Systems and methods for collecting television viewing data and television interactivity

Abstract

A system for collecting viewing data (or viewing habits) and automatically measuring the size of an audience viewing or watching a broadcast at any particular time is provided. In the system, a remote control device may be adapted to collect and manage the collection of the viewing data on television audiences, including requests for the data from third parties. The data may be collected using a remote control device and then transmitted to a remote computer where it may be stored and accumulated, so that over time, the viewing habits of the User may be identified. The remote control device may also be used to allow a User to interact with the television to order a product, monetize advertising, participate in an auction and/or rate a television program.

1 . A method of interacting with a viewing device, comprising:
 selecting a channel on the viewing device using a remote control device;   recording the channel selected in a memory device of the remote control device along with time and date the channel was selected;   selecting an interaction button on the remote control device initiating an interaction session between the remote control device and a remote computer;   earmarking a last channel as channel broadcasting on the viewing device when the interaction button is selected;   storing last channel data in the memory device of the remote control device, the last channel data including the last channel, time of the selection of the last channel and day of the selection of the last channel; and   transferring the last channel data from the remote control device to the remote computer, the remote computer utilizing the last channel data to retrieve an address of a storage location in a library database where interactive session information is stored.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the interaction session is used to request additional information on an advertisement broadcast on the viewing device or order a product and/or service identified in the advertisement. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein prior arrangements by the user have been made for delivery of the information, the product and/or service and wherein the information is delivered by electronic mail, facsimile or regular mail. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 tabulating, over time, advertising data, including advertisements for which additional information on products and/or services which has been requested; and   providing the advertisement data to one or more third parties.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more third parties use the tabulated data to set advertising fees or identify products and/or services consumers are interested in. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 rewarding the user for allowing the tabulated data to be provided to the one or more third parties.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 billing a third party, based on a prior arrangement, for each request of additional information, wherein the third party is an advertiser or a broadcasting station.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 prompting a user to enter a code to authorize the interaction session.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein ordering the product and/or service comprises:
 retrieving product data from the storage location in the library;   sending the product data to a local computer for verification by the user, the product data including product name and price data; and   verifying the product data by confirming the product name and price data are correct.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 placing an order for the product and/or service or alternative product and/or service.   
     
     
         11 . A remote control device, comprising:
 means for selecting a channel on the viewing device using a remote control device;   means for recording the channel selected in a memory device of the remote control device along with time and date the channel was selected;   means for selecting an interaction button on the remote control device initiating an interaction session between the remote control device and a remote computer;   means for earmarking a last channel as channel broadcasting on the viewing device when the interaction button is selected;   means for storing last channel data in the memory device of the remote control device, the last channel data including the last channel, time of the selection of the last channel and day of the selection of the last channel; and   means for transferring the last channel data from the remote control device to the remote computer, the remote computer utilizing the last channel data to retrieve an address of a storage location in a library database where interactive session information is stored.   
     
     
         12 . The remote control device of  claim 11 , wherein the interaction session is used to request additional information on an advertisement broadcast on the viewing device or order a product and/or service identified in the advertisement. 
     
     
         13 . The remote control device of  claim 12 , wherein prior arrangements by the user have been made for delivery of the information, the product and/or service and wherein the information is delivered by electronic mail, facsimile or regular mail. 
     
     
         14 . The remote control device of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 means for tabulating, over time, advertising data, including advertisements for which additional information on products and/or services which has been requested; and   means for providing the advertisement data to one or more third parties.   
     
     
         15 . The remote control device of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 means for rewarding the user for allowing the tabulated data to be provided to the one or more third parties.   
     
     
         16 . The remote control device of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more third parties use the tabulated data to set advertising fees or identify products and/or services consumers are interested in. 
     
     
         17 . The remote control device of  claim 12 , further comprising billing a third party, based on a prior arrangement, for each request of additional information, wherein the third party is an advertiser or a broadcasting station. 
     
     
         18 . The remote control device of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 means for prompting a user to enter a code to authorize the interaction session.   
     
     
         19 . The remote control device of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 means for retrieving product data from the storage location in the library;   means for sending the product data to a local computer for verification by the user, the product data including product name and price data; and   means for verifying the product data by confirming the product name and price data are correct.   
     
     
         20 . The remote control device of claim of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 means for placing an order for the product and/or service or alternative product and/or service.