Method and apparatus for free previews of communication network

Details Method and apparatus for free previews of communication network Method and apparatus for free previews of communication network

1994-10-18

1997-01-14

Cangialosi, Salvatore

Cryptography

Particular algorithmic function encoding

Nbs/des algorithm

380 21, H04L 900

Patent

active

055947948

ABSTRACT:
Limited duration previews of program offerings available for purchase via a communication network are provided in a cryptographically secure manner at virtually any time during the service. The invention has particular applicability to the provision of video services on a pay-per-view basis. Such a video service is provided during a program epoch. A fixed period is defined during the program epoch when portions of the video service are available for viewing on a preview basis. A consumer is allowed to preview, without purchase, portions of the video service at any time during the fixed period for up to a maximum preview duration that is shorter than the fixed period. The consumer can then purchase the video service for viewing during the program epoch after previewing portions thereof. A plurality of records is maintained to service different previewable programs concurrently.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4613901 (1986-09-01), Gilhousen et al.
patent: 4739510 (1988-04-01), Jeffers et al.
patent: 4864615 (1989-09-01), Bennett et al.
patent: 5091938 (1992-02-01), Thompson et al.
patent: 5311325 (1994-05-01), Edwards et al.
patent: 5323462 (1994-06-01), Farmer

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