Symbol Shifters, LLC

Elijah Ethan Brown

Ted Elliott Hartson

Walter Stanley Ciciora

Apparatus and processes for locating and processing QR codes or other Scannable Icons (SI's) in video or television signals. A number of client elements (which may correspond to users) may be in communication of one or more control elements; the client elements may be found in user set top boxes, digital video recorders or other equipment employed to receive video or television signals. The control elements may be found in software in server platforms or such user equipment. The client elements may locate and decode SI's according to various areas of interest of users. The control elements may control which client elements monitor various video or television signals; receive information related to decoded SI's; and report information to client elements so that (among other things) users can be aware of SI's in far more video or television signals than their own client elements are able to monitor.

Method for more efficient collecting of information

This invention enables Scanable Icons, which may be predetermined graphical images, and similar encoded information to be applied to video systems in a manner that is user-friendly and brings many of the advantages of easy information access and management to the video environment. The optical path normally required when using such encoded information is avoided. Supplementary information, including more details for advertisements, is provided in a non-invasive manner, allowing the user to access the supplementary information at convenient times and locations. The Scanable Icon adds a symbol to the existing advertisement without increasing its duration. Advertising is made substantially more effective for the advertiser and more useful for the consumer.

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Prescott Valley, AZ, United States of America

Elijah Ethan Brown