Abstract: A method of distributing content over a network comprising: providing a content file comprising media content from a content source; providing an advertisement file comprising advertisement content from an advertisement provider, combining said content file and said advertisement file into a combined file in playable format, configured such that a location within said combined file of said advertisement content is substantially indistinguishable without playing said combined file; receiving requests from users for said content; debiting said advertisement provider with an advertisement fee; crediting said content source with said advertisement fee; and downloading said combined file to requesting users for playing thereof. The method allows a copyright holder to be paid for the download whilst the download remains free to the end user. The method may for example be applied to file sharing systems or to websites wishing to offer a ‘freebie’ to induce more site visiting.

Abstract: A method of distributing content over a network comprising: providing a content file comprising media content from a content source; providing an advertisement file comprising advertisement content from an advertisement provider, combining said content file and said advertisement file into a combined file in playable format, configured such that a location within said combined file of said advertisement content is substantially indistinguishable without playing said combined file; receiving requests from users for said content; debiting said advertisement provider with an advertisement fee; crediting said content source with said advertisement fee; and downloading said combined file to requesting users for playing thereof. The method allows a copyright holder to be paid for the download whilst the download remains free to the end user. The method may for example be applied to file sharing systems or to websites wishing to offer a ‘freebie’ to induce more site visiting.

Abstract: A system estimates whether a page carrying content of interest is currently in focus on a user, computer. in addition the system may determine the part of a current content page that is currently visible on a user screen. A movement detection unit detects movement of the content page within the user's browser, and an estimator infers whether a particular content item of interest is within the currently visible area. The movement detection unit in one version detects operating system directives to find out whether the user is scrolling etc through the page. Alternatively an identifiable point is placed on the content item and continual measurement is made between identifiable point in the content and a point in the currently visible area. The system is useful for providing statistical data about the effectiveness of advertisement placement within web pages.

Abstract: A system estimates the part of a current content page that is currently visible on a user screen. A movement detection unit detects movement of the content page within the user's browser, and an estimator infers whether a particular content item of interest is within the currently visible area. The movement detection unit in one version detects operating system directives to find out whether the user is scrolling etc through the page. Alternatively an identifiable point is placed on the content item and continual measurement is made between identifiable point in the content and a point in the currently visible area. The system is useful for providing statistical data about the effectiveness of advertisement placement within web pages.

Abstract: A method of distributing content over a network comprising: providing a content file comprising media content from a content source; providing an advertisement file comprising advertisement content from an advertisement provider, combining said content file and said advertisement file into a combined file in playable format, configured such that a location within said combined file of said advertisement content is substantially indistinguishable without playing said combined file; receiving requests from users for said content; debiting said advertisement provider with an advertisement fee; crediting said content source with said advertisement fee; and downloading said combined file to requesting users for playing thereof. The method allows a copyright holder to be paid for the download whilst the download remains free to the end user. The method may for example be applied to file sharing systems or to websites wishing to offer a ‘freebie’ to induce more site visiting.

Abstract: A method of distributing content over a network comprising: providing a content file comprising media content from a content source; providing an advertisement file comprising advertisement content from an advertisement provider, combining said content file and said advertisement file into a combined file in playable format, configured such that a location within said combined file of said advertisement content is substantially indistinguishable without playing said combined file; receiving requests from users for said content; debiting said advertisement provider with an advertisement fee; crediting said content source with said advertisement fee; and downloading said combined file to requesting users for playing thereof. The method allows a copyright holder to be paid for the download whilst the download remains free to the end user. The method may for example be applied to file sharing systems or to websites wishing to offer a ‘freebie’ to induce more site visiting.