System for interactively distributing information services
First Claim
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1. In an interactive information distribution system that utilizes an open session to provide requested information, a method comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining, in response to a title selection received from a first set top terminal, whether an open session for said selected title exists, said first set top terminal being associated with an account identifier; and
(b) determining, in the case of said open session for said selected title existing, whether a second set top terminal associated with said account identifier is utilizing said open session;
(c) in the case of said second set top terminal utilizing said existing open session, opening a new session to provide said selected title to said first set top terminal;
(d) in the case of said second set top terminal not utilizing said existing open session, utilizing said existing open session to provide said selected title to said first set top terminal.
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Abstract
In an interactive information distribution system that utilizes open sessions to provide requested information to users, a method for sharing the use of open sessions between a plurality of set top terminals associated with a common account number or user.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. In an interactive information distribution system that utilizes an open session to provide requested information, a method comprising the steps of:
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(a) determining, in response to a title selection received from a first set top terminal, whether an open session for said selected title exists, said first set top terminal being associated with an account identifier; and (b) determining, in the case of said open session for said selected title existing, whether a second set top terminal associated with said account identifier is utilizing said open session; (c) in the case of said second set top terminal utilizing said existing open session, opening a new session to provide said selected title to said first set top terminal; (d) in the case of said second set top terminal not utilizing said existing open session, utilizing said existing open session to provide said selected title to said first set top terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. In an interactive information distribution system including service provider equipment and subscriber equipment interconnected by a communications network, a method of sharing the use of open sessions between a plurality of set top terminals associated with a common account, said method comprising the steps of:
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receiving, from one of said set top terminals, a request for an information stream; and in response to a determination that an existing open session with said common account includes said requested information stream, and that said information stream is not being presented by any of said plurality of set top terminals, providing to said requesting set top terminal the portion of said information stream following a previously presented portion of said information stream. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification