[john70t]

Just a note: It isn't wise to discuss a patentable idea on a website...
Given the nature of existing patents, though, what you've described of your friend's idea probably already exists in the vauge language of multiple patents already filed.

There may be a new way of doing it.
It's new too late to reinvent the bicycle.

If it is a truely new and unique idea, have you friend go to a patent office in person and deal with one singular attorney for a search of existing artwork.

You can p.m. me directly, Mike.
(It will be a little secret between you and me, and Pelican Parts, and our respective ISP companies, the employees of the server and routing companies, google and others, and the NSA)