Abstract: A system (10) for managing bandwidth for delivering webcasts from webcasters (50) to viewers (40), the system (10) comprising: a booking module (20) to receive webcast bookings from the webcasters (50), each booking defining technical and operational requirements for the webcast, the technical requirements including transmission speed of the webcast, number of expected viewers (40), and duration of the webcast, and the operational requirements including secure access for viewers (40) and digital rights management; a processing module (21) to automatically compute the available bandwidth based on the technical requirements for the webcast; and a monitoring module (22) to continuously monitor the available bandwidth to be offered for sale for other webcasts.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus in which main information is stored in a first storage unit and subinformation associated with the main information is stored in a second storage unit. The user selects the sub-information to retrieve the corresponding main information that is then transmitted to the user and the user is billed for the transmitted main information. In some instances the billing amount can be reduced.

Abstract: A billing system comprising servers, routers, and processors programmed to provide reservation based prepaid billing is disclosed. The billing system is also programmed to concurrently process multiple billing events on a single, prepaid subscriber account.

Abstract: A pay program providing system has: a television broadcast reception apparatus receiving video data of a pay program and address data for accessing a predetermined communication server, and displaying the address data on a screen; a communication terminal acquiring the address data displayed on the screen and accessing the communication server; and the communication server, when accessed, communicating with the communication terminal. The television broadcast reception apparatus displays the video data only when predetermined key data is entered. The communication terminal transmits the ID data thereof to the communication server; the communication server transmits the key data to the communication terminal or the like; and the communication terminal acquires the key data and outputs it to the television broadcast reception apparatus.

Abstract: For use with a computer network, a media (perhaps music) and advertisement distribution and tracking system and a method of distributing and tracking media and advertisements. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a media server that distributes media to remote players via the computer network according to corresponding playback rules, (2) an advertisement server that distributes advertisements to the remote players via the computer network according to corresponding advertising schedules and (3) a tracking subsystem that retrieves as-run logs from the remote players via the computer network and generates media and advertisement play reports and advertisement billing reports therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and systems of billing for video content are disclosed. The methods include determining a viewing duration. The viewing duration includes an amount of time that a device displays or has access to display video content. The method also includes determining a billing rate for the viewing duration. The billing rate includes a cost per unit of time. The method also includes generating a billing record including the viewing duration and the billing rate.

Abstract: A data contents distribution system in which a contents distribution server puts contents and trial contents of the contents in question on a Web site on a network and a client side device of a user reproduces the trial contents to confirm the details of the contents before obtaining the contents, which includes a function of detecting the number of requests for reproduction of trial contents made by a user or a reproduction time of trial contents, a contents estimation function of determining user's estimation of the contents based on the detection result, and a function of feeding back the estimation result to the relevant contents on the Web site.

Abstract: Presenting video over one or more computer networks includes obtaining permission to distribute video from an owner of rights in the video, charging a flat fee for presentation of the video, where the flat fee being is on a maximum number of users who are permitted to view the video, and following payment of the fee, making the video available to the maximum number of users over the one or more computer networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing cable TV a la carte service, wherein customers only pay for programs actually presented to their TV monitors. Customers are provided with keys for unscrambling TV signals from any channel provided by a service provider. The customers signal to the service provider the identification of a channel being provided to their monitor whenever they turn on their TV. The service provider uses the record of times and channels to perform charging for the customer. Advantageously, customers need not pay for programs not presented to their monitors.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for providing an account identifier from a billing system to a controller that is disposed at the headend of a wide area network (“WAN”) that supports a media content distribution service. In illustrative examples, the WAN is a broadband network to which one or more terminal devices such as STBs are coupled. The billing generates a unique household handle (“HHH”), to identify a particular set of STBs that are associated with a subscriber to the service, which is transmitted to the controller. The controller uses the HHH to prepare a terminal association identifier (“TAI”) that is distributed to the associated STBs. An application programming interface (“API”) resident on each STB is arranged to accept input parameters from one or more applications that run on the STB. The input parameter is typically concatenated with the stored TAI and input to a hashing algorithm.

Abstract: The broadcast program transmission/reception system includes a pay broadcast program site containing pay broadcast programs, multiple CM information management sites each of which stores multiple commercials, multiple viewer's terminals, and a commercial sponsor site. The viewer's terminal requests a pay broadcast program list from one of the CM information sites and then a pay broadcast program among the pay broadcast program list. The CM information management site requests the pay broadcast program requested by the viewer's terminal from the pay broadcast program site, and receives the pay broadcast program. After that, the CM information management site edits the received pay broadcast program by inserting commercials therein and transmits the pay broadcast program with commercials to the viewer's terminal. Concurrently, the CM information management site accumulates the number of transmitted pay broadcast program/commercials.

Abstract: A method for receiving information content from an information distribution system, wherein the information content is divided into a plurality of content portions, the method comprising: subscribing to a multicast group representing at least one content portion; and determining, at the end of a content portion, whether to subscribe to another multicast group.

Abstract: To compensate a failure in downloading of music piece data. For example, when a viewer instructs purchase of a music pieceC to an IRD at a timing t0 during the sixth transmission of music piece data, the music piece data to be transmitted for the seventh time immediately after the instruction is usually downloaded. When the downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the seventh time fails for some reason, downloading is re-executed on music piece data to be transmitted for the eighth time. The music piece data for the final transmission time in each of musical pieces is used for re-execution. Timing at which downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the time immediately preceding the final time can be instructed is set as purchase limit time by using elapsed time since program start time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for transmitting content from a content collection site to a content monitoring site, including inserting a first digital signature into a first content segment collected by the content collection device, inserting a second digital signature, different form the first digital signature, into a second content segment collected by the content collection device sequentially after the first content segment, and transmitting the first content segment including the first digital signature and the second content segment including the second digital signature to the content monitoring site.

Abstract: A system for providing pre-paid access to digital streaming media tracks a number of credits associated with each subscriber. The system measures subscriber use of a digital media stream by embedding frame indicators in the stream at periodic intervals. Each frame indicator includes a URL or other response address. The frame indicators may be inserted, for example, in an RTP header of the digital media stream. Subscriber devices, upon receiving frame indicators, send responses to the response address. With each response received from a subscriber device, the system decrements the number of credits available to the subscriber. The system may stop delivering the media stream to a subscriber who runs out of credits, until that subscriber purchases more credits.

Abstract: The present invention, in a basic feature, provides search, selection and charge methods for a video distribution system for the “on the go” consumer, such as the business traveler or hurried leisure traveler. A video content distribution method in one aspect comprises receiving from a mobile electronic device via a wired port a request for identification of available video content, transmitting to the mobile electronic device via the wired port an identification of available video content, receiving from the mobile electronic device via the wired port a selection of video content from the available video content, receiving from a payment card scanner associated with the wired port payment information for the selected video content and transmitting to the mobile electronic device via the wired port a video file including the selected video content.

Abstract: A system for delivering digital content on demand in a multiple unit environment includes a server local to the multiple unit environment. The server stores, in its memory, the digital content, and is capable of supporting multiple simultaneous asynchronous accesses to the digital content. A billing system tracks the bill for each unit in the multiple unit environment, based on the accessed digital content. Within each unit that supports access to the digital content, an access system (preferably a set-top box) allows a user to access the digital content.

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: The need for a more-readily usable interface for programmable devices is widely recognized. The present invention relates to programmable sequencing devices, or, more particularly, the remote controls for consumer electronic devices. The present invention provides an enhanced interface for facilitating human input of a desired control sequence in a programmable device by employing specialized visual feedback. The present invention also relates to a new interface and method of interfacing with a programmable device, which is usable as an interface for a programmable video cassette recorder.

Abstract: A novel method of geographically and financially expanding the business potential and commercial fall-out of local live event performances, such as local rock or other music concerts and the like, by enabling the live performance content simultaneously to be presented to multi-media outlets, including pay T.V., Internet, radio stations and movie picture theatres, vertically integrated to receive and simultaneously play the content of the local live performance and with superposed simultaneous infomercial material.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to permit a network operator to capture transaction data relating to transactions between a subscriber and a service provider that are conducted via a communications network established by the network operator, such as a cable television network. In operation, the subscribers are provided with information relating to items offered by one or more service providers. The subscriber can transmit a purchase order. A headend of the communications network receives and analyzes the purchase order to capture transaction data. If the service provider is different than the network operator, the headend also relays a copy of the purchase order to the third party service provider such that the purchase order can be filled. Since the network operator has captured information relating to the purchase order, however, the network operator can charge the service provider and/or the subscriber for utilizing its network to facilitate the transaction.

Abstract: A data receiving method and unit extracts required data from among received digital signal data, and uses a predetermined decoding key to decode the extracted data. In the method and unit, it is determined whether the decoded data is normal. If it is determined that decoding has not been normally performed, corresponding data is deleted.

Abstract: In a digital content distribution method to distribute digital contents via a network, distribution of a digital content is instructed according to a distribution schedule, the digital content is distributed according to the distribution schedule indicated, and a particular digital content is selected from the digital contents distributed and is then sold, thereby conducting the distribution of digital contents at a high speed.

Abstract: Advertising is marked with a code in a way which makes it difficult to fool the system. The advertising is marked with a code at the time the advertising is produced. Then, when the advertising is broadcast, the code on the advertising is analyzed. Different security measures can be used, including producing the code in the closed captioning so that many different people can see the code, or comparing codes in one part of the signal with a code in another part of the signal. Measures are taken to prevent the code from being used to detect commercials. According to another part of this system, a paradigm for a clearinghouse is disclosed in which the user signs up with the clearinghouse, obtains a line of credit, and the advertiser, the agency, and the ad producer also subscribe to the service. When the ad is actually aired, the payment can be automatically transferred.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing a normal scrambled digital program is provided. The method includes receiving a scrambled program, and receiving a plurality of access requirements. Each access requirement can descramble the scrambled program. The method also includes selecting at least one of the access requirements, and storing the scrambled program and the selected requirement.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable code for extending payment protocols to include information related to the television context of commercial activity between a consumer using a television (or a set-top box) and a merchant, thereby enabling “TV commerce” to generate additional revenue streams which may include payments to the operator of the television system, as well as to various other parties (such as a cable or satellite provider who is providing the broadcast, the ad agency responsible for creating the advertisement from which the consumer made his purchase, etc.) involved with television advertisements and programs. A number of different payment protocols may be used for these TV commerce transactions, where the protocol messages are then augmented according to the present invention to include TV context data.

Abstract: A method and system for making available syndicated content on-line from a variety of content providers while enforcing the exclusivity requirements for each of the content providers. The method prevents conflict between the exclusivity requirements, expressed as distribution parameters, of the different content providers by examining the proposed distribution parameters before the content is accepted for distribution. New content is rejected if its distribution parameters are in conflict with the existing content. The content is distributed to a purchaser if there are no conflicts between the distribution parameters for the requested contents and purchaser properties. Purchaser properties may include such items of information as purchaser identification, geographical location, income, age, business classification, demography or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for a business to securely distribute potentially large collections of document folders (180) to recipients (140). The system comprises a sending device (160) for sending the document folders (180) and temporarily storing the document folders (180) on a network (120) of interconnected computers (170), a destination computer (170) for accumulating the sent document folders (180) destined for a particular recipient (140), and a receiving device (130) for receiving the accumulated document folders (180) from the destination device (170).

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring data which achieves balancing in profit and loss between a proprietor of copyright and a user includes an instruction section for providing an instruction of a transfer rate, a transfer control section for variably using one of various transfer control methods for data in response to the transfer rate of the instruction provided by the instruction section, and a billing control section for changing the transfer control method by the transfer control section in response to billing processing performed by a user of the transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A method for distributing media content using a video on demand (VOD) system or the like in which a collection of media content items, such as full length movies, is stored in one or more digital storage devices controlled by a content provider and coupled to a specific media presentation device such as a subscriber television set. VOD subscribers select desired content from a catalog of purchasable media assets, creating a sale contract which gives the user the right to present each purchased media content item in perpetuity and obligates said content provider to provide said user with substantially continuous access to said particular media content item as stored in said one or more digital storage devices controlled by said content provider.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a receiver unit in a digital broadcast system for receiving a broadcast signal comprising content segments and control data, and generating an output signal using the content segments and previously stored content segments at the receiver. The previously stored content segments are decrypted. The receiver is configured to obtain authorization from a remote distribution center to decrypt locally stored content segments requested by a user for recording onto a portable storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention is a video information charging system in which a fee-requiring program is broadcast from a transmitting apparatus (11) to a receiving apparatus (13). Moreover, in the video information charging system, a communication concerning an electronic commerce transaction for a commodity that appears in the program is performed between the receiving apparatus (13) and a commerce management apparatus (14). At a program data generating section (21), a related program for making a display concerning the commodity that appears in the program and conducting an electronic commerce transaction for the commodity is acquired. A control section (33) reproduces data of the program. Moreover, the control section (33) makes the display concerning the commodity that appears in the program in accordance with an instruction from a viewer. Furthermore, the control section (33) transmits a purchase request for the commodity to the commerce management apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the viewer.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable code for extending payment protocols to include information related to the television context of commercial activity between a consumer using a television (or a set-top box) and a merchant, thereby enabling “TV commerce” to generate additional revenue streams which may include payments to the operator of the television system, as well as to various other parties (such as a cable or satellite provider who is providing the broadcast, the ad agency responsible for creating the advertisement from which the consumer made his purchase, etc.) involved with television advertisements and programs. A number of different payment protocols may be used for these TV commerce transactions, where the protocol messages are then augmented according to the present invention to include TV context data.

Abstract: A server 100 of a program creation company presents program plan information representing a program plan displayed in a form of a list, to a terminal 200 through Internet 10. A user of the terminal 200 browses the program plan information. In a case where there is a program plan that the user desires to invest, the user informs the server 100 of information representing that the user desires to invest and representing a desired investment amount. The server 100 accepts subscription for investment from the terminal 200 for a predetermined period of time. The server 100 compares the total amount of investment and the estimated creation cost, and determines whether or not the program can be created. In a case where the program can be created, a predetermined billing process for an investor is carried out. The program creation company creates the program using the collected investment, and distributes the program to the terminal 200 through the Internet 10 from the server 100.

Abstract: There is disclosed an interface and architecture for a transaction system capable of collecting data for filing of intellectual property rights, which includes provision for collecting text data, image data, audio data, and/or video data, and supplying that data to a service provider in a form which enables the service provider to apply for legal protection for that data.

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 and system are provided to permit a network operator to capture transaction data relating to transactions between a subscriber and a service provider that are conducted via a communications network established by the network operator, such as a cable television network. In operation, the subscribers are provided with information relating to items offered by one or more service providers. The subscriber can transmit a purchase order. A headend of the communications network receives and analyzes the purchase order to capture transaction data. If the service provider is different than the network operator, the headend also relays a copy of the purchase order to the third party service provider such that the purchase order can be filled. Since the network operator has captured information relating to the purchase order, however, the network operator can charge the service provider and/or the subscriber for utilizing its network to facilitate the transaction.

Abstract: Digital multimedia is broadcast by a wireless provider by first decoding incoming multimedia streams and then encoding each stream using one of at least two encoding parameter sets as appropriate for the particular user or groups of users to receive the stream.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services and for the sharing of digital images without the need of a computer. In particular a cable set top box and cable communication network is used for communication with third parties, including image service providers.

Abstract: A multimedia production and distribution system collects or assembles a media production (such as, a news program, television programming, or radio broadcast) from a variety of sources, including television stations and other media hosting facilities. The media production is categorized and indexed for retrieval and distribution across a wired or wireless network, such as the Internet, to any client, such as a personal computer, television, or personal digital assistant. A user can operate the client to display and interact with the media production, or select various options to customize the transmission or request a standard program. Alternatively, the user can establish a template to generate the media production automatically based on personal preferences. The media production is displayed on the client with various media enhancements to add value to the media production. Such enhancements include graphics, extended play segments, opinion research, and URLs.

Abstract: A system for restricting access to television programs comprising an input for accepting cursor movement and selection commands. In one embodiment, the system displays a list of television viewers to be selected to limit their television program viewing based on a selecting blocking criterion. The system further includes means for blocking or allowing viewing of television programs based on time or dollar allowance when a selection command is entered into the input.

Abstract: The proposed system defines a comprehensive video license distribution system to achieve the zero-reject of requests from subscribers, maximizing the usage of licenses and minimizing the churn rate by (a) using symbolic and numeric features of movies; (b) planning video license distribution of different license kinds to a predictable group of subscribers based on the analysis of subscriber video viewing patterns; (c) exclusive handling of unpredictable behavior of subscribers; (d) the effective trading of favor points; (e) intelligent timing and selection of subscriber specific previews; and (f) the detailed analysis of subscriber complaints.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents to a user, includes (a) a content server which provides a content a user selected, to the user, (b) a user's terminal which transmits an indication of a user's desired content among contents provided by the content server, to the content server, and (c) a network system which assigns a band necessary for transmission of the content to a channel through which the content is transmitted from the content server to the user's terminal, only during the content is being transmitted, receives a content fee from the user, pays the content fee to the content server, and receives a fee for assuring the band and transmitting the content to the user on behalf of the content server, from the content server.

Abstract: A method for creating a virtual slide is provided. A virtual slide is a digital representation of an area of interest of a microscopic slide. One method is to use a motorized microscope that can move a specimen with respect to a microscopic objective. With such a system, one can capture one or more images through a microscopic objective, such that a region of interest is imaged. Each image is then joined together to form a composite or “virtual image.” In one embodiment, after a virtual slide is created, a user may fully utilize the full capabilities of the remote microscope. Among these capabilities is a set of “optical objectives” and :virtual objectives.” Optical objectives are images created by digitizing an image through a microscopic objective in real time. Virtual objectives are digitally created magnifications created by utilizing the existing virtual slide data to digitally create a field of view.

Abstract: A recording of a televised content stream that has been recorded by a digital recorder is periodically refreshed with updated commercials by pushing the updates down to the viewer's device or pulling the updates from the source, so that when the viewer plays back the recording, he may view, if desired, commercials that are more timely than those that were originally recorded.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for automatically providing audio-visual data to convey a dynamic session at a site to remote viewers, which includes capturing from image cameras (22), analyzing, and segmenting the data into distinct components differing from each other by at least one characteristic using the computer (21), selectively encoding and transmitting each of the components through a communication interface (25), and then decoding, reconstructing, and displaying the data to the remote viewers.

Abstract: An animation data producing method of producing second animation data by replacing specific element data of first animation data with different data, includes the steps of extracting element data included in the different data and a tag for determining the element data, replacing the specific element data included in the first animation data with the element data corresponding to the extracted tag matching with the tag for determining the element data, and producing the second animation data.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for an individual (10) to access multimedia contents (CM) available on a network (12) comprising the following steps: