Abstract:
An aspect of the present invention provides a method of communicating within a system having a first device, a second device, a key distribution device and an interactive service portal device. The method includes: storing a tag within the interactive service portal device; associating the tag with the first device; registering the first device with the key distribution device; associating, by way of the key distribution device, an encryption key with the first device; accessing, by way of the second device, the tag; providing information to the second device; and establishing secure bi-directional interactive communication, corresponding to the tag, between the first device and the second device based on a relationship between the information and the encryption key.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Video conferencing equipment is available for providing interactive applications between remotely located persons via global networks, e.g., the Internet. Interactive applications include exchanges of audio, video, media and other information. Conventional video conferencing between people often requires bulky and expensive equipment in addition to expensive high-bandwidth connections. 
         [0002]    An increasing need and demand for delivering cost effective peer-to-peer interactive applications for providing value to customers and service providers is being experienced in the market place. Non-limiting examples of interactive peer-to-peer applications include private tutoring, medical consulting and other consulting services of high commercial value. Teaching and consulting services provided interactively, securely and bi-directionally by a teacher at his/her location to/from students at their location or locations is a highly sought application. Providing security for an interactive, bi-directional teaching or consulting service is a high priority of service providers, as service providers seek to protect the value of the material presented. For example, in medical consulting, privacy of patient related information is a key issue requiring the application of secure exchanges of information. 
         [0003]    A set-top box is a device that connects to a television (or other display device) and an external source of signal, turning the signal into content which is then displayed on the television screen (or other display device). Conventional set-top boxes provided by media providers operate to supply audio, video, media and other information via media networks for viewing by users on televisions and other video capable devices. However, conventional media provider networks and associated set-top boxes are generally not capable of providing interactive, secure and bi-directional exchanges of information between users and service providers. 
         [0004]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing interactive, secure, bi-directional and cost effective exchanges of information between users and service providers using networks and associated equipment of media providers. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a system and method is provided for interactive, secure, bi-directional and cost effective exchanges of information between users and service providers using networks and associated equipment of media providers. 
         [0006]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method is provided of communicating within a system having a first device, a second device, a key distribution device and an interactive service portal device. The method includes: storing a tag within the interactive service portal device; associating the tag with the first device; registering the first device with the key distribution device; associating, by way of the key distribution device, an encryption key with the first device; accessing, by way of the second device, the tag; providing information to the second device; and establishing secure bi-directional interactive communication, corresponding to the tag, between the first device and the second device based on a relationship between the information and the encryption key. 
         [0007]    Additional advantages and novel features of the invention are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a communication system, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed version of a set-top box illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed version of a key distribution device illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed version of an interactive service portal as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a detailed version of a billing server as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  presents a block diagram illustrating information flows as related to elements of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 7A-D  presents a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for interaction of the elements of a communication system as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    A first embodiment of the present invention provides for secure interactive bi-directional communications between a plurality of communication devices with interaction for communication between the communication devices aided by a communication network, key distribution device and an interactive service portal. 
         [0017]    Aspects of the present invention may be used with bi-directional communication devices, non-limiting examples of which include phones, computers and set-top boxes. For consistency of discussion, examples embodiments discussed herein may use the non-limiting example of a communications system using set-top boxes. Set-top boxes, key distribution device and interactive service portal may be arranged to communicate via communication network. Non-limiting examples of communication networks which may be supported include Ethernet, optical fiber, Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless LAN (WLAN), Internet, cable, cellular, satellite and power line. 
         [0018]    Users may exchange information, execute applications and view video provided via media providers. Non-limiting examples of media providers include cable, satellite and Internet. A multiplicity of users may interface with a given provider, with each user having a unique account. 
         [0019]    Non-limiting example of information exchanged include audio, video, text files, graphic files, facsimiles, email, chat, social networking and other application files. Non-limiting example of applications that may be executed include network browsing, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, audio related and video related. 
         [0020]    Set-top boxes may include devices for interaction with users. Non-limiting examples of devices with which set-top boxes may provide for interacting with users include Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), cameras, monitors, televisions, keyboards, keypads, touch-screens, trackballs, pointing devices, mouses, audio speakers, facsimiles, printers and scanners. 
         [0021]    Prior to the initiation of secure interactive bi-directional communications between the set-top boxes, a user may initiate registration with key distribution device. Key distribution device may verify a user maintains an account in good standing prior to providing a security key to the user. 
         [0022]    After verifying a user&#39;s account is in good standing, key distribution device may provide a security key to the set-top box interfacing with user. A user, after receiving a valid security key, may browse interactive service portal for services. 
         [0023]    A user finding a service or services for participation may select the service or services. Following selection of a service or services, user&#39;s associated set-top box may request a tag from key distribution service. Following verification of service by supplier of service, user&#39;s set-top box may be supplied a security key by set-top box of service provider. Following receipt of security key from service provider&#39;s set-top box, user&#39;s set-top box may verify validity of security key provided by service provider&#39;s set-top box. 
         [0024]    Following receipt of valid security key, user and service provider may communicate via their associated set-top boxes in a secure and bidirectional manner. Following completion of communication between user and service provider, user&#39;s account status and service provider&#39;s account status may be updated. Non-limiting example of information which may be updated include account of user (or service provider), name of user, address of user, telephone number of user, length of session, cost of session, location of session, title of session, content of session and date of session. 
         [0025]    In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and means will be described which provides for billing of secure interactive bi-directional communications between a multiplicity of set-top boxes with interaction for communication between the set-top boxes aided by a communication network, key distribution device, an interactive service portal and a billing server. Non-limiting examples of billing which may be supported include debit/credit of credit cards, debit/credit of debit cards and debit/credit of banking accounts. 
         [0026]    In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and means will be described which provides for recording and playback of secure interactive bi-directional communications between a multiplicity of set-top boxes with interaction for communication between the set-top boxes aided by a communication network, a key distribution device and an interactive service portal. Non-limiting example of information which may be recorded for playback may include audio, video, text files, graphic files, facsimiles, email, chat, social networking and application files. 
         [0027]    In other embodiments of the present invention, a system and method provides for recording, playback and billing of secure interactive bi-directional communications between a multiplicity of set-top boxes with interaction for communication between the set-top boxes aided by a communication network, a key distribution device, an interactive service portal and a billing server. Non-limiting examples of billing which may be supported include debit/credit of credit cards, debit/credit of debit cards and debit/credit of banking accounts. Non-limiting example of information which may be recorded for playback may include audio, video, text files, graphic files, facsimiles, email, chat, social networking and application files. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an example communication system  100  in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
         [0029]    Communication system  100  includes a plurality of set-top boxes, with a sampling denoted as a set-top box  102  and a set-top box  104 , a key distribution device  106 , an interactive service portal  108 , a billing server  110  and a communications network  112 . Each of the elements of communication system  100  are illustrated as individual devices, however, in some embodiments of the present invention at least two of key distribution device  106 , interactive service portal  108  and billing server  110  may be combined as a unitary device. 
         [0030]    Set-top box  102  may communicate bi-directionally with communications network  112  via a communication channel  114 . Set-top box  104  may communicate bi-directionally with communications network via a communication channel  116 . Key distribution device  106  may communicate with communications network  112  via a communication channel  118 . Interactive service portal  108  may communicate with communications network  112  via a communication channel  120 . Billing server  110  may communicate bi-directionally with communications network  112  via a communication channel  122 . Set-top box  102 , set-top box  104 , key distribution device  106 , interactive service portal  108  and billing server  110  may each communicate bi-directionally with one another via communications network  112 , communication channel  114 , communication channel  116 , communication channel  118 , communication channel  120  and communication channel  122 . 
         [0031]    Set-top box  102  and set-top box  104  may interface with a user for communicating information to/from external entities via communications network  112  and to perform other media and computing functions. Key distribution device  106  may receive, process and transmit responses to requests for security and tag related information. Interactive service portal  108  may receive and process requests for service related information. Billing server  110  may receive and process requests for billing related information and communicate billing related operations. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates a more detailed view of example set-top box  102  in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.  FIG. 2  also illustrates a more detailed view of example set-top box  104  in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
         [0033]    Set-top box  102  includes a communication portion  202 , a data input  204 , a processor  206 , a data output  208 , a security portion  210  and a memory  212 . Each of the elements of set-top box  102  are illustrated as individual devices, however, in some embodiments of the present invention at least two of communication portion  202 , data input  204 , processor  206 , data output  208 , security portion  210  and memory  212  may be combined as a unitary device. 
         [0034]    Communication portion  202  may bi-directionally communicate with external entities (not shown) via a communication channel  214  and with processor  206  via a communication channel  216 . Processor  206  may receive information from data input  204  via a communication channel  218 , communicate bi-directionally with security portion  210  via a communication channel  222  and communicate bi-directionally with memory  212  via a communication channel  224 . Data output  208  may receive information from processor  206  via a communication channel  220  and to transmit information to a user (not shown). Data input  204  may receive information from user. 
         [0035]    Set-top box  102  may present information to a user via data output  208 . Non-limiting examples of data output  208  include Graphical User Interface (GUI), computer monitor, computer display, gaming system display, television, display of mobile device, audio speaker and printer. 
         [0036]    Set-top box  102  may receive information from a user via data input  204 . Non-limiting examples of data input  204  include a camera, a mouse, a trackball, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch-screen, a pointing device and a scanner. Set-top box  102  may communicate with external devices via communication portion  202 . Non-limiting examples of networks which communication portion  202  may communicate with include Ethernet, optical fiber, Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless LAN (WLAN), Internet, cable, cellular, satellite and power line. 
         [0037]    Processor  206  may execute operational codes retrieved from memory  212  and to store and retrieve information to/from memory  212 . Non-limiting examples of memory include Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Digital Video Disk (DVD), Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CDROM), Hard Disk (HD) and flash memory. Non-limiting examples of software languages for which operational codes for processor  206  may be compiled and assembled from include “C”, “C++”, “C#” and Java. 
         [0038]    Security portion  210  may perform encryption of information using security keys to be transmitted via communication portion  202  and decryption of information received via communication portion  202  using security keys. 
         [0039]    In operation, communication portion  202  of set-top box  102  may receive information via communication channel  214 . Communication portion  202  may communicate received information to processor  206  via communication channel  216 . Processor  206  may communicate received information to memory  212  via communication channel  224 . Processor  206  may then determine the security status of received information. For encrypted received information, processor  206  may retrieve decryption keys from memory  212  and encrypted received information from memory  212  and then communicate encrypted information and decryption keys to security portion  210  for decryption. 
         [0040]    Security portion  210  may then decrypt encrypted received information using decryption keys. Processor  206  may then operate to receive decrypted information from security portion  210  for processing. Non-limiting examples of processing for which processor  206  may engage include executing algorithms and communicating information to data output  208  via communication channel  220  for user to view, listen and print. 
         [0041]    A user presented information by data output  208  may communicate information to be transmitted to external entities. User may present information to be communicated via data input  204 . Data input  204  may communicate the information to be transmitted to processor  206  via communication channel  218 . For information to be securely transmitted, processor  206  may retrieve encryption keys from memory  212  via communication channel  224  and communicate encryption keys and information to be transmitted to security portion  210  via communication channel  222 . Security portion  210  may encrypt information to be transmitted using encryption keys. Security portion  210  may communicate encrypted information to be transmitted to processor  206  via communication channel  222 . Processor  206  may communicate encrypted information to be transmitted to communication portion  202  via communication channel  216 . Communication portion  202  may transmit encrypted information externally to set-top box  102  via communication channel  214 . 
         [0042]    Set-top box  102  may interface with a user for communicating information to/from external entities via a communication network and to perform other media and computing functions. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed version of key distribution device  106 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0044]    Key distribution device  106  includes a communication portion  302 , a security portion  304  and a key database  306 . Each of the elements of key distribution device  106  are illustrated as individual devices, however, in some embodiments of the present invention at least one of communication portion  302 , security portion  304  and key database  306  may be combined as a unitary device. 
         [0045]    Communication portion  302  may communicate bi-directionally with external entities (now shown) via a communication channel  308  and with security portion  304  via a communication channel  310 . Security portion  304  may communicate bi-directionally with key database  306  via a communication channel  312 . 
         [0046]    Key distribution device  106  may communicate with external devices via communication portion  302 . Non-limiting examples of networks which communication portion  302  may communicate with include Ethernet, optical fiber, Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless LAN (WLAN), Internet, cable, cellular, satellite and power line. 
         [0047]    Security portion  304  may receive information from communication portion  302  via communication channel  310 . Non-limiting example of information security portion  304  may receive from communication portion  302  include requests for registration, authentication, creation of new security keys and creation of new tags. 
         [0048]    Security portion  304  may process requests and store associated information in key database  306 . Following receipt of a request, security portion  304  may retrieve associated information from key database  306 , process information received and retrieved and communicate a response to communication portion  302 . Communication portion  302  may receive information from security portion  304  for communication to external entities via communication channel  308 . 
         [0049]    Key distribution device  106  may receive, process and transmit responses to requests for security and tag related information. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates a detailed version of interactive service portal  108 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0051]    Interactive service portal  108  includes a communications portion  402 , a processor  404  and a service database  406 . Each of the elements of interactive service portal  108  are illustrated as individual devices, however, in some embodiments of the present invention at least two of communications portion  402 , processor  404  and service database  406  may be combined as a unitary device. 
         [0052]    Communications portion  402  may communicate bi-directionally with external entities (not shown) via a communication channel  408  and with processor  404  via a communication channel  410 . Processor  404  may communicate bi-directionally with service database  406  via a communication channel  412 . 
         [0053]    Interactive service portal  108  may receive requests for service information and communicate responses to requests for service information. Non-limiting examples of requests for service information include available services, available proprietors, costs of services and schedule of services. 
         [0054]    Interactive service portal  108  may communicate with external devices via communications portion  402 . Non-limiting examples of networks which communications portion  402  may communicate with include Ethernet, optical fiber, Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless LAN (WLAN), Internet, cable, cellular, satellite and power line. 
         [0055]    Communications portion  402  may communicate requests for service information to processor  404 . Processor  404  may receive requests for service information, retrieve associated information from service database  406  via communication channel  412 , process received and retrieved information and generate response for communication to communications portion  402 . Communications portion  402  may receive service related information from processor  404  for communication to external entities via communication channel  408 . 
         [0056]    Interactive service portal  108  may receive and process requests for service related information. 
         [0057]      FIG. 5  illustrates a detailed version of billing server  110 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0058]    Billing server  110  includes a communications portion  502 , a processor  504  and a billing database  506 . Each of the elements of billing server  110  are illustrated as individual devices, however, in some embodiments of the present invention at least two of communications portion  502 , processor  504  and billing database  506  may be combined as a unitary device. 
         [0059]    Communications portion  502  may communicate bi-directionally with external entities (not shown) via a communication channel  508  and with processor  504  via a communication channel  510 . Processor  504  may communicate bi-directionally with billing database  506  via a communication channel  512 . 
         [0060]    Billing server  110  may receive requests for billing related information, communicate responses to requests for billing related information and perform billing operations. Non-limiting examples of billing related information supported by billing server  110  include credit card, debit card and banking account. Furthermore, billing server  110  may communicate billing related requests to external entities. Non-limiting examples of requests to external entities include debit/credit of credit card, debit/credit of debit card and debit/credit of banking account. 
         [0061]    Communications portion  502  may receive billing related requests from external entities via communication channel  508 . Non-limiting examples of billing requests include requests for account status and requests for account balances. Communications portion  502  may communicate requests for billing related information requests to processor  504 . 
         [0062]    Processor  504  may receive billing related information requests from communications portion  502 , retrieve associated information from billing database  506 , processes received and retrieved information and communicate a response to communications portion  502 . 
         [0063]    Communications portion  502  may receive billing related information from processor  504  for communication to external entities via communication channel  508 . 
         [0064]    Billing server  110  may receive and process requests for billing related information and communicate billing related operations. 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  presents a block diagram illustrating information flows as related to elements of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0066]      FIG. 6  contains some elements in common with  FIG. 1 . Common elements between  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 1  have been described previously and will not be described with reference to  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  in tandem with  FIG. 7A-D  operates to present information flows as related to elements of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0067]    A unidirectional flow of information may be received by key distribution device  106  from set-top box  102  as denoted by an arrow S 704 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by billing server  110  from key distribution device  106  as denoted by an arrow S 706 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  102  from key distribution device  106  as denoted by an arrow S 708 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by interactive service portal  108  from set-top box  102  as denoted by an arrow S 710 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by key distribution device  106  from set-top box  104  as denoted by an arrow S 712 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by billing server  110  from key distribution device  106  as denoted by an arrow S 714 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  104  from key distribution device  106  as denoted by an arrow S 716 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  104  from interactive service portal  108  as denoted by an arrow S 718 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by key distribution device  106  from set-top box  104  as denoted by an arrow S 722 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  104  from key distribution device  106  as denoted by an arrow S 724 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  102  from set-top box  104  as denoted by an arrow S 726 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  104  from set-top box  102  as denoted by an arrow S 728 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  104  from set-top box  102  as denoted by an arrow S 730 . A bidirectional flow of information may be located between set-top box  104  and key distribution device  106  as denoted by an arrow S 734 . A unidirectional flow of information may be received by set-top box  104  from set-top box  102  as denoted in arrow S 736 . A unidirectional flow of information received by set-top box  102  from set-top box  104  as denoted as an arrow S 740 . A unidirectional flow of information received by billing server  110  from set-top box  104  as denoted by an arrow S 748 . A unidirectional flow of information received by billing server  110  from set-top box  102  as denoted by an arrow S 750 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  illustrates flows of information for a student registering for, finding, selecting, paying for, receiving and recording a service from a tutor. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 7A-D  illustrate an example method  700  for interaction of the elements of communication system  100 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
         [0070]    Starting with  FIG. 7A , in the example embodiment, method  700  starts (S 702 ) and a provider registers with key distributor (S 704 ). Provider (not shown) may view information as presented by data output  208  of set-top box  102  and enter and apply selections to set-top box  102  via data input  204 . 
         [0071]    Provider&#39;s set-top box  102  may then communicate and register with key distribution device  106  (S 704 ). In order for provider&#39;s set-top box  102  to register with key distribution device  106 , set-top box  102  may transmit a frame of data to key distribution device  106  by way of communication channel  114 , communications network  112  and communication channel  118  indicating a request to register. 
         [0072]    Key distribution device  106  may then communicate and verify an acceptable status for provider&#39;s set-top box  102  with billing server  110  (S 706 ). In order to verify an acceptable status for provider&#39;s set-top box  102 , key distribution device  106  may transmit a frame of data containing a status request for provider&#39;s set-top box  102  to billing server  110  by way of communication channel  118 , communications network  112  and communication channel  122 . 
         [0073]    Provider&#39;s set-top box  102  may then receive a security key from key distribution device  106  (S 708 ). Key distribution device  106  may send a frame of data with a security key to provider&#39;s set-top box  102  by way of communication channel  118 , communications network  112  and communication channel  114  in order for provider&#39;s set-top box  102  to begin interaction with other elements of communication system  100 . 
         [0074]    Provider may then publish available services to interactive service portal  108  via set-top box  102  (S 710 ). Set-top box  102  may transmit a frame of data to interactive service portal  108  by way of communication channel  114 , communications network  112  and communication channel  120  with a list of available services. 
         [0075]    Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may then communicate and register with key distribution device  106  (S 712 ). Set-top box  104  may transmit a frame of data containing a request to register to key distribution device  106  by way of communication channel  116 , communications network  112  and communication channel  118 . 
         [0076]    Key distribution device  106  may then communicate and verify an acceptable status for client&#39;s set-top box  104  with billing server  110  (S 714 ). Key distribution device  106  may transmit a frame of data requesting status for client&#39;s set-top box  102  to billing server  110  by way of communication channel  118 , communications network  112  and communication channel  122 . 
         [0077]    Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may then receive a security key from key distribution device  106  (S 716 ). Key distribution device  106  may send a frame of data with a security key to provider&#39;s set-top box  102  by way of communication channel  118 , communications network  112  and communication channel  114  in order for client&#39;s set-top box  104  to begin interaction with other elements of communication system  100 . 
         [0078]    Transitioning to  FIG. 7B , the client then may browse available services listed on interactive service portal  108  by way of set-top box  104  (S 718 ). Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may transmit a frame of data requesting a list of available services from interactive service portal  108  by way of communication channel  116 , communications network  112  and communication channel  120 . Furthermore, a listing of available services may then be communicated from interactive service portal  108  to client&#39;s set-top box  104  by way of communication channel  120 , communications network  112  and communication channel  118 . 
         [0079]    The client may then determine, by way of set-top box  104 , whether a desirable service is listed on interactive service portal  108  (S 720 ). A received list of available services may be viewed by the client via data output  208  of set-top box  104  for determining whether an available service may be desirable for entering a subscription. 
         [0080]    If it is determined that the client does not find a desirable service listed on interactive service portal  108 , the client may again browse the Interactive Service Portal in order to find a suitable service (S 718 ). 
         [0081]    If it is determined that the client does find a desirable service listed on interactive service portal  108 , client&#39;s set-top box  104  may then request a tag from key distribution device  106  (S 722 ). Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may transmit a frame of data requesting a tag from key distribution device  106  by way of communication channel  116 , communications network  112  and communication channel  118 . 
         [0082]    Furthermore, client&#39;s set-top box  104  may then receive a tag from key distribution device  106  (S 724 ). Key distribution device  106  may transmit a frame of data containing a tag to client&#39;s set-top box  104  by way of communication channel  118 , communications network  112  and communication channel  114 . 
         [0083]    Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may then request communication, security key and service with provider via set-top box  102  (S 726 ). Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may transmit a frame or frames of data containing requests for communication, security key and service to provider via set-top box  102  by way of communication channel  116 , communications network  112  and communication channel  114 . 
         [0084]    Provider may then confirm request for communication, security key and service via set-top box  102  with the client via set-top box  104  (S 728 ). Provider&#39;s set-top box  102  may transmit a frame or frames of data containing confirmations of communication, and service to client&#39;s set-top box  104  by way of communication channel  114 , communications network  112  and communication channel  116 . 
         [0085]    Furthermore, provider&#39;s set-top box  102  may then communicate a security key to client&#39;s set-top box  104  (S 730 ). Provider&#39;s set-top box  102  may reply to request for security key to client&#39;s set-top box  104  by transmitting a frame or frames of data containing security key to client&#39;s set-top box  104  by way of communication channel  114 , communications network  112  and communication channel  116 . 
         [0086]    Transitioning to  FIG. 7C , validity for the security key supplied by provider&#39; set-top box  102  may be determined by client&#39;s set-top box  104  (S 732 ). Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may verify the security key provided by provider&#39;s set-top box  102 . Non-limiting examples of parameters verified for validity for security key provide by provider&#39;s set-top box  102  include dates and times for validity and account up-to-date. 
         [0087]    For a determination of an invalid security key, client&#39;s set-top box  104  may communicate with key distribution device  106  to obtain a valid security key (S 734 ), with execution of method returning to validate security key (S 732 ), following reception of a new security key. Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may transmit a frame of data containing a request for a security key to key distribution device  106  by way of communication channel  116 , communications network  112  and communication channel  118 . 
         [0088]    For a determination of a valid security key, provider may communicate via set-top box  102  with the client via set-top box  104  (S 736 ). Information may be received by client&#39;s set-top box  104  from provider&#39;s set-top box  102  by way of communication channel  114 , communications network  112  and communication channel  116 . The client may view received information by way of data output  208 . Information to be viewed may encrypted and may be received by communication portion  202  via communication channel  214 . Information to be viewed may be initially stored in memory  212  by way of communication channel  216 , processor  206  and communication channel  224 . Following storage of encrypted information in memory  212 , information may be decrypted by way of processor  206 , communication channel  222  and security portion  210 , with decrypted information stored in memory  212 . Decrypted information stored in memory  212  may be viewed by the client via data output  208  with information communicated to data output  208  by way of communication channel  224 , processor  206  and communication channel  220 . 
         [0089]    Furthermore, it may be determined whether client has a response to be communicated with provider (S 738 ). 
         [0090]    If it is determined that the client is seeking to communicate a response to provider, the client may communicate a response via set-top box  104  to provider via set-top box  102  (S 740 ). In response to information received from provider&#39;s set-top box  102 , client&#39;s set-top box  104  may transmit a frame of data with response information by way of communication channel  116 , communications network  112  and communication channel  114 . 
         [0091]    Transitioning to  FIG. 7D , it may be determined whether the client seeks to record information communicated from provider (S 742 ). 
         [0092]    If it is determined that the client is seeking to record information communicated from provider, the client may record information, via set-top box  104 , communicated by provider from set-top box  102  (S 744 ). 
         [0093]    Client&#39;s set-top box  104  may record information communicated from provider&#39;s set-top box  102  by way of communication channel  114 , communications network  112  and communication channel  116 . Information to be recorded is encrypted and may be received by communication portion  202  via communication portion  202 . Information to be recorded may be initially stored in memory  212  by way of communication channel  216 , processor  206  and communication channel  224 . Following storage of encrypted information in memory  212 , when in use, information is decrypted by way of processor  206 , communication channel  222  and security portion  210 . Encrypted information is stored in memory  212  and may be decrypted for use by the client via data output  208  (in accordance with the associated IP rights) with information communicated to data output  208  by way of communication channel  224 , processor  206  and communication channel  220 . 
         [0094]    Furthermore, it may be determined whether the communication from provider via set-top box  102  to the client via set-top box  104  is completed (S 746 ). 
         [0095]    If it is determined that the communication is not complete, the provider and the client continue to communicate (S 736 ). 
         [0096]    If it is determined that the communication is complete, client billing information may be updated via set-top box  104  with billing server  110  (S 748 ). Client billing information may be updated by set-top box  104  transmitting a frame of data containing billing information to billing server  110  by way of communication channel  116 , communications network  112  and communication channel  122 . 
         [0097]    Provider billing information may then be updated via set-top box  102  with billing server (S 750 ). Provider billing information may be updated by set-top box  102  transmitting a frame of data containing billing information to billing server  110  by way of communication channel  114 , communications network  112  and communication channel  122 . 
         [0098]    Furthermore, billing may then be performed for provider and/or the client (S 752 ). Non-limiting examples of performance of billing include debit credit card, debit bank account and generate and mail or email an invoice. 
         [0099]    Lastly, method  700  stops (S 754 ). 
         [0100]    Some or all of the operations set forth in  FIGS. 2-5  may be contained as a utility, program, or subprogram, in any desired computer readable storage medium. In addition, the operations may be embodied by computer programs, which can exist in a variety of forms both active and inactive. For example, they may exist as software program(s) comprised of program instructions in source code, object code, executable code or other formats. Any of the above may be embodied on a computer readable storage medium, which include storage devices. Exemplary computer readable storage media include conventional computer system RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Concrete examples of the foregoing include distribution of the programs on a CD ROM or via Internet download. It is therefore to be understood that any electronic device capable of executing the above-described functions may perform those functions enumerated above. 
         [0101]    A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides advantages over conventional interactive communication systems. In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a communication system may provide an interactive, secure, bi-directional and cost effective method for providing exchanges of information between users of media provider services. A user or a multiplicity of users may use the communication system to exchange information interactively, bi-directionally and securely with service providers. Furthermore, the communication system may provide billing services for users, service providers and media service providers. Furthermore, the communication system may provide record and playback capabilities for users. 
         [0102]    The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example embodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.