Importance

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Abstract

A multimedia transaction processor for facilitating the sale of multimedia material, the apparatus comprises a media server operable to store multimedia material from at least one vendor, and to store meta data representing the content of the multimedia material and data identifying the vendor providing the multimedia material, the meta data and the identifying data being stored in association with the multimedia material. The apparatus includes a communications processor connectable, via a communications link, to one or more data processing systems and is operable to receive via the communications link data indicative of a request for multimedia content from one of the buyers. An access processor is operable to retrieve from the server possible multimedia material content items corresponding to the requested multimedia content by generating meta data from the data requesting the multimedia content and comparing the generated meta data with the meta data stored in association with the multimedia material, and from the comparison retrieving the possible multimedia content items from the server. The communications processor communicates to the buyer data processing system data representative of the possible multimedia content items. A transaction controller is operable, in response to selection data, to communicate data requesting the selected multimedia content items to the vendor identified by the stored identification and to complete the transaction with the buyer. The transaction may be completed by arranging for money to be charged to the buyer. The multimedia transaction processor provides a facility for users to sell and to buy multimedia material in order to fulfil a particular need. The buyers have access to multimedia material items from any vendor which places media items on the transaction processor. Preferably the data communications link includes the Internet.

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First Claim