Patent ID: 7069575

Claim:
In an interactive information distribution system utilizing an open session to provide requested information, a method comprising: (a) receiving a title selection request from a set top terminal; and (b) if the title selection request is an initial request for said title by said set top terminal, performing the steps of: opening a session with said set top terminal including determining, at a network management system, a use time associated with said requested title; sending the determined use time to a session control manager; monitoring, at said session control manager, said use time associated with said requested title; streaming said requested title to said set top terminal for display within constraints of said use time; and (c) if the title selection request is a subsequent request for said title of a previously terminated session with said set top terminal existing, performing the steps of: restoring said terminated session; and providing said requested title to said set top terminal if said use time associated with said requested title has not expired.