The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 10, 2006
Filed:
May. 04, 2000
Reem Safadi, Horsham, PA (US);
Lawrence Vince, Lansdale, PA (US);
Douglas S. Makofka, Willow Grove, PA (US);
Christopher Poli, Doylestown, PA (US);
Christopher S. Del Sordo, Souderton, PA (US);
Robert C. Booth, Jamison, PA (US);
Reem Safadi, Horsham, PA (US);
Lawrence Vince, Lansdale, PA (US);
Douglas S. Makofka, Willow Grove, PA (US);
Christopher Poli, Doylestown, PA (US);
Christopher S. Del Sordo, Souderton, PA (US);
Robert C. Booth, Jamison, PA (US);
General Instrument Corporation, Horsham, PA (US);
Abstract
This method and system allow a subscriber to a cable television service to receiving a listing or menu of programming available for that subscriber's set-top terminal to upgrade or enhance the features available over the cable system. A Directory of Services (DoS) message is transmitted over the cable system to the subscriber's set-top terminal. The terminal can then display for the subscriber the menu of programming available. This display may include a price for downloading each programming object. The subscriber can then, using a remote control unit or a user input device on the terminal, direct the set-top terminal to acquire a listed programming object. The DoS message will provide information enabling the set-top terminal to download the indicated programming object from the cable system in response to the subscriber's input. The subscriber can then have immediate access to upgraded or enhanced programming, the purchase of which is billed to the subscriber's account.