The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 28, 2008
Filed:
Dec. 31, 1998
Richard C. Fenwick, Jr., San Jose, CA (US);
Donald W. Power, San Jose, CA (US);
Brian G. Barnett, Castro Valley, CA (US);
John T. Miner, San Jose, CA (US);
Richard C. Fenwick, Jr., San Jose, CA (US);
Donald W. Power, San Jose, CA (US);
Brian G. Barnett, Castro Valley, CA (US);
John T. Miner, San Jose, CA (US);
LodgeNet Interactive Corporation, Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Abstract
A menuing system for a video distribution system provides an interactive display to allow a user to select and control the delivery of program material. A central host computer processes initial request for service from users and maintains a database of currently available program materials and other system resources. In response to a user's request for service, the central host computer assigns one of a plurality of assignable computing devices (ACDs) to communicate with the user. The ACD reads the database and presents an interactive menu to the user on the user's audiovisual display monitor. Using a graphical user interface (GUI) the user may then respond to the menu by selecting an item for viewing. The menuing system may have a number of levels that the user may parse through to allow the user to select desired program material. Upon selection by the user, the ACD passes the request on for further programming.