WO2002008869A2 - Allowance account for interactive television system - Google Patents

Allowance account for interactive television system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002008869A2
WO2002008869A2 PCT/US2001/041201 US0141201W WO0208869A2 WO 2002008869 A2 WO2002008869 A2 WO 2002008869A2 US 0141201 W US0141201 W US 0141201W WO 0208869 A2 WO0208869 A2 WO 0208869A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
account
allowance
electronic
allowance account
purchases
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/041201
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2002008869A3 (en
Inventor
Mai-Ian Tomsen
Original Assignee
Digeo, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digeo, Inc. filed Critical Digeo, Inc.
Priority to AU2001279274A priority Critical patent/AU2001279274A1/en
Publication of WO2002008869A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002008869A2/en
Publication of WO2002008869A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002008869A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/4302—Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
    • H04N21/4307—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
    • H04N21/43074—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen of additional data with content streams on the same device, e.g. of EPG data or interactive icon with a TV program
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10—Office automation; Time management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/12—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H04L65/612—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/235—Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/254—Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server
    • H04N21/2543—Billing, e.g. for subscription services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25808—Management of client data
    • H04N21/25841—Management of client data involving the geographical location of the client
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/4143—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
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    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H04N21/4314—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for fitting data in a restricted space on the screen, e.g. EPG data in a rectangular grid
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/454—Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/4722—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4751—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/47815—Electronic shopping
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4784—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application receiving rewards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6125—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/812—Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
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    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/83—Generation or processing of protective or descriptive data associated with content; Content structuring
    • H04N21/84—Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/85—Assembly of content; Generation of multimedia applications
    • H04N21/858—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot
    • H04N21/8586—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot by using a URL
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to television (TV) and Internet access, and more particularly, the present invention pertains to allowance accounts useable for commerce over television and the Internet.
  • An allowance account that controls access to television and/or Internet content is disclosed.
  • an allowance account may be set up for each child in a family.
  • Account limits may be specified, as well as tasks or chores required to earn the allowance.
  • the allowance may be either in a monetary form or in the form of points that may be used in conjunction with a rewards-type program.
  • An aspect of the present invention enables parents to provide flexible online rewards to children for tasks or chores without giving the children access to a credit card.
  • Figures 1-3 are block diagrams of various interactive television systems that may be used to implement an embodiment the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for using an allowance account to provide parental control over access to Internet and/or /-TV content in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a representation of an allowance account formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a representation of an allowance account set-up page in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS 7-8 are representations of shopping site pages in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description
  • an allowance account that controls access to television and/or Internet content.
  • an allowance account may be set up for each child in a family.
  • Account limits may be specified, as well as tasks or chores required to earn the allowance.
  • the allowance may be either in a monetary form or in the form of points that may be used in conjunction with a rewards-type program.
  • One embodiment of the present invention enables parents to provide flexible online rewards to children for tasks or chores without giving the children access to a credit card.
  • shopping sites accessible to child allowance accounts may be controlled. For example, a list of accepted shopping sites may be specified for child accounts.
  • a child may be able to take an advance against his/her allowance.
  • a child may be able to choose a higher allowance in exchange for more tasks or chores.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example arrangement of an interactive television system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • a production company 104 produces programming content for transmission to viewers. The transmission is sent over an uplink channel to a satellite 102. The satellite 102 then transmits the programming content over a downlink channel to a local studio 106.
  • the local studio 106 can insert additional programming (e.g., regional programming) and/or advertisements as needed into the programming content.
  • the content with the insertions is then transmitted from the local studio 106 to a cable service provider 108.
  • the television program may be downloaded to a receiving station, such as a head-end (H/E) of the cable service provider 108, rather than or in addition to the local studio 106.
  • H/E head-end
  • a reverse channel from the cable service provider 108 to the local studio 106 is provided so that the local studio 106 can insert additional programming content and feed the television signal back to the cable service provider 108.
  • the cable service provider 108 then delivers the television signal over a cable network 134 to cable subscribers.
  • the cable network 134 is provided by the cable service provider 108 to distribute the programming content to cable subscribers.
  • a set top box (STB) 152 located on the premises of a cable television subscriber, receives the programming content or television signal, and delivers the television signal to the subscriber's television set 154.
  • the television signal can be broadcast over a wireless medium and received by a traditional aerial antenna or by a satellite dish, and then delivered to the set top box 152.
  • features and functionality of the set top box 152 may be integrated into a type of advanced television or other display device.
  • embodiments of the invention can use other types of broadcast media, including but not limited to, digital cable systems, satellite, very-high- data-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL), web casts, etc.
  • the features provided by the television set 154 can also be provisioned, in one embodiment, by a personal computer (PC) suitably configured with an adapter to convert television signals into a digitized format, and then to deliver the television signals to the video portion of the computer for display.
  • PC personal computer
  • the invention is not limited to any one configuration of display hardware, as embodiments of the invention will work equally well using alternative reception and display arrangements.
  • a connection to a communication network is provided for the cable subscriber.
  • the connection can be made via a cable modem 156 over a bi-directional communication link 155 to a cable modem termination system within the cable provider's 108 equipment.
  • the connection continues to a data communication network, such as the Internet, by way of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 132.
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • the PSTN network 132 is provided herein as an example, and it is understood that other types of networks may be used for connectivity to the Internet.
  • a cable modem arrangement can be used because of its high bandwidth capability. In situations where some cable companies are not equipped to provide cable modem service to their customers, various other arrangements can be made. For example, a conventional modem connection can be used to access the Internet over a telephone line.
  • Internet access can be gained over a DSL connection or an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection using a telephone line.
  • ISDN integrated services digital network
  • Wireless systems are also available for providing Internet access.
  • downstream data transmission can occur via cable or satellite, and upstream data transmission can occur via a telephone line.
  • the Internet is chosen as an example of a data communication network because it is a well-established network, and connectivity to the Internet is easily made.
  • a global communication network such as the Internet, is not required to practice other embodiments of the invention.
  • a locally provided and maintained communication network may be used in an embodiment.
  • the set top box 152 can include a transceiver 157, such as an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) transceiver, that can exchange signals with a remote control unit 158 or other user input device.
  • the set top box 152 can be a component that is separate from the television set 154 as shown in Figure 1, or its features can be built into circuitry of the television set 154 (e.g., an interactive television set).
  • the set top box 152 enables a viewer to select a television program to view and then delivers the television program to the television set 154.
  • a storage unit 162 can also be coupled to or be a part of the set top box 152.
  • the storage unit 162 can comprise a machine-readable storage medium such as a cache, buffer, memory, diskette, compact disk, tape, or the like and their associated hardware, in one embodiment.
  • the storage unit 162 can include a video cassette recorder (VCR).
  • the storage unit can include a hard disk such as a digital or personal video recorder (DVR or PVR).
  • the local studio 106 can insert additional programming into the received transmission, for example, to provide cable content that includes locally provided channels. The programming is then distributed to customers over the cable network 134.
  • the local studio 106 can insert advertising content.
  • Product supplemental information relating to the advertising for participating merchants 122 can also be inserted.
  • Product supplemental information can include information relating to the goods or services being advertised in the commercial.
  • coupons and other information services can be made available to the viewer, which in one embodiment can be obtained via the merchant's 122 web site 124 on the Internet.
  • Triggers such as Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) triggers, which are related to the web site 124 and/or to its contents, can be continuously updated as the television broadcast is being received.
  • ATVEF Advanced Television Enhancement Forum
  • a participating merchant list 153 may be maintained. As the name implies, this list permits participating merchants 122 to provide their product supplemental information to the viewer.
  • the participating merchant list 153 may be provided to and stored in the set top box 152. Alternately or additionally, the participating merchant list 153 may be stored at a head-end or other system of the cable service provider 108, or at a third party system. In this embodiment, the participating merchant list 153 may operate as a "white" list which allows transmission of triggers from authorized merchants and filters out other triggers. In another embodiment, a "blocked" or “black” list may be maintained at the set top box 152 or elsewhere. Such a blocked list filters out undesirable triggers and may be created and/or maintained by the cable service provider 108. Alternately or additionally, such a blocked list may be edited by an end user.
  • triggering, announcement, or resource information can be included and sent using the ATVEF standard, in a manner known by those skilled in the art.
  • a uniform resource locator (URL) address can be embedded in the broadcast stream.
  • Other standards that may be used include triggering mechanisms from Wink and WorldGate.
  • Another technique is to embed code or a script in the stream that runs on the client (e.g., at the set top box 152) to provide the information and or purchase experience.
  • the triggers, resources, or announcements can be inserted by the originating broadcaster 104, a local broadcaster 106, or by the cable system operator 108.
  • Figure 2 shows another example of an interactive television system 200 and illustrates another point of insertion of the product supplemental information.
  • a merchant 222, operating a web site 224 is located such that commercial insertion is made prior to the uplink transmission to the satellite 102.
  • the cable provider 108 can supply the foregoing features, for example, by providing a web site or "walled garden" that is accessed by its subscribers. In such a case, the cable provider 108 serves as an intermediary and submits the purchases to the actual merchants 122 or 222.
  • FIG 3 shows another example of an interactive television system 300 for distributing Internet content in addition to television content.
  • the system 300 can be similar to or combined with the systems 100 and 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.
  • the system 300 can be integrated with a cable television distribution system.
  • the system 300 includes an Internet 302, a plurality of content sources 304, a plurality of distribution centers (depicted as the head-ends or H Es 306), and a plurality of client terminals 308 (depicted as set top boxes).
  • a content source 304 is depicted as receiving data from data feeds 312, advertisement servers 314, image sources 316, and streaming video sources 318.
  • the plurality of content sources 304 is coupled to the Internet 302.
  • a content source 304 may comprise a web site portal such as Go2Net.com, or a news web site such as CNN.com, or other types of sources.
  • Each content source 304 may have various data feeds 312, servers 314, and sources 316/318 coupled to it.
  • news or stock quote feeds 312 may be fed into the content source 304.
  • Servers 314 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content delivered by the content source 304.
  • Sources 316/318 may provide images 316, streaming video 318, and other content to the content source 304.
  • Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to the content source 304 of Figure 3, or coupled to the production company 104, cable network 134, web sites 124 and 224, or to other components of the systems shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the Internet 302 comprises a network of networks and is well known in the art. Communications over the Internet 302 can be accomplished using standard protocols such as transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), or other protocols.
  • TCP/IP transmission control protocol/internet protocol
  • HTTP hypertext transfer protocol
  • FTP file transfer protocol
  • the Internet 302 is coupled to the plurality of distribution centers 306, and each distribution center 306 is in turn coupled to a plurality of client terminals 308, which may comprise a set top box, a PC, an interactive television set, or another type of communication device or display device.
  • communications channels or networks 320 apart from the Internet 302 may couple one or more content sources 304 to one or more distribution centers 306.
  • One example of such an alternate path for communications is illustrated by a first dashed line 320 in Figure 3.
  • peering connections may exist between distribution centers 306.
  • One example of such peering is illustrated by a second dashed line 322 in Figure 3.
  • Other configurations are also possible and are included within the scope of the present invention.
  • Caches 310 may be provided at (or coupled to) the distribution centers 306. Such caches 310 may be used to increase the performance in the delivery of multimedia content to the client terminals 308. For example, larger files for video and other high bandwidth content may be stored in such caches 310, which may be closer to the client terminals 308 than to the content sources 304. In addition, reliability and guaranteed bandwidth may be provided because the Internet 302 is not in-between such caches 310 and the client terminals 308.
  • the allowance accounts of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with various types of communications technology, other than that described above.
  • the allowance accounts may be provided by satellite communications, wireless communications, and other technologies.
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting software processes that can be implemented for establishing and using an allowance account to provide parental control over access to Internet and/or TV content in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the allowance account may be implemented as various interacting software modules.
  • the software modules may be implemented, for example, at the set top boxes (STB) 152 and/or the cable provider 108 of the system 100 depicted in Figures 1-2.
  • the method can include four processes.
  • the processes in Figure 4 may be described in conjunction with an illustrative example.
  • Mark's daughter Jessica earns her allowance by doing dishes every night or during certain nights a week.
  • Mark desires to control how Jessica spends ' her allowance and also wishes to encourage Jessica to perform household chores.
  • the allowance account of the present invention facilitates these goals.
  • Mark uses the remote control unit 158 to set up an allowance account for Jessica.
  • An embodiment of the allowance account is similar to a credit card account or a savings account. i other words, the allowance account can include a debit or credit balance that can move up and down based upon deposits (typically from Mark) or withdrawals (e.g., Jessica spending her allowance).
  • Jessica's allowance account is linked to Mark's checking account such that it may be filled or populated with funds from the checking account.
  • Jessica's allowance account is linked to a rewards system such that it may be filled or populated with points from the reward system.
  • the rewards system may be used for promotional or marketing purposes by businesses.
  • third parties may be able to deposit points and/or money into Jessica's account. These third parties, for example, can be entities that wish to encourage Jessica to spend money by providing free promotional points/money, or by providing compensation for Jessica's participation in various market research activities, such as filling out a market survey as one example. Additionally, the third parties may limit the use of the money/points to the third party's web site. In an embodiment, the third parties normally cannot withdraw from the allowance account without appropriate authorization from either Mark of Jessica. Additionally, Mark may choose to configure the account to only allow deposits from certain sources.
  • the first process 402 may be implemented using an account set-up software module, or other implementations of machine-readable instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, that interactively leads Mark through a forms-filling process.
  • an illustrative example of a set-up page is shown.
  • the set-up page includes fields for inserting the child's name, and information as to how often and where the funds should come from.
  • the set-up page indicates the chores or duties that must be accomplished in order to earn money. As seen in greater detail below, this information is stored in a chore schedule.
  • the account set-up software module can be operated by the cable provider 108 to establish one or more allowance accounts that are associated with a set top box 152 (e.g., each household that subscribes to the cable provider 108).
  • a set top box 152 e.g., each household that subscribes to the cable provider 108.
  • an allowance account 501 may be set up for each child in the household.
  • the allowance account 501 can include the child's name, the parent's name, the cable provider account number of the parent, and the balance in the account.
  • the allowance account 501 may be, for example, a record in a database maintained by the cable provider 108.
  • the allowance account 501 may be stored as a record in the set top box 152, at the head end 202, or at a separate database server accessible by the cable provider 108.
  • the specific location of- the database sub- record for the allowance account is not crucial and may be adapted for the specific requirements of the cable provider 108.
  • the process of setting up the account in one embodiment is interactive in nature.
  • the parent using the remote control unit 158 can interactively fill out a form to provide the necessary basic information, such as child name, parent name, etc.
  • the allowance account 501 maintains a balance in the form of a monetary balance or a rewards point balance.
  • the allowance account 501 also includes an associated shopping site list 503 and a chore schedule 505. These associated records will be described in greater detail below.
  • the parent can use the process 402 to formulate the chore schedule 505 and the shopping site list 503. Again, this can be done using the remote control unit 158 or other user input device.
  • Mark specifies what Jessica must do for chores in order to earn her allowance.
  • This information is stored in the chore schedule 505.
  • the composition of the chore schedule is solely determined by the parent during set-up of the allowance account. This can be done interactively by the parent (e.g., Mark) through the use of the remote control unit 158 and a menu.
  • the chores may be displayed in conjunction with an electronic calendar or to-do list.
  • the chore schedule 505 that correlates chores/tasks with a monetary or points allowance can be displayed to the child.
  • the child can review the chore schedule 505 using the remote control unit 158.
  • the second process 404 may be implemented using a chore specification software module that is run on the cable provider's 108 computer system.
  • the chore schedule 505 has been generally described as associating chores with money or point allowances, the chore schedule 505 can be used to inform the child of various other ways in which allowance credits are placed in the account.
  • the chore schedule 505 may include an indication that weekly deposits will be made upon satisfactory behavior.
  • additional allowance deposits will be made.
  • the chore schedule 505 may more generally described as a listing of ways by which the child can earn credits.
  • the process of making deposits into the allowance account 501 will next be described. Once the allowance account has been opened, the account can be increased in any of a number of ways. In an embodiment of a third process 406, monetary funds or points for the allowance account can be transferred to Jessica's allowance account.
  • the transfer may occur automatically on a periodic basis, for example, on a weekly basis.
  • the allowance account can be periodically increased, such as weekly or monthly, by accessing the parent's credit card or checking account.
  • the parent can determine the specific parameters and methodology. For example, the parent may authorize the cable provider 108 to credit each child's allowance account by $10 each week. The cable provider 108 can then charge the parent's credit card, withdraw the amount from the parents checking account, withdraw the amount from an Internet monetary account such as PayPal, or simply add the amount to the monthly charge the cable provider 108 bills to the parent.
  • the parent can arrange for the transfers by any number of conventional means. This may include telephoning the cable provider to initiate each transfer.
  • the instruction to transfer an allowance into an allowance account may advantageously use the interactive aspect of the systems shown in Figures 1-3.
  • the parent may utilize the remote control unit 158 to send an instruction to add money into the allowance account.
  • the transfer may occur upon authorization or approval by Mark upon the chores being accomplished or school grade targets being met.
  • the parent can be given a password or other security measure to access this function.
  • the third process 406 may be implemented using a transfer software module that is running on the cable provider's computer system.
  • Jessica is able to make purchases using the funds or points in her allowance account. Such purchases may be made electronically by way of the system 100.
  • the associated shopping sites list 503 is used to specify which shopping sites are accessible by
  • the shopping site list 503 is formulated by the parent during the account set up process 402.
  • the formulation can be done by having the parent select from a list of suitable sites developed by the cable provider 108.
  • Figures 7-8 show example of how two shopping sites (CDmusic.com and Gap.com) may appear to Jessica. Normally, the monetary prices for items available for sale are displayed. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 7-8, the prices have been converted into "chore equivalents". This approach may further motivate a child.
  • Jessica can navigate to the shopping sites using the remote control unit 158 and make purchases on those sites, specifying to those sites that the purchase will be made from an allowance account.
  • the shopping site may then deliver the product to Jessica, and then through a pre-existing arrangement with the cable provider 108, debit Jessica's allowance account.
  • the use of the allowance account money may be expanded beyond merely shopping. For example, it is contemplated that some parents may wish to limit • Internet surfing or television watching. By requiring the child to use allowance account money for each hour of television or Internet usage, the parent can easily encourage a balance between television/Internet and chores/good grades.
  • Jessica may be able to take an advance on funds or points in her allowance account.
  • the amount of the advance may be limited to a reasonable amount by the parent during the set up process.
  • the fourth process 408 may be implemented using a purchasing software module.

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Abstract

The invention pertains to an allowance account that controls access to television and/or Internet content is disclosed. For example, an allowance account may be set up (402) for each child in a family. Account limits may be specified, as well as tasks or chores (404) required to earn the allowance. The allowance may be either in a monetary form or in the form of points that may be used in conjunction with a rewards-type program. Advantageously, the present invention enables parents to provide flexible on-line rewards to children for tasks or chores without giving the children access to a credit card.

Description

ALLOWANCE ACCOUNT FOR INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM
Cross-Reference to Related Applications The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/220,798 entitled "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMMERCE VIA INTERACTIVE TELEVISION," filed July 25, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/236,422, filed September 28, 2000, entitled "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMMERCE VIA INTERACTIVE TELEVISION," both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field of the Invention The present invention pertains to television (TV) and Internet access, and more particularly, the present invention pertains to allowance accounts useable for commerce over television and the Internet.
Background of the Invention
The payment of allowances by parents to their children is commonplace in many households around the world. Typically, parents will pay a predetermined allowance to each of their children each week or each month. The child can then use this allowance for discretionary spending on items such as food, clothing, and entertainment. Often, the payment of the allowance is tied to the performance of specific household chores like dishwashing and other cleaning. Further, allowances can be given when the child earns high grades in school. In other words, the use of allowances can be used as a behavioral modification method to encourage children to perform as the parent desires.
One drawback of a monetary payment as an allowance is that the parent has little or no control on how the child spends the allowance. Thus, the child may spend the allowance at a video game arcade, on candy, or on inappropriate movies or music compact disks (CDs). Thus, the prior art method of paying allowances lacks sufficient parental control.
The problem of parental control has also arisen in the context of television and Internet access. Both television and the Internet contain a substantial amount of content that may be inappropriate for children. Parental control is presently available in some television receivers, videocassette recorders (VCRs), and cable boxes on a limited basis. In these devices, certain channels may be locked out. Additionally, with respect to the Internet, there are software tools that can be used to reduce the possibility of a child obtaining inappropriate content.
Summary of the Invention
An allowance account that controls access to television and/or Internet content is disclosed. For example, an allowance account may be set up for each child in a family. Account limits may be specified, as well as tasks or chores required to earn the allowance. The allowance may be either in a monetary form or in the form of points that may be used in conjunction with a rewards-type program. An aspect of the present invention enables parents to provide flexible online rewards to children for tasks or chores without giving the children access to a credit card.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figures 1-3 are block diagrams of various interactive television systems that may be used to implement an embodiment the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for using an allowance account to provide parental control over access to Internet and/or /-TV content in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a representation of an allowance account formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a representation of an allowance account set-up page in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 7-8 are representations of shopping site pages in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description
As an overview, an allowance account that controls access to television and/or Internet content is disclosed. For example, an allowance account may be set up for each child in a family. Account limits may be specified, as well as tasks or chores required to earn the allowance. The allowance may be either in a monetary form or in the form of points that may be used in conjunction with a rewards-type program. One embodiment of the present invention enables parents to provide flexible online rewards to children for tasks or chores without giving the children access to a credit card.
Further, shopping sites accessible to child allowance accounts may be controlled. For example, a list of accepted shopping sites may be specified for child accounts. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a child may be able to take an advance against his/her allowance. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a child may be able to choose a higher allowance in exchange for more tasks or chores.
In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as the description of system components in Figures 1-3, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are -not necessarily all referring" to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
Figure 1 shows an example arrangement of an interactive television system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A production company 104 produces programming content for transmission to viewers. The transmission is sent over an uplink channel to a satellite 102. The satellite 102 then transmits the programming content over a downlink channel to a local studio 106. The local studio 106 can insert additional programming (e.g., regional programming) and/or advertisements as needed into the programming content. The content with the insertions is then transmitted from the local studio 106 to a cable service provider 108. In an embodiment, the television program may be downloaded to a receiving station, such as a head-end (H/E) of the cable service provider 108, rather than or in addition to the local studio 106. A reverse channel from the cable service provider 108 to the local studio 106 is provided so that the local studio 106 can insert additional programming content and feed the television signal back to the cable service provider 108. The cable service provider 108 then delivers the television signal over a cable network 134 to cable subscribers.
The cable network 134 is provided by the cable service provider 108 to distribute the programming content to cable subscribers. A set top box (STB) 152, located on the premises of a cable television subscriber, receives the programming content or television signal, and delivers the television signal to the subscriber's television set 154. Alternatively or in addition, the television signal can be broadcast over a wireless medium and received by a traditional aerial antenna or by a satellite dish, and then delivered to the set top box 152. Alternatively or additionally, features and functionality of the set top box 152 may be integrated into a type of advanced television or other display device.
Moreover, embodiments of the invention can use other types of broadcast media, including but not limited to, digital cable systems, satellite, very-high- data-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL), web casts, etc. The features provided by the television set 154 can also be provisioned, in one embodiment, by a personal computer (PC) suitably configured with an adapter to convert television signals into a digitized format, and then to deliver the television signals to the video portion of the computer for display. It is noted that the invention is not limited to any one configuration of display hardware, as embodiments of the invention will work equally well using alternative reception and display arrangements. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a connection to a communication network is provided for the cable subscriber. In one embodiment, the connection can be made via a cable modem 156 over a bi-directional communication link 155 to a cable modem termination system within the cable provider's 108 equipment. The connection continues to a data communication network, such as the Internet, by way of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 132. The PSTN network 132 is provided herein as an example, and it is understood that other types of networks may be used for connectivity to the Internet. A cable modem arrangement can be used because of its high bandwidth capability. In situations where some cable companies are not equipped to provide cable modem service to their customers, various other arrangements can be made. For example, a conventional modem connection can be used to access the Internet over a telephone line. As another example, Internet access can be gained over a DSL connection or an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection using a telephone line. Wireless systems are also available for providing Internet access. In one embodiment, downstream data transmission can occur via cable or satellite, and upstream data transmission can occur via a telephone line.
It is noted that the Internet is chosen as an example of a data communication network because it is a well-established network, and connectivity to the Internet is easily made. However, it is noted that a global communication network, such as the Internet, is not required to practice other embodiments of the invention. A locally provided and maintained communication network may be used in an embodiment.
Continuing with Figure 1, the set top box 152 can include a transceiver 157, such as an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) transceiver, that can exchange signals with a remote control unit 158 or other user input device. The set top box 152 can be a component that is separate from the television set 154 as shown in Figure 1, or its features can be built into circuitry of the television set 154 (e.g., an interactive television set). The set top box 152 enables a viewer to select a television program to view and then delivers the television program to the television set 154. A storage unit 162 can also be coupled to or be a part of the set top box 152. The storage unit 162 can comprise a machine-readable storage medium such as a cache, buffer, memory, diskette, compact disk, tape, or the like and their associated hardware, in one embodiment. In another embodiment the storage unit 162 can include a video cassette recorder (VCR). In another embodiment, the storage unit can include a hard disk such as a digital or personal video recorder (DVR or PVR).
As noted above, the local studio 106 can insert additional programming into the received transmission, for example, to provide cable content that includes locally provided channels. The programming is then distributed to customers over the cable network 134. In addition to local program insertion, the local studio 106 can insert advertising content. Product supplemental information relating to the advertising for participating merchants 122 can also be inserted. Product supplemental information can include information relating to the goods or services being advertised in the commercial. In addition to goods and services, coupons and other information services can be made available to the viewer, which in one embodiment can be obtained via the merchant's 122 web site 124 on the Internet. Triggers, such as Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) triggers, which are related to the web site 124 and/or to its contents, can be continuously updated as the television broadcast is being received.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a participating merchant list 153 may be maintained. As the name implies, this list permits participating merchants 122 to provide their product supplemental information to the viewer. The participating merchant list 153 may be provided to and stored in the set top box 152. Alternately or additionally, the participating merchant list 153 may be stored at a head-end or other system of the cable service provider 108, or at a third party system. In this embodiment, the participating merchant list 153 may operate as a "white" list which allows transmission of triggers from authorized merchants and filters out other triggers. In another embodiment, a "blocked" or "black" list may be maintained at the set top box 152 or elsewhere. Such a blocked list filters out undesirable triggers and may be created and/or maintained by the cable service provider 108. Alternately or additionally, such a blocked list may be edited by an end user.
Various techniques for carrying the product supplemental information can be used. For example, triggering, announcement, or resource information can be included and sent using the ATVEF standard, in a manner known by those skilled in the art. For instance, a uniform resource locator (URL) address can be embedded in the broadcast stream. Other standards that may be used include triggering mechanisms from Wink and WorldGate. Another technique is to embed code or a script in the stream that runs on the client (e.g., at the set top box 152) to provide the information and or purchase experience.
As noted above, the triggers, resources, or announcements can be inserted by the originating broadcaster 104, a local broadcaster 106, or by the cable system operator 108. Figure 2 shows another example of an interactive television system 200 and illustrates another point of insertion of the product supplemental information. Here, a merchant 222, operating a web site 224, is located such that commercial insertion is made prior to the uplink transmission to the satellite 102.
As noted above, Internet access is not necessary to practice the invention. A locally provided network may be within the scope of the invention as claimed. The cable provider 108 can supply the foregoing features, for example, by providing a web site or "walled garden" that is accessed by its subscribers. In such a case, the cable provider 108 serves as an intermediary and submits the purchases to the actual merchants 122 or 222.
Figure 3 shows another example of an interactive television system 300 for distributing Internet content in addition to television content. The system 300 can be similar to or combined with the systems 100 and 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 300 can be integrated with a cable television distribution system. The system 300 includes an Internet 302, a plurality of content sources 304, a plurality of distribution centers (depicted as the head-ends or H Es 306), and a plurality of client terminals 308 (depicted as set top boxes). In addition, a content source 304 is depicted as receiving data from data feeds 312, advertisement servers 314, image sources 316, and streaming video sources 318.
The plurality of content sources 304 is coupled to the Internet 302. For example, a content source 304 may comprise a web site portal such as Go2Net.com, or a news web site such as CNN.com, or other types of sources. Each content source 304 may have various data feeds 312, servers 314, and sources 316/318 coupled to it.
For example, news or stock quote feeds 312 may be fed into the content source 304. Servers 314 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content delivered by the content source 304. Sources 316/318 may provide images 316, streaming video 318, and other content to the content source 304. Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to the content source 304 of Figure 3, or coupled to the production company 104, cable network 134, web sites 124 and 224, or to other components of the systems shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The Internet 302 comprises a network of networks and is well known in the art. Communications over the Internet 302 can be accomplished using standard protocols such as transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), or other protocols. The Internet 302 is coupled to the plurality of distribution centers 306, and each distribution center 306 is in turn coupled to a plurality of client terminals 308, which may comprise a set top box, a PC, an interactive television set, or another type of communication device or display device.
In alternative or in addition to the Internet 302 being used to distribute multimedia content from the content sources 304 to distribution centers 306, communications channels or networks 320 apart from the Internet 302 may couple one or more content sources 304 to one or more distribution centers 306. One example of such an alternate path for communications is illustrated by a first dashed line 320 in Figure 3. Alternately or additionally, peering connections may exist between distribution centers 306. One example of such peering is illustrated by a second dashed line 322 in Figure 3. Other configurations are also possible and are included within the scope of the present invention.
Caches 310 may be provided at (or coupled to) the distribution centers 306. Such caches 310 may be used to increase the performance in the delivery of multimedia content to the client terminals 308. For example, larger files for video and other high bandwidth content may be stored in such caches 310, which may be closer to the client terminals 308 than to the content sources 304. In addition, reliability and guaranteed bandwidth may be provided because the Internet 302 is not in-between such caches 310 and the client terminals 308.
Thus, the allowance accounts of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with various types of communications technology, other than that described above. For example, the allowance accounts may be provided by satellite communications, wireless communications, and other technologies.
Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting software processes that can be implemented for establishing and using an allowance account to provide parental control over access to Internet and/or TV content in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The allowance account may be implemented as various interacting software modules. The software modules may be implemented, for example, at the set top boxes (STB) 152 and/or the cable provider 108 of the system 100 depicted in Figures 1-2.
As depicted in Figure 4, the method can include four processes. The processes in Figure 4 may be described in conjunction with an illustrative example. In the example, Mark's daughter Jessica earns her allowance by doing dishes every night or during certain nights a week. Mark desires to control how Jessica spends' her allowance and also wishes to encourage Jessica to perform household chores. The allowance account of the present invention facilitates these goals.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in a first process 402, Mark uses the remote control unit 158 to set up an allowance account for Jessica. An embodiment of the allowance account is similar to a credit card account or a savings account. i other words, the allowance account can include a debit or credit balance that can move up and down based upon deposits (typically from Mark) or withdrawals (e.g., Jessica spending her allowance).
In one embodiment, Jessica's allowance account is linked to Mark's checking account such that it may be filled or populated with funds from the checking account. In another embodiment, Jessica's allowance account is linked to a rewards system such that it may be filled or populated with points from the reward system. The rewards system, for example, may be used for promotional or marketing purposes by businesses. Thus, in one embodiment, third parties may be able to deposit points and/or money into Jessica's account. These third parties, for example, can be entities that wish to encourage Jessica to spend money by providing free promotional points/money, or by providing compensation for Jessica's participation in various market research activities, such as filling out a market survey as one example. Additionally, the third parties may limit the use of the money/points to the third party's web site. In an embodiment, the third parties normally cannot withdraw from the allowance account without appropriate authorization from either Mark of Jessica. Additionally, Mark may choose to configure the account to only allow deposits from certain sources.
The first process 402 may be implemented using an account set-up software module, or other implementations of machine-readable instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, that interactively leads Mark through a forms-filling process. For example, as seen in Figure 6, an illustrative example of a set-up page is shown. The set-up page includes fields for inserting the child's name, and information as to how often and where the funds should come from. Also, the set-up page indicates the chores or duties that must be accomplished in order to earn money. As seen in greater detail below, this information is stored in a chore schedule.
In one embodiment, the account set-up software module can be operated by the cable provider 108 to establish one or more allowance accounts that are associated with a set top box 152 (e.g., each household that subscribes to the cable provider 108). As seen in Figure 5, upon instruction from the parent/subscriber, an allowance account 501 may be set up for each child in the household. The allowance account 501 can include the child's name, the parent's name, the cable provider account number of the parent, and the balance in the account. The allowance account 501 may be, for example, a record in a database maintained by the cable provider 108. Alternatively or in addition, the allowance account 501 may be stored as a record in the set top box 152, at the head end 202, or at a separate database server accessible by the cable provider 108. Thus, the specific location of- the database sub- record for the allowance account is not crucial and may be adapted for the specific requirements of the cable provider 108.
As noted above, the process of setting up the account in one embodiment is interactive in nature. For example, the parent using the remote control unit 158 can interactively fill out a form to provide the necessary basic information, such as child name, parent name, etc.
The allowance account 501 maintains a balance in the form of a monetary balance or a rewards point balance. In addition, the allowance account 501 also includes an associated shopping site list 503 and a chore schedule 505. These associated records will be described in greater detail below. However, in general, the parent can use the process 402 to formulate the chore schedule 505 and the shopping site list 503. Again, this can be done using the remote control unit 158 or other user input device.
The process of setting up and maintaining an account that can maintain a monetary or points balance is similar to any number of conventional money or points accounts, such as for frequent flier accounts or credit card accounts. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the details of such a software operation will not be discussed further herein.
In an embodiment of a second process 404, Mark specifies what Jessica must do for chores in order to earn her allowance. This information is stored in the chore schedule 505. For example, for washing dishes, Jessica may earn $3.00, for washing the car, Jessica may earn $5.00, or for babysitting little brother Dennis, Jessica may earn $10/night. The composition of the chore schedule is solely determined by the parent during set-up of the allowance account. This can be done interactively by the parent (e.g., Mark) through the use of the remote control unit 158 and a menu. The chores may be displayed in conjunction with an electronic calendar or to-do list. Thus, the chore schedule 505 that correlates chores/tasks with a monetary or points allowance can be displayed to the child. Typically, the child can review the chore schedule 505 using the remote control unit 158. The second process 404 may be implemented using a chore specification software module that is run on the cable provider's 108 computer system.
Although the chore schedule 505 has been generally described as associating chores with money or point allowances, the chore schedule 505 can be used to inform the child of various other ways in which allowance credits are placed in the account. For example, the chore schedule 505 may include an indication that weekly deposits will be made upon satisfactory behavior. As another example, upon satisfactory school grades, additional allowance deposits will be made. Thus, although the term chore schedule 505 has been used, the chore schedule 505 may more generally described as a listing of ways by which the child can earn credits. The process of making deposits into the allowance account 501 will next be described. Once the allowance account has been opened, the account can be increased in any of a number of ways. In an embodiment of a third process 406, monetary funds or points for the allowance account can be transferred to Jessica's allowance account. In one embodiment, the transfer may occur automatically on a periodic basis, for example, on a weekly basis. For example, the allowance account can be periodically increased, such as weekly or monthly, by accessing the parent's credit card or checking account. The parent can determine the specific parameters and methodology. For example, the parent may authorize the cable provider 108 to credit each child's allowance account by $10 each week. The cable provider 108 can then charge the parent's credit card, withdraw the amount from the parents checking account, withdraw the amount from an Internet monetary account such as PayPal, or simply add the amount to the monthly charge the cable provider 108 bills to the parent.
If the parent does not wish to have set transfers of allowances, the parent can arrange for the transfers by any number of conventional means. This may include telephoning the cable provider to initiate each transfer. Alternatively, the instruction to transfer an allowance into an allowance account may advantageously use the interactive aspect of the systems shown in Figures 1-3. In other words, the parent may utilize the remote control unit 158 to send an instruction to add money into the allowance account. Thus, the transfer may occur upon authorization or approval by Mark upon the chores being accomplished or school grade targets being met. To ensure that the child or third parties do not transfer money without authorization, the parent can be given a password or other security measure to access this function. The third process 406 may be implemented using a transfer software module that is running on the cable provider's computer system.
In an embodiment of a fourth process 408, Jessica is able to make purchases using the funds or points in her allowance account. Such purchases may be made electronically by way of the system 100. In' one embodiment, the associated shopping sites list 503 is used to specify which shopping sites are accessible by
Jessica's account. For example, the shopping site list 503 is formulated by the parent during the account set up process 402. The formulation can be done by having the parent select from a list of suitable sites developed by the cable provider 108.
Alternatively, Mark may specify the list of shopping sites. Of course, these shopping sites must take part in the payment and billing structure instituted by the cable provider 108. Figures 7-8 show example of how two shopping sites (CDmusic.com and Gap.com) may appear to Jessica. Normally, the monetary prices for items available for sale are displayed. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 7-8, the prices have been converted into "chore equivalents". This approach may further motivate a child.
Thus, in operation, Jessica can navigate to the shopping sites using the remote control unit 158 and make purchases on those sites, specifying to those sites that the purchase will be made from an allowance account. The shopping site may then deliver the product to Jessica, and then through a pre-existing arrangement with the cable provider 108, debit Jessica's allowance account.
The use of the allowance account money may be expanded beyond merely shopping. For example, it is contemplated that some parents may wish to limit • Internet surfing or television watching. By requiring the child to use allowance account money for each hour of television or Internet usage, the parent can easily encourage a balance between television/Internet and chores/good grades.
In another embodiment, Jessica may be able to take an advance on funds or points in her allowance account. The amount of the advance may be limited to a reasonable amount by the parent during the set up process. The fourth process 408 may be implemented using a purchasing software module.
While specific embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is- not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the ' art, may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of ' the invention.
For example, while embodiments of the invention are generally described herein in the context of a child's use of an allowance account, it is possible to provide embodiments where adults are the users of the allowance account. For instance, a wife may set up an allowance account for her husband, as an incentive for the husband to diligently finish household chores. Joint allowance accounts, as well as individual allowance accounts, may be established. These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. An electronic allowance account, comprising: an account set-up module to set up, said allowance account; a chore specification module to specify chores in relation to the allowance account; a transfer module to transfer an allowance into the allowance account; and a purchasing module to enable purchases to be made using the allowance account and to track a balance in the allowance account.
2. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein the allowance account is linked to a monetary account to allow funds to be .transferred from the monetary account to the allowance account.
3. The electronic allowance account of Claim 2 wherein the monetary account comprises a banking account.
4. The electronic allowance account of Claim 2 wherein the monetary account comprises a credit account.
5. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein the allowance account is linked to a rewards system to allow points to be transferred from the rewards system to the allowance account.
6. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein the chores are displayable in conjunction with an electronic calendar.
7. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein the allowance is transferable on a periodic basis.
8. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein the allowance is transferable upon authorization.
9. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein the purchases comprise electronic commerce transactions.
10. The electronic allowance account of Claim 9 wherein the electronic commerce transactions are conductable by way of a same system as that which provides access to the content.
11. The electronic allowance account of Claim 9 wherein the electronic commerce transactions are conductable by way of an Internet.
12. The electronic allowance account of Claim 11 wherein the electronic commerce transactions are conductable by way of a shopping site from a list of accepted shopping sites.
13. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein an advance may be taken on the allowance account to make a purchase.
14. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein the allowance may be increased in exchange for more chores.
15. The electronic allowance account of Claim 1 wherein at least one of the modules is accessible via a user input device to allow modification of settings of that module.
16. A method, comprising: maintaining an electronic allowance account; associating a chore schedule with said allowance account, said chore schedule correlating at least one allowance with at least one event; transferring said at least one allowance into the allowance account when said at least one event is met; and enabling purchases to be made using the allowance account while tracking a balance in the allowance account.
17. The method of Claim 16 wherein a cable provider maintains said allowance account.
18. The method of Claim 16 wherein said event is chosen from the group of a chore, meeting predetermined academic grades, or the passage of a predetermined time period.
19. The method of Claim 16, further including allowing third parties to transfer allowances into said allowance account.
20. The method of Claim 16, further including limiting purchases to a set of preapproved third parties.
21. The method of Claim 16 wherein said allowance account is associated with a child and a parent of said child sets up said allowance account.
22. The method of Claim 17 wherein said transfer of said allowance is from a group selected from a credit card account, a checking account, or an account from said cable provider.
23. The method of Claim 20 wherein one of said preapproved third parties is an Internet provider or a cable television provider.
24. The method of Claim 16 wherein said purchases are made over an interactive television system.
25. An allowance account system, comprising: a head end to serve content and to maintain said allowance account; and a client terminal to receive content from said head end and to selectively manipulate said allowance account, said client terminal being controllable by a first user to modify said allowance account by adding allowances, wherein said client terminal is also controllable by a second user tp make purchases using said allowance account.
26. The system of Claim 25 wherein said head end allows third parties to transfer allowances into said allowance account.
27. The method of Claim 25 wherein said head end only allows said second user to make purchases from a set of preapproved third parties.
28. The method of Claim 25 wherein said head end serves content that includes electronic commerce shopping sites that said second user can shop from.
PCT/US2001/041201 2000-07-25 2001-06-26 Allowance account for interactive television system WO2002008869A2 (en)

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US60/220,798 2000-07-25
US23642200P 2000-09-28 2000-09-28
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US72894700A 2000-12-01 2000-12-01
US09/728,947 2000-12-01

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