Patent ID: 8997138
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method implemented (i) in connection with television programs or television channels received at a first set-top box from a television service provider and (ii) using a programmed hardware computer system controlled by an entity independent of the television service provider, the method comprising: (a) with the computer system, using a list of television programs within which the entity is responsible for delivering advertisements or allowed to deliver advertisements at a time specified by an ad request, automatically recording presumed viewing of a first television advertisement directed to the set-top box; and (b) with the computer system, based on the presumed viewing of the first television advertisement via the set-top box, automatically causing an action to be taken with respect to an online user interface device that is electronically associated with the set-top box; (c) wherein the computer system records the presumed viewing and causes the action to be taken (i) without receiving information, originating from the television service provider or from the set-top box, indicating which television program or television channel is displayed using the set-top box at the time specified by the ad request, and (ii) without receiving information, originating from the television service provider or from the set-top box, indicating whether the first television advertisement was displayed using the set-top box.