KR20020054317A - 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 blanket send video / audio content, such as movies, to each customer's computer-based recording, storage and playback system 28 (e.g., via satellite downlink transmission). do. Customers use the interactive screen selector to preselect from a list of movies or other content available in advance and pay only for the video / audio content actually watched. The music distribution systems of the present invention blanket transfer music selections to the same recording, storage and playback system or similar music-only system used for video. The music customer preselects the desired music choices in advance using an interactive screen selector, and the music choices are recorded on a medium (e.g. CD) for unlimited future playback. Pay for

Description

Video and music distribution systems

Widespread home television viewing began in about 1950 with broadcast networks transmitting shows for a particular, pre-issued schedule. This model has been the main model for television viewing for over 30 years.

Cables and more recent direct broadcast satellites have increased the number of channels. However, viewers still depend on programming schedules.

Video cassette recorders provided the prospect of shifting viewing time if the end user was one of less than 30 percent of VCR owners trained to program their VCR. Even among those trained to program their VCRs, time shifts through the VCRs can be used to ensure that the correct tape is present in the VCR, the tape is not full, the tape is properly rewound, and so on. It remains dependent on proper setup. Thus, for the majority of TV viewers, even at the turn of the century, the TV viewing model has changed little in the way of the 1950s.

Video rental stores offer a kind of "unsolicited video" that is dependent on the high capital costs for real estate (land and buildings) and labor costs at the stores, as well as the high cost of purchasing video cassettes by the rental stores. It was. Even when a title is made available through a video release, the viewer's ability to view the movie at the viewer's selected time is determined by the availability of the video at the store, round trip transportation to the store and late return, corrupted videos, It depends on the inevitable problems with missing videos and the like.

True on-demand video has been envisioned, where large video servers will be deployed at all geographical locations to send high-speed video data streams to the homes of individual viewers at any time the viewer wants to access a particular movie or other content. However, this type of on demand video system has proved too complex and expensive after years and billions of dollars of investment, and thus has not been implemented.

A compromise on the on demand video concept was proposed by Replay Networks, Inc. (USA), and viewers themselves included content that is categorized by, for example, movie titles, actors, movie types, etc. This programming is recorded on hard disks at the local facility and later made available for on-demand access by individual viewers. Another type of unsolicited video distribution system is described in US Pat. No. 5,832,287, where unsolicited video and network programming is provided from master files and program databases through multiple shared systems, each shared system having about one hundred assumptions. Can handle up to.

Both Replay Networks, Inc. and the '287 systems have serious limitations in terms of storage capacity and customer options.

An interactive viewing system for automatically recording selected programs is disclosed in US Pat. 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 it has not been implemented because of its complex nature and limited benefits.

In traditional low-cost ways of fully satisfying user needs, educational programming for each individual viewer, increasing economic incentives for content providers to create and distribute ever-expanding offerings of movies and other video / audio content. There is a serious need in the video distribution industry for network programming and systems of this same kind as well as for providing instant access to tens of thousands of movie titles.

Current music distribution models have many of the same disadvantages as described above with regard to video distribution. For example, the labor and real estate costs associated with conventional retail music stores add significantly to the retail costs of music records. In addition, the transportation costs for moving the records (eg CDs) are significant in both retail store operations and mail order or music "club" operations. Also, like video content providers, music content providers will benefit greatly from a distribution system that makes all their content readily available at the market clearing price, including outdated recordings.

This application is a partial continued application of serial number 09 / 385,671, filed August 27, 1999, and serial number 09 / 436,281, filed November 8, 1999.

The present invention relates to video and music distribution systems, in particular video / audio such as movies and music selections in each customer's computer-based recording, storage and playback system (eg, via satellite downlink transmission). A system for blanket transmits content. Customers use the interactive screen selector to preselect from a list of previously available movies, music or other content and pay only for the audio / video content or the actually recorded music content actually watched for unlimited playback. .

Some and other features of the above-described features of the present invention 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 using satellite downlink data transmission.

FIG. 2 shows details of the user station shown in FIG. 1.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

12 illustrates another music distribution system that includes an internet browser and a processor that allows a user station to allow customers to access the system operator's music internet site via a telephone line or an internet connection.

FIG. 13 illustrates another music distribution system displaying optional content / programming transport links. FIG.

The present invention provides video and music distribution systems that benefit all involved parties, namely consumers, content providers and data transfer providers. In preferred embodiments, consumers may pre-select movies to watch from over 8,000 movies sent daily and over 60,000 movies delivered monthly. Customers of the video distribution system use a menu driven, graphical user interface with simplified control to provide movie selection by title, type, category (eg, comedy new release from major studios). 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), in which case it is Stored on DVD RAM disks in multiple disk platters. The movies can then be played at any time desired by the customer, who only pays for the movies watched. The movies are encoded to be converted and copy protected for play on modern DVD systems. The encoding technique also prevents playback on user stations of the video distribution system in homes that are not currently being paid for prior purchases. The coding system includes a novel time-based coding technique.

The video distribution system of the present invention offers many advantages to consumers. For example, consumers access a new movie release at a time dictated by market conditions that will often be most favored by the content providers and distributors before the movies are available at video rental stores. Consumers will only pay for the movie after it is watched and not when it is recorded. Thus, consumers are free to record the categories or classes of movies (eg new releases) and decide later which ones they will actually watch-paying only for the movies watched. Consumers can watch the videos at any time without restrictions associated with broadcast schedules and without having to visit a video rental store for the selection of the movie and to return the movie. There is no charge for late returns. 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 incurred by the deletion of the system of actual real estate and labor costs associated with current video rental stores. In fact, because thousands of movies are available on a daily / weekly / monthly basis, the video distribution system of the present invention offers much more choice than any current video rental store. The present invention also provides full access to content for people living in geographically remote and / or sparsely populated areas where little or no access to current video rental stores is available. The present invention also permits access to video for families with young children, older people and people with adverse conditions who are uncomfortable or expensive to tour theater and video rental shops. Each user station utilizes a high capacity storage device such as DVD RAM for its read / write functions in addition to an operating system that provides very simplified on-screen programming. The present invention also provides for updating movie pricing every time, for example daily, weekly or monthly so that content providers can sometimes choose to watch movies when content providers offer pricing specials or incentives. Provide the ability. When a movie is recorded on a disc, it can be labeled and stored for future play (similar to a blank VCR tape) or recorded. When new movies are recorded and withheld, new or previously used videos can be inserted into the platter for future recording. Video quality improves in most cases, over current video rentals where available tapes have been degraded by previous play.

Content providers (e.g., major studio producers) recognize a very important benefit in that they receive income each time a movie is shown, thereby generating a significant residual value for their investment. Importantly, new release movies are always available (ie, "sold out") during the initial peak demand when the pricing power is highest. The above-mentioned residual value is converted into increased revenue for the content providers, since much of the current content is available for daily sale-because thousands of movies are sent daily / weekly / monthly. The present invention also allows content providers to always change, for example, daily / weekly / monthly pricing to optimize price-consumer needs. In this regard, content providers are allowed daily to meet consumer demands for a significant portion of the current content catalog value. This effectively provides an extremely high benefit 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 line with supply).

According to the present invention, content providers are convinced that they can distribute their movies with extremely high security using suitable coding techniques. Preferably, the encoding comprises a time-based encoding technique wherein new code keys for all distributed movies are sent over the phone / modem with monthly billing queries. Time-based coding allows the video distribution system operator to achieve the level of security required by content providers in cooperation with a single standard proprietary operating system.

Transmission providers (in preferred embodiments, DBS satellite system providers) benefit from a significantly increased revenue base to support the use of low cost, peak past time for the transmission of their services and important portions of the movies. To realize.

In one aspect, the video distribution system of the present invention includes a data transmission system for blanketing 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 desired transmitted movies for recording. A receiver and associated recording device at each customer generation are provided for the preselected movies. The playback device allows each customer to play the pre-selected, recorded movies they wish to watch. The video distribution system also includes a central controller system having a database for storing an address corresponding to each customer generation, each customer generation to verify to the controller unit that a preselected and recorded movie has been played for viewing. A communication link between the central controller system and a billing system linked to the central controller system to bill only pre-selected, recorded movies reproduced for viewing to customer generations.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of blanketing a plurality of movies to customer generations, allowing each customer generation to preselect and record desired movies, and each customer generation to see which preselected and recorded movies. Allowing playback to watch, passing movie playback information from each customer generation to a central processor system, and billing customer generations only for the preselected and recorded movies played for viewing. It can be defined as a method of distributing a movie to a containing generation of customers.

In yet another aspect, the present invention utilizes the model described above, and wherein the music selections are described for the music selections as they are recorded on a medium (eg, CD) for unlimited playback by the customer. It can be described as a method of distributing music billed to customer generations to customer generations.

While the invention will be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown, it is understood that those skilled in the art can modify the invention described herein while still achieving the advantageous results of the invention. It should be understood at the beginning of the following description. Accordingly, the following description should be understood as broad, teachings directed to those skilled in the art, and not as limiting the invention.

1. Common full video distribution system

Referring to FIG. 1, a simple schematic diagram of one embodiment of a video distribution system 10 of the present invention is shown. System 10 uses a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) via satellite 20 as a means for blanket transmitting encoded programming data in real time or in a time compressed format (described below). . The program data is received at each customer generation by a receive antenna or dish antenna 24. Dish antenna 24 is linked to dedicated user station 28 by satellite receiver link 30. The user station 28 pre-selects the desired transferred movies, records the preselected movies and the video display device (eg, television 32) at any time at which the customer wishes to watch the recorded movies. An interactive device that allows to play on)). The station 28 communicates with the central controller system 36 at a suitable time via a telephone / modem connection 38 (land, internet or cellular). The central controller system 36 stores an individual address (e.g. phone number, credit card number or billing address) for each customer generation, to verify that the preselected and recorded movie was played for viewing. Information is received via connection 38. The central controller system 36 uses the movie playback information to bill customers 'generations and also to credit content providers' accounts. The satellite link (or alternatively the central controller system 36) provides pricing information for available movies and when they are sent, pricing information for playback of particular movies or movies of a particular category. Communicate periodically with each customer generation to provide with. In preferred embodiments, the satellite link and telephone / modem connection 38 transmit time-based code keys for the transmitted movies that form part of a security system for the video distribution system.

2 shows a front panel of the user station 28. Station 28 is a DVD for use as a port for the satellite receiver link 30, telephone / modem connection 38, remote infrared sensor 44 and recording / reading mechanism for recording and playing back movies or other content. RAM platter 46 (eg, 10 disk platters). User station 28 also includes a user interface including a power on / off switch 50, a five key program selector 54, a "program record" 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 to review movie availability, preselect movies, record and play back will be described in the description of the Spectator Interface and Interactive Program Guide below.

2. Satellite (s)

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, data transmission is achieved using stationary satellites operating in the KU band downlinked to a conventional receive antenna or dish antenna located in the customer generation, the antennas being in turn the customer. Linked to TV Receive Only (TVRO) units connected to user stations.

As a result of the recent acquisition of PrimeStar's assets by Hughes, there are now two digital broadcast satellite providers in the United States, 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, providing continuous transmission of more than 500 channels in virtually the entire United States. Fired up. Ecostar now has satellites located at 119, 110, 61.5 and 148 locations in the Clark Belt.

With the satellite orientations described above, Echostar's new "DISH 500" system uses an elliptical 20 inch antenna or dish antenna that includes two LMBS heads that can receive information from two different satellites simultaneously. As mentioned above, this system allows more than 500 channels to be broadcast directly to each customer generation.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention currently use the EchoStar system, most preferably the DISH 500 system, to program the data transmission at a real time or time-compressed rate as discussed below. In alternative embodiments, the present invention utilizes the fuse (DSS) system or a combination of both the fuse and ecostar systems, where a relatively small portion of the total capacity of each system is dedicated to the video distribution of the present invention. Can be implemented.

3. Data Transfer Parameters

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 noted above, according to certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the video content (eg, movies) has a standard VHS resolution 240 that is interpreted as a requirement of about 1.3 megabits / sec per channel with MPEG II compression. X 352). Thus, the maximum capacity of the DISH 500 system is interpreted as the ability to broadcast about 1,530 movies at the same time (ie, not time compressed) in real time (greater than 2000 megabits per second). At 110 minutes per movie, the maximum 24 hour capacity is about 20,000 movies per day, which is much larger than the overall requirement for the video distribution system of the present invention.

Thus, according to this aspect of the invention, part of the overall transmission capability of the DISH 500 system can be used to blanket transfer thousands of movies for preselection and recording by customers. In this regard, and as discussed in more detail in the examples below, new release movies (eg, the 100 most popular new release movies from major studios) are before and during the prime evening viewing period. Can be sent intensively several times a day, while popular films on the second floor are sent less often, but still at least daily, and movies on the third and fourth floors are delivered weekly / monthly-all of which are periodically updated In accordance with the content lists and delivery schedules available to customers through the electronic program guide.

Instead of using more typical 120-watt DBS transponders, an implementation of the present invention increases the effective transponder capacity by reducing a large portion of the allocated capacity for forward error correction and inherent system management in low power transponders. To high power transponders (eg, 240 watt transponders) (eg, from 23 megabits / sec to 30 megabits / sec). In addition, with the use of high power transponders, the present invention outperforms what can be obtained by using current orthogonal polarization, quanternary (QPSK) polarization, which doubles the effective bit rate for each transponder. Can be performed with low video and audio resolutions at the expense of acceptable bit error rates for applications of the present invention where the customer is not critical. Thus, using high power transponders (e.g., higher than 240 watts) in conjunction with high level polarization (e.g., quantumeries) may result in video distribution systems of the present invention being capable of reducing the total transmission capacity of the DBS system. Allow less implementation, allow the transfer of larger numbers of movies or other content, allow more frequent transfers of demanding (eg, layer 1) movies, and allow greater time compression of movies. Permit, or a combination of the above, everything for the benefit of our 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 is a central processing unit that includes additional peripheral devices such as a microprocessor, a non-volatile high speed memory device including a dedicated operating system of the unit, a graphics generator and a clock common to the CPU devices. CPU) 80.

The encoded programming data via the antenna 24 via the satellite downlink is transmitted to the decoder 82. Decoder 82 looks for headers that indicate movies or other content that was preselected for recording. The programming data includes video / audio content data, content availability / scheduling data and content pricing information. The decrypted preselected movie data is transferred to the fast memory buffer 84 (with or without high capacity storage capacity) via the CPU 80 and then to the DVD RAM disk 86 associated with the DVD RAM platter 46. Is recorded. In some embodiments, the high speed memory buffer 84 may use a magnetic drive, magnetic-optical drive, optical drive or other suitable drive. The buffer 84 may use other suitable memory, such as DRAM, flash memory, SRAM or digital tape.

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

An internal or external modem 87 is connected to a telephone line providing communication for the central controller system 36.

The content availability / scheduling data, content pricing information, and time-based security codes B (discussed below) are periodic intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes, most preferred by the video distribution system operator). , Hourly or daily) and from the CPU 82, the information is stored and routed to the available RAM 88.

Viewed-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 manipulation input data. The video display device 32 receives input from the DVD RAM platter for playback of movies and graphical data from the CPU 80 for display of the interactive program guide.

Important aspects of the invention may be provided by other electronic configurations, such as a central server, to support and in some cases 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 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 / Interactive Program Guide

In this regard, how the viewer interface and interactive program guide now allows a customer to review available movies, preselect movies for recording, play movies for viewing and perform other related functions Spectator interface and interactive program guide will be described.

Referring to FIG. 5, a representative screen 100 is shown displayed on the video display device 32 when a user initiates use of the system via an on / off key 50. By using the four (Up / Down, Left / Right) keys of the program selector 54 and clicking on "Program Record", the user can select multiple (e.g. ten) disks in the DVD RAM platter. The state of the positions, i.e. which movies are currently recorded and stored in the DVD RAM at which disc positions, which disc positions contain blank discs and which disc positions have no discs, give priority to the state of disc positions You can choose to decide. 6 shows a representative screen 110 showing the state of each disc location. Once the information is displayed, the user can choose to play a movie that already exists on the platter, remove the disk (s) for storage, and the like.

After or instead of using the " program recording " function, the user can scroll the list of movies in the interactive program guide, which can be based on the available movies of various categories as shown. Available movies "function. For example, the first category of movies is a new release that can be subdivided into comedy, action, drama, documentary, and the like. After a certain category of movie (eg new release / comedy) is selected, another screen 110 (FIG. 7) is displayed showing the titles in this category (20 titles in this case). To preselect a title for recording, the cursor is moved to the selected title and the middle key of the program selector 54 is pressed twice, the first press showing the current playback price and displaying the display (indicative of the "selection mode"). Changing the background color of the second press completes the selection.

The interactive program guide may include a short summary of the movie under consideration, a review review (s) of the movie or links to 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 website of the video distribution system operator or may be obtained by direct internet access to websites such as film producers, movie rating services, etc. Can be. (See FIG. 2A) Other suitable means for providing movie information may also be employed.

6. Program security using encoding technology

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

The dedicated operating system uses standard interlace encoding to prevent movies recorded by the customer at the user station from being played on other unsuitable playback devices (eg, standard DVD playback devices) as is known in the art. Use data. Moreover, when recognizing the possibility of copyright infringement using data conversion technology to break down the security technology so that illegal copies can be run on other systems, and recorded on currently unpaid or otherwise unauthorized user stations Recognizing the likelihood that movies will be shown, the present invention incorporates a time-based code key to ensure that playback of recorded content can only occur on currently authorized user stations.

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

The second code key B contains a 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 blanketed monthly to customer generations by the data transmission means, preferably the satellite.

The third code key C contains a different 32 bit code for each available movie. Code keys C are delivered to each customer generation by telephone / modem each month, preferably at the time of monthly billing queries from the central controller system 36 to the generation. The third code keys C are only provided when the customer generation is currently paid and otherwise has good credit.

The time-based coding of FIG. 9 is a particular user station only when all three code keys A (transmitted with the movie), B (selected monthly and blanket transmitted) and C (delivered monthly by the telephone modem) are present. To guarantee that C is the correct value when a certain mathematical function is applied to A and B.

Level II secure coding includes a 128 bit code interlaced through every third frame of the movie. The code is used in conjunction with the decoding software of the unit's dedicated operating system to ensure that recorded movies can only be played on 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, recorded movies cannot be played back in a standard DVD player. However, even if the determined copyright infringer broke down the Level II code to create a playable disc on a standard DVD player, the illegal copy could only be used until the end of the month due to the 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 specific locations within each movie over multiple frames, the Level II code requiring completion from the time-based coding of Level I. It is a more complex program (eg 1024K).

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

As an alternative to the monthly billing query to each customer generation by the central controller system 36, these functions provide monthly with code keys C and enable commands monthly for a trusted generation of customers. It may be performed each time a movie for viewing is played through two-way communication between the system 36 and the customer generation. Because of this, when a customer initiates playback of a movie through the interaction control, the playback information (identity of the movie and the identity of the customer generation) is communicated to the central controller system 36 by telephone / modem, The central controller system 36 then establishes a good credit standing for the customer generation and returns a single code key C for the particular movie and an enable code for the user station. Using this type of communication between the user station and the central processor system 36 in every playback requires that the video distribution system operator send thousands of key codes C (for all available movies) each month to each customer generation. (The key codes C must be stored in memory), and another advantage of ensuring good credit of the account of the customer generation prior to each movie playback. Another advantage is that on each playback, the customer's account can be billed more easily instead of being billed monthly.

As an option for the use of time-based security codes as described above, user stations 28 may be provided with speakers (not shown) in which the audio portion of the movies should be played, a signal for the video portion of the movies. Only the user leaves the user station (to the television or monitor). Thus, even if the video portion of the movie is decoded by a copyright infringer, it would 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. 9. As mentioned above, in one preferred embodiment, the central controller system 36 provides the following functions:

a. Store individual addresses for each customer generation.

b. A billing inquiry is sent monthly to each customer generation to determine which preselected and recorded movies were watched.

c. The time-based security codes " C " and the enable command are sent monthly to each customer generation that is currently in payment and otherwise has a good credit.

d. The accounts of the content providers are paid for using the content providers' content through a connection to a financial network.

e. Fill in the debits of the clients' accounts for the movies watched.

8. Alternative Data Transfer Technologies

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 the transmission of data by means of an optical fiber employing a suitable technology, preferably an optical fiber technology that provides a high data rate, for example OC3. A single OC3 optical cable can transmit about 60 movies simultaneously at real speed at VHS resolution, or transfer data at about 128 megabits per second to deliver one movie every two minutes at a time-compression rate.

Other options include the use of higher or lower frequencies than KU, or any combination of transmission means discussed herein, if permitted for cable / modem transmission, internet connection, 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-compression rate, can be run continuously for simultaneous recording on multiple stations of the customer generation.

9. Business Models

The present invention provides considerable flexibility for the business models that will be used to commercialize the present invention. In one simplified embodiment, shown in block diagram form in FIG. 10, the video distribution system operator interfaces with three parties, the data transfer provider, the content providers, and consumers. The content providers in turn provide content to the data transfer provider, which preferably blankets the content to the consumers by a direct broadcast satellite. The satellite transmission also includes content availability / scheduling data and content pricing data, which are periodically updated. The content providers also provide copyright license and pricing requirements to the video distribution system operator. Both the data transfer provider and the content providers receive a payment amount 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 placed content availability information and allow preselection of movies for recording in the customer generation.

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 described above and shown in the figures.

The video / audio content provided by the video distribution system is transmitted in real time (i.e. without time-compression-an average movie 110 minutes). The films have transmission times that are heavily weighted at broadcast times (e.g., 1:00 am-8:00 am) where layers 2, 3, and 4 films past the peak, and have the total capacity of the DISH 500 system. Blanket broadcast using about 49%.

Movie "hierarchy"

Layer 1: Current 100 new releases from major studios.

Layer 2: 6000 films at the second level of customer demand following the layer 1 new release films.

Layer 3: 8000 movies at the third level of customer demand.

Layer 4: 60,000 additional films.

Transfer schedule

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

Layer 2: Each Layer 2 movie is sent once a day.

Layer 3: Each Layer 3 movie is sent once a week.

Layer 4: Each Layer 4 movie is sent once a month.

A consumer who wishes to plan in the future can, for example, easily record all new releases in the "comedy" category and make it available for viewing at their convenience, the payment obligation of which, when he watches movies, It only happens for the movies you actually watch. The same consumer or other consumer who wishes to watch the new release on the evening the viewing decision is made, simply pre-selects the movie for recording at any time of the day so that the movie becomes available during the evening viewing time. An internet phone / modem connection (not shown) may be provided for consumers to access their user stations in remote locations (eg in their business offices) to preselect movies for evening viewing. Can be.

The term "movies" as used in connection with the examples and as used elsewhere herein includes more than the term traditionally implies. The term "movies" refers to movies and similar content, as well as classic sporting events (eg all Super Bowls) and popular TV series (eg all episodes of Star Trek or Sienfeld or I Love Lucy). And any content that appears in a lower layer, in particular layer 4). In this regard, a consumer who wants to do so can record all episodes of I Love Lucy (sent monthly at layer 4) on multiple disk platters, save the disks and play selected episodes at the time he wants, He pays only when he watches the episode or episodes.

Example II

The video distribution system of Example II is implemented with the same layers of movies as in Example I, the difference being the compression time in the fast memory buffer included in the user station which is in turn written to the DVD RAM disk at its maximum writing speed. Format 1 layer films. The compression time transfer (e.g., 8 to 10 minutes per movie) is often less than or equivalent to the time required for consumers to shuttle the video rental stores, so that films, especially layer 1 movies, are available immediately. Allow it to be possible. Immediately to further facilitate this increased availability of movies, according to Example II, layer 1 new release movies are sent every 30 minutes from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and at several different times each day.

Example III

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

Example IV

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

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

In order to provide instant consumer access to new release movies, each of the 100 Layer 1 movies is broadcast at 15 minute intervals from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Thus, during these prime times, the consumer can select any layer 1 movie and make it available for viewing within 15 to 30 minutes. (Thus, with faster transfer rates and recording rates, the layer 1 movie available time period can be reduced accordingly.) As in example II, the layer 1 movies are also transmitted at different times every day, for example, every hour. do.

According to example IV, layers 2, 3 and 4 movies are also transmitted and recorded on disks with a compression time of, for example, about 12 megabits per second or more.

Example V

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

With the music distribution under example V, the system allows the consumer to listen to the record (eg, CD) several times at no 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 one-time fee structure that is standard in the current music distribution business model. The player then plays the CD through TV speakers or provides audio output to an optional external audio system (FIG. 2A). As the new movie distribution model described here eliminates the cost of distributing movies in comparison to current models, this music distribution model is a labor, real estate and transport in current distribution models for music. Eliminate a significant portion of the cost. The music distribution model of this example V can be used alone or in combination with the above-described DBS or alternative data transmission means.

Example VI

The distribution system of Example IV is augmented with a CD quality music transfer capability in which 10,000 titles per day are transmitted in a time compressed format, eg, 12 megabits / sec or more. The music transfer of this example VI may be performed by using additional DBS capacity or by reducing the number of Layer 2 movies transmitted each day, reducing the movie transmission of other layers, or a combination of the above. As described above in connection with Example V, the customer can listen to the record several times free of charge after the encoded transfer has been stored (with or without memory buffer 84) and prior to purchase selection. have. Once the purchase selection is made, preferably the record is recorded on a conventional CD so that it can be reproduced on conventional home or automatic playback devices. Because of this, the user station 28 may include locations for holding a conventional CD and writing to it-writing to another medium such as DVD RAM or magneto-optical disks used for storage of movies. In addition to the ability. Alternatively, once the record is selected, an external audio system having its own CD read / write or record only device that will permanently write the selected record to a CD that can be held in a single, stack or platter system (FIG. May be routed to 2a).

10. Music Distribution Systems

The description will now turn to the discussion of music-only distribution systems operating under the principles of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a music distribution system 10M comparable in function with the corresponding video distribution system 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-10.

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

The content is encoded using encoding techniques well known in the art, such as interlaced coding techniques, in conjunction with a unique header code that identifies 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 exact 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 reception and subsequent copying of the digital music content. Moreover, it is understood that the selection of a particular title by the user may require a completed payment prior to 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 by the system operator to the direct broadcast satellite up-link facility 100M via a central controller 36M. Moreover, periodic digital program / pricing information is transmitted to the up-link facility, for example every 10 minutes. 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 a real rate or time compression rate. In preferred embodiments, the music content is transmitted at a faster rate than the real time rate, in which case the real time rate refers to the playback speed of the recorded music. For example, a single satellite transponder with 23 megabits / sec transfer capability can transmit a typical four minute song in less than four seconds. Thus, the Ecostar's DBS programming capacity (described above) is most preferably 400,000 to 500,000 song titles over a four hour period that saves a low viewership period, for example, from 1:00 am to 5:00 am About 30,000 to 40,000 CDs).

Once the digital music content and program / pricing information has been received by the appropriate satellite, it is then transmitted broadly below the geographical coverage area where the user stations can receive the downlink transmissions (ie, "blanketed" transmissions). (blanket transmitted) ").

The music program and pricing information is received by the satellite dish antenna 110M of the home user and transmitted to the download module 120M included in the user station, the music program and pricing information is decoded and sent to the user station. Digitally stored in the included storage module 130M.

The user preselects the music content to be downloaded by selecting the content using the graphical user interface 135M shown on the TV screen. The pricing information for the pre-selected music content is then sent to a billing module 140M contained in the user station, which is sent by a central controller 36M via a telephone line for subsequent inquiries, such as SRAM, for subsequent inquiries. Stored in volatile memory.

In some embodiments, the user station 28M may also be configured 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. (Not shown). In this embodiment, the preselected pricing information stored in billing module 140M is heard by the user three times, for example three times, or the user permanently records it via the graphical user interface. It will not be sent for payment to the system operator until it indicates that it wants to.

The music content preselected by the user using the graphical user interface is received by the satellite dish antenna 110M of the home user and transmitted to a download module 120M, the music content being decoded and stored in a storage module ( 130M) is stored digitally.

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

The user station records the preselected music content stored in the user station and deletes the music included in the storage module 130M once recording is completed.

The user accesses (or navigates to) the graphical user interface via a handheld remote similar to that shown in FIG. In preferred embodiments, the remote control is transferred 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.

12 illustrates another embodiment, wherein the user station includes an internet browser and a processor that enables the station to access the music operator's music internet site via a telephone line or an internet connection.

Optional digital content / programming transport links are shown in FIG. 13. These include, but are not limited to, cables, optical fibers, DSLs, and the Internet.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the term "video display device" means any suitable video, such as a television, computer monitor, plasma display, LED display, liquid crystal display, 3D imaging system, or the like, where it is understood that suitable audio capability is provided. It is used herein in the broadest sense to refer to an imaging system. Further, although the DVD RAM platter system has been described as one preferred recording and reproducing apparatus, at the speed of both real-time and time-compressed transfer rates and recording rates for the discs, magneto-optical discs, digital tapes, VHS tapes, Other systems such as central or secondary servers (optical, magnetic or self-optical) may be used alone or in combination. Individual storage media 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 number of stored audio / video content stored thereon. These and other changes are considered 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 generation to preselect and record desired movies; Allowing each customer generation to play some preselected and recorded movies to watch; Delivering movie playback information from each customer generation to a central processor system; And Issuing an invoice to the customer generations only for the preselected and recorded movies played for viewing. The method of claim 1 including periodically communicating information to each customer generation that identifies available movies to be transmitted. 3. The method of claim 2 including conveying pricing information for playback of movies of a particular movie or category. The method of claim 1, wherein the blanket sending of the movies is performed according to a predetermined schedule that specifies when each movie or class of movies is to be sent, and wherein each piece of related information about when available movies are to be sent. Delivering to the customer generation. A method according to claim 1, comprising encoding the transmitted movies with data allowing only reproduction on a reproduction device having compatible decoding means. 6. The method according to claim 5, comprising encoding said transmitted movies with time-based code keys A. The time-based code keys A encoded in the transmitted movies are provided for periodic time-based key codes B blanketed to all customer generations and for timely credited customer generations. -Correlate with base key codes C. 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 the communication between the central processor system and the customer generation is performed via a telephone / modem. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising using the movie playback information passed to the central processor system for payment to accounts of the content providers providing movies for distribution. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising dividing the transmitted movies into layers that are more or less often transmitted according to customer requirements for movies in each particular floor. 12. The method of claim 11, comprising transmitting at least a substantial number of new release movies at least once every two hours before and during a prime time viewing time. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein periodically communicating information to each customer generation that identifies available movies includes delivering information accessible through a graphical user interface. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of allowing each customer generation to preselect and record the desired movies is performed by the customer entering the customer commands via an on-screen interactive program guide. . 2. The method of claim 1, wherein blanket transmitting the movies to customer generations is performed by one transmission mode selected from the group consisting of direct broadcast satellites, fiber optics, cable modems, and the Internet. The method of claim 1, wherein the blanket transfer step is performed by transmitting at least a portion of the movies in a compressed-time format and the customer generation records the movies transmitted in a compressed-time format at a faster recording rate than real time. How to. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the movies transmitted in a compressed-time format are transmitted and recorded to the customer generation at a resolution similar to a VHS resolution. The method of claim 1, wherein the blanket transfer step includes blanket transfer of music selections for pre-selection and recording, and the billing step invoices the customer generations for permanently recorded music selections. Issuing to the method. A data transmission system for blanket sending a plurality of encoded movies to customer generations; A user station of each customer generation, the user station comprising means for allowing the customer generation to preselect the desired transmitted movies for recording; A receiver and associated recording device of each customer generation for recording preselected movies; A playback device of each customer generation for playing back the preselected, recorded movies that the customer generation wants to watch; A central controller system having a database for storing addresses corresponding to each customer generation; A communication link between each customer generation and the central processor system to verify to the controller system that a preselected, recorded movie has been played for viewing; And Distributing movies to customer generations comprising a billing system associated with the central controller system to bill only to preselected, recorded movies played for viewing to customer generations. System. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein said data transmission system comprises a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) for transmitting said encoded movies at a faster data transmission rate than real time. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the user station includes a memory buffer for processing the preselected movie data before the preselected movie data is recorded in the customer generation. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the data transmission system broadcasts music choices, the user station includes means for preselecting desired music choices, and the receiver and associated recording means record preselected music choices. Wherein the communication link verifies the central controller system when a preselected music selection has been recorded, and the billing system bills the customer generation for permanently recorded music selections. system. Blanket sending a plurality of music selections to customer generations; Providing each customer generation with information identifying available music choices to be transmitted; Allowing each customer generation to preselect and record the desired music selections; Allowing each customer generation to permanently select recorded music selections that the customer wants to keep for unrestricted playback; Delivering permanent selection information from each customer generation to a central controller system; And Issuing an invoice to the customer generations for the permanently selected recorded music selections. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein said blanket transmission 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 transmitting the blanket comprises transmitting directly to a broadcast satellite (DBS) at a faster transmission rate than real time.