New Wink Communications Patent Allows More Control of Interactive Broadcaster Info

Wink Communications has been developing interactive television technology since 1993. It’s fifth patent, granted June 6, covers a system and method for determining broadcaster information in connection with an interactive information system. This patent is significant as it allows Wink’s system to efficiently locate a desired channel and other broadcast information.

In its continuing research and solutions for the iTV world, Wink’s patents protect its intellectual property, including the uses of the products and techniques developed as part of Wink technology.

U. S. Patent and Trademark Office number 6,198,509 covers Wink’s method and apparatus for identifying a tuned frequency or other information about a broadcaster or application, allowing an interactive information system to be more easily controlled.

When a provider broadcasts information, such as a channel guide, to a TV or set-top box, the device may then identify some or all of the information and use it to carry out various functions.

Wink’s other patents cover the following:

— The ability to use 1st generation digital set-top boxes to run interactive television content.
— Synching video with interactive content.
— Collecting and managing responses from interactive broadcasts.
— Creating “TV Orders,” including the administration of a “TV Wallet” and related secure response collection.

Wink, the leading mass-market interactive television solution in
North America, gives viewers a way to interact with programs and advertisements while they continue to watch TV. By clicking their remote control during an enhanced program or ad, viewers can access program-related information, request product samples, coupons and other free advertiser offers, or make instant purchases.

Wink’s system also enables the advertisers and programmers to process transactions, and Wink’s technology collects and analyzes viewer behavior and response data.

Introduced in June of 1998, Wink is currently available to more than 3.2 million satellite and cable households in North America and is distributed through partnership agreements with major cable and satellite operators, network and cable broadcasters, national advertisers and manufacturers of consumer electronics equipment.