Patents Assigned to ACTV, Inc.
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Publication number: 20110219421Abstract: Maintaining a file specifying a “donut” of dynamic, hierarchical, shared user-profile information. The donut contains a user profile or acts as a key to a data repository containing it, and it specifies user-profile information such as user characteristics, viewing preferences, hobbies, and spending habits. The donut is accessed by browser programs, associated web server programs, and other applications for use in routing content to the user associated with the donut.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig D. Ullman, Michael R. Abato, Jeffrey M. Harrington, Carl R. Duda
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Patent number: 7949722Abstract: Maintaining a file specifying a “donut” of dynamic, hierarchical, shared user-profile information. The donut contains a user profile or acts as a key to a data repository containing it, and it specifies user-profile information such as user characteristics, viewing preferences, hobbies, and spending habits. The donut is accessed by browser programs, associated web server programs, and other applications for use in routing content to the user associated with the donut.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: ACTV Inc.Inventors: Craig D. Ullman, Michael R. Abato, Jeffrey M. Harrington, Carl R. Duda
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Patent number: 7930716Abstract: A method and system for reinserting local content commercials in a digital video format into a customized event data stream. Local content commercials may be inserted at an on-site facility, a national network, a headend, or a local affiliate. Local content commercials may be inserted into the overall data stream, or into one of a plurality of program signals comprising the data stream. Further, markers or software instructions may be inserted into the data stream or program signals instructing a headend, set top box, or personal video recorder to retrieve a stored local content commercial and insert the commercial into the data stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: ACTV Inc.Inventors: Kevin Liga, Frank P. Deo
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Patent number: 7448063Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different c125 amera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Freeman, Craig Ullman
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Patent number: 7409437Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed in a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ullman, Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack
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Patent number: 7305691Abstract: A system and method for providing targeted programming to a user outside of the user's home. The method of receiving at least one of a user identification and a user profile, selecting a program based at least in part on the at least one of the user identification and the user profile, and providing a program for presentation to a user outside of the user's home is disclosed. A system including presentation device connected to a controller is also disclosed. The controller receives at least one of a user identification and a user profile, obtains a program based at least in part on the at least one of the user identification and the user profile and provides a program to a presentation device for presentation to a user outside of the user's home.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: ACTV, Inc.Inventor: Michael Cristofalo
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Patent number: 7120871Abstract: A web page staging area for construction of web pages hidden from view of the user. Once the web page is constructed, it is displayed to the user based upon timer event information or receipt of a particular command instructing that it be displayed. Use of the staging area provides the user with a more television-like experience in viewing content from the Internet or other source in that the user need not view a web page being constructed on a display device. Use of timer event information for displaying the constructed web page permits synchronization of the web page with associated programming.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: ACTV, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Harrington
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Patent number: 7079176Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Freeman, Craig Ullman
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Patent number: 7075899Abstract: The present invention involves a system, apparatus, and method for providing private in-band data to digital set-top boxes in a broadcast environment. In one example, a digital set-top box conforming to the present invention includes one or more programmatic identifiers, such as a manufactures identification, a product identification, and software application identifications. On a channel and at a time, the set-top box receives a broadcast transmission of in-band update data, such as profile data or software code, with matching identifiers. Upon receipt of the broadcast transmission having matching identifiers, the in-band update data is stored in a memory of the set-top box or the appropriate application is modified.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Sheehan, Michael G. Cristofalo
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Publication number: 20050015816Abstract: Systems and methods for the insertion of commands and/or other data into a digital programming stream are described. These command and/or data may be inserted into digital advertisement or other programs and may utilized by any device which is involved in the generation, transmission, reception and/or presentation of content via a digital programming stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: January 20, 2005Applicants: ACTV, Inc, nCUBEInventors: Michael Christofalo, Stephen Riedl
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Publication number: 20040261127Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Freeman, Craig Ullman
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Publication number: 20040236865Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed in a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ullman, Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack
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Publication number: 20040205822Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ullman, Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack
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Patent number: 6758754Abstract: A method and system for providing on-line game competition are provided. Players select their favorite teams, join with other fans of the team, and compete against players on the opposite team. Teams compete against each other in matches, where matches are based on schedules of real-life events, such as sports schedules or entertainment schedules. Players are grouped with other players associated with their favorite teams, and matches are organized. Various trivia questions may be presented, and players have a predetermined period of time to answer the questions. Points may be awarded based on a player's success in competition and the overall teams success in matches. Further, prizes are awarded based on points received by a player.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: ACTV, IncInventors: Eric Robert Lavanchy, Anthony Frank Zito, Richard Edward Lamb
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Publication number: 20040030759Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack, Craig Ullman
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Publication number: 20030167300Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ullman, Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack
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Publication number: 20030145338Abstract: A system and process for incorporating, retrieving and displaying an Enhanced Flash Movie (EFM) is provided. One embodiment of the system utilizes an URI decoder to extract from a combined signal an address identifying a provider of an EFM. The EFM may provide a Flash Movie, a Movie Player and at least one trigger, wherein the trigger provides a mean value pair data structure having a variable segment and a value segment. The trigger identifies when and from whom Enhanced Content related to the Flash Movie is available for presentation to the client via a client device with a Flash enabled Web browser. In another embodiment, a direct connection between a client device and a provider of an EFM is utilized to obtain the EFM. The EFM and/or the Enhanced Content related to a Flash Movie provided with the EFM may also be obtained directly from a computer readable medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Harrington
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Publication number: 20030088674Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed in a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ullman, Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack
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Publication number: 20030084444Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed in a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, on another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ullman, Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack
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Publication number: 20030065719Abstract: A system for integrating video programming with the vast information resources of the Internet. A computer-based system receives a video program with embedded uniform resource locators (URLs). The URLs, the effective addresses of locations or Web sites on the Internet, are interpreted by the system and direct the system to the Web site locations to retrieve related Web pages. Upon receipt of the Web pages by the system, the Web pages are synchronized to the video content for display. The video program signal can be displayed on a video window on a conventional personal computer screen. The actual retrieved Web pages are time stamped to also be displayed, in another portion of the display screen, when predetermined related video content is displayed in the video window. As an alternative, the computer-based system receives the URLs directly through an Internet connection, at times specified by TV broadcasters in advance. The system interprets the URLs and retrieves the appropriate Web pages.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Applicant: ACTV, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ullman, Jack D. Hidary, Nova T. Spivack