Distributed storage network architecture using user devices
AssigneeKoninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
InventorTom S. Chiu
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Abstract
An electronic content delivery system uses a network of end-user devices around a hub. Each end-user device has storage capability. Content is stored in a distributed fashion on the network of these end-user devices for being made available to individual ones of these devices in a P2P fashion so as to cut download time and reduce transmission errors. The system enables digital rights management of the content.
Claims12
A method of processing content information at a second CE (consumer electronics) device, the method comprising:
- receiving authorization for the processing by the second CE device of, at least part of, the content information stored at a first CE device, the first CE device coupled to the second CE device via a peer-to-peer network of respective CE devices.
A second CE device for use in a method of processing content information at the second CE (consumer electronics) device, the method comprising
- receiving authorization for processing by the second device of, at least part of, the content information stored at a first CE device, the first CE device coupled to the second CE device via a peer-to-peer network of respective CE devices;
- and wherein the second CE device comprises:
- a storage unit for storing content information that is under control of a conditional access manager;
- means for receiving an authorization from the manager to process the content information;
- and
- means for receiving content information from the first CE device coupled to the second CE device via the peer-to-peer network of respective devices.
An EPG (Electronic Program Guide) on first content information available to a second CE device, the EPG comprising:
- first data on the first content information, the first content information stored at a first CE device, the first CE device being coupled to the second CE device via a peer-to-peer network of respective CE devices.
A method of enabling an end-user to select content information, using a first CE device that is part of a peer-to-peer network of CE devices in a data network, the method comprising:
- giving the end-user an incentive to select content information available at a second CE device in the peer-to-peer network in the data network over content information available from a source, other than one of the CE devices, in the data network.
A method of enabling an end-user to share content information, using a first CE device that is part of a peer-to-peer network of CE devices in a data network, the method comprising:
- giving the end-user an incentive to make content information available to a second CE device in the peer-to-peer network in the data network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.