KR100723990B1 - Video and music distribution systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to video and music distribution systems. The video distribution systems 10 of the present invention may transmit video / audio content such as movies to each customer's computer-based recording, storage and playback system 28 via a blanket transmission (e. G., Via satellite downlink transmission) do. Customers pre-select from a list of pre-available movies or other content using interactive screen selectors and pay only for the actually viewed video / audio content. The music distribution systems of the present invention blanket the music selections on the same recording, storage and playback system used for video or similar music-only systems. The music customer pre-selects desired music selection items in advance using an interactive screen selector, and the music selection items are recorded on a medium (for example, CD) for future reproduction without limitation, .

Description

Video and music distribution systems < RTI ID = 0.0 >

This application is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 09 / 436,281, filed November 8, 1999, Serial No. 09 / 385,671, filed August 27, 1999,

The present invention relates to a video and music distribution system, and in particular to video / audio distribution systems, such as movies and music selections, on each customer's computer-based recording, storage and playback system (e.g. via satellite downlink transmission) To systems that blanket transmit content. Customers pre-select from a list of pre-available movies, music or other content using an interactive screen selector and pay only for the audio / video content or actually recorded music content actually viewed for unrestricted playback .

A widely deployed home television viewing was launched in about 1950 with broadcast networks transmitting shows for certain, pre-published schedules. This model has remained the dominant model for television viewing for more than 30 years.

Cable and more recent direct broadcast satellites increased the number of channels. However, viewers are still subject to scheduling schedules.

Videocassette recorders provided views that would shift the viewing time if the end user was one of less than 30 percent VCR owners learned to program their VCR. Even among the people learned to program their VCR, time shifting through the VCR is a time-consuming process, which ensures that the correct tape is present in the VCR, that the tape is not full, that the tape is properly rewound, Remain subordinate to suitably set. Thus, even for the majority of TV viewers, even in the turn of the century, the TV viewing model rarely changed in 1950's manner.

Video rental stores provide a sort of "demanding video" that is subject to high capital costs for real estate (land and buildings) and labor costs in the stores, as well as high costs for the purchase of video cassettes by the rental shops Respectively. Even when a title becomes available through a video release, the viewer's ability to view the movie at a selected time of the viewer will depend on the availability of the video at the store, round-trip transportation and late return to the store, Lost videos, and so on.

True demand video has been envisioned, and large video servers will be deployed in all geographical locations to transfer high-speed video data streams to the homes of individual spectators at any time the spectator wishes to access a particular movie or other content. However, this type of demand-driven video system has proven too complex and expensive, after many years and billions of dollars of investment, and therefore not implemented.

A compromise on the demand-free video concept was proposed by Replay Networks, Inc. (USA) (USA), and viewers can view their own content, including content categorized by, for example, movie titles, actors, Quot; playback channels, " which are recorded on hard disks in a local facility and are made available later for demand-access by individual viewers. Another type of demand-driven video distribution system is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,832,287, wherein demand video and network programming is provided from a master file and program databases via a number of shared systems, .

Both Replay Networks Co., Ltd. and the '287 systems have severe limitations in terms of storage capacity and customer options.

An interactive viewing system for automatically recording selected programs is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,805,763. However, the '763 system only provides another mechanism for recording television programs. This system attempts to simplify the VCR recording function, but due to its complex nature and limited benefit it has not been implemented.

It is an object of the present invention to provide each individual spectator with educational programming, video content, and the like, while increasing the economic incentives of content providers to create and distribute ever-expanding offerings of movies and other video / audio content in a conventional low- There is a serious need in the video distribution industry for systems that will provide network programming and instant access to tens of thousands of movie titles as well as those of the same kind.

Current music distribution models have many of the same disadvantages as discussed above in connection with video distribution. For example, the labor and actual real estate costs associated with conventional retail music stores add significantly to the retail cost of music albums. In addition, the transport costs for moving the records (e. G., CDs) are significant in both retail store operations and mail order or music "club" Also, like video content providers, music content providers will benefit greatly from distribution systems that make all their content - including old-school recordings - readily available at market liquidation prices.

The present invention provides video and music distribution systems that benefit all of the included parties, i. E., Consumers, content providers, and data transmission providers. In preferred embodiments, consumers may pre-select movies for viewing from more than 8,000 movies transmitted daily and more than 60,000 movies transmitted each month. Customers of the video distribution system utilize a menu driven, graphical user interface with simplified control that provides movie selection by title, type, category (e.g., new release of a comedy from a major studio). The video / audio content is transmitted directly to each customer's receiving dish antenna or antenna linked to the customer's user station in a VHS resolution format encoded via a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) It is stored on a DVD RAM disk in a number of disk platters. The movies can then be played at any time desired by the customer, the customer only paying for the movies being viewed. The movies are encoded so as to be converted and copied for playback on modern DVD systems. The encoding technique also prevents playback on user stations of the video distribution system within assumptions that are not currently paid for previous purchases. The encoding system includes a novel time-based encoding technique.

The video distribution system of the present invention provides many advantages to consumers. For example, consumers often access a new movie release at a time indicated by market conditions most favored by the content providers and the distributors before the movies are available at video rental points. Consumers will pay for the movie only after the movie has been viewed and will not pay it when it is recorded. Thus, consumers are free to record categories or classes of movies (e.g., new releases), and later decide which movies to actually view - pay only for the movies they watch. Consumers can view the videos at any time without constraints associated with broadcast schedules and without having to visit the video rental store for selection of the movie and to return the movie. There is no fee due to late return. New movie releases will never be "sold out" as they are often in current video rental stores. Another advantage for consumers is the extreme low cost that is caused by the deletion of the system of actual real estate and labor costs associated with current video rental stores. Because there are actually thousands of movies available every day / week / month / month, the video distribution system of the present invention provides far more choices than any current video rental stores. The present invention also provides full access to content for those who live in geographically distant and / or unfamiliar areas where there is little or no access to current video rental stores. The invention also allows for access to video for families with uncomfortable, expensive or prohibited or expensive children, older people, and adverse conditions for roundtrips to theater and video rental stores. Each user station uses a high capacity storage device, such as a DVD RAM, for its read / write functions in addition to an operating system that provides highly simplified on-screen programming. The present invention also provides a method and system for always updating movie pricing, e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly, so that consumers sometimes choose to watch movies when content providers provide pricing specials or incentives Provides ability. When a movie is recorded on a disc, it can be labeled and stored (similar to a blank VCR tape) for future play. When new movies are recorded and suspended, new or previously used videos may be inserted into the platter for future recording. Video quality is improved in most cases over current video rentals where available tapes have been degraded by previous play.

Content providers (for example, major studio producers) recognize a very important benefit in that they are earned every time a movie is screened, thereby creating significant residual value for their investment. Importantly, new release movies are always available (i.e., not "sold out") during the initial peak demand when pricing power is highest. The above-mentioned residual value translates into increased revenue for the content providers because a large portion of the current content is available for daily sale-thousands of movies are sent daily / weekly / monthly. The present invention also allows content providers to change pricing, for example daily / weekly / monthly, in order to optimize price-to-consumer requirements. In this regard, the content providers are allowed to satisfy the consumer's needs for a substantial portion of the current content list value on a daily basis. This effectively provides an extremely high gain by allowing the market to clarify something that the current video distribution model (TV, movie channels, pay-per-view and video rental) does not provide That is, actual demand is in harmony with supply).

According to the present invention, content providers are confident that they can distribute their movies with extreme high security using suitable encoding techniques. Preferably, the encoding includes a time-based encoding technique wherein new code keys for all distributed movies are transmitted over the telephone / modem with monthly billing queries. Time-based coding cooperates with a single standard reseller operating system to allow the video distribution system operator to achieve the level of security required by the content providers.                 

The transmission providers (DBS satellite system providers in the preferred embodiments) have a significantly increased revenue-based advantage to support the use of low-cost, peak-to-peak time for transmission of their services and significant portions of the movies .

In one aspect, a video distribution system of the present invention includes a data transmission system for blanket-transmitting a plurality of encoded movies to customer generations. A user station is provided for each customer generation, and the user station includes means for allowing the customer generation to preselect the transferred movies desired for recording. A receiver at each customer household and associated recording device is provided for preselected movies. The playback device allows playback of pre-selected and recorded movies that each customer wants to watch. The video distribution system also includes a central controller system having a database for storing addresses corresponding to each customer generation, a customer system for each customer generation for proving to the controller unit that a previously selected and recorded movie has been played back for viewing, A billing system linked to the central controller system for issuing billing only for pre-selected and recorded movies that have been played back for viewing to the customer generations and a communication link between the central controller systems.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method comprising: blanketing a plurality of movies to customer generations; allowing each customer generation to pre-select and record desired movies; Allowing reproduction to be viewed, delivering movie playback information from each customer generation to the central processor system, and billing customer generations only for said preselected and recorded movies played to view And distributing the movie to the customer generations, including the steps.

In another aspect, the present invention uses the above-described model, and when the music selections are recorded on a medium (e.g., CD) for unrestricted playback by the customer, Can be described as a method of distributing music that is billed to customer generations to customer generations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Certain features and other features of the features of the present invention described above will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic representation of a video distribution system of the present invention utilizing satellite downlink data transmission.

Figure 2 shows details of the user station shown in Figure 1;

Figure 2a is a diagram of the user station of Figure 2 showing some optional features.

Figure 3 illustrates a handheld infrared remote control for use in connection with a user station.

4 is a block diagram illustrating the components of an exemplary user station of the present invention.

Figures 5-7 illustrate some screens that appear on the display when a customer reviews available movies using an interactive program guide, preselects movies for viewing, and performs other related functions.

Figure 8 illustrates a level I time-based coding format that provides enhanced security for transmitted programming.

Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the central controller system.

10 is a block diagram of one simplified embodiment of a business model for commercializing the video distribution system of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a music distribution system of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates another music distribution system including an Internet browser and a processor that allows a user station to access the Music Operator's Internet site of a system operator via a telephone line or Internet connection.

Figure 13 illustrates another music distribution system displaying selective content / programming transmission links.

While the invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the method of carrying out the invention are shown, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention described herein, It should be understood at the beginning of the following description. Accordingly, the following description should be understood as broad, illustrative disclosure directed to those skilled in the art, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

1. Typical full video distribution system                 

Referring to Figure 1, a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a video distribution system 10 of the present invention is shown. The system 10 uses a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) via satellite 20 as a means for transmitting coded programming data in real time or in a time compressed format (described below) . The program data is received at each customer household by a receive antenna or a dish antenna 24. The dish antenna 24 is linked to the dedicated user station 28 by a satellite receiver link 30. The user station 28 may preselect the transferred movies desired by the customers, record the preselected movies and display the recorded movies at any time on the video display device (e.g., television 32 Quot;) < / RTI > Station 28 communicates with central controller system 36 at the appropriate time via telephone / modem connection 38 (land, internet or cellular). The central controller system 36 stores an individual address (e.g., a telephone number, credit card number, or billing address) for each customer household, and to prove that the pre-selected and recorded movie has been played for viewing And receives information via connection 38. The central controller system 36 uses the movie playback information to issue bills to customer generations and also to pay for accounts of content providers. The satellite link (or alternatively the central controller system 36) may be used to provide information about the available movies and to provide pricing information for playback of particular movies or particular categories of movies when they are transmitted And communicates periodically with each customer generation to provide with it. In the preferred embodiments, the satellite link and telephone / modem connection 38 transmit time-based code keys for the transmitted movies forming part of a security system for the video distribution system.

2 shows a front panel of the user station 28. FIG. A station 28 is connected to the satellite receiver link 30 via a port for the satellite receiver link 30, a telephone / modem connection 38, a remote infrared sensor 44, and a DVD RAM platters 46 (e.g., 10 disk platters). The user station 28 also includes a user interface that includes a power on / off switch 50, a five key program selector 54, a "program write" key 62 and a platter out in key 66, Preferably all of this is replicated on the infrared handheld remote 70 (FIG. 3). A more detailed discussion of the use of the user station 28 for reviewing movie availability, pre-selecting, recording and playing back movies will be described below in the description of the viewer interface and interactive program guide.

2. The satellite (s)

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, data transmission is achieved using geostationary satellites operating in the KU band downlink to a conventional receive antenna or a dish antenna located at the customer generations, And are linked to TV Receive Only (TVRO) units connected to user stations.

As a result of recent acquisitions of PrimeStar's assets by Hughes, there are now two digital broadcast satellite providers in the US, Hughes (DSS) and EchoStar (DISH Network) do. Ecostar's DISH network, in conjunction with its previous satellites, added an additional satellite (its fifth satellite) in September 1999 to provide a continuous transmission of more than 500 channels to virtually the entire American continent. . Now Ekostar has satellites located at positions 119, 110, 61.5 and 148 in the Clark Belt.

With the satellite orientations described above, Ekostar's new "DISH 500" system utilizes an elliptical 20 inch antenna or dish antenna comprising two LMBS heads capable of simultaneously receiving information from two different satellites. As described above, this system allows more channels than 500 channels to be broadcast directly to each customer generation.

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize the eco-star system, most preferably the DISH 500 system, to program data transmission in real-time or time-compressed data rates as discussed below. In alternate embodiments, the present invention utilizes a combination of both the fuse (DSS) system or both of the fuse and eco-star systems (a relatively small portion of the total capacity of each system is dedicated to the video distribution of the present invention) .

3. Data transmission parameters

The EcoStar's DISH 500 system has a resolution of 480 x 704 to provide a very high bandwidth of about 4 megabits per second for each channel for a total transmission capacity of about 2000 megabits per second for 500 channels.                 

As described above, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the video content (e.g., movies) has a standard VHS resolution 240, which has MPEG II compression and is interpreted as a requirement of about 1.3 megabits / × 352). Thus, the maximum capability of the DISH 500 system is interpreted as the ability to broadcast about 1,530 movies at the same time (i.e., without time compression) in real time (higher than 2000 megabits / second). At 110 minutes per movie, the maximum 24 hour capacity is approximately 20,000 movies per day, which is far greater than the overall requirement for the video distribution system of the present invention.

Thus, according to this aspect of the present invention, a portion of the overall transmission capability of the DISH 500 system may be used to transmit a blanket of thousands of movies for preselection and recording by customers. In this regard, and as will be discussed in more detail in the examples below, new release movies (e.g., the 100 most popular new release movies from major studios) are displayed before and during the prime evening viewing period While the second-tier popular movies are transmitted less frequently, but still at least daily transmissions, and the third- and fourth-tier movies are transmitted weekly / monthly-all of them are updated periodically Depending on the content lists and transmission schedules available to customers through the electronic program guide.

Instead of using more typical 120 watt DBS transponders, an implementation of the present invention may be used to increase the effective transponder capacity by reducing much of the allocated capacity for forward error correction and system management unique to low power transponders (E.g., 240 megabits per second) high power transponders (e. G., 240 watts transponders). In addition, with the use of high power transponders, the present invention overcomes quanternary (QPSK) polarization (QPSK) biasing the effective bit rate for each transponder over what can be achieved by using current orthogonal polarizations - at the expense of acceptable bit error rates for applications of the present invention where low video and audio resolution is not an issue for the customer. Thus, the use of high power transponders (e.g., greater than 240 watts) in conjunction with high level polarization (e.g., quanternary) allows the video distribution systems of the present invention to provide the full transmission capacity of the DBS system Allowing more frequent transfers of movies with a higher demand (e.g., layer 1), allowing for greater time compression of movies Permit, or any combination of the above, all for the benefit of the customers.

4. User Station Details

4 is a block diagram illustrating the components of an exemplary user station 28 of the present invention. The main controller for the station 28 includes a central processing unit (not shown) including a microprocessor, a non-volatile high-speed memory device including a dedicated operating system of the unit, a graphics generator and additional peripherals such as a clock common to CPU devices (CPU) 80.

The encoded programming data via the satellite downlink via the antenna 24 is transmitted to the decoder 82. The decoder 82 finds headers representing movies or other content that have been preselected for recording. The programming data includes video / audio content data, content availability / scheduling data, and content pricing information. The decoded pre-selected movie data is transferred to the high-speed memory buffer 84 (with or without a high capacity storage capacity) via the CPU 80 and then transferred to the DVD RAM disk 86 associated with the DVD RAM platter 46 . In some embodiments, the high-speed memory buffer 84 may utilize a magnetic drive, a magneto-optical drive, an optical drive, or other suitable drive. The buffer 84 may utilize other suitable memory such as DRAM, flash memory, SRAM, or digital tape.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in alternate embodiments, the transmitted data may bypass the CPU 80. [

An internal or external modem 87 is coupled to a telephone line that provides communications to the central controller system 36.

The content availability / scheduling data, content pricing information, and time-based security codes B (discussed below) may be transmitted at periodic intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes , Hourly, or daily), and from the CPU 82, the information is stored and routed to the available RAM 88.

View-content information used for billing purposes, content preselection information entered by the user, and time-based security key codes C (discussed below) are stored and available in SRAM 90.

The CPU 80 directly receives manual and infrared remote operation input data. The video display device 32 receives input from the DVD RAM platter for playback of movies and receives graphic data from the CPU 80 for display of the interactive program guide.

Important aspects of the present invention may be provided by other electronic components, such as a central server, to support and in some instances replace the functions performed by the RAM, SRAM, and DVD RAM shown in FIG. Moreover, SRAM or a suitable high speed memory drive can be used to meet the above functionality provided by the RAM (shown in FIG. 4). Other embodiments may include additional disk drives that support the system data storage and retrieval functions.

5. Spectator Interface / Interaction Program Guide

It will now be clear how the viewer interface and the interactive program guide allow the customer to review the available movies, preselect the movies for recording, play the movies for viewing and perform other related functions, The viewer interface and interactive program guide will be described.

 Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exemplary screen 100 displayed on the video display device 32 when the user initiates use of the system via the on / off key 50. By using the four (up / down, left / right) keys of the program selector 54 and by clicking on the "program record", the user can select multiple (eg, ten) The state of the disc locations, i.e., which movies are currently recorded and stored in the DVD RAM at which disc locations, which disc locations contain blank discs, which disc locations have no discs, You can choose to decide first. Figure 6 shows a representative screen 110 showing the status of each disk location. Once the information is displayed, the user may select to play a movie that is already on the platter, to remove the disc (s) for storage, and so on.

After using the "record program" function, or instead, the user may use the "record " function to scroll down the list of movies in the interactive program guide, which may be based on the available categories of available movies, Available movies "function. For example, the first category of movies is a new release that can be subdivided into comedy, action, drama, documentary, and so on. After a particular category of movie (e.g., a new release / comedy) is selected, another screen 110 (FIG. 7) is displayed showing the titles in this category (20 titles in this case). The cursor is moved to the selected title and the center key of the program selector 54 is pressed twice, the first press shows the current play price and the display (indicating the "select mode & And the second press completes the selection.                 

The interactive program guide may include a short summary of the movie being considered, a review review (s) of the movie, or a simple "clip" or preview of the movie. The information may be stored in an internal memory and may be obtained via a link to the video distribution system operator's web site or obtained by direct internet access to web sites such as film producers, . (See FIG. 2A). Other suitable means for providing movie information may also be employed.

6. Program security using coding technology

As described above, in some embodiments of the present invention, programming security is best achieved by time-based coding with use of security codes that are interlaced within the video frames.

The dedicated operating system may include standard interlaced encoding, which prevents movies recorded by a customer at the user station from being displayed on other inappropriate playback devices (e.g., standard DVD playback devices), as is known in the art Data is used. Moreover, when recognizing the possibility of copyright infringement using data conversion techniques to break down the security technology so that illegal copies can be executed on other systems, and when it is recorded on user stations that are not currently paid or otherwise authorized When the movies recognize the likelihood of being screened, the present invention incorporates a time-based code key to ensure that playback of the recorded content can only occur on currently authorized user stations.                 

Figure 9 illustrates one preferred level I time-based coding format, wherein the first code key A contains a 32-bit monthly code at the beginning of each transferred movie. With this one code key provided for each month over an extended period of time, i.e., 100 years, there are 12 x 100 = 1200 32-bit code keys A per combined movie.

The second code key B contains 32-bit code for each month selected by the video distribution system operator at the beginning of each month. Code keys B for all available movies are blanket transferred to the monthly customer generations by means of said data transmission means, preferably satellites.

The third code key C contains another 32-bit code for each available movie. Code keys C are delivered to each customer household by telephone / modem at the time of monthly billing inquiries, preferably from the central controller system 36 to the household. The third code keys C are provided only when the customer's household is currently in a state of payment and credit is good.

The time-based coding of FIG. 9 is based only on the presence of all three code keys A (transmitted with the movie), B (monthly selected and blanket transmitted), and C (monthly delivered by the telephone modem) Which user station software simply proves that C is the correct value when a given mathematical function is applied to A and B.

Level II security coding includes 128-bit code that is interlaced over every third frame of the movie. The code is used in conjunction with the decryption software of the dedicated operating system of the unit to ensure that the recorded movies can only be shown on the stations provided to the customer by the video distribution system operator. (Players integrated into the dedicated user stations of the video distribution system only read and ignore Level II codes.)

Thus, the recorded movies can not be played back on a standard DVD player. However, even if the determined copyright infringer breaks down the Level II code to create a disc that can be played on a standard DVD player, the illegal copy can only be used until the end of the month due to Level I time-based coding protection, as discussed above There will be.

Optional level III coding can be used to associate level I and level II coding at a particular location in each movie across multiple frames and the level II code can be used to request completion from the time- It is a more complicated (for example, 1024K) program.

In addition to the security measures discussed above, preferably each user station 28 must be enabled. In this regard, an enable command from the central controller system 36 may be sent each month to each customer generation with good credit (via telephone / modem).

As an alternative to the monthly billing inquiry by the central controller system 36 to each customer household, these functions, which provide code keys C each month and provide enable commands to creditable customer generations monthly, And may be performed each time a movie is viewed for viewing through bidirectional communication between the system 36 and the customer's household. Because of this, when the customer initiates playback of the movie through the interaction control, the playback information (the identity of the movie and the identity of the customer's household) is communicated by the phone / modem to the central controller system 36, The central controller system 36 then verifies a good credit status for the customer generation and returns a single code key C for the particular movie and an enable code for the user station. Utilizing this type of communication between the user station and the central processor system 36 at all playbacks means that the video distribution system operator needs to send thousands of key codes C each month (for all available movies) to each customer generation (The key codes C must be stored in memory), and provides another advantage of ensuring good credit of the account of the customer's generation prior to each movie reproduction. Another advantage is that the customer's account can be charged more easily at each replay instead of being charged monthly.

As an option to the use of time-based security codes as described above, speakers (not shown) may be provided at user stations 28 where the audio portion of the movies should be played, Only the user leaves the user station (with the television or monitor). Thus, even though the video portion of the movie is decoded by the pirate, it will be of little value without the audio portion. Likewise, the soundtrack of a movie is of little value without the video.                 

7. Central Controller System

The central controller system 36 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. As described above, in one preferred embodiment, the central controller system 36 provides the following functions:

a. Store individual addresses for each customer generation.

b. And transmits a billing inquiry to each customer household every month to determine which preselected and recorded movies were viewed.

c. Based security codes "C " and an enable command to each customer generation that is currently in a pay state and otherwise creditable.

d. To the content providers 'accounts for using the content providers' content over the connection to the financial network.

e. Fill in the debitments of the customer's accounts for the films watched.

8. Alternative data transmission techniques

With reference to FIG. 2A, some alternative data transmission techniques may be used in place of or in addition to the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) described above.

The first option is data transmission by an optical fiber employing a suitable technology, preferably a fiber optic technology providing a high data rate such as OC3. A single OC3 optical cable can transmit approximately 60 movies simultaneously at VHS resolution and at real speed, or at approximately 128 megabits per second to transmit one movie every 2 minutes at a time-compression rate.                 

Other options include the use of frequencies higher or lower than KU, or any combination of the transmission means discussed herein, when allowed for cable / modem transmission, Internet access, other suitable dial-up or satellite-based content transmission.

It will be appreciated that video / audio content transmitted by any of the above means, whether transmitted in real time or at a time-compressed rate, can be continuously executed for simultaneous recording on multiple stations of the customer's generation.

9. Business Models

The present invention provides considerable flexibility for business models to be used in commercializing the present invention. In one simplified embodiment, shown in block diagram form in Figure 10, the video distribution system operator interfaces with three parties, the data transmission provider, the content providers and consumers. The content providers, in turn, preferably provide the content to the data transfer provider that blanketly transmits the content to the consumers by a direct broadcast satellite. The satellite transmission also includes content availability / scheduling data and content pricing data that are periodically updated. The content providers also provide copyright license and pricing requirements to the video distribution system operator. Both the data transmission provider and the content providers receive payment amounts directly from the video distribution system operator. Finally, the video distribution system operator periodically receives the viewed-content information for billing and also sends enable commands to the consumers.                 

Other business models may use time-based secure coding as described above. It can also be used to provide centrally located content availability information and to allow pre-selection of movies for recording in the customer's household.

Example I

The video distribution system of the present invention may be implemented using the business model of FIG. 10, the DISH 500 DBS system, and other hardware and software systems illustrated in the drawings.

The video / audio content provided by the video distribution system is transmitted in real time (i.e., time-uncompressed-average movie 110 minutes). The films have transmission times in which layers 2, 3, and 4 movies are heavily weighted at broadcast times (e.g., 1:00 am to 8:00 am) over the peak, and the total capacity of the DISH 500 system Approximately 49% of the broadcast is broadcast.

The movie "layer"

Layer 1: 100 new releases from major studios.

Layer 2: 6000 movies in the second level of customer demand following the above Layer 1 new release movies.

Floor 3: 8000 movies in the third level of customer demand.

Floor 4: 60,000 additional films.

Transmission schedule

Layer 1: Each new release movie is transmitted daily from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm and is transmitted at several different times each day.

Layer 2: Each layer 2 movie is transmitted once a day.

Layer 3: Each layer 3 movie is transmitted once a week.

Floor 4: Each floor 4 movie is transmitted once a month.

Consumers wishing to plan ahead can easily record all new releases in the "comedy" category, for example, and make them available for viewing on a case-by-case basis, It only happens for movies that are actually watching. The same consumer or other consumer wishing to view the new release in the evening on which the viewing decision is made pre-selects the movie for recording simply at some time during the day so that the movie is available during evening hours. An Internet telephone / modem connection (not shown) is provided so that consumers can access their user stations at remote locations (e.g., in their business offices) to preselect movies for viewing in the evening .

The term "movies " as used in connection with the examples and used elsewhere herein includes more than the traditionally implied term. The term "movies" includes not only movies and similar content, but also classical sports events (e.g., all superballs) and popular TV series (e.g., all episodes of Star Trek or Sienfeld or I Love Lucy Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > layer 4). ≪ / RTI > In this regard, a consumer wishing to do so may record all episodes of I Love Lucy (sent monthly on Layer 4) on multiple disk platters, store the discs and play selected episodes at a desired time, He only pays for watching episodes or episodes.

Example II

The video distribution system of Example II is implemented with movies of the same layers as in Example I except that the compression time in the high speed memory buffer included in the user station, which in turn is written to the DVD RAM disk at its maximum recording speed Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > The compression time transfer (e.g., 8 minutes to 10 minutes per movie) allows the consumers to use the movies, especially the first floor movies, immediately, with a time less or more often than the time required to reciprocate video rental points To be enabled. In order to further facilitate this increased availability of films directly, according to Example II, layer 1 new release movies are transmitted every 30 minutes from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and are transmitted on several different times each day.

Example III

Same as Example II except that all movies are transmitted in compressed time format.

Example IV

The video distribution system of this Example IV is implemented with movies of the same layers as Examples I-III.

According to Example IV, the recording and playback apparatus of the user station 28 has a recording speed of at least about 12 megabits / second, video / audio transmission and reproduction of conventional VHS resolution (with conventional MPEG II compression) Optical disk recording and reproducing apparatus having a capacity for recording on a magneto-optical disk at a recording speed which is about 8 to 10 times the data stream speed. Using a recording speed of about 12 megabits per second and a corresponding data transfer rate via a DBS or other suitable transmission means, a movie can be transmitted in a time-compressed format and recorded at a speed 8 to 10 times faster than the real time So a 110 minute movie can be transmitted and recorded within about 11 to 14 minutes.

To provide impromptu consumer access to new release movies, each of the 100 floor 1 movies is broadcast every 15 minutes from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Thus, during these prime times, the consumer can select any layer 1 movie and make the movie available for viewing within 15 to 30 minutes. (Thus, the layer 1 movie availability time period may be reduced accordingly with a higher transmission rate and a faster recording rate.) As in Example II, the layer 1 movies may also be transmitted at different times every day, for example, do.

According to Example IV, layers 2, 3 and 4 movies are also transferred and recorded to the discs with a compression time of, for example, at least about 12 megabits / second.

Yes V

The distribution systems described in Examples I-IV transmit compact disc (CD) quality or other forms of audio to a read / write compact disc, a recordable compact disc, a DVD RAM, a magneto-optical disc, . In this example V, the consumer can select any music selection from as many titles as more than 80,000 titles in a layered stack similar to the examples I-IV, and use less than 10% of the existing DBS transmission capacity.

With the music distribution under this example V, the system allows the subscriber to listen to the recordings (e.g., CDs) many times without charge, before the consumer is required to permanently select the CD. Once permanently selected, the CD receives a permanent enabling code and the consumer pays a one-time fee - similar to the standard one-time fee structure in the current music distribution business model. The player then plays the CD via TV speakers or provides audio output to an optional external audio system (FIG. 2A). As much as the new movie distribution model described here eliminates the cost of distributing movies compared to current models, this music distribution model can be used for labor, real estate, and transportation in current distribution models for music Eliminates a significant portion of the cost. The music distribution model of the present example V can utilize the above-described DBS or alternative data transmission means singly or in combination.

Example VI

The distribution system of Example IV is augmented with CD quality music transmission capability in which 10,000 titles per day are transmitted in a time compression format, for example, 12 megabits / second or more. The music transmission of this example VI can be performed by using additional DBS capacity or by reducing the number of layer 2 movies transmitted on a daily basis, by reducing movie transmission of other layers, or by a combination of the above. As described above with respect to example V, the customer can then store the coded transmission (with or without the memory buffer 84), after which the customer is free to play the record several times . Once the purchase selection is made, preferably the record is recorded on a conventional CD so that it can be played on conventional home or automatic playback devices. Because of this, the user station 28 may include locations for holding and writing a conventional CD-to-DVD-RAM or other medium, such as self-optical disks, used for storage of movies In addition to ability. Alternatively, once the record is selected, an external audio system (also having its own CD read / write or record device to permanently record the selected record on a single, stack, or CD that can be held in a platter system 2a. ≪ / RTI >

10. Music-only distribution systems

The description now turns to a discussion of music-only distribution systems operating under the principles of the present invention. Fig. 11 shows a comparable music distribution system 10M in function with the corresponding video distribution system 10 described above with respect to Figs. 1-10.

In particular, the music content providers deliver the music in digital form to the central controller 36M of the music distribution system.

The content is encoded using a coding technique well known in the art, such as interlaced coding techniques in combination with a unique header code identifying each title. In some embodiments, only the unique header coding is employed to identify each particular title. It is also understood that the header code can identify the correct transmission time of each title. The header code, including the transmission time, may be digitally delivered to the operating system of the user station 28M to prevent unauthorized receipt and subsequent duplication of digital music content. Moreover, it is understood that the selection of a particular title by the user may require a completed payment before activation of the initial reception and storage of the digital music content, or before the digital music content is recorded on any other device or medium.

The encoded music content is scheduled and transmitted to the direct broadcast satellite uplink facility 100M by the system operator via a central controller 36M. Moreover, periodic digital program / pricing information is transmitted to the uplink facility every 10 minutes, for example. While direct broadcast satellite transmission is currently understood to operate in the KU band, other frequencies may also be employed to achieve similar results. It is understood that the music content may be transmitted at an actual rate or a time compression rate. In preferred embodiments, the music content is transmitted at a rate that is faster than the real-time rate, in which case the real-time rate refers to the playback rate of the recorded music. For example, a single satellite transponder with 23 megabit / second transmit capability can deliver a typical 4 minute song within 4 seconds. Thus, the DBS programming capacity of the eco-star (described above) is most preferably 400,000 to 500,000 song titles (e.g., 400,000 to 500,000 song titles) during a four-hour period that relieves a low audience rating period from 1:00 am to 5:00 am About 30,000 to 40,000 CDs).

Once the digital music content and program / pricing information is received by the appropriate gateways, then the user stations are broadly transmitted (i. E., "Blanket transmitted ") to a geographic coverage area below which the downlink transmissions may be received (blanket transmitted) ").

The music program and pricing information are received by the satellite dish antenna 110M of the home user and transmitted to a download module 120M included in the user station, and the music program and pricing information are decoded and transmitted to the user station And stored digitally in an embedded storage module 130M.

The user pre-selects the music content to be downloaded by selecting the content using the graphical user interface 135M displayed on the TV screen. Then, the pricing information for the pre-selected music content is transmitted to a billing module 140M included in the user station, and it is transmitted to the billing module 140M via a telephone line by a central controller 36M, And stored in a volatile memory.

In some embodiments, the user station 28M may also be coupled to an audio speaker system 28B to allow the user to listen to the stored music before the stored music is permanently recorded on a CD or other recordable medium and then paid for. (Not shown). In this embodiment, the preselected pricing information stored in the billing module 140M may be stored in a memory such that the user has listened to the music content a predetermined number of times, for example three times, or the user permanently records it Will not be sent for payment to the system operator until indicated to want to do so.

The music content previously selected by the user using the graphical user interface is received by the satellite dish antenna 110M of the home user and transmitted to the download module 120M, 130M.

The graphical user interface prompts the user to insert a recordable medium such as a recordable CD into the user station or prompts to attach another recording device to the output connectors of the user station. In some cases, the user may choose to pay and record the pre-selected music content multiple times. In this case, the music content provider may provide a pricing discount for multiple records.

The user station records the pre-selected music content stored in the user station and deletes the music contained in the storage module 130M once the recording is completed.

The user accesses (or navigates) the graphical user interface via a handheld remote similar to that shown in FIG. In preferred embodiments, the remote control is communicated to an infrared sensor included in the user station via an infrared LED transmitter. An optional keyboard may be used by the user to access (or navigate) the graphical user interface via the same infrared sensor included in the user station.                 

Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment in which a user station includes an Internet browser and a processor that allow the station to access the Music Operator's Internet site through a telephone line or Internet connection.

Optional digital content / programming transmission links are shown in FIG. These include, but are not limited to, cables, fiber optics, DSL, and the Internet.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the term "video display device" refers to any suitable video device, such as a television, a computer monitor, a plasma display, an LED display, a liquid crystal display, a 3D imaging system, Is used herein in its broadest sense to refer to an imaging system. Also, although a DVD RAM platter system has been described as one preferred recording and playback apparatus, it is also possible to use a magneto-optical disk, a digital tape, a VHS tape, a magneto- Other systems, such as a central or ancillary server (optical, magnetic or magneto-optical) may be used alone or in combination. An individual storage medium of any of these alternative devices may be arranged in a platter or stack or other suitable format to provide the user with access to a plurality of stored audio / video content stored thereon. These and other changes are believed to be within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (26)

Blanket transmitting a plurality of movies to customer generations; Allowing each customer household to pre-select and record desired movies; Allowing each customer household to play back to view some preselected and recorded movies; Transmitting movie playback information from each customer household to a central processor system; And And issuing an invoice to the customer generations only for the preselected and recorded movies reproduced for viewing. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 19 > 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising periodically communicating to each customer household information identifying the available movies to be transferred prior to blanketing the movies to customer generations. How to distribute movies to. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising delivering pricing information for reproduction of specific movies or categories of movies prior to blanketing the movies to customer generations How to distribute movies to. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of blanketing the movies is performed according to a pre-established schedule that specifies when each movie or class of movies is to be transmitted, and when related information about when the available movies are to be transmitted To the customer's household. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > < / RTI > The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of encoding the movies to be transferred with data allowing only playback on a playback device having compatible decoding means prior to blanket transferring the movies to customer generations How to distribute movies to featured customer generations. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the encoding step is to code the movies to be transferred with time-based code keys (A). 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the time-based code keys A encoded into the transmitted movies are periodic time-based key codes B blank transmitted to all customer generations and time Based key codes < RTI ID = 0.0 > C. ≪ / RTI > 8. The method of claim 7, wherein transferring movie playback information from each customer generation to the central processor system is performed when the time-based codes C are provided. . 9. The method of claim 8, wherein communication between the central processor system and the customer generations is performed via a telephone / modem. The method of claim 1, further comprising: after billing the customer generations, charging to accounts of content providers providing movies for distribution using the movie playback information delivered to the central processor system ≪ / RTI > further comprising distributing the movies to the customer generations. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after blanketing the movies to customer generations, dividing the transmitted movies into layers that are more or less often transmitted according to customer demand for the movies in each particular layer How to distribute movies to featured customer generations. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein blanketing the movies to customer generations comprises transmitting at least a substantial number of new release movies at least once every two hours before and during the prime time viewing time And distributing the movies to customer generations. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein periodically communicating information identifying available movies to each customer generation comprises communicating information accessible via a graphical user interface to the customer generations. How to distribute. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein allowing each customer generation to pre-select and record the desired movies is performed by the customer entering the customer orders via an on-screen interactive program guide. How to distribute movies to generations. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of blanket-transferring the movies to customer generations is performed by one transmission mode selected from the group consisting of a direct broadcast satellite, an optical fiber, a cable modem, and the Internet. / RTI > The method of claim 1, wherein the blanket transfer step is performed by transmitting at least a portion of the movies in a compression-time format and the customer generation recording movies transferred in a compression-time format at a faster recording speed than real- Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > movies < / RTI > 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the movies transferred in a compression-time format are transmitted and recorded to the customer's household at a resolution similar to the VHS resolution. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the blanket transfer step comprises blanket-transferring music selections for preselection and recording, wherein the billing step comprises invoicing the music selections for permanently recorded music selections, ≪ / RTI > to the customer generations. A data transmission system for blanket-transmitting a plurality of encoded movies to customer generations; A user station in each customer household, the user station comprising means for allowing the customer household to preselect the desired transferred movies for recording; A receiver of each customer generation and associated recording device for recording preselected movies; A playback device of each customer household for playing back the pre-selected and recorded movies desired by the customer's generation; A central controller system having a database for storing addresses corresponding to each customer household; A communication link between each of the customer generations and the central processor system for proving to the controller system that a previously selected, recorded movie has been played back for viewing; And Characterized in that it comprises a billing system associated with the central controller system for issuing a bill to customer generations only for pre-selected and recorded movies reproduced for viewing. For the system. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the data transmission system comprises a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) that transmits the encoded movies at a higher data transfer rate than real time. A system for dispensing. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the user station comprises a memory buffer for processing the preselected movie data before the pre-selected movie data is written to the customer household. . 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the data transmission system broadcasts music selections and the user station includes means for pre-selecting desired music selections, the receiver and associated recording means recording pre-selected music selections Wherein the communication link proves to the central controller system when a preselected music selection has been recorded and the billing system issues an invoice to the customer generations for permanently recorded music selections A system for distributing movies to customer generations. Blanketing a plurality of music selections to customer generations; Providing information to each customer household identifying the available music selections to be transmitted; Allowing each customer household to pre-select and record desired music selections; Allowing each customer generation to permanently select a recorded music selection that the customer wants to keep for unrestricted playback; Transferring permanent selection information from each customer household to the central controller system; And And billing the customer generations for the permanently selected recorded music selections. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 19 > 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the blanket transmission step comprises direct broadcast satellite transmission. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the desired music selections are recorded in a compact disc (CD) format. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the blanket transmission step comprises transmitting to a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) at a higher transmission rate than real time.

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