Abstract: A system for the automatic collection of closed caption text wherein broadcast source of closed caption text are received by a tuner, then decoded and a text handler writes text files. A remote inquiry client is operably connected to the tuner and a server, to push the text files from the inquiry client to the server. A previously submitted search profile originated by the inquiry client is automatically compared with the text files and parsed to create a inquiry client search result, and the useful inquiry client is then automatically contacted regarding the search result.

Abstract: There is provided a system for the automatic collection and conditioning of closed caption texts originating from multiple geographic locations, comprising: (1) at least one remote capture client means having a tuner to receive one or more television signals, a decoder to decode closed caption text stream in the television signals, and means to write the closed caption text stream to a text file, (2) central server means operatively connected to the remote capture client means for storing the text files and making the text files available to a user, and (3) an inquiry client means operatively connected to the central server means for searching the text files. The central server is adapted to automatically process search requests from the inquiry client and notify the inquiry client via any suitable communications means, even when the inquiry client is not in active communication with the central server.

Abstract: There is provided a system for the automatic collection and conditioning of closed caption texts originating from multiple geographic locations, comprising: (1) at least one remote capture client means having a tuner to receive one or more television signals, a decoder to decode closed caption text stream in the television signals, and means to write the closed caption text stream to a text file, (2) central server means operatively connected to the remote capture client means for storing the text files and making the text files available to a user, and (3) an inquiry client means operatively connected to the central server means for searching the text files. The remote capture client is preferably adapted to automatically create text files and “push” them to the central server. The central server is preferably adapted to provide search results and/or text files to the inquiry client via a web browser.

Abstract: A method for compiling and searching the word content of multiple television news programs uses closed captioning text encoded in the television signal. A remotely located server, using a closed captioning decoder, extracts a closed captioned text stream from a television signal and writes the text stream to a file according to parameters pre-programmed by the system administrator. A completed text file moves, via the Internet, from the remote central server to a central server. At the central server, the text file encounters a series of pre-index processes designed to impose consistency across all sources. Text files are parsed into smaller files by story or segment. The resulting multiple files are indexed by content and origination information. An interface for submitting search parameters is provided through a World Wide Web site. The site provides web pages to allow search parameters to be specified by a user.