Realnetworks Gmbh

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Phillip L Barrett

Mysore Y Jaisimha

Ralph A Lipe

Scott D Quinn

A system and method regulate the transmission of media data. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a header portion of a media file is encoded to include an access code. The access code corresponds to one or more permitted methods by which the media file may be transmitted over a network. In one embodiment, a user operates a web browser to access a web page including a hyperlink which references the media file and specifies a desired type of transmission. Desired types of transmission include, for example, streaming transmission and faster than real time reliable download. When the hyperlink is activated, a web server sends a URL referencing the media file to the web browser. The web browser passes the URL to the media player. The media player requests the media file from a media server. The media server transmits the header of the media file, and the media player extracts the access code to determine whether the media file may be transmitted according to the desired type of transmission. If so, the media server transmits the media file using the desired type of transmission, and the media player renders the media data into video, sound or image signals. If the media player receives the media data using a type of transmission that permits storing the media data locally, the media player may transfer the media data to a portable media player.

System and method for regulating the transmission of media data

A method and system for updating data stored on a computer storage device are provided. The data is contained in records or entries. Each record or entry has a primary pointer and an indicator. The indicator initially has each bit set to a predefined bit value. When data is to be updated (and thus, the record or entry containing the data is to be superseded), at least one bit of the indicator is changed from the predefined bit value to another bit value to point to the new record or entry and to indicate that the data in the new record or entry is an update of the data in the superseded record or entry. This method and system are especially suitable to be used in a write-once computer storage device.

System for updating data stored on a flash-erasable, programmable,

A method and apparatus for storing files on a computer file storage device. The files are organized into an hierarchical directory structure. The directory structure comprises directory entries and file entries. The file entries and directory each contain a primary and a secondary pointer. The secondary pointer is initially set to a predefined value. When an entry is to be updated, the secondary pointer is overridden with a value that points to the superseding entry. This directory structure is especially suitable to be used in a write-once computer memory.

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Redmond, WA, United States of America

Phillip L Barrett