Abstract: A method of identifying a traced media playback decoder embedded in a device, wherein data representative of a trace message is included in the content field of a media content file and a trigger string (16) is included in the user data field of the file. The file is input to the decoder, and a traced decoder is arranged and configured to render the trace message in a desired format in response to detection of the trigger string. If the decoder is not the traced decoder, the trigger string will be disregarded and the component will try and process the media content file like a normal media content file, which results in an error.

Abstract: One implementation of a method for providing backup storage services for encrypted data includes receiving signatures of convergently encrypted portions of data from client computers, determining whether the encrypted portions are already present on a backup storage, and obtaining only the needed portions. Users unassociated with a particular user account are denied access to information backed up in that account. The backup storage also stores password protected key files holding signatures of the unencrypted portions of data. One implementation of a system includes a memory, a single-instance storage circuit, a user account management circuit, and a signature index. The memory holds a user-account database and backup copies of convergently encrypted portions of data. The single-instance storage circuit uses the signature index to prevent duplicative backup copies. The user account management circuit responds to download requests after authenticating the user information associated with the requested data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating domain-compliant image data. Domain-specific usage rights may be evaluated. The domain-specific usage rights may be associated with the transfer of particular encoded image data to a particular computing system other than the computing system. The domain-specific usage rights may specify maximum allowable spatial frequency content of the particular encoded image data. Domain-compliant image data may be generated by removing particular disallowable spatial frequency content from the encoded image data prior to transfer to the particular computing system.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing network storage provider and CDN service providers are provided. A content broker component obtains client computing device requests for content provided by a content provider. The content broker processes the client computing device requests and determines whether a subsequent request for the resource should be directed to a network storage provider or a CDN service provider as a function of the updated or processed by the content broker.

Abstract: An electronic wallet platform obtains, from a check-out web page of a merchant, (i) a unique identification of a given consumer, of a plurality of consumers, who is purchasing at least one item from the merchant in an on-line transaction, and (ii) associated transaction data. The electronic wallet platform supplies, to a transaction qualification service, the unique identification of the given consumer; and retrieves, from a consumer enrollment database, a record wherein at least one useful token is stored in association with the unique identification of the given consumer. The transaction qualification service determines, based on rules from an offers registry database, whether the at least one useful token is applicable to the on-line transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for network-based distribution of content are disclosed. The distribution of content is not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to content within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server or client. In one embodiment, each media file is encrypted with a different, randomly generated key. The control over the distribution of the media file can serve to limit the subsequent distribution of media files from clients to other clients. In another embodiment, the control can permit media files to be shared on a limited number of different clients affiliated with the same user. The clients can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting content to their users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing and providing content and services on a network system. Aspects of the invention include location-based determination of network content and services that may be provided to client computers. Other aspects of the invention include authorization and authentication components that determine access rights of client computers. Additional aspects include systems and methods for redirecting client computers to different network content. The disclosed systems and methods may be used in numerous network system applications.

Abstract: A system comprising a processor and a memory comprising firmware is provided. The firmware is executable by the processor to cause the processor to operate a print mechanism in accordance with a first state associated with a capability of the print mechanism, change the first state associated with the capability to a second state in response to receiving first information from an external interface, and operate the print mechanism in accordance with the second state associated with the capability.

Abstract: Servers are configured to operate in two or more threshold security planes with each such threshold security plane implementing at least a portion of a corresponding threshold security protocol involving at least a subset of the servers. The servers are implemented on at least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory. Multiple ones of the servers may be implemented on a single processing device, or each of the servers may be implemented on a separate processing device. At least one of the servers may be part of at least two of the threshold security planes. A given request for a protected resource is processed through each of the planes in order for a corresponding user to obtain access to the protected resource. By way of example, the security planes may comprise two or more of an authentication plane, an access control plane and a resource plane.

Abstract: Techniques for performing an accounts payable process may include receiving transaction data including at least one of invoice data, purchase order data, and vendor data; and verifying a transaction by matching a dynamic data set of client-specified multi-dimensional criteria to the transaction data. An accounts payable system may include a host system in communication with one or more client systems. The host system may include a matching database configured to receive an accounts payable file including at least one of invoice data, purchase order data, and vendor data; and verify a transaction by matching a dynamic data set of client-specified multi-dimensional records to attributes of the accounts payable file.

Abstract: A IP telephony service allows customers to form user groups. Each user group can include multiple members, each of whom have their own telephony device. Each user group is assigned a unique group identifier, which can be a telephone number. As a result, a single telephony device belonging to a member of a user group can be associated with its own unique telephone number, and the telephone number of the user group. This also means that a member's telephony device could be associated with multiple different billing accounts. The system allows a user to select which of multiple different billing accounts that are associated with his telephony device are to be billed for outgoing communications.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for, e.g., providing a statutory audio content service on a portable device that complies with the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The user can select a playlist subject to DMCA restrictions but cannot access individual items. Content playback, including skipping of content, is restricted to enforce relevant DMCA provisions. Encryption used to implement digital rights management (DRM) may be modified to enforce such content play rules or, alternatively, an additional layer of encryption may be imposed. Limitations on playback are stored along with the playlist structure in a form that is protected against modification. Information logging content playback is maintained in protected form to be uploaded and relayed to the service provider for the purpose of calculating royalty payments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for recommendations based on adoption curve. A method includes tracking over a period of time user popularity of a media content using a web service residing in a server, the popularity and period of time representing a life cycle of each of the media content. The method tracks over the period of time users enrolled in the web service and when in the period of time each of the users adopted the tracked media content and associates adopted media content with user profiles representing the users. The method recommends media content associated with a first user who adopted the tracked media content earlier in the period of time to a second user who may want to adopt the tracked media content subsequently in the period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring encrypted useful data objects (NDO) to a first telecommunication terminal (TG1), wherein at least one encrypted useful data object is initially transferred from a switching component to the first telecommunication terminal. Time information (SABS) is transferred from the switching component to the first telecommunication terminal indicating up to which moment in time a rights object (RO) associated with the at least one encrypted useful data object will arrive. Once the rights object received by the first telecommunication terminal, the telecommunication terminal checks if the moment in time indicated in the time information has elapsed. If the moment has not elapsed, the first telecommunication terminal issues a signal relating to the receipt of a useful data object via a user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: A system and a method for collecting and using market data. The system includes a workstation, where at least one message is entered, a transmitter, where the at least one message is transmitted, a parser for parsing the at least one message, a data recognizer for identifying relevant information in the at least one message, a processor for extracting the relevant information and a communicator for communicating the relevant information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method make it possible for persons at remote places to enjoy simultaneous playback of contents while promoting copyright and privacy protection. A copyright authentication section decides, based on a copyright restriction added to a content and license information stored in a license storage section, whether utilization of the content is permitted. An accounting processing section, in response to a result of the decision, cooperates with an authentication sever to perform accounting. A privacy authentication section decides, based on the privacy restriction and privacy information, whether utilization of the content is permitted. A permission request processing section, in response to a result of the decision, performs a communication process with a communication apparatus, which has a privacy management right in the content.

Abstract: Selling intangible property rights may include receiving content from a seller and determining one or more potential purchasers for the content's intangible property rights. The potential purchasers may be determined according to the subject of the content, the audience for the content, and the intangible property rights being sold. An offer to sell the intangible property rights may then be transmitted to one or more potential purchasers, along with a portion of the content. Upon receiving the one or more purchaser's acceptance of the offer, a complete copy of the content may be transmitted to the purchaser.

Abstract: Methods and systems of balancing job assignments to a plurality of machines are disclosed. A computing device receives multiple jobs each having a job size and determines a job order for the jobs based on each job's job size. A machine order is determined for a plurality of machines based on a setup time and a processing rate associated with each machine. The computing device assigns one or more jobs to each machine based on the job order and the machine order such that a maximum total processing time for the machines is minimized. A total processing time for each machine is determined based on the number of jobs and the cumulative job size of the jobs assigned to the machine, and the setup time and the processing time associated with the machine. The maximum total processing time is the largest of the total processing times for the machines.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: A content server device includes a request section for requesting a key server to transmit key data for decrypting encrypted content data to a client side in response to the content distribution request from the client side and a control unit which prohibits the transmission of the encrypted content data in response to the content distribution request when the reception number of notification received from the client side and indicating the reception of the key data from the key server is not less than the transmission number of key data to the client side by the key server and which transmits the encrypted content data in response to the content distribution request when the number of reception is not more than the number of transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: A method that includes receiving a first request for video content from a user of a user device; retrieving an identifier for the user device using an application programming interface; sending a second request to receive the video content that includes the identifier; receiving an instruction to provide payment to rent or purchase the video content; sending the payment in response to the instruction; receiving the video content and a token, where the video content is encrypted based on a key and where the token indicates that the payment was processed; sending a third request to obtain a license associated with the video content that includes the token and the identifier; receiving the license, which includes the key and terms under which the video content is to be processed; decrypting the video content, using the key, when the decrypting is performed in a manner permitted by the terms; and playing the decrypted video content.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices examine data flows in a communication system control network for known malware threats and suspicious properties typically associated with malware threats. A policy management system inside the control network accesses a user repository and a charging network, and performs pattern matching and/or observed behavior detection methods to determine if the data flows carry content (e.g., malware) that poses a security risk to network or wireless devices. The policy management system generates policy rules based on user preferences and risk-level. The policy management system sends the generated policy rules to a gateway/PCEF, which blocks the data flows, allows the data flows, or restricts the data flow based on the policy rules.

Abstract: A non-invasive metering system enables on-demand, metered usage licensing of software applications. A packaging module generates a secure application package for an original, unmodified application authored by a software publisher. The software publisher need not directly modify the code of the original application. Rather, the packaging module includes, within the secure application package but separate from the code of the application itself, a shell application that controls runtime aspects of the application, such as metering of the application. The secure application package is made available to users wishing to use the application on a metered basis.

Abstract: When a control unit of a content receiver causes to write out content to an exchangeable medium, causes to also write out a viewing license of the content to the exchangeable medium, and further causes an invalidating/validating unit to invalidate a viewing license of related content belonging to a same predetermined content group as the content if a viewing time limit of the content is not determined. When a content reproducer reproduces the content recorded in the exchangeable medium, determines the viewing time limit of the content and records it to the exchangeable medium. When the exchangeable medium which is reproduced by the content reproducer is installed, the control unit causes to set a viewing time limit of the related content to the same time limit as the viewing time limit of the content on the exchangeable medium and causes to validate the viewing license of the related content.

Abstract: Various methods for securely processing an online transaction between a customer and a merchant are disclosed. In one method, an authentication credentials request that includes a transaction identifier is received from a merchant system. In response, an encryption key is transmitted to the merchant system. From a customer system, the personal account data associated with the customer is received, which is encrypted with the encryption key. A transaction processing request from the merchant system prompts the generating of a transaction processing response based upon its execution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically bundling portions into secured destination files are provided. Example embodiments provide a Dynamic Digital Rights Bundling System (“DDRBS”), which dynamically bundles a set of portions each variously containing digital rights management components, user interface controls, and content, into a secured destination file in response to a designated content request. In one embodiment, the DDRBS comprises a bundling engine, a translation engine, a merging engine, and an assortment of data repositories. These components cooperate to dynamically assemble and provide customized secured destination files comprising the requested content together with specialized user interface and digital rights management controls. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus transmits to an authorization apparatus, in executing a job, condition information related to a process to be performed to a 1st page of the job, to obtain a processable number of sheets. When the condition information changes while the job is being executed, the image forming apparatus transmits to the authorization apparatus (i) the changed condition information and (ii) information of the number of sheets being processed based on a current condition information prior to the change in condition information, to inquire and obtain a processable number of sheets based on the changed condition information. Furthermore, while the job is executed, if the processed number of sheets meet the processable number of sheets obtained from the authorization apparatus, the image forming apparatus forbids the process to be performed to a new recording sheet and stops the job.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implementing a reality overlay device. A reality overlay device captures information that is pertinent to physical surroundings with respect to a device, the information including at least one of visual information or audio information. The reality overlay device may transmit at least a portion of the captured information to a second device. For instance, the reality overlay device may transmit at least a portion of the captured information to a server via the Internet, where the server is capable of identifying an appropriate virtual billboard. The reality overlay device may then receive overlay information for use in generating a transparent overlay via the reality overlay device. The transparent overlay is then superimposed via the device using the overlay information, wherein the transparent overlay provides one or more transparent images that are pertinent to the physical surroundings.

Abstract: A control device of an account managing server carries out (i) a first process in which the control device (a) obtains client identification information from a client PC via a network and (b) controls a storage device to store, as provisional login information, first login information contained in the client identification information, (ii) a second process in the control device (c) obtains second login information inputted into a multifunction peripheral and (iii) a third process in which the control device (d) permits usage of the multifunction peripheral in a case where the second login information is identical to the provisional login information stored in the storage device. This makes it unnecessary for a user to register login information of a client device newly connected to the network.

Abstract: A content key (CK) to decrypt a piece of encrypted content is obtained encrypted according to a public key of a licensor (PU-L) to result in (PU-L(CK)). (PU-L(CK)) is obscured according to (PU-L) and a value R to result in Obs (PU-L(CK)), and Obs (PU-L(CK)) is sent to the licensor, which applies a private key (PR-L) corresponding to (PU-L) to Obs (PU-L(CK)) to result in Obs (CK) as an obscured version of (CK). Obs (CK) is received from the licensor; and (CK) is obtained from Obs (CK) based on applying R thereto. The licensor cannot identify from Obs (PU-L(CK)) or from Obs (CK) the encrypted content or the content key (CK) from which the encrypted content may be identified.

Abstract: Digital content rendering services provided over the Internet are disclosed. The service enables multiple concurrent users to log on and access server and applications in separate and protected sessions. The server may receive content objects and instructions for manipulating the content with an information apparatus operated by a user. The server may further receive job objects including at least one of authentication, payment, and subscription information. The server may generate output data related to the rendering job and the content, and send the output data to an output controller or media box, internally included or externally connected, to an output device for rendering, the output device may be a television, a display device, a sound device, or a printer. The service may send service confirmation to the information apparatus. The service may also store user's digital content at a node over the Internet for later access by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.

Abstract: Digital assets are tracked through the use of digital serial numbers. Systems equipped with the present invention can uniquely identify copies of assets within it. Assets that originate within the system can be uniquely identified even outside the system. The transaction history can be traced by looking up the transaction history associated with an assets' serial number. The serial number applied to an asset is unique to each transaction and can be applied at the time a copy is made. Database entries are created that link each unique serial number to aspects of the transaction. Each serial number can reference details about a particular transaction such as parties involved, date and time of copy, ownership, terms of use, and payment terms.

Abstract: A method of providing information about supported digital rights management features in relation to an electronic communication device includes providing a reference to listings, or listings, of digital rights management features supported by at least two different digital rights management schemes related to the communication device, and transmitting the reference to the listings, or the listings, to a content provider. An electronic communication device for communication with a content provider, a system for managing digital rights, and related computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems implementing remote container techniques are disclosed. A relational database can include a container data field, which can be a data field for storing multimedia data. In one aspect, when the multimedia data are inserted into the container field, the multimedia data can be stored in one or more remote database files. The remote database files can be located separately from other data of the relational database and remotely from a client computer accessing the relational database. Corresponding data structures, or remote containers, can be configured to store metadata of the database files. References to the remote containers can be stored as values of the container data field. Using various encryption techniques, the remote database files can be given same access restrictions as access restrictions of the container data field, even when the remote database files are stored as flat files.

Abstract: Techniques are described for managing program execution capacity, such as for a group of computing nodes that are provided for executing one or more programs for a user. In some situations, dynamic program execution capacity modifications for a computing node group that is in use may be performed periodically or otherwise in a recurrent manner, such as to aggregate multiple modifications that are requested or otherwise determined to be made during a period of time. In addition, various operations may be performed to attribute causality information or other responsibility for particular program execution capacity modifications that are performed, including by attributing a single event as causing one capacity modification, and a combination of multiple events as possible causes for another capacity modification. The techniques may in some situations be used in conjunction with a fee-based program execution service that executes multiple programs on behalf of multiple users of the service.

Abstract: A system and method for secure transport of data, the method comprising: sharing of key information with a key distributor, wherein the key information is for enabling decryption of first and second encrypted data, the key distributor being for making one or more decryption keys available to an authorized user; creating a container object, the container object comprising: first encrypted data having a first encryption based on at least a part of said key information; second encrypted data having a second encryption based on at least a part of said key information, wherein the first encryption is different to the second encryption; and metadata relating to the first encrypted data and the second encrypted data; and sending the container object to a data store or otherwise making the container object available, to allow user access to said data container object.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for distributing digitally encoded information. In one embodiment of the present invention, a licensee desiring to purchase digitally encoded information from a copyright owner posts collateral with a third party entity. The third party entity then provides authentication information to the licensee. The licensee transmits proof of knowledge of authentication information to the copyright owner. The copyright owner sends proof of the licensee's knowledge of authentication information and digital media to the third-party entity. The third-party entity embeds the authentication information in the digitally encoded information, and delivers the digitally encoded information with embedded authentication information to the licensee.

Abstract: Embodiments of converting or translating electronic data from a first format to a second format with an applied electronic data security policy in mechanisms are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide an electronic marketplace that matches units of content from secondary content providers with suitable vacancies from primary content providers. Vacancies may constitute, or be included in, any digital transmission containers, such as a television or radio programming, web pages, and the like. Specifically, the electronic marketplace automatically matches content offered by secondary content providers with vacancies offered by primary content providers thus filling the vacancies in these containers through a real-time content trading, placement, and distribution system. To do so, attributes associated with the vacancies and with units of secondary content are used to trade and match suitable vacancies with suitable content. This invention enables both secondary content owners and vacancy owners (primary content providers) to obtain the full commercial benefit of their secondary content and containers.

Abstract: Computer software, systems and methods preventing automatic deductions/credits to a User's financial account from being interrupted when a User changes the account. A User inputs information for one or more of their financial accounts into a record stored on a server database that is accessible from the User's electronic communications device. When the User changes information within the System database for one of their financial accounts, the System will automatically or periodically perform updates of the information on a Third Party database; or the Third Party server will request the updated information, wherein the Third Party is authorized to electronically debit or credit the account. Therefore, the User is not required to individually contact each Third Party with their updated account information, such as for monthly membership deductions, direct deposit of paychecks and retirement account contributions, and stored credit cards for online shopping.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for allowing organizations to preserve the trust and allow this trust to be propagated across multiple agencies and/or enterprises. A technology is provided that allows (mutually) trusted entities to share content (information, digital assets) over any protocol-based network such as the Internet based on granted rights and agreed conditions. In one embodiment, Trusted Information Exchange (TIE) systems have a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and use content (information, asset) repositories to store and forward content to trusted entities on the Internet. Techniques are provided to permit source TIE systems to manage the specific disposition and management of their assets to receiving TIE systems through directions conveyed in licenses that reflect apriori agreements.

Abstract: A universal ID and biometrics systems and methods are disclosed. A method includes receiving an authentication request message originating from a user. The authentication request message includes a first identifier and a second identifier, where the second identifier includes biometric data. The method further includes determining a third identifier based on the first identifier and sending the second and third identifiers to a first server computer to determine if the second and third identifiers have a predetermined correlation. The method further includes receiving confirmation of user authentication if the identification system determines that the second and third identifiers have the predetermined correlation.

Abstract: A device for playing digital media comprises a connection for receiving content over a network and a digital rights management (“DRM”) module that identifies rights for the received content by accessing a DRM data structure. The DRM data structure can be a temporal cache. The device receives content and the DRM module identifies identifiers associated with the content and/or the device. The DRM module uses the identifiers to access the DRM data structure and identify rights associated with the content. The identified rights are applied to the content to prevent and/or permit activities with respect to the content. Permitted activities for the content may be presented in a display of the device and can be updated as the content changes and/or as rights associated with content change. Content providers and other authorized entities can change the rights associated with particular content by updating the DRM data structure.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for quality assured media file storage. There is provided a method for use by a processor to verify quality of a new media file by transcoding a master media file into a first media file, determining a quality of the first media file, applying a first quality assurance scheme to the first media file for an assured quality, calculating a first hash value using a hash function for the first media file, storing the first hash value in a memory, transcoding the master media file into a new media file, calculating a test hash value using the hash function for the new media file, and searching the memory for the test hash value to decide whether the new media file has the assured quality, without having to apply the first quality assurance scheme again to the new media file.

Abstract: An audio recording and reproducing apparatus includes a controller for controlling the entire behaviors, hard disc for write and read of audio data, audio compression/expansion circuit for expanding compressed audio data, and external I/O port. The audio recording and reproducing apparatus is connected to a network service center to obtain desired music data from storage of the network service center and to store it in the hard disc.