HOUSEHOLD NETWORK INCORPORATING SECURE SET-TOP DEVICES

• US 20080281718A1
• Filed: 01/08/2008
• Published: 11/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Polaroid Labs LLC
• Original Assignee: BASF Corporation (BASF SE)
• Inventors: Morgan, Barrett
• Application Number:
  US11/971,040
• Publication Number:
  US 20080281718A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/1012 to domains
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0635 Processing of requisition or of purchase orders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2543 Billing , e.g. for subscription services payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4112 having fewer capabilities than the client, e.g. thin client having less processing power or no tuning capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4113 PC
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4122 additional display device, e.g. video projector digital output for controlling a plurality of local displays G06F3/1423
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4131 home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices home automation data switching networks exchanging configuration information on appliance services H04L12/2807
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4185 for payment
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4367 Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4751 for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children

Abstract

A method for establishing a household network that includes providing a secure set-top device (SSD) operably connected to the Internet; assigning the SSD to a credit card account to define a household network associated with the SSD; enrolling a digital media device in the household network; and requesting a digital media file for a digital media device within the household network. A digital media file may be requested via any device in the household network by a process that may include verifying that the digital media file is valid for the household network and if valid, causing the SSD to process the request, including identifying the digital media device and authorizing a charge to the credit card account, if required, to complete the request.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a household network, comprising:

providing a secure set-top device (SSD) operably connected to the Internet;

assigning the SSD to a credit card account to define a household network associated with the SSD;

enrolling a digital media device in the household network;

requesting a digital media file for a digital media device within the household network, including;

verifying that the digital media file is valid for the household network; and

if valid, causing the SSD to process the request including identifying the digital media device and authorizing a charge to the credit card account, if required, to complete the request.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying to a user household network devices assigned to the credit card account, such that the user assumes responsibility for enrollment of the SSD or digital media device in the household network.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

causing charges to the credit card account for the household network to be displayed to the user to permit the user to audit transactions.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein authorizing the charge to the credit card further includes verifying that the digital media device is located at an authorized IP address.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the SSD is a device selected from the group consisting of a set-top box (STB), digital entertainment center (DEC), a personal video recorder (PVR), a secured portable device (SPD) and a secured auto device (SAD).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital media device is a device selected from the group consisting of a digital video camera, digital camera, automobile digital video player or recorder, portable media device, monitor, television, personal computers, digital photo display frames, digital audio player.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital media devices are all of the same brand.

9. The household network of claim 1, wherein the SSD is a device selected from the group consisting of a set-top box (STB), digital entertainment center (DEC), a personal video recorder (PVR), a secured portable device (SPD) and a secured auto device (SAD).

10. The household network of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of digital media devices is a device selected from the group consisting of a digital video camera, digital camera, automobile digital video player or recorder, portable media device, monitor, television, personal computers, digital photo display frames, digital audio player.

11. The household network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of digital media devices are all of the same brand.

8. A household network, comprising:

a plurality of digital media devices for receiving digital media files;

a secure set-top device (SSD) operably connected to the Internet and assigned to a credit card account;

wherein the SSD enrolls the digital media devices into the household network, authorizes the receipt of digital media files, and authorizes charges to the credit card account.