Intelligent multimedia set-top control method and apparatus in which billing signals are communicated to an information network upon presentation of downloaded media programs
First Claim
1. A method for communicating on a pay-per-view basis multimedia programs from a source information network to a local set-top control means having local storage means, the communication method comprising the steps of:
- providing a source information network selection menu of at least one media program;
communicating to the source information network a readiness control signal indicating local storage means readiness to receive a media program;
transmitting the media program to the local set-top control means;
storing the transmitted media program on the local storage means; and
communicating to the source information network a billing signal in response to presentation of the stored media program.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for effectuating the reception and local storage of source information signals representative of a media program transmitted from a source information network preferably over a cable television channel on a pay-per-view basis is disclosed. A local intelligent set-top control unit communicates with a remote information network and a local storage device to coordinate the transmission of customer ordered media programs from the information network for storage on the local storage device. The local storage device is preferably a standard video cassette recorder (VCR) providing full VCR control functionality when presenting a stored media program on a television. A digital or optical data storage disk drive system may alternatively be employed to store source information signals downloaded from the remote information network. The intelligent set-top control unit communicates a pay-per-view billing signal to the information network upon playing of a downloaded media program, and provides protection against unauthorized copying. In an alternative configuration, a set-top control card is installed into a host computer system to coordinate the reception and local storage of downloaded media programs, and preferably provides a platform for interfacing with other home communication and electronic systems.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for communicating on a pay-per-view basis multimedia programs from a source information network to a local set-top control means having local storage means, the communication method comprising the steps of:
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providing a source information network selection menu of at least one media program; communicating to the source information network a readiness control signal indicating local storage means readiness to receive a media program; transmitting the media program to the local set-top control means; storing the transmitted media program on the local storage means; and communicating to the source information network a billing signal in response to presentation of the stored media program. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A multimedia communication system comprising:
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a source information system for distributing source information signals; a local control system for communicating with the source information system over a communication channel; a local storage device for storing source information signals received from the source information system; and local monitoring means for communicating a billing signal to the source information system upon presentation of the stored information signals; wherein the local control system communicates with the source information system to coordinate transmission of the source information signals between the source information system and the local storage device, and to communicate the billing signal to the source information system upon presentation of the stored information signals. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A local information control system adapted for communicating with a separate local storage device and a remotely located source information system over a television communication channel, the local information control system comprising:
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a controller for communicating with the source information system; a storage device interface for communicating between the controller and the local storage device source information signals received from the source information system; and monitoring circuitry for communicating a billing signal to the source information system upon presentation of the stored information signals; wherein the controller communicates with the source information system to coordinate transmission of the source information signals between the source information system and the local storage device, and communicates the billing signal to the source information system upon presentation of the stored information signals. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A local information control system adapted for communicating with a remotely located source information system over a television communication channel comprising:
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local control means for communicating with the source information system; local storage means for storing source information signals received from the source information system; and local monitoring means for communicating a billing signal to the source information system upon presentation of the stored information signals; wherein the local control means communicates with the source information system to coordinate transmission of the source information signals between the source information system and the local storage means, and communicates the billing signal to the source information system upon presentation of the stored information signals. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification