Block-Based Encoding and Decoding Information Transference System and Method

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an information exchange system allowing for the transmission of a message carrier containing at least one message code along with video and television data, as well as subsequent capture and decoding of the message carrier to identify the at least one message code. As discussed herein, implementations of the invention can be used in connection with an electronic commerce and data interchange system featuring a Universal Digital Assistant (UDA) that facilitates financial transactions and data interchange, as well as dissemination, management and exchange of commercial information (e.g., advertising, promotions, sales announcements, and the like) and personal information (e.g., address and other contact information, driver's license number, and memberships). The invention, in one implementation, provides an end-to-end e-commerce solution that can transform a mobile phone / PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) into a Universal Digital Assistant configured to receive data (e.g., advertising, promotions, and sales announcement information) based on message codes encoded into message carriers disseminated through advertising and content from analog and digital television broadcasts, television receivers, the Internet, wireless signals, radio broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, and print media.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 413,926 filed Sep. 26, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to data encoding and decoding systems and, in one implementation, to an interactive electronic commerce system that utilizes code blocks to communicate message codes to users viewing television and other video images.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Except for the emergence of the Internet, there have been few significant improvements in the way consumers can quickly and easily retrieve information for, or promotions pertaining to, products they see. When a consumer views product advertisements on television or in print media, they often want further information about the products. Consumers may also desire special promotions or deals for these products. This requires a consumer to first remember which products they want further information on, and then go and find this...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a system that allows for the transmission of messages along with video and television data. The system uses a universal digital assistant to capture and decode the messages. The invention can be used in connection with an electronic commerce and data interchange system. The technical effect of the invention is an end-to-end e-commerce solution that can transform a mobile phone into a universal digital assistant. The system can receive data based on message codes encoded into message carriers from various sources such as advertising, promotions, and sales announcements."

Problems solved by technology

Beyond these methods, however, there are few ways of quickly gathering further information on, or promotions for, products based upon an observation of a television or print advertisement.

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