CN1448025A - System and method for enabling television commerce simultaneously for multiple channels for multiple merchants - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for providing television programming which has been enabled for interactive purchase by viewers using their set top boxes over multiple channels for multiple merchant products/services and for delivering those purchase requests to the parties who provide fulfillment and billing for those requests.

Description

System and method for multiplexing television commercials to multiple businesses simultaneously

field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of interactive TV business, in particular to a system and method for enabling TV business to multiplex channels to multiple merchants at the same time.

Background of the invention

It is well known to provide TV viewers with the ability to conveniently purchase TV advertised goods/services from their home, such systems and methods also include sending the TV viewers a printed catalog through which the TV viewers can Get additional information about the item/service, as well as correct ordering information; viewers can also send e-mail requests or order by phone. As technology advances, many things need to be accelerated and the process of ordering these items/services featured on TV needs to be simplified.

The following U.S. patents are relevant to this field:

US Patent 5,999,624 (Hopkins) discloses a device that is a "home" replacement for a credit card swipe machine. The viewer enters the device by entering the credit card number and relevant information, and your demand will be removed after swiping the card to purchase. At the time of purchase, remote control technology is used to facilitate purchases. This action enables the device to send "name, address, credit card number, and amount" over the network to a bank or financial device. Although Hopkins suggests that the information could also be sent over the cable television network, he does not point to any mechanism for doing so. A device is also disclosed from U.S. Patent 5,973,756 (Erlin) that incorporates a credit card swipe machine into a television remote control. At the time of purchase, the remote control is used to send "name, address, credit card number, and amount" to a bank or financial device to facilitate the purchase.

US Patent 5,960,411 (Hartman et al.) is a web-based ordering system. Despite the reference to "television-based systems," it is in the context of television as a major display device acquiring catalogs over the network, rather than cable television delivering catalogs.

U.S. Patent 5,905,521 (Gatto) describes a collection of devices and proposes that the collection can be used to play video programs, participate in online registration, make online purchases, perform language translation broadcasts, hold teleconferences, and control personal computers, printers and scanner. Gatto suggested that the device could accept voice commands, keyboard commands, and commands from a TV remote. Gatto also proposes that the device could be connected to a data server at the other end of a network that could include satellite, radio, television broadcast, cable, or infrasound using communication protocols including ATM, FDDI, Ethernet, TCPIP, and CCITT. Also, Gatto describes the selection of items for sale from a CD-ROM rather than from a live video stream.

US Patent 5,469,206 (Strubbe et al.) discloses a system whereby text, video and ECI (Electronic Catalog Information) images, prices of relevant products are presented to the TV viewer and the TV viewer uses a remote control to select from Select and buy in ECI. It can be seen that the system is a "store and send" architecture, so that the content and views stored in the database are separated from the loading of the database in time. A TV viewer can basically control the price sequence (broadcast program) by his/her selection from ECI. Unlike the present invention, since they are transmitted to the TV set as video signals, there is neither product price data streamed to the TV set, nor programs controlled by content generators or distributors, and the TV viewer is in the real-time video stream There is also no interactive "buy" performed.

U.S. Patent 5,898,919 (Yuen) discloses a system in which data for purchase requests for items is embedded in vertical blanking interval (VBI) line 21 (e.g., closed captions, extended data services), although it is not clear here How this data in the VBI is translated into prompts for TV viewers. In order to place a purchase order, the system requires a cordless phone to complete the purchase order and also requires a specially configured set-top box containing a cordless phone transmitter. The system also requires credit card, or other payment data to be stored on the TV, and each purchase instruction to be sent through the public space. In operation, the Yuen system presents an offer, the television viewer responds to the offer, and payment data is collected from the television. A cordless telephone transmitter in a specially configured set top box sends the purchase data to the telephone base unit which then dials the central office for transmission of the purchase order. However, it is not clear how the Central Bureau will handle this order.

US Patent 5872589 (Morales) describes a mechanism for wireless communication between a television set top box and a central "repeater" station. Morales also suggested the use of barcode scanning devices to order advertised products through magazines; using the barcode mechanism, orders for magazine items could be sent to advertisers via a wireless "reverse" channel. Look again at US 5,812,931 (Yuen), incorporating a radio frequency pager in a set top box to provide loopback to the Network Operations Center (NOC). This information is then sent to the information provider (ie, advertiser, cable operator, etc.). The pager can also be used to send an acknowledgment reply from the information provider back to the television viewer.

US Patent No. 5,663,757 (Morales) describes a software architecture that can run in an "answering device" that provides multi-application coordination and loop channel communication over a wireless network. The software works in tandem with the TV signal. Applications such as home shopping, gaming, polling, and audience analysis as mentioned can be run under this structure. It defines the radio communication conditions for its loopback channel.

US Patent 5,481,542 (Logston et al.) discloses a mechanism for providing a digital cable headend that can support interactive applications.

US Patent 5,451,998 (Hamrick) describes a video cassette based product that can be inspected and ordered by playing the video cassette. The product identification code is displayed in the video along with the product. The order form is completed by the TV viewer and sent to the vendor.

US Patent 5,325,423 (Lewis) describes a system that combines video content delivered by a typical distribution device with interactive multimedia information delivered over telephone lines. Video control equipment is used to combine the two signals into a unified signal.

US Patent 5,093,718 (Hoarty et al.) describes a system for delivering video content and interactivity at scale by providing a database of replicated content throughout the network. This limits bandwidth requirements in the network and speeds up response times for individual requests.

US Patent 5,046,093 (Wachob) describes an intelligent remote control device. In order to achieve low cost, the set-top box can support basic and advanced functions, and the intelligence is moved into the remote control.

US Patent 5,077,607 (Johnson et al.) describes a "computer terminal" connected to a hotel cable television network. Applications in the range of pay movies, room service, checkout, etc. are described. The app runs in a dedicated "channel".

US Patent 5,592,212 (Handelman) teaches a system for providing gaming and shopping deals over cable television. The specific structure is based on providing categories on a dedicated 'shopping' channel from which the TV viewer browses and selects items.

US Patent 6,002,394 (Schien et al.) teaches a system for linking advertisers and television viewers by linking program content to potential subscribers through links in a program guide.

US Patent No. 5,897,623 (Fein et al.) describes a system for delivering specific product information to a television viewer through content the television viewer selects from a list.

However, none of the references mentioned above teach or suggest timely ideas for TV viewers to enable the input of program content itself through multiple TV channels containing multiple content/services. And then allow the viewer to send a return purchase request through the set top box of the viewer's television. Therefore, there remains a need for a system and method that enables simultaneous multi-channel multi-vendor TV transactions while still maintaining the TV viewing paradigm for TV viewers. purpose of the invention

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an invention which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention that the viewer can interactively purchase items/services through their TV and their TV will not be converted into a "computer screen" when the viewer gets the TV browsing paradigm.

It is another object of the present invention to provide programming content providers with the ability to control programming content that is "purchasable" for viewer considerations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method whereby advertisements of multiple product and service providers are processed by a single entity through multiple channels.

Another object of the present invention is to enable viewers to have the ability to interactively purchase items/services through a cable network or satellite system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that utilizes a wired network to send purchase requests, thus reducing the need and complexity of telephone lines, wireless connections, and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that makes the composition of the set top box consistent and anonymous so that the viewer's privacy is protected.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method whereby the risk that the advertiser/vendor may use the data block received in support of the purchase request along with his/her cable operator to trace other activities of the viewer is eliminated .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method which can provide advertisers and/or vendors with complete control over television viewers generating purchase requests for their advertisements or programs.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system and method that alleviates the need to coordinate and enable purchasing activities at the ends of various wired connections.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that allows fulfillment sellers to avoid matching the buyer's address, preventing all other prior buyers from trying to determine if this is a new customer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system that allow for increased efficiency in new identification of users, recurring tracking of user activities, and billing of purchases.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system and method that reduces the need to coordinate activities around allowing the purchase of program plans on some cable system operators.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method which reduces the need for training, monitoring and maintenance of additional equipment in the headend equipment since no new equipment is required in the equipment.

Summary of the invention

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a system. The system provides interactive purchases to at least one viewer over a cable television network. The system includes: a first subsystem for preparing television programs available for purchase and then transmitting the television programs available for purchase through a cable distribution channel; a second subsystem for receiving television programs available for purchase from a cable distribution channel Purchased television programming and displaying it to at least one viewer, and wherein the second subsystem automatically generates and is activated by the at least one viewer a purchase request comprising at least one item included in the currently available television and a third subsystem for receiving a purchase request from the second subsystem and automatically routing the purchase request to an item fulfillment mechanism for shipping at least one item to at least one viewer.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a method. The method provides interactive purchases to at least one viewer over a cable television network. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing television programming already available for purchase over a cable distribution network; (b) providing a set-top box to at least one viewer capable of receiving television programming from the cable distribution network and checking available purchased television programming; (c) displaying said purchasable television programming to at least one user in a television having said set-top box; (d) automatically generating a purchase request for at least one item initiated by at least one viewer by the set-top box , the purchase request is sent to the executive agency via the data distribution network; and (e) delivering the at least one item to at least one viewer in response to the at least one item purchase request.

Description of drawings

Other objects and many other advantages of the present invention will be more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the operation of the system for simultaneously starting TV transactions for multiple channels and multiple vendors.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the operation of the cable set-top box of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the set-top box remote, showing the alternate button as a "buy button".

Figure 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the set top box during user interaction.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram of the Buy Button Handler, and

Figure 6 is a message definition used in the present invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

It should be understood that the term "wired" is used in its broadest sense throughout this specification. Thus, the term "wired" is not limited to hard-wired elements, but includes video distribution networks, cable television, Internet, satellite, land phone lines, wireless technologies, and the like. Furthermore, the term "wired" includes worldwide video distribution installations. Additionally, the term "wireless" is used throughout the specification in its broadest sense and includes devices such as satellite, cellular, microwave, infrared, and the like.

Details are now described with reference to each of the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, wherein in FIG. 20". System 20 includes three major subsystems, each of which includes several components. The three subsystems are the preparation subsystem 22 , the audience interaction subsystem 24 , and the processing/distribution subsystem 26 . By operating the system 20 using the methods discussed in detail below, the way the viewer watches television is unchanged, ie, the viewer's television screen is not converted to a "computer screen" that diverts or interrupts the viewer from continuing to watch the program.

In the provisioning subsystem 22, in order for a viewer to shop from a television program, "allowed content" assigned to the viewer must be identified in such a way that the viewer can be notified that interactive purchase options are available. In order to implement the method, the television content provider (e.g., advertiser, manufacturer, vendor, etc.) causes an "Allow Purchase Trigger" 401 (see format in FIG. 6) to be embedded or encoded as shown in FIG. in their respective personal assets (media assets 101, eg, video tapes, or live performances 104). Thus, these television content providers maintain control of their "purchasable content" television programming away from the programming distributors as compared to current advertising programming methods. The specific encoding process 102/105 is commercially available and well known in the art. Once the encoding process 102/105 is complete, those assets 101/104 including the "Allow Purchase Trigger" 401, now in analog/digital form 103, are placed on the common cable distribution channel 106 for Delivered to viewer television 109.

In particular, media assets 101/104, (e.g., video tapes, or any content that can be broadcast or transmitted), are sent to an encoding "Allow to Purchase Trigger" process 102 or 105 such that the "Allow to Purchase Trigger" (hereinafter Called "BET") 401 is embedded in the media 101/104.

The coded BET process 102/105 is actually a replica station that places BET 401 in a suitable detectable position in the asset 101/104 by means of more replicas of the asset 101/104 always having the asset code; therefore , the embedded BET401 saves copying into subsequent stages. It should be noted that there are a large number of such encoded BET processes 102 or 105, in particular at least one of each medium 101/104 is encoded. The output of the encoded BET process 102 or 105 is one or more replicated analog or digital assets 103 including embedded BETs 401 . A replicated analog or digital asset 103 represents the process by which a program is recorded and replicated for multiple playbacks or playback at a future time. Devices for implementing this method include video tapes, DVDs, CD-ROMs, and the like. A live show asset 104 indicates that the program being delivered is "live." This may include things like news, sports competitions, national elections, infomercials, fund-raising telecasts, etc. The Encoding BET process 105 is also known as the "Conditional Encoding Allowed Shopping Trigger" process, which provides a means for embedding BET 401 into a live video or audio stream in such a way that, from the viewer's point of view, They create insensible interruptions in the viewing process. Thus, for live programming, the embedding process occurs during transmission. Apparatus for this purpose are commercially available and are available from companies such as NorPark of Ontario, Canada. Analog/digital assets 103 including BET 401 may be duplicated and/or distributed to broadcast network 30, network branch 32, independent broadcast station 34, cable network and/or cable system 36 for broadcast delivery via common distribution channels.

Since these BETs 401 are brought in when commercials or program content is produced, specific tasks are required to coordinate and allow shopping events at ten or thousand cable headends to be cancelled.

In the viewer interaction subsystem 24, in order to capture shopping requests from the viewer, a program with BET 401 is broadcast from the cable system headend and sent to the viewer's digital set-top box (STB) 108 through the video distribution system 107, and finally to on the television 109 of the viewer. Video distribution system 107 is a facility that includes equipment and requires staff to deliver media streams to home and business concentrators. This could be a cable headend, a satellite uplink, a terrestrial data line central office, etc.

Viewer Digital STB 108 is a device that allows a viewer to tune his/her television 109 (any conventional television) when connected to a cable television network. This device is the electronic interface between television 109 and video distribution system 107 . The STB 108 consists of 1) an RF (Radio Frequency) tuner to support TV channel switching, 2) a microprocessor for executing program instructions, 3) an operating system for internal activities, video management and distribution via the video system (107 ) provides intelligent management of other signals received, and supports a third user application program, and 4) memory, providing temporary workspace for intermediate calculations, etc. For example, Motorola of Norcross Ga and STB108 of Scientific Atlanta Corporation are commercially available.

It should be understood that the term "set-top box (STB)" is used throughout this specification in its broadest sense and includes any device, or device for tuning and decoding video, or means and other related logic, regardless of whether these Functions are located in a separate housing or integrated into the television (for example, the functions are placed on top of the television).

In order to convey its basic functionality, the audience STB 108 is considered to consist of three parts. These three parts include hardware, operating system, and "resident" applications. The hardware is usually designed to support communication over a wired network and provides a special purpose computer for varying internal processing limits. Often, individual hardware parts can be queried about their status, as well as the contents of their registers or memory buffers. This is often accomplished through software programs written in languages that support access levels. An operating system (such as Microsoft Windows CE in Redmond, WA or PowerTV from Cupertinode PowerTV Inc. in Canada) handles the programs running on the hardware, including resource scheduling and providing a simple interface for task organization/querying hardware parts. The operating system may also support application programming interfaces (APIs) and means for third users to run other software programs on the STB 108 . Each operating system provides its own separate set of APIs that define which events are visible from within the operating system. The events, for example, can be made visible by the operating system including channel change conditions, STB on/off conditions, mute conditions, etc.

Resident applications run in the environment created by the hardware and operating system. It is a software program that provides a "function" that enables the viewer to use conditions such as channel change, mute, program guide, etc. It is assumed that the resident application may or may not provide APIs to third user programs that allow events occurring within the resident application to be visible. The resident application provides APIs to third-party user programs that allow visibility of events occurring within the operating system, distinct from the operation of the operation. Since each resident application provides its own separate set of APIs, events from changes within each resident application based on the resident application design are visible. The events such as resident applications can make events including channel change, mute, program guide etc. become visible. Due to the availability and extensibility of APIs, a third-party user program that needs to access event data, in order to fully fulfill its data requirements, must only query resident application APIs, operating system APIs, hardware components, or a combination of all three. Depending on the design of the operating system/resident application, the APIs used by the third user application in this method are different. In an "event" driven environment, a third user application makes an API call and waits for a specific event or class of events. When an event occurs, the operating system sends the event data to the resident program. In the "program" case, the third user application executes a "loop" instruction, repeatedly requesting data about an event or event classification. The API returns event data (if an event has just occurred) or if no event occurred, it returns a "no event reported" response. In the STB 108 of the present invention, the third user's application (loadable through the cable system network) is stored in the STB 108 memory. The third user application specifies that the event is of interest to the audience through software coding/API calls in the software language supported by the particular STB 108 .

Considering system 20, a third user application in STB 108 "listens" for BET 401 in content sent from video distribution system 107, and when BET 401 is detected, the application alerts the viewer that the content is "purchasable". If a TV viewer wants to take advantage of the "Allow to Buy" provided, the viewer will take an action consistent with the specific mode of his/her STB 108, e.g., press a "buy button" or other button on the STB 108's remote control etc. or a key on the STB108.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, in step 201, STB 108 detects BET 401 in program content. The special STB 108 used in each of the embodiments of this application provides the means to "listen" to the video signal to detect the BET 401. For example, BET 401 may be embedded in the vertical blanking interval (lines 13-21) or in the extended VBI of the signal (lines 22-25). In order to present user interactivity to the user, provisions are established as to exactly where BET 401 is located in the signal and how it is identified. This allows the application software of the STB 108 to interrogate the exact location of the relevant data within each video frame. The third user application thus hears the position of BET 401 in the video signal. Different STB108s provide this capability in different ways. Some of these require the use of APIs from resident applications. Others require the use of APIs from the operating system or hardware. Some scenarios provide an application registration service and notify the application when trigger data is passed in the video signal. Some situations require the application to be continuously polled or asked if BET 401 has arrived.

Next, in step 202, the STE 108 indicates that the viewer "allows purchase" of the content. Once a BET401 is detected at a suitable location in the video signal, the application then shows the viewer that the video image is "purchasable". Different situations support multiple approaches. Due to some STB technologies, the method is implemented by visual stimuli such as icons displayed on the screen of the TV 109, indicator lights on the STB 108 or the TV 109, etc., depending on the specific STB 108 situation, by calling resident applications, operating systems, or hardware APIs, causing the indicated pointer to be processed. An optional device provides a distinctive audible tone emanating from the STB 108 or television 109 .

Next, in step 203, the viewer expresses interest in the existing "purchasable" content. For some STB 108 modes, this may be accomplished by the viewer using his/her remote control 1082 (FIG. 3) and activating the "buy button" designated above. For example, any free button (labeled "A", "B" or "C", or any other button shown in Figure 3) on the remote control shown in Figure 3 could act as a "buy button" . The STB108's resident program is designed to recognize codes when the special "buy button" is activated. For other STB 108 modes, the acoustic response from the viewer, eg, the utterance of a specified phrase, can be detected in the STB 108 or television 109 by a conventional microphone/receiver device (eg, an audible tone receiver). Other alternative methods for capturing viewer interest include, but are not limited to, the activities of these specific devices such as a key fob sender (not shown), insertion of a billing card in the STB 108 (also not shown), or other distinctive behaviors produced by the audience. It should be understood that the broadest scope of the present invention includes all means for detecting purchase thoughts from viewers in "allowable to be purchased" content. By way of example and limitation, if a viewer is interested in purchasing a "purchasable" item, the viewer presses a "buy button" on his/her remote control 1082 . To acknowledge a viewer request to purchase the item, the "Purchase Allowed" icon may change from a completely black state to a flashing state. Here, interaction with other viewers is needed, for example, in buying music, the viewer has to choose between cassettes or CDs and/or how many of these he/she wants to buy, the STB108 will prompt the viewer to choose which one to use remote control button. In any case, all of this is accomplished without disruption to the programming in order to maintain viewers' TV habits.

FIG. 4 provides an example of the operation of STB 108 during viewer interaction step 203 . In particular, in step 2301, once the program content is indicated as "purchase allowed", the STB 108 waits for a response from the purchase button. Depending on the particular mode STB 108, "waiting" for audience responses may include registering for event notifications or polling audience responses. Either of these methods would involve the use of resident application, operating system, or hardware APIs. If no response is detected, the event is "aborted" and control returns to step 201 . Due to the receipt of the "End" message through the VBI (for example, if the content is a transaction of 30 seconds, and no response is encountered at the 29th second, then the end message will be generated); or due to the value of the asset code in the VBI message has been Changes, thus aborting the "Purchase Allowed" display may occur. In this regard, APIs for resident applications, operating systems, or hardware are used to disable the "allow to purchase" display based on specific STB 108 conditions.

On the other hand, if the STB 108 receives a response from the viewer, then in step 2032 the response code is asked if this particular response is a code used by the STB 108 to indicate the viewer's interest. If not, the response is discarded and the control proceeds to step 2031. If the code is a specific response, then the control proceeds to step 2033 to check whether there is product information representing selection in the VBI. If not, the response is interpreted as "Confirm Purchase" and control passes into the viewer authentication mechanism 204 described below. If there is product information in the VBI for product selection, then in step 2034 a selection menu is displayed using standard programming practices, APIs available in resident applications, operating systems, and/or hardware. A product selection list in the VBI message is displayed on the screen. These options may include options for color, size, quantity, and the like. The menus are displayed using standard program techniques in conjunction with the resident application, operating system and appropriate hardware APIs. It will be appreciated that in order to maintain the viewer's television paradigm, the display of the menus is achieved by minimizing disruption to the programme; for example, the menu occupies only a quarter of the television screen to allow the viewer to retain the television program being played. Then, control enters three types of menu processing logic circuits: code guide step 2035, code selection step 2036 and code end step 2037.

In the code guidance step 2035, clicking on the code generated by the viewer using his/her remote control 1082 represents a guidance activity that moves from one product selection to the next. In code selection step 2036, clicking on the code generated by the viewer using his/her remote control 1082 indicates selection of an option, causing the menu to be cleared from the display and control passes to viewer authentication mechanism step 204. Finally, in a code end step 2037, clicking on the code generated by the viewer using his/her remote control 1082, meaning "End Dialogue", causes the menu to be cleared from the display, and control returns to step 201.

As mentioned above, once the product is selected, the STB 108 proceeds to step 204 to implement the audience authentication mechanism. This process will minimize the risk of non-confirmed viewers being able to carry out a "buy" request. The STB108 technology of different manufacturers combines various identification techniques to test their products. Commonly used authentication techniques include PIN codes similar to those used in ATM technology, face recognition used by device security companies (e.g., Lau Technologies of Littleton, Ma), private transmitters similar to those used by car companies to lock cars machine, fingerprint scanning for highly secure access control (FingerSec of Miami, FL and Mantillas of Plano, TX), smart card technology (NDS Group PLC of London, England), etc. It will be appreciated that while the viewer authentication mechanism provides an important part of the commercial viability of the system 20, the system 20 can function without it.

Once the viewer executes the "buy" command, in a next step 205, a formatting message and sending step 205 is performed. In particular, the application running on the STB 108 incorporates the data from the encoding and the address of the STB 108 into the STB purchase request message 402 (see FIG. 6 for format). STB purchase request message 402 is sent from STB 108 to STB purchase request handler 111 (FIG. 1) through video distribution system 107. Therefore, an additional advantage of the system 20 is that no viewer personal information such as "name, address, credit card, and amount" is sent in the STB purchase request message 402 from the STB 108 over any network. Therefore, such personal information is not inadvertently sent to an inappropriate location.

The data distribution network 110 provides the physical network through which the video distribution system 107 and the purchase request processor 111 communicate back and forth. Data distribution network 110 may include means of communication, such as a personal data network, over telephone lines, through the Internet, and the like.

It will be appreciated that communications apparatus 500 (FIG. 1) may include conventional cable television lines (eg, existing cable television equipment). In this configuration, the cable facility forms a "forward channel" for delivering "purchasable" programming to viewers, and a "reverse channel" for transmitting STB purchase request information back to the video distribution system 107. Thus, in this configuration, the system 20 forms an interactive purchasing system through a cable TV network. Alternatively, where the satellite system forms the forward channel for delivering "purchasable" programming from the video distribution system 107 to viewers, the reverse channel is formed by connecting to the video distribution system 107 via a modem over a telephone line. In particular, STB 108 transmits STB purchase request message 402 to video distribution system 107 over a telephone line via a modem (not shown). Thus, in this alternative configuration, system 20 forms an interactive purchasing system on a satellite system. However, within the broadest scope of the invention, it will include reverse channels formed by wireless techniques, such as STB 108 transmitting STB purchase request messages in wireless form (eg, satellite or remote terrestrial base stations).

In the processing/distribution subsystem 26 of the STB purchase request message 402, the STB purchase request processor 111 (FIG. 5) obtains the STB purchase request message 402, matches the STB 108 with the bill name and address, and converts the STB 108 ID into an untraceable Unique ID, and then distribute the purchase request information 402 to the execution part 113. STB Purchase Request Processor 111 may be one or more general purpose computers running a specific set of software programs. These applications are described below.

In particular, the STB purchase request receiver 301 waits for the arrival of the STB purchase request message 402 from the video distribution system 107 transmitted through the data distribution network 110 . The STB purchase request receiver 301 then transmits the message to the address search application 302 . The address search application 302 uses the STB 108 ID from the STB purchase request message 402 to use an acceptable software program example, such as a record lookup, etc. program to find the corresponding data record 307 in the STB master database 306. The data from the STB master record 307 is then combined with the data from the STB purchase request message 402 to form the perform purchase request message 403 (see format in FIG. 6 ). Then, the message 403 is transmitted to the anonymous ID conversion application 303 .

The anonymous ID conversion application 303 uses the received software program example to obtain the STB 108 from executing the purchase request message 403, and uses a one-way encryption algorithm for the STB 108 ID. This encrypted value replaces the original STB108 ID. The amended fulfillment purchase request message 403 is passed to fulfillment vendor institution process 304 . One-way encryption algorithms are universal. For example, a two-way encryption algorithm can yield the functionality of a one-way algorithm by encrypting and then discarding the "key". Concrete examples of these algorithms can be found in Kerberos Authentication/Encryption Available from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at www.mit.edu/kerberos/www .

The fulfillment vendor 113 is the agency that fulfills the request. This agency may be the agency responsible for the final outcome in the request. Alternatively, the institution may be an institution that has a commercial relationship with the original user handling the execution.

The inclusion of a unique ID allows sponsors and fulfillment operators to more easily process repeat user purchase requests by precluding matching of fulfillment addresses between fulfillment purchase requests and the sponsor's or vendor's user profile. By including a consistent STB 108 ID for each purchase request at the end of the execution, the system 20 allows the executing vendor 113 to avoid processing the purchaser's address match, preventing all other prior purchasers from going to determine if this is a new customer . By avoiding costly address matching, the system 20 allows for increased efficiency in new customer verification, repeat user activity tracking, and purchase accounting. Applying one-way encryption to the unique ID eliminates any possibility of tracing the STB 108 ID back to a specific device by matching against the cable subscriber record.

It should be noted that, with respect to the viewer authentication mechanism 204, the system 20 can function without it, although the anonymous ID conversion application 303 provides a valuable part to the commercial viability of the system 20.

The Fulfillment Vendor Agency Application 304 collects the Fulfillment Purchase Request message 403 by the Fulfillment Vendor 113 and uses the Delivery List field in the Fulfillment Vendor Master Record 308 to determine from the Fulfillment Vendor Database 309 whether the message 403 should be delivered in real time, or whether it Should be "batched" and subsequently delivered with other identical messages. This determination is based on the type of inventory model being used by the seller. For example, an inventory model used by sellers involves ordering a predetermined number of inventory models, and then reordering more once the inventory model is depleted, and then when message 403 is sent, in order to ensure that the item is stocked, the selection is batched Message 403 sent. On the other hand, the inventory model used by the seller includes the previous inventory order arrangement, and then the transmission of message 403 needs to be replaced in real time. Accordingly, messages for the seller 113 that need to be delivered in real time are delivered to the purchase request batcher 305 immediately. Messaging formed for "batch" or "store and send" to the vendor 113 is stored until the appropriate time.

The purchase request batcher 305 uses the received software program instance to obtain the fulfillment purchase request message 403 and repackages the message so that the manifest and fulfillment buyer 113 are consistent with each other, thereby forming the request distribution method 112 (FIG. 1). This processing method 112 is a collection of communication methods effective for transmitting the fulfillment purchase request information 403 to the fulfillment vendor 113 . For example, depending on the vendor, the request needs to come in the form of a fax; while other vendors require file transfers, computer-to-computer communication may also be required. Accordingly, the purchase request batcher 305 repackages the request according to the specific vendor's manifest, whether or not it matches the manifest. These methods include land mail or parcel service, facsimile, electronic mail, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), file transfer, dedicated telephone lines, the Internet, and the like. Accordingly, the repackaged request is sent to the fulfillment vendor 113 according to the consistent manifest.

The request confirmation generator process 310 notifies the viewer that his/her request has been transmitted to the fulfillment vendor 113 . The notification message 311 may be in the form of a real-time message, for example, to the viewer's TV 109 screen (e.g., tuned to the "Status" channel on his/her STB 108 to check the status of his/her request, or by being viewer’s private television channel), to the viewer’s email address/web site (e.g., a viewer-initiated action such as checking the status of his/her account on an Internet server), to the viewer’s cell phone, or to the viewer’s Pocket PC. Alternatively, such notification can also be made to the viewer by conventional means, for example, by sending a letter/postcard to his/her address.

It should be noted that while process 310 provides a valuable part of the commercial viability of system 20, system 20 can function without it.

Billing interface 114 handles billing that occurs once execution is complete. Fulfilling Vendors 113 who have a direct relationship with the audience may choose to pay for the product using their own billing system. Executing Vendors 113 without facilities for billing viewers directly send Shipment Confirmation Message 404 (see format in FIG. 6 ) containing sufficient information to identify the merchant/sponsor making the offer, the viewer requesting the purchase, and the amount billed. This message causes the billing interface 114 to provide the viewer with the preferred method of payment. The preferred method of payment may be wired billing, telephone billing, credit card, debit card, or the like.

It will be appreciated that, via provisioning subsystem 22, multiple television content providers may have their respective "items to buy" programs made available to viewers. Additionally, each of their respective "items to buy" programs may be made available to viewers on multiple television channels. Thus, for example, if desired, a historical show producer may provide "buy-allowed" advertisements that may be displayed simultaneously on the "history" channel and/or other television channels in order to sell historical dramas. In addition, multiple television providers can be supported using the system 20 since "purchasable items" are provided by the television provider.

It will be appreciated that a single entity such as QVC Corporation, the agent of the present invention 20, may also administer the system 20, since "allowed purchase items" are controlled by the television content provider itself.

From the cable system operator's point of view, the implementation of system 20 does not necessarily require coordination of the program schedules that are permitted to be purchased. Training, monitoring, and maintenance of additional devices in the headend are also eliminated since no new equipment is required in the facility.

Additionally, from the viewer's perspective, by using a wired network to send purchase requests and have them processed in the system 20, the need and complexity of phone lines, wireless connections, etc. is also eliminated. By making the STB 108 ID identical and anonymous, by scrambling the data used for matching, but preventing any other cable data or activity, the viewer's privacy is protected. The system 20 thus eliminates the risk that the advertiser/vendor might use the data block received in support of the purchase request to trace other activities of the viewer along with his/her cable operator.

Without going into further detail, the foregoing has sufficiently illustrated our invention that, by applying present or future knowledge, it is easy to adopt the same method under various service conditions.

Claims (70)

1. a system is used for providing interactive shopping at least one spectators, and described system comprises:

First subsystem, this subsystem prepares to allow the TV programme of purchase, transmits the TV programme that described permission is bought by wired channel distribution then;

Second subsystem, this subsystem is used for receiving the TV programme that allows purchase from wired channel distribution, and be shown at least one spectators, described second subsystem is started the purchase request that automatic generation comprises article at least by at least one spectators, and these article are included in the TV programme that the permission of described demonstration buys; With

The 3rd subsystem, this subsystem are used for receive buying request from second subsystem, and the described purchase of route automatically asks to article actuator, are used to transmit at least one article and give at least one spectators.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first subsystem comprises code device, the sign that described code device will allow to buy is inserted in the middle of the TV programme.

3. system as claimed in claim 2, the sign that wherein said code device will allow to buy inserts in the middle of the TV programme, and when being displayed at least one spectators when TV programme, the process of watching has the interference that is difficult for discovering.

4. system as claimed in claim 3, the sign that wherein said code device will allow to buy inserts in the vertical blanking interval of TV programme.

5. system as claimed in claim 3, the sign that wherein said code device will allow to buy inserts in the vertical blanking interval of extension of TV programme.

6. system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first subsystem is applicable to provides the TV programme that allows purchase on many channels.

7. system as claimed in claim 3, wherein TV programme comprises the advertising programme from a plurality of television content suppliers.

8. system as claimed in claim 3, the TV programme that wherein said permission is bought comprises program asset, this program asset comprises the code of insertion, the code definition of this insertion at least one article, at least one spectators can select to buy this article.

9. system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said TV programme is a recorded program.

10. system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said TV programme is live.

11. system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second subsystem comprises set-top box and relevant television set, and described set-top box is applicable to and detects the sign that described permission is bought.

12. system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said set-top box comprises resident application software, and this application software is monitored the TV programme that receives to the sign of described " allowing to buy ".

13. system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said set-top box comprises operating system, the TV programme that this operating system receives described " allowing to buy " sign monitoring.

14. system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said set-top box comprise that the TV programme that is used to warn at least one spectators to be shown is the device of " allowing to buy ".

15. system as claimed in claim 14 wherein saidly is used to warn at least one spectators's device that visual mark is provided on relevant screen of TV set.

16. system as claimed in claim 15 comprises resident application software, this application software produces described visable indicia.

17. system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said set-top box comprises operating system, and this operating system produces described visable indicia.

18. system as claimed in claim 14 wherein saidly is used to warn at least one spectators's device that tone is provided.

19. system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said set-top box comprise the communicating devices that is used for detecting the TV programme that " allows to buy " from least one spectators' response.

20. system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said set-top box comprises remote control unit and receiver, this receiver is used to receive the wireless signal from remote control unit, described communications packets is contained in the wireless signal that predetermined key on the remote control unit excites generation, described set-top box further comprises resident software applications, the wireless signal that described wireless signal of this Application Monitoring and the scheduled key excitation of detection produce, this wireless signal is received by described receiver.

21. system as claimed in claim 20, the resident application software of wherein said set-top box provides visable indicia to received at least one spectators of described wireless signal.

22. system as claimed in claim 19, described set-top box comprises the tone receiver, be used for receiving the tone that produces by at least one spectators, and wherein said communication comprises and being produced by at least one spectators, predetermined sound section corresponding to the affirmation of buying " allowing to buy " content that shows, described set-top box further comprises resident applications, sound section and the described predetermined sound section of detection that this Application Monitoring is received by the tone receiver.

23. system as claimed in claim 19, wherein saidly be used for detecting communicating devices and comprise resident applications, and wherein said resident applications decision described " allowing to buy " mark whether to comprise information about at least one article, these article require to be further considered by at least one televiewer.

24. system as claimed in claim 23, wherein said resident applications shows about the menu of the information with at least one article gives at least one spectators, and this menu comprises the option that is listed on the described relevant television set.

25. system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said set-top box comprises remote control unit and the wireless signal receiver that is used for receiving from remote control unit, when at least one spectators responds menu by being enabled in predetermined key on the remote control unit, described resident applications monitoring is received the described wireless signal that machine receives, and described resident applications makes each option that is listed in the menu relevant with each predetermined key.

26. system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said set-top box further comprise the described communicating devices that is used to differentiate from least one spectators.

27. system as claimed in claim 19, wherein said set-top box comprise the device that is used for based on produce described purchase request from least one spectators's described communication.

28. system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said purchase request comprises a message, and this message comprises the discriminating of at least one article, at least one article contributor's subsidy and at least one spectators's set-top box.

29. system as claimed in claim 28 wherein saidly further comprises the data of at least one article from least one spectators's communication, these article are selected by at least one spectators, and wherein said message comprises further data.

30. system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said second subsystem further comprises the video distributor system that is coupling between described wired channel distribution and the described set-top box, be used to receive the TV programme that allows purchase, and be used to receive purchase request from set-top box from wired distributor channel.

31. system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said second subsystem further comprises data distribution network, and this network coupled is to described video distributor system, and is used for the described purchase of route and asks to described the 3rd subsystem.

32. system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said second subsystem comprises communicator, this communicator forms forward channel, is used to send the TV programme bought from the described permission of described video distributor system to described set-top box, and described forward channel comprises wireline equipment.

33. system as claimed in claim 32, wherein said forward channel comprises Radio Link.

34. system as claimed in claim 33, wherein said Radio Link comprises satellite link.

35. system as claimed in claim 30, wherein said second subsystem comprises communicator, and this communicator forms reverse channel, is used to transmit described purchase and asks described video distribution system, and described reverse channel comprises wireline equipment.

36. system as claimed in claim 35, wherein said reverse channel comprises telephone wire.

37. system as claimed in claim 35, wherein said reverse channel comprises Radio Link.

38. system as claimed in claim 37, wherein said Radio Link comprises satellite link.

39. system as claimed in claim 31, wherein said the 3rd subsystem comprises processor, is used for handling the request of purchase, and described processor coupling is corresponding to the name and the address of set-top box, and set-top box produces the request of purchase and sends to buy asks article actuator.

40. system as claimed in claim 39, wherein said processor comprises the data of set top box storehouse, be used to mate described name and address to differentiate the data of the set-top box that produces described purchase request, described processor produces an execution from the purchase request of described transmission and buys request message, the purchase request that sends comprises at least one spectators's described name and address, and the sign of at least one article.

41. system as claimed in claim 40, wherein said processor produces special identifier to described set-top box, this identifier is different from the authentication data of set-top box, carry out at least one spectators's address coupling by described article actuator, if at least one spectators is clients of a repetition, special identifier will be eliminated this demand, and prevent without approval any and trace set-top box, and described special identifier is inserted into to carry out and buys in the request message.

42. system as claimed in claim 39, wherein said the 3rd subsystem further comprises carries out seller's mechanism arrangement, and whether this device decision transmits to carry out is in real time bought solicited message to article actuator or according to the batch delivery of the classification mode of described article actuator.

43. system as claimed in claim 42, wherein said the 3rd subsystem further comprises buys request batch processing device, and this device is carried out according to the purchase request format configuration of the expection of article actuator and bought request message.

44. system as claimed in claim 43, wherein said the 3rd subsystem further comprises request affirmation generation device, and this device notifies his/her purchase request of at least one spectators to be sent to article actuator.

45. system as claimed in claim 44, wherein said request confirms that generation device comprises and is used to transmit the described relevant television set that real-time messages is given at least one spectators, for confirmation he/her purchase request has been transmitted to the device of described article actuator.

46. system as claimed in claim 45, wherein said request confirm generation device comprise be used to transmit real-time messages give at least one spectators for confirmation he/her purchase request has been transmitted to described article actuator.

47. system as claimed in claim 46, wherein said request confirms that generation device comprises and is used to transmit the relevant television set that at least one spectators is given in real time information, for confirmation he/her purchase request has been transmitted to the device of article actuator.

48. a method, this method are used for providing interactive television to buy at least one spectators, the method includes the steps of:

(a), provide and allow the TV programme bought by wired distribution network;

(b) provide set-top box at least one spectators, this set-top box can receive the TV programme from wired distribution network, and also can detect the TV programme that described permission is bought;

(c) on the television set relevant, show that the TV programme of described permission purchase is given at least one spectators with set-top box;

(d) described set-top box produces at least one article automatically and buys request, and these article are bought request and started by at least one spectators, send actuator to by data distribution network; With

(e) buy request corresponding to described at least one article, transmit at least one article and give at least one spectators.

49. method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said providing allows the step of the TV programme bought to be prepared by the television content supplier.

50. method as claimed in claim 48, the process of watching that wherein said demonstration allows the step of the TV programme of purchase to comprise at least one spectators has an interference that is difficult for discovering.

51. method as claimed in claim 50 wherein saidly provides the step that allows the TV programme bought to comprise the sign that will allow to buy to insert in the vertical blanking interval of TV programme.

52. method as claimed in claim 50 is in the wherein said vertical blanking interval that provides the step that allows the TV programme bought to comprise will to allow the extension that the sign of buying inserts TV programme.

53. method as claimed in claim 48 is wherein saidly bought the step become possible TV programme and is included in to provide on a plurality of channels and allows the TV programme bought providing on wired distribution network to make.

54. method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said set-top box produces at least one article automatically and buys the step of request and comprise by being enabled in the predetermined key on the remote control unit relevant with set-top box, point out at least one spectators with indicate his/she in the interest of buying at least one article.

55. method as claimed in claim 54, wherein said set-top box produce at least one article automatically and buy the step of request and comprise and provide sign at least one spectators, it is detected that this sign is meant that predetermined key activates.

56. method as claimed in claim 55, the step that wherein detects described predetermined key activation is only from differentiating initialized at least one spectators.

57. method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said set-top box produce at least one article automatically and buy the step of request and comprise by sending the predetermined state pronunciation, excite at least one spectators show his/her interest of at least one article of purchase.

58. method as claimed in claim 57, wherein said set-top box produce at least one article automatically and buy the step of request and further comprise and provide sign at least one spectators, described predetermined state pronunciation is detected.

59. method as claimed in claim 57, the step of wherein said detection predetermined state pronunciation is only from differentiating initialized at least one televiewer.

60. method as claimed in claim 48, described set-top box produce automatically at least one article buy the step of request further comprise provide relevant with at least one article more multidata menu at least one spectators, this menu comprise and detect from least one spectators about described more multidata response.

61. method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said at least one article are bought request and comprised an information, this information comprises the discriminating of at least one article, the subsidy of at least one article and at least one televiewer's set-top box.

62. method as claimed in claim 61, wherein the described step of buying request by described at least one article of data distribution network transmission comprises the name of mate at least one spectators and the address set-top box to the described purchase request of the generation spectators of at least one.

63. method as claimed in claim 60, wherein buy request and comprise for the described step of actuator to produce special authentication data to make the request of purchase be performed mechanism to handle easily, just can prevent to trace set-top box as long as at least one spectators is clients of a repetition to set-top box by described at least one article of data distribution network transmission.

64. method as claimed in claim 60, wherein at least one article that is transmitted by data distribution network are bought request and are comprised the execution with described special authentication data and buy request message.

65. as the described method of claim 64, wherein said execution is bought request message and is delivered to described article actuator in real time.

66. as the described method of claim 64, wherein said execution is bought solicited message and is delivered to described article actuator in batches.

67. as the described method of claim 64, the purchase request form of the described article actuator that wherein said execution buys that solicited message is configured to expect.

68. as the described method of claim 65, further comprise and notify at least one spectators, described purchase request has been sent to the step of described article actuator.

69. as the described method of claim 68, wherein said at least one spectators's the step of notifying comprises real-time pass-along message at least one spectators, described purchase request has been sent to article actuator.

70. as the described method of claim 69, wherein said transmission real-time messages comprises the transmission real-time messages at least one televiewer's step and has been sent in the relevant television set of article actuator to described purchase request.

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