PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL CONTENT USING AN INTELLIGENT SERVICES CONTROL POINT

摘要

A payment system for a digital content distribution system uses a Digital Rights Management (DRM) Controller that inquires through and accounting and content web server whether the user requesting the transfer of content has sufficient funds. Upon receiving information about the balance of the account associated with the receiving user and determining that the account has sufficient funds the transfer is permitted. The DRM Controller sends an encryption key and hash to the user sending the digital content. The encrypted digital content is transferred in a peer-to-peer manner so that the DRM Controller never possesses the actual content. The DRM Controller initiates billing for payment after the transfer by sending a message requesting a debit of the receiver's account stored in an intelligent services control point. The intelligent services control point provides a scalable platform for billing for minute amounts without incurring additional cost.