Method and apparatus for providing demographically targeted television commercials

Patent 5155591 Issued on October 13, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 23, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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3769579

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Television program transmission verification method and apparatus Patent #: 4967273
Issued on: 10/30/1990
Inventor: Greenberg

Inventor

Wachob, David E.

Assignee

General Instrument Corporation

Application

No. 425117 filed on 10/23/1989

US Classes:

725/35, Based on demographics or geographical area725/151Receiver (e.g., set-top box)

Examiners

Primary: Eisenzopf, Reinhard J.
Assistant: Charouel, Lisa

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Lipsitz; Barry R.

International Classes

A04N 007/08
A04H 001/02

Abstract

Different commercial messages are broadcast to different demographically targeted audiences in a cable television system or the like. A first television channel contains television programs and periodic commercial messages. A second television channel contains alternate commercial messages. Demographic characteristics of a viewer are identified, and commercial messages are selectively provided from the first or second channel, depending upon the viewer's demographic characteristics. Demographic data can be input by a viewer via a remote control, downloaded to a subscriber's converter from a remote headend, or programmed into the converter at installation. Prioritization of the demographic characteristics of a plurality of television viewers watching a program together enables commercials to be targeted to the viewer having highest priority. Statistical data can be maintained concerning the number and identity of subscribers viewing specific commercials.