Cryptography – Particular algorithmic function encoding – Nbs/des algorithm
Reexamination Certificate
1996-11-22
2001-06-05
Cain, David (Department: 3642)
Cryptography
Particular algorithmic function encoding
Nbs/des algorithm
C380S044000, C380S044000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243465
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to methods for providing video programming to a multiplicity of network subscribers. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for operating a video network which supplies pay-per-view video programming to subscribers in a nearly on demand basis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Video and audio broadcasters engage in performing or otherwise broadcasting audio and visual productions or programs. Typically, such performances are provided to the broadcasters on magnetic and optical recording media, such as video and audio disks and tapes, over satellite or network feeds, from live performances, and the like. The broadcasters rebroadcast these performances over their networks. Each broadcast may be considered an exhibition of the performance.
Various examples of networks, such as cable TV networks, operated by broadcasters are known to those skilled in the art. Such networks provide occasional programming on a pay-per-view (PPV) basis. Broadcasters would like to increase the quantity of pay-per-view programming because such programming may help them reduce the risks associated with licensing certain high-priced performances for exhibition. Increased pay-per-view programming would also provide a more fair basis for charging subscribers for the programming services that are delivered to their premises. In other words, subscribers would be able to pay a fair price for only that programming that they actually view rather than pay averaged prices for a variety of programming, such of which they do not actually view.
One impediment to providing more extensive PPV programming has been the cumbersome techniques used in ordering the PPV services. Another impediment to providing more extensive PPV programming has been the lack of an ability to have programming available when a subscriber wishes to view it. It is common knowledge that viewers prefer to make programming selections on impulse. In other words, viewers tend not to think ahead about the programming that they may want to view at a later time. They prefer not to commit themselves to viewing a particular program at a particular future interval in time but rather to decide on impulse that they want to view some sort of programming at the present time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that an improved method for providing pay-per-view (PPV) programming to subscribers of a network is provided.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the present invention provides a method for delivering programs to subscribers nearly in an on demand or impulse basis.
Yet another advantage is that the present invention provides a method for controlling scrambling and unscrambling of programming so that subscribers may view intelligible preview and promotional programming but not substantial portions of PPV programming until paying for it.
The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a method of providing video programs to subscribers via a transmission system that has the capacity for transmitting a plurality of video channels. The method calls for storing the video programs in a controllable video player system. The video player system is controlled in accordance with a predetermined schedule and in a manner that causes the video programs to be applied at specified times to specified channels of the transmission system. The schedule instructs the video player system to be controlled so that at least one selected video program is simultaneously applied to a plurality of channels. The respective starting times of the selected video program on the respective plurality of channels are staggered by time intervals of a relatively short period in relation to the run-time of the selected video program. The video program on the selected channels is processed in a manner that renders the program on the channels substantially unintelligible. The selected channels are broadcast to subscribers via the transmission system. When subscribers request to view the video program, the request is processed. In response to a request from a subscriber, the video program is rendered substantially intelligible to the subscriber on an appropriate one of the plurality of channels to which the selected video program is simultaneously applied.
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Calaby Lauren F.
Gillette Thomas F.
Seibel David E.
Ullrich Kathryn E.
Walker Stephen S.
Cain David
GTE Service Corporation
Leonard Charles Suchyta
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