WO1997041688A1 - Procede et appareil pour commerce ou loisirs par annuaire de visioconference - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour commerce ou loisirs par annuaire de visioconference Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997041688A1
WO1997041688A1 PCT/US1997/006895 US9706895W WO9741688A1 WO 1997041688 A1 WO1997041688 A1 WO 1997041688A1 US 9706895 W US9706895 W US 9706895W WO 9741688 A1 WO9741688 A1 WO 9741688A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
connection device
consumer
video
directory
video conferencing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/006895
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard J. D'agostino
Original Assignee
Agostino Richard J D
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Agostino Richard J D filed Critical Agostino Richard J D
Priority to AU28105/97A priority Critical patent/AU2810597A/en
Publication of WO1997041688A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997041688A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/15—Conference systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Definitions

  • This invention relates to video on demand systems and methods for marketing consumer goods and services, and more particularly to one on one human interaction in consumer initiated transactions.
  • U.S. Patent 5,475,585 to Bush An example of a two way cable system is shown in U.S. Patent 5,475,585 to Bush.
  • a central station broadcasts menus over a cable channel and the consumer makes choices of different menus and finally chooses a product or service.
  • the product is a ticket.
  • a transaction processor handles the payment from a credit card reader at the set top box. All information is located at the one central station and must be kept current for each product .
  • U.S. Patent 5,208,665 to cCalley et al provides presentations which are digitally recorded at a CATV company's headend. Upon subscriber request by Touch Tone to a local access point, the digital presentations are sent to field presentation players in local operating centers where they are converted to analog, recorded and played back to the subscriber who chooses sub-menu presentations from graphical overlay menus using a Touch Tone pad as the selection input. As described in column 4, catalog presentations are prepared in advance .
  • connection device and directory method for interconnecting TV cable and telephone communication systems into an effective video marketing network and providing therein a convenient means for a consumer to reach and transact business with a vendor of the consumer's choice.
  • the invention solves a major problem with video marketing technology: identification to a consumer of sites, such as internet sites, which use video technology.
  • the invention provides a video conference directory of vendors who market goods and services by video conferencing.
  • a consumer may conveniently initiate a video conference with a vendor of goods and/or services identified from the video conference directory, directly from a connection device which may be located in the home.
  • the consumer may interact with a human representative of the vendor, whose moving image is presented on the consumer' s display screen.
  • the representative of the vendor may assist the consumer in understanding the application form or unique information while entering verbally communicated consumer information into the application form or into an order form.
  • a transaction specified by the completed application form or the completed order form may be consummated in real time.
  • the connection device may be conveniently controlled in a multi-tasking manner by a consumer using a hand held remote control device which is also used to control other consumer products. While awaiting access to a vendor video conference facility, the consumer may continue with a function that was in progress. For example, when a directory location is busy, a temporary return to television programming may be provided. Improved marketing of goods and services using video conferencing is thereby provided.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the relationship of a consumer's TV set, telephone, and a connection device to cable entertainment network vendors and vendors of goods and services.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connection device of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram of the circuitry of a preferred embodiment of a connection device.
  • Figure 4 is a diagram of functions available from the main menu showing how temporary returns are made to previously active functions.
  • Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing operations of a connection device in the initiation of a directory inquiry by a consumer.
  • Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing operations of a connection device in cooperation with the network directory in the selection of a category by a consumer.
  • Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing operations of a connection device in cooperation with the network directory in the selection of a subcategory by a consumer.
  • Figure 8 comprising Figures 8A and 8B is a flow diagram showing operations of a connection device in cooperation with a network directory in selection and connection to a vendor by a consumer.
  • Figure 9 is a flow diagram showing operations of a connection device in cooperation with a connected vendor station to present and sell products in the form of goods and or services provided by the vendor.
  • Figure 10 shows a display of the main menu.
  • Figure 11 shows a display of the category menu.
  • Figure 12 shows a display of a continuation of the category menu.
  • Figure 13 shows a subcategory menu under the retail category.
  • Figure 14 shows a subcategory menu under the finance category.
  • Figure 15 shows a vendor menu under the retail clothing category.
  • FIG. 1 The structures and modules by which the preferred embodiment of the invention may be implemented in a network appear in Figure 1 where the relationship of a consumer's TV set 117, telephone 119, and the set top connection device 111 is shown in relation to telephone and cable entertainment network providers, the network directory and to vendors of goods and services.
  • goods as used hereinafter include any type of goods such as processed foods, manufactured products and intangible products such as financial vehicles and instruments but are not to be deemed limited to the above enumerated examples.
  • services is meant to include all services that may be delivered to a consumer, either directly or over a period of time such as insurance, banking, information, shopping, and personal services but is not to be considered as limited to these examples.
  • Connection device 111 is shown here as a separate set top box but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that it can be integrated into a television device or other consumer electronic package without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • Connection device 111 has a conventional cable TV conversion portion 113 and a video directory entertainment and marketing portion 115 in accordance with the invention.
  • the cable portion 113 performs the conventional conversion of entertainment cable channel frequencies to the frequency of one of the channel frequencies receivable by the TV set. Often, TV channel 2, 3 or 4 is chosen as the TV channel to which each selected cable channel frequency will be converted.
  • the video directory entertainment and marketing portion 115 has telephone connection features, advanced communication architecture connection features and remotely controlled switching features that allow a consumer to not only access entertainment providers from a cable network but to access information related to goods and services desired by the consumer and provided by vendors of goods and services via advanced communication architectures such as ADSL.
  • a video camera 121 may be used at the consumer's option to show existing products, documents, and otherwise display images of desired items to a vendor's representative for better communication, as well as the consumer's own personal image if that is the consumer's choice. If a consumer does not want to be seen, the consumer may stand behind the camera while items are being shown to the representative or may place a lens cap over the camera or turn off the camera.
  • An advantage of including a camera in the set top connection device is that the device can then be used for personal video conversations with others having similar set top connection devices.
  • the personal directory described hereinafter facilitates such personal video conversations.
  • the remote control feature of the invention is responsive to a hand held remote unit 123 which is preferably of the type that is universal and programmable to control a variety of devices such as a TV set, a VCR, a cable box, a radio/cassette/CD player and other devices using an "auxiliary" function.
  • a hand held remote unit 123 which is preferably of the type that is universal and programmable to control a variety of devices such as a TV set, a VCR, a cable box, a radio/cassette/CD player and other devices using an "auxiliary" function.
  • an optional keyboard 229 shown in Figure 2, permits the connection device to be used as a powerful personal computer.
  • each terminal 127 has access to large data bases of the descriptive video information of goods and/or services that are available from a particular vendor as well as form documents that will be interactively filled out by the vendor's representative and the consumer in communication with each other.
  • each terminal includes personal video capability in the form of a camera 129 mounted near the display screen to capture the image of the vendor's representative.
  • a local internet connection provider 131 may have a channel on the network 125 in order to make internet access available to consumers.
  • a network directory facility 135 is provided at the other side of the network.
  • Facility 135 may be a single computer such as is well known in the art or it may be a number of computers accessing one or more common data bases.
  • a front end switch 137 may be provided to allow incoming calls to be rolled to the next available computer communication port .
  • connection device 111 and the network directory facility 135 provide convenient access by large numbers of consumers to vendors who have video computer terminal marketing facilities 127 without having to separate out all of the small users that have jumped on the information highway.
  • FIG 2 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the cards and board packaging for implementing the connection device 111 of the invention is shown.
  • a case 211 is suitable for placement in the vicinity of a television set 117.
  • Contained within case 211 is a conventional cable TV conversion module 113 for receiving TV signals on a cable 225 from a cable TV company and converting them to frequencies and amplitudes acceptable to a TV set .
  • the cable TV conversion module 113 contains a channel tuner for selecting a desired frequency of signals and a display 215 for displaying the channel number of the frequency band being selected to the TV viewer.
  • An infrared or other type of receiver 217 is provided through the face of connection device case 211 to receive infrared signals from a hand held remote control device 123, which is operable from a normal TV viewing position in order to change channel selection, change audio volume or to perform any of the other adjustments that are normally associated with TV viewing.
  • Circuit board 221 Adjacent the normal cable TV conversion module 113 is a mother circuit board 221. A similar receiver 235 is connected to circuit board 221 to receive an optional keyboard input . Circuit board 221 has card sockets on its upper surface for receiving a number of standard and specialized circuit cards implementing the connection device 111 of the invention. One of the specialized circuit cards is a switching card 213 to connect, in a multiplexing fashion, the communication signals from their sources to the devices in which they will be utilized.
  • An example standard card may be a printer adapter card
  • mother board 221 On the bottom side and on available upper surface of mother board 221 are a number of integrated circuit modules 231 for implementing the processor, memory, and a bus interconnecting the cards with each other and if desired, with unique circuits on the mother board 221.
  • the aforementioned unique circuits of the board are also preferably embodied in integrated circuit modules mounted on the lower surface and on available upper surface of mother board 221.
  • Another of the specialized cards is an
  • Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Loop (ADSL) telephone modem 219 in order to allow the conversion device 111 of the invention to operate with a telephone communication systems implemented at least partially in twisted copper wire pairs 223.
  • ADSL Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Loop
  • the use of specialized cards avoids the need for a specialized mother board, allowing a standard board from a personal computer application to be used to implement board 221.
  • the use of a personal computer board simplifies the optional addition of a keyboard communicating via sensor 233 and other I/O devices to the connection device for using the connection device as a personal computer.
  • a processor 301 appears at the top of the figure connected to the other blocks by a bi-directional system bus 303.
  • Processor 301 is preferably a Digital Equipment Corporation Alpha 64 chip.
  • memory 305 preferably non-volatile random access memory, for storing the personal directory, the main menus, programs implementing the operations shown in following figures and the multi ⁇ tasking operating system.
  • the programs and operating system may also be cost effectively stored in permanently written ROM chips that are mounted on the mother board.
  • a modem 307 connected to a hyper fiber cable HFC to modulate, demodulate, separate and combine signals traveling on the fiber cable. It is to be understood that the modem 307 is preferred. However, in the event that fiber is not available, an Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Loop (ADSL) modem 309 may be employed and connected to the system bus 303 and video card 311 in the same manner as modem 307 is connected.
  • ADSL Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Loop
  • One of the signals carried on the fiber cable is a conventional telephone signal which is demodulated and separated out onto line 313 for use in the ordinary manner in addition to the use contemplated in this connection device.
  • Video with related audio is demodulated and separated onto line 317, which may be a multi-wire bus, for formatting and display, while signals from a video ca era are provided on line 319 for modulation and combination into the available cable bandwidth.
  • the video lines 317 and 319 are connected to a video card 311 such as "Provision” which is also connected to the system bus 303 and controlled by processor 301.
  • An NTSC or PALS video signal is provided by video card 311 on line 321.
  • a similar line 323 provides a video camera signal to video card 311.
  • the other ends of lines 313, 321 and 323 are connected to electronic switches in the form of a circuit card 325.
  • Switches 325 are also connected to a standard TV cable converter 327 in the event that a fiber cable is not available and modem 309 must be used.
  • Conventional television programming is received on either the standard cable 225 or on a portion of the bandwidth of fiber cable via modem 307.
  • the connection device connects the switches 325 such that a consumer may watch television which is displayed on set 117 and may be controlled by the universal hand held remote 123, by either controlling the cable box 327 or controlling the tuner in the set 117.
  • an "auxiliary" control is activated on the universal hand held remote unit 123 which causes it to send signals recognized by remote receiver 329 also connected to system bus 303.
  • the remote receiver provides the control signals onto bus 303 to the programs running in processor 301 which will be explained in greater detail subsequently in combination with the flow diagrams of Figures 4-9.
  • menu graphics are provided to video card 311 from memory 305 and switches 325 are actuated to interrupt television programming to display the main menu on set 117.
  • the consumer uses hand held remote 123 to send further signals to the processor to select from function options on the main menu.
  • the modem 307 is controlled to make a point to point connection to a network directory as explained in more detail with respect to Figures 4- 9.
  • the switches 325 may be controlled to return the display and picture on set 117 to television programming that was being watched prior to the function change. This return may be facilitated if the television channel selections are being made at the cable tuner 327 or 307 and the TV set is left at a channel 2, 3, or 4 setting. Otherwise, the consumer may have to manually select one of these channels prior to changing function and then manually re-select the channel on the TV using the remote 123 in order to return to watching TV.
  • switches 325 place the consumer in video conference with a representative of a vendor as more fully described later.
  • switches 325 preferably ring the consumer on a telephone 119 where the audio portion of the video conference can be more conveniently and privately carried out.
  • the consumer then can use remote 123 to bring the set to the chosen channel 2, 3 or 4.
  • the camera 121 may be allowed to convey images from the consumer to the representative but in many cases the consumer may wish to block return video, for example by covering the camera lens or by operating a manual switch on the connection device.
  • connection device In order to use the connection device as a personal computer, additional cards 331, 333, 335 and 337 may be needed to drive I/O devices such a printer 339, a storage device in the form of a magnetic or compact disc 341, a graphic display monitor 343, and a keyboard 345 respectively.
  • I/O devices such as a printer 339, a storage device in the form of a magnetic or compact disc 341, a graphic display monitor 343, and a keyboard 345 respectively.
  • An embodiment of network directory facility 135, as described earlier with respect to Figure 1, may be in the form of a number of computers that may include at least the personal computer and communication elements of the computer shown in Figure 3.
  • a main menu block 401 represents the current choice state that is active in the connection device and block 403 represents the previous choice state that was active prior to the consumer having made the current choice.
  • the consumer goes to the main menu 401, for example by pressing the number zero on the hand held remote 123.
  • the connection device stops converting and displaying the TV signal but instead displays the stored main menu image shown in Figure 6.
  • the consumer selects the personal directory at 405 to find the called party.
  • the video call is made by the system.
  • the system continues the task of placing the call while the connection device temporarily returns at 407 to the previous state 403 which causes the connection device at 409 to resume converting and displaying the TV signal while the video call system continues to attempt to make the video connection.
  • the temporary returns 409 and 407 are terminated and the video conversation goes forward.
  • the display and video circuits now process the incoming video from the call instead of the TV signal.
  • the choices at main menu states 401 and 403 are different but the process is the same.
  • the network directory choice leads to a call to the network directory at 411. If the directory is currently busy, the system continues to place the call while the consumer can resume the task of working at the computer function via temporary return 413 and 415.
  • the temporary return terminates interrupting the executing personal computer program to display the menus from the network directory which will be shown in detail in following figures.
  • the video conference call number and control parameters are provided to the connection device by the network directory and the connection device places the call to the vendor at 417. Again, if the vendor's equipment is busy, the system continues to place the call while the multi-tasking operating system allows the consumer to resume working on the personal computer function via the temporary returns 419 and 415.
  • the call goes through, the consumer can conduct the desired transaction with the vendor.
  • the state of the connection device reverts to the main menu via 421.
  • connection device goes back to TV via return 425 or computing via return 423, as two of many examples. Having returned, the previous state 403 once again becomes the current state 401 and the connection device continues to provide an entertainment or work function for the consumer.
  • Figure 5 a flow diagram of operation implementing the network directory inquiry portion of the invention are shown. It will be understood by those having skill in the art that these operations may be implemented by a general purpose processor which executes a stored program, by special purpose processors or other hardware, or combinations of the above.
  • the power is turned on to the connection device.
  • the first operation is to display the main menu at block 503.
  • the consumer makes a function selection at the main menu, by moving a highlight 529, shown in Figure 10, up and down over the list of functions with the up and down arrows of the hand held remote 123 and then pressing enter on the hand held remote 123.
  • the items in the list are numbered as also shown in Figure 10 and a choice is made by pressing the corresponding numbers on the number pad of the hand held remote 123.
  • Selection of the network directory function is recognized at block 505 which starts the network directory operations in the connection device at block 507.
  • the network directory operations first access a number of the centrally located network directory facility at block 509 and dial the facility at block 511. If the facility equipment is busy, flow is directed at decision block 513 to block 515 where the operation delays an appropriate time before again placing the call. While the delay and redial are occurring, a temporary return is effected at block 517 to a previously active function such as the presentation of TV signals or execution of personal computer programs.
  • the temporary return will be to the main menu where another function such as TV or computing can be selected for the temporary diversion of the consumer while awaiting connection.
  • Another function such as TV or computing can be selected for the temporary diversion of the consumer while awaiting connection.
  • Such selection during a temporary return becomes a previous function in order that the function may be interrupted in order to display the network directory menus when connection is made.
  • the temporary return would proceed directly to functions of TV block 521 or PC block 523.
  • a connection decision is taken at block 525 and the temporary return is terminated at block 527 to allow the flow to continue to Figure 6 where the network directory menus are accessed, received and displayed.
  • an inquiry message is encrypted in the connection device using an encryption key that is unique to that particular consumer's connection device and sent to the network directory where it is decrypted thereby verifying the identity of the connection device.
  • the network directory is assured that it is dealing with an authorized device and has at least a minimal level of protection against a virus.
  • Figure 6 the logic flow diagram is set out for displaying the main category menu to the consumer.
  • F ⁇ .ow arrives from Figure 5 to block 601 where the image shown in Figure 11 is retrieved from memory at the network directory facility and sent to the consumer connection device. At the device it is received and displayed per block 603 for review and category selection by the consumer.
  • numeric selection is made by the consumer and a retail selection #1 is recognized at decision block 607 and sent back to the network directory facility at block 609 for continued processing in Figure 7.
  • a finance selection #2 is recognized at decision block 611 and sent back to the network directory facility at block 613 for continued processing in Figure 7.
  • Another unnamed selection #99 is recognized at decision block 615 and sent back to the network directory facility at block 617 for continued processing in accordance with the method shown in Figure 7. In order to simplify Figure 7, only selections #1 and #2 are shown therein.
  • the hand held remote is used to advance to the next screen of categories, for example by pressing the channel advance button or up arrow button which is recognized at block 619.
  • This action causes the connection device to send an increment display request to the network directory facility at block 621 which in the sequence of this explanation would access the image shown in Figure 12.
  • the image of Figure 12 is accessed and sent to the connection device for receipt and display at block 603.
  • the consumer may wish to see a previous display and presses the channel retard button or down arrow button which is recognized at block 625.
  • This action causes the connection device to send a decrement display request to the network directory facility at block 627 which in the sequence of this explanation would access the image shown in Figure 10 which is the main menu at the connection device and therefore need not be sent.
  • Figure 7 shows the continued operations from
  • FIG 6 selections #1 and #2.
  • Selection of #2 causes the network directory facility at block 701 to access and send to the connection device, the image shown in Figure 14.
  • this image of finance subcategories is received and displayed. No further explanation need be given for the finance selection, but the explanation of the operation of the system of the invention will be continued using the example of a retail category selection #1.
  • the consumer selection #1 being sent to the network directory facility is received and causes the facility to access and send, at block 705, the image of Figure 13 to the connection device .
  • the image of Figure 13 is received and displayed at block 707.
  • a numeric selection is made by the consumer using the hand held remote 123.
  • a retail clothing selection #1 is recognized at decision block 711 as only the numeral one and sent back to the network directory facility at block 713 for continued processing in Figure 8A.
  • a vehicle selection #2 is recognized at decision block 715 as only the numeral two and sent back to the network directory facility at block 717 for continued processing in Figure 8A.
  • Another unnamed selection #99 is recognized at decision block 719 and sent back to the network directory facility at block 721 for continued processing in Figure 8A.
  • Figure 8A shows the continued processing from Figure 7, selections #1 and #2.
  • Selection of #2 causes the network directory facility at block 801 to access and send to the connection device, the image of a list of vehicle vendors.
  • this image of vehicle vendors is received and displayed. No further explanation need be given for the retail vehicle selection #2, but the explanation of the operation will be continued using the example of a retail clothing selection #1.
  • the consumer selection #1 being sent to the network directory facility is received and causes the facility to access and send, at block 805, the image of Figure 15 to the connection device .
  • the image of Figure 15 is received and displayed at block 807.
  • a numeric selection is made by the consumer using the hand held remote.
  • a retail clothing vendor selection #1 is recognized at decision block 811 as only the numeral one and sent back to the network directory facility at block 813 for continued processing.
  • a different vendor selection #2 is recognized at decision block 815 as only the numeral two and sent back to the network directory facility at block 817 for continued processing.
  • Another unnamed selection #99 is recognized at decision block 819 and sent back to the network directory facility at block 821 for continued processing.
  • the continued processing at the network directory comprises accessing the control codes and communication access number of the selected vendor, recording the consumer's choice and sending the control information to the consumer's set top connection device.
  • the record of the consumer's choice may be used by the network directory facility to provide feedback to a vendor regarding consumers who have chosen them.
  • a numeral one selection causes these steps to occur at block 823.
  • a selection of numeral two causes these steps to occur at block 825.
  • connection device Having sent the vendor' s communication access number, it is received at block 827 in Figure 8B of the connection device.
  • the connection device is controlled thereby to dial the selected vendor at block 829 for a video conference marketing transaction.
  • An option under the step of receiving the vendor's communication access number in block 827 is to store the number in the personal directory to avoid the need to go to the network directory to obtain the number for future transactions with the same vendor.
  • an identifying name will be received from the network directory facility when the option is chosen so that the consumer can select from among several entries in the personal directory without the need for having an optional keyboard at the connection device in order to add an identifying label.
  • a temporary return may be taken at block 833 to a previously active function such as TV or personal computing in order that consumer satisfaction be retained.
  • a short time delay is taken at block 835 before the number is re-dialed in order to reach the selected vendor.
  • the vendor representative using the keyboard and/or other input devices at the vendor video facility, causes products to be displayed on the consumer' s display and the representative's display.
  • Verbal communication from the consumer is received by the representative and choices of the consumer are entered at block 903 by the representative.
  • the vendor facility then acts at blocks 905, 907 and 909 to decide which of product proposal routines 911, 913 or 915 to present to the consumer.
  • the product proposal routines send screen images to the consumer connection device for display and the images are simultaneously displayed to the vendor representative who explains the various options contained in the image to the consumer and answers the consumer' s questions .
  • the verbal communication between consumer and representative determines whether another series of products are to be reviewed. If so, the representative enters a command at block 929 to display other products at block 901.
  • the vendor representative enters the consumer choice at a keyboard and the keystroke is recognized by the program at blocks 917, 919, or 921 to produce and display to the consumer, one of the product application routines 923, 925, or 927 respectively.
  • the transaction may then proceed as described in U.S. Patent 5,231,571, issued to the instant inventor, which patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

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  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil présenté sous la forme d'un dispositif de connexion de visioconférence et télévisuel doté d'un conjoncteur téléphonique, d'une carte de circuits mère, d'un système d'exploitation et de cartes d'adaptateur comprenant un modem à vitesse rapide tel qu'une fibre ou une ligne d'abonné numérique asynchrone (ADSL). Ledit appareil permet d'établir une communication audiovisuelle entre un consommateur et un vendeur de biens et de services, dans laquelle il est possible de remplir par système interactif des formulaires de demandes permettant d'effectuer des transactions dans des domaines tels que la banque, les assurances, les titres, la vente de produits, les contrats de services, etc.. On peut éventuellement brancher des dispositifs d'entrée/sortie au dispositif de connexion afin d'imprimer la demande ou le contrat et rendre possible la privatique. La transaction est lancée par le consommateur qui sollicite le dispositif de connexion pour qu'il lui fournisse le numéro de communication de vendeur setrouvant dans un répertoire de réseau ou dans un répertoire personnel stocké dans le dispositif de connexion. Lorsque le vendeur demandé apparaît par défilement dans une zone mise en évidence sur l'écran de télévision, le consommateur appuie sur un bouton par l'intermédiaire d'une télécommande portative, à la suite de quoi le dispositif de connexion établit une connexion visioconférence. Si le service complémentaire du vendeur est occupé, l'appareil fera un retour temporaire vers une fonction précédemment active de télévision ou de privatique, afin de faire patienter le consommateur pendant que le numéro du vendeur sélectionné est à nouveau composé. Lorsque la communication est établie, le retour temporaire est interrompu et un signal de retour d'appel est envoyé au poste téléphonique du consommateur de façon à ce qu'il puisse converser facilement avec le représentant du vendeur.
PCT/US1997/006895 1996-04-29 1997-04-25 Procede et appareil pour commerce ou loisirs par annuaire de visioconference WO1997041688A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU28105/97A AU2810597A (en) 1996-04-29 1997-04-25 Video directory entertainment and marketing method and apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US63881896A 1996-04-29 1996-04-29
US08/638,818 1996-04-29

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WO1997041688A1 true WO1997041688A1 (fr) 1997-11-06

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Cited By (20)

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EP0973113A2 (fr) * 1998-07-14 2000-01-19 Jon Urresti Garcia Système de télé-enquête
GB2343770A (en) * 1998-09-04 2000-05-17 Ibm Service contract for managing service systems
WO2000033533A1 (fr) * 1998-12-03 2000-06-08 Red Fig Limited Systeme de media interactif
WO2001067760A1 (fr) * 2000-03-09 2001-09-13 Planetary Television.Com, Llc Procede et dispositif permettant de fournir des services de communication par video interactive
WO2002044959A2 (fr) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-06 Bayosan Wachter Gmbh & Co. Kg Systeme de marketing interactif
WO2002084988A1 (fr) * 2001-04-11 2002-10-24 General Instrument Corporation Procede et appareil de gestion et de synchronisation de services telephoniques avec des services video via un reseau hybride fibre optique-cable coaxial (hfc)
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US7624044B2 (en) 1992-03-20 2009-11-24 Stephen Wren System for marketing goods and services utilizing computerized central and remote facilities
US9286294B2 (en) 1992-12-09 2016-03-15 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator content suggestion engine
US8073695B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2011-12-06 Adrea, LLC Electronic book with voice emulation features
US7865405B2 (en) 1992-12-09 2011-01-04 Discovery Patent Holdings, Llc Electronic book having electronic commerce features
US7849393B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2010-12-07 Discovery Communications, Inc. Electronic book connection to world watch live
US7835989B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2010-11-16 Discovery Communications, Inc. Electronic book alternative delivery systems
US7716349B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2010-05-11 Discovery Communications, Inc. Electronic book library/bookstore system
US9053640B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2015-06-09 Adrea, LLC Interactive electronic book
US8095949B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2012-01-10 Adrea, LLC Electronic book with restricted access features
US7861166B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2010-12-28 Discovery Patent Holding, Llc Resizing document pages to fit available hardware screens
US7865567B1 (en) 1993-12-02 2011-01-04 Discovery Patent Holdings, Llc Virtual on-demand electronic book
EP0973113A2 (fr) * 1998-07-14 2000-01-19 Jon Urresti Garcia Système de télé-enquête
EP0973113A3 (fr) * 1998-07-14 2004-02-04 Jon Urresti Garcia Système de télé-enquête
GB2343770A (en) * 1998-09-04 2000-05-17 Ibm Service contract for managing service systems
US6148290A (en) * 1998-09-04 2000-11-14 International Business Machines Corporation Service contract for managing service systems
WO2000033533A1 (fr) * 1998-12-03 2000-06-08 Red Fig Limited Systeme de media interactif
US8548813B2 (en) 1999-06-25 2013-10-01 Adrea, LLC Electronic book with voice emulation features
US9099097B2 (en) 1999-06-25 2015-08-04 Adrea, LLC Electronic book with voice emulation features
WO2001067760A1 (fr) * 2000-03-09 2001-09-13 Planetary Television.Com, Llc Procede et dispositif permettant de fournir des services de communication par video interactive
US9078014B2 (en) 2000-06-19 2015-07-07 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Method and apparatus for targeting of interactive virtual objects
US9813641B2 (en) 2000-06-19 2017-11-07 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Method and apparatus for targeting of interactive virtual objects
WO2002044959A2 (fr) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-06 Bayosan Wachter Gmbh & Co. Kg Systeme de marketing interactif
WO2002044959A3 (fr) * 2000-12-01 2002-07-25 Bayosan Wachter Gmbh & Co Kg Systeme de marketing interactif
WO2002084988A1 (fr) * 2001-04-11 2002-10-24 General Instrument Corporation Procede et appareil de gestion et de synchronisation de services telephoniques avec des services video via un reseau hybride fibre optique-cable coaxial (hfc)
US8578410B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2013-11-05 Comcast Ip Holdings, I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator content coding and formatting
US8621521B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2013-12-31 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator
US10140433B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2018-11-27 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator
US10349096B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2019-07-09 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator content coding and formatting

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