Patent US2708237A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6209130B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System for collecting television program data
Assignee: Adeia Guides Inc
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Filing: 1997-10-10
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Granted: 2001-03-27
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Expires: 2017-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A system for collecting program data from television systems is provided. The program data is collected at a main facility that distributes the program data to television distribution facilities for use in passive or interactive electronic television program guides. The system allows personnel at television station office computers to access a database of program data maintained at the main facility and to construct program schedules electronically using this database. The system error checks the program schedules in real time as they are constructed. The system allows reports, such as ad trafficking reports for use by television station personnel, to be generated based on the program schedule of a given television system.
Inventors
- 👤 Earl M. Rector, Jr.
- 👤 William Hein
- 👤 Connie S. Keck
- 👤 Indraneel Paul
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:17
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04H; H04H60/00; H04H60/02; H04H60/06; H04H60/68; H04H60/72; H04H60/76; H04H60/78; H04H60/79; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/20; H04N21/25; H04N21/262; H04N21/26283; H04N21/266; H04N21/2665; H04N21/80; H04N21/83; H04N21/84; H04H60/35; H04H60/61; H04H60/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 98
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A system for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising: a facility with a database of program data that is provided to multiple television distribution facilities for use in electronic program guides; and a plurality of television system computers at which program schedules are constructed for submission to the facility by accessing program data at the facility database over the data network.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
64 words
A system for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising: a facility with a database of program data that is provided to multiple television distribution facilities for use in electronic program guides; and a plurality of television system computers at which program schedules are constructed for submission to the facility by accessing program data at the facility database over the data network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for constructing the program schedules from schedules that are preloaded with program data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules as they are constructed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules for overlaps in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules for duplicate program data entries in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules for time gaps between program data entries in different grid cells.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the data network is the Internet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for submitting constructed program schedules to the facility.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for collecting program data at the facility that is submitted from a plurality of the television system computers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein at least some of the television system computers are cable system office computers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein at least some of the television system computers are broadcast television system office computers.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein at least some of the television system computers are satellite television system office computers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the facility comprises means for transmitting the program data to the television systems via satellite.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein at least some of the television distribution facilities are cable system headends.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein at least some of the television distribution facilities are satellite distribution facilities.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers and that contain summary information associated with selected program titles.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for generating reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for generating ad trafficking reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for constructing the program schedules by entering pay-per-view program data.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system defined in claim 1 further comprising means for constructing the program schedules by accessing pay-per-view program data in the database.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for erasing the program data from a selected grid cell.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for adding program data to a selected grid cell.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising the steps of: using a facility having a database of program data that is provided to multiple television distribution facilities for use in electronic program guides; and constructing program schedules for submission to the facility at a plurality of television system computers by accessing program data at the facility database over the data network.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising the steps of: using a facility having a database of program data that is provided to multiple television distribution facilities for use in electronic program guides; and constructing program schedules for submission to the facility at a plurality of television system computers by accessing program data at the facility database over the data network.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of constructing the program schedules from schedules that are preloaded with program data.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time as they are constructed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time for overlaps in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time for duplicate program data entries in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time for time gaps between program data entries in different grid cells.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein the data network is the Internet.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of submitting constructed program schedules to the facility.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of collecting program data at the facility that is submitted from a plurality of the television system computers.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein at least some of the television system computers are cable system office computers.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein at least some of the television system computers are broadcast television system office computers.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein at least some of the television system computers are satellite television system office computers.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of transmitting the program data to the television systems via satellite.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein at least some of the television distribution facilities are cable system headends.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein at least some of the television distribution facilities are satellite distribution facilities.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers and that contain summary information associated with selected program titles.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of electronically generating reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of electronically generating ad trafficking reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of constructing the program schedules by entering pay-per-view program data.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 24 further comprising the step of constructing the program schedules by accessing pay-per-view program data in the database.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of erasing the program data from a selected grid cell.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method defined in claim 24 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of adding program data to a selected grid cell.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
60 words
A system for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising: a database of program data that is provided to at least one facility for use in a program guide; and a plurality of television system computers at which program schedules are constructed for submission to the database by accessing program data in the database over the data network.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
60 words
A system for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising: a database of program data that is provided to at least one facility for use in a program guide; and a plurality of television system computers at which program schedules are constructed for submission to the database by accessing program data in the database over the data network.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
62 words
A method for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising the steps of: using a database of program data that is provided to at least one facility for use in a program guide; and constructing program schedules for submission to the database at a plurality of television system computers by accessing program data in the database over the data network.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
62 words
A method for electronically collecting program data over a data network, comprising the steps of: using a database of program data that is provided to at least one facility for use in a program guide; and constructing program schedules for submission to the database at a plurality of television system computers by accessing program data in the database over the data network.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system defined in claim 1 , wherein the facility is a main facility.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method defined in claim 24 , wherein the facility is a main facility.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for constructing the program schedules from schedules that are preloaded with program data.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules as they are constructed.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules for overlaps in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules for duplicate program data entries in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for real-time error checking the program schedules for time gaps between program data entries in different grid cells.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein the data network is the Internet.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for submitting constructed program schedules to the database.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for collecting program data at the database that is submitted from a plurality of the television system computers.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein at least some of the television system computers are cable system office computers.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein at least some of the television system computers are broadcast television system office computers.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein at least some of the television system computers are satellite television system office computers.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for transmitting the program data to the television systems via satellite from the database.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein at least one of the facilities is a television distribution facility.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers and that contain summary information associated with selected program titles.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for generating reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for generating ad trafficking reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for constructing the program schedules by entering pay-per-view program data.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system defined in claim 47 further comprising means for constructing the program schedules by accessing pay-per-view program data in the database.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for erasing the program data from a selected grid cell.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system defined in claim 47 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the system further comprising means for adding program data to a selected grid cell.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 47 , further comprising a main facility, wherein the database is located in the main facility.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of constructing the program schedules from schedules that are preloaded with program data.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time as they are constructed.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time for overlaps in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time for duplicate program data entries in adjacent grid cells.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of error checking the program schedules in real time for time gaps between program data entries in different grid cells.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein the data network is the Internet.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of submitting constructed program schedules to the database.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of collecting program data at the database that is submitted from a plurality of the television system computers.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein at least some of the television system computers are cable system office computers.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein at least some of the television system computers are broadcast television system office computers.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein at least some of the television system computers are satellite television system office computers.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of transmitting the program data to the television systems via satellite.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein at least one of the facilities is a television distribution facility.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of constructing program schedules using program lists that contain program titles obtained from the database that may be selected from the television system computers and that contain summary information associated with selected program titles.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of electronically generating reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of electronically generating ad trafficking reports based on the program schedule for a given television system.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of constructing the program schedules by entering pay-per-view program data.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 48 further comprising the step of constructing the program schedules by accessing pay-per-view program data in the database.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of erasing the program data from a selected grid cell.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein the program schedules contain grid cells, the method further comprising the step of adding program data to a selected grid cell.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method defined in claim 48 wherein the database is located at a main facility.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-03-26 | 2004-09-25 | 2005-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-03-26 | 2008-09-25 | 2009-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-03-26 | 2012-09-25 | 2013-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |