METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING A MULTIMEDIA FILE TO A PUBLIC KIOSK ACROSS A NETWORK
A video network includes public kiosks having digital storage capacity. Centralized inventory control manages the video files stored at individual kiosks or network LANs. A user requests a multimedia file for download, and selects various ancillary files and control features, such as languages, subtitles, control of nudity, etc. The requested file is encrypted according to an encryption key, watermarked, and downloaded from a high-speed port of a public kiosk to a hand-held proprietary high speed memory device of a user. Payment is received at the time of request or at the time of download, and royalties are distributed by the video network to copyright holders. Computer applications or playback devices allow users to store and/or play video files that have been downloaded to a hand-held device while managing and enforcing digital rights of content providers through the watermarking and/or encryption.
This application claims priority from, and incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/891,136, filed on Feb. 22, 2007 by Colin Mick et al., and entitled “Video Network Including Method and Apparatus for High Speed File Download.”
This application is related to, and incorporates by reference in its entirety, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Feb. 22, 2008 by Colin Mick et al., and entitled “Video Network Including Method and Apparatus for High Speed File Distribution of Digital Files Over a Network”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Feb. 22, 2008 by Colin Mick et al., and entitled “Digital Multimedia Network Including Method and Apparatus for High Speed User Download of Digital Files”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Feb. 22, 2008 by Colin Mick et al., and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Protecting Digital Rights of Copyright Holders of Publicly Distributed Multimedia Files”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on Feb. 22, 2008 by Colin Mick et al., and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Managing a Digital Inventory of Multimedia Files Stored Across a Dynamic Distributed Network.”
This application herein hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/426,930 Filed on Apr. 29, 2003 by Fjelstad et al., and entitled D
Today, there are several methods for customers to obtain specific videos and movies for viewing at consumers' homes. Video rental and retail stores such as Blockbuster warehouse movies and video files pre-stored on digital storage media such as DVDs. Alternatively, a consumer may pay for cable or satellite subscription services where “videos on demand” (VOD) are available. For satellite customers, true VOD is difficult an uneconomical to support, and has resulted in growing deployment of digital video recorders (DVRs). Consumers subscribing to satellite video delivery services can only obtain the video content which the satellite company selects to make available in their satellite network, severely limiting consumer options. Typically, those options are limited to “first run” movies or current releases. Video games can also be purchased at stores for performance on personal computers, or specialized “game boxes.”
Consumer options can be enhanced in cable distribution since old-run movies may be archived at the cable-head end. Unfortunately, building VOD delivery infrastructures is expensive due to the upgrades required in both the cable-head end and the user-end decoder boxes. Moreover, this form of distribution typically limits the multimedia files available to consumers to a hand full of digitized feature length films. The availability of archived news clips is limited to links appearing on the web, and is usually in a low definition “PIP” (picture inside a picture) format. Typically, video games and other multimedia files are even less available on demand.
Because the digital distribution of cinematic films is a major consumer market readily appreciated by the average consumer, many specific examples herein are described in terms of cinematic feature length films (also known as movies). However, the embodiments described herein are fully envisioned to include the widest range of multimedia files, including, but not limited to cinematic feature length films, movie trailers and previews, news broadcasts, sports events, political speeches, and games, and further including, but not limited to distinct digital files systems within a multimedia file, such as audio files, video files, effect files (such as vibrating, tilting or rotating a platform or object), and ancillary files (such as time stamps, sub-titles, “director's cut” version of a movie, such as scenes that were removed prior to theater distribution, configurable files for editing nudity or profanity from a feature length film, advanced “levels” of a game, or other game options which may be available, including more expensive versions of a game) etc. Accordingly, specific examples that are directed to a digital file easily appreciated by a consumer, such as the video file of a feature length film, are offered for purposes of brevity, and to enhance reader comprehension by referring to consumer products most widely recognized by the greatest segment of the public. These specific are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims.
The distribution of multimedia files incorporates a wide variety of objectives, some of which are often in conflict according to models used today. For thousands of years, it has been recognized that speed and accuracy are often in conflict in the transmission of information. Any consumer who has had to “uninstall” a software application and confirm the uninstallation to the software producer through the internet can appreciate that consumer flexibility is often in conflict with protecting the interests of copyright holders and even patent holders for some digital applications. The digitizing of audio and video files for storage on digital media have enabled audio and video reproduction that is essentially impervious to corruption, and substantially error free, thereby allowing duplication with no loss of content quality. However, this as enabled, and frequently results in, large scale copyright violations of digitally copied material, from software to feature length films. With satellite and cable systems, a certain level of protection is built-in, as the video content is not provided in a form that hackers can easily copy and pirate for unlawful distribution or personal use. On the other hand, video rental chains, such as Blockbuster, Netflix, etc., are typically unconcerned about content security. Rather, it is the producers of feature length film that are typically faced with the enormous problems of copy protection. To ameliorate these copyright violations, a set of encoding schemes have been adopted within feature length DVD films. An additional level of DVD protection is produced by segmenting DVD players into “zones.” DVDs mastered for a particular zone cannot be played on a player set for different zones. Despite these protections, hackers have typically circumvented these protections and have continued the unlawful pirating, sale and distribution of copyrighted videos.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEach video kiosk is configured to download a video file to a portable high-speed digital storage device 131. The portable high-speed digital storage device has, at a minimum, sufficient storage capacity for a high definition, feature length Hollywood movie. The central server includes a central processor 122, a central data storage member 119 with a central data base index 120, and a central search engine 121. The video kiosks and central server can be separated by thousands of kilometers, and distributed across a country, or even across the globe. The dotted lines 125 represent communication paths, which can include, but are not limited to, fiber optical lines, wireless signal transmission paths, and electrically conductive signal transmission paths. The architecture of
Ancillary files and selectable parameters can be stored in conjunction with video files. Ancillary files include, but are not limited to, subtitles, one or more audio files, and time stamps for connecting specific segments of an ancillary file to the video file. Parameters include, but are not limited to, parameters controlling alternative video scenes related to nudity, profanity, sexual situations, violence, etc. Because parameters are, in many cases, selectable by the user, the term “selectable parameters” is frequently used throughout this disclosure. It is understood, therefore, that some content providers may upload files in which certain parameters are fixed, and do not provide the user an opportunity to select the parameter setting, such as editing of violent scenes. The term “selectable parameters” is therefore descriptive, and may, in some instances, include fixed parameters as well.
In view of the fact that ancillary files and selectable parameters may be linked to a video file, it will therefore be appreciated that, throughout this disclosure, reference to a video file, or to the digital transmission, storage, encryption, watermarking, segmenting, queuing, etc. of a “video file,” should not be construed as to limit these operations exclusively to the video portion of a digital file. Transmission, storage, encryption, watermarking, and so forth may be applied to any of the files linked to, or associated with a video file.
Video Kiosk 105-A includes a video display 107, a user input 109, shown, by way of example, as a keyboard and mouse, a financial transaction interface 111, shown by way of example as credit-card/debit-card reader, a local data storage member 123 for storing data locally within a kiosk, and a high-speed port 113 for coupling with the portable high-speed memory device 131 shown in
Throughout this disclosure, specific details are offered by way of example, and not for purposes of limitation. For example, a user input to a computer or digital computing device may include, but is not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a joy stick, a track ball, “j-mouse,” a wand, a keypad, a microphone operating in conjunction with voice detecting software, a “touch-screen” video output, and a virtual keyboard such as laser projection or holographic imaging. Combinations of these devices, such as “clicking with a mouse,” and “tapping,” or “double-tapping” on a touch screen, may be used to initiate or confirm a user input. To name each of these devices or operations in conjunction with each embodiment disclosed herein that utilizes a user input would make the disclosure cumbersome to read, and unnecessarily long. Within this disclosure, therefore, many references to user input described only one, or a few, of the above input devices, such as a keyboard and mouse. These specific examples are offered to enable the reader to more easily understand the descriptions contained herein, and to make and use the various embodiments described herein. These specific examples, therefore, are not intended to limit the appended claims, which comprehend alternative embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention described herein.
In a similar manner, the financial transaction interface 111 may be in the form of a card reader for reading credit and debit cards, finger print or retinal scan identifier, voice identification, and so forth. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that credit approval often encompasses user input to several different input members, such as a credit card reader for receiving a credit or debit card, and a keypad for entering a personal identification number (PIN). Again, these specific examples are offered for clarity, and should not be construed as limiting.
Similarly, throughout this disclosure, an embodiment of a digital download device is described as a portable high-speed memory device. Embodiments are envisioned, however, where a digital download device may be a fixed member of a large, or even an immobile apparatus. Such an immobile apparatus may integrate multiple network or user apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, repeated reference to a portable high-speed memory device is offered by way of example, and is not intended to limit the appended claims, which comprehend in alternative embodiments, including large and immobile memory devices.
The portable high-speed digital memory device 131 and high-speed memory port 113 envisions using high-speed electrically conductive connections as described in greater detail conjunction with the United States patent applications incorporated by reference herein. The appended claims, however, are not limited to the electrical connections described herein, and comprehend alternative high-speed signal paths and connectors.
An advantage of using high-speed signal conductors in conjunction with the video network described herein deals with the marketability of the video distribution system described herein. Commercial download speeds currently available are nominally 3 to 6 megabits per second. At this speed, download of a high definition feature length film could take close to a day. Although compression techniques and other advances may reduce this time significantly, even if a download were reduced to half an hour, most consumers will not be willing to wait this length of time to retrieve a feature length film. As a consequence, technologies currently on the market place cannot address these commercial deficiencies.
The network 101 of
A local video kiosk 105 includes network interface 139 shown in
In operation, a user 103 couples the portable high-speed digital memory device 131 to high-speed memory port 113, and provides relevant information, both in the way of a search request, and any financial information necessary to complete the transaction. Information may be input through either the financial transaction input 111, the user interface 109, or both. The search process for a particular video file is interactive, and may be refined by successive selections of the user 103, as described in greater detail in conjunction with
Although
As will be further appreciated in conjunction with
In a first embodiment, the unique device ID of one or more video players 305 may be stored within a portable high-speed memory device 131. As noted above, some or all of the components and functionality of the video player may be integral to, or separate from, the video display device. In this embodiment, the unique device ID 130 of a digital player is first uploaded from the playback device 305 to the proprietary high-speed memory device, and subsequently from the proprietary high-speed memory device to a publicly accessible kiosk. As noted, the storage of a unique playback device ID within a proprietary high-speed memory device may be erasable, or non-volatile and non-erasable, thereby linking a portable high-speed memory device to a particular player on a temporary or permanent basis. The device IDs of additional video players 305 or video display devices 323 may be stored within a portable high-speed memory device through user programming, thereby permitting a functional coupling between a single portable high-speed memory device and alternative, or multiple video players. In this manner, a user could download a movie from a kiosk with the intent of viewing the movie on a new TV, or at a friends house, by storing an identification number of the second video player in the memory device, and downloading a movie encrypted according to that new ID number.
After the user selects a video file for download, the kiosk search engine 133 searches a local data base index 135 to determine whether or not the requested video file (and any related ancillary files or selectable parameters) are stored within the local data storage member 123 of the local video kiosk 105-A. If the video file is stored locally, the video file is downloaded into the video recording device via a high-speed signal path 137. If the video file is not stored locally, a search request is sent to the central server 118. If the requested video file is stored on the central server, the central server may initiate a file transfer to the requesting kiosk 105-A. Alternatively, the central server searches through an index, locating one or more digital memory storage locations at which the requested video file is stored. These storage locations may be associated with other central servers 118, other video kiosks 105-B, 105-C, 105-D etc 05, or stand alone data storage members 117. After a storage location with the requested video file is identified, a file transfer is initiated from one of the storage locations having the requested video file to the requesting video kiosk 105-A. The video file is received and digitally stored by the requesting kiosk. The portable high-speed memory device 131 is coupled with the high-speed port 113, and the requested video file, along with ancillary files and selectable parameters, are downloaded from the kiosk to the portable high-speed digital memory device over a high-speed digital signal path 137 for subsequent use by the user 103.
Throughout this disclosure, specific examples used herein often depict a “user” in terms of an end-user (such as an individual securing a video file for home viewing). However, alternative embodiments are envisioned wherein users include commercial or mid-level entities such as movie theaters, which, after downloading a video file, then display the video for a consumer audience. In conjunction with this, specific examples throughout the disclosure refer to the portable high-speed memory device 131 depicted in
The stand alone memory 117, the local data storage member 123 within a kiosk, the central data storage member 119 within the central server, and the portable high-speed digital memory device 131 may comprise, but are not limited to, volatile, non-volatile, magnetic, optical and quantum memory devices. Accordingly, memory types and structures may variously include electrically erasable memory devices, optically erasable memory devices, magnetic digital storage media such as disk drive technology, flash memory, optical memory such as DVD, and combinations thereof.
Because the average consumer is not likely to spend more than a few minutes waiting for a video download, the video kiosk 105A incorporates a novel architecture to facilitate the generation, processing and high-bandwidth transmission of video files from the kiosk to the portable high-speed memory device 131 in a high-bandwidth data-stream sufficient to make the download of a high definition feature length file commercially viable. To achieve this, the minimum required download rate will be in the general range of 5 Gbps-40 Gbps or greater, and download rates in the more specific range of 10 Gbps-25 Gbps are probably sufficient to satisfy consumer demands in both costs and download times. The socket (113) uses a high-speed connector capable of supporting data transfer rates capable of effectively addressing these anticipated consumer requirements. In an embodiment, the signal path connection between the portable high-speed memory device and the kiosk is an electrically conductive connection, and may utilize technology described in the United States patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference. Alternative signal path embodiments are envisioned, however, including optical signal paths between the video kiosk 105 and the hand-held high-speed memory device 131.
The video kiosk 105 includes multiple processors, or a multi-core high-performance processor that can receive, process and export multi-channel data streams, preferably in excess of 10 Gbps per channel. The memory 123 is depicted in
Because the storage capacity of a video kiosk is limited, file transfers of digital video files including feature length movies may be transmitted via the Internet from one video kiosk 105-B to another video kiosk 105-A, thereby making network movies available at any kiosk at which a user requests to download a video file. Because of current limitations, however, it may take a day or more to transmit a high definition feature length movie over the internet from one video kiosk to another.
A visible identifier 330 is a fixed somewhere to the video player. By this means, the user can input this value to a computer or kiosk which will then access a central database to identify the unique digital ID corresponding to that visible ID 330, thereby linking the unique digital device ID 130 of the video player to a portable high-speed memory device 131 without user knowledge or detection of the actual unique digital device ID 130 of the video player. Such concealment of the actual unique device ID 130 further enhances the security of anti-piracy measures described herein.
The video player 305 includes a power cord 303 and a variety of communication ports, including serial ports 315, parallel ports 317, optical interface 319, Ethernet 331, and USB ports 329. The enumeration of these specific port types are offered by way of example. The embodiments described herein can be adapted to any known communication port, as well as communication ports and protocols developed in the future. A decryption module 339, 341 may be located within the video player 305 or video display device 323. A personal computer 321 may be coupled to one of the ports 315 of the video player 305 via communication cable 325. In
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible for a hacker to “split” a signal cable, and analyze, record, or process the signals detected therein. It can therefore be appreciated that, in embodiments wherein the video player 305 and decryption module 341 are separate from the video display screen 323, an unencrypted signal would be transmitted through a cable connecting the video player 305 and the video display device 323. By extracting an unencrypted signal, a sophisticated hacker may be able to produce a high quality digital “knock off” of the content transmitted from the video player to the video display device. Whether such as knock off is sold through the black market, or distributed freely as a prank, the profitability of a cinematic movie, video game, or other digital commodity can be seriously impacted.
In a preferred embodiment therefore, the decryption module 339 is integral to a video display device 323, significantly reducing hacker access to an unencrypted signal. Embodiments of a decryption module include software, firmware, hardware, and combinations thereof. By forming at least part, if not all of a decryption module from hardware at the transistor level, it would be difficult, if not impossible for a pirate or hacker to read the software code and try to reverse engineer a decryption module.
A decryption module formed, at least in part, by proprietary transistor logic within an IC package could be further enhanced for added security against hackers. To prevent a hacker from accessing video output terminals of an IC package, additional design features may be incorporated in a decryption device, as illustrated in
In
Signal traces on the various stair stepped layers extend all the way to the respective edges of their apertures, forming exposed terminals that can electrically couple with the terminals of an integrated circuit package such as an encryption module.
Within
In addition to these mechanical safeguards, more sophisticated safeguards, such as electronic detection circuitry, may also be incorporated to impede unauthorized access to unencrypted signals. For example, an impedance detection circuit can be programmed with a non-erasable circuitry at the time of manufacture. The impedance detection circuitry in video display device is calibrated to detect any change in the impedance of a signal path carrying a decrypted signal, and to disable the decryption module if signal path impedance fluctuates above a predetermined threshold. If sufficiently accurate, the same calibration could be universally applied to the impedance detection circuitry of identical video display devices. Alternatively, embodiments are envisioned wherein measurements are made on every video display device at the time of manufacture, and every impedance detection circuit is individually calibrated.
The mechanical and electronic design features described in conjunction with
Still referring to
In an embodiment, the system can calculate the expected file transfer time and advise the user accordingly. In an embodiment, the video network notifies the user when the file transfer is completed. The notification can be sent to the user via any messaging medium, including, but not limited to, e-mail, SMTP, text messaging, “instant messaging,” voice mail, and auto-dialed voice phone message, “pager” notification, or combinations of these methods. The notification of completed file transfer can also be posted within the video network and accessed via personal computer. In an embodiment, any user may log onto the video network to monitor the contents of a particular video kiosk or LAN. A user may also log onto a personal user file within the network by means of a password or other identification, and access data relating to file requests, file downloads, and/or the status of file transfer requests.
Information about various cellular networks, such as the “keystroke” required by a particular cellular network to initiate a “pager” message, or the time delay between keystrokes for certain notices, is also stored within the video network. By this means, various notices may more efficiently be sent to a user. When setting up an account with the video network, the user may simply advise the cellular network used in conjunction with a cell phone number, work phone and extension numbers, and so forth. In setting up the account, the user simply identifies the preferred data formats for various messages that may be initiated by the network, such as “video now available,” or “video available at alternative kiosk location,” “credit card information not responsive,” etc. When the network generates a message to a user, the particular type of message may be sent to the user through specific channels or data formats requested by the user.
Content Provider Access and Support
In existing distribution schemes, such as Netflix or Blockbuster, a physical inventory must be maintained geographically proximate any potential user to maintain viable market penetration of a video. This can prevent low budget or “niche” movies from acquiring any market share. For example, if a movie is so rarely requested by the public that only one out of one hundred rental outlets can expect a request or rental of that movie in any given year, it may not commercially possible for distributors to maintain a physical inventory of the DVD that movie at most outlets. It is definitely not commercially viable to maintain a physical inventory of the DVD at every commercial outlet. As a consequence, films which do not need a minimal reckless level of public demand are not inventory, and become virtually inaccessible to the public. Low budget films, silent films from the early years of cinema, and even “first run” or academy award winners more than a few years old may become commercially marginalized through a physical inventory system. In contrast to current “inventory based” models of video distribution, in the embodiments described herein, no physical inventory of DVDs is maintained at a video kiosk or anywhere within the video network 101. But any video file within the network is commercially available to every kiosk on short notice. A benefit of this feature is that any content provider has market access, no matter how low the commercial demand for a movie may be. In the embodiments described herein, a digital video file need only be stored at one storage location on the video network. The file can be transferred to any kiosk, and even multiplied and distributed among multiple video kiosks within the network on short notice.
In an embodiment, select content providers are required to pay the video network a monthly or annual fee to maintain a specific video file on the network and available for download by users. According to an alternative embodiment, video files may be maintained on the network without cost to the content provider. Any user-pay embodiment, royalty payments can be awarded to content providers or other appropriate parties according to the frequency with which a video file is downloaded by users. By this means, the video works of any provider can be made available to the general public in a manner that provides genuine market penetration to any content provider.
Advertising for Content Providers
According to an embodiment, a content provider can produce one or more advertisements relating to a video file. The advertisements are digitally stored within the video network 101 (also referred to herein by the inclusive term “the system”). In an embodiment, an advertisement is triggered by a match of one or more terms in a search request. According to an alternative embodiment, an advertisement can be displayed even without a search match. Various pricing schemes can provide advertising rights in different formats, different frequency, or different triggers, and so forth. For example, a “still picture” advertisement such as a JPEG, GIF, TIFF or PDF image that is triggered by a search term might cost one cent per appearance. Alternatively, the JPEG advertisement could be executed a fixed number of times for a fixed monthly fee paid by the content provider. A “flash” technology advertisement, or otherwise dynamic or executable advertisement might be offered for a higher price than the cost of a still photographic advertisement, and a still higher price could be required for MPE or MPEG type “movie trailers” or equivalent motion picture advertising. To avoid pestering a user with annoying or even offensive movie trailers, embodiments are envisioned that include a means by which a user may “turn off” a movie-trailer type advertisement.
Returning to
Embodiments are envisioned wherein the advertisements displayed on a personal computer may be different from advertisement displayed by a video kiosk 105. A customer's video file history, including feature length films that a customer has downloaded, and “trailers” that the customer has not “clicked off” by a mouse, but has viewed in total, can be used to create a customer profile. This profile is recorded within the central server in conjunction with the user's PIN. The central server analyzes the customer profile to select films and other video files likely to appeal to the user.
Targeted advertising to individual customers may then be generated according to the films and videos likely to appeal to a particular customer. Targeted advertisements however, are not limited to advertisements for movies or video files. For example, viewers who continually watch movies related to World War II and imperial or Napoleonic Europe, may be statistically good candidates for European vacation if properly motivated. Airlines and/or travel agencies could produce advertisements tailored to movie buffs attracted to European genres.
Targeted advertising may include links to URL sites related to a product. For example, a commercial airline may target select users with an advertisement of a European vacation. Included in the advertisement is a link on which the user may “click” with a mouse or other user interface member to gain more information. Accordingly, advertising related to any product or service may be displayed on the video network to select users. In an embodiment, statistical data may be collected by the system, and analyzed, or sold to competitive marketing companies, who identify statistically promising correlations between products and network users meeting certain demographic criteria, and who could then sell advertising for market research according to their analysis.
In addition to the selection of movies, targeted advertising to a particular user may be formulated by other user data, including, but not limited to, the ZIP code of video network member, the location(s) of the video kiosk(s) from which the user downloads video files relating to European themes, the age of the user, the sex of the user, occupation, education, income, credit history, shopping habits, hobbies, etc. This marketing information may include information provided to the network directly by a user, and use information gained indirectly, such as through credit history, or other data providers.
System Log on at a Video KioskIn step 502, the kiosk reads a unique device ID 129 associated with the portable high-speed memory device 131, as well as any other unique device IDs (e.g. device ID 130 of a corresponding video player 305) that may be stored in a portable high-speed memory device.
In step 503, the video network determines whether there is a PIN on file corresponding to the unique device ID of a high-speed memory device.
If no PIN is on file, in the step 504, the kiosk requests the user to submit a PIN (Personal Identification Number of the user) to be associated with the high-speed memory device. In Step 505, the user submits a PIN. In the step 506, the network stores the PIN in association with the unique device ID of the high-speed memory device.
If, in step 503, a PIN is found on the network data base corresponding to the unique device ID, in step 507, the user enters a PIN. In step 508, the network confirms whether the PIN matches the PIN on file. If the PIN submitted by the user does not match those listed in the network, in step 513, the network initiates steps to resolve the PIN problem. If, in step 508, the user pin is confirmed, and in step 515, the user is given the opportunity to modify an information. In step 519, the user is invited to add additional PINs to the portable high-speed memory device. In step 521, the user adds additional PINs.
In step 523, the user is given an opportunity to add restrictions to select PINs associated with a portable high-speed memory device. As will be discussed in greater detail herein, this feature allows an entire family to use the same portable high-speed memory device, while ensuring that minors do not download objectionable material. It will therefore be appreciated that, in applications where multiple PINs are stored on the same portable high-speed memory device, one of the PINs will have to be a primary PIN. A user logged in under the primary PIN will be able to restrict the non-primary PINs in step 511, but a non-primary pin will not be able to restrict a primary pin.
In step 509, the network searches for payment information on file that is associated with the user, or the memory device. If no payment information is found on file, in step 510, the user is prompted to provide payment information.
In step 517 the user submits financial transaction information. The submission may be by way of credit card reader, keyboard input, or both. A question or series of questions may be presented by the kiosk which the user is required to answer to confirm his or her right to use a financial account.
In step 512, the credit or financial transaction information is stored in the network. Credit information may include credit cards, checking account information, or debit accounts such as “Pay Pal,” etc. Throughout this disclosure, specific reference to a credit card or a credit card reader are offered only as an example, and should not be construed as to limit the scope of the appended claims.
In step 509, if payment information is on file, than, in step 514, the user is asked if they want to use one of the financial accounts on file. If multiple accounts are on file, in step 516, the available credit accounts are displayed. In step 518, the user elects the account by which the transaction will be paid. If, in step 514, a user does not want to use credit information on file, in step 520, the user submits new credit information.
Throughout the above process, reference to the input of certain information through a video kiosk 105 is offered by way of example. The steps of downloading financial information, registering a portable high-speed memory device to a particular user, and similar steps, may also be done over a personal computer via the Internet.
File DownloadReferring briefly to
Within
Searches for video files of sports events can similarly be specified by team name, city, sport, league, country, player, or even record breaking performances. In addition to movies and sporting events, other searchable video categories include, but are not limited to, news stories, political speeches, television commercials, archived weekly television serials or shows, and “made for TV” movies.
The “text-field fill” embodiment of
Returning again to
Turning briefly to
Using the example of
Returning to
In
In step 605, in response to the user selection, the data base is searched to identify any optional parameters or ancillary files associated with the selected video file. An example of variable parameters include control of nudity, control of sexually suggestive scenes, control of profanity, scenes with excessive violence, etc. Examples of ancillary files include, but are not limited to, alternative languages available for use in the audio portion presented in conjunction with the video file, language of subtitles, inclusion of “director's cut” versions, overlay sound tracks with director's comments, omitted scenes, interviews with actors, etc.
In step 606, the controllable parameters and selectable ancillary files are displayed on a screen. Not all ancillary files may be displayed, however. For example, a sound track may be divided into a music track, and a separate voice track. Because a voice track may be selected from among multiple languages, these language options may be displayed on the screen. On the other hand, ancillary files such as the music track or timestamps are not user selectable, and therefore, will not appear on the screen.
In step 607, the user selects from among the available parameters and ancillary files. Embodiments are envisioned wherein select parameters are not mutually exclusive. For example, alternative sound tracks including, censored and uncensored language can be downloaded, and the specific parameter can subsequently be selected or controlled for a particular viewing. According to this feature, parents could watch an unedited version of a movie, and then, from the same downloaded data, allow their children to view an edited version of the movie. Timestamps, flags, and other control elements required for parameter selection can be selected prior to download, or downloaded automatically with a video file and selected at time of use. The process of parameter selection described herein is therefore flexible. Similarly, alternative audio portions in different languages could be downloaded with the video file automatically, with language selected at the time of viewing, or, language options could be selected at the time of purchase, allowing guests or relatives from another country to view the video file with the audio portion in their native language, while the user is able to view the video file and listen to the audio portion in his own native language.
In step 608, the video file is encrypted or watermarked. Steps 601 through 607 may be conducted from the personal computer via web access. To reduce the consumption of memory within a video kiosk, the process of encryption or watermarking in step 608 is preferably executed only after a portable high-speed memory device 131 has been inserted into the high-speed port 113 of the video kiosk. Embodiments are envisioned however, where a video file is encrypted or watermarked and then stored within the video kiosk until the user arrives to download the file.
In step 609, the video file, and any ancillary files and controllable parameters are downloaded to the portable high-speed memory device 131 of the user. According to this process, a true “one-to-one” video download process is provided. A video file is not stored on a digital media prior to customer purchase. Rather, a customer purchases a video file, and an individualized video file is generated in response to the request of the purchaser, and downloaded to an erasable consumer-usable memory module such as the portable high-speed memory device 131 shown in
Because a digital file can be encrypted in segments, or watermarked in segments, steps 608 and 609 need not be sequential, but maybe simultaneous. Watermarking and encryption are discussed in greater detail in conjunction with
File Transfers
Because of the high and ever-growing number of movies, sports events, TV commercials and other video files, it is not possible for the local storage 123 in a local video kiosk 105 to store every possible video file available through the network. According to an embodiment, video files are stored within the local databases 123 of individual kiosks 105 located throughout the video network. Individual video kiosks 105, may be separated by many miles, or even thousands of miles. Video files may also be stored in the central server 118, or in stand-alone data storage members 117 as shown in
In step 902, the local video kiosk 105-A searches its local database 123 to determine whether the requested video is currently stored within its own local database. According to step 903, if the video file is stored within the local kiosk, then in step 904, a determination is made as to whether the user is at the video kiosk, or placing the order from personal computer. If the user is placing the order from a personal computer, then, in step 905, the requested video file is marked for retention in the local memory 123 of the local video kiosk 105-A. The purpose of marking a video file for retention and a local memory will be better appreciated in conjunction with the discussion of the local and network level inventory management systems as described in conjunction with
Returning to step 903, if the requested video file is not a stored within the local database 123 of the local video kiosk 105-A, then, in step 907, the local video kiosk 105-A transmits a file transfer request to the central server 118. File transfers are governed, at least in part, by the central server 118. In step 908, the central server 118 searches the central index 120 (
In the step 909, one of the storage locations that currently stores the requested video file is selected as the file source which will transmit a copy of the digital video file to the requesting video kiosk. In an embodiment, the file source selected for transmission is designated by the central server 118. According to an embodiment, a priority value is assigned to a plurality of potential sources. Criteria for determining a priority value, or for selecting a preferred file source from among a plurality of storage locations may include, but is not limited to the backlog of file transfer requests in a particular storage location, the file transfer history and reliability of a particular storage location, and the proximity of the file source to the requesting video kiosk. Proximity may be determined by a simple calculation of distance, or may involve a more complex algorithm determining how circuitous route the transmitted data is likely to take in light of current Internet traffic patterns. Reliability of a file source can include such features as error rate during previous transmissions, average transmission time for a given file size, or the number of times they transmitting kiosk or file source has been deselected due to transmission problems. The selection of a source location for a file transfer may be made by the central server 118.
In an alternative embodiment shown in step 910, the central server 118 transmits a list of potential sources of the requested video file to the requesting kiosk 105-A. The information transmitted to the local kiosk includes file sources, and the priority value associated with each potential source. By this means, the kiosk can initiate the file transfer process, beginning with the highest priority file source. If a file transfer request from the highest priority file source fails, the requesting kiosk can identify the next highest priority file source from which to request file transfer.
In step 911, a request is transmitted to the highest priority file source to transmit the requested video file to the requesting video kiosk 105-A. The request can be sent from the central server 118, or from the requesting kiosk 105-A.
In step 912, an attempt is made to transmit the requested video file from the identified storage location for the requesting kiosk 105-A. In the step 913, if the file transfer is unsuccessful, then in step 919, the next highest priority file source is identified, and the process returns to step 912. If, according to step 913, file transfer is successful, then according to step 914, the local index 1100 (
High Speed Processing and Storage
Because many video files contain massive amounts of data, high speed processes are required to upload data from a content provider or producer to the network, to transmit a video file (and associated files) to a local video kiosk storage member 133, and to subsequently upload the video file from the storage member 133 to the high-speed port 113 for storage in the portable high-speed memory device 131 of the user.
In step 3607, the video program file is processed and stored in parallel. In an embodiment, a fixed number of parallel data storage members are assigned to the video file. For example, a video file may be distributed among “N” storage members. The value of N may be determined by the size of the video file, or my network characteristics. For example, the network may be configured to store video file among up to twenty distinct memory media. According to the size of the video file provided in step 3601, however, the network determines to fragment the video file among only 10 distinct memory members in a parallel storage format.
In an alternative parallel embodiment of step 3607, separate frames of the video file may be assigned values 1-N such that a video file is distributed across all “N” memory media members within a memory device.
In step 3609, the central server 118 receives a request for the video file from a video kiosk 105. The video file is transmitted from a central server (or from any other stores location, such as a local kiosk at a store the video file) to the requesting kiosk. The transmission may be over the Internet, or a LAN, and maybe in a serial, parallel, or fragmented format.
According to step 3611, the video file is downloaded by the video kiosk in a format supporting serial storage and processing with a synchronized audio file.
In step 3615, the video file data stream is stored in a manner such that sequential packets or frames can be accessed serially. This includes an embodiment wherein sequential data packets, frames, etc are stored on sequential cylinders of a high-performance drive array.
As discussed above, the use of the term “frame” in reference to f1, f2 . . . fn is not limited to an exact digital equivalent of a cellulose frame of the movie. Rather, the term “frame” is used for ease of explanation throughout this disclosure, and may refer to any file-portion of a digital video file.
Data buffer array 3709 is shown as including eight data buffers B1-B8. The exact number of data buffers is offered by way of example, and the data buffer array 3709 may include more or fewer data buffers.
High-performance drive array 3701 includes a plurality of platters 3703-1 through 3703-n distributed among one or more drives 3707-1 through 3707-m. The use of the value “n” as a termination number of sequential elements is not intended to show an intrinsic relationship between unrelated members sharing the terminal value “n.” There is a one-to-one correspondence between the number of tracks and the number of cylinders. However, there is no correspondence between the number of tracks and the number of platters.
In an embodiment, platters within a same drive are configured to rotate in unison. The means by which independent platters rotate together can be mechanical coupling, pictured in
Each individual platter 3703 comprises a digital media capable of storing digital information. In an embodiment, the digital media of a platter is divided into a series of tracks, shown as tracks T1, T2, T3 . . . T ω. Tracks are defined by logical partitions and/or magnetic orientations that divide a common recording media. Digital recording media may be divided and subdivided into any number of sections and subsections. Terms commonly used to denote these sections and sub sections include, but are not limited to, “tracks,” and “sectors.” The use of the term “track” within this disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular level of sectioning or sub-sectioning, nor to any particular magnetic orientation, nor to any particular digital or magnetic means of defining separate sections. Rather, the term is offered in the most generic sense. In an embodiment, the tracks referred to herein comprise a ring oriented around the geometric center of a platter, or a portion of such a ring.
According to the embodiment of
In a download operation, the sequence of frames f1, f2 . . . fn, representing “frames” of digital video file 3711 are loaded into the data buffer array 3709, one frame per data buffer, and then loaded onto the high-performance drive array 3701. In an upload operation, frames of a digital video file are uploaded from the high-performance drive array 3701 into the data buffer array 3709. Downloading is performed for purposes of file storage within the high-performance drive array 3701. Uploading from the high-performance drive array may be performed for the purpose of loading a video file onto a portable high-speed memory device 131, or for the purpose of transferring the video file over the Internet (or a LAN) to another video kiosk 105. The serial and parallel data transfer operations described below are therefore directed to a download operation only for the purposes of example.
In a serial download embodiment 3713, the data frames f1, f2 . . . fn within the data buffer array are loaded from the incoming video file 3711 into the data buffer array 3709, and then down-loaded sequentially, one frame at a time, into the to the high-performance drive array 3701. In a serial embodiment, therefore, the data buffer array behaves, in some manner, similarly to a “FIFO” stack. Frames f1 through fn are thereby loaded one at a time onto the high-performance drive array 3701.
Because there is not necessarily a one-to-one correspondence between the data size of the video frame and the storage size of a track, embodiments are possible wherein a single video file is stored across multiple tracks, or multiple video files are stored on the same track, or wherein a single video frame is optimally stored in a single track. In the examples described herein in conjunction with
In a serial embodiment, data is stored on sequential platters 3703-1 through 3703-n within a single cylinder before moving to the next cylinder. In embodiments wherein the drive heads of the respective platters are mechanically coupled, this approach reduces the frequency with which the drive-heads must be moved. By this approach, when data storage within a cylinder is completed, drive heads for the respective platters are simultaneously moved to the next cylinder. In an embodiment wherein a single frame requires memory space greater than a single track, a single frame is thereby distributed across multiple platters. For example, data buffer B1 begins loading frame f1 onto track 1 of platter 3703-1 until no usable storage space remains. Storage of frame f1 then commences on track 1 of platter 3703-2. The process continues distributing the data within data buffer B1 over successive platters until the storage of frame f1 is completed. Storage of Frame f2 from data buffer B2, will commence on the next available track of the same cylinder. When all tracks on cylinder 1 are consumed, writing begins with track 2 of platter 1.
Alternative embodiments may use different serial frame read/write protocols. For example, an expanded embodiment may support fragmented storage when the video frame cannot correspond perfectly to sequential tracks within a cylinder, or successive cylinders. In one embodiment, fragmentation may be achieved by thereby skipping over unavailable track(s) and going on to the next available track within the cylinder. A track may be unavailable the data is stored thereon, if the media is damaged, or for other reasons. Embodiments are variously envisioned wherein fragmentation will skip to a “next” platter within a cylinder, a next cylinder, or even skip to another storage drive. In an embodiment, a digital flag will indicate if data storage continues on the next track within the cylinder, or is fragmented to some non-sequential storage location. When successive frames of a video file are fragmented into non-sequential storage locations, digital addressing structures may utilized to identify a storage location of the next video frame. By utilizing flags to indicate whether or not storage is fragmented, processing resources for determining a next address are only consumed when a digital flag indicates that storage is not commenced at the next sequential track.
Referring still to
Assume, for example, a video frame requires three tracks for storage. In the first cycle of a parallel data download, the write heads (not pictured) of the various platters 3703 are uniformly disposed above track 1 of their respective platters, thereby aligning in cylinder C1. After usable storage within track 1 of the respective platters is exhausted, the write-heads of the various platters uniformly orient above track 2 of their respective platters, thereby aligning in cylinder C2. After usable storage within track 2 of the respective platters is exhausted, the write heads of the various platters uniformly orient above track 3 of their respective platters, thereby aligning in cylinder C3. According to the example, a single video frame may be stored on three tracks. Accordingly, video frame f1 is now stored across tracks 1, 2, and 3 of platter 3703-1, video frame f2 is now stored across tracks 1, 2, and 3 of platter 3703-2. Video frame f3 is now stored across tracks 1, 2, and 3 of platter 3703-3, and so forth. In the next load cycle, frames f9 through f16 are downloaded into the data buffer array 3709, and stored simultaneously on to respective platters.
In the parallel embodiment described above, the contents of data buffer B1 was always written onto data tracks of platter 3703-1, the contents of data buffer B2 was always written onto data tracks of platter 3703-2, and so forth. In an alternative parallel embodiment, after the contents of data buffer B1 has been written across successive tracks of platter 3703-1, data buffer B1 is reloaded with another video frame which is written on a different platter. This alternative embodiment can be appreciated in an example assuming a five data-buffer array B1 through B5, and two drives 3707-1, 3707-2, each drive having five platter, respectively defined as platters 3703-1 through 3703-5, and 3703-6 through 3703-10. In the first cycle, data buffers B1 through B5 right to successive tracks on respective platters 3703-1 through 3703-5. During a second download cycle, as the write heads corresponding to platters 3703-1 through 3703-5 are physically shifted, the next sequence of video frames f6 through f10 are loaded into data buffers B1 through B5, and respectively stored on platters 3703-6 through 3703-10. Again, write-heads respectively assigned to platters 3703-6 through 3703-10 simultaneously write to their respective platters within the same cylinder before the write-heads are collectively shifted to the next cylinder. The write heads continue to shift across successive cylinders until the contents of the data buffers has been completely stored. During the third download cycle, data is again written onto platters 3703-1 through 3703-5 as the write heads corresponding to platters 3703-6 through 3703-10 are repositioned. Other embodiments may incorporate alternative platter use patterns.
As described in conjunction with serial storage techniques described above, parallel storage techniques may similarly skip tracks, platters, or cylinders in the event of a defect. Fragmentation, such as skipping over a corrupted track or a corrupted cylinder, may be accomplished by the use of flags indicating fragmentation. When a status flag indicates data has been fragmented, address structures may be used to direct the write controller to the next storage address. Alternatively, the write controller (or, when the data is being uploaded, the read-controller) may simply skip to the next available data storage area in the normal read/write sequence.
Returning now to
Step 3617 describes an embodiment wherein multiple frames are simultaneously stored on separate tracks within a cylinder of a high performance drive array, such as depicted in
In step 3619, the video kiosk receives a request to load the video program into a hand-held high-speed memory device 131. Steps 3621 and 3625 describe an embodiment whereby the video file is serially transmitted and/or stored in a hand-held high-speed memory device. In step 3621, separate frames of the video file are read sequentially and sent to the processing unit is a stream. In step 3625, the processing unit processes of frames is sequentially and passes them over a single channel to the hand-held high-speed memory device for storage.
Steps 3623 and 3627 describe a parallel embodiment for transmission from the video kiosk to the hand-held high-speed memory device and or storage within the hand-held high-speed memory device. In step 3623, multiple frames of the video file are read simultaneously from their respective storage locations and loaded into the processing unit in parallel streams. In step 3627, processing unit simultaneously processes multiple frames in parallel, and transmits them over a multi-channel interface to the hand-held high-speed memory device for storage.
The alternative serial and parallel processing steps described above may also be used for transferring a video file from the hand-held high-speed memory device 131 to the video player 305 of
Network Management and File Seeding
In step 1002, the central server monitors video file requests. In step 1003, if a particular video file is subject to frequent requests by users, then in step 1004, the central server may determine to populate more kiosks and storage locations with the video file. Alternatively, or in conjunction with step 1004 the central server may determine to populate faster servers with the video file, according to step 105. By the process described in
Local and Network Wide Inventory Management
Video files are stored within distributed storage locations throughout the network 101, such as various local video kiosks 105. When a request is made for a video file at a video kiosk that does not currently store that specific video file, the file must be transmitted to the requesting kiosk from another storage location. It can readily be appreciated, however, that if no video files were ever purged from the memory of a local kiosk, each kiosk would have to be equipped with an extraordinary, and ever growing, amount of digital storage space.
The term “cache management” is typically used to refer, at least in part, to the algorithms and methods for identifying data to be retained and data to be expunged from a data cache. Because data transmission, even at the speed of light, takes time, the nearer that data is stored to a processing unit, the more quickly the processing unit can process that data. A “data cache” is typically a small digital storage area, such as one integral to a microprocessor, which eliminates the need to access data in a separate memory area, thereby speeding up the processing of that data. Various mathematical and logical algorithms are used to estimate the likelihood that a given piece of data will be required in forthcoming processing activities, and to maintain storage of the highest priority data within a data cache. When the average time for retrieving data is reduced, processing time is also reduced. The decision to keep or expunge data from a cache, introduce new data, and/or prioritize data stored within a cache is typically known as “cache management.” Although the scope and scale of local and network wide inventory management described herein involves digital storage capacities many magnitudes greater than commonly associated with the term “cache,” many of the objectives, concepts, algorithms, variables and/or considerations commonly associated with “cache management” are relevant in the inventory management at the local (kiosk) and network level. That is, local and network wide inventory management systems control an optimal inventory of multimedia files at individual video kiosks 105 and storage locations 117 throughout the entire video network 101. However, the use of the term “cache management” is not intended to limit inventory management at the local kiosk or general network levels to existing cache management principles and algorithms. For example, network level inventory management (“super-cache management”) may be required to maintain a minimum number of identical multimedia files distributed among different local kiosks and/or mass storage devices, a problem one would not expect to find in traditional cache management applications. Additionally, many decision-making functions are optimally delegated to individual kiosks, requiring network level inventory management to consider, as part of its management duties, continually changing inventory levels and allocations that were not specifically directed at the network level. Once again, one would not expect to find a problem of this nature addressed by simpler cash management algorithms commonly in use.
Accordingly, the embodiments described herein fully comprehend known cash management algorithms and methods, as well as envisioning new algorithms and methods uniquely directed to inventory management and allocation of multimedia files within the network described herein.
The local inventory management system identifies video files to be retained and/or video files to be purged from storage within a local video kiosk the local memory 123 of a local video kiosk 105. The local inventory management may include local management duties performed within a local video kiosk, global local inventory management duties performed within the central server 118, and combinations of both.
If there is a lengthy backlog of file transfer times between video kiosks, a user placing an order and kiosk could be advised to come back at a later time.
Within
Within
In step 1202, the video kiosks 105 and stand-alone storage members 117 within the network monitor their available storage space and use-limits on storage space for storing data files. Use-limits are determined by the available memory space, and by cache management parameters assigned to the various files within a video kiosk 105. For example, if a video kiosk has very few movies marked by a high cache priority, and very few protected or “time protected” video files, the local storage number 123 of the video kiosk 105, has a great deal of potential storage space. Movies having a lower cache priority can be expunged without the likelihood that they will be re-ordered by a user minutes after they have been expunged. On the other hand, a kiosk may have a high number of video files that were ordered by personal computer over the Internet, and which have a guaranteed retention time (“time protected”). Until they are downloaded by the user who ordered them, or until their guaranteed retention time has expired, these video files reduce the available storage space for incoming file transfers.
In step 1203, relevant cache management data associated with kiosk 105-A, including but not limited to data described in steps 1201 and 1202, is sent to the central server 118 for analysis. In step 1204, a file transfer request for video file “Rocky” (also called “Rocky 1” due to subsequent movies of the same character) is received from kiosk 105-A. The central server 118 directs video kiosk 105-B to transmit the video file “Rocky” to kiosk 105-A.
By comparing and analyzing local cache management data, the central cache management system can generate commands to update the cache management parameters associated with Rocky at the sending kiosk, as well as kiosks not participating in the data transfer, but which store “Rocky.” Update commands may include commands to expunge specific files from specific kiosks. Reports to the central server may be event driven, time driven, or both. An example of an event driver report would be to generate a cache management report (or request) when the less than 10% of the available memory in the local data storage member was available for receiving file transfers. An example of a time driven report (or request) would be an hourly report of local cache management data within a local video kiosk.
In step 1205, the central server assigns cache management parameters to the video file “Rocky” which is being transmitted to the video kiosk 105-A. In step 1206, as a result of analysis of cache management data, the central server notifies kiosk 105-B of a change for the cache management parameters of the video file “Rocky”.
An example of a simple cache management algorithm would be to always replace files having a lower cache priority value with incoming files having a higher cache priority value. For example, referring briefly to
More complex aspects of a cache management system can be illustrated by the following example, and still referring to
A first goal of a cache management system is to ensure that no video file is inadvertently expunged entirely from the network. A second goal is to maximize the probability that a user logging onto a local video kiosk will find a requested video file stored locally, thereby eliminating potential Internet delays and consumer annoyance or dissatisfaction. Other important goals may also govern the cache management of video network 101 at the local and network level.
The Central Index
Column 2307 lists the advertising parameters associated with a particular movie. “Spiderman” one includes both JPEG (still picture) advertisements, and MPEG trailer (a short movie clip). “Ben Hur” and “Gone With The Wind” have contracted only for JPEG advertising, and do not have MPEG trailers available on the network. “Modern Times” with Charlie Chaplin does not have any advertising available on the network. The data displayed in column 2307 is offered as an example. In application, more extensive information governing advertisement on the video network 101 would be associated with each video file. This information would include, but is not limited to, frequency of advertising, size of the video portion of the advertisement, events triggering the advertisement, cost of the advertisement, and so forth.
Column 2309 discloses the available languages for each respective video file. Column 2311 records whether the movie includes profanity, and whether the profanity is controllable. “Spiderman I” is shown to include profanity, but is also shown to be controllable. By selecting this parameter, parents could download the movie “Spiderman I”, and include within the download of this movie a controllable parameter such that the movie could be played on a video player 305 and have any profanity replaced by more socially acceptable terms, or “bleeped out”. The particular controls available for profanity would be determined by the content provider. The network however would establish standards to ensure uniformity among video files, ancillary files, and controllable parameters. The movie “Ben Hur” is listed as having no profanity occurring. The movie “Gone With The Wind” is listed as having profanity. However, a copyright holder has the option of including or not including various controllable parameters. Referring still to
Encryption, Watermarking, and Content Protection
Embodiments of the system described herein include various forms of copy protection, including digital watermarking and digital encryption. Digital values used for digital encryption and/or watermarking can be derived from a variety of sources and method. Accordingly, the listing of sources and methods for generation of watermarks and encryptions described herein are offered by way of example to enable the reader to more fully comprehend, make, and use the embodiments described herein. The appended claims are not intended to be limited by these examples, but rather, fully comprehend alternative embodiments utilizing encryption keys and/or watermarks generated or provided from any source, as well as any known means of encrypting or watermarking, including lossless encryption, and a lossy encryption techniques.
According to an embodiment, watermarks and/or encryption keys may be derived from alternative sources, or any combinations of a unique device ID and alternative sources. Alternative sources include, but are not limited to, a time or date such as the time and/or date at which a download sequence takes place from a local kiosk 105 to the portable high-speed digital memory device 131, the unique device ID 115 of a local kiosk 105, the unique device ID 129 of the proprietary high-speed memory device 131, from the unique device ID 130 of a playback device, values generated by the central server 118, values generated by the local kiosk 105, user IDs assigned to individual users, or any combination of the above values. Two primary embodiments offering distinct copy protection can be derived from these options. These primary alternative embodiments are referred to herein as the “encryption by playback device ID” embodiment, and the “encryption by memory device ID” embodiment. Each offers unique security features.
Encryption by Playback Device IDReferring briefly again to
In another preferred embodiment encryption by a playback device ID, the unique playback device ID is inaccessible to users. It cannot be read, and cannot even be upload into a proprietary high-speed memory device, or any other digital probing device. The unique playback device ID may be permanently and non-erasably stored in a register within a decryption module to 339, 341. A unique publicly disclosed identifier corresponding to the unique playback device ID, is digitally stored in, or written on the playback device. Upon presenting the publicly disclosed identifier to the network, the network retrieves the unique playback device ID corresponding thereto from any device ID correlation table. And encryption key is derived, at least in part, from the unique playback device ID, which is inaccessible to users. Additional data such as date and time may also be used in the generation of the encryption key. The video file selected by a user is encrypted according to this encryption key and downloaded to the user's portable high-speed memory device. The video file is then downloaded to the playback device. Unique device ID within the decryption module decrypts the video file during playback. Because the unique playback device ID is only transmitted over proprietary network infrastructure, it is nearly impossible for a hacker to intercept this number. Network security can be even further enhanced by encrypting a unique playback device ID when transmitted from a central server to a kiosk, and decrypting it within the kiosk, thereby eliminating any transmission of the unique playback device ID. By denying a hacker access to any device ID, the execution of unlawful distribution is further frustrated.
In step 1301, the unique device ID is embedded in a digital device at the time of manufacture. The unique device ID is preferably stored in a nonvolatile, non-erasable format within a decryption module 339 of a video display device 337, but may be stored in another area of a playback device. According to a preferred embodiment the unique device ID is preferably not readable, and is stored in such a manner as to impede any attempts to detect, read, or download this value. A unique public identifier corresponding to that unique device ID, is also stored within that digital device at the time of manufacture.
In step 1303, a user assigns a name to the device in which the unique device ID is stored. This name is stored within a “name register” within that device.
In step 1305, a portable high-speed memory device 131, is coupled with a playback device.
In step 1307, the unique public identifier and the user assigned device name are uploaded from the playback device to the portable high-speed memory device. Throughout this disclosure, it is understood that the unique public identifier and the user assigned device name are preferred embodiments, but that the steps described herein can be performed directly using the device ID without use of a unique public identifier or of a device name. Last preferred embodiments are also envisioned wherein unique public identifier of a playback device is non-erasably stored in a portable high speed memory device at the time of manufacture, thereby linking the portable high speed memory device to a specific playback device.
In step 1309, one or more additional unique public identifiers representing additional playback devices are uploaded for storage in the portable high-speed memory device, as well as the user assigned device names corresponding to those respective unique public identifier. By allowing a user to store additional unique public identifiers and the corresponding device names single portable high-speed memory device 131, a user is able to select a specific video player for which a video file is to be encrypted.
In step 1311, a user downloads the public identifier of a playback device to the network via a user interface. This interface may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer accessing the network via the Internet, and input interface and a network kiosk. This information may be stored in a user account on the network, or may be limited to a single encryption.
Because many of the steps within
In step 1313, the portable high-speed memory device is coupled to the high-speed memory port 113 of the video kiosk 105.
In step 1315, the video kiosk reads the publicly disclose identifier(s) (or device IDs) within the portable high-speed memory device.
In step 1317, the video kiosk displays the names of all publicly disclosed identifiers within the portable high-speed memory device on a display screen, requesting that the user select the playback device for which the encryption should take place. This step is optional, and may be dispensed with if only one publicly disclosed identifier is stored within the portable high-speed memory device.
In step 1319, the user selects the playback device for which the encryption should take place.
In step 1321, the user selects a multimedia file for download. If selectable parameters (e.g., censorship of nudity, obscenity, etc.) and/or ancillary files (e.g., alternative languages) are available, the user may also select these options, or may choose to download a default form of the multimedia file.
In step 1323, the kiosk transmits the publicly disclose identifier to the central server and requests the corresponding device ID.
in step 1325, the central server accesses an index correlating each unique public identifiers to a corresponding unique digital device ID 130, and identifies a unique digital device ID requested by the network. An example of a central index is disclosed in
Referring briefly to
In step 1327, a central server encrypts the unique digital device ID, and transmits the encrypted value to the requesting kiosk.
In step 1329, the network kiosk decrypts unique digital device ID, and generates an encryption key there from. As discussed above, the encryption key may be generated from a combination of sources in addition to the unique digital device ID.
In step 1331, a file segment of the select video file (including ancillary files and selectable parameters) is queued for download from the video kiosk 105 to the portable high-speed memory device 131.
In step 1333, a determination is made as to whether the select file segment is to be encrypted. If the select file segment is selected for encryption, then, in step 1333, a queued segment is encrypted.
In step 1335, the segment is downloaded to the portable high-speed memory device 131. As noted above, encryption keys may be selected from, but are not limited to a unique device ID 129 of the portable high-speed memory device, 131, a unique device ID 130 of a particular video player 305, a unique device ID of the video kiosk 105 performing the download, the time and date of the download, and combinations thereof.
In step 1337, a determination is made as to whether any file segments remain for download. If file segments remain for download, the process returns to step 1331.
In step 1339, if additional information was used to generate the encryption key, such as the kiosk number, date, time, etc., this information is downloaded to the portable high-speed memory device. It would be downloaded in an encrypted or an unencrypted form. In a less preferred embodiment, the entire encryption key is downloaded to the portable high-speed memory device. As discussed above, in a preferred embodiment, this step is unnecessary since the unique device ID necessary for decryption is stored within the decryption module, or some other area of the playback device.
In step 1341, the portable high-speed memory device is withdrawn from the high-speed port 113 of the video kiosk 105.
In step 1343, the encrypted file is downloaded into the playback device for which it was encrypted. Because the encrypted file can only be played on the specified playback device, storage on the encrypted file in multiple storage locations allows a user to protect against theft, loss, or corruption of the encrypted file without jeopardizing the intellectual property rights of the copyright holders.
To decrypt the digital video file, the decryption module must have the device ID with which the video file was encrypted. The decryption key corresponding to a particular encrypted multimedia file is downloaded into a volatile decryption key register within the decryption module prior to viewing the multimedia file. A volatile decryption register within the decryption module affords a high level of resistance against hackers attempting to identify a device ID or decryption key for unlawful duplication and distribution of copyrighted material.
Embodiments are envisioned for both rental and purchase of a video file. In rental embodiments, a user may be prevented from downloading the encrypted file from the proprietary high-speed memory device to a mass storage device. When purchased, however, and encrypted multimedia file may be stored within a mass storage device.
Encryption by Memory Device ID
In an alternative preferred embodiment, multimedia files are encrypted according to an encryption key derived from the device ID of the hand held high speed video device into which they are downloaded. When the proprietary high-speed memory device is coupled to a publicly accessible kiosk, the device ID, or a publicly disclosed identifier correlated thereto, is uploaded to the kiosk. In a memory device ID embodiment, however, the memory device ID must be downloaded to a playback device to facilitate decryption. An exception to this requirement is one in which a handheld high-speed memory device is paired with a playback device at the time of manufacture. And embodiment which included such pairing, and limited play on a particular playback device however, as the same user limitations as the “playback device ID” embodiment discussed above. The user would be restricted to playing a video file on the paired playback device. Accordingly, the “memory device ID” embodiment discussed herein will not include discussion of a publicly disclosed identifier. However, the following discussion envisions embodiments utilizing a publicly disclosed identifier, as well as embodiments utilizing the memory device ID, or information derived therefrom.
In a first step, the portable high-speed memory device is coupled with a network kiosk.
In the second step, a user selects a movie or multi-media file for viewing, including ancillary files and other options discussed in conjunction with
In the third step, the memory device ID or information divide there from is uploaded to the network kiosk.
In a fourth step, the selected multimedia file is encrypted according to an encryption key derived, at least in part, from the value uploaded by the proprietary high-speed memory device, and the encrypted multimedia file is downloaded to the proprietary high-speed memory device. As described in conjunction with
In a fifth step, the user withdraws a handheld high-speed memory device from the public kiosk.
In a six step, the user couples a handheld high-speed memory device with a playback device. In rental embodiments, download of the encrypted video file into a mass storage device is prevented. In purchase embodiments, the user can download the encrypted file to a mass storage device integral to the playback device, or to any other massive storage unit.
In the seventh step, a user identifies a video file for viewing.
Within the decryption module is a register for storing a decryption key, or value relating thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the decryption key register is disposed within the decryption module, and is configured to resist decryption key download by a hacker. In an embodiment, the decryption key itself is encrypted with a secondary encryption during download to conceal the identity of the decryption key from a hacker. A secondary decryption key can be exchanged between the playback device and the portable memory device during a handshaking process.
In the eighth step, the playback device decrypts the encryption key, and stores it in the decryption key register of the decryption module. The decryption key register is preferably a volatile memory area, and is preferably limited to storing a single decryption key. The decryption key, or a value relating thereto, must be downloaded to the volatile region key registry in order to view or play an encrypted multimedia file corresponding to the decryption key. Download of the decryption key, or a value relating thereto, may be loaded into the volatile decryption key register by coupling the proprietary high-speed memory device with a port of the playback device.
In a nine step, the decryption key is expunged from the decryption key register within the decryption module. Expungement may be time driven, event driven, or combinations thereof. For example, the event of decoupling the proprietary memory device from the playback unit could initialize the expungement process. However, the expungement may be instantaneous or delayed. One can imagine, for example visiting a friend for Christmas vacation, downloading and encrypted video file, coupling the proprietary memory device with the playback device in order to download the necessary decryption key to the playback device, and flying home. A delay of one or two days would enable the friend to view the movie after the owner of the proprietary memory device had departed. Alternatively the expungement of the encryption key could be contingent on serial events. The first event is the withdrawal of the proprietary memory device. The second event can be the act of queuing a different movie for playback, viewing the movie which has been temporarily enabled, downloading a different memory device ID to the playback device, or combinations thereof. These examples of event driven and time driven expungement of a decryption key from a decryption module are only offered as examples however, and are not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which fully comprehend the expungement of a decryption key by alternative events, delays, and combinations thereof.
In an alternative embodiment, the decryption key, or a value related thereto, including an encrypted version of the encrypted key, may be downloaded into the playback device or video display device from a playback wand. A playback wand is a digital device configured to digitally store a digital value representing at least one memory device ID (or a value derived therefrom), and to transmit that value directly or indirectly to a playback device. Embodiments of a playback wand include an I/O port configured to couple with a port of a playback device, and to receive a digital signal from the playback device. A playback wand is preferably paired with one and only one memory device ID at the time of manufacture such that the memory device ID of the paired memory device is stored within the digital storage area of the playback wand in a nonvolatile non-erasable format. A playback wand preferably includes a first encryption algorithm for confirming a connection with a playback device through an encrypted handshake. If the playback wand detects a valid encrypted handshake, it transmits the memory device ID stored therein, or a value derived therefrom. If the playback wand fails to detect and verify an encrypted handshake, it will either output a false memory device ID, will not output any signal in its place. By these features, the playback wand is configured to frustrate attempt bys hackers to identify the memory device ID stored therein, thereby offering another layer of protection to copyright holders of multimedia files.
The principal distinctions between a playback wand and its corresponding proprietary handheld high-speed memory device to which it is paired, is that the playback wand has significantly less digital storage capacity, thereby reducing the cost of the playback wand. Additionally, a playback wand could be substantially smaller than a handheld high-speed memory device. However, any of the features of the hand held high speed memory device may be present in the playback wand. Alternatively, a playback wand may have any number of unique features distinct from the hand held high speed memory device. Because a playback wand need only download a decryption code, and possibly a few hand shake responses, the playback wand need not be high speed. It can, however, communicate with the playback device through a proprietary port which may include a mechanical interlocking, hardened materials, and other design features to prevent detection and reading of the decryption code stored therein.
It can be further appreciated that the unique device ID from which the encryption and decryption keys are derived does not need to be stored within a high-speed memory device in embodiments utilizing a playback wand, further reducing the ability of a hacker to discover the unique device ID from which the encryption and decryption keys are derived. The unique device ID can be stored exclusively in the playback wand, and in a lookup table of the network. The playback wand can be paired to a high-speed download device in a highly visible user friendly manner such as color schemes, icons, or alphanumeric characters. The high-speed download device only needs to store a publicly disclosed identifier which can be downloaded to a kiosk to retrieve the corresponding device ID stored by the network. In this embodiment however, playback of a multimedia file could not be initiated by the high-speed memory device. This feature could create frustration among users seeking to play a multi media file at a friends house. The user would have to bring both the high-speed memory device in which the video file is stored, and the playback wand to initiate play of the multimedia file. The additional security gained by eliminating the unique device ID from the high-speed memory device must be weighed against a loss of utility and flexibility for the user.
Regardless of whether or not unique device ID is stored within the high-speed memory device, significant advantages inure to the consumer from the playback wand embodiment. A first advantage is the protection against a loss of the proprietary high-speed memory device. Because proprietary high-speed memory devices are continually transported to public areas by a user, they are subject to being misplaced, lost, or stolen. If the portable high-speed memory device were the only means for downloading the encryption key to the playback device, a loss of this device could represent the loss of any number of encrypted multimedia files. A playback wand however, could be stored in a permanent location in, on, or near a playback device, and even tethered to the storage location by a lanyard to prevent loss. In a playback wand embodiment, loss or theft of a portable high-speed memory device does not prevent a user from viewing encrypted films, and does not represent catastrophic loss.
Advantages of the playback wand embodiment to the consumer, however, can erode the protection afforded to copyright holders. If both a playback wand and its corresponding high-speed memory device store the unique device ID, file sharing could occur where in two separate users at two distinct locations could view to separate video files which had been encrypted according to the same device ID. Copyright holders and legislators would have to determine whether this very limited potential for file sharing unreasonably erodes the protection that should be afforded to copyright holders.
Throughout this disclosure, specific details of downloading an encryption key to a playback device are offered for the sake of brevity and clarity. The appended claims comprehend embodiments utilizing a playback wand, and embodiments wherein download an encryption key is done directly from the portable high-speed playback device.
Embodiments utilizing a “memory device ID” to generate an decryption key, as described above, provide consumers with an advantage which is not available in the embodiments utilizing a “playback device ID” to generate a decryption key. Specifically, a user can play a multimedia file on any playback device, and is not restricted to a single playback device. However, both the “memory device ID” embodiment and the “playback device ID” embodiment protect the interests of both a consumer, and a copyright holder. A consumer could, in either embodiment, store multiple “backup” copies on an encrypted multimedia file on any number of computers or mass storage devices to protect against loss, theft, digital corruption, or device malfunction of a storage device in which multiple encrypted files have been stored. At the same time, these embodiments offer maximum protection of intellectual property rights of the copyright holders.
In step 1509, a user selects one of video files stored in memory for play.
If, in step 1503, the video file stored on the portable high-speed memory device is a rental, and not authorized for permanent storage by the user, then, in step 1507, the hand held memory device will refuse to download the file. The rented video file within the portable high-speed memory device 131 is authorized only for direct play through the video player 305.
In step 1511, the user initiates the process of playing (displaying/performing) the video files stored within the portable high-speed memory device, and the video file is queued for play on the video screen 323 as well as outputting the soundtrack to audio Speakers.
Whether a video file is selected for play from the memory 335 of the video player 305, the memory 333 of the personal computer 321, or directly from the portable high-speed memory device 131, in step 1513, play is commenced when a segment of the video file (and corresponding ancillary file segments) are loaded into one or more play queues of the video player 305.
If, in step 1515, the video file has been watermarked or encrypted, then, in step 1517, the a determination is made as to whether the decryption key associated with the video file has been loaded into the decryption key buffer of the video player (including decryption key storage directly within the video display device 323) of
If the decryption key has not been loaded into the decryption key buffer of the playback device, then in step 1519, the decryption key is loaded into the decryption key buffer. If a file has been watermarked in lieu of, or in addition to encryption, in step 1519, a search is made of a Local List of Pirated Watermarks to determine if the watermark of the queued video has been pirated.
In step 1523, the a decryption module 341 within the video player, or alternatively, a decryption module 339 within the video display device decrypts the encrypted file segment(s) according to the decryption key. It is recalled that the decryption key may be derived, at least in part, from the unique device ID 337 of the video display device 323, the unique device ID of the video player 305, the unique device ID of the proprietary high speed memory device 131, or the unique device ID of a playback wand. In watermark embodiments, step 1523 may alternatively include authorizing play of the file segment based upon the validity of the watermark.
In step 1521, the decrypted (from step 1523) or unencrypted (from step 1515) file segment is loaded into a play queue of the video player.
In step 1525, the video segment is displayed (played) by the video display device 323. Audio and other ancillary files may also be played at this time.
In step 1527, if no additional file segments remain for play, then, in step 1529, the process ends. If, in step 1527, additional segments remain for play, then in step 1531, the video player identifies the next file segment (and ancillary file segments) awaiting play. The process returns to step 1513.
By embedding an decryption algorithm at the transistor level of a decryption module, such as an integrated circuit package of the video player 305, there is no application that can be pirated for reverse engineering. The use of non-erasable and non-readable algorithms will therefore significantly impair a hacker from “reverse engineering” the decryption, further impeding unlawful copying and distribution of copyrighted material. The decryption process of
In step 1601, the portable high-speed memory device 131 is inserted into the high-speed port 113 of the video kiosk 105.
In step 1603, the user selects a video file for viewing.
In step 1605, the video kiosk generates a unique digital watermark to be incorporated in the download of the digital video file. The watermark may be generated, at least in part, from the unique device ID 130 of the portable memory device 131, the unique device ID 129 of a select video player 305, the unique device ID of the video kiosk 105 performing the download, the time and date of the download, or combinations of these values. Generation of watermarks, however, are not limited to these data sources. These values and identifiers are offered by way of example, and are not intended to limit the way in which watermarks can be generated.
Steps 1301, 1303, 1305, 1309, 1311, and 1313, described in conjunction with
In step 1607, a segment of the selected video file and/or ancillary files and selectable parameters are placed in a queue for download.
In step 1609, a determination is made as to whether the queue video segment is designated for watermarking. If the queued segment is designated for watermarking, then in step 1611, a watermark is added to the file segment, and in step 1613, the file segment, the watermark, and any associated ancillary files or selectable parameters are downloaded into the portable high-speed memory device.
A watermark may be incorporated into a video file in such a manner that it is visually displayed on one or more “frames” or “scans” of a video picture. The watermark display may be sufficiently fast that it is unnoticeable to a viewer, and inserted at regular intervals, or even random intervals, into various frames of the video output file. An advantage of projecting a watermark as a visible display as described above can be appreciated by understanding one of the common video piracy techniques used today. Video pirates will often take a high-definition hand-held video recorder into a theater, and record the movie as it is projected on the screen. This “analog” video recording is then combined with the soundtrack, and distributed on the black market. Although the quality of such analog recordings is typically far below those which are copied through direct digital file transfer, as the recording quality of hand-held “camcorders” continues to improve, the commercial viability of movies pirated by “analog” techniques continually increases. It can therefore be appreciated that, if watermarks can be detected only through a digital examination of a file, video files which have been pirated through an “analog” process (such as a theater recording as described above) are basically impervious to watermark detection on the digital level. Accordingly, the ability of international authorities to track and confiscate black-market videos, may in certain cases, require a “visible” watermark. As noted above, a visible watermark need not be readily detectable to a casual viewer. As watermarking becomes increasingly sophisticated, video piracy will also increase in sophistication. In an embodiment, watermarking may include multiple watermarks, including the invisible watermarks that may only be detected digitally, and visible watermarks.
It is understood that the order of steps described in
In step 1615, the video kiosk determines if there are any more file segments remaining for download. Remaining files may include video files, ancillary files, selectable parameters, and watermarks. If file segments remain, the process returns to step 1607.
In step 1617, the watermark is a stored in a Central Transaction Record File 1700 (
An embodiment of the Central Transaction Record File 1700 is depicted in
Returning now to
A watermark can help identify a mass-pirated video file, such as might be distributed through the black market on DVDs. Positive identification of pirated video files can assist law enforcement authorities in securing the necessary court orders for rapid confiscation of black-market DVDs or other unlawful recordings.
In addition to copyright enforcement, the methods set forth in
In step 1801, a pirated video file is identified by network security. In step 1803, the digital watermark of the pirated video file is uploaded to the Central Pirated Watermark Index 1900 (
Referring briefly to the central pirated watermark index 1900 of
This date, or an equivalent date, could be used in the process of updating local user files with the identity of the invalid watermarks. If a user's last update of the invalid watermarks was Jan. 12, 2008, the next time that the user logs onto the network 101 and updates the local listing of invalid watermarks, the system can identify any watermark (2009,
The network can become alerted to unlawful distribution in a variety of ways. According to one embodiment, a proprietary high speed memory device may retain a count of how many times it has downloaded a watermark into a playback device or storage device. To prevent bypassing of a proprietary high speed memory device by simply duplicating a multimedia file by computer, embodiments are envisioned wherein the proprietary high speed memory device comprises a proprietary port that will not couple with a personal computer, and wherein all storage and playback devices are also proprietary, and not able to interface with a standard computer. Whenever the proprietary high speed memory device is linked to the network, it updates the network as to the number of downloads performed.
According to an alternative embodiment, a proprietary high speed memory device may, when coupled to a playback device, query a playback device for its “local watermark index” of stored files. Subsequently, when coupled to the network, the proprietary high speed memory device will automatically upload the local watermark index to the network, and identify the playback device on which the files are stored. By maintaining a record of all watermarks within the central server, the network is able to monitor and track unlawful distribution of a video file. It can readily be appreciated that, even apart from encryption, the watermarking tracking system described herein, by monitoring copyright infringement and taking appropriate action could reasonably protect the intellectual property rights of various interests. When the watermarking and encryption processes described herein are combined, intellectual property rights for multimedia files receive unparalleled protection.
Returning to
In step 1807, once communication has been established with the video network 101 (
Because step 1809 discloses a comparison between data in
The Central Pirated Watermark Update Index 2100 within the central server 118 contains some or all of the information in
Returning to
The confirmation of a user device as depicted in steps 1809 and 8011, (involving a comparison of data in
If, in step 1811, the central server 118 confirms the integrity of the requesting video player 305 (and the data stored therein), then the central server continues the update process. This begins in step 1813, wherein the central server identifies, within the Central Pirated Watermark Index 1900, those watermarks that have been added since the last update time 2001 of the requesting user device. As noted, the update time and date 2001 of that last update, or a sequential identifier or timestamp 2025 associated with the “last watermark” may be used to identify the “new” watermarks within the Central pirated watermark Index.
In step 1815, the updated list containing the most recently pirated watermarks, the file identifiers (movie titles etc.), and the timestamps or sequential numbers associated with the respective watermarks, are downloaded to the requesting video player 305, and stored in the Local List of Pirated Video Files 2000. The central server 118 generates a new timestamp for the update time, and a new authentication certificate corresponding to the timestamp. These are also sent to the video player 305 (or a computer) and stored in their respective fields 2001, 2005 (
In step 2203, the video player compares its last watermark update time and/or date (shown in field 2001 of
If, in step 2204, a determination is made that data into video player shows evidence of tampering, then appropriate action is taken. An example of such action is illustrated in step 2206, where the video player is digitally disabled.
If, in step 2204, data within the video player does not show evidence of tampering, then, in step 2205, a determination is made as to whether too much time has elapsed since the last update. If the elapsed time since the last update exceeds the allowable time, then in step 2207, the video player 305 (or application module within user computer 321) will be disabled from playing movies or video files digitally stored therein.
In the step 2209, the user is notified that video files stored within the memory of a specified user device can no longer be played until the watermark list is updated through an internet connection. Notification can take any known format, such as a text message on an LCD display, an output to a video display, or even a simple light on the video player with a physical notification of the update requirement printed proximate the light. In an embodiment, notification described in step 1809 may be done prior to an invalid attempt to access a video file within the memory. For example, an LED or LCD may continually display the amount of time that has passed since the last watermarked update, or the remaining time before a watermark update is required.
If, in step 2205, the last update time 2001 (
In the step 2215, if the watermark of the selected file matches a watermark in column 2011, indicating that the selected file is an unlawful or pirated video file, then, in step 2216, the user device such as video player 305 or computer 321 digitally corrupts the pirated video file. In step 2217, the user advised that the file was unlawfully distributed, and has been destroyed.
If, in step 2215, the watermark of the selected video file does not match any watermark in the list of unlawful or pirated video files, then, in step 2219, the video player 305 commences play of the selected video file.
By the process described above, a video player 2003 must access the internet on a regular basis, according to a predetermined time frame, in order to maintain the capacity to present stored video files for playback on a video player 305. Because the video player 305 is a proprietary device, security measures built into the video player 305 can be more easily designed to frustrate would-be hackers. However, applications stored on a personal computer can be safeguarded in a variety of ways. Parity checks, cyclical redundancy checks, self executing modules, limited user access, and other techniques can help ensure that pirated watermarks are not expunged or altered by the user.
In an embodiment that may be used in conjunction with, or in place of the process described in
It will be recalled that multiple hand-held high-speed memory devices may be used in conjunction with a single video player. In embodiments in which an updated list of pirated watermarks is downloaded into the portable high-speed memory device, a synchronization process may be conducted between a portable high-speed memory device and a video player 305. During synchronization, a determination is made as to whether the video player or the portable high-speed memory device has the most recently updated with a listing of pirated videos. The device with the most recent information acts as a data source for updating the pirated watermark list of the other device. The date and authentication certificates could also be transferred along with the device ID, thereby identifying the source of the last watermarked update.
According to a preferred embodiment, the watermark of every file downloaded by the network is unique, thereby allowing individually pirated video files to be listed in a central index of pirated watermarks. At the same time, a subset of the data within every watermark allows each watermark to be correlated with a particular unique device ID. The advantage of this can be appreciated by the following example. A user has purchased over one thousand encrypted video files, such as games, high definition DVDs, etc., representing a significant investment of money, as well as the labor to establish the collection. If the unique device ID used in encryption is associated with a playback enabling device such as a hand held high speed memory device or playback wand, and the device were lost, the entire set of encrypted files could become inaccessible. Against his contingency, the network may protect the interests of the user the following two embodiments. In a first embodiment, the user is able to purchase a playback device with the original device ID, thereby granting the user access to the full collection of encrypted files. In a second embodiment, the user purchases a playback device with a new device ID, and files a report about the lost playback enabling device. The network generates a list of all of the digital files originally encrypted by the lost device, and linking that list of digital files to the new device ID, such that the user may replace the entire collection for free, or a substantially reduced cost, being encrypted according to the new device ID.
If every watermark allows for identification of the device ID used in watermarking, unlawful file sharing could easily be identified in either of the above embodiments. As discussed previously, each time a watermarked video is replayed, time and date of that reply is stored in a local table of the playback device, and the network is regularly updated with this information, either through internet connection with the playback device, or through a hand held high speed memory device. In the first embodiment, if two videos and then decrypted and played simultaneously at two different locations, the network could determine that unlawful file sharing or distribution has occurred. In the second embodiment, if encrypted file according to the first device ID is ever again play back, the “lost” playback enablement device has either been found, or was falsely reported as being lost in the first place. Copyright policing is easier in the second embodiment, because no calculations of travel distance and exact playback times are required to positively identify unlawful usage.
When the determination of unlawful file sharing or unlawful distribution has been made, the network has the option of them sending a letter to the user regarding unauthorized file sharing, billing the client for unauthorized use of video files, initiating criminal or civil action for unlawful distribution of copyrighted material, or adding to the Central Index of Pirated Watermarks the watermark portion correlating to the playback enabling device associated with the unlawful file sharing. As that watermark portion gradually populates the Local Indexes of Pirated Watermarks, all playback devices will gradually become disabled from further playback of those video files. From this example, a highly flexible and responsive means of enforcing copyrights and protecting the interests of copyright holders can be achieved through a watermarking system wherein each watermark is uniquely distinct, but wherein watermarks associated with a common device ID can be commonly identified by a portion of the watermark.
By encrypting movies on a “one to one” basis according to a unique device ID, unlawful file sharing among casual users can be curtailed. Through the use of tamper resistant decryption modules located within a video display device, sophisticated hackers will be frustrated in their attempts intercept unencrypted video signals which could be used to generated unencrypted black market DVDs. Finally, even if a hacker were able to generate an unencrypted copy of an encrypted movie or video game, the watermarking techniques described within this disclosure would remain embedded within the video file, thereby providing an avenue for tracing pirated movies and professional hackers, policing public performances of pirated watermarked movies, and electronically hampering the display or use of decrypted watermarked movies.
The Multi-Station Video Kiosk
The directional speaker 2403 is configured such that it directs an audio output to a user standing at keyboard 109A with minimal distraction to a user standing at keyboard 109B. Similarly, the directional speaker 2401 is configured such that it directs an audio output to a user standing at a keyboard 109A with minimal distraction to a user standing at keyboard 109B. The directional effects of each of the speakers can be achieved by a variety of methods and apparatuses, including the position of a speaker, a primary direction in which a speaker is pointed, the volume at which a speaker operates, the distances separating user stations 2425, 2427, the size, shape, and position of the acoustic barrier 2430 separating adjacent user stations, the material from which the acoustic barrier is comprised, and noise cancellation features. In an embodiment, noise cancellation is achieved by microphones M1 and M2, and noise cancellation circuits NC1 and NC2. Microphone M1 is positioned to pick up the acoustic output of speaker 2401, and provide this information to noise cancellation circuitry NC1, which is configured to produce an acoustic output on speaker 2403 that will cancel, at least in part, sound from speaker 2401 bleeding over into user station 2425. Similarly, microphone M2 is positioned to pick up the acoustic output of speaker 2403, and to provide this information to noise cancellation circuitry NC2, which is configured to produce an acoustic output on speaker 2401 that will cancel, at least in part, sound produced by speaker 2403 bleeding over into user station 2427. Other noise cancellation methods, apparatuses, and systems may also be incorporated, and the specific noise cancellation devices described herein are offered only as examples.
Multiple high-speed ports 113-A through 113-H allow a plurality of users to download video files even while other users are occupying one or even all of the user stations 2425, 2427. A request index 2430 can be used to store multiple pending requests, and associate them with respective portable high-speed memory devices 131 that may be inserted into any one of the plurality of high-speed ports 113-A through 113-F.
In step 2501, a user selects a video by means of a personal computer via the Internet.
In step 2503, if a user PIN is designated for more than one portable high-speed memory devices, the user specifies an identification of the portable high-speed memory device that will be used for the file download.
In step 2505, the user selects a video kiosk, or a kiosk in group (communicating over a LAN) from which to download the requested video file.
In step 2507, the video network stores the user request in a request index within the designated kiosk, or within a request index within the designated LAN. An example of a request index 2430 is depicted in
In step 2509, the user inserts a portable high-speed memory device into a high-speed port of a multi-port kiosk, or a video kiosk within a LAN.
In step 2511, the selected high-speed port within the video kiosk reads the unique device idea of the portable high-speed memory device.
In step 2513, the video kiosk searches its request index for a matching device ID to that of a portable high-speed memory device list of 2509. That video kiosk is part of a LAN, to kiosk searches the request index of the LAN for a matching device ID.
In step 2515, the video kiosk determines whether or not a matching device ID is stored within its request index, or within the request index of an associated LAN.
If, in step 2515, a matching device ID is found, then, in step 2517, the video kiosk identifies the video file requested in association with the device ID.
In step 2519, the video file is downloaded to the portable high-speed memory device.
By the above-described process of
The Portable High-Speed Memory Device
In an embodiment, the functionality of the portable high-speed memory device may be incorporated into a common physical structure with a cellular telephone, a PDA (Pocket Digital Assistant), portable computing device, portable music players such as the iPod, portable cameras, or combinations thereof. By this “combined functionality” embodiment, the usefulness of the video network described herein is greatly enhanced. For example, it is unlikely that most users would carry a “single function” portable high-speed memory device on their person the majority of the time. As a consequence, if a user ordered a video file such as a feature-length movie from their office computer, the user could not typically download the video on the way home from work. Rather, the user would have to go home, pick up his or her portable high-speed memory device, and then walk or drive to a video kiosk. Most individuals, however own a portable computing device such as a cell phone or music player which they carry them most of the time. Through a multifunctional embodiment, however, a user in possession of an integrated device (such as a portable high-speed memory device integrated with a cell phone), would typically be able to stop at a video kiosk on the way home from work and download a movie. No additional trip home would be required in order to pick up a memory device, and no special planning would be required to bring the memory device to work that day.
According to an embodiment, a memory element within the portable high-speed memory device 131 is removable, thereby facilitating upgrades to higher density memories. In a similar manner, embodiments of the high-speed memory device 131 are envisioned having auxiliary memory ports for receiving additional memory modules, thereby allowing a user to flexibly upgrade the available memory within a portable high-speed memory device. The memory modules, and the auxiliary memory ports will preferably include high-speed electrical connectors as described or referenced herein.
High Speed Download Technology
Although microprocessor speeds have continued to increase, the advantages of these increased speeds have not always been realized. Microprocessors are often coupled with adjacent elements which transmits signals originating from the microprocessor. The physical coupling of distinct electrical complements cannot normally be accomplished to the exacting size and scale found within a microprocessor. These “macro connections” and a signal paths extending outward from a microprocessor often degrade signal quality by a variety of problems including parasitic capacitance, signal reflections and a signal skew.
Signal reflections or “signal bounce” are often induced at the juncture of signal trace lines and conductive vias.
A second and related problem inherent in prior art technology is that of signal skew. When signals generated simultaneously within a microprocessor are transmitted down separate signal traces of a printed circuit board, signal traces having different lengths will result in a time differential in the time the respective signals reach their destination points. As the clock speeds of microprocessors increase, however, the time between successive signals decreases, and the physical distance between successive signals on a single path also decreases. Slight differences of, perhaps, a millimeter, have little impact at slower clock speeds. However, as clock speeds increase, signal skew as potential of resulting in simultaneous reception along separate signal paths of digital signals originating during different clock cycles. Digital signaling becomes fundamentally unworkable at this point.
To keep pace with the demand for ever faster signaling rates, integrated circuit (IC) packaging has evolved from relatively band-limited technologies such as wire-bonded packages to the prior-art flip-chip package 3400 illustrated in
While generally providing better performance than wire-bonded packages, the flip-chip package 3400 presents a number challenges to system designers as signaling rates progress deeper into the gigahertz range. For example, the number of layers needed in substrate 3405 for signal redistribution has steadily increased in response to increased numbers of die pads 3407, making the flip-chip package 3400 more complex and costly. Also, through-hole vias 3410 (i.e., vias that extend all the way through the multi-layer substrate) are often used to route signals through the substrate. Unfortunately, unused portions of the vias (e.g., region 3412) constitute stubs that add parasitic capacitance and produce signal reflections, both of which degrade signal quality, as illustrated in conjunction with
Another challenge presented by signal redistribution within the multi-layer substrate 3405 is that differences in routing distances tend to introduce timing skew between simultaneously transmitted signals. That is, signals output simultaneously from the die 3403 arrive at the BGA contacts 3409 at different times, reducing the collective data-valid interval of the signals. In many systems, a single control signal, such as a clock or strobe, is used within a signal receiving device to trigger sampling of multiple simultaneously transmitted signals. Consequently, compression of the collective data-valid interval due to signal skew ultimately limits the maximum signaling rate that can be achieved in such systems without violating receiver setup or hold-time constraints. To avoid such skew-related problems, intricate routing schemes are often employed within the multi-layer substrate 3405 to equalize the die-to-contact path lengths, further increasing the complexity and cost of the integrated circuit package 3400.
Multiple Video Parameter Download
As discussed above, video files can be stored with selectable parameters, allowing a user to delete, “bleep out,” or censor various scenes or dialogue, examples of which include nudity, sexual situations, profanity, explicit sexual dialogue, and violence. In an embodiment, selectable parameters are flexibly defined, rather than limited to a fixed set of definitions. For example, a documentary on the Holocaust may include scenes which, though not technically “violent,” may be profoundly troubling or disturbing. Such scenes could be time stamped by a content provider according to the same standards that other controllable parameters would be time stamped. However, intuitive terms could be assigned by the content provider to such scenes, e.g., “Graphic Holocaust Scenes.” By including fixed terms, such as “nudity” or “profanity,” as well as allowing for flexible terminology by content providers, greater system utility can be achieved for both content providers and system users. Controllable parameters will be divided into at least two general categories, categories using audio timestamps, and categories using video timestamps. Circumstances are envisioned wherein alternative parameter designations may be desirable. For example, parents may desire to view in an un-edited version of the movie, while censoring certain portions for their children's viewing. In an embodiment, alternative parameters can be selected for download in conjunction with a video file, with user selection of the alternative parameters required prior to viewing.
Within
The embodiments are also envisioned wherein multiple user PINs (personal identification numbers) and/or passwords are stored in a single portable high-speed memory device 131. A parent can assign a password to each of the children, thereby allowing them to download video files to the portable high-speed memory device. The portable memory device 131 could then be programmed in a manner similar to be embodiment of
In the example of
Still referring to
Gaming
The portable high-speed memory device 131, and video player 305, may store and/or play video files such as feature-length films in standard and high-definition, television shows or TV commercials, as well as video games. Selectable parameters such as those exhibited in
Interconnected Blogosphere
The video screen 107 of
The search field 2809 depicts an alternative means by which a user can search for other user blogs on the video network entering the “network name” or “blogger ID” of a blog link the user desires to visit. In an embodiment, only intra-network blogs may be searched by Internet search elements 2807 and 2809, thereby allowing the video network to exercise a measure of control over the blogs which are easily accessible to the video network. Because it is understood that sophisticated computer users will almost always find a way of circumventing network controls, and posting pornographic or otherwise objectionable material on intra-network blogs, according to an embodiment, blog searches may only be conducted via personal computer, and not at video kiosks. By this limitation, the video network can further control the content of network video screens publicly displayed at video kiosks 105.
Text box 2913 allows a user to enter the name of a video file such as a feature-length movie or sporting event, from which the user would like to “rip” a scene, or portions of multiple scenes, for display on the user's blog. “Ripping” is a term commonly associated with copying video or audio files, typically in a compressed form. Network limitations (as well as limitations by specific content providers) could determine the maximum number of seconds a feature-length film, sporting event, or other video file that may be “ripped” for display on a user's blog.
The links, displays, executable programs, and other entities displayed or described in conjunction with
In an embodiment, DVD or high-definition files on feature-length movies stored on the video network are processed at the time they are added to the network, thereby forming a compressed version of the same video file. When a user prepares a “movie trailer” for display on a network blog, “rips” are taken from the compressed video format, thereby providing faster Internet access, file searching, and file transfers. Uncompressed video files, however, and even high definition video files may be displayed within field 3101.
A slide bar 3103 beneath field 3101 allows a user to fast-forward or fast reverse the video file to a particular section. Time-stamps within the video file are used to generate a time display 3105, corresponding to a particular scene of the video file visible within field 3101. Other virtual controls 3107, such as reverse, fast reverse, forward, fast-forward, stop, and pause, may also be included for controlling the video display within 3101. When a user “ripping” a video file has arrived at a particular scene he desires to rip, selectable interface button 3109 is engaged, thereby indicating the beginning point of a rip. The user may advance the video to an ending point of the rip by means of a slide bar 3103 or control buttons 3107. By activating “button” 3111 “select as ending point for rip,” the user completes a rip which is added to listing 3113.
Elements 3113 of
Content Providers may digitally identify “no copy zones” which are exempted from ripping through the video network and applications running thereon. For example, the NFL may determine that the touchdown pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark against the Dallas Cowboys in Jan. 10, 1982 is of historic significance and worthy of digital protection. As a consequence, the video file of that January 10th game stored on the video network will include a no copy zone digitally bracketing the Joe Montana throw and Dwight Clark catch, thereby preserving the marketability of this video portion for the NFL.
Under Title 17 of the United States Code §103, “derivative works” which are lawfully produced are copyrighted when “fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated . . . ” under the terms of Title 17 of the United States Code §102. The video network as described herein therefore provides gifted individuals a forum to showcase their talents to various content providers such as the NFL or Hollywood. By including a “favorites” list, or multiple “favorites” lists according to the athletic event or film genre, video network 101 described herein provides a showcase of talent to content producers seeking individuals gifted in film editing.
The elements described in
Configurable Screens
The upper “screen within a screen” 3201 at the top of
The dark arrow 3211 near the center of the upper screen within a screen 3001 represents a mouse operated “click-and-drag” tool for selecting a portion of the display within the upper screen 3201, and for dragging that selected portion to the lower pages section 3203 under construction. The field bordered by dotted line 3233 represents the target area into which field 3005 (the ripped MP3 link of “Soldiers of Fortune”) will be deposited. The banner “Homepage, Marty Feldstein” 3231 has already been placed on the lower page under construction 3203. Tool palette 3221 includes a variety of tools offered as examples of construction tools that might be used in constructing a user homepage. The tool palette includes, by way of example, a drag text-frame tool 3223 including a bold arrow-icon, a text cut tool 3224, and paste tool 3225, a “size” tool 3227, etc.
Beneath the source screen 3201 is URL address field 3219 with activation button. The user is able to navigate to different URL addresses for use as the “source” page 3201 by entering a URL address within this field 3217, and clicking on okay 3219 or hitting the “enter” key of a computer keyboard.
Safeguards are envisioned, whereby a user is prohibited from placing any video or audio file on a custom homepage or blog, if the video or audio file has not been ripped from within the video network. By this safeguard, the video network could prevent a user from posting racist, pornographic or otherwise offensive video and audio files.
In addition to, or in place of the homepage construction tools depicted in
An important consumer advantage inures from manufacturing video display devices which include a download port of high speed connectors 308 configured to couple with a hand held proprietary high speed memory device 131. As electronic devices multiply, an ever increasing number of “boxes” as stacked above, beneath, behind, or next to many TVs. These boxes include cable TV devices, digital memory and playback devices, DVD players, CD players, VHS and Betamax tape players, game boxes, AM/FM tuners and amplifiers, and even an occasional turntable for purists who prefer to listen to vinyl LP recordings. Many consumers cringe at the prospect of adding yet another “box” to the tangled web of electronics that sits atop their TV. In embodiments wherein a video display screen is equipped with a high speed port for receiving a high speed hand held memory device, a consumer may store encrypted video recordings on a computer or external “drive,” and load a single digital video file (including related ancillary files, as would correspond to a feature length movie) onto the hand held proprietary high speed memory device. In this way, a consumer would have the option of viewing a cinematic movie distributed through methods or apparatuses described herein without adding yet another “box” astride their TV set.
A microprocessor 3817 processes data stored within the hand-held high-speed memory device 131. As discussed below, the various data storage areas include the necessary hardware, bus access, firmware, and application data necessary to utilize the data stored therein. Firmware and application data may be updatable as standards are upgraded, thereby upgrading the hand-held high-speed memory device 131. In an embodiment, firmware and application upgrades are automatically made when a user inserts their hand-held high-speed memory device into a video kiosk 105. In an alternative embodiment, if firmware and application upgrades are available, during kiosk insertion, the user is prompted by video or audio output in a kiosk, and asked if the user would like to upgrade specific firmware or application data at that time. In conjunction with the notice, the user is provided an estimated download time or costs for the upgrade. The user then has an option to select which upgrades they desire, to postpone, or to reject application and firmware upgrade.
Data storage area 3823 is configured to store firmware and/or application data for upgrading firmware and applications within a video player 305 or computer 321 of the user. A video or audio prompt from a kiosk may describe the nature of the available upgrades, and give a user an option of downloading or rejecting the upgrades. It will be appreciated that, if the user accepts application or firmware upgrades for a video player 305 computer 321 be stored in the hand-held high-speed memory device, when the hand-held high-speed memory device is coupled to the video player and/or the computer 321 of the user, such application and firmware upgrades may be automatically downloaded, or controlled by the user according to a prompt reminding the user of the upgrades available on the hand-held high-speed memory device.
Data storage area 3801 is designated for storing a video file in various formats, including DVD and high-definition, synchronizing codes, embedded watermarks, and encryption algorithms and data. Data storage area 3803 is configured to store audio files (including multiple languages linked to a single video file), various timestamps and synchronizing codes to synchronize audio data and video data stored in data storage area 3801. Data storage area 3805 is configured to store text captions linked to various video files, including text captions in multiple languages linked to the same video file. Data storage area 3807 provides storage area for user download and transaction history. Data storage area 3809 provide storage area for historical network data such as a general listing of pirated watermarks. Data storage area 3811 provide storage for access controls, including primary and secondary user IDs, wherein a primary user may designate access limits for secondary users.
Data storage area 3813 provides storage for program headers. Data storage area 3815 stores the unique device ID of the proprietary high speed memory device, thereby distinguishing and identifying each proprietary high speed memory device sold. The unique device ID may be embedded at the chip-level during fabrication, or programmed into a non-erasable digital medium. A device ID may include, but is not limited to revision data, assembly location, batch number, date of manufacture, and the retail “brand” identifying a name of a company marketing the proprietary high speed memory device.
The foregoing description has offered many specific details for the purpose of enabling one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For example, is used throughout disclosure, the term “Internet” is not intended to limit applications to any known specific Internet protocol. Additionally, the term “Internet” is not intended to be limited to any specific transmission channel. Embodiments are envisioned where in greater or lesser portions of the operations described herein is performed via the Internet, are conducted on an intranet, local area network (LAN) wide area network (WAN), limited access communication paths such as a privately owed fiber-optic network, and combinations of these network types. Moreover, the term “Internet” includes, but does not limit the embodiments described herein to currently known transmission techniques such as electrically conductive paths, fiber optic channels, and wireless signal routing including but not limited to radio, microwave, line of sight laser transmissions. Rather, transmission formats which are currently undiscovered, or not currently used in Internet communications, are fully comprehended within the scope of the term “Internet.” Similarly, the term “kiosk” is not limited to an island-type structure. Embodiments are envisioned wherein kiosks for distributing video files are constructed in a manner similar to an automatic teller machine (ATM) mounted within the wall of a financial institution. Accordingly, these and other specific details are intended to be enabling and descriptive, and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A network for distributing video files, the network comprising:
- a plurality of file servers including first and second file servers separated by at least one kilometer, the first and second file servers comprising a digital storage capacity for storing at least fifty high density DVDs of feature-length movies; and,
- a plurality of publicly accessible distribution kiosks, each distribution kiosk being configured to download digital video data to high speed memory devices; and, including first and second distribution kiosks separated by at least one kilometer.
2. The network according to claim 1, wherein the first distribution kiosk comprises:
- a) a user input for inputting data into the first distribution kiosk;
- b) a visual output display for displaying data, including data related to a title of a video file;
- c) an output port configured to couple with a portable digital high speed memory device; and
- d) a high speed signaling system configured to download a digital video file to the portable digital high speed memory device.
3. The network according to claim 1 further comprising a central server configured to direct, at least in part, a video data file transfer from the first file server to the second file server, and to initiate a command to erase a designated video data file from one of the first or second servers, wherein the central server comprises a central index listing the plurality of network servers including the first and second servers, a first plurality of video file identifiers representing video files stored in the first server, and a second plurality of video file identifiers representing video files stored in the second server, and wherein the central server is separated from the first and second file servers by at least one kilometer.
4. The network according to claim 1 wherein the high speed signaling system is configured to transfer data to a portable digital high speed memory device at a rate equal to or greater than 5 gigabytes per second.
5. The network according to claim 1 wherein the high speed signaling system is configured to transfer data to a portable digital high speed memory device at a rate equal to or greater than 10 gigabytes per second.
6. The network according to claim 1 wherein the high speed signaling system is configured to transfer data to a portable digital high speed memory device at a rate equal to or greater than 20 gigabytes per second.
7. The network according to claim 1 wherein the high speed signaling system includes stubless connectors.
8. The network according to claim 7 wherein the stubless connectors are selected from among a group of stubless connectors consisting of stairstep connectors, torsion connectors, and combinations thereof.
9. The network according to claim 1 wherein the high speed signaling system comprises a plurality of signal paths of the same length.
10. The network according to claim 9 wherein the plurality of signal paths of the same length include at least one differential pair.
11. The network according to claim 1 wherein the first network server is part of the first distribution kiosk and the second network server is part of the second distribution kiosk.
12. The network according to claim 11, further comprising a first plurality of feature-length films stored on the first server in digital format, and wherein the first distribution kiosk comprises a local index for indexing a plurality of identifiers corresponding to the first plurality of feature-length films.
13. A network of claim 12 wherein an identifier of a feature-length film includes data selected from among a group of data consisting of a title, an alphanumeric identifier, a date, one or more comparison terms for comparison to a search term, cache management data, one or more corruption values describing corruption of a data file, and combinations thereof.
14. The network according to claim 13 further comprising a second plurality of feature-length films stored on the second server in digital format, and wherein the second distribution kiosk comprises a local index for indexing a plurality of identifiers corresponding to the second plurality of feature-length films.
15. The network of claim 12 wherein the first network server further comprises a listing of pirated videos and one or more digital rights identifiers, wherein each pirated video has one or more a corresponding digital rights identifiers.
16. The network according to claim 1 wherein the first distribution kiosk is configured to download a digital video file to the portable digital high speed memory device in exchange for valuable consideration.
17. The network according to claim 16 wherein the first video kiosk includes a card reader configured to read credit cards.
18. The network according to claim 1 wherein the distribution kiosk comprises an island structure within a commercial shopping area.
19. The network according to claim 1 wherein the distribution kiosk is disposed, at least in part, within a wall a public or commercial structure.
20. The network according to claim 1 wherein the distribution kiosk is disposed, at least in part, against a wall a public or commercial structure.
21. The network according to claim 1 wherein a distribution kiosk further comprises a high-performance drive array, including serial and parallel transmission paths for accessing the high-performance drive array.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 22, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 9, 2008
Inventors: Colin Kennedy Mick (Palo Alto, CA), Ronald R. Shea (Brea, CA), Kevin P. Grundy (Freemont, CA), Joseph C. Fjelstad (Maple Valley, WA)
Application Number: 12/036,211
International Classification: G06F 15/16 (20060101);
