Trusted transactional set-top box
First Claim
1. A set top box comprising:
- a processor for controlling the set top box;
a video decoder controlled by the processor, the video decoder providing a decoded video signal;
a graphics interface coupled to the video decoder to output the decoded video signal to at least one display;
a network interface to access a computer network;
a user interface enabling user interaction with the processor and initiation of a transaction with a remote server coupled to the computer network, and a non-volatile cache memory controlled by the processor and configured to selectively store a context of the transaction to enable a recovery of the transaction after an interruption thereof.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A set top box (STB) includes a trusted transactional cache and associated transactional protocol and enables e-commerce transactions to be securely committed to a remote server extremely quickly and with little network overhead. The invention does away with the user concern of whether the transaction was successful. The STB operates equally well on robust private networks as on unpredictable Internet or wireless networks, and avoids upsetting users who would otherwise have to wait in front of a display screen for confirmation of completion of the transaction after a temporary communication failure with the central site. The method may advantageously be used to provide cost-effective micro-payments solutions. The STB may include a dual headed display capability in which data and video maybe be directed to separate displays. The STB may feature an embedded ticket printer, as well as an embedded barcode scanner. This enables non computer literate users to more conveniently track transactions committed via the STB, or to take advantage of promotional coupons. The STB features an embedded hardware true Random Number Generator to produce maximum entropy encryption keys, therefore providing maximum secure and fool-proof means to protect private data using government authorized encryption schemes.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A set top box comprising:
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a processor for controlling the set top box;
a video decoder controlled by the processor, the video decoder providing a decoded video signal;
a graphics interface coupled to the video decoder to output the decoded video signal to at least one display;
a network interface to access a computer network;
a user interface enabling user interaction with the processor and initiation of a transaction with a remote server coupled to the computer network, and a non-volatile cache memory controlled by the processor and configured to selectively store a context of the transaction to enable a recovery of the transaction after an interruption thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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12. A set top box, comprising:
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a processor for controlling the set top box;
a video decoder controlled by the processor, the video decoder providing a decoded video signal;
a graphics interface coupled to the video decoder to output the decoded video signal to at least one display;
a network interface to access a computer network;
a user interface enabling user interaction with the processor and initiation of a transaction with a remote server coupled to the computer network, and a printer controlled by the processor, the printer being configured to print at least one of human readable information and machine readable information.
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16. A set top box, comprising:
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a processor for controlling the set top box;
a video decoder controlled by the processor, the video decoder providing a decoded video signal;
a graphics interface coupled to the video decoder to output the decoded video signal to at least one display;
a network interface to access a computer network;
a user interface enabling user interaction with the processor and initiation of a transaction with a remote server coupled to the computer network, and a reader controlled by the processor, the reader being configured to scan and decode printed machine-readable code.
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18. A method of carrying out an online transaction between a set top box and a remote server, each of the set top box and the remote server being coupled to a network, the method comprising the steps of:
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initiating a transaction at the set top box;
storing a copy of the transaction in a non-volatile memory within the set top box;
sending the transaction to the remote server under a control of the set top box, and carrying out one of;
receiving a confirmed acknowledgment of the transaction from the remote server and providing the confirmed acknowledgment, and generating a provisional acknowledgment of the transaction from the copy of the transaction stored in the non-volatile memory if the confirmed acknowledgment is not received within a predetermined period of time.
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Specification