Patents by Inventor Hank Risan

Hank Risan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8555395
    Abstract: A method for providing a media change notification on a computing system. The present method polls a media device of a computing system for a media change wherein the polling of the media device cannot be blocked by the computing system. When a media change is detected on the media device, a media change notification is generated. The media change notification is then output when the media change on the media device is detected. In so doing, the media change notification cannot be blocked by the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Media Rights Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald, Raymond C. Salas
  • Patent number: 8438656
    Abstract: A method for preventing unauthorized recording of media content on a Macintosh operating system. The present method registers a compliance mechanism on a client system having the Macintosh operating system operating thereon. The compliance mechanism comprises a framework for validating the compliance mechanism on the client system, and a multimedia component opened by the framework. The present method uses the multimedia component for decrypting the media content on the client system. The present method also prevents decryption of the media content on the client system having the Macintosh operating system operating thereon if a portion of the compliance mechanism is invalidated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8407808
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for protecting copyrighted media content. The copyright and playback management information is embedded into at least one data field of the media content. The media content is then encoded for a serial copy management system (SCMS) that utilizes the copyright and playback management information to ensure the appropriate copyright protection of the media content based at least in part on the embedded copyright and playback management information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Media Rights Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hank Risan
  • Patent number: 8255331
    Abstract: A method for providing curriculum enhancement using a computer-based media access system according to one embodiment is described. The method comprises accessing a playlist assembly component and creating a playlist indicating at least one instance of media. The playlist is then accessed and the instance of media is selected. A usage compliance mechanism then accesses the instance of media in accordance with a usage restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Media Rights Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8250663
    Abstract: A method of controlling presentation of content on a media storage device is described. The method is comprised of verifying presence of a content presentation mechanism and a usage compliance mechanism on a computer system operated by a recipient to whom the media storage device is distributed. The usage compliance mechanism includes a file system filter driver for controlling data reads associated with the content. The present method further includes permitting the recipient to experience the content via the computer system provided the usage compliance mechanism is present on the computer system and the computer system is communicatively coupled with a network and wherein a server in the network authorizes the recipient to experience the content. The present method further includes presenting the content to the recipient via the content presentation mechanism. The content presentation mechanism is communicatively coupled with the usage compliance mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20120174737
    Abstract: A method and system for generating a synthetic simulation of a media recording is disclosed. One embodiment accesses a sound reference archive and heuristically creates a new sound that is matched against at least one sound in the sound reference archive. The media recording is analyzed and a synthetic sound based on the analyzing of the media recording is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Hank Risan
  • Publication number: 20120131686
    Abstract: A method for selectively controlling access to electronic media disposed on a media storage device according to one embodiment is described. The method comprises creating a first list comprising a plurality of process identification values. Each of the plurality of process identification values of the first list is associated with a software application that is accessing the media disposed upon the media storage device. The method further includes creating a second list comprising a second plurality of process identification values. Each of the second plurality of process identification values is associated with a software application that is storing data. The method further includes determining that a particular software application is creating an unauthorized copy of the media disposed upon the media storage device. The method further includes preventing the particular software application from storing a usable copy of said electronic media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8161562
    Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized reproduction of protected media disposed on a media storage device according to one embodiment is described. The method is comprised of activating an autorun mechanism disposed on said media storage device. The activating is in response to a device drive coupled with a computer system receiving the media storage device. The autorun mechanism for initiating installing a compliance mechanism on the computer system. The method further includes installing the compliance mechanism on the computer system. The compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with the computer system when installed thereon. The compliance mechanism is for enforcing compliance with a usage restriction applicable to the protected media. The method further includes obtaining control of a data input pathway operable on the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8160963
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention enables delivery of “on-demand” high fidelity media content to computers via the Internet while restricting unauthorized users from directly retrieving media content from its source database. Once the computer receives the media, it is stored using hidden directories so that it may not be easily shared with others. Within the present embodiment, there are different functionality that are implemented in order to protect and monitor the media content source. For example, the actual address location of the media database is hidden from content recipients while its address directory is periodically change making past addresses obsolete. Additionally, an access key procedure and rate control restrictor may also be implemented to monitor and restrict suspicious media content requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8132263
    Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized reproduction of media disposed on a media storage device according to one embodiment is described. The method comprises installing a compliance mechanism on the computer system. The compliance mechanism is communicatively coupled with the computer system when installed thereon. The compliance mechanism is for enforcing compliance with a usage restriction applicable to the media. The method further includes obtaining control of a data input pathway operable on the computer system. The method further includes accessing data that is disposed on the media storage device that is associated with the usage restriction. The method further includes preventing the computer system from accessing the media digitally via the data pathway while enabling presentation of the protected media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8122248
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20120042385
    Abstract: Methods and systems for protecting copyrighted media with monitoring logic are provided. In one embodiment, monitoring logic is installed on a client device associated with a user. The monitoring logic detects whether the media is present on the client device. If the media is present, the media is analyzed to determine if it is copyrighted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Hank RISAN
  • Publication number: 20120042309
    Abstract: A method for automatically executing an operation after a media event. The present method receives a media change notification (MCN) from a non-defeatable autorun. Next, a file corresponding to a media event responsible for the MCN is accessed. The file corresponding to the media event is then authenticated and an instruction contained on the file is executed. Additionally, the accessing, authenticating, and executing of the content contained in the file cannot be defeated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Hank RISAN
  • Publication number: 20120042134
    Abstract: A method for bypassing a compliance mechanism assertion of a usage restriction applicable to electronic media accessible in a computer system is described. The method includes a hardware device for causing the computer system to bypass the usage restriction, the hardware device communicatively coupled with the computer system and appropriate for reading from and writing to the storage device upon which the electronic media is disposed, the computer system having the compliance mechanism communicatively coupled to and operable therewith, the compliance mechanism for asserting the usage restriction. An application causing the computer system to bypass the usage restriction asserted by the compliance mechanism; and activating a presentation mechanism causing the computer system to present the electronic media in an unrestricted manner, the compliance mechanism unable to assert the usage restriction upon the presentation mechanism and the computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Hank RISAN
  • Publication number: 20120039467
    Abstract: A method for automatically detecting media and implementing interaction control thereon. The present method receives a media change notification (MCN) from a non-defeatable autorun. After receiving the MCN of a media event an operation is automatically executed. The operation then initiates a controller for controlling interaction of deliverable electronic media from a media file corresponding to the media event, wherein the receiving, executing, and controlling are automatically implemented and cannot be defeated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Hank RISAN
  • Publication number: 20120042391
    Abstract: A method for protecting children from accessing inappropriate media available to a computer-based media access system according to one embodiment is described. The method comprises configuring a usage compliance mechanism with at least one restricted media identifier which identifies the inappropriate media. The method further includes determining that a child is attempting to access an instance of media and comparing that instance of media with the restricted media identifier. When the instance of media matches the restricted media identifier, the child is denied access to the instance of media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Hank RISAN
  • Publication number: 20120036584
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reporting information about users who obtain copyrighted media illegally using a network are provided. A particular copyrighted media from a source of copyrighted media may be associated with a user's computer. Copyright fees have not been paid for the particular copyrighted media. Information about the user of the computer is reported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Hank RISAN
  • Publication number: 20120036585
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention pertains to a method and system for deterring unauthorized use of media content in a computing system and network. In one embodiment, the invention comprises detecting an unauthorized use of the media content in a computing system or network, the media content having a characteristic digital waveform format and an associated indicator for indicating to a compliance mechanism an unauthorized use of the media content. On detecting an unauthorized use of the media content, the media content characteristic digital waveform format is degraded. In this embodiment of the invention, unauthorized use is non-compliance with a use restriction applicable to the presentation of the media content in the computing system or network. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the media content is rendered incomprehensible to an unauthorized user experiencing the media content, thereby likely deterring further unauthorized use of the media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Hank RISAN
  • Patent number: 8112810
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8112815
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Music Public Broadcasting, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Risan, Edward Vincent Fitzgerald