Digital River, Inc.

Kurt Huang

Gyuchang Jun

Duane Kuroda

Matthew C Graves

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.

Methods of controlling access to network content referenced within structured documents

A method and apparatus in which a Spender may spend money to buy an item, spend money on a donation, etc. A Spender (sometimes called a buyer) will typically use client software to access content, where the client is typically a computing device that includes a display, which facilitates the transaction between a Spender and an Earner. An 'Earner' (sometimes called a seller) is someone who provides items or content within the system for sale, trade, or acquisition in return for credit or money earned. In the described embodiments, an Earner's server may be anything, which serves content and/or includes an Earner gateway, which facilitates trusted third party interaction frequently used in the system, and may also be used to describe several servers or a server farm. In some embodiments, the Earner's server is included as a part of the server controlling content access.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Kurt Huang