Stored program pay-per-play
US6732366B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/47211
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. The program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections. Display generation circuitry is preferably implemented, enabling the viewer to review selections to be downloaded, those selections available for immediate replay, remaining account balance, and other features, including “parental lockout” and so forth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.