Patent ID: 7509667
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: H04N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A distribution system for distributing pay-to-access electronic files from a content provider to a plurality of users, comprising: a data network; a file transfer manager having access to a library of said electronic files, each electronic file having an associated set of labels wherein said labels have predetermined label values for classifying each respective electronic file, each electronic file including an encrypted content portion requiring a predetermined key for decryption; a profile database storing a plurality of profiles, each profile corresponding to a respective user having a respective data network address within said data network and including at least one profile value, wherein said predetermined label values are compared to said profile value and when a match is found then said file transfer manager transfers a respective electronic file to a corresponding data network address of said respective user via said data network at less than a top priority of network traffic prior to any access request for said respective electronic file from said respective user; a cache maintained locally by each respective user for storing each electronic file transferred to a respective data network address; a jukebox interface for each respective user implemented using a respective computer assigned to said respective data network address, said jukebox interface enabling said respective user 1) to configure a corresponding profile in said profile database, 2) to select a desired electronic file, and 3) to send an access request for said desired electronic file; an authorization and accounting server receiving said access request via said data network, obtaining authorization based on an identity of said requesting user, checking whether said desired electronic file is locally cached by said requesting user, and if locally cached then sending a decryption key for said desired electronic file to said requesting user, otherwise sending a decryption key for said desired electronic file and commanding said file transfer manager to deliver said desired electronic file to said requesting user in real time; a decryptor within said respective computer for receiving said decryption key and decrypting said desired electronic file; and a player for reproducing said decrypted desired electronic file.