TELEVISION MESSAGE SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A method for distributing messages in a television messaging system, comprising:
- receiving from a first user a list of identities corresponding to a plurality of users that belong to a group of users, wherein the group of users comprises users who share an interest in the same category of programs;
storing the received list of identities in an electronic memory;
receiving from the first user a command to transmit at least one message to the plurality of users; and
transmitting the at least one message to at least one user television equipment device of the plurality of users in response to receiving the command.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for distributing messages in a television messaging system, comprising:
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receiving from a first user a list of identities corresponding to a plurality of users that belong to a group of users, wherein the group of users comprises users who share an interest in the same category of programs; storing the received list of identities in an electronic memory; receiving from the first user a command to transmit at least one message to the plurality of users; and transmitting the at least one message to at least one user television equipment device of the plurality of users in response to receiving the command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for distributing messages, the system comprising:
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an interactive application implemented at least partially on control circuitry configured to; receive from a first user a list of identities corresponding to a plurality of users that belong to a group of users, wherein the group of users comprises users who share an interest in the same category of programs; store the received list of identities; receive from the first user a command to transmit at least one message to the plurality of users; and transmit the at least one message to at least one user television equipment device of the plurality of users in response to receiving the command. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification