FILE HISTORY
`US 6,233,736
`
`6,233,736
`PATENT:
`INVENTORS: Wolzien, Thomas R.
`
`TITLE:
`
`Media online service access system and
`method
`
`APPLICATION
`NO:
`FILED:
`ISSUED:
`
`US199854740A
`
`03 APR 1998
`15 MAY 2001
`
`COMPILED:
`
`21 MAY 2015
`
`APPLE 1002
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`APPLE 1002 -
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`APPLE 1002 - Page 1
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`

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`6,233,736
`
`MEDIA ONLINE SERVICE ACCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`Transaction History
`
`Transaction Description
`Date
`Preliminary Amendment
`04-03-1998
`Initial Exam Team nn
`04-07-1998
`IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security Review
`04-30-1998
`IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security Review
`04-30-1998
`06-17-1998 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`07-02-1998
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`07-02-1998
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`03-24-1999 Application Dispatched from OIPE
`09-09-1999 Mail Non-Final Rejection
`09-09-1999 Non-Final Rejection
`11-30-1999 Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)
`12-21-1999
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`12-21-1999
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`01-10-2000
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`01-10-2000
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`03-09-2000
`Terminal Disclaimer Filed
`03-09-2000 Affidavit(s) (Rule 131 or 132) or Exhibit(s) Received
`03-09-2000 Response after Non-Final Action
`03-09-2000 Request for Extension of Time - Granted
`03-30-2000 Date Forwarded to Examiner
`06-05-2000 Non-Final Rejection
`06-05-2000
`Terminal Disclaimer Approved in TC
`06-07-2000 Mail Non-Final Rejection
`10-06-2000 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`10-27-2000
`Examiner Interview Summary Record (PTOL - 413)
`12-05-2000 Response after Non-Final Action
`12-08-2000 Date Forwarded to Examiner
`12-19-2000 Mail Notice of Allowance
`12-19-2000 Notice of Allowance Data Verification Completed
`02-27-2001 Workflow - File Sent to Contractor
`03-08-2001
`Issue Fee Payment Verified
`03-08-2001 Workflow - Drawings Finished
`03-08-2001 Workflow - Drawings Matched with File at Contractor
`03-08-2001 Workflow - Drawings Received at Contractor
`03-08-2001 Workflow - Drawings Sent to Contractor
`04-11-2001 Workflow - Complete WF Records for Drawings
`04-15-2001 Application Is Considered Ready for Issue
`04-27-2001
`Issue Notification Mailed
`05-15-2001 Recordation of Patent Grant Mailed
`10-09-2003 Correspondence Address Change
`11-14-2003
`Post Issue Communication - Certificate of Correction
`05-02-2004 Correspondence Address Change
`05-18-2004 Correspondence Address Change
`01-19-2006 Correspondence Address Change
`01-25-2008 Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)
`01-25-2008 Correspondence Address Change
`12-27-2013
`Petition Requesting Trial
`06-24-2014 Request for Trial Granted
`01-26-2015
`Termination or Final Written Decision
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`APPLE 1002 - Page 2
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`INDEX OF CLAIMS
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`APPLE 1002 - Page 5
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`I||l||||||||||l||||||l1|||||l|lll|llllllllll||l||l||||l|l|l|||I||
`USO{l623373bB1
`
`on United States Patent
`Wolzien
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,233,736 B1
`‘May 15, 2001
`
`(54) MEDIA ONLINE SERVICE ACCESS SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`('35)
`
`Inventor: Thomas R. Wolzlen, Grandview, NY
`(US)
`
`(73) Assigned: Media Online Services, Inc.. New
`York. NY (us)
`
`( ‘ ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis '
`‘
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 1540:) by 0 days
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`0757435
`19545332
`wt) 941310‘:
`woaisom
`W09bt3]24
`wo 9702599
`wosurseia
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`1:199? (wo).
`
`Primrtr_v Emmt'ner—John W. Miller
`('34) Attorney. Agent, or Fimi—Dorsey Sr. Whitney LLP
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal clie-
`claimet:
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09!054,'i'40
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 3,1993
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation oi application No. 08u'59?,432, filed on Feb. 8,
`1995, now Pin. No. 5,751,605.
`
`I-Itt4N 7:173
`int.Ci.‘
`(51)
`1251110; 725x112; izsztati
`(52) us.c1.
`343m, 10, 12.
`(53) Field of Search ..
`3:13:13, 450. 451, 455. «nae. 459, 473, 475-419,
`563, 564, S65; 4558.], 5.1, 6.1, 6.1, 6.3;
`ro9r2t7—z19; 7253105. 109. 110. 111, 112,
`113. 131, .133; Htkthl woo. 7r1o,'rr14
`
`(56)
`
`References-Cited
`U_S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,-‘I990 ‘fee.
`-1,804-,‘t'89
`2.*t9'0U Pocock et at. .
`4,905,094
`SL1991 Pocook at at. .
`5,014,125
`H1992 Win Knltorn .
`5,128,752
`B.I’l99’2 Eialttnttteclt at al. .
`5,140,416
`5,252,350 ' 1117195‘! Fitzpatrick cl ai.
`........... .. 34flr"|1'?'tS R
`5,285.33
`2.I'l9SM Holman .
`5.438.355 °
`8.ftEt95 Palmer
`-tS5f2 )1‘.
`
`A system is disclosed for providing direct automated access
`to an oniine information services provider through an
`address embedded in a video or audio program. commercial
`message, or news story. The system op-crates with video or
`audio programs which are received through broadcast, cable
`or pre-recorded media, and which are encoded in either
`analog or digital formats. The address of an onlint: infor-
`mation provider is encoded in a vertical blanking interval or
`other non-displayed portion of an electronic signal which
`represents the video or audio program so as not to interfere
`with the program as displayed or lransduced on a lI:ILt\I'i5t0t‘l
`or audio .-sound system. The online information provider
`address is detected and decoded from the electronic signal
`and used in establishing a direct digital communication link
`to the online information provider. Upon detecting an online
`provider address, the system indicates to the Ltscr that more
`information is available. The user may then elect to establish
`a connection with the online inforrnation provider by giving
`a simple oornmand, c.g., pushing it special button on a
`remote control. The system then automatically establishes a
`direct digital communication link to the online inthrrntition
`provider through the address and provides for interactive
`information exchange and processing to pom-tit signals
`received from the online infnrniation provider to be dis-
`played on 3 conventional television. transduced on a sound
`system. or also on a high resolution reproducing system such
`as a computer monitor, or other reproduction device.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`12 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
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`APPLE 1002 -
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`APPLE 1002 - Page 6
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`US 6,233,736 B1
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`Page 2
`
`671997 Wcllnu ..
`5,640,193 '
`
`771997 Vaughn 1:1. 711..
`5,343,038
`771997 Yoshinobu.
`5,349,234
`871991 Kxnnan.
`5,659,366
`971997 c1asse1u1..
`5,537,703
`971997 Spanlding, 11.
`5,553,592
`5,394,133 * 1271997 Harrison
`5,696,905
`1271997
`123111077 :1 70..
`5,724,091
`371993 FtEen1anel13I..
`5,724,103
`371993 Balchclor.
`5,729,252
`371993 Fraser.
`5,734,437
`371993 Back.
`5_-751,502
`571993 wagne; 5131,,
`5,774,354
`071993 Hidary :1 al..
`5,773,131
`771993 I-lidary 2110..
`5,818,441 * 1071993 Thmckmnrlon elal.
`5,912,700 "
`6711999 Haney 1:! al.
`_
`,
`" clwd by cxammer
`
`
`
`343713
`
`11.5. PA'1‘EN'I‘ DOCUMENTS
`
`971995 Ema.
`5,453,794
`1271995 Young.
`5.479.353
`111996 1935109 =t'a|--
`1481,54?
`3719967 LappingIunetaL.
`5,526,035
`771996 Majeli at 31..
`5,534,913
`711996 Harper.
`5.337.141
`‘#1996 Mrhrwld at al--
`5,539,471
`371995 Long.
`5,543,349
`971995 Rei1nerela|..
`5,553,221
`11111996 Talc-whim
`$564,073
`5,570,293 ‘ 1071996 lscnberget 91.
`5,572,442
`1171996 SchuJhnIcIa|..
`5.535.855
`1111996 HarP=r=l91~
`5,539,392
`12-F1995 KIM» 1-‘! 8!“
`5.504.452 "
`211997 D°d1'i'3]‘3431"5x
`5,512,-730
`371997 Lewis.
`5,633,918
`S7199’! Mankovilz .
`
`36117514 R
`
`APPLE 1002 -
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`APPLE 1002 - Page 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mag/15.2001
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`sheet 1 of3
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`US 6,233,736 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 15, 2001
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`Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 6,233,736 B1
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`PROCESSOR
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 15, 2001
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`Sheet 3 M3
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`US 6,233,736 B1
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`APPLE 1002 - P
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`APPLE 1002 - Page 10
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`US 6.233.736 B1
`
`1
`MEDIA ONLINE SERVICE ACCESS SYSTEM
`AND METHOD
`
`This is a continuation of 531'. No. [}3f59T",43?., filed Feb.
`3, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. S,'l'G1,506.
`The present invention relates to an electronic information
`access system and more specifically to a media rtrtlirte
`services access system which provides direct, automated
`access to an online infonnation provider through an address
`embedded in an electronic signal which carries a program
`segment (e.g.. through television. radio, or a pre-recorded
`video or audio medium).
`
`BACKGROUND OF '1'H.E INVENTIGN
`
`Herelofore, media receiving and display systems such as
`television and radio receivers have been linked to interactive
`inforrnalion providers in only very limited ways. Some
`systems exist which permit the exchange of digital infor—
`matlon with the viewer of a television program over or in
`combination with a television signal, but such systems have
`provided access to it single information source available
`from, for example, the broadcast or cable television operator.
`In such systems, the selection of information services has
`been entirely within the control of the broadcast or Cable
`television operator. At the same time. some television and
`radio broadcasters have begun announcing an Internet
`address for viewer inquiries during the course of program
`transmission. Access to this Internet address requires the
`user to utilize his or her computer. He system yet exists
`which provides automated and direct user access to online
`information providers through an address embedded in a
`video or audio program signal.
`The recent explosion in the usage of ontine information
`services through digital networks such as the Internet.
`Prodigy (R), America Online (R) and Conztpuserve (R). for
`example.
`indicate that the demand for access to readily
`available up-to-date or detailed information is increasing.
`The viewer of a video program, whether the program is
`received through broadcast, or cable means or from a
`pre-recorded medium. may often seek to discover more
`information which relates to a topic presented in the video
`program. Since television programs and recordings art: of
`finite length. they do not contain all the related information
`which a consumer may wish. and the information contained
`therein may not be timely. Therefore, it would be desirable
`for there to be a system which automatically and directly
`provides access to an online information provider through an
`address which can be extracted from an audio or video
`program such as a television program. commercial or news
`story. with such system, several benefits would be obtained.
`For example. adults and children viewing an educational or
`historical video program could easily locate additional mate-
`rials provided in text or still picture by the producers of the
`video program by accessing more Information from the
`producers digitally through the onlinc address. Consumers
`seeking more information about a specific advertised prod-
`uct could easily find such information by accessing the-
`online address of an information provider designated by the
`advertiser. News program viewers seeking specific informa-
`tion from news stories or more detailed infonnatiou could
`easily access such information through an online informa-
`tion provider designated by the producers of such program.
`The online services access system could be used -to
`provide still other benefits to consumers. business owners.
`and the government. For example, an automobile manufac-
`turer could make information available directly to a con-
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`sumer through an ontinc address embedded in it video
`presentation so the comsumer could reach its onlinc site
`quickly to ask for more information. to request a test drive,
`or to purchase pans. Through such system, a grocery store
`could advertise and receive orders through its online site
`from customers for home delivery, or for other shopping
`needs. A catalog retailer could use such system to provide
`rapid access to consumers, afier airing a commercial. to its
`catalog in online form and to enable orders to be placed
`readily through its online site. A record company could use
`such system to enable customers to order a recording while
`listening to a song or viewing a music video. Government
`agencies. e.g..
`the Internal Revenue Service, military
`recruiters. or health agencies. for example, could use such
`system to provide consumers with readily available infor-
`mation following the airing of public service announcements
`regarding regulations. programs, or public health concepts,
`e.g_, cancer, AIDS, and heart disease. Educators and students
`could use such system to obtain more detailed or up-to-the-
`minute tnfonnation from ortliua bulletin boards and data-
`bases regarding topics presented in it video program,-even
`though the program was recorded some time in the past.
`Systems eitist at present in which digitally encoded infor-
`mation is transmitted and received through a modified video
`signal of El conventional
`television transmission. For
`example, a system is described in US. Pat. No. 4.894389
`wherein a digital information signal is transmitted during the
`vertical blanking interval of an analog broadcast television
`signal and decoded and displayed on the television screen ill
`addition to the analog broadcast video signal.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5.128.752 describes a system in which a
`retailer broadcasts information for reception upon a conven-
`tional tclevision set regarding products available through a
`central location. The system includes a decoder for display-
`ing the product information on the television screen. and
`also a token generator for producing tokens. at the user's
`option. to be redeemed when a product is purchased. The
`broadcast information includes data related to token redemp-
`tion and value considerations available upon purchase of the
`product.
`US. Pat. No. 5,285,278 describes a system in which
`coupon-related digital information is received from a tram-
`rnitted television signal
`through it decoder. The decoder
`records the coupon-related data for
`later readout and
`redemption when a product is purchased.
`US. Pat. No. 4.9tl5,094 ("the ‘G94 Patent") descrdn:-s an
`interactive cable television system in which it subscriber
`tunes to a channel and requests connection to a remote
`location by either dialing a predetermined telephone number
`or accessing a cable television channel. When the system
`identities the subscriber the television set displays the frame
`of video (and possibly accompanying audio information)
`describing products or services which may be viewed and
`purchased. The ‘D94 Patent does not describe the extraction
`of encoded address information from the television signal.
`or a system enabling a television program viewer to access
`onlitte inlortnatiort providers by establishing connection
`automatically through such extracted address.
`Thus, systems exist which are capable of providing inter-
`active user accc.-E through a broadcast or cable television
`signal. However, such systems are limited in the accem they
`provide to int'orm_ation sources directly available through the
`unitary cable or broadcast provider. By contrast. the present
`invention facilitates direct automated user access to an
`unlimited number of ortline infomiation providers through
`provider addre:-‘sea which are embedded in the electronic
`signal which carries an video or audio program.
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`US 6,233,736 B1
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`3
`Accordingly. it is an object of the invention to provide a
`System [or extracting an address of an ttnline inforrmtlion
`provider from an electronic signal which carries an video or
`audio program.
`It is at further object of the invention to provide a system
`which indicates to the program user (i.e., viewer or listener).
`attur extracting an ooline information provider address, that
`more information is available.
`Still another object of the invention is to provide an
`automated system which. upon receipt of a single user
`command. directly and automatically establishes a digital
`connection with an online information provider through an
`address extracted from an electronic signal which carries a
`video or audio program.
`Another object oi‘ the invention is to provide a system
`which converts information signals received from an online
`information provider to a form capable of being displayed
`on a conventional reproducing system such as a television
`Fact.
`
`‘these and other objccts are provided by the media online
`services access system of the present invention.
`SUMMARY OF THE. INVI-3.NTl0N
`
`The media online services access system of the present
`invention provides at system and process which links video
`and audio program content with cIt'tli.t:Le information signal
`content. The system provides heretofore unattained direct
`automated user access [mm a media program such as a
`received or pre-recorded television or radio (audio) signal to
`an online information provider through it link provided in
`the media program. The access system receives an electronic
`signal representing a video or audio program or a ccinbined
`ztndiolvideo program from an available medium {e.g.. broad-
`cast and cable television and radio, or a pro-recorded
`medium such as a tape or disc). Errtbedded in the electronic
`signal, for example,
`in the vertical blanking interval, or
`otherwise encoded in the electronic signal in such manner as
`not to interfere with the displayed image, is an inforrnalion
`signal representing an electronic address of an nntine infor-
`mation provider. The online intorrnation provider can be any
`one of millions of interactive information providers which
`can be accessed through exchange of digital information
`signals, for example. a publisher who is available through
`the tnternet for interactive transactions. As the media pro-
`gram is received for reproduction on a video display or audio
`sound system.
`the access system extracts the cmbcdded
`electronic address for use in directly accessing the onlinr
`information provider at the selection of the user.
`Preferably, the address is stored at the time of extraction.
`for use in accessing the online information provider at the
`selection of the user. The duration in which an extracted
`signal address is stored may be relatively short. as in the case
`where the address is transmitted and refreshed continuously
`or at very short intervals. e.g., once per each frame of a video
`signal. or it may be longer, as when an address is transmitted
`only Ell selected intervals of a program.
`the
`Upon successfully extracting an electronic address.
`access system provides a indicator signal to the user that
`more inforrnation is available. The indicator signal may take
`the form of a message displayed on a video screen, or other
`indicators such as a light. a sound or a wireless tat.-ti.lu
`indicator.
`t:.g.. vibrating wristband or etip-on unit.
`Alternatively, the video or audio program may contain a
`logo or message to be displayed for the user at points in the
`program which coincide with the prcscncc of an embedded
`onlinc information provider address. which.
`in Such case,
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`10
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`15
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`would eliminate the need for the access system to incorpo-
`ratc specific structure to provide indication to the user. in
`response to successful extraction of an online provider
`address.
`'
`After receiving the indicator signal. if the riser desires
`more informal ion, the user may request access to the orttine
`information provider through a command to the access
`system. e.g.. through pushbuttort. user control keypad, voice
`command. mouse.
`touchpad.
`touchscreen, or other such
`input. Upon receiving such command, the access system
`automatically establishes a digital communication link with
`the orflioe information provider through trartstrtissioo of a
`signal containing the extracted address. Preferably, upon
`establishment of such communication link. the access sys-
`tem enables inlcraclivc communications with the online
`information provider.
`In another embodiment of the invention. the extracted
`address can be used without first being stored, as in cases
`where a connection already exists between the access system
`and a network. Where such connection exists,
`the access
`system provides an indicator signal to the user upon suc-
`cessflil extraction of an onlirzte information provider address.
`However. in this embodiment, the acccsts system Waits to
`receive a user command to initiate access. and only after
`receiving such command does the access system extract the
`next received address from the electronic signal and use it to
`establish a direct connection to the onlioe information
`provider.
`In a preferred embodiment. after accessing an online
`services provider,
`the access system receives information
`from the onlinu information provider and processes it for
`reproduction on a video or audio reproducing eystern. For
`example, the information can be displayed on the television
`screen in place of the television broadcast signal. on a
`separate computer monitor or other display device, or
`together with the television broadcast signal in rt picture-in-
`picture format. In this way. the user can fully explore all of
`the related i.ol'orn:talion available from the outline informa-
`tion provider. Preferably, the acocss system is provided with
`hardware to reformat the received information signal for
`display upon an otherwise incompatible system,
`for
`example, to convert a digitally encoded video signal to an
`analog signal for reproduction on a conventional television
`set. Preferably,
`the access system is also provided with
`hardware for receiving and processing user commands for
`transmission to the online information provider for provid-
`ing user communication transactions with the provider.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a bluclt and schematic diagram illustrating the
`online services access system in accordance with the present
`invention.
`FIG. 2 is a bloclr. alod schematic diagram of an access
`controller used in the online access system of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is a block and schematic diagram of another
`embodiment of an acccsrtconlroller used with a computer in
`accordance with the present invention.
`
`DEIMLED DESCRIIVIIDN OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`An onlinr: services access system according to the present
`invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to HG. 1, the
`online services access system includes access controller 10
`which incorporates all components necessary to provide
`onllne access and to access received online infonnation
`
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`US 6.233.736 B1
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`5
`signals. Access controller ll] is constructed to receive an
`electronic signal 1.‘! Erorn a broadcast. cable or prerecorded
`medium program in conventional form from a video signal
`source 14. Video signal source 14 can be selectively swit-
`chable to provide output from a channel Selector 16 con-
`nected to a cable or broadcast video input 15 or from it video
`playback system 18 which may be. for example, a video-
`cassette recorder or an analog or digital videortisc device. it
`will be appreciated that channelselector 16 may be provided
`in a unit separate from playbaclr system 18. or within access
`controller 1|] itself. Alternatively, access controller 10 can be
`constructed to receive and decode program signahs at radio
`frequency as received from a broadcast or cable video
`source. or as downcouverted to baseband. by for example,
`the [root end receiving circuitry of a video cassette recorder
`or digital video disc device. It will also be appreciated that
`the function and results provided by access controller 10 are
`not dependent upon which of many available playback
`systems is connected thereto, whether such systems are
`analog or digital
`in formal, or whether such playback
`systems operate upon videotape. audiotape, or disc media.
`Access controller It] is cctnnncted via a primary output
`signal line 36 to a conventional reproducing system 22 such
`as a television set, and is optionally connected through a
`second output signal line 38 to a high resolution reproducing
`system 40. such as a computer monitor. in addition. access
`controller 1|] is connected to a public or private network 3|}
`through an information signal carrier 32. e.g., telephone line.
`coaxial cable. fiber optic link. cellular. radiotelephone, or
`satellite tinlr. Network 30, which may be any private or
`public local area network or wide area network such as an
`ofice network, company network, public Internet or circuit-
`switchcd network is used to route address and infomtation
`signals between access: controller Ill and a selected one of a
`plurality of online information providers 34o, 34:‘.-. 34¢. . . .
`3-in. Access controller 10 receives from the online lI"lfClT'1'DH.'
`lion provider, through network 3|}, infonnation signals hav-
`ing a video or audio program content and selectively
`provides,
`through appropriate conventional processing, a
`conventional program signal or a high resolution signal for
`reproduction upon standard reproducing system 22, or high
`resolution reproducing system 40, respectively.
`The internal construction of access controller 10 is
`described with reference to FIG. 2. Access controller II} is
`provided with an address ttxtractor 42 which receives the
`electronic signal 12. Address extractor 42 includes hardware
`auditor software to detcct,d-ecode and store an address which
`has been embedded in a video or audio program signal.
`Among the ways which exist
`to detect an address signal
`transmitted in conjunction with an analog video mgrr.-rt,
`address extractor 42 n:I.ay'bc constructed to detect it digital
`address which is transmitted during a vertical blanking
`interval or other portion of a conventional video signal in
`such manner that displayed image quality is not affected. For
`example.
`the address signal can-be transmitted during a
`portion of a video signal such as in the venical interval. in
`sync or through changes in the luminance or chroma signals.
`Address extraction 42 is constructed to electronically store,
`eg., via ta register or memory device {not shown),
`the
`detected address for use in accessing the online services
`provider at the selection of the user. The address signal may
`be transmitted at very short intervals. e.g., once for each
`frame of a video program such that storing and refreshing of
`the extracted address signal occurs at very short intervals.
`Attematively,
`the address signal may be transmitted at
`longer "intervals, i.e., at discrete intervals in a program such
`that the duration in which an extracted address signal is
`stored is much longer.
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`to such cases in which video or audio program is encoded
`_
`digitally. address extractor 42 may be constructed in any of
`several existing ways to detect an address signal which is
`received in conjunction with a digitally encoded video or
`audio electronic signal 12. The details of the construction of
`address extractor 42 are well ltnown in the an and need not
`be described in furthe-r detail.
`Address extractor 42 has an output connection to an
`indicator signal generator 4t’r. ‘the indicator signal generator
`46 signals the user that more information relating to the
`program is available, such information being accessible
`through an electronic address when address extractor 42 has
`decoded such address from the electronic signal 12. indica-
`tor signal generator 46 causes, for example, a video image
`2|] (c.g.. picture within picture, logo, or icon) to be displayed
`with the video program signal on reproducing system 2.2 to
`signal the user that an address of an online provider has been
`stored and that additional information is available. Instead,
`or in addition to such visual display, indicator signal gen-
`erator 46 may signal the user by activating a light 24 or other
`visual
`indicator located on an exterior panel of access
`controller ill or ol‘ reproducing system 22. Alternatively,
`indicator signal generator may cause a sound to be produced
`on a speaker 26 of reproducing system 2.2, or by a speaker
`28 provided in access controller 10. Here again. the design
`of indicator signal generator 45 is well known in the art.
`Access controller 10 is provided with a user input inter-
`face 56 for receiving a user command which automatically
`initiates establishment of a direct digital oontmuntcalion link
`to an online information provider through "an address
`detected from the electronic signal 12 by address extractor
`43 and permits interactive communication between the user
`and the online: information provider. It will be appreciated
`that many conventional input interfaces are well suited for
`use as user interface 56 because of their compatibility with
`conventional television and audio sound systems. Among
`such input interfaces are infrared. radio and audio frequency
`interfaces which decode single trey or multiple key sequence
`input
`from a wired or wireless remote user control.
`Preferably, mr input interface 56 detects when a special
`purpose button on a remote user control has been pressed
`and provides a responsive signal which automatically causes
`the stored address of the online provider to be retrieved and
`transmitted. User input interface 56 can also be constructed
`to detect when a special sequence of keys has been prenzcd
`on it ‘conventional user control (e.g., a sequence such as
`“EN‘]‘E‘.R,” --13rv1uu,='--+voLu1vts") and to enable inter-
`active communication with the online information provider.
`Alternatively, user input interface 56 can be implemented by
`any appropriate microcomputer typo user interface, t:.g.,
`mouse,
`touchparl.
`touchscreen,
`trackball,
`joystick,
`pllshbullon, eraser head, or other such device. Preferably,
`user
`interface 56 is constructed to provide and receive
`transmission ct‘ digital information signals through modern
`5-1 to the ontine information provider,
`thereby enabling
`interactive user access with the online provider for conduct-
`ing detailed information searches, conducting transactions,
`and sending or posting messages to the accessed provider.
`Access controller 10 is provided with a modem 54 for
`transmitting and receiving digital
`inforrnatiort signals
`between access controller Ill and public switching network
`3|) through an information signal carrier line 32. Modem S4
`dcmodulates incoming information signals and outputs them
`to procemor 58 which extracts a video andfor an audio signal
`38. Preferably, access controller 10 includes a signal con-
`verter 62 for adjusting or convening an incompatible signal
`for display upon conventional reproducing system 22. such
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`US 6.233.736 B1
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`'3'
`as a television set, either in plac