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.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized recording of electronic media according to one embodiment is described. The method comprises activating a compliance mechanism in response to a client system receiving media content. The compliance mechanism is coupled to the client system. The client system has a media content presentation application operable thereon and is coupled to the compliance mechanism. The method further comprises controlling a data path of a kernel-mode media device driver of the client system with the compliance mechanism upon detection of a kernel streaming mechanism operable on the client system. The present method further comprises directing the media content from the kernel-mode media device driver to a media device driver coupled with the compliance mechanism, via the data path, for selectively restricting output of the media content.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized recording of electronic media is described. The method is comprised of activating a compliance mechanism in response to receiving media content by a client system. The compliance mechanism is coupled to the client system. The media content presentation application is operable and coupled to the compliance mechanism. The method is further comprised of controlling a data output path of the client computer with the compliance mechanism. The method is further comprised of directing the media content via the data output path to a custom media device for selectively restricting output of the media content. The custom media device is coupled to the compliance mechanism and to the media content presentation application. The method is further comprised of preventing a recording application coupled to the client computer system from recording the media content file when recording violates usage restriction applicable to the media content.

Abstract: A method of restricting client interaction of deliverable electronic media. In one embodiment, the method is comprised of detecting a media player application operable within a computer system. The media player application enables the computer system to present contents of a media file. The present method is further comprised of governing within said media player application a function that enables non-compliance with a usage restriction applicable to the media file. The present method is further comprised of controlling output of the media file. The controlling is performed by a compliance mechanism coupled to the computer system. The compliance mechanism is for enabling compliance with the usage restriction applicable to the media file.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention enables global delivery of “on-demand” high fidelity media content to client computers via a network, such as, the Internet or a wide area network (WAN) while restricting unauthorized users from directly retrieving media content from its sources. The present embodiment includes a global media content delivery network that may include multiple “points of presence” which may be located throughout the world. Each point of presence may store a portion or the entirety of a media content library that may be provided to client devices. Each one of the points of presence may provide media content to client devices in their respective vicinity of the world. Once a client receives media, it is stored using hidden directories to prevent easy redistribution with other devices. An access key procedure and rate control restrictor may also be implemented to monitor and restrict suspicious media requests.

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.