Showing papers on "Upload published in 2001"

System and method for providing access to electronic works

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for providing access to electronic works over a network. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention offers a user access to electronic copies of works, such as songs, albums, movies, or music videos, over a network. The user responds to the offer by requesting to access to a particular work. Before such a request is granted, the present invention may verify that the user is authorized to access to the work. In one embodiment, the user verifies that they are authorized to access an electronic copy of the work by demonstrating that they possess a physical copy of the work. In another embodiment, the user verifies that they are authorized to access an electronic copy of the work by demonstrating that they ordered or purchased a copy of the work. If a user's authorization is verified, the user may then be provided with access to an electronic copy of the work by such techniques as downloading or streaming.

Enforcement architecture and method for digital rights management system for roaming a license to a plurality of user devices

Abstract: An enforcement architecture and method for implementing roaming digital rights management are disclosed. A license distributed from a license server to a computing device of a user may be uploaded to a license synchronization server, and rebound to other devices registered with the service, thereby enabling access to the licensed content from other computing devices.

Systems and methods for providing storage of data on servers in an on-demand media delivery system

Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.

System and method for generating voice pages with included audio files for use in a voice page delivery system

Abstract: A content provider system for enabling content providers to create voice pages with audio files included for use in a network for voice page delivery through which subscribers request a voice page and a voice page server system delivers the voice page audibly to the subscriber. A content provider selects a voice page into which the audio file is to be incorporated, selects the audio file and the content provider system then transfers the audio file to a voice page server system which generates a voice page with the audio file included using XML-based tags designated for audio files. The audio files are uploaded from a number of user devices including a telephony device, a web-based system and a PDA.

Method and system for management of message attachments

Abstract: A method and system provide user management of electronic message transmissions between servers and client devices, particularly transmissions of files attached to electronic messages. The method and system operate to transfer selected attached files to and from a client device. When accessing electronic messages with attached files stored at a server by a user, the attached files that satisfy a prescribed requirement are automatically downloaded from the server to the client device utilized by the user. The prescribed requirement may include maximum file size and download time, and approved list of file formats and senders. Preferably, the prescribed requirement is entered into the client device by the user. The prescribed requirement can vary depending upon the personal preference of the user. When forwarding received electronic messages with attached files, only the attached files that have been modified are uploaded from the client device to the server.

Method and apparatus for balancing distributed applications

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for balancing distributed applications within a client/server network, such as a cable television network, is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a method of balancing the load of distributed application client portions (DACPs) across various server portions (DASPs) and server machines is disclosed. Statistics are maintained by one or more software processes with respect to the available resources of the servers and their loading; new process threads and/or distributed application server portions are allocated across the servers to maintain optimal system performance as client device loading increases or changes. In another aspect of the invention, a novel object-oriented distributed application software architecture employing both vertical and horizontal partitions and “mutable” (i.e., transportable) objects is disclosed. The mutable objects may reside on either the server or client portions of the distributed application while maintaining at least one network partition. A runtime environment adapted for the operation of the foregoing object-oriented distributed application, including an efficient message protocol useful for interprocess communication, is also disclosed. Methods for downloading the DACP from the servers, and scaling the DACP at download based on client device configuration, are further disclosed.

Network-based photosharing architecture

Abstract: A method and system for providing a network-based photosharing service is disclosed. The photosharing service includes a central photosharing site having a server, and a plurality of peer nodes each containing digital images. The method and system include associating metadata with each image that is to be shared. The images are shared by uploading the metadata associated with each image from the peer nodes to the peer server, while maintaining storage of the images on the respective peer nodes. In response to the peer server receiving search criteria based on the metadata submitted from a first one of the peer nodes, the peer server returns a list of image locators for images matching the search criteria to the first peer node. The method and system further include dynamically generating on the first peer node an image album that contains at least a portion of the matching images.

Digital file marketplace

Abstract: A method and system for providing a digital file marketplace is disclosed, where the digital marketplace includes a plurality of digital files for access by consumers over a network. The method and system include allowing a content owner to post a file on the marketplace for access by users by, providing information about the file, setting a retail price that users will be charged for downloading the file, and setting a reseller commission for the file. A first user may then search for files posted on the digital marketplace for one to resell on a third party website. A second user may further search the files posted on the digital marketplace for one to download. If the second user selects a particular file to download, then the user is charged the retail price set for the file. If the second user downloads the particular file from the third party website, then the first user is paid the reseller commission set for the file. In addition, the content owner is provided with a payment based on the retail price minus the reseller commission.

Supply chain visibility for real-time tracking of goods

Abstract: A commerce visibility network allows for the collection and distribution of real-time location and status information regarding the movement of goods and assets through a supply chain. Items and/or conveyances may be individually tagged using radio frequency identifiers or other tagging technologies, such as global positioning satellite technology. The location of an item or conveyance may be marked and information on the location may be stored at a site server. The site server may then upload location information to a data center. Supply chain users may then be charged a fee per tracked item or fee per transaction to access the data center and view reports compiled using the location information regarding each tracked item. This allows for instantaneous access to location and status information of any item in the supply chain. Additionally, aggregation information is provided to allow for the tracking of items which are stored in conveyances, even in several levels of conveyances. Compensation logic is applied to the asset movement data to provide a continuous knowledge of the asset locations, so as to compensate for deficiencies in the raw location data.

Centralized clearinghouse for community identity information

Abstract: The invention discloses a system and method for providing a centralized repository for reputation, ratings, and identification data of any participating user. The user earns a reputation or other ratings information by interacting with outside organizations or Internet participation communities. The reputation or other ratings information is then preferably categorized and stored in the inventive clearinghouse database. The user and/or the participation communities may access the clearinghouse after proper verification to upload, update, or download any of the user's reputation information when authorized to do so by the user. The centralized format preferably allows the user to transport any ratings or reputation data from one community to another while preserving the integrity and reliability of the information.

Network management system

Abstract: A virtual management system for a network facility, such as a data center, or any facility having a plurality of components which can be organized as objects for presentation in a virtualized environment, is disclosed. The system includes a management topology presenting devices, facilities, subscribers, log servers, and services as objects to an administrative interface; and a configuration manager implementing changes to objects in the topology responsive to configuration input from an administrator via the administrative interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface is a graphical user interface designed to work in a platform independent environment. The system may include a management server coupled to the plurality of objects. In one aspect, the management server communicates with the devices, downloading configuration data to and uploading configuration data from, the devices. The management server and the interface may communicate via a LAN, WAN or the Internet.

Methods, systems, and processes for the design and creation of rich-media applications via the Internet

Abstract: Rich-media applications are designed and created via the Internet. A host computer system, containing processes for creating rich-media applications, is accessed from a remote user computer system via an Internet connection. User account information and rich-media component specifications are uploaded via the established Internet connection for a specific user account. Rich-media applications are created, deleted, or modified in a user account via the established Internet connection. Rich-media components are added to, modified in, or deleted from scenes of a rich-media application based on information contained in user requests. After creation, the rich-media application is viewed or saved on the host computer system, or downloaded to the user computer system via the established Internet connection. In addition, the host process monitors the available computer and network resources and determines the particular component, scene, and application versions, if multiple versions exist, that most closely match the available resources.

Environment monitoring system

Abstract: An environment monitoring system (10) and method systematically and continuously monitoring an environment. The system and method includes a data acquisition system (16) which is programmed to systematically collect environment data for a site (12). The data acquisition system (16) includes sensors (14 a-d) coupled to a data storage device (22) having a remote access device (24) for electronic access from a remote system (18). Data may be uploaded to a remote database (30) for storing environment data from many sites. The remote database (30) includes a remote access device (26) so that the data storage devices (22) of various data acquisition sites can be electronically coupled to the remote database (30) for centralized data collection and storage.

Distributed multimedia transfer

Abstract: A multimedia distribution kiosk can communicate with a remote user to receive multimedia requests and can communicate with a multimedia content provider to obtain requested multimedia content. The kiosk can cache received multimedia content and provide the content as desired. The kiosk can also be used to upload multimedia content to a server. For example, an occupant of an automobile may access a system of kiosks to determine the nearest kiosk and request download of content prior to arrival at that kiosk.

Online video editor

Abstract: A method is provided that runs on a server operating on a network having a client/server architecture to allow a client control over a video editor program running on the server. The method includes: receiving from a client user choices for audio/visual media available on the server and/or audio/visual media uploaded from the client, presenting the client with a real time control panel to allow the client to control the video editor program to create a video from the chosen and/or uploaded audio/visual media, saving the video clip as an edit-decision list on the server side, composing and streaming audio and video content to the client in real time to allow the video to be played by the client in a manner optimal to the client's environment.

System and Methodology for Automated Provisioning of New User Accounts

Abstract: System and methodology are described that allow a new user of a user-operated device (e.g., wireless digital camera, cellular phone, video camera, audio device, or the like) to immediately begin using the features and services of the device without having to first activate a new user account. Thus in the instance where the user-operated device is a newly-acquired wireless digital camera, for example, the user can immediately begin taking and uploading his or her pictures to a photo Web site prior to having to open a user account, or having to perform other cumbersome activation steps. In such a wireless digital camera embodiment, the photo Web site and vendors of either cellular-enabled digital cameras or camera-enabled cellular phones provide user Web accounts based upon the unique ID or phone number belonging to one of these two devices. The user need only bother to “open” his or her account, that is, establish a user name and password, at some subsequent point in time that is convenient for the user (e.g., when the user is first visiting the photo Web site, using a browser, to view the digital photographs he or she previously uploaded). This approach allows users to use his or her newly-acquired device (e.g., immediately take pictures and upload them to an account at a photo Web site) right “out-of-the-box,” all without having to first register or setup a new user account.

Client-server system for merging of metadata with images

Abstract: A method and system for merging metadata with digital images is disclosed, where the digital images are stored as image files having metadata fields associated therewith. The method and system include receiving data uploaded from a remote location, providing a web application to a client device over a network when requested, and transmitting the previously uploaded data to the web application. When an image requires input of metadata on the client device, the uploaded data is displayed on the client device for selection by the user. In response to the user's selection, the selected data is then used to automatically populate the metadata fields associated with the image file.

Automatic download to print job retention

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using an embedded Web server on a printing device to automatically download desired web-based data from a remote Web site, as well as methods for storing the downloaded information in a printer-associated cache (job retention) for later printing and/or access. The methods of the present invention further permit the data downloads to be scheduled, for example, during nonpeak hours of internet or network usage, and/or at predetermined intervals. Additionally, the apparatus described in the methods of the present invention comprise a system for downloading web-based data.

Method and apparatus for transmitting information from point-to-point

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing telecommunication connectivity between various electronic devices and to provide for digital data transfer from one device to other, peer-to-peer and/or point-to-point, either by way of a wireless device, over a switched-circuit analog audio network (i.e. Land based or cellular telephone service), or other wired networks. The invention provides an audio/visual experience in conjunction with the observation of static information from a display. Users of the system technology can interact with and receive information from a public display, advertisement, promotional display or other signage device to a personal hand held electronic device such as a PDA, cell phone or computer or other specialized receiving device for current use or later retrieval and usage. The audio/visual content information delivery system may be resident in billboards, kiosks, telephone booths, taxi tops or other advertising locations to provide embedded brochures, promotions and other marketing or promotional copy. The information delivery system can also be employed in conjunction with the delivery of non-commercial information such as data relating to displays of art. Users of the system technology can acquire information from a museum's database relating to art which they are observing, or that they want to learn about. The user can upload text, photos, audio and video clips and can communicate with others, either in real time or in archived memory about the exhibits that they are viewing. The system technology permits the receipt of data via a URL or similar designation, related to the display, which permits the user to download the data and use it to key to access a website or other form of electronic content or communication delivered over an electronic communication network. The system also permits variation of the delivered information in a context-sensitive manner by permitting the user to interact with the delivered information and determine what is of immediate interest, what they wish to store and retrieve at a later time, what they wish to transmit via e-mail to their inbox for home viewing and what they wish to ignore. The system transmitter is also capable of being varied to transmit different data, in accordance with the broadcast decisions of the advertiser, museum or site holder.

Method and system for content deployment and activation

Abstract: The present disclosed system is directed toward a communication and management system that dynamically targets network devices for content deployment, such as application programs, device drivers, configuration files, and registry subhives. Moreover, the present system targets users of network devices for promotions, such as advertisements offered by Internet e-commerce sites. Promotions are generally icons or graphic images with links to host web servers overlaying a video display, but also includes audio and video clips or data streams. Network devices and their users are targeted through user profiles. User profiles are created when network devices register with the system server and are continually updated with information provided by user activity and event logs that are periodically uploaded from each device. A scalable messaging system provides for data transmission between the system server and among the network devices such that it is neutral as to the specific hardware platforms on which it is implemented.

Method and system for selecting actions to be taken by a server when uploading images

Abstract: A method and system (10) for allowing a user to select actions to be taken by a server (18) when uploading images from a hand-held image capture device (12) is disclosed. The method and system include storing action list on the image capture device (12) that includes one or more items representing actions that the server should take with respect to upload images. After the user initiates an image upload process, the action list is displayed to the user on the image capture device (12) for user selection. After the user selects at leasst one of the items in the action list, the images and the selects action list item are sent to the server, and the server performs the specified action on the uploaded images.

Method and system for embedded network device installation

Abstract: The present disclosed system is directed toward a communication and management system that dynamically targets network devices for content deployment, such as application programs, device drivers, configuration files, and registry subhives. Moreover, the present system targets users of network devices for promotions, such as advertisements offered by Internet e-commerce sites. Promotions are generally icons or graphic images with links to host web servers overlaying a video display, but also includes audio and video clips or data streams. Network devices and their users are targeted through user profiles. User profiles are created when network devices register with the system server and are continually updated with information provided by user activity and event logs that are periodically uploaded from each device. The present system implements a scalable messaging system for data transmission between the system server and among the network devices such that it is neutral as to the specific hardware platforms on which it is implemented.

Method and system for teaching music

Abstract: An interactive on-line music training system for teaching music to students comprises a Student Station, a Teacher Station, and an Administrative Web Server connected over a communications network. The Student Station includes a computer which is integrated with a MIDI device (e.g. MIDI keyboard). The Administrative Web Server maintains a database for storing data related to the Student's performance. The Student uses the MIDI device to interact with the music course. As the Student traverses the music course, lessons and activities as well as the applicable MIDI files are downloaded from the Administrative Web Server to the Student Station's computer. The Student's responses to exercises are stored as a MIDI file on the student computer. Upon completion of a lesson, an activity is presented to the Student. When the Student responds, the original MIDI file is compared to the MIDI file created by the Student and an evaluation is made using evaluation routines which are resident, and executed, on the Student's computer. The Student's performance in response to drills is evaluated based on a number of criterion, including timing, pitch and, where applicable, expression. The results of the lesson evaluation and corresponding student MIDI file are uploaded to the Administrative Web Server for storage. Lesson evaluations and the MIDI files created by students, along with various other student based performance information may be reviewed by a teacher, who can access them from the Administrative Web Server.

Mobile information terminal device, storage server, and method for providing storage region

Abstract: In a storage server (9) on a network (6), there is retained a storage region (97) dedicated to the user of a mobile telephone (10). A software, requester to purchase through a sales server (12) by the user, is not transferred directly to the mobile telephone (10) of the user but is stored in the user-dedicated storage region (97). The user uses the software by downloading it from its dedicated storage region (97) to its mobile telephone (10).

System for creating on a computer display screen composite images from diverse sources

Abstract: An interactive user/server system wherein a user with a computer and a display screen an Internet connection through a browser can create in real time a composite image of graphical images, shapes and text capable of being outputted for high quality printing on an end product such as a sticker. The user will download selected graphical images and shapes from the server and resize and reposition them within a predetermined canvas area of his display screen to build up the image, and the user can add his own uploaded graphical images to the composite image being created if desired. The programming for all of the operations is downloaded to the user from the server through an applet, and the complete composite image created will be stored at the server in its component parts so that it can readily be assembled in high resolution form for outputting to a printer.

Apparatus and methods for intelligently caching applications and data on a mobile device

Abstract: An exemplary method for intelligently caching application or data on a mobile device comprises the steps of receiving a request to execute or access a set of files, the set of files including an application or data, downloading the set of files from a remote server or a gateway if the set of files is not pre-loaded or cached, calculating a cache benefit index for the set of files, determining available free space in a local file system, caching the set of files in the local file system in accordance with the cache benefit index, saving corresponding meta information in a database, recording the request in the database, and returning the location of the requested application in the local file system.

Virtual makeover system and method

Abstract: A virtual makeover system and method are disclosed which allows users to apply beauty products to a personal photographic image, thereby creating a digitally enhanced image. The system includes a product catalog, a palette database, and an image database, all of which may be accessed by a user via a communications network or stored on the hard drive of a user's computer. Users can upload digital photographs of themselves or others, or can retrieve an image from the image database, and outline various features in the photograph. The user may apply selected beauty products available in the product catalog to the various features.

Automated upload of content based on captured event

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically capturing, uploading, and publishing content. The system may include one or more monitoring modules for providing captured content to a remote site.

Episodic delivery of content

Abstract: A system (fig. 5), method (fig. 3), and apparatus (figs. 4-5) are provided that allow episodic delivery of entertainment (340) to a user. More specifically, an application module is created with episodic content technology (312) which can be purchased as a CD-ROM or downloaded from a remote server (400, 502). The application module contains a current episode of the game and a technology shell to allow future episodes to be downloaded and executed. The entertainment content delivery system is implemented through a centralized server (400, 502) that provides new episodes of the content available for downloading at regularly scheduled intervals to the users' computer. The current instantiation of the application module segregates technology components from content components of the application module to allow independent modification of either. Technological advancements are incorporated as they occur into the new episodes and are executed by the application module. An Internet-enabled game using the entertainment content delivery system communicates with users through various mechanisms, including electronic mail, voice mail, fax machines and web sites.

Systems and methods for supporting the delivery of streamed content

Abstract: Server systems (10) have distributed file systems (26) that provides services for loading, staging, distributing and delivering streamed media content. The file system may be remotely accessible through a web browser, or other client (10) application. The file system described herein can allow a customer (12) of the hosting server to access and control the web site files (17) from a remote location, and manipulate and manage the files stored on the host site (15), to configure the site as desired. To this end, the distributed file system (26) provides a process for allowing a user to upload streaming media content from a client site (12) to the host (15), or to another location accessible by the file system (26). A staging process allows the user to set or adjust meta-data characteristics of the uploaded media asset, and a distribution process is capable of replicating the media asset and distributing the replicated versions of that asset across the data network.