Patent ID: 7509267
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: G06Q,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for combining data signals and video signals for transmission to a video display unit comprising the steps of: grouping at least one apparatus from a plurality of apparatuses based on geographic area or type of establishment into an apparatus group; selecting the apparatus group comprising the at least one apparatus wherein the selection is based, at least in part, on the geographic area or type of establishment wherein the at least one apparatus is located; transmitting a data signal over a computer network to the selected apparatus group, the data signal comprising an advertisement; receiving the data signal at the at least one apparatus within the selected apparatus group; storing the data signal on the at least one apparatus within the selected apparatus group; receiving a video/audio signal from a main source at the at least one apparatus within the selected apparatus group; combining the video/audio signal with the data signal to form a single combined signal; and displaying the combined signal on a video display unit, wherein the step of displaying the combined signal comprises the step of displaying the video signal and the data signal simultaneously on the video display unit such that the data signal is controlled and maintained independent and regardless of any operational control of, or switching of the main source of the video/audio signal by a viewer of the video display unit.