Electronic book alternative delivery systems
First Claim
1. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
- receiving, via a processor of a library unit, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the library unit has a library ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID;
requesting the electronic book from an operation center;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;
transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code from the operation center to the library unit, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers,receiving, at the library unit, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code;
matching by the library unit the at least two unique ID numbers with the library ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer,and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code;
displaying pages of the electronic book;
storing the electronic book in a memory, and controlling viewing of the electronic book via a control panel of the electronic book viewer, wherein the electronic viewer is separate from the library unit and communicates with library unit via a wired or wireless interface.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention, an electronic book selection and delivery system, distributes electronic text and graphics to subscribers. The system contains an operations center, a video distribution system or a variety of alternative distribution systems, a home subsystem, and a billing and collection system. The operations center and/or distribution points perform the functions of manipulation of text data, security and coding of text, cataloging of books, message center, and uplink functions. The home subsystem connects to a video distribution system or variety of alternative distribution systems, generates menus and stores text, and transacts through communicating mechanisms. A portable book-shaped viewer is used for viewing the text. The billing system performs the transaction, management, authorization, collection and payments utilizing the telephone system or a variety of alternative communication systems.
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Citations
57 Claims
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1. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of a library unit, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the library unit has a library ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book from an operation center;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code from the operation center to the library unit, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the library unit, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code;matching by the library unit the at least two unique ID numbers with the library ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; displaying pages of the electronic book;
storing the electronic book in a memory, and controlling viewing of the electronic book via a control panel of the electronic book viewer, wherein the electronic viewer is separate from the library unit and communicates with library unit via a wired or wireless interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has an endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code;and matching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the step of transmitting the data signal and the local authorization code to the endpoint site is performed by one of a telephone modem, a cable modem, a wireless modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connector, a fiber optic connector, a local area net (LAN) connector and a satellite antenna connector.
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16. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the data signal and the authorization code are received through an interface, wherein the interface comprises one of a radio frequency connector, a telephone modem, a cable modem, a wireless modem, an integrated digital services network connector, a fiber optic connector, and a local area net connector and a satellite antenna connector.
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17. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the step of communicating generates an electronic book menu, and wherein the method further comprising sending commands, via a remote control, to scroll the electronic book menu and to select a desired electronic book for ordering. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the electronic book is provided using a cable television network.
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20. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the electronic book is provided via a broadcast. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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23. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; and
matching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code;wherein the electronic book is provided using a satellite broadcast, and wherein the satellite broadcast includes one or more of a direct to-home broadcast, a video network distribution broadcast, a regional broadcast, and a forward communications service broadcast.
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24. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the ordering site includes one of a local cable system, a broadcast affiliate, a national broadcaster, an intranet site, an electronic book store and an electronic library. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the ordering site includes an electronic book menu, receives the electronic book selection and receives the processor identification. - View Dependent Claims (38)
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39. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the local authorization code, comprises;
an identification code;
an address; and
one or more electronic book identifiers, wherein the identification code uniquely identifies the electronic book viewer receiving electronic book access authorization, the address identifies a location of the electronic book viewer and routing instructions, and the one or more electronic book identifiers specify the electronic books that are authorized for decrypting.
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40. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code; storing the received authorization code; and
matching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code;wherein the electronic book selection comprises a subscription. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43)
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44. A method for providing electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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receiving, via a processor of an endpoint site, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the end point site has a endpoint ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book;
determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the endpoint site, the data signal and the local authorization code;
storing the received authorization code; andmatching at endpoint site the at least two unique ID numbers with the endpoint ID and the electronic book viewer ID, transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the electronic book viewer, and at the electronic book viewer, prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; wherein the data signal further comprises a menu of available electronic books. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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56. A system that provides electronic books to a subscriber, comprising:
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means for receiving, via a processor of a library unit, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the library unit has a library ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; means for requesting the electronic book from an operation center;
means for determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer;means for transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the endpoint site, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, means for receiving, at the library unit, the data signal and the local authorization code; means for matching by the library unit the at least two unique ID numbers with the library ID and the electronic book viewer ID, means for storing the received authorization code; means for transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code to the means for viewing, and the means for viewing comprising; means for prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; means for displaying pages of the electronic boo;
means for storing the electronic book, and means for controlling viewing of the electronic book via a control panel of the electronic book viewer, wherein the means for viewing is separated from the library unit and communicates with the library unit via a wired or wireless interface.
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57. A non transitory computer-readable medium having control logic stored therein that when executed causes a computer to perform the steps of:
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receiving, via a processor of a library unit, a request for an electronic book from an electronic book ordering site, wherein the library unit has a library ID, and wherein the electronic book ordering site includes an electronic book viewer that has a electronic book viewer ID; requesting the electronic book from an operation center; determining that a status of an account associated with the electronic book viewer is current, determining that the electronic book viewer is an authorized viewer; transmitting a data signal and a local authorization code to the library unit, wherein the data signal comprises an encrypted content of the requested electronic book, and at least two unique ID numbers, receiving, at the library unit, the data signal and the local authorization code and matching by the library unit the at least two unique ID numbers with the library ID and the electronic book viewer ID; storing the received authorization code; transmitting based upon the matching the data signal and the local authorization code, and viewing comprising; prior to viewing decrypting the encrypted content of the electronic book using the local authorization code; displaying pages of the electronic book; storing the electronic book, and controlling viewing of the electronic book via a control panel of the electronic book viewer, wherein viewing is separated from the library unit and communicates with the library unit via a wired or wireless interface.
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Specification