Mechanism for distributing content data
First Claim
1. A method for distributing programming selection to a receiver, wherein the receiver is communicatively coupled to a network, wherein the receiver is configurable to receive programming transmission from at least one content provider, said method comprising the steps of:
- receiving, from a user, user preference data;
providing a programming schedule for the user in accordance with the received user preference data, said programming schedule listing a plurality of programming selections that are available for selection;
receiving, from the user, a remote log-in request to access a user account, said log-in request from the user being received over the Internet via a separate device;
granting the user access to the user account via the Internet;
transmitting, to the separate device, display data for displaying the programming schedule;
receiving, from the separate device, a selection signal for selecting a programming selection; and
configuring the receiver to receive the selected programming selection.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The current invention provides a system for distributing content data to user locations. The content data preferably includes digital video data that is available on demand from a requesting location. A system server stores user accounts and generated customized program schedules for the user account based on user criteria which includes user preferences. Authorized users access their accounts to modify user criteria and to select program transmissions. Preferably, a computer and a television set receive program transmissions from a system network, wherein the computer provides a logical interface between the television set and content data transmitted over the system network.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for distributing programming selection to a receiver, wherein the receiver is communicatively coupled to a network, wherein the receiver is configurable to receive programming transmission from at least one content provider, said method comprising the steps of:
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receiving, from a user, user preference data;
providing a programming schedule for the user in accordance with the received user preference data, said programming schedule listing a plurality of programming selections that are available for selection;
receiving, from the user, a remote log-in request to access a user account, said log-in request from the user being received over the Internet via a separate device;
granting the user access to the user account via the Internet;
transmitting, to the separate device, display data for displaying the programming schedule;
receiving, from the separate device, a selection signal for selecting a programming selection; and
configuring the receiver to receive the selected programming selection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for distributing programming selection to one of a plurality of receivers, wherein the receivers are communicatively coupled to a network, wherein the receivers are configurable to receive programming transmission from at least one content provider, said method comprising the steps of:
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receiving, from a user, user preference data;
providing a programming schedule for the user in accordance with the received user preference data, said programming schedule listing a plurality of programming selections that are available for selection;
receiving, from the user, a remote log-in request to access a user account, said log-in request from the user being received over the Internet via a separate device;
granting the user access to the user account via the Internet;
transmitting, to the separate device, display data for displaying the programming schedule;
receiving, from the separate device, a selection signal for selecting a programming selection;
receiving, from the separate device, a designation signal for designating one of the plurality of receivers, and configuring the designated receiver to receive the selected programming selection. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for distributing programming selection to a receiver, said system comprising:
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a receiver communicatively coupled to a network, said receiver is configurable to receive programming transmission from at least one content provider; and
a server communicative coupled to the network, said server comprising;
means for providing a programming schedule in response to receiving user preference data from a user, said programming schedule listing a plurality of programming selections that are available for selection, means for receiving, from the user, a remote log-in request to access a user account, said log-in request from the user being received over the Internet via a separate device, means for granting the user access to the user account via the Internet, means for transmitting, to the separate device, display data for displaying the programming schedule, means for receiving, from the separate device, a selection signal for selecting a programming selection, and means for configuring the receiver to receive the selected programming selection. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A server for use in a system with a receiver for distributing programming selection to a receiver, said receiver communicatively coupled to a network and receiver is configurable to receive programming transmission from at least one content provider, said server comprising:
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means for providing a programming schedule in response to receiving user preference data from a user, said programming schedule listing a plurality of programming selections that are available for selection;
means for receiving, from the user, a remote log-in request to access a user account, said log-in request from the user being received over the Internet via a separate device, means for granting the user access to the user account via the Internet;
means for transmitting, to the separate device, display data for displaying the programming schedule;
means for receiving, from the separate device, a selection signal for selecting a programming selection; and
means for configuring the receiver to receive the selected programming selection. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A receiver for use in a system for receiving programming selection, said receiver communicatively coupled to a network and is configurable to receive programming transmission from at least one content provider, said receiver comprising:
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means for providing a programming schedule in response to receiving user preference data from a user, said programming schedule listing a plurality of programming selections that are available for selection;
means for receiving, from the user, a remote log-in access request, said log-in access request from the user being received over the Internet via a separate device, means for granting Internet access to the user;
means for receiving, from the separate device via the Internet, a selection signal for selecting a programming selection; and
means for receiving the selected programming selection. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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Specification