System for distributed media network and meta data server

Abstract

A system and method of operation for a distributed media network and meta data server provides a low cost, efficient, reliable and versatile alternative to traditional media network systems. Multiple media data file servers are designated as primary or alternate data file servers for different media data media files. Related or linked media data files may be distributed throughout a media network which results in lower peak bandwidth usage at each media data file server. Each server in the distributed media network responds more quickly and efficiently due to its limited functionality and scope of media data files that it must server. Media data file servers transfer low bandwidth meta data to client devices allowing a significant increase in the number of clients which can simultaneously log in to a dedicated network server. The distributed system also provides media data owners with greater control over the media data files that they own by allowing the owners to encode, post or remove files from servers that they control and maintain. The alternate media data file servers of the distributed media network also can act as primary file servers during catastrophic errors of the primary media data file servers, thus resulting in a more reliable and fault tolerant media network.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of obtaining media data in a client device from a plurality of media data servers on a network, the method comprising the steps of: 
 accessing a meta data server;    receiving meta data from said meta data server;    utilizing said meta data to locate at least one data server of said plurality of media data servers on the network; and    accessing said media data from said at least one media data server.    
     
     
         2 . A system for a distributed media network and meta data server, the system comprising: 
 at least one meta data server connected to a communications network;    at least one media data server for retrieving requested media data, the at least one media data server connected to the communications network;    at least one client transceiver connected to the communications network for receiving, storing and messaging to said meta data server; and    at least one meta data information source connected to said at least one meta data server.    
     
     
         3 . The system as in    claim 2   , wherein the meta data information source is a meta data database.  
     
     
         4 . The system as in    claim 2   , wherein the meta data information source is a file management system on a computer.  
     
     
         5 . The system as in    claim 2   , wherein a second client transceiver of said at least one client transceiver functions as a first media data server of said at least one media data server, and wherein the at least one meta data server informs said at least one client transceiver that said second client transceiver functioning as a first media data server has access to said requested media data.  
     
     
         6 . The system as in    claim 2   , wherein a first client transceiver of said at least one client transceiver transmits, stores, and messages a second client transceiver of said at least one client transceiver of the communications network.  
     
     
         7 . The system as in    claim 2   , wherein a first media data server of said at least one media data server functions as one client transceiver of said at least one client transceiver.  
     
     
         8 . The system as in    claim 2   , wherein a first media data server of said at least one media data server receives, stores and messages a second media data server of said at least one media data server of the communications network.  
     
     
         9 . A method for receiving and processing requests in a meta data server, said requests received from a client on a communication network, the method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving a log in request from said client over the communication network;    performing a client access permission verification;    receiving a media data request from said client;    requesting meta data for said media data request form a meta data database; and    transmitting meta data for said media data request to said client over the communication network.    
     
     
         10 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the meta data contains an address for at least one media data server, the method further comprising the step of: 
 designating a primary media data server of said at least one media data server based upon criteria gathered from the communication network.    
     
     
         11 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein the primary media data server is designated as a first media data server of the at least one media data server having the least number of clients accessing media data files.  
     
     
         12 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein the primary media data server is designated as a first media data server of the at least one media data server having a highest reliability rating.  
     
     
         13 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein the primary media data server is designated as a first media data server of the at least one media data server having the highest data throughput.  
     
     
         14 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein the primary media data server is designated by the meta data server.  
     
     
         15 . The method of    claim 10   , wherein the primary media data server is designated by the client.  
     
     
         16 . The method of    claim 9   , wherein the meta data for said media data request is for a portion of said media data request, the method further comprising the step of: 
 requesting additional meta data for another portion of the media data file.    
     
     
         17 . The method of    claim 16   , further comprising the step of: 
 requesting an encryption key from the meta data server.    
     
     
         18 . The method of    claim 9   , further comprising the step of: 
 requesting an encryption key from the meta data server.    
     
     
         19 . A method in a client device for obtaining a media data file from a media data server, the method comprising the steps of: 
 logging into a meta data server;    requesting meta data associated with said media data file from said meta data server;    receiving said meta data associated with said media data file;    requesting said media data file from said media data server identified by said meta data; and    receiving said media data file from said media data server.    
     
     
         20 . The method as in    claim 16   , wherein said meta data comprises at least one data item, said at least one data item selected from the list of: 
 a network address of a primary server that has access to the media data file;    a directory structure of a primary storage device that contains the media data file;    a name of the media data file;    a network address of at least one alternate server that has access to the media data file;    a directory structure of at least one alternate storage devices that contains the media data file;    a name of and owner of the media data file;    a name of a composer of the media data file;    a name of the copyright holder of the media data file;    a network address of a server that has access to a graphical image associated with the media data file;    a directory structure of a storage device that contains a graphical image associated the media data file;    a name of a graphical image file associated the media data file;    a title of an artistic work contained in the media data file;    a title of a body of work in which the media data file is associated;    a name of at least one performer of the media data file;    a name of at least one composer of artistic work contained on the media data file;    a name of at least one creators of the media data file;    a network address of a server that has access to additional information about artistic work contained in the media data file;    a directory structure of a storage device that contains additional information about artistic work contained in the media data file;    a name of a file that contains additional information about artistic work contained in the media data file;    a network address of a server which offers a sale of the media data file;    a directory structure of a storage device that contains sales information for the media data file;    a name of a file that contains information on a sale of the media data file;    a network address of a server which offers a sale of associated products of the media data file;    a directory structure of a storage device that contains sales information for the associated products of the media data file; and    a name of a file that contains information on sales of associated products of the media data file.