably connected to the first server and arranged to store one or more content files, the method comprising: establishing a connection between the first server and the user at a remotely located user terminal; receiving a request from the user for content stored on the content server; creating a link to the content on the content server and providing the link to the user such that selection of the link by the user in use initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located terminal.
• a server for use in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising: means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located terminal; means for communicating with a content server storing one or more content files; and means for generating shortcut links to content stored in the distribution system; wherein, in use, the server receives a request from the user for content stored on the content server and generates a link to the content such that selection of the link by the user initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located user terminal.
• a method of operating a server used in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user comprising means for establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located terminal, means for communicating with a content server storing one or more content files and means for generating shortcut links to content on the content server, the method comprising: establishing a connection with a user at a remotely located user terminal; receiving a request from the user for content stored on the content server; communicating with the content server and generating a link to the content wherein selection of the link by the user in use initiates streaming of the content from the content server to the remotely located user terminal.
• a content server for use in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user, the server comprising: one or more content files; means for communicating with a first server, the first server being in further communication with a user at a remotely located terminal; and file streaming means; wherein the content server is arranged to communicate with the first server such that in use a link is set up from the first server to content on the content server, and the file streaming means is arranged to stream the selected content to the remotely located terminal upon selection of the link at the user terminal.
• a method of operating a content server used in a distribution system for distributing content to a system user comprising one or more content files, means for communicating with a first server, the first server being in further communication with a user at a remotely located terminal and file streaming means, the method comprising: receiving a request from the first server to set up a link from the first server to selected content on the content server; and, upon selection of the link at a user terminal streaming the selected content to the remotely located terminal.
• the present invention provides a data carrier comprising a computer program arranged to configure a server to implement the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.
• a data carrier comprising a computer program arranged to configure a server to implement the method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention.
• the present invention provides a data carrier comprising a computer program which, when loaded onto a distribution system according to the first aspect of the invention, causes the system to operate according to the method of the second aspect of the invention.
• Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram which illustrates the differences between the prior art mechanisms of file streaming and file downloading
• Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a general arrangement of the main components of a distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution system according to another embodiment of the present invention in detail
• Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution system alternative to that shown in Figure 3 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating how a user interacts with the distribution system of Figure 3.
• Figure 1 shows two different prior art mechanisms by which a user can access digital content.
• a database of digital content 1 is connected, e.g. via the Internet, to two different user terminals 3, 5.
• the user at terminal 3 accesses the database and downloads a copy of a desired file to the hard drive of his terminal.
• the media file (e.g. music or video) is then played 9 by accessing a suitable media player on the terminal 3.
• a speaker icon is shown in the figure it will be clear to the skilled person that the media file can be of any type and not just an audio file, hi the case of non-audio files, the terminal will select an appropriate application on which to run the file.
• the distribution route via terminal 3 has a number of disadvantages. For example, the user has to ensure that terminal 3 has sufficient storage capacity for storing all the files he downloads. Additionally, any file that is downloaded carriers the risk that it contains a virus. The user of terminal 3 therefore will also need to ensure that he has sufficiently up-to-date virus checking software to avoid infection of his PC. For some distribution systems the user of terminal 3 may also experience quality issues with the quality of the downloaded file content.
• DRM digital rights management
• Figure 1 shows a second prior art distribution mechanism in which the user of terminal 5 "streams" the content he desires directly from the database 1.
• File streaming relates to a technique whereby a file can be accessed (e.g. played or viewed) before it is fully transferred to a user.
• a file can be accessed (e.g. played or viewed) before it is fully transferred to a user.
• Usually streaming works by transmitting an initial portion of the file (the "buffer") over the internet from a server into one of the user's viewer or player applications. The application begins playback of the file while the remainder of the file arrives from the source.
• media that is streamed is not actually transferred or downloaded to the user but is accessed in real time by a suitable decoder (within the viewer or player application) on the user's machine. It is further noted that no copy of the "streamed" media file remains on the user's machine once the viewer/player application is closed.
• This second distribution method has a number of advantages from the user's point of view and also the point of view of rights owners.
• streaming files as opposed to downloading them is generally significantly cheaper.
• the file since the file is only being streamed to a local player and there is no actual download of a copy of the file there is no associated risk of viruses entering the user's terminal.
• the quality of the file content is also of high fidelity.
• digital rights owners are concerned the fact that the file is only streamed to the user means that the risk of a file being captured and illegally shared is greatly reduced.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating the main components of a content distribution system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the system comprises a first server 21 which a user 23 is able to access. Access to the first server 21 is via a log in/registration process 24 which provides a first level of security to the system.
• the first server 21 is in communication (26) with one or more further servers (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and generally denoted 25) each of which comprise a store of digital content that the user 23 may wish to access. It is noted that the user 23 does not have direct access to these one or more further servers and they are effectively invisible to him.
• the first server 21 acts as an interface between the user 23 and the content servers 25.
• the server 21 is provided with a search engine linked to the content servers such that the user can search for desired digital content.
• the first server 21 Upon selection of the desired content, the first server 21 creates a link to the content of one of the further servers 25a..25d. The user 23 is able to access this link which thereby activates the streaming of the selected content (27) from one of the further servers 25.
• the security of the content on the content servers is enhanced by virtue of the fact that these servers are not directly visible to the user 23. Furthermore, the link that is provided to the user 23 by the first server 21 may suppress the actual address (i.e. the universal resource (URL) address) and may be presented pictorially in order to further increase the security of the digital content.
• the link that is provided to the user 23 by the first server 21 may suppress the actual address (i.e. the universal resource (URL) address) and may be presented pictorially in order to further increase the security of the digital content.
• URL universal resource
• FIG 3 is a more detailed schematic diagram illustrating a distribution system 31 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• the system comprises a web server 33 (the "first server") and a content server 35, the two servers 33 and 35 being in communication with each other.
• a user terminal 37 is in communication with the web server 33 via a suitable communications network 39 (for example, the user terminal 37 may connect to the web server 33 via the Internet.
• the components of the system could be located on an Intranet or other wide area network).
• the distribution system 31 can comprise a plurality of content servers all linked to the first server 33.
• the first server 33 For the sake of clarity however, only one content server 35 is shown in Figure 3.
• the web server 33 comprises the following components: a website interface 41, a search engine 43, a login/registration module 45, a file streaming engine 47 and a user library 49 all of which are directly accessible to a user entering the website.
• the server additionally comprises a file handler 51 and shortcut generator 53, which are held on a secure portion of the server 33 such that users do not have access.
• the content server comprises a database 55 of content files (e.g. audio or visual files), a database manager 57 and a content manager 59.
• content files e.g. audio or visual files
• database manager 57 e.g. a database manager 57 and a content manager 59.
• the user terminal 37 comprises a browser application 61 and communication means 63 (e.g. broadband Internet connection).
• communication means 63 e.g. broadband Internet connection.
• the user accesses the website 41 of the web server 33 via the Internet 39.
• the login/registration module 45 on the web server 33 requires the user to either register for the content distribution service if they are a new user or alternatively log in to an existing account.
• the search engine 43 on the web server 33 is in communication with the content manager 59 on the content server 35. Once logged into the distribution service therefore, the user may use the search engine 43 to search for digital content that they wish to access. Once the user has located content that he wishes to access, the file handler 51 notifies the database manager 57 within the content server 35. The URL address information relating to the digital content is then passed from the database manager 57 to a shortcut generator 53 on the web server 33 which generates a link back to the digital content. The link is then placed in a user library 49 that the user can access via the website 41. It is noted that the user library 49 contains details of any content (a content list 50) that the user may have previously accessed and to which they have current access rights. It is noted that the links to the digital content will generally be in the form of one or more icons (71a, 71b, 71c) which are presented in the website 41 interface which is displayed on the user terminal 37.
• the user does not have direct access to the content server 35. Access to the digital content stored within the content server 35 is via the shortcut links generated and stored on the web server 33 only. The content server is also protected against unauthorised access by a firewall (not shown).
• Streaming of content to the user terminal 37 initiates a suitable media player a apppplliiccaattiioonn 6677 ( (ee..gg.. M Miiccrroossooft Media Player TM or WINamp TM) on the terminal 37 which can play the content.
• a apppplliiccaattiioonn 6677 (ee..gg.. M Miiccrroossooft Media Player TM or WINamp TM) on the terminal 37 which can play the content.
• the first server 33 can hide the URL addresses of the selected content from the user. Instead, the server 33 can provide an icon (e.g. a pictorial representation of the file) for the user to select.
• the content files reside on the second server, the content server 35. Since the content is streamed to the user there is no file capture and therefore the risk of illegal copying and sharing by users of the system is reduced.
• the first server 33 may additionally comprise a local storage area 69.
• content files may be transferred (by file transfer protocol, ftp) to the first server 33 and streamed to the user via the streaming engine 47.
• the transferred files would only be stored locally on a temporary basis and the storage area available per user may be limited, e.g. to around 50 Mb.
• the local storage area 69 may also be potentially used in the event of an excessive number of users accessing the distribution system at once.
• Figure 4 shows a similar distribution system embodying the present invention to the one depicted in Figure 3. Like numerals have been used to denote like features between Figures 3 and 4 and the operation of the distribution system is as described in relation to Figure 3 for these features.
• the user is not connected to the distribution system via a PC connected to the Internet. Instead, the user has a wireless mobile device 73 which is in contact with a mobile telephone network via a base station 75.
• the base station 75 is connected via the Internet (or other suitable network) to the distribution system 31 thereby allowing the user of the mobile device 73 to access content, e.g. video or music on demand, from the content distribution system.
• the links to the digital content will be in the form of icons (71a, 71b, 71c) which will be displayed on the mobile device (see expanded view 72 of the mobile device).
• Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the various stages of user interaction with the system between a user logging onto the content distribution system and the streaming of digital content.
• a user wishing to access content will initially connect to the distribution system via the website (feature 41 in Figures 3 and 4) on the first server (step 80). The system will then prompt the user to either login or if they are not a registered user of the system to register for services (step 82).
• New users will be taken to a registration page (step 88) where they will be prompted to enter their contact details and optionally their payment details.
• the system may be set up so as to prompt for payment details only once content has been requested.
• the system will provide the new user with their unique username and password. The system will then either take the newly registered user to the login page (step 84) or alternatively straight to the options page (step 86).
• the options page presents the user with two options.
• the user may select either a search database option (step 90), which allows the database of content on the content database to be searched, or a search pre-selected files option (step 92), which allows the user to search for content that they have previously requested/accessed.
• the content files in the database of the content server are categorised according to subject matter or other suitable taxonomy such as genre, style, artist etc.
• the outcome of any search will be displayed on the web page running on the user's terminal.
• step 90 the user may select content that he desires to access.
• a new file request (step 94) is then sent by the first server to the content server and a link (i.e. a shortcut hyperlink) to the selected content on the content server is created by the shortcut generator (step 96) on the first server.
• the link that is created is added to the user's current content list (see feature 50 which is stored in the user library 49 as shown in Figures 3 and 4).
• the user may return back to the options page (86) to continue with a further search or alternatively may access the link created by the shortcut generator (step 98). Selecting the link will initiate the streaming of the content file to the media player on the user's terminal (step 100).
• the alternative option presented by the options page (86) is therefore to search the list of previously selected/accessed content (step 92). Any of the links contained within this pre-selected list may be accessed by the user according to step 98 described above.
• the link created by the shortcut generator (step 96) will generally be in the form of an icon (e.g. bitmap picture file) which is displayed in the list of user selected content on the website (see icons 71a, 71b, 71c in Figures 3 and 4). As noted above the user will not be able to determine the URL address of the content stored on the content server from the icon.
• icon e.g. bitmap picture file
• the distribution system may facilitate the saving of the icons created in the above process to a database on the user's terminal.
• the user would have to be registered with the website and logged on.
• step 98 may be followed by a request for payment from the distribution system in order to access the content server.
• the system may store payment details which can be collected during the registration process (step 88).
• the user may alternatively "drag and drop” icons directly into a media player of their choice.
• the present invention is not limited to personal computers.
• the present invention could be applied to wireless communications devices (e.g. mobile phones) and also to internet-enabled televisions.
• Television programmes and films could be provided by the system according to the present invention from a library of stored video files.
• content servers could be owned by different content providers.
• content servers could relate to different types of content, e.g. video, audio, games software etc.

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Citations (4)

• 2004
  • 2004-10-15 GB GBGB0422984.5A patent/GB0422984D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2005
  • 2005-10-14 WO PCT/GB2005/003987 patent/WO2006040587A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (5)

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