Abstract: A process for providing printed photos from memory cards via network from a hotel room using a memory card reader, device to display photo(s), and a display. The on screen menu system of the photo viewer or PPV system allows for selection, processing, and billing of the photos.

Abstract: A system and method includes an automation system and a scheduling system generating a schedule having a countdown time for a countdown clock assembly and communicating the schedule to an automation system. The system also includes a content repository storing promotional content and a clock background in the content repository. The automation system retrieves the promotional content and the clock background from the content repository, stores the promotional content and the clock background, forms a countdown clock assembly from the promotional content and the clock background and inserts the countdown clock assembly into a channel signal.

Abstract: A system for ordering events comprising a switch for receiving calls, the switch adapted to receive the caller's calling number and the called number; an interactive voice response unit for providing recorded voice response, the interactive voice response unit configured with multiple applications; a data storage component configured with customer information and event information, said customer information including account number and calling number data and the event information including event title; a temporary data container for storing customer data received from the data storage component for use in call processing; and wherein the system is configured to retrieve the customer data from the data storage component based on the calling number and to store the customer data in the temporary data container for use in subsequent call processing applications.

Abstract: A communication system 10 includes a service provider 12 used to provide content to a user device 14. The user device 14 is coupled to a network. A service is selected at the user device. A welcome video is communicated from the service provider 12 to the user device 14. A confirmation signal is provided from the user device 14 to the service provider 12 in response to successfully receiving the welcome video. Access to the service is enabled at the service provider 12 in response to the confirmation signal.

Abstract: A broadcast program purchase method and apparatus for a broadcast-enabled mobile device are provided for efficiently managing purchased tokens by using a smartcard. In the broadcast program purchase method one or more tokens are acquired for use in purchasing a pay broadcast program and the one or more tokens are stored in a smartcard coupled to the mobile device. The broadcast program purchase apparatus includes a radio communication unit for transmitting a token acquisition request message and a program purchase request message to a billing server and for receiving one or more tokens from the billing server, a smartcard unit for storing the one or more tokens received from the billing server, and a control unit for controlling transmission of the program purchase request message using at least one of the one or more tokens through the radio communication unit.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus receives a broadcast signal containing video image information representing a video image, pay program identifying information indicating whether or not the video image is a pay program video image, and address information indicating a predetermined communications server, the broadcast signal containing the video image information, the pay program identifying information, and the address information in a predetermined format. The broadcast receiving apparatus has: a display portion displaying the video image; a pay program judging portion judging whether or not the video image information is pay program video image information based on the pay program identifying information; and a recording portion recording the video image information. If the pay program judging portion judges that the video image information is pay program video image information, the recording portion records the address information in addition to the video image information.

Abstract: Music is often embedded in or otherwise coupled to videos including television shows, movies, commercials, and user-generated video viewed on television, DVDs, movie theaters, or via computer networks. Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatus enabling user selection and/or purchase of copies of the embedded music. The present invention allows a user to immediately purchase and obtain (e.g., by wireless transmission) complete versions of music associated with a video as well as other music by the artist or other artists. During presentation (play) of the video, a user can request information about the background music or related products through an interactive interface, which includes an indicator that alerts the user to subject media available for review and/or purchase. A method and apparatus for coupling audio data with identifier tags in cooperation with the interactive interface is also disclosed, as is a control system for effecting operation of the interactive interface.

Abstract: Techniques and tools are described which provide control access mechanisms for contents made available by a service provider to a user. The user, after a registration process, uses a mobile application on a mobile device to generate a one-time content key. The content key is input into a set-top box which validates the key and provides access to the protected content. The mobile application allows for password protection for the user, as well as a recharging ability when its one-time content keys are exhausted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission system comprising a transmitter, at least one receiver and a data network coupling the transmitter and the receiver, whereby the at least one receiver comprises a dejitter mechanism. The transmitter comprises jitter means for introducing jitter into data on the network, and the dejitter mechanism is provided with a jitter control input for controlling an extent of dejitter. In pay per view applications this provides a means for gradually controlling the video and audio quality at the customers' premises.

Abstract: Media content is received from at least one external device that is coupled to a set-top box. Subscriber channel content is generated based on the media content. The subscriber channel content is transferred to a cable network to produce a subscriber cable channel.

Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a consumer electronics product (CEP) for communicating information with a CEP service provider. The method comprises providing a request by a CEP device to a CEP local communication device for a local area connection; detecting a local-area-enabled communication device by the CEP local communication device in response to the request; establishing a local area connection with the local-area-enabled communication device after the detecting; causing the local-area-enabled communication device to establish a wide area connection with the CEP service provider; providing the information to the CEP service provider via the local area connection and the wide area connection. In one aspect, the CEP may be a set top box. Further, the local area connection may be based on one of a bluetooth connection or an 802.11 connection.

Abstract: A pay per view program is provided in a virtual world such that users can share the experience of viewing the same pay per view program simultaneously through a virtual world interface. By providing pay per view programs in a virtual world, users of the virtual world can be exposed to a shared common experience, and can interact in the virtual world while experiencing the pay per view program.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for processing an encrypted data stream within a computer system adapted to receive the encrypted data stream from a data storage device. A data output device is coupled to a computer system and has a plurality of data output areas. An encrypted data stream is transferred from a data storage device to the data output device, the encrypted data stream being for output to one of the plurality of data output areas. The encrypted data stream is received and decrypted to produce a clear data stream for output to one of the plurality of data output areas. A decryption means receives a decryption key from the computer system, the decryption key relating only to the encrypted stream associated with the one of the plurality of data output areas.

Abstract: A system for providing interactive services in a subscription television system includes a system controller for controlling the interactive services, a video signal source for transmitting a video signal and a subscriber terminal for receiving a downstream transaction from the system controller and the video signal. The system controller comprises a memory for storing subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a processor for generating a downstream transaction including subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a transmitter for transmitting the downstream transaction, and a receiver for receiving an upstream transaction. The subscriber terminal includes memory for storing the downstream transaction, an on screen display generator for overlaying data in place of or superimposed on the video signal, data input circuitry for generating upstream data, and an upstream transmitter for transmitting the upstream data to the system controller.

Abstract: A method for managing an IPTV live broadcast service, including: receiving a request from a subscriber terminal; updating authorization information of the subscriber terminal in real time; generating a channel list for the subscriber terminal according to the authorization information; and sending the channel list to the subscriber terminal. A system, IPTV application apparatus and subscriber terminal for managing an IPTV live broadcast service is also provided. By the interaction between the IPTV application apparatus and the subscriber terminal, the embodiments of the present invention make it possible to send authorization information to the subscriber terminal in real time so that the subscriber may employ the live broadcast of a PPV program in real time. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention make it possible to effectively manage the time shift operation performed by the subscriber in the time shift limit.

Abstract: In a “Pay per view” system (5), a playback device (1,2,3) of a user of the “Pay per view” system (5) obtains a playback authorization by an authorizing device (4) from a recording carrier (13,14) before playback of a coded playback information item (CWI) of a chargeable film. For granting the playback authorization, the authorizing device (4) bills a playback charge to the user. Inter alia, recorder identification information items (RKWI) identifying recording devices (1,2) that have contributed to creating the copy of the recording carrier (13,14) played back by the playback device (1,2,3) are stored on the recording carrier (13,14). In the course of granting the playback authorization, bonus information evaluating means (21,22) store the recorder identification information items (RKWI) transferred by playback devices (1,2,3) to the bonus information evaluating means (21,22).

Abstract: A method for managing a service includes: receiving a request from a user; obtaining a service management strategy taking the features of the user as manage conditions and determining the manage measure for a service according to the features of the user requesting the service and the service management strategy. A system for managing a service which includes a UE and a network-side device is also provided. An apparatus for managing a service is further provided. With the present invention, a service may be carried out according to the features of a user.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: A method and system of providing copy protection of video analog and digital signals and the like, wherein the signals are transmitted via a digital delivery network, and may comprise, for example, pay-per-view (PPV) program materials protected by copyrights of respective program rights holders. The right holders authorize video service providers (3) to apply copy protection to the program material. The copy protection process is supplied to the rights holders or the service providers (3) by a copy protection process licensor. The video service providers (3) supply suitable copy protection control software via respective control and billing (tracking) centers to generate commands which activate, control and reconfigure the copy protection process being applied to the programs being transmitted.

Abstract: A method and system of providing copy protection of video analog and digital signals and the like, wherein the signals are transmitted via a digital delivery network, and may comprise, for example, pay-per-view (PPV) program materials protected by copyrights of respective program rights holders. The right holders authorize video service providers (3) to apply copy protection to the program material. The copy protection process is supplied to the rights holders or the service providers (3) by a copy protection process licensor. The video service providers (3) supply suitable copy protection control software via respective control and billing (tracking) centers to generate commands which activate, control and reconfigure the copy protection process being applied to the programs being transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention makes viewers surely view commercial programs. When a commercial program is broadcasted and displayed on a display (7A), a viewer is requested a response. The viewer operates a prescribed key in the ten key (32) of a remote controller (31) for response. If the viewer responds to the response request of the commercial program, points are added to a smart card (10). The viewer can view a pay program using the points recorded in the smart card (10).

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for producing, distributing and presenting media presentations include identifying, providing and generating a sequence of media segments from a plurality of media presentations, optionally in combination with associated interactive services, so as to define a media channel.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit having a plurality of selectable pathways inter-connected to data sources and data destinations; a cryptographic circuit connected to the selectable pathways to selectively receive data from at least one of the data sources, to decrypt or encrypt the data in accordance with a key, and to selectively provide the encrypted or decrypted data to at least one of the data destinations; an instruction interpreter arranged to receive an instruction signal and to generate an output to control the plurality of selectable pathways to select from which of the data sources the cryptographic circuit receives data and to which destination the cryptographic circuit provides data. The instruction interpreter configured such that the instruction signal defines a data pathway that operates in accordance with a rule that limits the data pathway configurations which are selectable.

Abstract: A method of providing video portable video display device having a video screen for viewing of video streams broadcast at various venues such as sports events. Users are informed of upcoming events and venues and may buy a subscription to operate the video display at each event. For each event the user is given an authorization code which is stored in the device. Upon arrival of a user at the venue, the authorization code is transmitted and if determined valid, an activation signal is broadcast to activate the device to receive wireless video transmissions. Removal of the device from the venue or ending of the event will deactivate the device.

Abstract: A multimedia packet re-multiplexer system having a plurality of multimedia sources, each multimedia source sending incoming multimedia packets, each packet having a header which includes a packet identifier (PID) to determine the packet type. The system includes an interface multiplexer (mux) for periodically scanning the multimedia sources for the incoming packets. The system also includes a main storage device for storing each incoming packet, a secondary storage device having a cut-through mechanism for storing the header of each incoming packet, an input classifier for selecting a process for each packet stored in the main storage device, in accordance with the corresponding header from the secondary storage device.

Abstract: A method of securely receiving data on a user's system from a web broadcast infrastructure with a plurality of channels. The method comprising receiving promotional metadata from a first web broadcast channel, the promotional metadata related to data available for reception; assembling at least part of the promotional metadata into a promotional offering for review by a user; selecting by a user, data to be received related to the promotional metadata; receiving data from a second web broadcast channel, the data selected from the promotional metadata, and wherein the data has been previously encrypted using a first encrypting key; and receiving the first decrypting key via a computer readable medium, the first decrypting key for decrypting at least some of the data received via the second web broadcast channel. In another embodiment, a method and system to transmit data securely from a web broadcast center is disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which allows viewers to create their own customized lists of preferred video content programs, such as movies, games, TV shows, and so forth. Viewers are permitted to select criteria for grouping various video content programs into manageable sets. Lists of programs are provided in one or more scrollable lists, the scrolling rates of which are programmable. Once grouped, previews for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application allows the viewers to browse the previews at their own rate, skipping forward to the next preview or backward to the previous preview. During this automated browsing, the VOD application enables the viewer to add any of the programs of interest to a customized list. The viewer can retrieve the customized list at any time. If the viewer orders a program from the customized list, the program remains available to the viewer for a rental period (which is adjustable).

Abstract: A digital broadcast system includes a receiving device, one or more communication devices, and a broadcast station device. The receiving device includes a receiver for receiving a digitally broadcast program; a presentor for presenting the program received by the receiver to a viewer; and means for sending program ID information that specifies either the presented program or a program related to the presented program. Each of the communication devices receives the sent program ID information and sends communication device ID information to the broadcast station device together with the received program ID information. The broadcast station device receives the program ID information and the device ID information, and sends viewer targeted program specific service information to each of the communication devices identified by the received device ID information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving requests for the remote storage of time schedule media programs from a client over the Internet and the delivery of such media programs in a specified streaming video format to the client is disclosed. The client requests the recording of a media program by a delivery device which delivery device identifies, in an e-mail message to the client, the storage location of the requested program in the delivery system. The client then accesses the delivery system via the Internet using the storage location identity and the delivery system delivers the stored program. The method and apparatus receives media program signals from distributed geographic locations to provide the client access to media programs not available at the client's location. Tools are also provided to simplify media program selection and storage.

Abstract: A video-on-demand (VOD) system and method which efficiently enables a user to resume viewing of a video program from an interrupted position is disclosed. The present invention allows the user to resume viewing of a video program even if the user requests a resumption of the interrupted video program several times or through different video servers. Particularly, the video viewing characteristic information of a user terminal is not managed by a video server of the VOD system, but is managed by the user terminal. Accordingly, when a user interrupts viewing of a video program, the video server transmits to the user terminal user profile information which includes the characteristic information related to the viewing of the video program. Thereafter, if the user requests resumption of the interrupted video program using the user profile information, the video server re-transmits the video program from the interrupted position of the video program.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for presenting broadcast information that comprises steps of: (a) receiving broadcast information; (b) receiving guidance information relating to presentation of the broadcast information; (c) paying for a capability to alter or override at least a portion of the guidance information; (d) receiving user input to alter or override at least some of the guidance information; (e) analyzing the guidance information, the capability, and the user input to provide one or more presentation rates; and (f) presenting the information at the one or more presentation rates.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a resource over a content-specific session is provided. A client requests a resource from a service provider, such as an ISP. The service provider provisions the order and records the order in a data store. A service login identifier is created with attributes, such as bandwidth, that correspond to the requested resource, such as a movie or network accessible storage. The client logs into the service provider using the service login identifier and the client's normal password. The service login is authenticated and a session is established using the attributes that correspond to the requested resource. The client is directed to the requested resource by using a resource URL that was provided by the service provider, such as a URL to a requested movie or network accessible storage.

Abstract: A system for providing video-on-demand service, broadband internet access and other broadband services over T-carrier systems including a pull multiplexer cherrypicker at the head end is disclosed. The pull multiplexer receives upstream requests and cull out MPEG or other compressed video packets, IP packets and other data packet types to satisfy the requests or to send pushed programming downstream. The downstream can be DSL or HFC. Each customer has a cable modem, DSL modem or a gateway which interfaces multiple signal sources to a LAN to which settop decoders, digital phones, personal computers, digital FAX machines, video cameras, digital VCRs etc. can be attached. Each gateway can coupled the LAN to a DSL line or HFC through a cable modem or a satellite dish through a satellite transceiver. A PSTN and conventional TV antenna interface is also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

Abstract: A program-guide-display controlling apparatus for displaying a plurality of program guides on a display unit in a matrix form by using one of the ordinate and the abscissa as a channel number axis and another one as a time axis comprises means for displaying to discriminate a time period in which a purchased program is present and a time period in which the purchased program is not present, so as to ensure that a situation in which two or more PPV programs which are broadcast during the same time period happen to be purchased is made difficult to occur.

Abstract: According to a computer-implemented approach for renting items to customers, customers specify what items to rent using item selection criteria separate from deciding when to receive the specified items. According to the approach, customers provide item selection criteria to a provider provides the items indicated by the item selection criteria to customer over a delivery channel. The provider may be either centralized or distributed depending upon the requirements of a particular application. A “Max Out” approach allows up to a specified number of items to be rented simultaneously to customers. A “Max Turns” approach allows up to a specified number of item exchanges to occur during a specified period of time. The “Max Out” and “Max Turns” approaches may be used together or separately with a variety of subscription methodologies.

Abstract: The client application provides VCR functionality in a data-centered video multicast network (36) through active prefetching of the fragments from broadcast channels. The player (10) has a user interface (12) that supports a plurality of VCR functions (14–26). Plural buffers (32) and their associated loaders (34) download video data under control of a manager module (38). The manager module accesses the playback pointer (40) and employs feasible point calculation module (42) to cause the loaders to selectively download segments so that VCR functions can be supported while maintaining continuous playback after the VCR function is performed.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus receives digital broadcast signals from a plurality of broadcasting companies in different receiving modes from each other at low cost. It is determined to what limited receiving mode an IC card, mounted to an IC card interface section, corresponds. When the IC card is an effective IC card which corresponds to the limited receiving mode of an output stream selected by the user, a CPU performs control in such a manner that the limited receiving processing is conducted for the output stream by use of the contract information and the scramble key information controlled by the IC card. Specifically, when reception of the program designated by the user through a selecting operation is limited, the CPU allows a descrambling section to unscramble the output stream, so that the user can watch and listen to the program. By simply exchanging the IC cards mounted on the interface section, it becomes possible to receive the digital broadcast signals from the broadcasting companies.

Abstract: A data-providing system comprising a first data-transmitting section (control unit 1), a control section (control unit 3), and a second data-transmitting section (control unit 3). The first data-transmitting section transmits a continuous stream of content data that consists of multimedia content groups, each composed of program data and auxiliary data items. The control section processes data items obtained by dividing each program data, attribute data of the auxiliary data items and user profile data, thereby to automatically assemble new data. The second data-transmitting section changes the order in which to transmit the auxiliary data items inserted in a program, in accordance with the new data assembled by the control section.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for impulse purchasing of services over a communication network, such as a cable or satellite television network. Such services can include games or information accompanying television programming, home-shopping, e-mail services, streaming media and the like. Security is provided through entitlements generated by the access controller 14 and entitlement tokens generated by a secure processor. The secure processor is located at a subscriber terminal 16 through which a subscriber orders and obtains the services. A token is generated when the subscriber either selects the service, if pre-authorized, or when the service is purchased on impulse. The token is secure and signed, and may be used by a policy/proxy server 18 subtending to the Network Operator's ISP and associated services to further facilitate offering these services to the subscribers.

Abstract: A method for a PPV referral that provides to a subscriber the time, date, and channel of the next showing of a PPV event if the subscriber tries to purchase the PPV event after the purchase window is closed for the current showing. The subscriber is provided information on the next showing of the PPV event regardless of when or on which channel the next showing occurs. In addition, a method and system for providing a single multipurpose PPV channel that a subscriber tunes for all PPV services. There can be a single multipurpose PPV channel for all PPV services or single PPV channels for groups of similar services, such as a Family PPV channel. Each represents a single multipurpose channel of similar programming. Once a subscriber purchases a PPV event, the HCT tunes to the MPEG transport stream and program information for the selected PPV event and displays the PPV event on the single multipurpose PPV channel at its associated start time. The subscriber does not have to select another channel.

Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a full service cable television system. The cable system incorporates a digital and analog transmission architecture capable of delivering a high number of high quality television programs, advanced cable services, and online services to a subscriber's home. The cable system comprises a cable headend, at least one fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber coax plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility with existing systems. The set-top terminal incorporates a central processing unit, a unified memory architecture, a memory management unit, communications circuitry, I/O control circuitry, and audio and video output circuitry.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for displaying purchased content information in a high-level menu display of a server-client broadcast system. Purchased content information is stored locally and is changed according to viewing parameters. The menu display reflects the current purchased content information. When the client accesses the server for other purposes, purchased content information is exchanged between the client and the server. Accordingly, only existing bandwidth is utilized and no additional load is placed on the system as a result of maintaining purchased content information in a high-level menu.

Abstract: A media switch enables a terminal to access content by receiving a content request from a terminal for a first piece of content to be distributed over a cable system, identifying a personal channel within resources available in the cable system to distribute the first piece of content to the terminal, transmitting access information to the terminal to enable the terminal to access the first piece of content through the personal channel, and interfacing with a cable headend to provide the first piece of content on the personal channel.

Abstract: There is provided a digital broadcasting receiver capable of reducing the occurrence of situations where a charge for purchase is forced to be paid, although a purchased pay program cannot be viewed due to worsened weather, power failure, or the like. When a channel is turned in to a pay per view (PPV) program, a part of the program can be viewed free of charge in a preview period. When a user performs a purchase operation in an attempt to purchase the program, a digital broadcasting receiver 30 does not immediately perform purchase processing but waits until the preview period is almost terminated, and performs the purchase processing for an IC card 21A only when the receiving condition is within an allowable range at this time point. On the other hand, it does not perform purchase processing when the receiving condition is not within the allowable range.

Abstract: In a pay-per-item system, a method and apparatus of anonymously ordering an item, including ordering the item through an anonymizing intermediary.

Abstract: A method and system for designating and identifying individual programming that is available in a subscriber television system as a pay-per-view event. The identified programming includes programs that are not normally available for viewing by some subscribers or for which a subscriber has not subscribed. The programming can include an individual program, groups of programs, and non-pay-per-view channels. The subscriber can then elect to view the programming as a pay-per-view event.

Abstract: A system for distributing contents to the terminals of users through a network. Before the distribution, it is determined whether or not the contents can be distributed according to the information about the places to which the contents are distributed and the information about the places in which the contents are shown. Thus, a larger number of users can be provided with an opportunity to enjoy the contents without disordering the commercial domain of the showing movie theater for showing the contents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.