Abstract: A programmable TV recorder stores computer readable instructions for programming a processor to monitor an input port capable of receiving schedule and software updates for a recommendation, to extract a username from the recommendation, to compare the extracted username to a stored usernames, and to output the recommendation to a list when the processor determines that the stored usernames include the extracted username.

Abstract: A method and system that coordinates time and position information, including the geographic position of a wireless device which is used to place an order, with route and delivery system information to allow dynamic rendezvous delivery of fast food, personal items or other goods and services to customers who are walking, driving or traveling. Rendezvous points between customers are calculated from one or more possible preparation locations taking into account cost metrics based on transportation modes and related constraints.

Abstract: A system and method for selling goods to customers attending events at a public facility. Customers gain access to the facility using electronic tickets stored on virtual ticket devices. Access terminals provide the virtual ticket devices with a way to communicate with the electronic ticket control system of the public facility to, among other things, gain access to the public facility using their electronic tickets. When the electronic ticket control system detects that a virtual ticket device is in the public-facility area, it causes a message relating to a possible sale of goods to be generated and transmitted to the virtual ticket device. When a customer affirmatively responds, the sale is concluded and the goods are delivered. A record of the transaction may be kept on the electronic ticket control system database for reference when generating future sales-related messages.

Abstract: A public-venue auction system, and method of operation. In an electronic ticket control system associated with regulating etickets for events at a facility, an auction database is maintained for storing information related to auction items, and proposed terms of sale for them. Information relating to items for auction is received, processed, and transmitted by the electronic ticket control system. Patrons transmit bids through their virtual ticket device. A bid processor receives bids and, at a predetermined time, determines which of them is the highest. An auction event may be initiated by a buyer or seller, or by a third party. Once an auction event is consummated, the owner-operator of the facility will normally facilitate the exchange of consideration, and may provide an on-site clearinghouse for the purpose and charge an auction fee for facilitating the auction.

Abstract: A messaging system for displaying personal messages on the displays of a public facility. The messaging system comprises: 1) a plurality of access points capable of communicating with a plurality of customer communication devices operated by customers of the public facility; 2) a personal message controller coupled to the plurality of access points and capable of receiving a first personal message from a first one of the customer communication devices; and 3) a display control system coupled to the personal message controller and capable of receiving from the personal message controller a first display control message associated with the first personal message, wherein the first control message is operable to cause the display control system to display the first personal message on at least one of the displays of the public facility.

Abstract: An electronic ticket exchange system and method of operation. Tickets for public-facility events are issued by the facility's electronic ticket control system, which maintains a database for storing ownership information regarding each electronic ticket. When the electronic ticket control system receives a ticket exchange request message from a virtual ticket device on which one or more electronic tickets are stored, it compares the conditions of exchange in the request with ownership information in the database to determine if a match can be found. If so, the parties are notified through a message to their virtual ticket devices and, upon confirmation, the exchange is effected by updating the electronic ticket information in each of the virtual ticket devices and also in the electronic ticket control system database.

Abstract: A system and method for selling image-display time to customers of a public facility. The public facility includes an electronic ticket control system that communicates with customer virtual ticket devices that may hold electronic tickets to an event at the public facility. A camera in the public facility captures the image of a customer, which can be transmitted to the customer's virtual ticket device along with an offer to display the image, or an enhanced version of the image, for a fee. Alternatively, the customer requests the camera to take an image of his location which is then broadcast to home viewers. The public facility charges a fee and informs the customer when the image will be taken so the customer can be at his seat.

Abstract: A virtual ticket control system for upgrading tickets of customers to a public facility. The virtual ticket control system comprises: 1) a plurality of access points disposed throughout the public facility, each of the access points establishing a communication link to at least one of a plurality of virtual ticket devices used by customers and receiving at least one virtual ticket transmitted by the at least one virtual ticket device; 2) a memory for storing a seating database identifying empty seats in the public facility and occupied seats in the public facility; and 3) a ticket upgrade controller coupled to the plurality of access points and the memory and capable of receiving a first virtual ticket from a first one of the plurality of virtual ticket devices. The ticket upgrade controller compares a location of a first seat associated with the first virtual ticket with the seating database and identifies a first empty seat having a more desirable location than the first seat location.

Abstract: A business method and system for providing status information to patrons of a public facility through patron virtual ticket devices. A message database stores standard and customized information messages. The information messages may be sent on request, at predetermined times, or upon the occurrence of a preselected event.

Abstract: A virtual ticket control system that controls admission of customers to a public facility. The virtual ticket control system comprises: 1) a plurality of terminal devices disposed at entry points to the public facility, a first one of the terminal devices for establishing a communication link to a virtual ticket device used by a customer and receiving a virtual ticket transmitted by the virtual ticket device; and 2) a virtual ticket authentication controller for receiving the received virtual ticket from the first terminal device and determining if a unique identifier associated with the received virtual ticket matches one of a plurality of stored unique identifiers associated with a plurality of authorized virtual ticket records stored in a memory associated with the virtual ticket authentication controller.

Abstract: A programmable recorder that records video signals provided by a settop box includes monitoring circuitry which monitors a signal indicative of the operational state of the settop box and generates a state signal, logic circuitry which determines whether the settop box is operational based on the state signal and generates a determination signal, and control circuitry which effects a programmed response in response to the determination signal. If desired, the programmed response is cancellation of a schedule recording event. In an exemplary case, the programmable recorder includes an alarm circuit; thus, the programmed response is providing an alarm indicating that the settop box is not operational.

Abstract: Apparatus which discourages the use of unauthorized program software with proprietory computer hardware. The computer hardware reads a DATA TABLE from a specified location in separable software and displays the content of that table in human recognizable form. The displayed data is then compared with reference data which is stored in the proprietory hardware. The hardware blocks further execution of programs contained in the separable software if the displayed data and reference data are not congruent. In a preferred embodiment the display is material which can only be legally used with the permission of the manufacturer or proprietory of the hardware; for example; a registered trademark or copyrighted material.