System and method for preprogrammed purchasing of television offered products
US8156529B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/478
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment, the present invention is an improved interactive television system and method for t-commerce. The data for upcoming products is pre-loaded into the system's memory. When a product becomes available, a “trigger” appears on the Vertical Blanking Interval (“VBI”) of the shopping channel that causes the system to display special graphics with which the user can interact to order a product. The displayed special graphics may include text, graphics, and/or video about the product. A user can browse a list of upcoming products and select items that he or she wishes to purchase, as soon as the products become available. The system then monitors the VBI of the shopping channel and when a trigger for a selected product appears in the VBI, the system immediately sends a message (the order form) to the order center of the shopping channel and orders the product. The system can accomplish this function unattended while the user is asleep or otherwise occupied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.