TW529306B - System for providing personalized program guide data and targeted advertising to a user of multiple program guides - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for providing personalized program guide data and targeted advertising to an Internet user, a user of user television equipment, or a magazine subscriber is provided. The system provides a first communications system for accepting user preferences data relating to e.g. the user's favorite television programs, channels, actors, categories of programs, etc. The system stores user preference data from multiple users in a user preference database. The system compares the user preference data with program guide data (e.g. program listings, articles, advertisements, reviews, etc.) to develop personalized user program guide data and advertisements which are transmitted back to the user through a second communications system different from the first communications system.

Description

529306 1 V. Description of the invention (l) I ^. The present invention is about the electric program table ^ — don't talk about using the first program table product to receive user favoritism or "" and then set the value 'and then borrow the second Program listing products to use such preferences or settings. There are many different forms of TV program schedules, including things like magazines and other printed print program schedules, passive TV, which is a channel list, online TV schedules, and interactive TV programs. A variety of program schedules such as Ding V program magazines can provide a list of TV programs, including the date, time and channel information of each TV program, and program descriptions. The show magazine contains TV shows, actors, channels, and TV show categories. The program list 5 can always contain additional advertisements, and its goal is to set the general public who are interested in the content of television programs. On the Internet, like the WWW · tvgulde · coin, the general online TV program list can provide Internet user program list, special articles, advertisements, and other TV program related items of interest to TV viewers. θ 'Passive TV program channel can automatically use the scroll-down channel sequence program 1 table (or other list), video programs, and advertisements to explain what programs are currently being broadcast on different TV channels. In: ϊ :, the interactive TV festival 'schedule in the set-top box allows the TV program to be watched on its charter ^ The watch allows the user to execute the TV program with the same display. To view a list of TV programs in various other ways, and to display a current "interactive TV" list, the user can make use of remote control: a grid list in order of channels. Then Wei Wei scrolled the list table. / Copy by channel order / 529306

5. The grid of the description of the invention (2) may also contain advertisements. The interactive TV program list also allows users to search for programs in a desired program category, such as sports, movies, news, and more. Some interactive TV listings can also be used to order pay-per-view screenings. However, for a viewer who uses multiple forms of program schedules, it is generally not easy to build their preference data or adjust settings in a single program schedule environment, and let these preference data or settings be applied to other In a playbook environment. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for users to submit information about their TV program preferences, etc., by using a TV program product, and use the information to personalize another TV program product. Summary of the Invention The above and other items of the present invention are in accordance with the principles of the present invention. By providing a number of systems and methods, a user of a program table connected to a communication system can indicate his program-related preferences in the communication system , And let the personalized program table information generated according to their preferences be transmitted to the user through a program table connected to another communication system. This can also reduce user preference data by many program products that operate in a variety of different environments, so there is no need to personalize each program product individually. According to the present invention, the target advertisement can be directed to the user through the program table product, and @ does not require the user to directly mark the program-related preference for the specific program table. This may be advantageous if the particular schedule does not support two-way communication. The user's preferences and settings

6 Page 6 529306 V. Description of the invention (3) The value can be used by another program table system to provide personalized information to the user. The personalized information may include program schedule information, such as the title of the user's favorite program that was being broadcast on the television during the week. This personalized information can also include targeting campaigns. Users include subscribers to program guide magazines and other printed printed program guides, passive TV program guide users, online TV program guides, interactive TV program guide users, and users of any other suitable program guide products . An exemplary placement method consistent with the present invention will involve users who borrow their online program listings to set their preferences, and users who receive corresponding personal printable schedules. For example, an Internet program listing page allows users to set a program reminder or to mark favorite programs, categories, actors, channels, and so on. These setting values and preferences can be used in the print planner system. The flat-printed program schedule system can generate custom labels or pages for program schedules, which can display major TV shows, articles, reviews, and other items of interest to users. Labels and pages containing targeted advertisements specifically set for the user can also be generated in the printed printed schedule. If necessary, user settings and preference data obtained from the online program schedule can be used to personalize the user's interactive television program schedule. For example, a reminder can be displayed according to the set value in the online program table. The TV program list and advertisement displayed by the interactive TV program table can also be personalized to meet the user's online preferences. If necessary, the interactive TV program table may also allow the user of the TV equipment device to input his TV program preference data and setting values, and

529306 V. Description of the invention (4) This can be transmitted to an interactive program table server. Then, another program schedule communication system, such as a flat print schedule system or an online schedule system, can utilize the preference data and setting values. Users can also mark their preference data and settings to the data collection service unit by phone, e-mail or via mail. The preference data and setting values set by one of the above methods can be used for passive program schedules, interactive television program schedules, online program schedules, or printed print schedule magazines. For example, the user's preferences can be collected from multiple users of the passive program schedule and used to personalize the passive program schedule. The other functions, characteristics, and various advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the accompanying drawings and the following preferred embodiments. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system consistent with the present invention, which spans a number of different program schedule platforms, and which transmits personalized program schedule information and targeted advertisements. FIG. 2 is a clear screen according to the present invention for inputting user preference information. FIG. 3 is a schematic example of a data structure according to the present invention, which includes user identification and TV 识别 II preference data and can be stored in the user preference database. FIG. 4 is a description of a magazine label of a personalized custom program table according to the present invention, including a personalized program table responsibility: child's. FIG. 5 is a description of an explicit explicit email message in accordance with the present invention, which includes personalized program listing information.

Page 529 306

V. Description of the invention (5)

FIG. 6 is a description of an illustrative custom program schedule miscellaneous page that includes personalized program schedule information in accordance with the present invention. ° Figure 7 is an illustrative personalized program listing webpage consistent with the present invention. FIG. 8 is a screen display of a personalized interactive television program table according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing various steps for providing personalized program schedule information to a user in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing various steps related to providing targeted advertisements to users in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment FIG. 1 shows the architecture of a cross-platform program table system that can be used to implement the present invention. The central facility 100 contains a schedule database 1 102 which can provide television program information such as television program listing information, pay-per-view subscription information, and the like. The TV program list information can include program time, channel, title, memo and so on. The center facility 100 can also include a user preference database 104, which can contain user preference data obtained from multiple users. This user preference data contains information about which TV programs, channels, program categories, actors, etc. a particular user is interested in. The central facility 丨 〇 〇 can also have an advertising database special I to store a variety of ads. These ads can be targeted to use ^^^. For example, these advertising goals can be set to users who are interested in a particular electricity type, that is, the mesh type. If necessary, advertisements related to television instant viewing can also be stored in the program database 丨 0 2. Figure 1 outlines various methods for providing program listing information and advertisements to users.

529306 V. Description of the invention (6) _ and a variety of methods for collecting user preferences and 苴 1.4. In some way, it can be stored online: user preference database no or online program table device 112, Internet data collection device user personal computer 124 to collect user preferences, Internet 120 and collect from use The device 110 may be, for example, a communication /% mail message based on an Internet data mail server-based system, or the electronic 112 may be, for example, support for online TV programs, first. And online program table device Internet communication system. The two-way figure of the interactive web page of clothing illustrates a suitable method for collecting information by using the Internet is an online program table device 11 2, the device 0, or the daytime surface 200 may be an interactive Internet; Page: sample page. Email message template, and the user can fill in preference information such as TV program preferences with,, 罔, or 疋 custom electronic. For example, its identification code and labeling surface can be provided as an interactive electric display screen book = a survey of incoming letters in the screen art of the screen 200, or a telephone survey form, etc. Enter its last name ^ Enter a certain Wei-identification code. The identification code can be ⑧ 'can enter the subscriber identification (ID) number in area 2 (34 can be obtained from the user's e-mail address, miscellaneous information, etc.), set-top box ID, enough to identify the use The user's address of the tag-driven program table, the user's two-view 5 and the device ^ mutual account or other appropriate enough to identify the user S = number, talent system ^ ^ J unique resources. # 用 者 At the area 206, enter any order he or she has>, σ, a variety of program schedules, and an identification number with program schedule access, such as the interactive TV on the user ’s television equipment device] : Cable service 'or, "Performance list service."

Page 10 V. Description of the invention (7) If necessary, it can also assist the user to use the user's address, home or e-mail to use the address to respond to the analysis, borrow the demographic information, and provide the family to fill in. Properly identify the TV festival at the residential address, address, etc. to obtain information. Entry Level User A drop-down list or other options for content such as area 206 and other areas. Enter its address in field 208. The address can be a mailing e-mail address, interactive TV listing information. This address can serve multiple purposes. For example, it can benefit the user or help identify the user. It also lists where the magazines are mailed. The address can be added to help set goals for the user. Advertising demographic information can be, for example, geographic preference information. You can set the reminder to watch a specific TV program by entering the program name in the 21 area of the interface 200. The reminder and messenger can also be set on other screens such as grid tables or lists or by the user's input. The reminder can be returned to the user L in a variety of ways. For example, I is an e-mail message to the user, or it can be sent to the user's set-top box by means of interaction, that is, a table of contents. The reminder ^ can be sent to the user by mail as part of a custom label, miscellaneous page of the program table or other printed printed program table (and the same as the above 1) The user can enter in the field 212 His favorite program category, his favorite actor is inputted in area 2-14, his favorite channel is inputted in area 216, and his favorite program is inputted in area 218. In addition, the screen 200 allows users to have the opportunity to mark their preference information and other cross-references to product categories. The user can use the check area 2 to 20 to cross-reference his preference information to a certain program table (or other printed prints), check the area 222 and submit 529306. 5. Description of the invention (8) Cross-reference to a TV equipment (such as a set-top box) program table or check the area 224 to cross-reference to an online program table. The user can also check the area 2 2 6 to reject all cross-reference functions. After the user has input his preference information using the screen 200, he can transmit the information to the Internet data collection device 丨 i 〇 or the online program table device 112 via the Internet 1200. The Internet data collection device 110 and the online program table device 112 may 'store these options together with the user identification code. The Internet data collection device 110 and the online program table device 丨 丨 2 can collect user preference data and settings from multiple Internet users. For a specific user (such as a magazine subscriber, an interactive TV program service user, or an online program service user), the user preference data and settings' can be transmitted to the central facility 1 0 0 and stored in User preference database 104. The system can compare each user ID or other information with a pre-defined list to determine who is subscribing to other program listing products. For example, the online program table may allow a user to enter an ID number corresponding to the user ’s program table miscellaneous% subscription ID at the mailing label in area 204. The system can use this information to confirm that the person is subscribing to the schedule magazine. For example, the day of the screen day 200 can be used by the interactive television program table to provide the user with an interactive program table that allows him to enter preferences, __, etc. Such an interactive television program table can be implemented in a circle such as Cheng Yuanbei 5 Kongsi Temple ^ ^ only 1 on the user television equipment device 126 as shown in FIG. The user television equipment device 126 may be a camera, a video player, a set-top box, a high-resolution television receiver, and the like. The user's television equipment device 126, Jingshi Temple

Page 12 529306 V. Description of the invention (9) '~ ^ — TV programs broadcast at system 122. The television distribution system 122 may be a mirror system including a winding head, a satellite broadcasting system, or a broadcasting television system. The television broadcasting system 122 can be used to transfer information such as the television program table information received from the program table database 116 at the interactive program table server 116 or the passive program table server 118 to the turn-by-turn use. Person TV = device m. If the TV broadcast system 122 is based on a broadcast TV system: basic, it can also provide return communication paths such as telephone lines, Internet links, or other appropriate paths between the system 122 and the device 126. Too complicated, only one user TV :: device 126 is drawn in Figure 1. However, in general, the television broadcasting system 122 is configured to distribute television festival news to a plurality of user television equipment devices 126. Other devices 116 can be transmitted to and received from the user's television device 126 via the television broadcast system 122 or its user's channel or the Internet). Continuous mode (immediate), periodic 'movable program table server 116 can be set according to the device side) or use any previous type too \ according to the request (free client-feeding material to the user TV set: install The above two formulas =, to fund the program table, the user's television is equipped with a disability ^ 6. In each client-server-side architecture information or the interactive program ΐ 6 (based on a set-top box) can send dynamic programs The watch server 116 stores a request for processing. The mutual TV device 126 is so poor and sends the request result back to the use. By adjusting V in the outer band, the second server = TV can be broadcast. System i 2 2 Outband

Page 13 Processes, displays or stores on an ad hoc or periodic basis for further processing. 126 can be transmitted to the mutual "The method of transmitting data from the user's television equipment device 529306 V. Description of invention (ίο) --- The method is transmitted between the user's television device 126 and the interactive program table server 116 (two-way) . A plurality of television and audio channels (analog, digital, or analog and digital) may also be provided to the user television device 126 through the television broadcasting system 122. If the television broadcast system 122 includes several traditional bis TV channels, one or some of the channels can be used to support several digital channels. Each week, with analog channel bandwidth supporting digital channels, it can support more than ten such digital channels. A two-way digital channel will require slightly more bandwidth than a one-way digital channel. This two-way digital channel supports two-way data transmission between the user's television device 12 and the interactive program table server 116. If necessary, the exclusive digital or analog channels in the TV broadcasting system 122 can be used as data transmission between the interactive program table server 6 and the user's television equipment 1 2 6. These exclusive channels can be separated from the channels used to transmit television program broadcast signals to the user's television device. The user television device 126 may display the daytime surface 200 as a television program schedule to remind the user of the daytime surface. After the user has input his preference information through the daytime surface 200, the user may transmit his preference information to the interactive program table server 116 through the television broadcasting system 122. The television broadcasting system 12 2 can support two-way communication between the user's television device 126 and the interactive program table server 116, but generally does not support the passive program table server 1 18 two-way communication because the passive program Watch products do not support direct user interaction. The central facility 1 00 can receive user preference data stored in the interactive program table server 1 16, the Internet data collection device 1 1 10, or the online program table device 1 12 and Save to use

Page 14 529306 V. Description of the invention (11) ~~~~~~ The preference database 1 04 is processed at the central facility 丨 〇 〇. Of course, other communication systems can also be used to collect user preference table settings. For example, the telephone information collection system 108 can be a bucket or a passive program schedule subscriber to collect the information of the first and the second, the red pen, and the red pen to your field ... Mutan Guoji Temple preference data. The user can dial the phone j code of the telephone data collection system ι08 for submitting his or her favorite data, which can be printed and published on the program list magazine or other printed program forms related to magazine production: 114. The operator at system 108 can collect these setting values and preference data 'by telephone and input them into the computer system. Similarly, these preference data can also be collected through the mail data collection device 106, such as a mailing questionnaire published in a program magazine related to the device 114. The mail data collection device 106 can collect electronic or postal mail. And users can send their preference information. Τ The mailing address can be published in the program list or displayed on passive programs. If necessary, the user's preferences collected by phone or mail can be transmitted to Computer system at central facility 100 (eg user preference database 104). The user preference database 104 may organize each user identification code and preference information by a user name or a unique identification code as described in the exemplary data structure of FIG. 3. The product identification information 3 0 (such as magazines, online program guides, passive program guides, interactive program guides, etc.) and location 302 (city, cable system, postal code, email address, etc.), Specific products can be provided for the user. Individual users can store their preference information (favorite programs 3 04, category 3 06, etc.). At the central facility 100, the preference information of individual users can be compared with the main section

Page 15 529306 V. Description of the invention (12) Compare the table of contents database 102. When it determines that a user is a magazine subscriber, the user's preference information can be compared with the miscellaneous content of the plan. Then, the center facility 100 can use the user preference information in the user preference database 104 to guide the magazine production device 114 to print a user program schedule magazine custom label and record the user (ie Miscellaneous subscribers) on a specific page in Zayuan to find further corruption 1 such as program information that the user may be interested in. The custom label can be published in a weekly magazine with the program schedule, or sent separately to the user. The miscellaneous production device 114 includes a device for printing a magazine with a schedule, and miscellaneous I custom labels and pages. Describes a custom mailing label for a program magazine. This unique, right-digit number can be used as a text that identifies the user and facilitates collaboration. " The text on the label refers to some specific programs and special articles in the program schedule, which are collected through online program schedules, interactive information collection systems, or phone information; the preferred information selected by the schedule and postal mail is: basis. Example t set; special ’and by the user ’s household; / Star Warship”, the favorite actor is Bai: U refers! , Love ^ PN, and the favorite category is Children's Day, Tian s fetching information for information (can be stored in the user's preferences; f system seat system can benefit from the list of weekly programs on these programs; The information is about the preferences specified by the user and is used to 'decide whether and when to display in the magazine. These items can be set two or 会 set values will appear in section E ^ paragraph, advertising or other such comments M 529306 V. Description of the invention (13) so that the user does not need to search the whole weekly to find it. The advertisement can be placed on the program database 102, or placed in the advertising database 101 separately. And stored in the database The user preference data in 104 can be compared with the advertisements in the advertisement database 101 to select a target advertisement targeted to the user preference, and thus it can be more effective. Each item can have a list of attributes. It can include the name of the program, the actor, the category of the program, the channel, and other attributes. Each item also has a personalized priority. For example, articles, reviews, and highlights can have High priority. Advertisements and weekly programs can have a moderate priority. Daily variety shows have the lowest priority. Since the space available for mailing labels is usually limited, only a relatively small number of items can be published. For example, possible The "Star Wars" program cannot be published every day. It may not be possible to register the movie reference item starring Pat Reynold three times within a week, but an exclusive interview with it can be published as shown in Figure 4. The magazine production device 丨 4 can be printed Make the miscellaneous pages' so that users can directly browse through the list. The miscellaneous

Before the production of the log, set the user ’s system to lock the team ’s game to interest Rock ie Select the ESPN device 1 1 4 'Write a custom mail label 4 00 to the user who owns the user ’s possession The cover of the next issue of the program magazine. You can look for programs on the user ’s favorite channels, such as those interested in living near the $ area. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the ESM is set. For example, the Rockies ball described on page 22 of the schedule magazine, the system, the system and the user may feel Q about the Rockies team game, this is the stomach. The user of Zhongyi is a resident of Denver, and the team s / s team is from Denver, and the user point is the most righteous. If it includes Rockies on EspN

529306

Five 'Description of the Invention (14) The team ’s brilliant news, then the tag 400 can inform the user of the sports Jingmi news edition, and notify the user of the printed program list of the date and time of a game broadcast on ESPN, or It can inform the user of any other related topics in the printed program list. In the example shown in Figure 4, the system also locks a children's advice level section on page 12 of the printed program schedule. The brigade places information about the 4 sections on the label because user preference data shows the other Interested in children's programs. Other magazine personalization methods are also available. For example, for a single order, a custom page can be printed as part of a magazine and passed to the user along with the program schedule. Figure β shows an example of a custom magazine page such as a custom page 600. This page 5600 can provide more reference to items than a custom collection, such as daily programs. This custom page 6 0 0 can be provided according to the user ’s preference for the gold on Tuesday, July 20, 1999, ..., ^ out of the program list 606. The custom page can be printed on a weekly basis and delivered to the user along with the weekly program magazine and subscription. The user preferences of the example in the clothing ’company ’s > example are as follows: Favorite actor is Bert + Send, the most dual program is" Star Wars ", and the favorite channel is ESPn ♦ Τ ί ί ΐ program. And if necessary, * users can fill in one: 夂 頬 = Ai hard shell, favorite channel, favorite program and favorite category. The above 〇 contains a custom TV program list 6 0 6 that meets the user's preferences, and is on the second day of the week. The TV festivals are arranged in a table manner. The grid table period is as shown in row 604. The grid table channel is as shown in row 604; " 〇2. Or

Page 18 From the alpha page, the two items can be combined completely (such as detailed program introduction). 529306 V. Description of the invention (15) At least it can provide more detailed items than usual on the label. For example, within the area 6 0 8 of the custom page 6 0 is the detailed program introduction of the movie "Boogie N i g h t s" starring Bert Reynolds. Target advertisements can be incorporated into custom page printed program listings such as custom pages 6 0 0. The customized page 600 shown in FIG. 6 includes a text descriptive target advertisement 6 1 0 selected according to user preferences. The advertisement 6 1 0 is based on the user ’s interest in the sports-related channel ESPN, and is set up specifically for the user Jason Smith. The user name and address can be printed on each custom page as shown in area 612 in FIG. 6. If necessary, other pages or parts of the printed schedule can also be customized according to user preferences. Magazines can even be completely custom printed based on user preferences. Center facilities can also transmit custom program schedule data to users through the Internet. For example, if a user has indicated (using, for example, daytime 200 or other interfaces, etc.) that he owns an e-mail box, then center facility 100 may send information about his television program preferences to an e-mail message To the user. An email message 5 0 0 in FIG. 5 is an example of this email message. The e-mail 5 0 0 is an e-mail that brings together many users or highlights of interest. These items can be selected by the system according to the preferences specified by the user, and selected by the program database database 102. For example, the system can inform users that their favorite movie "Th e Star Starfighter" will be broadcast on Super Channel TBS on Wednesday, June 14 at 8 pm. The e-mail message 5 0 0 can also include a link to the online program listing page in the e-mail, and the user can use his personal computer 1 2 4 (that is, if the message 5 0 0 is sent to the personal computer 1 2 4) , Or TV equipment installation 1 2 6

Page 19 529306 V. Description of the invention (16) Self-receiving (ie, if the message 5 0 0 is sent to the television equipment device 1 2 6). Hypertext or web links can direct users to the online program listing page, which contains information items that the user may be interested in. For example, the message 5 0 0 may include a web page link with a live television character favorited by the user, or a web page link including an article on a topic of interest to the user. If necessary, this link information can also be printed on custom labels or printed program pages. The custom e-mail message 5 0 0 may include a reference to a program schedule magazine as referenced 502 in FIG. 5. The online program table device 1 1 2 can be used to support a customized program table page based on user preferences. The system may require the user to register (using, for example, a web page provided by an Internet data collection device 110). If the center facility 100 determines that the user is registered with an appropriate website in the system based on user identification data, the system can generate a custom program listing page, and the user can use his browser application to Access by computer 1 2 4 or TV equipment 1 2 6. The user can transmit his identification code and preference data to the central facility 100 by various methods, such as using an e-mail message, an interactive TV program table, an Internet web page, or a questionnaire mailed from a telephone line. For example, a user may participate in a survey sponsored by a printed program schedule submitted by the user by mail. The user preference survey information can be transmitted to the user's interactive TV schedule or online schedule. In addition, users may participate in a survey sponsored by an interactive TV schedule. The survey, or the results of user preferences obtained by the user when the interactive television program schedule is used, can be provided to and used by the online television program schedule.

529306 V. Description of the invention (17) The web page 7 0 shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a custom web page that the system can provide to users. The system can send the URL of the custom web page 700 to the user via email, or let the user access the custom web page 700 from the access page in the online program table. The custom web page 7 0 0 can contain information about upcoming television shows and other items that may interest users. The TV show names may be, for example, Internet links on the first page of each TV show. The customized web page 700 may also include a targeted advertisement such as the advertisement 702 according to user preferences, and provide it to a system using one of various program schedule products other than the online program schedule.

A cable set-top box operating in a user's television device 1 2 6 or an interactive TV program table via a program table server 1 16 or 1 18 can be based on user preferences obtained from other program table products Customize it in a similar way. When the center facility 1 0 0 receives the user preference information (ie, using the mail data collecting device 1 06, the telephone data collecting device 1 0 8, the Internet data collecting device 1 1 0 or the online program table device 11 2) and When it is determined through the program table server 116 or 118 that the user is one of the users of the interactive TV program table or the passive TV program table, the preference can be compared with its TV program table content. The content of the TV program table can be transmitted to the program table database 102 to the interactive program table server 116 and the passive program table server 1 18. Then, the interactive program table server 1 16 and the passive program table server 1 18 can provide the program table data to the user's television equipment device 12 6 through the television broadcasting system 12 2 for the user to watch. The program schedule system can use the user preference information (stored in the user preference database 104) to customize the user's TV program schedule. For example

Page 21 529306 V. Description of the invention (18) The user's interactive TV program table can use the user's TV equipment device 1 2 6 to display a TV program table as shown in FIG. The day surface 800 may include a program list grid arranged according to time (e.g., row 802) and channels (e.g., row 804). The TV programs and channels in the program list grid that match the user's preferences can be marked to help users be easily identifiable. For example, the user's favorite channel in FIG. 8 such as the "history" channel is marked and placed first in the list. The user's favorite programs such as Dateline NBC, Cosby, and "Saturday Night Live" have also been marked. If the user prefers a particular program category, the TV program table may also display an information block 808, which indicates that a program that the user may be interested in is being shown. In Figure 8, the user indicates that his interest is a movie, so the schedule uses user preferences to display information about the movie "Buffalo 66" in block 808. If the user wishes to directly add additional TV program preference data through the interactive TV program table, he can select block 810. The interactive television program schedule then displays daytime surface 200. The interactive TV program table may also display a reminder message set by the user, such as a reminder 8 1 2. The reminder 8 1 2 can also mark the program title (such as "local news") by the reminder message 8 1 2 displayed on the screen, so that the user can select a channel to the program to be reminded. If necessary, the system can also be based on user preferences obtained from the interactive TV program table (and an online program table, printed program table, etc.), or other appropriately arranged and separated program tables. To set reminders. Other suitable items such as articles or comments can also be listed in other interactive styles

529306 V. Description of the invention (19) The TV screen is attached with a hot link or it is marked on the webpage or daytime page that appears. If desired, the interactive TV schedule may contain a customized schedule listing only narratives, articles, commentary ads, and other items of interest to the user. A web browser can be run on the set-top box as an application, and a hot link can be issued from the interactive TV program schedule. The web browser can be connected to a program page of a web page 700, which is customized according to user preferences, for example. The user preference information selected by the program schedule products other than the interactive TV schedule may be provided to the interactive schedule by any appropriate method. For example, if the user uses the online program table implemented on the device 1 12 in FIG. 1 to provide certain preference information, the user can use the central facility 100, the interactive program server 1 16 and the television broadcasting facility. 1 2 2 and provide these preference information to the interactive TV program table implemented on the user TV device 1 2 6 of FIG. 1. If necessary, these preference information can also be transmitted directly from the online device 1 1 2 to the user's television equipment device 1 2 6 (ie, by telephone connection). These preference information can also be transmitted from the online device 1 12 through the central facility 1 0 0 and the television broadcasting facility 1 2 2 to the user's television device without directly involving the server 116. In the client-server architecture, these preference information can be provided to the server 116, where part of the interactive program schedule can be implemented. The foregoing is merely an illustrative example of a suitable technique for exchanging preference information from an online program table to an interactive TV program table implemented on a user's television device. If necessary, other suitable technologies may be adopted. In addition, their technologies can utilize any program listing product other than interactive TV listings,

529306 V. Description of the invention (20) For example, print the program list or online program list, and use such as mail data collection device 1 06, telephone data collection device 1 0 8, Internet data collection device 1 1 0, online program list The device Π 2 and the like, to transmit the preference information to the interactive TV program list provided by the user. A passive program schedule channel can be customized based on the preferences of all users covered by the cable headend that carries the channel. If enough users respond to a particular preference, it can be clearly marked as part of the program schedule. If necessary, the interactive program schedule may collect preference information for customizing the passive program schedule. The passive schedule can be customized, for example, by overlaying text and images on the passive schedule image. This overlay method can be generated locally by the user's set-top box based on the preferences collected by the interactive TV program table that is actually contained in the user's set-top box. If necessary, this and other functions of the present invention can be provided by the interactive TV program table placement method according to the client-server architecture, where the program table is partially implemented on the user's TV equipment (Such as a set-top box), and some are implemented on the server (such as the server at the head of the cable system, network nodes, etc.). FIG. 9 shows an exemplary procedure for providing personalized program schedule data to users across different program schedule products and different devices. At step 9 0 0, the system gives the user the opportunity to enter preference information and identify information. This may be provided to the user by, for example, the day surface 200 in FIG. 2. The day screen can be provided to users through interactive web pages on the Internet, some parts of the online program table, interactive TV program table to display the day screen or other interactive TV screens, send survey forms, telephone survey forms, etc. . Then use

529306 5. Invention description (21) The person can input his preference and identification information, and send it to the central facility 100 or other appropriate locations. At step 902, the user preference information may be used to determine a program list and other items of interest to the user. For example, the system can use the preference information to search the database 102, the program table database maintained in the server 116, the program table database maintained in the user's television device 12 26, and the online program table device The database in Π 2, the database maintained by the magazine product device 1 1 4 or the program table database located in more than one of the aforementioned various platforms, or a combination of the aforementioned platforms or other suitable for use A device that determines what shows and other items should interest users. At step 904, the system provides a personalized program schedule to the user. And the program list can also be personalized by including the program list and items displayed in step 902 at day 920, web page, table, custom web page, and so on. The personalized program schedule can be implemented on various platforms different from the program schedule, or other placement methods and products used to collect user preferences. For example, if the user sends a mailing questionnaire, In the form of an email message or a personalized TV schedule on the set-top box, the personalized schedule information is provided to the user. An exemplary process for providing targeted advertisements to users across different program listing products is shown in FIG. At step 100, the system gives the user the opportunity to enter preference information and identification information. This may be provided to the user by, for example, the day surface 200 in FIG. As shown in the connection at step 900 in FIG. 9, the preference information can be collected by any of the different program schedule products and platform methods. At step 102, user preference information can be used to select advertisements to be delivered to users. At step 104, the system provides targeted ads for use.

529306 V. Description of invention (22). In addition to the program listing products and platforms used to collect preference information, other different platform listing products can be used to submit the target advertisement. For example, if a user provides preference information to a central facility via a telephone survey, the targeted advertisement may be a custom page or part of a custom label, and be provided to the user along with their subscription to the program schedule magazine. The targeted advertisement can be interactive, allowing a user to click on the advertisement to perform an action. For example, the user can set a reminder to watch a TV program displayed in the target advertisement. Interactive targeted advertising can be applied to interactive TV listings and online listings. The previous disclosures are merely illustrations of the principles of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the marrying can perform various modification operations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

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Claims (1)

529306 _ Case No. 89109581 amended on the following day _ 6. Scope of patent application 1. A method for providing users with personalized program table data according to user preferences, including: Collecting with an interactive TV program table User preference information; and based on the preference information collected by the interactive TV program table, the printed TV program table is used to provide personalized program information to the user. 2. For the method of applying for the first item in the scope of patent application, which further includes providing a label on the printed TV program table, reference may be made to certain pages in the printed TV program table that contain information corresponding to the user's preferred program. 3. The method of claim 1 in the scope of patent application, which further includes customizing the printed TV program list according to user preferences. 4. The method according to item 3 of the patent application, wherein the printed TV program table is customized according to the user's preference, and it also includes printing a customized printed TV program table page containing the personalized program table data. 5. For the method of applying for the first item in the scope of patent application, it also includes collecting user preference information by collecting information on which items set in the interactive TV program table can most interest the user. 6. The method of item 1 of the patent application scope further includes collecting user preference information by collecting reminder information about the user setting a reminder in the interactive TV program table to watch a TV program. 7. The method of item 1 of the scope of patent application, which further includes providing the user with personalised schedule information containing reminders on the printed television program schedule to watch a television program. 8. The method of item 1 of the scope of patent application, which further includes providing personalized advertisements on the printed TV program list containing targeted advertisements based on user preferences O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 29 529306 _Case No. 89109581 Day / Year Month Day Amend_ VI. Patent Application Scope Program information is provided to users. 9. A method for providing personalized program schedule data to users based on user preferences, comprising: collecting user preference information from an online TV schedule; and collecting information based on the online TV schedule, Prefer information, and provide personalized program schedule data to users with printed TV schedules. 10. The method of item 9 of the scope of patent application, which further includes an online interactive web page to collect user preference information. 11. The method of item 9 in the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information by an Internet data collection system. 12. The method of item 11 in the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information by an email collection system. 13. For the method of applying for item 9 of the patent scope, which further includes providing a label on the printed TV program table, reference may be made to certain pages in the printed TV program table that contain information that matches the user's preferred program. 14. The method of claim 9 in the scope of patent application, which further includes customizing the printed TV program list according to the user's preference. 15. The method according to item 9 of the patent application, wherein the printed TV program table is customized according to user preferences, and further includes printing of a customized printed TV program table page containing the personalized program table data. 16. The method of item 9 of the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information by collecting reminder information about the user setting a reminder in an online TV program table to watch a TV program. 17. The method of claim 9 in the scope of patent application, which also includes printing O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 30 529306 _Case No. 89109581 f / year '> Month ((Day Amendment _ VI) Patent Application Scope TV programs provide individuals with reminders to watch a TV program 18. The method of item 9 of the scope of patent application, which further includes providing the user with personalized program table data on the printed TV program table containing targeted advertisements according to the user's preferences. 19. A method for providing personalized program schedule data to users according to user preferences, comprising: collecting user preference information by a telephone data collection system; and according to the preference information collected by the telephone data collection system, The printed TV program table is used to provide personalized program table data to users. 20. For the method of applying for item 19 of the patent scope, which also includes providing a label on the printed TV program table, refer to Some of the printed TV program tables contain pages that match the user's preferred program information. 2 1. The method of item 19 in the scope of patent application, where It also includes customizing the printed TV program table according to user preferences. 22. The method of item 21 in the scope of patent application, wherein the printed TV program table is customized according to user preferences, and the printing includes the Customized printed TV program page for personalized program table data. 23. If the method of item 19 in the scope of patent application is applied, it also includes collecting reminders to set a reminder in the telephone data collection system to watch a certain user Reminder information of TV programs to collect user preference information. 24. For the method of item 19 in the scope of patent application, it also includes providing a personalized reminder to watch a TV program on the printed TV program list Program listing information for users. O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 31 529306 _Case No. 89109581? / Year / month / ^ day amendment_ VI. Application for Patent Scope 2 5. If the method for applying for Patent Scope No. 19 is included, it is also included in Printed TV program listings provide users with personalized program listings containing targeted advertisements based on user preferences. 26. A method for providing personalized program schedule data to users according to user preferences, comprising: collecting user preference information with an email data collection system; and according to information collected by the email data collection system Prefer information, and provide personalized program schedule data to users with printed TV schedules. 2 7. If the method of item 26 of the patent application scope includes providing a label on the printed TV program table, you can refer to some pages in the printed TV program table that contain information that matches the user's preferred program. . 28. The method of claim 26 in the scope of patent application, which further includes customizing the printed TV program list according to user preferences. 2 9. The method according to item 26 of the scope of patent application, wherein the printed TV program table is customized according to the preference of the user, and it also includes printing a customized printed TV program table page containing the personalized program table data. 30. The method of item 26 of the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information by collecting reminder information about the user setting a reminder in a mail data collection system to watch a TV program. 3 1. The method according to item 26 of the scope of patent application, which further includes providing personalized program table data including reminders on the printed TV program table to the user to watch a certain TV program. 32. The method according to item 26 of the patent application scope, which further includes providing an individual with a targeted advertisement according to the user's preference on the printed television program table O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 32 529306 _Case No. 89109581 This year, month, and year% _ 6. Application for Patent Scope The program table information is given to users. 33. The method of item 26 in the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information through an e-mail data collection system. 34. The method of item 26 in the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preferences by postal mail data collection system. 35. A method for providing personalized program schedule data to users according to user preferences, comprising: collecting user preference information with a data collection system; and according to the preference information collected by the data collection system, The passive TV program table is used to provide personalized program table data to users. 36. The method according to item 35 of the scope of patent application, which further includes providing personalized program table data on the passive TV program table with targeted advertisements according to user preferences to the user. 37. The method of claim 35 in the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information through an e-mail data collection system. 38. The method of claim 35 in the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information through a mail collection system. 39. The method of item 35 of the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information through a telephone data collection system. 40. The method according to item 35 of the scope of patent application, which further includes collecting user preference information through an internet data collection system. 4 1. A system for printing television program schedules to provide personalized program schedule data to users, wherein the system includes: a server connected to a television broadcast system and interacting with an interactive television schedule server O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 33 529306 _Case No. 89109581 # Year / > Month and Day _ «_ VI. The user's TV device that communicates with the scope of patent application. It is configured to support an interactive TV program table to collect user preference information; and a magazine production device configured to print the printed TV program table, the printed TV program table includes Personalized schedule information based on the collected preference information, data. 42. If the system of item 41 in the scope of patent application is applied, the magazine production device is further configured to print a label on the printed TV program table, and it can be referred to that some of the printed TV program table contains information that is consistent with the use. The user prefers the page of program information. 43. The system of item 41 in the scope of patent application, wherein the magazine production device is further configured to customize the printed TV program list according to user preference. 44. The system of item 41 in the scope of patent application, wherein the magazine production device is further configured to print a custom printed TV program list page containing the personalized program list data. 45. If the system of item 41 of the patent application is applied, the user's television device is further configured to provide a machine that can indicate the user's favorite TV program. 46. If the system of item 41 of the patent application, The user television device is further configured to provide the user with an opportunity to set a reminder about a certain television program in the interactive television program table. 47. For example, the system of claim 41 in the scope of patent application, wherein the user's television device is further configured to print the reminder and print a television program table to watch a television program. O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 34 529306 _Case No. 89109581 7 / Year Amendment_ VI. Patent application scope 48. If the system of patent application No. 41 is applied, the user ’s television device is more The configuration is set to print the target advertisement according to the user's preference in the printed TV program table. 49. A system for printing television program schedules to provide personalized program schedule data to users, wherein the system includes: a user personal computer in communication with an online television schedule device, and the configuration is set to Supports online TV schedules to collect user preference information; and a magazine production device configured to print the printed TV schedules, the printed TV schedules containing preferences collected by the online TV schedules Information-based personalized schedule information. 50. If the system of item 49 of the patent application is applied, the user's personal computer is further configured to be an online interactive webpage that can collect user preference information. 5 1. If the system of item 49 of the patent application scope, the user's personal computer is further configured to be an online interactive webpage that can collect user preference information through an e-mail collection system. 52. If the system of claim 49 is applied for, the magazine production device is further configured to print a label on the printed TV program table. For reference, some of the printed TV program tables are compatible with The user prefers the page of program information. 5 3. If the system of item 49 in the scope of patent application is applied, the magazine production device is further configured to customize the printed TV program table according to user preference. O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 35 529306 _Case No. 89109581% Year / Month% Day Amendment_ VI. Application for Patent Scope 54. Such as the system for the application for Item 53 of the patent scope, where the magazine production device The configuration is configured to print a custom printed TV program page containing the personalized program table data. 55. If the system of item 49 of the patent application is applied, the personal computer of the user is further configured to provide the user with the machine which favorite the TV program. 0 6. If the system of item 49 of the patent application is applied In which, the magazine production device is further configured to print the reminder to print a TV program table to watch a TV program. 5 7. The system according to item 49 of the scope of patent application, wherein the magazine production device is further configured to print the target advertisement according to the user's preference in the printed television program table. 58. A system for printing television program schedules to provide personalized program schedule data to users, wherein the system includes: a telephone data collection device that communicates with a user preference database, and is configured to collect Storing user preference information in a user preference database; and a magazine production device configured to print the printed television program table, the printed television program table includes information collected from a telephone data collection device Personalized schedule information based on user preference database preference information. 59. If the system of item 58 of the patent application is applied, the magazine production device is further configured to print a label on the printed TV program table, and it can be referred to that some of the printed TV program table contains User preferences section O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 36 529306 _Case No. 89109581? / Year / > Month% Day Amendment_ VI. Patent Application Scope Page for information. 60. If the system of item 58 of the scope of patent application is applied, the magazine production device is further configured to customize the printed TV program table according to user preference. 6 1. The system of item 60 in the scope of patent application, wherein the magazine production device is further configured to print a custom printed program table page containing the personalized program table data. 62. If the system of claim 58 is applied for, the telephone data collection device is further configured to provide the user with the opportunity to set a reminder for a certain TV program in the printed TV program list. 63. If the system of claim 58 is applied for, the magazine production device is further configured to print the reminder and print a TV program table to watch a TV program. 64. The system of item 58 of the scope of patent application, wherein the magazine production device is further configured to print the target advertisement according to the user's preference in the printed television program table. 6 5. —A system for printing TV program table to provide personalized program table data to users, wherein the system includes: a mail data collection device that communicates with the user preference database, and is configured Stored in a user preference database for collecting user preference information; and a magazine production device configured to print the printed TV program table, the printed TV program table includes information collected from mail Personalized program schedule based on preference information collected from the device's user preference database O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 37 529306 _Case No. 89109581 f / year wide > Month and month Amendment_ VI. Scope of patent application. 66. If the system of item 65 of the scope of patent application is applied, the magazine production device is further configured to print a label on the printed TV program table, and it can be referred to that some of the printed TV program table contains User preference page. '6 7. If the system of item 65 of the scope of patent application, wherein the magazine production device is further configured to be able to customize the printed TV program according to user preferences 6 8. If the scope of patent application of area 6 of item 7 System, wherein the magazine production device is further configured to print a custom printed program table page containing the personalized program table data. 69. If the system of claim 65 is applied for, the mail data collection device is further configured to provide the user with the opportunity to set a reminder for a certain TV program in the printed TV program list. 70. If the system of claim 65 is applied for, the magazine production device is further configured to print the reminder and print a TV program list to watch a TV program. 71. If the system of item 65 of the scope of patent application is applied, the magazine production device is further configured to print the target advertisement according to the user's preference in the printed television program table. 7 2. If the system of item 65 of the scope of patent application is applied, the mail data collection device is further configured to collect user preference information through an email data collection system. 7 3. If the system of the scope of patent application No. 65 is applied, the mail information is received O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 38 529306 _ Case No. 89109581 # Year / > Month, Heart Day Amendment_ Sixth, the patent application set device is more configured and configured to be able to be collected by mail information collection system, and Collect user preference information. 74. A system for providing personalized program schedule data to a user by using a passive television program schedule, wherein the system includes: a data communication device that communicates with a user preference database, and is configured to collect data The user preference information is stored in the user preference database, and a plurality of user television devices connected to the television broadcasting system and communicating with the passive program table server are configured. In order to support passive TV program schedules, personalized program schedule data based on preference information in a user preference database collected from a data collection device is displayed. 75. If the system of item 74 of the patent application is applied, the user's television device is further configured to provide targeted advertisements to the user in the passive television program table according to the user's preference. 76. If the system of item 74 of the scope of patent application is applied, the material collecting device is further configured to collect user preference information through an e-mail data collection system. 77. For the system under the scope of application for patent No. 74, the data collection device is further configured to collect user preference information through a postal mail data collection system. 78. If the system of item 74 of the scope of patent application is applied, the data collection device is further configured to collect user preference information through a telephone data collection system. O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc page 39 529306 _ case number 89109581 f / year '(revised amendment_ VI. Patent application scope 79. Such as the system of patent application scope No. 74, where the data collection device The configuration is configured to collect user preference information through an internet data collection system. O: \ 64 \ 64378-911216.ptc Page 40