(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0077984 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 20, 2002
`Ireton
`
`US 20020077984A1
`
`(54) ENABLING PROTECTED DIGITAL MEDIA
`TO BE SHARED BETWEEN PLAYBACK
`DEVICES
`
`(76) Inventor: Mark Ireton, Portland, OR (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`FENWICK & WEST LLP
`TWO PALO ALTO SQUARE
`PALO ALTO, CA 94306 (US)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`09/747,351
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 19, 2000
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl? ................................................... .. G06F 17/60
`
`(52) US. Cl. .............................................................. .. 705/51
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`One embodiment of the present invention provides a media
`server. Another embodiment of the present invention pro
`vides a system for enabling protected media content to be
`shared betWeen playback devices. Another embodiment of
`the present invention provides a method for enabling pro
`tected media content to be shared betWeen playback devices.
`Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
`method for maintaining a desired distribution of acquired
`rights to use associated With media content. Another
`embodiment of the present invention provides a method for
`integrating a neW component into a system for enabling
`protected media content to be shared betWeen playback
`devices.
`
`Computer
`
`SAC
`
`Computer
`115a
`
`Digital
`Media
`Server
`1 10a
`
`ll
`
`SAC
`
`r
`Playback
`Device
`1 05a
`
`SAC
`
`Digital
`+ Media
`Server
`110b
`
`SAC
`
`Playback
`Device
`105b
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 1 0f 6
`
`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Computer
`
`Digital
`Media
`Server
`110a
`
`4
`
`SAC
`
`+
`
`SAC
`
`Piayback
`Device
`105a
`
`Digital
`Media
`Server
`110b
`
`SAC
`
`Playback
`Device
`105b
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 2 0f 6
`
`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Media
`Content
`
`l
`Media
`Input
`Unit
`205
`
`Intake
`Process <——~——>
`210
`
`Digital
`Media
`Server
`112
`
`Storage
`Unit
`215
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Digital
`Output<——> Process <———>
`220
`
`Outtake
`
`ll
`Analog
`Output
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 3 0f 6
`
`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Digital
`Media
`Server
`110a
`
`Storage
`Unit
`215
`‘k
`
`A
`
`V
`
`Digital
`Media
`Server
`110b
`
`Storage
`Unit
`215
`\
`
`it
`
`v
`
`Playback
`Dixie
`
`—
`
`From Content
`Provider
`
`l
`
`Content
`305a
`
`Rights
`310a
`
`Content
`305b
`
`Rights
`31Gb
`
`Content
`
`3305::
`
`Rights
`310c
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 4 0f 6
`
`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Receiving media content
`405
`
`V
`Identifying rights to use associated with the media content
`410
`
`V
`In response to no rights to use being identified,
`assigning default rights to use to the media content
`415
`
`V
`Distributing a number of copies of the media
`content to desired locations
`420
`
`V
`Explicitly or implicitly transferring a number of
`the rights to use to desired locations
`425
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 5 0f 6
`
`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Are
`rights properly
`distributed?
`505
`
`Redistributing rights to use based
`on a predetermined schema
`510
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 20, 2002 Sheet 6 0f 6
`
`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`V
`Connecting new component to the system
`605
`
`V
`Associating the new component with an identity
`610
`
`V
`Notifying existing components of the new component's identity
`615
`
`V
`Using identity of new component to create a SAC between the
`new component and an existing component
`620
`
`v
`Exchanging knowledge about the system thereby
`integrating the new component into the system
`625
`
`i
`Redistributing rights in accordance with
`redistibution schema
`630
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 7
`
`

`

`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`ENABLING PROTECTED DIGITAL MEDIA TO BE
`SHARED BETWEEN PLAYBACK DEVICES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The invention relates to media content, and more
`particularly, to enabling the sharing of protected digital
`media betWeen playback devices.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Digital media can represent information in a num
`ber of forms, including the likes of audio, video, softWare,
`teXt, graphics, or combinations thereof. As such digital
`media proliferates and is distributed to consumers, various
`protection mechanisms are developing to ensure that digital
`media is not subjected to unintended or illegal use, such as
`unauthoriZed copying and redistribution. As a consequence
`of these protection mechanisms, a number of prescribed
`usage rules are associated With each piece of distributed
`digital media. Ideally, the consumer is obligated to treat
`acquired digital media in accordance With any prescribed
`usage rules associated With that digital media. Similarly,
`manufactures of digital recording devices are obligated to
`ensure that their recording devices operate Within the con
`straints of prescribed usage rules.
`
`[0003] One problem With this situation is that the con
`sumer is signi?cantly burdened by having to keep track of
`such prescribed usage rules. This problem is exacerbated by
`the fact that different pieces of digital media are likely to
`have different prescribed usage rules. Thus, consumers can
`not rely on uniformity of usage rules to lessen their burden.
`In addition, consumers can simply overlook usage rules
`associated With a piece of digital media When possible.
`Moreover, currently available digital recording devices pro
`vide inadequate mechanisms for ensuring prescribed usage
`rules are not violated. As a result, content suppliers and
`distributors are discouraged from disseminating digital
`media knoWing that prescribed usage rules can be readily
`disregarded.
`[0004] There is a need, therefore, for techniques that
`facilitate the management of rights associated With digital
`media. Such techniques Would alloW consumers to escape
`the burden of having to keep track of prescribed usage rules.
`LikeWise, such techniques Would preclude violation of pre
`scribed usage rules thereby encouraging content suppliers
`and distributors to disseminate digital media.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005] One embodiment of the present invention provides
`a media server including an input unit having a number of
`input ports for receiving media content, an intake module
`operatively coupled to the media input unit for identifying
`rights to use associated With the received media content, a
`storage unit operatively coupled to the intake module for
`storing rights to use associated With the received media
`content, and an outtake module operatively coupled to the
`storage unit and for transferring rights to use associated With
`the media content to another location.
`
`[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention pro
`vides a system for enabling protected media content to be
`shared betWeen playback devices. The system includes a
`media server for transferring rights to use associated With
`
`media content to other locations on the system thereby
`alloWing copies of that media content to be used at the other
`locations, and a playback device accessible by the media
`server. The playback device alloWs playback of the media
`content given that a right to use associated With that media
`content has been transferred to the playback device. One
`embodiment of this system includes a number of media
`servers and playback devices, and rights to use associated
`With acquired media content can be distributed among
`system components pursuant to a distribution scheme.
`
`[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention pro
`vides a method for enabling protected media content to be
`shared betWeen playback devices. The method includes
`receiving media content, identifying rights to use associated
`With the received media content, and transferring rights to
`use associated With the media content to another location
`thereby alloWing playback of that media content at that
`location. One embodiment of this method includes distrib
`uting rights to use pursuant to a scheme.
`
`[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention pro
`vides a method for maintaining a desired distribution of
`acquired rights to use associated With media content by
`determining Whether the acquired rights to use are properly
`distributed based on indicators. In response to the acquired
`rights to use not being properly distributed, the method
`includes redistributing the rights to use based on a scheme.
`One embodiment of this method includes queuing redistrib
`uted data bound for a target location that is unavailable at
`redistribution time until that location becomes available at a
`later time.
`
`[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention pro
`vides a method for integrating a neW component into a
`system for enabling protected media content to be shared
`betWeen playback devices. The method includes connecting
`a neW component to the system, associating the neW com
`ponent With an identity, notifying eXisting components of the
`neW component’s identity, creating a secure communication
`link betWeen the neW component and an eXisting compo
`nent, exchanging information about the system thereby
`integrating the neW component into the system, and redis
`tributing rights to use associated With the protected media
`content in accordance With system con?guration rules.
`[0010] The features and advantages described in the speci
`?cation are not all inclusive and, in particular, many addi
`tional features and advantages Will be apparent to one of
`ordinary skill in the art in vieW of the draWings, speci?ca
`tion, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the
`language used in the speci?cation has been principally
`selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not
`to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a media
`system in accordance With one embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a digital
`media server in accordance With one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the How of digital media and its
`associated rights in a media system in accordance With one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 8
`
`

`

`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for enabling protected
`media content to be shared betWeen playback devices in
`accordance With one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for maintaining a
`desired distribution of rights associated With digital media in
`accordance With one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for integrating a neW
`component into a system for enabling protected media
`content to be shared betWeen playback devices in accor
`dance With one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a media
`system in accordance With one embodiment of the present
`invention. The system includes a number of playback
`devices 105 (e.g., 105a and 105b), a number of digital media
`servers 110 (e.g., 110a and 110b), and a number of com
`puters 115 (e.g., 115a and 115b) operatively coupled to one
`another via a netWork 120.
`[0018] OvervieW
`[0019] The system alloWs a consumer of digital media to
`have access to copies of that digital media in a number of
`locations Without violating prescribed usage rules associated
`With the digital media. For instance, assume a digital book
`or digital music track purchased by a consumer is associated
`With a usage rule that the consumer can only have three
`Working copies of the digital book. Further assume the
`consumer desires to have a ?rst copy of the digital book or
`music track on computer 115b at the of?ce playback device
`105 associated With computer 115b not shoWn), a second
`copy on playback device 105a in the living room at home,
`and a third copy on playback device 105b in the bedroom.
`The system and techniques described herein provide a
`means for transferring the right to enjoy or otherWise use a
`piece of digital media (such as a digital book) betWeen
`playback devices 105 While ensuring that the overall usage
`rules for that particular piece of digital media are not
`violated by the consumer.
`
`[0020] For example, the right to enjoy or otherWise use a
`copy of the digital book or music track located on computer
`115b can be implicitly transferred (e.g., via an accounting
`mechanism) or explicitly transferred (e.g., via movement of
`a decryption key) to computer 115a located in a den or study
`at home. This might be desirable because the user no longer
`needs the right to use the digital book or music track at the
`of?ce. As such, the right to use associated With the copy on
`computer 115b is effectively transferred to computer 115a.
`A copy of the digital book or music track located on
`computer 115a can noW be available for use. Digital media
`servers 110 provide a mechanism for effecting and managing
`the secure transfer of rights to use betWeen the various
`components of the system.
`
`[0021] Note that Whether the copy of the digital book or
`music track that resides on computer 115b is actually
`removed is irrelevant. Even if a copy still resides on com
`puter 115b, the right to use that copy is no longer present.
`Thus, the copy on computer 115b cannot be used. In this
`Way, the actual number of copies made of an acquired piece
`of digital media can be unlimited. As such, each playback
`device 105 of a given system can have a copy of a piece of
`
`acquired digital media. HoWever, at any given time, only
`those copies accompanied by a right to use can be enjoyed
`or otherWise used. Moreover, each copy is encrypted or
`otherWise protected thereby inhibiting unauthoriZed copying
`of a copy. The usage rules associated With the particular
`piece of digital media de?ne the total number of Working
`copies of that piece of digital media.
`[0022] The system can be deployed in a home, of?ce, or
`any location Where a consumer might be interested in using
`digital media. Alternatively, the system can span across
`several different locations such as both the home and of?ce,
`or multiple homes. Some or all of the components included
`in the system can be coupled to one another via a dedicated
`connection such as a hardWire connection or a Wireless
`communication link. LikeWise, some or all of the compo
`nents included in the system can be coupled to one another
`via a netWork-type connection such as a local area netWork
`Within a home or office, or a Wide area netWork (including
`the Internet) betWeen remote locations. Generally stated, the
`system is not constrained by geographic limitations given
`access to conventional communication infrastructures such
`as the Internet, telephone lines and cable systems. A secure
`and authenticated channel over such communication infra
`structures can be used to transfer digital media and or its
`associated rights.
`[0023] As earlier stated, digital media can represent infor
`mation in a number of forms, including the likes of audio
`(e.g., MP3 and WAV ?les), video (e.g., MPEG and Quick
`Time. ?les), softWare (e.g., games and Word processing
`applications), text (e.g., HTML documents and document
`?les), graphics (e.g., GIFF and JPEG ?les), or combinations
`thereof. Digital media includes, for example, digital books,
`digital audio books, digital music, digital movies, digital
`lectures or other educational presentations, digital art, com
`puter games, or any digital data ?le that can be executed or
`otherWise used by a consumer. The techniques described
`herein can be employed in the context of any such digital
`media.
`
`[0024] In addition, the system is not limited to any one
`kind of media, Whether the media be in digital form or
`otherWise (e. g., analog form). Rather, the system can operate
`in the context of a number of diverse media forms such as
`compressed encrypted digital music, bitmap images, object
`code, and analog music signals. Non-digital media content
`can be converted to digital to facilitate use of that media
`content by the system. Thus, the same system can be used to
`facilitate the playback of, and manage the rights associated
`With, various acquired digital books, digital or analog music,
`digital artWork, and other forms of media content.
`[0025] Note that alternative embodiments of the system
`might include other components not shoWn in FIG. 1, such
`as additional playback devices 105, additional digital media
`servers 110, additional netWorks 120, encryption/decryption
`modules, buffers, queue structures, and storage units. Simi
`larly, alternative embodiments of the system need not
`include all the components shoWn in FIG. 1. For instance,
`a system may include one digital media server 110 and a
`number of playback devices 105. Each of the components
`shoWn in FIG. 1 Will noW be discussed in more detail.
`[0026] Components
`[0027] Aplayback device 105 can be any of a number of
`devices con?gured to alloW a consumer to enjoy or other
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 9
`
`

`

`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`Wise use acquired digital media. For instance, a playback
`device 105 for enjoying digital graphics such as digital
`artwork (e.g., digitiZed version of the Monet’s Rouen Cathe
`dral or an original piece of digital artwork) might be an
`application running on a computer, personal digital assistant,
`or other processing environment capable of displaying
`images of digital graphics. Additionally, a playback device
`105 for enjoying digital graphics might be a projector that
`projects a high-resolution image of a digital graphic onto a
`Wall or other surface.
`
`[0028] In the conteXt of digital audio ?les such as digital
`music, playback device 105 might be a boom boX, a portable
`audio player, a car stereo, or an application running on a
`computer or other processing environment capable of sound
`ing out a digital audio ?le. In the conteXt of digital teXt ?les
`such as digital books, playback device 105 might be a hand
`held electronic device capable of storing and displaying
`digital teXt (e.g., a personal digital assistant), or an applica
`tion running on a computer or other processing environment
`capable of displaying a digital teXt ?le. Generally, a play
`back device 105 need not include storage capability. Rather,
`playback devices 105 need only the ability to playback a
`particular piece of digital media that is stored elseWhere on
`the system. HoWever, playback devices 105 may optionally
`include storage capability. Numerous other playback devices
`105 Will be apparent in light of this disclosure. Note that a
`computer 115 can also include a playback device 105.
`
`[0029] Generally, a computer 115 can be a conventional
`computer system such as a desktop, laptop or Workstation.
`LikeWise, computer 115 can be a server or data vault for
`storing and serving various forms of digital media. Simi
`larly, computer 115 can be a processing device such as a
`personal digital assistant or other electronic devices capable
`of communicating With other system components.
`
`[0030] A digital media server 110 is capable of managing
`the transfer of digital media and associated user rights to
`components included in the system. In one embodiment,
`digital media server 110 is a conventional computer having
`a set of softWare instructions stored therein that, When
`eXecuted, facilitate the managing and transfer of digital
`media and associated user rights. HoWever, digital media
`server 110 can be implemented in the likes of hardWare,
`softWare, ?rmWare, or any combination thereof. For
`eXample, digital media server 110 might be a microcontrol
`ler unit or single board computer having a central processing
`unit and support features such as RAM, ROM, buffers, and
`a nonvolatile storage facility (e.g., ?ash memory or elec
`tronic erasable programmable ROM). In such an embodi
`ment, a process, algorithm or otherWise eXecutable instruc
`tion set could be stored in the ROM and loaded into the
`RAM for eXecution thereby carrying out the management
`and transfer of digital media and or associated user rights.
`Such digital media and associated user rights could be stored
`in the nonvolatile storage facility.
`
`[0031] The physical form of digital media server 110 may
`be adapted to the environment in Which it is deployed. For
`eXample, a digital media server 110 might be implemented
`in Whole or in part on a computer card that is installed in a
`conventional computer. In such an embodiment, the com
`puter card could have access to a hard drive of the computer
`or other eXternal storage device for storing various forms of
`digital media and or the rights associated thereWith. Alter
`
`natively, digital media server 110 can be contained in a
`housing that is con?gured to ?t Within the likes of a dash or
`trunk of a vehicle. Similarly, digital media server 110 can be
`contained in a housing that is suitable to sit in plain vieW on
`a desktop or on a shelf of an entertainment center. In short,
`digital media server 110 can be integrated into a larger
`multifunctional system or can stand on its oWn, and can have
`a number of physical forms depending on factors such as
`desired aesthetic, user interface qualities, and compactness.
`
`[0032] A digital media server 110 can be coupled to a
`number of system components on a permanent basis. Like
`Wise digital media server can be coupled to various system
`components only When a transfer of digital media and
`associated rights is taking place. For eXample, a portable
`digital music player may be temporarily coupled to a digital
`media server 110. During such a temporary coupling, a right
`to use associated With a digital music track deleted from the
`portable digital music player can be transferred to a media
`server 110. In addition, a neW digital music track and its
`associated right to use can be transferred from the digital
`media server 110 to the portable device.
`
`[0033] Note also that While some digital media servers 110
`included in the system can both transmit and receive digital
`media and or associated user rights, other digital media
`servers 110 may primarily only receive digital media and
`associated user rights depending on their location in the
`system. For eXample, a digital media server 110 located in
`a car might only receive digital media and associated user
`rights, While a digital media server 110 in the family room
`Will both transmit and receive digital media and or associ
`ated user rights to and from other system components.
`HoWever, digital media and or associated user rights stored
`in a car digital media server 110 (or other receiving-type
`digital media server 110) can be transferred back to other
`system components if so desirable.
`
`[0034] In one embodiment, each connection to other sys
`tem components (Whether a permanent or temporary con
`nection) is established With a secure authenticated channel
`(SAC). Generally, a SAC is a mechanism for communicat
`ing digital data betWeen tWo system components over a
`connection (“channel”) that is secure by virtue of the
`encrypted or otherWise encoded digital data. In addition,
`each component can verify or authenticate the identity of
`other components included in the system. The security of a
`SAC prevents data (e.g., a copy of a piece of digital media,
`the user rights associated With a piece of digital media or
`both) from being illicitly copied, used or otherWise tampered
`With as it is transferred betWeen devices. The authentication
`of SAC enables transmitting system components to verify
`that a destination system component is a valid recipient of
`the transferred data thereby preventing intruders or other
`non-system components from receiving the data.
`
`[0035] The communication betWeen tWo system compo
`nents by Way of a SAC can be over, for eXample, a netWork
`connection (e.g., Internet or local area netWork), a bus
`connection (e.g., universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 bus, or
`other bus technology), or a cable. LikeWise, the communi
`cation betWeen tWo system components by Way of a SAC
`can also be established by a Wireless connection such as an
`infrared, radio frequency or microWave communication
`channel (sometimes referred to as a communication link).
`Conventional Wireless transmitter and receiver technology
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 10
`
`

`

`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`can be employed to realize such a Wireless connection
`betWeen system components. In addition, conventional
`encryption or encoding techniques can be employed to
`secure the communication channel (e.g., proprietary protec
`tion schemes of content providers or a homogenizing pro
`tection scheme employed by digital media servers 210).
`Regardless of hoW the components of the system are
`coupled together, a SAC can be established betWeen com
`municating components thereby ensuring a secure and
`authenticated channel of communication. Note that other
`technologies for securing a communication channel can be
`employed as Well, such as that used in electronic money
`transfers.
`
`[0036] In the embodiment shoWn, assume the folloWing:
`playback device 105a is a portable digital music player;
`playback 105b is a boom boX in the user’s living room;
`digital media server 110a is portable, but is primarily located
`in the user’s car; digital is media server 110b is located on
`a shelf of an entertainment center in the user’s living room;
`computer 115a is a laptop that the user generally keeps
`around the house; computer 115b is a Work station located
`at the user’s of?ce; and netWork 120 is the Internet. Further
`assume that all of the user’s acquired digital media collec
`tion is stored in digital media server 110b. In such an
`embodiment, the user has access to the acquired digital
`media from a number of locations, Whether local or remote.
`Sub-sets of the acquired digital media collection can be
`stored on other components included in the system.
`
`[0037] For instance, the user can employ computer 115b at
`the of?ce to access digital media server 110b via netWork
`120. A SAC is established across netWork 120 by digital
`media server 110b once computer 115b is identi?ed as a
`valid system component. The user can then securely doWn
`load various pieces of digital media from digital media
`server 110b. The associated user rights can be transferred
`With the digital media (e.g., embedded in the digital media
`or contained in the same transmission), or separately from
`the digital media. Similarly, if an actual copy of the digital
`media the user Wants to use is already located on computer
`115b, then only the right to use that particular piece of digital
`media need be transferred from digital media server 110b to
`computer 115b. Note that transferring the right to use a piece
`of digital media is easier than transferring the actual piece of
`digital media in that the right might represent a kilobyte of
`data While the digital media itself might represent several
`megabytes of data. Once the user no longer desires to use a
`particular copy of digital media at Work, the associated right
`to use can be securely transferred back to digital media
`server 110b. Thus, that right to use Will be available for a
`different playback location.
`
`[0038] The user can use computer 115a to surf the Internet
`for various pieces of digital media and or the associated user
`rights. For eXample, computer 115a can be used to doWnload
`digital music ?les and the associated user rights from online
`digital music providers. The doWnloaded digital music ?les
`and associated user rights can then be provided, for eXample,
`to digital media server 110a in the car via a SAC. On the
`other hand, if the user already oWns a copy of a particular
`piece of digital media, then only additional rights to use need
`be doWnloaded from the online digital music providers.
`Such rights can then be provided to digital media server
`110a.
`
`[0039] Digital media server 110a is shoWn With a SAC
`connection betWeen itself and playback device 105a, as Well
`as betWeen itself and digital media server 110b. As stated
`earlier, such connections can be temporary or permanent. In
`this case, given that digital media server 110a is located in
`a car, the SAC connections are temporary. For instance,
`playback device 105a is temporarily coupled With digital
`media server 110a via a SAC so that a number of digital
`songs and or their associated rights to use can be transferred
`from the digital media server 110a to playback device 105a.
`Thus, the user can continue enjoying those digital songs
`during a hike after enjoying them in the car on the drive to
`the hiking area. In addition, digital media server 110a can be
`temporarily coupled to digital media server 110b via a SAC
`so that digital media and or associated user rights contained
`in digital media server 110a can be provided to digital media
`server 110b in the living room (and vice versa). As such, the
`user can have access to that digital media in other locations,
`such as on playback device 105b in the living room, or on
`computer 115b at the office.
`
`[0040] The system can operate in accordance With system
`con?guration rules or preferences set by the user. For
`eXample, the user can de?ne default locations Within the
`system for each piece of acquired digital media and asso
`ciated user rights. As various pieces of digital media are
`transferred about the system during the course of the user’s
`day, digital media server 110a or 110b or a combination of
`the tWo can track the transfers and maintain related infor
`mation such as current locations of each piece of digital
`media, the number of rights to use associated With each
`piece of digital media, and the location of each such right to
`use. Media server 110a or 110b or a combination of the tWo
`can redistribute the copies of acquired digital media and or
`associated user rights to their default locations on a periodic
`basis. For instance, the redistribution of copies of acquired
`digital media and or rights to their default locations could be
`performed automatically at 2 am. on a daily basis. In such
`an embodiment, the user Would Wake up in the folloWing
`morning knoWing exactly Where each piece of digital media
`Was available for use. Programmed default locations can be
`different from, for example, one hour to the neXt or one day
`to the neXt based on factors such as the user’s fancy and the
`user’s planned schedule for the upcoming hour, day, Week or
`Weekend. Thus, the user can precisely control the digital
`contents of a particular playback location at any given time.
`
`[0041] In the case Where a default location for a particular
`piece of digital media and or associated user rights is a
`component that is unavailable at distribution time (e.g., the
`component is doWn or not currently coupled to the system),
`then the scheduled redistribution related to that particular
`component can be queued (e.g., in digital media sever 110a
`or 110b). Once the component becomes available, the sched
`uled redistribution can occur. For eXample, as a portable
`digital music player, playback device 105a might not be
`coupled to digital media server 110a at a scheduled redis
`tribution time. The neXt time playback device 105a is
`coupled via a SAC to either of digital media servers 110a or
`110b, the scheduled redistribution can take place. Note that
`if a number of scheduled redistributions have occurred
`Without the presence of a particular component, then the
`aggregate effect of those redistributions can be determined,
`and the component Will be updated accordingly.
`
`Petitioner Apple Inc. - Ex. 1010, p. 11
`
`

`

`US 2002/0077984 A1
`
`Jun. 20, 2002
`
`[0042] Numerous other system components and con?gu
`rations Will be apparent in light of this disclosure and the
`present invention is not intended to be limited to any one
`embodiment. For instance, digital media server 110b might
`be integrated into a computer system thereby alloWing a user
`to acquire digital media directly from the Internet to digital
`media server 110b. Alternatively, digital media server 110b
`can be operatively coupled to a Web craWling application
`that is con?gured to search the Internet for a particular kind
`of digital media. The communication channel used to doWn
`load digital media from content suppliers on the Internet
`may be p