Patent ID: 6178446
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for supporting interactive commercials displayed on a display device using a telephone network, comprising the steps of:sending commercial information from at least one television network to a communication server located in said telephone network;storing said commercial information in a memory means;selecting a commercial being displayed on said display screen by pressing an actuation means to generate subscriber request by a subscriber;transmitting said subscriber request through said telephone network to said communication server;decoding said subscriber request;comparing said decoded subscriber request with said stored commercial information;storing said subscriber request and information regarding a particular commercial if a match is found;determining what type of action is being requested by the subscriber from the decoded subscriber request;if a subscriber has requested more information regarding the subject matter of the commercial, checking a database to determine if additional information is available, to said communication server;sending said subscriber unit additional information for display on said display means if additional information is available to said communication server; andsending said subscriber request to appropriate advertiser if additional information is not available to said communication server.