WO2001098877A2

WO2001098877A2 - Copy-protected internet distribution system

Info

Publication number: WO2001098877A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/019675
Authority: WO
Inventors: James R. Clark
Original assignee: Clark James R
Priority date: 2000-06-19
Filing date: 2001-06-19
Publication date: 2001-12-27
Also published as: AU2001272960A1; WO2001098877A3

Abstract

The present invention may provide on-line servers and databases operated by a media service providing operation across the Internet. Customers who are registered with the copyrighted data provider, and then access the servers via the Internet use these services. By using the invented equipment and systems, secure access and secure downloading of copyrighted content is done while the service provider can maintain copyright protection security.

Description

COPY-PROTECTED INTERNET DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to digitally encoded copyrighted or otherwise proprietary data of any kind. More specifically, the present invention relates to a secured system for authorization and registration of secured Internet devices, said authorization and registration being required by the novel system before said Internet devices are afforded access to said data. I refer to this Copy-protected Internet distribution System as "KIDS".

As an introduction to the problems solved by the present invention, consider the development of present-day MP3 type players. MP3 technology allows users to download audio and music content over the Internet for play on MP3 compatible playing devices, including those that are portable and those internal to a personal computer. From the point of view of the audio and music content recording industry, a major drawback to the presently available MP3 devices and technologies is that they afford virtually no protection against copyright infringements by either Internet MP3 sourcing parties, nor by MP3 end users. The present invention remedies this functional deficiency through a novel and innovative process for controlling access to media content. This system can protect any type of digitally encoded data that can be transmitted via the Internet by providing a system which restricts access to only those Internet devices which have been first authorized and registered utilizing a unique hardware identifier associated with each such device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an Internet data provider providing access to a copyrighted data library across the Internet. This data could be any copyrighted digital data including digital Music or Video. This data would be available to customers who have a

Internet device with unique identifier that would allow the Internet data provider to identify the unique customer and cross reference them to a customer data base.

For example with a Media Player these customers register their account via a free access (800) telephone number though a service center that would register the customer on the data service provider servers. Then the customer could connect to the Internet though a built-in modem that would direct them to the data service provider servers that would already have the customer information and the serial number of the Media Player. With the Copy-protected Internet Distribution System, secure access and secure downloading of audio and music content would be achieved, such that each user can pick their own listening collections, and the provider can maintain copyright protection security.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, each audio player built-in modem, Internet adapter, radio link or other similar type of media adapter can provide transfer of the audio, music, or other content from a private world- wide- web site, only accessible from a registered media player unit. The control given by this restricted accessibility provides a cost-effective solution to the legal problems that have recently arisen from unauthorized distribution of copyright protected audio and music content over the Internet.

Another aspect of this invention is the incorporation of a unique serial number for each Internet device. This could be a MAC code on a network card, a serial number in an EPROM, or a unique identification number on a CPU or other IC of any type. For example, the unique identification embedded in each Pentium III® chip could serve as a device specific identifier used to authenticate and register the specific device requesting access. As long as this identifier was identifiable by the vendor of copy-protected material and unique to the customer, the novel system will allow the user access. This number is registered with the system web site through which access to the copyrighted content is given, along with the customer credit card or other means of billing fees (i.e. direct electronic transfer from checking accounts, etc.).

Once the user is registered, the then-operational Internet device can be used to access the provider servers, which give access to copyrighted content libraries, on a per title basis. For marketing promotions, pre-selected portions of titles could be made available for free review (by prior arrangements with copyrighted content providers). Once titles are selected for downloading, charges are made to the customer's account. Each account is billed to the pre-arranged credit card or other financial account on a monthly basis, for example. It is an object of the present invention to overcome deficiencies in current technology which make it impossible to adequately protect copyrighted or otherwise proprietary data made available over the Internet. A sample of an ideal Internet device would be a Media Player that would have neither output ports nor removable memory chips in order to prevent digital copying. This aspect increases protection against copyright infringement. With this type of device music companies could justify lowering fees for downloading to a low (i.e. 25 cents per title) due to the low cost of conveying the song to the customer. This low cost will be seen as a valuable feature by the end user. At the same time, copyright rights are protected and the artists and recording companies can collect negotiated fees on a per title basis.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a system, which allows any Internet device to access data over the Internet while simultaneously protecting the copyright interests of the data providers. For example, it is also envisioned that other Internet devices, such as personal computers, may access the copyrighted content libraries through the novel system. Said access is first authenticated through a unique hardware identifier on the PC, such as, for example, the unique ID built into each Pentium III® chip. Any data provided to an Internet device, such as a PC, which may digitally reproduce said data, shall be provided in a format which includes a unique identifier, such as a watermark. As a result, any digital reproduction of said data may be readily identified and attributed to the uniquely authenticated Internet device which originally accessed said data. Therefore, the novel system facilitates secure access to copyrighted data from any Internet device via any means of access (modem, ethernet, RF, cellular, etc.). These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description, and in part will come to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings, or by practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the inter-networked system components according to one embodiment of the invention employing a modem-connected Media Player (MP) player.

Figure 2 is a flowchart of a sample Copy-protected Internet Distribution System using a Media Player registration process according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the inter-networked system components according to one embodiment of the invention employing network adapter-connected servers and MP players.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the inter-networked system components according to one embodiment of the invention employing 2-way RF linked servers and MP players.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the inter-networked system components according to one embodiment of the invention employing cellular network connected MP players.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The novel copy-protected Internet distribution system provides a means of affording facile access to copyrighted or otherwise proprietary data over the Internet while simultaneously protecting the copyright interests of the data providers. The system requires that a unique identifier be authenticated and registered before any Internet device is allowed to access said systems' data service provider servers.

Referring to the figures, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the inter-networked copy-protected Internet distribution system components employing a modem-connected MP player. The representative system databases 1 and 1' are connected to individual representative servers 4 and 4'. Each database may contain customer data 2 and/or library data 3. Each of these servers has a network interface. The typical Media Player unit 6 contains a dial-up modem 5, a unique serial number 7, and storage memory 8. Player 6, when connected via telephone line 11, is capable of, automatically upon command, dialing a free access number service 9 that particularly caters to the Media Player unit described herein, and no other types of players. Once the Player 6 is validated as a registered device, then requests for media sampling and/or download can be serviced via the access service 9. Any data, either customer data 2 or library content 3, can be accessed by the access service 9 via network link 12 to a server 4 database 1. If download requests are made on behalf of a player 6 via the access service 9, then encrypted download infoπnation can be sent from a server 4 directly to a particular requesting Media Player 6 over encrypted link 10. This way, the requesting Media Player can receive and store the download information for playback.

Figure 2 depicts a flowchart of the copy-protected Internet distribution system registration process utilizing a Media Player as a sample Internet device. When a Media Player is first purchased 20, it may have some promotional or instructional content, which was factory loaded. It is not at first, however, capable of accessing media selections over the private access world-wide-web site. By simply connecting the Media Player 6 to any telephone jack and selecting the connection mode, the Player will dial a free access number 21. Once connection is established, the access service will discover that this is a first time call 25. The registration process will then continue, whereby the access service registers the unit serial number 22 along with the user's billing information and other required personal information 23. Once registered, the Media Player can be used freely within the conditions established by the service provider for sampling and usage of titles, groups of titles, other content, or other promotional schemes.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the inter-networked copy-protected Internet distribution system components according to one embodiment of the invention employing network adapter-connected servers 4 and Media Player 6. This embodiment accomplishes the same ends as the system described along with Figure 1 , but uses a different form of telecommunication between the Media Player 6 and server 4. In this scheme, there is no dial-up modem. The telecommunication shown utilizes a network adapter 31 at the server and another network adapter 32 built-into the Media Player 6. In this embodiment, the inter-networking media 30 between any server 4 and Media Player 6 device can be a standard or proprietaiy private network or the public Internet, where the physical link is either lOBaseT, 100BaseT, CheaperNet or similar link. In any case, the novel system first authenticates and registers the accessing Internet device before affording access to system servers. The authentication may take place at the same IP location as the system server, or, preferably, at a different IP address, or, more preferably, at a free access (800) telephone number through a service center.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the inter-networked copy-protected Internet distribution system components according to another embodiment of the invention employing 2-way RF-linked servers and MP players. This embodiment also accomplishes the same ends as the system described along with Figure 1, but via a radio frequency medium. This system utilizes an RF transceiver 50 at each server 4 that communicates to transceiver 53 built into each Media Player 6. In the example shown, the signal passes between antenna 51 at the server and antenna 54 of Media Player 6. Antenna 51 can also communicate with multiple other

Media Player units in the same geographic area 56. Geographically separate servers 4' can telecommunicate via transceivers and other antennae 51' to other players in other areas 52. Again, in any case, the novel system first authenticates and registers the accessing Internet device before affording access to system servers. The authentication may take place at the same IP location as the system server, or, preferably, at a different IP address, or, more preferably, at a free access (800) telephone number through a service center.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the inter-networked copy-protected Internet distribution system components according to one other embodiment of the invention employing cellular network connected MP players. This embodiment also accomplishes the same ends as the system described along with Figure 1 , but via a cellular medium. This system utilizes a high speed network or Tl type of interface 44 at the server end that links to a telephone company network 36. The telephone company, in-turn, handles the 2-way data over its media 37, conveying it to and from a cellular service provider network 38. Each Media Player 6, in this scheme, incoiporates a digital cellular modem 43. The RF cellular signal passes between the cellular service provider 38 via antenna 41 at the server and antenna 42 of Media Player 6. Antenna 41 can also communicate with multiple other Media Player units in the same geographic area. Other Media Players 40, in other cellular service areas can telecommunicate via other cellular system provider antennae 39. Once again, the novel system first authenticates and registers the accessing Internet device before affording access to system servers. The benefits that will be attained through the use of the present invention are multiple. For the end customer, this system provides legal access control to copyrighted music, for a low cost and also it gives great flexibility in content selection. For the recording industry, this invention provides a direct low cost Internet distribution capability that protects copyrighted music and other proprietary data, and derives a steady income stream. It completely prevents unauthorized digital copying. It also provides the capability to introduce and promote new artists with small followings with minimal cost. For the various service providing companies, multiple income streams can be realized through patent licensing fees, fees per title, advertising fees on the world-wide-web site and Media Player manufacturing profits. The service provider will also gain an ability to promote its own and new artists in a cost-effective manner.

Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A copy-protected Internet data distribution system comprising: a data library accessible across the Internet; an Internet device with a unique identifier, said Internet device being capable of accessing said data library; and, a data service provider with said unique identifier cross-referenced to a financial account: so that the service provider can permit access to the data library based upon said unique identifier.

2. The system of Claim 1 wherein the data library includes digital audio or video.

3. The system of Claim 1 wherein the Internet device is an MP3 type player.

4. The system of Claim 1 wherein the Internet device is a personal computer.

5. The system of Claim 1 wherein the Internet device has neither an output port nor a removable memory chip.

6. A copy-protected Internet distribution method comprising: registering a unique identifier of an Internet device capable of accessing a data library across the Internet; cross-referencing said unique identifier to a financial account; and, permitting access to said data library based upon said unique identifier.