{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854321","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854321","title":"Client-server electronic program guide","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-07-18T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G06F","G06F","G06F","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":10,"abstract":"A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Client-server Electronic Program Guide patent introduces a client-server system designed to enhance interactive television program guides. The core innovation lies in its ability to personalize program recommendations, schedule reminders, and implement parental controls based on user-defined expressions processed by the server. This addresses the problem of generic and inefficient traditional EPGs that fail to cater to individual viewing preferences.\n\nThe key technical approach involves distributing processing tasks between the client (user's TV equipment) and the server. The client handles user interaction and display, while the server manages program guide data, processes user expressions, and generates personalized recommendations. The system also tracks viewing histories to provide targeted advertising and collect program ratings information.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to increase user engagement, improve advertising revenue, and enhance parental control features. By providing a more personalized and efficient viewing experience, this innovation can attract more users to interactive TV services and increase their satisfaction. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for personalized entertainment experiences continues to grow.\n\nThis technology offers a competitive advantage by providing a higher degree of personalization and efficiency compared to traditional EPGs. Its ability to process user-defined expressions on the server allows for more sophisticated filtering and scheduling, while its data-driven approach enables continuous improvement of recommendations. The market for interactive television program guides is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing popularity of smart TVs and streaming services. This patent positions its owner to capture a significant share of this market.","layman_explanation":"The Client-server Electronic Program Guide patent addresses the problem of inefficient and impersonalized television program guides. Traditional EPGs often provide a generic list of programs without taking into account the individual viewing preferences of each user. This results in a frustrating experience for viewers, who are forced to scroll through countless listings to find something they want to watch.\n\nThis invention works by using a client-server architecture to deliver personalized content recommendations. The client device (e.g., a smart TV or set-top box) is responsible for displaying the program guide and interacting with the user. The server, on the other hand, is responsible for processing user-defined expressions, filtering program guide data, and generating personalized recommendations. Think of it like this: the client is the waiter taking your order, and the server is the chef preparing your meal according to your specific preferences.\n\nWhy does this matter? This technology has the potential to significantly improve the television viewing experience. By delivering personalized content recommendations, streamlining scheduling, and providing advanced parental controls, it can help users find the programs they want to watch more easily and efficiently. This can lead to increased user engagement, improved advertising revenue, and enhanced brand loyalty. The market impact is significant, as the demand for personalized entertainment experiences continues to grow.\n\nWhat's next? Future applications of this technology could include integration with other smart home devices, enhanced accessibility features for users with disabilities, and more sophisticated recommendation algorithms. The market adoption timeline is likely to be driven by the increasing popularity of smart TVs and streaming services. From an investment perspective, this patent represents a promising opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for personalized entertainment experiences.","technical_analysis":"The Client-server Electronic Program Guide patent details a system employing a distributed architecture to enhance interactive television program guides. The architecture separates concerns between the client (user's TV) and the server, optimizing for both responsiveness and personalization. The client is responsible for rendering the user interface and capturing user input, while the server manages the program guide data, processes user-defined expressions, and generates personalized recommendations.\n\nThe system's technical architecture is based on a client-server model, where the client application resides on the user's television equipment and communicates with a remote server. The server stores and manages program guide data, including program listings, schedules, and metadata. The client retrieves this data from the server and displays it to the user in an interactive format.\n\nA key feature of this technology is the ability for users to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. These expressions allow users to create highly specific viewing preferences, which the server then uses to filter program guide data, schedule reminders, and even automatically record programs. The expressions can be based on a variety of criteria, such as program genre, actor, director, rating, and keywords.\n\nThe system also tracks user viewing histories, which are then used to generate personalized viewing recommendations, target advertising, and collect program ratings information. The viewing history data is stored on the server and analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and preferences. This data is then used to generate recommendations that are tailored to each individual user.\n\nIntegration patterns include APIs for data exchange between the client and server, allowing for seamless updates and synchronization of program guide data. The system also supports integration with third-party services, such as streaming platforms and social media networks. Performance characteristics are optimized through caching mechanisms and efficient data retrieval strategies.\n\nCode-level implications involve the use of efficient algorithms for data processing and recommendation generation. The server-side code is designed to handle a large number of concurrent users, while the client-side code is optimized for performance on low-power devices. The system also incorporates security measures to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.","business_analysis":"The Client-server Electronic Program Guide patent presents a significant market opportunity within the interactive television and streaming services industries. The market for personalized entertainment experiences is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing popularity of smart TVs, streaming devices, and on-demand content. This technology addresses the need for more efficient and user-friendly program guides that can deliver personalized recommendations and targeted advertising.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this patent include its client-server architecture, which allows for efficient processing of user-defined expressions and personalized recommendations. Traditional EPGs often rely on simple algorithms that do not take into account individual viewing preferences. This technology offers a more sophisticated approach that can significantly improve the user experience.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is substantial. It can be monetized through several business models, including subscription fees, advertising revenue sharing, and licensing agreements. The strategic positioning of this technology is ideal for integration with existing streaming platforms, smart TV manufacturers, and cable providers.\n\nThe ROI projections for this technology are promising. By increasing user engagement, improving advertising revenue, and enhancing parental control features, this innovation can generate significant returns for investors. The market for interactive television program guides is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, making this a valuable investment opportunity.\n\nThis technology offers a strategic advantage for companies looking to differentiate themselves in the competitive entertainment market. By providing a more personalized and efficient viewing experience, this innovation can attract and retain users, increase revenue, and enhance brand loyalty.","faqs":null,"topics":["electronic program guide","client-server architecture","personalized TV","interactive television","TV recommendations","client","server","electronic"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Client-server Electronic Program Guide - Patent US-9854321","description":"Discover how the Client-server Electronic Program Guide personalizes TV viewing with user-defined expressions and client-server architecture. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["electronic program guide","client-server architecture","personalized TV","interactive television","TV recommendations","program guide","patent","patent US-9854321"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854321","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854321","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Client-server electronic program guide\" (US-9854321). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854321","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854321","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854321","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T04:32:31.131Z"}