US5793364A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for associating playback of multiple audiovisual programs with one graphic interface element
Assignee: Entertainment Drive LLC
•
Filing: 1996-06-14
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Granted: 1998-08-11
•
Expires: 2016-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A method and system are provided for associating playback of multiple audiovisual programs with one graphic interface element in a graphical user interface. Primary and secondary audiovisual programs are associated with the graphic interface element. A primary audiovisual program is played back when the user selects the graphic interface element. The secondary audiovisual program is played back at pseudorandom intervals without user input. The secondary audiovisual program draws the user's attention to the graphic interface element.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael T. Bolanos
- 👤 Robert B. Currier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:49
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/455; G06F9/45504; G06F9/45508; G06F9/45512
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said method comprising the steps of: providing a graphical user interface for playback of audiovisual programs; providing at least one primary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing at least one secondary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; associating at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program with said graphic interface element; and initiating playback, without user input, of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program appearing for at least a portion of the playback in a first region of said graphical user interface that is separate from a second region of said graphical user interface in which said graphic interface element appears.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said method comprising the steps of: providing a graphical user interface for playback of audiovisual programs; providing at least one primary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing at least one secondary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; associating at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program with said graphic interface element; and initiating playback, without user input, of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program appearing for at least a portion of the playback in a first region of said graphical user interface that is separate from a second region of said graphical user interface in which said graphic interface element appears.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said initiating step comprises initiating playback based on passage of time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said initiating step comprises initiating playback at temporally spaced intervals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said temporally spaced intervals are pseudorandomly spaced.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 4 wherein each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals has a duration selected from a range of durations.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 5 wherein there is only one said range of durations, each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals being selected from said one range of durations.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 5 wherein: there are at least two said range of durations; for an initial one of said pseudorandom intervals occurring after a user first activates said graphical user interface, an initial range of durations is effective; and for subsequent ones of said pseudorandom intervals after said initial one of said pseudorandom intervals, a second range of durations is effective.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said initial range of durations includes a shorter minimum duration and a shorter maximum duration than said second range of durations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 8 wherein: said initial range of durations includes durations between about 5 seconds and about 15 seconds; and said second range of durations includes durations between about 15 seconds and about 45 seconds.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
149 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said step of providing at least one secondary audiovisual program comprises providing a first group of secondary audiovisual programs and a second group of secondary audiovisual programs; each of said first and second groups of secondary audiovisual programs comprises at least one secondary audiovisual program; and said step of initiating playback without user input comprises (a) playing back a secondary audiovisual program from said first group when said step of initiating playback without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and (b) playing back a secondary audiovisual program from said second group when said step of initiating playback without user input occurs after initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said at least one audiovisual program in said second group comprises content in common with content of said at least one primary audiovisual program.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said system comprising: a display for playback of audiovisual programs; memory for storing at least one primary audiovisual program and at least one secondary audiovisual program; a graphical user interface generator for creating a graphical user interface on said display for controlling playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program and said at least one secondary audiovisual program, said generator providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; and a user input device for actuating said graphic interface element for initiating playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program; wherein: at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is associated with said graphic interface element; and playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated by said generator without user input prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program appearing for at least a portion of the playback in a first region of said graphical user interface that is separate from a second region of said graphical user interface in which said graphic interface element appears.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
226 words
A system for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said system comprising: a display for playback of audiovisual programs; memory for storing at least one primary audiovisual program and at least one secondary audiovisual program; a graphical user interface generator for creating a graphical user interface on said display for controlling playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program and said at least one secondary audiovisual program, said generator providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; and a user input device for actuating said graphic interface element for initiating playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program; wherein: at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is associated with said graphic interface element; and playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated by said generator without user input prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program appearing for at least a portion of the playback in a first region of said graphical user interface that is separate from a second region of said graphical user interface in which said graphic interface element appears.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 12 wherein playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated based on passage of time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 13 wherein playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated at temporally spaced intervals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said temporally spaced intervals are pseudorandomly spaced.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 15 wherein each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals has a duration selected from a range of durations.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 16 wherein there is only one said range of durations, each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals being selected from said one range of durations.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 16 wherein: there are at least two said range of durations; for an initial one of said pseudorandom intervals occurring after a user first activates said graphical user interface, an initial range of durations is effective; and for subsequent ones of said pseudorandom intervals after said initial one of said pseudorandom intervals, a second range of durations is effective.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said initial range of durations includes a shorter minimum duration and a shorter maximum duration than said second range of durations.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 19 wherein: said initial range of durations includes durations between about 5 seconds and about 15 seconds; and said second range of durations includes durations between about 15 seconds and about 45 seconds.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
134 words
The system of claim 12 wherein: said memory stores a first group of said secondary audiovisual programs and a second group of said secondary audiovisual programs; each of said first and second groups of secondary audiovisual programs comprises at least one secondary audiovisual program; and said generator initiates playback without user input (a) of a secondary audiovisual program from said first group when initiation of playback without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and (b) of a secondary audiovisual program from said second group when initiation of playback without user input occurs after initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said at least one audiovisual program in said second group comprises content in common with content of said at least one primary audiovisual program.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
198 words
A method for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said method comprising the steps of: providing a graphical user interface for playback of audiovisual programs; providing at least one primary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing at least one secondary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; associating at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program with said graphic interface element; and initiating playbacks, without user input, of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein said playbacks are initiated at pseudorandomly spaced time intervals that have a duration selected from an initial range of durations for an initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals occurring after a user first activates said graphical user interface and from a second range of durations for subsequent ones of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals after said initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
198 words
A method for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said method comprising the steps of: providing a graphical user interface for playback of audiovisual programs; providing at least one primary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing at least one secondary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; associating at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program with said graphic interface element; and initiating playbacks, without user input, of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein said playbacks are initiated at pseudorandomly spaced time intervals that have a duration selected from an initial range of durations for an initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals occurring after a user first activates said graphical user interface and from a second range of durations for subsequent ones of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals after said initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 23 wherein said initial range of durations includes a shorter minimum duration and a shorter maximum duration than said second range of durations.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 24 wherein: said initial range of durations includes durations between about 5 seconds and about 15 seconds; and said second range of durations includes durations between about 15 seconds and about 45 seconds.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
147 words
The method of claim 23 wherein: said step of providing at least one secondary audiovisual program comprises providing a first group of secondary audiovisual programs and a second group of secondary audiovisual programs; each of said first group and said second group comprises at least one secondary audiovisual program; and said step of initiating playbacks without user input comprises (a) playing back a secondary audiovisual program from said first group when said step of initiating playbacks without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and (b) playing back a secondary audiovisual program from said second group when said step of initiating playbacks without user input occurs after initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said at least one audiovisual program in said second group comprises content in common with content of said at least one primary audiovisual program.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program appears for at least a portion of the playbacks in a first region of said graphical user interface that is separate from a second region of said graphical user interface in which said graphic interface element appears.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said method comprising the steps of: providing a graphical user interface for playback of audiovisual programs; providing at least one primary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing at least one secondary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface from one of a first group of secondary audiovisual programs and a second group of secondary audiovisual programs, wherein each of said first group and said second group comprises at least one secondary audiovisual program; providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; associating at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program with said graphic interface element; and initiating playback, without user input, of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is from said first group when said step of initiating playback without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and from said second group when said step of initiating playback without user input occurs after initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said method comprising the steps of: providing a graphical user interface for playback of audiovisual programs; providing at least one primary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface; providing at least one secondary audiovisual program for playback using said graphical user interface from one of a first group of secondary audiovisual programs and a second group of secondary audiovisual programs, wherein each of said first group and said second group comprises at least one secondary audiovisual program; providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; associating at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program with said graphic interface element; and initiating playback, without user input, of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is from said first group when said step of initiating playback without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and from said second group when said step of initiating playback without user input occurs after initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 29 wherein said initiating step comprises initiating playback based on passage of time.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 30 wherein said initiating step comprises initiating playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program at temporally spaced intervals.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 31 wherein said temporally spaced intervals are pseudorandomly spaced.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 32 wherein each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals has a duration selected from a range of durations.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 33 wherein there is only one said range of durations, each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals being selected from said one range of durations.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 29 wherein said at least one audiovisual program in said second group comprises content in common with content of said at least one primary audiovisual program.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
243 words
A system for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said system comprising: a display for playback of audiovisual programs; memory for storing at least one primary audiovisual program and at least one secondary audiovisual program; a graphical user interface generator for creating a graphical user interface on said display for controlling playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program and said at least one secondary audiovisual program, said generator providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; and a user input device for actuating said graphic interface element for initiating playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program; wherein: at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is associated with said graphic interface element; and playbacks of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program are initiated by said generator without user input prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein the playbacks are initiated at pseudorandomly spaced time intervals that have a duration selected from an initial range of durations for an initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals occurring after a user first activates said graphical user interface and from a second range of durations for subsequent ones of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals after said initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
243 words
A system for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said system comprising: a display for playback of audiovisual programs; memory for storing at least one primary audiovisual program and at least one secondary audiovisual program; a graphical user interface generator for creating a graphical user interface on said display for controlling playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program and said at least one secondary audiovisual program, said generator providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; and a user input device for actuating said graphic interface element for initiating playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program; wherein: at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is associated with said graphic interface element; and playbacks of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program are initiated by said generator without user input prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein the playbacks are initiated at pseudorandomly spaced time intervals that have a duration selected from an initial range of durations for an initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals occurring after a user first activates said graphical user interface and from a second range of durations for subsequent ones of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals after said initial one of said pseudorandomly spaced time intervals.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 36 wherein said initial range of durations includes a shorter minimum duration and a shorter maximum duration than said second range of durations.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 37 wherein: said initial range of durations includes durations between about 5 seconds and about 15 seconds; and said second range of durations includes durations between about 15 seconds and about 45 seconds.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
133 words
The system of claim 36 wherein: said memory stores a first group of said secondary audiovisual programs and a second group of said secondary audiovisual programs; each of said first group and said second group comprises at least one secondary audiovisual program; and said generator initiates playbacks without user input (a) of a secondary audiovisual program from said first group when initiation of playbacks without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and (b) of a secondary audiovisual program from said second group when initiation of playbacks without user input occurs after an initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 39 wherein said at least one audiovisual program in said second group comprises content in common with content of said at least one primary audiovisual program.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 39 wherein said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program appears for at least a portion of said playbacks in a first region of said graphical user interface that is separate from a second region of said graphical user interface in which said graphical interface element appears.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
287 words
A system for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said system comprising: a display for playback of audiovisual programs; memory for storing at least one primary audiovisual program, a first group of secondary audiovisual programs, and a second group of secondary audiovisual programs, each of said first group and said second group comprising at least one secondary audiovisual program; a graphical user interface generator for creating a graphical user interface on said display for controlling playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program and said at least one secondary audiovisual program, said generator providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; and a user input device for actuating said graphic interface element for initiating playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program wherein: at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is associated with said graphic interface element; and playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated by said generator without user input prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is from said first group when initiation of said playback without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and from said second group when initiation of said playback without user input occurs after initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
287 words
A system for playback of multiple audiovisual programs, said system comprising: a display for playback of audiovisual programs; memory for storing at least one primary audiovisual program, a first group of secondary audiovisual programs, and a second group of secondary audiovisual programs, each of said first group and said second group comprising at least one secondary audiovisual program; a graphical user interface generator for creating a graphical user interface on said display for controlling playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program and said at least one secondary audiovisual program, said generator providing in said graphical user interface a graphic interface element for initiating playback, in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, of one of said at least one primary audiovisual program; and a user input device for actuating said graphic interface element for initiating playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program wherein: at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is associated with said graphic interface element; and playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated by said generator without user input prior to user selection of said graphic interface element, wherein said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is from said first group when initiation of said playback without user input occurs prior to initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element, and from said second group when initiation of said playback without user input occurs after initiation of playback of said at least one primary audiovisual program in response to user selection of said graphic interface element.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 42 wherein playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated based on passage of time.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 43 wherein playback of said associated at least one of said at least one secondary audiovisual program is initiated at temporally spaced intervals.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 44 wherein said temporally spaced intervals are pseudorandomly spaced.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 45 wherein each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals has a duration selected from a range of durations.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 46 wherein there is only one said range of durations, each of said pseudorandomly spaced intervals being selected from said one range of durations.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 42 wherein said at least one audiovisual program in said second group comprises content in common with content of said at least one primary audiovisual program.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-10 | 2002-02-09 | 2002-08-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-10 | 2006-02-09 | 2006-08-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-10 | 2010-02-09 | 2010-08-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |