US6264559B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interactive television system and remote control unit
Assignee: Comcast MO Group Inc
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Filing: 1999-10-05
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Granted: 2001-07-24
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Expires: 2019-10-05
Abstract
Abstract An interactive television system includes a remote control unit and a set top box. The remote control unit includes an input device and control logic. The control logic processes input signals to transmit television control signals to control television programming. Further, the control logic is configured to execute game software instructions stored on a local medium, and process input signals to play the game. In some embodiments, the set top box interacts with the remote control unit during gaming.
Inventors
- 👤 Lee G. Lawrence
- 👤 J. Clarke Stevens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:28
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F13/00; A63F13/30; A63F13/33; A63F13/338; H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/40; H04N21/41; H04N21/4104; H04N21/4126; H04N21/41265; A63F13/12; A63F13/32; A63F13/323; A63F13/70; A63F13/77; A63F13/90; A63F13/95; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/162; H04N7/163; A63F2300/00; A63F2300/20; A63F2300/206; A63F2300/40; A63F2300/403; A63F2300/409; A63F2300/50; A63F2300/55; A63F2300/552
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
An interactive television system comprising: a remote control unit for controlling a television set and for playing interactive video games, the unit including an input device, a transmitter for transmitting television control signals and for transmitting gaming signals, a receiver for receiving gaming signals, a medium storing game software, and control logic configured to process signals received from the input device and the receiver, to execute the game software, and to cause the transmitter to transmit television control signals and gaming signals to control the television and play the game software; and a set top box connected to the television and in two-way communication with a programming network, the set top box including a receiver for receiving television control signals and gaming signals from the remote control unit, and including a transmitter for transmitting gaming signals to the remote control unit, the set top box further including control logic configured to process television control signals and control programming on the television and to process gaming signals and communicate game information over the network to allow network gaming using the remote control unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
An interactive television system comprising: a remote control unit for controlling a television set and for playing interactive video games, the unit including an input device, a transmitter for transmitting television control signals and for transmitting gaming signals, a receiver for receiving gaming signals, a medium storing game software, and control logic configured to process signals received from the input device and the receiver, to execute the game software, and to cause the transmitter to transmit television control signals and gaming signals to control the television and play the game software; and a set top box connected to the television and in two-way communication with a programming network, the set top box including a receiver for receiving television control signals and gaming signals from the remote control unit, and including a transmitter for transmitting gaming signals to the remote control unit, the set top box further including control logic configured to process television control signals and control programming on the television and to process gaming signals and communicate game information over the network to allow network gaming using the remote control unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the remote control unit transmitter and receiver and the set top box transmitter and receiver are configured for infrared frequency communication.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the remote control unit control logic is configured to download game software from the set top box and store the software in the remote control unit medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the remote control unit medium is a removable game card to allow the remote control unit to receive different game cards.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the remote control unit is configured with at least one expansion port.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the expansion port is configured to accept a memory module.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the expansion port is configured as an expandable bus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the set top box in configured to transmit gaming signals to the remote control unit that are based on the television programming such that the gaming is related to the television programming.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the remote control unit further comprises: a display, the remote control unit control logic being further configured to provide a game view on the display.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 9 wherein the set top box control logic is further configured to provide a group game view on the television, and wherein the remote control game view is an individual game display to allow multi-player network gaming in which each player has an individual view in addition to the group view available to all players.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the set top box control logic is further configured to provide an individual game view and a group game view on the television to allow multi-player network gaming in which each player has an individual view in addition to the group view available to all players.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the set top box control logic is further configured to provide at least one game view along with the television programming on the television.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 2004-07-23 | 2005-01-22 | 2005-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-07-23 | 2009-01-22 | 2009-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-07-23 | 2013-01-22 | 2013-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |