A system and methods for permitting open access to data objects and for securing data within the data objects is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a data object comprising digital data and file format information; (2) embedding independent data into a data object; and (3) scrambling the data object to degrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level. The steps of embedding and scrambling may be performed until a predetermined condition is met. The method may also include the steps of descrambling the data object to upgrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level, and decoding the embedded independent data.

The invention, as shown by the system in FIG. 2, relates to a client-side content tracking system of media files, e.g. digital music files. Audio tracking—or indeed multimedia tracking—is shifted to a client-side perspective, with the client tasked with establishing use of a selected source audio track by tracking—and then reporting uplink to the server—at least one of: entry and exit points associated with playing of at least one of said musical sections in the identified source audio track, and how the identified source audio track was used, performed or manipulated at the client device. Server functionality is designed, having regard to the reported tracking data and its link to a unique identifier to permit the media file (e.g. source audio track) to be selected and/or identified, to store or relay—possibly in the context of a subscription service and billing regime for content use—tracking data related to use of at least a portion of the source audio track at or by the client device. In the context of audio, reporting of use at a client device can, in turn, cause streaming of related multi-media content from a third-party database to the client device. For music, reporting of entry and end points into and out of sections of complete audio tracks can coincide with musically seamless audio transitions between sections.

The invention, as shown by the system in FIG. 2, relates to a client-side content tracking system of media files, e.g. digital music files. Audio trackingor indeed multimedia trackingis shifted to a client-side perspective, with the client tasked with establishing use of a selected source audio track by trackingand then reporting uplink to the serverat least one of: entry and exit points associated with playing of at least one of said musical sections in the identified source audio track, and how the identified source audio track was used, performed or manipulated at the client device. Server functionality is designed, having regard to the reported tracking data and its link to a unique identifier to permit the media file (e.g. source audio track) to be selected and/or identified, to store or relaypossibly in the context of a subscription service and billing regime for content usetracking data related to use of at least a portion of the source audio track at or by the client device. In the context of audio, reporting of use at a client device can, in turn, cause streaming of related multi-media content from a third-party database to the client device. For music, reporting of entry and end points into and out of sections of complete audio tracks can coincide with musically seamless audio transitions between sections.

A system and methods for permitting open access to data objects and for securing data within the data objects is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a data object comprising digital data and file format information; (2) embedding independent data into a data object; and (3) scrambling the data object to degrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level. The steps of embedding and scrambling may be performed until a predetermined condition is met. The method may also include the steps of descrambling the data object to upgrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level, and decoding the embedded independent data.

A system and method is disclosed for allowing content providers to protect against widespread copying of their content, while enabling them to give their customers more freedom in the way they use the content. In accordance with one embodiment, content providers identify their content as protected by watermarking the content. Consumers use compliant devices to access protected content. All of a user's compliant devices, or all of a family's devices, can be organized into an authorized domain. This authorized domain is used by content providers to create a logical boundary in which they can allow users increased freedom to use their content.

A system and method is disclosed for allowing content providers to protect against widespread copying of their content, while enabling them to give their customers more freedom in the way they use the content. In accordance with one embodiment, content providers identify their content as protected by watermarking the content. Consumers use compliant devices to access protected content. All of a user's compliant devices, or all of a family's devices, can be organized into an authorized domain. This authorized domain is used by content providers to create a logical boundary in which they can allow users increased freedom to use their content.

The invention, as shown by the system in FIG. 2, relates to a client-side content tracking system of media files, e.g. digital music files. Audio trackingor indeed multimedia trackingis shifted to a client-side perspective, with the client tasked with establishing use of a selected source audio track by trackingand then reporting uplink to the serverat least one of: entry and exit points associated with playing of at least one of said musical sections in the identified source audio track, and how the identified source audio track was used, performed or manipulated at the client device. Server functionality is designed, having regard to the reported tracking data and its link to a unique identifier to permit the media file (e.g. source audio track) to be selected and/or identified, to store or relaypossibly in the context of a subscription service and billing regime for content usetracking data related to use of at least a portion of the source audio track at or by the client device. In the context of audio, reporting of use at a client device can, in turn, cause streaming of related multi-media content from a third-party database to the client device. For music, reporting of entry and end points into and out of sections of complete audio tracks can coincide with musically seamless audio transitions between sections.

The invention, as shown by the system in FIG. 2, relates to a client-side content tracking system of media files, e.g. digital music files. Audio trackingor indeed multimedia trackingis shifted to a client-side perspective, with the client tasked with establishing use of a selected source audio track by trackingand then reporting uplink to the serverat least one of: entry and exit points associated with playing of at least one of said musical sections in the identified source audio track, and how the identified source audio track was used, performed or manipulated at the client device. Server functionality is designed, having regard to the reported tracking data and its link to a unique identifier to permit the media file (e.g. source audio track) to be selected and/or identified, to store or relaypossibly in the context of a subscription service and billing regime for content usetracking data related to use of at least a portion of the source audio track at or by the client device. In the context of audio, reporting of use at a client device can, in turn, cause streaming of related multi-media content from a third-party database to the client device. For music, reporting of entry and end points into and out of sections of complete audio tracks can coincide with musically seamless audio transitions between sections.

A portable apparatus includes a first connector, a memory, and first circuitry. The first connector automatically receives a plurality of content data from a computer. The memory stores the plurality of content data. The first circuitry performs a mutual authentication process with the computer via the first connector, and plays back the plurality of content data. The computer includes second circuitry and a second connector. The first circuitry stores the plurality of content data to a storage medium, and provides a graphical user interface to receive an input identifying a list of the plurality of content data stored in said storage medium that are to be automatically transferred to the portable apparatus. The second connector is configured to transfer the plurality of content data stored in the storage medium to the portable apparatus.

A system and methods for permitting open access to data objects and for securing data within the data objects is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing a data object is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a data object comprising digital data and file format information; (2) embedding independent data into a data object; and (3) scrambling the data object to degrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level. The steps of embedding and scrambling may be performed until a predetermined condition is met. The method may also include the steps of descrambling the data object to upgrade the data object to a predetermined signal quality level, and decoding the embedded independent data.