Technique for collecting data relating to activity of a user receiving entertainment programs through a communications network
US8266659B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/8456
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a broadband communications system, information is collected which relates to user-issued commands for accessing programming content and manipulating recorded programming content. The commands are monitored to determine when such content is accessed (i.e., requested, selected or played) and manipulated (i.e., rewound, fast-forwarded, paused, etc.) by a user. Data associated with a command to request, select or manipulate programming content is read from the user-issued command and forwarded to a processor for presentation of the programming content. The read data is stored and made available for analyzing user activity respecting programming content provided by the broadband communication system. Such analysis may relate to the popularity of specific programs, the frequency in which specific commercials are skipped or played, the most popular times that a specific program or type of program is accessed, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.