US20010013125A1 - Method and apparatus for providing on-demand electronic advertising - Google Patents

Abstract

On-demand electronic advertising information is provided for items used in scenes of television programs. The advertising information is received along with broadcasts of associated television programs. Selected advertisement modes alert a viewer when advertising information is available for an item displayed in a scene of the television program broadcast. The viewer alert comprises displayed marks superimposed over the broadcast of the television program. The displayed marks comprise indicators for each item for which advertising data is available, and the indicators may be representative of the items to which the indicators correspond. The advertising information for a particular item is selected when the viewer selects the indicator corresponding to the item in which the viewer is interested. Upon selection, the advertising information is displayed along with the broadcast of the currently selected television program. The advertising information may be used to electronically order the associated item.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to television broadcasting, and, specifically to providing on-demand electronic advertising information and coupon information along with broadcasts of television programs.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Television broadcasting technology has improved tremendously since its inception. Today, television signals are broadcasted on the airwaves, through cables, and via satellite. The number of stations and programs accessible today has increased to hundreds of stations. Consequently, the television broadcast systems have increased in complexity in order to present the information on the hundreds of stations to the viewer.[0002]
• The current generation of complex broadcasting system technology provides the viewer with many options regarding the functions of the broadcasting system and the programs that are available for broadcast. These options include, but are not limited to, choices in presentation graphics, program directories that allow for channel surfing among program descriptions while watching a particular program on one channel, custom user-formatted menus, message receipt functions from a service provider, on-demand selection of pay-per-view broadcasts, selection of a broadcast for automatic recording, and programming a broadcast system to tune to a preselected station at a designated time. These broadcasting system options are typically accessed through graphical user interfaces.[0003]
• While the broadcast system technology improvements provide viewers with more programming selections and better picture and sound quality, these improvements provide retailers and service providers, the supporters of the broadcast system, with an improved medium over which to advertise their products. Retailers and service providers typically derive a benefit from the improved medium because the improved quality of the signals and the programming draw a larger audience, thereby providing them with a larger potential customer base. In spite of the larger potential customer base, there remains a need for an advertising system that better enables retailers and service providers to target customers with more product information and incentive to purchase than is provided with typical commercial segments. Furthermore, as a large number of homes contain personal computers, many of which are used to electronically purchase products and services via direct modem or Internet connections, there is a need to provide potential customers with product information and incentive to purchase that exploits the convenience of electronic purchasing.[0004]
• The success of the combination of targeted advertising and electronic purchasing is best demonstrated by the financial success of the typical home shopping networks. The typical home shopping network provides products for which they present detailed advertising information and allow for electronic purchasing. This is a form of on-demand advertising because when a viewer wants to shop, the viewer can tune in a home shopping network of their choice, and when the viewer tires of shopping, the viewer can tune to a different network or station. The on-demand nature of the home shopping networks is appreciated by the typical viewer.[0005]
• One form of advertisement that is very successful is the provision of coupons issued by manufacturers, retailers, and service providers that allow the consumer to save money on particular products during particular times. Typically, coupons are published in magazines and newspapers, and the consumer acquires the coupons by purchasing the magazine or newspaper. In the alternative, consumers are issued a coupon card by a particular retailer, wherein presentation of the coupon card, or electronic coupon, automatically allows the consumer to take advantage of reduced prices on particular goods without having to present coupons corresponding to the particular goods. However, there is a need for providing coupons that are compatible with electronic purchasing methods and which are accompanied by more detailed product information.[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A method and apparatus for providing on-demand electronic advertising are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, advertising information is provided for items comprising products and services used in scenes of live and prerecorded television programs. The scenes comprise currently displayed scenes, previously displayed scenes, and scenes that are to be displayed in the future. The advertising information is received along with broadcasts of associated television programs. The advertising information may be received simultaneously with the scenes in which the identified items corresponding to the advertising information appear. Furthermore, the advertising information may be received prior to receipt of the scenes or television programs in which the identified items corresponding to the advertising information appear, in which case the advertising information is stored.[0007]
• In accessing the advertising information, one of a number of display modes are selected by a viewer or user. The display modes comprise an advertisement mode, a stored advertisement mode, and a non-advertisement mode. When the advertisement mode is selected, the viewer is alerted when advertising information is available for an item displayed in a scene of the television program broadcast. The viewer alert comprises a tone and at least one displayed mark, wherein the displayed marks may be superimposed over the broadcast of the television program on the screen. The displayed marks comprise an indicator for each item for which advertising data is available, and the indicators may be representative of the items to which the indicators correspond.[0008]
• The advertising information for a particular item is requested when the viewer selects the indicator corresponding to the item in which the viewer is interested. The selection is performed using a cursor or pointer. Upon request, the advertising information is displayed on a display along with the broadcast of the currently selected television program. The advertising information may be displayed by superimposing the information over the broadcast of the television program on the screen. Furthermore, the advertising information may be displayed on a portion of the display along with the television program broadcast, wherein either the advertising information or the television program is displayed on a picture-in-a-picture inset.[0009]
• The stored advertisement mode causes all of the advertising information for the associated television program to be stored. The stored advertising information is recalled and viewed at a time that is different from the display time of the scene in which the corresponding advertised item appears. When the advertising information is received prior to the associated television program, timing data is received along with the advertising information. The timing data links the advertising information to the corresponding television program scenes and items. The advertising information may be used to electronically order the associated item. The non-advertisement mode prevents display of advertising information to the viewer.[0010]
• In addition to the advertising information, coupon information may be provided to a viewer for selected items. The coupon information is received along with the broadcast of a television program. When a coupon mode is selected, the viewer is alerted when the coupon information is available. Selected coupon information is displayed along with the broadcast of a television program.[0011]
• These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description and appended claims which follow.[0012]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description in which:[0013]
• FIG. 1 is a computer system using one embodiment of the present invention.[0014]
• FIG. 2 is a diagram of a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system of one embodiment of the present invention.[0015]
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an IRD of one embodiment of the present invention.[0016]
• FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for providing on-demand advertising of one embodiment of the present invention.[0017]
• FIG. 5 is a television program scene displayed along with advertising information alerts of one embodiment of the invention.[0018]
• FIG. 6 is a sequence of displays of program scenes displayed along with advertising information alerts and advertising information of one embodiment of the invention.[0019]
• FIG. 7 is a sequence of television program scenes displayed along with advertising information alerts and advertising information of an alternate embodiment of the invention.[0020]
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for providing electronic coupons of one embodiment of the present invention.[0021]
• FIG. 9 is a television program scene displayed along with coupon information alerts of one embodiment of the invention.[0022]
• FIG. 10 is a sequence of displays of program scenes displayed along with coupon information alerts and coupon information of one embodiment of the invention.[0023]
• FIG. 11 is a sequence of displays comprising program scenes displayed along with coupon information alerts and coupon information of an alternate embodiment of the invention.[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• In the method and apparatus of the present invention the broadcast system described in one embodiment is a direct broadcast satellite system. However, it is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other processor-based systems that use on-screen menus may use the method and apparatus of the present invention. Furthermore, it is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other broadcast systems which have the capability of receiving and displaying a multiplicity of stations may utilize the method and apparatus of the present invention.[0025]
• In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth, such as menus, flowcharts and system configurations, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present invention. In other instances, well known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.[0026]
• It is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that additional functions can be added to the process and functions modified or removed and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. The system provides an innovative and user friendly access to a wealth of information regarding goods and services available through the broadcasting system. In the present invention a number of functions are selectable through the remote control device. It is apparent that these functions may be selectable through other devices such as a joystick or other means such as an on screen menu.[0027]
• FIG. 1 is a computer system using one embodiment of the present invention. The computer system comprises a[0028]bus101, or other communications hardware and software, for communicating information, and aprocessor109 coupled to thebus101 for processing information. Theprocessor109 represents a central processing unit (CPU) having any type of architecture. Thecomputer system100 further comprises a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device inmain memory104 coupled to thebus101 for storing information and instructions to be executed by theprocessor109. Thecomputer system100 further comprises a read only memory (ROM)106, or other static storage device, coupled to thebus101 for storing static information and instructions for theprocessor109.
• A[0029]data storage device107, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk and a corresponding disk drive, is coupled to thebus101. Thecomputer system100 may be coupled via thebus101 to adisplay device121 for displaying information to a user of thecomputer system100.Display device121 can include a frame buffer, specialized graphics rendering devices, a cathode ray tube (CRT), and a flat panel display, but the embodiment is not so limited. Analphanumeric input device122, including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to thebus101 for communicating information and command selections to theprocessor109. Another type of user input device is acursor control123 comprising a mouse, a trackball, a pen, a touch screen, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to theprocessor109, and for controlling cursor movement on thedisplay device121.
• In one embodiment, a[0030]hard copy device124 is coupled to thebus101 and is used for printing instructions, data, and other information on a medium such as paper, film, or similar types of media. Additionally, the computer system can be coupled to a sound device for sound recording andplayback125. The computer system can function as a terminal in a computer network, wherein the computer system is a computer subsystem of a computer network, but the embodiment is not so limited. Thecomputer system100 may further include avideo digitizing device126. Thevideo digitizing device126 can be used to capture video images that can be transmitted to other computer systems coupled to the computer network.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram of a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system of one embodiment of the present invention. The system has an[0031]antenna3, an integrated receiver/decoder2 (IRD), aremote controller5, and amonitor4. Packets of data are transmitted by a transponder on the satellite. Each transponder transmits data in a time share manner at a predetermined frequency. Theantenna3 receives an encoded data signal sent from a satellite. The data is received in encrypted and encoded, or compressed, form. Theantenna3 has a low noise block downconverter3a(LNB) (FIG. 3). TheLNB3aconverts a frequency of a signal sent from the satellite to another frequency. The converted signal is supplied to theIRD3. A tuner21 (FIG. 3) of a decoder is tuned in to the frequency of the transponder corresponding to a channel, which is designated by a viewer so that the packets of digital data are received by the decoder. The received encoded signal is decoded by the IRD. Themonitor4 receives a signal from theIRD3.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the IRD of one embodiment of the present invention. A radio frequency (RF) signal output from the[0032]LNB3aof theantenna3 is supplied to atuner21. The output from thetuner21 is supplied to a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK)demodulation circuit22 for demodulation. The output from theQPSK demodulation circuit22 is supplied to anerror correcting circuit23 for error correction. Atransport IC24 receives the data stream, consisting of packets of data, from theerror correcting circuit23 and directs portions of the data stream to the appropriate circuit for processing.
• The digital data stream sent from a satellite includes headers for classifying the different portions of the data in the digital data stream. The transport IC stores the headers in registers and uses the headers to direct the data. The data stream sent from the satellite includes video data in the format specified by the Motion Pictures Expert Group standard (MPEG), MPEG audio data, electronic programming guide (EPG) data or electronic menu data, on-demand advertising data, and electronic coupon data. Data that is identified by its header to be video data is transferred to an[0033]MPEG video decoder25. Data that is identified by its header to be audio data is transferred to anMPEG audio decoder26. Similarly, data having a header that identifies the data to be EPG data is transferred to a predetermined area in thedata buffer51 designated to store the EPG or electronic menu. Similarly, data having a header that identifies the data to be on-demand advertising data and electronic coupon data is transferred to a predetermined area in thedata buffer51. TheMPEG video decoder25 decodes the video signal received from the transport IC. Dynamic random access memory (DRAM)25a, connected to theMPEG video decoder25, is used for buffering and storage of video data during processing by the MPEG video decoder. TheMPEG audio decoder26 decodes the digital audio signal. TheDRAM26a,connected to theMPEG audio decoder26, is used for buffering of data and information during processing by theMPEG audio decoder26.
• The[0034]CPU29 is the central control mechanism and executes code stored in theROM37 to perform certain functions of the system. For example, the CPU processes certain data to control the generation of the on-demand advertising data and coupon data in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, the CPU receives and processes the user input, received from the front panel buttons or switches40 and thephoto detector circuit39, to provide the user functionality and access to the system described herein. A remote controller may be utilized by the user to transmit commands and make program selections in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Moreover, the CPU accesses user settings and preferences for processing of information and configuration of the system. The user settings are stored in the non-volatile memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)38. The CPU further maintains a list of pointers, stored in static random access memory (SRAM)36, to the channel information and program information as well as the advertising and coupon data stored in theSRAM51. Thus, when a user wishes to display a form of the advertising data or coupon data on the screen, theCPU29, accessing pointers stored in theSRAM36, communicates to thetransport IC24 to retrieve the data from the data buffer (SRAM)51 identified by the pointers. The CPU then formulates the format and other digital data which forms the associated information on the screen and forwards the data representative of the associated information to thetransport IC24 which forwards the data to theDRAM25aof theMPEG video decoder25 for subsequent output to the screen.
• The broadcasting system of one embodiment provides the viewer with programming information for a number of broadcasting stations, as well as providing the viewer with many options regarding the functions of the broadcasting system and the programs that are available for broadcast. These options allow for the controlled presentation of on-demand advertising information and electronic coupon information using an electronic program guide. These options further include, but are not limited to, choices in presentation graphics, program directories that allow for channel surfing among program descriptions while watching a particular program on one channel, custom user-formatted menus, message receipt functions from a service provider, on-demand selection of pay-per-view broadcasts, selection of a broadcast for automatic recording, and programming a broadcast system to tune to a preselected station at a designated time. These broadcasting system options are accessed through graphical user interfaces in the form of on-screen menus. The broadcasting system described herein provides an on-screenmenu display that enables the user to easily access and manipulate the functions of the system.[0035]
• FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for providing on-demand advertising of one embodiment of the present invention. Operation begins at[0036]step402, at which advertising information is received along with broadcasts of associated television programs. According to one aspect of the invention, advertising information is provided for items comprising products and services used in scenes of live and prerecorded television programs and live and prerecorded television commercials. The scenes comprise currently displayed scenes, previously displayed scenes, and scenes that are to be displayed in the future, but the embodiment is not so limited. The advertising information may be received simultaneously with the scenes in which the identified items corresponding to the advertising information appear, but the embodiment is not so limited. Furthermore, the advertising information may be received prior to receipt of the scenes or television programs in which the identified items corresponding to the advertising information appear, in which case the advertising information is stored along with timing data that links the advertising information to the corresponding scene or program. The television program is displayed, atstep404.
• In accessing the advertising information, one of a number of display modes are selected by a viewer or user. The display modes of one embodiment comprise an advertisement mode, a stored advertisement mode, and a non-advertisement mode, but the embodiment is not so limited. The advertisement mode enables display of the advertising information. The stored advertisement mode results in the storing of the advertising information for presentation at a later time. The non-advertisement mode prevents display of the advertising information. A determination is made, at[0037]step406, whether an advertisement mode is selected. If an advertisement mode is not selected, operation continues atstep418. If an advertisement mode is selected, operation continues atstep408, at which the viewer is alerted when advertising information is available for an item displayed in a scene of the television program broadcast. The viewer alert comprises a tone and at least one displayed mark, wherein the displayed mark may be superimposed over the broadcast of the television program on the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. The displayed mark of one embodiment comprises an indicator for each item for which advertising data is available, and the indicators may be representative of the items to which the indicators correspond, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• Operation continues at[0038]step410, at which the advertising information for a particular item may be selected, or requested, when the viewer selects the indicator corresponding to the item in which the viewer is interested. The selection may be performed using a cursor or pointer, but the embodiment is not so limited. If advertising information is selected for display by the viewer, operation continues atstep412, at which the advertising information is displayed along with the broadcast of the currently selected television program. The advertising information may be displayed by superimposing the information over the broadcast of the television program on the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. Furthermore, the advertising information may be displayed on a portion of the display along with the television program broadcast, wherein either the advertising information or the television program is displayed on a picture-in-picture inset, but the embodiment is not so limited. Following display of the full advertisement atstep412, operation continues atstep414.
• If advertising information is not selected for display by the viewer, operation continues at[0039]step414, at which advertising information for particular items may be stored. If the advertising information is not selected for storage, operation continues atstep418. If the advertising information is selected for storage, operation continues atstep416, at which the advertising information is stored. The stored advertisement mode of one embodiment causes specified portions of the advertising information to be stored. The stored advertising information may be recalled and viewed at a time that is different from the display time of the scene in which the corresponding advertised item appears, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• Following storage, a determination is made as to whether the advertisement mode remains selected. If an advertisement mode remains selected, operation continues at[0040]step402 and proceeds as previously detailed. If the advertisement modes are deselected, operation ends as selection of the non-advertisement mode prevents the display of advertising information to the viewer.
• FIG. 5 is a[0041]television program scene502 displayed along with advertising information alerts521-529 of one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the broadcasting system comprises three operating modes, but the embodiment is not so limited. A first mode, the advertisement mode, enables the display of advertising information and corresponding advertising alerts, but the embodiment is not so limited. A second mode, the stored advertisement mode, causes the received advertising information to be stored, but the embodiment is not so limited. The stored advertisement mode causes advertising information received both simultaneously and prior to receipt of the corresponding scene or program to be stored. As advertising information received prior to the time of the corresponding scene or program broadcast time comprises timing data that links the advertising information to the corresponding scene or program, the timing data is stored along with the advertising information. The stored advertising information may be recalled and viewed at a time that is different from a display time of a scene in which the corresponding advertised item appears. A third mode, the non-advertisement mode, prevents the display of advertising information and corresponding advertising alerts, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• In the example that follows, the advertisement mode is selected in the broadcasting system, thereby enabling the display of advertising information, but the embodiment is not so limited. The[0042]program scene502 is one in which anadult actor590 and a child actor592 are enjoying a meal. The program scene520 may be from a live television program or a prerecorded television program, but the embodiment is not so limited. Advertising information is provided for numerous items511-519 present in theprogram scene502, as indicated by the displayed advertising marks521-529. When advertising information is available for a particular item, a corresponding advertising mark will be displayed on the screen. The advertising mark may be accompanied by a viewer-controlled alert tone, but the embodiment is not so limited. The displayed advertising marks may be superimposed over the program scene on any portion of the display screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. In an alternate embodiment, a portion of the display screen is allocated to contain the displayed marks, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• In one embodiment, the advertising marks are representative of the items to which the marks correspond. For example, the advertising marks may be some combination of alphanumerics and icons representative of the item, but the embodiment is not so limited. The advertising information for a particular item is selected for display by moving a[0043]cursor599 or other pointer to the corresponding advertising mark and selecting the mark. The cursor control comprises a remote control device and a mouse, but the embodiment is not so limited. The advertising information displayed for an item may comprise, but is not limited to, manufacturer's information, dealer information, service information, specification information, cost information, and availability. In one embodiment, the advertising information may comprise electronic catalogs that contain information on additional products and services offered by the particular manufacturer and dealer, electronic links to electronic catalogs, electronic links to product manufacturers and dealers that comprise electronic mail and voice messaging links, and electronic links over the Internet to the Web pages of product manufacturers and dealers, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• In the displayed[0044]program scene502, for example, advertising information is available for thechair511 in which theactor590 is sitting by selecting the corresponding chairicon advertising mark521. Advertising information is available for thehat512 worn by theactor590 by selecting the corresponding haticon advertising mark522. Advertising information is available for thehat513 worn by the child actor592 by selecting the corresponding haticon advertising mark523. Advertising information is available for theflower arrangement514 by selecting the corresponding vaseicon advertising mark524. Advertising information is available for thecake515 by selecting the corresponding cakeicon advertising mark525. Advertising information is available for thedishware516 by selecting the corresponding dishwareicon advertising mark526. Advertising information is available for thehighchair517 by selecting the corresponding highchairicon advertising mark527. Advertising information is available for theartwork518 by selecting the corresponding artworkicon advertising mark528. Advertising information is available for the table518 by selecting the corresponding tableicon advertising mark528.
• As an alternative to providing an advertising mark for each item for which advertising information is available, advertising marks may be displayed for general categories of items. For example, all clothing items of a scene for which advertising information is available may be grouped together to be accessed using one general clothing icon, but the embodiment is not so limited. Selecting the clothing icon results in a display comprising a list of each clothing item for which advertising information is available. Selecting an article of clothing from the list results in display of the specific information pertaining to the selected article of clothing.[0045]
• In another alternate embodiment, a single generic advertising mark may be used to indicate that advertising information is available for at least one item of a scene. Selecting the advertising mark with a cursor or pointing device presents a list of items superimposed over the displayed program broadcast for which advertising information is available. The viewer may then move the cursor to highlight particular items of interest, whereupon selection of a particular item results in a second display comprising particular advertising information about that product.[0046]
• FIG. 6 is a sequence of displays of program scenes displayed along with advertising information alerts and advertising information of one embodiment of the invention. The[0047]first display602 is a program scene depicting an automobile. When the advertisement mode is selected, in thesecond display604, an advertising mark “CAR”606 is displayed in a portion of thescreen608 reserved for advertising marks. Alternatively, theadvertising mark606 could be superimposed over the program broadcast on the screen. The advertising mark is placed at any location on the screen as selected by the viewer, but the embodiment is not so limited. In a system in which an advertising mark is displayed for each item for which available, theadvertising mark606 indicates advertising information is available for the car. In a system in which a generic advertising mark is displayed for a category of goods and services, theadvertising mark606 indicates advertising information is available for goods and services that are associated with the car.
• Following selection of the[0048]advertising mark606, the correspondingadvertising information610 is displayed in thethird display605. The display of theadvertising information610 comprises superimposing the advertising information over the display of theprogram broadcast602 and displaying theadvertising information610 in a prespecified or selected portion of the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. Following display of theadvertising information610, the viewer is provided with two selections612-614, but the embodiment is not so limited. The viewer may dismiss612 the advertising information, wherein the advertising information is removed from theprogram broadcast602. Furthermore, the viewer may store614 the advertising information, wherein the advertising information is stored in a buffer or register for later retrieval and removed from theprogram broadcast602.
• FIG. 7 is a sequence of television program scenes displayed along with advertising information alerts and advertising information of an alternate embodiment of the invention. The[0049]first program scene702 depicts a person with an automobile. This example details a system in which a generic advertising mark is displayed to indicate advertising information is available for at least one of the goods and services depicted in a program scene, but the embodiment is not so limited. When the advertisement mode is selected, an advertising mark in the form of a general icon “AD”720 is displayed in a portion of the screen reserved for the advertising mark. Alternatively, theadvertising mark720 may be superimposed over the program broadcast on the screen. The advertising mark is placed at any location on the screen as selected by the viewer, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• Following selection of the[0050]advertising mark720, the correspondingadvertising information704 is displayed. The display of theadvertising information704 comprises superimposing the advertising information over the display of theprogram broadcast702 and displaying the advertising information730 in a prespecified or selected portion of the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. Theadvertising information704 comprises information for thecar731, the car tires732,car detailing services733, car repair services734, theshirt735, and theshorts736. A viewer-controlledcursor739 or pointer is used to select advertising information on the car tires732. The cartire advertising information706 is displayed.
• Following display of the selected[0051]advertising information706, the viewer is provided with twoselections708, but the embodiment is not so limited. The viewer may dismiss the advertising information, wherein the advertising information is removed from the program broadcast. Furthermore, the viewer may store the advertising information, wherein the advertising information is stored in a buffer or register for later retrieval and removed from the program broadcast.
• In addition to the on-demand advertising information, a broadcast system viewer may be presented with electronic coupon information. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for providing electronic coupons of one embodiment of the present invention. Operation begins at[0052]step802, at which coupon information is received along with broadcasts of associated television programs. According to one aspect of the invention, coupon information is provided for items comprising products and services. The products and services may be used in scenes of live and prerecorded television programs and live and prerecorded television commercials, wherein the scenes comprise currently displayed scenes, previously displayed scenes, and scenes that are to be displayed in the future, but the embodiment is not so limited. The coupon information may be received simultaneously with the scenes in which the identified items corresponding to the coupon information appear, but the embodiment is not so limited. Furthermore, the coupon information may be received prior to receipt of the scenes or television programs in which the identified items corresponding to the coupon information appear, in which case the coupon information is stored along with timing data that links the coupon information to the corresponding scene or program. The television program is displayed, atstep804.
• In accessing the coupon information, one of a number of display modes are selected by a viewer or user. The display modes of one embodiment comprise a coupon mode, a stored coupon mode, and a non-coupon mode, but the embodiment is not so limited. The coupon mode enables display of the coupon information. The stored coupon mode results in the storing of the coupon information for presentation at a later time. The non-coupon mode prevents display of the coupon information. A determination is made, at[0053]step806, whether a coupon mode is selected. If a coupon mode is not selected, operation continues atstep818.
• If a coupon mode is selected, operation continues at[0054]step808, at which the viewer is alerted when coupon information is available. The viewer alert comprises a tone and at least one displayed mark, wherein the displayed marks may be superimposed over the broadcast of the television program on the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. The displayed marks of one embodiment comprise an indicator for each item for which coupon data is available, and the indicators may be representative of the items to which the indicators correspond, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• Operation continues at[0055]step810, at which the coupon information for a particular item may be selected, or requested, when the viewer selects the indicator corresponding to the item in which the viewer is interested. The selection may be performed using a cursor or pointer, but the embodiment is not so limited. If coupon information is selected for display by the viewer, operation continues atstep812, at which the full coupon information is displayed on the display along with the broadcast of the currently selected television program. The coupon information may be displayed by superimposing the information over the broadcast of the television program on the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. Furthermore, the coupon information may be displayed on a portion of the display along with the television program broadcast, wherein either the coupon information or the television program is displayed on a picture-in-a-picture inset, but the embodiment is not so limited. Following display of the full coupon information atstep812, operation continues atstep814.
• If coupon information is not selected for display by the viewer, operation continues at[0056]step814, at which coupon information for particular items may be stored on a removable recording medium. If the coupon information is not selected for storage, operation continues atstep818. If the coupon information is selected for storage, operation continues atstep816, at which the coupon information is stored on the removable recording medium. The removable recording medium comprises integrated circuit cards, or “smart” cards, magnetic medium, and optical medium. In an alternate embodiment, the coupon information may be provided to a system printer, wherein the system printer provides a printed coupon that may be redeemed by the viewer.
• In one embodiment, data corresponding to the television program with which the coupon information is associated is stored on the removable recording medium along with the coupon information. The data corresponding to the television program comprises, but is not limited to, the program title, the program description, the date of airing, the time of airing, and the channel on which the program is aired.[0057]
• Following storage, a determination is made as to whether the coupon mode remains selected. If a coupon mode remains selected, operation continues at[0058]step802 and proceeds as previously detailed. If the coupon modes are deselected, operation ends as selection of the non-coupon mode prevents the display of coupon information to the viewer.
• In one embodiment, the coupon information is redeemed by the viewer when the stored coupon information is read from the removable recording medium by a merchandise retailer or dealer. Furthermore, the data corresponding to the television program may be read from the removable recording medium by the merchandise retailer, but the embodiment is not so limited. In an alternate embodiment, the coupon information is redeemed by the viewer via an electronic link established with a merchandise retailer or dealer, wherein the electronic link allows the merchandise retailer to read the stored coupon information from the recording medium of the viewer at such time as the viewer electronically orders or purchases merchandise. The electronic link may allow the merchandise retailer to read the data corresponding to the television program; an alternative, however, establishes a second electronic link between the viewer's system and the collection center, wherein the collection center reads the data corresponding to the television program using this second electronic link. The data corresponding to the television program is electronically transferred to a collection center for statistical television data, but the embodiment is not so limited. The electronic transfer of the data corresponding to the television program may occur between the viewer's system and the collection center or between the retailer's system and the collection center, but the embodiment is not so limited.[0059]
• At least one condition precedent may require satisfaction prior to allowing redemption of coupon information by the viewer. For example, a viewer may be required to watch a particular program or combination of programs as a condition precedent to using selected coupon information. In one embodiment, the condition precedent is required to be satisfied prior to allowing the storing of selected coupon data on the removable recording medium. In an alternate embodiment, the coupon information is stored on the removable recording medium, and the condition precedent is required to be satisfied prior to allowing the coupon data to be read by the merchandise retailer or dealer.[0060]
• FIG. 9 is a[0061]television program scene902 displayed along with coupon information alerts920-922 of one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the broadcasting system comprises three operating modes, but the embodiment is not so limited. A first mode, the coupon mode, enables the display of coupon information and corresponding coupon alerts, but the embodiment is not so limited. A second mode, the stored coupon mode, causes the received coupon information to be stored for later retrieval, but the embodiment is not so limited. The stored coupon mode causes coupon information received both simultaneously and prior to receipt of the corresponding scene or program to be stored. As coupon information received prior to the time of the corresponding scene or program broadcast time comprises timing data that links the coupon information to the corresponding scene or program, the timing data is stored along with the coupon information. The stored coupon information may be recalled and viewed at a time that is different from a display time of a scene in which the corresponding advertised item appears. A third mode, the non-coupon mode, prevents the display of coupon information and corresponding coupon alerts, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• In the example that follows, the coupon mode is selected in the broadcasting system, thereby enabling the display of coupon information, but the embodiment is not so limited. The[0062]program scene902 is one in which two actors are enjoying a game of tennis. Theprogram scene920 may be from a live television program or a prerecorded television program, but the embodiment is not so limited. In one embodiment, coupon information is provided for numerous items910-914 present in theprogram scene902, as indicated by the displayed coupon marks920-924; however, coupon information may be provided for items that are not present in theprogram scene902. When coupon information is available for a particular item, a corresponding coupon mark will be displayed on the screen. The coupon mark may be accompanied by a viewer-controlled alert tone, but the embodiment is not so limited. The displayed coupon marks may be superimposed over the program scene on any portion of the display screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. In an alternate embodiment, a portion of the display screen is allocated to contain the displayed coupon marks, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• In one embodiment, the coupon marks are representative of the items to which the marks correspond. For example, the coupon marks may be some combination of alphanumerics and icons representative of the item, but the embodiment is not so limited. The coupon information for a particular item is selected for display by moving a[0063]cursor999 or other pointer to the corresponding coupon mark and selecting the mark. The cursor control comprises a remote control device and a mouse, but the embodiment is not so limited. The coupon information displayed for an item may comprise, but is not limited to, manufacturer's information, dealer information, service information, specification information, cost information, redemption information, and dates of validity. In one embodiment, the coupon information may comprise electronic catalogs that contain information on additional products and services offered by the particular manufacturer and dealer and service provider, electronic links to electronic catalogs, electronic links to product manufacturers and dealers that comprise electronic mail and voice messaging links, and electronic links over the Internet to the Web pages of product manufacturers and dealers, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• In the displayed[0064]program scene902, for example, coupon information is available for thetennis rackets910, theshoes912, and theclothing914. Coupon information is available for thetennis racket910 by selecting the corresponding tennis racketicon coupon mark920. Coupon information is available for theshoes912 by selecting the corresponding shoeicon coupon mark922. Coupon information is available for theclothing914 by selecting the corresponding clothingicon coupon mark924.
• As an alternative to providing a coupon mark for each item for which coupon information is available, coupon marks may be displayed for general categories of items. For example, all clothing items of a scene for which coupon information is available may be grouped together to be accessed using one general clothing icon, but the embodiment is not so limited. Selecting the clothing icon results in a display comprising a list of each clothing item for which coupon information is available. Selecting an article of clothing from the list results in display of the specific coupon information pertaining to the selected article of clothing.[0065]
• In another alternate embodiment, a single generic coupon mark may be used to indicate that coupon information is available for at least one item of a scene. Selecting the coupon mark with a cursor or pointing device presents a list of items superimposed over the displayed program broadcast for which coupon information is available. The viewer may then move the cursor to highlight particular items of interest, whereupon selection of a particular item results in a second display comprising particular coupon information about that product.[0066]
• FIG. 10 is a sequence of displays of program scenes displayed along with coupon information alerts and coupon information of one embodiment of the invention. The[0067]first program scene1002 depicts an actor and a bicycle. When the coupon mode is selected, in thesecond display1004, coupon marks “CLOTHING”1006 and “BICYCLE”1007 are displayed in a portion of thescreen1008 reserved for coupon marks. Alternatively, the coupon marks1006-1007 could be superimposed over the program broadcast on the screen. The coupon marks are placed at any location on the screen as selected by the viewer, but the embodiment is not so limited. In a system in which a coupon mark is displayed for each item for which advertising information is available, the coupon marks1006-1007 indicate coupon information is available for the clothing and the bicycle. In a system in which a generic coupon mark is displayed for a category of goods and services, the coupon mark indicates coupon information is available for goods and services that are associated with the category.
• Following selection of the[0068]bicycle coupon mark1007, the correspondingadvertising information1010 is displayed. The display of thecoupon information1010 comprises superimposing the coupon information over the display of the program broadcast and displaying thecoupon information1010 in a prespecified or selected portion of the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. Following display of thecoupon information1010, the viewer is provided with twoselections1012, but the embodiment is not so limited. For a first selection, the viewer may dismiss the coupon information, wherein the coupon information is removed from the program broadcast. For a second selection, the viewer may store the coupon information, wherein the coupon information is stored on a removable recording medium.
• FIG. 11 is a sequence of displays comprising program scenes displayed along with coupon information alerts and coupon information of an alternate embodiment of the invention. The[0069]first display1102 depicts a person with two dogs. This example details a system in which a generic coupon mark is displayed to indicate the availability of coupon information for at least one of the goods and services depicted in a program scene, but the embodiment is not so limited. When the coupon mode is selected, a coupon mark in the form of a general icon “SAVE $”1120 is displayed in a portion of the screen reserved for the coupon mark. Alternatively, thecoupon mark1120 may be superimposed over the program broadcast on the screen. The coupon mark is placed at any location on the screen as selected by the viewer, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• Following selection of the[0070]coupon mark1120, thecorresponding coupon information1104 is displayed. The display of thecoupon information1104 comprises superimposing the coupon information over the display of theprogram broadcast1102 and displaying thecoupon information1104 in a prespecified or selected portion of the screen, but the embodiment is not so limited. Thecoupon information1104 comprises information forpet products1131,pet services1132, andclothing1133, but the embodiment is not so limited. A viewer-controlledcursor1139 or pointer is used to select coupon information on thepet services1132. Upon selection, thepet services1106 are displayed for which coupon information is available. Thecursor1149 is used to select coupon information on pet sitting, and upon selection the coupon information on pet sitting1107 is displayed.
• Following display of the selected[0071]advertising information1106, the viewer is provided with twoselections1108, but the embodiment is not so limited. As a first selection, the viewer may dismiss the coupon information, wherein the coupon information is removed from the program broadcast. As a second selection, the viewer may store selected coupon information, wherein the selected coupon information is stored on a removable recording medium. The coupon information on the removable recording medium may be redeemed by the viewer either using an electronic link or by presenting the removable recording medium to a retailer or dealer for reading, but the embodiment is not so limited.
• The invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiment. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.[0072]

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for providing on-demand advertising, comprising the steps of:

providing advertising information for at least one item, wherein the at least one item is associated with at least one scene of a television program;

receiving402 the advertising information along with a broadcast of the television program;

selecting one of a plurality of display modes, wherein the plurality of display modes comprises an advertisement mode;

alerting a viewer when the advertising information is available for the at least one item of the at least one scene; and

displaying the advertising information on a display along with the broadcast of a television program.

2. The method of

claim 1

, further comprising the steps of:

providing the broadcast of a television program;

transmitting the advertising information along with the broadcast of the television program; and

storing the received advertising information.

3. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the plurality of display modes further comprises a non-advertisement mode and a stored advertisement mode.

4. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the step of alerting comprises providing at least one alert to a viewer when an advertisement is available for at least one item in a displayed scene, wherein the at least one alert comprises a tone and at least one displayed mark.

5. The method of

claim 4

, wherein the displayed scene comprises currently displayed scenes, previously displayed scenes, and scenes that are to be displayed in the future.

6. The method of

claim 4

, wherein the at least one displayed mark is superimposed over the broadcast of a television program on the display.

7. The method of

claim 4

, wherein the at least one displayed mark comprises an indicator that the advertising information is available for the at least one item in the displayed scene.

8. The method of

claim 4

, wherein the at least one displayed mark comprises an indicator for each item for which the advertising data is available, wherein the indicator is representative of the item to which the indicator corresponds.

9. The method of

claim 8

, further comprising the step of requesting the advertising information, wherein the step of requesting comprises selecting the indicator corresponding to an item in which the viewer is interested.

10. The method of

claim 3

, wherein the stored advertisement mode causes all of the advertising information for the television program to be stored, wherein the stored advertising information is recalled and viewed at a time that is different from a display time of a scene in which an advertised item appears.

11. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the step of displaying comprises superimposing the advertising information over the broadcast of a television program on the display.

12. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the step of displaying comprises displaying the advertising information on a portion of the display along with the broadcast of a television program, wherein the portion of the display is selectable by a viewer.

13. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the advertising information is received simultaneously with the at least one scene in which the identified at least one item appears.

14. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the advertising information is received prior to receipt of the television program, wherein the prior received advertising information is stored.

15. The method of

claim 14

, further comprising the step of receiving timing data that links the advertising information to the corresponding at least one scene.

16. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the television program comprises live television programs, prerecorded television programs, live television commercials, and prerecorded television commercials.

17. The method of

claim 1

, wherein the at least one item comprises at least one product and at least one service.

18. The method of

claim 1

, further comprising the step of controlling presentation of the advertising information using an electronic program guide, wherein the electronic program guide provides programming information for a plurality of broadcasting stations.

19. The method of

claim 1

, further comprising the step of providing electronic links to at least one manufacturer and at least one dealer of the at least one item using the advertising information, wherein the electronic links comprise links to Web pages and electronic catalogs.

20. The method of

claim 1

, further comprising the step of electronically ordering the at least one item using the advertising information.

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