Method and apparatus for distributing consumer advertisements

This invention describes a system where a set-top box allows a user to create classified advertisements. The user selects categories and fills out a template, which the system uses to generate an ad and identify other set-top box users with matching demographics. These targeted users then see the ad, and the system can handle billing if they accept an offer. The claims specifically focus on the set-top box as the core device.

Why it matters: Filed before smart TV platforms and advanced streaming devices made sophisticated user interfaces and granular demographic targeting on television common. The technical hurdles for user input and real-time ad delivery on a dedicated set-top box are now significantly lower.

Status: ExpiredProtection ended and was never renewed
How hard to build: SpecializedSoftware logic, STB hardware, billing system integration

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