초록 ▼

A computer implemented online music distribution system provides for the secure delivery of audio data and related media, including text and images, over a public communications network. The online music distribution system provides security through multiple layers of encryption, and the cryptograph

A computer implemented online music distribution system provides for the secure delivery of audio data and related media, including text and images, over a public communications network. The online music distribution system provides security through multiple layers of encryption, and the cryptographic binding of purchased audio data to each specific purchaser. The online music distribution system also provides for previewing of audio data prior to purchase. In one embodiment, the online music distribution system is a client-server system including a content manager, a delivery server, and an HTTP server, communicating with a client system including a Web browser and a media player. The content manager provides for management of media and audio content, and processing of purchase requests. The delivery server provides delivery of the purchased media data. The Web browser and HTTP server provide a communications interface over the public network between the content manager and media players. The media player provides for encryption of user personal information, and for decryption and playback of purchased media data. Security of purchased media data is enhanced in part by the use of a personal, digital passport in each media player. The digital passport contains identifying information that identifies the purchaser, along with confidential information, such as credit card number, and encryption data, such as the media player's public and private keys. The media player encryption data is used to encrypt purchased media data, which is decrypted in real time by the media player. The media player also displays confidential information, such as the purchaser's credit card number, during playback.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A computer-implemented online music distribution system for distributing digital media data files, including audio data, over a public communications network, the system comprising:a content manager that transmits validation data uniquely associated with a purchase of a selected one of the media

1. A computer-implemented online music distribution system for distributing digital media data files, including audio data, over a public communications network, the system comprising:a content manager that transmits validation data uniquely associated with a purchase of a selected one of the media data files and a network address of a delivery server to deliver the selected media data file to a client computer system including a media player for playing back the audio data of the selected media data file; the media player, storing encryption data assigned specifically to the media player, that receives the validation data from the content manager, and transmits the validation data to the delivery server specified by the network address in the validation data; and the delivery server that verifies the validation data received from the media player using the content manager and receives the selected media data file from the content manager and securely retransmits the selected media data file to the media player, wherein the selected media data file includes the audio data of the selected media data file encrypted using the encryption data of the media player, the media player adapted to decrypt the audio data of the selected media data file using the encryption data, and playback resulting decrypted audio data; wherein the media player displays confidential information of a purchaser of the media data file during playback of the decrypted audio data.