WO2003053060A1

WO2003053060A1 - Remote control using a biometric scanner in an interactive television system

Info

Publication number: WO2003053060A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/016642
Authority: WO
Inventors: P. G. Scott Born
Original assignee: Digeo, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-12-17
Filing date: 2002-05-29
Publication date: 2003-06-26
Also published as: AU2002310143A1

Abstract

A remote control device (158) includes a biometric scanner (604), which reads biometric data, such as fingerprints, handprints, DNA, voiceprints, eye geometry, and the like, to authenticate viewers for use of services provided by an interactive video casting system (100), such as electronic mail, on-line shopping, pay-per-view (PPV), favorite channels, or other service. The biometric data, in conjunction with viewer profiles (506), may be used to present targeted programming, such as television commercials, to the viewers.

Description

REMOTE CONTROL USING A BIOMETRIC SCANNER IN AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to television, and more particularly but not exclusively, relates to viewer authentication for access to television-based services.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Many cable television service providers also provide other services to subscribers such as electronic mail, on-line shopping, and interactive games. Currently, access to electronic mail, on-line shopping, and interactive games via cable television comes with a few drawbacks, however.

To access an email account, for example, a subscriber commonly has to log in to her email service provider's system. To log in, the subscriber must enter a username and a password, a personal identification number (PIN), a password, or other identifier. This process can be trying at times because subscribers often forget their passwords, PINs, or other identifiers. Additionally, some email systems do not allow a subscriber to enter their passwords, PINs, or other identifiers erroneously more than a few times, and if the number of wrong entries is reached, the subscriber will be locked out. This can be problematic, especially if a subscriber is expecting a time-sensitive or other critical email message. Sometimes a computer can remember the username and password, PIN, or other identifier (ID), but this can pose a security problem because it allows others to access an email account without the account owner's permission or knowledge.

To purchase merchandise or services offered by the cable television service provider, a consumer commonly has to enter a tremendous amount of information on an on-line order form. For example, the consumer must provide a valid credit card number, the credit card's expiration date, a shipping address, a billing address, her name, and/or similar personal information. Sometimes, she has to enter this information that each time she wants to buy something. This means that she must either have the card handy or remember her credit card number and the credit card's expiration date.

The same or similar dilemma exists to access interactive games provided via cable television service providers. That is, players must be authenticated and/or have to enter consumer information (e.g., valid credit card number) before being able to participate in any interactive games.

Cable television service providers also may keep a profile for subscribers to tailor advertising or promotions. The profile is commonly associated with a particular household (such as via identification of an ID of the particular set top box), but not tailored to a particular viewer unless the cable television service provider knows who the current viewer is (e.g., Mom, Dad, little sister). One way to determine the identity of the current viewer is to assign each household member his or her own remote control device. Each remote control device transmits an identifier to identify the particular remote control device being used, and so Mom, Dad, and little sister each typically have his or her own remote control device. Unfortunately, if Mom uses Dad's remote control device, Mom gets Dad's personalized viewing choices. This means that Mom sees Dad's favorite channels, as well as promotions and advertisements aimed at Dad. Mom cannot see her list of favorite channels. Therefore, improvements in user identification are needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures. References with like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the reference number in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of an interactive video casting system with which embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

Figure 2 shows another example of an interactive video casting system with which embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

Figure 3 shows another example of an interactive video casting system with which embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example method performed by the interactive video casting systems described herein to provide biometric authentication of a viewer according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a high-level block diagram of an example biometric authentication module according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows an example embodiment of a remote control device depicted in Figures 1-2 that can be used in conjunction with biometric authentication according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a method and apparatus in an interactive video casting system to collect biometric samples from subscribers and other individuals for verification of identity and authorization to access services provided by an interactive video casting system, such as an interactive television system, are described herein. As used herein, "biometric" refers to any physiological characteristics containing information that is unique for an individual. Fingerprints, hand geometry, voice pattern, retinal pattern, iris scans, and signatures all are biometrics.

As an overview, an embodiment of a remote control device includes a biometric input device, which collects a biometric sample from a viewer. The interactive video casting system compares the biometric sample to previously collected biometric data and based on the results of the comparison determines whether and which services the viewer may access. Such services include, but are not limited to, electronic mail, on-line shopping, pay-per-view (PPV), and interactive games. The interactive video casting system also may utilize the biometric data to identify a viewer for purposes of presenting promotional items, favorite channels, and other services related to a viewer's profile.

In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as the description of system components in Figures 1-3, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Figure 1 shows an example arrangement of an interactive video casting system 100 with which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. It is to be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention may be implemented for a video casting system that does not necessarily have "interactive" capability. A production company 104 produces programming content for transmission to viewers. The transmission is sent via satellite transmission receiver 112 over an uplink channel to a satellite 102. The satellite 102 then transmits the programming content over a downlink channel to a local studio 106. The local studio 106 can insert additional programming (e.g., regional programming) and/or advertisements as needed into the programming content. The content with the insertions is then transmitted from the local studio 106 (which may be via a satellite transmission transceiver 114 in one embodiment) to a cable service provider 108. In an embodiment, the television program may be downloaded to a receiving station, such as a head-end (H/E) of the cable service provider 108, rather than or in addition to the local studio 106. A reverse channel from the cable service provider 108 to the local studio 106 is provided so that the local studio 106 can insert additional programming content and feed the television signal back to the cable service provider 108. The cable service provider 108 then delivers the television signal over a cable network 134 to cable subscribers.

The cable network 134 is provided by the cable service provider 108 to distribute the programming content to cable subscribers. A set top box (STB) 152, located on the premises of a cable television subscriber, receives the programming content or television signal, and delivers the television signal to the subscriber's television set 154. Alternatively or in addition, the television signal can be broadcast over a wireless medium and received by a traditional aerial antenna or by a satellite dish, and then delivered to the set top box 152. Alternatively or additionally, features and functionality of the set top box 152 may be integrated into a type of advanced television or other display device.

Moreover, embodiments of the invention can use other types of broadcast media, including but not limited to, digital cable systems, satellite, very-high- data-rate digital subscriber line (VDSL), web casts, etc. The features provided by the television set 154 can also be provisioned, in one embodiment, by a personal computer (PC) suitably configured with an adapter to convert television signals into a digitized format, and then to deliver the television signals to the video portion of the computer for display. It is noted that the invention is not limited to any one configuration of display hardware, as embodiments of the invention will work equally well using alternative reception and display arrangements.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a connection to a communication network is provided for the cable subscriber. In one embodiment, the connection can be made via a cable modem 156 over a bi-directional communication link 155 to a cable modem termination system within the cable provider's 108 equipment. The connection continues to a data communication network, such as the Internet, by way of a public switched network (PSTN) 132. The PSTN network 132 is provided herein as an example, and it is understood that other types of networks may be used for connectivity to the Internet.

A cable modem arrangement can be used because of its high bandwidth capability. In situations where some cable companies are not equipped to provide cable modem service to their customers, various other arrangements can be made. For example, a conventional modem connection can be used to access the Internet over a telephone line. As another example, Internet access can be gained over a DSL connection or an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection using a telephone line. Wireless systems are also available for providing Internet access. In one embodiment, downstream data transmission can occur via cable or satellite, and upstream data transmission can occur via a telephone line.

It is noted that the Internet is chosen as an example of a data communication network because it is a well-established network, and connectivity to the Internet is easily made. However, it is noted that a global communication network, such as the Internet, is not required to practice other embodiments of the invention. A locally provided and maintained communication network may be used in an embodiment.

Continuing with Figure 1, the set top box 152 can include a transceiver

157, such as an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) transceiver, that can exchange signals with a remote control unit 158 or other user input device (e.g., keyboard). The set top box 152 can be a component that is separate from the television set 154 as shown in Figure 1, or its features can be built into circuitry of the television set 154 (e.g., an interactive television set). The set top box 152 enables a viewer to select a television program to view and then delivers the television program to the television set 154. A storage unit 162 can also be coupled to or be a part of the set top box 152. The storage unit 162 can comprise a machine-readable storage medium such as a cache, buffer, memory, diskette, compact disk, tape, or the like and their associated hardware, in one embodiment. In another embodiment the storage unit 162 can include a videocassette recorder (VCR). In another embodiment, the storage unit can include a hard disk such as a digital or personal video recorder (DVR or PVR). As noted above, the local studio 106 can insert additional programming into the received transmission, for example to provide cable content that includes locally provided channels. The programming is then distributed to customers over the cable network 134. In addition to local program insertion, the local studio 106 can insert advertising content. Product supplemental information relating to the advertising for participating merchants 122 can also be inserted. Product supplemental information can include information relating to the goods or services being advertised in the commercial. In addition to goods and services, coupons, interactive games, and other information services can be made available to the viewer, which in one embodiment can be obtained via the merchant's 122 web site 124 on the Internet. Triggers, such as Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) triggers, which are related to the web site 124 and/or to its contents, can be continuously updated as the television broadcast is being received. For example, the set top box 152 may update the list of triggers using new triggers received, the broadcaster may update the list of triggers by transmitting new triggers when the website is updated, and/or the triggers may be updated by acquiring new triggers from the website.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a participating merchant list 153 may be maintained. As the name implies, this list permits participating merchants 122 to provide their product supplemental information to the viewer. The participating merchant list 153 may be provided to and stored in the set top box 152. Alternatively or additionally, the participating merchant list

153 may be stored at a head-end or other system of the cable service provider 108, or at a third party system. In this embodiment, the participating merchant list 153 may operate as a "white" list, which allows transmission of triggers from authorized merchants and filters out other triggers. In another embodiment, a

"blocked" or "black" list may be maintained at the set top box 152 or elsewhere.

Such a blocked list filters out undesirable triggers and may be created and/or maintained by the cable service provider 108. Alternatively or additionally, such an end user may edit such a blocked list. The black list or white list may be maintained at dedicated box at the cable head-end. The set top box 152 may obtain the list(s) from the head-end and performs filtering functions specified on the list(s).

Various techniques for carrying the product supplemental information can be used. For example, triggering, announcement, or resource information can be included and sent using the ATVEF standard, in a manner known by those skilled in the art. For instance, a uniform resource locator (URL) address can be embedded in the broadcast stream. Other standards that may be used include triggering mechanisms from Wink™ and WorldGate™. Another technique is to embed code or a script in the stream that runs on the client (e.g., at the set top box 152) to provide the information and/or purchase experience. Still other techniques include a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) data stream that is delivered via Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS), Digital Audio Video Council (DAVIC) specifications, or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Modem. Such a stream can contain trigger messages that the set top box 152 listens for and takes action on if the trigger is relevant to the television program that is currently being presented.

As noted above, the triggers, resources, or announcements can be inserted by the originating broadcaster 104, a local broadcaster 106, or by the cable system operator 108. Figure 2 shows another example of an interactive video casting system 200 and illustrates another point of insertion of the product supplemental information.

As noted above, Internet access is not necessary to practice the invention.

A locally provided network may be within the scope of the invention as claimed.

The cable provider 108 can supply the foregoing features, for example, by providing a web site or "walled garden" that is accessed by its subscribers. In such a case, the cable provider 108 serves as an intermediary and submits the purchases to the actual merchants 122 or 222.

Figure 3 shows another example of an interactive video casting system 300 for distributing Internet content in addition to television content, and for which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. The system 300 can be similar to or combined with the systems 100 and 200 shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 300 can be integrated with a cable television distribution system. The system 300 includes an Internet 302, several content sources 304, several distribution centers (depicted as the head-ends or H/Es 306), and several client terminals 308 (depicted as set top boxes). In addition, a content source 304 is depicted as receiving data from data feeds 312, advertisement servers 314, image sources 316, and streaming video sources 318.

The content sources 304 are coupled to the Internet 302. For example, a content source 304 may comprise a web site portal such as Go2Net.com™, or a news web site such as CNN.com™, or other types of sources. Each content source 304 may have various data feeds 312, servers 314, and sources 316/318 coupled to it.

For example, news or stock quote feeds 312 may be fed into the content source 304. Servers 314 may provide advertisements for insertion into multimedia content delivered by the content source 304. Sources 316/318 may provide images 316, streaming video 318, and other content to the content source 304. Various other feeds, servers and sources may also be coupled to the content source 304 of Figure 3, or coupled to the production company 104, cable network 134, web sites 124 and 224, or to other components of the systems shown in Figures 1 and 2. The Internet 302 comprises a network of networks and is well known in the art. Communications over the Internet 302 can be accomplished using standard protocols such as transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), or other protocols. The Internet 302 is coupled to the distribution centers 306, and each distribution center 306 is in turn coupled to several client terminals 308, which may comprise a set top box, a PC, an interactive video casting set, or another type of communication device or display device.

In alternative or in addition to the Internet 302 being used to distribute multimedia content from the content sources 304 to distribution centers 306, communications channels or networks 320 apart from the Internet 302 may couple one or more content sources 304 to one or more distribution centers 306. A first dashed line 320 illustrates one example of such an alternate path for communications. Alternatively or additionally, peering connections may exist between distribution centers 306. A second dashed line 322 illustrates an example of such peering. Other configurations are also possible and are included within the scope of the present invention.

Caches 310 may be provided at (or coupled to) the distribution centers

306. Such caches 310 may be used to increase the performance in the delivery of multimedia content to the client terminals 308. For example, larger files for video and other high bandwidth content may be stored in such caches 310, which may be closer to the client terminals 308 than to the content sources 304. In addition, reliability and guaranteed bandwidth may be provided because the Internet 302 is not in-between such caches 310 and the client terminals 308.

As described above with reference to Figures 1-3, many different types of client terminals or display devices, in addition to the television set 154, may be used to display or access television programming, Internet or web page content, content from the content sources 304, etc. Examples of such display devices include, but are not limited to, PCs, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, handheld wireless devices (such as cellular telephones), or other devices having a display screen. In one embodiment, audio devices may be used in addition to or instead of display devices, to play audio versions of the programming or content provided by the interactive video casting interactive video casting systems described herein.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, different or multiple portals may be used to access the information provided through the interactive video casting interactive video casting systems described herein, based on the type of client terminal being used by the end user. That is, for example, a television portal may be provided for an end user that uses the television set 154 to access the information. A PC portal may be provided for an end user that uses a PC to access the information. Portals can be provided for end users that use cellular telephones, PDAs, audio devices, and the like to access the interactive video casting interactive video casting systems described herein.

Such portals may be provided in several possible ways. In one embodiment, the client terminal (e.g., the end user's display device or audio device) can be suitably configured with an adapter that includes hardware and software. The adapter converts the television signals, the Internet or web page content, or other information provided from the interactive video casting system into a digitized format or other format that is compatible with the operational features of the client terminal.

In another embodiment, the cable provider 108 can deliver signals having different formats to the various client terminals, with the client terminals not necessarily having special adapters. Therefore, as an example the cable provider 108 or other party can generate/deliver information (e.g., television programming, web page content, etc.) having a format that is compatible for end users that receive the information via the television set 154. The cable provider 108 or other party can also generate/deliver the same information (e.g., simultaneously with the television portal on the same communication link, separately on a different communication link, on-demand independent of the television portal, and the like) using a format that is compatible with end users that receive the information via PCs, PDAs, cellular telephones, and the like. Thus, the term "interactive video casting system" can be used to describe more generally a system that can deliver information over any network and any network-compatible device by broadcasting, multicasting, or unicasting. An "interactive television system" is one type of or one means of access to an "interactive video casting system."

Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example method performed by the interactive video casting systems described herein to provide biometric authentication of a viewer via the remote control device 158 in Figures 1 and 2 according to embodiments of the present invention. In a block 402, the interactive video casting systems store biometric data for subscribers. Alternatively or in addition, a third party, from which the interactive video casting systems may retrieve information, may store the biometric data. The biometric data may include fingerprints, thumbprints, hand geometry, voice patterns, iris geometries, retina patterns,

DNA, and/or other physiological characteristic of subscribers. The biometric data may be collected for storage from the subscriber upon subscription.

Alternatively or in addition, the biometric data may be collected from a source other than the subscriber (e.g., from driver license agencies, hospitals, or other entities that store biological data).

In a block 404, the interactive video casting systems store subscribers' profiles. The profiles may include a list of favorite channels, shopping patterns, likes and dislikes, and other personal information. The profiles also may indicate which services the subscriber has access to, such as electronic mail, on-line shopping, pay-per-view (PPV), and the like. The profiles may be explicitly provided by subscribers, such as via completion of on-line forms or when they initially subscribe to the interactive service. The profiles may also be formed implicitly, via use of cookies, for instance, to gather viewing, purchase, and browsing habits of the subscribers.

In a block 406, the interactive video casting systems receive a biometric sample from an individual via a biometric authentication portion of the systems in Figures 1-3. The biometric authentication portion may include devices to read fingerprints, thumbprints, hand geometry, voice patterns, iris geometries, retina patterns, DNA, and/or other physiological characteristic.

In a block 408, the interactive video casting systems process the current biometric sample to determine the identity of the person providing the biometric sample and which services the person is authorized to access. In one embodiment, block 408 compares the current biological sample to biological data stored in block 402.

In a block 410, the interactive video casting systems determines whether there is a match between the current biological sample and the biological data stored in block 402. If there is no match, the person providing the biometric sample is denied access to one or more services provided by the interactive video casting systems, and the interactive video casting systems may return to block 406 and wait for another biometric sample, such as if the person attempts to resubmit a biometric sample. Alternatively, the interactive video casting systems may provide the person providing the current biological sample with limited access to services. If there is a match between the current biological sample and biological data stored in block 402, in a block 412, the interactive video casting systems determine that the person providing the current biological sample may have access to services provided by the interactive video casting systems, access the profile for the person providing the biometric sample, and provide the person providing the biometric sample with access to services in accordance with her profile, which may include access to electronic mail, on-line shopping, interactive games, or other services.

Figure 5 is a high-level block diagram of an example biometric authentication module 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The biometric authentication module 500 authenticates viewers for access to services provided by the interactive video casting systems described herein using biometric data.

Although depicted as a single module, all or part of the components in the biometric authentication module 500 may form part of the remote control device 158, the set top box 152, or a head-end server in the interactive video casting systems of Figures 1-3, or any other data storage facility associated with other systems. For example, the remote control device 158 may collect biometric samples from users and transmit digitized versions of the biometric samples to the set top box 152, which may transmit the same or similar information to the head-end server for processing to authenticate viewers for access to services provided by the interactive video casting systems described herein. Alternatively, the set top box 152 may process the biometric samples to authenticate viewers for access to services provided by the interactive video casting systems described herein. Alternatively, still, the remote control device 158 may collect and process the biometric samples to authenticate viewers for access to services provided by the interactive video casting systems. After reading the description herein, a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) will readily recognize how to implement the biometric authentication module in all or part of the remote control device 158, the set top box 152, the head-end server, a web pad, or other device to authenticate viewers for access to services provided by the interactive video casting systems.

As shown by a broken line in Figure 5, the biometric authentication module 500 communicates directly or indirectly (e.g., via the set top box 152) with the television set 154, to display user interfaces (not shown), for example, to allow a viewer to access services provided by the interactive video casting systems described herein.

In one embodiment, the biometric authentication module 500 includes a biometric data reader 502, which reads physiological characteristics of a person. The biometric authentication module 500 may comprise a fingerprint/thumbprint reader, a hand geometry reader, a retina scanner, a DNA reader, a voice pattern analyzer, an iris scanner, moisture sensor, temperature sensor, or other device that can obtain a biometric sample. From reading the description herein, a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will be able to implement the biometric data reader 502 for the particular physiological characteristic of interest.

The example biometric authentication module 500 also includes a biometric data database 504, which stores biometric data for subscribers and/or other authorized persons who are allowed access to the interactive video casting systems. The biometric data database 504 may also store other identifiers or other information as well, such as least/most recently obtained biometric data, expiration dates of biometric data, and so forth. As described above, the biometric data for the biometric data database 504 may be provided by a subscriber at subscription or from a source other than the subscriber. The example biometric authentication module 500 also includes, in one embodiment, a profile database 506, which stores data related to subscribers' profiles. For example, the profile database 506 may store the names, ages, likes, dislikes, favorite channels, billing information, address, and/or other personal information for subscribers, including information for members of the subscribers' households other than the subscribers. Such information, coupled with the biometric data in the biometric data database 504, may be used in an embodiment to provide targeted advertisements from the various sources shown in Figures 1-3. The profile database 506 can also store information indicating who is authorized to access certain services provided by the interactive video casting systems, such as electronic mail, on-line shopping, pay-per-view (PPV), or other services.

The example biometric authentication module 500 also includes, in an embodiment, a comparison block 508, which compares biological samples obtained by the biometric reader 502 with biometric data stored in the biometric data database 504. In one embodiment, the comparison block 508 determines the degree of statistical equivalence between a sample read by the biometric reader 502 and the biometric data stored in the biometric data database 504. If a predetermined threshold is exceeded, the comparison block 508 authenticates the person providing the biometric sample. In an embodiment, the comparison block 508 comprises software or other machine-readable instruction stored on a machine-readable medium.

The example biometric authentication module 500 also includes a controller 510, which manages the operation of the components in the biometric module 500, as well as the biometric authentication module's 500 communications with other portions of the interactive video casting systems. Figure 6 shows an example embodiment of a user device, such as the remote control device 158, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the remote control device 158 is of a size and weight to be conveniently held in a viewer's hands or lap. In one embodiment, the remote control device 158 may be approximately eight inches wide and eleven inches tall, or about the size of a conventional paper notebook. In an embodiment, the remote control device 158 is comparatively lightweight, for example, and may weigh less than three pounds.

The remote control device 158 may include an RF, IR, or other transmitter

(not shown), which transmits control signals and other data to the transceiver 157 of the set top box 152, as well as to the television 154 (e.g., to adjust the television set's 154 volume). Additionally, control buttons 602 may be provided on the remote control device 158 to control the operation of the set top box 152 and/or the television set 154. The control buttons 602 may include channel selection, volume adjustment, power on/off, brightness, contrast, and coloration, and the like. The control buttons 602 may also be used to control other devices, such as a VCR in the storage unit 162, a digital videodisc (DVD) player, a compact disc (CD) player, a tuner, an amplifier, or a receiver, for instance.

In an embodiment, the remote control device 158 also includes the biometric authentication module 500 internal to the remote control device and the biometric data reader 502 accessible to the viewer. In one embodiment, the viewer can contact the biometric data reader 502 with her thumb, finger, or hand, to activate the biometric authentication module 500 (e.g., automatic scanning), which authenticates the viewer. Alternatively or in addition, the viewer may also hit a "scan" button 604 in conjunction with contacting the biometric data reader 502 to activate the biometric authentication module 500. The viewer is then permitted to access services provided by the interactive video casting systems, if authentication is successful. For example, the viewer may be provided with access to her electronic mail account, interactive games, favorite channels, be permitted to shop for merchandise and service without entering billing or shipping information, or is registered for promotions and/ or other events.

In one embodiment, the biometric data reader 502 may be embodied in a channel up button 606 and/or a channel down button 608 or other operational button, such that when the viewer presses the channel up button 606, for example, the television 154 advances to the next favorite channel for the viewer providing biometric sample, when authenticated. This means that if Mom is using the remote control device 158, one of Mom's favorite channels will be displayed, and if Dad is using the remote control device 158, one of Dad's favorite channels will be displayed.

Alternatively or in addition, an OK button 610 may embody the biometric data reader 502 such that when the viewer presses any button from the control buttons 602 and then selects the OK button 610, the action requested by pressing one of the control buttons is qualified by the viewer's profile. For example, when the viewer presses the channel numbers for a pay-per-view (PPV) program and then presses the OK button 610, the biometric authentication module 500 collects a biometric sample from the viewer, determines whether the viewer has access to the particular PPV program, and if she does, bills the subscriber under the viewer's name using the subscriber's billing information from the viewer's profile.

Alternatively or in addition still, when the biometric authentication module 500 is activated and the viewer is authenticated, the interactive video casting systems may automatically personalize the viewing experience without any other actions by the viewer. For example, the viewer may be presented automatically with promotions, games, programming choices, prompts to shop or check electronic mail accounts, and similar actions, all targeted to the viewer based on her biometric data and profile.

In conclusion, in an embodiment of the present invention biometric data is used to verify the identity of viewers and to authorize access of viewers to services provided by an interactive video casting system, such as electronic mail, on-line shopping, pay-per-view (PPV), and interactive games. The interactive video casting system also may utilize the biometric data to identify a viewer for purposes of presenting promotional items, favorite channels, and other services related to a viewer's profile. In an embodiment, the authentication may be performed via a suitable surface portion of the remote control device 158. It is to be appreciated that the various biometric authentication components may be embodied in other client devices, such as the set top box 152, the television set 154, and so on.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract of the Disclosure, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

As an example, alternatively or in addition to a cable distribution system, a satellite television (TV) delivery system may be implemented. A satellite TV delivery system may comprise a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system. A DBS system may comprise a small 18-inch satellite dish (which is an antenna for receiving a satellite broadcast signal); a digital integrated receiver/decoder (IRD), which separates each channel, and decompresses and translates the digital signal so a television can show it; and a remote control. Programming for a DBS system may be distributed, for example by multiple high-power satellites in geosynchronous orbit, each with multiple transponders. Compression (e.g., MPEG) is used to increase the amount of programming that can be transmitted in the available bandwidth.

A digital broadcast center may be used to gather programming content, ensure its digital quality, and transmit the signal up to the satellites. Programming may come to the broadcast center from content providers (TBS™, HBO™, CNN™, ESPN™, etc.) via satellite, fiber optic cable, and/or special digital tape. Satellite-delivered programming is typically immediately digitized, encrypted and uplinked to the orbiting satellites. The satellites retransmit the signal back down to every earth-station~or, in other words, every compatible DBS system receiver dish at customers' homes and businesses. In one embodiment, therefore, the communication network comprises this satellite communication link to the subscriber earth- stations.

Some programs may be recorded on digital videotape in the broadcast center to be broadcast later. Before customers view any recorded programs, technicians may use post-production equipment to view and analyze each tape to ensure audio and video quality. Tapes may then be loaded into a robotic tape handling systems, and playback may be triggered by a computerized signal sent from a broadcast automation system. Back-up videotape playback equipment may ensure uninterrupted transmission at all times.

These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: a remote control device having: means for receiving biometric data from a user; means for authenticating a correspondence between the user and the received biometric data; and means for providing the user with access to at least one interactive video casting system service based on authentication of the correspondence by the means for authenticating the correspondence.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on authentication of the correspondence includes means for providing the user with access to an electronic mail application.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on authentication of the correspondence includes means for providing the user with access to an interactive game.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on authentication of the correspondence includes means for providing the user with access to an online shopping application.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on authentication of the correspondence includes means for providing the user with access to favorite channels of the user.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for receiving biometric data from a user comprises a fingerprint reader.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for receiving biometric data from a user comprises a voice analyzer.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for receiving biometric data from a user comprises a handprint reader.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for receiving biometric data from a user comprises a retina reader.

10. An article of manufacture, comprising: a machine-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, with regards to biometric data received from a user, to: verify that the user is eligible to use at least one interactive video casting system service based on the biometric data; and provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible.

11. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the instructions to verify that the user is eligible to use at least one interactive video casting system service based on the biometric data includes instructions to compare the biometric data from the user to previously collected biometric data.

12. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the received biometric data from the user is received via a remote control device.

13. The article of manufacture of claim 12 wherein the received biometric data from the user include at least one of voice data, fingerprint data, retina data, and handprint data from the user received via the remote control device -.

14. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the instructions to provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible includes instructions to provide the user with access to targeted programming.

15. The article of manufacture of claim 10 wherein the machine-readable medium further includes instructions stored thereon to identify the user from other users by automatically obtaining the biometric data from the user.

16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the instructions to provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible includes instructions to provide the user with access to an electronic mail application.

17. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the instructions to provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible includes instructions to provide the user with access to an interactive game.

18. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the instructions to provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible includes instructions to provide the user with access to an on-line shopping application.

19. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the instructions to provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible includes instructions to provide the user with access to favorite channels of the user.

20. A method, comprising: receiving biometric data from a user via a user device; verifying that the user is eligible to use at least one interactive video casting system service based on the biometric data; and providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verifying that the user is eligible comprises providing the user with access to at least one of an electronic mail application, on-line shopping application, interactive game, targeted programming, and favorite channels.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein verifying that the user is eligible to use at least one interactive video casting system service based on the biometric data includes comparing the biometric data from the user to previously collected biometric data.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein verifying that the user is eligible comprises authenticating the user at a server.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein the user device comprises a remote control device.

25. The method of claim 20 wherein the user device comprises a client terminal coupled to a television set.

26. A system, comprising: a remote control device to receive biometric data from a user; a client terminal coupled to receive biometric data from the remote control device and to transmit the biometric data for authentication; and a server coupled to receive the biometric data transmitted from the client terminal and to verify that the user is eligible to use at least one interactive video casting system service based on the biometric data.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein the remote control device is further capable to receive at least one of a fingerprint data, thumbprint data, voice data, retina data, and handprint data from a user.

28. The system of claim 26 wherein the server is further capable to compare biometric data from the user to previously collected biometric data.

29. The system of claim 26 wherein the server is further capable to verify that the user is eligible to access at least one of an electronic mail application, an online shopping application, an interactive game, a favorite channel, and targeted programming.

30. A system, comprising: a remote control device to receive biometric data from a user; and a module coupled to receive biometric data from the remote control device, to acknowledge verification that the user is eligible to use at least one interactive video casting system service based on the biometric data, and to provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on the verification that the user is eligible.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein verification that the user is eligible is performed at the remote control device.

32. The system of claim 30 wherein verification that the user is eligible is performed at the module.

33. The system of claim 30 wherein verification that the user is eligible is performed at a server and communicated for acknowledgement to the modulefrom the server.

34. A method, comprising: receiving biometric data from a user via a user device for verification that the user is eligible to use at least one interactive video casting system service based on the biometric data; and providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verification that the user is eligible.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein a same control of the user device that receives the biometric data from the user is also usable for an operation performed via the user device.

36. The method of claim 34 wherein providing the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on a verification that the user is eligible includes providing the user access to the interactive video casting system service based on a comparison of biometric data from the user to previously collected biometric data.

37. The system of claim 26 wherein the server is further capable to provide the user with access to the interactive video casting system service based on verification that the user is eligible.