JP2003533750A - Secure internet media player - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The present invention provides an online server (4, 4 ') and a database (1, 1') operated by a media service that provides an operation via the Internet. The service is used by the customer who has purchased the media player device (6) and accesses the server (4, 4 ') by, for example, direct modem (5) dial-up. By using the apparatus and system of the present invention, secure access and secure download of audio and music content is achieved, each user can retrieve his or her own music collection, and the content provider can It is possible to maintain copyright protection security.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to audio systems that perform MP3 type digital encoding.

[0002]

[Prior art]

As an introduction to the problem solved by the present invention, consider today's MP3 type players. MP3 technology allows a user to download free audio and music content over the Internet and play it on an MP3-compatible playback device (portable playback device or device within a personal computer). .

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

From the perspective of the audio and music content recording industry, the major drawback of currently available MP3 devices and technologies is not only the Internet MP3 originator but also M
There is virtually no protection against copyright infringement by P3 users. The present invention corrects such functional deficiencies through a new and innovative process for controlling access to media content.

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

The present invention relates to an online server and a database operated by a media service that provides operations via the Internet. The service is used by customers who purchase a media player device (possibly implemented in the form of a portable player or fixed PC). Customers access the server, for example, by direct modem dialup via a free access number (ie, a toll-free telephone number) (800). Secure access and secure download of audio and music content has been achieved, allowing each user to retrieve his or her own music collection, and the content provider to maintain security for copyright protection. Is possible.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the built-in (ie, embedded) modem of each media player device is from a personal website accessible only by registered media player devices, which is an embodiment of the present invention. Will provide the transmission of audio and music content. This limited accessibility provides a cost-effective solution to the legal problems caused by unauthorized distribution of copyrighted audio and music content over the Internet.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for great flexibility in the selection and use of audio and music content, while keeping the overall cost to the user or buyer of audio content low. The fully integrated method provided by the present invention shall enable media services companies to extend the marketing of their content and to ensure their income from the library and its maximum protection. Become.

Another aspect of the invention is to include a unique serial number for each media player device. The serial number is registered with the customer's credit card or other billing means (ie direct wire transfer from a savings account) as well as system websites where access to audio and music content is provided.

Once the user has completed registration, the media player device that is then available can be used to access a server that provides access to the audio and music content library on the database of the media service company. Become. It is possible to allow a predetermined part of the title to be freely listened to by preparing in advance by a provider of audio and music contents.
When a title is selected for download, the corresponding fee is charged to the customer's account. Each account is billed monthly for a credit card prepared in advance.

In another form of the invention, the media player device has no output port or removable memory chip to prevent digital copying. This form provides protection against copyright infringement. Due to the low cost of sending songs to customers, the cost for download is low (ie 25 cents per title). This low cost would be considered a beneficial feature to the end user. At the same time, the copyright is protected, and the artist and the record company can collect the prescribed fee on a per-title basis.

The above and other embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention are described in part herein, and in part in reference to the following description and drawings of the invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art by doing so or by carrying out the present invention.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the components of the internetwork system. The database 1,1 'of this exemplary system is the respective exemplary server 4,4'.
Is bound to. Each database 1,1 'can include customer data 2 and / or library data 3. The servers 4, 4'can be online on the Internet or on a local area network (LAN) or the like. Each of these servers 4, 4'has its own network interface.
A typical media player device 6 comprises a dial-up modem 5, a unique serial number 7 and a storage means 8. When the player 6 is connected via the telephone line 11,
Able to automatically dial a free access number service 9 that can be used only for the media player device described in this document in response to a command (particularly provided only for the media player device) Is. When the player 6 is identified as a registered device that is currently in good credit, a request from the player 6 to listen or download media is sent to the access service 9
It becomes possible to service via. The serial number 7 can be any unique code or identifier. With respect to the server 4 and the database 1, it becomes possible to access any data (customer data 2 or library content 3) by the access service 9 via the network link 12. Library content 3 can include, for example, audio and music content. When the access service 9 makes a download request on behalf of the player 6, it is possible to send the encrypted download information from the server 4 via the encryption link 10 to the particular requesting media player 6. The encrypted link 10 can be a conventional internet / network link. Thus, the unique serial number 7 from the media player device 6 becomes the public / private key for the encrypted link 10. Also, in this way, the requesting media player can receive and store the download information for playback.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the registration process of the media player. First, a media player is purchased (step 20). The player may include some promotional (educationally loaded) or educational content. However, the player is initially unable to access the media selection via private access to the WWW site. By simply connecting the media player 6 to any phone jack and selecting the connection mode, the player will dial the free access number (step 21). Once this connection is established, the access service will find that it is the first call (step 25). A registration process then occurs whereby the access service registers the device serial number (step 22) as well as the user's billing information and other required personal information (step 23). Once registered, the media player is free to use multiple titles, multiple groups of titles, and other content, within the terms established by the server provider.
Alternatively, it is possible to audition and use other promotional schemes. In this way, after registration, the user can freely audition and purchase the content from the server 4 by simply making a dial-in access to the access service 9 and requesting the title from the access service 9. Becomes

There are numerous benefits to be gained by using the present invention. For the end customer, this system provides legitimate access to copyrighted music at low cost and offers great flexibility in content selection. Also for the record industry, the present invention provides direct, low cost Internet distribution capabilities that protect copyrighted music and lead to a stable revenue stream. The present invention completely prevents digital copying. The present invention also provides the ability to introduce and promote new artists with little effort and at minimal cost.

In the case of a service provider company, a patent license fee, a fee for each title,
A lot of revenue can be realized through the advertising fee on the www site and the manufacturing profit of the media player. The service provider will also acquire the ability to promote itself as well as new artists in a cost effective manner.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to particular means, components, and embodiments, the invention is not limited to the particulars disclosed, but is set forth in the following claims. It is possible to extend to the equivalent in the range,
It should be understood that.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of components of an internetwork system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first media player registration process according to one embodiment of the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,1 'database 2 Customer data 3 Library data 4,4 'server 5 dial-up modem 6 Media player device 7 Unique serial number 8 Means of storage 9 Access service 10 Encrypted link 11 telephone lines 12 network links

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission Date] February 20, 2003 (2003.2.20)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

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Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A media player device having a unique identifier registered in an online server and database, the media player device being capable of receiving data from the server and database by means of the unique identifier. 2. The media player device according to claim 1, further comprising a dial-up modem and a storage unit. 3. An MP3 with a unique serial number registered on the Internet website.
Type of media player, the unique serial number enables receiving media content from the Internet website, M
P3 type media player. 4. An MP3 type media player according to claim 3, comprising a dial-up modem and storage means. 5. An online server and a database made available to the server, an encrypted link from the server to a media player, a dial-up modem and a unique identifier included in the media player, the dial-up. An access service made available to a modem, wherein the unique identifier allows the online server to send data to the media player via the encrypted link.
A secure network, including access services. 6.   The network according to claim 5, wherein the media player has storage means. 7. An Internet having an online server and a media database made available to the server, an encrypted link from the server to a media player, a dial-up modem included in the media player, a unique An identifier and a storage means, an access service made available to the dial-up modem, the unique identifier to the online server from the media database to the media player via the encrypted link. A secure Internet media system, including an access service that allows authorization to send media content. 8. The internet media system of claim 7, wherein the media database contains customer data. 9. The access service is a free access (800 type) telephone connection.
Internet media system as described in. 10. Disabling the media player from accessing the media selection from the network, connecting the media player to an access service, registering a unique identifier and customer information for the media player via the access service, A media player registration process comprising the steps of enabling the media player to access a media selection from a network using the registered unique identifier. 11. The media player registration process of claim 10, wherein the network is the Internet. 12. The access service is a free access (800 type) telephone connection.
The media player registration process described in 0. 13. The media player registration process of claim 10, wherein the customer is charged a fee for the downloaded selection.