US20070006267A1 - Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products - Google Patents
Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program productsDownload PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070006267A1 US20070006267A1US11/531,353US53135306AUS2007006267A1US 20070006267 A1US20070006267 A1US 20070006267A1US 53135306 AUS53135306 AUS 53135306AUS 2007006267 A1US2007006267 A1US 2007006267A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- product
- program
- information
- entertainment program
- viewer
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
- G06Q30/0613—Electronic shopping [e-shopping] using intermediate agents
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
- G06Q30/0623—Electronic shopping [e-shopping] by investigating goods or services
- G06Q30/0625—Electronic shopping [e-shopping] by investigating goods or services by formulating product or service queries, e.g. using keywords or predefined options
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
- G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
- G06Q30/0633—Managing shopping lists, e.g. compiling or processing purchase lists
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/488—Data services, e.g. news ticker
- H04N21/4882—Data services, e.g. news ticker for displaying messages, e.g. warnings, reminders
Definitions
- the present inventionrelates to a method and system for allowing viewers to purchase products shown on television shows. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for allowing television viewers to purchase products which appear on entertainment program-type television shows.
- Sales programsdo not constitute the most prevalent type of programming. Far more widespread are programs whose primary objective is to entertain. Entertainment programs, which include such programs as soap operas, sitcoms, dramas, and sporting events, generate revenue primarily by selling advertising time dispersed throughout broadcasts of the programs. Thus, while entertainment programs are supported by advertising, the artistic contents of entertainment programs are directed solely to entertaining viewers, and not to soliciting sales of merchandise as they are with sales programs.
- Present sales mechanismsare not effective for selling products that are related to entertainment programs. For example, while catalogs are presently used to sell souvenir merchandise such as t-shirts and coffee mugs, they do not sell products similar to television props. For example, a program viewer cannot buy the Armani suit that Frasier was wearing on the Jun. 30, 1996 episode. These products gain much appeal from their association with the program actors.
- the present inventionprovides viewers with a sense of immediate gratification through making the products readily available.
- Systems consistent with the present inventionallow viewers of an entertainment program to purchase products used in the program.
- Information about productsis stored in databases that can be accessed by operators based on viewer supplied information.
- the systemincludes means for storing in a database product information relating to a product shown in the entertainment program.
- Meansare provided for receiving from the viewer a request about the product shown in the entertainment program, the request containing a subset of the product information.
- means for identifying the product information in the database using the subset of the product informationand means for sending to the viewer the identified information about the product.
- the inventionincludes a system for allowing entertainment program viewers to purchase products shown in an entertainment program.
- the systemincludes a remote terminal for entering product data about a product used in the entertainment program.
- a central controllercoupled to the remote terminal, receives and stores the entered product data from the remote terminal.
- An operator terminalcoupled to the central controller, accesses from the central controller information about the product used in the entertainment program.
- FIG. 1is a block diagram of the product sales system consistent with the invention
- FIG. 2is a block diagram of central controller 110 shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3is a block diagram of remote terminal 150 shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4is a block diagram of operator terminal 140 shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5illustrates sample records from program database 262 stored in data storage device 260 shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6illustrates sample records from product database 263 stored in data storage device 260 shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7illustrates sample records from vendor database 264 stored in data storage device 260 shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 8illustrates sample records from order database 265 stored in data storage device 260 shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 9is a flow diagram representing a method for the operation of, remote terminal 150 shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 10is a flow diagram representing a method for processing data in central controller 110 of FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 11 a - 11 bare flow diagrams representing a method for processing a viewers' orders consistent with this invention.
- An entertainment programrefers to programs whose primary purpose is to entertain, and not to sell products or services. Examples of “entertainment programs” include soap operas, sitcoms, dramas, sporting events, and movies.
- An entertainment programmay be transmitted over any transmission media, such as wireless transmission, cable, or the Internet, or stored on a storage media, such as video tape or laser disk. Further, an entertainment program may be displayed on any broadcast media, such as television.
- the term “prop”refers to an item actually used on an entertainment program.
- productrefers to merchandise similar to a prop.
- the productis visually and/or functionally indistinguishable from the prop.
- the productmay or not be the same brand and/or make and model of the prop, but will not be the actual prop used in the show. This includes but is not limited to clothing, furniture, electronic goods, jewelry, cars, sporting goods and the like.
- the term productis not restricted to physical goods, but also includes services such as vacations or tickets to sporting events or shows. Additionally, videos of the episode would also be available for sale through this service.
- a central controllerstores information about products available for sale. Before an entertainment program is broadcasted, viewers are shown a telephone number that they can call to find out whether certain products used in the program are available for sale. Calling this telephone number connects viewers to an operator who queries them regarding products they are interested in purchasing. The operator then compares the information provided by the viewers with information stored in the central controller's database to identify the particular products each viewer would each like to purchase. The database is organized to allow the operator to access information with only a minimal amount of information describing the product. The operator may also provide viewers with information about products other than those the viewers asked about. If the viewers are interested in purchasing a product at this point, an order is placed for the product through the operator.
- FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 consistent with the present invention.
- System 100includes a central controller 110 , a viewer interface 120 , a telephonic interactive voice response unit (IVRU) 130 , a plurality of operator terminals 140 , a plurality of remote terminals 150 , and a vendor facility 160 .
- FIG. 1shows three operator terminals 140 and three remote terminals 150 , any number of these terminals may be connected to central controller 110 .
- one viewer interface 120 or multiple viewer interfaces 120can access each operator terminal 140 through a corresponding IVRU 130 .
- Central controller 110is linked to operator terminals 140 , remote terminals 150 , and vendor facility 160 through communication links, such as telephone lines or other data communication lines.
- IVRU 130is linked to viewer interface 120 by conventional telephone lines.
- Central controller 110receives product data and entertainment program data from remote terminals 150 and stores this data in a memory, as described below. Further, viewer interface 120 transmits a product request to a corresponding IVRU 130 and operator terminal 140 , each of which may be located in a call service center. The product request describes a particular product of interest to the viewer, and an operator at operator terminal 140 processes the product request. Terminal 140 then transmits program description data corresponding to the request to central controller 110 , which, after accessing the product and program data stored in its memory, transmits product identification data back to operator terminal 140 . This data is provided to viewer interface 120 . If the viewer decides to purchases a product, controller 110 transmits product order data to vendor facility 160 , which then routes the purchased product to the viewer.
- Central controller 110preferably includes a digital data processing unit programmed to execute unique functions and operations in accordance with the principles of the invention.
- a digital data processing unitmay include conventional hardware, such as the IBM RS 6000.
- Operator terminals 140 and remote terminals 150are digital data processing units, such as conventional personal computers configured to carry out the functions and operations described below.
- Viewer interface 120preferably comprises a conventional touch-tone telephone, although any device capable of transmitting messages may be employed.
- viewer interface 120comprises a conventional personal computer with a modem.
- the userconnects to central controller 110 or operator terminal 140 via the Internet or other appropriate data communication channels.
- FIG. 2is a block diagram showing one embodiment of central controller 110 .
- Central controller 110includes certain standard hardware components, such as central processing unit (CPU) 210 , random access memory (RAM) 220 , read only memory (ROM) 230 , clock 240 , communication port 250 , and data storage 260 .
- CPU 210is linked to each of the other listed elements.
- Communication port 250interfaces central controller 110 with operator terminal 140 , remote terminal 150 , and vendor facility 160 .
- Central controller 110executes one or more programs to perform the functions and operations described below, and stores several databases of data relating to those functions and operations. These databases include program database 262 , product database 263 , vendor database 264 , and order database 265 .
- the programs(described in reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 ) are preferably stored in storage device 260 and executed by CPU 210 .
- Transaction processor 261manages the storage and retrieval from the databases in data storage device 260 .
- Transaction processor 261may comprise a separate conventional microprocessor, as shown in FIG. 2 , or may comprise a portion of the operating function of CPU 210 .
- Program database 262provides a repository of information on entertainment programs on which products available for sale were used. By accessing the information stored in database 262 , operator terminal 140 can identify the particular entertainment program the viewer is calling about.
- FIG. 5shows a possible organization of database 262 with the following fields for each program: program record number 510 ; network 515 ; class 520 ; program title 525 ; episode date and time 530 ; scene data 535 ; episode status 540 ; episode title 545 ; episode plot 550 ; and special characters 555 .
- a manager of the systemassigns program record number 510 , which uniquely identifies a particular entertainment program.
- program record number 510could correspond to a program identifying number used in the VCR Plus system.
- Scene data field 535includes information identifying a particular program scene in which a prop was used.
- a sitcommight have a scene data record describing the activity of the characters in the kitchen if the prop being sold is a kitchen utensil.
- the remaining fieldsare self-explanatory.
- Episode plot field 550includes information describing the plot of a particular episode of an entertainment program.
- Special characters field 555includes data representing, for example, guest characters or persons appearing in a particular episode.
- program database 262includes fewer or more fields of program information.
- Product database 263provides a table of information on products indexed by a program record number 610 , which may be the same as program record number 510 . By accessing the information in product database 263 , operator terminal 140 can identify the particular product that the viewer is interested in purchasing. As shown in FIG. 6 , database 263 preferably includes the following fields on each product offered for sale: program record number 610 ; product type 615 ; program identifying data 620 ; product identifying data 625 ; product description 630 ; vendor 635 ; product cost 640 ; availability 645 ; and time code 650 .
- Program and product identifying fields 620 and 625include information that enables the identification of programs, and products offered for sale on the programs, respectively. Such information describes characteristics of the entertainment programs and associated products.
- program identifying data field 620typically contains information similar to episode plot field 550 .
- Time code field 650includes a range of time code values corresponding to the time during which the respective product was displayed on the program.
- Product database 263further includes information about the type of product for sale (product type 615 ), and retail information about the product description 630 , vendor 635 , product cost 640 , and availability 645 . In practice, product database 263 may include fewer or more fields for product information.
- Vendor database 264contains a table of information on the different vendors who supply the products. This table is preferably indexed by various vendor names. The information stored in vendor database 264 reflects information that central controller 110 can access about product vendors when placing orders. In other words, vendor database 264 provides information that may be either provided to viewer interface 120 or used while placing an order with a particular product vendor.
- FIG. 7shows a possible organization for vendor information containing the following fields on each registered vendor: vendor name 710 ; vendor identification number 715 ; products sold by the vendor 720 ; location of the vendor 725 ; and preferred methods of payment 730 . The nature of these fields are self-explanatory. In alternative embodiments, vendor database 264 may include more or fewer fields.
- Order database 265includes a data file for each order placed by a viewer.
- FIG. 8shows a possible organization of database 265 with the following fields for each viewer: viewer name 810 ; viewer address 815 ; order tracking number 820 ; order date 825 ; order amount 830 ; product ordered 835 ; product identification number 840 ; method of payment used 845 ; shipping data 850 ; and vendor used 855 (same as vendor field 710 ).
- Product identification number 840is preferably assigned by vendor 855 .
- Order database 265may, however, include fewer or more fields for order information.
- FIG. 3shows the architecture of remote terminal 150 of system 100 .
- Communication port 350provides an interface for linking remote terminal 150 to central controller 110 .
- remote terminal 150includes conventional computer components, including CPU 310 , which is connected to video driver 320 , video terminal 322 , data entry unit 324 , RAM 330 , ROM 340 , communication port 350 , and data storage device 360 .
- Video terminal 322is connected to CPU 310 through video driver 320 .
- Data entry unit 324shown to include a keyboard and a mouse, is connected to CPU 310 for entering data.
- CPU 310executes program modules (described in reference to FIG. 9 ) preferably stored in storage device 360 to perform the functions and operations described below in connection with remote terminal 150 .
- Storage device 360includes transaction processor 361 , program database 362 , and product database 363 .
- remote terminal 150operates conventionally.
- a remote terminal operatorenters into remote terminal 110 program data for program database 362 and product data for product database 363 .
- CPU 310formats the data for storage in program database 362 and product database 363 .
- Databases 362 and 363are similar in organization to program database 262 of FIG. 5 and product database 263 of FIG. 6 , except that databases 362 and 363 contain information entered in the remote terminal 150 .
- FIG. 4shows the architecture of operator terminal 140 according to the invention.
- Communication port 450provides an interface for linking operator terminal 140 to central controller 110 and IVRU 130 .
- operator terminal 140includes CPU 410 which is connected to video driver 420 , video terminal 422 , data entry unit 424 , RAM 430 , ROM 440 , and data storage device 460 . These components may also be conventional.
- Video terminal 422is connected to CPU 410 through video driver 420 .
- Data entry unit 424shown to include a keyboard and a mouse, is connected to CPU 410 for entering data.
- CPU 410executes modules stored in storage device 460 to perform functions and operations described below.
- storage device 460includes transaction processor 461 and order database 462 .
- Database 462comprises a subset of order database 265 of FIG. 8 , and includes order information generated locally by operator terminal 140 .
- system 100operates to create the databases for the sale of products.
- system 100operates using the databases to enable viewers to purchase products shown on an entertainment program
- FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating steps for entering program and product information into system 100 .
- This data entrymay be performed during or after the filming or taping of an entertainment program.
- a remote terminal operatorreviews the script of the entertainment program to determine which products will be offered for sale (step 910 ).
- the products soldare not the actual props used on the program, but substantially identical merchandise ordered from the particular product vendor.
- the actual props used on an entertainment programare sold to viewers.
- the actual items used by celebritiesoften have a significantly higher market value than identical, but new, items. Therefore, the price for the actual prop of an entertainment program may be determined, for example, by an auction among the viewers in which the prop is sold to the highest bidder during a fixed period of time. In an auction, each viewer telephones IVRU 130 to place his bid with an operator. Central controller 110 determines the winner of the auction by ranking the viewer bids.
- the remote terminal operatorenters program data for storage in local program database 362 of remote terminal 150 (step 920 ) and product data for storage in local product database 363 of remote terminal 150 (step 930 ). Examples of types of program data and product data are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Remote terminal 150transmits the data stored in program database 362 and product database 363 to central controller 110 (step 940 ). This may be done shortly after the remote terminal operator has entered the data or at a specified time interval (e.g., once a week).
- FIG. 10illustrates one way which controller 110 processes and indexes the data.
- central controller 110receives the data stored in program database 362 and product database 363 from remote terminal 150 (step 1010 ).
- CPU 210processes the data and accesses the program and product databases 262 and 263 from data storage device 260 (step 1020 ).
- controller 110merges the program and product data received from remote terminal 150 into the respective program and product databases 262 and 263 (step 1030 ).
- controller 110preferably merges program and product data from a plurality of remote terminals 150 , each remote terminal 150 corresponding to a different entertainment program. Controller 110 then assigns a program record number to each new program data file received from each remote terminal 150 (step 1040 ). Once the transaction is completed, the product data is indexed by the program record number (step 1050 ).
- FIGS. 11 a - 11 billustrate the process in which system 100 allows a viewer to purchase a product used in a broadcasted entertainment program.
- An entertainment programis broadcast to a number of viewers using conventional broadcast techniques (step 1105 ), such as over-the-air television broadcasts and cable transmission.
- the programmay also be played from a storage media, such as a video cassette or an optical laser disc, upon which the program is recorded or stored. If the program is played from a storage media, the program may include a statement telling the viewer the date after which products shown on the program will no longer be available for purchase.
- a viewerwishes to purchase a product displayed in the program, he calls the service using viewer interface 120 and is connected to IVRU 130 (step 1110 ).
- the provider of the programadds a text overlay to the entertainment program to provide the viewer with the telephone number of the IVRU 130 .
- the telephone numbermay be displayed either before the start of the entertainment program, at the end of the program, during a commercial; or during the program in a corner or along a side of the screen.
- the telephone numbercould also be made available in an entertainment program listing, such as TV Guide.
- the telephone numbermay be an 800 number, and the purchase price of a product is preferably charged to the viewer using either a credit card or personal check.
- a 900 numberis used as a communication and/or a payment interface for purchasing the desired product.
- the cost of the 900 number callis the cost of the requested product plus a connection charge.
- the cost of the productis billed to his phone number.
- the 900 numbercharges a service fee for the call plus a connection charge. Payment for the product is made in a conventional manner.
- a time codemay also be superimposed near the corner of the screen.
- the time codemay be a running clock which is incremented as the program is broadcasted.
- time code field 650 in Product Database 263contains the values of the time code during which products were displayed on the program. By displaying the time code during the program broadcast, the viewer can identify products by the time code value indicated when the viewer noticed the product was shown.
- IVRU 130preferably includes a voice prompt system which asks the viewer a series of questions to identify the particular program the viewer is calling about, and the viewer responds by pressing the telephone keys (step 1115 ). For example, a viewer calling the service to order a suit an actor was wearing in a recent episode is queried by the IVRU 130 for the following information: network identification (CBS, NBC, TNT, FOX, ABC, ESPN, USA), time of day (AM, PM) and episode time (8:00pm), date of episode (March 4) and name of show (Seinfeld). IVRU 130 transmits the responses from the viewer interface 120 to central controller 110 (step 1120 ). Central Controller 110 then transmits program description data to operator terminal 140 (step 1125 ).
- operator terminal 140receives product identification data from controller 110 (step 1130 ).
- Viewer interface 120 's callis then transferred to a live operator (step 1135 ) who, based upon the information received from controller 110 , asks the viewer further questions (perhaps even repeating the same questions as necessary) to determine which product the viewer would like to purchase (step 1140 ).
- the viewerdoes not have to know the name of the program when describing the product to IVRU 130 or to the live operator. For example, the viewer could state “I don't know the name of the program, but a tall guy spilled coffee on something.” The operator would then perform a keyword search on databases 262 and 263 , using the description given by the viewer. In this way, the particular product may be identified without additional information from the viewer.
- the operatoraccesses databases 262 and 263 to find data on the particular product that the viewer would like to purchase (step 1145 ).
- Central controller 110then outputs the data on the particular product to the operator (step 1150 ).
- the operatorprovides product ordering information to viewer interface 120 and requests payment for the product (step 1155 ).
- the callis terminated (step 1160 ) and the order is placed with vendor facility 160 (step 1165 ).
- Vendor facility 160then sends the purchased product to the viewer (step 1170 ).
- the servicecould simply forward the call to the vendor once the product has been identified and not process the order at all.
- the present inventionis practiced using an Internet interface to the service central controller 110 .
- a viewerconnects to a service web page using conventional web browser software and enters show and product identifying information in response to programmed queries.
- a conventional search enginesearches the appropriate databases, retrieves the episode and product information and displays a graphic presentation of the product. The viewer then visually identifies the product, and verifies electronically that the selection is correct. If the product selection was incorrect, the viewer is given the option to modify his search terms and submit a new query. Once the correct product is identified, the viewer purchases the product using conventional payment methods, and it is shipped to him.
- This embodimenthas the advantage of not requiring human agents to process orders.
- Systems and methods consistent with the inventionsignificantly increase the financial revenue of an entertainment program by selling props or products used on the program. This added revenue may lessen the entertainment program's dependency on advertising, allowing greater freedom in the artistic content of the programs. Vendors may also be willing to pay more to have their products shown on an entertainment program due to the enhanced exposure associated with being on the program.
- systems consistent with the inventionefficiently assemble program and product data into databases accessed by a central controller. Such data may be assembled, for example, for live broadcast entertainment programs, prerecorded (video tape) entertainment programs, or digital (laser disc) entertainment programs.
- Systems and methods consistent with this inventionalso provide a simple, effective interface through which viewers may purchase products of an entertainment program without special codes or product numbers to identify the products.
- the viewersimply describes the entertainment program that he was viewing, the particular scene in which the product was used, or merchandise information to identify the particular product.
- merchandise informationto identify the particular product.
- the present inventionprovides a system and method which efficiently sells products used on an entertainment program.
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a method and system for allowing viewers to purchase products shown on television shows. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for allowing television viewers to purchase products which appear on entertainment program-type television shows.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Television programs dedicated solely to selling merchandise, or sales programs, have been broadcast on television and other broadcast media. One example of such sales programs includes, “infomercials,” which are essentially lengthy paid commercials. Also, narrative television programs, in which scenes that showcase products available for sale are intermittently frozen while commercial sales of those products are undertaken, have been broadcast.
- In recent years, sales programs have become increasingly commonplace. This is largely attributable to the wide availability of cable television, which provides access to many more channels, and therefore programming choices, than would otherwise be available. Indeed, cable channels such as the “Home Shopping Network,” are devoted solely to selling merchandise.
- In addition to broadcasted television, promotional video tapes have also been used to specifically sell merchandise. Automobile manufacturers, for example, distribute video tapes containing product information to potential customers.
- Sales programs, however, do not constitute the most prevalent type of programming. Far more widespread are programs whose primary objective is to entertain. Entertainment programs, which include such programs as soap operas, sitcoms, dramas, and sporting events, generate revenue primarily by selling advertising time dispersed throughout broadcasts of the programs. Thus, while entertainment programs are supported by advertising, the artistic contents of entertainment programs are directed solely to entertaining viewers, and not to soliciting sales of merchandise as they are with sales programs.
- Because entertainment programs are typically not produced with the intent of selling merchandise, a potentially lucrative source of revenue has gone unrealized. Television viewers may find themselves interested in purchasing products which are the same brand or design as props seen in entertainment programs. However, the demand for these products has not yet been satisfied. Revenue from sales of such products could improve the financial success of an entertainment program. Manufacturers would pay to have their products used in popular shows. Further, the producer could charge a fee for each product ordered that was identified from their show. This could increase revenues as well as lessen the program's dependency on advertising. As a result, products could experience greater freedom of artistic content, increasing the variety of entertainment programs available to the public.
- Present sales mechanisms are not effective for selling products that are related to entertainment programs. For example, while catalogs are presently used to sell souvenir merchandise such as t-shirts and coffee mugs, they do not sell products similar to television props. For example, a program viewer cannot buy the Armani suit that Frasier was wearing on the Jun. 30, 1996 episode. These products gain much appeal from their association with the program actors. The present invention provides viewers with a sense of immediate gratification through making the products readily available.
- Systems consistent with the present invention allow viewers of an entertainment program to purchase products used in the program. Information about products is stored in databases that can be accessed by operators based on viewer supplied information.
- To achieve these and other advantages, a product sales system consistent with the present invention comprises a system for allowing a viewer to purchase products shown in an entertainment program. The system includes means for storing in a database product information relating to a product shown in the entertainment program. Means are provided for receiving from the viewer a request about the product shown in the entertainment program, the request containing a subset of the product information. Also included are means for identifying the product information in the database using the subset of the product information, and means for sending to the viewer the identified information about the product.
- In another aspect, the invention includes a system for allowing entertainment program viewers to purchase products shown in an entertainment program. The system includes a remote terminal for entering product data about a product used in the entertainment program. A central controller, coupled to the remote terminal, receives and stores the entered product data from the remote terminal. An operator terminal, coupled to the central controller, accesses from the central controller information about the product used in the entertainment program.
- Both the foregoing general description and the following Detailed Description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
- The accompanying drawings provide a further understanding of the invention and, together with the Detailed Description, explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the product sales system consistent with the invention;FIG. 2 is a block diagram ofcentral controller 110 shown inFIG. 1 ;FIG. 3 is a block diagram ofremote terminal 150 shown inFIG. 1 ;FIG. 4 is a block diagram ofoperator terminal 140 shown inFIG. 1 ;FIG. 5 illustrates sample records fromprogram database 262 stored indata storage device 260 shown inFIG. 2 ;FIG. 6 illustrates sample records fromproduct database 263 stored indata storage device 260 shown inFIG. 2 ;FIG. 7 illustrates sample records fromvendor database 264 stored indata storage device 260 shown inFIG. 2 ;FIG. 8 illustrates sample records fromorder database 265 stored indata storage device 260 shown inFIG. 2 ;FIG. 9 is a flow diagram representing a method for the operation of,remote terminal 150 shown inFIG. 3 ;FIG. 10 is a flow diagram representing a method for processing data incentral controller 110 ofFIG. 2 ; andFIGS. 11 a-11bare flow diagrams representing a method for processing a viewers' orders consistent with this invention.- Introduction
- Systems consistent with this invention allow viewers of an entertainment program to purchase products seen on these programs. The term “entertainment program,” as used in the specification, refers to programs whose primary purpose is to entertain, and not to sell products or services. Examples of “entertainment programs” include soap operas, sitcoms, dramas, sporting events, and movies. An entertainment program may be transmitted over any transmission media, such as wireless transmission, cable, or the Internet, or stored on a storage media, such as video tape or laser disk. Further, an entertainment program may be displayed on any broadcast media, such as television. The term “prop” refers to an item actually used on an entertainment program. The term “product” refers to merchandise similar to a prop. By similar it is meant that the product is visually and/or functionally indistinguishable from the prop. The product may or not be the same brand and/or make and model of the prop, but will not be the actual prop used in the show. This includes but is not limited to clothing, furniture, electronic goods, jewelry, cars, sporting goods and the like. The term product is not restricted to physical goods, but also includes services such as vacations or tickets to sporting events or shows. Additionally, videos of the episode would also be available for sale through this service.
- In one such system, a central controller stores information about products available for sale. Before an entertainment program is broadcasted, viewers are shown a telephone number that they can call to find out whether certain products used in the program are available for sale. Calling this telephone number connects viewers to an operator who queries them regarding products they are interested in purchasing. The operator then compares the information provided by the viewers with information stored in the central controller's database to identify the particular products each viewer would each like to purchase. The database is organized to allow the operator to access information with only a minimal amount of information describing the product. The operator may also provide viewers with information about products other than those the viewers asked about. If the viewers are interested in purchasing a product at this point, an order is placed for the product through the operator.
- System Organization
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of asystem 100 consistent with the present invention.System 100 includes acentral controller 110, aviewer interface 120, a telephonic interactive voice response unit (IVRU)130, a plurality ofoperator terminals 140, a plurality ofremote terminals 150, and avendor facility 160. AlthoughFIG. 1 shows threeoperator terminals 140 and threeremote terminals 150, any number of these terminals may be connected tocentral controller 110. Similarly, oneviewer interface 120 ormultiple viewer interfaces 120 can access eachoperator terminal 140 through acorresponding IVRU 130.Central controller 110 is linked tooperator terminals 140,remote terminals 150, andvendor facility 160 through communication links, such as telephone lines or other data communication lines.IVRU 130 is linked toviewer interface 120 by conventional telephone lines.Central controller 110 receives product data and entertainment program data fromremote terminals 150 and stores this data in a memory, as described below. Further,viewer interface 120 transmits a product request to acorresponding IVRU 130 andoperator terminal 140, each of which may be located in a call service center. The product request describes a particular product of interest to the viewer, and an operator atoperator terminal 140 processes the product request.Terminal 140 then transmits program description data corresponding to the request tocentral controller 110, which, after accessing the product and program data stored in its memory, transmits product identification data back tooperator terminal 140. This data is provided toviewer interface 120. If the viewer decides to purchases a product,controller 110 transmits product order data tovendor facility 160, which then routes the purchased product to the viewer.Central controller 110 preferably includes a digital data processing unit programmed to execute unique functions and operations in accordance with the principles of the invention. Such a digital data processing unit may include conventional hardware, such as the IBM RS 6000.Operator terminals 140 andremote terminals 150 are digital data processing units, such as conventional personal computers configured to carry out the functions and operations described below.Viewer interface 120 preferably comprises a conventional touch-tone telephone, although any device capable of transmitting messages may be employed. In oneembodiment viewer interface 120 comprises a conventional personal computer with a modem. The user connects tocentral controller 110 oroperator terminal 140 via the Internet or other appropriate data communication channels.FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment ofcentral controller 110.Central controller 110 includes certain standard hardware components, such as central processing unit (CPU)210, random access memory (RAM)220, read only memory (ROM)230,clock 240,communication port 250, anddata storage 260.CPU 210 is linked to each of the other listed elements.Communication port 250 interfacescentral controller 110 withoperator terminal 140,remote terminal 150, andvendor facility 160.Central controller 110 executes one or more programs to perform the functions and operations described below, and stores several databases of data relating to those functions and operations. These databases includeprogram database 262,product database 263,vendor database 264, andorder database 265. The programs (described in reference toFIGS. 10 and 11 ) are preferably stored instorage device 260 and executed byCPU 210.Transaction processor 261 manages the storage and retrieval from the databases indata storage device 260.Transaction processor 261 may comprise a separate conventional microprocessor, as shown inFIG. 2 , or may comprise a portion of the operating function ofCPU 210.Program database 262 provides a repository of information on entertainment programs on which products available for sale were used. By accessing the information stored indatabase 262,operator terminal 140 can identify the particular entertainment program the viewer is calling about.FIG. 5 shows a possible organization ofdatabase 262 with the following fields for each program:program record number 510;network 515;class 520;program title 525; episode date andtime 530;scene data 535;episode status 540;episode title 545;episode plot 550; andspecial characters 555. A manager of the system assignsprogram record number 510, which uniquely identifies a particular entertainment program. In one embodiment,program record number 510 could correspond to a program identifying number used in the VCR Plus system.Scene data field 535 includes information identifying a particular program scene in which a prop was used. A sitcom, for example, might have a scene data record describing the activity of the characters in the kitchen if the prop being sold is a kitchen utensil. The remaining fields are self-explanatory.Episode plot field 550 includes information describing the plot of a particular episode of an entertainment program. Special characters field555 includes data representing, for example, guest characters or persons appearing in a particular episode. In alternative embodiments,program database 262 includes fewer or more fields of program information.Product database 263 provides a table of information on products indexed by aprogram record number 610, which may be the same asprogram record number 510. By accessing the information inproduct database 263,operator terminal 140 can identify the particular product that the viewer is interested in purchasing. As shown inFIG. 6 ,database 263 preferably includes the following fields on each product offered for sale:program record number 610;product type 615;program identifying data 620;product identifying data 625;product description 630;vendor 635;product cost 640;availability 645; andtime code 650. Program andproduct identifying fields data field 620 typically contains information similar toepisode plot field 550.Time code field 650 includes a range of time code values corresponding to the time during which the respective product was displayed on the program.Product database 263 further includes information about the type of product for sale (product type615), and retail information about theproduct description 630,vendor 635,product cost 640, andavailability 645. In practice,product database 263 may include fewer or more fields for product information.Vendor database 264 contains a table of information on the different vendors who supply the products. This table is preferably indexed by various vendor names. The information stored invendor database 264 reflects information thatcentral controller 110 can access about product vendors when placing orders. In other words,vendor database 264 provides information that may be either provided toviewer interface 120 or used while placing an order with a particular product vendor.FIG. 7 shows a possible organization for vendor information containing the following fields on each registered vendor:vendor name 710;vendor identification number 715; products sold by thevendor 720; location of thevendor 725; and preferred methods ofpayment 730. The nature of these fields are self-explanatory. In alternative embodiments,vendor database 264 may include more or fewer fields.Order database 265 includes a data file for each order placed by a viewer.FIG. 8 shows a possible organization ofdatabase 265 with the following fields for each viewer:viewer name 810;viewer address 815;order tracking number 820;order date 825;order amount 830; product ordered835;product identification number 840; method of payment used845;shipping data 850; and vendor used855 (same as vendor field710).Product identification number 840 is preferably assigned byvendor 855. The nature of the remaining fields are self-explanatory.Order database 265 may, however, include fewer or more fields for order information.FIG. 3 shows the architecture ofremote terminal 150 ofsystem 100.Communication port 350 provides an interface for linkingremote terminal 150 tocentral controller 110. As shown inFIG. 3 ,remote terminal 150 includes conventional computer components, includingCPU 310, which is connected tovideo driver 320,video terminal 322,data entry unit 324,RAM 330,ROM 340,communication port 350, anddata storage device 360.Video terminal 322 is connected toCPU 310 throughvideo driver 320.Data entry unit 324, shown to include a keyboard and a mouse, is connected toCPU 310 for entering data.CPU 310 executes program modules (described in reference toFIG. 9 ) preferably stored instorage device 360 to perform the functions and operations described below in connection withremote terminal 150.Storage device 360 includestransaction processor 361,program database 362, andproduct database 363.- With respect to data entry operations,
remote terminal 150 operates conventionally. A remote terminal operator enters intoremote terminal 110 program data forprogram database 362 and product data forproduct database 363. Under control of a program stored, for example, instorage device 360 orROM 340,CPU 310 formats the data for storage inprogram database 362 andproduct database 363.Databases program database 262 ofFIG. 5 andproduct database 263 ofFIG. 6 , except thatdatabases remote terminal 150. FIG. 4 shows the architecture ofoperator terminal 140 according to the invention.Communication port 450 provides an interface for linkingoperator terminal 140 tocentral controller 110 andIVRU 130. As shown inFIG. 4 ,operator terminal 140 includesCPU 410 which is connected tovideo driver 420,video terminal 422,data entry unit 424,RAM 430,ROM 440, anddata storage device 460. These components may also be conventional.Video terminal 422 is connected toCPU 410 throughvideo driver 420.Data entry unit 424, shown to include a keyboard and a mouse, is connected toCPU 410 for entering data.CPU 410 executes modules stored instorage device 460 to perform functions and operations described below. Further,storage device 460 includestransaction processor 461 andorder database 462.Database 462 comprises a subset oforder database 265 ofFIG. 8 , and includes order information generated locally byoperator terminal 140.- System Operation
- Two different aspects of the operation of
system 100 will be described. First,system 100 operates to create the databases for the sale of products. Second,system 100 operates using the databases to enable viewers to purchase products shown on an entertainment program - Creating the Databases
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating steps for entering program and product information intosystem 100. This data entry may be performed during or after the filming or taping of an entertainment program. As shown inFIG. 9 , a remote terminal operator reviews the script of the entertainment program to determine which products will be offered for sale (step910). According to one embodiment of the invention, the products sold are not the actual props used on the program, but substantially identical merchandise ordered from the particular product vendor.- In alternative embodiments, the actual props used on an entertainment program are sold to viewers. The actual items used by celebrities often have a significantly higher market value than identical, but new, items. Therefore, the price for the actual prop of an entertainment program may be determined, for example, by an auction among the viewers in which the prop is sold to the highest bidder during a fixed period of time. In an auction, each
viewer telephones IVRU 130 to place his bid with an operator.Central controller 110 determines the winner of the auction by ranking the viewer bids. - The remote terminal operator enters program data for storage in
local program database 362 of remote terminal150 (step920) and product data for storage inlocal product database 363 of remote terminal150 (step930). Examples of types of program data and product data are shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 .Remote terminal 150 transmits the data stored inprogram database 362 andproduct database 363 to central controller110 (step940). This may be done shortly after the remote terminal operator has entered the data or at a specified time interval (e.g., once a week). - Once
central controller 110 receives the transmitted data,controller 110 processes and indexes the data.FIG. 10 illustrates one way whichcontroller 110 processes and indexes the data. As shown inFIG. 10 ,central controller 110 receives the data stored inprogram database 362 andproduct database 363 from remote terminal150 (step1010).CPU 210 processes the data and accesses the program andproduct databases controller 110 merges the program and product data received fromremote terminal 150 into the respective program andproduct databases 262 and263 (step1030). Furthermore,controller 110 preferably merges program and product data from a plurality ofremote terminals 150, eachremote terminal 150 corresponding to a different entertainment program.Controller 110 then assigns a program record number to each new program data file received from each remote terminal150 (step1040). Once the transaction is completed, the product data is indexed by the program record number (step1050). - Purchasing a Product
FIGS. 11 a-11billustrate the process in whichsystem 100 allows a viewer to purchase a product used in a broadcasted entertainment program. An entertainment program is broadcast to a number of viewers using conventional broadcast techniques (step1105), such as over-the-air television broadcasts and cable transmission. The program may also be played from a storage media, such as a video cassette or an optical laser disc, upon which the program is recorded or stored. If the program is played from a storage media, the program may include a statement telling the viewer the date after which products shown on the program will no longer be available for purchase. When a viewer wishes to purchase a product displayed in the program, he calls the service usingviewer interface 120 and is connected to IVRU130 (step1110).- Various methods may be used to disseminate the telephone number of the service to the viewers. In one embodiment of the invention, the provider of the program adds a text overlay to the entertainment program to provide the viewer with the telephone number of the
IVRU 130. The telephone number may be displayed either before the start of the entertainment program, at the end of the program, during a commercial; or during the program in a corner or along a side of the screen. The telephone number could also be made available in an entertainment program listing, such as TV Guide. The telephone number may be an 800 number, and the purchase price of a product is preferably charged to the viewer using either a credit card or personal check. - In a further embodiment of the invention, a 900 number is used as a communication and/or a payment interface for purchasing the desired product. In one such mode, the cost of the 900 number call is the cost of the requested product plus a connection charge. When a viewer/caller has confirmed an order using a standard IVRU interface or by talking to a live operator, the cost of the product is billed to his phone number. In another mode, the 900 number charges a service fee for the call plus a connection charge. Payment for the product is made in a conventional manner.
- A time code may also be superimposed near the corner of the screen. The time code may be a running clock which is incremented as the program is broadcasted. In this embodiment,
time code field 650 inProduct Database 263 contains the values of the time code during which products were displayed on the program. By displaying the time code during the program broadcast, the viewer can identify products by the time code value indicated when the viewer noticed the product was shown. IVRU 130 preferably includes a voice prompt system which asks the viewer a series of questions to identify the particular program the viewer is calling about, and the viewer responds by pressing the telephone keys (step1115). For example, a viewer calling the service to order a suit an actor was wearing in a recent episode is queried by theIVRU 130 for the following information: network identification (CBS, NBC, TNT, FOX, ABC, ESPN, USA), time of day (AM, PM) and episode time (8:00pm), date of episode (March 4) and name of show (Seinfeld).IVRU 130 transmits the responses from theviewer interface 120 to central controller110 (step1120).Central Controller 110 then transmits program description data to operator terminal140 (step1125). In response,operator terminal 140 receives product identification data from controller110 (step1130).Viewer interface 120's call is then transferred to a live operator (step1135) who, based upon the information received fromcontroller 110, asks the viewer further questions (perhaps even repeating the same questions as necessary) to determine which product the viewer would like to purchase (step1140).- In an alternative embodiment, the viewer does not have to know the name of the program when describing the product to
IVRU 130 or to the live operator. For example, the viewer could state “I don't know the name of the program, but a tall guy spilled coffee on something.” The operator would then perform a keyword search ondatabases - Continuing on
FIGS. 11 b,the operator then accessesdatabases Central controller 110 then outputs the data on the particular product to the operator (step1150). The operator, in turn, then provides product ordering information toviewer interface 120 and requests payment for the product (step1155). Once the operator receives the viewer's payment, for example, a credit or debit card account number, the call is terminated (step1160) and the order is placed with vendor facility160 (step1165).Vendor facility 160 then sends the purchased product to the viewer (step1170). Alternatively, the service could simply forward the call to the vendor once the product has been identified and not process the order at all. - In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is practiced using an Internet interface to the service
central controller 110. In this embodiment, a viewer connects to a service web page using conventional web browser software and enters show and product identifying information in response to programmed queries. A conventional search engine searches the appropriate databases, retrieves the episode and product information and displays a graphic presentation of the product. The viewer then visually identifies the product, and verifies electronically that the selection is correct. If the product selection was incorrect, the viewer is given the option to modify his search terms and submit a new query. Once the correct product is identified, the viewer purchases the product using conventional payment methods, and it is shipped to him. This embodiment has the advantage of not requiring human agents to process orders. - Conclusion
- Systems and methods consistent with the invention significantly increase the financial revenue of an entertainment program by selling props or products used on the program. This added revenue may lessen the entertainment program's dependency on advertising, allowing greater freedom in the artistic content of the programs. Vendors may also be willing to pay more to have their products shown on an entertainment program due to the enhanced exposure associated with being on the program. To this end, systems consistent with the invention efficiently assemble program and product data into databases accessed by a central controller. Such data may be assembled, for example, for live broadcast entertainment programs, prerecorded (video tape) entertainment programs, or digital (laser disc) entertainment programs.
- Systems and methods consistent with this invention also provide a simple, effective interface through which viewers may purchase products of an entertainment program without special codes or product numbers to identify the products. The viewer simply describes the entertainment program that he was viewing, the particular scene in which the product was used, or merchandise information to identify the particular product. Thus, there is no need for the viewer to know particular information about the product or prop itself. This provides added flexibility that will increase sales of those products by simplifying the ordering process. Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method which efficiently sells products used on an entertainment program.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the system and method of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (71)
1-40. (canceled)
41. A method, comprising:
storing (i) descriptive program information identifying a particular entertainment program in which a product is shown, and (ii) product information relating to the product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receiving, from the viewer, a request about the product shown in the entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
identifying the product information using the subset of the product information and the subset of descriptive program information; and
providing the identified information about the product to the viewer.
42. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the request is received independent of a viewing of the entertainment program by the viewer.
43. The method according toclaim 41 , further comprising:
placing an order with a vendor for the product.
44. The method ofclaim 41 , further including:
identifying the particular entertainment program using the subset of the descriptive program information.
45. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the descriptive program information comprises:
information about characters and a plot of the entertainment program.
46. The method ofclaim 44 , wherein the descriptive program information further comprises:
information identifying a portion of the entertainment program in which the product is shown.
47. The method ofclaim 46 , wherein the descriptive program information further comprises:
a count value that corresponds to a time that the product is shown in the entertainment program.
48. The method ofclaim 41 , further comprising:
broadcasting the entertainment program.
49. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the entertainment program comprises a cable television program.
50. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the entertainment program does not comprise advertisements.
51. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the request is received at least in part via a telephone communications network.
52. The method ofclaim 51 , wherein the receiving comprises:
automatically receiving the request communicated during a telephone call from the viewer; and
transferring the telephone call to a live operator after the receipt of the request.
53. The method ofclaim 51 , further comprising:
broadcasting a telephone number via which the request may be received via the telephone communications network.
54. The method ofclaim 53 , wherein the telephone number is broadcast prior to a broadcast of the entertainment program.
55. The method ofclaim 53 , wherein the telephone number is broadcast during a broadcast of the entertainment program.
56. The method ofclaim 51 , wherein a telephone number via which the request may be received via the telephone communications network comprises a 900 number.
57. The method ofclaim 56 , further comprising:
automatically billing a telephone account of the viewer for a price associated with a purchase of the product.
58. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the request is received from a viewer device capable of telephonic communications.
59. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises a viewer-defined description of the entertainment program.
60. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises an indication of a title of the entertainment program.
61. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises an indication of an episode of the entertainment program.
62. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises a description of a scene of the entertainment program.
63. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises a description of a plot of the entertainment program.
64. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises an indication of a special character appearing on the entertainment program.
65. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the identifying comprises:
processing a keyword search on the subset of the descriptive program information;
identifying, based on the processing, the entertainment program; and
identifying, based on the identifying of the entertainment program and on the subset of the product information, the product.
66. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the identified information about the product comprises an indication of a price of the product.
67. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the identified information about the product comprises an indication of an availability of the product.
68. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the identified information about the product comprises a graphic presentation of the product.
69. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the subset of the product information comprises an indication of a time code associated with when the product is used during the entertainment program.
70. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the entertainment program comprises a sporting event.
71. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the entertainment program comprises a soap opera.
72. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the entertainment program comprises a sit-com.
73. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the entertainment program comprises a movie.
74. The method ofclaim 41 , wherein the request is received from a mobile terminal.
75. The method ofclaim 74 , wherein the mobile terminal is capable of at least one of telephonic and Internet communications.
76. A method, comprising:
storing descriptive program information identifying a particular entertainment program;
storing product information relating to a product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receiving, from a viewer, a request associated with the product shown in the particular entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
conducting a first database search to identify the particular entertainment program using the subset of the descriptive program information;
conducting a second database search to identify the stored product information using the subset of the product information; and
communicating to the viewer the identified information about the product.
77. The method ofclaim 76 , wherein the request is received independent of a viewing of the entertainment program by the viewer.
78. The method ofclaim 76 , wherein the subset of the descriptive program information comprises a viewer-defined description of the entertainment program.
79. A method, comprising:
receiving, independent of a viewing of an entertainment program by a viewer, an indication of the entertainment program;
receiving a request about a product shown in the entertainment program;
transmitting a query to a database relating to the request, the query based on the indication and the request; and
receiving from the database product information about the product.
80. The method ofclaim 79 , further comprising:
conveying the received product information to the viewer.
81. The method ofclaim 79 , wherein the indication of the entertainment program comprises an entertainment program recording identifier.
82. The method ofclaim 81 , wherein the entertainment program recording identifier comprises a VCR Plus+® recording identifier.
83. The method ofclaim 79 , further comprising:
placing an order with a vendor for the product.
84. The method ofclaim 79 , wherein the indication of the entertainment program comprises a description of the entertainment program.
85. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises:
information about characters and a plot of the entertainment program.
86. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises:
information identifying a portion of the entertainment program in which the product is shown.
87. The method ofclaim 86 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises further comprises:
a count value that corresponds to a time that the product is shown in the entertainment program.
88. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises a viewer-defined description of the entertainment program.
89. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises an indication of a title of the entertainment program.
90. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises an indication of an episode of the entertainment program.
91. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises a description of a scene of the entertainment program.
92. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises a description of a plot of the entertainment program.
93. The method ofclaim 84 , wherein the description of the entertainment program comprises an indication of a special character appearing on the entertainment program.
94. The method ofclaim 79 , wherein at least one of the indication of the entertainment program and the request is received from a viewer device capable of telephonic communications.
95. A method, comprising:
storing, at a controller, program identifying data that describes one or more characteristics of an entertainment program and product identifying data that describes one or more characteristics of a product used in the entertainment program;
receiving, at the controller and from a viewer of the entertainment program, a purchase request comprising an indication of a subset of the program identifying data and an indication of a subset of the product identifying data;
identifying, by the controller and based on the received indications, the program identifying data and the product identifying data;
providing, after the identifying, and to the viewer, the product identifying data;
receiving, after the providing, a verification that the viewer desires to purchase the product; and
selling the product to the viewer.
96. A mobile terminal comprising:
a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchase a product shown in a particular entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the viewer interface and adapted to:
store (i) descriptive program information identifying the particular entertainment program in which the product is shown, and (ii) product information relating to the product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receive, from the viewer, a request about the product shown in the entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
identify the product information using the subset of the product information and the subset of descriptive program information; and
provide the identified information about the product to the viewer.
97. A mobile terminal comprising:
a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchase a product shown in a particular entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the viewer interface and adapted to:
store descriptive program information identifying the particular entertainment program;
store product information relating to the product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receive, from the viewer, a request associated with the product shown in the particular entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
conduct a first database search to identify the particular entertainment program using the subset of the descriptive program information;
conduct a second database search to identify the stored product information using the subset of the product information; and
communicate to the viewer the identified information about the product.
98. A mobile terminal comprising:
a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchase a product shown in an entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the viewer interface and adapted to:
receive, independent of a viewing of the entertainment program by the viewer, an indication of the entertainment program;
receive a request about the product shown in the entertainment program;
transmit a query to a database relating to the request, the query based on the indication and the request; and
receive from the database product information about the product.
99. A mobile terminal comprising:
a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchase a prop used in an entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the viewer interface and adapted to:
receive, independent of a viewing of the entertainment program by the viewer, an indication of the entertainment program;
receive a request about the prop used in the entertainment program;
transmit a query to a database relating to the request, the query based on the indication and the request; and
receive from the database product information about the prop.
100. A mobile terminal comprising:
a viewer interface via which a viewer may purchase a product shown in an entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the viewer interface and adapted to:
store program identifying data that describes one or more characteristics of the entertainment program and product identifying data that describes one or more characteristics of the product used in the entertainment program;
receive, from the viewer, a purchase request comprising an indication of a subset of the program identifying data and an indication of a subset of the product identifying data;
identify, based on the received indications, the program identifying data and the product identifying data;
provide, after the identifying, and to the viewer, the product identifying data;
receive, after the providing, a verification that the viewer desires to purchase the product; and
sell the product to the viewer.
101. A system, comprising:
a database storing data descriptive of an entertainment program and data descriptive of a product used in the entertainment program;
a viewer interface operable to provide a first indication of a subset of the descriptive program data and a second indication of a subset of the descriptive product data; and
a controller, coupled to the database and the viewer interface, the controller being operable to:
receive the first and second indications;
identify the descriptive program data and the descriptive product data based on the first and second indications; and
provide, after the identifying, the descriptive program data and the descriptive product data to the viewer interface.
102. The system ofclaim 101 , further comprising:
a remote terminal coupled to the controller, the remote terminal being operable to facilitate reviewing of the entertainment program, wherein the reviewing defines the descriptive program data and the descriptive product data.
103. The system ofclaim 102 , wherein the remote terminal comprises:
means for defining the descriptive program data and the descriptive product data, wherein the descriptive product data comprises information identifying how the product is used in the entertainment program; and
means for transmitting the descriptive program data and the descriptive product data to the controller.
104. The system ofclaim 101 , wherein the controller comprises:
an Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVRU) operable to receive the first and second indications.
105. A system, comprising:
a processor; and
a storage device in communication with said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to:
store (i) descriptive program information identifying a particular entertainment program in which a product is shown, and (ii) product information relating to the product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receive, from the viewer, a request about the product shown in the entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
identify the product information using the subset of the product information and the subset of descriptive program information; and
provide the identified information about the product to the viewer.
106. A system comprising:
a user interface via which a user may purchase a product shown in a particular entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to:
store (i) descriptive program information identifying the particular entertainment program in which the product is shown, and (ii) product information relating to the product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receive, from the user, a request about the product shown in the entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
identify the product information using the subset of the product information and the subset of descriptive program information; and
provide the identified information about the product to the user.
107. A system, comprising:
a processor; and
a storage device in communication with said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to:
store descriptive program information identifying a particular entertainment program;
store product information relating to a product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receive, from a viewer, a request associated with the product shown in the particular entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
conduct a first database search to identify the particular entertainment program using the subset of the descriptive program information;
conduct a second database search to identify the stored product information using the subset of the product information; and
communicate to the viewer the identified information about the product.
108. A system comprising:
a user interface via which a user may purchase a product shown in a particular entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to:
store descriptive program information identifying the particular entertainment program;
store product information relating to the product shown in the particular entertainment program;
receive, from the user, a request associated with the product shown in the particular entertainment program, the request comprising a subset of the descriptive program information and a subset of the product information;
conduct a first database search to identify the particular entertainment program using the subset of the descriptive program information;
conduct a second database search to identify the stored product information using the subset of the product information; and
communicate to the user the identified information about the product.
109. A system, comprising:
a processor; and
a storage device in communication with said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to:
receive, independent of a viewing of an entertainment program by a viewer, an indication of the entertainment program;
receive a request about a product shown in the entertainment program;
transmit a query to a database relating to the request, the query based on the indication and the request; and
receive from the database product information about the product.
110. A system comprising:
a user interface via which a user may purchase a product shown in an entertainment program; and
a controller operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to:
receive, independent of a viewing of the entertainment program by the user, an indication of the entertainment program;
receive a request about the product shown in the entertainment program;
transmit a query to a database relating to the request, the query based on the indication and the request; and
receive from the database product information about the product.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/531,353US20070006267A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-09-13 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/831,968US6131086A (en) | 1997-04-02 | 1997-04-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US51196800A | 2000-02-23 | 2000-02-23 | |
| US11/531,353US20070006267A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-09-13 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US51196800AContinuation | 1997-04-02 | 2000-02-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20070006267A1true US20070006267A1 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
Family
ID=25260320
Family Applications (7)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/831,968Expired - LifetimeUS6131086A (en) | 1997-04-02 | 1997-04-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/421,923AbandonedUS20060225096A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-06-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/421,951AbandonedUS20060218571A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-06-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/421,987AbandonedUS20060212893A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-06-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/531,353AbandonedUS20070006267A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-09-13 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/758,850AbandonedUS20070234392A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2007-06-06 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/758,871AbandonedUS20070234393A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2007-06-06 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
Family Applications Before (4)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/831,968Expired - LifetimeUS6131086A (en) | 1997-04-02 | 1997-04-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/421,923AbandonedUS20060225096A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-06-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/421,951AbandonedUS20060218571A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-06-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/421,987AbandonedUS20060212893A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2006-06-02 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
Family Applications After (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/758,850AbandonedUS20070234392A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2007-06-06 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US11/758,871AbandonedUS20070234393A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2007-06-06 | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (7) | US6131086A (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030101100A1 (en)* | 2000-03-08 | 2003-05-29 | Yoichiro Sako | Information service method, data terminal unit, data transmitting and receiving apparatus, and data trasmitting apparatus |
| US20050182686A1 (en)* | 2004-01-30 | 2005-08-18 | Shotatsu Yo | Apparatus and method for order confirmation |
| US20080281684A1 (en)* | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing sales of products featured in a program |
| US8255293B1 (en)* | 2011-10-10 | 2012-08-28 | Google Inc. | Product catalog dynamically tailored to user-selected media content |
| US20130103510A1 (en)* | 2011-10-19 | 2013-04-25 | Andrew Tilles | System and method of gathering and disseminating data about prop, wardrobe and set dressing items used in the creation of motion picture content |
| US9087358B1 (en) | 2014-07-11 | 2015-07-21 | Vcomm Group, Inc. | Method and system for purchasing products or services appearing in playing media without interrupting viewing |
| US9832531B2 (en)* | 1998-08-26 | 2017-11-28 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing a program as a gift using an interactive application |
Families Citing this family (61)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6193520B1 (en)* | 1993-05-10 | 2001-02-27 | Yugengaisha Adachi International | Interactive communication system for communicating video game and karaoke software |
| US6769128B1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2004-07-27 | United Video Properties, Inc. | Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access |
| US5940073A (en) | 1996-05-03 | 1999-08-17 | Starsight Telecast Inc. | Method and system for displaying other information in a TV program guide |
| US6687906B1 (en)* | 1996-12-19 | 2004-02-03 | Index Systems, Inc. | EPG with advertising inserts |
| US8635649B2 (en) | 1996-12-19 | 2014-01-21 | Gemstar Development Corporation | System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information |
| US6131086A (en)* | 1997-04-02 | 2000-10-10 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| CN1941863B (en) | 1997-07-21 | 2011-06-29 | 骏升发展（美国）有限公司 | Method for displaying target advertisement to user in electronic program guide system |
| WO1999054836A1 (en)* | 1998-04-21 | 1999-10-28 | Cambridge Consultants Limited | Decision aid |
| US20020095676A1 (en) | 1998-05-15 | 2002-07-18 | Robert A. Knee | Interactive television program guide system for determining user values for demographic categories |
| US6141010A (en) | 1998-07-17 | 2000-10-31 | B. E. Technology, Llc | Computer interface method and apparatus with targeted advertising |
| US6898762B2 (en) | 1998-08-21 | 2005-05-24 | United Video Properties, Inc. | Client-server electronic program guide |
| JP2000333139A (en)* | 1999-05-18 | 2000-11-30 | Sony Corp | Information service unit, its method, information receiver, its method, lottery system, its method and medium |
| US7540012B1 (en)* | 1999-06-08 | 2009-05-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Video on demand configuring, controlling and maintaining |
| US6854085B1 (en)* | 1999-07-15 | 2005-02-08 | Netscape Communicatons Corporation | System and method for automatically pre-setting form field values |
| US7290009B1 (en)* | 1999-08-25 | 2007-10-30 | The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York | System and method for allocating resources using spot market and derivative market techniques |
| US8434113B1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2013-04-30 | Tvworks, Llc | Electronic commerce using streaming media |
| KR100295610B1 (en)* | 1999-11-09 | 2001-07-12 | 장영규 | System for editing moving images and method for providing object information employing the same |
| US6601074B1 (en)* | 1999-12-23 | 2003-07-29 | Gateway, Inc. | Episode identification |
| US20010047298A1 (en) | 2000-03-31 | 2001-11-29 | United Video Properties,Inc. | System and method for metadata-linked advertisements |
| US7962414B1 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2011-06-14 | Thomson Licensing | Method and system for controlling and auditing content/service systems |
| US20040181801A1 (en)* | 2000-12-28 | 2004-09-16 | David Hagen | Interactive television for promoting goods and services |
| KR20020012027A (en)* | 2000-08-05 | 2002-02-15 | 신동권 | PPL advertising system through internet and the method |
| US8037492B2 (en)* | 2000-09-12 | 2011-10-11 | Thomson Licensing | Method and system for video enhancement transport alteration |
| US7870053B1 (en)* | 2000-09-26 | 2011-01-11 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and methods for auctioning time and desktop space to product and service suppliers |
| US20020073149A1 (en)* | 2000-10-11 | 2002-06-13 | Young Christopher Tyler | Dynamic content linking |
| KR100420184B1 (en)* | 2000-11-24 | 2004-03-02 | 임경식 | System and method for managing goods information for sales information inserted advertisement message, and media for storing program source thereof |
| KR20010016342A (en)* | 2000-12-04 | 2001-03-05 | 이두표 | Living shopping method by internet monitering marshaling goods |
| KR20010016343A (en)* | 2000-12-04 | 2001-03-05 | 이두표 | Living shopping method by internet |
| JP2002238036A (en)* | 2001-02-07 | 2002-08-23 | Fujitsu Ltd | Broadcast method and program for causing broadcast station apparatus to execute the broadcast method |
| US7480633B2 (en)* | 2001-02-13 | 2009-01-20 | American Express Bank Ltd. | Real-time brokerage account application system and method |
| KR20020066830A (en)* | 2001-02-14 | 2002-08-21 | 최종태 | Method for dealing story and system thereby |
| US20020178030A1 (en)* | 2001-03-23 | 2002-11-28 | Loeb Marvin P. | Method and system for promotion of non-invasive and less invasive medical procedures on the internet and by other means |
| WO2002089935A1 (en)* | 2001-04-11 | 2002-11-14 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for remotely customizing a gaming device |
| KR100462298B1 (en)* | 2001-06-08 | 2004-12-17 | 삼성에스디에스 주식회사 | Apparatus for providing information using PPL in moving pictures and method thereof |
| US20060211493A1 (en)* | 2001-06-15 | 2006-09-21 | Walker Jay S | Systems and methods for customized gaming limits |
| WO2003021943A1 (en)* | 2001-08-28 | 2003-03-13 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Broadcast reception method |
| US7778925B2 (en)* | 2001-09-18 | 2010-08-17 | Sony Corporation | Audio and video digital content delivery |
| US6920428B2 (en)* | 2001-11-19 | 2005-07-19 | The Friday Group Llc | Method of selling and distributing articles associated with live events |
| US20030120582A1 (en)* | 2001-12-21 | 2003-06-26 | Oncall Solutions, Inc. | Call schedule auctioning method and apparatus |
| US8321899B2 (en)* | 2002-04-10 | 2012-11-27 | Alcatel Lucent | System and method for delivering video products to a subscriber unit |
| US8032420B2 (en)* | 2002-04-16 | 2011-10-04 | Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc | Integrated ordering system |
| AU2003296157A1 (en)* | 2003-01-15 | 2004-08-10 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Broadcast reception method, broadcast reception system, recording medium, and program |
| US20060059053A1 (en)* | 2004-06-04 | 2006-03-16 | Payne Harrison R | Method to identify, discover, and/or sell products via a web site on the internet |
| CN101218352B (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2013-09-04 | 米克罗比亚公司 | Production of carotenoids in oleaginous yeast and fungi |
| GB2429079A (en)* | 2005-07-22 | 2007-02-14 | Nicole Truelle Harcourt | Transaction management system |
| US8545309B2 (en)* | 2005-12-02 | 2013-10-01 | Igt | Gaming systems and apparatus for detecting a signal indicative of a problem gambler and dispatching an event in response thereto |
| US7774341B2 (en) | 2006-03-06 | 2010-08-10 | Veveo, Inc. | Methods and systems for selecting and presenting content based on dynamically identifying microgenres associated with the content |
| US8316394B2 (en) | 2006-03-24 | 2012-11-20 | United Video Properties, Inc. | Interactive media guidance application with intelligent navigation and display features |
| WO2008042338A2 (en) | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-10 | Microbia, Inc. | Production of carotenoids in oleaginous yeast and fungi |
| 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 |
| US7801888B2 (en) | 2007-03-09 | 2010-09-21 | Microsoft Corporation | Media content search results ranked by popularity |
| US20100175091A1 (en)* | 2008-12-23 | 2010-07-08 | Graeme Charles Revell | System and Method of Providing a Source for Ordering a Plurality of Products from a Plurality of Media |
| US20100161445A1 (en)* | 2008-12-23 | 2010-06-24 | Graeme Revell | Pigeeback abstract consumer end user |
| US9166714B2 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2015-10-20 | Veveo, Inc. | Method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics |
| US9014546B2 (en) | 2009-09-23 | 2015-04-21 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for automatically detecting users within detection regions of media devices |
| WO2012094564A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 | 2012-07-12 | Veveo, Inc. | Methods of and systems for content search based on environment sampling |
| US8744930B1 (en) | 2011-04-04 | 2014-06-03 | Google Inc. | Transmission of product attribute with an indication that product has been purchased |
| TWI472912B (en)* | 2012-09-11 | 2015-02-11 | Univ Nat Cheng Kung | Debug control system and method by use of inside-core events served as trigger condition |
| US9363568B2 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2016-06-07 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for receiving product data |
| TWI655867B (en) | 2017-09-14 | 2019-04-01 | 財團法人工業技術研究院 | System and method for combining optical code and film |
| KR102686864B1 (en)* | 2020-01-28 | 2024-07-22 | 라인플러스 주식회사 | Method, apparatus, and computer program for providing additional information on contents |
Citations (29)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4794764A (en)* | 1985-08-12 | 1989-01-03 | Dyment Limited | Article display apparatus |
| US4876592A (en)* | 1986-03-10 | 1989-10-24 | Henry Von Kohorn | System for merchandising and the evaluation of responses to broadcast transmissions |
| US5057915A (en)* | 1986-03-10 | 1991-10-15 | Kohorn H Von | System and method for attracting shoppers to sales outlets |
| US5189630A (en)* | 1991-01-15 | 1993-02-23 | Barstow David R | Method for encoding and broadcasting information about live events using computer pattern matching techniques |
| US5220420A (en)* | 1990-09-28 | 1993-06-15 | Inteletext Systems, Inc. | Interactive home information system for distributing compressed television programming |
| US5438355A (en)* | 1993-04-16 | 1995-08-01 | Palmer; Shelton L. | Interactive system for processing viewer responses to television programming |
| US5469206A (en)* | 1992-05-27 | 1995-11-21 | Philips Electronics North America Corporation | System and method for automatically correlating user preferences with electronic shopping information |
| US5475585A (en)* | 1990-10-01 | 1995-12-12 | Bush; Thomas A. | Transactional processing system |
| US5485221A (en)* | 1993-06-07 | 1996-01-16 | Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. | Subscription television system and terminal for enabling simultaneous display of multiple services |
| US5539450A (en)* | 1993-04-16 | 1996-07-23 | News Datacom Limited | Methods and systems for providing additional service applications in pay television |
| 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 |
| US5559949A (en)* | 1995-03-20 | 1996-09-24 | International Business Machine Corporation | Computer program product and program storage device for linking and presenting movies with their underlying source information |
| US5564001A (en)* | 1992-11-13 | 1996-10-08 | Multimedia Systems Corporation | Method and system for interactively transmitting multimedia information over a network which requires a reduced bandwidth |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| US5703795A (en)* | 1992-06-22 | 1997-12-30 | Mankovitz; Roy J. | Apparatus and methods for accessing information relating to radio and television programs |
| US5742905A (en)* | 1994-09-19 | 1998-04-21 | Bell Communications Research, Inc. | Personal communications internetworking |
| US5774534A (en)* | 1994-12-27 | 1998-06-30 | At&T Corp | Context-based transactions using broadcast advertising |
| US5914712A (en)* | 1995-05-08 | 1999-06-22 | Video Jukebox Network, Inc. | Interactive video system |
| US5918213A (en)* | 1995-12-22 | 1999-06-29 | Mci Communications Corporation | System and method for automated remote previewing and purchasing of music, video, software, and other multimedia products |
| US5995976A (en)* | 1996-10-11 | 1999-11-30 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Method and apparatus for distributing supplemental information related to printed articles |
| US6002394A (en)* | 1995-10-02 | 1999-12-14 | Starsight Telecast, Inc. | Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters |
| US6006257A (en)* | 1995-09-29 | 1999-12-21 | Comverse Networks Systems, Inc. | Multimedia architecture for interactive advertising in which secondary programming is varied based upon viewer demographics and content of primary programming |
| US6041411A (en)* | 1997-03-28 | 2000-03-21 | Wyatt; Stuart Alan | Method for defining and verifying user access rights to a computer information |
| US6131086A (en)* | 1997-04-02 | 2000-10-10 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
| US6209028B1 (en)* | 1997-03-21 | 2001-03-27 | Walker Digital, Llc | System and method for supplying supplemental audio information for broadcast television programs |
| US20020057788A1 (en)* | 1997-03-13 | 2002-05-16 | Patrick M. Cox | Method and apparatus for monitoring telephonic members and providing directory assistance |
| US6493763B1 (en)* | 1995-06-29 | 2002-12-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Multimedia communication system and communicating apparatus |
| US6526575B1 (en)* | 1997-01-07 | 2003-02-25 | United Video Properties, Inc. | System and method for distributing and broadcasting multimedia |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1284211C (en)* | 1985-04-29 | 1991-05-14 | Terrence Henry Pocock | Cable television system selectively distributing pre-recorder video and audio messages |
| US5583560A (en)* | 1993-06-22 | 1996-12-10 | Apple Computer, Inc. | Method and apparatus for audio-visual interface for the selective display of listing information on a display |
| US5794210A (en)* | 1995-12-11 | 1998-08-11 | Cybergold, Inc. | Attention brokerage |
| US6240555B1 (en)* | 1996-03-29 | 2001-05-29 | Microsoft Corporation | Interactive entertainment system for presenting supplemental interactive content together with continuous video programs |
| US5835896A (en)* | 1996-03-29 | 1998-11-10 | Onsale, Inc. | Method and system for processing and transmitting electronic auction information |
| US6172677B1 (en)* | 1996-10-07 | 2001-01-09 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Integrated content guide for interactive selection of content and services on personal computer systems with multiple sources and multiple media presentation |
| US5897622A (en)* | 1996-10-16 | 1999-04-27 | Microsoft Corporation | Electronic shopping and merchandising system |
| US6177931B1 (en)* | 1996-12-19 | 2001-01-23 | Index Systems, Inc. | Systems and methods for displaying and recording control interface with television programs, video, advertising information and program scheduling information |
- 1997
- 1997-04-02USUS08/831,968patent/US6131086A/ennot_activeExpired - Lifetime
- 2006
- 2006-06-02USUS11/421,923patent/US20060225096A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
- 2006-06-02USUS11/421,951patent/US20060218571A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
- 2006-06-02USUS11/421,987patent/US20060212893A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
- 2006-09-13USUS11/531,353patent/US20070006267A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
- 2007
- 2007-06-06USUS11/758,850patent/US20070234392A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
- 2007-06-06USUS11/758,871patent/US20070234393A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
Patent Citations (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4794764A (en)* | 1985-08-12 | 1989-01-03 | Dyment Limited | Article display apparatus |
| US4876592A (en)* | 1986-03-10 | 1989-10-24 | Henry Von Kohorn | System for merchandising and the evaluation of responses to broadcast transmissions |
| US5057915A (en)* | 1986-03-10 | 1991-10-15 | Kohorn H Von | System and method for attracting shoppers to sales outlets |
| US5220420A (en)* | 1990-09-28 | 1993-06-15 | Inteletext Systems, Inc. | Interactive home information system for distributing compressed television programming |
| US5475585A (en)* | 1990-10-01 | 1995-12-12 | Bush; Thomas A. | Transactional processing system |
| US5189630A (en)* | 1991-01-15 | 1993-02-23 | Barstow David R | Method for encoding and broadcasting information about live events using computer pattern matching techniques |
| US5469206A (en)* | 1992-05-27 | 1995-11-21 | Philips Electronics North America Corporation | System and method for automatically correlating user preferences with electronic shopping information |
| US5703795A (en)* | 1992-06-22 | 1997-12-30 | Mankovitz; Roy J. | Apparatus and methods for accessing information relating to radio and television programs |
| US5564001A (en)* | 1992-11-13 | 1996-10-08 | Multimedia Systems Corporation | Method and system for interactively transmitting multimedia information over a network which requires a reduced bandwidth |
| US5438355A (en)* | 1993-04-16 | 1995-08-01 | Palmer; Shelton L. | Interactive system for processing viewer responses to television programming |
| US5539450A (en)* | 1993-04-16 | 1996-07-23 | News Datacom Limited | Methods and systems for providing additional service applications in pay television |
| US5485221A (en)* | 1993-06-07 | 1996-01-16 | Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. | Subscription television system and terminal for enabling simultaneous display of multiple services |
| 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 |
| US5742905A (en)* | 1994-09-19 | 1998-04-21 | Bell Communications Research, Inc. | Personal communications internetworking |
| US5774534A (en)* | 1994-12-27 | 1998-06-30 | At&T Corp | Context-based transactions using broadcast advertising |
| 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 |
| US5715400A (en)* | 1995-03-20 | 1998-02-03 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for providing merchant information and establishing links to merchants while presenting a movie |
| US5596705A (en)* | 1995-03-20 | 1997-01-21 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for linking and presenting movies with their underlying source information |
| US5559949A (en)* | 1995-03-20 | 1996-09-24 | International Business Machine Corporation | Computer program product and program storage device for linking and presenting movies with their underlying source information |
| US5914712A (en)* | 1995-05-08 | 1999-06-22 | Video Jukebox Network, Inc. | Interactive video system |
| US6493763B1 (en)* | 1995-06-29 | 2002-12-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Multimedia communication system and communicating apparatus |
| US6006257A (en)* | 1995-09-29 | 1999-12-21 | Comverse Networks Systems, Inc. | Multimedia architecture for interactive advertising in which secondary programming is varied based upon viewer demographics and content of primary programming |
| US6002394A (en)* | 1995-10-02 | 1999-12-14 | Starsight Telecast, Inc. | Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters |
| US5918213A (en)* | 1995-12-22 | 1999-06-29 | Mci Communications Corporation | System and method for automated remote previewing and purchasing of music, video, software, and other multimedia products |
| US5995976A (en)* | 1996-10-11 | 1999-11-30 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Method and apparatus for distributing supplemental information related to printed articles |
| US6526575B1 (en)* | 1997-01-07 | 2003-02-25 | United Video Properties, Inc. | System and method for distributing and broadcasting multimedia |
| US20020057788A1 (en)* | 1997-03-13 | 2002-05-16 | Patrick M. Cox | Method and apparatus for monitoring telephonic members and providing directory assistance |
| US6209028B1 (en)* | 1997-03-21 | 2001-03-27 | Walker Digital, Llc | System and method for supplying supplemental audio information for broadcast television programs |
| US6263505B1 (en)* | 1997-03-21 | 2001-07-17 | United States Of America | System and method for supplying supplemental information for video programs |
| US6041411A (en)* | 1997-03-28 | 2000-03-21 | Wyatt; Stuart Alan | Method for defining and verifying user access rights to a computer information |
| US6131086A (en)* | 1997-04-02 | 2000-10-10 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products |
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9832531B2 (en)* | 1998-08-26 | 2017-11-28 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing a program as a gift using an interactive application |
| US8560404B2 (en) | 2000-03-08 | 2013-10-15 | Sony Corporation | Information service methods for facilitating browsing and purchasing of consumer commodities in a broadcast program |
| US20050203812A1 (en)* | 2000-03-08 | 2005-09-15 | Sony Corporation | Information service method, data terminal unit, data transmitting and receiving apparatus, and data transmitting apparatus |
| US7433833B2 (en)* | 2000-03-08 | 2008-10-07 | Sony Corporation | Information service method for purchasing utilizing a remote control |
| US7536358B2 (en) | 2000-03-08 | 2009-05-19 | Sony Corporation | Information service method, data terminal unit, data transmitting and receiving apparatus, and data transmitting apparatus |
| US20030101100A1 (en)* | 2000-03-08 | 2003-05-29 | Yoichiro Sako | Information service method, data terminal unit, data transmitting and receiving apparatus, and data trasmitting apparatus |
| US20050182686A1 (en)* | 2004-01-30 | 2005-08-18 | Shotatsu Yo | Apparatus and method for order confirmation |
| US20080281684A1 (en)* | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing sales of products featured in a program |
| US7890380B2 (en)* | 2007-05-07 | 2011-02-15 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Method, system, and computer readable medium for implementing sales of products using a trace of an object |
| US8255293B1 (en)* | 2011-10-10 | 2012-08-28 | Google Inc. | Product catalog dynamically tailored to user-selected media content |
| US9213989B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2015-12-15 | Google Inc. | Product catalog dynamically tailored to user-selected media content |
| US20130103510A1 (en)* | 2011-10-19 | 2013-04-25 | Andrew Tilles | System and method of gathering and disseminating data about prop, wardrobe and set dressing items used in the creation of motion picture content |
| US9087358B1 (en) | 2014-07-11 | 2015-07-21 | Vcomm Group, Inc. | Method and system for purchasing products or services appearing in playing media without interrupting viewing |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20060225096A1 (en) | 2006-10-05 |
| US20070234392A1 (en) | 2007-10-04 |
| US6131086A (en) | 2000-10-10 |
| US20070234393A1 (en) | 2007-10-04 |
| US20060212893A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
| US20060218571A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6131086A (en) | Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products | |
| US10290042B2 (en) | Content recommendations | |
| US7945928B2 (en) | Methods, systems, and products for classifying subscribers | |
| KR101015304B1 (en) | Submission of Internet-based TV Network Content | |
| JP4021143B2 (en) | Content providing system and method, console, and recording medium | |
| US20030004833A1 (en) | Method for vending electronic entertainment | |
| US20070107021A1 (en) | Shopping on Demand Transactional System with Data Warehousing Feature, Data Tracking, Shopping Cart Reservation Feature, Purchase Commentary and External Marketing Incentives Deployed in Video On Demand Cable Systems | |
| US20160192007A1 (en) | Content recommendations based on communal preferences | |
| US9832532B1 (en) | Interactive save and purchase of content and products | |
| US20070107016A1 (en) | Interactive Multiple Channel User Enrollment, Purchase Confirmation Transactional System with Fulfillment Response Feature for Video On Demand Cable Systems | |
| US20050229220A1 (en) | System and method for interactive video services | |
| US20240378645A1 (en) | Storing and retrieving unused advertisements | |
| KR100625088B1 (en) | Video object information provision system and method | |
| US20110078005A1 (en) | Systems and methods for providing vendor-sponsored access to media content | |
| US7664706B2 (en) | Method for granting customers access to a product | |
| US9710824B1 (en) | Method to introduce purchase opportunities into digital media and/or streams | |
| JP2002092360A (en) | Searching system and sales system for article in broadcasting program | |
| EP1429273A1 (en) | Interactive media transmission method and system for direct purchase of goods and services over a tv-broadcast network | |
| US20110078019A1 (en) | Systems and methods for receiving vendor-sponsored access to media content | |
| WO2001022730A1 (en) | Internet hub providing for enablement of media content for commercial transactions | |
| JP5116361B2 (en) | Product sales system and product sales method | |
| JP2002133277A (en) | Customer determination method, customer determination system, direct mail effect confirmation method, direct mail effect confirmation device, CM providing method, CM providing system | |
| GB2351378A (en) | Electronic multimedia information processor | |
| JP2002133352A (en) | Two-way cross media service system and service method |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation | Free format text:ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION | |
| AS | Assignment | Owner name:IGT, NEVADA Free format text:LICENSE;ASSIGNORS:WALKER DIGITAL GAMING, LLC;WALKER DIGITAL GAMING HOLDING, LLC;WDG EQUITY, LLC;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:033501/0023 Effective date:20090810 |