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  Video on demand system with automated disablement of random-access functionalityUSPTO Application #: 20060020982Title: Video on demand system with automated disablement of random-access functionality Abstract: The present invention provides a method for an interactive media services system to provide media to a user through an interactive media services client device. The client device is coupled to a programmable media services server device. The method includes the step of implementing an interactive media guide. Additionally, the client device is implemented to present the interactive media guide to the user. A system operator is provided an interface to the programmable media services server. Control options are provided within the interface to allow the system operator to configure a plurality of rental options available to the user. Finally the interactive media service system is implemented such that the plurality of rental options can be executed by the user in a requested active media session. (end of abstract) Agent: Scientific-atlanta, Inc. Intellectual Property Department - Lawrenceville, GA, US Inventors: Dean F. Jerding, Robert O. Banker, Sashi Goel, Arturo A. Rodriguez, Timothy H. Addington, Valerie Grew Gutknecht, Bindu Crandall, Robert T. Van Orden USPTO Applicaton #: 20060020982 - Class: 725089000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Interactive Video Distribution Systems, User-requested Video Program System, Vcr-like Function, , By Use Of Memory At Receiver The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060020982. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,520 filed Jun. 9, 2000, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/138,756 filed Jun. 11, 1999, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates in general to television systems, and more particularly, to the field of media-on-demand. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Historically, television services have been comprised of analog broadcast audio and video signals. Cable television systems now receive broadcasts and retransmit them with other programming to users over land-line networks, typically comprising fiber optic cable and/or coaxial cable. With the recent advent of digital transmission technology, cable television systems are now capable of providing much more than the traditional analog broadcast video. In addition, two-way and advanced one-way communications between a subscriber and a cable system headend are now possible. [0004] In implementing enhanced programming, the home communication terminal ("HCT"), otherwise known as the settop box, has become an important computing device for accessing video services and navigating a subscriber through a maze of services available. In addition to supporting traditional analog broadcast video functionality, digital HCTs (or "DHCTs") now also support an increasing number of two-way digital services such as video-on-demand. [0005] Each HCT or DHCT (collectively hereinafter "DHCT") is typically connected to a cable or satellite television network. The DHCTs generally include hardware and software necessary to provide the functionality of the digital television system at the client's site. Preferably, some of the software executed by a DHCT is downloaded and/or updated via the cable television network. Each DHCT typically includes a processor, communication components and memory, and is connected to a television or other display device, such as a personal computer. While many conventional DHCTs are stand-alone devices that are externally connected to a television, a DHCT and/or its functionality may be integrated into a television or personal computer, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. [0006] To best utilize network bandwidth and provide video-on-demand functionality to the largest number of users, video-on-demand services must offer different options for rental of video-on-demand titles. Providing rental options to a user that according to different levels of functionality and different lengths of time present complex problems in user-interface and bandwidth management. [0007] Additional problems exist in providing the flexibility for users to control the video-on-demand title presentation using VCR-like functions (i.e., rewind, pause, stop, fast-forward, etc.). For example, due to excessive use of the VCR-like functions the user may not have time to watch a particular title in its entirety during the allotted rental period. Thus, there is a need for efficiently handling how the user may operate video manipulation functions and still view the movie in its entirety before the rental duration expires. [0008] If a user is enabled to use such functions as "pause" or "stop"--functions that may cause a still image to be displayed on the display device-a problem exists with images being burned into the display devices left unattended for substantial amounts of time. Thus, there is a need for efficiently handling situations when the user may cause a still image to appear on the display without damaging the display device. [0009] Another problem arises when a user receives a video-on-demand title but either stops, pauses, or otherwise prematurely interrupts or terminates presentation of the title. The problem pertains to the previously allocated bandwidth within the cable or satellite television system and the fact that it may be reserved for the user even during the time the user is not actually viewing the rented title. In order to free resources for more users attempting to view rented titles at the same time, a need exists for efficiently managing allocated network bandwidth and handling user inactivity. [0010] A problem also exists in providing rental options to a user according to different levels of functionality and different lengths of time. Historically hardware resources have provided little flexibility in enabling the cable provider to offer a variety of options for renting movies on demand. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] The present invention provides a method for an interactive media services system to provide media to a user through an interactive media services client device, wherein the client device is coupled to a programmable media services server device. The steps of the method include implementing an interactive media guide to be presented by the client device to the user. The interactive media service system is provided with information of a plurality of dynamic variables regarding an active session of the media. Finally the interactive media service system is implemented with the ability to configure the client device with a control options suite for the active session of the media. [0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for an interactive media services system to provide media to a user through an interactive media services client device. The client device is coupled to a programmable media services server device. The method includes the step of implementing an interactive media guide. Additionally, the client device is implemented to present the interactive media guide to the user. A system operator is provided an interface to the programmable media services server. Control options are provided within the interface to allow the system operator to configure a plurality of rental options available to the user. Finally the interactive media service system is implemented such that the plurality of rental options can be executed by the user in a requested active media session. [0013] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cable television system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the headend 11 as depicted in FIG. 1. [0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a DHCT and related equipment, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1. [0018] FIGS. 4A-4M are flow diagrams that define the signaling interactions between the DHCT, the DNCS, the MOD application server, and the VOD content server 22 to set up, maintain, and tear down VOD sessions. [0019] FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow chart diagrams of the user interface flow for providing the MOD service in the system depicted in FIG. 1. Continue reading... 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