Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses

Abstract

A mMethods and apparatus issystems are provided for connecting adirecting computers to communicate with a data service using electronic addresses in sync with ancorresponding to audio / or video broadcastprogramming content. In one embodiment, Ssimultaneously with the broadcasting of audio / or video programming, an address transmitter transmits an address, such as a URL, identifying an on-linea data service, such as a web site, which contains information about the audio or video programming. ThisThe address is received by a computer and used to automatically access the on-linedata service. Preferably, the process is repeated with different addresses corresponding with different programming. It is also preferred that the addresses be sent via a paging system.Optionally, the computer may be directed to display content of the data service.

Description

[0001]This application claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 008,111 filed Oct. 30, 1995.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Although both television programming and the Internet have undergone an explosion of content, the two have essentially expanded and developed independently. There have been relatively few successful attempts to marry these two areas of communication. Accordingly, despite the vast business opportunities afforded by television, the potential of exploiting or enhancing revenues via the Internet has been largely untapped. The same is true with respect to radio stations, which are being all but left out of the information revolution.[0003]Although some efforts have made to made tobeen made to link these two areas, these efforts have suffered from disadvantages. Users can often obtain more information about their favorite programming or station by accessing a website on the World Wide Web which is dedicated to that programming. However, while the websit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for connecting a computer with multiple on-line services simultaneously with audio or video broadcast. The method allows for automatic access to the on-line services by transmitting an address and receiving the information related to the broadcast. The address can be transmitted through electromagnetic waves or other means such as telephone lines or the internet. The method also allows for the modification of the audio or video information based on the response information. The system includes an audio or video programming broadcaster and a receiver for receiving different addresses identifying the on-line services. The technical effects of the invention include the ability to connect computers with multiple on-line services simultaneously with audio or video broadcast and the ability to automatically access the on-line services by transmitting the address.

Problems solved by technology

There have been relatively few successful attempts to marry these two areas of communication.

Accordingly, despite the vast business opportunities afforded by television, the potential of exploiting or enhancing revenues via the Internet has been largely untapped.

Although some efforts have made to made tobeen made to link these two areas, these efforts have suffered from disadvantages.

However, while the website may contain useful information which is of interest to the user, the user has to overcome a number of obstacles to get to that website.

These addresses are often long and complicated.

These inconveniences can dissuade those who would otherwise be interested in finding programming information on the Internet.

If the user wishes to find information on the Internet which is associated with different programming, they are required to change websites and undergo the same inconveniences of finding and entering the appropriate URL.

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