Menuing system for controlling content delivery within a video distribution system
US7444663B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/6125
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A menuing system for a video distribution system provides an interactive display to allow a user to select and control the delivery of program material. A central host computer processes initial request for service from users and maintains a database of currently available program materials and other system resources. In response to a user's request for service, the central host computer assigns one of a plurality of assignable computing devices (ACDs) to communicate with the user. The ACD reads the database and presents an interactive menu to the user on the user's audiovisual display monitor. Using a graphical user interface (GUI) the user may then respond to the menu by selecting an item for viewing. The menuing system may have a number of levels that the user may parse through to allow the user to select desired program material. Upon selection by the user, the ACD passes the request on for further programming.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.