Automatic subscriber callback system

Abstract

A subscriber callback modem, includes a source of callback data. A modem is coupled to a subscriber telephone line, and a control circuit (60) is coupled between the data source and the modem (50), for conditioning the modem to automatically call a central computer and transfer the callback data from the data source to the central computer.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a system in a remote location which operates fully automatically under changing operating conditions to call a central computer and transmit callback data from the remote location to the central computer. Background technique [0002] Current program distribution systems for television and interactive television programming include equipment for distributing pay-per-view programs. Ensuring that users can subscribe and be properly charged for viewing pay-per-view programs is a problem in such systems. There are two aspects to this problem. First, it should be easy for a user to subscribe to a pay-per-view program, and second, the user must be properly charged for subscribing and viewing a pay-per-view program. [0003] In a cable distribution system, customers are in a limited geographic location around a cable headend, and a relatively low number of users are connected to that headend, typically a town, for example. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

First, the callback modem must release the phone line when the user wants to get in

[0006] Second, the callback modem must be able to automatically take advantage of telephone central office operations that may have unusual interface ch...

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