Internet service provider callback for satellite systems

Abstract

A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box. The set top box (STB) is configured to receive and display the broadcast signals through a tuner onto a display device. The STB establishes a connection to the Internet through a user initiated action (e.g., when the user accesses the Internet using the STB). A new transmission control/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection is obtained using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the connection. A secure electronic connection is established with a server through the new TCP/IP connection. The purchase information is then transmitted from the STB through the secure electronic connection to the server.

1 . A method of delivering purchase information comprising:
 (a) storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box, wherein the set top box is configured to:
 (i) receive broadcast signals through a tuner; and 
 (ii) enable a presentation device connected to the set top box to display the broadcast signals; 
   (b) establishing, through a user initiated action to connect to the Internet, a connection to the Internet using a communication module of the set top box, wherein the communication module is different than the tuner;   (c) automatically obtaining a new transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection through the communication module using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the new TCP/IP connection;   (d) establishing a secure electronic connection with a server through the new TCP/IP connection; and   (e) transmitting the purchase information from the set top box through the secure electronic connection to the server.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the purchase information relates to a pay per view program. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the purchase information relates to an electronic commerce transaction. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the purchase information is stored in a smart card. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the purchase information is stored in a renewable security module. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the server is a broadcast satellite operator's Internet server. 
   
   
       7 . A system for delivering purchase information comprising:
 (a) purchase information for a purchase of a user;   (b) a set top box configured to:
 (i) receive broadcast signals through a tuner; 
 (ii) enable a presentation device to display the broadcast signals; 
 (iii) store the purchase information; 
 (iv) establish, through a user initiated action to connect to the Internet, a connection to the Internet using a communication module of the set top box, wherein the communication module is different than the tuner; 
   (v) automatically obtain a new transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection through the communication module using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the new TCP/IP connection;   (vi) establish a secure electronic connection with a server through the new TCP/IP connection; and   (vii) transmit the purchase information from the set top box through the secure electronic connection to the server.   
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the purchase information relates to a pay per view program. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the purchase information relates to an electronic commerce transaction. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the purchase information is stored in a smart card. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the purchase information is stored in a renewable security module. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the server is a broadcast satellite operator's Internet server. 
   
   
       13 . An article of manufacture for delivering purchase information comprising:
 (a) means for storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box, wherein the set top box is configured to:
 (i) receive broadcast signals through a tuner; and 
 (ii) enable a presentation device connected to the set top box to display the broadcast signals; 
   (b) means for establishing, through a user initiated action to connect to the Internet, a connection to the Internet using a communication module of the set top box, wherein the communication module is different than the tuner;   (c) means for automatically obtaining a new transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection through the communication module using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the new TCP/IP connection;   (d) means for establishing a secure electronic connection with a server through the new TCP/IP connection; and   (e) means for transmitting the purchase information from the set top box through the secure electronic connection to the server.   
   
   
       14 . The article of manufacture of  claim 13 , wherein the purchase information relates to a pay per view program. 
   
   
       15 . The article of manufacture of  claim 13 , wherein the purchase information relates to an electronic commerce transaction. 
   
   
       16 . The article of manufacture of  claim 13 , wherein the purchase information is stored in a smart card. 
   
   
       17 . The article of manufacture of  claim 13 , wherein the purchase information is stored in a renewable security module. 
   
   
       18 . The article of manufacture of  claim 13 , wherein the server is a broadcast satellite operator's Internet server.