Method and apparatus for providing demographically targeted television commercials
US5155591A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1989 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04H2201/70
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Different commercial messages are broadcast to different demographically targeted audiences in a cable television system or the like. A first television channel contains television programs and periodic commercial messages. A second television channel contains alternate commercial messages. Demographic characteristics of a viewer are identified, and commercial messages are selectively provided from the first or second channel, depending upon the viewer's demographic characteristics. Demographic data can be input by a viewer via a remote control, downloaded to a subscriber's converter from a remote headend, or programmed into the converter at installation. Prioritization of the demographic characteristics of a plurality of television viewers watching a program together enables commercials to be targeted to the viewer having highest priority. Statistical data can be maintained concerning the number and identity of subscribers viewing specific commercials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.