US Patent No: 5,140,419
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
Communications system
Stats
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Aug 18, 1992
Issued date -
Dec 21, 1989
filing date -
07/454,143
serial no -
Expired
status
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Abstract
A communications system having centralized management and multiply-hierarchical addressing schemes is disclosed. The system may be used in connection with supplying video, audio and data such as weather-related text, graphics, and information to affiliated receivers in a network for broadcast or display. Receivers may be addressed singly or in groups and allowed to determine their own addresses from information keyed, directly or indirectly, to a receiver characteristic such as the unit serial number. Lists of commands denominated "scripts" and transmitted to receivers are used for controlling the various modes or states of the receivers.
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First Claim
Related Publications
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- 15 United States
- 10 France
- 8 Japan
- 7 China
- 5 Korea
- 2 Other
Patent Owner(s)
| Patent Owner | Address | Total Patents |
|---|---|---|
| THE WEATHER CHANNEL, LLC | ATLANTA, GA | 29 |
International Classification(s)
- [Classification Symbol]
- [Patents Count]
Inventor(s)
| Inventor Name | Address | # of filed Patents | Total Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galumbeck, Alan D | Smyrna, GA | 3 | 394 |
| Mackinnon, Russell D N | Knowlton, CA | 2 | 207 |
| Pincock, Douglas G | Halifax, CA | 1 | 188 |
| Reid, Frederick A | Halifax, CA | 1 | 188 |
Cited Art
| Patent Info | (Count) | # Cites | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 4,725,886 Communications system having an addressable receiver | 112 | 1983 | |
| 4,916,539 Communications system having receivers which can be addressed in selected classes | 94 | 1989 | |
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| 4,394,687 Apparatus for decoding digital information processed for inclusion in wide band T.V. video signal | 68 | 1980 | |
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| 4,430,731 Video and data distribution module with subscriber terminal | 136 | 1981 | |
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| 4,528,589 Method and system for subscription television billing and access | 170 | 1984 | |
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| 4,383,257 Message communication system with message storage | 121 | 1980 | |
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| 4,429,385 Method and apparatus for digital serial scanning with hierarchical and relational access | 279 | 1981 | |
Patent Citation Ranking
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| Patent Info | (Count) | # Cites | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 7,856,650 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 1 | 1993 | |
| 7,831,204 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 1 | 1995 | |
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| 7,861,278 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 1 | 1995 | |
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| 7,953,223 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 1 | 1995 | |
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| 7,783,252 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,784,082 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,856,649 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
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| 7,752,649 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
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| 7,908,638 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
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| 7,864,956 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,860,131 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,844,995 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,836,480 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 1 | 1995 | |
| 7,817,208 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,818,761 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,818,776 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,818,777 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
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| 7,805,749 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
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| 7,774,809 Signal processing apparatus and method | 0 | 1995 | |
| 7,761,890 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 1 | 1995 | |
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| 5,887,243 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 144 | 1995 | |
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| 6,983,138 User interface for message access | 28 | 2000 | |
| 6,459,360 Networks, communication systems, transmitting and receiving devices and methods for transmitting, receiving, and erasing stored information | 34 | 2000 | |
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| 6,462,646 Transmitting and receiving devices and methods for transmitting data to and receiving data from a communication system | 79 | 2001 | |
| 8,099,046 Method for integrating audio and visual messaging | 1 | 2004 | |
| 7,277,716 Systems and methods for delivering information to a communication device | 16 | 2005 | |
| 7,155,241 Systems and methods for enabling a user of a communication device to manage remote information | 23 | 2005 | |
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| 7,627,305 Systems and methods for adding information to a directory stored in a mobile device | 9 | 2005 | |
| 7,499,716 System and method for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device | 5 | 2006 | |
| 8,107,601 Wireless messaging system | 2 | 2006 | |
| 8,116,743 Systems and methods for downloading information to a mobile device | 0 | 2006 | |
| 7,843,314 Paging transceivers and methods for selectively retrieving messages | 1 | 2006 | |
| 7,741,954 Paging transceivers and methods for selectively retrieving messages | 0 | 2006 | |
| 8,116,741 System and method for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device | 1 | 2008 | |
| 8,295,450 Wireless messaging system | 0 | 2008 | |
| 8,134,450 Content provision to subscribers via wireless transmission | 0 | 2009 | |
| 8,224,294 System and method for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device | 1 | 2009 | |
| 7,957,695 Method for integrating audio and visual messaging | 0 | 2009 | |
| 7,835,757 System and method for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device | 1 | 2010 | |
| 8,374,585 System and method for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device | 0 | 2011 | |
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| 6,018,768 Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments | 330 | 1998 | |
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| 6,330,595 Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated internet information segments | 77 | 2000 | |
| 7,079,176 Digital interactive system for providing full interactivity with live programming events | 78 | 2000 | |
| 7,757,265 System and method for local meta data insertion | 1 | 2001 | |
| 7,305,691 System and method for providing targeted programming outside of the home | 28 | 2001 | |
| 7,448,063 Digital interactive system for providing full interactivity with live programming events | 34 | 2002 | |
| 7,409,437 Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated Internet information segments | 9 | 2002 | |
| 7,930,716 Techniques for reinsertion of local market advertising in digital video from a bypass source | 0 | 2002 | |
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| 6,259,892 Pager transceiver and methods for performing action on information at desired times | 66 | 1997 | |
| 6,253,061 Systems and methods for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device | 84 | 1997 | |
| 6,233,430 Paging transceivers and methods for selectively retrieving messages | 79 | 1997 | |
| 6,087,956 Paging transceivers and methods for selectively erasing information | 58 | 1997 | |
| 6,826,407 System and method for integrating audio and visual messaging | 57 | 1999 | |
| 6,636,733 Wireless messaging method | 116 | 2000 | |
| 6,696,921 Transmitting and receiving devices and methods for transmitting data to and receiving data from a communications system | 2 | 2002 | |
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| 5,940,776 Automated real-time weather graphics generating systems and methods | 54 | 1997 | |
| 6,018,699 Systems and methods for distributing real-time site specific weather information | 92 | 1997 | |
| 6,275,774 System and methods for distributing real-time site specific weather information | 38 | 2000 | |
| 6,493,633 Systems and methods for distributing real-time site specific weather information | 53 | 2001 | |
| 6,490,525 Systems and methods for distributing real-time site-specific weather information | 45 | 2001 | |
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| 7,835,989 Electronic book alternative delivery systems | 13 | 1999 | |
| 7,861,166 Resizing document pages to fit available hardware screens | 9 | 1999 | |
| 7,865,567 Virtual on-demand electronic book | 15 | 1999 | |
| 7,509,270 Electronic Book having electronic commerce features | 29 | 1999 | |
| 7,849,393 Electronic book connection to world watch live | 7 | 2000 | |
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| 7,376,722 Network resource monitoring and measurement system and method | 12 | 2000 | |
| 7,406,516 System and method for monitoring the use of a resource by a client connected to a computer network having one or more servers in communication with one or more clients | 13 | 2003 | |
| 7,953,791 Network resource monitoring and measurement system and method | 0 | 2008 | |
| 7,953,839 Network resource monitoring and measurement system and method | 0 | 2010 | |
| 8,112,511 Network resource monitoring and measurement system and method | 0 | 2011 | |
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| 7,756,974 Content display monitor | 3 | 2006 | |
| 7,720,964 Content display monitor | 1 | 2006 | |
| 7,716,326 Content display monitor | 2 | 2006 | |
| 7,653,724 Content display monitor | 1 | 2006 | |
| 7,590,568 Content display monitor | 1 | 2006 | |
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| 7,386,473 Content display monitoring by a processing system | 11 | 2000 | |
| 7,720,963 Content display monitor | 1 | 2006 | |
| 7,650,407 Content display monitor | 1 | 2006 | |
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| 7,613,635 Content display monitor | 3 | 2006 | |
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| 7,313,810 Multimedia information transmission and distribution system | 17 | 1997 | |
| 7,185,044 Weather information delivery systems and methods providing planning functionality and navigational tools | 25 | 2001 | |
| 7,383,130 Weather-based activity advisor | 1 | 2004 | |
| 7,212,922 Method of determining a climate-based activity index and best-time-to recommendation | 2 | 2004 | |
| 7,461,137 Weather information delivery systems and methods providing planning functionality and navigational tools | 0 | 2006 | |
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| 7,716,349 Electronic book library/bookstore system | 3 | 2000 | |
| 7,336,788 Electronic book secure communication with home subsystem | 17 | 2000 | |
| 7,299,501 Electronic book selection and delivery system having encryption and security features | 5 | 2001 | |
| 7,865,405 Electronic book having electronic commerce features | 7 | 2009 | |
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| 6,710,812 Geographically diverse closed captioned news text database | 3 | 2001 | |
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| 7,401,286 Electronic book electronic links | 37 | 1999 | |
| 8,095,949 Electronic book with restricted access features | 2 | 1999 | |
| 8,073,695 Electronic book with voice emulation features | 0 | 1999 | |
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| 7,035,914 System and method for transmission of data | 31 | 1999 | |
| 6,735,614 Contact alerts for unconnected users | 27 | 2000 | |
| 8,090,803 System and method for transmission of data | 0 | 2010 | |
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| 5,495,283 Cable television video messaging system and headend facility incorporating same | 79 | 1993 | |
| 5,825,407 Cable television audio messaging systems | 46 | 1996 | |
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| 5,475,811 Rewinding time-based script sequences | 5 | 1994 | |
| RE37156 Rewinding time-based script sequences | 0 | 1999 | |
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| 7,409,700 System and method for enhanced broadcasting and interactive | 13 | 2000 | |
| RE42103 Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses | 0 | 2001 | |
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| 6,286,106 Computer power down upon emergency network notification | 7 | 1997 | |
| 6,412,074 Computer power down upon emergency network notification | 8 | 2001 | |
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| 5,999,934 Distributed database system and database receiver thereof | 17 | 1998 | |
| 6,076,094 Distributed database system and database received therefor | 37 | 1999 | |
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| 5,502,733 Data transfer device | 30 | 1994 | |
| 6,374,246 Message service system that provides flexible route control and user interface adaption | 72 | 1998 | |
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| 5,696,500 Multi-media receiver and system therefor | 86 | 1995 | |
| 6,148,178 Selective call message formatting | 6 | 1997 | |
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| 6,253,232 Data processing control device and method of same | 2 | 1997 | |
| 6,263,506 Data transmission and reception device and system, data transmission method and parameter setting method for data reception device | 65 | 1997 | |
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| 6,674,625 Lightning protection systems | 4 | 2001 | |
| 7,928,604 Universal system for controlling automated transfer switches in response to external stimuli | 0 | 2008 | |
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| 7,187,937 Paging transceivers and methods for selectively retrieving messages | 0 | 2005 | |
| 7,146,157 Systems and methods for downloading audio information to a mobile device | 3 | 2005 | |
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| 6,021,433 System and method for transmission of data | 277 | 1997 | |
| 6,167,426 Contact alerts for unconnected users | 63 | 1997 | |
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| 7,215,675 Processor with software-controlled programmable service levels | 2 | 2002 | |
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| 5,608,805 Dynamic loader | 5 | 1995 | |
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| 6,918,056 Internet-based service system and method for remotely restoring damaged data and files | 12 | 2001 | |
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| 6,065,083 Increasing I/O performance through storage of packetized operational information in local memory | 5 | 1998 | |
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| 6,131,046 Altering displayed keys to indicate availability of service for a communications apparatus | 23 | 1996 | |
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| 8,271,778 System and method for monitoring secure data on a network | 2002 | ||
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| 7,243,139 Enhanced video programming system and method for incorporating and displaying retrieved integrated Internet information segments | 15 | 2004 | |
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| 7,792,152 Scheme for transmitting video and audio data of variable formats over a serial link of a fixed data rate | 6 | 2004 | |
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| 8,060,903 Signal processing apparatus and methods | 0 | 1995 | |
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| 7,003,304 Paging transceivers and methods for selectively retrieving messages | 10 | 2000 | |
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| 6,041,183 Remote maintenance system and method for computer peripherals | 36 | 1997 | |
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| 6,292,943 Power control method for set top box | 8 | 1998 | |
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| 8,335,345 Tracking an object with multiple asynchronous cameras | 0 | 2007 | |
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| 6,020,913 Emergency alert system signal handling method and apparatus | 13 | 1997 | |
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| 5,852,825 Form data message formatting method, program and system | 33 | 1997 | |
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| 5,524,209 System and method for controlling the competition between processors, in an at-compatible multiprocessor array, to initialize a test sequence | 7 | 1995 | |
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| 7,834,754 Method and system for monitoring environmental conditions | 2 | 2005 | |
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| 7,634,798 System and method for enhanced broadcasting and interactive television | 3 | 2008 | |
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| 5,719,562 Paging system using compact hierarchical addressing | 6 | 1995 | |
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| 6,965,801 Method and system for controlling one or more apparatus based on a geographic location | 4 | 2002 | |
Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |