Patents Assigned to Index Systems, Inc.
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Publication number: 20110197231Abstract: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: INDEX SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Thomas Edward Ward, III, Ted Nesson
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Publication number: 20110141375Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map is accompanied by a channel map identifier which identifies the source of the television transmission and a geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map having a channel map identifier corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: INDEX SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Daniel S. Kwoh, Allen Chang
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Patent number: 7941818Abstract: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Ward, III, Ted Nesson
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Patent number: 7814511Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Douglas B. Macrae, Thomas E. Westberg
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Publication number: 20100223643Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a system and method for simultaneously displaying advertisements with an electronic program guide (EPG). The system displays television schedule information in rows of schedule information items including the time and channel for least a portion of the displayed television schedule information items. An advertisement is selected for display from a plurality of advertisements, and the selected advertisement is displayed between two rows of the schedule information items simultaneously with the displayed television schedule information items.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: INDEX SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Publication number: 20100175080Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is an improved interactive television system and method for t-commerce. In this embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for facilitating transactions by a user through a television system including a playback device. The method includes providing a first storage medium with pre-recorded content stored on the recording medium; storing an interactive advertisement on the first storage medium; generating a trigger for the interactive advertisement; displaying the interactive advertisement on the television system in response to the trigger when the first storage medium is played by the playback device; prompting the user to respond to the interactive advertisement; generating a transaction request from the user response; and transmitting the transaction request through the television system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Index Systems, IncInventors: Henry C. Yuen, Elsie M. Leung
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Patent number: 7663700Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Patent number: 7636511Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling recording of video programs. In one embodiment an apparatus for controlling the recording of video programs includes a device for retrieving a recorder identifier and recorder programming data from a television signal received from a television signal source, a device for determining whether the retrieved recorder identifier matches a first identifier for the apparatus, a device for storing the recorder programming data, if the retrieved recorder identifier matches the first identifier for the apparatus, and a device for using the stored recorder programming data to control recording. The device for retrieving a recorder identifier and recorder programming data from a television signal includes a vertical blanking interval decoder.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventor: Yee K Ng
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Publication number: 20090307724Abstract: A television system comprises an electronic program guide (EPG) including a picture-in-picture (PIP) window and means for returning to a last channel viewed full screen (LCF) in a television viewing mode prior to entering the guide mode. The EPG displays a program list including a listing for the LCF and text identifying it as such. This last channel listing is positioned at the top of a program list area in the guide. The viewer returns directly to the LCF in the television viewing mode by setting a cursor to the last channel listing prior to exiting the guide mode. In guides including listings for future programs, the last channel listing remains in a designated position of the program list area.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: Index System, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Publication number: 20090297124Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling recording of video programs. In one embodiment an apparatus for controlling the recording of video programs includes a device for retrieving a recorder identifier and recorder programming data from a television signal received from a television signal source, a device for determining whether the retrieved recorder identifier matches a first identifier for the apparatus, a device for storing the recorder programming data, if the retrieved recorder identifier matches the first identifier for the apparatus, and a device for using the stored recorder programming data to control recording. The device for retrieving a recorder identifier and recorder programming data from a television signal includes a vertical blanking interval decoder.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Index Systems, Inc.Inventor: Yee Kong Ng
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Patent number: 7594243Abstract: A television system comprises an electronic program guide (EPG) including a picture-in-picture (PIP) window and means for returning to a last channel viewed full screen (LCF) in a television viewing mode prior to entering the guide mode. The EPG displays a program list including a listing for the LCF and text identifying it as such. This last channel listing is positioned at the top of a program list area in the guide. The viewer returns directly to the LCF in the television viewing mode by setting a cursor to the last channel listing prior to exiting the guide mode. In guides including listings for future programs, the last channel listing remains in a designated position of the program list area.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Publication number: 20090210906Abstract: A video tape indexing system in which program broadcast identification information is entered into the system for use in recording the program. When the program is recorded, the system stores indexing information in an index memory. The system monitors a broadcast channel for electronic program guide information that includes titles and usually channel, date, time and length for the titles. The system matches the channel, date, time and length information from the broadcast channel with the identification information entered for the program to be recorded. The title in the broadcast channel associated with the channel, date, time and length information is then associated with the indexing information for the program.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Wing P. Leung
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Patent number: 7542657Abstract: A video tape indexing system in which program broadcast identification information is entered into the system for use in recording the program. When the program is recorded, the system stores indexing information in an index memory. The system monitors a broadcast channel for electronic program guide information that includes titles and usually channel, date, time and length for the titles. The system matches the channel, date, time and length information from the broadcast channel with the identification information entered for the program to be recorded. The title in the broadcast channel associated with the channel, date, time and length information is then associated with the indexing information for the program.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Wing P. Leung
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Patent number: 7499628Abstract: Operation of a video cassette player is facilitated by providing a VBI decoder which decodes information, such as title, channel, date, time and length of broadcast programs and utilizing the information in providing directory of the programs as well as control of the VCR. The video cassette player is also provided with a VBI encoder for inserting control as well as directory information into the tape, either in the VBI portions of the video track or in the control track.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Index Systems inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Daniel S. Kwoh, Roy J. Mankovitz, Carl Hindman, Hing Y. Ngai, Yee Kong Ng, Elsie Y. Leung
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Patent number: 7328450Abstract: The present invention is an improvement over previous Electronic Programming Guides (“EPG”) in that it provides, among other things: Improved viewer interaction capabilities with the EPG; improved viewer control of video recording of future-scheduled programming; improved features to the EPG display and navigation; parental control of the EPG display; improved television program information access by the viewer; improved opportunities for the commercial advertiser to reach the viewer; improved product information access by the viewer; creation of a viewer's profile; utilization of viewer profile information to customize various aspects of the EPG; and utilization of viewer profile information to provide customized presentation of advertising to the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Macrae, Henry Yuen
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Patent number: 7266833Abstract: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Edward Ward, III, Ted Nesson
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Publication number: 20070033613Abstract: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: February 8, 2007Applicant: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Ward, Kenneth Hancock, Douglas Macrae
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Patent number: 7003792Abstract: A smart agent (SA) is provided which resides locally in a local client device and by iterative means integrates the habit, statistics and psycho-demographic information of a user to infer the user's preferences. The SA may also utilize the preferences to filter information delivered to the local device. The invention further discloses a means of collecting, combining, integrating and inferring information from the user to arrive at a psycho-demographic profile of the user, and a means of utilizing such psycho-demographic profile to select or filter information delivered to the user, thereby achieving targeting. The invention also discloses a means of classifying and identifying the information delivered so that it can be matched, filtered or selected.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventor: Henry C. Yuen
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Patent number: 6868226Abstract: An apparatus for providing voice titles for recorded programs includes a recorder (11,19) for recording on a sequential recording medium, which has an audio recording portion (242) and a control recording portion (246). A control input (222) is provided for indicating a start of a voice title and the start indicator (252) is recorded on the control recording portion of the sequential medium. A microphone (264) or other device is provided for entering a voice title and for recording the entered voice title onto the audio recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded indication of the start of the voice title in the control recording portion. A control input (222) is provided for indicating an end of the voice title and the end indicator (254) is recorded onto the control recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded voice title in the audio recording portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel S. Kwoh, Henry C. Yuen
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Patent number: RE42026Abstract: A video recorder, adapted for use in conjunction with a remotely controllable unit associated with television recording and/or viewing, contains a remote-control signal transmitter to transmit control codes to the associated unit, and means to analyze the operation of the associated unit in response to the control codes. An electronic controller causes the transmitter to transmit test codes to the associated unit, then analyzes the resulting operation of the associated unit to determine its control codes, which it stores in a memory for later use.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1996Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Levine