USRE42103E1 - Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses - Google Patents

Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USRE42103E1
USRE42103E1 US09/860,259 US86025901A USRE42103E US RE42103 E1 USRE42103 E1 US RE42103E1 US 86025901 A US86025901 A US 86025901A US RE42103 E USRE42103 E US RE42103E
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
address
data service
audio
line
computer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US09/860,259
Inventor
Shelton L. Palmer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Disney Enterprises Inc
Original Assignee
Disney Enterprises Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Disney Enterprises Inc filed Critical Disney Enterprises Inc
Priority to US09/860,259 priority Critical patent/USRE42103E1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USRE42103E1 publication Critical patent/USRE42103E1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/18Arrangements for synchronising broadcast or distribution via plural systems
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/86Arrangements characterised by the broadcast information itself
    • H04H20/93Arrangements characterised by the broadcast information itself which locates resources of other pieces of information, e.g. URL [Uniform Resource Locator]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04HBROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/81Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
    • H04H60/90Wireless transmission systems
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H04L65/611Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for multicast or broadcast
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/235Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/4302Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
    • H04N21/4307Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
    • H04N21/43072Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen of multiple content streams on the same device
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/435Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/443OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47End-user applications
    • H04N21/472End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/4722End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/8166Monomedia components thereof involving executable data, e.g. software
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01Protocols
    • H04L67/02Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/99941Database schema or data structure
    • Y10S707/99944Object-oriented database structure
    • Y10S707/99945Object-oriented database structure processing

Definitions

  • Another manner in which broadcast programming and the Internet have been linked is allowing users to electronically communicate via the Internet with a live broadcast show.
  • the television programming may change in response to the information being sent to the broadcaster, such as by broadcasting a transcript of the messages sent. Again, however, this method also requires the user to know and correctly use the appropriate URL.
  • the present invention addresses these needs.
  • a method for connecting a computer with multiple on-line services simultaneously with an audio and/or video broadcast.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing a computer located at a first location and an on-line service located at a second location remote to the first location and broadcasting audio or video programming. Another step includes transmitting an address identifying the on-line service from an address transmitter at a third location remote from the first and second locations.
  • the on-line service contains information corresponding with the audio or video programming being broadcast at the time the address is transmitted.
  • the step of transmitting occurs simultaneously with the step of broadcasting, and the method also includes receiving the address at the computer, such that the computer automatically accesses the on-line service by using the address information.
  • the address is a Universal Resource Locator and the on-line service is an Internet Service Provider which provides access to a website.
  • the website sends information to the computer.
  • the address may also identify a portion of the information contained in the on-line service, with the step of connecting the computer to the on-line service occurring before the step of receiving.
  • the step of automatically accessing the on-line service desirably includes sending the address via a modem and telephone lines to connect the computer with the on-line service.
  • the on-line service may count the amount of times it has been accessed by the particular computer or any computer.
  • the transmission of addresses occur via electromagnetic waves, such as over a paging system.
  • the addresses may be sent from an audio or video playback device such as a VCR or the like.
  • the address transmitter may be a website and the step of transmitting comprises sending the address to the computer via the Internet.
  • the address transmitter may be an audio/visual broadcaster, such that the address transmitter also transmits television or radio signals.
  • a method for directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on-line service, the on-line service being located at a second location remote from the first locations.
  • the method includes transmitting an address identifying the on-line service from a transmitter at a third location (remote from the first and second locations) to the plurality of the computers.
  • Another step includes broadcasting audio or video information corresponding with the address simultaneous with the step of transmitting, and simultaneously receiving the address at the plurality of computers. At least one of the computers uses the address to access the on-line service.
  • the transmitting step includes transmitting the address by modulating an electromagnetic wave which has a carrier frequency associated with a television or radio signal, with the audio and/or video information being broadcast at the same carrier frequency.
  • the audio and/or video information may be transmitted at a different carrier frequency.
  • the on-line service provides information related to the audio and/or video information to the computer.
  • the audio and/or video information may be provided to the computer before, during or after the step of accessing.
  • Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on-line service, the on-line service being located at a second location remote from the first locations.
  • the method comprises: transmitting an address from a transmitter at a third location (remote to the first and second location) to the plurality of computers; simultaneously receiving the address at the plurality of computers; broadcasting audio and/or video information corresponding with the address simultaneously with the step of transmitting; using the address so that at least one of the computers accesses the on-line service; and sending information from the computer to the on-line service in response after the computer accesses the on-line service.
  • the method also includes the step of modifying the audio or video information in response to the response information. More steps would include repeating the process with different addresses identifying different on-line services and then storing those different addresses in the computer. The information would then be accessed at a time after the addresses were stored.
  • An additional preferred embodiment provides a method of directing a computer at a first location to communicate with a first on-line service identified by a first address and a second on-line service identified by a second address.
  • the steps include broadcasting first audio or video programming corresponding with the first on-line service simultaneously with the step of transmitting the first address; receiving the first address at the computer; transmitting the second address from the address transmitter; broadcasting second audio or video programming corresponding with the second on-line service simultaneously with the step of transmitting the second address; receiving the second address at the computer; the computer automatically accessing the first on-line service by using the first address and automatically accessing the second on-line service by using the second address.
  • Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method of directing a computer to access information related to radio or television programming currently being broadcast comprising transmitting an address identifying an on-line service from a paging system; receiving the address at the computer; automatically accessing the on-line service by using the address; and receiving information related to the radio or television programming.
  • a system in accordance with the preferred embodiment connects a computer with multiple on-line services.
  • the system includes an audio or video programming broadcaster and a receiver for receiving different addresses identifying the on-line services, whereby the addresses are transmitted simultaneously with the programming being broadcast by the broadcaster and the on-line services contain information corresponding with the programming.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a system, as shown in the provisional application.
  • FIG. 1 shows a system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system comprises a general computer 40 , a receiver 30 , an on-line service 60 , a central office 70 , television/radio broadcaster 90 , a radio and/or television 80 and a transmitter 20 .
  • General computer 40 includes a processor unit 44 containing a microprocessor (not shown) and a memory storage device such as hard-drive 46 .
  • a plurality of input/output peripherals are connected to the processor unit 44 including monitor 47 having a screen 48 , keyboard 42 , modem 50 (connected to processor unit 44 via cable 51 ) and mouse 49 .
  • the general computer 40 and its associated peripherals may be any of the standard personal computers currently available, such as an IBM-compatible personal computer operating under the Windows platform.
  • the computer includes a program which performs the steps outlined below.
  • Receiver 30 is connected to processor unit 44 via cable 31 .
  • Receiver 30 is preferably an alpha-numeric pager/beeper unit, which is capable of receiving alpha-numeric information via a page.
  • Receiver 30 includes an antenna 32 and outputs the pages it receives via cable 31 to computer 40 .
  • Pagers/beepers capable of outputting received alphanumeric messages to a computer are currently available, including the PageCard Wireless Messaging System offered by Socket Communications, Inc. of Fremont, Calif.
  • Modem 50 is connected to a telephone line 61 63 as well as processor 44 .
  • the modem preferably connects with a POTS/Centrex telephone line in a manner well-known and standard to modems.
  • the modem may alternatively be connected via ISDN, leased line, or cable modem.
  • An on-line service 60 is also connected to the phone network.
  • the on-line service is an Internet Service Provider which is capable of connecting the general computer 40 to the Internet via modem 50 .
  • the on-line service is at a physical location remote from the computer, i.e. the on-line service and computer are connected only by a communication medium such as the phone system.
  • the term remote means being separated by a physical distance of any length in addition to the term's ordinary meaning.
  • the Internet Service Provider allows Internet connections to websites/on-line services 61 and 62 which are remote from the other components of the system 10 .
  • the system also includes two broadcasters which are located at locations remote from the other components: radio and television broadcaster 90 and paging system broadcaster 20 .
  • radio/television broadcaster 90 broadcasts its programs via electromagnetic signals 87 to television 82 and/or radio 81 .
  • pager broadcaster 20 broadcasts alpha-numeric pages via electromagnetic signals 21 to pagers and beepers. As is typical with such paging systems, the page can be sent on multiple frequencies and include information embedded in the signal which identifies the one or more beepers intended to receive the message.
  • Central office 70 maintains contact with on-line service 60 via any electronic connection 71 such as the Internet or standard telephone lines. Central office 70 maintains similar communication connections 72 and 83 with the pager and programming broadcasters 20 and 90 , respectively. Preferably, the central office is another website. Central office 70 is used to help coordinate the various activities of the components of the system. However, as many of these activities may be planned in advance as shown below, central office 70 is not necessary to implementation of the invention.
  • paging system tower 20 broadcasts a page intended for reception by receiver 30 .
  • the request for the page may have originated from either the central office 70 or from the radio/television broadcaster 90 , with the page request being sent by telephone lines.
  • the receiver 30 receives the transmitted paged message and outputs the message to the processor 44 via cable 31 .
  • the general computer handles the page in accordance with the dictates of the program.
  • the program continuously monitors and/or polls receiver 30 to determine whether any pages have been received, such as by monitoring the processor's COM port connected to receiver 30 via wire 31 .
  • the program tests the page to determine whether it includes a valid URL.
  • a valid URL might be “http://www.palmer.net” which is the URL for website 61 . If the message is a valid URL, the program stores the URL in memory such as by writing it onto hard drive 46 .
  • the processor 44 next causes modem 50 to connect computer 40 with the Internet Service Provider 60 (if not already connected) via telephone line 61 63 .
  • the program then sends the stored URL to the Internet Service Provider 60 which in turn allows the computer 40 to receive information from and interact with the website associated with the URL.
  • the information received from website 61 will be displayed on screen 48 .
  • the program repeats the process each time a new and different URL is received by receiver 30 , such as when the URL for website 62 is transmitted.
  • the next URL may be another webpage of the current website 61 .
  • the program it is preferable for the program to be a World Wide Web compatible browser (Mosaic, Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer) with the remaining aspects of receiving and testing incoming URL's being a TSR (Temporary Stay Resident), DLL (Dynamic Link Library) or “plug-in”, i.e., specific software code useable by a web browser.
  • TSR Temporal Stay Resident
  • DLL Dynamic Link Library
  • plug-in i.e., specific software code useable by a web browser.
  • the URL's are broadcast over the paging system to correspond with the programming broadcasted for radio or televisions. For example, every time a commercial is shown on television 82 , a URL associated with that advertiser's website is simultaneously sent from tower 20 to receiver 30 . That website may be the advertiser's home page. The tower 20 then sends out the address of a different website when the next commercial begins.
  • computer screen 48 displays different information from different websites to simultaneously correspond with television or radio programming.
  • the computer connects with the different websites automatically and in relatively synchronously relative synchronicity with the broadcast signals.
  • the broadcaster controls the Internet destination of the user's computer. This turns the receiver's computer into a directed video kiosk controlled and programmed by the television or radio broadcasters.
  • paging and phone systems are essentially ubiquitous, there is essentially no geographical limit to the invention. Although the sending and receiving of audio/visual information and URL's should be simultaneous, the URL actually may be accessed during or after the audio/video signal.
  • Central office 70 coordinates the activities between paging system 20 and programming broadcaster 90 .
  • the radio and television stations may provide the central office with a schedule of programming and the associated URL's. In accordance with those schedules, the central office sends page requests to the paging system via the telephone lines or Internet at predetermined times.
  • the station 90 may send its URL page requests either to central office 70 or directly to paging system 20 (as referenced by line 84 of FIG. 1 ) in relative synchronicity and real-time with the programming.
  • the station may inform the central office of what URL's should be paged by embedding the information right in its broadcast.
  • the URL may be embedded in the vertical blanking interval, sideband or alternative band or channel of the broadcast and extracted by the central office 70 .
  • the URL messages are not broadcast via a paging system but are instead sent over the Internet.
  • the computer 40 uses a first web browser to connect with central office 70 over the Internet, and receives a steady stream of URL locations from central office 70 . These locations are provided to a second web browser running on computer 40 which connects with different websites as noted above.
  • the second web browser will continuously update the screen with changing information.
  • the present invention allows a wide variety of other options which increases its versatility to meet a user's particular needs.
  • the user can run the program in two modes, namely “auto-pilot” and “history-stack”.
  • auto-pilot mode the computer automatically connects to a website the moment the website's URL is received by receiver 30 , as explained above.
  • history-stack mode the computer does not immediately connect to a website upon receipt of a URL. Rather, the URL's are stacked on hard drive 46 to be used at a later time and order chosen by the user.
  • the user need do no more than select one of the URL's which have been stored in memory. The user does not have to enter any electronic addresses.
  • the transmitted message might be “http://www.palmer.net Palmer Computer Services, Inc. Home Page”, where the first portion of the message is the URL used by the web browser and the second portion of the message is displayed by the program so the user can understand what the website is about.
  • the program While in auto-pilot mode, the program allows the user to interrupt the automatic connection to websites by clicking anywhere in a given web page or by pressing a key on the keyboard or other applicable user controlled input device.
  • the program automatically switches to history-stack mode so that the user can return to the websites which were missed while reviewing the paused website. The user may switch back to auto-pilot mode at any time.
  • the program can also be configured to automatically switch between auto-pilot and history-stack modes upon the occurrence of predetermined events such as expiration of timers or connection to specific websites. For example, the program may switch from auto-pilot mode to history-stack mode and wait for a user response when the program detects certain information, such as connection to a website offering a contest entry form.
  • the invention is uniquely suited to capitalize on and add value to traditional broadcasts by manipulating Internet connections. Advertising is enhanced by making more complete information and options available to potential buyers.
  • the system can promote direct response selling such as taking users to specific web sites in sync with radio broadcasts. While a song is playing on the radio, the computer may simultaneously connect to a website which allows the user to immediately order the artist's CD. Thus, the user can order a product over the Internet with relatively minimal effort and without knowing or typing any specific electronic addresses. The website (or page) changes when the song changes, offering yet another selling opportunity. Alternatively, potential buyers may be directed to on-line chat areas to ask live salespeople questions about the products being transmitted over the broadcast. Further, where technology permits, an Internet telephone call can be created between the user and the content provider.
  • the invention may also be used to add an additional dimension to traditional broadcast programming.
  • Text, graphics, movies and other computerized information can automatically be sent to user's computers while they are watching a program.
  • a radio broadcast may be supplemented by transmitting a video to the computer during the broadcast, creating a pseudo-television show out of a radio broadcast.
  • a text-based website can come alive with real-time broadcast radio or television.
  • Game shows can add text, graphics and movies to their programs and still direct the user to its advertiser's websites during commercial breaks.
  • the home pages may audit the number of “hits” received. Not only will this information enable the advertiser to confirm the level of activity on its website, but the advertising fees may be based on the number of hits. Just by virtue of the user's computer visiting the home page, an accurate count can be obtained of the number of gross broadcast impressions that were generated by the system technology.
  • the receiver may also cooperate with the computer to automatically save or access only websites meeting certain profile information.
  • the user may complete a profile indicating certain preferences, such as desire to be automatically entered in all contests, receive all coupon offers for laundry soap or receive all information from a specific automobile advertiser.
  • This profile may be stored in the individual computer 40 so that the program uses the profile to filter out unwanted URL's.
  • the profile may be stored at the central office 70 and a page sent to only to those particular receivers and users which have indicated an interest in receiving the information.
  • central office 70 may store a list of the receivers 30 which want certain information, so that the central office only sends pages to those particular receivers. Although all the receivers 30 might be physically capable of accepting the signal, not all will take the next step and make a connection with the associated on-line service.
  • the address need not be a URL and the intended on-line service a website. Rather the address and intended on-line service could be a phone number to a BBS, an electronic address to another aspect of the Internet (FTP, Gopher, WAIS, WWW, NewsGroups, Lists) or a phone number to a general information provider such as CompuServe, America Online or the like.
  • the general computer may be any device capable of accessing the Internet and its related services such as an Intel-based (IBM-PC and compatible running under DOS or Windows) or a Motorola-based (Apple Macintosh, Apple PowerMac) personal computer.
  • the computer may also be one of the more powerful workstation class computers (Sun, MIPS, Hewlett Packard) or a mini or main-frame computer (IBM RS/6000, AS/400, System/390, DEC VAX). If modified by appropriate hardware and software to allow access to the Internet, other dedicated computers may also be used such as game machines (Sega Genesis, Nintendo Game Boy) and electronic organizers and pen-based computers (Sharp Wizard, Casio B.O.S.S., Apple Newton, Psion). Additionally, specialized telecommunications devices and multi-function terminals provided for home banking, shopping and access to other information services and the like which are modified to access Internet may also be used.
  • the transmitter 20 is also not limited to paging networks.
  • the transmitter may be a traditional television broadcaster, an AM, FM or HAM radio station, a digital direct satellite, video playback systems such as video cassette recorders/players or laser disc players, audio playback systems such as stereos and compact disc players and all other forms of digital, analog, or hybrid transmission capable of storing or embedding and transmitting alpha-numeric electronic addresses.
  • the URL may be stored in the vertical blanking interval of a television broadcast or sent on the video broadcast's carrier signal much like closed-captioning. Just as closed-captioning is extracted from the signal as an alpha-numeric message, so may the URL be extracted by receiver 30 and provided to the computer.
  • the carrier frequency of the broadcasted URL is different than the carrier frequency of the radio or television broadcast.
  • the means of transmission may be by wire, wireless, optical or electromagnetic.
  • the hardware of the receiver will change with the nature of the transmission and also may include a number of alternatives.
  • the receiver is preferably tunable via software and/or hardware.
  • the receiver is also preferably keyed so that it may receive different classes of pages depending upon the profile of the user.
  • the receiver may be an FM receiver with a UART and asynchronous serial port operating at a baud rate compatible with most computer serial ports.
  • the present invention allows broadcasters and intercasters, including: AM & FM radio stations, television stations, cable systems, all other audio and video broadcasters, video playback system such as video cassettes, laser disc players, audio playback systems such as Compact Discs and mini discs and all other forms of digital or analog transmission to transmit alpha - numeric URL ( Uniform Resource Locators ) and Internet addresses as well as other computer data to a personal computer such as an IBM - PC or compatible, a Mac, Powermac or other computers equipped with the appropriate hardware and software.
  • a personal computer such as an IBM - PC or compatible, a Mac, Powermac or other computers equipped with the appropriate hardware and software.
  • Computers receiving transmitted addresses and other data can be automatically directed to advertiser or broadcaster specific sites on the World Wide Web, FTP's or other Internet sites in relative synchronicity to the broadcast signal.
  • the System includes both automatic & history stack browse modes and can bring all broadcasters & intercasters into the communication age by broadcasting Internet addresses to participating computers using FM subcarrier signals, television VBI codes or direct connections.
  • the System software can automatically or manually send a request that more information needs to be sent to the subscriber from the advertiser, promoter, broadcaster, or anyone generating the transmitted information sent to the subscriber.
  • An extensive profile request form which is part of the System software, is created from the offerings of known content providers. This form may be dynamically updated electronically via the Internet or similar bi - directional electronic communication between a central site and the computers using the receivers and software of the inventions.
  • the user can specify the types of information by category or from the specific list of content providers available. For example, a user might want to be automatically entered in all contests, receive all coupon offers for laundry soap, or all information from a specific automobile advertiser.
  • the System may also transmit an automatic or manual request for additional information.
  • This request can be a request for additional information in a variety of mediums including but not limited to: 1 ) electronic form by having the System software add the user's electronic mail address to a list server for a specific content provider whereby the user would receive periodic information without further action.
  • An example would be the concert schedule of a musical group in a specific geographic area; 2 ) human form by having the software create an electronic mail message to be directed to a human for follow - up.
  • the invention also has the ability for the user to create an order to purchase the offered product or service based on information provided by the content provider and the known information about the user from the user profile form.
  • the user will enter relevant name, address, and method of payment information, along with appropriate security authorization (i.e., a personal identification code ) to initiate and/or finalize the transaction.
  • security authorization i.e., a personal identification code
  • the authorization code will be required each time to complete the transaction.
  • Transactions processed through the System will provide the user with confirmation and optional cancellation instructions. All transmission of sensitive information may be made secure within the limits of the available technology and relevant National Security export regulations on encryption of data.
  • the broadcaster transmits an alpha - numeric message containing an AutoURL code over a common broadcast paging network or via FM subcarrier, RF or satellite slightly in advance of the broadcast programming.
  • the computer program to transmit the Internet address is part of the System. If the System uses VBI video encoding, the signal can be synchronously broadcast with the television signals. Other means of broadcasting are also possible.
  • a plurality of receivers in accordance with the invention are attached to computers in the broadcast area: local, regional, nationwide or worldwide.
  • the alpha - numeric data (usually a Web URL address ) is stored in computer memory and an Internet browser will automatically contact the broadcaster's desired Internet site. This allows a broadcaster to control the internet destination of the receiver's computer.
  • the receiving computer should have access to the Internet, either through a modem and POTS telephone line or by other means.
  • the receiving computer user can either use their own Internet account or sign - on to a service associated with the invention.
  • broadcasters need conventional access to a conventional alpha - numeric paging site in their broadcast area. This may be on their own sub - carrier or leased from a commercial paging company in the area. It may also be any RF transmitter or Satellite download station that is compatible.
  • Broadcasters should have a dedicated data link to the pager network.
  • the broadcaster will transmit a message to the paging system for broadcast over the paging system to compatible receivers.
  • the receiver may be an FM receiver with a UART and asynchronous serial port operating at a baud rate compatible with most computer serial ports.
  • the FM receiver is tunable via software so that numerous broadcasts can be tuned in.
  • the receivers are also software keyed to receive numerous alpha - numeric messages on one or many specific frequencies so that one pager system can transmit for a plurality of broadcasters in a given broadcast area.
  • the receiver downloads the alpha - numeric message to the computer.
  • Technology for implementing a receiver capable of downloading pager information to a computer is well known in the art.
  • the software loads the address from the receiver and uses the address to connect with a service on the WWW ( World Wide Web ) .
  • the primary software resident in the receiver is a WWW compatible browser, such as MosaicTM or NetscapeTM.
  • the software may also be a TSR ( Temporary Stay Resident ) program which will work in conjunction with Web Browser software packages.
  • the software may have two modes: Automatic & History Stack. These modes will be user setable and self - running.
  • the System software runs in the background on host computers. It is constantly looking at, for example, a user - selectable COM port for compatible alpha - numeric data.
  • the software sees an Internet address, it stores the address in memory and writes it to a file on the computer's hard drive. If the user is running the software in Auto - mode, the System instructs the Web Browser to go the specific URL. In history - stack mode, the URL is stored along with a brief description of the website.
  • the software also allows the user to interrupt the automatic address system at any time by clicking anywhere in a given Web page. This action automatically switches the software to history stack mode and allows the user to explore a preferred website. The user may switch back to Auto - mode at any time by clicking the appropriate icon.
  • the URL's will preferably start at a home page licensed to the specific advertiser or broadcaster. This allows for concise auditing of “hit” activity from any given transmission.
  • the system can be completely advertiser driven such that fees are charged on a per - hit basis.
  • Radio stations are being all but left out of the information revolution. As we enter the communication age, the lines separating telephones, televisions and computers are blurring. However, radio has still been an isolated broadcast source. The invention can be used to bring radio stations into the communication age and provide a brand new method of driving high volume WWW traffic.
  • Radio stations can simply broadcast compatible AutoURL's to compatible personal computers.
  • the users When the users are running the System software in Auto - mode, they will be automatically logged onto WWW sites that are associated with the specific radio broadcast that they are listening to. If they are running the System in history stack - mode, they will be collecting the URL's of the WWW sites that they have received during the broadcast along with a short description of the website for use in later visits from a saved “hot list.”
  • This use by radio stations which is a primary use of the System described above, allows for synchronously linking radio broadcasts to WWW homepages.
  • the system can be 100 % advertiser driven because a radio station sales force can sell “hits” on the web site as part of the advertising package.
  • a radio station sales force can sell “hits” on the web site as part of the advertising package.
  • Anyone who has a website is a potential client. This is true for television advertisers as well.
  • a plurality of web servers with the home pages may be offered which combine radio station call letters and a primary advertising message and which link this homepage to a deeper, advertiser created and operated homepage on a central server or on other servers. Pricing may be either by the number of “hits” an ad generates or by rating an average of “hits” over a given ratings period. There may also be a fiat fee for setup and minimum guarantees for smaller advertisers.
  • the method includes transmitting an address identifying the on - line service from a transmitter at a third location remote from the first and second locations and receiving the address at the computer, whereby the computer automatically accesses the on - line service by using the address.
  • the transmitter also transmits audio and/or video information and the on - line service provides information related to the audio and/or video information to the computer while the computer is accessing the on - line service.
  • the information provided by the on - line service may also change in synchronicity with the audio and/or video information.
  • the address may be a Universal Resource Locator of the Internet, and the step of automatically accessing the on - line service comprises the computer sending the address via telephone lines to connect with the on - line service.
  • the on - line service at the address may also send information back to the computer via the telephone lines.
  • the address may identify a portion of the information available from the online service, and the step of connecting the computer to the on - line service may occur before the step of receiving.
  • the method includes tracking the amount of times the computer accesses the on - line service and calculates a fee related to the amount of times.
  • the transmitter may comprise any number of means, such as a pager network, a television or radio broadcast transmitter, or a video cassette or laser disk player.
  • Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on - line service, the on - line service being located at a second location remote from the first locations.
  • This method includes transmitting an address from a transmitter at a third location to the plurality of the computers. The third location is remote from the first and second locations and the address identifies the on - line service.
  • the method also includes simultaneously receiving the address at the plurality of computers whereby at least one of the computers uses the address to access the online service.
  • the step of transmitting includes transmitting the address by modulating an electromagnetic wave which has a carrier frequency associated with television and radio signals. Audio and/or video information may also be transmitted at the same carrier frequency.
  • the step of transmitting the audio and/or video information preferably occurs while the on - line service is providing information related to the audio and/or video information to the computer.
  • the method includes the steps of a station transmitting audio and/or video information at a different frequency than the address, and the on line service providing information related to the audio and/or video information.
  • the audio and/or video information may be provided to the computer before, during or after the step of accessing.
  • the method may also comprise the step of sending response information from the computer to the on - line service after the step of accessing.
  • the response information may then be sent from the on - line service to the transmitter or station and any audio and/or video information modified in response to the response information.
  • the method preferably includes repeating the steps of transmitting and receiving with different addresses identifying different on - line services, and storing a plurality of the different addresses in the computer before the step of accessing.
  • Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a system for directing a computer located at a first location to access an on - line service.
  • the system comprises an on - line service located at a second location remote to the first location and a transmitter located at a third location remote to the first and second locations and for transmitting an address identifying the on - line service.
  • the computer receives the address and automatically accesses the on - line service by using the address.
  • the computer includes a receiver for receiving the addresses which are transmitted via electromagnetic waves.
  • the waves may be frequency modulated radio waves.
  • the computer preferably includes a modem for accessing the on - line service.
  • Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a method of directing a computer at a first location to communicate with a first on - line service identified by a first address and a second on - line service identified by a second address, each online service being located at a location remote from the first location.
  • the method comprises transmitting the first address from a first transmitter located remotely from the computer and the on - line services, receiving the first address at the computer, transmitting the second address from a second transmitter located remotely from the computer and the on - line services, and receiving the second address at the computer, whereby the computer automatically accesses the first online service by using the first address and automatically accesses the second on - line service by using the second address.
  • the first transmitter and second transmitter may be the same transmitter.
  • Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of directing a computer to access information related to a radio or television broadcast.
  • the method includes transmitting an address identifying an on line service from a pager network and receiving the address at the computer.
  • the computer then automatically accesses the on - line service by using the address, and receives information related to the radio or television broadcast.
  • the address is transmitted from the pager network shortly before or after the radio or television broadcast.

Abstract

A mMethods and apparatus issystems are provided for connecting adirecting computers to communicate with a data service using electronic addresses in sync with ancorresponding to audio/or video broadcastprogramming content. In one embodiment, Ssimultaneously with the broadcasting of audio/or video programming, an address transmitter transmits an address, such as a URL, identifying an on-linea data service, such as a web site, which contains information about the audio or video programming. ThisThe address is received by a computer and used to automatically access the on-linedata service. Preferably, the process is repeated with different addresses corresponding with different programming. It is also preferred that the addresses be sent via a paging system.Optionally, the computer may be directed to display content of the data service.

Description

This application claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/008,111 filed Oct. 30, 1995.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Although both television programming and the Internet have undergone an explosion of content, the two have essentially expanded and developed independently. There have been relatively few successful attempts to marry these two areas of communication. Accordingly, despite the vast business opportunities afforded by television, the potential of exploiting or enhancing revenues via the Internet has been largely untapped. The same is true with respect to radio stations, which are being all but left out of the information revolution.
Although some efforts have made to made to been made to link these two areas, these efforts have suffered from disadvantages. Users can often obtain more information about their favorite programming or station by accessing a website on the World Wide Web which is dedicated to that programming. However, while the website may contain useful information which is of interest to the user, the user has to overcome a number of obstacles to get to that website. The user must first obtain an electronic address such as a Uniform Resource Locators (“URL”) for the website and enter that electronic address exactly into the user's computer. These addresses are often long and complicated. These inconveniences can dissuade those who would otherwise be interested in finding programming information on the Internet.
Another manner in which broadcast programming and the Internet have been linked is allowing users to electronically communicate via the Internet with a live broadcast show. The television programming may change in response to the information being sent to the broadcaster, such as by broadcasting a transcript of the messages sent. Again, however, this method also requires the user to know and correctly use the appropriate URL.
Further, the foregoing efforts to link broadcast programming with the Internet also require that the user stay connected to one particular website. If the user wishes to find information on the Internet which is associated with different programming, they are required to change websites and undergo the same inconveniences of finding and entering the appropriate URL.
It would be advantageous, therefore, if there were a method and apparatus which saved the user the difficulty of finding and entering proper on-line electronic addresses associated with broadcast programming. There is an accompanying need for a method and apparatus which automatically connects the computer to different addresses as the programming changes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses these needs.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for connecting a computer with multiple on-line services simultaneously with an audio and/or video broadcast. The method comprises the steps of providing a computer located at a first location and an on-line service located at a second location remote to the first location and broadcasting audio or video programming. Another step includes transmitting an address identifying the on-line service from an address transmitter at a third location remote from the first and second locations. The on-line service contains information corresponding with the audio or video programming being broadcast at the time the address is transmitted. Further, the step of transmitting occurs simultaneously with the step of broadcasting, and the method also includes receiving the address at the computer, such that the computer automatically accesses the on-line service by using the address information.
Preferably, the address is a Universal Resource Locator and the on-line service is an Internet Service Provider which provides access to a website. The website sends information to the computer. The address may also identify a portion of the information contained in the on-line service, with the step of connecting the computer to the on-line service occurring before the step of receiving.
The step of automatically accessing the on-line service desirably includes sending the address via a modem and telephone lines to connect the computer with the on-line service. The on-line service may count the amount of times it has been accessed by the particular computer or any computer.
It is preferred that the transmission of addresses occur via electromagnetic waves, such as over a paging system. Alternatively, the addresses may be sent from an audio or video playback device such as a VCR or the like. On the other hand, the address transmitter may be a website and the step of transmitting comprises sending the address to the computer via the Internet. Yet further, the address transmitter may be an audio/visual broadcaster, such that the address transmitter also transmits television or radio signals.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on-line service, the on-line service being located at a second location remote from the first locations. The method includes transmitting an address identifying the on-line service from a transmitter at a third location (remote from the first and second locations) to the plurality of the computers. Another step includes broadcasting audio or video information corresponding with the address simultaneous with the step of transmitting, and simultaneously receiving the address at the plurality of computers. At least one of the computers uses the address to access the on-line service.
Preferably, the transmitting step includes transmitting the address by modulating an electromagnetic wave which has a carrier frequency associated with a television or radio signal, with the audio and/or video information being broadcast at the same carrier frequency. Alternatively, the audio and/or video information may be transmitted at a different carrier frequency. The on-line service provides information related to the audio and/or video information to the computer. The audio and/or video information may be provided to the computer before, during or after the step of accessing.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on-line service, the on-line service being located at a second location remote from the first locations. The method comprises: transmitting an address from a transmitter at a third location (remote to the first and second location) to the plurality of computers; simultaneously receiving the address at the plurality of computers; broadcasting audio and/or video information corresponding with the address simultaneously with the step of transmitting; using the address so that at least one of the computers accesses the on-line service; and sending information from the computer to the on-line service in response after the computer accesses the on-line service.
Desirably, the method also includes the step of modifying the audio or video information in response to the response information. More steps would include repeating the process with different addresses identifying different on-line services and then storing those different addresses in the computer. The information would then be accessed at a time after the addresses were stored.
An additional preferred embodiment provides a method of directing a computer at a first location to communicate with a first on-line service identified by a first address and a second on-line service identified by a second address. The steps include broadcasting first audio or video programming corresponding with the first on-line service simultaneously with the step of transmitting the first address; receiving the first address at the computer; transmitting the second address from the address transmitter; broadcasting second audio or video programming corresponding with the second on-line service simultaneously with the step of transmitting the second address; receiving the second address at the computer; the computer automatically accessing the first on-line service by using the first address and automatically accessing the second on-line service by using the second address.
Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method of directing a computer to access information related to radio or television programming currently being broadcast comprising transmitting an address identifying an on-line service from a paging system; receiving the address at the computer; automatically accessing the on-line service by using the address; and receiving information related to the radio or television programming.
A system in accordance with the preferred embodiment connects a computer with multiple on-line services. The system includes an audio or video programming broadcaster and a receiver for receiving different addresses identifying the on-line services, whereby the addresses are transmitted simultaneously with the programming being broadcast by the broadcaster and the on-line services contain information corresponding with the programming.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a system, as shown in the provisional application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows a system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a general computer 40, a receiver 30, an on-line service 60, a central office 70, television/radio broadcaster 90, a radio and/or television 80 and a transmitter 20.
General computer 40 includes a processor unit 44 containing a microprocessor (not shown) and a memory storage device such as hard-drive 46. A plurality of input/output peripherals are connected to the processor unit 44 including monitor 47 having a screen 48, keyboard 42, modem 50 (connected to processor unit 44 via cable 51) and mouse 49. The general computer 40 and its associated peripherals may be any of the standard personal computers currently available, such as an IBM-compatible personal computer operating under the Windows platform. In the preferred embodiment, the computer includes a program which performs the steps outlined below.
Receiver 30 is connected to processor unit 44 via cable 31. Receiver 30 is preferably an alpha-numeric pager/beeper unit, which is capable of receiving alpha-numeric information via a page. Receiver 30 includes an antenna 32 and outputs the pages it receives via cable 31 to computer 40. Pagers/beepers capable of outputting received alphanumeric messages to a computer are currently available, including the PageCard Wireless Messaging System offered by Socket Communications, Inc. of Fremont, Calif.
Modem 50 is connected to a telephone line 61 63 as well as processor 44. The modem preferably connects with a POTS/Centrex telephone line in a manner well-known and standard to modems. The modem may alternatively be connected via ISDN, leased line, or cable modem.
An on-line service 60 is also connected to the phone network. Preferably, the on-line service is an Internet Service Provider which is capable of connecting the general computer 40 to the Internet via modem 50. The on-line service is at a physical location remote from the computer, i.e. the on-line service and computer are connected only by a communication medium such as the phone system. As used herein, the term remote means being separated by a physical distance of any length in addition to the term's ordinary meaning. The Internet Service Provider, in turn, allows Internet connections to websites/on- line services 61 and 62 which are remote from the other components of the system 10.
The system also includes two broadcasters which are located at locations remote from the other components: radio and television broadcaster 90 and paging system broadcaster 20. In manners well known in the art, radio/television broadcaster 90 broadcasts its programs via electromagnetic signals 87 to television 82 and/or radio 81. Likewise, pager broadcaster 20 broadcasts alpha-numeric pages via electromagnetic signals 21 to pagers and beepers. As is typical with such paging systems, the page can be sent on multiple frequencies and include information embedded in the signal which identifies the one or more beepers intended to receive the message.
Central office 70 maintains contact with on-line service 60 via any electronic connection 71 such as the Internet or standard telephone lines. Central office 70 maintains similar communication connections 72 and 83 with the pager and programming broadcasters 20 and 90, respectively. Preferably, the central office is another website. Central office 70 is used to help coordinate the various activities of the components of the system. However, as many of these activities may be planned in advance as shown below, central office 70 is not necessary to implementation of the invention.
In operation, paging system tower 20 broadcasts a page intended for reception by receiver 30. The request for the page may have originated from either the central office 70 or from the radio/television broadcaster 90, with the page request being sent by telephone lines. The receiver 30 receives the transmitted paged message and outputs the message to the processor 44 via cable 31.
The general computer handles the page in accordance with the dictates of the program. The program continuously monitors and/or polls receiver 30 to determine whether any pages have been received, such as by monitoring the processor's COM port connected to receiver 30 via wire 31. When a page has been detected as received, the program tests the page to determine whether it includes a valid URL. By way of example, a valid URL might be “http://www.palmer.net” which is the URL for website 61. If the message is a valid URL, the program stores the URL in memory such as by writing it onto hard drive 46.
The processor 44 next causes modem 50 to connect computer 40 with the Internet Service Provider 60 (if not already connected) via telephone line 61 63. Using functions typically present in a web browser, the program then sends the stored URL to the Internet Service Provider 60 which in turn allows the computer 40 to receive information from and interact with the website associated with the URL. The information received from website 61 will be displayed on screen 48. The program repeats the process each time a new and different URL is received by receiver 30, such as when the URL for website 62 is transmitted. Alternatively, the next URL may be another webpage of the current website 61. Accordingly, it is preferable for the program to be a World Wide Web compatible browser (Mosaic, Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer) with the remaining aspects of receiving and testing incoming URL's being a TSR (Temporary Stay Resident), DLL (Dynamic Link Library) or “plug-in”, i.e., specific software code useable by a web browser.
In the preferred embodiment, the URL's are broadcast over the paging system to correspond with the programming broadcasted for radio or televisions. For example, every time a commercial is shown on television 82, a URL associated with that advertiser's website is simultaneously sent from tower 20 to receiver 30. That website may be the advertiser's home page. The tower 20 then sends out the address of a different website when the next commercial begins. Thus, computer screen 48 displays different information from different websites to simultaneously correspond with television or radio programming. The computer connects with the different websites automatically and in relatively synchronously relative synchronicity with the broadcast signals. The broadcaster, in effect, controls the Internet destination of the user's computer. This turns the receiver's computer into a directed video kiosk controlled and programmed by the television or radio broadcasters. As paging and phone systems are essentially ubiquitous, there is essentially no geographical limit to the invention. Although the sending and receiving of audio/visual information and URL's should be simultaneous, the URL actually may be accessed during or after the audio/video signal.
Central office 70 coordinates the activities between paging system 20 and programming broadcaster 90. The radio and television stations may provide the central office with a schedule of programming and the associated URL's. In accordance with those schedules, the central office sends page requests to the paging system via the telephone lines or Internet at predetermined times. For any radio and television programming where it is difficult to predict when the ULR's URL's should be simulcast with the broadcast programming, such as live broadcasts, the station 90 may send its URL page requests either to central office 70 or directly to paging system 20 (as referenced by line 84 of FIG. 1) in relative synchronicity and real-time with the programming. Yet further, the station may inform the central office of what URL's should be paged by embedding the information right in its broadcast. For example, the URL may be embedded in the vertical blanking interval, sideband or alternative band or channel of the broadcast and extracted by the central office 70.
In another preferred embodiment, the URL messages are not broadcast via a paging system but are instead sent over the Internet. For instance, the computer 40 uses a first web browser to connect with central office 70 over the Internet, and receives a steady stream of URL locations from central office 70. These locations are provided to a second web browser running on computer 40 which connects with different websites as noted above. Thus, by running the first web browser connected to the central office in the background or “minimized”, the second web browser will continuously update the screen with changing information.
The present invention allows a wide variety of other options which increases its versatility to meet a user's particular needs. For example, the user can run the program in two modes, namely “auto-pilot” and “history-stack”. In the auto-pilot mode, the computer automatically connects to a website the moment the website's URL is received by receiver 30, as explained above. In history-stack mode, on the other hand, the computer does not immediately connect to a website upon receipt of a URL. Rather, the URL's are stacked on hard drive 46 to be used at a later time and order chosen by the user. In order to access any of the websites, the user need do no more than select one of the URL's which have been stored in memory. The user does not have to enter any electronic addresses. To fully bring out the value of history-stack mode, it is recommended to add information to the transmitted URL messages, i.e. an English description of the URL. For example, the transmitted message might be “http://www.palmer.net Palmer Computer Services, Inc. Home Page”, where the first portion of the message is the URL used by the web browser and the second portion of the message is displayed by the program so the user can understand what the website is about.
While in auto-pilot mode, the program allows the user to interrupt the automatic connection to websites by clicking anywhere in a given web page or by pressing a key on the keyboard or other applicable user controlled input device. When the user opts out of auto-pilot mode, the program automatically switches to history-stack mode so that the user can return to the websites which were missed while reviewing the paused website. The user may switch back to auto-pilot mode at any time.
The program can also be configured to automatically switch between auto-pilot and history-stack modes upon the occurrence of predetermined events such as expiration of timers or connection to specific websites. For example, the program may switch from auto-pilot mode to history-stack mode and wait for a user response when the program detects certain information, such as connection to a website offering a contest entry form.
The invention is uniquely suited to capitalize on and add value to traditional broadcasts by manipulating Internet connections. Advertising is enhanced by making more complete information and options available to potential buyers. By way of example, the system can promote direct response selling such as taking users to specific web sites in sync with radio broadcasts. While a song is playing on the radio, the computer may simultaneously connect to a website which allows the user to immediately order the artist's CD. Thus, the user can order a product over the Internet with relatively minimal effort and without knowing or typing any specific electronic addresses. The website (or page) changes when the song changes, offering yet another selling opportunity. Alternatively, potential buyers may be directed to on-line chat areas to ask live salespeople questions about the products being transmitted over the broadcast. Further, where technology permits, an Internet telephone call can be created between the user and the content provider.
A variety of other sales opportunities are also presented. Options include making coupons available to users in sync with commercials. Special-offer and limited-time sales are also possible by offering discounts and incentives to those customers who quickly respond to a commercial via Internet. Contest entries are similarly available. The broadcast may also be modified in response to the information received, such as by announcing contest winners or number of purchasers.
The invention may also be used to add an additional dimension to traditional broadcast programming. Text, graphics, movies and other computerized information can automatically be sent to user's computers while they are watching a program. For example, a radio broadcast may be supplemented by transmitting a video to the computer during the broadcast, creating a pseudo-television show out of a radio broadcast. Relatedly, a text-based website can come alive with real-time broadcast radio or television. Game shows can add text, graphics and movies to their programs and still direct the user to its advertiser's websites during commercial breaks.
If the websites are advertiser home pages, the home pages may audit the number of “hits” received. Not only will this information enable the advertiser to confirm the level of activity on its website, but the advertising fees may be based on the number of hits. Just by virtue of the user's computer visiting the home page, an accurate count can be obtained of the number of gross broadcast impressions that were generated by the system technology.
The receiver may also cooperate with the computer to automatically save or access only websites meeting certain profile information. For example, the user may complete a profile indicating certain preferences, such as desire to be automatically entered in all contests, receive all coupon offers for laundry soap or receive all information from a specific automobile advertiser. This profile may be stored in the individual computer 40 so that the program uses the profile to filter out unwanted URL's. Alternatively, the profile may be stored at the central office 70 and a page sent to only to those particular receivers and users which have indicated an interest in receiving the information. For example, central office 70 may store a list of the receivers 30 which want certain information, so that the central office only sends pages to those particular receivers. Although all the receivers 30 might be physically capable of accepting the signal, not all will take the next step and make a connection with the associated on-line service.
The system is flexible enough to encompass a variety of alternatives. For example, the address need not be a URL and the intended on-line service a website. Rather the address and intended on-line service could be a phone number to a BBS, an electronic address to another aspect of the Internet (FTP, Gopher, WAIS, WWW, NewsGroups, Lists) or a phone number to a general information provider such as CompuServe, America Online or the like.
Additionally, the general computer may be any device capable of accessing the Internet and its related services such as an Intel-based (IBM-PC and compatible running under DOS or Windows) or a Motorola-based (Apple Macintosh, Apple PowerMac) personal computer. The computer may also be one of the more powerful workstation class computers (Sun, MIPS, Hewlett Packard) or a mini or main-frame computer (IBM RS/6000, AS/400, System/390, DEC VAX). If modified by appropriate hardware and software to allow access to the Internet, other dedicated computers may also be used such as game machines (Sega Genesis, Nintendo Game Boy) and electronic organizers and pen-based computers (Sharp Wizard, Casio B.O.S.S., Apple Newton, Psion). Additionally, specialized telecommunications devices and multi-function terminals provided for home banking, shopping and access to other information services and the like which are modified to access Internet may also be used.
The transmitter 20 is also not limited to paging networks. For example, the transmitter may be a traditional television broadcaster, an AM, FM or HAM radio station, a digital direct satellite, video playback systems such as video cassette recorders/players or laser disc players, audio playback systems such as stereos and compact disc players and all other forms of digital, analog, or hybrid transmission capable of storing or embedding and transmitting alpha-numeric electronic addresses. For example, the URL may be stored in the vertical blanking interval of a television broadcast or sent on the video broadcast's carrier signal much like closed-captioning. Just as closed-captioning is extracted from the signal as an alpha-numeric message, so may the URL be extracted by receiver 30 and provided to the computer. However, in the preferred embodiment of a paging system, the carrier frequency of the broadcasted URL is different than the carrier frequency of the radio or television broadcast. The means of transmission may be by wire, wireless, optical or electromagnetic.
The hardware of the receiver will change with the nature of the transmission and also may include a number of alternatives. For example, the receiver is preferably tunable via software and/or hardware. The receiver is also preferably keyed so that it may receive different classes of pages depending upon the profile of the user. The receiver may be an FM receiver with a UART and asynchronous serial port operating at a baud rate compatible with most computer serial ports.
The subject matter of provisional application no. 60/008,111 is incorporated herein by reference, the content of which is set forth in the following paragraphs.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and application of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
Automatic On-Line Access
Overview
The present invention (“the System”) allows broadcasters and intercasters, including: AM & FM radio stations, television stations, cable systems, all other audio and video broadcasters, video playback system such as video cassettes, laser disc players, audio playback systems such as Compact Discs and mini discs and all other forms of digital or analog transmission to transmit alpha-numeric URL (Uniform Resource Locators) and Internet addresses as well as other computer data to a personal computer such as an IBM-PC or compatible, a Mac, Powermac or other computers equipped with the appropriate hardware and software.
Computers receiving transmitted addresses and other data can be automatically directed to advertiser or broadcaster specific sites on the World Wide Web, FTP's or other Internet sites in relative synchronicity to the broadcast signal.
The System includes both automatic & history stack browse modes and can bring all broadcasters & intercasters into the communication age by broadcasting Internet addresses to participating computers using FM subcarrier signals, television VBI codes or direct connections.
For any computer receiving transmitted addresses and other data, the System software can automatically or manually send a request that more information needs to be sent to the subscriber from the advertiser, promoter, broadcaster, or anyone generating the transmitted information sent to the subscriber.
An extensive profile request form, which is part of the System software, is created from the offerings of known content providers. This form may be dynamically updated electronically via the Internet or similar bi-directional electronic communication between a central site and the computers using the receivers and software of the inventions.
The user can specify the types of information by category or from the specific list of content providers available. For example, a user might want to be automatically entered in all contests, receive all coupon offers for laundry soap, or all information from a specific automobile advertiser.
The System may also transmit an automatic or manual request for additional information. This request can be a request for additional information in a variety of mediums including but not limited to: 1 ) electronic form by having the System software add the user's electronic mail address to a list server for a specific content provider whereby the user would receive periodic information without further action. An example would be the concert schedule of a musical group in a specific geographic area; 2 ) human form by having the software create an electronic mail message to be directed to a human for follow-up. An example would be an offer to have a salesperson call; 3 ) hard copy form by having the software create an electronic mail message to be directed to an appropriate party to have printed literature sent via mail or equivalent to the user's address; 4 ) electronic in the form of an executable program or data file that may contain audio, video, text, binary, or security key information by having the software create an electronic transfer request for the item to be retrieved from the content provider directed location.
The invention also has the ability for the user to create an order to purchase the offered product or service based on information provided by the content provider and the known information about the user from the user profile form. The user will enter relevant name, address, and method of payment information, along with appropriate security authorization (i.e., a personal identification code) to initiate and/or finalize the transaction. The authorization code will be required each time to complete the transaction. Transactions processed through the System will provide the user with confirmation and optional cancellation instructions. All transmission of sensitive information may be made secure within the limits of the available technology and relevant National Security export regulations on encryption of data.
An Example of How the System Works
In one embodiment, the broadcaster transmits an alpha-numeric message containing an AutoURL code over a common broadcast paging network or via FM subcarrier, RF or satellite slightly in advance of the broadcast programming. The computer program to transmit the Internet address is part of the System. If the System uses VBI video encoding, the signal can be synchronously broadcast with the television signals. Other means of broadcasting are also possible.
A plurality of receivers in accordance with the invention are attached to computers in the broadcast area: local, regional, nationwide or worldwide.
When a receiver receives an AutoURL transmission, the alpha-numeric data (usually a Web URL address) is stored in computer memory and an Internet browser will automatically contact the broadcaster's desired Internet site. This allows a broadcaster to control the internet destination of the receiver's computer. The receiving computer should have access to the Internet, either through a modem and POTS telephone line or by other means. The receiving computer user can either use their own Internet account or sign-on to a service associated with the invention.
Uses
  • 1. Direct Response Selling—for example: taking users to specific web sites with radio broadcasts.
  • 2. Coupon Distribution—for example: making special offer coupons available to users in sync with commercials.
  • 3. Game Playing—for example: logging users on to interactive game play sites in sync with broadcasts.
  • 4. Advertising—for example: making more complete information available to potential buyers.
  • 5. Increasing or Controlling Internet traffic—for example: for example: forcing users to log onto specific servers in response to specific commercials, programs or other broadcasts.
  • 6. Adding Text, Graphics, QuickTime Movies and other computer-style information to radio and television broadcasts.—for example: creating a pseudo-television show out of a radio broadcast.
  • 7. Linking the Broadcaster to the Internet.—for example: making radio a part of the explosive Internet marketplace.
  • 8. Linking the Internet to broadcasters.—for example: making a text-based FTP site come alive with real-time broadcast radio or television.
  • 9. Redefining Entertainment Programming—for example: adding Text, Graphics, QuickTime Movies and other computer-style information to existing programming.
  • 10. Redefining Game Show Programming—for example: adding Text, Graphics, QuickTime Movies and other computer-style information to existing programming.
  • 11. Adding Pictures to Radio Broadcasts—for example: pseudo-television through the relative synchronous performance of audio and World Wide Web (WWW) or Internet-based visuals on a PC.
  • 12. Redefining Educational Programming/Polling & Political broadcasting—for example: using the WWW with a database-equipped server, programmers can ask questions and get answers and give results to users in relative sync with the broadcast performances.
  • 13. Order Entry/Creation—Ability for user to immediately place an order for the product or service being offered by the content provider with minimal effort. For example, a musical group offering their new CD record album in a special direct offer.
  • 14. Hard Copy Literature Request—Ability for user to manually or automatically request information from a class of content providers or a specific content provider. For example, requesting a voter registration form or a brochure on an automobile.
  • 15. Demographic Data Collection—With permission of the user, where applicable, detailed profile form information can be collected and summarized for the benefit of content providers. For example, how many people requested a class of information such as ALL automobile Mini-Van advertisers.
  • 16. Grass Roots Activism—Organizations that issue “Call to Action” type messages or content can immediately reach users who have shown an interest based on the user profile form and/or the user's specific request—for more information on the organization's needs and activities. (software ability to add a user to an electronic mail mailing list.)
  • 17. Active Selling—Users can be directed to an “on-line” chat area to “type and talk” with a live salesperson about the specific offering. Where technology, permits, an Internet Telephone Call can be created between the user and the content provider. (An Internet Telephone Call may require additional hardware although the System may be compatible with the existing available technologies for Internet Telephone Calls.)
    The Hardware Transmitters
In one embodiment, broadcasters need conventional access to a conventional alpha-numeric paging site in their broadcast area. This may be on their own sub-carrier or leased from a commercial paging company in the area. It may also be any RF transmitter or Satellite download station that is compatible.
Broadcasters should have a dedicated data link to the pager network.
At a predetermined interval, preferably prior to the broadcasting of affiliated on air program material, the broadcaster will transmit a message to the paging system for broadcast over the paging system to compatible receivers.
Webpager™ Hardware Receivers
In one embodiment, the receiver may be an FM receiver with a UART and asynchronous serial port operating at a baud rate compatible with most computer serial ports. The FM receiver is tunable via software so that numerous broadcasts can be tuned in. The receivers are also software keyed to receive numerous alpha-numeric messages on one or many specific frequencies so that one pager system can transmit for a plurality of broadcasters in a given broadcast area. The receiver downloads the alpha-numeric message to the computer. Technology for implementing a receiver capable of downloading pager information to a computer is well known in the art.
Software Receivers
In one embodiment, the software loads the address from the receiver and uses the address to connect with a service on the WWW (World Wide Web). The primary software resident in the receiver is a WWW compatible browser, such as Mosaic™ or Netscape™. The software may also be a TSR (Temporary Stay Resident) program which will work in conjunction with Web Browser software packages. The software may have two modes: Automatic & History Stack. These modes will be user setable and self-running.
How the Software Works
In one embodiment, the System software runs in the background on host computers. It is constantly looking at, for example, a user-selectable COM port for compatible alpha-numeric data. When the software sees an Internet address, it stores the address in memory and writes it to a file on the computer's hard drive. If the user is running the software in Auto-mode, the System instructs the Web Browser to go the specific URL. In history-stack mode, the URL is stored along with a brief description of the website.
The software also allows the user to interrupt the automatic address system at any time by clicking anywhere in a given Web page. This action automatically switches the software to history stack mode and allows the user to explore a preferred website. The user may switch back to Auto-mode at any time by clicking the appropriate icon.
The Home Page
In one embodiment, the URL's will preferably start at a home page licensed to the specific advertiser or broadcaster. This allows for concise auditing of “hit” activity from any given transmission.
The system can be completely advertiser driven such that fees are charged on a per-hit basis.
Other educational and non-profit uses exist for this technology.
Miscellaneous
This technology might be made available free to consumers who want it. The hardware cost of an individual user site is expected to be relatively inexpensive.
Potential corporate uses of the technology include:
    • 1. Advertisers
    • 2. Web Site Providers
    • 3. Software Companies
    • 4. Pager Companies
    • 5. Phone Companies
    • 6. Direct Response and Order/Literature Fulfillment Organizations
    • 7. Demographic Data Users
      An Example of How the Invention may be Used
Radio stations are being all but left out of the information revolution. As we enter the communication age, the lines separating telephones, televisions and computers are blurring. However, radio has still been an isolated broadcast source. The invention can be used to bring radio stations into the communication age and provide a brand new method of driving high volume WWW traffic.
Radio stations can simply broadcast compatible AutoURL's to compatible personal computers. When the users are running the System software in Auto-mode, they will be automatically logged onto WWW sites that are associated with the specific radio broadcast that they are listening to. If they are running the System in history stack-mode, they will be collecting the URL's of the WWW sites that they have received during the broadcast along with a short description of the website for use in later visits from a saved “hot list.”
This use by radio stations, which is a primary use of the System described above, allows for synchronously linking radio broadcasts to WWW homepages.
The system can be 100 % advertiser driven because a radio station sales force can sell “hits” on the web site as part of the advertising package. Anyone who has a website is a potential client. This is true for television advertisers as well.
A plurality of web servers with the home pages may be offered which combine radio station call letters and a primary advertising message and which link this homepage to a deeper, advertiser created and operated homepage on a central server or on other servers. Pricing may be either by the number of “hits” an ad generates or by rating an average of “hits” over a given ratings period. There may also be a fiat fee for setup and minimum guarantees for smaller advertisers.
Summary of the Invention
A method is provided for directing a computer at a first location to communicate with an on-line service located at a second location remote to the first location. The method includes transmitting an address identifying the on-line service from a transmitter at a third location remote from the first and second locations and receiving the address at the computer, whereby the computer automatically accesses the on-line service by using the address.
Preferably, the transmitter also transmits audio and/or video information and the on-line service provides information related to the audio and/or video information to the computer while the computer is accessing the on-line service. The information provided by the on-line service may also change in synchronicity with the audio and/or video information.
The address may be a Universal Resource Locator of the Internet, and the step of automatically accessing the on-line service comprises the computer sending the address via telephone lines to connect with the on-line service. The on-line service at the address may also send information back to the computer via the telephone lines.
The address may identify a portion of the information available from the online service, and the step of connecting the computer to the on-line service may occur before the step of receiving.
Preferably, the method includes tracking the amount of times the computer accesses the on-line service and calculates a fee related to the amount of times.
The transmitter may comprise any number of means, such as a pager network, a television or radio broadcast transmitter, or a video cassette or laser disk player.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on-line service, the on-line service being located at a second location remote from the first locations. This method includes transmitting an address from a transmitter at a third location to the plurality of the computers. The third location is remote from the first and second locations and the address identifies the on-line service.
The method also includes simultaneously receiving the address at the plurality of computers whereby at least one of the computers uses the address to access the online service.
Preferably, the step of transmitting includes transmitting the address by modulating an electromagnetic wave which has a carrier frequency associated with television and radio signals. Audio and/or video information may also be transmitted at the same carrier frequency. The step of transmitting the audio and/or video information preferably occurs while the on-line service is providing information related to the audio and/or video information to the computer.
Alternatively, the method includes the steps of a station transmitting audio and/or video information at a different frequency than the address, and the on line service providing information related to the audio and/or video information. The audio and/or video information may be provided to the computer before, during or after the step of accessing.
The method may also comprise the step of sending response information from the computer to the on-line service after the step of accessing. The response information may then be sent from the on-line service to the transmitter or station and any audio and/or video information modified in response to the response information.
The method preferably includes repeating the steps of transmitting and receiving with different addresses identifying different on-line services, and storing a plurality of the different addresses in the computer before the step of accessing.
Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a system for directing a computer located at a first location to access an on-line service. The system comprises an on-line service located at a second location remote to the first location and a transmitter located at a third location remote to the first and second locations and for transmitting an address identifying the on-line service. The computer receives the address and automatically accesses the on-line service by using the address.
Desirably, the computer includes a receiver for receiving the addresses which are transmitted via electromagnetic waves. The waves may be frequency modulated radio waves.
The computer preferably includes a modem for accessing the on-line service.
Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a method of directing a computer at a first location to communicate with a first on-line service identified by a first address and a second on-line service identified by a second address, each online service being located at a location remote from the first location. The method comprises transmitting the first address from a first transmitter located remotely from the computer and the on-line services, receiving the first address at the computer, transmitting the second address from a second transmitter located remotely from the computer and the on-line services, and receiving the second address at the computer, whereby the computer automatically accesses the first online service by using the first address and automatically accesses the second on-line service by using the second address. The first transmitter and second transmitter may be the same transmitter.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of directing a computer to access information related to a radio or television broadcast. The method includes transmitting an address identifying an on line service from a pager network and receiving the address at the computer. The computer then automatically accesses the on-line service by using the address, and receives information related to the radio or television broadcast. Preferably, the address is transmitted from the pager network shortly before or after the radio or television broadcast.
As used herein, the term “remote”, in addition to its ordinary meaning, also means being separated by a distance which may be of any length. Yet, further, in all of the above embodiments, the transmitter and on-line service may be at the same location.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and application of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (69)

1. A method for connecting a computer with one or more on-line services providing information corresponding to audio or video programming being broadcasted comprising:
a) providing a computer located at a first location and an on-line service located at a second location remote to said first location,
b) broadcasting from a programming transmitter audio or video programming to one or more audio or video receivers,
c) receiving an address identifying said on-line service at an address transmitter from said programming transmitter or from a central office,
d) transmitting said address identifying said on-line service from said address transmitter at a third location remote from said first and second locations, said on-line service providing information corresponding with the audio or video programming being broadcast from said programming transmitter at the time said address is transmitted,
e) coordinating said step of transmitting to occur simultaneously with said step of broadcasting, independent of user interaction with said on-line service,
f) receiving said transmitted address at said computer, and
g) automatically accessing said on-line service by said computer using said address identifying said on-line service.
2. The method of claim 1 17 wherein said address is a Universal Resource Locator and said on-line data service is a website.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said on-line data service further comprises an Internet Service Provider providing access to said website.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein said on-line data service at said address sends information to said at least one of said plurality of computers.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of automatically accessing said on-line service transmitting said address comprises sending said address via telephone lines to connect with said on-line data service.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said step of accessing directing comprises connecting said at least one of said plurality of computers to said on-line data service via a modem connected to said at least one of said plurality of computers.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said address identifies a portion of the information contained in said on-line service, and wherein said step of connecting said computer to said on-line service occurs before said step of receiving.
8. The method of claim 1 17 further comprising determining the amount number of times said at least one of said plurality of computers accesses said on-line data service.
9. The method of claim 1 17 wherein said transmission of said addresses occurs via electromagnetic waves.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said address transmitter is a paging system.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein said address transmitter further transmits television or radio signals audio or video programming.
12. The method of claim 1 17 wherein said address transmitter is included in an audio or video playback device.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein said address transmitter is a website and said step of transmitting comprises sending said address to said computer via the Internet.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of receiving said address occurs in relative synchronicity and in real-time with the step of broadcasting said audio or video programming.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said step of receiving said address occurs simultaneously with said step of broadcasting said audio or video programming.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of receiving said address includes receiving a predetermined schedule of programming of said audio or video programming.
17. A method of for automatically directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on-line a data service providing information corresponding to audio or video programming being broadcasted, said on-line service being located at a second location remote from said first locations, comprising:
a) receiving an address identifying said on-line data service at an address transmitter from a programming transmitter or from a central office ,
b) transmitting said address from said address transmitter at a third location independent of said on-line service to said a plurality of said computers, said third location being remote from said first and second locations and said address identifying said on-line service, whereby said transmitted address is received substantially simultaneously at said plurality of computers,
c) broadcasting from said a programming transmitter audio or video information corresponding with said on-line data service, wherein the address identifying said data service is separate from the audio or video information being broadcast,
d) coordinating said step of transmitting to occur substantially simultaneously with said step of broadcasting, independent of user interaction with said on-line data service, and
e) simultaneously receiving said transmitted address at said plurality of computers, and f) automatically directing at least one of said plurality of computers to accessing said on-line data service by at least some of said plurality of computers using said address identifying said on-line data service, said at least one of said plurality of computers being operable to retrieve and display the information provided by the data service specified by the transmitted address.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said step of transmitting includes transmitting said address by modulating an electromagnetic wave which has a carrier frequency associated with a television or radio signal.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said audio or video information is broadcast at said same carrier frequency.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein said steps of transmitting includes transmitting said address by modulating an electromagnetic wave which has a first carrier frequency, and further comprising the step of transmitting audio and/or video information wherein said broadcasting is at a second carrier frequency different than said first carrier frequency.
21. The method of claims 18 or 20 wherein said audio or video information is provided to said computer before said step of accessing.
22. The method of claims 18 or 20 wherein said audio or video information is provided to said computer during said step of accessing.
23. The method of claims 18 or 20 wherein said audio or video information is provided to said computer after said step of accessing.
24. The method of claim 17 wherein said step of receiving at least one of said plurality of computers receives said address occurs in relative synchronicity and in real-time with the step of said broadcasting said audio or video programming .
25. The method of claim 24 wherein said step of receiving said address occurs simultaneously with said step of broadcasting said audio or video programming.
26. The method of claim 17 wherein said step of receiving includes receiving at least one of said plurality of computers receives a predetermined schedule of programming of said audio or video programming.
27. A method of automatically directing computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with an on-line service providing information corresponding to audio or video programming being broadcasted, said on-line service being located at a second location remote from said first locations, comprising:
a) receiving an address identifying said on-line service at an address transmitter from a programming transmitter or from a central office,
b) transmitting said address from said address transmitter at a third location to said plurality of said computers, said third location being remote from said first and second locations and said address identifying the on-line location of said on-line service,
c) simultaneously receiving said transmitted address at said plurality of computers,
d) broadcasting from said programming transmitter audio or video information corresponding with said on-line service,
c) coordinating said step of transmitting to occur simultaneously with said step of broadcasting, independent of user interaction with said on-line service,
f) at least one of said computers using said address to automatically access said on-line service, and
g) sending response information from said computer to said on-line service after said computer accesses said on-line service.
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising modifying said audio or video information in response to said response information.
29. The method of claim 27 17 further comprising repeating said steps of transmitting and receiving by using different addresses identifying different on-line data services, and storing a plurality of said different addresses in said at least one of said plurality of computers before said step of accessing .
30. The method of claim 27 wherein said step of receiving said address occurs in relative synchronicity and in real-time with the step of broadcasting of said audio or video programming.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein said step of receiving said address occurs simultaneously with said step of broadcasting said audio or video programming.
32. The method of claim 27 wherein said step of receiving includes receiving a predetermined schedule of programming of said audio or video programming.
33. A method of directing a computer at a first location to automatically communicate with a first on-line service identified by a first address and with a plurality of subsequent on-line services identified by subsequent addresses, said first and subsequent addresses providing information corresponding to audio or video programming being broadcasted, each on-line service being located at a location remote from said first location, said method comprising:
a) receiving said first and subsequent addresses identifying said on-line services at an address transmitter from a programming transmitter or from a central office,
b) transmitting said first address from said address transmitter located remotely from said computer and said on-line services,
c) broadcasting from said programming transmitter first audio or video programming corresponding with said first on-line service,
d) coordinating with step of transmitting said first address to one or more audio or video receivers to occur simultaneously with said step of broadcasting first audio or video programming, independent of user interaction with said on-line service,
e) receiving said first address at said computer,
f) transmitting said subsequent addresses from said address transmitter,
g) broadcasting from said programming transmitter second audio or video programming corresponding with said plurality of subsequent on-line services,
h) coordinating said step of transmitting said subsequent addresses to occur simultaneously with said step of broadcasting second audio or video programming,
i) receiving said subsequent addresses at said computer, and
j) said computer automatically accessing said first on-line service by using said first address and automatically and continually accessing said plurality of on-line services by using said subsequent addresses.
34. A method of for directing a computer to automatically access information related to audio or video programming simultaneously with the audio or video programming being broadcast from one or more programming transmitters comprising:
a) receiving an address identifying said on-line a data service at an address transmitter from said programming transmitters or from a central office ,
b) transmitting said address identifying said on-line location of said on-line data service from a paging system the address transmitter, whereby said address is received at said computer, wherein the address identifying said data service is separate from the audio or video programming being broadcast,
c) coordinating said step of transmitting to occur substantially simultaneously with the broadcasting of the audio or video programming, and
d) receiving said address at said computer, directing said computer to automatically accessing information related to said audio or video programming from said on-line data service by said computer using said address, said computer being operable to retrieve and display the information from said data service specified by the address, and
e) receiving information related to said radio or television programming at said computer .
35. A system for automatically connecting a computer with multiple on-line data services providing information corresponding to audio or video programming being broadcasted transmitted comprising:
a) an audio or video programming broadcaster transmitter,
b) an address transmitter for receiving an addresses identifying said on-line data services from a programming transmitter of from a central office and for transmitting on-line locations said addresses of said on-line data services, wherein the addresses identifying said data services are separate from the audio or video programming being transmitted,
c) a computer connectable to multiple on-line data services, wherein said computer is operable to retrieve and display information provided by the data services specified by the addresses, and
d) a receiver connectable to said computer for receiving transmissions of different addresses from said address transmitter via a communications channel identifying said on-line locations addresses of said on-line data services, said address transmitter sending said addresses substantially simultaneously with the audio or video programming being broadcast by said broadcaster transmitted and said on-line data services containing information corresponding with said programming.
36. The system as claimed in claim 35 wherein said address transmitter comprises a paging system.
37. The system as claimed in claim 35 wherein said address transmitter comprises a web site.
38. The system as claimed in claim 37 wherein said communications channel is the Internet.
39. A method for automatically directing a plurality of computers located at a plurality of different first locations to communicate with a web site and display content of the web site, said web site being located at a second location remote from said first locations, comprising:
receiving an Internet address identifying the web site at an address transmitter located at a third location remote from said first and second locations;
transmitting the Internet address from the address transmitter to said plurality of computers, whereby said Internet address is received at said plurality of computers substantially simultaneously;
broadcasting audio or video information corresponding to said web site substantially simultaneously with the transmitting, independent of user interaction with the web site, wherein the Internet address identifying the web site is separate from the audio or video information being broadcasted;
automatically directing at least one of said plurality of computers to communicate with said web site using said Internet address identifying said web site, said at least one of said plurality of computers operable to retrieve the content of said web site; and
causing the display of content from said web site on a display operably connected to said at least one of said plurality of computers.
40. A system for receiving video programming content and an address identifying a data service, wherein the address identifying the data service is received at an address transmitter, and wherein the data service provides information associated with the video programming content, comprising:
a television receiver, operable to receive the video programming content which is broadcast;
a display connected to the television receiver, the display operable to display the video programming content;
a computer operable to receive the address identifying the data service from the address transmitter which transmits the address, wherein the transmitting of the address is coordinated to occur substantially simultaneously with the broadcasting of the video programming content, independent of user interaction with the data service, wherein the address is separate from the video programming content, wherein the computer automatically connects to the data service associated with the video programming content using the address identifying the data service, the computer being operable to retrieve and cause the display of information provided by the data service specified by the address.
41. A method for receiving video programming content and an address identifying a data service associated with the video programming content, and for connecting to the data service, wherein the address identifying the data service is received at an address transmitter, the method comprising:
receiving the video programming content, which is broadcast, at a television receiver;
displaying the video programming content on a television display;
receiving the address, which is transmitted from the address transmitter, at a computer, wherein the address is separate from the video programming content, wherein the transmitting of the address is coordinated to occur substantially simultaneously with the broadcasting of the video programming content, independent of user interaction with the data service;
automatically connecting to the data service associated with the video programming content using the address identifying the data service; and
retrieving information provided by the data service at the computer, the computer being operable to cause the display of the information provided by the data service specified by the address.
42. The system of claim 35 wherein the data service comprises an on-line service.
43. The method of claim 17 wherein the data service comprises an on-line service.
44. The method of claim 34 wherein said address transmitter comprises a paging system.
45. The method of claim 34 wherein the data service comprises an on-line service.
46. The method of claim 34, wherein said address is a Universal Resource Locator and said data service is a website.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein said data service further comprises an Internet Service Provider providing access to said website.
48. The system of claim 35, wherein said computer is automatically directed to access information related to said audio or video programming from said data service using said addresses.
49. The system of claim 35, wherein said address is a Universal Resource Locator and said data service is a website.
50. The system of claim 49, wherein said data service further comprises an Internet Service Provider providing access to said website.
51. The system of claim 35, wherein said audio or video programming transmitter is a broadcaster.
52. A system for receiving video programming content and an address identifying a data service, wherein the address identifying the data service is received at an address transmitter, and wherein the data service provides information associated with the video programming content, comprising:
a receiver, operable to receive the video programming content which is broadcast;
the receiver also being operable to cause a display of the video programming content;
a computer operable to receive the address identifying the data service from the address transmitter which transmits the address, wherein the transmitting of the address is coordinated to occur substantially simultaneously with the broadcasting of the video programming content, independent of user interaction with the data service, wherein the address is separate from the video programming content, wherein the computer automatically connects to the data service associated with the video programming content using the address identifying the data service; and wherein the computer is operable to retrieve and cause a display of the information provided by the data service specified by the address.
53. A method for receiving video programming content and an address identifying a data service associated with the video programming content, and for connecting to the data service, wherein the address identifying the data service is received at an address transmitter, the method comprising:
receiving the video programming content, which is broadcast, at a receiver;
causing a display of the video programming content on a display;
receiving the address, which is transmitted from the address transmitter, at a computer, wherein the address is separate from the video programming content, wherein the transmitting of the address is coordinated to occur substantially simultaneously with the broadcasting of the video programming content, independent of user interaction with the data service;
automatically connecting to the data service associated with the video programming content using the address identifying the data service; and
retrieving information provided by the data service at the computer, wherein the computer is operable to cause a display of the information provided by the data service.
54. The method of claim 17, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a broadcast signal separate from said audio or video programming in said broadcast signal.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
56. The method of claim 34, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a broadcast signal separate from said audio or video programming in said broadcast signal.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
58. The system of claim 35, wherein said addresses identifying said data services are embedded in broadcast signals separate from said audio or video programming in said broadcast signals.
59. The system of claim 58, wherein said addresses identifying said data services are embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
60. The method of claim 39, wherein said Internet address is embedded in a broadcast signal separate from said audio or video information in said broadcast signal.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
62. The system of claim 40, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a broadcast signal separate from said video programming content in said broadcast signal.
63. The system of claim 62, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
64. The method of claim 41, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a broadcast signal separate from said video programming content in said broadcast signal.
65. The method of claim 64, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
66. The method of claim 52, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a broadcast signal separate from said video programming content in said broadcast signal.
67. The method of claim 66, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
68. The method of claim 53, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a broadcast signal separate from said video programming content in said broadcast signal.
69. The method of claim 68, wherein said address identifying said data service is embedded in a vertical blanking interval.
US09/860,259 1995-10-30 2001-05-18 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses Expired - Lifetime USRE42103E1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/860,259 USRE42103E1 (en) 1995-10-30 2001-05-18 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US811195P 1995-10-30 1995-10-30
US08/739,796 US5905865A (en) 1995-10-30 1996-10-30 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses
US09/860,259 USRE42103E1 (en) 1995-10-30 2001-05-18 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/739,796 Reissue US5905865A (en) 1995-10-30 1996-10-30 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USRE42103E1 true USRE42103E1 (en) 2011-02-01

Family

ID=26677798

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/739,796 Ceased US5905865A (en) 1995-10-30 1996-10-30 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses
US09/860,259 Expired - Lifetime USRE42103E1 (en) 1995-10-30 2001-05-18 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/739,796 Ceased US5905865A (en) 1995-10-30 1996-10-30 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US5905865A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110041154A1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-17 All Media Guide, Llc Content Recognition and Synchronization on a Television or Consumer Electronics Device
US20110078020A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2011-03-31 Lajoie Dan Systems and methods for identifying popular audio assets
US20120254234A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2012-10-04 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for audio asset storage and management
US8577317B2 (en) * 2002-03-28 2013-11-05 Manor Research, L.L.C. Broadcast receiver and method for setting broadcast receivers
US8843584B2 (en) 2011-06-02 2014-09-23 Google Inc. Methods for displaying content on a second device that is related to the content playing on a first device
USD833466S1 (en) 2016-09-19 2018-11-13 Oread Group, LLC Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface
US10405053B2 (en) * 2005-01-05 2019-09-03 Rovi Solutions Corporation Windows management in a television environment

Families Citing this family (223)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7448063B2 (en) * 1991-11-25 2008-11-04 Actv, Inc. Digital interactive system for providing full interactivity with live programming events
US20040261127A1 (en) * 1991-11-25 2004-12-23 Actv, Inc. Digital interactive system for providing full interactivity with programming events
US6321208B1 (en) * 1995-04-19 2001-11-20 Brightstreet.Com, Inc. Method and system for electronic distribution of product redemption coupons
US7805500B2 (en) * 1995-05-08 2010-09-28 Digimarc Corporation Network linking methods and apparatus
US6769128B1 (en) 1995-06-07 2004-07-27 United Video Properties, Inc. Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
US8850477B2 (en) 1995-10-02 2014-09-30 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters
US6388714B1 (en) * 1995-10-02 2002-05-14 Starsight Telecast Inc Interactive computer system for providing television schedule information
US5905865A (en) 1995-10-30 1999-05-18 Web Pager, Inc. Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses
US7035914B1 (en) * 1996-01-26 2006-04-25 Simpleair Holdings, Inc. System and method for transmission of data
US6021433A (en) * 1996-01-26 2000-02-01 Wireless Internet, Inc. System and method for transmission of data
US5761606A (en) * 1996-02-08 1998-06-02 Wolzien; Thomas R. Media online services access via address embedded in video or audio program
US20020038383A1 (en) * 1999-12-23 2002-03-28 Craig Ullman Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments
US20020049832A1 (en) * 1996-03-08 2002-04-25 Craig Ullman Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments
US6513069B1 (en) * 1996-03-08 2003-01-28 Actv, Inc. Enhanced video programming system and method for providing a distributed community network
US6025837A (en) * 1996-03-29 2000-02-15 Micrsoft Corporation Electronic program guide with hyperlinks to target resources
US6240555B1 (en) * 1996-03-29 2001-05-29 Microsoft Corporation Interactive entertainment system for presenting supplemental interactive content together with continuous video programs
US6469753B1 (en) 1996-05-03 2002-10-22 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Information system
US6034689A (en) * 1996-06-03 2000-03-07 Webtv Networks, Inc. Web browser allowing navigation between hypertext objects using remote control
US6185610B1 (en) * 1996-08-02 2001-02-06 Seiko Epson Corporation Network system spontaneously transmitting data from server machine to user terminal having first and second parts for requests and message, respectively
US7751596B2 (en) * 1996-11-12 2010-07-06 Digimarc Corporation Methods and arrangements employing digital content items
US6167426A (en) 1996-11-15 2000-12-26 Wireless Internet, Inc. Contact alerts for unconnected users
US20030066085A1 (en) * 1996-12-10 2003-04-03 United Video Properties, Inc., A Corporation Of Delaware Internet television program guide system
JP3887856B2 (en) * 1996-12-13 2007-02-28 株式会社日立製作所 Terminal device
US6675383B1 (en) * 1997-01-22 2004-01-06 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Source detection apparatus and method for audience measurement
JPH10232846A (en) * 1997-02-18 1998-09-02 Ricoh Co Ltd Electronic equipment applied to network communication, network communication method for electronic equipment applied to network communication and mechanically readable recording medium recording program for making computer execute the method
US6209028B1 (en) * 1997-03-21 2001-03-27 Walker Digital, Llc System and method for supplying supplemental audio information for broadcast television programs
GB2325537B8 (en) * 1997-03-31 2000-01-31 Microsoft Corp Query-based electronic program guide
US7167857B2 (en) 1997-04-15 2007-01-23 Gracenote, Inc. Method and system for finding approximate matches in database
US5987525A (en) * 1997-04-15 1999-11-16 Cddb, Inc. Network delivery of interactive entertainment synchronized to playback of audio recordings
US7308485B2 (en) * 1997-04-15 2007-12-11 Gracenote, Inc. Method and system for accessing web pages based on playback of recordings
JPH10340234A (en) * 1997-06-06 1998-12-22 Infuoshitei:Kk Information access method and device therefor
US6018774A (en) 1997-07-03 2000-01-25 Yobaby Productions, Llc Method and system for creating messages including image information
US6144402A (en) * 1997-07-08 2000-11-07 Microtune, Inc. Internet transaction acceleration
GB2327564A (en) * 1997-07-16 1999-01-27 Ibm Apparatus and method for accessing a data file in a data communication network
US6446108B1 (en) * 1997-07-18 2002-09-03 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method for wide area network service location
ES2475242T3 (en) 1997-07-21 2014-07-10 Gemstar Development Corporation Systems and methods for displaying and recording control interfaces
US6219696B1 (en) * 1997-08-01 2001-04-17 Siemens Corporate Research, Inc. System for providing targeted internet information to mobile agents
DE69805420T2 (en) 1997-09-18 2003-01-30 United Video Properties Inc REMINDER FOR INTERNET TELEVISION GUIDE BY ELECTRONIC MAIL
US7003304B1 (en) 1997-09-19 2006-02-21 Thompson Investment Group, Llc Paging transceivers and methods for selectively retrieving messages
US6636733B1 (en) 1997-09-19 2003-10-21 Thompson Trust Wireless messaging method
US6826407B1 (en) 1999-03-29 2004-11-30 Richard J. Helferich System and method for integrating audio and visual messaging
US6253061B1 (en) * 1997-09-19 2001-06-26 Richard J. Helferich Systems and methods for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device
US6389453B1 (en) * 1997-10-09 2002-05-14 Mci Communications Corporation Method and system for routing undirectional multicast data
US6081830A (en) * 1997-10-09 2000-06-27 Gateway 2000, Inc. Automatic linking to program-specific computer chat rooms
JP3337062B2 (en) * 1997-11-21 2002-10-21 日本電気株式会社 Wireless data transfer method and system
US6983138B1 (en) 1997-12-12 2006-01-03 Richard J. Helferich User interface for message access
WO1999038266A1 (en) * 1998-01-22 1999-07-29 Safi Qureshey Intelligent radio
US20020002039A1 (en) 1998-06-12 2002-01-03 Safi Qureshey Network-enabled audio device
US6654931B1 (en) 1998-01-27 2003-11-25 At&T Corp. Systems and methods for playing, browsing and interacting with MPEG-4 coded audio-visual objects
JP4352471B2 (en) * 1998-02-19 2009-10-28 ソニー株式会社 Communication system and communication method
US6075971A (en) * 1998-03-27 2000-06-13 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for providing and monitoring coupons via a network
US6457060B1 (en) * 1998-04-30 2002-09-24 Openwave Systems Inc. Method and apparatus for flexibly linking to remotely located content on a network server through use of aliases
EP1043854B1 (en) * 1998-05-12 2008-01-02 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. Audience measurement system for digital television
EP0963115A1 (en) * 1998-06-05 1999-12-08 THOMSON multimedia Apparatus and method for selecting viewers' profile in interactive TV
US7181756B1 (en) * 1998-06-17 2007-02-20 Microsoft Corporation Television/internet terminal user interface
US6389471B1 (en) * 1998-07-07 2002-05-14 At&T Corp. Network broadcasting system for broadcasting audiovisual information to an identified audience
CN1867068A (en) 1998-07-14 2006-11-22 联合视频制品公司 Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording
US6898762B2 (en) 1998-08-21 2005-05-24 United Video Properties, Inc. Client-server electronic program guide
IL127569A0 (en) 1998-09-16 1999-10-28 Comsense Technologies Ltd Interactive toys
US6975835B1 (en) * 1998-09-08 2005-12-13 Sonigistix Corporation Method and apparatus for an interactive Web Radio system that broadcasts a digital markup language
US7792696B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2010-09-07 RPX-LV Acquisition, LLC Method and apparatus for allowing a broadcast to remotely control a computer
US8028036B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2011-09-27 Rpx-Lv Acquisition Llc Launching a web site using a passive transponder
US6636896B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-10-21 Lv Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for utilizing an audibly coded signal to conduct commerce over the internet
US6877032B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2005-04-05 L.V. Partners, L.P. Launching a web site using a portable scanner
US7930213B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2011-04-19 Rpx-Lv Acquisition Llc Method and apparatus for completing, securing and conducting an E-commerce transaction
US6868433B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2005-03-15 L.V. Partners, L.P. Input device having positional and scanning capabilities
US6845388B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2005-01-18 L. V. Partners, L.P. Web site access manual of a character string into a software interface
US6792452B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-09-14 L.V. Partners, L.P. Method for configuring a piece of equipment with the use of an associated machine resolvable code
US6622165B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-09-16 Lv Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for allowing a remote site to interact with an intermediate database to facilitate access to the remote site
US7043536B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2006-05-09 Lv Partners, L.P. Method for controlling a computer using an embedded unique code in the content of CD media
US6701354B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-03-02 L. V. Partners, L.P. Method for interconnecting two locations over a network in response to using a tool
US6098106A (en) * 1998-09-11 2000-08-01 Digitalconvergence.Com Inc. Method for controlling a computer with an audio signal
US6836799B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-12-28 L.V. Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for tracking user profile and habits on a global network
US6526449B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-02-25 Digital Convergence Corporation Method and apparatus for controlling a computer from a remote location
US6829650B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-12-07 L. V. Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for opening and launching a web browser in response to an audible signal
US6823388B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2004-11-23 L.V. Parners, L.P. Method and apparatus for accessing a remote location with an optical reader having a programmable memory system
US6725260B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2004-04-20 L.V. Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for configuring configurable equipment with configuration information received from a remote location
US6615268B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-09-02 Lv Partners, L.P. Method for controlling a computer using an embedded unique code in the content of dat media
US6829646B1 (en) * 1999-10-13 2004-12-07 L. V. Partners, L.P. Presentation of web page content based upon computer video resolutions
US7191247B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2007-03-13 Lv Partners, Lp Method for connecting a wireless device to a remote location on a network
US6594705B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2003-07-15 Lv Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for utilizing an audibly coded signal to conduct commerce over the internet
US6757715B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2004-06-29 L.V. Partners, L.P. Bar code scanner and software interface interlock for performing encrypted handshaking and for disabling the scanner in case of handshaking operation failure
US7379901B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2008-05-27 Lv Partners, L.P. Accessing a vendor web site using personal account information retrieved from a credit card company web site
US7818423B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2010-10-19 RPX-LV Acquisition, LLC Retrieving personal account information from a web site by reading a credit card
US6704864B1 (en) * 1999-08-19 2004-03-09 L.V. Partners, L.P. Automatic configuration of equipment software
US7900224B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2011-03-01 Rpx-Lv Acquisition Llc Method and apparatus for utilizing an audible signal to induce a user to select an E-commerce function
US7392945B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2008-07-01 Lv Partners, L.P. Portable scanner for enabling automatic commerce transactions
US8712835B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2014-04-29 Rpx Corporation Method and apparatus for linking a web browser link to a promotional offer
US6791588B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2004-09-14 L.V. Partners, L.P. Method for conducting a contest using a network
US6745234B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2004-06-01 Digital:Convergence Corporation Method and apparatus for accessing a remote location by scanning an optical code
US6636892B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-10-21 Lv Partners, L.P. Method for conducting a contest using a network
US6688522B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-02-10 L. V. Partners, L.P. Unique bar code
US6826592B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2004-11-30 L.V. Partners, L.P. Digital ID for selecting web browser and use preferences of a user during use of a web application
US6631404B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-10-07 Lv Partners, L.P. Method and system for conducting a contest using a network
US6754698B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-06-22 L. V. Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for accessing a remote location with an optical reader having a dedicated memory system
US6708208B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-03-16 L.V. Partners, L.P. Unique bar code for indicating a link between a product and a remote location on a web network
US7440993B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2008-10-21 Lv Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for launching a web browser in response to scanning of product information
US7386600B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2008-06-10 Lv Partners, L.P. Launching a web site using a personal device
US6384744B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2002-05-07 Digital:Convergence Corp. Method and system for data transmission from an optical reader
US6629133B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2003-09-30 Lv Partners, L.P. Interactive doll
US6701369B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-03-02 L.V. Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for accessing a remote location by sensing a machine-resolvable code
US6970914B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2005-11-29 L. V. Partners, L.P. Method and apparatus for embedding routing information to a remote web site in an audio/video track
US6643692B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2003-11-04 Lv Partners, L.P. Method for controlling a computer using an embedded unique code in the content of video tape media
US6697949B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2004-02-24 L.V. Partner, L.P. Method and apparatus for controlling a user's pc through an audio-visual broadcast to archive information in the users pc
US6607136B1 (en) 1998-09-16 2003-08-19 Beepcard Inc. Physical presence digital authentication system
US7334735B1 (en) 1998-10-02 2008-02-26 Beepcard Ltd. Card for interaction with a computer
ES2200753T3 (en) 1998-10-28 2004-03-16 Verticalone Corporation APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AGGREGATION AND AUTOMATED SUPPLY OF TRANSACTIONS THAT INVOLVE INFORMATION OR PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DATA.
US6993004B2 (en) * 1998-10-29 2006-01-31 Sound Starts, Inc. Method and apparatus for practicing IP telephony from an Internet-capable radio
US6314094B1 (en) * 1998-10-29 2001-11-06 Central Coast Patent Agency Inc Mobile wireless internet portable radio
US6502243B1 (en) * 1998-11-10 2002-12-31 Lgerca, Inc. Method and system for locating a resource within a broadcasting environment
US6522875B1 (en) 1998-11-17 2003-02-18 Eric Morgan Dowling Geographical web browser, methods, apparatus and systems
US6865746B1 (en) 1998-12-03 2005-03-08 United Video Properties, Inc. Electronic program guide with related-program search feature
US7672879B1 (en) 1998-12-08 2010-03-02 Yodlee.Com, Inc. Interactive activity interface for managing personal data and performing transactions over a data packet network
US7085997B1 (en) 1998-12-08 2006-08-01 Yodlee.Com Network-based bookmark management and web-summary system
US8069407B1 (en) 1998-12-08 2011-11-29 Yodlee.Com, Inc. Method and apparatus for detecting changes in websites and reporting results to web developers for navigation template repair purposes
US20020048224A1 (en) * 1999-01-05 2002-04-25 Dygert Timothy W. Playback device having text display and communication with remote database of titles
US6629140B1 (en) * 1999-03-11 2003-09-30 Pearl Software, Inc. Method of controlling an internet web browser in the absence of key activity on a computer
US6442590B1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2002-08-27 Yodlee.Com, Inc. Method and apparatus for a site-sensitive interactive chat network
US7752535B2 (en) 1999-06-01 2010-07-06 Yodlec.com, Inc. Categorization of summarized information
US6546427B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2003-04-08 International Business Machines Corp. Streaming multimedia network with automatically switchable content sources
US6326982B1 (en) 1999-06-24 2001-12-04 Enreach Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for automatically accessing web pages based on television programming information
JP2001036873A (en) * 1999-07-15 2001-02-09 Sony Corp Information processor, information processing method and medium
AU6506700A (en) * 1999-08-19 2001-03-19 Digitalconvergence.Com Inc. Method for controlling a computer using an embedded unique code in the content of recording media
US7949722B1 (en) 1999-09-29 2011-05-24 Actv Inc. Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing user-profile information
US8019609B2 (en) 1999-10-04 2011-09-13 Dialware Inc. Sonic/ultrasonic authentication method
US7280970B2 (en) * 1999-10-04 2007-10-09 Beepcard Ltd. Sonic/ultrasonic authentication device
US6539210B1 (en) * 1999-10-13 2003-03-25 Openglobe, Inc. Automatic assignment and tuning of radio call letters to radio presets
US7065342B1 (en) 1999-11-23 2006-06-20 Gofigure, L.L.C. System and mobile cellular telephone device for playing recorded music
US6628928B1 (en) 1999-12-10 2003-09-30 Ecarmerce Incorporated Internet-based interactive radio system for use with broadcast radio stations
US7010263B1 (en) * 1999-12-14 2006-03-07 Xm Satellite Radio, Inc. System and method for distributing music and data
US6678215B1 (en) * 1999-12-28 2004-01-13 G. Victor Treyz Digital audio devices
US7028071B1 (en) 2000-01-28 2006-04-11 Bycast Inc. Content distribution system for generating content streams to suit different users and facilitating e-commerce transactions using broadcast content metadata
GB2360106B (en) * 2000-02-21 2004-09-22 Ac Properties Bv Ordering playable works
US7320025B1 (en) 2002-03-18 2008-01-15 Music Choice Systems and methods for providing a broadcast entertainment service and an on-demand entertainment service
JP4961575B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2012-06-27 オープンティービー、インコーポレイテッド System and method for regional metadata insertion
US7200857B1 (en) * 2000-06-09 2007-04-03 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Synchronized video-on-demand supplemental commentary
US8205223B2 (en) 2000-04-12 2012-06-19 Lg Electronics Inc. Method and video device for accessing information
US20010052133A1 (en) * 2000-04-12 2001-12-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Apparatus and method for providing and obtaining product information through a broadcast signal
JP2001306430A (en) * 2000-04-27 2001-11-02 Toshiba Corp Business method based on internet connection information registering service, method for setting up internet connection, method for registering internet connection information, and computer-readable recording medium with application program recorded thereon
US7877766B1 (en) 2000-05-04 2011-01-25 Enreach Technology, Inc. Method and system of providing a non-skippable sub-advertisement stream
US7934232B1 (en) 2000-05-04 2011-04-26 Jerding Dean F Navigation paradigm for access to television services
US6931593B1 (en) 2000-05-22 2005-08-16 Gateway Inc. Automatic channel generation for home network systems
US6810413B1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2004-10-26 Covad Communitions Group, Inc. System and method for providing internet content using hybrid wireless and wire technologies at the end user site
US20040068750A1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2004-04-08 Shalong Maa Methods and systems for multimedia data synchronization and multilevel network communication
KR20020043239A (en) 2000-08-23 2002-06-08 요트.게.아. 롤페즈 Method of enhancing rendering of a content item, client system and server system
CN1214554C (en) * 2000-08-28 2005-08-10 松下电器产业株式会社 Receiving device, data broadcasting receiving system, access method to stored information and program
JP2004509509A (en) 2000-09-13 2004-03-25 ストラトス オーディオ インコーポレイテッド System and method for media content ordering and delivery
US8205237B2 (en) 2000-09-14 2012-06-19 Cox Ingemar J Identifying works, using a sub-linear time search, such as an approximate nearest neighbor search, for initiating a work-based action, such as an action on the internet
MXPA03003138A (en) 2000-10-11 2003-07-14 United Video Properties Inc Systems and methods for providing storage of data on servers in an on-demand media delivery system.
US6901429B2 (en) 2000-10-27 2005-05-31 Eric Morgan Dowling Negotiated wireless peripheral security systems
US6965914B2 (en) * 2000-10-27 2005-11-15 Eric Morgan Dowling Negotiated wireless peripheral systems
US7035932B1 (en) * 2000-10-27 2006-04-25 Eric Morgan Dowling Federated multiprotocol communication
US7409700B1 (en) * 2000-11-03 2008-08-05 The Walt Disney Company System and method for enhanced broadcasting and interactive
US7069310B1 (en) * 2000-11-10 2006-06-27 Trio Systems, Llc System and method for creating and posting media lists for purposes of subsequent playback
WO2002048825A2 (en) * 2000-11-15 2002-06-20 Bagley, Dallin System and method for guiding a computer user to promotional material
US20020083461A1 (en) * 2000-11-22 2002-06-27 Hutcheson Stewart Douglas Method and system for providing interactive services over a wireless communications network
US7574493B2 (en) 2000-11-22 2009-08-11 Cricket Communications, Inc. Method and system for improving the efficiency of state information transfer over a wireless communications network
US6874029B2 (en) 2000-11-22 2005-03-29 Leap Wireless International, Inc. Method and system for mediating interactive services over a wireless communications network
WO2002050711A1 (en) * 2000-12-13 2002-06-27 Fabio Palumbo A method for delivering data or code segments to a local computer ina distributed computer network
US6587634B2 (en) * 2001-02-15 2003-07-01 Avica Technology Corporation Paging during media loading
US20020112002A1 (en) * 2001-02-15 2002-08-15 Abato Michael R. System and process for creating a virtual stage and presenting enhanced content via the virtual stage
US20020156909A1 (en) * 2001-02-15 2002-10-24 Harrington Jeffrey M. System and method for server side control of a flash presentation
US6993284B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2006-01-31 Lee Weinblatt Interactive access to supplementary material related to a program being broadcast
US9219708B2 (en) 2001-03-22 2015-12-22 DialwareInc. Method and system for remotely authenticating identification devices
US20020152117A1 (en) * 2001-04-12 2002-10-17 Mike Cristofalo System and method for targeting object oriented audio and video content to users
US20020157111A1 (en) * 2001-04-20 2002-10-24 Reams David Anthony Television program-related coupon hyperlink system
US20020174431A1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-11-21 John Bowman Method and system for receiving music related information via an internet connection
GB2378276B (en) * 2001-07-31 2004-12-22 Hewlett Packard Co Communication within a communication network
US20030066089A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 David Andersen Trigger mechanism for sync-to-broadcast web content
KR100393048B1 (en) * 2001-12-15 2003-07-28 (주)이지네고 A method for connecting on the wireless site by the phone number
US7284032B2 (en) * 2001-12-19 2007-10-16 Thomson Licensing Method and system for sharing information with users in a network
US20030121054A1 (en) * 2001-12-26 2003-06-26 Digeo, Inc. Display for a client terminal for an interactive video casting system
US20030131350A1 (en) 2002-01-08 2003-07-10 Peiffer John C. Method and apparatus for identifying a digital audio signal
US20030145338A1 (en) * 2002-01-31 2003-07-31 Actv, Inc. System and process for incorporating, retrieving and displaying an enhanced flash movie
JP2003269969A (en) 2002-03-13 2003-09-25 Sony Corp Navigation device, and spot information display method and program
US7987491B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2011-07-26 Richard Reisman Method and apparatus for browsing using alternative linkbases
US20020183059A1 (en) * 2002-06-08 2002-12-05 Noreen Gary Keith Interactive system and method for use with broadcast media
GB0214401D0 (en) * 2002-06-21 2002-07-31 Newell Ltd Shelving system
FR2844661B1 (en) * 2002-09-16 2005-10-14 France Telecom METHOD FOR ACQUIRING AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT DESCRIPTION DATA, SYSTEM, BROADCAST SERVER, DESCRIPTION SERVER, AND RECEPTION TERMINAL FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD
US8225359B2 (en) 2002-12-24 2012-07-17 Poltorak Alexander I Apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content
US7164882B2 (en) 2002-12-24 2007-01-16 Poltorak Alexander I Apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on a media playing device
US7930716B2 (en) * 2002-12-31 2011-04-19 Actv Inc. Techniques for reinsertion of local market advertising in digital video from a bypass source
US7493646B2 (en) 2003-01-30 2009-02-17 United Video Properties, Inc. Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders
US7917130B1 (en) 2003-03-21 2011-03-29 Stratosaudio, Inc. Broadcast response method and system
US20040259577A1 (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-12-23 Jonathan Ackley System and method of simulating interactivity with a broadcoast using a mobile phone
US7984468B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2011-07-19 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for providing program suggestions in an interactive television program guide
US8161388B2 (en) 2004-01-21 2012-04-17 Rodriguez Arturo A Interactive discovery of display device characteristics
US20050198193A1 (en) * 2004-02-12 2005-09-08 Jaakko Halme System, method, and apparatus for creating metadata enhanced media files from broadcast media
US8028323B2 (en) 2004-05-05 2011-09-27 Dryden Enterprises, Llc Method and system for employing a first device to direct a networked audio device to obtain a media item
US20060141962A1 (en) * 2004-12-23 2006-06-29 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Selecting/acquiring desired multimedia content
US20060195544A1 (en) * 2005-02-28 2006-08-31 Bcks Posting and receiving resources for external applications using a web browser as an agent
US8561113B2 (en) * 2005-08-12 2013-10-15 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Augmenting television content with on-screen recording, ordering, searching and VoIP calling options
US20070078732A1 (en) * 2005-09-14 2007-04-05 Crolley C W Interactive information access system
US9015740B2 (en) 2005-12-12 2015-04-21 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual devices
CN101371472B (en) * 2005-12-12 2017-04-19 尼尔逊媒介研究股份有限公司 Systems and methods to wirelessly meter audio/visual devices
US7606752B2 (en) 2006-09-07 2009-10-20 Yodlee Inc. Host exchange in bill paying services
US8832742B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2014-09-09 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for acquiring, categorizing and delivering media in interactive media guidance applications
US8276073B2 (en) * 2007-02-02 2012-09-25 Sony Corporation Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
US8335345B2 (en) * 2007-03-05 2012-12-18 Sportvision, Inc. Tracking an object with multiple asynchronous cameras
US7801888B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2010-09-21 Microsoft Corporation Media content search results ranked by popularity
FR2914128B1 (en) * 2007-03-20 2011-02-11 Alexandre Francois Lavergne SYSTEM METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SYNCHRONIZED BROADCAST PLURIMEDIAS LINKS
US20090177736A1 (en) 2007-12-14 2009-07-09 Christensen Kelly M Systems and methods for outputting updated media
WO2009079417A1 (en) 2007-12-14 2009-06-25 Stratosaudio, Inc. Systems and methods for scheduling interactive media and events
US8166081B2 (en) * 2008-02-05 2012-04-24 Stratosaudio, Inc. System and method for advertisement transmission and display
EP2250749A2 (en) 2008-02-05 2010-11-17 StratosAudio, Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for scanning broadcasts
US8521078B2 (en) * 2008-03-21 2013-08-27 Qualcomm Incorporated Common interface protocol for sending FR-RDS messages in wireless communication systems
US8261334B2 (en) 2008-04-25 2012-09-04 Yodlee Inc. System for performing web authentication of a user by proxy
US20090281897A1 (en) * 2008-05-07 2009-11-12 Antos Jeffrey D Capture and Storage of Broadcast Information for Enhanced Retrieval
US20100017455A1 (en) * 2008-07-17 2010-01-21 Lemi Technology, Llc Customized media broadcast for a broadcast group
US8949718B2 (en) 2008-09-05 2015-02-03 Lemi Technology, Llc Visual audio links for digital audio content
US8667163B2 (en) * 2008-09-08 2014-03-04 Sling Media Inc. Systems and methods for projecting images from a computer system
US9124769B2 (en) 2008-10-31 2015-09-01 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus to verify presentation of media content
US10063934B2 (en) 2008-11-25 2018-08-28 Rovi Technologies Corporation Reducing unicast session duration with restart TV
US8326270B2 (en) * 2009-02-02 2012-12-04 Lemi Technology, Llc Optimizing operation of a radio program
US8200602B2 (en) * 2009-02-02 2012-06-12 Napo Enterprises, Llc System and method for creating thematic listening experiences in a networked peer media recommendation environment
US9183881B2 (en) 2009-02-02 2015-11-10 Porto Technology, Llc System and method for semantic trick play
US8555359B2 (en) * 2009-02-26 2013-10-08 Yodlee, Inc. System and methods for automatically accessing a web site on behalf of a client
US9166714B2 (en) 2009-09-11 2015-10-20 Veveo, Inc. Method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics
US8705933B2 (en) * 2009-09-25 2014-04-22 Sony Corporation Video bookmarking
US8805418B2 (en) 2011-12-23 2014-08-12 United Video Properties, Inc. Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules
US9197937B1 (en) 2012-04-26 2015-11-24 Music Choice Automatic on-demand navigation based on meta-data broadcast with media content
US10331736B2 (en) 2014-03-21 2019-06-25 Sonos, Inc. Facilitating streaming media access via a media-item database
US10219027B1 (en) 2014-10-24 2019-02-26 Music Choice System for providing music content to a user

Citations (206)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1287304A (en) 1969-11-24 1972-08-31 Eugenia M Koos Educational television systems
US3947972A (en) 1974-03-20 1976-04-06 Freeman Michael J Real time conversational student response teaching apparatus
US4071697A (en) 1976-10-18 1978-01-31 Atari, Inc. Interactive video/telephone transmission system
US4078316A (en) 1976-06-24 1978-03-14 Freeman Michael J Real time conversational toy
US4107735A (en) 1977-04-19 1978-08-15 R. D. Percy & Company Television audience survey system providing feedback of cumulative survey results to individual television viewers
US4117605A (en) 1976-06-24 1978-10-03 Michael J. Freeman Real time conversational toy having secure playback response
GB2057174A (en) 1979-08-15 1981-03-25 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Amusement apparatus
US4264924A (en) 1978-03-03 1981-04-28 Freeman Michael J Dedicated channel interactive cable television system
US4264925A (en) 1979-08-13 1981-04-28 Michael J. Freeman Interactive cable television system
US4320256A (en) 1979-11-27 1982-03-16 Freeman Michael J Verbally interactive telephone interrogation system with selectible variable decision tree
US4351075A (en) 1980-06-30 1982-09-28 Pittard Jr Hal K Combination oil plug wrench and integral oil filler
US4361851A (en) 1980-01-04 1982-11-30 Asip William F System for remote monitoring and data transmission over non-dedicated telephone lines
US4372558A (en) 1978-11-21 1983-02-08 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Remote game apparatus
US4405829A (en) 1977-12-14 1983-09-20 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Cryptographic communications system and method
GB2120507A (en) 1982-05-10 1983-11-30 Western Electric Co Interactive video game arrangement
US4451701A (en) 1980-10-30 1984-05-29 Oclc Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated Viewdata system and apparatus
US4451700A (en) 1982-08-27 1984-05-29 M. A. Kempner, Inc. Automatic audience survey system
CA1172847A (en) 1980-09-29 1984-08-21 Henri Perret Control micro-didactometre
US4507680A (en) 1982-06-22 1985-03-26 Freeman Michael J One way interactive multisubscriber communication system
US4546382A (en) 1983-06-09 1985-10-08 Ctba Associates Television and market research data collection system and method
GB2161629A (en) 1984-06-27 1986-01-15 Klayh John Arnold Tournament data system
US4567512A (en) 1982-08-19 1986-01-28 World Video Library, Inc. Recorded program communication system
US4573072A (en) 1984-03-21 1986-02-25 Actv Inc. Method for expanding interactive CATV displayable choices for a given channel capacity
US4581484A (en) 1982-09-29 1986-04-08 Oclc Online Computer Library Center Incorporated Audio-enhanced videotex system
US4584602A (en) 1982-11-08 1986-04-22 Pioneer Ansafone Manufacturing Corporation Polling system and method using nondedicated telephone lines
WO1986002753A1 (en) 1984-10-24 1986-05-09 Videodrome Limited Interactive systems
US4591248A (en) 1982-04-23 1986-05-27 Freeman Michael J Dynamic audience responsive movie system
US4592546A (en) 1984-04-26 1986-06-03 David B. Lockton Game of skill playable by remote participants in conjunction with a live event
US4594476A (en) 1984-08-31 1986-06-10 Freeman Michael J Broadcast interactive telephone system
US4602279A (en) 1984-03-21 1986-07-22 Actv, Inc. Method for providing targeted profile interactive CATV displays
US4603232A (en) 1984-09-24 1986-07-29 Npd Research, Inc. Rapid market survey collection and dissemination method
WO1987000375A1 (en) 1985-07-10 1987-01-15 Ronald Alan Katz Statistical analysis system for use with public communication facility
US4646145A (en) 1980-04-07 1987-02-24 R. D. Percy & Company Television viewer reaction determining systems
US4658290A (en) 1983-12-08 1987-04-14 Ctba Associates Television and market research data collection system and method
US4694490A (en) 1981-11-03 1987-09-15 Harvey John C Signal processing apparatus and methods
US4706121A (en) * 1985-07-12 1987-11-10 Patrick Young TV schedule system and process
US4734858A (en) 1983-12-05 1988-03-29 Portel Services Network, Inc. Data terminal and system for placing orders
US4745468A (en) 1986-03-10 1988-05-17 Kohorn H Von System for evaluation and recording of responses to broadcast transmissions
US4752954A (en) 1984-12-19 1988-06-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Upstream signal control apparatus in bidirectional CATV system
US4792968A (en) 1985-07-10 1988-12-20 Fdr Interactive Technologies Statistical analysis system for use with public communication facility
GB2207838A (en) 1987-08-04 1989-02-08 Telaction Corp Digital interactive communication system
US4816904A (en) 1983-06-09 1989-03-28 Control Data Corporation Television and market research data collection system and method
US4845739A (en) 1985-07-10 1989-07-04 Fdr Interactive Technologies Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system
US4847698A (en) 1987-07-16 1989-07-11 Actv, Inc. Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displays
US4847700A (en) 1987-07-16 1989-07-11 Actv, Inc. Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displays from transmitted television signals
US4847699A (en) 1987-07-16 1989-07-11 Actv, Inc. Method for providing an interactive full motion synched compatible audio/visual television display
WO1989006405A1 (en) 1988-01-11 1989-07-13 Countrywide Competitions Limited Games machine
US4876592A (en) 1986-03-10 1989-10-24 Henry Von Kohorn System for merchandising and the evaluation of responses to broadcast transmissions
US4877408A (en) 1988-02-09 1989-10-31 Hartsfield Ben W Competitive computer educational game
US4893248A (en) 1987-02-06 1990-01-09 Access Corporation Monitoring and reporting system for remote terminals
US4907079A (en) 1987-09-28 1990-03-06 Teleview Rating Corporation, Inc. System for monitoring and control of home entertainment electronic devices
US4918603A (en) 1988-08-01 1990-04-17 Michael B. Hughes Computerized statistical football game
US4918516A (en) 1987-10-26 1990-04-17 501 Actv, Inc. Closed circuit television system having seamless interactive television programming and expandable user participation
US4926255A (en) 1986-03-10 1990-05-15 Kohorn H Von System for evaluation of response to broadcast transmissions
US4930011A (en) 1988-08-02 1990-05-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Method and apparatus for identifying individual members of a marketing and viewing audience
US4930150A (en) 1985-07-10 1990-05-29 First Data Resources Inc. Telephonic interface control system
US4965825A (en) * 1981-11-03 1990-10-23 The Personalized Mass Media Corporation Signal processing apparatus and methods
US4974254A (en) * 1989-05-10 1990-11-27 Perine Michael C Interactive data retrieval system for producing facsimile reports
US4977455A (en) 1988-07-15 1990-12-11 Insight Telecast, Inc. System and process for VCR scheduling
US4989234A (en) 1989-04-11 1991-01-29 Evanston Enterprises, Inc. Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses
US4989233A (en) 1989-04-11 1991-01-29 Evanston Enterprises, Inc. Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses
US4998199A (en) 1987-10-02 1991-03-05 Namco Ltd. Game machine system with machine grouping feature
US5014125A (en) 1989-05-05 1991-05-07 Cableshare, Inc. Television system for the interactive distribution of selectable video presentations
US5013038A (en) 1989-12-08 1991-05-07 Interactive Network, Inc. method of evaluating data relating to a common subject
US5018736A (en) 1989-10-27 1991-05-28 Wakeman & Deforrest Corporation Interactive game system and method
US5035422A (en) 1989-12-07 1991-07-30 Robert Berman Interactive game show and method for achieving interactive communication therewith
US5068733A (en) 1990-03-20 1991-11-26 Bennett Richard H Multiple access television
US5073931A (en) 1989-05-25 1991-12-17 Audebert-Delahaye-Venture System and individual device for participation in a broadcast program
US5083800A (en) 1989-06-09 1992-01-28 Interactive Network, Inc. Game of skill or chance playable by several participants remote from each other in conjunction with a common event
US5091877A (en) 1987-09-09 1992-02-25 Ikegami Tsushinki Co., Ltd. Data processing apparatus
US5093921A (en) 1989-12-19 1992-03-03 Comband Technologies, Inc. Initialization technique and apparatus for set top converters
US5101267A (en) 1989-08-07 1992-03-31 Tv Answer, Inc. Wide area real-time T-V audience polling system with local area stations linked by satellite
US5120076A (en) 1989-12-08 1992-06-09 Interactive Network, Inc. Method of evaluating data relating to a common subject
US5128752A (en) 1986-03-10 1992-07-07 Kohorn H Von System and method for generating and redeeming tokens
US5140419A (en) 1983-04-21 1992-08-18 The Weather Channel, Inc. Communications system
US5142690A (en) 1990-03-20 1992-08-25 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Cable television radio frequency data processor
US5155591A (en) 1989-10-23 1992-10-13 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for providing demographically targeted television commercials
US5218631A (en) 1985-07-10 1993-06-08 First Data Resources Inc. Telephonic-interface game control system
US5223923A (en) 1989-08-07 1993-06-29 Tv Answer, Inc. Cellular repeater stations in a wireless audience response system for satellite communication
US5226177A (en) 1990-03-27 1993-07-06 Viewfacts, Inc. Real-time wireless audience response system
USRE34340E (en) 1987-10-26 1993-08-10 Actv, Inc. Closed circuit television system having seamless interactive television programming and expandable user participation
US5236199A (en) 1991-06-13 1993-08-17 Thompson Jr John W Interactive media system and telecomputing method using telephone keypad signalling
US5251324A (en) 1990-03-20 1993-10-05 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Method and apparatus for generating and collecting viewing statistics for remote terminals in a cable television system
US5257099A (en) 1989-08-07 1993-10-26 Tv Answer, Inc. Central data processing station for satellite communication with local area audience response station
US5262860A (en) * 1992-04-23 1993-11-16 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system communication establishment utilizing captured and processed visually perceptible data within a broadcast video signal
US5267314A (en) 1992-11-17 1993-11-30 Leon Stambler Secure transaction system and method utilized therein
US5276866A (en) 1988-07-19 1994-01-04 Michael Paolini System with two different communication mediums, transmitting retrieved video and compressed audio information to plural receivers responsively to users' requests
US5287181A (en) 1992-08-20 1994-02-15 Holman Michael J Electronic redeemable coupon system and television
WO1994003247A1 (en) 1992-08-04 1994-02-17 Kabushiki Kaisha Ace Denken Playing system and playing apparatus
US5311423A (en) 1991-01-07 1994-05-10 Gte Service Corporation Schedule management method
US5343239A (en) 1991-11-20 1994-08-30 Zing Systems, L.P. Transaction based interactive television system
US5351075A (en) 1990-03-20 1994-09-27 Frederick Herz Home video club television broadcasting system
US5351285A (en) 1985-07-10 1994-09-27 First Data Resources Inc. Multiple format telephonic interface control system
US5354069A (en) 1992-01-21 1994-10-11 Ahbrew Company Lottery emulation system
WO1994023537A1 (en) 1993-04-01 1994-10-13 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Method and system for accessing multimedia data over public switched telephone network
US5363433A (en) 1991-05-08 1994-11-08 Fujitsu Limited Information acquisition system
US5382970A (en) 1991-07-19 1995-01-17 Kiefl; John B. Television viewer monitoring system including portable data meter for each viewer
US5410326A (en) 1992-12-04 1995-04-25 Goldstein; Steven W. Programmable remote control device for interacting with a plurality of remotely controlled devices
US5423555A (en) 1993-04-14 1995-06-13 Kidrin; Thom Interactive television and video game system
US5438355A (en) 1993-04-16 1995-08-01 Palmer; Shelton L. Interactive system for processing viewer responses to television programming
EP0673164A1 (en) 1994-03-18 1995-09-20 AT&T Corp. System and method of capturing encoded data transmitted over a communications network in a video system
US5453015A (en) 1988-10-20 1995-09-26 Vogel; Peter S. Audience response system and method
US5453794A (en) 1992-10-08 1995-09-26 Sony Corporation Multistandard video signal decoder
US5458494A (en) 1993-08-23 1995-10-17 Edutech Research Labs, Ltd. Remotely operable teaching system and method therefor
US5462275A (en) 1991-12-20 1995-10-31 Gordon Wilson Player interactive live action football game
US5479268A (en) 1990-09-10 1995-12-26 Starsight Telecast Inc. User interface for television schedule system
US5481542A (en) 1993-11-10 1996-01-02 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Interactive information services control system
WO1996007270A1 (en) 1994-08-31 1996-03-07 Yuen Henry C Method and apparatus for displaying television programs and related text
EP0704832A2 (en) 1990-10-04 1996-04-03 Info Telecom Method for realizing virtual interaction between an individual and a data carrier
US5508731A (en) 1986-03-10 1996-04-16 Response Reward Systems L.C. Generation of enlarged participatory broadcast audience
WO1996013124A1 (en) 1994-10-24 1996-05-02 Intel Corporation Video indexing protocol
US5518253A (en) 1992-06-05 1996-05-21 Pocock; Terrence Televised bingo game system
US5530469A (en) 1994-12-20 1996-06-25 Garfinkle; Norton Interactive television with correlation of viewers input and results made available to each viewer
US5534913A (en) 1994-03-31 1996-07-09 At&T Corp. Apparatus and method for integrating downstream data transfer over a cable television channel with upstream data carrier by other media
US5537141A (en) 1994-04-15 1996-07-16 Actv, Inc. Distance learning system providing individual television participation, audio responses and memory for every student
US5537143A (en) 1992-08-14 1996-07-16 Steingold; Harold Interactive communication system
US5539471A (en) 1994-05-03 1996-07-23 Microsoft Corporation System and method for inserting and recovering an add-on data signal for transmission with a video signal
US5538255A (en) 1992-02-18 1996-07-23 Barker; Bruce J. Remote controlled multiplayer video game
EP0723369A1 (en) 1995-01-23 1996-07-24 NTEX datacommunications bv Access method retrieving Internet information through Teletext/Videotex and the reverse
US5543849A (en) 1992-10-13 1996-08-06 Gilbarco Inc. Synchronization of prerecorded audio/video signals with multi-media controllers
US5547202A (en) 1992-02-18 1996-08-20 Ricos Co., Ltd. Computer game device
US5553221A (en) 1995-03-20 1996-09-03 International Business Machine Corporation System and method for enabling the creation of personalized movie presentations and personalized movie collections
US5558339A (en) 1994-05-05 1996-09-24 Perlman; Stephen G. Network architecture to support recording and playback of real-time video games
US5564073A (en) 1993-04-08 1996-10-08 Digital D.J. Inc. Broadcast system with associated data capabilities
US5570126A (en) 1993-05-03 1996-10-29 Lucent Technologies Inc. System for composing multimedia signals for interactive television services
US5572442A (en) 1994-07-21 1996-11-05 Information Highway Media Corporation System for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming
US5572643A (en) 1995-10-19 1996-11-05 Judson; David H. Web browser with dynamic display of information objects during linking
US5586121A (en) 1995-04-21 1996-12-17 Hybrid Networks, Inc. Asymmetric hybrid access system and method
US5589892A (en) 1993-09-09 1996-12-31 Knee; Robert A. Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
EP0757485A2 (en) 1995-07-31 1997-02-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Interactive television system
US5612730A (en) 1995-03-03 1997-03-18 Multimedia Systems Corporation Interactive system for a closed cable network
US5617565A (en) 1994-11-29 1997-04-01 Hitachi America, Ltd. Broadcast interactive multimedia system
US5623589A (en) 1995-03-31 1997-04-22 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for incrementally browsing levels of stories
US5632007A (en) 1994-09-23 1997-05-20 Actv, Inc. Interactive system and method for offering expert based interactive programs
US5633918A (en) 1993-08-03 1997-05-27 Mankovitz; Roy J. Information distribution system
US5641319A (en) 1994-08-10 1997-06-24 Lodgenet Entertainment Corporation Entertainment system for providing interactive video game responses to the game interrogations to the video game engines without being processed by the host computer
US5643088A (en) 1995-05-31 1997-07-01 Interactive Network, Inc. Game of skill or chance playable by remote participants in conjunction with a common game event including inserted interactive advertising
US5649284A (en) 1993-12-17 1997-07-15 Sony Corporation Multiplex broadcasting system
US5649003A (en) * 1995-02-27 1997-07-15 At&T Method in a communications systems for providing an out-of-band signaling response based on predetermined conditions
WO1997027546A1 (en) 1996-01-26 1997-07-31 Ex Machina, Inc. System and method for transmission of data
WO1997027683A1 (en) 1996-01-26 1997-07-31 Soelvason Ivan A method and a system for communication of control information from a control information generator to one or more computer installations
US5657450A (en) 1995-11-15 1997-08-12 Xerox Corporation Method and apparatus for time estimation and progress feedback on distal access operations
US5659366A (en) 1995-05-10 1997-08-19 Matsushita Electric Corporation Of America Notification system for television receivers
WO1997033434A1 (en) 1996-03-08 1997-09-12 Actv, Inc. An integrated interactive video and internet system
US5668592A (en) 1994-04-06 1997-09-16 Interaxx Television Network, Inc. Interactive television terminal responsive to user commands which combines static service data and recurrently broadcast dynamic service data to produce composite service display signals
US5677708A (en) 1995-05-05 1997-10-14 Microsoft Corporation System for displaying a list on a display screen
US5679077A (en) 1995-08-11 1997-10-21 Pocock; Terrence System and method for remote participation in bingo and other games of chance where players select numbers
US5682196A (en) 1995-06-22 1997-10-28 Actv, Inc. Three-dimensional (3D) video presentation system providing interactive 3D presentation with personalized audio responses for multiple viewers
US5684918A (en) 1992-02-07 1997-11-04 Abecassis; Max System for integrating video and communications
US5689799A (en) 1995-04-26 1997-11-18 Wink Communications, Inc. Method and apparatus for routing confidential information
US5694334A (en) 1994-09-08 1997-12-02 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for electronic distribution of digital multi-media information
US5694163A (en) 1995-09-28 1997-12-02 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for viewing of on-line information service chat data incorporated in a broadcast television program
US5696905A (en) 1995-03-20 1997-12-09 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for providing merchant information and establishing links to merchants while presenting a movie
US5695401A (en) 1991-12-20 1997-12-09 Gordon Wilson Player interactive live action athletic contest
US5708845A (en) 1995-09-29 1998-01-13 Wistendahl; Douglass A. System for mapping hot spots in media content for interactive digital media program
US5721829A (en) 1995-05-05 1998-02-24 Microsoft Corporation System for automatic pause/resume of content delivered on a channel in response to switching to and from that channel and resuming so that a portion of the content is repeated
US5724103A (en) 1995-11-13 1998-03-03 Intel Corporation CD ROM information references delivered to a personal computer using the vertical blanking intervals associated data technology from a nabts compliant television broadcast program
US5724091A (en) 1991-11-25 1998-03-03 Actv, Inc. Compressed digital data interactive program system
US5729252A (en) 1994-12-27 1998-03-17 Lucent Technologies, Inc. Multimedia program editing system and method
US5734413A (en) 1991-11-20 1998-03-31 Thomson Multimedia S.A. Transaction based interactive television system
US5734437A (en) 1995-10-13 1998-03-31 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Character display apparatus for an intelligence television
US5737532A (en) 1995-06-06 1998-04-07 Hughes Missile Systems Company System and technique for accessing stored audio and visual information from a database
US5752836A (en) 1993-02-05 1998-05-19 National Computer Systems, Inc. Categorized test item reporting method
JPH10145687A (en) 1996-11-12 1998-05-29 Sony Corp Network connector
US5761606A (en) 1996-02-08 1998-06-02 Wolzien; Thomas R. Media online services access via address embedded in video or audio program
US5761602A (en) 1995-09-13 1998-06-02 Wagner Dsp Technologies Hybrid multichannel data transmission system utilizing a broadcast medium
JPH10155119A (en) 1996-11-22 1998-06-09 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Internet-corresponding television system and access method using it
JPH10164529A (en) 1996-11-28 1998-06-19 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Television-broadcasting method and television receiver
US5774666A (en) 1996-10-18 1998-06-30 Silicon Graphics, Inc. System and method for displaying uniform network resource locators embedded in time-based medium
US5778181A (en) 1996-03-08 1998-07-07 Actv, Inc. Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments
US5782692A (en) 1994-07-21 1998-07-21 Stelovsky; Jan Time-segmented multimedia game playing and authoring system
US5794250A (en) 1995-10-20 1998-08-11 Ncr Corporation Method and apparatus for extending existing database management system for new data types
US5818441A (en) * 1995-06-15 1998-10-06 Intel Corporation System and method for simulating two-way connectivity for one way data streams
US5848352A (en) 1995-04-26 1998-12-08 Wink Communications, Inc. Compact graphical interactive information system
US5859662A (en) 1993-08-06 1999-01-12 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus and method for selectively viewing video information
US5860862A (en) 1996-01-05 1999-01-19 William W. Junkin Trust Interactive system allowing real time participation
US5861881A (en) 1991-11-25 1999-01-19 Actv, Inc. Interactive computer system for providing an interactive presentation with personalized video, audio and graphics responses for multiple viewers
US5878222A (en) * 1994-11-14 1999-03-02 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for controlling video/audio and channel selection for a communication signal based on channel data indicative of channel contents of a signal
US5884032A (en) 1995-09-25 1999-03-16 The New Brunswick Telephone Company, Limited System for coordinating communications via customer contact channel changing system using call centre for setting up the call between customer and an available help agent
US5889950A (en) 1996-12-20 1999-03-30 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for distribution of broadcast data
US5898919A (en) 1996-02-26 1999-04-27 E Guide, Inc. Cordless phone back link for interactive television system
US5905865A (en) 1995-10-30 1999-05-18 Web Pager, Inc. Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses
US5907322A (en) 1996-10-16 1999-05-25 Catch Tv Acquisition Corp. Television event marking system
US5912700A (en) 1996-01-10 1999-06-15 Fox Sports Productions, Inc. System for enhancing the television presentation of an object at a sporting event
US5917893A (en) 1985-07-10 1999-06-29 Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. Multiple format telephonic interface control system
US5931908A (en) 1996-12-23 1999-08-03 The Walt Disney Corporation Visual object present within live programming as an actionable event for user selection of alternate programming wherein the actionable event is selected by human operator at a head end for distributed data and programming
US5931408A (en) 1997-07-30 1999-08-03 Tokusen Kogyo Co., Ltd. Metal wire winding reel with easy wire engagement and release
EP0879536B1 (en) 1995-12-08 1999-09-29 Fridley Technologies Limited Method for reproducing visual information
US6003073A (en) 1996-01-26 1999-12-14 Solvason; Ivan Method and a system for communication of control information from a control information generator to one or more computer installations
US6006256A (en) 1996-03-11 1999-12-21 Opentv, Inc. System and method for inserting interactive program content within a television signal originating at a remote network
US6004211A (en) 1995-09-08 1999-12-21 O.D.S. Technologies, L.P. Interactive wagering systems and processes
US6018764A (en) * 1996-12-10 2000-01-25 General Instrument Corporation Mapping uniform resource locators to broadcast addresses in a television signal
US6018768A (en) 1996-03-08 2000-01-25 Actv, Inc. Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments
US6021433A (en) 1996-01-26 2000-02-01 Wireless Internet, Inc. System and method for transmission of data
US6021307A (en) 1994-04-07 2000-02-01 Chan; Hark C. Information distribution and processing system
US6025837A (en) 1996-03-29 2000-02-15 Micrsoft Corporation Electronic program guide with hyperlinks to target resources
US6058430A (en) 1996-04-19 2000-05-02 Kaplan; Kenneth B. Vertical blanking interval encoding of internet addresses for integrated television/internet devices
US6061719A (en) 1997-11-06 2000-05-09 Lucent Technologies Inc. Synchronized presentation of television programming and web content
US6067107A (en) 1998-04-30 2000-05-23 Wink Communications, Inc. Response capacity management in interactive broadcast systems by periodic reconfiguration of response priorities
US6073931A (en) 1998-02-04 2000-06-13 Great Lakes Dart Mfg., Inc. Folding backboard for receiving a dart board thereon
US6080063A (en) 1997-01-06 2000-06-27 Khosla; Vinod Simulated real time game play with live event
US6135881A (en) 1997-03-31 2000-10-24 Inventure, Inc. Sports forecasting game
US6183366B1 (en) 1996-01-19 2001-02-06 Sheldon Goldberg Network gaming system
US6198509B1 (en) 1995-04-26 2001-03-06 Wink Communications, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing and receiving broadcaster information
US6199206B1 (en) * 1995-10-24 2001-03-06 Sony Corporation Television transmitter, television transmitting method, television receiver and television receiving method
US6230325B1 (en) * 1995-10-05 2001-05-08 Nec Corporation Information network system making use of television or radio broadcasting and broadcast receiving user terminal

Patent Citations (234)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1287304A (en) 1969-11-24 1972-08-31 Eugenia M Koos Educational television systems
US3947972A (en) 1974-03-20 1976-04-06 Freeman Michael J Real time conversational student response teaching apparatus
US4078316A (en) 1976-06-24 1978-03-14 Freeman Michael J Real time conversational toy
US4117605A (en) 1976-06-24 1978-10-03 Michael J. Freeman Real time conversational toy having secure playback response
US4071697A (en) 1976-10-18 1978-01-31 Atari, Inc. Interactive video/telephone transmission system
US4107735A (en) 1977-04-19 1978-08-15 R. D. Percy & Company Television audience survey system providing feedback of cumulative survey results to individual television viewers
US4405829A (en) 1977-12-14 1983-09-20 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Cryptographic communications system and method
US4264924A (en) 1978-03-03 1981-04-28 Freeman Michael J Dedicated channel interactive cable television system
US4372558A (en) 1978-11-21 1983-02-08 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Remote game apparatus
US4264925A (en) 1979-08-13 1981-04-28 Michael J. Freeman Interactive cable television system
GB2057174A (en) 1979-08-15 1981-03-25 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Amusement apparatus
US4320256A (en) 1979-11-27 1982-03-16 Freeman Michael J Verbally interactive telephone interrogation system with selectible variable decision tree
US4361851A (en) 1980-01-04 1982-11-30 Asip William F System for remote monitoring and data transmission over non-dedicated telephone lines
US4646145A (en) 1980-04-07 1987-02-24 R. D. Percy & Company Television viewer reaction determining systems
US4351075A (en) 1980-06-30 1982-09-28 Pittard Jr Hal K Combination oil plug wrench and integral oil filler
CA1172847A (en) 1980-09-29 1984-08-21 Henri Perret Control micro-didactometre
US4451701A (en) 1980-10-30 1984-05-29 Oclc Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated Viewdata system and apparatus
US4965825A (en) * 1981-11-03 1990-10-23 The Personalized Mass Media Corporation Signal processing apparatus and methods
US4694490A (en) 1981-11-03 1987-09-15 Harvey John C Signal processing apparatus and methods
US5887243A (en) 1981-11-03 1999-03-23 Personalized Media Communications, L.L.C. Signal processing apparatus and methods
US4591248A (en) 1982-04-23 1986-05-27 Freeman Michael J Dynamic audience responsive movie system
GB2120507A (en) 1982-05-10 1983-11-30 Western Electric Co Interactive video game arrangement
US4507680A (en) 1982-06-22 1985-03-26 Freeman Michael J One way interactive multisubscriber communication system
US4567512A (en) 1982-08-19 1986-01-28 World Video Library, Inc. Recorded program communication system
US4451700A (en) 1982-08-27 1984-05-29 M. A. Kempner, Inc. Automatic audience survey system
US4581484A (en) 1982-09-29 1986-04-08 Oclc Online Computer Library Center Incorporated Audio-enhanced videotex system
US4584602A (en) 1982-11-08 1986-04-22 Pioneer Ansafone Manufacturing Corporation Polling system and method using nondedicated telephone lines
US5140419A (en) 1983-04-21 1992-08-18 The Weather Channel, Inc. Communications system
US4566030A (en) 1983-06-09 1986-01-21 Ctba Associates Television viewer data collection system
US4816904A (en) 1983-06-09 1989-03-28 Control Data Corporation Television and market research data collection system and method
US4546382A (en) 1983-06-09 1985-10-08 Ctba Associates Television and market research data collection system and method
US4734858A (en) 1983-12-05 1988-03-29 Portel Services Network, Inc. Data terminal and system for placing orders
US4734858B1 (en) 1983-12-05 1997-02-11 Portel Services Network Inc Data terminal and system for placing orders
US4658290A (en) 1983-12-08 1987-04-14 Ctba Associates Television and market research data collection system and method
US4602279A (en) 1984-03-21 1986-07-22 Actv, Inc. Method for providing targeted profile interactive CATV displays
US4573072A (en) 1984-03-21 1986-02-25 Actv Inc. Method for expanding interactive CATV displayable choices for a given channel capacity
US4592546A (en) 1984-04-26 1986-06-03 David B. Lockton Game of skill playable by remote participants in conjunction with a live event
US5083271A (en) 1984-06-27 1992-01-21 John A. Klayh Tournament data system with game score communication between remote player terminal and central computer
GB2161629A (en) 1984-06-27 1986-01-15 Klayh John Arnold Tournament data system
US4594476A (en) 1984-08-31 1986-06-10 Freeman Michael J Broadcast interactive telephone system
US4603232A (en) 1984-09-24 1986-07-29 Npd Research, Inc. Rapid market survey collection and dissemination method
WO1986002753A1 (en) 1984-10-24 1986-05-09 Videodrome Limited Interactive systems
US4752954A (en) 1984-12-19 1988-06-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Upstream signal control apparatus in bidirectional CATV system
US5917893A (en) 1985-07-10 1999-06-29 Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. Multiple format telephonic interface control system
US4792968A (en) 1985-07-10 1988-12-20 Fdr Interactive Technologies Statistical analysis system for use with public communication facility
US5218631A (en) 1985-07-10 1993-06-08 First Data Resources Inc. Telephonic-interface game control system
US6016344A (en) 1985-07-10 2000-01-18 Katz; Ronald A. Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system
US5351285A (en) 1985-07-10 1994-09-27 First Data Resources Inc. Multiple format telephonic interface control system
WO1987000375A1 (en) 1985-07-10 1987-01-15 Ronald Alan Katz Statistical analysis system for use with public communication facility
US4845739A (en) 1985-07-10 1989-07-04 Fdr Interactive Technologies Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system
US4930150A (en) 1985-07-10 1990-05-29 First Data Resources Inc. Telephonic interface control system
US4706121B1 (en) * 1985-07-12 1993-12-14 Insight Telecast, Inc. Tv schedule system and process
US4706121A (en) * 1985-07-12 1987-11-10 Patrick Young TV schedule system and process
US5283734A (en) 1986-03-10 1994-02-01 Kohorn H Von System and method of communication with authenticated wagering participation
US4745468B1 (en) 1986-03-10 1991-06-11 System for evaluation and recording of responses to broadcast transmissions
US4745468A (en) 1986-03-10 1988-05-17 Kohorn H Von System for evaluation and recording of responses to broadcast transmissions
US5508731A (en) 1986-03-10 1996-04-16 Response Reward Systems L.C. Generation of enlarged participatory broadcast audience
US4876592A (en) 1986-03-10 1989-10-24 Henry Von Kohorn System for merchandising and the evaluation of responses to broadcast transmissions
US5034807A (en) 1986-03-10 1991-07-23 Kohorn H Von System for evaluation and rewarding of responses and predictions
US5128752A (en) 1986-03-10 1992-07-07 Kohorn H Von System and method for generating and redeeming tokens
US4926255A (en) 1986-03-10 1990-05-15 Kohorn H Von System for evaluation of response to broadcast transmissions
US4893248A (en) 1987-02-06 1990-01-09 Access Corporation Monitoring and reporting system for remote terminals
US4847698A (en) 1987-07-16 1989-07-11 Actv, Inc. Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displays
US4847699A (en) 1987-07-16 1989-07-11 Actv, Inc. Method for providing an interactive full motion synched compatible audio/visual television display
US4847700A (en) 1987-07-16 1989-07-11 Actv, Inc. Interactive television system for providing full motion synched compatible audio/visual displays from transmitted television signals
GB2207838A (en) 1987-08-04 1989-02-08 Telaction Corp Digital interactive communication system
US5091877A (en) 1987-09-09 1992-02-25 Ikegami Tsushinki Co., Ltd. Data processing apparatus
US4907079A (en) 1987-09-28 1990-03-06 Teleview Rating Corporation, Inc. System for monitoring and control of home entertainment electronic devices
US4998199A (en) 1987-10-02 1991-03-05 Namco Ltd. Game machine system with machine grouping feature
USRE34340E (en) 1987-10-26 1993-08-10 Actv, Inc. Closed circuit television system having seamless interactive television programming and expandable user participation
US4918516A (en) 1987-10-26 1990-04-17 501 Actv, Inc. Closed circuit television system having seamless interactive television programming and expandable user participation
WO1989006405A1 (en) 1988-01-11 1989-07-13 Countrywide Competitions Limited Games machine
US4877408A (en) 1988-02-09 1989-10-31 Hartsfield Ben W Competitive computer educational game
US4977455B1 (en) 1988-07-15 1993-04-13 System and process for vcr scheduling
US4977455A (en) 1988-07-15 1990-12-11 Insight Telecast, Inc. System and process for VCR scheduling
US5276866A (en) 1988-07-19 1994-01-04 Michael Paolini System with two different communication mediums, transmitting retrieved video and compressed audio information to plural receivers responsively to users' requests
US4918603A (en) 1988-08-01 1990-04-17 Michael B. Hughes Computerized statistical football game
US4930011A (en) 1988-08-02 1990-05-29 A. C. Nielsen Company Method and apparatus for identifying individual members of a marketing and viewing audience
US5453015A (en) 1988-10-20 1995-09-26 Vogel; Peter S. Audience response system and method
US4989234A (en) 1989-04-11 1991-01-29 Evanston Enterprises, Inc. Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses
US4989233A (en) 1989-04-11 1991-01-29 Evanston Enterprises, Inc. Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses
US5014125A (en) 1989-05-05 1991-05-07 Cableshare, Inc. Television system for the interactive distribution of selectable video presentations
US4974254A (en) * 1989-05-10 1990-11-27 Perine Michael C Interactive data retrieval system for producing facsimile reports
US5073931A (en) 1989-05-25 1991-12-17 Audebert-Delahaye-Venture System and individual device for participation in a broadcast program
US5083800A (en) 1989-06-09 1992-01-28 Interactive Network, Inc. Game of skill or chance playable by several participants remote from each other in conjunction with a common event
US5223923A (en) 1989-08-07 1993-06-29 Tv Answer, Inc. Cellular repeater stations in a wireless audience response system for satellite communication
US5257099A (en) 1989-08-07 1993-10-26 Tv Answer, Inc. Central data processing station for satellite communication with local area audience response station
US5101267A (en) 1989-08-07 1992-03-31 Tv Answer, Inc. Wide area real-time T-V audience polling system with local area stations linked by satellite
US5155591A (en) 1989-10-23 1992-10-13 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for providing demographically targeted television commercials
US5018736A (en) 1989-10-27 1991-05-28 Wakeman & Deforrest Corporation Interactive game system and method
US5035422A (en) 1989-12-07 1991-07-30 Robert Berman Interactive game show and method for achieving interactive communication therewith
US5120076A (en) 1989-12-08 1992-06-09 Interactive Network, Inc. Method of evaluating data relating to a common subject
US5013038A (en) 1989-12-08 1991-05-07 Interactive Network, Inc. method of evaluating data relating to a common subject
US5093921A (en) 1989-12-19 1992-03-03 Comband Technologies, Inc. Initialization technique and apparatus for set top converters
US5251324A (en) 1990-03-20 1993-10-05 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Method and apparatus for generating and collecting viewing statistics for remote terminals in a cable television system
US5142690A (en) 1990-03-20 1992-08-25 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Cable television radio frequency data processor
US5351075A (en) 1990-03-20 1994-09-27 Frederick Herz Home video club television broadcasting system
US5068733A (en) 1990-03-20 1991-11-26 Bennett Richard H Multiple access television
US5226177A (en) 1990-03-27 1993-07-06 Viewfacts, Inc. Real-time wireless audience response system
US5479268A (en) 1990-09-10 1995-12-26 Starsight Telecast Inc. User interface for television schedule system
EP0704832A2 (en) 1990-10-04 1996-04-03 Info Telecom Method for realizing virtual interaction between an individual and a data carrier
US5311423A (en) 1991-01-07 1994-05-10 Gte Service Corporation Schedule management method
US5363433A (en) 1991-05-08 1994-11-08 Fujitsu Limited Information acquisition system
US5236199A (en) 1991-06-13 1993-08-17 Thompson Jr John W Interactive media system and telecomputing method using telephone keypad signalling
US5382970A (en) 1991-07-19 1995-01-17 Kiefl; John B. Television viewer monitoring system including portable data meter for each viewer
US5734413A (en) 1991-11-20 1998-03-31 Thomson Multimedia S.A. Transaction based interactive television system
US5343239A (en) 1991-11-20 1994-08-30 Zing Systems, L.P. Transaction based interactive television system
US5526035A (en) 1991-11-20 1996-06-11 Zing Systems, L.P. Transaction based interactive television system
US5861881A (en) 1991-11-25 1999-01-19 Actv, Inc. Interactive computer system for providing an interactive presentation with personalized video, audio and graphics responses for multiple viewers
US5724091A (en) 1991-11-25 1998-03-03 Actv, Inc. Compressed digital data interactive program system
US5695401A (en) 1991-12-20 1997-12-09 Gordon Wilson Player interactive live action athletic contest
US5462275A (en) 1991-12-20 1995-10-31 Gordon Wilson Player interactive live action football game
US5354069A (en) 1992-01-21 1994-10-11 Ahbrew Company Lottery emulation system
US5684918A (en) 1992-02-07 1997-11-04 Abecassis; Max System for integrating video and communications
US5538255A (en) 1992-02-18 1996-07-23 Barker; Bruce J. Remote controlled multiplayer video game
US5547202A (en) 1992-02-18 1996-08-20 Ricos Co., Ltd. Computer game device
US5262860A (en) * 1992-04-23 1993-11-16 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system communication establishment utilizing captured and processed visually perceptible data within a broadcast video signal
US5518253A (en) 1992-06-05 1996-05-21 Pocock; Terrence Televised bingo game system
WO1994003247A1 (en) 1992-08-04 1994-02-17 Kabushiki Kaisha Ace Denken Playing system and playing apparatus
EP0655265A1 (en) 1992-08-04 1995-05-31 Kabushiki Kaisha Ace Denken Playing system and playing apparatus
US5537143A (en) 1992-08-14 1996-07-16 Steingold; Harold Interactive communication system
US5287181A (en) 1992-08-20 1994-02-15 Holman Michael J Electronic redeemable coupon system and television
US5453794A (en) 1992-10-08 1995-09-26 Sony Corporation Multistandard video signal decoder
US5543849A (en) 1992-10-13 1996-08-06 Gilbarco Inc. Synchronization of prerecorded audio/video signals with multi-media controllers
US5646998A (en) 1992-11-17 1997-07-08 Stambler; Leon Secure transaction system and method utilized therein
US5267314A (en) 1992-11-17 1993-11-30 Leon Stambler Secure transaction system and method utilized therein
US5974148A (en) 1992-11-17 1999-10-26 Stambler; Leon Method for securing information relevant to a transaction
US5936541A (en) 1992-11-17 1999-08-10 Stambler; Leon Method for securing information relevant to a transaction
US5793302A (en) 1992-11-17 1998-08-11 Stambler; Leon Method for securing information relevant to a transaction
US5555303A (en) 1992-11-17 1996-09-10 Stambler; Leon Secure transaction system and method utilized therein
US5524073A (en) 1992-11-17 1996-06-04 Stambler; Leon Secure transaction system and method utilized therein
US5410326A (en) 1992-12-04 1995-04-25 Goldstein; Steven W. Programmable remote control device for interacting with a plurality of remotely controlled devices
US5752836A (en) 1993-02-05 1998-05-19 National Computer Systems, Inc. Categorized test item reporting method
WO1994023537A1 (en) 1993-04-01 1994-10-13 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Method and system for accessing multimedia data over public switched telephone network
US5564073A (en) 1993-04-08 1996-10-08 Digital D.J. Inc. Broadcast system with associated data capabilities
US5423555A (en) 1993-04-14 1995-06-13 Kidrin; Thom Interactive television and video game system
US5438355A (en) 1993-04-16 1995-08-01 Palmer; Shelton L. Interactive system for processing viewer responses to television programming
US5570126A (en) 1993-05-03 1996-10-29 Lucent Technologies Inc. System for composing multimedia signals for interactive television services
US5633918A (en) 1993-08-03 1997-05-27 Mankovitz; Roy J. Information distribution system
US5859662A (en) 1993-08-06 1999-01-12 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus and method for selectively viewing video information
US5458494A (en) 1993-08-23 1995-10-17 Edutech Research Labs, Ltd. Remotely operable teaching system and method therefor
US5589892A (en) 1993-09-09 1996-12-31 Knee; Robert A. Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
US5481542A (en) 1993-11-10 1996-01-02 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Interactive information services control system
US5649284A (en) 1993-12-17 1997-07-15 Sony Corporation Multiplex broadcasting system
EP0673164A1 (en) 1994-03-18 1995-09-20 AT&T Corp. System and method of capturing encoded data transmitted over a communications network in a video system
US5570295A (en) * 1994-03-18 1996-10-29 Lucent Technologies Inc. System and method of capturing encoded data transmitted over a communications network in a video system
US5534913A (en) 1994-03-31 1996-07-09 At&T Corp. Apparatus and method for integrating downstream data transfer over a cable television channel with upstream data carrier by other media
US5668592A (en) 1994-04-06 1997-09-16 Interaxx Television Network, Inc. Interactive television terminal responsive to user commands which combines static service data and recurrently broadcast dynamic service data to produce composite service display signals
US6021307A (en) 1994-04-07 2000-02-01 Chan; Hark C. Information distribution and processing system
US5537141A (en) 1994-04-15 1996-07-16 Actv, Inc. Distance learning system providing individual television participation, audio responses and memory for every student
US5585858A (en) 1994-04-15 1996-12-17 Actv, Inc. Simulcast of interactive signals with a conventional video signal
US5539471A (en) 1994-05-03 1996-07-23 Microsoft Corporation System and method for inserting and recovering an add-on data signal for transmission with a video signal
US5558339A (en) 1994-05-05 1996-09-24 Perlman; Stephen G. Network architecture to support recording and playback of real-time video games
US5782692A (en) 1994-07-21 1998-07-21 Stelovsky; Jan Time-segmented multimedia game playing and authoring system
US5572442A (en) 1994-07-21 1996-11-05 Information Highway Media Corporation System for distributing subscription and on-demand audio programming
US5641319A (en) 1994-08-10 1997-06-24 Lodgenet Entertainment Corporation Entertainment system for providing interactive video game responses to the game interrogations to the video game engines without being processed by the host computer
US5907715A (en) 1994-08-10 1999-05-25 Lodgenet Entertainment Corporation Entertainment system for collecting user inputs by periodically interleaving game collection interrogations into series of system interrogations during interruption of system interrogations
WO1996007270A1 (en) 1994-08-31 1996-03-07 Yuen Henry C Method and apparatus for displaying television programs and related text
US5694334A (en) 1994-09-08 1997-12-02 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for electronic distribution of digital multi-media information
US5632007A (en) 1994-09-23 1997-05-20 Actv, Inc. Interactive system and method for offering expert based interactive programs
US6064438A (en) 1994-10-24 2000-05-16 Intel Corporation Video indexing protocol
WO1996013124A1 (en) 1994-10-24 1996-05-02 Intel Corporation Video indexing protocol
US5878222A (en) * 1994-11-14 1999-03-02 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for controlling video/audio and channel selection for a communication signal based on channel data indicative of channel contents of a signal
US5617565A (en) 1994-11-29 1997-04-01 Hitachi America, Ltd. Broadcast interactive multimedia system
US5530469A (en) 1994-12-20 1996-06-25 Garfinkle; Norton Interactive television with correlation of viewers input and results made available to each viewer
US5640192A (en) 1994-12-20 1997-06-17 Garfinkle; Norton Interactive viewer response system
US5729252A (en) 1994-12-27 1998-03-17 Lucent Technologies, Inc. Multimedia program editing system and method
EP0723369A1 (en) 1995-01-23 1996-07-24 NTEX datacommunications bv Access method retrieving Internet information through Teletext/Videotex and the reverse
US5649003A (en) * 1995-02-27 1997-07-15 At&T Method in a communications systems for providing an out-of-band signaling response based on predetermined conditions
US5612730A (en) 1995-03-03 1997-03-18 Multimedia Systems Corporation Interactive system for a closed cable network
US5696905A (en) 1995-03-20 1997-12-09 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for providing merchant information and establishing links to merchants while presenting a movie
US5553221A (en) 1995-03-20 1996-09-03 International Business Machine Corporation System and method for enabling the creation of personalized movie presentations and personalized movie collections
US5623589A (en) 1995-03-31 1997-04-22 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for incrementally browsing levels of stories
US5586121A (en) 1995-04-21 1996-12-17 Hybrid Networks, Inc. Asymmetric hybrid access system and method
US5969715A (en) 1995-04-26 1999-10-19 Wink Communications, Inc. Compact graphical interactive information system
US5689799A (en) 1995-04-26 1997-11-18 Wink Communications, Inc. Method and apparatus for routing confidential information
US5848352A (en) 1995-04-26 1998-12-08 Wink Communications, Inc. Compact graphical interactive information system
US6198509B1 (en) 1995-04-26 2001-03-06 Wink Communications, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing and receiving broadcaster information
US5677708A (en) 1995-05-05 1997-10-14 Microsoft Corporation System for displaying a list on a display screen
US5721829A (en) 1995-05-05 1998-02-24 Microsoft Corporation System for automatic pause/resume of content delivered on a channel in response to switching to and from that channel and resuming so that a portion of the content is repeated
US5659366A (en) 1995-05-10 1997-08-19 Matsushita Electric Corporation Of America Notification system for television receivers
US5643088A (en) 1995-05-31 1997-07-01 Interactive Network, Inc. Game of skill or chance playable by remote participants in conjunction with a common game event including inserted interactive advertising
US5737532A (en) 1995-06-06 1998-04-07 Hughes Missile Systems Company System and technique for accessing stored audio and visual information from a database
US5818441A (en) * 1995-06-15 1998-10-06 Intel Corporation System and method for simulating two-way connectivity for one way data streams
US5682196A (en) 1995-06-22 1997-10-28 Actv, Inc. Three-dimensional (3D) video presentation system providing interactive 3D presentation with personalized audio responses for multiple viewers
US6075527A (en) 1995-07-31 2000-06-13 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Interactive television system
EP0757485A2 (en) 1995-07-31 1997-02-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Interactive television system
US5679077A (en) 1995-08-11 1997-10-21 Pocock; Terrence System and method for remote participation in bingo and other games of chance where players select numbers
US6004211A (en) 1995-09-08 1999-12-21 O.D.S. Technologies, L.P. Interactive wagering systems and processes
US5761602A (en) 1995-09-13 1998-06-02 Wagner Dsp Technologies Hybrid multichannel data transmission system utilizing a broadcast medium
US5884032A (en) 1995-09-25 1999-03-16 The New Brunswick Telephone Company, Limited System for coordinating communications via customer contact channel changing system using call centre for setting up the call between customer and an available help agent
US5694163A (en) 1995-09-28 1997-12-02 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for viewing of on-line information service chat data incorporated in a broadcast television program
US5708845A (en) 1995-09-29 1998-01-13 Wistendahl; Douglass A. System for mapping hot spots in media content for interactive digital media program
US6230325B1 (en) * 1995-10-05 2001-05-08 Nec Corporation Information network system making use of television or radio broadcasting and broadcast receiving user terminal
US5734437A (en) 1995-10-13 1998-03-31 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Character display apparatus for an intelligence television
US5572643A (en) 1995-10-19 1996-11-05 Judson; David H. Web browser with dynamic display of information objects during linking
US5794250A (en) 1995-10-20 1998-08-11 Ncr Corporation Method and apparatus for extending existing database management system for new data types
US6199206B1 (en) * 1995-10-24 2001-03-06 Sony Corporation Television transmitter, television transmitting method, television receiver and television receiving method
US5905865A (en) 1995-10-30 1999-05-18 Web Pager, Inc. Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses
US5724103A (en) 1995-11-13 1998-03-03 Intel Corporation CD ROM information references delivered to a personal computer using the vertical blanking intervals associated data technology from a nabts compliant television broadcast program
US5657450A (en) 1995-11-15 1997-08-12 Xerox Corporation Method and apparatus for time estimation and progress feedback on distal access operations
EP0879536B1 (en) 1995-12-08 1999-09-29 Fridley Technologies Limited Method for reproducing visual information
US5860862A (en) 1996-01-05 1999-01-19 William W. Junkin Trust Interactive system allowing real time participation
US5912700A (en) 1996-01-10 1999-06-15 Fox Sports Productions, Inc. System for enhancing the television presentation of an object at a sporting event
US6183366B1 (en) 1996-01-19 2001-02-06 Sheldon Goldberg Network gaming system
WO1997027546A1 (en) 1996-01-26 1997-07-31 Ex Machina, Inc. System and method for transmission of data
US6021433A (en) 1996-01-26 2000-02-01 Wireless Internet, Inc. System and method for transmission of data
WO1997027683A1 (en) 1996-01-26 1997-07-31 Soelvason Ivan A method and a system for communication of control information from a control information generator to one or more computer installations
US6003073A (en) 1996-01-26 1999-12-14 Solvason; Ivan Method and a system for communication of control information from a control information generator to one or more computer installations
US6233736B1 (en) 1996-02-08 2001-05-15 Media Online Services, Inc. Media online service access system and method
US5761606A (en) 1996-02-08 1998-06-02 Wolzien; Thomas R. Media online services access via address embedded in video or audio program
US5898919A (en) 1996-02-26 1999-04-27 E Guide, Inc. Cordless phone back link for interactive television system
US5774664A (en) 1996-03-08 1998-06-30 Actv, Inc. Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments
WO1997033434A1 (en) 1996-03-08 1997-09-12 Actv, Inc. An integrated interactive video and internet system
US5778181A (en) 1996-03-08 1998-07-07 Actv, Inc. Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments
US6018768A (en) 1996-03-08 2000-01-25 Actv, Inc. Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments
EP0982943A2 (en) 1996-03-08 2000-03-01 Actv, Inc. An intergrated interactive video and internet system
US6006256A (en) 1996-03-11 1999-12-21 Opentv, Inc. System and method for inserting interactive program content within a television signal originating at a remote network
US6025837A (en) 1996-03-29 2000-02-15 Micrsoft Corporation Electronic program guide with hyperlinks to target resources
US6058430A (en) 1996-04-19 2000-05-02 Kaplan; Kenneth B. Vertical blanking interval encoding of internet addresses for integrated television/internet devices
US5907322A (en) 1996-10-16 1999-05-25 Catch Tv Acquisition Corp. Television event marking system
US5774666A (en) 1996-10-18 1998-06-30 Silicon Graphics, Inc. System and method for displaying uniform network resource locators embedded in time-based medium
JPH10145687A (en) 1996-11-12 1998-05-29 Sony Corp Network connector
JPH10155119A (en) 1996-11-22 1998-06-09 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Internet-corresponding television system and access method using it
JPH10164529A (en) 1996-11-28 1998-06-19 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Television-broadcasting method and television receiver
US6018764A (en) * 1996-12-10 2000-01-25 General Instrument Corporation Mapping uniform resource locators to broadcast addresses in a television signal
US5889950A (en) 1996-12-20 1999-03-30 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for distribution of broadcast data
US5931908A (en) 1996-12-23 1999-08-03 The Walt Disney Corporation Visual object present within live programming as an actionable event for user selection of alternate programming wherein the actionable event is selected by human operator at a head end for distributed data and programming
US6080063A (en) 1997-01-06 2000-06-27 Khosla; Vinod Simulated real time game play with live event
US6135881A (en) 1997-03-31 2000-10-24 Inventure, Inc. Sports forecasting game
US5931408A (en) 1997-07-30 1999-08-03 Tokusen Kogyo Co., Ltd. Metal wire winding reel with easy wire engagement and release
US6061719A (en) 1997-11-06 2000-05-09 Lucent Technologies Inc. Synchronized presentation of television programming and web content
US6073931A (en) 1998-02-04 2000-06-13 Great Lakes Dart Mfg., Inc. Folding backboard for receiving a dart board thereon
US6067107A (en) 1998-04-30 2000-05-23 Wink Communications, Inc. Response capacity management in interactive broadcast systems by periodic reconfiguration of response priorities

Non-Patent Citations (186)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Administrating a Moderator Classroom"; www/nova.edu/factrain/ How to Moderate.htm, Last Updated Apr. 30, 1998.
"An Exploration of Dynamic Documents in Netscape 1.1"; home netscape com/home/demo/1.1bl/pushpull html, Apr. 12, 2001.
"Broadcasters Guide"; Intercast, Intel Technology; Intel: Intercast: Viewer 2.0, 1998 Intel Corporation.
"Cable Satellite Terrestrial"; Montreux 1995, Jun. 13, 1995, Exhibition 9-13.
"Carriers, Convergence & Competition"; Telephony; Nov. 11, 1996, vol. 231, No. 20.
"Collabarative Document Sharing via the Mbone"; ncsa.uiuc.edu//SDG/Software/Xmosaic/CCI/webcast.html; Oct. 23, 1998.
"Couches Not Required"; Oct. 23, 1995, Media Week, v 5, n. 40, p. 34+.
"Delphi Moves HQ to New York, Adds 750 Jobs" (Delphi Internet Services will move its headquarters from Cambridge to Manhattan, and hire about 750 new employees in MA and NY), May 4, 1995.
"Earthweb Moderator"; scis.nova.edu/Orientation/moderator.html; Last modified May 17, 2001.
"EarthWeb Releases the Most Advanced Moderated Discussion Product for the Net"; PR Newswire; Monday, Jun. 23, 1997.
"Further Papers"; Montreux 1995; Jun. 13, 1995; Exhibition 9-13.
"Intel Leads Intercast Alliance For Digitized TV Oct. 24, 1995".
"Intel Links TV Thru The Net"; Oct. 30, 1995; Electronic Buyers News, p. 4.
"NBC, Intel, Others Hook Up to Offer TV Services via PCs"; Oct. 23, 1995.
"New Firm Develops Low-Cost Decoders For Web Transmission"; Mobile Data Report, Nov. 23, 1995, Information Access Company, Capital Publications, Inc. No. 23, vol. 7, ISSN: 1040-7022.
"New medium promises to combine television and Internet on home PC"; Dec. 1995, Broadcaster p. 13.
"Overview of Webcast"; ncsa.uiuc.edu//SDG/Software/Xmosaic/CCI/webcast-doc.html; Oct. 23, 1998.
"Problems with Server Push for Audio", Google Groups. Newgroups comp.infosystems www.providers, Aug. 21, 1995.
"Programme Production"; Montreux 1995, Jun. 13, 1995, Exhibition 9-13.
"Server Push with Real Audio"; Newsgroups:comp.infosystems.www.authoring.cgi; Oct. 7, 1995.
"Server Push-Audio?"; .../groups?hl=en&safe=off&th=26148002a40915e9,6&seekm=D7M2Gr.6rJ9s%40news ma; Google Groups: Newsgroups:comp.infosystems.www.providers, Apr. 20, 1995.
"Services At Your Fingertips"; Philips Telecommunication Review; vol. 52, No. 4, Oct. 31, 1995.
"Tagungsband"; FKTG (Fernseh-und Kinotechnische Gesellschaft); vol. 20, May 16-20, 1994.
"Technology, Tools and Applications: Notes for Presentors at Multicast Sessions"; Third International World-Wide Web Conference: .igd.fhg.de/archive/1995_www95/mbone/remote_sites html; Apr. 10-14, 1995, Darmstadt, Germany.
"Technology, Tools and Applications: Remote Conference Sites"; Third International World-Wide Web Conference. igd.fhg.de/archive/1995_www95/mbone/remote_sites.html; Apr. 10-14, 1995, Darmstadt, Germany.
"The Online Connection"; Dec. 26, 1995.
"Three More Operators, GI Join Intercast Effort"; Feb. 26, 1996; Multichannel News, V 17, n. 9, p. 53.
"Using ClassChat"; /sabe org/samplenetclass/ChatHelp.htm; 1997 Earth Web inc.
"Wink Bridges Interactive TVS, PCS", Multimedia Network Technology Report; No. 24, vol. 2, Dec. 11, 1995.
"WXYC Online!", rec.radio.broadcasting or rec.radio.noncomm, Dec. 1994. *
"Collabarative document sharing via the Mbone"; ncsa.uiuc.edu/SDG/Software/Xmosaic/CCI/webcast html; last updated Oct. 23, 1998.
A Synchronous Collaboration Tool for World-Wide Web Tak K. Woo, Michael J. Rees, Distributed Systems Technology Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072 ncsa.uiuc.edu/SDG/IT94/Proceedings/CSCW/rees/SynColTol.html, Apr. 12, 2001.
A Synchronous Collaboration Tool for World-Wide Web Tak K. Woo, Michael J. Rees, Distributed Systems Technology Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, no date.
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc. and ESPN, Inc: Civil Action No. 00 CIV 9622 (JSR) Notice of Subpoena to Jason M. Palmer, Sep. 28, 2001 (Exhibit 1 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc. and ESPN, Inc: Civil Action No. 00 CIV 9622 (JSR) Notice of Subpoena to Shelton Leigh Plamer, Sep. 28, 2001 (Exhibit 16 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc. and ESPN, Inc: Declaration of Jason M. Palmer, Feb. 14, 2002 (Exhibit 10 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc. and ESPN, Inc: Declaration of Shelton L. Palmer, Feb. 14, 2002 (Exhibit 18 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc., and ESPN, Inc: Declaration of Immanuel Freedman, Nov. 28, 2001.
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc., and ESPN, Inc: Expert Report of David B. Lockton, Jun. 11, 2001.
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc., and ESPN, Inc: Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001 (Exhibit 1 of the Declaration of Immanuel Freedman, Nov. 28, 2001).
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc.v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc. and ESPN, Inc: Declaration of Jason M. Palmer, Nov. 28, 2001 (Exhibit 4 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
ACTV, Inc. and HyperTV Networks, Inc.v. The Walt Disney Co., ABC, Inc. and ESPN, Inc: Declaration of Shelton L. Palmer, Nov. 28, 2001 (Exhibit 5 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Agreement for Professional Services, by and between Disney Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and SLP Productions, Inc., a New York corporation, with respect to the services of Shelton L. Palmer, Jul. 9, 2001 (Exhibit 13 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
AirMedia Live Wireless Network Service Plans brochure, © 1996.
Andreessen, Marc; "Crawling Info Displays and Slide Shows"; webhistory.org/www lists/www-talk.1993q3/1018.html, Mon. Sep. 27, 1993.
Andreessen, Marc; "Using Mosaic b Remote Control"; webhistory.org/www/lists/www-talk.1993q2/0447.html; Fri. Jun. 11, 1993.
Ari Ollikainen, "Re: New Internet medium announced", info.ietf, Oct. 1995. *
Article Review 1: Intercast brings Web to TV opim.wharton.upenn.edu/˜opim314/spring97/article1/article1/review1-leu.html, Sep. 30, 1998.
Authorization Letter from Webpager, Inc. to Disney Enterprises, Inc. authorizing payments to SLP Productions, Inc., Jul. 17, 2001 (Exhibit 21 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Batchelor, Steve; Throckmorton, John; "Enabling a New Medium for PC-based Multimedia Systems"; 1996 Digest of Technical Papers "International Conference on Consumer Electronics", Jun. 5-7, 1996; pp. 320-321.
Batchelor, Steve; Throckmorton, John; "Intercast-Enabling a Mainstream Broadcast Medium for the Personal Computer"; The First Annual Conference on Emerging Technologies and Applications in Communications, "Proceedings"; IEEE Computer Society Press; Los Alamitos, California; pp. 176-177, May 7-10, 1995.
Blake, Pat; "Turning On the Net"; Telephony; Nov. 11, 1996; pp. 34,38 & 40.
Braverman, Alan; "CCI Slide Show"; ncsa.uiuc.edu//SDG/Software/Xmosaic/CI/cci-slide-show html; Sep. 22, 1994.
Buford, John F.; "Evaluating HyTime: An Examination and Implementation Experience"; Multimedia Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Hypertext 96; Washington, DC pp. 105-115, 1996.
Bulterman, Dick C.A.; "Embedded Video in Hypermedia Documents: Supporting Integration and Adaptive Control"; ACM Transactions on Information Systems, vol. 13, No. 4, Oct. 1995; pp. 440-470.
Burns, Ed; "Overview of Webcast"; igd fhg.de/archive/1995_www95/mbone/webcast-doc.html, Created Mar. 19, 1995, Last modified Apr. 8, 1995.
Burns, Ed; "CCI for Perl:webcast 1.1a4 available"; hypernews.org/HyperNews/get/www/cciPerl/35.html; May 18, 1995.
Burns, Ed; "Webcast Man Page"; ncsa.uiuc.edu//SDG/Software/Xmosaic/CCI/webcast.3n.html, Last updated: Oct. 23, 1998.
Business Wire, Inc. Business Wire Re: Formation of Industry Group to promote new digital medium for the Home PC; Intercast Medium combines the Digital Power of the PC, the Global Interactivity of the Internet and the Rich Programming of television, Monday, Oct. 23, 1995 (Exhibit K to Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001).
Business Wire, Inc. Business Wire Re: Formation of Industry Group to promote new digital medium for the Home PC; Intercast Medium combines the Digital Power of the PC, the Global Interactivity of the Internet and the Rich Programming of television, Monday, Oct. 23, 1995.
Byous, John; "Java(TM) Technology: An Early History"; java sun.com/features/1998/05/birthday.html, Feb. 8, 2001.
Byous, John; "Java™ Technology: An Early History"; java sun.com/features/1998/05/birthday.html, Feb. 8, 2001.
Canadian Patent Database; filed on: Sep. 1, 1998; inventor, Hicks, John A. III, Application No. CA 2246023 "Internet Linkage with Broadcast TV".
Cdurham, "Re: Overkill of graphics in a webpage", comp.infosystems, Jun. 1995. *
Claveleira, Christian; "Les Applications de Travail Collaboratif"; cru.fr.multimedia/, Cellule Technique de CRU-03/2001, Novembre 16, 1995.
CNET Coverage: Intercast technology bring TV to your PC coverage.cnet.com/Content/Features/Techno/Intercast/index.html, Apr. 23, 2001.
CNET Special Reports Intercast Technology brings TV to your PC .cnet.com/Content/Features/Techno/Intercast/graphic.html, Sep. 30, 1998.
Comerford, Richard; "Interactive Media: An Internet Reality"; IEEE Spectrum; Apr. 1996; pp. 29-32.
Compton, Charles L. and Bosco, Paul D, "Internet CNN Newsroom A digital Video News Magazine and Library"; 1995 IEEE; Center for Advanced Engineering Study, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department.
Computer Aided Technologies, The Intercaster, May 1998 vol. 1.1 narn.quiknet.com/amintercast.com/index.htm.
Crowcroft, Jon; "Multimedia: Video and Audio Support?"; cs.ucl.ac.uk/staff/jon/book/node153.html; Wed. May 10, 1995.
Curriculum Vitae of David B. Lockton (Exhibit B to Expert Report of David B. Lockton, Jun. 11, 2001).
Daniel G. Pouzzner, "Re: The beginning of affordable supercomputing?", comp.arch, Mar. 1994. *
Dieberger, Andreas; "Browsing the WWW by Interacting with a Textual Virtual Environment-A Framework for Experimenting with Navigational Metaphors"; Acm, Inc., Hypertext 96: washington DC 1996; Georgia Institute of Technology, Schol of Literature, Communication and Culture.
Document demonstrating the public availability of the software of the system disclosed in the Dybvik Paper in 1994. (Exhibit 2 to the Declaration of Immanuel Freedman, Nov. 28, 2001.
Document titled "Interactive Television 1996, The University of Edinburgh Sep. 3-5, 1996".
Document Titled: "WebPager Provisional Patent Modifications", Oct. 6, 1996 (Exhibit 9 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Document Titled: "WebPager—Automatic Access With Existing Technology", Oct. 10, 1995 (Exhibit 7 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Document Titled: "WebPager—Automatic Access With Existing Technology", Oct. 26, 1995 (Exhibit 17 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Dr.-Ing. Gangolf Hirtz; "Wide-Screen-Signalisierung"; Fernseh-Und Kino-Technik; 49. Jahrgang Nr. Jul.-Aug. 1995; pp. 429-437.
Dr.-Ing. Stephan Breide; "Interaktives Fernsehen" (Service on Demand); Fernshe-Und Kino-Technik; 49. Jahrgang Nr. Mar. 1995.
Du, David H.C.; Lee, Yen-Jen, Ma; Wei-Hsiu; and McCahill, Mark P.; "Video-based Hypermedia for Education-On-Demand"; "Proceedings" ACM Multimedia 96; Boston, Massachusetts, Nov. 18-22, 1966; pp. 449-450.
Dziatkiewicz, Mark; "Intercast could reel in more $ for carriers; Intel's New Interact technology"; America's Network; Dec. 15, 1995, vol. 99; No. 24; p. 23; Advanstar Communications Inc.
Electronics Division; "Time Between Pictures-The Vertical Blanking Interval"; Colloquium, Digest No. 1994/016, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1994.
European Patent Application No. 96100183.1; filed: Jan. 8, 1996; "Data Communication Method and Apparatus for Requesting and Responding to Information"; Inventor, Ando, Ichiro.
Exemplary Claim Chart for Claim 1 of the '181 Patent and Palmer '865 (Exhibit S to Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001.
Exemplary Claim Chart for Claim 1 of the '181 Patent and the Dybvik Paper (Exhibit U to Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001.
Exemplary Claim Chart for Claim 1 of the '664 Patent and Palmer '865 (Exhibit T to Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001.
Exemplary Claim Chart for Palmer References (Exhibit 3 to Declaration of Immanuel Freedman, Nov. 28, 2001).
FAQ of The Intercast Industry Group, Jul. 10, 2001.
Fax Transmittal Cover Sheet from Alec M. Lipkind to Shelly Palmer, May 10, 2001, and Letter from Disney Enterprises, Inc. to Shelton L. Palmer Re: Consulting Agreement and Related Patent Transaction, May 10, 2001 (Exhibit 11 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Fielding, R. et al, Hypertext Transfer Protocol, Network Working Group Request for Comments: 2068, Jan. 1997.
Fred Lakin, "TV/Web Simulcast to be repeated", comp.infosystems, Jun. 1995. *
Frook, John Evan; "Sony Pictures launches areas tied to TV content"; 1995.
Gerfelder, Norbert; "Video Application in Multimedia Systems and Computer Networks"SMPTE Journal; Nov. 1996, vol. 105, No. 11 pp. 689-697.
Gibbons, Kent; "Intel, Cable Eye TV, Web Bridge"; Oct. 23, 1995.
Hart, Kenneth; "Group drives Net access over TV signals"; Nov. 6, 1995, Communications Week International, n. 154, p. 6.
Hart, Kenneth; "Group drives Net access over TV signals"; Nov. 6, 1995.
Hobbes' Internet Timeline, Apr. 15, 2001.
H'Obbes'Zakon, Robert; "Hobbes' Internet Timeline v5.3", zakon org/robert/internet/timeline/, Apr. 15, 2001.
Hock-Guan tan; "Adopting Teleview (an advanced photo-videotex system) for computer based learning activities"; cleo.murdoch.edu au/gen/aset/confs/iims/92/tanhg html, 1992 Promaco Conventions, Mar. 2000.
Hoschka, Philipp; "Towards a Real-Time Multimedia Web"; Birds of a Feather Session, Minutes from the 4th WWW Conference; Boston, Dec. 12, 1995.
Hufftaker, Mike; "Coax"; Telephony; Nov. 27, 1995; pp. 44, 46,48, 50-51.
Hughes, Kevin. "Entering the World-Wide Web: A guide to Cyberspace" Mar. 1994, ACM Press, ACM SIGWEB Newsletter, vol. 3, Issue 1, pp. 4-8. *
In the Matter of ACTV, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co.: Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002.
In the Matter of ACTV, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co.: Deposition of Shelton L. Palmer, Mar. 14, 2002.
In the Matter of ACTV, Inc. v. The Walt Disney Co.: Series of notebook pages bearing Bates Nos. DR 01942-58 (Exhibit 3 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002.
Intel.com Content Producer .intel.com/intercast/developer/content/who.htm, Sep. 30, 1998.
Intel: Intercast: Toold 2.0; "Installation Roadmap"; 1998 Intel Corporation, Hillsboro, Or.
Interactive Network Brochure for the IN Control Unit (Exhibit A to Expert Report of David B. Lockton, Jun. 11, 2001).
Interactive TV Trials, Video On Demand and Settop Trials, .teleport.com/˜same/cable4.html, Apr. 23, 2001.
Intercast Industry Group Member List—Associate Members .intercast.org/iig/iigassoc.htm, Sep. 30, 1998.
Intercast Industry Group Member List—Steering Committee Members .intercast.org/iig/iigsteer.htm, Sep. 30, 1998.
International Messaging Associates IEFT 1995 Archives Re: New Intercast medium announced mlarchive.ima.com/ietf/1995/2827.html.
Internet Marketing Discussion list archive: Intercast Introduced, Monday, Oct. 23, 1995 i-m.com/October-22-31-1995/0017.html.
Investors Business Daily Front Page, p. A9 and other page of vol. 12 No. 137 1995, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1995.
John Throckmorton and Steve Batchelor, "Intercast-Enabling a Mainstream Broadcast Medium for the Personal Computer", IEEE paper, May 1996. *
Jones, Lynn; "Internet Access Via Cable TV: high Speed Access To The Information Highway"; 1995 NCTA Technical Papers; pp. 398-413.
Kaltenborn, R.D.; and Mitchell, G.; "IBM-ITN Desktop News Service"; IBM United Kingdom Ltd./Independent Television News, UK, International Broadcasting Convention, Sep. 16-20, 1994; Conference Publication No. 397 pp. 509-514.
Kumar, Vinay; "An FYI: First Mbone Book Available"; sauce.uio.no/maill/mbone-1995/1776/html; Sun, Nov. 5, 1995.
Kumar, Vinay; "Mbone: Interactive Multimedia on the Internet"; New Riders, New Riders Publishing; Indianapolis Indiana, 1996.
Kumar, Vinay; proxy.belnet.be/packages.mbone/scr/www/shared-mosaic/README-Shared-Mosaic; Aug. 18, 1994.
Learn_Ed Deliverable 6; "Preliminary Service Specifications (Draft)"; Dec. 31, 1995.
Learn_Ed Deliverable 9; "Service Specifications (Draft)"; titan.mic.dundee.ac.uk/projectpages/LEARNEDDels/deliverable9/Contents.htm; Dec. 31, 1996.
Lee Gomes, Knight-Ridder; "System puts Web pages on TVs"; Calgary Herald; Oct. 26, 1995, Thursday; 1995 Southam Inc.
Letter Agreement, by and among Disney Enterprises, Inc., SLP Productions, Inc. and Shelton L. Palmer, Jul. 20, 2001 (Exhibit 19 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Letter Agreement, by and among Disney Enterprises, Inc., Web Pager, Inc., SLP Productions, Inc., Shelton L. Palmer and Jason M. Palmer, Jul. 20, 2001 (Exhibit 20 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Letter from Disney Enterprises, Inc. to Shelton L. Palmer Re: Consulting Agreement and Related Patent Transaction, May 10, 2001 (Exhibit 12 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Macedonia, Michael R. & Brutzman, Donald P., "Mbone Provides Audio and Video Across the Internet"; taurus.cs.nps.navy.mil/pub/mbmg/mbone.html; Mar. 1993.
Mandese, Joe; "Broadcasting, meet Intercasting'' Intercasting coming to PC screens", Oct. 23, 1995.
Mandese, Joe; "Intel To Unveil PC System For Interactive TV Viewing"; Electronic Media; Oct. 23, 1995, Crain Communications Inc.
Mandese, Joe; "Broadcasting, meet Intercasting″ Intercasting coming to PC screens", Oct. 23, 1995.
Marc Andreessen, "Using mosaic by remote control", comp.infosystems, Jun. 1993. *
Masinter, L.; Irvine, U.C.; Fielding, R. and Berbers-Lee, T.; "Uniform Resource Identifiers (URI): Geberic Syntax"; Network Working Group, Aug. 1998, pp. 1-33.
Matsuura, Yumiko; Kinohara, Seishi; Kubozono, Ryuji, Inagaki, Michihiro; and Gomi, Kazuhiro; "Browse Search Using Audio Key-Information For Multimedia On-Demand Systems"; IEEE Transactions On Consumer Electronics, IEEE Consumer Electronics Society; Nov. 1996, vol. 42 No. 4 pp. 900-906.
MBone Provides Audio and Video across the Internet, taurus.cs.nps.navy.mil/pub/mbmg/mbone.html; Mar. 1993.
McCanne, Steven Ray.; "Scalable Compression and Transmission of Internet Multicast Video"; Computer Science Division; University of California; Berkley California; Report No. UCB/CSD-96-928; Dec. 16, 1996; pp. 1-170.
Michaelr, "Intercast VBI data stream", rec.video.satellite.tvro, May 1996. *
Microsoft Digital Television: Using Analog to Deliver Digital: The VBI microsoft.com/dtv/del_art_vbioi.htm, Oct. 1, 1998.
Mogul, J.; Frystyk, H.; Fielding, R.; Gettys, J. and Berners-Lee, T.; "Hypertext Transfer Protocol-HTTP/1.1"; .ics uci.edu/pub/ietf/htt/rfc2068.txt; Jan. 1997, pp. 1-134.
Morganti, Michele and Fdida, Serge; "Multimedia Applications, Services and Techniques" "Lecture Notes in Computer Science"; ECMAST '97, Second European Conference, Milan, Italy; May 1997.
Norpak—Article 1: VBI Data Broadcasting www.vpi.ru/VBIteche.htm, Sep. 30, 1998.
Parliament of Autralia, Parliament Library Bill Digest No. 179 1997-98 Datacasting Charge (Imposition) Bill 1998 aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/1997-98/98bd179.htm.
PC Magazine: PC Tech, Intercast Brings the Web to TV home.zdnet.com/pcmag/pctech/content/16/02/irl602.002.html, Sep. 30, 1998.
Perry, Burt; Williams, David M.; "Rich Online Services As the Archetype For Interactive TV"; 1994 NCTA Technical Papers; 43rd Annual NCTA Convention and Exposition, May 22-25, 1994.
Pitkow, J. & Recker, M. (1995). Using the Web as a survey tool: Results from the second WWW user survey. Journal of Computer Networks and ISDN Systems, 27(6), 809-822.
Press, Larry, "The Internet and Interactive Television." Association for Computing Machinery. Communications of ACM, Dec. 1993; 36, 12; ABI/Inform Global, New York, NY.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. H. Schroder; "Multimedia: Anwendungen, Technologie, Systeme"; ITG-Fachbericht, Oktober . 4-6, 1995, Dortmund.
Quyyum, Hamid: "Using IVDS and VDI For Interactive Television"; IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics, vol. 42, No. 3, Aug. 1996; pp. 657-666.
Robertson, Jack; "Will TV Industry Grab Piece of Internet Action?"; Electronic Buyer's News, 1996, n. 991, p. 15.
Roseman, Mark and Greenberg, Saul; "Teamrooms: Network Places for Collaboration" Dept. of Computer Science, University of Calgary. Computer Supported Cooperative Work, 96 pp. 325-333, 1996.
Rosenthal, Edmond; "Intercast Partners Gear Up For PC/TV Viewing"; Electronic Media; Feb. 5, 1996, Crain Communications Inc.
Rosenthal, Edmund; "Special To Electronic Media"; Feb. 5, 1996.
Silverman, Robert; "ESPNet SportsZone Scores Big on Web-Online sports service draws upon a number of content providers for continuous coverage"; 1995, p. 33.
Single Sheet Bearing Bates No. DR 1959 (Exhibit 6 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Smith, Ian; Sawhney, Nitin "Nick"; and Balcom, David: "Hypercafe: Narrative and Aesthetic Properties of Hypervideo"; The Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Literature, Communications, and Culture; College of Computing; Hypertect 96, Washington DC, pp. 1-10, 1995.
Sorensen, Tryggve; Solvoll, Dag; Maartmann-Moe, Erling; Lovett, Hilde; and Bryhni, Haakon; "On-Demand Regional Television Over the Internet"; Norwegian Computing Center; ACM Multimedia 96; Boston, MA pp. 99-107, 1996.
Supplier No. 19203632 Interactive television (Intercast standard) (Technology Information) Hogan, Mike; Polito, Julie; Grech, Christine; Schwerin, Rich; Schwerin, Wendin, PC Computing, v10, n4, p38(1) Apr. 1997.
Tarrant, D.R.; "Aspects of Enhanced Teletext"; JBC95; Conference Publication No. 413; Sep. 14-18, 1995; Amsterdam pp. 406-411.
Tatsuhito Nagaya and Akio Yanagimachi. "The World's Major Multimedia-type Television Services". Broadcasting Culture & Research, Jan. 1998, No. 4 (Special Issue: ISDB/ISTV), Tokyo, Japan, from .nhk.or.jp/bunken/bcri-fr/h04-r13.html.
The Second International WWW Conference 94, Mosaic and the Web, Advance Proceedings, vol. 1, A Synchronous Collaboration Tool for the World-Wide Web, 17 through 20 Oct. 1994 (Exhibit M to Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001).
The Second International WWW Conference 94, Mosaic and the Web, Advance Proceedings, vol. 1, Combining WWW/Mosaic with Realtime Multimedia Conferencing in Distance Education, 17 through 20 Oct. 1994 (Exhibit L to Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001).
The TextGrabber VBI Video Decoding System .unitec.com/textgrab.html, Sep. 30, 1998.
The Walt Disney Company Check No. 00676752 pauable to SLP Productions, Inc. in the amount of $650,000.00, Jul. 26, 2001 (Exhibit 14 to Deposition of Jason M. Palmer, Mar. 13, 2002).
Thierry Michel; "Synchronized Multimedia"; W3C Uner Interface Domain; 2000 (Mar. 22, 2001).
Third Workshop on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises, Sponsored by IEEE Computer Society, with support from AAAI, In cooperation with ACM Sigois, Hosted By The Concurrent Engineering Research Center at West Virginia University, Apr. 17-19, 1994 (Exhibit N to the Expert Report of Immanuel Freedman, Jun. 11, 2001).
Tim Murphy, "Entertainment: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club", comp.infosystems, Jul. 1995. *
U.S. Appl. No. 08/735,706; filed Oct. 23, 1996; "Television Transmitter, Television Transmitting Method, Television Receiver and Television Receiving Method"; Inventors: Ota, jun; Kisanuki, Chisato; Nishioka, Hisao; and Enomoto, Takaaki.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/043,541, filed Aug. 24, 1998, Abandoned Application.
U.S. Appl. No. 597,432; filed Feb. 8, 1996; Media Online Services Access Via Address Embeded in Video or Audio Program; Inventor: Thomas R. Wolzien.
U.S. Appl. No. 60/008,111, filed Oct. 30, 1995, Shelton L. Palmer.
Ueno, Mikihiro; Seno, Hiroshi, Kai, Kenjiro, and Isobe, Tadashi, "TV Newspapers in ISDB" "Multimedia Information Broadcasting Services"; IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting; Sep. 1996, vol. 42, No. 3 pp. 187-193.
UK Patent Application No. 9620741 0; filed: Oct. 4, 1996; "Interactive radio/TV Broadcast Uses Guide Tags to Access Database"; Inventor: Sashida, Takanori and Linuma, Kazumoto.
UK Patent Application No. 9701082.1; filed: Jan. 20, 1997; "Network Database System"; Inventor, Linuma, Kazumoto.
Usui, Kazuya; Ohya, Akira; Nishizawa, Taiji; and Kai, Kenjiro; "Multimedia Services in the HDTV Muse System"; IEEE Transactios on Broadcasting; Sep. 1996, vol. 42, No. 3 pp. 194-199.
Vedro info.p#ckets zno. 32, Dec. 1997 Beyond the VBI—High Speed Datacasting and Enhanced TV, By Steven Vedro cpb.org/testarea/library/infopackets/packet32.html.
Vetter, Ronald J. and Jonalagada, Christopher; "A Multimedia System for Asynchronous Collaboration Using the Multicast Backbone and the World Wide Web"; The First Annual Conference on Emerging Technologies and Applications in Communications; Oregon Convention Center, May 7-10, 1996, IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos, CA pp. 60-63.
Walter S. Mossberos, "Personal Technology", Printed Oct. 24, 1996.
Website pages of "AirMedia Live Internet Broadcast Network", printed OCt. 7, 1996.
Website pages of "PageCard Wireless Messaging System For Windows", Socket Communications printed Oct. 24, 1996.
Wiggins, Rich; "Re: Crawling Info Displays and Slide Shows"; webhistory.org/www.lists/ww-talk 1993q4/0030.html; Sun, Oct. 20, 1993.
Wiggins, Richard; "Crawling Info Displays and Slide Shows"; webhistory.org/www/lists/www.talk.1993q3/1017.html, Mon, Sep. 27, 1993.
WXYC representative, "WXYC's real-time internet simulcast", rec.radio.noncomm, Dec. 1994. *
Yanagimachi, Akio; Usui, Kazuya; Ueno, Mikihiro; Ohya, Akira; Nishizawa, Taiji; Kai, Kenjiro, and Isobe, Tadashi; "Interactivity in Braodcasting and its Application to ISDB Services"; IEEE Transactions On Broadcasting, IEEE Broadcast Technology Society; Sep. 1996, vol. 42, No. 3 pp. 179-186.
Yassini, Rouzbeh; "Cable TV's Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) Infrastructure for Data Communications"; NCTA Technical Papers, 1995-pp. 392-397.
Zawinski, Jamie; "Remote Control of UNIX Netscape"; home.netscape.com/newsref/std/x-remote.html; Dec. 1994.

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8577317B2 (en) * 2002-03-28 2013-11-05 Manor Research, L.L.C. Broadcast receiver and method for setting broadcast receivers
US10405053B2 (en) * 2005-01-05 2019-09-03 Rovi Solutions Corporation Windows management in a television environment
US11297394B2 (en) 2005-01-05 2022-04-05 Rovi Solutions Corporation Windows management in a television environment
US20110041154A1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-17 All Media Guide, Llc Content Recognition and Synchronization on a Television or Consumer Electronics Device
US20110078020A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2011-03-31 Lajoie Dan Systems and methods for identifying popular audio assets
US20120254234A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2012-10-04 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for audio asset storage and management
US8918428B2 (en) * 2009-09-30 2014-12-23 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for audio asset storage and management
US8843584B2 (en) 2011-06-02 2014-09-23 Google Inc. Methods for displaying content on a second device that is related to the content playing on a first device
USD833466S1 (en) 2016-09-19 2018-11-13 Oread Group, LLC Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5905865A (en) 1999-05-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USRE42103E1 (en) Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses
JP4768092B2 (en) How to control a computer with audio signals
US6961555B1 (en) System and apparatus for connecting a wireless device to a remote location on a network
US7925780B2 (en) Method for connecting a wireless device to a remote location on a network
US6594705B1 (en) Method and apparatus for utilizing an audibly coded signal to conduct commerce over the internet
US8005985B2 (en) Method and apparatus for utilizing an audibly coded signal to conduct commerce over the internet
US7996552B2 (en) Software downloading using a television broadcast channel
US7287091B2 (en) Method and apparatus for opening and launching a web browser in response to an audible signal
US7383333B2 (en) Method and apparatus for tracking user profile and habits on a global network
US8484362B2 (en) Method and apparatus for accessing a remote location by sensing a machine-resolvable code
US20050021671A1 (en) Method and apparatus for accessing a remote location by receiving a product code
US7636788B2 (en) Method and apparatus for matching a user's use profile in commerce with a broadcast
US20070106816A1 (en) Method and apparatus for utilizing an existing product code to issue a match to a predetermined location on a global network
US20070244712A1 (en) Method and apparatus for directing an existing product code to a remote location
CN100484236C (en) Mechanism for distributing content data
JP2003263582A (en) Electronic coupon transmitting/receiving system and portable terminal for receiving electronic coupon
EP1166559A1 (en) System and method for serving local and global media content
KR20040098630A (en) Content delivery apparatus and content creation method
WO2002071179A2 (en) Electronic coupons
US8712835B1 (en) Method and apparatus for linking a web browser link to a promotional offer
JP2001285830A (en) Digital television system
US7424521B1 (en) Method using database for facilitating computer based access to a location on a network after scanning a barcode disposed on a product
GB2356319A (en) Transmission of web address data in a radio frequency signal
US7900224B1 (en) Method and apparatus for utilizing an audible signal to induce a user to select an E-commerce function
WO2001015036A2 (en) Method and apparatus for matching a user's use profile in commerce with a broadcast

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12

SULP Surcharge for late payment

Year of fee payment: 11