Digital River, Inc.

Duane Kuroda

Gyuchang Jun

Kurt Huang

Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to account-based access to media services are described. A media access controller server validates a voucher for an offer of network content and issues a token permitting access to the content. A media access manager server validates the token and invokes a playlist-generation step at a publishing point, and returns the content to a user's media player. A custom plug-in on the media access manager may enforce terms of service imposed by the publisher, such as a maximum number of simultaneous streams permitted by a single voucher, or a time window for use of the voucher. Streams whose voucher's end time has expired are terminated by the plug-in.

Managed access to media services

Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to methods of controlling access to one or more items of network content referenced within a structured document such as an RSS feed. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to podcasting, where the access control is based on monetary payment, presentation of coupons or other promotional devices, or other forms of web commerce; or may limit the duration of accessibility of the content, the number of times it can be downloaded, or other characteristics of access.

Growing community of inventors

Campbell, CA, United States of America

Duane Kuroda