Importance

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Abstract

An interactive video entertainment distribution network utilizing a subscriber information maintenance system wherein the subscriber information maintenance system comprises a set-top box (STB) at the premises of an individual subscriber. A service provider headend is connected for video and bi-directional data communications with the STB, and to provide enhanced services and traditional video programming to the subscriber through the STB. A billing and subscriber management system (BSMS) maintains a BSMS database with billing information regarding individual subscribers and with information regarding traditional video programming provided to such subscribers. An interactive subscriber services program (ISS) maintains an ISS database with additional information related to enhanced services provided to individual subscribers that is not included in the BSMS database. An interactive application program executes on the STB. The interactive application program communicates with the ISS to access and modify information from the two databases. The BSMS has a program interface that allows the ISS to access and modify information from the BSMS database. The ISS has data handling routines that execute in response to requests by the interactive application program to access or modify subscriber and service information, The data handling routines use the program interface of the BSMS to reference the information if it is part of the first database. The data handling routines and the program interface of the BSMS allow the service provider to utilize an existing billing and subscriber management system in conjunction with enhanced services.

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First Claim