Purchasing upgraded media feature for transmission
Abstract
This record has no abstract on file.
Term
Projected expiry 24 March 2030.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Projected expiry
12 claims: 9 independent, 3 dependent
- 1アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャの購入選択を受信すること、 該アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャの購入を自動的にコーディネートすること、 前記購入選択を送信したクライアントシステムに、前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを送信することを複数の送信ソースの少なくとも一つに指示することによって、該アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャの供給を自動的にコーディネートすることであって、前記少なくとも一つの送信ソースは、クライアントシステムでの前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャの受信変更のためのトークンをサーバシステムに供給し、前記サーバシステムはそのトークンを前記クライアントシステムに供給する、メディア・フィーチャの供給を自動的にコーディネートすること を含む方法。
- 2請求項1記載の方法であって、 前記購入選択はエンターテインメント・システムからのものであり、そのエンターテインメント・システムに前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャが提供される方法。
- 3請求項1記載の方法において、 前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャはビデオ・アップグレード、オーディオ・アップグレード、記録可能版および対話用イベントの高速化バージョンの内の少なくとも一つを含む方法。
- 4請求項1記載の方法において、 前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャは複数の送信ソースの内の少なくとも一つから受信されるものであり、該複数の送信ソースはケーブル・テレビ、アンテナ受信、衛星受信、ミニディッシ・サテライトアンテナ受信、電話回線サービスおよびインターネットのいずれかを含む方法。
- 5サーバシステムからクライアントシステムにアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを提供するシステムであって、 クライアントシステムは、 アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを購入するためにサーバシステムに購入選択を送信する送信ユニットと、 前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを受信するための受信ユニットと を有し、 サーバシステムは、 クライアントシステムからの購入選択を受信する受信ユニットと、 前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを前記クライアントシステムに提供することを複数の送信ソースの少なくとも一つに指示することによって、該アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャの購入を自動的にコーディネートする購入ユニットであって、前記少なくとも一つの送信ソースはクライアントシステムでの前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャの受信変更のためのトークンをサーバシステムに供給する、購入ユニットとを有し、 前記サーバシステムは前記トークンを前記クライアントシステムに送るシステム。
- 6複数の異なるエンターテインメント・プログラムと、該各々のプログラムに関連した複数の異なるアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャとに関するアップグレード関連情報を受信すること、 ユーザ端末で、エンターテインメント・プログラムとそれらの各プログラムに関する複数の異なるアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャとに関するリストを提示すること、 提示された複数の中から選択したエンターテインメント・プログラム選択情報とともに1以上のアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャ選択情報とをエンターテインメント・プログラム・プロバイダーに送信すること、 選択されたアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを有する選択されたエンターテインメントプログラムを受信すること を含み、 前記選択されたエンターテインメント・プログラムを受信することは複数の送信ソースの一つからのトークンを受信することを含み、該トークンは前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを有する前記選択されたエンターテインメント・プログラムの受信を可能にするものである方法。
- 7請求項 6 記載の方法であって、 エンターテインメント・プログラム選択情報とアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャ選択情報はユーザ端末を介したユーザからのものであり、該選択情報の送信はユーザからの選択情報を送信することを含む方法。
- 8請求項 6 記載の方法において、 前記複数の異なるアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャは、ビデオの解像度を向上させたもの、オーディオ品質を向上させたもの、オーディオ・チャネルを増加させたもの、記録可能にしたもの、または対話式イベントのアクセス速度を向上させたもののいずれかを含む方法。
- 9請求項 6 記載の方法であって、 前記アップグレード関連情報を受信することは、複数の異なるアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャのための使用可能な送信ソースに関する情報を受信することを含み、 前記リストを提示することは、該使用可能な送信ソースを提示することを含む方法。
- 10請求項 6 記載の方法であって、 前記アップグレード関連情報を受信することは、複数の送信ソースと通信しているサーバシステムからの情報を受信することを含み、 前記エンターテインメント・プログラム・プロバイダーに送信することは、前記選択情報をサーバシステムに送信することを含む方法。
- 11請求項 10 記載の方法であって、 選択されたエンターテインメント・プログラムを受信することは、前記複数の送信ソースの一つから選択されたアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを有する選択されたエンターテインメント・プログラムを受信することを含む方法。
- 12請求項 11 記載の方法であって、 前記アップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャはビデオ・アップグレード、オーディオ・アップグレード、記録可能版および対話用イベントの高速化バージョンの内の少なくとも一つを含む方法。
Independent claims12
57 paragraphs, as filed
The present invention relates to a technique of a program transmission system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for purchasing upgraded media features for program transmission.
In recent years, new forms of television transmission, radio transmission and internet program transmission, such as in broadcasting, have been developed. For example, digital cable systems and satellite systems can provide hundreds of channels of programming with a range of qualities and features available on each channel. Similarly, viewers can participate in a variety of on-the-go interactive events on the Internet, such as games, markets and chat rooms, via cable systems and the like. Even with traditional antenna reception, a wide range of viewing options are available in many areas, and the introduction of digital broadcasting will increase the number of features and options available on each channel. Let's go.
Many viewers may not have an entertainment system that can take full advantage of all of the media features that are currently available and will be available in the future. For example, audio media features may include monotone, stereo sound and various forms of multi-channel surround sound. And the viewer may not have a television with a stereo or surround sound mechanism, in which case the additional bandwidth needed to broadcast with higher sound quality is wasted.
Also, other viewers may not rate certain media features of a broadcast. For example, one viewer may want the same viewer to watch the movie in multi-channel surround sound, even though he doesn't care if the news broadcast is stereo.
In each of these typical situations, the viewer may want to pay only for the media features that are available to them, or to receive a broadcast with a higher level of media features. You may be willing to pay more. Therefore, there is a need for improved methods and equipment for purchasing media features for broadcasting.
<p> The present invention lies in improved methods and equipment for purchasing media features for program transmission. According to the present invention, selection information for buying upgraded media features for program transmission is sent to the server system. The server system automatically coordinates the purchase of media features from the program transmission source and the provision of media features from the program transmission source. In one embodiment, the entertainment system has a user interface, the viewer selects an upgraded media feature for program transmission from the user interface, and the program transmission by the upgraded media feature is entertainment. It is supposed to be provided to the system. Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, these accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the present invention. The same reference numerals in the figure indicate similar components.</p>
<figref num="1">It is a block diagram which illustrates one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a block diagram which illustrates one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="3">It is a block diagram which illustrates the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is a flowchart which illustrates the method of one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="5">It is an explanatory diagram illustrating one embodiment of the screen display in which the upgraded media features can be selected from the screen display obtained by the user interface.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an entertainment system suitable for use in the present invention.</figref><figref num="7">It is a block diagram which illustrates one Embodiment of the computing apparatus suitable for use in this invention.</figref><figref num="8">It is a block diagram which illustrates one Embodiment of the computing apparatus suitable for use in this invention.</figref>
FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. According to the present invention, the viewer can purchase the upgraded media features. For example, in one embodiment, a viewer of client system 110 who ordered a pay-per-view movie will pay an additional fee to make the movie a higher video resolution and / or digital Dolby Surround instead of monotone audio. Can be received as sound.
Upgraded media features include, but are not limited to, a wide variety of audio, video and interactive effects. For example, you can upgrade your video resolution. This is especially true for digital transmissions such as broadcasts from view-on-demand program sources such as broadcast sources. Broadcast sources can have the option of sending multiplex broadcast waves simultaneously on a single digital channel. For example, a view-on-demand broadcast source could access 200 channels in a particular area and download up to 20 broadcasts simultaneously on each channel. As the number of simultaneous broadcasts increases, the video quality of any one broadcast declines. As a result, viewers can also pay more to receive broadcasts on channels with fewer simultaneous broadcasts.
In one embodiment, it is possible to upgrade to a certain extent. For example, the default range of video resolutions can be the lowest resolution level for the maximum number of simultaneous broadcasts on a channel. And the highest range can be placed at the highest resolution level, where there is only one broadcast per channel. However, if the television cannot resolve in such fine detail, its high resolution cannot be fully utilized. In that case, it is possible to create one or more intermediate resolution ranges near the resolution level that many types of televisions can display. In this case, for each increase level of resolution, broadcasting requires a large amount of bandwidth, which will result in higher prices for each increase level of resolution.
Similar approaches to the above can be considered and implemented for various upgraded media features from a wide range of broadcast sources. As another example, viewers may pay for upgraded access to interactive events. For example, hundreds of virtual competitors may access a real-time 3D virtual gaming environment via network connections such as the Internet, cable connections, satellite communications, and so on. In that case, for each competitor, video and audio can be provided and processing bandwidth can be allocated to track and display actions, actions, and the like. Game participants can purchase improved media features to take advantage of more detailed video images, better audio quality, the ability to interact with other game participants in real time, and more. Each increasing level of degree costs more bandwidth and may intensify and cost more.
Another possible upgraded media feature is a pay-per-record feature. For example, a digital television can transmit in a view-only format such that the image is corrupted when the transmitted image is recorded. In that case, the viewer can purchase upgraded media features to receive a recordable version of the broadcast.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, a viewer of client system 110 selects one or more upgraded media features of a broadcast, as described in more detail below. This selection information is sent to the server system 140 via the communication media 120. The server system 140 automatically coordinates billing for upgraded media features and automatically coordinates the provision of those upgraded media features from broadcast source 130. Many client systems 110 can be connected to one or more server systems 140. For example, the server system 140 can be arranged by region, and one region can contain thousands of client systems 110.
Communication media 120 represents a wide range of media. The communication media 120 may be, for example, by UHF / VHF wireless transmission, twisted pair telephone line, fiber optic line, coaxial cable line such as cable TV line, satellite antenna wireless transmission, internet or wide area or local area network. Computer network communication, etc. can be used. Communication between the client system 110, the broadcast source 130, and the server system 140 can be performed by a combination of media in the communication media 120. For example, the client system 110 communicates with the server system 140 over the Internet, the server system 140 communicates with the broadcast source 130 over a direct telephone line, and the broadcast source 130 communicates with the broadcast source 130 via satellite antenna transmission. Can be sent to 110. Many other additional combinations and other connection forms can be considered and used.
Broadcast source 130 may include a wide variety of digital and analog audio, video sources and bidirectional sources. For example, the broadcast source 130 is received via a local TV / radio station that receives signals via an ordinary antenna, a TV / radio station that receives signals via a mini-dissi satellite antenna, or a coaxial cable. Includes television / radio stations, many interactive websites accessible via the Internet, etc. It is also possible to receive broadcasts from a broadcast source at the same time. For example, a viewer can simultaneously receive an interactive broadcast such as a game and an audio broadcast such as music.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the client system 110 in more detail. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the client system 110 may be, for example, an entertainment system including a large number of entertainment components. In the illustrated embodiment, the entertainment components include a user interface 210, a program database 220, and a tuner interface 230. The user interface 210 provides the viewer with one or more optional upgrades and any number of output devices such as display and / or audio devices that display the cost for each upgrade for a given broadcast. Has. The user interface 210 also has any number of input devices such as a mouse, trackball, keypad, voice recognition device, and the like. The viewer can choose any upgrade from one or more optional upgrades using the input device.
The user interface also communicates with the server system 140, the program database 220, and the tuner interface 230. The user interface 210 can search and retrieve optional upgrades available for each broadcast from the program database 220. In one embodiment, the program database 220 has a program guide listing broadcasts by time and channel. Optional upgrades for each broadcast can be listed along with each broadcast in the program guide.
The program database 220 can be updated on a regular basis. For example, new program information can be downloaded daily or weekly from any number of sources and stored in the program database 220. In one embodiment, the client system 110 automatically receives the upgraded program information from the broadcast source 130 via the Internet on a date basis.
The tuner interface 230 has any number of tuners, receivers, descramblers, etc., and can interface with the broadcast source 130 via the communication medium 120. For example, in one embodiment, the tuner interface 230 comprises a descrambler for some pay cable television broadcast channel, a UHF / VHF tuner, a digital television receiver and a satellite television receiver.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the server system 140 in more detail. The server system 140 has a processing server 310 and a billing server 320. The processing server 310 receives selection information from the client system 110 via the communication medium 120. The selection information dictates one or more upgraded media features for a particular broadcast and the price for each upgrade. The processing server 310 supplies the charge information to the charge billing server 320. Showing these upgraded media features, processing server 310 orders each broadcast source in broadcast source 130 to provide the upgraded media features to the viewers of client system 110.
Individual broadcast sources can be identified and identified in any number of ways. For example, the selection information from the client system 110 can include the broadcast identifier corresponding to the upgraded media feature. The processing server 310 can then cross-reference the broadcast with a particular broadcast source based on the program guide or index.
In one embodiment, the provision of upgraded features involves broadcasting one of many different versions of the broadcast over a given channel. In that case, a particular broadcast source can supply the processing server with a token that identifies a given channel to 310. The selection information from the client system 110 is such that the processing server 310 can supply a token to the client system 110 and the client system 110 can tune to the appropriate channel based on that token. It is also possible to include the client system identifier.
In other embodiments, providing the upgraded features involves decoding the upgraded media features in the broadcast on a given channel. For example, if you purchase an upgraded media feature that allows viewers to record digital broadcasts that are normally transmitted in view-only format, you can decipher additional parts of the signal and broadcast that broadcast. It can be recorded. In one embodiment, the decryption can be done at the broadcast source, in which case the processing server 310 supplies the broadcast source with the identifier of the client system 110 and the broadcast source broadcasts to the identified client system 110. Decrypt.
In other embodiments, this decryption, or conditional access, is done on the client system. In that case, a particular broadcast source can supply the token to the processing server 310. Then, the processing server 310 supplies a token to the client system 110, and the client system 110 uses the token to achieve conditional access.
In some embodiments, the viewer of the client system 110 is a comprehensive upgrade so that whenever a level of media features is available, all broadcasts are received at those levels of media features. It is possible to select. For example, the viewer may opt for a comprehensive upgrade to receive broadcasts in stereo. In that case, the processing server 310 can store the inclusive upgrade for a particular viewer and coordinate the delivery of each broadcast accordingly, and the billing server 320 will charge the inclusive upgrade as described below. Can be coordinated as appropriate.
The billing server 320 can coordinate billing for all upgraded media features. In one embodiment, the billing server 320 stores billing information for a particular client responsible for a given client system 110 and causes that client to receive all charges associated with that particular client system 110. To charge. In another embodiment, the billing server 320 stores client billing information for individual viewers and charges individual viewers regardless of which client system 110 the particular viewer is. Claim.
The billing server 320 can identify the client in any number of ways. For example, the selection information provided by the client system 110 can include the identifier of the client system or the identifier of a particular viewer as determined by the billing scheme. A particular viewer can be identified by any number of methods on the client system 110. For example, it is possible to ask the viewer to enter a password to access the server system 140 from the client system 110. In another example, the face recognition utility can be used to automatically identify the viewer on the client system 110. In addition to this, many identifications can be considered and implemented.
In one embodiment, the billing server 320 stores the client's credit card information and bills each client account 330 for the upgrade. The billing server 320 can issue an invoice to the client account for each transaction, or can combine several transactions into one bill and bill them according to the payment billing cycle. The billing server 320 can charge the full amount directly to the client account 330 and issue a receipt to the broadcast source 130. After that, the billing server 320 may periodically receive invoices from the broadcast source 130 for each received amount. For example, the billing server 320 may issue invoices to thousands of clients each month, but may only receive one-third of the total amount received each month from each broadcast source.
Alternatively, the billing server 320 may charge the client account 330 only for a portion of the fees payable for the services performed by the server system 140. In that case, the billing server 320 can provide billing information or client identification data to each broadcast source 130 of each transaction so that each broadcast source can bill the client directly. is there.
In another embodiment, the billing information may be supplied from the client system 110 for each transaction instead of being stored in the billing server 320. For example, if the client system 110 is installed in a hotel, it is possible that many different viewers will use the system. Rather than storing billing information for each new viewer, billing server 320 can receive billing information as media upgrades are selected. That is, the user interface of the client system 110 can collect credit card information as the media upgrade is selected.
The billing server 320 can perform even more functions. For example, billing server 320 can check a client's margin trading account before approving the processing server 310 to coordinate the provision of upgraded media features. The billing server 320 can also store a database of charges and identify upgrade charges based on broadcast and upgrade identifiers received from the client system 110. Many alternative functions and billing methods can be considered and implemented.
In another embodiment, one or more components in FIGS. 1-3 can be combined, reconstructed and / or removed. Further, in another embodiment, as shown in one embodiment of FIG. 6 below, various components other than the above-described embodiment can be used.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining how upgraded media features can be purchased using one embodiment of the present invention. First, in step 410, the upgraded media features are selected in user interface 210. The selection information is sent to the server system 140 via the communication media 120 in step 420. In step 430, processing server 310 orders media features that have been upgraded to one of broadcast sources 130. Depending on how the upgraded media features are to be provided, processing server 310 may conversely receive tokens from the broadcast source in step 440. In that case, the processing server 310 supplies the client system 110 with a token so that the client system 110 can receive the upgraded media features. In step 450, the billing server 320 coordinates the billing to the client's account, and in step 460, the client system 110 receives the broadcast by the upgraded media feature.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an embodiment of a screen display provided on the user interface 210. This view shows a list of programs from various broadcast sources, as well as a list of upgraded media features for each broadcast, along with the price for each feature. For example, in the illustrated screen display, the client system can access pay-per-view broadcasts from cable broadcast sources. The show guide lists several movies available, including "DISNEY'S Lady and the Tramp." The base price for the movie is $ 2.50, and three airing start times are shown. The default media feature is view-only. However, viewers have the option of purchasing upgraded media features to receive a recordable version for a $ 1.50 surcharge. Viewers can also opt for an audio upgrade for $ 0.50. Besides this, it would be possible to list a number of pay-per-view broadcasts, each with various upgrade options.
Viewers can also access view-on-demand movies from satellite sources. The first movie listed is "TITANIC," which viewers have the option to download at any time for $ 7.00. Upgrade options for TITANIC include, for example, video quality upgrades, recordable upgrades and audio upgrades that download movies over channels with a small number of simultaneous broadcasts to receive at higher resolutions and sharpness. Etc. are included. Besides this, many view-on-demand broadcasts can be listed, each with various upgrade options.
Viewers can also access the list of interactive events via the Internet. This list includes options that allow you to access the MECH WATTIO R3000 at a default rate of $ 1.50 per hour. Viewers have the option to purchase video and audio upgrades, and viewers may or may not be interested in these options depending on the video and audio capabilities of their entertainment system. Can be considered. Besides this, it is possible to list many bidirectional events, each with various upgrade options.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system component of an example entertainment system comprising one embodiment of the client system 110. The illustrated system 600 includes a television / display device 602, a video tape recorder / playback device 606, a digital video disk (DVD, also called a digital multi-purpose disc) recorder / playback device 614, an audio / video tuner and amplifier 610, and audio. It has a playback / recording device 622 and a compact disc (CD) player 612, all connected to a common input / output (I / O) bus 608. It will be appreciated that the use of the common I / O bus 608 is solely for ease of illustration and that many other means of routing input and output signals can be used as appropriate. .. It can be routed with the appropriate number of independent audio "patch" cables, video signals can be routed with independent coaxial cables, and control signals can be routed along two-wire serial lines or via radio frequency (IR) communication. It can be routed by a signal or a radio frequency (RF) communication signal. As yet another example, audio, video and / or control signals can be found in the Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revised 1.0 (January 15, 1996), or the High Performance Serial Bus IEEE Standard 1394 (IEEE std. It is also possible to route along one or more buses based on 1394-1995, Draft 8.0v3, approved December 12, 1995).
Further, the system 600 includes a speaker system 616, a microphone 618, a video camera 620 and a wireless input / output control device 632. In one embodiment, the wireless I / O controller 632 is an entertainment system remote controller that communicates with components of the system 600 via IR signals. In other embodiments, the wireless I / O controller 632 can also be a wireless keyboard and / or cursor controller that communicates with components of the system 600 via IR or RF signals. In yet another embodiment, the wireless I / O controller 632 is an entertainment system remote with features of a trackball or other cursor control mechanism that allows the user to position the cursor on the display screen of the system 600. It may be an IR or RF remote controller that is visually similar to the control.
At the heart of the system 600 is a system controller 604 incorporated with features of the invention, which is configured to control various features associated with the system components. As shown, the system controller 604 is connected to each system component by the I / O bus 608 as needed. In one embodiment, the system controller 604 is for wireless communication capable of communicating with the system component by an IR or RF signal 608 in addition to or in place of the I / O bus 608. It can also be configured using a transmitter (or transceiver). Regardless of the control means, the system controller 604 is configured to control each entertainment system component of the system 600, but each of these components can also be individually controlled by the wireless I / O device 632. It will be understood that it is possible.
The system controller 604 searches, retrieves, and stores entertainment program information available from a wide variety of sources. When the system 600 is in operation, the system controller 604 dynamically configures the operating parameters of the system 600 to improve the enjoyment of the users of the system 600, as described above, for example in the case of the present invention. Provide value-added features. In one embodiment, the system controller 604 may be a computer system incorporating the disclosed technology of the present invention, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. In another embodiment, the system controller 604 can also use a "set-top box" that has the required processing power and incorporates the disclosed techniques of the present invention. Regardless of the specific embodiment, the system controller 604 may also be referred to as a "collective system" designed to integrate the world of entertainment systems with the computing platform, among other things, to achieve the beneficial results of the present invention. It is possible.
Although the present invention has been described in the context of the embodiments shown in the drawings, those skilled in the art are not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various other embodiments. It will be understood. Therefore, an innovative feature of the present invention is that it can be implemented in a system that is more complex or smaller than the system shown in FIG. For example, some devices and devices can be added to the system 600, or some devices and devices (eg video camera 620, microphone 618, DVD recorder / playback device 614, etc.) can be removed from the system 600. ..
As shown in FIG. 6, the system 600 can be configured to receive audio / video program inputs from a variety of sources. In one embodiment, the system 600 receives program input from any or all of the following sources: cable broadcast 624, satellite broadcast 626 (eg, via dish satellite antenna), ultra high frequency broadcast network (VHF). ) Or ultra high frequency (UHF) radio communications 634 (eg via fictitious antennas) and / or telephone / computer network communications 628. Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that cable broadcast inputs 624, satellite broadcast inputs 626 and VHF / UHF inputs 634 may include digital programs such as analog and / or high definition television (HDTV). In addition, audio / video programs can also be received from CD-ROMs, DVDs or other digital or analog storage devices via system 100 playback devices (eg, DVD recorder / playback device 614). The Internet, entertainment networks or other networks can also provide audio / video programs, for example via interface 628.
Further, in addition to the program input, the system 600 is configured to include a general-purpose control output 630 that can be configured to control any number of devices. In one embodiment, for example, the system controller 604 can adjust the room lighting to a predetermined level to further improve the viewing environment when configuring the system 600 to display a movie. Control circuits that allow a computing device to control, for example, lighting, thermostat settings and other household appliances (eg, by indoor electrical wiring) are well known in the art and are therefore omitted in detail.
Except for the disclosed techniques incorporated in the embodiments of the present invention as described above, the system controller 604 shall be a broad class of computing devices well known in the art. An example of such a computer is a high-end such as the Pentium® Pro processor or Pentium® II processor manufactured by Intel Corporation in Santa Clara, California, USA and generally available from the company. It is a desktop computer system equipped with a performance microprocessor. Another example of such a computing device is Sony Electronics Inc. of Park Ridge, NJ, or Philips Consumer Electronics Company of Knoxville, Tennessee. There are Internet "application" devices such as Microsoft's WebTV Internet Terminal (WebTV Internet Terminal) available from Consumer Electronics Company. It will be appreciated that the dimensions and design of the housing of the system controller 604 can be modified to better fit the system 600 in appearance.
It will also be appreciated that some of the entertainment system components shown in Figure 6 can be combined in a convenient way. As an example, the system controller 604 can be combined with a television / display device 602, a DVD recorder / playback device 614 or an audio / video tuner / amplifier 610.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a computing device suitable for the system controller 604 of FIG. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the apparatus 700 has a processor 702 and a cache memory 704 connected to each other as shown. In addition, device 700 has a high performance input / output (I / O) bus 706 and a standard I / O bus 708. The host bridge 710 connects the processor 702 to the high performance I / O bus 706, while the I / O bus bridge 712 connects the two buses 706 and 708 to each other. The network / communication interface 724 and the system memory 714 are connected to the bus 706. A mass storage device 720, a keyboard / pointing device 722, and an I / O port 726 are connected to the bus 708. Collectively, these elements include general purpose computer systems based on Pentium® processors, Pentium® Pro processors or Pentium® II processors manufactured by Intel Corporation in Santa Clara, California. Represents, but is not limited to, a wide range of hardware systems.
In one embodiment, the high performance I / O bus 706 is also connected to various other electronic devices. As shown, the analog tuner / digital satellite / cable device 728 is also connected to the high performance I / O bus 706, allowing the device 700 to be "tuned" to various program input channels.
Each of these elements 702 to 728 fulfills conventional functions well known in the art. In particular, network / communication interface 724 is used to ensure communication between device 700 and any network within a wide range of conventional networks such as Ethernet®, Token Ring, Internet, etc. .. It will be understood that the circuit of interface 724 depends on the type of network to which device 700 is connected.
The mass storage device 720 is used to permanently store data and program instructions for performing the above functions, and the system memory 714 is used to temporarily store those data and program instructions when executed by the processor 702. Will be done. I / O port 726 is one or more serial and / or parallel communication ports used to enable communication between other peripherals that can be connected to device 700.
It will be appreciated that the various components of the device 700 can be reconstructed into different forms. For example, the cache 704 can be formed on-chip with the processor 702. Alternatively, the cache 704 and the processor 702 may be implemented integrally as a "processor module", in which case the processor 702 can also be referred to as a "processor core". Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, not all of the above components are necessarily required, and not all of the components need to be included. For example, the mass storage device 720, keyboard and pointing device 722 and / or network / communication interface 724 may not be provided on device 700. In addition, the peripherals shown as connected to the standard I / O bus 708 can also be connected to the high performance I / O bus 706; and in some embodiments, a single. It is also possible to provide only one bus and connect the components of the device 700 to that single bus. In addition, device 700 can be supplemented with other components such as separate processors, storage devices, buses or memory.
In one embodiment, the system controller 604 of FIG. 6 is implemented as a software routine performed by the device 700 of FIG. 7, as described above. These software routines consist of multiple or series of instructions executed by a hardware system processor such as processor 702 in Figure 7. Initially, these series of instructions are stored on a storage device such as mass storage device 720. It is understood that these series of instructions can be stored using any conventional storage medium such as diskettes, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, DVDs, laserdiscs (registered trademarks), ROMs, flash memories, etc. Yeah. It will also be appreciated that these series of instructions do not necessarily have to be stored locally and can be received via network / communication interface 724 from remote storage devices such as servers on the network. These instructions are copied from storage, such as mass storage 720, to memory 714, then read and executed by processor 702. In one embodiment, these software routines are written in the C ++ programming language. However, it will be understood that these software routines can be implemented in any of the wide variety of programming languages.
In another embodiment, the invention is implemented as individualized hardware or firmware. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed and used with the features of the invention described above. As another example, the system controller 604 could be implemented as one or more ASICs on another circuit board that is being integrated into the hardware system 700 in Figure 7.
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a computer system 800 suitable for the server system 140. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 800 has processor 802 connected to system memory 814 and I / O bus bridge 812 via high performance bus 806. On the other hand, the I / O bus bridge 812 is connected to the client I / O module 820, the broadcast source I / O module 830 and the billing I / O module 840 via the I / O bus 808. In another embodiment, one or more components of FIG. 8 can be reconstructed or combined in other ways. For example, I / O modules 820, 830 and 840 can be stopped after a single I / O module. In another embodiment, it is possible to add one or more components such as additional buses, processors, memory, and the like.
In the illustrated embodiment, system memory 814 is used to store data and program instructions executed by processor 802 to perform the functions of server system 140 described above. Initially, these program instructions can be stored using any conventional storage medium such as diskettes, CD-ROM magnetic tapes, DVDs, ROMs, flash memory, etc. and downloaded to system memory 814. .. It will be appreciated that these series of program instructions do not necessarily have to be stored locally and can be received from remote storage devices such as servers on the network. In accordance with these instructions, the processor 802 communicates with the respective entities by using the I / O modules 820, 830 and 840 to coordinate the provision and billing of the upgraded media features described above.
In another embodiment, the functionality of the server system 110 can be implemented in the form of individual hardware or firmware. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed and used with the functions of the server system 110 described above. As another example, those functions can be implemented in one or more ASICs of another circuit board that is being incorporated into the computer system 800.
The improved methods and equipment for purchasing media features for broadcasting have been described in detail above. After reading the above description, many modifications and modifications of the present invention can be considered by those skilled in the art, and each specific embodiment disclosed and described by the drawings in the present application is for limiting the present invention. It will be understood that it is not a thing at all. Therefore, the wording relating to the details of a particular embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention within the scope of the claim.
110 client system 120 communication media 130 broadcast source 140 server system 310 processing server 320 billing server
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office |
|---|---|---|
| JP09018852A | Cites | Japan |
| JP08265722A | Cites | Japan |
| JP07264092A | Cites | Japan |
23 members in 8 offices
Priority claims5
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09183587 | United States of America | – | |
| 18358798 | United States of America | A | |
| 18358798 | United States of America | A | |
| 1998183587 | – | – | – |
| US19980183587 | – | – | – |
Members23
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2348915A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO0027123A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU1334000A | Australia | A | |
| US6157377A | United States of America | A | |
| EP1125438A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN1332936A | China | A | |
| IL142800A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| JP2002529973A | Japan | A | |
| EP1125438A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| CN1154359C | China | C | |
| IL142800A | Israel | A | |
| US7093272B1 | United States of America | B1 | |
| CA2348915C | Canada | C | |
| US2010095334A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2010154566A | Japan | A | |
| JP2012034420A | Japan | A | |
| JP4908607B2This record | Japan | B2 | |
| US8539530B1 | United States of America | B1 | |
| US2014040927A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP5421977B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| US2014137174A9 | United States of America | A9 | |
| US8850483B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US9485529B2 | United States of America | B2 |
17 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
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Numbers
- Publication
- 4908607
- Publication, DOCDB
- 4908607
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP4908607B
- Application
- 67976
- Application, DOCDB
- 2010067976
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20100067976
Titles2
- Japanese
- 送信用のアップグレードされたメディア・フィーチャを購入するための方法及び装置
- English
- Methods and equipment for purchasing upgraded media features for transmission
Classification
- CPC, 12
- H04N21/25435
- H04N7/17318
- H04N21/234327
- H04N21/2543
- H04N21/25816
- H04N21/42201
- H04N21/4622
- H04N21/472
- H04N21/47815
- H04N21/4782
- H04N21/84
- H04N21/482
- IPC, 11
- H04N7 173
- H04H20 00
- H04N21 2343
- H04N21 2543
- H04N21 258
- H04N21 422
- H04N21 462
- H04N21 472
- H04N21 478
- H04N21 4782
- H04N21 84