Shared-price custom video rentals via interactive TV

Movies and like video programs are distributed electronically from a program storage and processing center in encrypted format over a satellite channel upon custom order for private viewing of one paying subscriber or a small group of subscribers. Thus, charges may be shared to lower the processing, transmission and royalty costs involved for custom rental of unscheduled programs available from a large storage library facility. The transactions for ordering, paying and receiving a decryption key are made over a two-way interactive wireless satellite network in communication with a nationwide network of subscribers and the video program storage and distribution center. Software controlled subscriber stations permit the monitoring and control of the private viewing conditions to meet various copyright and recording criteria. The transmission is preferably in digital format, and thus may be easily stored in encrypted format for a single private viewing session at a time chosen by the subscriber. The interactive network provides optimal communication of catalog choices, pricing, delivery conditions, automated storage, viewing schedules, payment, confirmation of orders, and conformation to change in business procedures or delivery conditions. Thus, special purpose single-shot local control software may be downloaded from an interactive network processing center to the ordering subscriber station for implementing an order for a private viewing session of a desired movie or other video program.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates to interactive video data processing systems and 
more particularly it relates to rentals of video programs to home 
subscribers for display on a TV set. 
BACKGROUND ART 
Pay per view television systems are now well known in the art. Thus, by 
some interactivity by the viewer, payment is arranged for a designated 
program and access is given to the viewer, generally in the form of a 
deciphering key to a scrambled transmission. In such systems copyright 
protection is also well known, so that one-time viewing without replay is 
assured, generally by preventing recording on a video recorder or by 
monitoring the viewers equipment for re-runs. U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,272, May 
14, 1991 to J. R. Stubbs, et al. for HOME VIDEO SYSTEM describes a cable 
system for making available various programs for home viewing. 
In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,321, Dec. 26, 1989 to N. Seth-Smith, et al. for 
COMMUNICATIONS FORMAT FOR A SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SYSTEM PERMITTING 
TRANSMISSION OF INDIVIDUAL TEXT MESSAGES TO SUBSCRIBERS, encrypted 
messages of limited content are sent over a satellite communication 
channel to an authorized receiver station. This sort of system as 
exemplified in related U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,770, Sep. 12, 1989 is capable 
of processing business transactions between a company home office and 
several branch offices. 
However, such prior art systems are in general operable only for reception 
of limited length messages, or for viewing preannounced programs of 
greater length that are available at scheduled times for large audiences 
such as first run movies or sports events, and leave little flexibility 
for the viewer to make custom program choices at preferred viewing times. 
Thus, there has not been prior motivation to develop a comprehensive 
system for nationwide distribution upon request to individual homes of 
movies and like program materials of a cost effective nature for bearing 
the considerable cost of the several hours of air time required for custom 
order of a movie, and the peripheral costs of individual storage and 
processing of a comprehensive program source. 
Even if such systems were available in the prior art, they would require at 
the local subscriber homes such expensive and complex intercommunication 
equipment that the subscriber station cost would be excessive. This is 
particularly true if adequate controls are in effect for protecting 
private communications before release with assurance against piracy. Also 
local subscriber systems do not conventionally have adequate communication 
capabilities with the program source outside of telephone line 
connections. 
Furthermore, there has been no comprehensive custom order system for home 
view of movies and the like for sending the movies only to one or a few 
individual subscribers who wish to schedule custom ordered programs at a 
delivery time outside published broadcast schedules. Nor has there been 
facilities for downloading to the subscriber adequate information and 
local system control functions for placing and implementing an order. 
Technology changes are so rapid that there has been difficulty enabling 
the subscriber's facility to co-act in a program delivery system without 
obsolescence. 
It is now feasible to provide nationwide two-way communication for 
interactive video data services over a satellite network for access by 
very large audiences as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,267, Mar. 31, 
1992 to Fernando Morales-Garza for WIDE AREA REAL-TIME T-V AUDIENCE 
POLLING SYSTEM WITH LOCAL AREA STATIONS LINKED BY SATELLITE. Thus, there 
is now a very large potential nationwide audience for requesting custom 
ordered video programs for home display with an interactive home response 
unit. Also this satellite system, as improved by that of the parent 
application, provides facilities for privately communicating with 
individual ones of a very large number of nationwide subscribers for 
exchange of information and for comprehensive control of a subscriber 
station to process external data in accordance with payment and operating 
condition restrictions imposed upon the transfer of data. 
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a satellite 
transmission system for renting program materials such as full length 
movies from a comprehensive warehouse of materials that can broadcast 
special programs upon request to individual subscribers. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide an interactive video 
data processing system with a nationwide audience having the capacity to 
deliver custom ordered full feature programs such as movies to individual 
subscribers upon demand. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a system for downloading 
custom ordered movies and the like from a central storehouse facility to 
one or more selected subscribers in a nationwide network together with 
adequate subscriber system controls for decrypting, controlling 
unauthorized copying, notifying the subscriber of delivery times, 
confirming an order and other related interactive communications related 
to the transaction. 
A still further object of the invention is to provide at a reasonable price 
custom rental of unscheduled movies and full length programs to home 
television viewers. 
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be found 
throughout the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. 
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
Movies and other featured video programs are stored in a storage and 
processing rental center for encrypted electronic nationwide satellite 
distribution upon demand by a single subscriber, or a small group of 
subscribers sharing costs, for a private viewing. By means of the cost 
sharing feature, the costs for the private viewing may be shared to 
provide competitive rental fees for processing, transmission and royalty 
costs involved for custom rental of unscheduled programs at the 
convenience of the subscribers. 
Transactions for ordering, paying, receiving a decryption key, scheduling 
and providing a receipt, etc. are made over a two-way interactive wireless 
satellite network in communication with a nationwide network of 
subscribers and the video program storage and distribution center. 
Software controlled subscriber stations in the interactive network permit 
the monitoring and control of the private viewing conditions at the 
subscriber's home television set to meet various copyright and recording 
and sales policy criteria. Basically the subscribers are interactive 
network participants who have the flexibility with a relatively low cost 
interactive television control unit to process orders and privately view a 
rented video program, all without additional or special purpose hardware 
facilities. This is achieved in a software controlled subscriber station, 
by means of downloading software controls for the movie rental transaction 
and implementation from the network central control facility. 
The video program is preferably transmitted in digital format, and thus may 
be easily stored at the subscriber station in encrypted format for a 
single private viewing session at a time chosen by the subscriber. Thus, 
special purpose single-shot local control software may be downloaded from 
an interactive network processing center to the ordering subscriber 
station for implementing an order for a private decrypted viewing session 
of a desired movie or other video program, where the software self 
destructs after the single viewing, thereby conforming with licensing of 
copyrighted materials for a single in-home viewing session. 
The interactive network provides optimal communication of catalog choices, 
pricing, delivery conditions, automated storage, viewing schedules, 
payment, confirmation of orders, and conformation to changes in 
technology, business procedures or delivery conditions between the storage 
and distribution source and the subscriber station. The interactive 
network control center is already fashioned to interactively communicate 
between vendors and subscribers and to process payments. Its computer 
controlled capacity can implement new procedures with appropriate software 
programming. Thus, there is little added hardware necessary in the 
aforesaid already known software controlled interactive network facility 
for administrating the present system. Accordingly, an efficient system is 
provided wherein the movie vendor need not implement a system or require 
hardware purchases for reaching and communicating with a very large body 
of potential subscribers, or for servicing rental orders. The rental 
center simply arranges for encrypted broadcast over available satellite 
channels of ordered programs with notice to the customers of acceptance of 
the order and the broadcast time and channel. This is a routine matter in 
the basic background interactive system already set up to interactively 
react with various vendors of services and goods.

THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
This system, as seen from FIG. 1, provides for two parallel wireless 
communication channels 10, 11 and 12, 13, 14, 15 over one or more 
satellites 1 respectively for transmitting video programs and interactive 
communications between the program storage and processing center 7, source 
of movies and like video program materials, and the subscriber stations 4, 
from which stored programs may be custom ordered for private viewing as 
unscheduled events. Local subsets of subscribers 4(A-N) communicate in the 
network by means of the various regional cells 3, so that a nationwide 
network can process concurrent communications from a large number of 
individual subscribers in substantially real time as set forth in said 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,267. 
The key 20 represents encryption of the video programs broadcast in one 
direction (noted by the arrowheads) from the program processing center 7 
and satellite 1 for reception by the cells 3 and distribution to a 
selected subscriber station 4. Thus, the satellite 1 may efficiently 
transmit a large number of channels having video production bandwidths, 
with several set aside for unscheduled video transmissions of the nature 
herein transmitted to give prompt turnaround times between verified orders 
and broadcast times. The cells have the capacity to receive the satellite 
channels and relay programs locally to the subscribers, thus precluding 
the necessity for satellite reception hardware by each subscriber. 
The interactive two-way communication links 12-16 between cells 3 and 
subscribers 4 permit full communications over the interactive network 
stations, cells and centers, and typically employ the technology of U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,591,906, May 27, 3986 of Fernando Morales-Garza, et al. for 
WIRELESS TRANSMISSION FROM TELEVISION SET TO THE TELEVISION STATION, at 
least in the link 16. In this manner, each of a very large number of 
subscribers 4A-N located in widely dispersed cell regions is individually 
identifiable for two-way digital communication. The communications may be 
carried implicitly in regularly scheduled television programs, or may be 
carried separately on a narrow band width modulated carrier channel, each 
of which is compatible with transmission over a communication channel of 
the satellite 1. Thus, the basic requirements for the various functions 
and features of the present invention found hereinafter are set forth in 
this simplified system configuration. 
For understanding of relevant processing features afforded the interactive 
network control and data center 2 of the current invention, reference is 
made to FIG. 2, excerpted from the foregoing parent application, the 
remainder of that disclosure being incorporated herein by reference. Note 
that there is an interactive control unit 47, having memory and software 
programming for associated data processor 48 and television receiver 49 
incorporated in the subscriber home response units 4. The interactor 
feature 47 provides comprehensive interaction with the data center 2 for 
exchange of messages, data and program software. The memory feature 47 is 
sufficient for downloading of digital data including video movies and 
programs in digital format. Auxiliary local response unit equipment (not 
shown) includes video recording equipment(VCR) for interactively recording 
programs in conventional television format. Among the usual interactive 
home unit features are the display of menus in a menu driven interactive 
mode as directed by selection from a manually operated remote control unit 
28. The software programs by way of computer 48 make the subscriber 
station response unit universally adaptable to different features and 
control functions in the interactive communication mode, and in a local 
operating mode. The local operating mode for example includes the ability 
to display program schedule menus from which programs may be automatically 
be tuned in from their respective channels for viewing or recording on a 
VCR. Menus also can be presented by TV advertisers for interactive 
participation in polls and purchase transactions. Catalogs and other data 
may be ordered down from the data center 2 for viewing. Thus, typically a 
simple menu choice at the response unit 4 can enter an order, arrange for 
credit card payment, receive verification of the order and send a local or 
regional service participant 7 the delivery address. 
In this interactive system environment, features particularly relevant to 
the present invention are the downloading of data and software programs 
45, and the transaction billing and processing 46 features, which 
implicitly include the data center ability to communicate with individual 
subscribers 4 and vendors 7 with privacy assurance message encryption. All 
this covers a nationwide audience of subscribers made possible by the 
two-way wireless communications through satellite 1. 
In FIG. 3, the subscriber response unit 4 is shown in block diagram format 
with an accompanying TV receiver 49, computer 48 with software controls, a 
local control system for processing digital programs 47, a remote control 
unit 28 and a VCR unit 21. Note that the two-way communication links 12-16 
are broken down into two single direction channels identified by arrow 
heads to show the communicating direction. The keys 30 represent the 
downloading of a unique deciphering key in response to a completed rental 
transaction for each custom ordered program for private viewing, as 
allocated by the random number generator 35 at the program distribution 
computer controlled center 7". With the deciphering key 20 removed from 
the program, and transmitted at a different time, and encrypted in a 
different manner in the separate interactive channel communications, the 
security against piracy is formidable. 
The communication links 10-15 may use different satellites 1A, 1B, 1C, or 
equivalent wireless communication links of a single satellite to meet the 
needs of the various communicators and to assure enough channels in the 
separate satellite 1C for custom viewing without significant waiting time 
delays. The link 16 between the repeater cells 3 and the subscriber home 
units 4 is preferably a 218 MHz link conforming with FCC standards for 
interactive video data service activities. 
This system accordingly permits the subscribers to determine what programs 
are available from the vendor's memory bank 36, to process a custom order 
for receiving a private viewing over communication link 10-11, and to 
decrypt using key 30 and privately view the ordered program at home on the 
TV receiver 49. However, the system contains other features pertinent to 
the downloading of software programs, which follow. 
In FIG. 4 is a typical embodiment of the subscriber home response unit 4 
exhibiting the feature known in the art as "copyright protection" for 
monitoring the conditions under which a downloaded program licensed for 
restricted use conditions may be viewed. In the comprehensive system of 
this invention various types of video rental or purchase agreements may be 
processed. However, a typical rental agreement for a current first run 
movie or sports event is a one-shot private viewing of an ordered program 
which is paid for in advance through a credit card transaction or the 
like. With subscriber access to program materials, which could be 
converted for unauthorized use of a downloaded program such as first run 
movies or currently unscheduled major sporting events available from the 
program source. 
The program downloaded on communication link 11 encrypted with key 20 is 
stored at the subscriber station either in digital, analog, encrypted or 
decrypted format in accordance with a preferred style of system operation. 
Assume for this embodiment that the encrypted program is stored at 51 to 
be descrambled with key 20 under control of software section 52 at the 
viewers convenience, as commanded from the remote control unit 28. To 
assure a single viewing, the one-shot software of section 52 is downloaded 
from the interactive data control center. This software is programmed to 
self destruct and erase after one viewing. Although a software expert 
might divert and pirate a single program by writing special software for 
the subscriber home unit computer, the time taken and cost for decrypting 
would be so high compared to the cost of rentals that there would be 
little motivation. Furthermore, the software from the data center can be 
changed frequently, and the random number key 30 is unique to a single 
program, so that in effect there is a maximized security in this system 
against piracy. If permitted by the prepayment of a recording license fee, 
for example, the software can also activate via control section 53 the VCR 
21 for recording the program in decrypted analog format as indicated at 
AND circuit 54. 
This system affords ample facility for communications between the program 
vendor and the subscriber, and full interactivity of the subscriber at the 
home unit. The interactive menu displays of FIG. 5 represent typical 
interactive features of the system. Thus menu 5A may be interactively 
viewed while browsing through available catalog offerings of rental 
programs. The typical classical movie "Gone With The Wind" is illustrative 
of a choice that may be offered. The various options A, B, S, X are shown 
for placing an order by menu choice. In this case the VCR copy option X is 
given with its price addition to the custom order private viewing prices 
A, B and S. The shared-price feature of this invention is illustrated for 
groups of twelve and 125 participants. 
Even with efficient and automated electronic systems and satellite 
transmission channels, the peripheral broadcast time, license fee and 
processing costs for the private viewings are significant enough that the 
audience for a private solo viewing is small, particularly if licensed 
only for home use. Of course, group usage for private showings may be 
licensed as well. The advantage of a solo order is that a preferred date 
and time viewing becomes more feasible, in essence depending only upon the 
distribution of traffic on the satellite channels operated by the program 
vendor. Note that the preferred date and time may be interactively 
entered. 
However, to accommodate larger audiences, shared-cost options in multiple 
home groupings are available, such as twelve member groups B or 125 member 
groups S (already on order with 63 participants). The catalog menu may be 
kept updated currently if downloaded for browsing from the data center, 
thus to include such other information as expected viewing date. The 
software controlled computer at the data control center will process the 
orders and communicate with the vendor to arrive at a viewing schedule 
when the group is assembled. 
The menu of FIG. 5B will reflect any pending and scheduled programs 
monitored by the subscriber station computer under control of its 
interactive software options. Thus, it may be seen that immediately after 
placing an order, the "Pending" selection "Gone With The Wind" is listed 
with the updated group count and estimated time of scheduling. A fully 
scheduled program will identify the channel and date as illustrated by the 
"Olympics" entry. Interactivity options at the subscriber station will 
usually permit these programs to be automatically recorded when received 
for viewing at the subscriber's timing. As seen on the updated schedule of 
FIG. 5C, the time and channel is displayed for the "live only" single shot 
performance private viewing that has been ordered. In such cases the local 
software provides for processing the decryption while the program is being 
viewed. A timed reminder alarm may be sounded at the start of the program. 
In the present system, the advantages of software-computer control of 
interactivity are significant. For example, there is no special hardware 
cost to participate in the program rental system of this invention either 
at the subscriber station or the central data control station. The central 
station with a nationwide audience thus can provide software for system 
operation and downloading into the subscriber station at low peruse cost 
to the participants, and the processing fees for the various 
communications are reflected in the rental prices agreed upon, if not 
already a part of an optional feature licensing agreement with the central 
data system by the subscriber. In such cases, a discount figure may be 
included on the pricing menu for the subscriber's information. 
The software downloaded from the interactive data control center for 
implementing the subscriber transaction for rental of a video program in 
accordance with this invention can take various forms and include 
different options. It is readily within the skill of the art to produce 
the software to implement the features disclosed by this invention. 
Depending upon the local subscriber unit interactivity features 
incorporated in a conventional operating protocol, the local subscriber 
software may either be integrated, or replaced with an overriding rental 
transaction program. In any event, the generalized block flow diagram of 
FIG. 6 is illustrative of the combined subscriber station and interrelated 
data control center software which converts a software controlled 
interactive subscriber system into a special purpose system for providing 
the desirable operation features in accordance with this invention. 
Thus, if a current catalog of available rental programs is requested for 
downloading from the data center at step 61, it may be browsed at 62 to 
determine if a rental order is to be placed. The catalog may have 
available rentals listed in a format of the nature of FIG. 5A, for 
example, from which an order is placed at step 63. If no order is placed 
then the program is exited. Otherwise the choice is transmitted back to 
the data center for processing at step 64. After payment is verified and 
set aside at step 65, the vendor is notified at 66. The step 65 may 
include at the data center provisions for filling a group order before 
fully notifying the vendor with information including update of the 
catalog to permit browsers to join the groups being formed, and 
downloading of communications to the subscriber for updating local program 
schedules. Thus the processing loop 70 is provided. 
Because of the real time wireless interactive communication network that 
does not have to confirm through telephone exchanges, the standby step 67 
can await for an immediate confirmation of the order and scheduling of 
viewing time from the vendor at steps 68 and 69 to be communicated and 
downloaded to the ordering subscriber through the interactivity data 
control center. 
The data control center software before the notify vendor step 66 may defer 
to the group assembly software loop 70, which keeps the purchaser aware of 
progress and postpones the final vendor notification of a scheduled 
viewing time after the necessary number of group members make verified 
purchase transactions. It is clear that the software will be written to 
conform with the local subscriber station status, which is maintained as a 
matter of record at the central station as to features including credit 
card payment status, identification for private connection for transfer of 
the decoding key at step 68, etc. 
Therefore this invention provides improved systems and methods for 
electronically renting video programs available from a program storage 
center for custom viewing at a subscriber's home television set. 
Accordingly those features of novelty setting forth the nature and spirit 
of this invention are defined with particularity in the following claims.