Method for transmitting a desired digital video or audio signal

• US 5,191,573 A
• Filed: 09/18/1990
• Issued: 03/02/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sightsound Technologies LLC (General Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Arthur R. Hair
• Inventors: Hair, Arthur R.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HOA T
• Application Number:
  US07/586,391
• Time in Patent Office: 896 Days
• Field of Search: 369/33, 369/34, 369/13, 369/15, 369/84, 369/85, 235/380, 235/381, 235/375, 364/479, 364/410
• US Class Current: 369/84
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1235 with control of digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00086 Circuits for prevention of unauthorised reproduction or copying, e.g. piracy indicating unauthorised use of record carriers in general G11B23/28; scrambling for television signal recording H04N5/913; network architectures or network protocols for network security H04L63/00; cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communication H04L9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/0071 involving a purchase action
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/20 Disc-shaped record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/41 Flat as opposed to hierarchical combination, e.g. library of tapes or discs, CD changer, or groups of record carriers that together store one title
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/61 wherein solid state memory is used for storing A/V content storing computer data in solid state memories G06F
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/005 Reproducing at a different information rate from the information rate of recording for television signals H04N5/783
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Abstract

The present invention is a method for transmitting a desired digital video or audio signal stored on a first memory of a first party to a second memory of a second party. The method comprises the steps of transferring money via a telecommunications line to the first party from the second party. Additionally, the method comprises the step of then connecting electronically via a telecommunications line the first memory with the second memory such that the desired signal can pass therebetween. Next, there is the step of transmitting the desired digital signal from the first memory with a transmitter in control and in possession of the first party to a receiver having the second memory at a location determined by the second party. The receiver is in possession and in control of the second party. There is also the step of then storing the digital signal in the second memory.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting a desired digital audio signal stored on a first memory of a first party to a second memory of a second party comprising the steps of:

transferring money electronically via a telecommunication lien to the first party at a location remote from the second memory and controlling use of the first memory from the second party financially distinct from the first party, said second party controlling use and in possession of the second memory;

connecting electronically via a telecommunications line the first memory with the second memory such that the desired digital audio signal can pass therebetween;

transmitting the desired digital audio signal from the first memory with a transmitter in control and possession of the first party to a receiver having the second memory at a location determined by the second party, said receiver in possession and control of the second party; and

storing the digital signal in the second memory.

2. A method as described in claim 1 including after the transferring step, the steps of searching the first memory for the desired digital audio signal;

and selecting the desired digital audio signal from the first memory.

3. A method as described in claim 2 wherein the transferring step includes the steps of telephoning the first party controlling use of the first memory by the second party;

providing a credit card number of the second party controlling the second memory to the first party controlling the first memory so the second party is charged money.

4. A method for transmitting a desired digital video signal stored on a first memory of a first party to a second memory of a second party comprising the steps of:

transferring money electronically via a telecommunications line to the first party at a location remote from the second memory and controlling use of the first memory, from a second party financially distinct from the first party, said second party in control and in possession of the second memory;

connecting electronically via a telecommunications line the first memory with the second memory such that the desired digital video signal can pass therebetween;

transmitting the desired digital video signal from the first memory with a transmitter in control and possession of the first party to a receiver having the second memory at a location determined by the second party, said receiver in possession and control of the second party; and

storing the digital signal in the second memory.

5. A method as described in claim 4 including after the transferring money step, the step of searching the first memory for the desired digital signal and selecting the desired digital signal from the first memory.

6. A method as described in claim 5 wherein the transferring step includes the steps of telephoning the first party controlling use of the first memory by the second party controlling the second memory;

providing a credit card number of the second party controlling the second memory to the first party controlling the first memory so the second party controlling the second memory is charged money.