JP2002541595A - Alternative delivery methods for e-books - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY The present invention is an electronic book selection and distribution method that provides distribution of electronic text and graphics to subscribers (258). The method may be performed in an operations center (250), a video distribution system (208), or various other distribution systems. The operations center (250) and / or distribution points (1020) perform functions such as manipulating text data, text security and coding, cataloging books, message centers, and uplinks. The home subsystem (258) connects to the video distribution system (208) or various other distribution systems, generates menus and stores text, and transacts via the communication mechanism (611, 613, 617). I do. A portable book-like viewer (266) is used to read the text. The billing system (278) performs transactions, management, authentication, collection and payment using the telephone system (274) or various other communication systems.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Related application]

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 247, "Electronic Book Selection an
d Delivery System "and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 160,194, filed Dec. 2, 1993, entitled" Advanced Set-t. "
op Terminal for Cable Television Del
and "Reprogrammable Term," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 906,469, filed Aug. 5, 1997.
internal for Suggesting Programs Offered
on a Television Program Delivery Sy
This last U.S. application was filed on December 2, 1993 and became U.S. Patent No. 5,798,785 filed August 25, 1998, "Terminal for." Suggesting Programs
Offered on a Television Program Del
Ivy System and US Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 237,827, filed January 27, 1999, entitled "Electronic Book Have."
ing Library Catalog Menu and Searchi
ng Features ", which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical scope to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to an electronic book unit having one or more electronic books. More specifically, the present invention is an electronic book having a link to another electronic file.

[Prior art]

Inspired by the idea of the Information Super Highway, the distribution of books will revolutionize. Since Gutenberg's invention of mobile typeset printing, the world has never been at the forefront of such a revolution in the distribution of textual material. "Books" (
The definition of the word (book) will change dramatically in the near future. Due to security, convenience, cost, and other technical issues, book and magazine publishers can currently only distribute their products in paper form. But,
The present invention solves the problems facing publishers. Electronic book selection and transport systems are a new way to distribute books to bookstores, libraries, schools and consumers. The technical breakthrough of the present invention provides a reliable electronic system for delivering selected electronic books and receiving payment. This system provides consumers with everyday, familiar devices that are highly practical, portable and easy to use while having a high degree of technical appeal. A clear advantage of the present invention is that moving physical symmetry, such as paper books and computer memory devices, has been removed from the book distribution system. Purchasing a book becomes a pay-per-read ^™ and avoids the overhead, "middle man", printing costs, and time delays associated with current book distribution systems. Published materials and texts, including presidential speeches, new legislation, abortion rulings, and OJ Simpson's testimony, can be made readily available to consumers at minimal cost. The system of the present invention is a new combination of new technologies related to the television, cable, telephone, and computer industries. It uses high-bandwidth data transmission, strong security methods, advanced digital switching, high-resolution visual displays, and user-friendly interface software. The basic components of this text delivery system are a subsystem that places the text on the signal path and a subsystem that receives and selects the text that is placed on the signal path. Preferred embodiments of the system include additional components and optional features that enhance the system. This system is a bookstore,
Can be configured for use by libraries, schools, and consumers. The consumer system consists of four subsystems. That is, (1
A) an operation center, (2) a distribution system, (3) a home subsystem that includes receiving, selecting, reading, trading, and transmitting functions, and (4) a billing and collection system. The operations center performs several basic functions. Processing text data (including receiving, formatting and storing text data);
Security encoding of texts, cataloging of books, provision of messaging center functions, and execution of uplink functions. The system delivers text from the operations center to the consumer's home by inserting the data into the appropriate signal path. Insertion of text is typically performed by an encoder at an uplink site located at or near the operations center. If the signal path is a video signal path, the system
Text data can be sent using multiple lines during a vertical blanking interval (VBI), all lines of an analog video signal, or using a digital video signal. With the VBI delivery method, the top 10 or 20 book titles can be transmitted with video during normal programming using existing cable or broadcast transmission capabilities without interrupting subscribers' video reception. it can. With the entire video signal, thousands of books can be transmitted within just one hour of broadcast time. With almost any analog or digital video distribution system,
It can be used to deliver video signals containing text. Text data may be transmitted over other low and high speed signal paths, including telephone networks with high speed connections such as ADSL connections (eg, public switched telephone networks). The home subsystem performs four essential functions. Connection to a video delivery system, selection of text, storage of text, and commerce through telephone or cable communication mechanisms. The components of the home subsystem can have various hardware configurations. Each function may be performed by a separate component, which may be integrated or may utilize existing cable set-top converter box and television capabilities. Preferably, a connector, a library unit, and an electronic book unit or viewer unit are used. The connector portion of the home subsystem receives the analog video signal and separates or extracts the text from the video. The home library stores text signals, provides a user-friendly interface to the system, and processes transactions at the consumer's home. The viewer has a screen for viewing text or menus and new user-friendly controls (
Operating device). The viewer can also incorporate all the functions of the home subsystem. The viewing device is preferably a portable book-like viewer that provides a screen that stores and reads one or more electronic books to interact with the home library unit. High-resolution LCD displays are used for both reading books and interacting with home library units. An optional telephone connector or return path cable connection initiates the telephone call, transmits the required data with the assistance of the library, and terminates the order and the billing portion of the consumer's commerce. User-friendly controls include bookmarks, current book, and paging buttons. The billing and collection system automatically manages transactions, authorizes, collects, and pays publishers using a telephone system. Electronic link systems provide links to other electronic files. Other electronic files are associated with a particular electronic book. Examples include book reviews and indicator databases. Other electronic files are included as part of a particular electronic book. Examples include a link between the table of contents or index and the text of that particular e-book. Other electronic files can be stored in the viewer or home library unit. Examples include dictionaries and foreign language translation dictionaries. An electronic link is provided to the content provider. That is, the operation
The center or book publisher can provide additional electronic files, such as an electronic dictionary, for example, establishing an electronic link between the electronic dictionary and the text data of a particular electronic book. . The electronic link can also be defined by the subscriber. That is, the subscriber may select a portion of the text of a particular electronic book and create a link between that portion and another electronic file. For example, a subscriber can generate a link between a Latin phrase in a particular book and an English translation in an electronic English dictionary or electronic Luo (Latin to English) translation dictionary. Electronic links can be created using standard programming languages. For example, links can be generated using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). A menu system can be provided as an aid for the subscriber to move around among the different link options. An electronic link can also link the viewer to an external device or database. For example, electronic links can be used to access Internet web sites.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

 The basic components of the electronic book selection and delivery system 200 are shown in FIG.
Encoder 204, video distribution system 208, connector 2
12 and a text selector 216. The encoder 204 converts the text
The data is placed on the video signal to form a composite signal. Composite signals can be text,
It may contain only data, but usually contains video and text data.
Carry both. Various devices are used to encode text data onto video signals.
Configurations and methods can be used. Video distribution system 208 includes encoder 2
The video signal from the single point of FIG.
Distribute to places. Connector 212 receives digital or analog video signals.
The text data from the composite video signal received from the
Separate, pull apart or extract. If necessary, the extracted text data
Converted to a digital bit stream. The text selector 216
Works with connector 212 to select text. With the combination of connector 212 and text selector, composite or video
Various methods of selecting and searching for desired text from a signal are possible. text
Is pre-selected, selected upon reception, or selected after being received and stored
Both are possible. The preferred method is for the connector 212 to remove all video signals.
All the texts are separated, and the text selector 216 receives the text from the connector 212.
It is to have all text that has been removed screened. Text
Lector 216 will be notified if the text passes the screening process described below.
Only store the text in long-term or permanent memory. An overview of the electronic book selection and delivery system 200 is shown in FIG. System
System 200 includes an operation center 25 including an uplink site 254.
0, a video distribution system 208, and a home connector including a video connector 212.
Stem 258, library 262, viewer 266, telephone connector 270
Telephone system 274, Internet web site 279, billing and
And a collection subsystem 278. As also shown in FIG.
System 258 comprises a television 259 and a personal computer 26.
1 connection. Television 259 and personal computer 26
1 is a menu screen, an electronic book, an electronic file, or a delivery system 2
It can be used to display any other information related to 00. In addition,
Vision 259 and personal computer 261 copy viewer functions
And provide complementary control functions. Operations center 250 includes publishers, newspapers and online services.
Text material is received from any external source 282. Alternatively, use an external
Sources may also maintain e-books on the Internet web site 279.
Wear. An external source 282 provides text and graphics material to the digital
Format, or contact another vendor for this service.
Can be provided. Operations Center 250 provides this text and
Receiving and storing graphics and graphics materials in various digital formats
To convert it to a standard compressed format. In doing so,
The operations center 250 provides text that can be delivered to the home system 258.
Create a pool of materials. Text material is easy to access
Are grouped by book or title. As used herein, “book” means any novel, encyclopedia, article, magazine, or manual.
Means text information or graphics information included in a file or the like. "title"
The word may be the actual title assigned to the book by the author, or a specific group.
Or any other designation indicating a category of text, information, or text information.
To taste. A title can be a series of related text information, a group of text information,
May refer to a portion of the text data. For example, "The latest Harlequin Romance
”,“ Four Child Reading Book (for ages 10-12)
(Four child Reading Books), "
Encyclopedia ”,“ President's speech ”,“ Instruction manual ”,“ 7.
April 4 event schedule ”,“ Pet Handbook ”,“ Raw vs. Wade ”,
"Joy of cooking" is an appropriate title. Also Thailand
The toll may be a graphical symbol or icon. Therefore, the picture of the wrench is
The book can be the title of a repair book and the picture on the computer is the title of the computer book
And the graphical symbol of the phone can be the title of the phone book.
, Dagger's picture can be the title of a mystery book, bat and ball pictures
Can be the title of a business book, and the picture on the ticker tape is the title of a business book
Can be. The term "e-book" means an electronic counterpart to a "book"
I do. The operations center 250 places the text on the video signal and
Includes an uplink site 254 that sends the video signal to the video distribution system. A
The uplink site 254 generally provides an e-mail that decodes text into a video signal.
Encoder (not shown in FIG. 2). Many analog and digital video distribution systems 208, or other
A communication system can be used with the distribution system 200. For example,
Bull Television Distribution System, Broadcast Television Distribution System
Video, video distributed via telephone system, direct satellite broadcast distribution system
And other wired and wireless distribution systems. Home system 258 performs five basic functions. That is, (1)
Connection with video delivery system, (2) data selection, (3) data storage, (4)
Data display and (5) transaction processing. Ho
An important optional feature of the system 258 is that the telephone system 274 is used.
Communication. The home system 258 is basically composed of four parts.
I have. That is, a video connector for connecting to the video distribution system 208.
212 or similar type connector and library unit for storage and processing
A viewer unit 266 for viewing menus and texts;
A telephone connector 270 for connecting to the telephone communication system 274. other
In the configuration, the viewer 266 may include all of the functionality of the home system 258.
It is possible. The billing and collection subsystem 278 is located in the same location as the operation center 250.
Location or remote from the operations center. Billing
And the collection subsystem 278 may be a telephone-type communication system (eg, 274).
Via the home system 258. Optional, such as a cellular system
Number of telephone-type communication systems operate with billing and collection system 278.
You. The billing and collection system 278 may include books or orders selected and ordered by the subscriber.
Records some text. The billing and collection system 278 provides the subscriber's credit
Bill your credit card account or charge your subscribers. Further, a billing and collection system 278
Is for operating text data or text delivery system 200
Publishers or other external sources that provide other services such as airtime
Monitor the amount you have rights to. When an e-book is provided via the Internet website 279
Incorporates billing and collection functions into Internet web site 279
be able to. For example, a subscriber may transfer a credit card number to the Internet
By filling in the data fields of the pages of web site 279,
You can pay for e-book selection. In this configuration, separate billing and
No collection and collection system is required. FIG. 3 a shows an extension of the preferred delivery plan 301 for the delivery system 200.
It is an overview. This includes different types of subscribers and different types of billing systems
It is a delivery plan that supports. FIG. 3a shows the publisher 282 operating
Providing a text transfer 302 to the center 250 'and the billing and collection system 27;
The receipt of payment 306 from 8 'is shown. Separate channel up
A link site 254 'is shown in this configuration and the operation center
The data 310 is received from 250 '. Operation Center 250 '
Has three independent parts (318, 322, 326). That is, text
A first part 318 for receiving, formatting and re-entrying the
Second part 322 for security encoding and catalog and message center equipment
And a third part 326 for the function. The collection and billing system 278 'shown has two parts (330 and 33).
4). First, it is responsible for managing commerce, certification and payment to publishers.
Part 330 and, secondly, part 334 responsible for customer service. Customer support
Service portion 334 provides data entry and access to customer account information.
You. The transaction account information 338 is provided to the credit card company 342 for billing and collection.
Provided by the commerce management portion 330 of the system 278 '. Credit card
The card company 342 bills the customer 346 electronically or by mail. Communication between the subscriber base 348 and the billing and collection system 278 '
There is a way. The telephone switching 350 alone and the cellular switching
Combination of switching 354 and telephone switching 250 and cable system
358 and the combination of telephone switching 350. System shown
Supports one-way 362 and two-way 366 cable communications with subscribers. book
Libraries and schools 370 in addition to stores 374 can use this delivery system.
Wear. Public library and school 370 checks out or rents viewer 266
Or bookstore 374 can rent viewers and sell e-book data
Have a modified system. Not just libraries and schools 370
The bookstore 374 can also receive the service of the cable 378. Optional direct blow
The broadcast system (DBS) 382 is used with the system 200.
Can also. DBS382 provides digital books using digital satellite technology
Can be. In that case, the e-book can be transmitted via, for example, a backyard satellite antenna.
And received. FIG. 3b shows another delivery providing e-book selection and delivery using the Internet.
This is the plan 301 '. In FIG. 3b, publisher 282 is on the Internet web
Give the e-book as being posted to site 279. Publisher, Text
Data and graphics data to digital format
-Compress the data and transfer the compressed digital data to the Internet
Upload to the site 279. Alternatively, the publisher 282 provides an external conversion function 2
83 to convert text and graphics data into digital format
Convert. The conversion function 283 allows digital data to be transmitted to the Internet.
Site 279. For example, a large online bookstore
Collect publications in electronic form from various publishers or obtain hardcopy books
Convert the e-book to an electronic format and convert it to an Internet web site 279
Post on the Internet at The e-book is then, for example, via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Directly to subscriber 285, library 286 and bookstore 287.
You. The library 286 and the bookstore 287 may also provide e-books to subscribers.
it can. I.Operations Center FIG. 4 is an overview of the operations center 250 including the uplink 254.
You. The operations center 250 receives, formats, stores, and
Then, a text or a book is collected by encoding. Contains text
The data stream 302 is transmitted to a data receiver at the operation center.
402. The data receiver 402 controls the
Below. When received, the data stream is again controlled by processor 404.
Format using digital logic 406 for the format being controlled
Be transformed into What do you want to insert locally into the distributed signal?
However, if additional text is generated at Operations Center 250,
This text generation is performed on a text containing a data receiver and a keyboard (not shown).
Handled through the generator hardware 410. Processing by text generator 410
After that, the additional text may contain digital logic circuitry (not shown).
The production hardware 414 adds additional text to the received text.
Can be added. The processing in the operation center 250 is a process using the instruction memory 416.
It is controlled by the server 404. The processor 404 and the instruction memory 416
-Provided by a personal computer or minicomputer. Catalog and
To perform the messaging and messaging functions, Operations Center 250
And message memory 420 and, if necessary, a text generator 410.
I have. The text, catalog and message data streams are preferably
Before being sent to the uplink module 254, the security encoding module
Encoded by Various coding techniques can be used. For example, NS
A: A commercial derivative of the encryption algorithm, a data encryption system (DE
S), DigiCipher from General Instruments
II is used by the security encoding module 424. Coding
After the coded text is sent to the uplink 254 before being sent to the
May be stored in the test memory 428. First in first out text memory configuration is professional
It is preferably used under the control of the processor 404. Various types including RAM
Can be used for the text memory 428. operation·
Center 250 uses file server technology for text memory 428
Then, as described below, the book to be transmitted is cataloged and spooled. Delivery system 2 for transmitting text data (ie, e-books)
08 is the North American Broadcast Teletext Standard (NABTS)
High bandwidth transmission technology as defined by the World System Teletext (WST) standard
Use techniques. WST format (each line in vertical blanking period
266 data bits), e.g., a 400 page book
. Uses four lines in the vertical blanking period, at a rate of almost one book in 6 minutes
And can be transmitted during programming (63840 bits per second). Ah
Alternatively, books can be transmitted using a dedicated channel. In this case,
The programming is interrupted, and 246 lines of video are used for one hour.
It can transmit about 2250 books (3.9 megabits per second). Te
Retext type format can be used with this system
It is the simplest but probably the slowest text format. Either
, The uplink site 254 uses the encoder 204 to
The test data is inserted into the analog video signal. In many other respects,
Delivery of strike information will be carried out using existing cable television plants and equipment.
Done. FIG. 5a relates to processing text from a publisher or provider 282.
4 is a flowchart of the steps that occur in the operations center 250. Block
As shown in FIG. 500, publisher 282 provides a data file for the text of the book.
Processes, compresses, and encrypts the file, and then operates the data file.
To the application center 250 or the uplink 254. Shown in block 504
Uplink 254 or Operations Center 250 is
Receive the data stream from 282 and process it. Generally, this process
Part of the processing involves encryption and error correction. As indicated in block 508, the file contains a packet of smaller information.
Divided into Header information is added to the packet. The bit stream is
Compatible with NTSC video signals from serial digital bit streams
Is converted to an analog bit stream. Block 512 contains
Switching of a video signal of log data to a video line is shown.
Analog data is placed on either VBI or active video line
Is done. In some cases, the unused portion of the bandwidth (5 or
Chair 40MHZ, 70-75MHZ, 100-109MHZ or guard band etc.
) May be preferred. FIG. 5b illustrates a hardware that performs some of the functions for blocks 508 and 512.
It is an example of a hardware configuration. The video feed 516 has a synchronous stripper 520
Received and processed. The stripped sync signal 532 is
Used by logic control 524. Digital logic control 524 is
For processing the serial signal 532 and the serial digital bit stream 528
To receive. Digital logic control 524 includes a serial digital bit
Sends the stream to a digital to analog converter 536 and a video switch
A control signal 540 for 544 is output. Video switch 544 is
An analog data stream between the feed 516 and the analog data stream 548
The signal is integrated into the inserted video feed 552. Instead of cable, satellite, broadcast, or television delivery methods,
Books can also be transmitted to subscribers using a public telephone system. Public telephone system
Through the system, an average book is transmitted in about 7 minutes per book. Use phone system
It is not necessary to combine video and text into a composite signal. Almost
In other respects, the operations center will ask if text delivery is by phone
It remains the same whether or not by cable. (US Patent No. 5,262,8
No. 75, Mincer et al. "Audio / Video given to
File Server Inclusion Decompression /
Playback Means "and U.S. Patent No. 5,218,695, N.
oveck et al. "File Server System given to
m Having High-Speed Write Execution ”
File server technology (as described in)
), Along with the text delivery method by telephone system, the operation center
Preferably it is used at 250. Public telephone system instead of cable, television, or telephone system
Access to the internet using the Internet web site
279 can be accessed. Order e-books using the telephone system
Make payments and deliver directly from the Internet website.
Wear. In any delivery system using a telephone system, a high-speed modem,
By using the SDN connector and ADSL, etc., the delivery speed of electronic books can be improved.
It is possible to increase the degree. II.Home system The hardware configuration for the four component home system 258 is illustrated in FIG.
6a. FIG. 6b shows a two component home system
I have. Home system 258 receives data and video transmissions,
Screen and store data, stripping (or extracting) from video signal
Providing user-friendly interface software,
Display transactions and texts, process transactions, telephone calls
Perform multiple functions, such as starting a file or transmitting billing data. Various har
Using a hardware configuration to achieve the desired function of the home system 258
Can be. For example, as shown in FIG. 6b, home system 258
Currently installed cable converter box and television 601
Utilize existing subscriber-based reception and channel tuning capabilities
Can be configured. The home system 258 also provides menu generation capabilities,
Advanced set-up, described later in section V, such as slave memory and telephone modems
It can also be designed as a laptop terminal converter. The electronic components that make up home system 258 can be configured in various ways.
can do. In the four-unit system of FIG.
To the library unit 262 by wires, while the remaining components
The components communicate via RF transceiver 604. Home system 258
In the simple version, the library unit 262 and the viewer 266
There are only one unit. All functions of home system 258 in one
It can also be incorporated into an e-book unit or viewer. The viewer 266 includes a high-resolution viewing area 602 and a digital
(Including key 605, security 606, and microprocessor 621)
, A video graphics control and memory 607, and a power supply circuit 602 (not shown).
), Optional battery 603 and optional RF transceiver 604
It has. In a two-unit configuration, the library unit 262 is
A connector function to the delivery system 208 and a connector to the public telephone communication system
And a memory 600 (which may be a removable portable 600 '). Change
More specifically, the library unit 262 includes a data strip function 617 and
, Digital logic 609, memory storage 600, and power supply circuit 610
Optional telephone connection 611 (including cellular or PCN 611 ');
Optional battery (not shown) and optional tuner module 613
And an optional RF transceiver 604. With video connector 212
Public telephone system connection unit 270 is detachable from library unit 262
Like a portable memory unit 600
You can also go. (See FIG. 6b with removable cartridge 614.
A removable portable hard disk memory 600 'is shown. )
Later, the home system 258 may connect to the attached keyboard 267 or wireless keyboard.
268. The attached keyboard 267 and wireless keyboard 268 are
Both are used to communicate with the viewer 266 or the library unit 262.
You. The wireless keyboard 268 may be, for example, via radio frequency (RF) signaling.
And can communicate. Thus, home systems 258 communicate with each other.
Have up to six separate components. Home system
The two, three, four, five or six separate components that make up H.258
They can communicate with one another in various ways. This includes, for example, hardwire
Connection 615, RF transceiver 604, and other wireless methods
included. At home (home, home), RF communication is preferred because RF
Can communication place individual components without restriction in the entire home?
It is. The data communicated between the units must be secure data.
It is preferred that Further, the library unit 262 is a hardwired
The viewer 266 can be powered via the network connection 615. Alternatively, a single unit performs all the functions of home system 258.
You can also go. Single unit uses lightweight materials, including lightweight batteries
Must be used. Monolithic units communicate (externally) between units
Eliminates the need. Monolithic units are less expensive, duplicate processing, memory space
Storage and power supply circuits are not required. Receiving data at the consumer's home and stripping it from the video signal
Is a cable interface device or cable connector 212
An offset is used. The cable connector device includes a tuner 613,
Cable interface devices, on the other hand, are
Use a control device. In both configurations, data is separated from the video signal.
Stored at the location of the subscriber in library unit 262. Phone connector
270 and modem 611 initiate a telephone call and operate order and billing information
To the payment center 250 or the billing and collection system 278. Alternatively,
Provides access to the Internet using the talk connector 270 and the modem 611.
To order and receive e-books from the Internet website.
You. Library unit 262 is the intelligent core of the home system.
Is a component that stores textual data, generates menus,
It contains the necessary hardware and software to implement the service. RF
In addition to the transceiver 604, the library unit 262 is
Includes the necessary jacks and connections to allow it to be connected to the hook 266.
As shown in FIG. 6b, library unit 262 stores text data.
Data (e-book) to the viewer 266, a secure format that requires the key 605 for decryption.
Communicate on the mat. The text is only decrypted page by page, just before being read.
It is common to use a.Video connector FIG. 7 shows the process flow performed by the video connector 212.
Have been. The video connector receives the video signal 608 and outputs the text data.
Tunes to the channel containing the data signal 612 and subtracts the text data from the video signal 616.
Release the text data stream into the logic
Communicate to components. The connection to the video distribution system is preferably as shown in FIG.
Cable connector to cable television distribution system. This case
The cable connector includes a data stripper circuit 617, which is
Top-top converter, TV or VCR601 or cable connector
Optional tuner block 6 for receiving the CATV signal via
13 receives video input. The data stripper circuit 617
Separate data from video and convert digital bit stream to library unit
Output to the digital logic portion 609 of the knit 262. The data is a video signal
Encrypted and compressed during the vertical blanking interval or active video portion of the issue
Embedded in format. The data stripper circuit 617 is set
Inside the converter box 601, TV or library unit
Can be placed. The data stripper circuit 617 is a library digital library.
Output a digital bit stream used in logic 609
. Video connector 212 provides video channel tuned data to be separated.
Channel tuner module that can provide access to video including
613. With the optional tuner module 613, the set
Top converter, VCR or TV tuner is not needed in home system
is there. Optional tuner module 613 includes cable connector 212
Can directly receive the CATV signal. b.Library Implementation of a library unit 262 for a two-unit home system
Examples are shown in both FIG. 6b and FIG. In the example shown here,
The following optional parts are included. That is, a removable cell phone
Type memory 600 ', microprocessor 628, instruction memory unit 632,
In addition to digital logic 636 and power supply unit 640, video
Connector 212, telephone connector 270, RF transceiver 604, and battery
Repack. The library unit 262 includes a microprocessor 628 and a digital
Digital logic unit 609 including a block 636 and an instruction memory unit 632
(Not shown in FIG. 8). Microprocessor 628 is preferably
Or a highly reliable computer such as the MotorSC21 sold by Motorola.
Microprocessor. The digital logic unit 609 is a serial digital
Receiving the bit stream from the data stripper circuit 617, and
To process. Error correction is also performed by the digital logic unit 609, and the data is
Is checked for an appropriate address. Data address is correct and live
If Rari Unit 262 is authorized to receive the data,
The data is transferred to the memory storage units 600 and 600 '
. Authorization to receive data may be at the cable headend or other distribution point.
Is provided. Authorization code in serial digital bit stream
It is also possible to send. The digital logic 609 includes appropriate text and
Send graphics data to memory storage units 600 and 600 '
You. This data is transferred in a compressed and encrypted format, compressed and encrypted.
It is stored as it is in the encoded format. i.Memory storage unit Library unit 262 memory storage unit is removable
A portable memory unit (shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 8)
Can be. Various options are available for memory storage. That is,
Hard disk drive, hard disk with removable platter,
It is a CD-ROM or the like. Referring to FIG. 6b, including a removable platter
A hard disk drive unit 600 'can also be used. This allows
The library will get almost unlimited storage capacity. Data (ie electronic
Book files) are stored in a memory storage unit and compressed
It is stored in a format. As shown in FIG.
No. 6 has a key or unique ID number that matches the ID or key. Unique key
Is not approved by the memory storage unit for such a match in the ID number
Is prevented from being transferred to another viewer. Smart power
Card, electronic memory card or PCMCIA (personal computer memo
Small memory devices such as re-card industry association cards)
Data can also be stored using a device. ii.Power circuit As shown in FIGS. 6 b and 8, the library unit 262
Wall power, DC power 640 or optional battery power 624
Power provided. The power circuits 610 and 640 operate at various times in the library.
All required voltages from either the battery 624 or the AC unit to the road
Is preferably supplied. Preferably, the power circuits 610 and 640
When connected to the viewer 266, it provides power to the viewer via a single data cable.
Offer. During operation, power circuits 610 and 640 use AC power to power the battery.
It can be recharged. Optional battery unit 624 is installed
When turned on, the library unit 262 becomes a portable unit,
Viewer 266 can be provided. Use to extend battery life
Power saving measures such as shutting down the memory system when not in use
Taken. When the viewer 266 is used, the library circuit is not used.
Instead, almost all power is shut off to library unit 262. iii.Connection to public telephone system Connection to the telephone system is preferably provided by a modem 611. Mr
Various available modems can be used to perform this function. As shown in FIG.
As noted, a cellular or PCN telephone connection 611 'may also be provided. E
When the system 258 is first started, it uses a modem to
The name and credit card information are transferred to the billing and collection subsystem 278
. Phone connection 270 is used each time a book is purchased by a consumer to complete a transaction
And record. Telephone connection 270 transmits text data to Operations Center 2
50 and can be used as a means to bypass the video distribution system
. The telephone connection 270 may be a separate unit, as shown in FIG.
Good. iv.Library processing FIG. 9 illustrates the video connector 212 or
Performed on data stream 651 received from tripper circuit 617
2 shows an example of basic processing to be performed. First, the data stream 651 is
The lock 650 checks for error correction. An error was detected
If so, block 654 deinterleaves the data and then blocks
658 runs the FEC (forward error correction) algorithm. block
The combination of 650, 654 and 658 provides the necessary error correction in the data stream.
Execute. If no error correction is required, the data proceeds to block 662, where
, The packets are individually checked for packet addresses. If the address is a unique address, block 666 describes the packet
Check if address matches library box ID number
. The library box ID number is associated with the library unit 262.
This is a unique number that is used to confirm data security.
Block 670 shows that the electronic file has already been opened and the data packet is saved in it.
To determine if it has been If the data file is not open
, Block 674 opens a new data file for the packet. Electric
If the child file is open, the packet is
Is saved at block 678. Next, the process determines which features are being received.
Is the last packet of a particular book for a given block of text data
Check if. If it is the last packet of information,
File is closed and the directory of available electronic files is updated (686).
). Following either block 682 or 686, the process returns (return
And another data packet is received from the data stripper block.
Received from the data stream. The packet address is checked and the address to which the address was broadcast
If so, the process determines the type of message being sent.
(690). Next, the message is sent to the appropriate electronic message file 694.
And the process returns to block 650 to receive another data packet.
And perform another error check. Using the process of FIG. 9, the library shows the images in a given book
Related to text and graphics data that can be used
Receive, store, and update directories. Data format
Depending on the operating system of the library unit 262 and the
Several variants of the process are possible. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information stored in the library unit 262 from the viewer 266.
The example which processes a quest is shown. The information request from the viewer 266 is
Via a cable connecting the viewer 266 to the library unit 262, or
Is received via a wireless transmission such as RF. In some embodiments, the subscriber resource
Quests may come from set-top converter box 602
You. The information received from the viewer 266 generally belongs to three categories. You
That is, (1) the electronic book directory stored in the library unit 262
(2) Index of all e-books available in the system
And (3) a request for a specific electronic book (block 700).
Process block 704 shows the electronic book stored in viewer 266
Responds to a request from viewer 266 for a directory of data. De
The data directory is sent to the viewer 266 so that it is displayed to the subscriber.
It is. Process block 708 includes a process for all e-books available on the system.
The request for the index from the viewer 266 is processed. Library·
Unit 262 gets the index of all e-books available in the system
Then, the index is transmitted in the process 712, and the menu information is transmitted to the viewer 266.
give. Process block 716 includes a viewer 266 for a particular e-book.
Respond to requests from. The library unit 262 includes a viewer 266
Open the electronic file of the specific e-book requested by, record or
The information is transmitted to the viewer for each packet (720). Specific e-books, records
This process of transmitting data or packets to the viewer 266 is a final record.
Continue until a code or packet is sent (724). Process shown in FIG. 10 in processing a request for a specific e-book
In addition to the library unit 262, the
Order and receive a specific e-book from Operations Center 250
You. A resource for a specific electronic book that is not stored in the library unit 262
When a quest is made, the library unit 262 indicates that the electronic book is
By judging the next time existing in the video distribution system 208, receiving and receiving the electronic book
And memory (this process is not shown). Perform this process
At the time of execution, the library unit 262 notifies the viewer 266 of the electronic document.
Transmit information about when to obtain the family's text data,
Enable subscribers to view e-books. In addition to timing information,
Status and other order information from the library unit 262 to the subscriber.
Can be. c.Viewer (The Viewer) FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the viewer 266, showing its internal components.
Have been. The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 corresponds to the viewer 266 shown in FIG.
Is the same as The viewer 266 is set to be physically similar to the bound book.
Is being measured. Viewer 266 has five basic components and six options.
It consists of null components. That is, (1) LCD display
A 602, (2) digital circuit (not shown), (3) video graphics
Controller 607 ', (4) Controls 740, (5) Book Memory 728,
(6) optional power supply circuit 736, (7) optional battery 603 '
(8) optional RF transceiver 604, (9) optional cellular
Or mobile communication device (608), (10) optional keyboard 267 and
And 268, and (11) speaker / microphone 608 '. (1) A high resolution LCD screen, preferably of VGA quality,
Used by viewer 266 to display text and graphics images
. This screen is preferably the size of one page of a book. 2 page type
Screen or two screens can be used in the viewer 266.
is there. (2) Reliable microprocessor 621, instruction memory 732, and digital
This is a digital circuit including logic. Data is transferred to the viewer 266
In some cases, it has a compressed and encrypted format. Reliable micropro
The processor 621 receives the ID number of the viewer 266 from the data stream.
The ID number of the viewer 266 is compared with the ID number in the data stream.
If they match, only the text data is stored. Viewer 266 is text
Do not output data or other data, only when viewing and when
Preferably, only the page is decompressed and decoded. Such measures are preferred
The reason is that doing so can add to unauthorized access to data.
Security is provided. (3) VGA quality text and graphics images are supported and displayed
The video graphics controller 607 '
66. The graphics controller 607 'is a digital
Controlled by the circuit. Text must be displayed in multiple font sizes
Can be. (4) The viewer 266 shown in FIG.
740). With these unique and new controls 740
, The consumer selects the stored e-book and the e-book in the catalog,
It is possible to move the cursor and turn the pages in the book. Typically,
Preferred controls 740 include next and previous buttons 742 and 741 and
Ball (or trackball) 743 for moving the sol and one or more
Select button 745, current book button 747, bookmark button 749
(See FIG. 14a). Controls 740 must be located in a convenient and convenient location.
No. Referring to FIG. 14a, the controls for the viewer 266 are
It can be located below the screen 602 at the bottom of the viewer 266. Next page button
Button 742 is the most used button 740 and is closest to the right edge of the page.
Can be placed on the table. The subscriber can use the controls, especially the next page button 741.
And 742 are likely to use the right thumb. Therefore, these
The buttons are preferably located so that they can be easily operated by the subscriber's right thumb.
Good. Generally, this will be either below the viewer 266, or
266 along the right margin. Button 747 of current book
And the bookmark button 749 are usually the most used of the controls 740
Infrequent button. Thus, in the example shown, these buttons 747
And 749 are arranged in a region inside the viewer 266 near the binder. Move the ball 743 or other cursor located at the lower center of the viewer 266
Mobile devices (such as four pointer arrows, but not shown) are subscribers
, And the operation of the viewer 266 is also easy. Cursor 745
The selection buttons for are preferably on the left and right sides of the ball, as shown
It is preferably located half the diameter of the cursor ball 743 below. Poi
If the arrow is used to move the cursor, the select button
It can be placed in the center of two arrow buttons (not shown). Again, most often
The controls used are located where the subscriber's right thumb is normally placed.
Should be. (5) Book memory 72 for at least one book or more text
8 is included in the viewer 266. The memory 728 stores the text and the
Any graphics representing a photograph are stored. The memory 728 has a menu
Graphics data can also be stored. In the viewer 266, two different
Memory device 728 can be used. The first is in digital circuits
And the second is a book memory.
728 (and graphics). ROM, RA
Use a variety of commercially available memory devices, such as M or small hard disks.
Can be. One book requires about 0.6 megabytes of storage,
About 100 small hard disks that provide about 60 megabytes of storage
A minute of e-book memory can be provided. Large hardware currently available
According to the disk, it is possible to store thousands of electronic books. Book text can be stored in various font sizes. Display
Various fonts may be provided in the instruction or book memory 72 to provide different fonts for
8 is stored. Therefore, use larger or smaller fonts as needed.
Can be called from the memories 621 and 728 to perform the display desired by the subscriber.
it can. (6) The power supply circuit 736 in the viewer 266 includes an AC power supply and an optional
Receiving power from either the battery 603 'or the library unit 262;
You. Power supply circuit 736 provides the necessary voltages for the various systems inside viewer 266.
Offer. (7) An optional battery 603 'is provided in the preferred embodiment. Bag
The battery 603 'is automatically recharged when AC power is available. (8) Both between the viewer 266 and other components of the home system
An optional RF transceiver 604 that provides a data link for
266. (9) Also, the viewer 266 is a cellular transceiver for mobile communication (see FIG.
(Not shown). (10) Optional wired (attached) keyboard 267 and wireless (for example, R
F) Using keyboard 268 (see FIG. 6a) with viewer 266
Thus, communication between the subscriber and the viewer 266 can be performed. (11) With the speaker and the microphone 608 ', the viewer 266
Audio signals can be provided to the subscriber, and the subscriber can
E (voice) input can be performed. Speaker and microphone 608 '
Can be used with a cellular transceiver 608 or other communication device.
Thus, transmission and reception of telephony and data can be obtained. The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 includes a library connection 744, an electronic card memory 74,
8, CD-ROM device 752 and portable memory device 756 (shown in FIG.
600 '). Various electronic mails such as PCMCIA
A moly card can also be used with this viewer 266. Security, low power consumption, and good display technology combine with the viewer 266
This is a feature that is required of the total. Viewer 266 must be lightweight and portable
Must. Viewer 266 can store, read, and delete e-books
To order the book and note it for a predetermined time determined by the system operator.
Operating system, which is software that includes
System. The software will run the book for a period of time (for example, two weeks).
Can be read and then automatically erased, read once, erased, or
Can be permanently stored in a memory. each
The viewer 266 has a unique key 605. All data storage
The view is encrypted using the key 605 for the individual viewer 266 and multiple views
To prevent text 266 from accessing text or book files.
ing. FIG. 12 shows some flows in the process performed by the viewer 266.
FIG. Generally, the viewer 266 is provided with touch panel-type controls 740.
, Receive input from the subscriber. Alternatively, the viewer 266
Screen display, attached keyboard 267 or wireless keyboard 268
Receive their input. Then, the subscriber's information request is sent to the viewer 266.
Is processed (800). When a subscriber requests a menu of available books, the process block
The check box 804 selects the book menu. Process block 808 indicates that available
Electronic file listing books (related to topic categories in menus)
) To display a menu with the names of the available books. When the subscriber selects a particular book to read, process block 812 causes the
Process the selection to determine an electronic file containing the particular electronic book. process
Block 816 opens the file for that particular e-book, typically at its first
Access the page. (The pointer is already set in the e-book file.
If so, this process will reach that pointer by default.
) Process block 820 then determines which page needs to be displayed.
decide. Process block 820 may be a next page, a previous page, or a block.
Determine which of the marked pages should be displayed. To this electronic file
If the pointer is not in the correct position, process block 828 returns
Move the data and retrieve the previous page of data from the stored file. so
If not, process block 824 determines whether the stored electronic file is
It is normal to get the next page of text from them. Process block 832
Decrypts and decompresses text data and converts the data to a video display
Send to A video display generally has a video display associated with it.
Process block 832 transfers data to this video display.
Send directly to play memory. The display circuitry allows text pages to be displayed.
The process of displaying the page is completed. Subscriber requests to power off via Controls 740
Then (from process block 800), the process 8 of turning off the power
36 is started. Process block 840 indicates that viewer 266 is currently reading
Save a pointer to the number of pages in the book to memory. process·
Block 844 closes all electronic files and connects the viewer 266 to the power circuit.
Instructs to cut off power supply to various circuits. Subscribers can also
Using an electronic link embedded in a specific electronic file using
You can also access other electronic files that you have. Electronic link system
This will be described later in detail. As an example of such a basic process, the viewer 266 displays a selection of books.
And be able to display text from those books. d.Menu system Referring to FIG. 13, the delivery system 200 is
It has a menu system for selecting Noh and e-books. Menu system 8
The operating software and memory required for 51
6 (eg, instruction memory 732 and / or book memory 728).
. However, it is not located in the library unit 262 (for example, the instruction memory 632).
The library unit 262 and the viewer 266 may be connected to a menu system.
Software and memory necessary for the operation of the system 851 can be shared. Me
Since the menu is normally displayed on the viewer 266, the viewer 266
Preferably, operation is possible even when the library unit 262 is not present.
No. The basic software and memory for creating the menu are stored in the viewer 266.
It is more convenient to be located. The menu system 851 can perform sequencing between a plurality of menus.
Graphics for graphical display, such as on the viewer 266
It is a system that provides. In systems using set-top converters,
These menus can also be displayed on a television screen. Simplest fruit
In the example, the menu contains only basic textual information from which the subscriber can choose.
I will provide a. In more complex embodiments, the menu may have a visual display to assist the subscriber.
And provide icons. FIG. 13 shows a menu system 851 with sequencing.
. The basic menus in this system are an introductory menu 850 and a main menu 8
54 and a plurality of sub-menus 858. In the example shown, three levels
There is a bell submenu. In some cases, subscribers may be selected or requested
One or two submenus 858 may be sufficient to easily guide the information obtained.
However, if there are three or more sub-menus 858, a user-friendly user is
There is also a function that provides a user interface. Of submenu 858
Each level may consist of various menus for display. Specific displayed
Menu depends on the choice made by the subscriber for the menu shown above. 1
An example of this tree sequence for one or many menus is the help submenu 8
87 and 888. Depending on the specific help requested, the subscriber may be
Two levels of help menu are displayed. An example of the introduction menu 850 is shown in FIG. 14a. Generally, the introductory menu 85
0 guides the viewer 266 to the system for initial guidance, announcements (announcements
And instructions). Following the introductory menu 850, the main menu 854
Followed by an example is shown in FIG. 14b. The main menu is viewer 26
6 provides the basic choices or functions available in this system. FIG.
4b shows that the main menu 854 adds many additional functions and submenus 858.
This is an example that is provided to newcomers. For example, in FIG.
Multiple options available through the click-and-click method, including:
It has been shown. That is, (1) free (free) preview, (2) order
Available books, (3) books in your library, (4) your current book, (
5) help, (6) online service, and (7) other system equipment
Noh. After selection in the main menu 854, the corresponding submenu 85
8 is shown. FIG. 13 shows the available basic or first level submenus
I have. That is, (1) account setting 862, (2) free preview 866, (3
) Book recommendation entry 855, (4) Books 872 in your library, (5) A
Books 878 you can order, (6) your current book 884, (7) help
887, (8) Available functions 890, (9) Message 893, (10) Account
Information 896, (11) Support for sent (outgoing) message
Menu 898, (12) Guide link 970, and (13) Creation of link 9
80. FIG. 14c shows a first-level book 872 in your library
It is an example of a submenu. An example sub named "Books in your library"
Menu 872 shows the six available books by title and author.
May check different shelves 874 or return to the main menu 854.
Making it possible. Figures 14d and 14e show the "Books you can order" sub-menu.
9B illustrates another submenu for an electronic book that can be ordered using New 878. FIG. 14F is an example of the order selection and confirmation menu 880 ', and the order of the electronic book is displayed.
Used by the subscriber to confirm the subscriber's order
C "975. In this particular example, the subscriber completes the order
You will be asked to enter your PIN number. "Soft Keyboard" 975
, Can be configured as a full alphanumeric keyboard, and
It can also be used to add additional information. Alphanumeric or similar
The password is used to confirm that the subscriber is an authorized subscriber
You. In one embodiment, the subscriber confirms the order using a PIN or password,
You will receive the final confirmation screen. The final confirmation screen is basically a text
It is a text and is written as follows (or similar contents). "Your book orders are being processed through CABLE. Your books are
Delivered by the next day and your VISA account will be charged $ 2.55
Will be You can read your books from 6am EST
You. Please note the following: 1. Your library units and cables
The connection unit is plugged in tonight with the antenna up.
That. And 2. Connect your cable converter to "THE BOOK"
Tune to the channel. The TV set does not need to be on.
The “account setting menu” 862 and another sub-menu 858 (finger
An example is shown in FIGS. 14g and 14h.
You. With these submenus 858, the account in the operations center
It is possible to charge a credit card for initializing and ordering. Submenu
858 contains your desired PIN number or password, credit card and
Includes the ability to enter data related to data and phone numbers. Confirmation menu
Account with your desired PIN or password and credit card
Account) was properly set. Free previews of books are also provided by submenus (868 and 870)
You. Examples of the free preview menu are shown in FIGS. 14i and 14j. Figure
14i indicates a menu displaying a plurality of electronic books that can be previewed.
You. Following the selection of the eBook, an excerpt from the cover of the selected eBook is the book
Provided with excerpts from critics' book reviews. In the preferred embodiment,
This preview screen for e-books allows subscribers to
You can select a submenu that gives you the information you want. This book preview
-The submenu contains still images and graphics of the cover of the book and the contents of the scene.
It is. An example of such a still image or graphics is shown in FIG.
There, a preview screen 870 for the author is shown. This picture
Images can also be provided as short video clips in accordance with MPEG conventions
. Such a clip could be, for example, an interview with the author. Author
Preview screen 870 shows the author's photo and gives a short biography.
This allows the subscriber to order the author's book. Its author
Prices for ordering various e-books are also shown on the menu. Alternatively, preview
Can be provided via an electronic link system. For this,
It will be described later. In addition to the free preview, in more advanced embodiments, the delivery system 200
An electronic book recommendation function (see 855) is provided to the entrant. This is the menu system
System 851, a viewer 266, a library unit 262, or a distribution point (10
20 or 250) with a processor having an associated memory.
Is done. When needed, the information for the program recommendation function can be combined or video
The text data of the signal is sent to the home system 258. This feature
According to the book or author, historical data, demographic data about the subscriber's previous orders
Data or trends, other indicators, and / or text word services
To the subscriber based on the Examples of book recommendations include preview information (book cover description, critic book
Reviews, author biographies, etc.) and / or the text of the book or other titles
A text word search is performed by the library unit 262 in the library.
This is performed using a database stored in the re-memory 600. Individualization
A book or author's recommendation that has been submitted is information obtained from the subscriber indicating his interest.
Is done for the subscriber. Entries from subscribers are preferred
Alternatively, the information is organized using the electronic book recommendation entry submenu 855. This
The system uses the entries from these subscribers, directly or indirectly, to suggest to the subscribers.
Search for books or authors to recommend. In general, book recommendation methods fall into two categories. I.e. the response
Responsive and intelligent methods (analyze data
And recommend e-books). Using responsive or intelligent methods
The delivery system 200 determines a list of recommended titles or authors,
Create second or third level submenus 856 and 857 and title them
Is suggested for the subscriber to select. Responsive methods for suggesting titles include, for example, questions about mood
Use, author search, and keyword search. Viewer 266 instructions
Using memory 732 and menu generation hardware (eg, 607), a series of
Ask questions about trends on the menu to determine subscriber interest at a particular time
Can be In this method, the processor 4 of the operation center 250
04 and the instruction memory 416 are light, serious, rough, short
Long, bored, thrilling, complex, easy to read, youth-oriented theme, seniors
Theme, adventure, romance, drama, fiction, science fiction
Assign trend indicators (and sub-indicators) from groups such as
Hit it. These indicators are displayed on the home system 2 along with the text data.
58 and stored in the library memory 600. Based on subscriber entry
Subsequently, processor 404 associates the set of indicators with the subscriber's request.
Then, a set of e-books with matching indicators is found and suggested to the subscriber. Responsive search for authors or keywords (search words provided by subscribers)
Is used for data stored in the library memory 600.
The processing is executed by the processor 628 and the instruction memory 632. For example, to subscribers
Keywords given by book reviews, critics and preview databases
Searching for matches in stored library memory 600
it can. In this way, the subscriber can use the word "submarine" on the appropriate submenu.
If so, the library processor 628 returns
"Look for Red Oktober" using instructions from the routine in 632
Find the title ("Hunt for Red October")
be able to. Intelligent methods of proposing programs include personalized subscriber profiles.
Lofield data and / or books (or purchases) previously ordered by the subscriber.
Analyzing historical data about the subscriber, such as incoming data. This way
Is preferred in a book-on-demand system and is stored in memory 428
Distribution points or by the onsite processor 404 using the subscriber database
It can be performed at the operations center 250. Home system 25
8 includes distribution point and program proposal information from the operation center 250
The text data is received, and the same text data reception 212 and the above-described video are received.
Using the menu generation hardware (eg, 607, 621)
Generate gram suggestion submenus 855 and 856. Instruction memory (eg, 63
2,732), the software routines and algorithms stored in
Analyze the historical data and the book order data to determine the book line to offer to the subscriber
Used to The algorithm for this powerful feature of recommending books and authors to subscribers is
No. 5,559,549, issued Sep. 24, 1996, to "Rep.
programmable Terminal for Suggesting
Programs Offered on a Television Pro
Gram Delivery System ".
National patents are incorporated by reference in this application. Referring to FIG. 13, a submenu 872 "Books in Your Library" is displayed.
A plurality of submenus 858 are shown above, preferably each bookshelf 874 and 87
6 is divided into bookshelf numbers with submenus. "You can order
In the same manner, the submenu above the submenu 858
And 882 are divided into submenus. Each of these bookcases
, Book category or genre. E-books are bestsellers, novels,
They can be grouped into categories such as fiction and romance. FIG.
See 4d. Referring to FIG. 13, a submenu 858 "Your current book" 884
Allows the subscriber to select the current book 884 and which page to read
You can decide whether or not. This selection is made using the level 2 submenu 885.
Can be confirmed. Help submenu 887 provides the subscriber with additional information.
A loop screen 888 can be provided. Available functions 890
Submenus are preferably separate for each function 891 and 892.
It is divided into submenus. Referring to FIG. 13, a message can be sent using this delivery system 200.
Can also be. The level 1 message screen indicates to the subscriber that the subscriber has
The user can select from various messages 893 that are currently running. next
, Each message is shown on a separate submenu screen 894 and 895
It is. The message can include text and graphics. Referring to FIG. 13, account information is shown above the level 1 submenu 896.
Submenu 858 shows recent orders and the balance of your account.
897 is shown. Sub-sub to be used as input screen 899
There is also a level 1 submenu for messages 898 to send with menus
Are there. Specific functions and submenus shown in FIG. 13 and FIGS. 14a to 14j
In addition, many other modifications and functions are possible. Books on screen
When finally selected for reading, a page of text 886 appears on the screen.
Followed by a page of text. III.Billing and collection system The billing and collection system 278 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) is an electronic commerce
Use the latest technology in telephone exchanges to track orders, authenticate delivery, and erase
Pay consumers and pay publishers automatically. With the telephone connector 270
The initiated telephone call is received by the billing and collection system 278,
The system takes the order and charges it to the consumer's credit card account.
Responds immediately without human intervention. Data is compiled periodically
The publisher 282 receives payment for the sale of the book. This billing and collection
System 278 may also include two-way cable connections, cellular or other
It is also possible to connect with the subscriber via a stage. The billing and collection system 278 communicates with the operations center 250 to enter.
Track changes to available books and send them to Operations Center 250
Preferably, statistical data is provided. IV.Public library, school and bookstore systems The electronic book system according to the present invention is used in public libraries, schools and bookstores.
It can be modified as follows. Figure 15 shows the location of a public library, school or bookstore
Shows the possible configuration of the corresponding component. Public library, school or
The main unit in the library is the file server 900. File
The server 900 is a large electronic memory unit capable of storing thousands of books.
It is a knit. File servers include hard disks, read / write
Use various electronic storage means such as CD-ROM and read-only CD-ROM
be able to. This system is composed of five components. That is,
Data or video connector 904, controller 908, viewer 912
, And a catalog printer 916. The software that controls the system
Basically, it is arranged in the controller 908. Converter or video connector
Cutter 904 is similar to that described above. In this configuration, the controller unit
The knit 908 is transferred to the file server 900 by the converter 904.
Monitor incoming data. Controller 908 preferably includes
Screen and multiple control buttons. More advanced control of the system
If you need to have a larger screen to perform the
Connect the viewer 266 to the controller 908 to
Rolls (operating device) 740 can be used. Controller 908 may receive books from a particular file server 900.
You can only download books to public viewers 912 that have been approved.
Wear. For security reasons, public viewer 912 may have multiple file
Accessing the server 900 is not preferred. In this way, the text of the book
Security of the data can be maintained. Public Viewer 9
12 can receive one or two books at a time from the controller 908
It is preferable that it is restricted as follows. Users of the public viewer 912 are
If you need more books or additional books, return the viewer to the library and
, A new book can be received from the controller 908. Available to track books available on file server 900
The title of a functional book can be printed by the catalog printer 916.
Catalog printer 916 is connected to library controller 908
The title of the book is downloaded to the catalog printer 916. Which books
The coded text of the system is also
Cannot be printed using the printer 916. Data security
In order to maintain the integrity, any book data is downloaded to the printer 916.
Loading is not allowed. Available e-book titles, magazines or it
When the complete printout of non-text material is complete, Catalog 9
20 hard copies can be maintained on the file server 900.
You. The system shown can also be used in bookstores. Bookstores have public views
912 to a customer and publish one or two books of text
912 can be loaded. Public viewers 912 have automatic tags
An imout sequence can be provided. This timeout sequence
After a certain period of time, for example, about two weeks,
Erase it. After a period of about two weeks, the borrower will be
Expected to return 912 to a bookstore and receive additional books to read
Have been. With such a configuration, bookstores can provide viewers 912 (permanent
It is also possible to sell). In that case, patrons sometimes go to bookstores
Drop in to receive the text data of the book and put it on his own viewer 912
Can be stored permanently. For bookstores, schools and libraries,
Various other configurations using the file server 900 and the viewer 912 are also possible.
is there. V.Using set-top converters Scientific Atlanta
) And General Instruments (General Instruments)
Existing set-top converter boxes, such as those made by
At present, the book selection system of the present invention cannot be handled. Rye
Although it is possible to create a set-top converter with a library function,
Using the book selection system of the present invention with existing set-top converter technology
In order to do this, the hardware needs to be modified. FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are examples of hardware modifications. After using the port
Attach the hardware upgrade described to the set-top terminal. set
The top converter 601 has two upgrades to receive e-books.
It is possible to assist in the selection of the trimming. Menu generation card up
Grade (FIG. 16a) and information download unit (FIG. 16b). This
Each of these upgrades is set via the upgrade port.
Can be connected to a remote terminal unit. 4-wire cable and ribbon cable
Connect the upgrade to the set-top converter 601 using a cable or the like.
Can be The addition 950 of the card to the set-top converter 601 is shown in FIG.
Have been. The card 950 shown is compatible with the existing set-top converter 60.
It provides the additional functionality needed to use a book selection system with one technology. Mosquito
The card 950 is inserted inside the frame of the set-top terminal and the set-top
It can be configured to be part of a terminal, that is, an advanced set-top terminal
it can. Basic device that card 950 adds to set-top converter 601
The ability is to interpret data signals, generate menus, sequence menus, and
As an extreme, view using either television or viewer 912
WA 912 is the ability to select a book. Further, the card 950 is
Remote locations such as cable headends receive information about ordered books
Provide a way. The book order information and control commands are from the cable headend
To a card 950 using a telephone line. The basic components of the card 950 are a PC chip CPU 952 and a VGA group.
Graphics controller 954, video combiner 956, and logic circuit 9
58, NTSC encoder 960, receiver 962, demodulator (not shown)
, And dialer 611 '. The card 950 is connected via a coaxial cable.
Operates by receiving a data text signal from the headend. Mosquito
The logic circuit 958 of the mode 950 outputs the data from the set-top converter 601.
964, an infrared command 966, and a synchronization signal (not shown). Rimo
Menu selections made by the viewer 912 on the
The data is received by the IR device of the barter 601 and sent to the card 950. Card 9
50 interprets the IR signal and determines the book (or menu) selected by the subscriber.
The card 950 modifies the IR command and stores the information in the set-top converter 6
Send to 01. Modified IR commands are required by set-top converter 601.
Contains required channel information. With telephone line 968 and dialer 611 '
, Card 950 can send book order information to cable headend
. It can also receive books over telephone lines and bypass the video distribution system.
Both are possible. In this embodiment, a telephone system is used to access the Internet
Web site access to order and receive e-books.
You. These commands cause the microprocessor in the set-top terminal to
Via an interface linking with the upgrade microprocessor
Can be sent. In this way, the subscriber's input will be
It is input via a pad or remote control, but any hardware
Upgrades can be forwarded for processing, and the responses generated there
It can be returned to the set-top terminal for indication. In a preferred embodiment,
The IR command 966 is transmitted from the set top terminal 601 to the hardware upgrade.
Mode. Hardware upgrades involve a microprocessor and interactive software.
A processing circuit, a bubble memory, and a long-term memory device. these
Hardware upgrades in addition to the basic components
A talk modem or CD-ROM device may be utilized. According to the information download hardware upgrade 1001 (FIG. 16b)
The subscriber uses the set-top converter 601 to transmit a large amount of information.
Can be downloaded from the distribution center or cable headend
It will work. Hardware upgrade 1001 allows subscribers to access books and magazines
Allows any data to be downloaded to local storage. Basic
Typically, hardware upgrade 1001 requires additional local storage.
Unit (eg, a hard disk, floppy, optical disk, or magnetic
16 and the microprocessor 1005 as shown in FIG.
, Instruction memory 1007, and RAM). Preferably,
Upgrade 1001 is also provided for the small portable viewer 266 to use TV
You will be able to read the downloaded text at least. Downloadable information is available at the Operations Center 250 or the cable
Text and graphics provided by the data end. This upgrade
If you use the reader, you can download the book and use the portable reader
You can read it here. Use this upgrade to download books
Can be stored in a compressed format and decompressed later. Books are when you look
Thaw. Important texts that the public wants to access immediately
With this system, it becomes available. President's speech, new law,
Immediate availability of the latest abortion decisions made by the High Court
Can be. In a preferred embodiment, the book order information is sent to a polling request message file.
Until polled by the cable headend using the
It is stored in each set-top terminal. Polling request message
-The format example consists of six fields. That is, (1)
Rising flag at start of message, (2) address field, (3) join
(4) Polling command / response (ie, P / F) bit
(5) information field, and (6) message
This is the last falling flag of the page. Set in response to a polling request
Response to information communicated to the cable headend by the
The answer frame format can also be used. FIG. 17 preferably includes a data receiver 617 'and a data transmitter 1011.
A set top terminal is shown. The data transmitter has a set-top terminal 601 and
Upstream data communication capability with cable headend
provide. Upstream data transmission uses the polling system described above.
And further using a data transmitter 1011. Receiver 617
'And the transmitter 1011 into the set-top terminal 601 itself.
Or can be added via upgrade module
. Regardless of the specific hardware configuration, the data transmission capability of set-top terminals is
17 can be achieved using the hardware shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows that the data receiver 617 'and the tuner function together.
The received RF signal is shown. Both of these devices are
The microprocessor 1013 has an interface with the processor 1013.
Can use either the keypad, remote control or viewer 912 of the set top terminal.
An input 1015 is received from the subscriber via the interface. What is received on the subscriber's TV
All intended cable signals are accessed by tuner 613
After that, it is processed by the processing circuit 1017. This processing circuit 1017
Typically, descrambling, demodulation, volume control, and channel 3 or
Adds an additional component (not shown) for remodulation on 4 TV carriers.
Including. Data destined for individual set-top devices is
According to the address or ID, it is received by the data receiver 617 '. This
Thus, each addressable set-top converter has its own
Receive only physical data. The data receiver 617 'is a set-top converter
Data specific to the data frame 601 in the information field of the signal frame already described.
Or a separate data cache located at the appropriate frequency in the incoming spectrum.
Receive on the rear. Any data received will contain information about the book and the menus available for selection.
And The subscriber uses a keypad or remote control to enter a series of commands 101.
Enter 5 and select a channel or program. When receiving such a command
, The microprocessor 1013 communicates to the tuner the channel carrying the data.
Command to tune to the appropriate frequency of
Command to start descrambling of. Upon selection of a book, the microprocessor 1013 causes the local memory (illustrated)
Not select) and save it later to the cable headend.
Return the data. The microprocessor 1013 receives all CATV signals.
Coordinate and further interact with various upstream data transmission components
I do. Typically, the data transmitter 1011 has a feedback frequency band of 5 to 30 MHz.
Work in the area. In another embodiment, a frequency band of 10 to 15 MHZ is used.
. However, regardless of the frequency band used, the data transmitter 1011 can
The cable headend in the information field of the response frame already described
Send to One of ordinary skill in the art can consider numerous alternatives, as discussed above.
Using the combination of hardware components of set-top terminals,
Stream data transmission can be achieved. VI.Book-On-Demand System (Book-On-Demand System)
em) The electronic book system 200 described in this application is a book-on-demand studio.
File. FIG. 18a shows a book on demand system.
1 shows an example of the configuration. The book-on-demand system is designed for consumers' homes, books
Store or library and operation center 250 or cable headend, etc.
Require stronger two-way communication with any of the distribution sites 1020
You. This type of two-way communication is illustrated in FIG.
Can be provided by Referring to FIG. 18a, in a book-on-demand system, a subscriber can add
Select the book to download from the available menus for Available menus
The queue is typically sent by the distribution site 1020 to the location of the subscriber. He chooses
After doing so, information about his choice (or request) is
Bull headend) or operations center
. Upon receiving this request, the text and graphs needed for the book
The information is spooled and sent to the subscriber. In this way, the book is
Sent only when requested by the subscriber and the book (or text)
) Will be sent immediately upon request. In order to support such a demand system, the transport of text and the
Distribution includes video-on-demand cable, telephone television systems,
Has a strong node architecture, such as Internet web sites (
Nodal architected) on a distribution system or on a public telephone
Must be done through the use of individual telephone access in the system. According to the book-on-demand system, a wider range of books is available to subscribers.
Selectable to limit unnecessary or unwanted book data traffic
Can be Also, books can be provided to subscribers much more quickly. In addition to the more powerful distribution system, the book-on-demand system has a distribution point 1
020 has more sophisticated devices for spooling out textual information.
Request that This is the file server technology 1024 for storing books,
Uses telephone-type switching (not shown) to distribute textual information
Achievable. Used to construct such a book-on-demand system
File server 1024 and distribution technology are described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,262,875 and 5,218,695. FIG. 18a shows a book-on-demand system using file server technology.
An example is shown. In addition to the e-book, the embodiment of FIG.
It also supports the distribution of digital data. E-book or text file
Il has a local feed 1032 from publisher 282 and other sources.
Or received via ATM 1028 or by satellite dish 1036
. Preferably, distribution point 1020 receives the request from the subscriber and receives the text
Via a two-way communication system (such as Video On Demand (VOD) 1044)
And cable headends. Alternatively, the Internet
Site may serve as a distribution point 1020. The library unit 262 is a basic premium type service card.
Cable System 1048, near video on demand type cable
System (or pay-per-view (PPV) 1052) or video on-demand
It can be connected to any of the mand cable systems 1044. this
When connecting to any of these three systems, the library unit 262
Can have direct access to the cable or the set top terminal 60
1 ', 601' ', 601' '' can also access the system
. With the interactive video-on-demand system 1044, the subscriber can
If you request a fixed book title, you will receive the text right after the request
Can be taken. To achieve this, the distribution point 1020 determines the number of available books
List transmitted via cable distribution system to library unit 262
I do. Library unit 262 stores a list of available books in a menu or class.
Display on a similar format. As mentioned earlier, the library unit 26
2 lists available book categories, and requests from distribution point 1020
It is preferable to use the menu to be formed. After you select an eBook,
A unit 262 distributes the request signal over the bidirectional communication system 1044
Send to point 1020. This request signal can be processed in two ways
You. The library unit 262 initiates the request or the distribution point 10
20 polls the various libraries onto the interactive system 1044
That's it. Upon receiving a request for a book title,
Is transmitted using a two-way cable system 1044.
You. FIG. 18b supports a regional or national book-on-demand system.
2 is an enlarged view of an operation center 250. In fact, the operation shown
The communication center 250 supports the distribution of almost all arbitrary digital data.
Port. The operation center 250 has the tapes 1060, 1060
', A plurality of files receiving digital information by ATM 1028 or satellite 1036.
Support The information is entered into the input MUX 1064 and a small file
After being processed through the server 1068, the master file server 1072
To reach. Digital data such as books received from publisher 282 is
-Stored in file server 1072. Digital data is MPEG2
Preferably, it is stored compressed in any standard format. The system controller 1076 provides regional or national book-on-demand
Controls the system. E-books are not packaged by group
And provide feeds to various cable headends. Furthermore, schedule
Rings and market research are performed at the operations center 250. S
In order to process scheduling and market research, e-book purchase
Is received at the operation center 250 via the multiplexer 1082.
It is. The e-book purchase information is provided from the operation center 250 by a billing and collection service.
System. The operations center 250 also sends messages and broadcasts to the file server.
It also has the function of inserting a notice. These messages and advertisements will ultimately
Received by the entrant. The master file server 1072 includes an output multiplexer 1080 and an ATM.
1028 in addition to satellite connection points for distributing digital data
. In the preferred embodiment, the cable headend provides text data about the book.
Through the output multiplexer 1028 and the ATM system 1028.
Received from file server 1080. When you receive digital book data,
The cable headend records the book on the local file server 1024.
Remember The distribution point 1020 in FIG. 18A is the ATM hookup 1088 or satellite
18b from the operation center 250 of FIG.
1 is an example of a cable headend to be taken. VII. Alternative delivery and ordering methods On-demand delivery of e-books and related data, including e-book menu data
By using the system, it can be provided to the subscriber. Where electronic
The book is delivered after the order has been received by the delivery system. Delivery system
E-books can be used in real-time or near real-time (ie, near-on
On demand) or the delivery system processes the e-book, packages it and sends it
Can be provided after a delay period to allow communication. Alternatively,
The transmission system broadcasts one or more electronic books in a continuous manner.
Can be In the case of this embodiment, the subscriber is
Specify the desired disciple from the list of child books. This delivery system is an electronic book
Is delivered, for example, from a subscriber's account or credit card
It may include a billing system that performs This delivery system or the associated certification
The verification system allows the subscriber to decrypt, store and view the desired disciple.
Local authentication code can be provided. a. Using a TV program / broadcast delivery system for electronic book delivery
I. Description of delivery systems In addition to advances in television and broadcast technology, government regulators have
It imposes requirements on the roadcast and television industries. Especially blow through the air
Broadcast Television Network will soon launch High Definition Television (HDTV)
That is, it shifts to the digital broadcast television standard. These broadcasters
Provide a single HDTV digital signal in the allocated bandwidth.
And can be selected. In this case, the remaining bandwidth is equal to standard definition television (SDTV) data.
Used for digital programming. Alternatively, broadcasters can increase their bandwidth
, Or choose to use it for data-related services, such as e-book delivery.
it can. This embodiment is an electronic book using a digital television program distribution system.
Related to the family register delivery system. This embodiment should be used in at least two areas
Can be. In other words, broadcast digital multimedia
Delivery of e-books embedded in chipplex signals and existing cable TV
Embedded in the broadcast digital multimedia signal through the system
And the delivery of embedded e-books. Delivery via air is a standard ground station
Includes TV broadcasts. Cable distribution system is coaxial cable
Systems, fiber optic distribution systems, and telephone distribution systems. Last
Telephone delivery systems include T1 and T3 lines, ISDN lines and ADSL lines.
No. In addition, e-books can be directly satellite broadcast, wireless broadcast
, And other wired connection means, including a LAN,
It can also be delivered internally. FIG. 19 illustrates a broadcast television environment 1100, where
Is a broadcast program provider such as National Broadcaster 1110
Digital multiplex television program with book data 1111 embedded
Providing the ramming to the broadcast affiliate 1112
I have. The programming in which the e-book data 1111 is embedded can be any appropriate
By means may be provided to the broadcast branch 1112. For example, nationwide
Broadcaster 1110 is a programmer with embedded e-book data 1111
Is provided by satellite transmission using the satellite broadcast system 1120.
Can be The satellite broadcast system 1120 has an uplink
Includes site 1121, satellite 1122, and downlink site 1123
You. The satellite broadcast system 1120 has the electronic book data 1111 embedded therein.
The embedded programming to the broadcast bureau 1112 and
For example, home systems 258 ', 258' 'and
And 258 "". The broadcast branch office 1112 stores the data in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Digital multiplex television programming with local cable
An intermediate location such as stem 1114 can be provided. Or blow
The broadcast sub-bureau 1112 is a program in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Directly to the subscriber's home system 258 ', 258 "and 258"'.
Can be transmitted directly. The local cable system 1114 is
Upon receiving the programming in which the family register data 1115 is embedded, next, an electronic book
The programming in which the registration data 1115 is embedded is transferred to the subscriber's home system.
258 ', 258 "and 258"'. Home systems 258 ', 258 "and 258" "are digital TV signals.
Receiving digital television signals from any device capable of receiving a signal
Can be. This device includes digital television, digital set-top box
, A personal computer, or any combination thereof. Ah
Or, if the home subsystem has a built-in television receiver
In some cases. Home systems 258 ', 258 "and 258"' are coaxial cables.
Cable systems, fiber optic distribution systems, and telephone distribution systems.
Receiving the programming in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded by the
Can be Here, the telephone delivery system includes T1 and T3 lines, ISDN
Lines and ADSL lines. Alternatively, home systems 258 ', 25
8 ″ and 258 ″ ″ are transmitted using the satellite broadcast system 1120.
Electronic book data 1111 is embedded directly from a nationwide broadcaster 1110
Programming can also be received. For example, home system 258 '
″ Uses the backyard satellite antenna 1143 to convert the electronic book data 1111
Receive embedded direct broadcast satellite programming. The home systems 258 ', 258 "and 258"'
1105. Internet 1105 is the web
Provide access to web sites such as site 279; the Internet
1105 also includes a billing and collection system 278 and an operation center 25.
0 can also be connected. The operation center 250 formats electronic book data.
Matte and deliver to broadcast bureau 1112 and nationwide broadcaster 1110
Has a role to play. At that time, the electronic book data is stored in each program signal
It is embedded and delivered inside. The operation center 250
The electronic book order menu can be posted using the unit 1105. this is
, Provided in a menu system 851 shown in FIG. Billing
And the collection system 278 can be used to purchase electronic books using the Internet 1105.
You can receive orders and payments for them. The e-book order menu 851 is
National broadcaster 1110, broadcast bureau 1112, or local cable
Can be provided as part of a broadcast from
You. Alternatively, the e-book order menu 851 is located on the Internet web site.
And can be downloaded directly from the Internet website.
You can see in close contact. Using the Internet 1105 for such purposes
Will be described in detail later. In FIG. 19, a nationwide broadcaster 1110 is a television program broadcaster.
Alternatively, the national broadcaster 1110 is a radio program broadcaster or
It can be a mixed broadcaster of Levi and radio. The National Broadcaster 1110 will separately and
Can be combined to broadcast any other type of data or communication.
Can be. Similarly, the broadcast bureau 1112 is a
Voice, or both, can be broadcast and can be broadcast separately or in combination.
Together, it can broadcast any other type of data or communication.
Wear. The national broadcaster 1110 and the broadcast branch office 1112 are
Signal and any type of digital signal including packet data.
Can be National broadcasters 1110 and broadcast bureaus 1112
Digital data broadcasted by
Position television signal. FIG. 20 shows publisher or provider 2 originating at operations center 250.
7 is a flowchart of steps related to text processing from step 82. Step S500
As shown in FIG. 6, publisher 282 may provide a textual data file for a book.
The file is processed, compressed, encrypted, and sent to the operations center 250.
A text file for a book can be sent one book at a time. Step S5
As shown in FIG. 04, the operations center 250 has a publisher 282
Receives and processes the data stream from. Part of this process includes future distribution.
Includes encryption, error correction and storage for transmission purposes. Text files are duplicated
To be simultaneously received by a number of home systems, or to a specific individual home
-Can be delivered to the system. In one embodiment, as shown in step S509, the file is
Divided into small information packets. Header information is added to the packet. Bit
Stream is derived from the serial digital bit stream by the broadcaster.
Digital data that can be inserted into a video / audio program multiplex signal
Is converted to a stream. Step S513 is a video / audio professional
Digital data in the appropriate data fields in the gram multiplex
Fig. 3 shows a state of multiplexing (multiplexing). Digital data is included
Can be handled as a typical MPEG2 service,
Headers for MPEG2 transport packets.
Transport streams. Step S51
3 indicates that the operation center 250 is an industry standard MPEG program.
Make any necessary corrections to map tables and program-specific information
Is shown. ii. In-Home Reception Option for Broadcast Delivery System FIGS. 21a to 21g illustrate a remote reception option such as a subscriber's home.
Is shown. In FIG. 21a, the home system 258 is a digital set-top.
Terminal 1220. Set-top terminal 1220 is
From the local office 1112 or the local cable system 1114.
Data 1115 receives the embedded programming. Or national broadcasting
1111 uses the satellite broadcast system 1120 to download electronic book data.
Data 1111 provides embedded programming. In the latter example, the set
The top terminal 1220 is a local or backyard satellite dish antenna.
Or similar device. In yet another example, the set top terminal 12
20 is a satellite broadcast system 1120 and a local cable system.
Using terrestrial broadcasts from both systems 1114 and even
The programming is received directly from the broadcast branch 1112. FIG. 21a further shows a billing and collection system 278, a personal computer
(PC) 1172, a modem 11 used for communication with the Internet 1105
A telephone 1178 is shown that can be used to communicate with 73. personal·
Computer 1172 communicates via set-top terminal 1220 using signal path 1174.
Can be combined. Signal path 1174 is RS-232 cable, USB
Format interface, Firewire interface, Connect
Cable connection or wireless communication such as infrared communication, radio frequency communication, etc.
Sometimes. The set-top terminal 1220 is a program in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Performs the necessary processing to send the ramming to the home system 258. Sett
Terminal 1220 executes programming in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Demultiplex and send the demultiplexed signal to home system 258
give. To do this, the set-top terminal 1220 must
Data from the digital program multiplex signal. The set top terminal 1220 is a remote control device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a remote control).
Command) from 1900). Set top terminal 122
0 indicates data reception and transfer using an external source such as the Internet 1105
Communication device 1221 that enables For example, the set-top terminal 1220
Telephone modem, cable modem, wireless modem, fiber optic connector, LAN connector
Nectar, and any combination of these devices. Internet 110
5, the set-top terminal 1220 and the PC 1172 will charge
And access the collection system 278 or connect to the Internet 1105.
Access the Internet web site 279 to
The electronic book order menu 851 provided by the data 250 can be viewed. The set top terminal 1220 is for communication with other local and remote devices
Input and output ports. Local cable system 1114 or
Is a terrestrial broadcast method that uses e-book data embedded programming
It is the most popular transmission medium for delivery to homes, but it is available on telephone lines (T1 and T3 lines).
, ISDN lines, ADSL lines), cellular networks, fiber optics,
Local area networks, personal communication networks, analog and
Digital satellites, other similar technologies used for home transmission, etc.
It can be used in a replaceable manner. The set-top terminal 1220 is
Output that provides communication from the home terminal 1220 to the home system 258 or the television
It may have a port. In addition, the set-top terminal 1220 is
Used for troubleshooting, reprogramming, additional customer-facing features, etc.
It can also include a telephone jack that can be The telephone jack is set to
To connect the Internet terminal 1105 to the Internet
Can be used. Alternatively, set-top terminal 1220 may
Support for other communication interfaces using the interface device connector
is there. The electronic book data embedded in the programming 1115 is an electronic book
Includes data such as order menu 851 and allows subscribers to purchase either e-book
Can be advised on whether E-book order menu 851
Once received by home system 258, home system 258
An appropriate menu can be generated. Or menu search and reference, or
Can select and order e-books via the Internet
Web site 279 can be achieved. To Internet 1105
Can be accessed using the provided modem interface. FIG. 21B shows a broadcast digital signal in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Configuration to receive the total programming and provide it to the home system 258.
Another arrangement of components is shown. In FIG. 21b, the digital television 1171 is
, Coupled to the broadcast branch 1112 to receive programming 1115
To take. Digital television 1171 also has a local cable
Electronic system from the Internet system 1114 or the satellite broadcast system 1120
It is possible to receive the programming in which the register data 1115 is embedded. Digital television 1171 has already been described with respect to set-top terminal 1220.
An optional smart card 1180 that performs the functions described. For example,
The smart card 1180 can be a cable modem, telephone modem, wireless modem, optical
Includes fiber connector or LAN connector. FIG.
Shown are a computer 1172 and a modem 1173, which are conventional
As in the example, it has a function of connecting to the Internet 1105. Digital
The function of the television 1171 is, for example, by using an infrared signal or a radio frequency signal.
, Remote controller 1900. To Internet 1105
Using this connection, the television 1171 and the PC 1172 are connected to a billing and collection system.
Access to the Internet 278 and connect to the Internet 1105 to access
Web site 279, provided by Operations Center 250
The electronic book order menu 851 can be viewed. FIG. 21C shows the broadcast data in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Another arrangement of components for receiving digital programming is shown. FIG.
c, the digital television 1171 'incorporating the smart card 1180
, The programming with the electronic book data 1115 embedded in the local cable
Performs all the functions of library 262 already received from system 1115
Run. This includes a connection to the viewer 266. The television 1171 '
In addition, direct satellite broadcasting, optical fiber connection, LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), plain old telephone service (POTS), and other telephone distribution systems (including T1 and T3 lines, ISDN lines, and ADSL lines) ), And other media, including broadcast over the air from the broadcast bureau 1112, can be used to receive programming with embedded electronic book data 1115. Television 1171 'incorporates smart card 1180 and includes, for example, some or all of the features of personal computer 1172 shown in FIG. 21b. The television 1171 'can connect to the Internet 1105 and access the web site 279 to view the electronic book order menu 851 provided by the operations center 250. Remote control 1900 is used to control television 1171 'and library 262. Television 1171 'may also include, in its programming, a soft keyboard 1174 displayed on the display of television 1171'. Remote control 1900 is then used to operate “soft keys” on soft keyboard 1174. Television 1171 'may also incorporate a separate keyboard used to control television 1171' and library 262 and operate television 1171 'in its personal computer role. The keyboard 1174 'can be connected to the television 1171' by a wired connection. Alternatively, keyboard 1174 'may communicate with television 1171' and library 262 using other optical means, including infrared, radio frequency, and laser. Television 1171 'and library 262 can be connected to a telephone system using signal path 1154. FIG. 21D shows a broadcast digital signal in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Fig. 9 shows yet another arrangement of components for receiving total programming.
In FIG. 21d, the smart functioning as a complete e-book home system 258
・ The digital television 1171 'incorporating the card is connected to a local cable system.
Upon receiving the programming in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded from the stem 1114,
Performs all the functions of the home system 258 already described,
The electronic book data is displayed on the display. The television 1171 'is
Indirect satellite broadcast, optical fiber connection, LAN such as Ethernet, P
OTS, other telephone delivery systems (T1 and T3 lines, ISDN lines, AD
SL line), and broadcast from the broadcast branch 1112 via air.
E-book data 1115 using other media including roadcast is filled.
Embedded programming can be received. TV 1171 'is a smart
Card 1180, for example, the personal computer shown in FIG.
It includes some or all of the functions of the null computer 1172. TV 1171
’Connects to the Internet 1105, accesses the web site 279,
The e-book order menu 851 provided by the operation center 250
You can see. The remote control 1900 includes a television 1171 'and a home system.
258. The television 1171 'also has its program
Soft key displayed on the display of the television 1171 '
Code 1174 may be included. The remote control 1900 then has a soft keyboard
Used to operate the “soft keys” on C 1174. TV 1171 '
Also controls the television 1171 'and the home system 258 to control the television 117
1 'used in its personal computer role.
In some cases, it incorporates a vertical keyboard. Keyboard 1174 'is a wire
Can be connected to the television 1171 'through a network connection. Or, keyboard
Card 1174 'communicates with television 1171' and home system 258 via infrared communication.
Communicate using communications, radio frequency communications and other optical means including lasers
be able to. Television 1171 'and home system 258 are connected to signal path 11
54 can be used to connect to a telephone system. FIG. 21e shows a broadcast digital signal in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Fig. 9 shows yet another arrangement of components for receiving total programming.
FIG. 21e shows a digital television receiver incorporating a smart card 1180.
PC 1172 with e-book from local cable system 1114
Library that received programming with data 1115 embedded and described
262 perform all functions. This includes connecting to the viewer 266.
I will. PC 1172 also provides direct satellite broadcast, fiber optic connections.
Connection, LAN such as Ethernet, POTS, other telephone delivery system (T1
And T3 line, ISDN line and ADSL line), and broadcast support
Using other media, including broadcast over air from station 1112
In addition, it is possible to receive the programming in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Wear. The PC 1172 connects to the Internet 1105 and the web site 27
9 to access e-books provided by Operations Center 250
You can see the sentence menu 851. FIG. 21f shows a broadcast digital signal in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Fig. 9 shows yet another arrangement of components for receiving total programming.
In FIG. 21f, a smart e-book functioning as a complete e-book home system 258 is shown.
A PC 1172 equipped with a digital television receiver incorporating a card 1180
Embeds eBook data 1115 from local cable system 1114
Received the programming and all of the home system 258 already described.
Perform all functions. PC 1172 also provides direct satellite broadcast,
Optical fiber connection, LAN such as Ethernet, POTS, other telephone delivery systems
Stem (including T1 and T3 lines, ISDN lines, ADSL lines) and blow
Others, including broadcast over the air from Broadcast Branch 1112
Received programming with electronic book data 1115 embedded using the same medium
can do. The PC 1172 connects to the Internet 1105, and
Access to site 279 and provided by operations center 250
The electronic book order menu 851 can be viewed. FIG. 21g shows a broadcast digital signal in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
Fig. 9 shows yet another arrangement of components for receiving total programming.
In FIG. 21g, home system 258 is connected to local cable system 11
14 that receives programming in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded from
Including a digital TV receiver 1613. Home system 258 is Internet 1
105 and access the web site 279 to open the Operations Center
An e-book order menu 851 provided by 250 can be seen. FIG. 22 is an electronic book using a TV program / broadcast delivery system.
The hardware configuration of the home system 258 that supports the delivery of
You. The home system 258 in FIG.
259 and a home system backend 259 '. Home Shi
The stem front end 259 is based on a delivery system that receives e-book data.
Fluctuate accordingly. Home system backend 259 'and related
The components and functions are independent of the delivery system, as already described in Section II.
Relationships and consistency. The home system front end 259 is
Receiving digital data directly, receiving TV program broadcast signals
Perform multiple functions, such as stripping (extracting) from data signals. home
-To achieve the desired function of the system front end 259, various hardware
A hardware configuration can be used. For example, as shown in FIG.
System 258 can be a set-top terminal 1220, a TV 1171, or a connection
Digital multi-program from computer 1172 using
It can be configured to receive plexes. Or home system
258 can also receive an RF channel. In this case,
The multiplex signal is included using the digital TV receiver 1613.
Provide signal to digital program broadcast connector 1617
Then, the electronic book data is extracted from the signal. Finally, the home system 258
Receive a digital data stream, which stream
Extracted from the digital program multiplex using Necta 1619
Things. Digital data related to the e-book system is
When extracted from the broadcast signal, this digital data
The digital logic 609 in the stem 258, as described in Section II
And provided for further processing. In a consumer's home, receiving a digital TV program signal
To strip the data, a connector 1617 is used. FIG.
18 is a flowchart of a process performed by a connector 1617. Connector 161
7 is a digital program multiplex signal in step S1607.
, And removes the MPEG control information from the signal in step 1608,
Any electronic book with a stream embedded in it in step S1612
It is determined whether or not the electronic book data is included.
The electronic book data stream extracted from the signal and extracted in step S1620
Communicate the stream to the digital logic element. iii. E-book ordering process for TV program and broadcast delivery
As already mentioned in Section II, subscribers can use the menu system
Select the e-book you want. This menu system and its contents
Periodically sends home programs via the TV program broadcast distribution system.
Distributed to the system 258 or charged and collected when ordering new e-books.
Using the information delivered by stem 278 to home system 258,
The operation center 250 updates. Notes on e-books made from this menu
The sentence request is sent to billing and collection system 278 for processing. Set-top if delivery is via a two-way cable system
Terminal 1220 transmits order request information to local cable system 1114.
Can be used to send to The local cable system 1114 is
Gold and collection system 278 or set-top end for e-book ordering or billing purposes
Communication with the operation center 250 that processes the request from the terminal 1220
In state. In addition, information is transmitted to the set-top end using a telephone line equipped with a modem.
Billing and collection system 278 or operation center 250 from end 1220
Can be forwarded to Alternatively, the set-top terminal 1220 is
Modem, wireless modem, LAN connector, T1 and T3 connector, ADSL connector
, An ISDN connector, or transmitting information to the cable system 1114;
Alternatively, the billing and collection system 278 operates via another communication path.
.Other improved communication interfaces for direct transmission to the center 250
Is incorporated. Alternatively, the home system 258 may
Can be connected directly to the billing and collection system 278 via any
You. FIGS. 24a to 24c show that the electronic book data 1115 or 1111 is embedded.
Showing another array of ordering processes that can be used with customized programming
I have. In the following discussion, the subscriber will be able to access from local cable system 1114
The programming in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded is received. However,
The program in which the child book data 1115 is embedded is broadcast
1112 or satellite broadcast system 1120 or
Digital broadcast programming with embedded child book data
Use the ordering process when provided by any entity that can provide
You can also. 24a to 24c, the e-book order request includes a billing and collection system.
Dedicated to the billing and collection system 278 using a cable modem to the system 278.
A telephone modem to the billing and collection system 278 via a two-way transmission system for
Use a cellular modem over a wireless communication system using existing telephone lines
Uses T1 and T3 lines, ADSL lines, ISDN lines, and telephone and PO
It can be provided via various communication media such as using a TS. Or,
E-book order request can be provided via LAN such as Ethernet
it can. In FIG. 24a, the national broadcaster 1110 embeds electronic book data 1111.
The provided programming is provided to the broadcast branch 1112. blow
The broadcast sub-bureau 1112 is a program in which electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
To the local cable system 1114. Local cable
The system 1114 executes programming in which the electronic book data 1115 is embedded.
To the home system 258. The requested e-books can be
In system 258, electronic book data is received from embedded programming.
To initiate, the subscriber must initiate an order request. As shown in FIG.
In one embodiment, the subscriber submits an order request 1190 to a billing and collection system.
System 278, and the billing and collection system 278
Includes delivery of requested e-book data from
Start to let. E-books can be used on home systems without the subscriber providing an order request.
At 258. Other subscribers, e.g.
It is also possible to have the child book delivered to the home system 258. E-books are
It can also be sent to the home system 258 on a trial basis or upon approval.
. For example, a trial e-book can be sent to the home system 258 on a trial basis.
In this case, the trial e-book will be received at home system 258
Include code that will not be visible after a certain amount of time from
You can also. To retain the privilege of viewing a trial e-book, subscribe
The customer may indicate his intention to purchase this trial e-book. Then,
The operations center 250 sends the authorization code, so that the subscriber can
, It will be possible to permanently retain that trial e-book. Or delivery
The system 200 is in a state where a part of the electronic book such as only the first chapter is not encrypted.
In which case the subscriber can decrypt the rest
, You must purchase the e-book and receive an authorization code. FIG. 24b shows another configuration of the ordering process. Shown in FIG. 24b
The ordering process in which the order request 1190 'is made by the billing and collection system 278
, Whereby the distribution of the electronic book is started and the broadcast branch office 11
12 differs from that shown in FIG. FIG. 24c shows yet another configuration of the ordering process. In FIG. 24c, the order
Request 1190 ″ is sent to billing and collection system 278,
The money system 278 starts delivery of electronic books and is inserted by the national broadcaster 1110.
Is to be entered. b. Operation of ordering system using the Internet One-way delivery environment typical for TV program / broadcast delivery environment
Now, by using the Internet, subscribers ordering e-books can be given a place.
It is possible to access regardless. Subscribers can use the Internet, Web,
In the site 279, the PC 1172 shown in FIGS. 21a, 21b, 21e, and 21f,
The television 1171 'in FIG. 21c or 21d or the home system 25 in FIG.
8 and log on. The subscriber then enters the subscriber ID. It
Internet web site 279 subscribes to personalized menus
To provide. The subscriber is, for example, a PC 1172, a television 1171 'or a home.
Viewing personalized menus on system 258. Individualized methods
News is based on subscriber-specific data, such as previously ordered e-books.
Is based on E-book order placed on internet web site 279
When the Internet web site 279 is
Serial number identification (ANI), user name, user ID, Internet address
That is, REMOTE_HOST, REMOTE_ADDR, and HTTP_NA
Based on ME), the subscriber 285 is identified. Subscribers can use broadcast text
With the unique subscriber identifier given to the subscriber when subscribing to the Levi service
Can also be identified. Another way to identify a subscriber is to use a browser browser.
There are also special ones such as lucky. Browser cookies are
It allows the server to store a limited amount of information on the browser. This
Information typically uses a set cookie HTTP response field header
And sent to the subscriber's terminal. The set cookie field contains the name / value
Includes cookie content that is paired and when this cookie is no longer valid
Or cookie-enabled Internet domain, cookie-enabled domain
Information that describes the path portion of the URL in the URL. Browsers that understand cookies
Stores this data on the hard disk of the set-top terminal,
The original web site where the cookie originated in the cookie request header field
Return these data to the site server. Cookies are state related to the browser
Information (when the subscriber last visited this website, what resources
Is used last, etc.), and this information is
Not lost if entrant leaves website or shuts down browser
No. Web sites such as Web site 279 provide e-book notes to subscribers.
Cookies can be used to customize sentences. For example, web support
Site 279 directs the subscriber to website 279 based on the information in the cookie.
Can be welcomed and based on previous order provided by subscriber
, The subscriber can be directed to a menu or a personalized menu. Subscriber identified
Website 279 can create a personalized order menu.
And the subscriber can download it to the home system 258.
You. Once an e-book order is placed, the billing and collection system 278
Process the order and send the requested e-book to the TV broadcast delivery system
Initiate a request to Operations Center 250 to deliver via
can do. FIG. 25 shows the main steps involved in ordering an e-book using the Internet.
It is a flowchart. The flowchart is based on the broadcast environment of FIG. The process starts at step S100. In step S110, FIG.
, 21b, 21e or 21f, or the PC 1172 of FIG. 21c or 21d.
The television 1171 'or the home system 258 is
To access. Web site 279 contains the address of web site 279
In the location window of your web browser, or
Provided in the actual e-book on the book or in the viewer 266
Activate a pertext link or receive a high link from a different website
It can be accessed by activating a text link. Then the process
Moves to Step S120. In step S120, a data signal indicating web site 279 is set.
Sent to the desktop terminal 220 and the web site 279 is located on the requesting device.
Will be displayed. Next, the process moves to step S130. Step S13
At 0, the web site 279 will display the e-book selected by the subscriber.
An order signal 1190 is received. The order signal 1190 includes an electronic book identifier and a request
The address and ID of the home system 258 on the strike side are included. The process is as follows
Then, the process proceeds to step S140. In step S140, the web site 279 sends the authentication request 1196
Send to billing and collection system 278. The process moves to step S150
I do. In step S150, the billing and collection system 278 outputs the order signal 119
The home system 258 from which the 0 was issued may receive the selected electronic book.
It is determined whether it is authenticated. The billing and collection system 278 is
It is possible to evaluate the past credit card history of the current subscriber. Billing
And collection system 278 determines whether the subscriber's account is insolvent.
be able to. Authorization for home system 258 to receive the selected e-book
If not, the process moves to step S160. Have
If so, the process proceeds to step S170. In step S170, the charging and collection system 278 sends the authentication signal 1191
Send to operation center 250. Next, the process proceeds to step S180.
Moving. In step S180, the operation center 250
Search and embed the data in the e-books that have been downloaded. The process is
Proceed to step 190 and end. To order e-books using the Internet, please refer to TV program
It is not limited to the embodiment of the cast delivery. This ordering method has a general nature,
Order e-books to be delivered using any of the delivery methods described in this application
Can be used for c. Internet Delivery Method FIG. 26 shows another delivery plan 301 ′ for delivering an electronic book using the Internet.
It is. In FIG. 26, publisher 26 calls Internet web site 279.
A child book is posted. This publisher distributes text and graphics data.
To digital format, compress digital data,
Uploading data to the Internet web site 279
it can. Alternatively, the publisher 282 may use an external converter 283 to convert the text
And graphics data to a digital format.
In this case, the conversion function 283 converts the digital data to the Internet Web
-Can be provided to site 279. For example, a big online bookstore looks like
Collect publications from various publishers in electronic format, or convert hardcopy books into electronic format
Convert and convert e-books to internet web sites 279
Can be posted on the net. E-books can then, for example, use the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Or using another communication system, the subscriber 285, the library 286 and
It can be forwarded to bookstore 287. Library 286 and bookstore 287 are electronic books
Can be provided to the subscriber 285. When an e-book is provided on the Internet web site 279, billing and
And collection functions are incorporated into the Internet web site 279. For example
, The subscriber enters the credit card number on the Internet web site 279
Select an eBook by filling in the data fields of the page
You can make a payment for In this configuration, a separate billing and collection system
No time is needed. Alternatively, the Internet web site 279 imposes information
It can also be communicated to the gold and collection system 278. The distribution of e-books over the Internet can be handled using many methods
. In one approach, the e-book is placed on the requesting home as soon as the order is processed.
System system 258. Alternatively, the e-book can be
Email to the email address entered as part of the email
Can also be. In another embodiment, as part of the order processing process,
Where users can search for e-books ordered by subscribers at their convenience and authentication information
Can also be given. E-book products, newspapers, magazines, or other periodicals
In order to subscribe, Internet website 279 will allow subscribers to
-Automatically, immediately upon logging on to Net Web Site 279
The latest products can also be delivered to E-book data is continuous and multicast
Streaming video, audio or data fields
Can be embedded. d. Other Delivery Methods Several embodiments for delivering electronic books have been described above. Individually, these
Re-explained the implementation for a specific delivery of and supported by the present invention
Other delivery embodiments will be described. In Section I, Enco
The e-book data via the video distribution system 208 using the
The operations center 250 and uplink 254 used to
Said. In the embodiment described below, a modular encoder 2541 is used.
. This modular encoder is designed to send e-book text and
And a transmission subsystem 2542 of a rule type. The latter transmission subsystem
Sends the actual signal. Modular encoder 2541 and module
And each type of transmission subsystem 2542 implements a unique delivery method
Supports send function for example. In section II, the video signal
E-book data embedded in a file into a format that can be used on home systems
A video connector 212 was used for the conversion. The following example is delivered
The received signal is received together with the embedded electronic book data, and the electronic book data is extracted.
Providing digital book data to digital logic 609 for further processing.
A joule type connector 700 is used. The modular connector 700 is
It supports the receive function for these unique delivery method embodiments. FIG. 27 shows an e-book via a coaxial or fiber cable system 2701
For delivering to the home system 1258. Electric
The child book data is encoded for delivery by the modular encoder 2541.
It is. Here, the encoder 2541 is the same as the encoder 174 in FIG.
And is formatted and transmitted by the modular transmission subsystem 2542.
Is done. Subsystem 2542 is identical to uplink 254 of FIG. This
Are delivered via cable system 2701. This signal is
Provided for dedicated or non-dedicated delivery of book data. This signal is also
A billing and collection system 278 or an operation center
Provide access to the order for the electronic book 250, or this signal
Internet and other public networks that are ordered and delivered via
Is a means of providing access to Cable system 2701 has a coaxial cable
Cable networks, networks that are entirely fiber, coaxial with fiber
Hybrid network with fiber, net from fiber to curve
Work or any other distribution technique. Signals on cable system
Is generated by the cable modem, in which case the external cable
The signal is received using the dem 2702, and the embedded electronic book data is stored in the home
Provide the modular connector 700 of the system 258 for further processing.
You. Alternatively, home system 1258 connects internal cable modem 2705
The modem receives signals and transmits e-book data to the modular connector 70.
0 may be provided for processing. In each embodiment, the module type
The connector 700 converts the embedded electronic book data into digital data for further processing.
Logic 609. In another embodiment, the signal delivered over the cable system is a video signal.
is there. In one embodiment, the video signal is an analog video signal. Another embodiment
, The video signal is a digital video signal. Home system 1258
Includes an internal cable receiver / tuner / demodulator 2706 to process and fill signals
The inserted electronic book data is provided to the modular connector 700. Connector 7
00 is the same as the video connector of FIG. Set-top terminal 2703, or
Is a cable-compatible TV, a PC with a cable tuner (not shown), etc.
Any other device that can receive the video signal processes the video signal
And deliver it to connector 700 in home system 1258. home
-The system 1258 extracts the embedded electronic book data. Alternatively,
The top terminal 2703 or other such device may be embedded from the video signal.
The extracted electronic book data is extracted and the electronic book data is stored in the home system 12.
Provide at 58 a modular connector 700. In another embodiment, the e-book data is embedded in the audio signal.
, A modular core with the appropriate audio capabilities in the home system 1258
Nectar 700 converts electronic book data from audio signal to digital logic 609.
Must be extracted for the processing by. In one embodiment, the audio signal
The numbers are analog audio signals. In another embodiment, the audio signal is digital.
Audio signal. In yet another embodiment, the signal is a spread comprising a digital data stream.
Spectrum signal and the appropriate spread in the home system 1258.
・ Spectrum receiver and demodulator connector 700 converts electronic book data to digital data.
Extraction is required for processing by the trick 609. In this example,
Spread spectrum signals are transmitted over the same bandwidth as video or audio signals
Is done. However, it is below the noise level. FIG. 28 illustrates a home system via a wireless broadcast system 2801.
An example relating to delivering an electronic book to a system 1260 is shown. Electronic book
Register data is encoded for delivery by the modular encoder 2541,
Formatted and transmitted by the modular transmission subsystem 2542
You. The signal is delivered via a wireless broadcast system 2801. This
Is provided for dedicated or non-dedicated delivery of electronic book data. This signal
Also provides a billing and collection system 278 or an operating system from the home system 1258.
Provide access to the Order Center 250 for orders, or
The issue is based on the Internet or other
A means of providing access to public networks. This wireless broadcast
Systems include Microwave Multipoint Delivery System (MMDS), Local
Le Multi-point delivery system (LMDS), instruction TV fixed service (IT
FS) system or any other wireless data, video or telephony
-Can be a broadcast system. This includes Teligent (Teli
point-to-point and points as provided by
To-multipoint microwave broadcast system, Winstar
-(Winstar) digital wireless network and ATT wireless system
included. Signals on wireless broadcast system generated by wireless modem
In this case, however, the signal is received and embedded using the external wireless modem 2802.
The embedded e-book data is stored in a modular connector of the home system 1260.
700 for further processing. Alternatively, home system 126
0 includes an internal wireless modem 2705, which receives signals and receives e-book data.
Data to the home system 1260 modular connector 700 for processing.
Can also be offered. In each embodiment, the modular connector 700
Uses embedded digital book data for further processing in digital logic
609. In another embodiment, the signal delivered via the wireless broadcast system is
It is a video signal. In one embodiment, the video signal is an analog video signal
. In another embodiment, the video signal is a digital video signal. Home Sys
The system 1260 includes an internal wireless receiver / tuner / demodulator 2806 to process signals
Then, the embedded electronic book data is provided to the modular connector 700. Nothing
Line set top terminal 2803 or TV, radio receiver and tuner (not shown)
Other devices that can receive wireless video signals, such as PCs with
Process the video signal and connect it to connector 700 in home system 1260
to deliver. Home system 1260 extracts the embedded electronic book data
You. Alternatively, the set top terminal 2803 or other such device may be
The embedded electronic book data is extracted from the video signal, and the electronic book data is
To the modular connector 700 in the system 1260. In another embodiment, the e-book data is embedded in the audio signal.
, A modular core with the appropriate audio capabilities in the home system 1260
Nectar 700 converts electronic book data from audio signal to digital logic 609.
Must be extracted for the processing by. In one embodiment, the audio signal
The numbers are analog audio signals. In another embodiment, the audio signal is digital.
Audio signal. In yet another embodiment, the signal is a spread comprising a digital data stream.
Spectrum signal and the appropriate spread in the home system 1260.
・ Spectrum receiver and demodulator connector 700 converts electronic book data to digital data.
Extraction is required for processing by the trick 609. In this example,
Spread spectrum signals are transmitted over the same bandwidth as video or audio signals
Is done. However, it is below the noise level. FIG. 29 illustrates a home system via a satellite broadcast system 2901.
10 illustrates an embodiment related to delivering an electronic book to a homepage 1280. Electronic book
Register data is encoded for delivery by the modular encoder 2541,
Formatted and transmitted by the modular transmission subsystem 2542
You. The signal is delivered via satellite broadcast system 2901. This
Is provided for dedicated or non-dedicated delivery of electronic book data. This signal
Also provides a billing and collection system 278 or an operating system from the home system 1258.
Provide access to the Order Center 250 for orders, or
The issue is based on the Internet or other
A means of providing access to public networks. This satellite broadcast
System 2901, DirectTV (DirectTV) and Ecostar (E
choStar), direct to home (direct to home)
) Satellite broadcast system, video network distribution broadcast
System, point-to-point or point-to-multipoint
Digital systems such as VSAT systems, World Space, CD radio or XM
Audio broadcast system or Iridium, Teledesic or
Is a mobile data service for Globalstar and telephony satellite broadcast
System. Alternatively, the satellite broadcast system
May consist of localized broadcast services, or
Onboard balloons and aircraft to provide communications repeater services to small geographical areas
Communication service can be stored and sent. On satellite broadcast system
The signal is generated by a satellite modem, in which case the external satellite modem 29
02, using the home system to receive signals and to embed electronic book data
The 1280 modular connector 700 is provided for further processing. Ah
Alternatively, home system 1280 includes an internal satellite modem 2905, which
Dem receives signal and converts e-book data to Home System 1280 module type
A connector 700 can also be provided for processing. In each example
Thus, the modular connector 700 can process the embedded electronic book data for further processing.
Provided to digital logic 609 for processing. In another embodiment, the signal delivered via the satellite broadcast system is
It is a video signal. In one embodiment, the video signal is an analog video signal
. In another embodiment, the video signal is a digital video signal. Home Sys
The system 1280 includes an internal satellite receiver / tuner / demodulator 2806 to process signals
Then, the embedded electronic book data is provided to the modular connector 700. Guard
Star receiver 2903 or satellite such as TV, satellite receiver and PC with tuner
Any other device that can receive the video signal processes the video signal and
It is delivered to the connector 700 in the home system 1280. Home Sys
The system 1280 extracts the embedded electronic book data. Or satellite reception
The device 2903 or other such device can be used to convert embedded video from video signals.
The book data is extracted, and the electronic book data is extracted in the home system 1280.
Provided to the modular connector 700. In another embodiment, the e-book data is embedded in the audio signal.
, A modular core with the appropriate audio capabilities in the home system 1280
Nectar 700 converts electronic book data from audio signal to digital logic 609.
Must be extracted for the processing by. In one embodiment, the audio signal
The numbers are analog audio signals. In another embodiment, the audio signal is digital.
Audio signal. In yet another embodiment, the signal is a spread comprising a digital data stream.
Spectrum signal and the appropriate spread in the home system 1280.
・ Spectrum receiver and demodulator connector 700 converts electronic book data to digital data.
Extraction is required for processing by the trick 609. In this example,
Spread spectrum signals are transmitted over the same bandwidth as video or audio signals
Is done. However, it is below the noise level. FIG. 30 shows a home network via a wired connection data network 3001.
An embodiment relating to delivering an electronic book to the stem 1290 is shown. Electric
The child book data is encoded for delivery by the modular encoder 2541.
Formatted and transmitted by the modular transmission subsystem 2542.
Is done. Signals are routed over wired connection data network 3001.
It is. This signal is provided for dedicated or non-dedicated delivery of electronic book data.
This signal may also be sent from home system 1290 to billing and collection system 278 or
Provides access for orders to operations center 250, or
This signal is sent to the Internet or the Internet through which e-books are ordered and delivered.
A means of providing access to other public networks. This wired
Connection data network 3001 is a metallic wire or fiber
, HDSL, ADSL, DSL, ISDN, T1, T3, SONET, ATM,
X. 25, frame relay, switched multi-megabit data service (S
It supports any of a number of communication standards, including MDS). wire
The signal on the broadcast system is connected to the data modem or transmitting device.
Generated in this case, in which case the appropriate modem, interface device, or
Uses a data termination device (DTE) to receive signals and
To the home system 1290 modular connector 700 for further processing.
Provide for the purpose of management. An example of such a receiving device is shown in FIG.
, HDSL modem, ADSL modem 3003, DSL modem 3003, ISDN
Terminal Equipment (TE) 3005, T1 Digital Service Unit (DSU)
) 3006, T3DSU 3007, fiber user network interface
Face device (UNI) 3008, ATM UNI 3009, 25DTE30
10. Frame relay assembler / deassembler (FRAD) 3011, and
And SMDS subscriber network interface device (SNI) 3012, etc.
It is shown. Alternatively, home system 1290 can be an internal modem or DT
E3013, which receives one or more signal types and
The embedded signal received from the home system 1290
Nectar 700 may also be provided for processing. Finally, the home system
1290 can also be connected to a wired LAN using a transceiver.
is there. In this embodiment, the electronic book data is delivered via the LAN at an arbitrary time.
Is done. One example of how this example can be used is
To a university that has an e-book home subsystem connected to a LAN
Environment. Professors can deliver textbooks and assignments to selected students.
Wear. In each embodiment, the modular connector 700 has an embedded
Digital book data to digital logic 609 for further processing.
You. FIG. 31 is an electronic book to the home system 1310 via the PSTN 3101.
2 illustrates an embodiment related to delivering. E-book data module
Coded for delivery by the
Formatted and transmitted by stem 2542. The signal is PSTN3
It is delivered via 101. This signal is billed and received from home system 1310.
Access to the collection and collection system 278 or the operations center 250
Provide this access, or this signal indicates that the e-book has been ordered and delivered
To provide access to the Internet and other public networks
It is. The signal on the PSTN is generated by a data modem or transmitting device
However, in this case, the signal is received and embedded using the appropriate modem 3102.
Electronic book data to the modular connector 700 of the home system 1310
Provided for further processing. Alternatively, home system 1310
Unit 3103, which receives signals and has embedded electronic book data.
The received signal is sent to the home system 1310 modular connector 700.
It can also be provided for processing. In each embodiment, the module type
The connector 700 converts the embedded electronic book data into digital data for further processing.
To the logic unit 609. FIG. 32 shows a home and a personal computer via a wireless personal communication system (PCS) 3201.
An embodiment relating to delivering electronic books to a system 1310 is shown.
E-book data is encoded for delivery by modular encoder 2541
Formatted by the modular transmission subsystem 2542 and transmitted.
Be trusted. The signal is delivered via the PCS network 3201. Wireless PC
The S system is, for example, a wireless LAN, a digital cellular telephony network,
Network, analog cellular telephony network, digital cellular radio
System, analog cellular radio system, digital pager
Network, analog pager network, personal communication network
(PCN). This signal is dedicated or non-dedicated delivery of e-book data
Provided for. This signal can also be billed and sent from home system 1320.
Access to the collection system 278 or the operations center 250
Provide this information, or this signal indicates that the e-book has been ordered and delivered
By providing access to the Internet and other public networks
is there. Wireless PCS receiver 3202 receives the signal, and stores the embedded electronic book data.
Processing to the modular connector 700 of the home system 1320
Provide for. Alternately, home system 1320 may have an internal modem PCS
A receiver 3203, which receives the signal and has the embedded e-book data
The received signal is processed by the home system 1320 modular connector 700.
It can also be provided for reasons. In each embodiment, the module type
The connector 700 converts the embedded electronic book data into digital data for further processing.
Logic 609. E-books are used in portable storage media such as smart card devices and memory stick devices.
Electronic books and their storage media protect their storage devices when delivered on the body
The packaging is done in such a way as to provide the actual book stimulus. FIG.
Reference numeral 3 denotes an example of a storage device 2600 that stores an electronic book portable storage medium. Smart
The card 2601 is provided in the recess 260 of the back panel 2603 of the storage device 2600.
2 are arranged. Front panel 2604 is hinged by hinge 2605
The hinge 2605 is connected to a storage device 2600.
On the rear surface 2606 of the camera. The front panel 2604 is a back panel
Operating over the file 2603 to completely cover the storage medium 2601
can do. Front panel 2604 can be a clasp or similar lock
A corresponding detent 2 on the back panel 2603
608 to ensure that the storage medium 2600 is closed. The e-book data is delivered to the home system 258 from a machine or other device.
It is. FIG. 34 shows a machine 2701 coupled by a communication network 2702.
2700 is shown. The communication network 2702 is based on the tasks already described.
Any wired connection or wireless system. The communication network 2702 is
Power distribution systems, such as home wire systems rated at 110 and 220 volts
It is a system. The system 2700 allows the viewer 266 to access the machine 2
701 includes an interface 2703 for communicating with it. For example, interface
The 2703 can be a plug-in device that can be inserted into a 110 volt socket.
Such a device 2703 may be a wired or wireless interface to the viewer 266.
Including the face. The electronic book system 200 has a book preview function. This darkening pre
The view function is similar to picking up books and magazines at bookstores
Gives a great look and feel. So before you actually buy
, Subscribers can view e-books, e-magazines, e-newspapers, etc.
. The preview of the electronic book will be described first with reference to FIGS. 14i and 14j.
did. The online e-book preview function allows you to use
A preview of an e-book using a simple Internet website
be able to. To get a preview of the e-book, the subscriber must be
6 and other devices shown in FIGS. 21a to 21g.
Access the site 279. Once with the Internet web site 279
Upon entering the communication state, the subscriber selects the e-book preview and selects the available electronic book.
It can be viewed from a list or menu of book previews. Selected e-book
A preview of the family register can be found on the web page of the Internet web site 279.
And the viewer 266, the television 1171 or the personal computer.
Data 1172. e. Alternative Ordering Methods All of the shipping methods described above are billed and collected from home system 258.
A system that provides access to the payment system 278 or the operations center 250
This is a working example. In one embodiment, the modular connector 7
01 to a specific protocol format, as shown in FIGS.
Provides a multiplexing and transmission process to allow home system 258 to use the communication path.
Used to enable PSTN is used to provide access
In one embodiment, the modular connector 701 is as shown in FIG.
Includes a telephone connector 270 and a modem 611. Used by cellular telephone system
In an embodiment where access is provided in a modular manner, the modular connector
b, a cellular or PCN phone 611 '. f. Mobile environment Wireless broadcast system 2801, satellite broadcast system
2901, wireless personal communication system 3201 or terrestrial television broadcaster
The features provided by the delivery method using the strike system are:
The mobility of the system or viewer 266. This mobility allows e-book data
Can be ordered and received anytime, anywhere. For example, the Florida sea
You can sit on the shore or on a New York City bus. This movable
Depending on the sex, daily newspapers, monthly magazines, books from the Book of Samance Club, etc.
It becomes possible to deliver e-book data subscription products. These subscription products are eligible
Automatically delivered to the appropriate home system 258 or e-book viewer 266
Will be. Enhanced end-to-end error correction technology
System can guarantee a high probability of reception even in these mobile environments.
it can. Further, to realize a transmission method for retransmitting a packet of electronic book data.
To change the order that was delivered at each resubmission,
Probability of reception can be improved. In a low-bandwidth mobile environment, e-books
Dividing the file into packets and sending the packets a limited number of times
Can be. If the e-book file is not received successfully,
266 issues a request to the operations center 250 and
Requesting that only parts of the file not yet received be resent.
You. Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specific embodiments shown schematically above,
It is evident that modifications, adaptations, and variations of this will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, on
The above described preferred embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.
is not. Departures from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims
Instead, various changes are possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the basic components of an electronic book selection and distribution system.

FIG. 2 is an overview diagram showing an overview of an electronic book selection and distribution system.

FIG. 3 is composed of FIGS. 3a and 3b. FIG. 3a is an overview of a distribution plan for an electronic book selection and distribution system. FIG. 3b is an overview of another delivery plan.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an operation center.

FIG. 5 includes FIGS. 5a and 5b. FIG. 5a is a flowchart of the processing in the operation center and the uplink. FIG. 5b is a block diagram of a hardware configuration for an uplink site.

FIG. 6 includes FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6a is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for a four component home subsystem. FIG. 6b is an overview of a home subsystem consisting of two units.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process performed by the video connector.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for an example library unit.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of some of the processes performed by the library on a received data stream.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a library unit in response to an information request from a viewer.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing components for an example viewer.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of some of the processes performed by the viewer on an information request from a subscriber.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a menu structure and menu progress (sequencing) in a menu system.

FIG. 14 is composed of FIGS. 14a to 14j. FIG. 14a is an overview of the introduction menu. FIG. 14B is a schematic view showing an example of the main menu. 14c to 14j are schematic views showing examples of submenus.

FIG. 15 is an overview of an electronic book system for a bookstore or public library.

FIG. 16 is an overview of hardware modifications or updates to the set-top converter, configured with FIGS. 16a and 16b.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a set-top terminal including a data receiver and a data transmitter.

FIG. 18 is composed of FIGS. 18a and 18b. FIG. 18a shows a book-on-demand
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system. FIG. 18b is an overview of an operations center supporting a book-on-demand system.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a digital television program environment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of steps relating to text processing in the operations center.

FIG. 21 consists of FIGS. 21a to 21g and is a diagram of a reception option at a remote location.

FIG. 22 shows a hardware configuration of a home subsystem used to receive a program broadcast.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process performed by a digital television program connector.

FIG. 24 is an example of an order system configured in FIGS. 24a through 24c and used in the broadcast environment of FIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing steps associated with placing an order on the Internet.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing components used for delivering an electronic book via the Internet.

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment for delivering an electronic book using a cable system.

FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment for delivering electronic books using a wireless broadcast system.

FIG. 29 illustrates an embodiment for distributing electronic books using a satellite broadcast system.

FIG. 30 illustrates an embodiment for delivering an e-book using a wired connection data network.

FIG. 31 shows an embodiment for delivering an electronic book using PSTN.

FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment for delivering electronic books using a wireless PCS network.

FIG. 33 illustrates a storage device that stores a portable storage medium including an electronic book.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram of another system for requesting and delivering electronic books.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // H04N 7/173 640 H04N 7/173 640 (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ) , MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK , LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Asmussen, Michael El. Virginia, USA 20171, Herndon, Meadow Hall Drive 2627 (72) Inventor Makosky, John E. 80104, Colorado, Castle Rock, North Lariat Drive 4692 F-term (reference) 5C025 CA01 CA02 CA09 DA01 DA04 DA05 5C052 AA01 AB02 AB04 CC01 DD03 DD04 EE02 E E03 5C064 BA01 BB01 BB02 BC01 BC03 BC17 BC18 BC22 BC23 BD02 BD07 BD14

Claims (109)

[Claims] 1. A method of ordering and distributing electronic books, comprising: providing electronic book data to a terminal in an electronic book distribution network; displaying the electronic book data as an electronic book menu; Receiving an order, wherein the order for the e-book specifies one or more e-books for delivery to the terminal, wherein the order for the e-book includes a unique terminal ID; Sending an authentication signal to the terminal; and allocating the one or more electronic books, wherein the authentication signal is transmitted to the one or more electronic books specified by the order of the electronic book. Providing access to the method. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the receiver module, the processor, the transmitter, and the memory are included in a library unit, the method comprising the steps of: A method, further comprising the interface of: 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, said external receiver receiving said data signal, said external interface transmitting said data signal to said external receiver. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the external receiver is a television receiver. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 7. The method according to claim 4, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 8. The method according to claim 4, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, wherein the receiver module is a broadcast / receiver. Receiving a television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal, the method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. And how. 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television and the receiver module. Receiving a broadcast television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal, the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. A method comprising: 11. The method of claim 2, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, wherein the digital television broadcasts. A method comprising a receiver for receiving a television program signal; 12. The method of claim 2, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying a page of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 13. The method of claim 2, wherein the receiver module, the processor, the transmitter, and the memory are included in a library unit, the method comprising the steps of: A method, further comprising the interface of: 14. The method of claim 3, wherein said library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, said external receiver receiving said data signal, said external interface transmitting said data signal to said external receiver. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, wherein the receiver module includes a broadcast module. Receiving a television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal;
The method further comprising demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, wherein the digital television broadcasts A method comprising a receiver for receiving a television program signal; 22. The method of claim 1, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The processor, the transmitter and the memory are included in a library unit;
The method further comprises an interface between the library unit and the viewer. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, the external receiver receiving the data signal, and the external interface transmitting the data signal. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 25. The method of claim 1, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 26. The method according to claim 1, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 29. The method of claim 26, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal. Wherein the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 31. The method of claim 26, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the digital television including a receiver for receiving a broadcast television program signal. Method. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 33. The method according to claim 26, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The processor, the transmitter and the memory are included in a library unit;
The method further comprises an interface between the library unit and the viewer. 34. A method for distributing electronic books, the method comprising: receiving electronic book data; packaging the electronic book data into electronic books and electronic book information; Packaging based on the size of: and generating a menu of available e-books, the menu including e-book information for each e-book in the menu; Providing a menu to a subscriber of the electronic book network; receiving an order for the electronic book based on the menu; and providing the ordered electronic book to the subscriber. how to. 35. The method according to claim 33, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the external receiver is a radio receiver. 37. The method according to claim 35, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 38. The method according to claim 35, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 39. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, wherein the receiver module includes a broadcast module. Receiving a television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal;
The method further comprising demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 41. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, wherein the digital television is broadcast. A method comprising a receiver for receiving a television program signal; 42. The method of claim 1, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 43. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver module, the processor, the transmitter, and the memory are included in a library unit, the method comprising the steps of: A method, further comprising the interface of: 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, the external receiver receiving the data signal, and the external interface transmitting the data signal. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 45. The method according to claim 43, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 46. The method according to claim 43, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 47. The method of claim 1, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 48. The method according to claim 47, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 49. The method according to claim 47, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal. Wherein the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 50. The method of claim 47, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 51. The method of claim 47, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the digital television including a receiver for receiving a broadcast television program signal. Method. 52. The method of claim 51, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 53. The method according to claim 47, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The processor, the transmitter and the memory are included in a library unit;
The method further comprises an interface between the library unit and the viewer. 54. The method of claim 47, wherein said library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, said external receiver receiving said data signal, said external interface transmitting said data signal to said external signal. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 55. The method according to claim 54, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 56. The method according to claim 55, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 57. The method of claim 55, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 58. The method according to claim 55, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 59. A system for distributing an e-book from a remote site to a method that allows the user to view the e-book, comprising: an e-book distribution point; a network coupled to the distribution point; An electronic book method, comprising: an electronic book viewer, an electronic book home subsystem including an interface to the network, and a memory for storing the electronic book, and an electronic book method including: A system characterized by the following. 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 61. The method according to claim 59, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the digital television including a receiver for receiving a broadcast television program signal. Method. 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The processor, the transmitter and the memory are included in a library unit;
The method further comprises an interface between the library unit and the viewer. 64. A method of providing an electronic book from a remote site to a terminal of a communication network, comprising: receiving a data stream representing the book; processing the data stream to generate electronic book data. Wherein the electronic book data comprises one or more electronic books and information about the electronic book; receiving an electronic book order from the terminal in an order and authentication system; Generating the authenticated signal to the terminal; and transmitting the ordered electronic book from the remote site to the terminal, wherein the ordered electronic book is another digital book. Multiplexed with a program, the authentication signal comprises a code used by the terminal to decrypt the ordered electronic book. A method comprising the steps of: 65. The method of claim 64, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 66. The method according to claim 65, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 67. The method according to claim 61, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 68. The method according to claim 59, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 69. The method of claim 59, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal. Wherein the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 70. The method of claim 59, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 71. The method of claim 59, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the digital television including a receiver for receiving a broadcast television program signal. Method. 72. The method of claim 59, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. A method comprising: a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 73. The method of claim 59, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The processor, the transmitter and the memory are included in a library unit;
The method further comprises an interface between the library unit and the viewer. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein the library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, wherein the external receiver receives the data signal, and the external interface transmits the data signal. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 75. The method according to claim 73, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 76. The method according to claim 75, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 77. The method according to claim 75, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 78. The method according to claim 77, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 79. The method of claim 77, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal. Wherein the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 80. The method of claim 79, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 81. The method of claim 79, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the digital television including a receiver for receiving a broadcast television program signal. Method. 82. The method of claim 79, further comprising a viewer capable of receiving data, the viewer comprising: a decoder for decoding the data signal; and a display for displaying pages of the electronic book. And a book memory for storing the electronic book; and a control module for controlling viewing of the electronic book. 83. The method according to claim 77, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The processor, the transmitter and the memory are included in a library unit;
The method further comprises an interface between the library unit and the viewer. 84. The method of claim 73, wherein said library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, said external receiver receiving said data signal, said external interface transmitting said data signal to said external signal. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 85. The method according to claim 73, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 86. The method according to claim 73, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 87. The method according to claim 86, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 88. The method according to claim 73, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 89. The method of claim 73, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal. Wherein the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 90. The method of claim 73, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 91. The method according to claim 73, wherein said receiver module,
The transmitter and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal. Wherein the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 92. The method according to claim 59, wherein the receiver module comprises:
The transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is the television program signal. The method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 93. A method for providing electronic book ordering and distribution, comprising: a terminal for displaying an electronic book and generating an electronic book order; and receiving an electronic book order from the terminal and accessing the electronic book. An order and authentication system for generating an authentication signal for authenticating the electronic book, and broadcasting means coupled to the order and authentication system for sending the electronic book to the terminal. The electronic book is a digital broadcast television Multiplexed with a program, wherein the broadcast means receives the authentication signal, the authentication signal provides a local authentication code addressed to the terminal, and the local authentication code causes the terminal to A method for decoding and displaying an electronic book. 94. The method according to claim 93, wherein said library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, said external receiver receiving said data signal, said external interface transmitting said data signal to said external signal. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 95. The method according to claim 93, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 96. The method according to claim 93, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 97. The method according to claim 96, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 98. The method according to claim 97, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 99. The method of claim 97, wherein said receiver module,
The transmitter and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, the receiver module receives a broadcast television program signal, and the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal. Wherein the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. 100. The method of claim 97, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television and the receiver module. Receiving a broadcast television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal, the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. A method comprising: 101. The method of claim 97, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, and the memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, wherein the receiver module comprises a broadcast Receiving a television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal, the method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. And how. 102. The method of claim 97, wherein the receiver module, the transmitter, the memory, and the processor are included on a smart card embedded in a digital television and the receiver module. Receiving a broadcast television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal, the method further comprises a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. A method comprising: 103. The method of claim 102, wherein said receiver module, said processor, said transmitter and said memory are included in a library unit, the method comprising the steps of: A method, further comprising the interface of: 104. The method of claim 102, wherein said library unit further comprises an external interface to an external receiver, said external receiver receiving said data signal, said external interface transmitting said data signal to said external signal. A method characterized by transmitting to a library unit. 105. The method according to claim 102, wherein said external receiver is a television receiver. 106. The method according to claim 93, wherein said external receiver is a radio receiver. 107. The method according to claim 93, wherein said external receiver is a spread spectrum receiver. 108. The method according to claim 93, wherein said external receiver is a modem. 109. The method of claim 93, wherein said receiver module, said transmitter and said memory are included in a set-top terminal operably connected to a television, said receiver module comprising a broadcast and Receiving a television program signal, wherein the data signal is multiplexed with the television program signal, the method further comprising a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data signal and the television program signal. And how.