US6340987B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for masking latency in an interactive television network
Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
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Filing: 1995-12-14
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Granted: 2002-01-22
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Expires: 2015-12-14
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for masking latency in an interactive television network. One embodiment of the invention initially receives a command pertaining to an interactive selection from a viewer. The invention then determines if latency is associated with the execution of the received command. If so, the invention (1) begins processing the command, and (2) presents a latency-masking presentation.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael T. Hayashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:31
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/60; H04N21/65; H04N21/658; H04N21/40; H04N21/43; H04N21/443; H04N21/45; H04N21/458; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/173; H04N7/17309; H04N7/17318; H04N7/17336
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
In an interactive television network having a plurality of viewers, a method of masking latency, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a command pertaining to a given interactive selection from a given viewer; determining whether latency in presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer is associated with said command; if latency is not associated with said command, executing said command and presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer; and if latency is associated with said command, beginning execution of said command, temporarily presenting a latency masking presentation to said given viewer, and thereafter presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
In an interactive television network having a plurality of viewers, a method of masking latency, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a command pertaining to a given interactive selection from a given viewer; determining whether latency in presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer is associated with said command; if latency is not associated with said command, executing said command and presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer; and if latency is associated with said command, beginning execution of said command, temporarily presenting a latency masking presentation to said given viewer, and thereafter presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said determining step is performed by decoding code that is associated with said command.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
Latency masking apparatus adapted to operate in an interactive television network having a plurality of viewers, said apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving from a given viewer a command pertaining to an given interactive selection; determining means, coupled to said receiving means, for determining whether latency is associated with execution of said command; and presentation means, coupled to said determining means, for executing said command and presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer when latency is not associated with execution of said command, or for beginning execution of said command and temporarily presenting a latency masking presentation to said given viewer when latency is associated with execution of said command, followed by presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
123 words
Latency masking apparatus adapted to operate in an interactive television network having a plurality of viewers, said apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving from a given viewer a command pertaining to an given interactive selection; determining means, coupled to said receiving means, for determining whether latency is associated with execution of said command; and presentation means, coupled to said determining means, for executing said command and presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer when latency is not associated with execution of said command, or for beginning execution of said command and temporarily presenting a latency masking presentation to said given viewer when latency is associated with execution of said command, followed by presenting said given interactive selection to said given viewer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said determining means operates to decode code that is associated with said command in order to determine whether latency is associated with execution of said command.
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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) | 2005-01-21 | 2005-07-23 | 2006-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-01-21 | 2009-07-23 | 2010-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-01-21 | 2013-07-23 | 2014-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |