Abstract: The invention relates to an internet payment system based on return traffic. In regard of payment for content delivered across the internet an aspect of the invention provides for initiation of an explicit return flow of packets. Reception by the server of these return packets entails reception of payment tokens of the client by the server and a sign to the server to continue with the delivery of the content. Maskerading by the client can be prevented by sending challenges along with the data packets and by having the client to send responses to the same along with the return packets.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a hash signal representative of a multimedia signal are described. The method includes receiving a bit-stream comprising a compressed multimedia signal, selectively reading from the bit-stream predetermined parameters, and deriving a hash function from the parameters.

Abstract: Methods of and system for distributing a multimedia object (212). A server (201) receives a request to buy the multimedia object (212) from a client device (101). After authorizing the request, an identifier for the object (212) is forwarded to a file sharing network (100). A node (102) that is able to distribute the object (212) to the client (101) signals a positive response to the server (201) and subsequently transmits the object (212) to the client (101). The operator of the node (102) is then rewarded for distributing the object (212) in this fashion. This way the server (201) does not have to distribute the object (212) itself, but still earns money from the operator of the client (101). By encrypting or otherwise protecting the object (212) it is prevented that clients share the objects directly without contacting the server (201).

Abstract: A method of enabling disintermediation in a business model, as well as an arrangement (100) therefor. Extra information related to the business model is embedded in content such as music, which is then distributed via a third party (202) to a rendering device (204). The rendering device (204) generates an audible signal (120) that can be picked up by a receiver (220) such as a mobile phone. The receiver (220) processes the signal (120) to obtain the embedded information, which is then used in the course of the business model.

Abstract: An arrangement (100) for distributing content (200), comprising an aggregator (101) arranged for bundling the content (200) according to a segment profile (209) and distributing the content (200) to a receiving device (120), the receiving device (120) comprising user profile maintenance means (210) for maintaining a user profile (211), and profile transmitting means (212) for transmitting the user profile (211) to a profiling center (220), the profiling center (220) being arranged for aggregating user profiles (211) received from plural receiving devices (120) into an aggregated profile (221), and for making the aggregated profile (221) available to the aggregator (101) for use as the segment profile (209). Also a method of profiling consumer behavior.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internet payment system based on return traffic. In regard of payment for content delivered across the internet an aspect of the invention provides for initiation of an explicit return flow of packets. Reception by the server of these return packets entails reception of payment tokens of the client by the server and a sign to the server to continue with the delivery of the content.