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Accounting system in network for offering video programs

  • US 5,367,329 A
  • Filed: 10/23/1992
  • Issued: 11/22/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/24/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An accounting system in a network offering video programs to a plurality of subscriber terminals coupled thereto, said accounting system comprising:

  • first timer means, provided in each of said subscriber terminals, for counting a time, said first timer means starting to count a time when a subscriber terminal receives a video program offered from said network;

    an account controller provided in each of said subscriber terminals and including;

    determination means for determining whether or not a count time in said first timer means has reached a first reference value,start means for transmitting account starting information to said network when said determination means determines that the count time in said first timer means has reached the first reference value, andtermination means for transmitting account termination information to said network when the subscriber terminal discontinues receipt of the video program; and

    accounting means, provided in said network, for performing an accounting process with respect to each of said subscriber terminals from which the account starting information and the account termination information are transmitted, the accounting process starting from a time at which said network receives the account starting information and ending at a time at which said network receives the account termination information.

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