U.S. patent application number 13/686010 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-11 for software conditional access system for a media delivery network.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP. Invention is credited to Scott R. Swix, P. Thomas Watson, Randy Zimler.
Application Number | 20130091516 13/686010 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47427978 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130091516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swix; Scott R. ; et
al. |
April 11, 2013 |
SOFTWARE CONDITIONAL ACCESS SYSTEM FOR A MEDIA DELIVERY NETWORK
Abstract
A method for purchasing a media service from a media delivery
service provider includes sending a request to the media delivery
service provider requesting the media service and authenticating a
media distribution device by comparing a permanent virtual circuit
established between the media distribution device and the media
delivery service provider with a predetermined permanent virtual
circuit defined and programmed by the media delivery service
provider. Upon determining the media distribution device is
successfully authenticated, the method includes downloading a
software key from the media delivery service provider to the media
distribution device and automatically deleting the software key
after a predetermined amount of time. Upon determining the media
distribution device is not successfully authenticated, the method
includes downloading displayable data to the media distribution
device from the media delivery service provider.
Inventors: |
Swix; Scott R.; (Rockford,
MI) ; Watson; P. Thomas; (Johns Creek, GA) ;
Zimler; Randy; (Gainsville, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP; |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
LP
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
47427978 |
Appl. No.: |
13/686010 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09963779 |
Sep 26, 2001 |
8352372 |
|
|
13686010 |
|
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60281207 |
Apr 2, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/25816 20130101;
H04N 21/26613 20130101; H04N 21/42676 20130101; H04N 21/42684
20130101; H04N 21/63345 20130101; H04N 21/4405 20130101; H04N
21/6547 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/25 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/266 20060101
H04N021/266 |
Claims
1. A method for purchasing a media service from a media delivery
service provider, the method comprising: sending a request, by an
application executing on a computer processor of a media
distribution device, to the media delivery service provider
requesting the media service; authenticating, by the application,
the media distribution device by comparing a permanent virtual
circuit established between the media distribution device and the
media delivery service provider with a predetermined permanent
virtual circuit defined and programmed by the media delivery
service provider; upon determining the media distribution device is
successfully authenticated, downloading a software key from the
media delivery service provider to the media distribution device
and automatically deleting the software key after a predetermined
amount of time; and upon determining the media distribution device
is not successfully authenticated, downloading displayable data to
the media distribution device from the media delivery service
provider.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the displayable data includes an
instruction to contact a service representative of the media
delivery service provider.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying
information of the media distribution device; and comparing the
information to a customer record at the media delivery service
provider; determining whether the customer record indicates a
customer associated with the customer record is in good standing;
and upon determining the customer is in good standing, permitting
the media distribution device to purchase the media service.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein comparing the information to the
customer record further includes matching a hardware serial number
of the media distribution device with a registered hardware serial
number of the customer record.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the permanent virtual circuit
comprises a predetermined physical communications path between the
media distribution device and a communications component of the
media delivery service provider.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the permanent virtual circuit
comprises a communications link utilizing a broadband connection
with the media delivery service provider.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the permanent virtual circuit
comprises a communications link utilizing an asymmetric digital
subscriber line with the media delivery service provider.
8. A computer program product for purchasing a media service from a
media delivery service provider, the computer program product
comprising a non-transitory storage medium containing instructions
that when executed by a processing circuit perform a method, the
method includes: sending a request to the media delivery service
provider for the media service; authenticating a media distribution
device by comparing a permanent virtual circuit established between
the media distribution device and the media delivery service
provider with a predetermined permanent virtual circuit defined and
programmed by the media delivery service provider; upon determining
the media distribution device is successfully authenticated,
downloading a software key from the media delivery service provider
to the media distribution device and automatically deleting the
software key after a predetermined amount of time; and upon
determining the media distribution device is not successfully
authenticated, downloading displayable data to the media
distribution device from the media delivery service provider.
9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the displayable
data includes an instruction to contact a service representative of
the media delivery service provider.
10. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the method
further comprises: identifying information of the media
distribution device; and comparing the information to a customer
record at the media delivery service provider; determining whether
the customer record indicates a customer associated with the
customer record is in good standing; and upon determining the
customer is in good standing, permitting the media distribution
device to purchase the media service.
11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein comparing the
information to the customer record further includes matching a
hardware serial number of the media distribution device with a
registered hardware serial number of the customer record.
12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the permanent
virtual circuit comprises a predetermined physical communications
path between the media distribution device and a communications
component of the media delivery service provider.
13. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the permanent
virtual circuit comprises a communications link utilizing a
broadband connection with the media delivery service provider.
14. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the permanent
virtual circuit comprises a communications link utilizing an
asymmetric digital subscriber line with the media delivery service
provider.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/281,207 filed Apr. 2, 2001 and U.S. Non
Provisional application Ser. No. 09/963,779, the entire contents of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a media delivery
network. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
software conditional access system for a media delivery
network.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] More than ever before, residential consumers are being
provided with a wealth of media resources. While cable television,
the Internet, and on-demand media have been available for years,
recently developed high-speed broadband technologies are enhancing
the delivery of these media services. These technologies have made
it possible to increase the variety of available media services and
to enhance the ability of the user to interact with the media
delivery system to tailor media delivery to the user's preferences.
Satellite communications, asymmetric digital subscriber lines
(ADSL), and broadband cable are providing new high-throughput
connections to media delivery services. Media services consumers
are commonly establishing wireless connections to satellites,
telephony-based connections to ADSL, and broadband cable
connections to the media service providers. Typically, these
connections are processed by a Media Distribution Device that
processes media content and data and routes the media and/or data
to media presentation devices, such as a television or personal
computer. A conventional Set-top Box (STB) is an example of a Media
Distribution Device.
[0004] A Conditional Access System (CAS) may be used to restrict
the delivery or viewing of media services. For example, a CAS may
be used to prohibit a cable television (CATV) or satellite
television viewer from viewing a certain pay-per-view event unless
the viewer has paid to view the event. Traditionally, the CAS has
required hardware smartcard technology. One such CAS has an
access-enabling card (a smartcard) that is inserted into a Media
Distribution Device and is able to decrypt data to view an event
when the user has paid to view the event. The smartcard also
includes account and billing information that is periodically
uploaded via a phone line to the media service provider. For
example, when a user purchases a pay-per-view event, a flash memory
of the smartcard may be updated to reflect that the user purchased
the event. The smartcard may provide decryption of the pay-per-view
event and allow the user to view the purchased event. At a later
time, such as during the early morning, the Media Distribution
Device may connect via a phoneline to a billing system to update
the billing system with the billing information from the smartcard.
This type of CAS may be referred to as a hardware CAS because it
includes a piece of hardware (smartcard) at the Media Distribution
Device that is used to provide conditional access.
[0005] Although a hardware CAS works fairly well, it does have some
problems. One problem is that a hardware CAS costs a great deal of
money to implement, maintain and update. For example, a smartcard
may cost around ten dollars. Periodically, updated smartcards need
to be provided to all customers. A CATV or satellite service
provider may have millions of customers. Thus, the costs of
providing updated smartcards are great, Moreover, customer support
must be provided to help users who have difficulty installing their
new smartcards. Also, some customers may become frustrated and
cancel their service, resulting in lost revenues. Moreover, the
cost of smartcard readers, smartcard media and the administration
process for managing smartcard distribution is high on a per device
basis. Thus, a hardware CAS is expensive to implement and
maintain.
[0006] Another problem with a hardware CAS is fraud. Smartcards may
be cloned, hacked, stolen, duplicated, moved, etc. and these cards
may be used to receive media services without paying the proper
revenue to the media service providers. Even if a smartcard is not
tampered with, the billing system is only periodically updated by a
user's Media Distribution Device. Thus, a clever and devious user
may view a pay-per-view event, but then disconnect the telephone
line from their Media Distribution Device before the Media
Distribution Device dials the service provider. Thus, a user may be
able to delay or circumvent payment for media services due to
deficiencies in the hardware CAS technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
method for purchasing a media service from a media delivery service
provider is provided. The method includes sending a request, by an
application executing on a computer processor of a media
distribution device, to the media delivery service provider
requesting the media service. The method also includes
authenticating, by the application, the media distribution device
by comparing a permanent virtual circuit established between the
media distribution device and the media delivery service provider
with a predetermined permanent virtual circuit defined and
programmed by the media delivery service provider. Upon determining
the media distribution device is successfully authenticated, the
method includes downloading a software key from the media delivery
service provider to the media distribution device and automatically
deleting the software key after a predetermined amount of time.
Upon determining the media distribution device is not successfully
authenticated, the method includes downloading displayable data to
the media distribution device from the media delivery service
provider.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
computer program product for purchasing a media service from a
media delivery service provider is provided. The computer program
product includes a non-transitory storage medium containing
instructions that when executed by a processing circuit perform a
method. The method includes sending a request to the media delivery
service provider for the media service and authenticating a media
distribution device by comparing a permanent virtual circuit
established between the media distribution device and the media
delivery service provider with a predetermined permanent virtual
circuit defined and programmed by the media delivery service
provider. Upon determining the media distribution device is
successfully authenticated, the method includes downloading a
software key from the media delivery service provider to the media
distribution device and automatically deleting the software key
after a predetermined amount of time. Upon determining the media
distribution device is not successfully authenticated, the method
includes downloading displayable data to the media distribution
device from the media delivery service provider.
[0009] The various aspects of the present invention may be more
clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following
detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and by reference
to the drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary operating
environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be
implemented.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting some of the primary
components of an exemplary Media Distribution Device.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a media delivery system
with a software conditional access system (CAS) in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for
purchasing media services using a software conditional access
system (CAS) in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In one embodiment, the invention is a software conditional
access system (CAS) for media services provided to a Media
Distribution Device, such as a set top box (STB). The STB may be
connected to a Media Delivery Service Provider via a broadband
connection. Over the broadband connection, a CAS application may be
downloaded to the STB, maintained and dynamically updated. Because
the CAS is implemented by software on the STB, it is inexpensive to
install, maintain and update.
[0015] When a user desires to purchase media services through the
STB, a request is sent to the Media Delivery Service Provider via
the broadband connection, A part of the request may be identifying
information of the STB. For example, the MAC address of the STB or
the hardware serial number of the STB may be sent with the request.
The service provider then cross-references the identifying
information with a user's account to determine whether to allow the
user to view the media service requested. If the service provider
determines to allow the user to view the media service, the user's
account (typically maintained by the service provider) is charged
and a key is downloaded via the broadband connection to the STB.
Thus, there is no lag time between a user purchasing the media
service and the user being charged for the media service.
[0016] The key allows the user to view the requested media service.
For example, the key may be software that is programmed to decrypt
the requested media service for viewing. After the requested media
service ends, after a predetermined amount of time, etc., the CAS
application may delete the key.
[0017] In one embodiment, the invention is a software conditional
access system (CAS) for media services provided to a Media
Distribution Device, such as a set top box (STB). The STB may be
connected to a Media Delivery Service Provider via a broadband
connection. Over the broadband connection, a CAS application may be
downloaded to the STB, maintained and dynamically updated. Because
the CAS is implemented by software on the STB, it is inexpensive to
install, maintain and update.
[0018] When a user desires to purchase media services through the
STB, a request is sent to the Media Delivery Service Provider via
the broadband connection. A part of the request may be identifying
information of the STB. For example, the MAC address of the STB or
the hardware serial number of the STB may be sent with the request.
The service provider then cross-references the identifying
information with a user's account to determine whether to allow the
user to view the media service requested. If the service provider
determines to allow the user to view the media service, the user's
account (typically maintained by the service provider) is charged
and a key is downloaded via the broadband connection to the STB.
Thus, there is no lag time between a user purchasing the media
service and the user being charged for the media service.
[0019] The key allows the user to view the requested media service.
For example, the key may be software that is programmed to decrypt
the requested media service for viewing. After the requested media
service ends, after a predetermined amount of time, etc., the CAS
application may delete the key.
[0020] Having briefly described embodiments of the present
invention above, a block diagram of an exemplary operating
environment will be described below in reference to FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary operating
environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be
implemented. Media content is typically delivered to a customer by
means of a Media Distribution Device 100. The most common Media
Distribution Devices are conventional Set-Top Boxes (STBs). The
Media Distribution Device (MDD) 100 can provide media content
and/or data to a media presentation device 101 over a communication
link 102. The most common example of a media presentation device
101 is a conventional television, although a stereo or home theater
system would also represent a media presentation device if audio
content is to be purchased and played via an implementation of the
invention. Typically, the MDD 100 will deliver media content only
to media presentation device 101. However, newer-generation media
presentation devices 101 have the ability to process data received
from the Media Distribution Device 100. Such data may include
information pertaining to the presentation of the media content on
the media presentation device 101.
[0022] Another example of a media presentation device 101 is a
conventional personal computer. The personal computer can receive
media content, such as Internet content from the Media Distribution
Device 180 and present it to a customer/user. As is well known, a
personal computer can also process data received from the Media
Distribution Device 100 to format the presentation of the delivered
media content. The MDD 100 can receive media content and data from
one or more sources. In the example of FIG. 1, the MDD 100 is
depicted receiving media and data from a Media Delivery Service
Provider 103. Examples of a Media Delivery Service Provider are a
cable T.V. provider, a satellite T.V. provider, an Internet service
provider, and a telephone service provider. Notably, the media
content and data may be delivered over a single communication link
or may be delivered over separate communication links.
[0023] In the example of FIG. 1, the Media Delivery Service
Provider 103 can provide media content and data to the MDD 100 via
an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem 106. The Media
Delivery Service Provider 103 may also provide media content and
data to the MDD 100 via a satellite 104. The satellite can deliver
media content and data directly to the MDD 100 over a
communications link 122. Such a direct link usually involves the
use of a small satellite dish in conjunction with the MDD 100, The
satellite 104 can also deliver the media content and data to the
Media Delivery Service Provider 103 via another communication link
120. This media content and data may be rerouted to the MDD 100
from the Media Delivery Service Provider 103 over a separate
communication link.
[0024] The MDD 100 may also have a direct communication link 108
with the Media Delivery Service Provider 103. Such a link might be
a conventional 2400-baud modem connection to the Media Delivery
Service Provider 103. This communication link 108 may also be a
direct hardwire connection or a network connection, such as an
Ethernet connection.
[0025] In any event, the MDD 100 receives media content and data
from a Media Delivery Service Provider 103 and delivers the media
content and/or data to the media presentation device 101 for
presentation to the customer. Typically, the MDD 100 can
communicate in two-directions over the communication links 108 and
124. That is, the MDD 100 can respond to queries and/or commands
received from the Media Delivery Service Provider 103 and return
data and for messages, in response to the receipt of a query or
command. The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a
standard that has been developed to standardize such two-way
communication between the MDD 100 and the Media Delivery Service
Provider 103. Typically, an SNMP agent will be installed in the MDD
100 and will coordinate all SNMP communications between the WD 100
and the Media Delivery Service Provider 103. Applications operating
on either servers within the Media Delivery Service Provider 103,
or within the Media Distribution Device 100, may also communicate
directly via TCP/IP or other proprietary protocol as appropriate
for the applications needs. The specific protocol of communication
is not material to the implementation of the invention. Notably,
such two-way communications are not currently available over
communications link 122 with the satellite 104.
[0026] The Media Delivery Service Provider 103 may also use an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention to upload software,
media content, and/or data to the Media Distribution Device 100 or
the media presentation device 101. This upload can be automatic or
in response to a customer request.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting some of the primary
components of an exemplary Media Distribution Device. The
conventional Media Distribution Device 200 includes a processing
unit 221, a system memory 222, and a system bus 223 that couples
the system memory to the processing unit. The system memory 222
includes read-only memory (ROM) 224, flash memory (not shown) and
random access memory (RAM) 225. A basic input/output system 226
(BIOS) contains rudimentary code to execute basic functions, such
as system start-up. The BIOS 226 is stored in the ROM 224. Various
program modules may be stored in the RAM 225. Such program modules
might include an operating system 235, a conditional access system
software module 236 including a key 250, and data and media content
238.
[0028] Although not depicted in FIG. 2, the MDD 200 could also
include a hard drive, flash memory or other non-volatile memory for
long-term storage of program modules such as billing information,
the operating system 235, the conditional access system 236, and
the data and media content 238. The hard drive may be connected to
the MDD 200 via a hard drive interface. Similarly, other peripheral
devices could be connected to the MDD with other interfaces not
depicted in FIG. 2. Moreover, the MDD could also be equipped with
an input device, such as keyboard and/or mouse.
[0029] The MDD 200 can also include a video adapter 248 or other
adapter for delivery of media content and/or data to a media
presentation device 247. The MDD 200 also includes a Media In
Adapter 246 and a Data In Adapter 253. These adapters permit
connection of the MDD 200 to a communication link for one-way
and/or two-way communication with a Media Delivery Service
Provider. The Media In Adapter 246 and the Data In Adapter 253 may
incorporate a modem and/or other communication device.
[0030] The MDD 200 receives media content and data and makes the
media content and data available to other internal components by
way of internal interfaces such as the system bus 223. The
processing unit 221 can route the media content and/or data in
accordance with the instructions of the operating system 235 and/or
other applications executed in the RAM.225. In addition, the
processing unit 221 may store the media content and data in the RAM
225 for subsequent use. The processing unit 221 may also direct the
media content and/or data to the media presentation device 247 via
the presentation device adapter 248.
[0031] The conditional access system 236 may be executed by the
processing unit 221 in response to a command received from the
Media Delivery Service Provider or any other source. The command
may be formatted in accordance with the SNMP protocol. The
conditional access system 236 may also be executed in response to a
command received from user input, such as a user selecting to view
a pay-per-view event, for example.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a Media Delivery System
with a software conditional access system that is an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. As described above in
connection with FIG. 2, the MDD 300 has a resident conditional
access system 312.
[0033] The Media Delivery Service Provider 302 is operative to
communicate with the MDD 300 via the satellite 304, a direct link
308, and/or a DSL modem 306. A broadband connection between the
Media Delivery Service Provider 302 and the MDD 300 is preferable,
because it permits the Media Delivery Service Provider 310 to
communicate with the MDD 300 in real-time and can support an
"always-on" connection. Thus, the Media Delivery Service Provider
can query for and obtain information related to the MDD 300 within
a very short time frame. Because a broadband connection can
maintain an always-on status, the Media Delivery Service Provider
can autonomously query the MDD 300 during off-peak hours of
operation, thereby reducing the impact on system resources.
[0034] Although the broadband connection depicted in FIG. 3 is
supported by means of an ADSL modem 306, virtually any broadband
technology can be used to implement an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. For example, a conventional broadband cable-T.V.
connection between the Media Delivery Service Provider 302 and the
MDD 300 can be used. Unfortunately, current broadband cable-
[0035] T.V. protocols are not as secure as an ADSL broadband
communication link. Broadband cable-T.V. signals can be intercepted
and deciphered, while the communication link between the ADSL modem
306 and the Media Delivery Service Provider 302 can be implemented
as a Private Virtual Network that is not shared by other users.
Thus, an ADSL broadband connection between the MDD 300 and the
Media Delivery Service Provider 302 is preferred to other available
broadband connections.
[0036] In different embodiments of the invention, the broadband
connection 324 may be an xDSL connection, a Data Over Cable Service
Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) cable modem connection, a
residential gateway connected to an Ethernet port, an IEEE 802.11b
(wireless) connection, a Bluetooth connection, or another
well-known broadband connection,
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the broadband connection 324 is
an ADSL connection and the Media Distribution Device 300 and Media
Delivery Service Provider 302 are connected via a permanent virtual
circuit (PVC). Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is a high
speed transmission technology originally developed by Bellcore and
standardized by ANSI as T 1.413. ADSL typically uses existing
unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper wires from the telephone
central office to the user's premises. ADSL modems may be used at
the central office and the user's premises to transmit and receive
information. A permanent virtual circuit (PVC), or Private Virtual
Network (PVN), is a permanent association between two pieces of
data equipment established by configuration. A PVC uses a fixed
logical channel to maintain a permanent association between two
pieces of equipment. Once defined and programmed by the carrier
into the network routing logic, all data transmitted between any
two points across the network follows a predetermined physical
path, making use of a virtual circuit.
[0038] One of the advantages of using a PVC is that the Media
Distribution Device may be identified based on the PVC. Thus, if
the Media Distribution Device is moved to another location, then
the service provider will know that it has been moved or cloned and
will be able to take appropriate action, such as disconnecting
service to prevent fraud.
[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, the Media
Distribution Device is connected to a broadband infrastructure
using a technology such as XDSL at the transport layer. Using a PVC
managed by a device such as a Service Gateway, a secured connection
is established over a private network to authenticate and authorize
Media Distribution Device transactions. Applications may be loaded
on the Media Distribution Device as an OSGi bundle. OSGi is the
Open Services Gateway Initiative which is an independent,
non-profit corporation working to define specifications for the
delivery of multiple services over wide-area networks to local
networks and devices. An OSGi specification defines an open
framework that enables multiple software services to be loaded and
run on a services gateway such as a Media Distribution Device,
cable modem, DSL modem, PC or dedicated residential gateway. Media
Distribution Devices can be authorized in a consumer network by a
Residential Gateway (RG). The RG in this implementation becomes a
physical layer security device.
[0040] In a CATV environment, an IPsec connection may be used
rather than a PVC connection. IPsec is a secure version of the
Internet Protocol (IP) that provides authentication and encryption
at the packet level.
[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the CAS 312 may be used
as an access system to determine the media content that may be
viewed. For example, a user who has purchased premium movie
channels may have a CAS 312 downloaded to their Media Distribution
Device. The CAS 312 may include one or more keys 326 that provide
decryption for the premium channels, The keys 326 may also be
downloaded to provide access to pay-per-view events and the like,
The CAS 312 and keys 326 may be updated at any time by the Media
Delivery Service Provider via the broadband connection 324. The
Media Distribution Device may also upload billing information to
the Media Delivery Service Provider in real-time to prevent
fraud.
[0042] Thus, as should be understood from the foregoing
description, the present invention is a software-driven application
that eliminates the cost of the hardware CAS and forces immediate
billing of all services requested by a consumer on a broadband
connected Media Distribution Device.
[0043] It should be understood from the foregoing description that
the present invention provides greater security than the prior art
because it is less likely to be able to hack the software as it was
for the smartcards. Also, fixes and updates may be downloaded to
the software CAS of the present invention. The present invention
eliminates the smartcard required by the prior art, and the
replacement of the smart card if conditional access is
compromised.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for
purchasing media services using a software conditional access
system (CAS) in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. It will be appreciated that the method of FIG. 4 is
simply one embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the method may be used for other
communication systems and may be modified to accommodate the
various policies of communication system providers.
[0045] At step 400, the method begins and a request for media
services is sent to the Media Delivery Service Provider via a
broadband connection at step 402. For example, the request may be a
request to view a pay-per-view event sent from a user's Media
Distribution Device via a broadband connection after the user has
selected to view the event using the Media Distribution Device or a
remote control connected to the Media Distribution Device. A part
of the request may be identifying information of the Media
Distribution Device. For example, the MAC address of the Media
Distribution Device or the hardware serial number of the Media
Distribution Device may be sent with the request.
[0046] At step 404, the Media Delivery Service Provider
cross-references the identifying information with a user's account
to determine whether to allow the user to 15 view the media service
requested,
[0047] At step 406, it is determined whether the identifying
information matches a valid customer account and whether to allow
the customer to view the requested program. If the Media Delivery
Service Provider determines to allow the user to view the requested
media service, the user's account (typically maintained by the
service provider) is charged and a key is uploaded via the
broadband connection to the Media Distribution Device at step 410,
Thus, there is no lag time between a user purchasing the media
service and the user being charged for the media service. The key
may be a software application that allows the user to view the
requested media service. For example, the key may be software that
is programmed to decrypt the requested media service for viewing.
After the requested media service ends, after a predetermined
amount of time, etc., the conditional access system of the Media
Distribution Device may delete the key. For example, at step 412,
it is determined whether the time limit for the media service has
expired and if so then the method proceeds to step 414 where the
key is deleted and the method ends.
[0048] Referring back to step 406, if the identifying information
is rejected by the Media Delivery Service Provider, then a request
for the customer to call a service representative is uploaded to
the Media Distribution Device and displayed to the user at step
408. The method then ends at step 499.
[0049] Although the present invention has been described in
connection with various exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that many modifications can be
made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow.
Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in
any way be limited by the above description, but instead be
determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
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