Method and system for controlling and auditing content/service systems
First Claim
1. A method of controlling a network transaction between a user receiver and a content provider occurring over a network operated by a network operator, the content provider offering enhanced content programming relating to the network transaction, the method comprising the steps of:
- initiating a request for the enhanced content programming, said request initiated by the user receiver and directed at the content provider via the network, wherein the enhanced content programming includes enhanced television signal permitting user interactivity;
intercepting the request for enhanced content programming, said intercepting step performed by a third party;
appending information to the request for enhanced content programming, said appending step performed by the third party;
transmitting the appended request for enhanced content programming to the content provider, said transmitting step performed by the third party;
directing the enhanced content programming responsive to said appended request at the user receiver via the network, said directing step performed by the content provider;
intercepting the enhanced content programming, said intercepting step performed by the third party and determining whether the enhanced content programming includes markers inserted by the content provider in response to information appended by the third party to the request;
determining if the enhanced content programming complies with a set of third party parameters by examining the markers;
permitting the enhanced content programming to be received by the user receiver if the enhanced content programming complies with said set of third party parameters; and
preventing the enhanced content programming from being received by the user receiver if the enhanced content programming does not comply with said set of third party parameters.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved interactive network system is provided that allows the Network Operator to control the transfer of information to and from the network end users, the system preferably using triggers or markers embedded within the programming broadcast to users via the network. As a consequence of this system, the Network Operator is able to efficiently garner revenues from third parties transacting business over the network and to control the look and feel of programming offered to network users. Additionally the system can be used as a means of limiting network access, filtering programming, providing on-screen graphics or audible signals for particular programming types or providers, bookmarking programming, profiling network users, targeting advertising, and simplifying network transactions.
46 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of controlling a network transaction between a user receiver and a content provider occurring over a network operated by a network operator, the content provider offering enhanced content programming relating to the network transaction, the method comprising the steps of:
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initiating a request for the enhanced content programming, said request initiated by the user receiver and directed at the content provider via the network, wherein the enhanced content programming includes enhanced television signal permitting user interactivity; intercepting the request for enhanced content programming, said intercepting step performed by a third party; appending information to the request for enhanced content programming, said appending step performed by the third party; transmitting the appended request for enhanced content programming to the content provider, said transmitting step performed by the third party; directing the enhanced content programming responsive to said appended request at the user receiver via the network, said directing step performed by the content provider; intercepting the enhanced content programming, said intercepting step performed by the third party and determining whether the enhanced content programming includes markers inserted by the content provider in response to information appended by the third party to the request; determining if the enhanced content programming complies with a set of third party parameters by examining the markers; permitting the enhanced content programming to be received by the user receiver if the enhanced content programming complies with said set of third party parameters; and preventing the enhanced content programming from being received by the user receiver if the enhanced content programming does not comply with said set of third party parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A network-based system for controlling a user transaction, the system comprising:
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a network providing both standard television programming and enhanced content programming to a plurality of users, wherein the enhanced content programming includes enhanced television signal permitting user interactivity; a receiver coupled to said network, said receiver submitting a user request for a portion of said enhanced content programming relating to the user transaction; a content provider coupled to said network, said content provider supplying said portion of said enhanced content programming relating to the user transaction in response to said user request; a third party controller coupled to said network for appending information to said user request, for detecting triggers embedded within said portion of said enhanced content programming supplied by said content provider in response to said user request and for intercepting said portion of said enhanced content programming supplied by said content provider in response to said user request and for determining whether the enhanced content programming includes markers inserted by the content provider in response to information appended by the third party to the user request; a data base controlled by said third party controller, said data base containing a set of third party parameters; third party means for determining if said enhanced content programming complies with said set of third party parameters by examining the markers; and third party means for preventing the enhanced content programming from being received by said receiver if the enhanced content programming supplied by said content provider does not comply with said set of third party parameters. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification