Interactive audiovisual distribution system

Claim 1

An interactive distribution system of visual data segments comprising: A. a distribution center having: a. access to a library of stored visual data segments; b. an order processing computer connected to a plurality of subscriber stations for handling requests for delivery of selected segments of said visual data segments from said plurality of subscriber stations, said order processing computer being coupled to at least one transmission control processing unit for allocating servicing of said requests to said transmission control processing unit(s); and c. each of said transmission control processing units having: a transmission control processor for receiving commands from said order processing computer and for handling the distribution of said requested selected program segments; and an interface for coordinating transfer of said requested visual data segments to subscriber stations corresponding to said requests; and B. each of said subscriber stations including: a receiver for receiving said requested data segments; a terminal processor having associated memory, input device, and display for generating said requests for delivery of selected segments of said visual data and for coordinating transfer of said requested data segments; C. wherein said order processing computer of the distribution center includes means capable of delivering requested data segments after the expiration of a subscriber selected minimum time period specified for and in addition to each of said requests.

Claim 7

A method of interactive distribution of visual data segments from a distribution center to a plurality of subscriber stations, comprising the steps of: accessing a library comprised of a selection of visual data segments; receiving requests from said subscriber stations for selected data segments from said selection of visual data segments, each of said requests associated with a specified minimum wait after which a respective selected data segment is to be delivered; processing said requests; accessing said selected data segments from said library; and delivering said selected program segments to respective subscriber stations making said requests after said specified minimum wait has elapsed.

Claim 8

A method of interactive distribution of visual data segments from a distribution center to a plurality of subscriber stations, comprising the steps of: accessing a library comprised of a selection of visual data segments; receiving requests from said subscriber stations for selected data segments from said selection of visual data segments, each of said requests associated with a specified minimum wait after which a respective selected data segment is to be delivered; processing said requests; accessing said selected data segments from said library; and delivering said selected program segments to respective subscriber stations making said requests after said specified minimum wait has elapsed.