Abstract: In a network of devices having a plurality of local domains, each local domain is likely to comprise a plurality of networks or communities of devices that communicate using a shared native protocol such as Jini, UPnP, Bluetooth, HAVi, WiFi, WiMAX or other standard architectures and protocols. The Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) created a platform and method for various networks to communicate with one another in a local domain. OSGi does not, however, solve the problems associated with communication across local domains. An instant messaging protocol such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and a remote services register are used to provide a means for communication between local devices in a plurality of local OSGi domains using native communications protocols.

Abstract: This invention uses the ability to generate consumer relational marketing information from a database of transaction for digital content using a digital content mediator (“DCM”) to track the distribution of digital content. By using information from the transaction log, which can be either generated directly by the DCM server (typically sent to the payment engine for billing purposes) or can be output by the payment engine and combining with information from the content description database, a customer-content history database is created. Data Mining techniques can then be used to dervie the desired consumer relational marketing information from the customer-content history database. However, it is also possible to use data mining techniques across the databases (transaction log, content description database, and (optionally) the customer/client info DB) to obtain the desired consumer relational marketing data without first combining information into the customer-content history database.

Abstract: A digital content mediator (“DCM”) communicates with a network resource controller/manager (NRM) to allocate the appropriate network resources for a digital content transfer. A DCM client provides a signal to the DCM requesting the desired digital content transaction. The DCM checks a content information database to see if the content transfer is allowed. If the transfer is allowed, the DCM then extracts content transfer information from the content information database that describes network resource characteristics for transfer of that content. The DCM then formulates a request to the Network Resorce Manager containing the source and destination endpoint information in addition to the network resource characteristics of the content to be transferred. The Network Resource Manager (NRM) then makes the appropriate resource allocations. If the request succeeds, the DCM “approves” the request and signals to the client that the transfer process can continue.

Abstract: This invention uses the ability of a digital content mediator (“DCM”) to track the distribution of digital content—i.e., authenticate the source and destination users/devices, and authorize the transfer based on the specified policies for the identified content. This tracking creates an undisputable audit trail that can be used for authorization and billing purposes. In addition, content that is moved within one home or between devices owned by the same person can be done for “free” as per the fair use provision of the copyright act—the DCM will verify that the devices are in the same home and/or owned by the same person and allow the transfer.

Abstract: A digital content distribution system uses a Digital Rights Management Controller that performs a set of arbitrary tests against the transfer request from one user to another such as user A to user B. Assuming these tests are successful, the DRM sends an encryption key to transferring user A. This encryption key E is taken from a table of encryption key/hash pairs which have been provided to the DRM Controller by an external authority such as the content rights holder. User A encrypts the content using they key provided by the DRM controller and then optionally calculates a hash over the encrypted form of the content E(X) and returns this value to the DRM Controller. On checking the returned hash against the hash from the table the DRM controller knows that user A does indeed have the digital content X in good condition. The DRM Controller then instructs both users A and B that the transfer may proceed. The encrypted form of the content E(X) is transferred from A to B.

Abstract: A payment system for a digital content distribution system uses a Digital Rights Management (DRM) Controller that inquires through and accounting and content web server whether the user requesting the transfer of content has sufficient funds. Upon receiving information about the balance of the account associated with the receiving user and determining that the account has sufficient funds the transfer is permitted. The DRM Controller sends an encryption key and hash to the user sending the digital content. The encrypted digital content is transferred in a peer-to-peer manner so that the DRM Controller never possesses the actual content. The DRM Controller initiates billing for payment after the transfer by sending a message requesting a debit of the receiver's account stored in an intelligent services control point. The intelligent services control point provides a scalable platform for billing for minute amounts without incurring additional cost.

Abstract: In a network of devices having a plurality of local domains, each local domain is likely to comprise a plurality of networks or communities of devices that communicate using a shared native protocol such as Jini, UPnP, Bluetooth, HAVi, WiFi, WiMAX or other standard architectures and protocols. The Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) created a platform and method for various networks to communicate with one another in a local domain. OSGi does not, however, solve the problems associated with communication across local domains. An instant messaging protocol such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and a remote services register are used to provide a means for communication between local devices in a plurality of local OSGi domains using native communications protocols.

Abstract: Entity identity information and location identity information are sensed and made available to subscriber applications through a secure location-aware services infrastructure, thereby allowing for the creation of location-based services. Information detected by a sensor is passed to an interface aggregator for conversion to a standardized format and then forwarded to location registers for the domain of the sensors. Subscriber applications query the registers to determine which entities are in a particular location and to determine the location of entities. By unifying diverse sensing technologies, location information can be simultaneously obtained on varying degrees of granularity. In addition, the system is scalable to large scenarios by using a plurality of sensors, interface aggregators, and registers.

Abstract: Access to private devices that are separated from the public network by firewalls and NATs is provided without reconfiguring the firewalls and NATs. A private device wishing to provide access to external devices establishes a virtual private pipe to a secure hub, which includes functionality to terminate virtual pipes and to switch communications between these pipes and the public network. The secure hub assigns a secondary IP address to the private device/pipe and thereby provides the private device with a network appearance that is now beyond the firewall/NAT. External devices access the private device by addressing communications to the secondary IP address, which communications are routed to the secure hub and tunneled through the pipe to the private device. The private device can also restrict access through an access control list that is enforced by the secure hub.

Abstract: Entity identity information and location identity information are sensed and made available to subscriber applications through a secure location-aware services infrastructure, thereby allowing for the creation of location-based services. Information detected by a sensor is passed to an interface aggregator for conversion to a standardized format and then forwarded to location registers for the domain of the sensors. Subscriber applications query the registers to determine which entities are in a particular location and to determine the location of entities. By unifying diverse sensing technologies, location information can be simultaneously obtained on varying degrees of granularity. In addition, the system is scalable to large scenarios by using a plurality of sensors, interface aggregators, and registers.

Abstract: A FPGA matching the organization and performance of mask programmable gate arrays is presented. The core array is organized into rows of continuous series transistors (CSTs) and rows of small latch/logic blocks. The source/drains and gate of each of the transistors are connected to line segments. The input and output terminals of the blocks are also connected to line segments. Programmable antifuses are located at the intersections of the line segments, which also include others for power and routing purposes. The FPGA can be efficiently configured into a user's application with the flexibility of the CSTs and the efficiency of the latch/logic blocks, which may also be configured into RAM arrays.

Abstract: A FPGA matching the organization and performance of mask programmable gate arrays is presented. The core array is organized into rows of continuous series transistors (CSTs) and rows of small latch/logic blocks. The source/drains and gate of each of the transistors are connected to line segments. The input and output terminals of the blocks are also connected to line segments. Programmable antifuses are located at the intersections of the line segments, which also include others for power and routing purposes. The FPGA can be efficiently configured into a user's application with the flexibility of the CSTs and the efficiency of the latch/logic blocks, which may also be configured into RAM arrays.