Method and apparatus for alerting a television viewers to the programs other viewers are watching
US7478414B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04H2201/30
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Described are methods and apparatus that allow viewers to access timely data showing what other viewers are watching at (or near) a given moment. Thus, for example, a viewer could tune in, find out which ten programs currently being broadcast are most popular, and then select from among these programs. In one embodiment, the data is displayed with links to those popular programs so viewers can easily tune to listed programs. In another embodiment, the viewer can identify a group of friends and find out what those friends are watching. The viewer could then tune into one of the programs his or her friends are watching, and so be prepared to discuss that program later.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.