Rovi Guides, Inc.

Index Systems, Inc.

Gemstar Developement Corporation

E Guide, Inc.

Ronald Alexander

Henry C Yuen

Douglas B Macrae

Elsie Y Leung

Thomas E Westberg

Kenneth S Hancock

Thomas Edward Ward, Iii

Arthur Y Ng

Stephen R Dias

Jonathon Sutton

P Christopher Shoaff

Shawn P O'Neil

Peter Christopher Schoaff

Shawn O'Neil

Shawn O'neil

A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.

System and method for modifying advertisement responsive to EPG information

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.

System and method for preprogrammed purchasing of television offered products

The present invention is an improvement over previous Electronic Programming Guides (&ldquo;EPG&rdquo;) in that it provides, among other things: Improved viewer interaction capabilities with the EPG; improved viewer control of video recording of future-scheduled programming; improved features to the EPG display and navigation; parental control of the EPG display; improved television program information access by the viewer; improved opportunities for the commercial advertiser to reach the viewer; improved product information access by the viewer; creation of a viewer's profile; utilization of viewer profile information to customize various aspects of the EPG; and utilization of viewer profile information to provide customized presentation of advertising to the viewer.

Systems and methods for displaying and recording control interface with television programs, video, advertising information and program scheduling information

Growing community of inventors

Needham, MA, United States of America

Ronald Alexander