Compression and remote storage apparatus for data, music and video

Abstract

A method for compressing digital content from a source, using a compression scheme selected from a group of available compression schemes, storing the compressed content at a central location, and retrieving the compressed content at a remote location. The method uses the steps of: a) at a remote location, prompting a user for and validating a user name and password; b) at a remote location, reading the source and prompting a user for tracks to be compressed, the user then identifying selected tracks; c) at a remote location, prompting a user for a compression scheme to be used to compress the selected tracks, the user then identifying a selected compression scheme from a group of possible compression schemes; d) at a remote location, compressing the selected tracks using the selected compression scheme; e) transmitting each selected track after compression through a communications link to a central location; f) storing each selected track in a digital content database at a central location; and g) at a remote location, retrieving tracks from the digital content database through a communications link to the central location.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of a provisional application, Ser. No. 60 / 175,675, filed Jan. 12, 2000.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Since the beginning of the Internet phenomenon, the general population has been intrigued with its popularity and the effect it will have on traditional businesses. Even though powerful in concept, the Internet is nothing more than a vast volume of computer users connected via public accessed Wide Area Networks (WAN). Such a digital network links millions of people to freely move data between each other allowing communication, information distribution, entertainment, etc. The most similar comparison to such a vast communication network is the world telephone network. The only difference is that instead of telephones one would use a digital computing device (computer) and instead of analog audio (voices) parties would communicate in a digital format over digital connection. So, if you could convert your analog voice into digital format, send...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Unlike individual compression software, the present invention will provide an easy means for any Internet user to compress in any format by simple clicks, without the need for hardware, conversion of existing computers, etc.

[0018]The present invention is designed to benefit the exploding number of Internet music users. It is to provide pertinent services to assist the Internet users to compress, store and manage music without the need of hardware. A single website provides superior means of selecting a compression scheme and conveniently storing all compressed tracks for future use. Users will also be able to compare the quality of each compression scheme for different types of music. For the first time an Internet user may elect to compress any track from original CDs, use the preferred compression scheme, and store the compressed track outside of his / her computer via a single application offered in the website.

[0019]When Internet users enter the website, all the management of various services offered with be performed on a single server without the need to link them with multiple sites as is the case today in choosing various compression software providers. Web-based compression services eliminate complex means of obtaining and installing compression software and different user interfaces designed by different software manufacturers. Most importantly, the user's computer need not use up valuable storage space as the Website stores the music for the user. The service offers a uniform user interface regardless of which compression scheme is selected and convenient storage.

Problems solved by technology

Even though powerful in concept, the Internet is nothing more than a vast volume of computer users connected via public accessed Wide Area Networks (WAN).

Like moving water in the pipes, the amount of data to be moved over a specific period of time over digital lines is limited by its size (the technical term is bandwidth).

They fear to lose control over their digital content to piracy and unauthorized content distribution to millions of people worldwide without compensation.

Higher compression reduces the audio quality, where lower compression improves it.

The main problem in providing the full benefit of these technologies is that there is a missing element to make such changeover seamless for the user.

Any user can purchase multiple software or hardware portable players to play music under different compression schemes, but there is no easy way to convert his existing library of CDs into the desired compression schemes.

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