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CLASS 725,	INTERACTIVE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER

This class contains interactive video distribution processes, systems, and elements thereof, which are characterized by point-to-multipoint system configurations, and which are used for the unidirectional distribution or delivery of motion video data resulting from interactions between systems operators (access or service providers) or users (subscribers) and systems elements. These systems include dedicated communications systems, such as television distribution systems, which primarily distribute or deliver motion video data in the manner indicated, but which may, in addition, provide a framework for further, diverse data communications or services in either unidirectional or bidirectional form. Typically, system operators interface with transmitter-side elements or users interface with receiver-side elements in order to facilitate, through interaction with such elements, the dynamic control of data processing or data flow at various points in the systems. This interaction is typically occasional or intermittent in nature.

SCOPE OF THE CLASS

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SECTION III - GLOSSARY

ACCESS

Any means of establishing logical or physical communication with a computer or communications system. Also, any means of obtaining the use of such a system or any actions that result in a flow of information involving such a system.

AMPLIFIER

A unidirectional device that is capable of delivering an enlargement of the waveform of the electric current, voltage, or power supplied to it.

ANTENNA

That part of a transmitting or receiving system that is designed to radiate or to receive electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves.

AUDIO

Pertaining to frequencies corresponding to a normally audible sound wave. Note: These frequencies range roughly from 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

BANDWIDTH

The range of frequencies within which performance, with respect to some characteristic, falls within specific limits. For example, the specified frequency range over which the amplitude response does not vary more than a defined amount. Bandwidth is commonly defined at the points where the response is 3 dB less than the reference value (0.707 root-mean-square voltage ratio). In broadband networks, the frequency range that a component, circuit, or system passes or uses. Also, the range of frequencies, expressed in hertz, that can pass over a given channel. For example, a television channel typically occupies a bandwidth of 6,000,000 Hz (6 MHz), and cable systems typically occupy 5-300 MHz or higher of the electromagnetic spectrum.

BLANKING INTERVAL

In television systems, the range of a composite picture signal containing either vertical or horizontal synchronizing information. This range is separate from the range containing picture information.

BLOCK

To restrict the passage, progress, or exchange of data.

BUFFER

A device in which data are stored temporarily, in the course of transmission from one point to another and used to compensate for a difference in the flow of data or time of occurrence of events when transmitting data from one device to another. Also, the act of such temporary storage of data.

CABLE

A transmission line or group of transmission lines mechanically assembled into a complex flexible form. Note: The conductors are insulated and are closely spaced and usually have a common outer cover which may be an electric portion of the cable. In communication cables, an insulated conductor or combination of electric conductors that are insulated from each other. A shield is usually provided. Further, an assembly of one or more conductors within an enveloping protective sheath, constructed to allow use of the conductors separately or in groups, such as a coaxial cable or optical cable.

CATEGORY

Any of several fundamental and distinct classes to which entities or concepts belong. Also, a division within a system of classification.

CELLULAR

Of, relating to, or consisting of cells. In a radio frequency system, that which characterizes a system in which a geographical area is divided into small sections, each served by a transmitter of limited range so that any available radio frequency channel can be used in different parts of the area simultaneously.

CHANNEL

A single path for transmitting electric signals, usually in distinction from other parallel paths. A band of frequencies. Note: The word "path" is to be interpreted in a broad sense to include separation by frequency division or time division. The term "channel" may signify either a one-way path, providing transmission in one direction only, or a two-way path, providing transmission in two directions.

CLIENT

The requesting device in a communications network. In a client-server network, for example, a user interface could reside in the client workstation while the storage and retrieval functions could reside in the server database.

CLIP

A portion of motion video material consisting of plural fields or frames of video data.

COAX (COAXIAL CABLE)

A two-conductor (center conductor, shield system), concentric, constant impedance transmission line used as the trunk medium in the baseband system. In broadband networks, a cable with two conductors where one completely surrounds the other. Coax cables are unbalanced transmission lines that have an outer conductor that shields the center conductor from electrostatic interference. The two conductors are spaced by an insulating dielectric that, depending on the mechanical and material configuration, affects the speed, attenuation, and impedance of transmission.

COMMERCIAL

An advertisement provided within broadcast or point-to-point networks.

CONTROL

To regulate the passage, progress, or exchange of data.

DATA

Any representation of a digital or analog quantity to which meaning has been assigned. A representation of facts, concepts, or instructions, in a manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by humans or by automatic means.

DELIVERY

The act of sending something, such as motion video data, to an intended destination.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The statistical characteristics of human populations, such as age or income, used especially to identify markets.

DIPLEX FILTER

A filter having a low pass and a high pass filter that divide the frequency spectrum into two separate frequency bands that do not overlap. The diplex filter allows the placement of duplex signals onto a cable by the use of frequency division multiplexing.

DISTRIBUTION

A general term used, by reason of specific physical or electrical characteristics, to denote application or restriction of the modified term, or both, to that part of an electrical system used for conveying energy to the point of utilization from a source or from one or more main receiving stations.

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE (EPG)

A display interface which allows user s interaction with a program grid having intersecting row(s) and column(s) of video program information.

ENCRYPTION

The process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access, especially during transmission. Encryption is usually based on a key that is essential for decoding.

FIBER (OPTICAL CABLE)

Fiber: any filament or fiber, made of dielectric materials, that guides light, whether or not it is used to transmit signals. Optical cable: a fiber, multiple fibers, or fiber bundle in a structure fabricated to meet optical, mechanical, and environmental specifications which is used for the transmission of signals.

GENRE

A category of video composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content.

GEOGRAPHIC

Belonging to or characteristic of a particular region.

HEADEND

In broadband networks, the central location that has access to signals traveling in both inbound and outbound directions. The logical root of the broadband coaxial cable system.

INTERMEDIATE FREQUENCY (IF)

A frequency to which a signal wave is shifted locally as an intermediate step in transmission or reception.

LOCAL OSCILLATOR

An oscillator in a superheterodyne circuit whose output is mixed with the received signal to produce a sum or difference frequency equal to the intermediate frequency of the receiver.

MESSAGE

In telecommunications, a combination of characters and symbols transferred from one point to another.

MICROWAVE

Pertaining to the portion of the radio frequency spectrum above 1 GHz.

MODEM

A contraction of MOdulator-DEModulator, an equipment that connects data terminal equipment to a communication line. In broadband networks, a modulator-demodulator device. The modulator encodes digital information onto an analog carrier signal by varying the amplitude, frequency, or phase of that carrier. The demodulator extracts digital information from a similarly modified carrier. A modem transforms digital signals into a form suitable for transmission over an analog medium.

MONITORING

In communications, the process of observing or tracking system activities.

NEAR VIDEO-ON-DEMAND (NVOD)

A programming event that is provided upon request, in which the event is broadcast on plural channels in time-staggered intervals. These events are distributed to all subscribers, but enabled on an individual basis through an interactive process. Due to the mode of distribution, requests can be processed "near on-demand", with a delay which is inversely proportional to the broadcast interval.

NETWORK

A series of points interconnected by communication channels. Also, any set of devices or subsystems connected by links joining (directly or indirectly) a set of terminal nodes. Also, an arrangement of components or nodes and interconnecting branches.

NOISE

In data transmissions, generally, an undesired disturbance within the useful frequency band. Note : undesired disturbances within the useful frequency band produced by other services may be called interference. In broadband networks, an unwanted signal in a communications system. White noise (or random noise) is random energy (e.g., shot noise and thermal noise) that has a uniform distribution of energy across the bandpass. The analogy for white noise is white light. Johnson noise (thermal) is the noise generated by electron movement (current through a resistor) above absolute zero. The noise level is proportional to temperature. Shot noise is the type of unrandom noise generated when current flows across an abrupt junction. Shot noise is characteristic of semiconductor devices.

PAY-PER-VIEW (PPV)

A programming event that is provided upon request, in which the event is broadcast on a particular channel at a particular time. These events are distributed to all subscribers, but enabled on an individual basis through an interactive process.

PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC)

A system, containing a host and a limited number of peripherals designed to be used in the home or in small offices, that enables individuals to perform a variety of computing or word-processing functions or both, and that typically is of a size permitting it and its peripherals to be located on a table surface. Note: Other definitions given in product standards or applicable regulations may take precedence. Alternatively, a single-user microcomputer designed for personally controllable applications.

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN)

A unique code number assigned, as with automatic teller machine cards, to the authorized user.

POLARIZATION

That property of a radiated electromagnetic wave describing the time-varying direction and amplitude of the electric field vector; specifically, the figure traced as a function of time by the extremity of the vector at a fixed location in space, as observed along the direction of propagation. Note: In general, the figure is elliptical and it is traced in a clockwise or counterclockwise sense. The commonly referenced circular and linear polarizations are obtained when the ellipse becomes a circle or a straight line, respectively. Clockwise sense rotation of the electric vector is designated right-hand polarization and counterclockwise sense rotation is designated left-hand polarization.

POLL

In data transmission, a flexible, systematic method, centrally controlled for permitting stations on a multipoint circuit to transmit without contending for the line. Also, a method for presenting questions to users in order to obtain information for analysis.

PROFILE

For an individual, a concise biographical sketch, a measure of the extent to which one exhibits traits or abilities, or a measure of one s likes and dislikes (perhaps based on historical data).

PROGRAM

A sequence of signals transmitted for entertainment or information.

RECEIVER

The apparatus employed to accept data from a communications system.

REPEATER

A combination of apparatus for receiving either one-way or two-way communication signals and delivering corresponding signals which are either amplified, reshaped, or both. A repeater for one-way communication signals is termed a "one-way repeater" and one for two-way communication signals a "two-way repeater" .

SATELLITE

A manufactured object or vehicle intended to orbit the earth and to engage in the reception and transmission of communication signals.

SCRAMBLE

To disarrange the elements of a transmission in order to make it unintelligible to interception.

SERVER

In a network, a device or computer system that is dedicated to providing specific facilities to other devices attached to the network. Contrast: Client.

SET-TOP BOX (STB)

A device that converts a cable television signal to an input signal to the television set. In some cases, set-top boxes can be used to access the World Wide Web.

SPLITTER

Splitters divide or combine power. The power division causes an insertion loss and a small amount of internal loss that contributes to the attenuation of the signals passing through the device. The splitter has a common port and split port(s).

STILL (VIDEO)

A portion of motion video material consisting of a single field or frame of video data.

SUBSCRIBER

One who uses a communication or signaling service. Equipment is typically installed at a subscriber s premises to enable the reception, and perhaps the transmission, of communication signals.

SWITCH

To establish communication channels among two or more switch interfaces at customers demand.

SYNC PULSE

In television, signals employed for synchronizing scanning that occur at rates related to the line and field frequencies. In a television receiver, sync pulses are used to synchronize the deflection generators.

TAP

In broadband networks, a passive device in the feeder system that provides a connection between the drop cable and the feeder. The tap is the principle means of access to the cable system by the user. It removes a portion of the signal power from the distribution line and delivers it to the drop line. The amount of power tapped off the main line depends on the input power to the tap and the attenuation value of the tap. Only the information signal (and not 60 Hz power) goes to the outlet ports.

TELETEXT

A form of videotex that allows users to receive textual or pictorial material via broadcast signals interpreted by a spatial decoder attached to a television set. Contrast: Viewdata.

THEME

A subject or topic of artistic representation.

TRANSMISSION

The electrical transfer of a signal, message, or other form of intelligence from one location to another.

TRANSMITTER

A device or circuit that generates high-frequency electric energy, controlled or modulated, which can be radiated by an antenna.

UNIFORM RESOURCE LOCATOR (URL)

An address for a resource on the Internet. URLs are used by Web browsers to locate Internet resources. A URL specifies the protocol to be used in accessing the resource (such as http: for a World Wide Web page or ftp: for an FTP site), the name of the server on which the resource resides (such as //www.uspto.gov), and, optionally, the path to a resource (such as an HTML document or a file on that server).

VERTICAL BLANKING INTERVAL (VBI)

The time required for the electron beam in a raster-scan display to perform a vertical retrace.

VIDEO-ON-DEMAND (VOD)

A programming event that is provided upon request, in which the event is delivered "on-demand" (with negligible delay). These events are delivered to individual subscribers through an interactive process.

VIDEO SIGNAL

The signal sent from a source to a display. The signal can include horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, as well as image information.

VIDEOCASSETTE RECORDER (VCR)

A videotape recorder that uses videocassettes.

WIRELESS

Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of communications that take place without the use of interconnecting wires or cables, such as by radio, microwave, or infrared.

SUBCLASSES

1	BILLING IN VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for the processing of information regarding a charge for or a payment of a distributed or delivered video program or other services. (1) Note. Examples of the other services include payment for telephone or for external data network service through a video distribution system. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 106, for telephony service via television distribution network. 109 through 113, for video distribution system having link to external data network. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 194,  Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms,   appropriate subclasses for coin-controlled device of general utility. 235,  Registers,   subclasses 379 and 380-382.5 for banking systems and credit card systems controlled by data bearing records. 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclass 825.33 for credit authorization control. 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses for television receiver circuitry and monitoring, testing, and measuring systems. 379,  Telephonic Communications,   subclasses 143 through 155for telephone paystation check operated control. 705,  Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination,   for automated electrical financial or business practices, and cost/price determination.

2	Data stored locally (e.g., at set-top box):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for recording or storing use-related information at a receiver-side for subsequent billing purposes. (1) Note. This subclass includes means or steps for electronically retrieving locally stored data for further processing at a central distribution point, such as a headend.

3	On nonelectronic medium (e.g., paper tape or meter):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for mechanically recording use-related information for subsequent billing purposes. (1) Note. This subclass includes systems which require the inspection of, or interaction with, mechanical devices used for the recording of use-related data for subsequent billing purposes.

4	Data stored at intermediate point (i.e., at location between headend or server and receiver):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for recording or storing use-related information at an intermediate system location for subsequent billing purposes.

5	Payment method or scheme:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for detailing payment for a distributed or delivered video program or a service.

6	Card reader (e.g., for credit, debit, or smart card):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for payment using a card reader device capable of performing transaction authorizations for the purchase of video programming or other services.

7	Coin operated:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for payment using a device capable of accepting coins.

8	Having variable cost or free preview period:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for facilitating nonstandard or variable pricing based on the nature of a distributed or delivered video program or service. (1) Note. This subclass includes systems which provide a video program at a cost which is inversely proportional to an amount of inserted messages or commercials.

9	USE SURVEYING OR MONITORING (E.G., PROGRAM OR CHANNEL WATCHED):
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for observing or tracking the activity of a user or a receiver function. (1) Note. This subclass includes metering, recording, or indicating the activity of a user or the activity of a receiver with respect to the activity of a user. (2) Note. This subclass includes subject matter directed to the surveying or monitoring of the number of persons using a particular receiver, as well as the number of receivers using a video program or service, the length of time a video program or service is being used, which of several programs or services is being used, or which programs or services have been provided. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 825.06 through 825.18for monitoring or supervisory features in selective signaling systems and subclasses 870.01-870.44 for continuously variable indicating systems. 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses for television receiver circuitry and monitoring, testing, and measuring systems. 379,  Telephonic Communications,   subclasses 111 through 141for usage measurement in a telephony system. 380,  Cryptography,   subclasses 200 through 242for specific detail of video cryptography. 455,  Telecommunications,   subclass 2.01 for modulated carrier wave systems with monitoring or survey means.

10	Monitoring physical reaction or presence of viewer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for sensing the presence or movement of a user. (1) Note. For example, a device detects the presence or absence of a user in a room or determines whether or not the user s eyes are watching a television program, etc.

11	With entry of user identification:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for monitoring a user s presence by sensing the entry of an identification code. (1) Note. This subclass includes devices which accept the entry of a personal identification number.

12	By passive determination and measurment (e.g., by detecting motion or ambient temperature, or by use of video camera):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for sensing a user by his or her effect on the environment near a receiver. (1) Note. This subclass includes devices which sense a user s effect upon motion detection equipment, room temperature, and light (as registered by a video camera).

13	Manual entry (e.g., using keypad or by written response):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for sensing, tracking, metering, or recording user activity as a result of manual action. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 11, for manual entries of user identification data in systems concerned with monitoring the physical reaction or presence of a viewer.

14	By passively monitoring receiver operation:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for sensing, tracking, metering, or recording receiver activity.

15	By detecting local oscillator or IF signal:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for performing a surveying or monitoring function by detecting receiver local oscillator operation or shifts in received signal waves as a result of reception.

16	By polling:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for performing a centrally controlled surveying or monitoring function by systematically permitting each receiver in a multipoint distribution system to transmit use-related data without contending with other receiver transmissions.

17	By monitoring sync or blanking pulse:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for performing a surveying or monitoring function by detecting timing information peculiar to a particular video signal source. (1) Note. Different television stations have different relative phases for synchronizing pulses which enable remote detection of electromagnetic radiation from the receiver indicative of the station being received.

18	By use of audio signal:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for performing a surveying or monitoring function by detecting the presence of an audio signal associated with a distributed or delivered video program.

19	By use of pattern recognition or signature:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for performing a surveying or monitoring function by detecting a particular sequence or pattern of data.

20	By data encoded in video signal (e.g., VBI data):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for performing a surveying or monitoring function by detecting data encoded within a video signal format. (1) Note. This subclass includes systems which detect data encoded in the vertical or horizontal blanking intervals or in any other portions which are capable of transferring or transporting such data.

21	Combined with detecting VCR operation:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for recording images and sound associated with a surveying or monitoring function on a cartridge mounted magnetic tape.

22	COMMERCIAL OR PROGRAM AIRING VERIFICATION SYSTEM:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for monitoring the broadcast of video programming to confirm transmission or reception. (1) Note. Usually, the advertisement or program, or segment thereof, is verified by a comparison to a stored sample which is made following a detected trigger (located, for example, in the vertical blanking interval). SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses for television receiver circuitry and monitoring, testing, and measuring systems.

23	SYSTEM FOR AWARDING COUPON, TOKEN, OR CREDIT:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for conferring tickets or form authorizing a purchase or for conferring a representation of an amount or sum of a video program or other service which is placed at user s disposal. (1) Note. Coupons are usually physically produced for future redemption. Tokens and credits are typically electronic representations of quantities of programs or services. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses for television receiver circuitry and monitoring, testing, and measuring systems. 705,  Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination,   subclass 14 for business methods related to the distribution or redemption of coupons.

24	INTERACTIVE OPINION POLLING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for presenting questions to users in order to obtain information for analysis. (1) Note. This subclass includes systems which electronically gather information as a precursor to or following the presentation of a particular video program or service, as well as in the traditional sense, to record opinions on political issues and the like. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 235,  Registers,   subclasses 51 through 56for voting machines, subclass 57 for registering ballot boxes, and subclass 386 for voting machines controlled by data bearing registers. 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses for television receiver circuitry and monitoring, testing, and measuring systems.

25	ACCESS CONTROL OR BLOCKING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for allowing or preventing access to a video program or service, or otherwise controlling access to a receiver device. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 194,  Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms,   appropriate subclasses for coin-controlled device of general utility. 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses directed to the details of television receiver circuitry. 360,  Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,   subclass 60 for preventing recording or erasing of an earlier recording on a record carrier. 379,  Telephonic Communications,   subclasses 143 through 155for telephone paystation check operated control and subclasses 188-200 for call or terminal access alarm or control. 455,  Telecommunications,   subclass 26.1 for use or access blocking of a modulated carrier wave communication in general and subclass 411 for radiotelephones with privacy or lockout.

26	By mechanical lock:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for controlling or restricting access using a physical mechanism.

27	Of specific channel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for controlling or restricting access to all programs or services transmitted within a recognized band of frequencies. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 28, for ratings-based access blocking.

28	Of specific program (e.g., based on program rating):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for controlling or restricting access to a particular programming event. (1) Note. This subclass includes subject matter directed toward preventing the presentation of programming deemed inappropriate for minors. The criteria for restricting access may be based on a ratings system, such as the MPAA rating system, or on an extended data service. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 27, for access blocking based on the character of programming provided by an entire channel.

29	Time dependent (e.g., time spent viewing program, time of day, etc.):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for controlling or restricting access as a function of a particular period of time or a duration of time. (1) Note. This subclass includes systems which limit receiver access to minors based on the time of day or a viewing allowance.

30	Access via PIN or password:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for controlling access by requiring the entry of an authorization code. (1) Note. This subclass includes systems in which entry of an authorization code is done through a user interface.

31	With encryption or scrambling of video signal:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for restricting access to a video signal by electrically masking or modifying the signal, so as to obliterate the signal s information, or otherwise by making the signal unintelligible. (1) Note. This subclass is provided for nominal recitation of video encryption or scrambling in a video distribution system. See the Search Class note below for specific detail of video scrambling technique. (2) Note. This subclass includes subject matter directed to preventing unauthorized access to video signals at all points in a distribution system. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 380,  Cryptography,   subclasses 200 through 242for details of video cryptography technique.

32	PROGRAM, MESSAGE, OR COMMERCIAL INSERTION OR SUBSTITUTION:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for inserting or substituting a video program or other information beyond the control of a viewer. (1) Note. The other information could include audio or text message. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 86 through 104, for program distribution, delivery, or substitution made in accordance with a user request. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses directed to the details of television receiver circuitry. 715,  Data Processing: Presentation Processing of Document, Operator Interface Processing, and Screen Saver Display Processing,   particularly subclasses 716 through 726for operator interfaces for video sequencing or editing

33	Emergency warning:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for conveying emergency information relevant to a user. (1) Note. This subclass includes subject matter related to National Weather Service warnings and the like.

34	Specific to individual user or household:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for conveying user-specific data. (1) Note. This subclass includes subject matter directed toward the transmission of personal messages within an interactive video distribution system.

35	Based on demographics or geographical area:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for providing a program or other information to a statistically relevant or regionally appropriate group of viewers. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 33, for emergency warnings directed to a particular region.

36	Insertion of local commercial or local program at headend or network affiliate:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for the substitution of local video programming or advertisements at regional distribution points. (1) Note. This subclass includes subject matter directed to the details of local commercial insertions in predefined program stream breaks.

37

OPERATOR INTERFACE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s interaction with a receiver-side device to control the presentation of display data. (1) Note. Such interaction facilitates the display of data associated with distributed or delivered video programs or services. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 345,  Computer Graphics Processing and Selective Visual Display Systems,   subclasses 581 through 618for display attribute control features. 348,  Television,   for appropriate subclasses for television receivers and displays. 705,  Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination,   subclasses 1 through 45for use of operator interface in electronic financial or business management systems and particularly subclasses 26-29 for electronic shopping systems using an operator interface. 715,  Data Processing: Presentation Processing of Document, Operator Interface Processing, and Screen Saver Display Processing,