Please type a plus sign(+) inside !his box --+ 0
`
`PTO/SB/OS (03-01)
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademart Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under lhe Paperwork Redudion Act of 1995, no persons ere required to respond to a colledlon of lnfonnation unless it displays a vatid 0MB control number.
`Attome Docket No. BBTV-P1
`M. Diaz Perez
`First Inventor
`SYSTEM
`FOR MANAGING
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`Title
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`ADDRESS TO: Box Patent Application
`Washi
`, DC 20231
`7. D CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`Computer Program (Appem:fDC)
`· 8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, all necessa,y)
`·
`
`a. D Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`
`Only for new nonprovisionat ap ications under 37 CFR 1.53 b
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning ubl" patent application contents.
`rv7 Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17)
`1. ~ (Sc,bmlt an arf&inal and o dltpl/,:aufor foe ,,,..,._;,,g}
`
`2 r"x7 Applicant claims small entity status.
`• ~ See37 CFR 1.27.
`{Tota/ Pages DI] J
`3. [RJ
`Specification
`(ptelr,m,d amtllfll*menl,.,, fotth below}
`- Descriptive title of the invention
`- Cross Reference to Related Applications
`- Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R & D
`- Reference to sequence listing, a table,
`or a computer program listing appendix
`- Background of the Invention
`- Brief Summary of the Invention
`- Brief Description of the Drawings (if filed)
`- Detailed Description
`-Claim(s)
`- Abstract of the Disclosure
`[ Total Sheets [77
`4. (X] Orawing(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`{ rofa, Pages ["2""""J
`5. Oath or Declaration
`a. [x] Newly executed (original or copy)
`D Copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63 (d))
`b.
`(for continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`i. D DELETION OF INVENTOR[S)
`
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`named in the prior application, see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`6. D
`
`Appfication Data Sheet See 37 CFR 1.76
`
`0
`I- C\J
`0-:0>
`(/),-
`"O>
`=>o
`b. Specification Sequence listing on:
`i. · D CO-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`co~
`i.oo
`ii. D paper
`~,-
`c. 0 Statements verifying identity of above copies ,-
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & d0a.1ment(s))
`fx1 Power of
`D 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`10-
`(when there is an assignee) ~ Attorney
`11. D English Translation Document (if applicable)
`D Information Disclosure O Copies of IDS
`13. D Preliminary Amendment
`13{7 Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`14. ~ (Should be specifically itemized)
`·
`D Certified Copy of Priqri!y Document(s)
`6 D Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122
`11. D Other.
`
`9.
`
`12
`•
`
`15.
`
`1
`
`·
`
`Statement (IDS)/PT0-1449
`
`Citations
`
`(if foreign pnority is claimed)
`
`(b)(2)(B)(i). Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35
`·
`or its equivalent.
`
`::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
`18. If a CONTINUING APPUCA TION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in a preliminary amendment.
`or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. 76:
`0 Continuation D
`Diviaonal O
`&aminer_______
`Contiluation-i'l-part{C!P)
`
`Prlotapplicalionfnfotmalion:
`
`of pnorapplicationNo.:. ___ , _______ _
`&oup M tm/t: ____________ _
`
`For CONTINUATION OR DMSlONAL APPS only: The •ntire disclosure of the prior application, from which an oath or declaration is supplied under
`Box 5b, la considered a part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation or divisional appllc:atlon and Is hereby incorporated by reference.
`The Incorporation can only be relied upon when a portion has been lnaitvertently omitted fl-om tha submitted application parts.
`
`Name
`
`Country
`
`Name Print/T e
`
`841 Bishop Street, Suite 1200
`ZipCode 96813
`HI
`Honolulu
`USA
`808-792-48 1 Fax
`-531-758
`
`Telephone
`
`Registration No. (Attorney/Agent)
`
`Signature
`Date
`Burden Hour Statement: This fonn ls estimated to ake 0.2 ours to complete. Time will vary depe ding upon lhe needs of the indivldual case. Any comments on
`Officer, U.S. Paten I and Trademark Office, Washington. OC
`the amount of time you are required to complete this fonn should be sent to the Chief Inform
`20231. 00 NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box Patent AppUcatlon.
`Washington, DC 20231.
`
`BBiTV EX2062
`DISH v. BBiTV
`IPR2020-01267
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/17 {10-01)
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paoerwork Reduction Act of 1995 no oersons are renuired lo resnond to a collection of information unless it disnlavs a vafid 0MB control number.
`Complete if Known
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`for FY 2002
`
`Patent fees are subject to annual revision.
`
`'- TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`
`Application Number
`Julv 10. ?on,1
`Filing Date
`First Named Inventor M. Diaz Perez
`Examiner Name
`
`Group Art Unit
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`BBTV-P1
`
`"
`
`1 •
`
`I
`I
`
`Flaherty ( Ila~taii)
`.
`Name
`,Gu Charge Ally Additional Fee Required
`~ Under37CFR1.16and1.17
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT
`D The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge
`Deposit I
`indicated fees and credit any overpayments to:
`502633
`Account
`2:i~ I Ostrager Chong &
`Number ~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~·
`a Applicant claims smaQ entity status.
`See 37 CFR 127
`2. 1QJ Payment Enclosed:
`D Check D Credit card D Money
`
`$428.00
`D Other
`
`FEE CALCULATION (continued)
`3. ADDITIONAL FEES
`Large
`Small
`Entity
`Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code {$)
`105 130 205
`65 Surcharge • late filing fee or oath
`
`Fee Description
`
`127
`
`50 227· 25 Surcharge - late provisional filing fee or
`cover sheet
`
`139 130 139 130 Non-English specification
`
`Fee Paid
`
`147 2,520 147 2,520 For filing a request for ex parfe reexamination.,_ ___ -4
`
`112 920* 112 920" Requesting publication of SIR prior to
`Examiner action
`113 1,840* 113 1,840" Requesting publication of SIR after
`Examiner action
`Extension for reply within first month
`Extension for reply within second month
`
`115 110 215
`
`55
`
`116 400 216 200
`
`Order
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING FEE·
`• Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Description
`Code ($) Code ($)
`101 740
`201 370 Utility filing fee
`
`Fee Paid
`
`117 920 217 460
`
`Extension for reply within third month
`
`118 1,440 218 720
`
`Extension for reply within fourth month
`
`128 1,960 228 980
`
`Extension for reply within fifth month
`
`119 320 219 160
`
`Notice of Appeal
`
`120 320 220 160
`
`121 280 221 140
`138 1,510 1381,510
`
`Filing a brief in support of an appeal
`Request for oral hearing
`Petition to institute a public use proceeding
`
`140 110 240
`
`55
`
`Petition to revive • unavoidable
`
`141 1,280 241 640
`142 1,280 242 640
`143 460 243 230
`
`144 620 244 310
`
`Petition to revive • unintentional
`Utility issue fee ( or reissue)
`Design issue fee
`Plant issue fee
`
`122 130 122 130
`
`Petitions to the Commissioner
`
`123
`
`50 123· 50
`
`Processing fee under 37 CFR 1.17(q)
`
`126 180 126 180
`
`Submission of Information Disclosure Simi
`
`581
`
`40 581
`
`40
`
`Recording each patent assignment per
`property (times number of properties)
`
`146 740 246 370
`
`Filing a submission after final rejection
`(37 CFR § 1.129(a))
`
`149 740 249 370
`
`For each additional invention to be
`examined (37 CFR § 1.129(b))
`
`179 740 279 370 Request for Continued Examination (RCE)
`
`169 900 169 900 Request for expedited examination
`of a design application
`
`106 330
`
`107 510
`
`108 740
`
`114 160
`
`206 165 Design filing fee
`207 255 Plant filing fee
`208 370 Reissue filing fee
`80 Provisional filing fee
`214
`
`SUBTOTAL (1) I($)
`2. EXTRA CL.AIM FEES
`Fee from
`Exya Clair ,......JwmY, Fee Paid
`I
`IT[! -20 .. "'
`_____ ..., ~
`X ,,.L__J
`ent Li -3**.: CI] x l 4 3 I~ 4 3 I
`l
`I ~
`
`Total Claims
`
`~1~r~nd
`
`Multiple Dependent
`
`(
`
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code ($)
`103
`18
`203
`9
`
`102
`
`84
`
`202 42
`
`104 280
`
`204 140
`
`109
`
`84
`
`209 42
`
`110
`
`18
`
`210
`
`9
`
`Fee Description
`
`Claims in excess of 20
`
`Independent claims in excess of 3
`Multiple dependent claim, if not paid
`.. Reissue independent claims
`over original patent
`
`•• Reissue claims in excess of 20
`and over original patent
`
`SUBTOTAL (2)
`
`"or number previously paid, if greater; For Reissues, see above
`
`*Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`._!(_$_) ___ __,I Other fee·(specify) ____________ ;=:..-~====:
`I
`I<$)
`SUBTOTAL (3)
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Name (PrinVType)
`
`Signature
`
`27,621
`
`Complete (if applicable)
`Telephone 808-79 2-4 841
`
`Date
`
`ome public. Credit card Information should not
`WARNI G: Information on this form may
`be included on this form. Provide credit card information and authorization on PTO-2038.
`Burden Hour Statement: This form is estimated to take 0.2 hours to complete. Time will vary depending upon the needs of the individual case. Any comments on
`the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC
`20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, DC 20231.
`
`

`

`Please type a plus sign(+) Inside this box --+ 0
`
`PTO/SB/05 (03-01)
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademart< Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwort< Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of Information unless it displays a valid 0MB control number.
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`Attome Docket No. BBTV-P1
`M. Diaz Perez
`FOR MANAGING
`
`On/ for new nonprovisional ap lications under 37 CFR 1.53 b)
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`
`1. [K]
`2. [K]
`3. [RJ
`
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17}
`(S,,bm/1 D1I original OMO dupl/t:,iu for foe ,,,,_.,;,.g)
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`[Total Pages uJ] )
`Specification ·
`(prefl>rred a,rangemant 111111 fOtth below)
`- Descriptive title of the invention
`- Cross Reference to Related Applications
`- Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R & D
`• Reference to sequence listing, a table,
`or a computer program listing appendix
`- Background of the Invention
`- Brief Summary of the Invention
`- Brief Description of the Drawings (If filed)
`• Detailed Description
`-Claim(s)
`- Abstract of the Disclosure
`[ Total Sheets r:z=J
`4. [K] Drawing(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`[ rofal.Pages [T""J
`5. Oath or Declaration
`a. [i] Newly executed (original or copy)
`D Copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63 (d))
`(for continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`b.
`i. D DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`named In the prior application. see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b),
`
`6. D
`
`Application Data Sheet See 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`ADDRESS TO: Box Patent Application
`·
`Washi
`n, DC 20231
`7. D CD-ROM or CO--R in dupficate, large table or
`
`Computer Program (Appendix)
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(ff applicable, all necessary)
`·
`
`(/) T"9
`
`0
`1-C\J
`Ii: 0)
`a. D Computer Readable Fonn (CRF)
`·m =>o
`b. Specification. Sequence Listing on:
`i. · 0 CD-ROM or CO--R (2 copies); or
`co~·
`i.no
`i i. 0
`~ -r-
`paper
`c. D Statements verifying identity of above copies .-
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`1x7 Power of
`D 37 CFR 3.73(b} Statement
`10-
`(when there is an assignee) ~ Attorney
`11. D English Translation Document (if applicable)
`D Information Disclosure O Copies of IDS
`13.o
`14. IB]
`1s.D
`16.o
`11. D Other:
`
`9.
`
`12
`•
`
`Citations
`
`Statement (IDS)/PT0-1449
`Preliminary Amendment
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`·
`Certified Copy of Priqri!y DocumentEs)
`(if foreign pnority is claimed)
`Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122
`(b)(2)(B)(i). Applicant must attach fonn PTO/SB/35
`or its equivalent.
`·
`
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in a preliminary amendmf}nt,
`or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. 76:
`0 Continuation D
`0ivi$ional D
`EJ<aminer________
`Contiluation-h-pall(CIP)
`
`of pnorappllcalionNu.o· __ __,, ______ _
`Group M Unit: ____________ _
`
`Prlorapplicaliotl lnformalion:
`
`For CONTINUATION OR DMSIONAL APPS only: The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which an oath or declaration is supplied under
`Sox Sb, is considered a part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation or divisional application and is hereby Incorporated by reference.
`Tho Incorporation can only be relied upon when a portion has been Inadvertently omitted from the submitted application parts.
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRES-"'S-----------------1
`
`~ Customer Number or Bar Code I.abet
`
`Name
`
`ddress
`City
`
`Country
`
`Name Print/T e
`
`Leighto;n K. Chong
`Ostra er Chon & Flahert Hawaii
`841 Bishop Street, Suite 1200
`HI
`Honolulu
`Zip Code 96813
`USA
`808-792-48 1 Fax
`-531-758
`
`Telephone
`
`Signature
`Date
`Burden Hour Statement: This form Is estimated to ake 0.2 ours to complete. Time will vary depe ding upon the needs of the individual case. Any comments on
`· Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademart< Office, Washington. DC
`the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the Chier inform
`20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Box Patent AppUcalion,
`Washington, DC 20231.
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/17 {10-01)
`Approved for use through 10/31/2002. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paoerwork Reduction Act of 1995 no oersons are renuired lo resnond to a collection of information unless it disnlavs a vafid 0MB control number.
`Complete if Known
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`for FY 2002
`
`Patent fees are subject to annual revision.
`
`'- TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`
`Application Number
`Julv 10. ?on,1
`Filing Date
`First Named Inventor M. Diaz Perez
`Examiner Name
`
`Group Art Unit
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`BBTV-P1
`
`"
`
`1 •
`
`I
`I
`
`Flaherty ( Ila~taii)
`.
`Name
`,Gu Charge Ally Additional Fee Required
`~ Under37CFR1.16and1.17
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT
`D The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge
`Deposit I
`indicated fees and credit any overpayments to:
`502633
`Account
`2:i~ I Ostrager Chong &
`Number ~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~·
`a Applicant claims smaQ entity status.
`See 37 CFR 127
`2. 1QJ Payment Enclosed:
`D Check D Credit card D Money
`
`$428.00
`D Other
`
`FEE CALCULATION (continued)
`3. ADDITIONAL FEES
`Large
`Small
`Entity
`Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code {$)
`105 130 205
`65 Surcharge • late filing fee or oath
`
`Fee Description
`
`127
`
`50 227· 25 Surcharge - late provisional filing fee or
`cover sheet
`
`139 130 139 130 Non-English specification
`
`Fee Paid
`
`147 2,520 147 2,520 For filing a request for ex parfe reexamination.,_ ___ -4
`
`112 920* 112 920" Requesting publication of SIR prior to
`Examiner action
`113 1,840* 113 1,840" Requesting publication of SIR after
`Examiner action
`Extension for reply within first month
`Extension for reply within second month
`
`115 110 215
`
`55
`
`116 400 216 200
`
`Order
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING FEE·
`• Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Description
`Code ($) Code ($)
`101 740
`201 370 Utility filing fee
`
`Fee Paid
`
`117 920 217 460
`
`Extension for reply within third month
`
`118 1,440 218 720
`
`Extension for reply within fourth month
`
`128 1,960 228 980
`
`Extension for reply within fifth month
`
`119 320 219 160
`
`Notice of Appeal
`
`120 320 220 160
`
`121 280 221 140
`138 1,510 1381,510
`
`Filing a brief in support of an appeal
`Request for oral hearing
`Petition to institute a public use proceeding
`
`140 110 240
`
`55
`
`Petition to revive • unavoidable
`
`141 1,280 241 640
`142 1,280 242 640
`143 460 243 230
`
`144 620 244 310
`
`Petition to revive • unintentional
`Utility issue fee ( or reissue)
`Design issue fee
`Plant issue fee
`
`122 130 122 130
`
`Petitions to the Commissioner
`
`123
`
`50 123· 50
`
`Processing fee under 37 CFR 1.17(q)
`
`126 180 126 180
`
`Submission of Information Disclosure Simi
`
`581
`
`40 581
`
`40
`
`Recording each patent assignment per
`property (times number of properties)
`
`146 740 246 370
`
`Filing a submission after final rejection
`(37 CFR § 1.129(a))
`
`149 740 249 370
`
`For each additional invention to be
`examined (37 CFR § 1.129(b))
`
`179 740 279 370 Request for Continued Examination (RCE)
`
`169 900 169 900 Request for expedited examination
`of a design application
`
`106 330
`
`107 510
`
`108 740
`
`114 160
`
`206 165 Design filing fee
`207 255 Plant filing fee
`208 370 Reissue filing fee
`80 Provisional filing fee
`214
`
`SUBTOTAL (1) I($)
`2. EXTRA CL.AIM FEES
`Fee from
`Exya Clair ,......JwmY, Fee Paid
`I
`IT[! -20 .. "'
`_____ ..., ~
`X ,,.L__J
`ent Li -3**.: CI] x l 4 3 I~ 4 3 I
`l
`I ~
`
`Total Claims
`
`~1~r~nd
`
`Multiple Dependent
`
`(
`
`Large Entity Small Entity
`Fee Fee Fee Fee
`Code ($) Code ($)
`103
`18
`203
`9
`
`102
`
`84
`
`202 42
`
`104 280
`
`204 140
`
`109
`
`84
`
`209 42
`
`110
`
`18
`
`210
`
`9
`
`Fee Description
`
`Claims in excess of 20
`
`Independent claims in excess of 3
`Multiple dependent claim, if not paid
`.. Reissue independent claims
`over original patent
`
`•• Reissue claims in excess of 20
`and over original patent
`
`SUBTOTAL (2)
`
`"or number previously paid, if greater; For Reissues, see above
`
`*Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`._!(_$_) ___ __,I Other fee·(specify) ____________ ;=:..-~====:
`I
`I<$)
`SUBTOTAL (3)
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Name (PrinVType)
`
`Signature
`
`27,621
`
`Complete (if applicable)
`Telephone 808-79 2-4 841
`
`Date
`
`ome public. Credit card Information should not
`WARNI G: Information on this form may
`be included on this form. Provide credit card information and authorization on PTO-2038.
`Burden Hour Statement: This form is estimated to take 0.2 hours to complete. Time will vary depending upon the needs of the individual case. Any comments on
`the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC
`20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, DC 20231.
`
`

`

`BBTV-Pl
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING, CONVERTING AND DISPLAYING VIDEO
`
`CONTENT ON A VIDEO-ON-DEMAND PLATFORM, INCLUDING ADS USED FOR
`
`DRILL-DOWN NAVIGATION AND CONSUMER-GENERATED CLASSIFIED ADS
`
`5
`
`SPECIFICATION
`
`1 O
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001]
`
`This invention generally relates to the provision of interactive television services
`
`through cable TV infrastructure, and more particularly, to a system and method for managing,
`
`converting and displaying video content on a video-on-demand platform, and particularly,
`
`15
`
`advertising displays used for drill-down navigation and displays of consumer-generated classified
`
`ads on TV.
`
`BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
`
`20
`
`[0002]
`
`Cable television (CATV) systems are used to deliver television services to a vast
`
`majority of TV-viewing homes in the U.S. and other technologically advanced countries. The
`
`typical CATV system has a cable service provider head end equipped with video servers to transmit
`
`CATV program signals through distribution lines to local nodes and from there to TV subscriber
`
`25
`
`homes. Within the subscriber homes, the CATV program signals are transmitted to one or more
`
`customer-premises TVs which are coupled to external set-top boxes for channel tuning or are
`
`equipped with internal cable channel tuners.
`
`- 1 -
`
`

`

`BBTV-Pl
`
`[0003]
`
`Current CATV set-top boxes provide various functions for channel switching and
`
`program access between subscribers and the CATV head end. The more advanced digital set-top
`
`boxes are individually addressable from the CATV head end, and also allow subscribers to input via
`
`remote control units their selection inputs for transmission on a back channel of the connecting
`
`5
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`cable to the CATV head end, thereby enabling subscribers to access interactive television services
`
`and other types of advanced digital TV services. A primary type of interactive television system is
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`referred to generally as a "video-on-demand" (VOD) system, wherein a viewer can enter a selection
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`choice for a video program via the remote control unit to the set-top box and have the desired video
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`program delivered instantaneously for display on the TV. Such VOD applications can include on-
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`10
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`demand movies, documentaries, historic sports events, TV programs, infomercials, advertisements,
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`music videos, short-subjects, and even individual screen displays of information. VOD-based
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`interactive television services generally allow a viewer to use the remote control to cursor through
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`an on-screen menu and select from a variety of titles for stored video programs for individual
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`viewing on demand. Advanced remote control units include button controls with VCR-like
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`functions that enable the viewer to start, stop, pause, rewind, or replay a selected video program or
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`segment. In the future, VOD-based interactive television services may be integrated with or
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`delivered with other advanced interactive television services, such as webpage browsing, e-mail,
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`television purchase ("t-commerce") transactions, and multimedia delivery.
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`20
`
`[0004]
`
`With the increasing interactive functionality and customer reach of interactive
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`television services, advertisers and content providers are find it increasingly attractive to employ
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`on-demand advertising, program content, and TV transactions for home viewers. VOD content
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`delivery platforms are being designed to seamlessly and conveniently deliver a wide range of types
`of advertising, content, and transaction services on demand to home viewers. An example of an
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`25
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`advanced VOD delivery platform is the N-Band (TM) system offered by Navic Systems, Inc., d/b/a
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`Navic Networks, of Needham, MA. This is an integrated system which provides an application
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`development platform for third party application developers to develop new VOD service
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`applications, viewer interfaces, and ancillary interactive services for deployment on VOD channels
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`-2-
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`

`

`of CATV operators in cable service areas throughout the U.S. A detailed description of the Navic
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`N-Band system is contained in U.S. Patent Application 2002/066,106, filed on May 30, 2002, which
`
`is incorporated herein by reference.
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`5
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`[0005]
`
`Advanced digital set-top boxes also have the ability to collect data such as a log of
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`channels tuned to and programs watched by the viewer. The set top box can be designed to collect
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`and report this data automatically to the cable head end. At the head end location, the viewer data
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`can be aggregated over many users with personally identifying data removed, and provided to
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`advertisers and program sponsors for information in designing and targeting new ads and programs
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`1 o
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`for viewer preferences, thereby resulting in increased viewership, higher viewer impressions per ad
`
`or program, and ultimately increased revenues.
`
`[0006]
`
`Current VOD ads and program offerings are generally produced for mass audiences.
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`It would be particularly desirable to adapt a VOD delivery platform to deliver ads, promqtions,
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`15
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`programs, and informational content by allowing viewers to navigate readily and visually to specific
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`items of interest. Such visual navigation for content delivery would be more likely to create a
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`satisfying viewer experience, and also to engage individual viewers in on-demand TV services and
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`transactions. It would also be a particularly desirable to adapt a VOD delivery platform to receive
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`uploads of user ads from individuals such as through an online network for search, navigation, and
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`20
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`display to TV subscribers.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`25
`
`[0007]
`
`In accordance with a first objective of the present invention, a video-on-demand
`
`(VOD) content delivery system for delivery templatized VOD content comprises:
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`(a) a VOD Application Server located at a Cable Head End which manages a
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`Database of templates for generating templatized VOD content in response to requests for specific
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`- 3 -
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`

`

`BBTV-Pl
`
`video content elements by viewer request signals transmitted from the TV equipment of a viewer to
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`the Cable Head End;
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`(b) a Video Server for storing video content encoded as video content elements and
`
`for supplying a requested video content element in response to the VOD Application Server for
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`5
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`delivery to the TV equipment of the viewer; and
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`(c) an Application Data Center for creating and storing a plurality of different
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`templates ordered in a hierarchy for presentation of video content elements of different selected
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`types categorized in hierarchical order, wherein a template for display of a video content element in
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`a higher level of the hierarchy includes a link to one or more templates and video content elements
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`10
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`in a lower level of the hierarchy, said plurality of hierarchically-ordered templates and links being
`
`stored in the Database managed by the VOD Application Server, and
`
`wherein said VOD Application Server, in response to viewer request for a selected
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`video content element of a higher order in the hierarchy, retrieves the corresponding template from
`
`said Database and corresponding video content element from said Video Server to provide a
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`15
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`templatized VOD content display on the viewer's TV equipment which includes one or more links
`
`to video content elements in a lower order of hierarchy, and upon viewer request selecting a link
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`displayed in the templatized VOD content to a video content element in the lower order of
`
`hierarchy, retrieves the corresponding template and video content element of lower order hierarchy
`
`for display on the viewer's TV equipment, thereby enabling the viewer to use drill-down navigation
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`20
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`through TV displays oftemplatized VOD content.
`
`[0008]
`
`In a preferred embodiment of the templatized VOD content delivery system, the
`
`system employs the templatized content delivery to create a User Interface for the viewer to
`
`navigate through progressively more specific template ( display ad) types linked in series to reach an
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`25
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`end subject of interest to the viewer. Referred to herein as "Drill-Down Ads", the series of
`
`progressively more specific display ad types allow the subscriber to navigate to an end subject of
`
`interest while at the same time having a unique visual experience of moving visually through a
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`series of ads mirroring the viewer's path to the end subject of interest.
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`-4-
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`

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`BBTV-Pl
`
`[0009]
`
`As an example involving automobile advertising, the User Interface can provide a
`
`hierarchical ordering of video display ads that starts with an Auto Maker's ad displayed with links
`
`to Model ads. The viewer can select using the remote control unit a specific Model ad which is
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`5
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`displayed with links to more specific levels of ads, such as "Custom Packages", "Feature/Options",
`
`or "Color/Styling", etc., until it reaches an end subject of interest to the subscriber. The viewer
`
`would thus be able to navigate to specific content of interest while traversing through video ad
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`displays of the Auto Maker, Models, Model A, Features, etc. Similarly, the viewer can navigate to
`
`specific content of interest while traversing through video ad displays of Local Dealers, Dealer A,
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`1 o
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`Current Sales Promotions, etc. The templatized VOD ads are generated dynamically by searching
`
`the VOD Application database with each current request by a viewer. This enables the system to
`
`dynamically generate and display updated advertising content that remains current. For example, if
`
`the Auto Maker changes the Model types available, or if Local Dealer A changes its current sales
`
`promotions, that advertiser's ads can be updated with new content and selection options on the
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`15
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`system database, and the new templatized ads can be generated dynamically, instead of new ads
`
`having to be filmed, produced, contracted, and installed with the cable TV company. Many other
`
`types of ads, subjects, and other interactive TV applications can be enabled with the use of the Drill(cid:173)
`
`Down Navigation method. The selections or preferences exhibited by viewer navigation paths
`
`through the Drill-Down Navigation can also be tracked, profiled, and/or targeted as feedback data to
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`20
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`advertisers for fine-tuning Drill-Down ad designs.
`
`[0010]
`
`In accordance with a second objective of the invention, a video-on-demand (VOD)
`
`content delivery system for managing, converting and displaying consumer-generated classified ads
`
`on TV comprises:
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`25
`
`(a) a Content Management Website for enabling individual users to upload classified
`
`ad content on an online network connection from their remote computers, said uploaded classified
`
`ad content including associated meta data for identifying the.ad content by title and topical area;
`
`(b) a Content Screening Component for receiving the classified ad content uploaded
`
`- 5 -
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`

`

`BBTV-Pl
`
`to the Content Management Website and screening the content for objectionable text, audio, video
`
`and/or images in the content, and for rejecting said content if objectionable text, audio, video and/or
`
`images are found;
`
`(c) a Content Feed Component for automatically transferring the classified ad
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`5
`
`content screened by the Content Screening Component with the associated meta data and supplying
`
`them to a Content Conversion Component;
`
`( d) a Content Conversion Component for automatically converting the transferred
`
`classified ad content supplied from the Content Feed Component into a video data format
`
`compatible with the VOD content delivery system, and for automatically ind~xing the converted
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`10
`
`classified ad content in a Video Server database according to title and topical area as specified in the
`
`content meta data; and
`
`(e) a VOD Application Server, operatively connected between said Content
`
`Conversion Component and a Cable Head End connected via cable connection to the TV equipment
`
`of viewers, for delivering from the Cable Head End classified ad title and topical area listings data
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`15
`
`generated from the meta data for the classified ad content to be displayed on the TV equipment of
`
`viewers to enable their searching for classified ads of interest and, in response to a viewer request
`
`signal requesting a specific classified ad of interest transmitted via the TV equipment to the Cable
`
`Head End, for retrieving the requested classified ad from the Video Server database and
`
`transmitting it to be displayed to the viewer on their TV equipment.
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`20
`
`[0011]
`
`In a preferred embodiment of the TV classified ads system, individual users can
`
`upload classified ad content via their web browser, including text, audio, video and/or image files in
`
`industry-standard file formats, to the Content Management Website. The Content Screening
`
`Component is configured to parse the input for objectionable text words in text files, detect
`
`25
`
`objectionable audio words in audio files, and optically recognize objectionable images in graphics
`
`or video files. The Content Feed Component automatically transmits classified ad content that has
`
`been appropriately contracted for display (paid for, and within the contracted time period) to the
`
`Content Conversion Component and the Video Server database. The VOD Application Server
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`- 6 -
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`

`

`BBTV-Pl
`
`responds to requests input by viewers via remote control and retrieves the requested classified ads
`
`indexed by their titles and topical areas from the Video Server database to be displayed on the
`
`viewer's TV. The Content Management Website can also include functions for: (a) Account
`
`Management of user transaction accounts; (b) Content Classification to facilitate user designation of
`
`5
`
`titles and topical areas to uniquely and attractively identify their classified ads; (c) Bulletin Board
`
`for creation and management of consumer-generated content related to announcements and other
`
`items of general interest to be displayed to viewers in subsidiary displays; and (d) Transaction
`
`Processing for the processing the payment of user fees, changes, and refunds in the use of the
`
`system.
`
`10
`
`[0018]
`
`The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention are
`
`described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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`15
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0019]
`
`FIG. lA is a diagram of an overall architecture for a VOD Content Delivery System
`
`in accordance with the present invention, FIG. lB s