Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Multiple computer communication using cryptography – Protection at a particular protocol layer
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-15
2001-04-24
Lee, Thomas (Department: 2182)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Multiple computer communication using cryptography
Protection at a particular protocol layer
C709S231000, C709S217000, C709S218000, C709S219000, C713S152000, C713S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223292
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the transportation of data from a content node to a presentation node on a network, and particularly to the presentation of audio and video information on a selected network node which is derived from a content node and is presented at a user node with assistance from a media content server.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Video or audio content is typically presented to a user on a web browser based upon content documents and pages received from a media server, e.g., a video or audio server. The web browser may contain, or receive by downloading, a plug-in which is configured to play real-time audio or real-time video (respectively “real audio” or “real video”) in cooperation with streaming data from an external video or audio server. The video or audio plug-in is installed on a client machine and includes code which opens a predetermined window in the browser within which the video content is played and viewable.
Unfortunately, the content provider often has no control over the amount of content usage by a user nor over the replication of this content. Accordingly, there is a need to control content presentation and reproduction by unauthorized and unauthenticated users of content distributed over networks, including but not limited to the Internet.
In particular, there is a desire to ensure that content is protected from access by unauthorized users or from usage in excess of predetermined policies relating to degree of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the present invention, users are provided with graduated service level passwords for access to media streaming services provided by a media server. When the media server receives a streaming service request from a user as well as the user's prioritized password, the media server evaluates the user according to service level by parsing and analyzing the password. If the user password entitles the user to a low graduated service level, according to one embodiment of the present invention the user will nonetheless be provided with a higher level of service then a predetermined entitlement by prior arrangement actually permits, if the higher service level is available. If no higher service level is available, provide service at predetermined level. If after streaming is initiated to a low status user, a demand is made by a user for such higher service level, the low-status user service level is reset to conform to actual status entitlement. Service levels are graduated according to one embodiment of the present invention, in categories of bandwidth, frame rate, resolution, frame size, and audio fidelity levels.
According to the present invention, a media server is configured for communication with a remote data base which according to one embodiment is installed in a selected web server and which provides streaming authorization services and usage policy information with respect to stream and bandwidth quotas applicable to user access to selected media services from a particular media server based upon content volume rates (bandwidth) and well-formed (i.e., video or audio) streams, for example. According to one embodiment of the present invention, in response to a user request for presentation of a selected video streaming performance, the media server includes an interface configured for communication with a remote data base (in a selected web server, for example), i.e., a password authority, to determine whether the user is authorized, and whether the user is entitled within a predetermined bandwidth quota and/or a predetermined stream quota to receive the requested content substantially at the time requested. After receiving the request for streamed performance, the media server requests user identification and/or a password. The password, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is encrypted and provided to a server associated with the remote data base which carries applicable quota information and passwords. The remote server then responds, according to one embodiment of the present invention, with information regarding authorization of the user with respect to particular content bandwidth and stream. If a streaming performance is permitted, the media server indicates allowed performance, provides authorization to duplicate the performance (according to one embodiment of the present invention), and maintains an account of predetermined user events and characteristics quantifying usage, re-usage, pauses and replays of the performance. The user events and characteristics are then, according to one embodiment of the present invention, recorded and/or transmitted to a remote billing location which can be the same as the remote data base and associated web server which maintains the quotas, policies, and user access data, enabling the initial performance and reproduction.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4731841 (1988-03-01), Rosen et al.
patent: 5500889 (1996-03-01), Baker et al.
patent: 5570283 (1996-10-01), Shoolery et al.
patent: 5615268 (1997-03-01), Bisbee et al.
patent: 5655077 (1997-08-01), Jones et al.
patent: 5671281 (1997-09-01), Campbell et al.
patent: 5737419 (1998-04-01), Ganesan
patent: 5740231 (1998-04-01), Cohen et al.
patent: 5778187 (1998-07-01), Monteiro et al.
patent: 5802162 (1998-09-01), Beltrano et al.
patent: 5835726 (1998-11-01), Shwed et al.
patent: 5841970 (1998-11-01), Tabuki
patent: 5940074 (1999-08-01), Britt, Jr. et al.
patent: 5944824 (1999-08-01), He
patent: 5990927 (1999-11-01), Hendricks et al.
patent: 6002394 (1999-12-01), Schein et al.
patent: 6006333 (1999-12-01), Nielsen
patent: 6112185 (2000-08-01), Walker et al.
Chaddha Navin
Chen Ling Tony
Dean Dawson F.
Klemets Anders Edgar
Wang Edward Yan-bing
Lee Thomas
Microsoft Corporation
Nguyen Tanh Q.
Schwegman Lundberg Woessner & Kluth P.A.
LandOfFree
Authorization systems, methods, and computer program products does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Authorization systems, methods, and computer program products, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Authorization systems, methods, and computer program products will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2518228