WO1999062262A1 - Method for handling consumer data requests to a content provider - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and device for handling data and transactions involving data through the use of a virtual transaction zone, which virtual transaction zone removes the dependency of such transaction on the delivery medium of the product. The invention may reside and operate on a variety of electronic devices such as TV/VCR's, personal computers, and WebTV. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for combining mediums, data feeds, and manipulation of those feeds. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for controlling the content, delivery, and timing of delivery of the end consumer's product.

Description

METHOD FOR HANDLING CONSUMER DATA REQUESTS TO A CONTENT PROVIDER

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 09/087,517,

filed May 29, 1998.

DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a data handling system for the management of one or

more data feeds. More specifically, it relates to a method for management and storage of information and an apparatus for accomplishing the same.

BACKGROUND:

For the past several years the world has experienced what has been termed an information

explosion. Innumerable, varying technologies have arisen in an attempt to manage this flow of

information in commercial areas. Examples range from the various protocols and configurations

used for managing office local area networks (LANs) and the information that flows over them, to low end hand-held personal organizers.

A new area is finally reaching a point of no return in this world of information

overload—the end user of commercial and educational material. This information overload has now become critical with the end users of computers and televisions. This, in turn, creates

problems relating to the management of the exponentially increasing global database of information available over data feeds to personal computers, such as the Internet and other modem and cable accessible computer data feeds. It also includes the explosion in data feed sources over and through program broadcasts such as network television, radio, cable television channels, satellite feeds, UHF/NHF channels, videotapes, and even the Internet. Couple this

explosion of information with a blurring line between the personal computer, the television, and

telephone communications, and there is a serious need for an integrated system that manages and handles the growing amount of information available over the various data feeds and can meet the needs and desires of the end user.

In particular, this ever increasing array of data, data sources, and storage mediums has

resulted in numerous battles over the format in which the data is delivered and manipulated. For

example, one of the more recent format battles is being played out over the future format for purchases of music and other sound recordings, i.e., Divx versus compact discs versus DAT versus cassette modes. Yet another example is the battle over which medium, PC's or

televisions, will eventually triumph in being the delivery channel for all of this information. Even with respect to the Internet, there is currently a shift to "push" technology versus the

original "pull" technology of the Internet. Another issue arises when discussing the conduit for

receiving the information being provided to end users.

Regardless of the format of delivery, manipulation processing, storage or play back, there

are limitations on the devices utilized to manage the ever-increasing and, now in many cases,

overlapping information data feeds provided over computer-received and

television/radio-received data feeds. Previous attempts to solve the problems caused by this

plethora of information, the ability to access this information through different sources, and different methods of storing the data have not solved some of the basic issues surrounding this

technology such as timing, commercial transfer and licensing issues as well as security for the

person transferring the information. The creation of new methods of transferring, storing, manipulating and accessing such data do not solve the problems outlined above. In a sense, prior attempts to provide solutions have focused on the technology of retrieving, storing, or playing back or viewing of the data with

a minor emphasis if at all on the overall management of the data. In many instances, the new technology "solution" creates a new format dilemma.

For example, the new Divx audio format creates another layer of technology that

consumers must purchase to play the audio on this new format. In addition, if this technology is accepted, it also renders obsolete large collections of audio on other media such as compact discs and cassette tapes.

Recently, electronic commerce has blossomed on the Internet. The solution for commerce to date has been to have the user access the web site of the commercial vendor and

browse through the items available and then order those items for delivery via delivery service when ordering goods or in some instances downloading the purchase immediately. This results

in piecemeal transactions over a variety of formats and protocols. Even attempts by the on-line service providers to provide groupings of products and services still requires access to their

respective systems.

A comprehensive data management system is needed that forms a transaction (or

commercial) zone where and through which data can be received, stored, manipulated, and downloaded by a user and then downloaded to ultimate storage or use. Utilization of such a

system removes the battle over which storage format, delivery system or platform is used and

provides the consumer of the information age with data access and manipulation without issues

of format compatibility and timing issues. This same system also interfaces with current

financial tools such as credit cards, checking accounts, ATM accounts, and other debit and credit systems. Such a data management system, in effect, separates the distribution media from the storage media.

The current invention solves these problems through the use of an integrated information management and processing system that provides for the handling, sorting and storage of large

amounts of data that is a user-defined and user resident environment. It allows for this

management to occur both during and after the actual feed is being received, while also allowing

for various decisions to be made about the suitability, quality, and other content of the

information being received. The invention also has the capability to be securely accessed and utilized from a remote location, including telephone, Internet, and remote computer/television

access. This would allow services to provide virtual user transaction zones.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

An object of this invention is to provide a system that creates a transaction or commercial

zone for data to be received, manipulated, stored, retrieved, and accessed by a user, utilizing one

or more data feeds from various sources to create unique arrangements of information or

selections of information from distinct user-defined criteria.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for intermediate service providers

to manipulate and repackage data and information for end users in a streamlined, comprehensive

package of information. A further object of this invention is to provide a system for the electronic delivery of data for commercial or other types of communication that can also serve as an electronically based

payment system for same. A further object of this invention is to provide a single integrated system and device with a user-friendly control interface which permits the end user to efficiently and effectively

manipulate and manage data feeds.

A further object of this invention is to provide a system and device for spontaneously

capturing and manipulating large amounts of data for both real time playback, and for storing the captured data for subsequent playback without the need for having a readily available, movable,

blank storage medium.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system and device for spontaneously

capturing and manipulating electronic data, either continuously or at specified times, both for real time playback, and for storage for subsequent playback, without the need for having a readily

available, movable, blank storage medium, and which can be programmed from a remote

location.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system and device for spontaneously

capturing, manipulating and storing audio, video, and audio/video signals for real time playback, or for subsequent playback, without the need for having a readily available movable blank storage medium, and which can be programmed from a remote location.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an audio/video data management system

includes a data feed receiver; a plurality of data manipulation and/or processing devices,

including, but not limited to signal processors, a V-chip or other such content or ratings-based "content blocker," an automatic, discretionary content editor, analog- to-digital converters, and

digital-to-analog converters; a built-in, non-movable storage medium; a recording unit; a

microprocessor; and a playback unit. Audio/video data is received on the data feed lines. Once the data has been received, user-controlled programming features determine whether or how the raw data will be processed. The data may be immediately stored in raw form on the built-in non-movable storage medium; or sent to the processing unit for decoding, filtering and/or editing

(or other processing), and subsequently played back and/or stored.

In the preferred embodiment, the user may program the system to process the received data according to the user's specific desires. For example, the system may be preset to

automatically filter or edit the content of the data based on a ratings system (or some other

programmable, discretionary system), like the V-chip, which may be encoded into the broadcast signal, or may otherwise be stored in a ROM, FROM, or on a portion of the built-in non-movable

storage medium reserved for such control information. Unlike the V-chip, which merely blocks out entire programs that are considered "unsuitable," the present invention may include, as part

of the processing means, a processing device or circuitry which automatically edits the received

data according to the control data to omit any portion of a received program that may be

considered unsuitable. The audio/video data that is received is sent to the processing unit, which includes a signal processor for decoding information which may be included in broadcast signals,

or may otherwise be stored in a ROM, PROM, or a portion of the built-in non-movable storage medium reserved for such control information, and which is used for determining whether or how

the program will be processed by the content filtering device, and which updates the rating system for the device. The processor decodes the broadcast signal, interprets the control

information, updates the previously stored control information, and then automatically edits the signal to censor unsuitable content (e.g., bleep out expletives, or eliminate scenes involving

nudity or graphic sexual content). The processed data may then be played back through the

playback unit in real time and/or sent to the recording unit to be recorded onto the non-movable

storage medium for later access, editing, and/or playback by the playback unit.

In one variation of this invention, the system may be equipped with password protection which serves multiple purposes. First, the password protection limits the utilization of the device to authorized users of the system who have valid passwords. Second, the system may be programmed by an administrator (e.g. a parent) to automatically assign certain processing

functions to specific passwords, prohibit certain processing functions from being utilized by

specific passwords, or to make certain functions optional according to the administrator's objectives. For example, a parent may program the system to assign an automatic censoring, or

editing function to a child's password in order to limit the content that child may view. Consequently, when the child enters his/her password in order to gain access to the system, all

data to which the child has access (whether it be real time viewing or previously recorded data)

will be automatically edited to screen out unsuitable material as described above. A further variation of the invention may include the use either of a division of the built-in

non-movable storage medium into smaller, uniquely accessible "storage boxes," which may be accessed only by means of a specific password, or of multiple built-in, non-movable storage

devices. In this manner, the mvention provides for multiple users to have, not only unique

processing functions (or combinations of processing functions) assigned to their accounts based

on their password, but also to enjoy storage space to which other passwords have no access. The

use of multiple non-movable storage devices is useful in that it provides more storage space than a single built-in non-movable storage device broken into several units. However, it may be seen

by others skilled in the art that the device may utilize multiple built-in non-movable storage

devices, each of which is broken down into one or more individual data boxes.

It should also be noted that the recording means of the invention, which records data onto the high capacity, non-movable storage medium, may be set to record in a continuous loop rather

than shutting off when the built-in non-movable storage device has reached its maximum

capacity. This function may also be available if the built-in non-movable storage device (or devices) has been divided into storage boxes. For instance, a user may record data in a continuous loop to her particular data storage box, writing over the first recorded data when the storage box reaches its capacity. When recording to a particulai- data storage box, when the data

storage box's full capacity has been reached, the recording device will record over the first recorded data in that storage box, even though the entire built-in non-movable storage medium

still has available space. This continuous loop recording feature is useful, because it allows the user to continue to record a broadcast or other program even though her storage space has been

used up prior to the conclusion of the broadcast or program.

It should be noted that the invention as described herein may be "bundled" with a

television set, video cassette recorder, digital video disc player, radio, personal computer, or other such electronic device to provide a single unit device. For example, in the television and video

market there exist television/VCR combinations "bundles" which include a television set and a

video cassette recorder combined into the same enclosure. The present invention may be combined with a television, a VCR, a TV/VCR combination, or with computers to provide a

single unit device which allows the user to spontaneously view television broadcasts; VCR (or other such device) movies or programs; or other such programs or data, and to record them

without the need for a blank video cassette or other such storage medium. Further, utilizing the

claimed invention, the bundled device allows for convenient storage until such time as the user

can obtain a blank movable storage medium on which to transfer the recorded program.

A further variation of the invention offers broadcasters the capability of direct instant

delivering multi-formatted programs (movies, direct Compact Disc (or other audio medium),

video catalogs, etc.). The data management zone (or ring) would allow for rental (limited use)

or purchase to home based or business based customers. It effectively eliminates need for transporting, inventorying, and physical delivery of digital data products. Direct data rental or purchase provides far more convenience, data security, versatility, cost effectiveness, technical quality, accessibility, product variety, product durability (no broken tapes or damaged compact discs) anti-piracy protection, various preview/rental/purchase options, secure transactions, auto

return (no late fees), user privacy, etc. It also provides the added benefit to the rental industry of reducing or eliminating retail space and physical inventory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIGURE 1 shows a block diagram of a standalone unit including one embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 2a shows a block diagram of a television unit incorporating one embodiment

of the invention.

FIGURE 2b shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the receiving means from

FIGURE 2a.

FIGURES 3a, 3b, 3c. and 3d show block diagrams of one embodiment of the invention

for commercial renting, leasing, or sales of audio or video or multimedia.

FIGURE 4 shows a representation of the potential types of inputs to and outputs from the

transaction zone.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of a matrix of devices and sources of input and

output into which the transaction zone may be placed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, with reference to FIGURE 1 , there is

shown a standalone unit incorporating one embodiment of the invention that illustrates the

operation of this invention. STAND ALONE EMBODIMENT

Data feeds la-Id carrying electronic data from any particular source, including but not

limited to network television broadcasts, UHF/VHF signal receivers, cable television broadcasts,

satellite broadcasts, radio broadcasts, audio, video or audio/video data signals, or computer data

signals are received at the receiving means 2. The receiving means 2 may incorporate a radio or

television antenna, cable television receiver, satellite signal receiver, or any other digital or

analog signal receiver capable of accepting a signal transmitting any kind of information or

programming. Once received, the signal is transmitted to the processing means 3 where the

information is processed according to user input.

For example, in an information subscription program, users may be required to pay a fee in order to access information for personal use. To enforce the payment of such fees, and to

prevent unauthorized access from nonsubscribers, the signal may be encoded by the broadcaster,

and require some sort of descrambler to facilitate access to the information. In the present

embodiment of the invention, the processing means 3 may include an optional "descrambler,"

among other processing devices, which will decode the broadcast signal so that the information contained therein may be accessed for personal use by the subscriber.

In addition, broadcasters or information providers frequently include information in other

coded signals along with the broadcast program that, when separated and decoded, may be

utilized by other electronic features that may be present in the system. For example, high-end

compact disc players (CD players) often have features that read and decode compact disc information (CD-I) that is included by manufacturers on audio CD's. This information typically

contains the name of the CD, the artist, and the name of the songs on each track. Using special signal decoders, these high-end CD players can decode the CD-I information, process it, and

display on the player unit's LED display, the name of the CD, the artist, and the particular song being accessed at any given time. The processing means 3 of the invention embodied in FIGURE

1 includes a signal processor that decodes and processes coded information which may be included in the broadcast or other received signal.

In addition, other processing functions that may be included in processing means 3

include a device or circuitry for data compression, expansion, and/or encoding. These features

would aid in the system in maximizing transfer rates, maximizing storage efficiency, and providing security from unauthorized access.

The processing means 3 is fully programmable to allow the inclusion or exclusion of any

and all types of available processing and/or signal decoding. In other words, the type of

processing the received signal undergoes in the processing means 3 is dependent on the specific

desires of the user.

Once the received signal has been processed, it may be stored for future use on the

built-in non-movable storage medium 4, or immediately accessed for present use. If needed for

present use, the processed data is transmitted from the processing means 3 to the playback means

5 which interprets the processed data and prepares it for display. For example, an audio signal

is received from a compact disc player at receiving means 2, and then processed and decoded by

processing means 3 so that any audio data is separated from CD-I information on the disc. Once

the data has been fully processed in the processing means 3, it is sent to the playback means 5

which plays back the audio data through a speaker system, and displays the CD-I information on

a LED display.

In addition to allowing instantaneous playback of received and processed data, the present

invention allows the data to be stored on an internal, non-movable storage medium 4 in either processed or unprocessed format so that it may be processed and/or displayed at a subsequent

time. The non-movable storage medium 4 may be any medium known in the art for storing electronic data, including, but not limited to recordable tape or other analog recording media, CD

ROM, optical disk, magneto-optical disc, computer hard drive, digital video disc (DVD), digital

audio tape (DAT), or any other recording medium known in the art. It is preferred, but not

required that the non-movable storage medium 4 be one that is erasable so that previously stored

programs may be overwritten.

Data from the storage medium 4 may be accessed for playback at the playback means 5

or for subsequent processing in the processing means 3. This feature is important because it

allows parents (or other suitable users) to record a specific program in its original format for

review and subsequent editing to make it suitable for other users. In a practical application of this feature, a parent can record a cable television program that is unsuitable for children, store

it on the non-movable storage medium 4, and then allow the children to watch a version edited

by the processing means 3 to make it suitable for child viewers. Such a feature allows for more

parental control over the content of programs a child may view.

TELEVISION EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGURE 2a, the drawing depicts a block diagram of a television incorporating

one embodiment of the invention. Data feed lines lOa-lOn transmit data from television, cable

television, satellite, or UHF/VHF broadcasts or from other local data sources (including VCR's, laser disc players, DVD players, video cameras, or any other audio, video, or combination

audio/video (collectively "A/V") data transmitter known in the art to the receiving means 11.

FIGURE 2b depicts an embodiment of the receiving means 11 from FIGURE 2a.

Receiving means 11 may include a combination of one or more receiver interfaces 21-26.

Receiver interfaces 21-26 include a network broadcast television antenna; cable television

receiver; satellite receiver; UHF/VHF antenna; broadcast radio antenna; and computer network interface. Other embodiments of receiver interfaces 21-26 could include, but are not limited to

standard A/V inputs (e.g. RCA video in and video out, Super VHS, or any other A/V

input/output ports known in the art). Receiver interfaces 21-26 are designed to accept the

broadcast signals and transmit them to output circuit 27. Output circuit 27 may be a multiplexer,

sequencer, delay circuit, or other circuit generally known in the art for handling the flow of multiple output signals for individual processing. In this respect, the multi-functional processing

system may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals simultaneously.

Referring back to FIGURE 2a, from the receiving means 11, the raw data received from

one or more of data feed lines lOa-lOn is sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor 12

controls which processing functions (if any) are applied to the received data. Additionally,

microprocessor 12 controls any playback features that are subject to user input (e.g. pause, stop,

record, fast forward, etc). User interface 17 allows the user to directly control which processing

functions will be applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the processing means

13 by transmitting a control signal 16 which the microprocessor 12 receives, interprets and uses

to control the processing means 13 based on the user's specifications. User interface 17 may

include a system for local on screen programming using an infrared or other hand-held remote

control device to produce the control signal 16. Alternatively, the user interface 17 may be an

on-unit interface featuring control pad buttons which activate the control signal 16 to direct the

features of the system. In addition, user interface 17 may include touch tone telephones or

software programs utilizing computer modems or other computer ports (e.g., serial, parallel,

network card, or any other computer interface known in the art) to generate the control signal 16,

and which may be utilized at much greater distances than standard remote control interfaces to

control microprocessor 12. User interface 17 may include circuitry, software or any other means

i j - known in the art for securely encrypting or encoding control signal 16 to provide safe, secure

transmission of the control signal and to prevent unauthorized interception of the control signal

16 and/or access to the system.

Upon user request, microprocessor 12 may deactivate all types of processing so that the

raw data received from data feed lines lOa-lOn may be stored directly to built-in, non-movable

storage medium 14 for later processing and/or playback.

Processing means 13 may include any number of circuits, signal processors, filters, or

other data manipulation devices known in the art for providing any electronic features or functions that may exist in standard televisions and other such displays known in the art. The

processing means may also include, but is not limited to, one or more the following processing

circuits or devices specifically aimed at: enhancement of picture color, hue brightness, or tint;

sound balance; bass and treble enhancement; stereo/mono sound processing; picture-in-picture (PIP) viewing; decoding and integration of broadcast information such as closed captioned

viewing, V-chip program blocking , or automatic data editing; and compression of data for

storage or transmission. Each function making up the processing means may operate independently of other functions such that the enablement or disablement of one function does

not depend on or affect the enablement or disablement of another function. In this manner, the

user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may specify the exact type of processing

he/she wishes the received raw data to undergo. Once the received data has been processed according to user specification, it may be

played back on the display via playback means 15 and/or stored on built-in, non-movable storage

medium 14. This may occur as a simultaneous recording of a number of feeds while the user

plays back a selective feed in a non-real-time mode. The built-in, non-movable storage medium

14 may be any storage medium for audio/video information known in the art. It is a distinguishing feature of this invention that the storage medium 14 may not be removed except

by invasive procedures (i.e. taking the system apart). Built-in, non-movable storage medium 14

may be divided into separate storage boxes which may be assigned to separate

members of a family, business or group.

Playback means 15 may include any technology known in the art for playing back

audio/video data from any storage medium known in the art (e.g. video tape, DVD, laser disc,

etc.). In essence, the playback means 15 reads the data from built-in, non-movable storage

medium (or from processing means 13), and then converts it to the proper electronic signals for

driving the displays (e.g., cathode ray tube and speakers, or any audio and video displays known

in the art).

VIRTUAL TRANSACTION ZONE EMBODIMENT

SINGLE FEED COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION EXAMPLE

Either of the preceding units can be configured as another embodiment of the invention

so that it can be utilized to provide direct on demand delivery of multi-formatted programs (movies, compact disc (or other audio medium), video catalogs, etc.). This embodiment

effectively eliminates the need for transporting, inventorying, and physical delivery of digital data

products. It can create a variety of applications from virtual VCR rental stores, music stores, bookstores, home shopping applications and other commercial applications.

Referring to Figure 2a, data feeds lOa-lOn carry electronic data from any particular

source, but preferably from a computer signal, a satellite signal or a cable signal utilizing

information via the Internet. Said data feeds may carry audio, video, print or other mediums to

the receiving means 11 and, for purposes of the Internet, may utilize either "Push" or "Pull"

technology as those terms are commonly referred to in the field. The data feeds may be in compressed format. Once received, the signal is transmitted to the processing means 3 where the

information is processed according to user input.

As in the previous embodiment, the receiver interfaces 21-26 in Figure 2 are designed to

accept the broadcast signals and transmit them to output circuit 27. Output circuit 27 may be a

multiplexor, sequencer, delay circuit, or other circuit generally known in the art for handling the flow of multiple output signals for individual processing. In this respect, the multi-functional

processing system may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals simultaneously. As an example, one of the data feeds would be a typical Internet data feed of compressed data,

which could download a movie to one of the receiver interfaces 21-26. It may also contain

applets or other applications to assist the processing in the transaction zone.

Referring back to FIGURE 2a, from the receiving means 11, the raw data received from

one or more of the data feed lines lOa-lOn is sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor

12 controls the processing functions (if any) that are applied to the received data. Microprocessor

12 presents menu-driven screens to the user through the user interface 17, the display or a

combination of both as are well-recognized in the prior art.

As with the prior embodiment, the user interface 17 allows the user to directly control

which processing functions will be applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the

processing means 13 by transmitting a control signal 16 which the microprocessor 12 receives,

interprets and uses to control the processing means 13 based on the user's specifications and

would include all of the variations and features related herein above.

The choices provided to the user interface or the display may include retrieval of specific

selections, previews, excerpts, reviews, or other information regarding the potential selections.

For example, referring to Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c, a user may choose to access any of several different services. This information may be resident on the processing means, the microprocessor, the storage medium, the data feed (e.g., Java applets), or any combination.

Figure 3a is an example of a master menu for accessing different types of data fields. This menu may be viewed by the display means or through other display means viewed by the user, such as

on Figure 3b represents a choice to access movies, videos, and game cartridges for either rental or purchase, in essence a virtual video rental store. The movies are browsed, previewed, and

selected using various search and retrieval algorithms (e.g., genre, title, year, actor, and director). The selections are made by user and the financial transaction is completed by payment through

a screen such as seen in Figure 3c. As can be seen from the figure, a choice can be made to rent

or purchase a copy of the material. The raw data received from data feed lines lOa-lOn may be

stored directly to a storage medium 14 for later processing and/or playback The payment is

credited (or debited) to the selected user account with processing in the microprocessor 12 that

also takes into account preset spending limits, authorization codes, and similar security and cash

management features.

The processing means 13 may include any or all of the features and attributes as described

hereinabove. In this manner, the user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may

specify the exact type of processing he wishes the received raw data in the form of a movie to

undergo. Using the example of the downloaded movie, the digital information would pass from

the storage medium 14 to the playback means. Within the microprocessor 12 (or even monitored

through one or more of the data feeds), the download or playback of the movie would be noted. In the case of the purchase in Figure 3e (denoted in the example by the "P" code), only that one

download to a VCR tape would be allowed by control of the microprocessor 12. In the case of

one of the rentals (denoted in the example by the "R" code), the tape could be viewed directly

from the storage medium 14 or be downloaded to a VCR tape or similar medium through user

interface 17 utilizing, for example, a menu screen. Again, this activity is monitored bv the microprocessor 12 and unless the downloaded tape is erased (and such erasure communicated

back to the microprocessor 12), "late fees" could be assessed to the user until such rental was

virtually "returned" to the storage medium 14.

Note that the microprocessor 12 control of the access to the storage medium 14, creates

a virtual transaction zone 20, which allows the user to negotiate with the content provider for a

wide range of different commercial transactions preset by the content provider but chosen by the user. Such a virtual transaction zone provides a commercial and transactional environment free

of restrictions of time, inventory, and, most importantly, format of the physical delivery medium.

VIRTUAL TRANSACTION ZONE EMBODIMENT

HOME SHOPPING EXAMPLE

The preceding units can be configured as another embodiment of the invention so that it can be

utilized to provide direct access to shopping channels typically viewed through television

channels today. On demand order and (when the product is in digital format) delivery of movies,

compact disc (or other audio medium), video catalogs, etc. are contemplated by this embodiment. This embodiment effectively eliminates the need for in store shopping or even the use of telephone lines to communicate with current television channel options. It can create a

variety of applications for home shopping for clothes, hardware, building supplies, books, cars, homes, vacations and vacation rentals and other forms of purchasing that benefit from the viewer

being able to access multi-media data feeds that enhance the buying process.

Referring to Figure 2a, data feeds lOa-lOn carry electronic data from any particular

source, but preferably from a computer signal, a satellite signal or a cable signal utilizing information via the Internet. Said data feeds may carry audio, video, print or other mediums to

the receiving means 11 and, for purposes of the Internet, may utilize either "Push" or "Pull" technology as those terms are commonly referred to in the field. The data feeds may be in

compressed format. Once received, the signal is transmitted to the processing means 3 where the

information is processed according to user input. In the home shopping example, the input feed

would typically be a stream of catalog information that is either fed sequentially or from predetermined search routines of the buyer's preferences.

As in the previous embodiment, the receiver interfaces 21-26 in Figure 2 are designed to

accept the broadcast signals and transmit them to output circuit 27. Output circuit 27 may be a

multiplexor, sequencer, delay circuit, or other circuit generally known in the art for handling the

flow of multiple output signals for individual processing. In this respect, the multi-functional processing system may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals simultaneously.

As an example, one of the data feeds would be a typical Internet data feed of compressed data,

which could download a clothing catalog to one of the receiver interfaces 21-26. It may also

contain applets or other applications to assist the processing in the transaction zone. For example, there may be an applet that interfaces with certain preset body measurements of the end

user that are stored in the transaction zone, thereby providing a body to simulate the fit of the

clothes that are being viewed in the virtual store within the transaction zone.

Referring back to FIGURE 2a, from the receiving means 11, the raw data received from

one or more of the data feed lines lOa-lOn is sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor

12 controls the processing functions (if any) that are applied to the received data. Microprocessor

12 presents menu-driven screens and visual aids to recreate the look and feel of shopping in a

store and viewing the fit and style of the clothes. By way of further example, there is certain

technology already known that can create a "walk around" environment to the user through the

user interface 17, the display or a combination of both as are well-recognized in the prior art. As with the prior embodiment, the user interface 17 allows the user to directly control

which processing functions will be applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the

processing means 13 by transmitting a control signal 16 which the microprocessor 12 receives,

interprets and uses to control the processing means 13 based on the user's specifications and

would include all of the variations and features related hereinabove.

The choices provided to the user interface or the display may include retrieval of specific

selections, accessing certain parts of the virtual store where goods are placed in various virtual "spaces" by specified categories (i.e., ties, blazers, shoes, socks, underwear, brand names, etc.)

previews, excerpts, reviews, or other information regarding the potential selections. For example, referring to Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c, a user may choose to access any of several different

services. This information may be resident on the processing means, the microprocessor, the storage medium, the data feed (e.g., Java applets), or any combination.

The processing means 13 may include any or all of the features and attributes as described

hereinabove. In this manner, the user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may

specify the exact type of processing he wishes the received raw data in the form of a movie to undergo. Using the example of the downloaded virtual store, the digital information would pass

from the storage medium 14 to the playback means. Within the microprocessor 12 (or even

monitored through one or more of the data feeds), the download or playback of the movie would

be noted. In the case of browsing a virtual store, the user would be provided, for example, a

mouse driven "walk" around the virtual store. VIRTUAL TRANSACTION ZONE EMBODIMENT

MULTIPLE FEED COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION EXAMPLE

Any of the preceding units can be configured as another embodiment of the invention so that it can be utilized to provide direct on demand delivery of multi-formatted programs (movies,

compact disc (or other audio medium), video catalogs, etc.) so that multiple feeds can be placed in the ultimate display to the user.

Referring to Figure 2a, data feeds lOa-lOn carry electronic data as in the prior examples.

Once received, the signal is transmitted to the processing means 3 where the information is processed according to user input.

As in the previous embodiment, the receiver interfaces 21-26 in Figure 2 are designed to

accept the broadcast signals and transmit them to output circuit 27, the multi-functional

processing system may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals simultaneously. As an example, one of the data feeds would be a typical Internet data feed of compressed data from ESPN or another sports related data provider, which could download real time sports

statistics and sports news to one of the receiver interfaces 21-26. It may also contain applets or

other applications to assist the processing in the transaction zone. Another data feed from a

broadcaster would be received from a cable input into another one of the other receiver interfaces

21-26.

Referring back to FIGURE 2a, from the receiving means 11, the raw data received from

one or more of the data feed lines lOa-lOn is sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor

12 controls the processing functions (if any) that are applied to the received data. The channel

within the data feed from the cable TV input would then be split from the cable data TV feed and combined, in the transaction zone with the ESPN data feed. Microprocessor 12 presents menu-driven screens to the user through the user interface 17, the display or a combination of both as are well-recognized in the prior art.

As with the prior embodiment, the user interface 17 allows the user to directly control

which processing functions will be applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the

processing means 13 by transmitting a control signal 16 which the microprocessor 12 receives,

interprets and uses to control the processing means 13 based on the user's specifications and

would include all of the variations and features related hereinabove.

The choices provided to the user interface or the display may include retrieval of specific selections, previews, excerpts, reviews, or other information regarding the potential selections.

For example, referring to Figures 3e, 3f, and 3g, a user may choose to access and blend any of

several different services into the ultimate stored or displayed data feed. This information may be resident on the processing means, the microprocessor, the storage medium, the data feed (e.g.,

Java applets), or any combination. Figure 3 e is an example of a master menu for accessing different types of data feeds and combining those fields for unique experiences. This menu may

be viewed by the display means or through other display means viewed by the user, such as on

the Figure 3 f represents a choice to access broadcaster channels, statistical data feeds, news data feeds, and data feeds from other users for either rental or purchase, in essence a virtual sports

center in this specific example. The broadcaster channels showing sporting events are browsed,

previewed, and selected using various search and retrieval algorithms (e.g., type of sport, time,

professional vs. amateur, region, etc). The other types of data feeds are selected and initial positioning on the display feed are chosen (e.g., picture-in-picture, multiple screen, header,

footer, etc.) The virtual store example above could have additional music added to the background for a more pleasing shopping experience. Figure 3h is a representation of a typical

screen layout. The selections are made by the user and the financial transaction is completed by payment through a screen such as seen in Figure 3i. As can be seen from that figure, a choice can be made to rent or purchase a copy of the material.

The raw data received from data feed lines lOa-lOn may be stored directly to a storage

medium 14 for later processing and/or playback. As with prior examples, the payment is credited

(or debited) to the selected user account with processing in the microprocessor 12 that also takes

into account preset spending limits, authorization codes, and similar security and cash management features.

The processing means 13 may include any or all of the features and attributes as described

hereinabove. In this manner, the user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may

specify the exact type of processing he wishes the received raw data in the form of a movie to undergo. Using the example of the multimedia array of sports programming, the digital

information would pass from the storage medium 14 to the playback means.

VIRTUAL TRANSACTION ZONE EMBODIMENT

MULTIPLE FEED COMMERCIAL MANIPULATION EXAMPLE

By way of example, one type of additional processing might be colorization of a black and white movie accomplished by renting first the movie and then "renting" an additional feed that provides

colorization software to overlay on top of the movie in the transaction zone, where the rental for

both feeds and the application of color to the feeds to create the ultimate output are implemented

and payment negotiated, which is also made within the transaction zone. VIRTUAL TRANSACTION ZONE EMBODIMENT

PERSONAL COMPUTER EXAMPLE

By way of further example, the use of the transaction zone is not limited to a TV/VCR platform. It is recognized that the transaction zone could exist on a typical computer platform under any typically available operating system such as Windows, Unix or even a Macintosh environment.

The transaction zone would be created in the computer's RAM, the CPU would provide

processing capability and the algorithms for accomplishing the transaction zone would be stored

on the hard drive of the computer in the form of computer software or on a RISC chip.

VIRTUAL TRANSACTION ZONE EMBODIMENT

REMOTE LOCATION OF USER DEFINED TRANSACTION ZONE EXAMPLE

By way of yet another example, it is important to realize that the current invention is not relegated to local processing and storage of data. An example of a remote unit would be a service that stores preset selection information for a series of users and access via modem through the Internet or telephone lines for remote users to link into their own or a rented

transaction zone to provide the same services and advantages outlined above.

OVERVIEW OF INPUTS AND OUTPUTS TO CLOSED LOOP TRANSACTION

ZONE In Figure 4, it is shown that a virtual Transaction Zone 40 relies on various types of Content

Providers 41 and Software Accessory Providers 42 (collectively Providers) in order to establish

one portion of a zone for accomplishing transactions involving digital data that are not format

or program dependent. The Providers 41 may consist of movie studios, sports broadcasters,

network and cable broadcasters, news media outlets, and generally any content providers that would otherwise utilize the television, personal computer, the Internet, or telephone lines to convey information.

Coming from the other direction, Information Consumers 43 and Entertainment

Consumers 44 (collectively Consumers) provide information to a Digital Data (Video) Capture

and Processing Device 45 (DDCPD) and upload or transfer information within the device to the

Transaction Zone 44. In turn, information from the Content Providers 41 and Software

Accessory Providers 42 is manipulated and downloaded based on instructions from the

Consumers, which includes negotiations within the Transaction Zone 40 with the Content

Providers 41-42 for download and use of the data feeds, software, and associated blended and

modified data fields. The net effect of the information flow from the Content Providers 41-42

to the Transaction Zone 40 and the information flow and requests from the Consumers 43-45 to

the Transaction Zone 40 creates an interactive zone for virtually selecting, packaging, pricing and

payment of digital data products and the order and delivery of products and services presented

to and ordered from the Transaction Zone 40.

BREADTH OF TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

The current invention will most often reside in the form of software on consumer devices. It is

important to note that these consumer applications fall into three devices in order to capture most

forms of entertainment and information available on the market today. Referring to Figure 5, in

the current technology environment, most of the categories of Entertainment 61 and Information

62 available on the market today percolate through to the end consumer to some type of video

processor 51, WebTV 52, personal computer 53 as shown in the matrix represented in Figure 5.

While this is the optimum placement of the transaction zone at this time, the invention is not dependent on residence on only those devices. As such, the invention is intended to be placed at and includes residence of the transaction zone on any point or points along the matrix as shown

in Figure 5.

Claims

I Claim: 1. A method of handling data by forming a transaction zone comprising: a. providing one or more input feeds from one or more providers of content and software to a digital data capture and processing device; b. providing one or more data requests, content, and effects requests from consumers

to the digital data capture and processing device;

c. selecting one or more input feeds and one or more data requests, content and effects requests into a transaction zone on the digital data capture and processing device;

d. providing a signal to the content providers regarding the one or more data

requests, c ;nt and effects requests;

e. providing a feedback signal from the content provider to the transaction zone;

f. providing a feedback signal from the transaction zone to the consumer;

g- iterating steps c. through f until a transaction is complete;

h. providing a transaction complete signal to both the content provider and the

consumer;

i. providing one or more input feeds to the digital data and processing device; and j. sending data and selected content from the transaction zone to the

consumer or a storage device.