Method and apparatus for free previews of communication network services
First Claim
1. A method for providing video services to consumers via an information network, comprising the steps of:
- providing a video service on a pay-per-view basis during a program epoch of a particular program of said video service;
providing a program pre-key;
using said program pre-key to determine a fixed period during said program epoch when portions of said video service are available for viewing on a preview basis;
allowing a consumer to preview, without purchase, portions of said video service at any time during said fixed period for up to a maximum preview duration that is shorter than said fixed period; and
enforcing said maximum preview duration in a cryptographically secure manner.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Limited duration previews of program offerings available for purchase via a communication network are provided in a cryptographically secure manner at virtually any time during the service. The invention has particular applicability to the provision of video services on a pay-per-view basis. Such a video service is provided during a program epoch. A fixed period is defined during the program epoch when portions of the video service are available for viewing on a preview basis. A consumer is allowed to preview, without purchase, portions of the video service at any time during the fixed period for up to a maximum preview duration that is shorter than the fixed period. The consumer can then purchase the video service for viewing during the program epoch after previewing portions thereof. A plurality of records is maintained to service different previewable programs concurrently.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for providing video services to consumers via an information network, comprising the steps of:
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providing a video service on a pay-per-view basis during a program epoch of a particular program of said video service; providing a program pre-key; using said program pre-key to determine a fixed period during said program epoch when portions of said video service are available for viewing on a preview basis; allowing a consumer to preview, without purchase, portions of said video service at any time during said fixed period for up to a maximum preview duration that is shorter than said fixed period; and enforcing said maximum preview duration in a cryptographically secure manner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. Apparatus for providing previews of services available for purchase via a communication network, comprising:
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first means for processing data including a program pre-key received from said communication network, said data (i) identifying a service available for purchase, (ii) identifying an epoch over which said service is provided, (iii) indicating whether a preview is available for said service, and (iv) providing information necessary to generate keys for enabling an authorized consumer to receive said service or a preview thereof; said program pre-key being used to determine a fixed period during said epoch when previewing is permitted; second means responsive to said first means when a preview is available for said service for keeping track of said fixed period; a user interface cooperating with said first and second means for enabling a consumer to preview portions of said service at any time during said fixed period for up to a maximum preview duration that is shorter than said fixed period, said user interface also enabling a consumer to purchase said service; and means responsive to said first means for decrypting said service during a preview and after a purchase thereof. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification