US5761601A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Video distribution of advertisements to businesses
Assignee: NBL Communications Inc
•
Filing: 1993-08-09
•
Granted: 1998-06-02
•
Expires: 2013-08-09
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides systems and methods for distributing full motion video media, usually in the form of advertisements to a plurality of businesses, such as retail stores that are dispersed over a wide geographical area. The programs are transmitted from a distribution center to a multitude of receiving sites via satellite and are receivable via antennae at the receiving sites. Television monitors located at selected points in the receiving sites display the programs to an audience, which usually will include shoppers in the course of shopping. The invention provides for customizing video programs for particular target audiences or markets, such that the series of programs played in one receiving site could be quite different from that played in another.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank R. Nemirofsky
- 👤 Greg James
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:35
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/80; H04N21/81; H04N21/812; H04N21/20; H04N21/25; H04N21/258; H04N21/25866; H04N21/25883; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/162; H04N7/165
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A video media distribution network comprising: a central distribution center having means for transmitting a network-wide video program and market-specific segments to a plurality of receiving sites at places of business each having an associated address, said network-wide video program including regional-specific segments, said market-specific segments including a destination address and a set of control data encoded therein, wherein the receiving sites comprise: a receiver to receive said network-wide video program and said market-specific segment; a reader coupled to said receiver to read the destination addresses in said market-specific segments; a storage unit coupled to said receiver to store desired segments from said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments; an insertion control unit coupled to said receiver to insert said market specific segments into said regional-specific segments according to commands contained in the control data to produce a customized program; and a display coupled to said receiver to display the customized program at said places of business.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A video media distribution network comprising: a central distribution center having means for transmitting a network-wide video program and market-specific segments to a plurality of receiving sites at places of business each having an associated address, said network-wide video program including regional-specific segments, said market-specific segments including a destination address and a set of control data encoded therein, wherein the receiving sites comprise: a receiver to receive said network-wide video program and said market-specific segment; a reader coupled to said receiver to read the destination addresses in said market-specific segments; a storage unit coupled to said receiver to store desired segments from said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments; an insertion control unit coupled to said receiver to insert said market specific segments into said regional-specific segments according to commands contained in the control data to produce a customized program; and a display coupled to said receiver to display the customized program at said places of business.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1 further comprising an interrupt for interrupting said customized program.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1 further comprising a trafficking system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The video media distribution network of claim 3, wherein said trafficking system determines the commands contained in said control data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The video media distribution network of claim 3, wherein said trafficking system organizes said regional-specific and said market-specific segments within said customized program.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The video media distribution network of claim 3, wherein said trafficking system manages information in said network and generates bills from gathered and consolidated information.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The video media distribution network of claim 3, wherein said trafficking system utilizes a wheel concept.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The video media distribution network of claim 3, further comprising a data communications link, between said trafficking system and said distribution center, for transmitting information including reception verification, alarm messages, and statistical information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1, further comprising: an interrupt feature for interrupting said customized program; wherein said interrupt feature includes unanticipated segments transmitted from said distribution center, said unanticipated segments having destination addresses.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The video media distribution network of claim 9, wherein said unanticipated segments are directly decoded at said receiving sites.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
90 words
The video media distribution network of claim 9, wherein: said reader is capable of reading said destination addresses in said unanticipated segments; said storage unit is capable of storing only desired segments from said unanticipated segments; said insertion control unit is capable of overriding said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments with said unanticipated segments, when the destination address matches the associated address of the receiving site, according to commands contained in the control data to produce an altered program; and said display is capable of displaying said altered program.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1, wherein the network-wide program and market specific segments are transmitted in digital signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The video media distribution network of claim 12, further comprising a digital compression device to compress the digital signals, said means for compressing being within said distribution center.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1, wherein the network-wide program and market-specific segments are transmitted through a single transponder of the satellite.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1, wherein the network-wide video program and the market-specific segments comprise full motion video program segments.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
48 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1, wherein said receiving sites are divided into a plurality of sections each having a section associated address, said market-specific segments further having a section destination address readable by said reader, whereby section-customized programs for each of said sections are produced.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The video media distribution network of claim 1, further comprising a storage and playback unit to store said network-wide program and said market-specific segments for time-delayed playback, said storage and playback unit being coupled to said receiving sites.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The video media distribution network of claim 17, wherein said storage and playback unit is responsive to storage commands contained in said control data.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; and inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program, wherein each receiving site is a place of business.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; and inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program, wherein each receiving site is a place of business.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 19 further comprising interrupting said customized program at said receiving sites when unanticipated segments having a destination address matching the address at said receiving sites are transmitted from said distribution center.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 20, wherein said unanticipated segments override said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments to produce an altered program.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the unanticipated segments are directly sent to a decoder at said receiving sites.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 19 wherein said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments contain information; and further comprising trafficking said transmitting and said inserting of said information to produce a customized program, said trafficking manages said information and generates bills from gathering and consolidating said information, and said trafficking utilizes a wheel program sequence.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the network-wide program and market-specific segments are transmitted via satellite.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the network-wide program and market-specific segments are transmitted in digital signals.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the receiving sites each have a plurality of sections having a section associated address, the method further comprising encoding a section destination address in the market-specific segments, reading the section destination address at the receiving site, and displaying in each of said sections the network-wide program having inserted therein the market-specific segments with a section destination address matching the section associated address.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of regional-specific segments with a destination address; encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing said regional-specific segments, and said market-specific segments to said receiving sites; receiving said network-wide program containing said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments at each of said receiving sites; reading the destination addresses in each of said regional-specific segments and each of said market-specific segments; storing at each said receiving site only said regional-specific segments having destination addresses matching addresses associated with said receiving sites; and inserting said market-specific segments having destination addresses which match addresses associated with said receiving sites in said network-wide program to produce a customized program, wherein said receiving sites are places of business.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
150 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of regional-specific segments with a destination address; encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing said regional-specific segments, and said market-specific segments to said receiving sites; receiving said network-wide program containing said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments at each of said receiving sites; reading the destination addresses in each of said regional-specific segments and each of said market-specific segments; storing at each said receiving site only said regional-specific segments having destination addresses matching addresses associated with said receiving sites; and inserting said market-specific segments having destination addresses which match addresses associated with said receiving sites in said network-wide program to produce a customized program, wherein said receiving sites are places of business.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 27, further comprising displaying said customized program on at least one television set in each of said receiving sites.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
161 words
A video media distribution network comprising: a distribution center having means for transmitting a network-wide video program and market-specific segments to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, said network-wide video program including regional-specific segments, said market-specific segments including a destination address and a set of control data encoded therein, wherein the receiving sites comprise: a receiver to receive said network-wide video program and said market-specific segment; a reader coupled to said receiver to read the destination addresses in said market-specific segments; a storage unit coupled to said receiver to store desired segments from said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments; an insertion control unit coupled to said receiver to insert said market specific segments into said regional-specific segments according to commands contained in the control data to produce a customized program; a display coupled to said receiver to display the customized program; and an interrupt feature coupled to said insertion control unit to interrupt said customized program.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
161 words
A video media distribution network comprising: a distribution center having means for transmitting a network-wide video program and market-specific segments to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, said network-wide video program including regional-specific segments, said market-specific segments including a destination address and a set of control data encoded therein, wherein the receiving sites comprise: a receiver to receive said network-wide video program and said market-specific segment; a reader coupled to said receiver to read the destination addresses in said market-specific segments; a storage unit coupled to said receiver to store desired segments from said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments; an insertion control unit coupled to said receiver to insert said market specific segments into said regional-specific segments according to commands contained in the control data to produce a customized program; a display coupled to said receiver to display the customized program; and an interrupt feature coupled to said insertion control unit to interrupt said customized program.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The video media distribution network of claim 29, wherein said interrupt feature includes unanticipated segments transmitted from said distribution center, said unanticipated segments having destination addresses.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The video media distribution network of claim 30, wherein said unanticipated segments are directly decoded at said receiving sites.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
102 words
The video media distribution network of claim 30, wherein: said reader is coupled to said receiver to read said destination addresses in said unanticipated segments; said storage unit is coupled to said receiver to store only desired segments from said unanticipated segments; said insertion control unit is coupled to said receiver to override said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments with said unanticipated segments, when the destination address matches the associated address of the receiving site, according to commands contained in the control data to produce an altered program; and said display is coupled to said receiver to display said altered program.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
50 words
The video media distribution network of claim 29, wherein said receiving sites are divided into a plurality of sections each having a section associated address, said market-specific segments further having a section destination address readable by said means for reading, whereby section-customized programs for each of said sections are produced.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
The video media distribution network of claim 29, further comprising: a storage and playback unit for storing said network-wide program and said market-specific segments for time-delayed playback, said storage and playback unit being coupled to said receiving sites.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
156 words
A video media distribution network comprising: a distribution center having means for transmitting a network-wide video program and market-specific segments to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, said network-wide video program including regional-specific segments, said market-specific segments including a destination address and a set of control data encoded therein, wherein the receiving sites comprise: a receiver to receive said network-wide video program and said market-specific segment; a reader coupled to said receiver to read the destination addresses in said market-specific segments; a storage unit coupled to said receiver to store desired segments from said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments; an insertion control unit coupled to said receiver to insert said market specific segments into said regional-specific segments according to commands contained in the control data to produce a customized program; a display coupled to said receiver to display the customized program; and a trafficking system coupled to said insertion control unit.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
156 words
A video media distribution network comprising: a distribution center having means for transmitting a network-wide video program and market-specific segments to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, said network-wide video program including regional-specific segments, said market-specific segments including a destination address and a set of control data encoded therein, wherein the receiving sites comprise: a receiver to receive said network-wide video program and said market-specific segment; a reader coupled to said receiver to read the destination addresses in said market-specific segments; a storage unit coupled to said receiver to store desired segments from said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments; an insertion control unit coupled to said receiver to insert said market specific segments into said regional-specific segments according to commands contained in the control data to produce a customized program; a display coupled to said receiver to display the customized program; and a trafficking system coupled to said insertion control unit.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The video media distribution network of claim 35, wherein said trafficking system determines the commands contained in said control data.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The video media distribution network of claim 35, wherein said trafficking system manages information in said network and generates bills from gathered and consolidated information.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
33 words
The video media distribution network of claim 35, further comprising a data communications link, between said trafficking system and said distribution center, for transmitting information including reception verification, alarm messages, and statistical information.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program; and interrupting said customized program said receiving sites when unanticipated segments having a destination address matching the address at said receiving sites are transmitted from said distribution center.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program; and interrupting said customized program said receiving sites when unanticipated segments having a destination address matching the address at said receiving sites are transmitted from said distribution center.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 39, wherein said unanticipated segments override said regional-specific segments and said market-specific segments to produce an altered program.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program, wherein said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments contain information; and trafficking said transmitting and said inserting of said information to produce a customized program, said trafficking manages said information and generates bills from gathering and consolidating said information, and said trafficking utilizes a wheel program sequence.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program, wherein said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments contain information; and trafficking said transmitting and said inserting of said information to produce a customized program, said trafficking manages said information and generates bills from gathering and consolidating said information, and said trafficking utilizes a wheel program sequence.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program, wherein the receiving sites each have a plurality of sections having a section associated address; and encoding a section destination address in the market-specific segments, reading the section destination address at the receiving site, and displaying in each of said sections the network-wide program having inserted therein the market-specific segments with a section destination address matching the section associated address.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of broadcasting a plurality of customized video programs to a plurality of receiving sites each having an associated address, the method comprising: encoding each of a plurality of market-specific segments with a destination address; transmitting a network-wide program containing regional-specific segments, and the market-specific segments to the receiving sites; receiving the network-wide program containing the regional-specific segments, and market-specific segments at each site; reading the destination addresses in each market-specific segment; storing at each particular receiving site the desired segments of said regional-specific segments and market-specific segments to said particular receiving sites; inserting the market-specific segments into the regional-specific segments to produce a customized program, wherein the receiving sites each have a plurality of sections having a section associated address; and encoding a section destination address in the market-specific segments, reading the section destination address at the receiving site, and displaying in each of said sections the network-wide program having inserted therein the market-specific segments with a section destination address matching the section associated address.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-01 | 2009-12-01 | 2010-06-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |