CLASS 725, INTERACTIVE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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33 | . Emergency warning: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter comprising means or steps for conveying
emergency information relevant to a user.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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38 | . To facilitate tuning or selection of video signal: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s
interaction with a display interface to facilitate video program
or channel selection.
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39 | .. Electronic program guide: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s
interaction with a program grid having intersecting row(s) and
column(s) of video program information.
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40 | ... For displaying additional information: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps to display video
program information other than a program s name, channel
number, and time.
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41 | .... Video still or clip: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising means or steps to display still image or motion video clip information. | |
42 | .... Commercial or advertisement: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising means or steps to display advertisement of commercial information. | |
43 | .... With separate window, panel, or screen: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising means or steps to display additional information within a separate portion of a display interface. | |
44 | ... Content arrangement: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps for video program
information display arrangement and configuration.
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45 | .... Based on genre, theme, or category: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter comprising means or steps describing particular
configurations based on genre, a theme, or a category.
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46 | .... Based on personal preference, profile, or viewing history (e.g., to produce redacted listing): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a particular
configuration based on one s likes and dislikes, as defined
by historical viewing data.
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47 | .... User customization of display content: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter comprising means or steps user configuration
of video program information.
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48 | ... Combined from plural information providers (e.g., combined terrestrial and satellite sources): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps for integrating
or displaying video program guide data from plural sources of such
data.
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49 | .... Combined at local receiver: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter comprising means or steps for integrating
and displaying data at a receiver.
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50 | ... Information updating: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps procedure by
which video program guide data is refreshed or made current.
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51 | ... Having link to external information resource (e.g., online resource): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a functional
pointer which directs a user to an alternative data source which
is external to the distribution network.
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52 | ... Navigational feature: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps for appearance
or function of features which enable a user to browse the information
provided by a video program guide.
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53 | ... Searching (e.g., by title or actor s name): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a comparative
process by which specific video program guide data may be accessed.
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54 | ... Transmission scheme: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps for particular
form or mechanism of transmission of video program guide data which
is provided to receivers.
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55 | ... Provided on recordable medium: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the recording
or reproducing of video program guide data.
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56 | .. Channel guide (i.e., channel-specific as opposed to program-specific guide): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s
interaction with a display interface having video channel information.
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57 | .. Tune-by-label (i.e., channel selection by alphanumeric character entry): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s
interaction with a video display interface which is configured to
allow channel selection by the entry or selection of an alphanumeric character
set.
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58 | .. Program reserve or reminder system: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s
interaction with a display interface to arrange for the recording
of future video programs or to arrange for a reminder of the airing of
future video programs.
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59 | .. Selecting from multiple inputs or sources: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter comprising means or steps for providing
information to a display interface from sources of video information
connected through one or more transmission networks.
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60 | . Interactive product selection: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s
interaction with a video display interface to arrange for the selection
of a product.
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61 | . Interactive program selection: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a user s
interaction with a display interface to arrange for the selection
of a video program.
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62 | CELLULAR VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the distribution
or delivery of video programs through a system of limited-range transmitters
serving individual sections of a geographical area, such
that any available radio frequency channel can be used in different parts
of the area simultaneously.
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63 | SATELLITE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the distribution
or delivery of video programs through vehicles which orbit the earth
and engage in the reception and transmission of communication signals.
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64 | . Two-way: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter comprising means or steps for both the upstream and downstream transmission of communication signals. | |
65 | .. Return path: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Subject matter comprising means or steps for salient features of the upstream transmission path. | |
66 | ... Terrestrial return path: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter comprising means or steps for upstream communications via a terrestrial transmission network. | |
67 | . Transmitter: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter comprising means or steps for details of the upstream, land-based source of communication signals in the satellite video distribution system. | |
68 | . Receiver: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter comprising means or steps for details of the downstream, land-based termination for communication signals in the satellite video distribution system. | |
69 | .. Polarization of signal: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a particular
time-varying direction and amplitude of an electric field
vector, specifically the elliptical figure traced, in
a clockwise or counterclockwise sense, as a function of
time by the extremity of the vector at a fixed location in space, as
observed along the direction of propagation.
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70 | .. For digital signal: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter comprising means or steps for transmission
of digital communication signals.
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71 | .. For providing signals to plural subsequent receivers: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter comprising means or steps for downstream
reception of signals from a satellite and the subsequent retransmission
of those signals to plural receiver devices.
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72 | .. Antenna initialization, calibration, or aiming: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the setup
and operation of receiver antennas with respect to initialization, in
which an antenna is configured for operation; calibration, in
which an antenna s focus is finely tuned; and aiming, in
which an antenna is focused or refocused.
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73 | TERRESTRIAL MICROWAVE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the distribution
or delivery of video programs, in which communication signals
are transmitted in that portion of the radio frequency spectrum
between 1 GHz and 30 GHz.
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74 | LOCAL VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the distribution
or delivery of video programs, through a short distance
network or subnetwork.
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75 | . Vehicle: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter comprising means or steps for distribution
or delivery through a local network or subnetwork confined to a
single vehicle or closely related group of vehicles (e.g., in
a parking or a camp ground).
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76 | .. Airplane: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter comprising means or steps for distribution
or delivery in an airplane.
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77 | ... Seat-back terminal: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 76. Subject matter comprising means or steps for passenger receiver terminals located on the backs of airplane seats. | |
78 | . Multiunit or multiroom structure (e.g., home, hospital, hotel, office building, school, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter comprising means or steps for distribution or delivery through a local network or subnetwork confined to a single building or closely related group of buildings. | |
79 | .. Using existing power network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter comprising means or steps for distribution or delivery via the existing power network of a structure. | |
80 | .. Coordinating diverse devices: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter comprising means or steps for controlling
the communication with, or communication between, diverse
elements within the structure.
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81 | .. Using wireless link: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter comprising means or steps for communications
within the distribution system that take place without the use of
interconnecting wires or cables (e.g., radio, microwave, or infrared
communications).
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82 | .. Local server or headend: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a local, dedicated
computer system or central system that distributes or delivers video
programs.
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83 | .. Having additional amenity (e.g., access to outside network, room service, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter comprising means or steps for additional services for customers of lodging establishments provided through or initiated by way of a video distribution system. | |
84 | ... Combined with call bell system for hospital use: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Subject matter comprising means or steps for addition
of an integrated call bell system for signaling hospital staff.
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85 | .. Receiver: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a terminating
device in the system which connects a subscriber to a source of
video programs.
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86 | USER-REQUESTED VIDEO PROGRAM SYSTEM: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the unidirectional
distribution or delivery of video programs at the request of a user.
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87 | . Video-on-demand: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter comprising means or steps for providing
individual programming events "on-demand", or
with negligible delay to at least one user.
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88 | .. VCR-like function: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter comprising means or steps for control of
programming events in the manner in which one typically controls
the operation of a VCR, using control commands such as "pause", "fast-forward", "reverse", etc.
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89 | ... By use of memory at receiver: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Subject matter comprising means or steps for local execution
of VCR-like commands through the use of a receiver memory.
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90 | ... With particular transmission scheme (e.g., transmitting I-frames only): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a conspicuous
technique for transmitting the video programming data to accommodate VCR-like
functionality.
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91 | .. Server or headend: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a central
system that distributes video programs.
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92 | ... Mass storage: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 91. Subject matter comprising means or steps for transfer
of data to or retrieval of data from mass storage located at a server
or headend.
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93 | ... Control process: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 91. Subject matter comprising means or steps for control of
server or headend system operations, particularly data
processing and data flow.
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94 | .... Buffering and switching: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter comprising means or steps for buffering
and switching of data in a server or headend to facilitate transmission
over a network.
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95 | .... Channel or bandwidth allocation: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter comprising means or steps for control of
channel or frequency range assignment.
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96 | ..... In accordance with server or network congestion: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Subject matter comprising means or steps for channel or
bandwidth allocation based on server or network loads.
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97 | .... Scheduling (e.g., grouping users together): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter comprising means or steps for assignment
or designation of data retrieval and data trasnsmission as it relates
to one or more users or one or more programming events.
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98 | .. Transmission network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter comprising means or steps for arrangement, composition, or
use of the components or nodes and interconnecting branches which
facilitate communications between the server or headend and receivers.
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99 | ... Using telephone network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter comprising means or steps for communications
via a public switched telephone network.
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100 | .. Receiver (e.g., set-top box): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a terminating
device in the system which connects a subscriber to a source of
video programs.
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101 | . Near video-on-demand system (i.e., providing plural, time-staggered versions of same program): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter comprising means or steps for providing
a programming event upon request, in which the event is
broadcast on plural channels in time-staggered intervals.
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102 | .. VCR-like function: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter comprising means or steps for control of
programming events in the manner in which one typically controls
the operation of a VCR, using control commands such as "pause", "fast-forward", "reverse", etc.
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103 | .. Server or headend: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a central
system that distributes video programs.
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104 | . Pay-per-view: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter comprising means or steps for providing
a programming event upon request, in which the event is
broadcast on a particular channel at a particular time.
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105 | VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH UPSTREAM COMMUNICATION: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the unidirectional
distribution of video programs with either the upstream or bidirectional
transmission of further diverse data communications or services
in a network.
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106 | . Telephony via television distribution network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter comprising means or steps for bidirectional
communication of audio signals in a normally duplex arrangement
through a television distribution network.
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107 | . Remote testing of cable system: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter comprising means or steps for centralized
testing functions associated with the performance of a cable system.
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108 | . Alarm system using television network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter comprising means or steps for an alarm system which uses a video distribution system for data communications. | |
109 | . Having link to external network (e.g., interconnected computer network): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a connection to a network external to the video distribution network, which connection allows communication and data exchange with the external network. | |
110 | .. Connection to external network at receiver (e.g., set-top box): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a connection
at a receiver.
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111 | .. Cable modem: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a high bandwidth
modem operating across a cable television network.
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112 | .. Link transmission (e.g., URL sent to user): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Subject matter comprising means or steps for transmission
of a functional pointer which directs a user to an alternative data
source which is external to the distribution network.
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113 | ... Conveyed in video image: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter comprising means or steps for link transmission
within a video image.
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114 | . Server or headend: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a central
system that distributes video programs. The central system
is the logical root of the distribution and delivery system.
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115 | .. Data storage or retrieval: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the transfer
of data to storage or the retrieval of data from storage located
at a server or headend.
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116 | .. Control process: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the control
of server or headend system operations, particularly data
processing and data flow.
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117 | .. Communications interface: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a connection
at the server or headend which interfaces communications between
the server or headend and the transmission network.
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118 | . Transmission network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter comprising means or steps for arrangement, composition, or
use of the components or nodes and interconnecting branches which
facilitate communications between the server or headend and receivers.
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119 | .. Having significant intermediate network unit (e.g., hub, substation, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a device, intermediate
to a server or headend and receiver devices, which is in
communication with and which provides services to either the headend
or server or the receiver devices.
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120 | ... With two-way connection from unit to receiver (e.g., for the purpose of channel selection): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter comprising means or steps for two-way
communications within the transmission network occurring solely
between the intermediate network unit and a receiver(s).
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121 | .. Return path: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter comprising means or steps for salient features
of the upstream communication pathway.
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122 | ... Return path via telephone network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter comprising means or steps for upstream
communications via a public switched telephone network.
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123 | ... Wireless return path: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter comprising means or steps for upstream
communications without the use of interconnecting wires or cables.
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124 | ... Noise in return path: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter comprising means or steps for unwanted
signals in the useful frequency bands of the communications system.
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125 | .... Ingress noise: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 124. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the entry
of unwanted signals in transmission network in frequencies which
would otherwise remain free of signal energy.
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126 | .. Detail of use of two-way spectrum: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter comprising means or steps for explicit
uses for the frequency spectrum covered by a given transmission
network.
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127 | .. Network component (e.g., filter, tap, splitter, amplifier, repeater, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a constituent
part of the transmission network.
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128 | ... Diplex filter: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter comprising means or steps for use of a
diplex filter.
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129 | .. Hybrid fiber-coax network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a transmission
network having connecting branches which are a hybrid of both optical fiber
cable and coaxial cable.
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130 | .. Power signal over network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter comprising means or steps for providing
an electric power signal over the transmission network to energize
downstream elements.
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131 | . Receiver (e.g., set-top box): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter comprising a terminating device which connects
a subscriber to a source of video programs.
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132 | .. Programmable or upgradeable: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter comprising means or steps for hardware
or software enhancements to receiver devices.
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133 | .. With diverse device (e.g., personal computer, game player, VCR, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter comprising means or steps for receiver
devices in combination with (or in communication with) diverse
art devices.
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134 | .. Having particular storage feature: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter comprising means or steps for receiver
devices having specific data storage characteristics.
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135 | VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH LOCAL INTERACTION: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the unidirectional
distribution of video programs through a network, in which
there is local interaction with a receiver, or with a data stream
through a receiver.
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136 | . Interactive data transmitted in video signal band (e.g., VBI or HBI data): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter comprising means or steps for interactive
data or applications which are transmitted within the range of frequencies
used for the transmission of a video signal.
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137 | .. Teletext: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Subject matter comprising means or steps for coding, extracting, processing, and
displaying coded character information.
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138 | . Headend: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a central
system that distributes video programs.
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139 | . Receiver (e.g., set-top box): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter comprising a terminating device which connects
a subscriber to a source of video programs.
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140 | .. Programmable or upgradeable: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter comprising means or steps for hardware
or software enhancements to receiver devices.
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141 | .. With diverse device (e.g., personal computer, game player, VCR, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter comprising means or steps for receiver
devices in combination with (or in communication with) diverse
art devices.
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142 | .. Having particular storage feature: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter comprising means or steps for receiver
devices having specific data storage characteristics.
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143 | VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS: |
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the unidirectional
distribution of video programs, through a network.
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144 | . Headend: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a central
system that distributes video programs.
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145 | .. Data storage or retrieval: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the transfer
of data to storage or the retrieval of data from storage located
at a headend.
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146 | .. Control process: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter comprising means or steps for the control
of headend system operations, particularly data processing
and data flow.
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147 | .. Communications interface: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a connection
at the headend which interfaces communications between the headend
and the transmission network.
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148 | . Transmission network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter comprising means or steps for arrangement, composition, or
use of the components or nodes and interconnecting branches which
facilitate communications between the headend and receivers.
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149 | .. Network component (e.g., filter, tap, splitter, amplifier, repeater, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a constituent
part of the transmission network.
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150 | .. Power signal over network: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter comprising means or steps for providing
an electric power signal over the transmission network to energize
downstream elements.
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151 | . Receiver (e.g., set-top box): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter comprising means or steps for a terminating
device in the system which connects a subscriber to a source of
video programs.
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152 | .. Programmable or upgradeable: |
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Subject matter comprising means or steps for hardware
or software enhancements to receiver devices.
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153 | .. With diverse device (e.g., personal computer, game player, VCR, etc.): |
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Subject matter comprising means or steps for receiver
devices in combination with (or in communication with) diverse
art devices.
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