IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,299,483
Granted Patent B2
US 7,299,483 · App. 09/840,948 · Granted Nov 20, 2007

System and method for determining and notifying users of the expected time-channel for a television series

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,299,483
App. No.
09/840,948
Granted
Nov 20, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

Methods, algorithms, database structures, and reports for informing consumers of changes in times and channels at which episodes of a television (TV) series are aired on television each week. Based on prior TV listings, an expected time-channel (i.e., day-of-week, time, and channel) for airing a TV series is derived. Actual time-channels for a given week are compared with the expected time-channels to determine whether a deviation from the expected time-channel has occurred. If the deviation has occurred, then the deviation is classified, stored in a database, and transferred to a report that shows a list of such deviations for various TV series.

Claims (16)

1. A computer-implemented Expected Time-Channel from Reference or Alternate Time-Channel (ETCRA) method of determining and storing an expected time-channel for a television (TV) series relative to a reference week, said method comprising:

identifying in the reference week a reference time-channel on which the TV series is scheduled to be aired or has actually aired;

specifying at least one condition;

determining whether the at least one condition has been satisfied;

if the determining has determined that the at least one condition has not been satisfied, then making the expected time-channel equal to the reference time-channel, else making the expected time-channel equal to an alternate time-channel, the alternate time-channel differing from the reference time-channel and the at least one condition comprising the TV series has aired on the reference time-channel no more than K weeks of N weeks preceding the reference week, wherein N is an integer of at least 2, and wherein K is an integer that is no less than 0 and the TV series has aired on the alternate time-channel during M weeks of the N weeks, wherein M is an integer of at least 2 and greater than 0.50N truncated; and

notifying a user of the expected time-channel for the television series relative to the reference week.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the alternate time-channel is an overriding time-channel for the TV series relative to the reference week, and wherein the at least one condition comprises specifying the overriding time-channel.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the determining includes utilizing program time-channel data relating to programs of the TV series, wherein the program time-channel data is stored in an Airings Database Structure.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising storing an identification of the expected time-channel in a Series Scheduling Expectation (SSE) database Structure.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the N weeks are consecutive.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 , wherein the N weeks immediately precede the reference week.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one condition further comprises:

the TV series has not aired, and is not scheduled to be aired, on the reference time-channel during the first week that is closest in time to the reference week.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein N=2, K=0, and M=2.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein 3≦N≦6, K=0, and M=N−1.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein 7≦N≦9, K1, and M=N−2.

Assignments (16)
RELEASE (REEL 053473 / FRAME 0001) Recorded May 11, 2023
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063603/0001 →
RELEASE (REEL 054066 / FRAME 0064) Recorded May 11, 2023
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: GRACENOTE, INC.; A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063605/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 8, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 063574/0632 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 28, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: CITIBANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 063561/0381 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 31, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
Reel/Frame 063560/0547 →
RELEASE (REEL 042262 / FRAME 0601) Recorded Oct 13, 2022
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC
Reel/Frame 061748/0001 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PATENTS LISTED ON SCHEDULE 1 RECORDED ON 6-9-2020 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 053473 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SUPPLEMENTAL IP SECURITY AGREEMENT. Recorded Oct 7, 2020
From: A.C. NIELSEN (ARGENTINA) S.A.; A.C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; ACN HOLDINGS INC.; ACNIELSEN CORPORATION; ACNIELSEN ERATINGS.COM; AFFINNOVA, INC.; ART HOLDING, L.L.C.; ATHENIAN LEASING CORPORATION; CZT/ACN TRADEMARKS, L.L.C.; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC; NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER INSIGHTS, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER NEUROSCIENCE, INC.; NIELSEN FINANCE CO.; NIELSEN FINANCE LLC; NIELSEN INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; NIELSEN MOBILE, LLC; NMR INVESTING I, INC.; TCG DIVESTITURE INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; VIZU CORPORATION; VNU MARKETING INFORMATION, INC.; NMR LICENSING ASSOCIATES, L.P.; NIELSEN HOLDING AND FINANCE B.V.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY B.V.; VNU INTERNATIONAL B.V.
To: CITIBANK, N.A
Reel/Frame 054066/0064 →
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 9, 2020
From: A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; ACN HOLDINGS INC.; ACNIELSEN CORPORATION; ACNIELSEN ERATINGS.COM; AFFINNOVA, INC.; ART HOLDING, L.L.C.; ATHENIAN LEASING CORPORATION; CZT/ACN TRADEMARKS, L.L.C.; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC; NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER INSIGHTS, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER NEUROSCIENCE, INC.; NIELSEN FINANCE CO.; NIELSEN FINANCE LLC; NIELSEN INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; NIELSEN MOBILE, LLC; NIELSEN UK FINANCE I, LLC; NMR INVESTING I, INC.; TCG DIVESTITURE INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; VIZU CORPORATION; VNU MARKETING INFORMATION, INC.; NMR LICENSING ASSOCIATES, L.P.; NIELSEN HOLDING AND FINANCE B.V.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY B.V.; VNU INTERNATIONAL B.V.
To: CITIBANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 053473/0001 →
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 13, 2017
From: GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 042262/0601 →
CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION Recorded Apr 11, 2017
From: TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
To: TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC
Reel/Frame 042228/0212 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Apr 11, 2017
From: TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC
To: GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC
Reel/Frame 042231/0174 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Feb 8, 2017
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: GRACENOTE, INC.; CASTTV INC.; TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; TRIBUNE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC
Reel/Frame 041656/0804 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST 029557/0903 Recorded Jan 24, 2014
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC
Reel/Frame 032121/0147 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST 029818/0180 Recorded Jan 24, 2014
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: TRIBUNE COMPANY; BLUE LYNX MEDIA, LLC; CA-4655 FRUITRIDGE ROAD, LLC; CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY NEWS, LLC; CA-LOS ANGELES TIMES SQUARE, LLC; CA-OLYMPIC PLANT, LLC; CA-ORANGE COUNTY PLANT, LLC; CASTTV INC.; CHICAGO TRIBUNE COMPANY, LLC; CHICAGOLAND PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC; CHICAGOLAND TELEVISION NEWS, LLC; CLASSIFIED VENTURES HOLDCO, LLC; CO-1006 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN ROAD, LLC; CO-6160 SOUTH WABASH WAY, LLC; CT-121 WAWARME AVENUE, LLC; CT-285 BROAD STREET, LLC; CT-WTIC, LLC; FL-633 NORTH ORANGE AVENUE, LLC; FL-DEERFIELD PLANT, LLC; FL-ORLANDO SENTINEL, LLC; FORSALEBYOWNER.COM REFERRAL SERVICES, LLC; FORSALEBYOWNER.COM, LLC; HOY PUBLICATIONS, LLC; IL-11201 FRANKLIN AVENUE, LLC; IL-16400 SOUTH 105TH COURT, LLC; IL-2501 WEST BRADLEY PLACE, LLC; IL-3249 NORTH KILPATRICK, LLC; IL-3722 VENTURA DRIVE, LLC; IL-700 WEST CHICAGO AVENUE, LLC; IL-720 ROHLWING ROAD, LLC; IL-FREEDOM CENTER, LLC; IL-TRIBUNE TOWER, LLC; IN-2350 WESTLANE ROAD, LLC; IN-6910 NETWORK PLACE, LLC; INTERNET FORECLOSURE SERVICE, LLC; IN-TRAFALGAR WTTV, LLC; IN-WINDFALL WTTV, LLC; KDAF, LLC; KIAH, LLC; KPLR, INC.; KRCW, LLC; KSWB, LLC; KTLA, LLC; KTXL, LLC; KWGN, LLC; LOCAL PRO PLUS REALTY, LLC; LOS ANGELES TIMES COMMUNICATIONS, LLC; MAGIC T MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC; MD-10 HAYS STREET, LLC; MD-10750 LITTLE PATUXENT PARKWAY, LLC; MD-3400 CARLINS PARK DRIVE, LLC; MD-NORTH CALVERT STREET, LLC; MD-SUN PARK, LLC; MI-3117 PLAZA DRIVE, LLC; MI-DAVIS ROAD, LLC; OAK BROOK PRODUCTIONS, LLC; OR-10255 SW ARCTIC DRIVE, LLC; ORLANDO SENTINEL COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, LLC; PA-2005 SOUTH QUEEN STREET, LLC; PA-5001 WYNNEFIELD AVENUE, LLC; PA-550 EAST ROCK ROAD, LLC; PA-MORNING CALL, LLC; RIVERWALK CENTER I, JOINT VENTURE; RIVERWALK HOLDCO II, LLC; RIVERWALK HOLDCO, LLC; SUN-SENTINEL COMPANY, LLC; THE BALTIMORE SUN COMPANY, LLC; THE DAILY PRESS, LLC; THE HARTFORD COURANT COMPANY, LLC; THE MORNING CALL, LLC; TMS NEWS AND FEATURES, LLC; TOWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, LLC; TOWERING T MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC; TRIBUNE (FN) CABLE VENTURES, LLC; TRIBUNE 365, LLC; TRIBUNE BROADCASTING COMPANY, LLC; TRIBUNE BROADCASTING HARTFORD, LLC; TRIBUNE BROADCASTING INDIANAPOLIS, LLC; TRIBUNE BROADCASTING SEATTLE, LLC; TRIBUNE DIRECT MARKETING, LLC; TRIBUNE ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, LLC; TRIBUNE INTERACTIVE, LLC; TRIBUNE INVESTMENTS, LLC; TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES LONDON, LLC; TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; TRIBUNE NATIONAL MARKETING COMPANY, LLC; TRIBUNE PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC; TRIBUNE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC; TRIBUNE TELEVISION NEW ORLEANS, INC.; TRIBUNE WASHINGTON BUREAU, LLC; TX-7700 WESTPARK DRIVE, LLC; TX-8001 JOHN CARPENTER FREEWAY, LLC; VA-216 IRONBOUND ROAD, LLC; VA-DAILY PRESS, LLC; WA-1813 WESTLAKE AVENUE, LLC; WDCW, LLC; WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING COMPANY, LLC; WPHL, LLC; WPIX, LLC; WPMT, LLC; WSFL, LLC; WXMI, LLC
Reel/Frame 032121/0068 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 23, 2014
From: TRIBUNE COMPANY; CASTTV INC.; CHICAGO TRIBUNE COMPANY, LLC; CHICAGOLAND PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC; LOS ANGELES TIMES COMMUNICATIONS LLC; SUN-SENTINEL COMPANY, LLC; THE BALTIMORE SUN COMPANY, LLC; THE HARTFORD COURANT COMPANY, LLC; TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC; TRIBUNE INTERACTIVE, LLC; TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; TRIBUNE BROADCASTING COMPANY, LLC; TRIBUNE TELEVISION NEW ORLEANS, INC.; WDCW, LLC; WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING COMPANY, LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 032125/0204 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 31, 2012
From: TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 029557/0903 →