Stored program pay-per-play
First Claim
1. A stored video program pay-per-view system adapted for use with an associated display device, comprising:
- means for selecting a video program to be received at a subscriber'"'"'s location, the viewing of the program having associated therewith a payment to a provider;
means for locally storing one or more such programs at the subscriber'"'"'s without the subscriber incurring a viewing charge;
means for receiving, locally storing and reviewing information representative of a previously stored program, and for selecting a program to be viewed on the display device; and
means, in communication with the means for selecting a program to be viewed, for ensuring payment to the provider, such payment not being due until a particular program has been selected for viewing.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber'"'"'s site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. Billing is alternatively based on a store-credit or account debiting scheme. The recording of program materials may be directed automatically by subscriber-operated storage management facilities which scan program schedules and select materials to be recorded, based on title, cast, program genre or any other of a variety of viewer/listener preferences. Alternatively, the program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider'"'"'s discretion, for example, using newly-available selections. Display generation circuitry is preferably implemented, enabling the viewer to review selections to be downloaded, those selections available for immediate replay, remaining account balance, and other features, including "parental lockout" and so forth.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A stored video program pay-per-view system adapted for use with an associated display device, comprising:
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means for selecting a video program to be received at a subscriber'"'"'s location, the viewing of the program having associated therewith a payment to a provider; means for locally storing one or more such programs at the subscriber'"'"'s without the subscriber incurring a viewing charge; means for receiving, locally storing and reviewing information representative of a previously stored program, and for selecting a program to be viewed on the display device; and means, in communication with the means for selecting a program to be viewed, for ensuring payment to the provider, such payment not being due until a particular program has been selected for viewing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A stored program pay-per-view system situated at a subscriber'"'"'s location, comprising:
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an input to receive a pay video program from a provider; an output to deliver the program to a display device for viewing; means for locally storing one or more such programs at the subscriber'"'"'s location without the subscriber incurring a viewing charge; means to receive and display program-related information, enabling a program to be selected for reception and storage; a memory to store program-related information associated with a previously stored program; display generation circuitry enabling the program-related information associated with a previously stored program to be viewed on the display device, so that a stored program may be selected for viewing; and means to communicate to the provider that a program has been selected for viewing, enabling the provider to receive the payment associated with the viewing of the program. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A stored program pay-per-view system situated at a subscriber'"'"'s location, comprising:
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an input to receive a pay video program from a provider; an output to deliver the program to a display device for viewing; means for locally storing one or more such programs without the subscriber incurring a viewing charge; means to receive and store program-related information; display generator means in communication with the output for displaying program-related information on the display device; means to account for the viewing of a program, the output of which is connected in an information path to the provider; a user interface; and a controller in communication with the program storage means, the means to receive and store program-related information, the display generator means, the means to account for the viewing of a program, and the user interface, the controller being operative, under user control through the interface, to perform the following functions; (a) cause the selective display of the program-related information, enabling a program to be selected for reception and storage, (b) cause program-related information associated with a previously stored program to be retained and selectively displayed, enabling a stored program to be selected for viewing, and (c) inform the provider of the program selected for viewing to ensure that the provider receives payment.
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18. A stored program pay-per-play system, comprising:
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an input for receiving a program from a provider, enjoyment of the program having a payment associated therewith; means for locally storing a plurality of such programs received through the input without the provider demanding the payment associated therewith; means for reviewing a previously stored program and for selecting a program to be enjoyed; and means, in communication with the means for locally storing one or more programs, for providing payment from the user to the provider of a program, but only after that program has been selected for enjoyment. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. The method of compensating a pay program provider, comprising the steps of:
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receiving, at a subscriber'"'"'s location, a pay program from a provider; locally storing the program along with information relating to the program; selecting the program to be played; and compensating the provider only after the program has been substantially played in its entirety.
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Specification