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`
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`US 7,942,317 B2
`Page 2
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`D>>>>>>>>>D>D>D>D>D>>
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8/1998 Kim
`9/1998 Hanel et al.
`12/1998 Benson et a1.
`12/1998 Kreft
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`1/2006
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`9/2003
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`Meyer et al.
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`Yu
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`.................. .. 235/380
`Wise ........................... .. 235/380
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`
`235/380
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`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`W0
`W0
`W0
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0 713 198 A2
`5/1996
`0 823 694 A1
`2/1998
`0 542 298
`4/1998
`0 843 449 A2
`5/1998
`0 914 001 A1
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`
`Page 00002
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`Page 00002
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 1 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`Fig. 1
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`Page 00003
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`Page 00003
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 2 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`Page 00004
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 3 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`Page 00005
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 4 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`May 17, 2011
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`May 17, 2011
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`May 17, 2011
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 9 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 10 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`S10
`
`SMART FIASH CARD INSERTED
`INTO CONTENT ACCESS
`TERMINAL CARD INTERFACE
`
`S11
`
`SCHEME OWNER REGISTRATION
`WEB PAGE LOADED ONTO
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S12
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`USER REGISTRATION DATA
`ENTERED INTO CONTENT ACCESS
`TERMINAL
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`S13
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`TRANSMITTED TO SCHEME OWNER
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`S14
`PAYMENT REQUEST RECEIVED
`FROM SCHEME OWNER AT
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S15
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`PAYMENT DATA ENTERED INTO
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL AND
`TRANSMITTED TO SCHEME OWNER
`
`S16
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`Fig11a
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`CARD VALUE DATA AND CARD
`VALUE ACCESS CODE RECEIVED
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`
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`
`S17
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`S18
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`VALUE DATA AND ACCESS CODE
`WRITTEN ONTO CARD AND
`OUTPUT TO USER
`
`S19
`
`CARD AVAILABLE FOR USE
`
`Page 00012
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`Page 00012
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`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 17, 2011
`
`Sheet 11 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
`
`S20
`
`REQUEST FOR CARD
`REGISTRATION WEB PAGE
`RECEIVED FROM CONTENT
`
`ACCESS DEVICE
`
`S21
`TRANSMIT CARD REGISTRATION
`WEB PAGE TO CONTENT
`ACCESS DEVICE
`
`S22
`RECEIVE USER REGISTRATION
`DATA FROM CONTENT ACCESS
`TERMINAL AND STORE IN ACCESS
`CONTROL DATA STORE
`
`
`
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`
`
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`
`S23
`TRANSMIT PAYMENT REQUEST TO
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
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`S24
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`RECEIVE PAYMENT DATA FROM
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S25
`
`PAYMENT PROCESSOR VERIFIES
`PAYMENT DATA WITH PAYMENT
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`S26
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`TRANSMITS VALUE DATA AND
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`WITH TRANSACTION DATA
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`S28
`CARD REGISTRATION DATA
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`DATA STORE AND TRANSMITTED
`
`
`TO CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`
`
`
`S29
`
`TRANSACTION COMPLETE
`
`Page 00013
`
`Page 00013
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 17, 2011
`
`Sheet 12 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
`
`830
`
`INSERT CARD IN CONTENT
`ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S31
`
`USER ENTERS PASSWORD INTO
`
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
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`S32
`
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
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`FOR VERIFICATION
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`DATA FROM CARD
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`DENIED COUNT
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`
`S35
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`READ CARD THRESHOLD AND
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`LOAD RETAILER DATA FROM
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`
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`S37
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`
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`
`DISPLAY MENU. RETAILER DATA
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`CONTENT AccEss TERMINAL
`
`
`
`S43
`
`
`TERMINAL
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`
`
`
`couNT>TERMINAI.
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`
`INPUT MENU OPTION
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`ADD MONETARY VALUE;
`CHECK I SPEND CRM VALUE;
`WEB SITE LINKS: EXIT)
`
`s44
`
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` CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
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`
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`ggfigcif AND AWAFF CARD
`
`9
`
`Fig. 12a
`
`Page 00014
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`Page 00014
`
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 17, 2011
`
`Sheet 13 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`S45
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTENT SEARCH REQUEST
`DATA INPUT AND TRANSMITTED
`TO SCHEME OWNER CONTENT
`DISTRIBUTION PROCESSOR
`
`
`
`
`S46
`
`
`
`
`CONTENT SEARCH RESULTS
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`
`TERMINAL
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`
`
`
`
`S47
`
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`INPUT AND TRANSMITTED TO
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`S48
`
`CONTENT COST DATA, CONTENT
`USE RULES AND PURCHASE
`OPTIONS DATA RECEIVED FROM
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`
`
`
`
`S49
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`OR EXIT TO MENU SELECTED
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`EXIT
`
`S50
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`CARD VALUE AND CRM DATA
`READ FROM CARD
`
`Fig.12b
`
`$52
`
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`
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`
`S51
`
`CARD VALUE SUFFICIENT?
`
`
`YES
`
`S53
`
`PAYMENT REQUEST
`TRANSMITTED TO CARD
`
`Page 00015
`
`Page 00015
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 17, 2011
`
`Sheet 14 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`354
`
`
`RECEIVED FROM CARD BY
`
`
`
`FORWARDED TO e-PAYMENT
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`
`PAYMENT RECORD DATA
`
`S55
`
`
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`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`TERMINAL AND FORWARDED TO
`
`CARD
`
`Fig.12c
`
`Page 00016
`
`S56
`
`
`
`PAYMENT RECORD DATA.
`PURCHASE REQUEST AND CARD
`
`
`
`REGISTRATION DATA
`
`
`
`TRANSMITTED TO SCHEME
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OWNER
`
`S57
`
`CONTENT AND CONTENT ACCESS
`
`RULES DOWNLOADED TO CARD
`
`RECEIVE CRM DATA FROM
`
`CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`S58
`
`S59
`
`WRITE AUDIT TRAIL TO CARD
`
`AND UPDATE CARD CRM DATA
`
`PAYMENT FOR SCHEME OWNER
`
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL AND
`
`
`
`
`Page 00016
`
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`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 17, 2011
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 7,942,317 B2
`
`S60
`
`CONTENT ACCESS WEB PAGE
`
`REQUESTED AND TRANSMITTED
`TO CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S61
`
`CONTENT SEARCH REQUEST
`RECEIVED FROM CONTENT
`ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S62
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
`PROCESSOR SEARCHES
`CONTENT ACCESS DATA STORE
`AND TRANSMITS SEARCH
`RESULTS TO CONTENT ACCESS
`TERMINAL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`s63C0NTENT ITEM SELECTION F . 1
`
`RECEIVED FROM CONTENT
`ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S64
`
`CONTENT ITEM PURCHASE DATA
`RETRIEVED FROM CONTENT
`ACCESS DATA STORE
`
`S65
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`TRANSMITTED TO CONTENT
`ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S56
`
`
`PAYMENT RECORD DATA.
`PURCHASE REQUEST DATA AND
`
`
`CARD REGISTRATION DATA
`RECEIVED FROM CONTENT
`
`ACCESS TERMINAL
`
`S67
`
`PAYMENT RECORD DATA
`VALIDATED WITH e-PAYMENT
`SYSTEM
`
`0
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 16 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`S68
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`PAYMENT DISTRIBU ION DATA
`READ FROM CONTENT ACCESS
`DATA STORE
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`S69
`PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION
`INSTRUCTION TRANSMITTED TO
`e-PAYMENT SYSTEM
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`S70
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`CONTENT ACCESS RULES FOR
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`PURCHASED LEVEL OF SERVICE,
`CRM DATA AND CONTENT
`PROVIDER ID DATA READ FROM
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`CONTENT ACCESS DATA STORE
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`S71
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`CONTENT ACCESS RULES
`TRANSMITTED TO CONTENT
`ACCESS TERMINAL
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`S72
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`DRM PROCESSOR TRANSMITS
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`TRANSACTION REQUEST AND
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`AUTHENTICATION TO CONTENT
`PROVIDER
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`S73
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`Fig. 12e
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`CONTENT ACCESS WEB SERVER
`RECEIVES PROTECTED CONTENT
`FROM CONTENT PROVIDER AND
`TRANSMITS CONTENT TO
`CONTENT ACCESS TERMINAL
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`S74
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`PURCHASE DATA AND CONTENT
`ACCESS RECORD WRITTEN TO
`PAYMENT RECORD DATA STORE
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`S75
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`USING STORED RULES UPDATED
`CRM DATA WRITTEN TO CONTENT
`ACCESS DATA STORE AND
`TRANSMITTED TO CONTENT
`ACCESS TERMINAL
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`S76
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`PROCESS ENDS
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 17 of 17
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`S77
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`CARD INSERTED INTO PLAYER
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`S78
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`USER PASSWORD ENTERED INTO
`PUKYER AND TRANSMITTED TO
`CARD FOR VALIDATION
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`CONTENT ACCESS PERMITTED
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`
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`S79
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`
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`STORED CONTENT INDEX LOADED
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`FROM CARD AND DISPLAYED WITH
`MENU (ACCESS CONT ENT: CHECK
`
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`VALUE: CHECK CRM: PLAY OPTIONS)
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`S80
`SELECTION OF CONTENT ITEMS
`FOR ACCESS ENTERED INTO
`PIAYER
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`
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`CONTENT USE STATUS AND
`CONTENT USE RULES LOADED
`FROM CARD
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`Fig. 13
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`S81
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`S82
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`USE RULES AND USE STATUS
`COMPARED AND DISPLAYED WITH
`CONTENT PLAY MENU
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`IS CONTENT USE
`PERMITTED?
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`YES
`PLAY
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`S84
`CONTENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY
`DATA MADE AVAILABLE TO USER
`
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`PAUSE WRITE/READ CARDS
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`PLAY STATUS DATA
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`PLAY
`COMPLETE
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`S85
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`UPDATED CONTENT USE DATA
`WRITTEN TO CARD
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`S86
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`CRM DATA AND CRM REWARD
`RULES LOADED FROM THE CARD
`AND UPDATED
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`Page 00019
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`1
`DATA STORAGE AND ACCESS SYSTEMS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applica-
`tion Ser. No. 11/336,758, filed on Jan. 19, 2006; which is a
`continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,716,
`filed on Sep. 17, 2002, which application is a national stage
`application under 35 U.S.C. 371, claiming the priority of
`international PCTApplication No. GB00/041 10, filed on Oct.
`25, 2000; which claims priority to UK Application No.
`9925227.2 filed on Oct. 25, 1999, each of which is incorpo-
`rated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention is generally concerned with data storage and
`access systems. More particularly, it relates to a portable data
`carrier for storing and paying for data and to computer sys-
`tems for providing access to data to be stored. The invention
`also includes corresponding methods and computer pro-
`grams. The invention is particularly useful for managing
`stored audio and video data, but may also be applied to stor-
`age and access of text and software, including games, as well
`as other types of data.
`One problem associated with the increasingly wide use of
`the internet
`is the growing prevalence of so-called data
`pirates. Such pirates obtain data either by unauthorized or
`legitimate means and then make this data available essentially
`world-wide over the intemet without authorization. Data can
`
`be a very valuable commodity, but once it has been published
`on the intemet it is difficult to police access to and use of it by
`internet users who may not even realize that it is pirated. This
`is a particular problem with audio recordings, and, once the
`bandwidth becomes available, is also likely to be evident with
`video.
`
`Over the past three or four years compressed audio sources
`have become increasingly widely available on web pages.
`One widely used audio data compression format is MP3
`(MPEG-Audio Layer 3 of the MPEG1 compression algo-
`rithm), which is an internationally defined standard including
`a definition of compressed audio information such as speech
`or music. It relies on psycho-acoustic properties of human
`hearing to achieve very large data compression factors. It is
`thus feasible to download usefully long passages of music in
`a practically convenient short time. Pirate data suppliers have
`not been slow to realize the potential of this, and many unau-
`thorized websites have sprung up offering popular industry
`considerable concern and there is an urgent need to find a way
`to address the problem of data piracy.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to the present invention there is therefore pro-
`vided a method of providing portable data comprising pro-
`viding a portable data storage device comprising downloaded
`data storage means and payment validation means; providing
`a terminal for internet access; coupling the portable data
`storage device to the terminal; reading payment information
`from the payment validation means using the terminal; vali-
`dating the payment information; and downloading data into
`the portable storage device from a data supplier.
`Another aspect of the invention provides a corresponding
`mobile data retrieval device for retrieving and outputting data
`such as stored music and/or noise from the data storage
`device.
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`The payment validation means is, for example, means to
`validate payment with an external authority such as a bank or
`building society. The combination of the payment validation
`means with the data storage means allows the access to the
`downloaded data which is to be stored by the data storage
`means, to be made conditional upon checked and validated
`payment being made for the data. Binding the data access and
`payment together allows the legitimate owners of the data to
`make the data available themselves over the intemet without
`
`fear of loss of revenue, thus undermining the position of data
`pirates.
`A further advantage of the system is that it allows users
`under the age of 18 to make internet purchases. Currently
`internet users pay for goods and/or services by credit card.
`Since credit cards carmot legitimately be used by persons
`under the age of 18 (at least in the UK), a significant fraction
`of adventurous intemet users are excluded from e-commerce,
`one of the most significant predicted uses of the internet. In
`one embodiment ofthe invention, however, the payment vali-
`dation means comprises e-cash; that is, the payment valida-
`tion means stores transaction value information on a cash
`
`value oftransactions validatable by the data storage means. In
`simple terms, the data storage means can be a card which is
`charged up to a desired cash value (if necessary limited to a
`maximum value) at a suitable terminal. This might be an
`internet access terminal but could, more simply, be a device to
`accept the data storage card and to receive and count money
`deposited by the user to charge the card, writing update cash
`value information onto the card. More sophisticated ways of
`updating the cash value on the card are also possible, such as
`direct bank transfer. Since, with this type of embodiment, the
`data storage means is, essentially, precharged with cash rather
`than acting as a credit card, it can be used by young people
`without the risk of their incurring large debts.
`In one embodiment the data storage means is powered by
`the retrieval device when it is connected to the device and
`
`retains a memory of the downloaded data when it is unpow-
`ered. This can be achieved by the use of Flash RAM or, more
`generally, any form of programmable read-only memory.
`Alternatively the data storage means may incorporate a
`rechargeable cell or capacitor and store information in battery
`backed-up static RAM.
`The downloaded data may be entered into the data storage
`device by means of an interface such as a magnetically or
`capacitatively coupled connection or an optical connection,
`but preferably the interface comprises contacts for direct elec-
`trical connection to the storage means. The payment valida-
`tion means may likewise have one of a variety of interfaces
`but again preferably comprises a set of electrical contacts.
`The payment validation means could, however, comprise a
`magnetic or holographic data-strip such as is known for use
`with credit cards and phone cards. The interface to receive the
`downloaded data may be separate from the interface to the
`payment validation means, to facilitate separate and simulta-
`neous access to both these systems. In other embodiments a
`single interface may serve for both data storage and payment.
`Advantageously the payment validation means includes a
`memory storing information to identify the person who is
`paying for the downloaded data.
`For additional security the downloaded data may be
`encrypted. In this case data decryption may be necessary at
`some stage, either in the data storage means or in the retrieval
`device or in an information delivering apparatus such as a data
`access terminal. Alternatively the data decryption function
`can be shared amongst one or more of these devices. The
`skilled person will be aware of a range of suitable encryption/
`decryption techniques, including Pretty Good Privacy (Reg-
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`3
`istered Trade Mark) and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure).
`Normally when the downloaded data is encrypted a decryp-
`tion key must be supplied. This can be generated automati-
`cally by the data access terminal or data access service pro-
`vider or it can be entered by the user into the data access
`terminal or into the mobile data retrieval device.
`
`The data storage means and/or the retrieval device can be
`provided with access control means to prevent unauthorized
`access to the downloaded data. Additionally or alternatively,
`use control means can be provided to stop or provide only
`limited access of the user to the downloaded data in accor-
`
`dance with the amount paid. These access and use control
`functions may in some embodiments be combined, permitted
`use controlling access or permitted access controlling use.
`Thus, for example, a complete set of data information relating
`to a particular topic, a particular music track, or a particular
`software package might be downloaded, although access to
`part ofthe data set might thereafter be controlled by payments
`made by a user at a later stage. In this way, a user could pay to
`enable an extra level on a game or to enable further tracks of
`an album.
`In embodiments where the access or use control means is
`
`responsive to the payment validation means, access or use
`control information may be stored with the downloaded data
`or in a separate storage area, for example in the payment
`validation means. The user’s access to the downloaded data
`
`could advantageously be responsive to the payment valida-
`tion means, for example, by means of a control line coupling
`the payment validation means with a memory access or
`decryption control element.
`In one embodiment the data storage means comprises an
`electronic memory card or smart card and the mobile data
`retrieval device is provided with a slot to receive the card.
`Preferably the card is a push-fit within the retrieval device,
`and retention of the card may be effected by pressure from
`electrical interface connections and/or resilience of the hous-
`
`ing, or by using a resilient retaining means. In a preferred
`embodiment the retrieval device includes an audio output and
`a display, to play a downloaded track and to show information
`about the track and/or an accompanying video.
`To download data onto the data storage means the user can
`employ a data access terminal coupled to the intemet. The
`terminal can directly validate payment; for example in the
`case of a smart card charged with electronic cash it can deduct
`a cash value from the card. Alternatively it can communicate
`with a bank or other financial services provider to control
`payment. In a preferred embodiment, however, the terminal
`connects to a data access service provider which provides a
`portal to other sites and which validates payment and then
`forwards data from a data supplier to the user’s local access
`terminal. The data access service provider may alternatively
`forward payment validation information and/or information
`from the payment validation authority to the data supplier for
`control by the supplier of the data supplied. Thus, access to
`the payment validation system and/or data for downloading
`may be entirely controlled by the data supplier.
`Data held on the data storage means may advantageously
`include data relating to the user’s or payer’s usage of the
`system. This information may include, for example, informa-
`tion on a user’ s spending pattern, information on data suppli-
`ers used and information on the downloaded data. This infor-
`
`mation may be accessed by the data supplier and/or data
`access service provider and can be used for targeted market-
`ing or loyalty-based incentive schemes such as air miles or the
`like.
`
`The data access terminal may be a conventional computer
`or, alternatively, it may be a mobile phone. Wireless Applica-
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`tion Protocol (WAP) and i-mode allow mobile phones to
`efiiciently access the intemet and this allows a mobile phone
`to be used to download data to the data storage means, advan-
`tageously, directly. The data storage means can, if desired,
`incorporate the functionality of a mobile phone SIM (Sub-
`scriber Identity Module) card, which cards already include a
`user identification means, to allow user billing through the
`phone network operator.
`In a preferred embodiment the downloaded data is MP3 or
`other encoded audio data, but the system finds more general
`application for other data types. For example, download data
`can include software, and particularly games, share price
`information, current news information, transport timetable
`information, weather information and catalog shopping
`information. The downloaded information may also include
`compressed video data. The storage capacity of the data stor-
`age means is adaptable to suit the type of data intended to be
`downloaded; for example, 32 megabytes is sufficient for CD
`quality music, but for video it is preferable that the data
`storage means has a capacity of 128 megabytes or greater.
`In another aspect, the invention provides a portable data
`carrier comprising an interface for reading and writing data
`from and to the carrier; non-volatile data memory, coupled to
`the interface, for storing data on the carrier; non-volatile
`payment data memory, coupled to the interface, for providing
`payment data to an external device.
`These features allow the data carrier to store both payment
`data and content data, thus providing the advantages outlined
`above. Depending upon the payment system used, the pay-
`ment data memory may also store code for validating or
`confirming a payment to an external payment system. The
`payment data will normally be linked to a card or card holder
`identification data for payment by the card holder. The non-
`volatile memory ensures that stored content and payment data
`is retained in the data carrier when the data carrier is not
`
`receiving power from an external source. Thus “non-volatile”
`encompasses, for example, low-power memory whose con-
`tents are retained by a battery back-up system. In one embodi-
`ment the payment data memory comprises EEPROM and the
`content data memory comprises Flash memory, but other
`types of content data memory, such as optical, for example,
`holographic, data memory can also be used. The data carrier
`may also be integrated into other apparatus, such as a mobile
`communications device.
`
`Preferably, the portable data carrier further comprises a
`program store for storing code implementable by a processor;
`and a processor, coupled to the content data memory, the
`payment data memory, the interface and to the program store
`for implementing code in the program store, wherein the code
`comprises code to output payment data from the payment
`data memory to the interface and code to provide external
`access to the data memory.
`Normally, the (content) data memory allows both write and
`read access for both storing and retrieving data, but in some
`embodiments the content data memory may be read-only
`memory (ROM). In such embodiments, content may be pre-
`loaded onto the carrier and payment may then be made for
`permission to access the pre-loaded data.
`Preferably, the data carrier also stores a record of access
`made to the content data and updates this in response to
`external access, preferably read access, made to the data
`memory. The carrier may also store content use rules pertain-
`ing to allowed use of stored data items. These use rules may
`be linked to payments made from the card to provide payment
`options such as access to buy content data outright; rental
`access to content data for a time period or for a specified
`number of access events; and/or rental/purchase, for example
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`US 7,942,317 B2
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`5
`where rental use is provided together with an option to pur-
`chase content data at the reduced price after rental access has
`expired.
`Thus where the data carrier stores, for example, music, the
`purchase outright option may be equivalent to the purchase of
`a compact disc (CD), preferably with some form of content
`copy protection such as digital watermarking.
`In this
`example, the rental or subscription payment option may be a
`pay-per-play option, and with this option payment may either
`be before or after access to the stored data so that the carrier
`
`may operate in either a debit or credit payment mode.
`The portability ofthe data carrier potentially allows it to be
`used to access content or, in the example, play music without
`the need to be linked to a communications system or to be
`on-line to the internet. By providing a use record memory on
`the data carrier, use of the stored data can be tracked while
`ff-line and then any necessary payment can be made when the
`data carrier is next coupled to a communication system. This
`allows the data carrier to operate in a credit mode. In a debit
`mode, the additional storage of use rules facilitates the regu-
`lation of access to content data stored on the carrier without
`
`the need for further exchange of payment/use data with an
`external system to validate the use.
`By combining digital rights management with content data
`storage using a single carrier, the stored content data becomes
`mobile and can be accessed anywhere while retaining control
`over the stored data for the data content provider or data
`copyright owner. Preferably,
`the data carrier also stores
`access control data, such as a user ID and a password, as the
`stored data may be valuable. The access control data may be
`combined with access control to the payment data, which is
`typically by means ofa PIN (Personal Identification Number)
`to simplify access to valued content stored on the carrier.
`In one embodiment the stored content data is encrypted and
`a unique password or PIN and/or biometric data is required
`for decryption. The data carrier may be arranged so that the
`content is erased after a predetermined number of incorrect
`access attempts. Additionally or alternatively, a permanently
`stored flag may be set and/or a hardware modification (such as
`a fusable link) may be made to prevent the data carrier from
`functioning for further data storage/retrieval. Preferably,
`however, access to any stored value/payment data is never-
`theless retained.
`
`Supplementary data may also be stored on the carrier in
`association with stored content data. This supplementary data
`may comprise customer reward management data and/or
`advertising data. The supplementary data may comprise a
`pointer to an external data source from which data is down-
`loaded either to the data carrier or to a data access device or
`
`content player, so that advertising or other data can be dis-
`played when reviewing or accessing the stored content.
`Additional data security and/or a mechanism for rewarding
`operators at different levels in the data supply chain may be
`provided using a content synthesis function. The content syn-
`thesis function combines partial content information from
`two or more sources to provide content data items for storage
`and/or output. Thus, for example, a first percentage of a
`content data item could be provided by a content retailer,
`while a remaining percentage could be provided by an on-line
`data supplier. This would provide an incentive for a user to
`register with a content retailer or distributor as well as with an
`on-line system owner and so could encourage the use of
`existing retailers and could provide a mechanism for paying
`commission to such retailers. The two portions of data com-
`bined to provide a content data item could comprise encryp-
`tion data and a key but preferably comprise separate parts of
`a complete data item, for example, least significant bits and
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`most significant bits or high frequencies and low frequencies
`(for audio). This arrangement also facilitates customer reward
`and loyalty management.
`In one embodiment the data carrier further comprises
`memory for storing data for accessing a mobile communica-
`tions network, for example to receive content data over the
`network. For such an embodiment,
`the data carrier may
`replace a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card in a mobile
`communications device, thus providing a single card for both
`network access and valued content retrieval and storage.
`Additionally or alternatively the card may also store the web
`address of a data supplier from whom data may be down-
`loaded onto the carrier.
`
`The data memory for storing content data may be optic,
`magnetic or semiconductor memory, but preferably com-
`prises Flash memory. Preferably, the data memory has a large
`capacity for storing large data files such as compressed video
`data. Preferably, the data memory is partitioned for lock
`access, that is, for read and/or write access to blocks of, for
`example,
`1 K, 4K, 16K or 64K databytes for faster data
`access, particularly where the stored content data will nor-
`mally be accessed serially, as is normally the case with audio
`and video data. Preferably the card is configured as an IC card
`or smart card and has a credit card-type format, although
`other formats such as the “memory stick” format may also be
`used. This provides a small and convenient portable format
`and facilitates removable interfacing wit