U.S. patent application number 10/126829 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-27 for system and data management and on-demand rental and purchase of digital data products.
Invention is credited to Lewis, William H..
Application Number | 20030040962 10/126829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27010422 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030040962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lewis, William H. |
February 27, 2003 |
System and data management and on-demand rental and purchase of
digital data products
Abstract
A system for handling data and transactions involving data
through the use of a virtual transaction zone, which virtual
transaction zone removes the dependency of such transaction on the
delivery medium of the product. The invention may reside and
operate on a variety of electronic devices such as televisions,
VCRs, DVDs, personal computers, WebTV, any other known electronic
recorder/player, or as a stand alone unit. The transaction zone
also provides a mechanism for combining mediums, data feeds, and
manipulation of those feeds. The transaction zone also provides a
mechanism for controlling the content, delivery, and timing of
delivery of the end consumer's product.
Inventors: |
Lewis, William H.;
(Alexandria, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JONES, WALKER, WAECHTER, POITEVENT, CARRERE
& DENEGRE, L.L.P.
5TH FLOOR, FOUR UNITED PLAZA
8555 UNITED PLAZA BOULEVARD
BATON ROUGE
LA
70809
US
|
Family ID: |
27010422 |
Appl. No.: |
10/126829 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10126829 |
Apr 19, 2002 |
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09383994 |
Aug 26, 1999 |
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09383994 |
Aug 26, 1999 |
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08873584 |
Jun 12, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/32 ;
348/E5.096; 348/E7.036; 348/E7.054; 705/14.4; 725/86; 725/87 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4751 20130101;
H04N 5/765 20130101; H04N 7/16 20130101; H04N 9/87 20130101; H04N
21/4334 20130101; H04N 5/93 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; G06Q
30/0255 20130101; H04N 7/0887 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; G06Q
30/0241 20130101; H04N 5/775 20130101; H04N 21/4331 20130101; H04N
21/6581 20130101; G06Q 30/0235 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101;
H04N 5/76 20130101; G06Q 30/0225 20130101; H04N 21/4325 20130101;
H04N 21/278 20130101; G11B 27/28 20130101; H04N 9/7921 20130101;
G06Q 30/0269 20130101; H04N 21/4627 20130101; H04N 5/44
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14 ; 725/86;
725/87 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60; H04N
007/173 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A digital data delivery system for providing automatic delivery
of digital data products from one or more digital data product
providers, comprising: a remote account transaction server for
providing a digital catalog of digital data products for delivery
to an end user, for providing the end user access to the digital
data products, and for negotiating the acquisition of the digital
data products from the digital data product providers; and a
programmable local receiver unit for interfacing the end user with
the remote account transaction server to select specific digital
data products for delivery, for interfacing with the digital data
product providers to receive the specific digital data products,
for processing and recording the digital data products according to
user-specified programming options, and for playing back the
specific digital data products.
2. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is video advertising catalog information.
3. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is television programming.
4. The digital data deliver system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is a movie.
5. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is an audio recording.
6. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is computer software.
7. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is a video game.
8. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is purchased through interaction within a virtual transaction
zone.
9. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the digital
data is rented for a specific time through interaction within a
virtual transaction zone.
10. The digital data delivery system of claim 9, wherein the
digital data rented for a specific time is automatically deleted
when the rental period has expired.
11. The digital data delivery system of claim 9, wherein access to
the digital data rented for a specific time is electronically
denied when the rental period has expired.
12. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the
digital data is broadcast with at least one control data track.
13. The digital data delivery system of claim 1, wherein the
digital data is broadcast in a scrambled or encrypted format.
14. The digital data delivery system of claim 13, wherein the
digital data broadcast in scrambled or encrypted format may be
accessed with an authorization key.
15. The digital data delivery system of claim 14, wherein the
authorization key may obtained by agreement to commercial terms
within a transaction zone.
16. The digital data delivery system of claim 14, wherein the
digital data is broadcast to a distributor who records subsequently
rents or sells the digital data to an end user.
17. The digital data delivery system of claim 16, wherein the
digital data broadcast to a distributor and thereby recorded, may
be edited by the distributor according to an end user's Suitability
Criteria.
18. The digital data delivery system of claim 12, where control
data tracks may be used to edit programming according to a User's
Suitability Criteria
19. The digital data delivery system of claim 12, where control
data tracks may be used to select programming according to a User's
Suitability Criteria
20. A system for the processing, recording, playback and display of
digital data, comprising: a receiver apparatus for receiving the
broadcast data from at least one data feed; memory circuitry
comprising a built-in, high capacity, non-movable storage device;
processing circuitry for processing the digital data and for
storing the processed data in the storage device; a user interface
operatively connected to the processing circuitry for programming
which processing functions are to be applied to the received data
by the processing circuitry; a microprocessor having software
programming to control the operation of the processing circuitry
and the playback circuitry enabling simultaneous read/write
operations, the software programming interacting with the built-in,
non-movable storage device and the playback apparatus for recording
digital data products on a storage device, the software programming
further interacting with the playback circuitry to allow the
digital data products to be recorded and played in real time, the
playback may be paused wherein a cue point in registered in memory,
and later played back from the cue point while the digital data
products delivered from a digital data product provider are being
continuously recorded without interruption by the either the pause
or the playback; and playback circuitry, which reads the data from
the non-movable storage device and which converts the data to
electronic signals for driving a playback apparatus.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein a playback apparatus driven by
the playback circuitry plays the digital data product on
demand.
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data delivered by
the system is television broadcast data and the receiver apparatus
comprises a television receiver.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data is received
via a television antenna.
24. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data is received
via a TV cable and receiver apparatus is a cable TV receiver.
25. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data is received
by the system via a satellite receiver and receiver apparatus is a
satellite receiver.
26. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data is received
via a computer network and receiver apparatus is a modem.
27. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data is received
via the internet.
28. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data is
advertising data, which may be stored on the non-movable storage
device.
29. The system of claim 20, wherein the processing circuitry
further comprises a discretionary content filter/editor which is
programmable by the user interface to establish the criteria for
whether a particular broadcast data is to be recorded or used.
30. The system of claim 29, where the discretionary content
filter/editor is programmable to establish criteria for recording
based on a rating of the broadcast.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the discretionary content
filter/editor comprises a V-chip.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the discretionary content
filter/editor is programmable to process data according to
programmable user suitability criteria.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the data is edited in
accordance with the programmable user suitability criteria by
selectively differentiating between control data tracks.
34. The system of claim 20, wherein the processing apparatus
includes circuitry for decoding a control data track contained in
the broadcast signal to determine whether to record the received
broadcast data.
35. The system of claim 29, wherein the discretionary content
filter/editor is programmable to record broadcast data according to
specific time schedules.
36. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast data is
scrambled, wherein the scrambled broadcast data is stored in the
built-in, high capacity, non-movable storage device, and wherein
the processing circuitry further includes a de-scrambler to decode
the stored broadcast data so that the user may obtain access to the
stored data.
37. The system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast is purchased by a
consumer from the broadcast data supplier.
38. The system of claim 20, wherein the data is rented by a
consumer from a broadcast data supplier.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein a simulated return of rented
data may be enacted by deleting or scrambling the data from the
non-movable storage device or blocking further access to the data,
and notifying the broadcast data supplier of the simulated
return.
40. The system of claim 37, wherein the purchase transaction occurs
on the consumer's local device.
41. The system of claim 38, wherein the rental transaction occurs
on the consumer's local device.
42. The system of claim 20, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to enable recording of the
broadcast data in a continuous loop mode of operation.
43. The system of claim 42, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to enable or disable a set of
user suitability criteria which determines the content of the
broadcast data recorded on the non-movable storage device.
44. The system of claim 20, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable from a remote location.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable through an interface comprising a telephone.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein the telephone is a wireless
telephone.
47. The system of claim 44, the processing circuitry is
programmable through an interface comprising a computer.
48. The system of claim 47, wherein the computer is a palm top
computer having a wireless modem. +49. The system of claim 20,
wherein the processing circuitry is programmable bye the user
interface to require that a password be provided by the uer to
obtain access to the system.
50. The system of claim 20, furhter comprising a recording/playback
device whcih utilizes a portable storage device for recoding and
playback of television broadcast which has been stored n the
non-movable storage device.
51. They system of claim 20, wherein the receiver apparatus is a
satellite receiver.
52. The system of claim 20, wherein the storage device comprises a
plurality of individual storage units having a memory capacity.
53. The system of claim 52, wherein the individual storage units
may be programmed to a users specific suitable criteria.
54. The system of claim 52, wherein a portion of the individual
storage unit's memory capacity may be set aside for broadcast
advertising data that is tailored to the users suitability
criteria
55. The system of claim 20, wherein the storage device is a hard
disk drive.
56. The system of claim 20, wherein the storage device is a
re-writeable optical disk.
57. The system of claim 20, wherein the storage device is random
access memory.
58. The system of claim 20 wherein the data may be accessed from a
public access system.
59. The system of claim 20 wherein the data be replayed
instantly.
60. The system of claim 53 wherein user suitability criteria may be
used to search and retrieve specific programming according to user
inputs.
61. The system of claim 20 wherein the data may be recorded as a
continuous loop on the built-in, high capacity, non-movable storage
device as a pay-per view product.
62. A recorder, comprising: a receiver apparatus for receiving
broadcast data from at least one data feed; a non-movable storage
device which is built into the recorder; processing circuitry for
processing the broadcast data and for storing the processed data in
the storage device; a user interface operatively connected to the
processing circuitry for programming which processing functions are
to be applied to the received data by the processing circuitry;
playback circuitry which reads the data from the storage device and
which converts that data to electronic signals for driving playback
apparatus; and a microprocessor having software programming to
control the operation of the processing circuitry and the playback
circuitry enabling simultaneous read/write operations, the software
programming interacting with the built-in, non-movable storage
device and the playback apparatus for recording digital data
products on a storage device, the software programming further
interacting with the playback circuitry to allow the digital data
products to be recorded and played in real time, the playback may
be paused wherein a cue point in registered in memory, and later
played back from the cue point while the digital data products
delivered from a digital data product provider are being
continuously recorded without interruption by the either the pause
or the playback; and an output channel to send the digital data to
an audio/video display.
63. The system of claim 62, wherein a playback apparatus driven by
the playback circuitry plays the digital data product on
demand.
64. The system of claim 62, wherein the broadcast data delivered by
the system is television broadcast data and the receiver apparatus
comprises a television receiver.
65. The system of claim 62, wherein the receiver apparatus is a
television antenna.
66. The system of claim 62, wherein the receiver apparatus is a TV
cable.
67. The system of claim 62, wherein the receiver apparatus is
satellite receiver.
68. The system of claim 62, wherein the receiver apparatus is a
computer network interface.
69. The system of claim 62, wherein the broadcast data is received
via the internet.
70. The system of claim 62, wherein the broadcast data is
advertising data, which may be stored on the non-movable storage
device.
71. The system of claim 62, wherein the processing circuitry
further comprises a discretionary content filter/editor which is
programmable by the user interface to establish the criteria for
whether a particular broadcast data is to be recorded or
viewed.
72. The system of claim 62, where the discretionary content
filter/editor is programmable to establish criteria for recording
based on a rating of the broadcast.
73. The system of claim 70, wherein the discretionary content
filter/editor comprises a V-chip.
74. The system of claim 71, wherein the discretionary content
filter/editor is programmable to process data according to
programmable user suitability criteria.
75. The system of claim 62, wherein the data is edited in
accordance with the programmable user suitability criteria, by
selectively differentiating between control data tracks.
76. The system of claim 62, wherein the processing apparatus
includes circuitry for decoding a control data track contained in
the broadcast signal to determine whether to record the received
broadcast data.
77. The system of claim 71, wherein the discretionary content
filter/editor is programmable to record broadcast data according to
specific time schedules.
78. The system of claim 62, wherein the broadcast data is
scrambled, wherein the scrambled broadcast data is stored in the
built-in, high capacity, non-movable storage device, and wherein
the processing circuitry further includes a de-scrambler to decode
the stored broadcast data so that the user may obtain access to the
stored data.
79. The system of claim 62, wherein the broadcast is purchased by a
consumer from the broadcast data supplier.
80. The system of claim 62, wherein the data is rented by a
consumer from a broadcast data supplier.
81. The system of claim 62, wherein a simulated return of rented
data may be enacted by deleting or scrambling the data from the
non-movable storage device, and notifying the broadcast data
supplier of the deletion.
82. The system of claim 79, wherein the purchase transaction occurs
on the consumers local device.
83. The system of claim 80, wherein the rental transaction occurs
on the consumers local device.
84. The system of claim 56, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to enable recording of the
broadcast data in a continuous loop mode of operation.
85. The system of claim 77, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to enable or disable a set of
user suitability criteria which determines the content of the
broadcast data recorded on the non-movable storage device.
86. The system of claim 62, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable from a remote location.
87. The system of claim 86, wherein the remote location is an
automobile.
88. The system of claim 86, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable through an interface comprising a telephone.
89. The system of claim 88, wherein the telephone is a wireless
telephone.
90. The system of claim 86, the processing circuitry is
programmable through an interface comprising a computer.
91. The system of claim 90, wherein the computer is a palm top
computer having a wireless modem.
92. The system of claim 62, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to require that a password be
provided by the user to obtain access to the system.
93. The system of claim 62, further comprising a recording/playback
device which utilizes a portable storage device for recording and
playback of a broadcast which has been stored in the non-movable
storage device.
94. The system of claim 62, wherein the receiver apparatus is a
satellite receiver.
95. The system of claim 62, wherein the storage device comprises a
plurality of individual storage units, each having a memory
capacity.
96. The system of claim 95, wherein the individual storage units
may be programmed to a users specific suitability criteria.
97. The system of claim 96, wherein a portion of the individual
storage unit's memory capacity may be set aside for broadcast
advertising data that is tailored to the users suitability
criteria.
98. The system of claim 62, wherein the storage device is a hard
disk drive.
99. The system of claim 62, wherein the storage device is a
re-writeable optical disk.
100. The system of claim 62, wherein the storage device is random
access memory.
101. A system for the processing, recording, playback and display
of broadcast audio data, comprising: receiver apparatus for
receiving the broadcast data from at least one data feed; a
built-in, high capacity, non-movable storage device; processing
circuitry for processing the broadcast data and for storing the
processed data in the storage device; a user interface operatively
connected to the processing circuitry for programming which
processing functions are to be applied to the received data by the
processing circuitry; playback circuitry, which reads the data from
the non-movable storage device and which, converts that data to
electronic signals for driving a display; a microprocessor having
software programming to control the operation of the processing
circuitry and the playback circuitry enabling simultaneous
read/write operations, the software programming interacting with
the built-in, non-movable storage device and the playback apparatus
for recording digital data products on a storage device, the
software programming further interacting with the playback
circuitry to allow the digital data products to be recorded and
played in real time, the playback may be paused wherein a cue point
in registered in memory, and later played back from the cue point
while the digital data products delivered from a digital data
product provider are being continuously recorded without
interruption by the either the pause or the playback; and an audio
playback apparatus which is driven by the playback circuitry.
102. The system of claim 101, wherein the processing circuitry
includes a discretionary content editor which is programmable by
the user interface to establish the criteria for whether a
particular audio broadcast data is to be recorded.
103. The system of claim 101, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to enable recording of the audio
broadcast data in a continuous loop mode of operation.
104. The system of claim 101, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to require that a password be
provided by the user to obtain access to a recorded audio
broadcast.
105. The system of claim 101, wherein the storage device is
partitioned into a plurality of individual storage units.
106. A system for the processing, recording, playback and display
of from a local source of data, comprising: receiver apparatus for
receiving the data from at least one data feed; a non-movable
storage device; processing circuitry for processing the data and
for storing the processed data in the storage device; a user
interface operatively connected to the processing circuitry for
programming which processing functions are to be applied to the
received data by the processing circuitry; playback circuitry,
which reads the data from the non-movable storage device and which,
converts that data to electronic signals for driving a display; a
microprocessor having software programming to control the operation
of the processing circuitry and the playback circuitry enabling
simultaneous read/write operations, the software programming
interacting with the built-in, non-movable storage device and the
playback apparatus for recording digital data products on a storage
device, the software programming further interacting with the
playback circuitry to allow the digital data products to be
recorded and played in real time, the playback may be paused
wherein a cue point in registered in memory, and later played back
from the cue point while the digital data products delivered from a
digital data product provider are being continuously recorded
without interruption by the either the pause or the playback; and a
playback apparatus which is driven by the playback circuitry.
107. The system of claim 106, wherein the local source of data is a
VCR.
108. The system claim of 106, wherein the source of data is a CD
player.
109. The system of claim 106, wherein the processing circuitry
includes a discretionary content editor which is programmable by
the user interface to establish the criteria for whether particular
data is to be recorded.
110. The system of claim 106, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to enable recording of the data
in a continuous loop mode of operation.
111. The system of claim 106, wherein the processing circuitry is
programmable by the user interface to require that a password be
provided by the user to obtain access to the recorded data.
112. The system of claim 1, 20, 62, 101 or 106 wherein a rental, a
purchase or a pay-per-view transaction of a product that is
copyrighted, patented, or licensed can be electronically monitored,
logged and communicated to an entity concerned with collection of
royalties, license fees, or enforcement of a license agreement, on
the product that is copyrighted, patented, or licensed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 087,517, filed May 29, 1998 and entitled "Data Management
System" which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
873,584 filed Jun. 12, 1997 and entitled "Multi-functional
Processing System"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a data handling system for
the management of data received on one or more data feeds. More
specifically, it relates to a method for management, storage and
retrieval of digital information and an apparatus for accomplishing
the same. Even more specifically, it relates to a method and system
for selecting, receiving and manipulating data products that may be
transferred to a portable storage device for use with existing
playback systems. Even more specifically, it relates to a system
for renting or purchasing data products for immediate, on-demand
delivery, which may be formatted and transferred to a portable
medium for use in any existing playback device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] For the past several years the world has experienced what
has been termed an information explosion. Innumerable, varying
technologies have arisen in an attempt to manage this flow of
information in commercial areas. Examples range from the various
protocols and configurations used for managing office local area
networks (LANs) and the information that flows over them, to low
end hand-held personal organizers.
[0004] A new area is finally reaching a point of no return in this
world of information overload: the end user of commercial and
educational material. This information overload has now become
critical with the end users of computers and televisions. This, in
turn, creates problems relating to the management of the
exponentially increasing global database of information available
over data feeds to personal computers, such as the Internet and
other modem and cable accessible computer data feeds. It also
includes the explosion in data feed sources over and through
program broadcasts such as network television, radio, cable
television channels; satellite feeds, UHF/VHF channels, videotapes,
and even the Internet. Couple this explosion of information with a
blurring line between the personal computer, the television, and
telephone communications. It is apparent that there is a serious
need for an integrated system that manages and handles the growing
amount of information available over the various data feeds and can
meet the needs and desires of the end user.
[0005] In particular, this increasing array of data, data sources,
and storage devices has resulted in numerous battles over the
format in which the data is delivered and manipulated. For example,
one of the more recent format battles is being played out over the
fixture format for purchases of video products and music and other
sound recordings, i.e., Digital Video Express ("Divx") versus
digital video disc ("DVD"); compact discs ("CD") versus digital
audio tape ("DAT") versus cassette modes. Yet another example is
the battle over which medium, PC's or televisions, will eventually
triumph in being the delivery channel for all of this information.
Another issue arises when discussing the conduit for receiving the
information being provided to end-users.
[0006] Regardless of the format of delivery, manipulation
processing, storage or play back, there are limitations on the
devices utilized to manage the ever increasing and, now in many
cases, overlapping information data feeds provided over
computer-received and television/radio-received data feeds.
Previous attempts to solve the problems caused by this plethora of
information, the ability to access this information through
different sources, and different methods of storing the data have
not solved some of the basic issues surrounding this technology
such as timing, commercial transfer and licensing issues as well as
security for the person transferring the information.
[0007] The creation of new methods of transferring, storing,
manipulating and accessing such data do not solve the problems
outlined herein. In a sense, prior attempts to provide solutions
have focused on the technology of retrieving, storing, or playing
back or viewing of the data with a minor emphasis if at all on the
overall management of the data. In many instances, the new
technology "solution" creates a new format dilemma.
[0008] For example, the new Divx video format creates another layer
of technology that consumers must purchase to play the video on
this new format. Under this format, consumers may purchase a small,
compact disc-like medium containing a digital video product in a
restrictive, special, non-universal format such as DVD, for a
nominal price. The disc is encoded in the Divx format to prevent
playing on regular DVD players. However, the disc may be placed in
a Divx player that presents the consumer a series of options,
including renting or purchasing the video product. Each Divx disc
has Divx "control data," including an individualized serial number,
which the player reads the first time the disc is inserted and then
stores in a memory on the player. Information on the disc and on
the player is then used to determine the appropriate price for the
movie. When the customer begins playing a movie, the viewing period
for that copy of the movie begins. More specifically, the player
allows the disc with that particular serial number to be played for
a set length of time (which is also stored in secure memory on the
player). During this set length of time, the customer may view the
movie as many times as desired, but only on this Divx machine. An
on-board modem calls the Divx network on a regular schedule for
billing purposes, and to refresh existing information on the
player. However, Divx is limited in that a disc enabled by one
player cannot be played in any other Divx player without
re-enabling the disc, or making arrangements through the Divx
company to transfer your account to another box. Thus, a video
rented or purchased and usable on one Divx machine is useless in
another Divx machine or any other kind of player without incurring
the time and trouble of dealing with Divx account customer service.
Additionally, if Divx technology is accepted, it will render
obsolete large collections of video on other media such as DVD,
laser disc, and videocassette tapes.
[0009] Recently, electronic commerce has blossomed on the Internet.
The solution for commerce to date has been to have the user access
the web site of the commercial vendor and browse through the items
available and then order those items for delivery via delivery
service when ordering goods or in some instances downloading the
purchase immediately. This results in piecemeal transactions over a
variety of formats and protocols. Even attempts by the on-line
service providers to provide groupings of products and services
still requires access to their respective systems.
[0010] A comprehensive data management system is needed that forms
a transaction (or commercial) zone where and through which data can
be selected, purchased or rented, received, stored, manipulated,
and downloaded by a user and then downloaded to ultimate storage or
use. Utilization of such a system removes the battle over which
storage format, delivery system or platform is used and provides
the consumer of the information age with data access and
manipulation without issues of format compatibility and timing.
This same system also interfaces with current financial tools such
as credit cards, checking accounts, ATM accounts, and other debit
and credit systems to provide easy rental or purchase access. Such
a data management system, in effect, separates the distribution
media from the storage media.
[0011] The current invention solves these problems through the use
of an integrated information management and processing system that
provides for the handling, sorting and storage of large amounts of
data that is a user-defined and user resident environment. It
allows this management to occur both during and after the actual
feed is being received, while also allowing various decisions to be
made about the suitability, quality, and other content of the
information being received. The invention also has the capability
to be securely accessed and utilized from a remote location,
including telephone, Internet, and remote computer/television
access. This would allow services to provide virtual user
transaction zones.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An object of this invention is to provide a system that
creates a transaction or commercial zone for data to be received,
manipulated, stored, retrieved, and accessed by a user, utilizing
one or more data feeds from various sources. The system also
creates unique arrangements of information or selections of
information from distinct user-defined criteria.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for
intermediate service providers to manipulate and repackage data and
information for end users in a streamlined, comprehensive package
of information.
[0014] A further object of this invention is to provide a system
for the electronic delivery of data for commercial or other types
of communication that can also serve as an electronically based
payment system for same.
[0015] A further object of this invention is to provide a single
integrated system and device with a user-friendly control interface
which permits the the end user to efficiently and effectively
manipulate and manage data feeds.
[0016] A further object of this invention is to provide a system
and device for spontaneously and automatically capturing and
manipulating large amounts of data for both real time playback, and
for storing the captured data for subsequent playback without the
need for having a readily available, movable, blank storage
device.
[0017] Another object of this invention is to provide a system and
device for spontaneously and automatically capturing and
manipulating electronic data, either continuously or at specified
times, both for real time playback, and for storage for subsequent
playback, without the need for having a readily available, movable,
blank storage device, and which can be programmed from a remote
location.
[0018] Another object of this invention is to provide a system and
device for capturing, manipulating and storing open digital audio,
video and audio/video data to a built-in storage device, and for
transferring the data to a selectable portable storage device. This
is accomplished while incorporating digital copyright protection to
protect he/she artist's work from unlawful pirating. Media formats
include data that is scrambled or encrypted, or which is written on
disks and devices designed to be compatible with the Data
Management System of the present invention.
[0019] Other objects of the present invention include:
[0020] The use of data boxes to personalize programming to the
individual taste of the user.
[0021] Rent/lease storage space in users Data Box to personalize
and target advertising to the individual preferences of the
user.
[0022] Purchase or rent data products (movie, TV show, etc.) even
after real time broadcast.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a digital data
management system includes a remote Account-Transaction Server
("ATS"), and a local host Data Management System and Audio/Video
Processor Recorder-player ("VPR/DMS") unit. The ATS may be local or
placed at the content broadcaster's site. The ATS stores and
provides all potential programming information for use with the
local VPR/DMS unit. This includes user account and sub-account
information, programming/broadcast guides, merchandise information.
It may also include data products for direct purchase and/or rental
from on-line or virtual stores, and has interfaces with billing
authorities such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express,
Diner's Club, or any other credit card or banking institution that
offers credit or debit payment systems. The local VPR/DMS unit
comprises at least one data feed which includes an interface to the
ATS; at least one receiver/transmitter unit for receiving
information from a data provider or the ATS, and for transmitting
information to the remote ATS; and a plurality of data manipulation
and processing devices. These devices may include, but are not
limited to, digital signal processors, an automatic discretionary
content filter/editor, a V-chip or other such content or
ratings-based "content blocker, analog-to-digital converters, and
digital-to-analog converters; a one or more built-in, non-movable
storage devices; one or more recording units; a microprocessor; a
user interface; and a playback unit. The VPR/DMS queries the ATS at
regular intervals to obtain the latest broadcast, programming and
merchandise information. Upon user request, a program running on
the VPR/DMS creates a virtual "Transaction Zone", whereby the
information received from the remote ATS (or from a direct
broadcast) is configured in a graphical, hierarchical set of menus.
These menus allow the user to access a variety of functions and/or
program the VPR/DMS to record scheduled broadcasts or to directly
rent or purchase data products.
[0024] The local VPR/DMS unit acts as the interface between the
data products from the broadcaster/content provider, the ATS, and
the end user. The VPR/DMS may be used in a variety of ways,
including, but not limited to, a virtual audio/video
recorder/player for recording and playback of scheduled broadcast
programs; an audio/video duplicating device for capturing,
manipulating and storing audio/video programs from other external
audio/video sources; or as an interface to a "virtual store" for
purchasing and/or renting audio/video products or computer software
on demand. The VPR/DMS may also be used in a combination device,
such as a TVCR, or as a separate component linking any well known
audio or video device to a plurality of input sources.
[0025] Audio/video or other data may be received on the data feed
lines at the receiver unit. For example, a cable television
broadcast may be received on a cable television broadcast feed at a
CATV receiver located in the receiver unit (notice, that likewise,
a satellite television, digital cable, or even a UHF/VHF signal may
be received, depending on the type of television connection used).
Once the data has been received, it may be converted to digital
form (if not already in digital form), compressed and immediately
stored on the built-in storage device. For example, the analog or
digital TV signal may be converted to mpeg-2 format (the standard
used on DVD) and stored on the internal storage device preferably a
HDD or RAM optical disk, as is well known in the art. Following
storage, user-controlled programming features determine whether or
how the digital data will be processed upon playback.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the built-in
storage device of the VPR/DMS is such that it allows stored data to
be accessed as soon as it is stored. This provides for the ability
to watch and store a program virtually in real time. As the
broadcast program is received it is converted to digital form,
stored on the built-in storage device, read from the storage
device, processed by the processing circuit, and played back
through the playback circuitry and output to an attached
television. This operation is similar to recording a television
show with a VCR while viewing the program. However, the invention
provides the ability to pause, freeze frame, stop, rewind, fast
forward or playback while it continues to record the remainder of
the show in real time as it is broadcast.
[0027] For example, a user may be watching a television show in
real time while the VPR/DMS records and processes the broadcast
when his viewing is interrupted by a knock at the door. Rather than
waiting for the show to finish recording before he/she can go back
and see the portion of the program missed by the interruption, the
user may pause the simultaneous broadcast/playback while the
VPR/DMS continues to record the remainder of the program. Later,
he/she can return to a precise cue point marker where the
interruption occurred, and continue watching the show, even as the
VPR/DMS continues to record the broadcast. In addition, he/she may
rewind, fast forward through commercials, watch in slow motion, or
perform any other VCR-like function, even while the VPR/DMS
continues to record a broadcast. Thus, the system provides a means
by which the user may seamlessly integrate real time with delayed
playback.
[0028] The VPR/DMS also provides a means by which the user may
program the local host receiver/player to automatically record
certain programs, or other data from specific data deeds. For
example, when used as a recording unit to record preferred
broadcasts, the user may program the local host/receiver unit to
record according to specific times via a built-in auto-clock timer.
It may also record specific programs, in much the same way that
current VCR technology allows users to manually set recording
times, or even program-specific recordings (e.g. VCR+, or TV Guide
Plus). However, the preferred embodiment makes significant
improvements over the manual timer or VCR+ type recording methods
by allowing the user to personalize his or her own parameters for
recording broadcast programs. In addition to manual timer recording
and VCR+ technology, the system includes a built-in automatic
discretionary content filter/editor. This content filter/editor
allows a user to program the unit to automatically record broadcast
content by selection of a "User Suitability Criteria", which may be
defined as a program name, theme, genre, favorite actors or
actresses, directors, producers or other parameters, such as key
words, television/motion picture rating, etc. The User Suitability
Criteria may be used alone or in combination, and can be used to
either select or prohibit programming to be recorded. On demand,
the VPR/DMS will automatically select, according to the User
Suitability Criteria input, from among available programs according
to a broadcast programming guide provided by the remote ATS, and
will be automatically be configured to receive and record programs
in accordance with the required parameters. Additionally, the
broadcast signal may be supplied with digital control data
recognizable by the VPR/DMS.
[0029] For example, a user may program the VPR/DMS to selectively
and automatically record all broadcast programs in which a
particular actor appears. The VPR/DMS will examine the latest
programming control data provided by the ATS, recognize programming
selection, and automatically configure itself to record the
programs in which that actor appears. The system provides the
additional benefit of never having to be reprogrammed unless the
user desires. For example, if a user has a favorite weekly
television show that he/she would like to record, the system may be
configured so that every week, it automatically records that show
without having to be reprogrammed. However, the VPR/DMS configures
itself based on User Suitability Criteria apart from just the
program time selection of prior art video recorders. It searches
the programming guides for titles, actors, ratings or other User
Suitability Criteria, and only records those programs meeting the
programmed parameters. Thus if the user's favorite show is
preempted in favor of a special program, the system's programming
will read the broadcast control data, understand that the program
has been preempted and not record at the normally scheduled
time.
[0030] Additionally, the VPR/DMS may be programmed according to
individual, non-related parameters so that multiple programs may be
recorded. For example, an adult family member may program the
VPR/DMS to record all broadcasts in which a particular actor
appears, while another family member, say a child, may program the
VPR/DMS to record all programs in which a different actor appears.
A single user may also set up multiple individual recording
parameters as well. This is accomplished by the creation of
individual virtual "Data Boxes" or "personalized custom channels",
which may be created for each user. Real time recording and
playback or selection of future manual or auto-recordings which
flow into the individual Data Boxes may be accomplished based on
the User Suitability Criteria. Individual criteria may be
completely separate or related to other more system-wide
criteria.
[0031] Like VCR's, audio tape players, recordable compact disk
units and other well known equipment, the invention can capture
audio/video data output from other consumer electronics equipment
in addition to recording broadcasts or retrieving information. A
consumer may connect the VPR/DMS to a consumer electronic device
such as a TV, video tape recorder, compact disc player, audio tape
player, DVD player, or any other known digital or analog
audio/video data player/recorder and record audio/video information
directly to the built-in storage device. The VPR/DMS may also be
connected to TV antennae, TV cable, or satellite dish receiving
systems to receive broadcast media. It may also be attached to the
Internet whereby the consumer can retrieve data from a desired
website.
[0032] For those players like DVD players, CD recorder/players and
minidisc recorder/players having digital inputs and outputs, the
VPR/DMS incorporates the ability to receive, store, encode, decode
and output digital information in these formats. For example, a
user may connect the digital output of a CD player or a minidisc
player to a digital input on the VPR/DMS. The VPR/DMS may receive
and store the digital CD or minidisc data onto the built-in storage
device for subsequent use. In the same respect, the user may
connect the digital output of the VPR/DMS to the digital input of a
CD-recordable or minidisc player, and transfer digital data stored
on the built-in storage device to a CD or minidisc. With the advent
of DVD-RAM and DVD-recordable, both of these options are also
available with regard to video, as well as audio data. In any
event, the capability of the VPR/DMS to receive and store data from
both content providers and other consumer electronic devices, as
well as its ability to output both digital and analog data is
instrumental in its multitude of uses, including the virtual
rental/purchase options.
[0033] A variation of the invention offers content providers the
capability of direct instant delivering multi-formatted programs
(movies, direct Compact Disc or other audio medium, video catalogs,
etc.). The data management zone (or ring) would allow for rental
(limited use) or purchase to home based or business based
customers. It effectively eliminates need for transporting,
inventorying, and physical delivery of digital data products.
Direct data rental or purchase provides far more convenience, data
security, versatility, cost effectiveness, technical quality,
accessibility, product variety, product durability (no broken tapes
or damaged compact discs) anti-piracy protection, various
preview/rental/purchase options, secure transactions, auto return
(no late fees), user privacy, etc. It also provides the added
benefit to the rental industry of reducing or eliminating retail
space and physical inventory.
[0034] Under the virtual rental/purchase store, the user has
several options. He may choose from products listed in an
electronic catalog which is either downloaded from the remote ATS,
or received via direct broadcast feed. He may set the content
filter/editor to automatically record data. In either case, the
data from which is stored on the local VPR/DMS. The VPR/DMS unit
interfaces with the ATS to establish two-way communication with a
broadcaster/content provider and update itself at regular
intervals, providing the home user with the latest available
rental/purchase information. For example, the user may browse
through available movie titles, audio titles and software titles to
select a particular product she would like to purchase or rent. The
local VPR/DMS obtains the necessary information from the user to
identify the selected product; retrieves stored or spontaneously
entered billing information, and then transmits the information to
the remote ATS. The remote ATS receives the requested information,
and validates the user's account and billing information. It then
electronically negotiates the purchase or rental from the content
provider, and configures the local VPR/DMS to connect to and
receive the requested data from the content provider either
on-demand or via a broadcast schedule.
[0035] In one type of purchase transaction, the data is received
and stored on the built-in storage device where it may be accessed
for processing, playback or transfer to other media. The data may
be received in a scrambled or encrypted format, and may have either
content or access restrictions, but also may be provided without
restriction. For example, in a rental or purchase transaction, the
remote ATS, the local VPR/DMS, (or both) retain rental control
information, which is monitored by the broadcaster/content
provider, to restrict the use of downloaded data past the or prior
to negotiated rental period. For example, control data indicating
rental restrictions for a particular title may be stored by the
VPR/DMS upon receipt of the digital data product (i.e., movie, pay
TV show, music album, etc.) from a content provider. Once receipt
of the data is acknowledged by the VPR/DMS and the transaction is
completed, the user may play back the data product, store it, or
transfer it to portable medium for use on a stand alone playback
unit (e.g. DVD player, VCR, etc.) provided all necessary
transactions are completed. If the data product is stored in
scrambled form, an authorization "key code" must be received from
broadcaster/content provider to unlock the rented or purchased
program by use of a built-in data descrambler device.
[0036] In order to avoid late charges or fees for rental
transactions, the user must "return" the data product by selecting
a return option from the electronic menu. The VPR/DMS interfaces
with the ATS to negotiate the "return", and the data product is
erased from the VPR/DMS storage device or re-scrambled
(authorization key voided, where the data product remains stored
for future access/rental/purchase). The data product has been
transferred to portable medium; the control data keeps a record of
such transfer, and requires the portable medium to be erased before
successfully negotiating the "return." In this way, the system is
programmable by the end user and broadcaster/content provider to
enact a "virtual return" of data products stored on the
non-moveable storage device.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the user may program the system
to process the received data according to the User's Suitability
Criteria. For example, the system may be preset to automatically
filter, edit, record or not record all or any part of the content
of the data based on User's Suitability Criteria, by interpreting
control data encoded into a broadcast signal. The data may
otherwise be stored in a ROM, PROM, or on a portion of the built-in
non-movable storage device reserved for such control information.
The V-chip, which is well known, merely blocks out entire programs
that are considered "unsuitable". The present invention may
include, as part of the microprocessor, a processing device or
circuitry which automatically edits the received data according to
the User's Suitability Criteria to omit portions of a received
program that may be considered unsuitable. The content that is
received from the broadcaster/content provider is sent to a
processing circuit, which includes a signal processor for decoding
control data that is included in broadcast signals. Alternatively,
this content may be stored in a ROM, PROM, or a portion of the
built-in non-movable storage device reserved for such control
information, and which is used for determining whether or how the
program or data product will be processed by the content
filter/editor. Processing may include recording, editing,
condensing, rearranging data segments, displaying, or otherwise
customizing the content. This is especially useful when the User
Suitability Criteria is a ratings based edit. The processor decodes
the received content, interprets the control information, updates
the previously stored control information, and then automatically
edits the signal to censor unsuitable content (e.g., bleep out
expletives, or eliminate scenes involving nudity or graphic violent
or sexual content). The processed data may then be played back
though the playback unit in real time and/or sent to the recording
unit to be recorded onto the non-movable storage device for later
access, editing, and/or playback by the playback unit.
[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the user may program the
system to capture digital data products (data) from a plurality of
broadcast channels or other data feeds at the same time. A
microprocessor in the system may is controlled by the
broadcaster/content provider and the end user. This microprocessor
has software programming to control the operation of the processing
circuitry and the playback circuitry. The software programming
interacts with the built-in, non-movable storage device and the
playback apparatus to allow recording and processing of the digital
data products as they are broadcast from several channels
simultaneously. The software programming further interacts with the
playback circuitry to allow the data to be played back to a cue
point, which is registered within the system's memory. It may be
paused on command, and restarted and played back from the cue
point, while the data are being continuously recorded without
interruption. This allows the user to view, pause, and restart a
program at his discretion while the program is still being
recorded.
[0039] The data may be subject to either pay per view, purchase or
rental restrictions by the digital data product provider. When this
occurs, the data is still received and recorded, but in a format
that prohibits viewing by the user until the commercial transaction
has been completed. The data may be scrambled, encrypted, or
otherwise locked from viewing or playback (audio) until the user
agrees to pay for access. However, since the data is already stored
on the users local VPR/DMS, the commercial transaction may take
place locally on the VPR/DMS, or on a remote ATS. When the user
decides to obtain the data, the digital data product provider
exchanges an electronic access key to the scrambled, encrypted, or
otherwise locked data in exchange for agreement to his commercial
terms.
[0040] By way of example, the user may come home only to find that
his or her premium program of choice started 15 minutes prior to
his arrival. In all known prior art devices, the program in this
instance would be missed. However, because the user pre-programmed
the system to capture a either broad band of programming, or
specific selections during the period before the program started,
the entire program is still instantly accessible, even while the
program is still recording. If required, an access key may be
obtained allowing the user convenient and discretionary viewing
privileges. Additionally, programs that have been completely
recorded earlier may be rented or purchased in this fashion as
well. If the scrambled or encrypted digital data isn't accessed
from the recorder during a user definable time, the system may
record over it later.
[0041] In another variation of this invention, the system may be
equipped with password protection that serves multiple purposes.
First, the password protection limits the utilization of the device
to authorized users of the system that have valid passwords.
Second, the system may be programmed by an administrator (e.g. a
parent) to automatically assign certain processing functions to
specific passwords, prohibit certain processing functions from
being utilized by specific passwords, or to make certain functions
optional according to the administrator's objectives. For example,
a parent may program the system to assign an automatic censoring,
or editing function to a child's password in order to limit the
content that child may view. Consequently, when the child enters
his/her password in order to gain access to the system, all data to
which the child has access (whether it be real time viewing or
previously recorded data) will be automatically edited to screen
cut unsuitable material as described above.
[0042] The creation and use of the virtual individual "Data Boxes"
or "custom channels", is especially useful in the present
invention. User suitability criteria unique to each data box
address may be either completely separate or related to other
system-wide criteria. This enables content stored to a first data
box to be uniquely configured from second or subsequent data boxes.
These Data Boxes may be accessed only by means of a unique password
specific to the data box, of the built-in, non-movable storage
device. In this manner, the present invention provides for multiple
users to have, not only unique processing functions assigned to
their accounts based on their password, but also to enjoy storage
space to which other passwords have no access. For example, this
feature allows parents to have greater control over the programming
that may be accessed by their children.
[0043] The system may also include the ability to add copyright
protection to digital data in order to protect copyright holders
from unauthorized duplication by intellectual property pirates. For
example, Macrovision Corporation offers methods and systems for
encoding data on a digital medium which causes disruption during
recording from the digital medium to another analog or digital
medium and causes the recorded resultant product to be of such poor
quality, that it is not commercially useable. Similarly, minidisc
and CD players use a system called Serial Code Management System
("SCMS") which, during digital recording, sets certain control bits
to prevent further digital copies from being made from the first
generation copy. The VPR/DMS's processing and/or playback circuits
may include elements for implementing this or similar copyright
protection to the data received from content providers. Open data
recorded onto the storage device may be encoded such that first
generation copies of sufficient quality for personal use. but that
copies of first generation copies are either preventable or of such
poor quality that they sufficiently prevent pirating.
[0044] It should also be noted that the recording means of the
invention, which records data onto the high capacity, non-movable
storage device, may be set to record in a continuous loop. This is
an advantage over prior art devices, like VCR's, that shut off when
its storage device has reached maximum capacity. This function may
also be available if the built-in non-movable storage device has
been divided into Data Boxes. For instance, a user may record data
in a continuous loop to her particular Data Box, writing over the
first recorded data when the Data Box reaches its capacity. When
recording to a particular Data Box, and its full capacity has been
reached, the recording device will record over the first recorded
data in that Data Box. This may occur even if the built-in,
non-movable storage device still has available space. Continuous
loop-recording is useful, because it allows the user to continue to
record a broadcast or other program although her storage space has
been used up prior to the conclusion of the broadcast or
program.
[0045] It should be noted that the invention as described herein
may be "bundled" with a television set, video cassette recorder,
digital video disc player, radio, personal computer, receiver,
cable box, satellite, wireless cable, telephone, computer or other
such electronic device to provide a single unit device. For
example, in the television and video market there exist
television/VCR combinations "bundles" which include a television
set and a video cassette recorder combined into the same enclosure.
The present invention may be combined with a television, a VCR, a
TV/VCR combination, DVD, TV DVD combination, digital VCR, or any
combination above or with computers to provide a single unit device
which allows the user to spontaneously view television broadcasts;
VCR (or other such device) movies or programs; or other such
programs or data, and to record them without the need for a blank
video cassette or other such storage device. Other combinations
include: radio, satellite receivers and decoders, "set top"
internet access devices, wireless cable receivers, and automobile
radio/CD, and data stored on computers. Further, utilizing the
claimed invention, the bundled device allows for convenient storage
until such time as the user can obtain a blank movable storage
device on which to transfer the recorded program.
[0046] Another aspect of the present invention is the capability of
downloading data products to portable media. The invention is
capable of storing, processing, and playback of data products which
have been pre-recorded onto any type of portable storage device. In
a "commercial based" embodiment a merchant (or distributor), such
as BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO may employ a VPR/DMS in a commercial
establishment to receive data, edit it customer's User Suitability
Criteria, and instantly record the edited version on a portable
storage device which then is sold or rented. This enables the
merchant to thereby reduce his standing inventory for a given
title, yet enables him to retain the data as originally received
and produce as many copies as current demand allows. This
commercially based VPR/DMS system has all the unique VPR/DMS
functions as previously described. Functionally, the commercial
based system would be identical to the home based version, except
that the recording of the data product would occur by an
intermediary prior to rental or purchase by end-user.
[0047] Additionally, commercial product distributors or by
end-users may utilize "blank" VPR/DMS portable storage media (i.e.,
CD, DVD, VHS, etc.) which can be produced and preformatted at the
factory or at the distributor level to include unique VPR/DMS
control data and product information data (as described above) for
customizing data products, for maximizing unique VPR/DMS recording,
processing, and playback functions, or other for use in controlling
all rental/purchase transactions described previously.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a standalone unit including
one embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 2a shows a block diagram of a television unit
incorporating one embodiment of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 2b shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the
receiver from FIG. 2a.
[0051] FIGS. 3a-3i show block diagrams of one embodiment of the
invention of on screen menus for commercial renting, leasing, or
sales of audio, video, multimedia as well as functional selectivity
for recording, editing, and content filtration.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a representation of the potential types of
inputs to and outputs from the transaction zone.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a matrix of devices
and sources of input and output into which the transaction zone may
be placed.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows a global diagram of the system including data
content providers, remote account server, billing authorities, and
the local receiver-recorder-player unit.
[0055] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of
the local receiver-recorder-player unit.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a global schematic of the present invention
illustrating the flow of data, and programming instruction input
pathways interrelate.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the present
invention illustrating the management of multiple feeds of data for
commercial transactions.
[0058] FIG. 10 is an example of a Master Menu of the present
invention for user selection of pathways for receiving data.
[0059] FIG. 11 is an example of a Data Fields menu of the present
invention for selection of data type to be received.
[0060] FIG. 12 is an example of a Combined Data programming menu of
the present invention for selection of data to be purchased.
[0061] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the present
invention illustrating the flow of data types, programming
instruction, and storage options.
[0062] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the present
invention illustrating how multiple control data channels may be
used to control, filter and edit content to be played back.
[0063] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the present
invention illustrating the communication pathways between system
components, content providers, and a transaction zone.
[0064] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of the present
invention illustrating the communication pathways between
advertisers, a broadcaster/content provider, system
components/programming, and the non-movable storage device.
[0065] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of the present
invention illustrating post recording data processing.
[0066] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of Pay-Per-View/Time
shift Operation of the present invention, illustrating an example
of a two hour movie recording and playback sequence.
[0067] FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of Continuous Loop
Recording Operations of the present invention, illustrating a
playback of a movie where there is a temporal offset between real
time recording and a delayed playback.
[0068] FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of the Video-on-Demand
System, illustrating how data flows from a broadcaster into the
VPR/DMS of the present invention, and how it may be recorded on a
plurality of tracks having temporal offsets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0069] Stand Alone Embodiment
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 1, which illustrates a standalone
embodiment of the present invention, data feeds 1a-1d carry
electronic data from any particular source. This includes, but is
not limited to, network television broadcasts, UHF/VHF signal
receivers, cable television broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, radio
broadcasts, audio, video or audio/video data signals, or computer
data signals are received at the receiver 2. The receiver 2 may
incorporate a radio or television antenna, cable television
receiver, satellite signal receiver, or any other digital or analog
signal receiver capable of accepting a signal transmitting any kind
of information or programming. Once received, the signal is
transmitted to the microprocessor 3 where the information is
processed according to user input.
[0071] For example, in an information subscription program. users
may be required to pay a fee in order to access information for
personal use. To enforce the payment of such fees, and to prevent
unauthorized access from non-subscribers, the signal may be encoded
by the broadcaster, and require some sort of de-scrambler to
facilitate access to the information. In the present embodiment of
the invention, the microprocessor 3 may include an optional
"de-scrambler," among other processing devices, which will decode
the broadcast signal so that the information contained therein may
be accessed for personal use by the subscriber.
[0072] In addition, broadcasters or information providers
frequently include information in other coded signals along with
the broadcast program that, when separated and decoded, may be
utilized by other electronic features that may be present in the
system. For example, high-end compact disc players (CD players)
often have features that read and decode compact disc information
(CD-I) that is included by manufacturers on audio CD's. This
information typically contains the name of the CD, the artist, and
the name of the songs on each track. Using special signal decoders,
these high-end CD players can decode the CD-I information, process
it, and display on the player unit's LED display, the name of the
CD, the artist, and the particular song being accessed at any given
time. The microprocessor 3 of the invention embodied in FIG. 1
includes a signal processor that decodes and processes coded
information which may be included in the broadcast or other
received signal.
[0073] In addition, other processing functions that may be included
in microprocessor 3 include a device or circuitry for data
compression, expansion, and/or encoding. These features would aid
in the system in maximizing transfer rates, maximizing storage
efficiency, and providing security from unauthorized access.
[0074] The microprocessor 3 is fully programmable to allow the
inclusion or exclusion of any and all types of available processing
and/or signal decoding. In other words, the type of processing the
received signal undergoes in the microprocessor 3 is dependent on
the specific desires of the user.
[0075] Once the received signal has been processed, it may be
stored for future use on the built-in, non-movable storage device
4, or immediately accessed for present use. If needed for present
use, the processed data is transmitted from the microprocessor 3 to
a playback device 5, which interprets the processed data and
prepares it for display. For example, an audio signal is received
from a compact disc player at receiver 2, and then processed and
decoded by microprocessor 3 so that any audio data is separated
from CD-I information on the disc. Once the data has been fully
processed in the microprocessor 3, it is sent to the playback
device 5 which plays back the audio data through a speaker system
and displays the CD-I information on a LED display.
[0076] In addition to allowing instantaneous playback of received
and processed data, the present invention allows the data to be
stored on an internal, non-movable storage device 4 in either
processed or unprocessed format. The stored data may be processed
and/or displayed later. The preferred non-movable storage device is
computer hard drive, but 4 may be any medium known in the art for
storing electronic data, including, but not limited to: recordable
tape or other analog recording media, CD ROM, optical disk,
magneto-optical disc, digital video disc (DVD), and/or digital
audio tape (DAT). It is preferred, but not required that the
non-movable storage device 4 be one that is erasable so that
previously stored programs may be overwritten.
[0077] Data from the storage device 4 may be accessed for playback
at the playback device 5 or for subsequent processing in the
microprocessor 3. This feature is important because it allows a
user to record a specific program in its original format for review
and subsequent editing to make it suitable for themselves other or
users. In a practical application of this feature, a parent can
record a cable television program that is unsuitable for children,
and store it on the built-in, non-movable storage device 4. He/she
may then allow the children to watch a version edited by the
microprocessor 3 to make it suitable for child viewers. Such a
feature allows for more parental control over the content of
programs a child may view. There are many other examples of program
customization using User Suitable Criteria and content
filter/editor for customizing programs which have been previously
recorded in raw or original form
[0078] Television Embodiment
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 2a, which illustrates a television
embodiment, the drawing depicts a block diagram of a television
incorporating one embodiment of the invention. Data feed lines
10a-10n transmit data from television, cable television, satellite,
or UHF/VHF broadcasts or from other local data sources (including
VCR's, laser disc players, DVD players, video cameras, or any other
audio, video, or combination audio/video (collectively "A/V") data
transmitter known in the art to the receiver 11.
[0080] FIG. 2b depicts an embodiment of the receiver 11 from FIG.
2a. Receiver 11 may include a combination of one or more receiver
interfaces 21-26. Receiver interfaces 21-26 include a network
broadcast television antenna; cable television receiver; satellite
receiver; UHF/VHF antenna; broadcast radio antenna, and computer
network interface. Other embodiments of receiver interfaces 21-26
could include, but are not limited to, standard A/V inputs (e.g.
RCA video in and video out, Super VHS, or any other A/V
input/output ports known in the art). Receiver interfaces 21-26 are
designed to accept the broadcast signals and transmit them to
output circuit 27. Output circuit 27 may be a multiplexer,
sequencer, delay circuit, or other circuit generally known in the
art for handling the flow of multiple output signals for individual
processing. In this respect, the multi-functional processing system
may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals
simultaneously.
[0081] Referring back to FIG. 2a, from the receiver 11, the raw
data received from one or more of data feed lines 10a-10n is sent
to the processing means 13. The microprocessor 12 controls which
processing functions (if any) are applied to the received data.
Additionally, microprocessor 12 controls any playback features that
are subject to user input (e.g. pause, stop, record, fast forward,
rewind, instant replay). The user interface 17 allows the user to
directly control which processing functions will be applied to the
received data as it is transmitted through the processing means 13.
This is accomplished by transmitting a control signal 16 which the
microprocessor 12 receives, interprets and uses to control the
processing means 13 based on the user's specifications. User
interface 17 may include a system for local on screen programming
using an infrared or other hand-held remote control device 37 to
produce the control signal 16. Alternatively, the user interface 17
may be an on-unit interface featuring control pad buttons which
activate the control signal 16 to direct the features of the
system. In addition, user interface 17 may include touch tone
telephones or software programs utilizing computer modems or other
computer ports (e.g., serial, parallel, network card, or any other
computer interface known in the art) to generate the control signal
16, and which may be utilized at much greater distances than
standard remote control interfaces to control microprocessor 12.
User interface 17 may include circuitry, software or any other
means known in the art for securely encrypting or encoding control
signal 16 to provide safe, secure transmission of the control
signal and to prevent unauthorized interception of the control
signal 16 and/or access to the system.
[0082] Upon user request, microprocessor 12 may deactivate all
types of processing so that the raw data received from data feed
lines 10a-10n may be stored directly to built-in, non-movable
storage device 14 for later processing and/or playback.
[0083] Processing means 13 may include any number of circuits,
signal processors, filters, or other data manipulation devices
known in the art for providing any electronic features or functions
that may exist in standard televisions and other such displays
known in the art. The microprocessor may also include, but is not
limited to, one or more the following processing circuits or
devices specifically aimed at: enhancement of picture color, hue
brightness, or tint; sound balance; bass and treble enhancement;
stereo/mono sound processing; picture-in-picture (PIP) viewing;
decoding and integration of broadcast information such as closed
captioned viewing, V-chip program blocking, or automatic data
editing; and compression of data for storage or transmission. Each
function making up the microprocessor may operate independently of
other functions such that the enablement or disablement of one
function does not depend on or affect the enablement or disablement
of another function. In this manner, the user, through user
interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may specify the exact type of
processing he/she wishes the received raw data to undergo.
[0084] Once the received data has been processed according to user
specification, it may be played back on the display via playback
device 15 and/or stored on built-in, non-movable storage device 14.
This may occur as a simultaneous recording of a number of feeds
while the user plays back a selective feed in a non-real-time mode.
The built-in, non-movable storage device 14 may be any storage
device for audio/video information known in the art. The built-in,
non-movable storage device 14 may be divided into separate Data
Boxes, which may be assigned to separate members of a family,
business or group. It may also be used to assign individual
processing/storing instructions for processing the raw data.
[0085] Playback device 15 may include any technology known in the
art for playing back audio/video data from any storage device known
in the art (e.g. video tape, DVD, laser disc, etc.). In essence,
the playback device 15 reads the data from built-in, non-movable
storage device (or from processing means 13), and then converts it
to the proper electronic signals for driving the displays (e.g.,
cathode ray tube and speakers, or any audio and video displays
known in the art).
[0086] Virtual Transaction Zone Embodiment Single Feed Commercial
Transaction Example
[0087] Either of the preceding units can be configured as another
embodiment of the invention so that it can be utilized to provide
direct on demand delivery of multi-formatted programs (movies,
compact disc (or other audio medium), video catalogs, etc.). This
embodiment effectively eliminates the need for transporting,
inventorying, and physical delivery of digital data products. It
can create a variety of applications from virtual VCR rental
stores, music stores, bookstores, home shopping applications and
other commercial applications.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 2b, data feeds 10a-10f carry electronic
data from any particular source, but preferably from a computer
signal, a satellite signal or a cable signal utilizing information
via the Internet. The data feeds may carry audio, video, print or
other mediums to the receiver 11 and, for purposes of the Internet,
may utilize either "Push" or "Pull" technology as those terms are
commonly referred to in the field. The data feeds may be in
compressed format. Once received, the signal is transmitted to the
microprocessor 3 where the information is processed according to
user input.
[0089] As in the previous embodiment, the receiver interfaces 21-26
in FIG. 2 are designed to accept the broadcast signals and transmit
them to an output circuit 27. The output circuit 27 may be a
multiplexer, sequencer, delay circuit, or other circuit generally
known in the art for handling the flow of multiple output signals
for individual processing. In this respect, the multi-functional
processing system may process, handle, and operate on one or more
input signals simultaneously. For example, one of the data feeds
should be a typical Internet data feed of compressed data, which
could download a movie to one of the receiver interfaces 21-26. It
may also be used for a time scheduled broadcast which is auto
recorded by programming user suitability into the content
filter/editor. It may also contain applets or other applications to
assist the processing in the transaction zone.
[0090] Referring back to FIG. 2a, from the receiver 11, the raw
data received from one or more of the data feed lines 10a-10n is
sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor 12 controls the
processing functions (if any) that are applied to the received
data. Microprocessor 12 presents menu-driven screens to the user
through the user interface 17, the display or a combination of both
as are well recognized in the prior art.
[0091] As with the prior embodiment, the user interface 17 allows
the user to directly control which processing functions will be
applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the
processing means 13. This is accomplished by transmitting a control
signal 16 which the microprocessor 12 receives, interprets and uses
to control the processing means 13 based on the user's
specifications and would include all of the variations and features
related herein above.
[0092] The choices provided to the user interface or the display
may include retrieval of specific selections, previews, excerpts,
reviews, or other information regarding the potential selections.
For example, referring now to FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, a user may
choose to access any of several different services. This
information may be resident on the microprocessor, the
microprocessor, the storage device, the data feed (e.g., Java
applets), or any combination. FIG. 3a is an example of a master
menu for accessing different types of data fields. This menu may be
viewed by the display means or through other display means viewed
by the user, such as on FIG. 3b represents a choice to access
movies, videos, and game cartridges for either rental or purchase,
in essence a virtual video rental store. The movies are browsed,
previewed, and selected using various search and retrieval
algorithms (e.g., genre, title, year, actor, and director). The
selections are made by user and the financial transaction is
completed by payment through a screen such as seen in FIG. 3c.
[0093] FIG. 3d depicts a menu that gives the user further
specificity as to what function is to be performed on the received
data. By selection of one of the menu options, he/she may choose to
record, play, download, upload, erase, edit, condense (or
compress), or store the data in a user defined Data Box.
[0094] FIG. 3e is a menu that gives the user specificity as to
recording operations that may be performed on the received data.
The user may choose to Auto-Record using various criteria,
including use of a content filter/editor, a DMS program guide, a
clock timer, usage of VCR Plus, or TV Guide plus. The user may
re-record and enact a custom edit, assign the data to a Data Box or
send the data to a portable storage unit. He can select specific
programming according to his User Suitability Criteria.
Additionally, he can edit the data in the content filter/editor, to
obtain the desired product. Additionally, he/she may instruct the
system to perform Continuous Loop recording, and assign the
recorded data to a main storage partition, a data box, or record by
auto timer.
[0095] FIG. 3f is a menu that gives the user further specificity as
to editing functions on the received data. The user may initiate an
Auto-Record Filter, and specify that recordings be initiated based
on specific features of the programming. This may include
programming user Suitability Criteria, Title, Theme, Actors,
Ratings, Year of Release, or any other searchable field supplied in
a broadcast control data stream. He/she may also choose
Auto-Editing, which may be performed by rating based programmed
criteria, Multi-Format Selections, or certain specific User
Suitability Criteria as may be desired by the user.
[0096] FIG. 3h is a menu that gives the user further specificity as
to editing functions on the received data. When multi-formatted
data is available, a first movie may be edited to select certain
user suitability criteria. This criteria may be ratings based, the
data may be abridged, a certain story line may be selected, the
type of display, a certain language, audio parameters may be
selected, and even the recording quality. A second selection may be
chosen with entirely different user suitability criteria. The
results may then be stored to individual Data Boxes, or displayed
at the user's discretion.
[0097] FIG. 3i is a menu that gives the user further specificity as
to criteria on received data for programming that is pre-edited or
multi formatted for optional editing choices. The user will
immediately know if the programming that has been processed and
recorded meets his suitability criteria before playback. An example
is a "Director's Cut" edition of a movie, where previously
unreleased scenes are included in the formatting of the data. The
user may select an option to view these scenes from this menu by
using embedded control data for processing, editing, display and
playback, and thereby construct a custom version of the
program.
[0098] As can be seen from the FIGS. 3a-3i above, a choice can be
made to rent or purchase a copy of the material. In FIG. 2, it can
be seen that the raw data received from data feed lines 10a-10n may
be stored directly to a storage device 14 for later processing
and/or playback. The payment is credited (or debited) to the
selected user account with processing in the microprocessor 12 that
also takes into account preset spending limits, authorization
codes, and similar security and cash management features.
[0099] The processing means 13 may include any or all of the
features and attributes as described hereinabove. In this manner,
the user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may
specify the exact type of processing he/she wishes the received raw
data in the form of a movie to undergo. Using the example of the
downloaded movie, the digital information would pass from the
storage device 14 to the playback device. Within the microprocessor
12 (or even monitored through one or more of the data feeds), the
playback or download of the movie would be noted. In the case of
the purchase in FIG. 3e (denoted in the example by the "P" code),
only that one download to a VCR tape would be allowed by control of
the microprocessor 12. In the case of one of the rentals (denoted
in the example by the "R" code), the movie could be viewed directly
from the storage device 14 or be downloaded to a VCR tape or
similar medium through user interface 17 utilizing, for example, a
menu screen. Again, this activity is monitored by the
microprocessor 12 and unless the downloaded movie is erased (and
such erasure communicated back to the microprocessor 12), "late
fees" could be assessed to the user until such rental was virtually
"returned" to the storage device 14.
[0100] Note that the microprocessor 12 control of the access to the
storage device 14, creates a virtual transaction zone 40 (shown in
FIG. 4). This allows the user to negotiate with the content
provider for a wide range of different commercial transactions
preset by the content provider but chosen by the user. The virtual
transaction zone 40 provides a commercial and transactional
environment that is free of restrictions of time, inventory, and,
most importantly, specific formats of the physical delivery
medium.
[0101] Virtual Transaction Zone Embodiment Home Shopping
Example
[0102] The preceding units can be configured as another embodiment
of the invention so that it can be utilized to provide direct
access to shopping channels typically viewed through television
channels today. Video on demand orders and (when the product is in
digital format) delivery of movies, compact disc (or other audio
medium), video catalogs, are all contemplated by this embodiment.
This embodiment effectively eliminates the need for in store
shopping or even the use of telephone lines to communicate with
current television channel options. It can create a variety of
applications for home shopping for clothes, hardware, building
supplies, books, cars, homes, vacations and vacation rentals and
other forms of purchasing that benefit from the viewer being able
to access multi-media data feeds that enhance the buying
process.
[0103] Additionally, the VPR/DMS unit may be programmed to
automatically capture video catalogues according to certain User
Suitability Criteria. In this way, the user may customize his
commercial programming, for storage in his Data Box for viewing at
his convenience. This is possible by utilizing the content
filter/editor which interprets control data specifically for that
purpose imbedded in the data feed. The catalogues may also be
captured by use of the clock timer system after searching program
menus for criteria matches.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 2a, data feeds 10a-10n carry electronic
data from any particular source, but preferably from a computer
signal, a satellite signal or a cable signal utilizing information
via the Internet. The data feeds may carry audio, video, print or
other mediums to the receiver 11 and, for purposes of the Internet,
may utilize either "Push" or "Pull" technology as those terms are
commonly referred to in the field. The data feeds may be in
compressed format. Once received, the signal is transmitted to the
microprocessor 12 where the information is processed according to
user input. In the home shopping example, the input feed should
typically be a stream of catalog information that is fed either
sequentially or from predetermined search routines of the buyer's
preferences.
[0105] As in the previous embodiment, the receiver interfaces 21-26
in FIG. 2 are designed to accept the broadcast signals and transmit
them to output circuit 27. Output circuit 27 may be a multiplexer,
sequencer, delay circuit, or other circuit generally known in the
art for handling the flow of multiple output signals for individual
processing. In this respect, the multi-functional processing system
may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals
simultaneously. As an example, one of the data feeds would be a
typical Internet data feed of compressed data, which could download
a clothing catalog to one of the receiver interfaces 21-26. It may
also contain applets or other applications to assist the processing
in the transaction zone. For example, there may be an applet that
interfaces with certain preset body measurements of the end user
that are stored in the transaction zone 40 (shown in FIG. 4),
thereby providing a body to simulate the fit of the clothes that
are being viewed in the virtual store within the transaction zone
40.
[0106] Referring back to FIG. 2a, from the receiver 11, the raw
data received from one or more of the data feed lines 10a-10n is
sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor 12 controls the
processing functions (if any) that are applied to the received
data. Microprocessor 12 presents menu-driven screens and visual
aids to recreate the look and feel of shopping in a store and
viewing the fit and style of the clothes. By way of further
example, there is certain technology already known that can create
a "walk around" environment to the user through the user interface
17, the display or a combination of both as are well-recognized in
the prior art.
[0107] As with the prior embodiment, the user interface 17 allows
the user to directly control which processing functions will be
applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the
processing means 13 by transmitting a control signal 16 which the
microprocessor 12 receives, interprets and uses to control the
processing means 13 based on the user's specifications and would
include all of the variations and features related herein.
[0108] The choices provided to the user interface or the display
may include retrieval of specific selections, accessing certain
parts of the virtual store where goods are placed in various
virtual "spaces" by specified categories (i.e., ties, blazers,
shoes, socks, underwear, brand names, etc.) previews, excerpts,
reviews, or other information regarding the potential selections.
For example, referring to FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, a user may choose
to access any of several different services. This information may
be resident on the microprocessor, the microprocessor, the storage
device, the data feed (e.g., Java applets), or any combination.
[0109] The processing means 13 may include any or all of the
features and attributes as described herein. In this manner, the
user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may specify
the exact type of processing he/she wishes the received raw data in
the form of a movie to undergo. Using the example of the downloaded
virtual store, the digital information would pass from the storage
device 14 to the playback device. Within the microprocessor 12 (or
even monitored through one or more of the data feeds), the download
or playback of the movie would be noted. In the case of browsing a
virtual store, the user would be provided, for example, a mouse
driven "walk" around the virtual store.
[0110] Virtual Transaction Zone Embodiment--Multiple Feed
Commercial Transaction Example
[0111] Any of the disclosed units can be configured as another
embodiment of the invention so that it can be utilized to provide
direct on demand delivery of multi-formatted programs. Examples are
movies, compact discs (or other audio medium), video catalogs, etc.
This is done so that multiple feeds can be placed in the ultimate
display to the user.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 2a, data feeds 10a-10n carry electronic
data as in the prior examples. Once received, the signal is
transmitted to the microprocessor 3 where the information is
processed according to user input.
[0113] As in the previous embodiment, the receiver interfaces 21-26
in FIG. 2 are designed to accept the broadcast signals and transmit
them to output circuit 27, the multi-functional processing system
may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals
simultaneously. As an example, one of the data feeds would be a
typical Internet data feed of compressed data from ESPN or another
sports related data provider, which could download real time sports
statistics and sports news to one of the receiver interfaces 21-26.
It may also contain applets or other applications to assist the
processing in the transaction zone. Another data feed from a
broadcaster would be received from a cable input into another one
of the other receiver interfaces 21-26.
[0114] Referring back to FIG. 2a, from the receiver 11, the raw
data received from one or more of the data feed lines 10a-10n is
sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor 12 controls the
processing functions (if any) that are applied to the received
data. The channel within the data feed from the cable TV input
would then be split from the cable data TV feed and combined, in
the transaction zone with the ESPN data feed. Microprocessor 12
presents menu-driven screens to the user through the user interface
17, the display or a combination of both as are well recognized in
the prior art.
[0115] As with the prior embodiment, the user interface 17 allows
the user to directly control which processing functions will be
applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the
processing means 13 by transmitting a control signal 16 which the
microprocessor 12 receives, interprets and uses to control the
processing means 13 based on the user's specifications and would
include all of the variations and features related hereinabove.
[0116] The choices provided to the user interface or the display
may include retrieval of specific selections, previews, excerpts,
reviews, or other information regarding the potential selections.
For example, referring to FIGS. 3e, 3f, and 3g, a user may choose
to access and blend any of several different services into the
ultimate stored or displayed data feed. This information may be
resident on the microprocessor, the microprocessor, the storage
device, the data feed (e.g., Java applets), or any combination.
FIG. 3e is an example of a master menu for accessing different
types of data feeds and combining those fields for unique
experiences. This menu may be viewed by the display means or
through other display means viewed by the user, such as on the FIG.
3f represents a choice to access broadcaster channels, statistical
data feeds, news data feeds, and data feeds from other users for
either rental or purchase, in essence a virtual sports center in
this specific example. The broadcaster channels showing sporting
events are browsed, previewed, and selected using various search
and retrieval algorithms (e.g., type of sport, time, professional
vs., amateur, region, etc). The other types of data feeds are
selected and initial positioning on the display feed are chosen
(e.g., picture-in-picture, multiple screen, header, footer, etc.)
The virtual store example above could have additional music added
to the background for a more pleasing shopping experience. FIG. 3h
is a representation of a typical screen layout. The selections are
made by the user and the financial transaction is completed by
payment through a screen such as seen in FIG. 3i. As can be seen
from that figure, a choice can be made to rent or purchase a copy
of the material.
[0117] The raw data received from data feed lines 10a-10n may be
stored directly to a storage device 14 for later processing and/or
playback. As with prior examples, the payment is credited (or
debited) to the selected user account with processing in the
microprocessor 12 that also takes into account preset spending
limits, authorization codes, and similar security and cash
management features.
[0118] The processing means 13 may include any or all of the
features and attributes as described hereinabove. In this manner,
the user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may
specify the exact type of processing he/she wishes the received raw
data in the form of a movie to undergo. Using the example of the
multimedia array of sports programming, the digital information
would pass from the storage device 14 to the playback device.
[0119] By way of example, one type of additional processing might
be colorization of a black and white movie accomplished by renting
first the movie and then "renting" an additional feed that provides
colorization software to overlay on top of the movie in the
transaction zone, where the rental for both feeds and the
application of color to the feeds to create the ultimate output are
implemented and payment negotiated, which is also made within the
transaction zone.
[0120] Virtual Transaction Zone Embodiment--Personal Computer
Example
[0121] By way of further example, the use of the transaction zone
is not limited to a TV/VCR platform. It is recognized that the
transaction zone could exist on a typical computer platform under
any typically available operating system such as Windows, Unix or
even a Macintosh environment. The transaction zone 40 would be
created in the computer's RAM, the CPU would provide processing
capability and the algorithms for accomplishing the transaction
zone 40 (in FIG. 4) would be stored on the hard drive of the
computer in the form of computer software or on a RISC chip.
[0122] Virtual Transaction Zone Embodiment--Remote Location of User
Defined Transaction Zone Example
[0123] By way of yet another example, it is important to realize
that the current invention is not relegated to local processing and
storage of data. An example of a remote unit would be a service
that stores preset selection information for a series of users and
access via modem through the Internet or telephone lines for remote
users to link into their own or a rented transaction zone 40 (in
FIG. 4) to provide the same services and advantages outlined
above.
[0124] Overview of Inputs and Outputs to Closed Loop Transaction
Zone
[0125] In FIG. 4, it is shown that a virtual Transaction Zone 40
relies on various types of Content Providers 41 and Software
Accessory Providers 42 (collectively Providers) in order to
establish one portion of a zone for accomplishing transactions
involving digital data that are not format or program dependent.
The Content Providers 41 may consist of movie studios,
distributors, sports broadcasters, network and cable broadcasters,
news media outlets, music publishers, book distributors, and
generally any content providers that would otherwise utilize the
television, personal computer, the Internet, or telephone lines to
convey information.
[0126] Coming from the other direction, Information Consumers 43
and Entertainment Consumers 44 (collectively Consumers) provide
information to a VPR/DMS 30 and upload or transfer information
within the device to the Transaction Zone 40. In turn, information
from the Content Providers 41 and Software Accessory Providers 42
is manipulated and downloaded based on instructions from the
Consumer, which includes negotiations within the Transaction Zone
40 with the Content Providers 41-42 for download and use of the
data feeds, software, and associated blended and modified data
fields. The net effect of the information flow from the Content
Providers 41-42 to the Transaction Zone 40 and the information flow
and requests from the Consumers 43-45 to the Transaction Zone 40
creates an interactive zone for virtually selecting, packaging,
renting, purchasing, pricing and payment of digital data products
and the order and delivery of products and services presented to
and ordered from the Transaction Zone 40.
[0127] Breadth of Technology Applications
[0128] In broad aspect, the current invention will most often
reside in the form of software on consumer devices. It is important
to note that these consumer applications fall into three devices in
order to capture most forms of entertainment and information
available on the market today. Referring to the matrix of FIG. 5,
in the current technology environment, most of the categories of
Entertainment 61 and Information 62 available on the market today
percolate through to the end consumer to some type of video
processor 51, WebTV 52, personal computer 53. While this is the
optimum placement of the transaction zone 40 at this time, the
invention is not dependent on residence on only those devices. As
such, the invention is to be placed at and includes residence in
the transaction zone 40 on any point or points along the matrix
shown in FIG. 5.
[0129] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a block diagram of
the components of the entire system as they interrelate during
operation of the system.
[0130] A local VPR/DMS 30 provides the vehicle for program
reception and recording, custom processing, and product download as
well as program or product playback. In its most basic form,
VPR/DMS 30 may be a licensed "set top box" which houses the
electronic components necessary for connection and operation. The
VPR/DMS 30 may be locally connected (or built in) to one or more
consumer electronics units 28. This includes computers; home
theater systems; home stereo receivers; CD recorders and/or
players; audio and video multi-disc players; DAT recorders and/or
players; Minidisc recorders and/or players; cassette tape recorders
and/or players; televisions; VCRs; DVD players and/or recorders;
Divx players; cable receivers; satellite receivers; or any other
consumer electronics known in the art. Additionally, the local
VPR/DMS unit 30 may include a built-in portable media
recorder/player such as a CD recorder/player (e.g. CD recordable
("CD-R"), CD rewriteable ("CD-RW"), CD-ROM, audio CD player, or any
other CD recorder/player unit), DVD recorder/player (e.g. DVD
recordable ("DVD-R"), DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, or any other DVD format
recorder/player unit), DAT recorder/player, audio cassette tape
recorder/player, minidisc recorder/player, video cassette
recorder/player, or any other recorder/player known in the art
(which utilize a portable storage medium) so that received data may
be transferred to a portable medium for use on other media playback
units. The preferred embodiment may also include a DVD
recorder/player also capable of reading and recording both DVD and
CD formats on the same unit.
[0131] The local VPR/DMS unit 30 is directly connected to
broadcasters 39, data content providers 41, software accessory
providers 42 and a remote Automatic Transaction Server (ATS) 29.
Data products, including free or pay-per-view television or radio
broadcasts, audio and/or video products, and software products may
be received directly from the broadcasters 39, data content
providers 41, and software accessory providers 42 and recorded on
the local VPR/DMS 30.
[0132] The remote ATS 29 provides a billing interface between the
end user and the content providers 39, 41, and 42 as well as an
information and auto-programming source for local VPR/DMS unit 30.
This device may be located at the content provider's site, or it
may be administered by the content provider/broadcaster. The local
VPR/DMS unit 30 interfaces with remote ATS 29 at regular intervals
to download the latest programming/scheduling information for timed
television/radio broadcasts so that the end user may reliably
program local VPR/DMS unit 30 to record timed broadcasts.
Additionally, remote ATS 29 provides local VPR/DMS unit 30 with an
electronic catalog of audio, video or software products available
for direct rental or purchase. Additionally, user account
information may be stored on remote ATS 29 or securely transmitted
through remote ATS 29 for easy interface with billing authorities
30 and context providers 39, 41, and 42 to negotiate rentals,
purchases or pay-per-view broadcasts.
[0133] Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram of a preferred
embodiment of the local receiver-recorder-player unit is
disclosed.
[0134] Data feeds 10a-10c are directly link broadcasters, content
providers and the remote ATS to the local VPR/DMS unit 30. Data,
including direct audio/video and software products, broadcast
programs or audio/video data from local consumer electronics or
computers is received and/or transmitted by local VPR/DMS unit 30
via data feeds 10a-10c Data on data feeds 10a-10c is received by
receiver 2 which digitizes received analog data and which may
compress both digitized analog data and native digital data. For
example, receiver 2 may include circuitry that receives an analog
television signal (CATV, Satellite TV, etc.) and converts it to
digital data via an MPEG-2 (or similar) encoding process. The same
receiver 2 may receive digital ATRAC data from a local minidisc
player, however, since ATRAC data is digital, the receiver 2 would
not need to digitize the data first. However, the receiver 2 may
include circuitry allowing it to recognize particular digital data
formats (particularly those that require large amounts of storage
space) and convert or compress them to data formats requiring less
storage space. For example, the receiver 2 may recognize that CD
audio data is being received through a digital input. However,
since CD data may take up several megabytes of storage space, the
receiver 2 may first convert or compress the CD audio data into a
smaller file. One method of accomplishing this task would be for
the receiver 2 to convert the CD audio data into mpeg-2 layer 3
("MP3") format using a compression algorithm developed by the
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft. Similar techniques may be used for video
data using the MPEG-2 format, and when they become sufficiently
developed the MPEG-4 or MPEG-7 formats.
[0135] Once data has been received and compressed or digitized, the
receiver 2 passes the data on to the non-movable storage device 14
for immediate or subsequent playback, processing or transfer.
Storage device 14 is capable of being written to and read from
virtually simultaneously to allow for immediate access to data
while the local VPR/DMS 30 continues to record and/or process data.
A typical medium for use as the built-in storage device 14 may
include a single or multiple array of one or more high capacity
random access memory devices, such as hard drives, but may also
magneto-optical discs, and other re-recordable media, provided that
these media allow for the near simultaneous read/write operation to
enable the local VPR/DMS 30 to play back, pause, rewind, fast
forward, and process recorded data as other data is being
recorded.
[0136] As data is read from the storage device 14 it is transferred
to the microprocessor 12 to be processed according to user input
parameters. Broadcasters or information providers frequently
include information encoded in broadcast signals along with the
broadcast program that, when separated and decoded, may be utilized
by other electronic features that may be present in the system. For
example, television broadcasters include closed captioning
information in line 21 of the vertical blinking interval (VBI) of a
television signal. A television with built-in closed caption
decoding reads this signal decodes it, and allows the television to
display it. It is possible to transmit other information in this
manner, including V-chip ratings, or information that may be used
to automatically edit the data content. In addition to V-chip or
closed captioning, the present invention makes it possible for
broadcasters to transmit an uncensored or multi-formatted program,
and include control information embedded in the signal. The
reception and storage of editing control data may also occur prior
to broadcasting the program data, or, in the case of digital music
and television, as embedded control code corresponding to
particular significant portions of the data. This code can be used
by the microprocessor 12 to automatically edit the program
according to FCC standards or based on the pre-programmed user
suitability criteria and use of the content filter/editor
[0137] The broadcasters may also transmit a multi-formatted
program, and include control and program information relating to an
unedited version for "re-assembly" by the content filter/editor 35
and the processing means 13. The processing means 13 of the
invention embodied in FIG. 7 may include a signal processor or
content filter/editor that decodes and processes any coded control
information which may be included in a broadcast or other received
data signal.
[0138] In addition, other processing functions, which may be
accessed in microprocessor 12, include a device or circuitry for
data compression, expansion, and/or encoding. These features would
aid in the system in maximizing transfer rates, maximizing storage
efficiency, and providing security from unauthorized access. The
processing means 13 is fully programmable to allow the inclusion or
exclusion of any types of available digital signal processing
and/or signal decoding. The type of processing the received signal
undergoes in the processing means 13 is dependent on the specific
desires of the user.
[0139] After the data is processed according to specific parameters
set forth by the user, processing means 13 transmits the data to
the playback circuit 27. The playback circuit 27 comprises signal
decoders, digital-to-analog converters and digital outputs for
transmitting the processed data to a proper playback device. For
example, playback circuit 27 may convert digital mpeg-2 compressed
audio/video data to the proper analog audio/video signal (RCA,
composite, S-video) for display on an analog source (e.g. analog
television, RGB computer monitor inputs, FIREWIRE, RCA stereo
inputs, S-video inputs, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively,
playback circuit 27 may include output connectors 20a-e for
transmitting processed data, in digital format (e.g. mpeg-2, Dolby
Digital/AC3, DTS, MP3, etc.) directly to the digital input of an
electronic component capable of decoding digital data (e.g. a
digital television or HDTV, stereo receiver with Dolby Digital
decoder, etc.). The invention thus contemplates the use of a
combination of digital and analog outputs. For example, the user
may have a stereo or component capable of receiving and/or decoding
digital signals, but has not yet upgraded to a digital television.
Therefore, the user connects an analog video output connector 20a,
b to the analog video in on his TV or monitor, while connecting the
digital audio output circuit 20c to his stereo with Dolby Digital
decoder.
[0140] Automatic Digital Audio/Video Recorder Embodiment
[0141] The following embodiments are directed to specific uses for
automatic recording features of the system. In its most basic form,
the VPR/DMS of the present invention has many advantages over video
tape recorders that record television and/or radio broadcasts. The
present invention may be fully programmed to automatically record a
user's requested broadcasts based on a variety of programming
parameters. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 7 shows a basic form of
the local VPR/DMS unit as it may be used in this embodiment.
[0142] Data feeds 1a-1c carrying electronic or broadcast data from
any particular source, including but not limited to network
television broadcasts, UHF/VHF signal receivers, cable television
broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, radio broadcasts, audio, video or
audio/video components, or computer data signals are received at
the receiver unit 2. The receiver unit 2 may incorporate any one or
a combination of radio or television antennas, cable television
receiver, satellite signal receiver, analog RCA input/output
interfaces, digital optical or co-axial I/O ports, computer network
I/O ports (e.g. serial, parallel, Ethernet, token ring, FIREWIRE
and others known in the art) or any other digital or analog signal
receiver and/or transmitter capable of accepting a signal
transmitting any kind of digital or broadcast information. Once
received, the signal may be transmitted to the processing unit 3
where the information is processed according to user input.
[0143] For example, in an information subscription program, a user
may be required to pay a fee in order to access information for
personal use. To enforce the payment of such fees, and to prevent
unauthorized access from non-subscribers, the signal may be encoded
by the broadcaster, and require some sort of de-scrambler to
facilitate access to the information after it is stored. In the
present embodiment of the invention, the processing unit 3 may
include an optional "de-scrambler," among other processing devices,
which will decode the broadcast signal so that the information
contained therein may be accessed for personal use by the
subscriber.
[0144] Once the received signal has been processed, it may be
stored in either scrambled or unscrambled format on the built-in
non-movable storage device 14 for future use, or immediately
accessed for present use. In a preferred embodiment, if needed for
present use, the processed data is transmitted from the
microprocessor 12, through the output circuit 27, to the playback
device 5 which interprets the processed data and prepares it for
display. For example, an audio signal is received from a compact
disc player at receiver 2, and then processed and decoded by
microprocessor 12 so that any audio data is separated from CD-I
information on the disc. Once the data has been fully processed in
the microprocessor 12, it is sent to the playback device 5 which
plays back the audio data through a speaker system, and displays
the CD-I information on a LED display.
[0145] In addition to allowing immediate playback of received and
processed data, the present invention allows the data to be stored
on an internal, non-movable storage device 14 in either processed
or unprocessed format such as scrambled or unscrambled
[0146] In that way it may be processed and/or displayed later. The
non-movable storage device 14 may be any medium known in the art
for storing electronic data, including, but not limited to
recordable tape or other analog recording media, random access
memory (RAM), CD ROM, optical disk, magneto-optical disc, computer
hard drive, digital video disc (DVD), or digital audio tape (DAT).
It is preferred, but not required that the non-movable storage
device 14 be one that is erasable so that previously stored
programs may be overwritten.
[0147] Data from the storage device 14 may be accessed for playback
at the playback device 5 or for subsequent processing in the
microprocessor 12. This feature is important because it allows the
user to capture a data product according to his User Suitability
Criteria, edit it by utilizing the content filter/editor, store it
on the non-movable storage device 14, and then watch a version
edited by the microprocessor 12 to his specifications. This feature
allows more control over the content of programs he may view.
[0148] A preferred embodiment of the Digital Recorder Embodiment
will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0149] The remote ATS 29 in FIG. 6 stores local broadcast
programming data collected from the various broadcasters in an
online database. The programming data is updated at regular
intervals to provide the most accurate programming information
possible. The local VPR/DMS unit 30 is the central component of the
system, and may be used by an end user to digitally record, store,
and play back broadcast programs.
[0150] Referring now to FIG. 7, a detailed description of the
automatic digital recorder will now be described. Via user
interface 17, the end user activates the local VPR/DMS unit to
access the remote ATS server. User interface 17 may comprise a
remote control unit which transmits user selection/programming
option data via remote signal (e.g. infrared, VHF, etc.).
Alternatively, or additionally, user interface 17 may comprise a
button or set of buttons located on the VPR/DMS 30 for entering
user selection/programming option data.
[0151] In the preferred embodiment, the local VPR/DMS 30 is
interfaced with the remote ATS 29 via an Internet connection
(TCP/IP) through a high speed interface (e.g. cable modem, a direct
T1 or T3 connection through Ethernet, token ring or other high
speed computer network interface). However, other interfaces may be
used as well (e.g. telephone modem connection). Thus, this
preferred embodiment, as part of the receiver circuit 2 and the
playback circuit 27, an Ethernet input/output interface would be
included to provide for the high speed exchange of data via TCP/IP
(and other Internet protocols) between the VPR/DMS and the ATS.
[0152] The user connects to the ATS 29 (FIG. 6) using the VPR/DMS
30. The VPR/DMS 30 downloads the latest available programming
information, presenting the user with a hierarchical set of menus
(FIGS. 3a through 3i) to select specific programming parameters for
setting the VPR/DMS 30 to automatically record specific programs.
This selection is done either by: 1) interpreting embedded control
data and matching User Suitability Criteria; 2) time schedule
recording of pre-rated or pre-classified programming. In the
preferred embodiment, the user interface 17 permits the user to
select from broadcast program names, themes, ratings, actors,
plots, times, genres (western, espionage, comedy, etc.), or any
other parameter of his User Suitability Criteria, to automatically
configure the VPR/DMS 30 to record specific programs. Any single
parameter or a combination of a plurality of parameters may be used
to narrow or broaden the range of shows that will be recorded. The
user may also use a simple timer or VCR plus information as well to
configure the VPR/DMS 30. The user may also select an option where
the automatic recording is done perpetually until modified. He/she
may also select an option allowing specific parameters to define
the broadcast programs to be recorded for only a limited number of
times, or for a specific period.
[0153] Once the user has finished selecting the User Suitability
Criteria, the VPR/DMS, he/she may select a specific button (e.g. a
START button) which activates the auto-programming feature. The
micro-controller 31 queries the ATS to search for all programming
meeting the parameters specified by the user. The ATS then begins
searching for all of the programs that meet the user's
specifications, and then sends the auto-configuration data (e.g.
broadcast times, channels, and sources) to the VPR/DMS.
micro-controller 31 reads the auto-configuration data downloaded
from the ATS 29. It then automatically configures the system to
receive and record the requested broadcast programs. This automatic
recordation is by user selection of either time schedule
programming of programs pre-classified to match various user
selected criteria or optionally, by interpretation of control data
within the data feed.
[0154] Assume the VPR/DMS has been programmed to record a
particular cable television show. At the time of the program
broadcast, the micro-controller 31 activates the receiver 2 to
receive the selected broadcast program. For example, the
micro-controller 31 sets the receiver circuit to receive cable TV
data via a data feed 10a. Specifically, the micro-controller 31
sets the receiver 2 to receive the particular channel at which
corresponds to the requested broadcast program.
[0155] Broadcast program data (e.g. television audio and video
signals) are received on data feed 10a at the receiver 2. In the
case of recording a television program, when the analog television
data is received, the receiving circuit determines that the data is
analog audio/video data, and converts the television signal to
compressed digital format (e.g. mpeg-2 data). Receiver circuit
employs all necessary hardware and software including compression
algorithms, signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, etc.
for converting analog audio and/or video data to compressed digital
format. Micro-controller 31 may be involved as well by receiving
control signals from the receiver 2, which enable the
micro-controller 31 to select the type of conversion and/or
compression applied to the incoming data.
[0156] Note that the invention as disclosed herein may be used in
conjunction with new emerging audio/video formats such as digital
television (DTV, and HDTV), Dolby digital/AC3 encoding, Digital
Theater Sound ("DTS") encoding, and mpeg-2 layer 3 ("MP3") audio
formats. Although these formats are already digital, the
microprocessor 12 and the receiver 2 are capable of recognizing
that such formats do not need to be digitized and/or compressed,
and the receiver 2 will simply receive the data without performing
such operations upon it. Digital encoding and compressing
capability is fully programmable by the user. User may select
specific options for digital compression and encoding based on
desired picture/sound quality versus storage capacity. For example,
better picture and sound may require less compression to avoid loss
of data. If user desires more storage capability, and is
indifferent to picture quality, the system may be configured to
compress data into smaller storage space, resulting in poorer
picture and/or sound quality. User may select such option to
optimize both parameters to his preference.
[0157] Once the broadcast program data is received and
digitized/compressed, if necessary, it is recorded onto the
built-in non-movable storage device 14 included in the VPR/DMS 30.
Storage device 14 is capable of dynamic accessing by both a set of
recording heads and at least one playback device 15 almost
simultaneously to allow for instant playback of recorded data "on
the fly." In a preferred embodiment, storage device 14 is a hard
disk drive unit or large array of random access memory capable of
storing several hours (up to 30 now) worth of compressed digital
audio/video data. Storage device 14 is further capable of being
accessed dynamically at different portions of the drive/array by
the read and write operations nearly simultaneously. Thus, the
drive may be written to and read from simultaneously, and he/she
may play back, surf through a stored program, or pause live
broadcasts even as the VPR/DMS 30 continues to record programs.
[0158] Upon playback, stored digital data is read from the built-in
storage device 14 and transmitted to a microprocessor 12 to be
processed according to User Suitability Criteria as described
above. Embedded data is received with content data, and decoded by
microprocessor 12 to instruct the Content Filter/Editor how such
content should be edited. A representative example may include the
embedding of control data relating to specific elements in a
particular movie. An illustration of imbedded control data is shown
in FIG. 14. A Processing circuit may decode such data on the fly,
and bleep out expletives or edit pictures to remove explicit sexual
content. It is contemplated that alternative scenes may be included
in the data transmission, and substituted for sexually explicit
scenes, on the fly if the user setting requires such content
editing. It should be noted that such content editing is not
restricted to "child-proofing" and ratings based applications. Such
content editing may include options of adding or substituting
scenes from a "director's cut" if this option is selected, or
choosing between sound encoding formats (e.g. Dolby Digital/AC3
versus DTS versus Dolby Surround Sound). Such options may allow for
less data to be used in that rather than providing two separate
versions (actual release versus director's cut), scenes added or
replaced in the director's cut may be included with control
information detailing where such scenes should be placed in the
movie, and as the data is played back, the processing unit can
automatically add or cut scenes depending on the selected
version.
[0159] Once the data has been processed according to the user's
specific desires, the data is sent to the playback device 15 or to
the built-in storage device 14 for subsequent playback. Playback
device 15 comprises the circuitry necessary to transmit processed
data to the proper playback device in the proper (digital or
analog) form. For example, consider the case where user uses the
device with an analog television. Since analog audio/video data is
required to be transmitted to the analog audio/video inputs of a
television, then playback circuit must incorporate signal decoders
and digital-to-analog converters to transform the mpeg 2 data to
analog audio/video signals which are then output at the device's
analog outputs 20c (RCA audio/video outputs and/or the S-video
outputs). However, the digital mpeg-2 data may also be received by
the playback device 15, and transmitted in digital form directly to
the digital output 20b with decoding or conversion to analog
format. Data from the digital output 20b may be input directly to
the television's digital input, where it is decoded by the
television, rather than by the VPR/DMS 30.
[0160] It should be noted that one preferred embodiment of the
VPR/DMS 30 (FIG. 7) includes a built-in recorder/player 19 for
recording data to and/or playing data from a portable storage
device. Examples include DVD, CD, DAT, audio or video cassette.
Data stored on the built-in storage device 14 may be archived on a
portable medium via portable recorder/player 19. This stored data
may be in open or scrambled format depending on whether or not the
data product requires a fee for accessing, renting, or purchasing.
If a commercial terms between the content provider and the user are
required, once transacted, an "authorization key" is issued for
de-scrambling or unlocking the program, whereby the user may gain
access to the data. The preferred embodiment includes a
recorder/player 19 for storing data to and playing data from a
digital portable medium (e.g. DVD, DAT, and minidisc, CD). Thus in
the preferred embodiment, recorder/player 19 would likely comprise
a DVD-RAM, DVD recordable/re-writeable (DVD-R), CD read/write
CD-R/W, minidisc, or other digitally recordable drive. However, it
is contemplated that the built-in portable storage device 19 may
store data in analog form (e.g. videotape, audiotape, etc.).
[0161] Referring to FIG. 8, a global semi-diagrammatic schematic of
the present invention is shown illustrating the flow of data, and
programming instruction input pathways. Data Feeds 10a-10n
communicate data, through receiver interfaces 21-26 to a receiver
2. The multiple feeds are transmitted to a multiplexer 27, which
simplifies the multiple signals and then transmits the data to a
microprocessor 12. A software program 33 controls the operation of
the microprocessor 12, which may route the data stream through a
decoder 34, a content filter/editor 35, before being routed in
accordance with the users program instructions. The data may be
routed to the built-in, non-movable storage device 14, a playback
device 15, or the user's audio/video system 36. A detailed
description of manipulation of data is hereafter described in
detail. Further, the data may be sent to a portable recorder/player
19 in communication with the VPR/DMS 30.
[0162] The user may program the VPR/DMS 30 of the present invention
to manipulate data in a multitude of ways, and will hereafter be
described in detail. The user also has great flexibility as to the
ways he/she may interface with the VPR/DMS 30, and issue
programming instructions. He may access the system via his/her
audio/video system 36, and may program the system via cascading
on-screen menus. Examples of these on screen menus are shown in
FIGS. 3a-3i, FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.
[0163] FIG. 8 further illustrates that the user's audio/video
system 36 may be accessed with a remote control device 37. This
device generates a control signal 16 to allow the user to move
through the on screen menus to enable him/her to select among the
options presented. Further, VPR/DMS 30 may be programmed remotely,
from a computer 46 attached to the system. Other ways in which the
user can control programming of his device is by telephone 47, by a
remote and/or portable computer 48, a wireless telephone 49, or a
palm top computer 50 such as a PALM PILOT. In this way, the user
may program his VPR/DMS 30, when he/she is away.
[0164] Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic representation of the
present invention illustrates the management of multiple feeds of
data for commercial transactions. This example shows a Virtual
sports Center and the management of simultaneous flows of
information from Internet Data Feeds 54, Cable TV channels 55, and
interaction with an on-line video catalog 56. Each of these feeds
may carry multiple channels. The Internet Data Feed 54 may carry a
Sports Statistics channel 57, a Sports News channel 58, and Special
Effects Software 59. The Cable TV Data Feed 55 may carry a Previews
and Interviews channel 60, a Live Sports Center channel 61, and a
Music Overlay 62. The On-Line video catalog 56 may carry a User
Account Information channel 63, and a Walk around Souvenir Store
64.
[0165] These channels communicate with the VPR/DMS 30 of the
present invention, and in this embodiment, passes the information
through the content filter/editor 35, then stores the information
on the built-in, non-movable storage device 14 based on
preprogrammed User Suitability Criteria. If instructed, the data
may be stored in an individual Data Box partition of the
non-movable storage device 14. The information may then be blended
into a Multimedia Data Display/Playback 65, for the users
discretionary enjoyment.
[0166] On screen menus allow the selection of the source of data
(FIG. 10), selection of generic types of data to be received (FIG.
11), as well as selection and rental/purchase details associated
with specific selection of programming (FIG. 12).
[0167] Referring to FIG. 13, a schematic representation of the
present invention is illustrated. showing the flow of data types,
programming instructions, and storage options. Data flows from Data
Transmission Sources 66, which may include Network TV, Satellite
transmissions, TV Cable, the Internet, Telephone, or Wireless
sources. Data may also originate locally. These Data Feeds 10 flow
through Receiver Interfaces 21-26 into the receiver 2. The data is
processed, may be decoded or unscrambled in a decoder 34, edited
according to user selectable criteria, and processed through a
content filter/editor 35, and recorded on the built-in, non-movable
storage device 14. Resultant Output Information 67, may take the
form of e-mail, TV programs, Movies, Musical recordings or videos,
computer games, audio books, video catalogues, and phone messages.
All of this data may be accessed via any playback device 5 employed
by the user. Information may also be communicated to a portable
recorder/player 19.
[0168] Multi-Formatted Broadcast Processing
[0169] Referring now to FIG. 14, a schematic representation of the
present invention is illustrated, showing how multiple control data
channels may be used to control, filter and edit content to be
played back. This diagram generally illustrates Multi-Formatted
Data, and shows how it may be processed by the VPR/DMS 30 of the
present invention. The Data received may comprise a large number of
Control Data (CD) tracks 69. This is represented by a block diagram
of a Multi-Formatted Data Transmission 68. Each control data track
69, comprises unique and distinguishable data, that may include
multiple language tracks, multiple audio tracks, and multiple story
lines. Further, audio/video segments may have specific scenes,
dialog, narration, previews, and adult content. Control Data tracks
69 may also have indices for identification of user suitability
criteria, interactive control data, and subscription/fee based
transaction information. The existence of this information allows
the user incredible flexibility for customizing the digital data
product in accordance with his/her preferences, by use of the
content filter/editor. Control data may be provided on parallel
tracks or channels, providing general processing/editing controls.
Control data tracks 69 may also be included within the main program
data for use by the VPR/DMS 30 for identifying specific data or
data segments for manipulation, editing, and re-assembly by the
content filter/editor.
[0170] Broadcasters/content providers may now transmit highly
formatted programs that include TV shows, movies, audio/video
product catalogs, and music channels. When received and processed
by the VPR/DMS 30 allows users to record and/or display the
broadcast in various optional edited (or processed) versions based
on pre-programmed user suitability criteria. These broadcasts may
include data having several optional story lines, optional
advertising formats, and optional program preview formats. It may
also include data representing several optional story endings,
optional display formats, and data representing edited versions of
the program based on a content rating system.
[0171] Along with the broadcast signal is control data that may be
interpreted and utilized by the VPR/DMS 30 and specifically
processed by the content filter/editor. The utilization may include
control data for processing, recording, and/or displaying the
broadcast in customized edited versions. These variations are
generated according to the preprogrammed user suitability criteria,
which has been pre-programmed in the system. The User Suitability
Criteria directs the content filter/editor to interpret and utilize
received control data for editing, thereby creating a program
tailored to the user's individual tastes. This may occur either
before or after storage of the data in the non-movable storage
device 14.
[0172] Referring again to FIG. 14, the VPR/DMS 30 demonstrates its
improved features over DVD players that processes and plays back
multi-formatted program data in various optional display/playback
versions. The improvement over these prior art devices occurs where
the VPR/DMS 30 operates with live broadcast signals which are not
limited by the formatting capability of DVD or any portable storage
media with highly restrictive data storage capacity.
[0173] Users and broadcaster/content providers may also take
advantage of other VPR/DMS features for providing a multitude of
user options and unique functions. For example, a highly formatted
broadcast program (movie, etc.) may first be recorded in raw form
onto the System's built-in storage device. Subsequently,
individuals, family members, business associates, and public access
applications may retrieve or order a customized edition of the
program which has been processed by the system according to the
individual's User Suitability Criteria for display, playback,
and/or recording. Recording of the customized program may be done
in the Data Box partitions of the built-in storage device, or onto
a portable recorder. This customized editing feature allows each
member of a family to enjoy a customized edition of the broadcast
program/movie according to their own personal preferences, or those
of the VPR/DMS system administrator. This functionality gives
parents greater control over content to be viewed by their
children. It also provides many new opportunities for broadcasters
and content providers to transmit various editions of custom
programs and custom targeted advertising data all contained within
a single broadcast transmission.
[0174] As FIG. 14 illustrates, in a fee based or subscription
broadcast model, this system provides great flexibility and
customization of programming data according to various user
suitability criteria that may increase the frequency of program
viewing. This translates to increased revenues from delivery of
preferred data products which may be accessed by pay-per-view,
rented, and/or purchased directly through the VPR/DMS 30 system. An
additional benefit of the VPR/DMS 30 system includes data delivery
used in a public access system. Like other functions of the system,
these operations may be programmed by the end user.
[0175] Product Advertising Operations
[0176] Referring to FIG. 15, a schematic representation of the
present invention illustrates the communication pathways between
system components, content providers, and a transaction zone 40. A
broadcaster 39, content provider 41, or software accessory Provider
42, communicate with an Internet Service Provider 70, a Transaction
Zone 40, and the VPR/DMS 30 of the present invention. This
connectivity allows for the expeditious transfer of data as is
further described by these preferred embodiments.
[0177] Referring to FIG. 16, a schematic representing the present
invention illustrates the communication pathways between
advertisers 71, a broadcaster content provider 41, and VPR/DMS
components/programming. The VPR/DMS 30 system creates a new,
unique, and ideally suited vehicle capable of managing the delivery
of product advertising at the speed and efficiency available with
existing electronic commerce systems, including the Internet.
[0178] Referring now to FIG. 17, a schematic representation of the
present invention further illustrating post recording data
processing is shown and described. Advertising data transmitted
from a broadcaster 39 or other content provider, is received in the
VPR/DMS 30 and is recorded on the built-in, non-movable storage
device in it its raw form. The VPR/DMS is then able to interpret
the data in the decoder 34, and process and edit the data according
his/her preprogrammed User Suitability Criteria. The data is sent
through the Content Filter/Editor 35, where it is edited, and held
in buffer memory 72 until instructions are received as to the
user's desires, which may include a storage, display or playback
preference. Multiple versions of the data may be transferred to
storage in individual Data Boxes 74 of the built-in, non-movable
storage device 14. The data may then be sent to a Playback Device
5, or transferred to a Portable Recorder/Player 19 or other such
portable storage device.
[0179] In addition to delivery transactions involving digital data
products (i.e. movies, premium, TV shows, video games and physical
product catalogs), the VPR/DMS 30 system also provides
multi-layered advertising formats with numerous advantages to both
advertisers and consumers. Some of the various advertising formats
included in the VPR./DMS 30 of the present invention are:
[0180] 1) Combining advertisements with on-screen menu selection
displays. Examples include: "live" feeds, VPR/DMS 30 recorded data,
software based programs, and Internet overlays
[0181] 2) Combined with product preview data, audio/video
recordings, product catalogs, data feeds, VPR/DMS 30 recorded data,
Internet data, as well as broadcast movies, and videos.
[0182] 3) Combined with rented or purchased digital data product
delivery ("live", recorded, Internet, etc.)
[0183] 4) Delivered by TV/radio network broadcast channels assigned
for use with VPR/DMS 30 system
[0184] 5) Delivered by computer/Internet Web sites associated
and/or interactive with VPR/DMS 30 system
[0185] 6) Delivered by use of excess data capacity existing within
all various digital data signal feeds (such as now used for closed
captioning, TV guide schedules, VCR+ time clock programming, etc.
and same for similar data feeds specific to use with VPR/DMS 30
system)
[0186] 7) Programmable designation of advertising "sections" within
VPR/DMS 30 internal storage areas. These permanent or programmable
"sections", "data boxes" or "spaces" are monitored and controlled
by both content providers (or VPR/DMS 30 central data base) as well
as by end users according to pre-set or negotiable criteria. The
designated advertising "sections" might be used for delivering
advertising feeds, which are processed and recorded by VPR/DMS 30
system for real-time or subsequent viewing by end user. These
advertising data feeds might be mass distributed or broadcast to
VPR/DMS 30 customers, or might be selectively distributed according
to customer profiles, demographics, or other criteria. Profile
criteria can be established through analysis of customer activity
history from on-line monitoring. Alternatively, it may be developed
from customer information inquiries acquired directly through
system interaction or from outside customer profile data sources.
Advertising "sections" or "spaces" or "data boxes" may be reserved,
rented, leased or purchased from end user, content providers,
broadcasters, cable/satellite distributor, or other data
communications companies administering the data products and
services. For example, a wide band, multi-media cable distributor
may provide, lease or sell a cable "set top box" containing the
VPR/DMS system. This VPR/DMS 30 comprises a built-in non-movable
storage device 14 which has certain areas that are reserved and
controlled by the cable company. These areas are available for
commercial sales or leasing to others, who may include movie
distributors, advertisers, data product suppliers, video game
suppliers, video magazine publishers, or video product catalogue
companies.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 16, advertisements which are delivered to
the VPR/DMS 30 advertising "sections" can be customer specific by
use of systems built-in signal decoding and the data content
filter/editing algorithm. This is accomplished either by customer
selection or by activity history monitoring. Selective recording of
customer specific advertisements can be automatically processed and
recorded onto the designated advertising "sections" of the VPR/DMS
30 system's internal storage areas. It may also be delivered
through or onto other available advertising storage areas or
monitoring channels of VPR/DMS 30 system. This offers a great
advantage to both the advertiser and the VPR/DMS 30 customer for
maximizing content, establishing customer qualifications, and
ultimately producing more cost efficient advertising for product
and service providers.
[0188] 8) Another important capability of the VPR/DMS 30 system
allows for an entirely new method of processing, delivering, and
managing advertising programs. Because the VPR/DMS 30 system is an
on-line, integrated, and interactive system it represents the next
generation of high speed automated advertising, perfectly suited
for modem electronic commerce applications. Controlled through a
VPR/DMS 30 central database (or other associated control database),
prospective advertisers will be continuously updated by on-line
data transmission into advertisers computer systems, and specific
to a variety of customer profile data. This data is continuously
retrieved, stored, and processed by VPR/DMS 30 central database
through monitoring and service interactions with VPR/DMS 30
customers. This data specific to advertiser analysis will include
for examples, total number of customers (system users and/or
specific product subscribers), customer profile data, customer
demographics, program schedules, product showcase schedules,
available advertising formats, available advertising schedules,
advertising rates, etc. Various advertising analyses can be made
automatically for a selection of advertising formats, according to
critical factors such as timing and cost effectiveness.
Pre-programmed or spontaneously programmed advertising format
scenarios can be instantly analyzed and displayed or produced on
advertiser's system by use with custom VPR/DMS 30 analysis software
located at VPR/DMS 30 central data base or present with
advertiser's systems. Once all format decisions are made by the
advertiser, it may then place the desired advertising order for
"instant" or scheduled delivery to VPR/DMS 30 customers. For
example, one available advertising placement option might indicate
a selective customer base of 5,000,000 VPR/DMS 30 subscribers who
have available space on advertising "sections". Providing the
advertiser has immediately available advertisement formats
(audio/video/text, etc.) for transmission, then instantaneous
advertisement delivery can be transmitted to the 5,000,000
qualified customers. This may be sent via a VPR/DMS central data
base and control center which may be located at the Content
Provider's site 41 or on the remote ATS 29 (FIG. 15). The same or
similar advertisement distribution can be accomplished
expeditiously as soon as materials are available. Another example
would allow an advertiser to make qualified yet almost
instantaneous transactions for placement of advertising within a
scheduled "issue" of a video magazine. It would be electronically
delivered to VPR/DMS 30 subscribers and recorded onto designated
storage areas of end user's VPR/DMS 30 system. The entire
transaction can be instantly and automatically conducted within the
"Transaction Zone" of the VPR/DMS 30 system.
[0189] 9) To increase effectiveness and profitability of
advertising within this system, many means are available including
placing advertisements in and around desirable broadcast feeds
which are specifically tailored to the consumer's specific User
Suitability Criteria and content filter/editor, enabling the user
to see only advertising of interest, thereby making the advertising
more effective. Ad distributions would include those for movies, TV
shows, sports programs, and previews. Targeted advertisements
within specialty product catalogs, and supplying to specialty
product/user specific product catalogs may also be distributed to
consumers. These examples may be delivered in the form of audio,
video, audio/video, still graphics, text, or other data
formats.
[0190] In addition to the systems' capabilities for downloading
audio/video data to portable storage devices, the system might also
include outputs to printers for producing printed copies of text,
graphics, or captured still images. This would occur if such output
systems are connected to VPR/DMS 30 system.
[0191] Referring now to FIG. 17, a schematic representation of the
present invention further illustrating post recording data
processing is shown and described. Data transmitted from a
broadcaster 39 or other content provider, is received in the
VPR/DMS 30 and is recorded on the built-in, non-movable storage
device in it its raw form. Upon completion of a commercial
transaction, (i.e. rental, purchase, or pay per view) an
authorization key code 73 is supplied to the user. He/she is then
able to de-scramble or otherwise unlock the data in the decoder 34,
and process and edit the data according his/her preprogrammed User
Suitability Criteria. The data is sent through the Content
Filter/Editor 35, where it is edited, and held in buffer memory 72
until instructions are received as to the user's desires, which may
include a storage, display or playback preference. Multiple
versions of the data may be transferred to storage in individual
Data Boxes 74 of the built-in, non-movable storage device 14. The
data may then be sent to a Playback Device 5, or transferred to a
Portable Recorder/Player 19 or other such portable storage
device.
[0192] Automobile System
[0193] The incorporation of the VPR/DMS 30 device into or connected
with automobile receiver and playback devices (which may include
satellite, radio, wireless communications) is one preferred
embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment allows all
functionality unique to the present inventions in an automobile,
and also enables all VPR/DMS rental/purchase transaction
capabilities for direct delivery of digital data products. It also
allows transactions involving rental/purchase of other products and
services not normally delivered as digital data. For example,
ordering a music CD after reviewing song excerpts received and
processed by VPR/DMS system.
[0194] The portable, built-in auto mounted VPR/DMS system also
provides a valuable tool for automatically or manually processing
and recording the ever growing varieties of audio/video/computer
data presently received by automobile receiver/playback/display
systems during a period of time when the user is likely to buy the
product--while he is driving.
[0195] Portable VPR/DMS and Public Access
[0196] The portable, auto mounted VPR/DMS system is particularly
useful for integration with public access data communication
systems to provide the user most or all of the benefits enabled by
these inventions, although portability need not be confined to
automobiles. A portable system may be embodied as visually similar
to a laptop computer, but retains all the functional capability of
the home based system. Further, access to any VPR/DMS via a
telephone, a remote computer having a modem, or a palm top
computer, such as a PALM PILOT is possible with the present
invention.
[0197] For example, with little or no modifications to public use
telephone systems and computer/Internet communication systems, the
portable VPR/DMS can be connected to or built into these systems
whereby virtually all rental/purchase transactions may be quickly
and effectively conducted. Upon interconnection between these
systems, the user selects a variety of digital data products for
preview, sale or rental from on-screen menus, or auto-recorded via
programmable User Suitability Criteria and content
filter/editor.
[0198] These data products might be transmitted through integration
with public access system from various digital data sources such as
cable TV, satellite, phone lines, computer/Internet, or any other
data broadcast source. After completing the commercial arrangement
within the Transaction Zone, the broadcaster/content provider
transmits data product through a novel electronic data dispenser
system (EDDS). This EDDS may incorporate a fully functional
VPR/DMS, or provide a convenient connection for the VPR/DMS
portable device that stores the data product onto designated
storage area within system. Alternatively, the data product may be
directly transferred from the EDDS to a portable storage device.
Upon receipt of the data, the user may enjoy access to the data
product, (for example a new audio CD recording). Access would occur
for a limited period if rented, after which, the data product must
be "virtually returned" by re-engaging the portable VPR/DMS, or
portable storage device with the EDDS for erasing, encrypting or
scrambling the data product If the data was purchased, he/she may
be able to utilize the data product as often as desired. All other
functions and processes necessary for these transactions are
virtually identical to those described previously in home or office
based rental/purchase transactions.
[0199] The EDDS system is enabled to dispense or display on a
built-in TV screen/monitor only those data products, which are
stored on-site and within storage areas of the EDDS system. The
EDDS may be updated via physical delivery of data products, or it
may also be updated through online data communications with a
central database control system.
[0200] Virtual Digital Data Rental/Purchase Embodiment
[0201] Either of the preceding units can be configured as another
embodiment of the invention so that it can be utilized to provide
direct on demand delivery of multi-formatted programs (movies,
compact disc (or other audio medium), video catalogs, software,
video games, etc.). This embodiment effectively eliminates the need
for transporting, inventorying, and physical delivery of digital
data products. It can create a variety of applications from virtual
VCR rental stores, music stores, bookstores, home shopping
applications and other commercial applications.
[0202] Referring to FIG. 6, data feeds carry electronic data from
the audio/video content providers 41, and software accessory
providers 42. Data travels between the remote ATS 29 and the local
VPR/DMS 30). This includes computer software, video games like
NINTENDO 64 or SONY PLAYSTATION. Data is preferably transmitted
via: a high speed computer signal (T1 or T3 connection via
Ethernet, token ring; cable modem; high speed analog or ISDN modem
or other high speed computer network connection); satellite signal;
or cable signal utilizing information via the Internet. The data
feeds 6 may carry digital audio, video, print or other mediums
directly to the local VPR/DMS 30.
[0203] Under the virtual rental/purchase store, the user has
several options. He may choose from products listed in an
electronic catalog which is either downloaded from the remote ATS,
or received via direct broadcast feed. He may set the content
filter/editor to automatically record data according to User
Suitability Criteria or specifically selected programming. In
either case, the data from which is stored on the local VPR/DMS.
The VPR/DMS unit interfaces with the ATS to establish two-way
communication with a broadcaster/content provider and update itself
at regular intervals, providing the home user with the latest
available rental/purchase information. For example, the user may
browse through available software titles to select a particular
product she would like to purchase or rent. The local VPR/DMS
obtains the necessary information from the user to identify the
selected product; retrieves stored or spontaneously entered billing
information, and then transmits the information to the remote ATS.
The remote ATS receives the requested information, and validates
the user's account and billing information. It then electronically
negotiates the purchase or rental, either before or after storage
in the VPR/DMS, from the content provider, and configures the local
VPR/DMS to connect to and receive the requested data from the
content provider either on-demand or via a broadcast schedule.
[0204] In one type of purchase transaction, the data is received
and stored on the built-in storage device where it may be accessed
for processing, playback or transfer to other media. The data may
be received in a scrambled or encrypted format, and may have either
content or access restrictions, but also may be provided without
restriction. For example, in a rental or purchase transaction, the
remote ATS, the local VPR/DMS, (or both) retain rental control
information, which is monitored by the broadcaster/content
provider, to restrict the use of downloaded data past the or prior
to negotiated rental period or purchase transaction. For example,
control data indicating rental restrictions for a particular title
may be stored by the VPR/DMS upon receipt of the digital data
product from the content provider. Once receipt of the data is
acknowledged by the VPR/DMS and the transaction is completed, the
user may play back the data product, store it, or transfer it to
portable medium for use on a stand alone playback unit (e.g. DVD
Player, VCR, etc.) provided all necessary transactions are
completed. If the data product is stored in scrambled form, an
authorization "key code" must be received from broadcaster/content
provider to unlock the rented or purchased program by use of a
built-in data descrambler device.
[0205] In order to avoid late charges or fees for rental
transactions, the user must "return" the data product by selecting
a return option from the electronic menu. Additionally, the system
is programmable to automatically return, erase, scramble or block
out the data/program when the rental, preview, demo time has
expired. The VPR/DMS interfaces with the ATS to negotiate the
"return", and the data product is erased from the VPR/DMS storage
device or re-scrambled (authorization key voided, where the data
product remains stored for future access/rental/purchase). The data
product has been transferred to portable medium; the control data
keeps a record of such transfer, and requires the portable medium
to be erased before successfully negotiating the "return." In this
way, the system is programmable by the end user and
broadcaster/content provider to enact a "virtual return" of data
products stored on the non-moveable storage device.
[0206] Virtual Movie Rental Embodiment
[0207] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the user activates user
interface 17 to connect the local VPR/DMS 30 (from FIG. 6) to the
remote ATS 29 to enable renting a movie. VPR/DMS 30 queries the
remote ATS 29 to provide listings of available titles for rental.
Remote ATS 29 maintains a periodically updated database of
available movie titles available for purchase or rent, and
transmits such information to the local VPR/DMS 30 for display. The
user makes rental selections from among the available titles via
the user interface 17. An example of an on screen menu is shown in
FIG. 3c. Once the user has finished making selections, the local
VPR/DMS 30 transmits the user's selections to the remote ATS 29
which proceeds to negotiate the rental transactions from the movie
content providers.
[0208] ATS 29 queries the user for billing information.
Alternatively, the user may maintain billing information in the
system (either locally, or in a database stored at the ATS 29
location). ATS 29 verifies the billing information with the proper
bank, credit card company, or other financial institution, and then
negotiates the transfer of requested movies from the content
provider to the local VPR/DMS 30. This is accomplished by
establishing an interface (preferably a TCP/IP connection) between
the VPR/DMS 30 and the data content provider 41. The ATS 29 also
provides billing information to the proper financial institution,
authorizing charges against the user's account.
[0209] Once the direct connection between the data content provider
and the VPR/DMS 30 has been negotiated, VPR/DMS 30 begins
downloading the requested movies. The ATS 29 provides rental
information control data that includes rental periods, due dates,
applicable late fees, and content enabling data associated with
each data product downloaded. An illustration of imbedded control
data is shown in FIG. 14. This is done to restrict access to the
data, and provide for supplemental billing if the data is not
returned within the rental period. VPR/DMS 30 receives content and
associated control data at the receiver 2 (see FIG. 7).
[0210] In a preferred embodiment, network interface 10b is the
high-speed connection to the digital data content providers through
which the VPR/DMS receives the digital movie data. Receiver 2 may
include digital signal processors, and compression algorithm
hardware and/or software to compress the received data for storage
on the built-in storage device. Digital data (compressed or
uncompressed) may be received from the receiver 2, which then
records the data onto the built-in, non-movable storage device 14.
It should be noted that like the previous embodiment, the data
storage device 14 is nearly simultaneously accessible by separate
read and write heads so that data may be read virtually at the same
time it is written. Thus, the user is not required to wait until
all of the movie data has been received before viewing or otherwise
manipulating the movie data.
[0211] Once movie data has been stored on the built-in non movable
storage device 14, the data may be played back by the system, or
transferred to a portable medium for use on a movie player outside
the system, but only if allowed by the content provider and
commercial transactions associated with delivery are completed.
Considering the playback example, the system operates much like the
playback system in the Automatic Digital Recorder/Player Embodiment
above. Data is transmitted to the microprocessor 12 and to the
content filter/editor where it may be further processed prior to
playback according to pre-selected or on-the-fly options. Some
on-the fly selections may include, for example, choices from among
different formats (wide screen versus NTSC format), or user may
select added features unique to the rented movie data, such as
viewing movie data by chapter, accessing movie credits, director's
comments, actor bios, movie trailers, etc. Pre-selected options may
include ratings or content based editing as described above.
[0212] Once the data has been processed according to user
selection, it is output to the playback circuit 27 for playback on
an analog or digital television or monitor, and/or through a stereo
with analog and/or digital inputs, or stored on the built-in non
movable storage device 14. As detailed above, playback circuit 27
may include signal processors and decoders and digital-to-analog
decoders (DAC) to transform digital audio/video data to analog form
to be output at output connector 20a, b, or c. Additionally,
digital data may directly output via digital output connector 20a,
b, or c, to components with built-in digital decoders, without
first being decoded, thus preserving the integrity and quality of
the digital sound and picture.
[0213] Rather than playing back the movie from the built-in
non-movable storage device 14, the user may wish to record the data
onto a portable recorder/player 19 or other portable storage media.
In this case, the user may transfer the data from the built-in
storage device 14 to a portable recorder/player 19. This may be
accomplished in at least two ways. First, since the preferred
embodiment includes a built-in portable media recorder/player 19,
the user may simply select an option from the user interface 17 to
transfer the data to a media in the built-in portable recorder
player 19. If this option is selected, the user places a blank DVD
(or DVD-R or DVD-RAM) disc into the portable recorder/player 19,
and selects the transfer option. The micro-controller 31 reads the
movie data from the built-in storage device 14, and transmits it to
the microprocessor 12.
[0214] The microprocessor 12, using techniques known in the art,
may add copyright protection (e.g. Macrovision DVD, SCMS, etc.) to
the data to prevent additional copies from being made from the
copy. In addition, the processing unit may include control data on
the disc, which uniquely identifies the disk based on the rental
information unique to that rental agreement. The micro-controller
31 stores control data information in a memory unit 32 for later
use in the return process. The control data information is
necessary for the system to track and account for all "copies" of
the rented movie that may be made by the user. It should be noted
that the control data stored on the disc does not affect playback
of the data content, but merely serves to identify the disc as
containing movie data related to a specific rental agreement. An
illustration of imbedded control data is shown in FIG. 14. The DVD
disc now contains all of the movie data, which may be accessed by
any DVD player known in the art, on an unrestricted basis (i.e. as
many times as one wants, and on any player).
[0215] An alternative method includes usage of a stand-alone DVD
recorder (or similar device e.g. a personal computer with built-in
DVD recorder) which may be attached to one of the digital I/O ports
or via computer interface. In this respect, the same operations may
occur except that from the built-in storage device 14 the digital
data is transmitted through the playback circuit 27, through a
digital output (or computer I/O interface) to the outside DVD
recorder. Note that the transmitted data may include content data,
copy protection data, and control data assigned by the processing
circuit to uniquely identify the device.
[0216] It should be noted again that when the rental agreement
period has elapsed, the user may perform a "virtual return" of the
movie data, including any copies made. This "virtual return" may be
an "auto return", where the data is automatically erased at the
expiration of the rental period. Or it may embody an automatic
cancellation of an access key code which prevents further access.
At the time of return, the user accesses the system via the user
interface 17. The system alerts the user that a movie is due to be
returned, and offers several options, including returning, or
renewing. If the user renews, then the VPR/DMS 30 proceeds to
access the remote ATS 29 (FIG. 6) and instructs the server to renew
the rental charge the account. If the user decides to return the
movie, then the micro-controller 31 accesses the memory unit 32 to
retrieve rental information and control data information relating
to the rented movie. If a copy has been made for use on outside
players, then the VPR/DMS 30 queries the user to insert a disc or
tape into the portable medium player/recorder 19. The
micro-controller 31 reads the control data information on the disc
to make sure that the disc is the proper one. When this is
confirmed, the programming in the VPR/DMS 30 causes the portable
medium recorder/player 19 to erase the disc or otherwise render it
unusable. Next, the micro-controller 31 issues instructions to
delete the movie data from the built-in digital storage device 14.
Finally, the micro-controller 31 signals the remote ATS 29 that the
movie data has been properly erased from the built-in storage
device 14, and any portable copies that may exist. The ATS 29 then
contacts the data content provider that provided the movie to
confirm that the movie has been "returned". Finally, the ATS 29
records the rental transaction as having been finalized and
completed. The provider may also allow the data product to be
purchased for a fee as hereinafter described.
[0217] Virtual Video Game Rental
[0218] Virtual Video Game rental is operationally the same as the
Virtual Movie Rental, except the data is video game data (e.g. SONY
PLAYSTATION, NINTENDO 64). Data is stored on built-in storage
device 14, and output from digital output to re-writeable adapter
cartridge, which may be inserted into a game console. A return is
initiated by deleting the rented software from the built-in storage
device 14 and notifying the digital data provider that the
transaction is completed.
[0219] Virtual Software Rental
[0220] Virtual software rental is operationally the same as the
Virtual Movie Rental, except the VPR/DMS keeps track of copies, and
requires all copies to be deleted to initiate a return as earlier
described. Interface with computer is required to transfer software
to and from CPU.
[0221] Virtual Purchases (Movies, CD's, Games, Software)
[0222] Virtual purchases are operationally the same as the Virtual
Rentals, except once purchased, the data is the user's to
manipulate. The VPR/DMS system incorporates standard copyright
protection on all copies. User may transfer to portable medium
once, and then data on built-in medium is erased so that the
copyrighted material may not be illegally duplicated. The purchase
essentially allows unlimited access to the data for viewing.
However, the present invention prohibits any illegal
duplication.
[0223] Data Box--Individual Storage Units
[0224] The VPR/DMS 30 can be utilized by individuals for capturing,
processing, and/or playback of received broadcasts according to
their own programmable suitability criteria. Similarly, the
system's apparatus for capturing and processing multiple data feeds
can be subdivided into multiple units for which a single user may
assign various recording/processing functions to individual data
box storage units for a multitude of purposes. For example, a user
can pre-program the system to automatically record all TV programs
(or segments) received from all or specific broadcast channels that
have specific themes. Examples include comedy shows, western, high
tech, mysteries, financial interests, actors, etc. This thereby
creates a virtual broadcasting network with multiple channels, each
of which are customized to suit the user's suitability
criteria.
[0225] The user/may designate specific Data Boxes to automatically
capture and process data feeds from such diverse sources as for
network TV, satellite TV/music channels, cable transmissions,
telephone communications, facsimile transmissions, Internet data,
advertising data, subscriptions to on-line magazines, radio. In
doing so, the multi-functional processor recorder becomes a
versatile data management system for routing, capturing,
processing, combining, accessing, display/playback, and/or
downloading to portable devices any and all multiple data feeds
received along various transmission sources.
[0226] The user may designate a partition in his individual Data
Box to hold only advertising information which has been processed
and customized according to his unique user suitability criteria.
This information may be communicated back to the
broadcaster/content provider to allow advertising or video
catalogues sent to the user to be more on target as to the user's
preferences.
[0227] Besides receiving preferred advertising and catalogues, the
VPR/VMS allows the user to scan content backwards and forwards, as
well conduct transactions to rent, purchase, pay-per-view out of
the data box functions directly through the system.
[0228] Instantaneous Playback
[0229] The user can activate an Instant replay function of the
VPR/DMS by pressing an Instant replay, a reverse scan button or a
swing shuttle knob located on the remote control or on the VPR/DMS
30 unit. These functions are available for use during real time
viewing/recording and for viewing previously recorded data (movies,
etc.). While viewing a program in real time, user may at any time
press the replay button which activates the rewind or a relocate
playback feature for reviewing the last few seconds (or minutes) of
the program. Such time lengths are programmable by the user. This
may occur while the program is being viewed in real time and being
recorded simultaneously on the built-in, non-movable storage device
14. This replay function is programmable to review a pre-selected
or pre-programmed number of seconds or minutes of programs being
viewed in real time according to the user's preference. It also
allows for variable replay time frames by pressing the replay
button (or turning rewind shuttle knob) allowing user to
spontaneously select the instant replay time frame indicated on the
on-screen display. Once the user has completed viewing the replay
segment, the unit will automatically shift to the real time viewing
mode, or if desired, the user may re-commence viewing of the
program at the point of pause which also continues to record the
program. At the same time, the system continues to record the
program by the use of multiple read/write operations. The system
registers all pauses in "live or real time" viewing by timing based
on the location of cue points automatically registered in system
memory for automatically returning to view the program at the point
of pause or instant replay.
[0230] The recording modes for such instant replay features include
both continuous loop in a designated time frame, or continuous
recording to the end of the storage capacity. The continuous loop
mode is particularly useful. Regardless of how long the user
records a broadcast or other data feed, the last few seconds,
minutes, or even hours of programs being viewed in real time can be
instantly replayed. The system will automatically record over
initially recorded storage areas located on recording tape, optical
disc, hard drive, or other built-in, non-movable storage device
14.
[0231] Since the VPR/DMS 30 includes both multiple storage device;
and multiple data boxes, the instant replay features can be
activated for review during several recording modes. This includes
multiple programs being recorded simultaneously, as well as
programs that have been previously recorded. These multiple
programs may be displayed in full screen, split screen, or
Picture-In-Picture display formats.
[0232] Pause-N-Return or Stop-N-Go Functions
[0233] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the manner in which the
VPR/DMS 30 of the present invention initiates pause-n-return or
stop-n-go functions is illustrated. The VPR/DMS 30 of the present
invention provides that a user may pause live viewing of a
broadcast program and return later to continue viewing the program
from the point of pause through to end of the program. This may
occur even if the program is still in progress. If the user pauses
live program viewing while the VPR/DMS is not in any recording
mode, then the user activates a "pause n' return" button. This
button instructs the system to instantly begin recording the
program while also automatically registering the pause cue point in
system memory for use later. This process may be repeated as often
as necessary.
[0234] When the user returns to continue viewing, a "return to
view" button may be utilized which automatically locates and begins
playing back the program from the precise cue point which the user
paused live, real time program. At that point the system continues
to record the program using a read/write device, and continues to
record the program through to its ending. The system continues to
playback the recorded program in normal viewing sequence. The
functionality is repeatable any number of times allowing the view
to raise-n-return to continue viewing in normal continuous sequence
regardless of how many minutes, hours, or even days the user takes
to view the entire program. Although the system will function in
this manner in use with various recording and storage formats, the
preferred embodiment includes use of one or more high capacity hard
disk drives with random access memory operations.
[0235] "Late to View" or Time Shifting Functions
[0236] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the manner in which the
VPR/DMS 30 of the present invention initiates "late to view" or
time shifting functions. The VPR/DMS 30 may be programmed to begin
a recording of a broadcast program or broadcast channel at a
specific time in both normal recording mode or in continuous loop
mode. If the user arrives late to begin viewing a broadcast program
or channel which has already started, the system will automatically
locate and register in systems memory, the cue point of the program
being recorded. It will then begin playing back the program from
its beginning through to its ending, regardless of whether or not
the program is still in progress, while at the same time continue
recording the show to its ending by use of multiple read/write
heads or random access memory operations provided in the system.
Additionally, the user may take advantage of "Instant Replay" and
"Pause-N-Return" functions. In effect, this system provides that a
user will never be late to view a favored broadcast.
[0237] Referring now to FIG. 13, the user may program the system to
capture digital data products from a single or a plurality of
broadcast channels at the same time. A microprocessor in the system
has software programming to control the operation of the processing
circuitry and the playback circuitry. The software programming
interacts with the non-movable storage device 14 and the playback
device 15 to allow recording of the digital data products as they
are broadcast. The software programming further interacts with the
playback circuitry to allow the data to be played back from a cue
point, paused on command, and restarted from the cue point, while
the data are being continuously recorded without interruption
[0238] The data may be subject to either pay per view, purchase or
rental restrictions by the broadcaster/content provider. When this
occurs, the data is still received and recorded, but in a format
that prohibits viewing by the user until the commercial transaction
has been completed. The data may be scrambled, encrypted, or
otherwise locked from viewing until the user agrees to pay for
access. However, the data is already stored on the users local
VPR/DMS, so the commercial transaction may take place locally on a
remote ATS. Once the commercial transaction is completed, the
digital data product provider exchanges a digitally encoded
electronic access key to the scrambled, encrypted, or otherwise
locked data.
[0239] In this way, the user may come home only to find that his or
her premium program of choice started, say fifteen minutes prior.
In prior art devices, the entire body of programming content, in
this instance would be missed or viewed 15 minutes into the
program. However, because the user pre-programmed the system to
capture a broad band of programming channels or specific programs
during the period before the program started, the entire program is
still instantly accessible, even while the program is still being
recorded. The access key is obtained allowing the user convenient
and discretionary viewing privileges. If the scrambled or encrypted
digital data isn't accessed, the system may record over it later.
This unique function provides improvements for both the end user as
well as increasing pay-per-view sales by effectively synchronizing
program starting times with convenient user access time
schedules.
[0240] Expanded Continuous Loop Recording
[0241] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the manner in which the
VPR/DMS 30 of the present invention initiates continuous loop
recording. The continuous loop recording functions in the VPR/DMS
of the present invention have many useful purposes when applied to
both "free" channel broadcast data and fee based/subscription
broadcasts. When applied to free broadcasts, for example, a network
television broadcast, or any received broadcast where no
pay-per-view transactions are required for immediate access to a
program, this feature provides that even when a user is late to
arrive to view a program which has already started, he/she may view
the program from its beginning through to its ending. First the
user scans broadcast channels or program menu displays to determine
desired programs already in progress which have been recorded by
the VPR/DMS via any methods previously described. Upon selection by
user via remote control or via buttons on VPR/DMS the system
automatically locates the starting point of the broadcast program
(TV show, movie, audio track, etc.) which has been recorded onto
system's built-in storage device, preferably a hard disk drive for
this application. The system simultaneously continues to record the
remainder of the broadcast (unless entire broadcast has been fully
recorded) using multiple read/write heads and random access
operations with hard disk drive system. The system is also
instantly programmable to automatically disengage the continuous
loop recording process if the user, in addition to viewing the
broad, cast in "view time" (time shifted real-time viewing), wishes
to capture the program in its entirety for viewing at s later time.
Any and all processing functions described previously (VPR/DMS) are
applicable to said recorded program such as for data, scrambling,
program customization, compressed data, commercial skip, ratings
edited, and all processing can be done before and/or after
recording. This continuous loop recording process is useful for
allowing user to scan backwards all broadcasts received within a
limited time period (limited only to the total recording capacity
of the built-in storage device or designated storage areas on the
device assigned for such purposes). Therefore, when a user has not
programmed the system for recording specific broadcast programs,
then this feature provides instant access to hours of previously
received broadcasts for selection and viewing. The hard disk drive
system provides such capabilities for 20 hours or more, or
dividable storage capacity assigned to individual broadcast
channels. For example, the total storage capacity of 20 hours
equally assigned over 10 broadcast channels allows for a user to
view any program(s) received within the last 2 hosts over any of
the 10 channels from the beginning of the program through to its
ending. Alternately, a user may program the system to record
specific programs or programs automatically selected via system
discretionary filter/editor system based on programmable user
suitability criteria. In this way, the user may view, for example,
all comedy programs received within the allotted, time period
(continuous loop recording capacity) instead of only recording
specific programs and then deactivating recording when storage
capacity is reached. The continuous loop recording mode can be
pre-programmed to activate and deactivate at any time desired by
user. This feature is also necessary for providing instantaneous
playback ("instant replay") and backwards program scanning as
previously described in that the system continues to record
received broadcasts even when data storage capacity is full.
[0242] These functions are also very well suited for enhanced
pay-per-view, fee-based channels, and subscription program
applications. When applied with the continuous loop functions
described above, many new and useful functions are provided. For
example, the process described above can be assigned to one or more
pay-per-view channels for recording all broadcasts received over
the previous 3 hours (capacity of continuous loop storage
designated to the channel). In this way, the user may "purchase" a
number of pay-per-view broadcast programs currently in progress
(movie, etc.) and view the entire program from its beginning even
if he or she is late to arrive for the beginning of the real-time
start of the program. This application of the system effectively
solves the most prevalent problem of know pay-per-view delivery
formats: failure to match viewer's time of convenience with real
time start of programming. The value to both broadcasters and
consumers may be easily seen. Additionally, these capabilities
become even more advantageous when all other VPR/DMS functions are
available, such as instant replay, backwards and forwards scanning,
customized program processing/editing, multi-format broadcast
processing, utilization with individually accessed storage units
(data boxes), as well as applications with all other VPR/DMS
rental/purchase capabilities.
[0243] Any or all of these function may be applied to the
pay-per-view premium subscription programs which allows not only a
virtual "on-demand" audio/video system, but also provides delivery
of video programs and other data products which are customized to
the end user's suitability.
[0244] Video-On-Demand
[0245] Referring now to FIG. 20, a schematic representation of the
Video-on-Demand System, illustrating how data flows from a
broadcaster into the VPR/DMS of the present invention, and how it
may be recorded on a plurality of tracks having temporal
offsets.
[0246] The invention may be used for providing Video-On-Demand
(V.O.D.) or Near-Video-On-Demand (N.V.O.D.) functions in use with
multiple television broadcast channels or via Internet broadcasting
39. For these functions the system utilizes pre-stored initial data
program segments. In this example an initial movie segment (PR-A)
76 of 30 minutes (or longer) in length in conjunction with (4)
standard TV/movie broadcast channels. Each of the (4) broadcast
channels transmit the exact stream of data representing the same
movie (2 hr movie in this example) but in 30 minute time delayed
intervals. Upon selection by viewer at anytime between the hours of
6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (beginning of last segment B to be
broadcast that day in this example) and following any necessary fee
transactions, playback of pre-stored initial movie segment (PR-A)
76 begins at 6:45 p.m. in this illustration. If the movie is a
pay-per-view movie, then upon selection and completion of fee
transactions the initial movie segment (PR-A) is unscrambled or
otherwise unlocked for display in normal viewing format.
[0247] The pre-storing of initial data/program segments (movies,
etc.) can be accomplished in several ways, including:
[0248] 1. automatically recording an initial program segment at the
time a regularly scheduled program is being broadcast; or
[0249] 2. single or multiple initial program segments may be
transmitted by broadcasters along channels designated for such
purposes, via the Internet, downloaded from a portable storage
media, or by other transmission means for storage in the VPR/DMS
system within storage areas designated for such purposes and
utilized for the V.O.D./N.V.O.D. operations described above.
[0250] At the time of selection and playback of PR-A 76, the system
simultaneously and automatically begins monitoring all (4)
broadcast channels 75, i.e. (ch1, ch2, ch3, ch4) on which the same
movie is to be broadcast in time delayed intervals. The system
automatically selects channel (2) at the precise time (or slightly
before) the beginning of segment B when broadcast in real-time
(7:00 p.m.) (RS on figure). The recording of the movie broadcast on
channel (2) will continue until the entire movie has been recorded
(8:30 p.m. in this example). Once playback of pre-stored initial
segment PR-A 76 is completed, the system automatically begins
immediately playing back the now recorded movie segment (B) from
its beginning which as been precisely located by use of either a
data bit cue point identification system. This might include
broadcast transmission of control information data received and
stored in system memory received along with or prior to the movie
data, or the system may utilize a clock timer system which
identifies the beginning of segment B on channel 2 (by way of a
time delay calculation or time synchronization method).
[0251] If the VPR/DMS 30 contains only one playback head, then the
system is programmable to automatically switch from playback of
PR-A segment to a recording track 77 used for recording movie
segment B. Whenever adequate space is available immediately
adjacent to the recording track containing the pre-recorded PR-A
segment, the system will automatically select that storage area on
a Hard Disk Drive (in this example) for recording the movie segment
which follows the initial segment (PR-A) for seamless playback of
the entire movie. The system continues playback of all remaining
movie segments (B,C,D) which are still being recorded by use of
systems having simultaneously read/write capabilities described
previously. In this example, the real-time movie broadcast on ch
(2) selected for use ends at 8:30 p.m., at which time the recording
of the movie on ch (2) also ends. Playback of the movie segments
received on channel (2) and simultaneously recorded continues and
concludes at 8:45 p.m., which is (2) hours subsequent to time of
viewer selection and playback of pre-stored initial segment (PR-A)
which began at 6:45 p.m. Again, the system and methods described
above provide a solution to the existent problems of matching
broadcast schedule times with time of convenience of television or
Internet broadcasting viewers. These functions are equally
applicable to "free" broadcast channels or fee based broadcast
programming (pay-per-view, etc.). The latter might necessitate
on-line direct fee transactions all within the system's
"transaction zone" followed by broadcaster authorization for
unscrambling or unlocking the pay-per-view movie (in this example)
for immediate access by the system user.
[0252] Note that the process described above and illustrated in
FIG. 20 represents only one example of the V.O.D. or N.V.O.D.
functions of the invention. Any number of similar broadcast formats
may be easily configured and utilized by the VPR/DMS system for
creating V.O.D. or N.V.O.D. capabilities. For example, a premium
channel broadcast network such as Direct TV, HBO, or SHOWTIME may
broadcast the same movie over three different channels in 20 minute
time delayed intervals offering their subscribers a total of only
(3) movie starts (as opposed to (4) starts in the example above)
which more likely than not will not match the viewer's preferred
time of convenience. By use of this invention, the pre-storage of
an initial movie segment of at least 20 minutes in length will
provide that (V.O.D.) between the times of the beginning of the
first of the three broadcast starts and prior to the beginning of
the second 20 minute segment of the third broadcast of the 2 hr.
movie in this example. In these ways the system may for example
pre-store up to 60 initial movie segments (20 minutes long) on one
hard disk drive having a total data storage capacity of 20 hrs.
This allows the end user to select and playback on-demand up to 60
different movies (or other programs), each of which are broadcast
over multiple channels in 20 minute time delayed intervals.
[0253] Other Commercial Aspects
[0254] In addition to the system's capabilities for downloading
data products to portable media which have been received directly
by end-user via broadcast signal or other data transmission means,
the VPR/DMS of the present invention is capable of storing,
processing, and playback of data products (i.e., movies, computer
games, etc.) which have been pre-recorded* onto any type of
portable storage device (CD, DVD, VHS tapes, etc.) in unique
recording/playback formats adapted for use by VPR/DMS
recorder/players as described previously. In this embodiment of a
commercial based VPR/DMS system all unique VPR/DMS functions as
previously described for uses with portable storage devices would
be identical, except that the recording of the data product would
occur prior to rental or purchase of pre-recorded portable storage
device by end-user.
[0255] Additionally, the recording process might include all other
unique formatting techniques previously described including (some
or all) copy protection, embedded control data, product
identification data, consumer identification data,
transaction/account data, rental/purchase transaction data,
multi-formatted data, and all other formatting methods previously
described for controlling all rental/purchase functions as well as
unique record/playback functions enabled by the invention.
[0256] Besides the availability of such pre-formatted pre-recorded
VPR/DMS data products through mail order or retail distribution,
the system might also be conformed to provide on-site (retailer,
mail order, Blockbuster, etc.) recording of customized data
products for rental, purchase, or rental/purchase to consumers for
use on their home based VPR/DMS (or portables or public access
systems). In this way a data product provider/distributor can
format and record a movie (for example) according to specific user
suitability criteria provided by the customer, or otherwise
customized to conform to various pre-selected criteria known to be
popular or suitable for various customer groups such as based on
ratings, or price based on sophistication of user playback options
as formatted and recorded on the DVD, VHS tape, C.D., etc. To allow
this commercial operation, similar to functions described for
direct delivery of data programs to end-user system, the commercial
based VPR/DMS would receive bulk data products (movies for example)
via broadcast or other data transmission from content providers
(i.e., Internet, etc.) for storage within its commercial VPR/DMS,
preferably stored on a built-in non-movable storage device such as
a high capacity HDD. Subsequently, a retailer (for example) can
download a customized version of a data product (movie, etc.) onto
a highly formatted, copy protected VPR/DMS portable storage device
for sale or rental to customers for use on their VPR/DMS systems.
All functions for negotiating rental and purchase transactions as
previously described for direct transmission to home-based VPR/DMS
systems are equally effective for rental or purchase of
pre-recorded data products as described above. However,
alternatively to automatic "return" of data products (i.e.,
erasure, scrambling, etc.) customers may be required to physically
return a pre-recorded VPR/DMS data product for subsequent resale,
re-rental, or erasure by retailer or product distributor.
[0257] As previously described, rented and purchased VPR/DMS data
products are securely controlled via copy protection, embedded
control data, and other techniques. However, contrary to existing
rental/purchase formats (i.e., DIVX), it is not necessary that the
data product be recorded in a scrambled format. Therefore, under
easily managed negotiations with content providers, a VPR/DMS
portable storage device may be utilized with existing (or future
universal) recorder/players following any necessary rental or
purchase transactions with content providers. Alternately, the
system is filly capable of scrambling and unscrambling data stored
internally or onto a portable media while under proprietary control
by content providers as previously described, yet maintaining the
capability for permanently descrambling the data product for
transfer to a portable storage device (C.D. DVD, VHS tape, etc.)
for use with conventional recorder/players. Thus the fears by
consumers to invest in specialized recorder/players or to collect
libraries of products which can only be played back on specialized
players (i.e., DIVX, etc.) is eliminated.
[0258] Additionally, for use by commercial product distributors or
by end-users, "blank" VPR/DMS portable storage media (i.e., CD,
DVD, VHS, etc.) can be produced which have been formatted at the
factory or distributor level to include unique VPR/DMS control data
and product information data (as described above) for customizing
data products, for maximizing unique VPR/DMS recording, processing,
and playback functions, or other for use in controlling all
rental/purchase transactions described previously.
[0259] Copyright Collection/Monitoring Functions
[0260] In addition to storing and processing transaction data or
other control information data, the VPR/DMS is capable of
electronically monitoring and logging all rental, purchase, or
pay-per-view transactions as well as end user access operations
(i.e., playbacks, downloads, etc.) of data programs and products
which are copyrighted, patented, licensed or otherwise represent
proprietary intellectual property. This electronically logged data
might then be automatically transmitted to or retrieved by content
providers or by copyright collective organizations such as ASCAP,
BMI, SESAC, etc. for collection of licensing fees or other
purposes. Otherwise, these licensing and distribution mechanisms
might be executed by random sampling, periodical monitoring or
retrieval of statistical data about distribution, broadcast,
re-broadcasts, downloads to portable media, or other use of
proprietary intellectual property by direct (or indirect) access to
such data stored within the VPR.DMS or at an associated database.
These same invention capabilities can also be utilized by both
content providers and end-users for compiling and analyzing
activity specific statistical data for producing end-user profile
data which can then be used for directing transmission, storage and
custom processing of data products, programs or advertisements
which are most suitable for end-users. Effective employment of
these operations is enhanced by the use of various VPR/DMS
processing capabilities described herein including: compartmental
data storage and processing, embedded control data (TAGS)
processing, data encoding and decoding copy protection features
(such as Macrovision, watermarking, etc.), direct microprocessor
control by content provider, and other invention features described
herein and illustrated in the figures.
* * * * *