IBM files for DVR instant-replay patent

We can only assume that IBM's new focus in seeking patents is to throw in as many gimmicks as possible in order to fend off any claims of prior art. How else to explain this recent application, seeking a patent for "retrospective television viewing?" The application seeks to patent instant replay functions. But not any old instant replay. These are instant replays on a DVR. In a picture-in-picture window. With the data stored in the remote control. Okay, IBM, you win. We're pretty sure nobody's covered this exact combo of features before. And we're pretty sure nobody's going to rush out and manufacture anything based on this either.

[Bryan @ Jan 27th 2006 12:02PM]

Storing the instant replay in the remote was not a requisite part of the patent, just a possible feature. It looks like IBM wants to own the right to display instant replays in a window (regardless of where the replay is stored).

[murph @ Jan 27th 2006 12:14PM]

did you see this classic Patent Application?

http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/27/ibm-files-for-dvr-instant-replay-patent/#comments

THe Register reports that Cingular is trying to patent smilies and emoticons. LOL!!

[A_B @ Jan 27th 2006 12:19PM]

IBM has had the most patents in the U.S. for 13 years in a row. I don't think you can say that they have a "new focus in seeking patents."

http://today.reuters.com/business/newsArticle.aspx?type=technology&storyID=nN09194817

[murph @ Jan 27th 2006 12:23PM]

i'm such an idiot. if you guys can delete comments, please delete the previous one and spare me the embarassment of that post being on the internet forever.

Speaking of stupid patents, The Register is reporting that Cingular is trying to patent smilies/emoticons.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/27/cingular_emoticon_patent/

[Paul @ Jan 27th 2006 12:46PM]

This actually seems like a valid idea for a patent. The purpose of the patent is to watch a show (maybe live) and allow for rewinding in a PIP display to decide if you want to rewind.

[oshean @ Jan 27th 2006 1:48PM]

Is the green deco lounger covered in the patent?

[nojok3 @ Jan 27th 2006 2:08PM]

Zino, your TiVo uses instant replay from saving what you are watching onto the hdd on your TiVo. This would save it in the remote control (pointless??)

[Roy @ Jan 27th 2006 2:11PM]

you know what one of the coolest patents IBM has is? I only discovered it because I wanted to develop it myself........creating electrical energy by pressing the keys of your keyboard. So you could partially run your laptop on this energy source at hand. (chemical->mechanical->electrical). I don't know if it's more efficient to run it directly on methanol because of the conversions that take place.

[Ryan @ Jan 27th 2006 5:01PM]

I can see a slight possibilty for this, slight, where you key in a point (point A) on the remote (which it remembers--rather than the DVR--for purposes of patent writing; let's see, include a really complicated subfunction--one that'll probably need a really expensive remote--rather than have the computer in the DVR handle all all the processes) then key in an end point (point b) and then the DVR can show/loop/output your 'segment.' WOW!

The biggest problem is that you usllay don't know what you want to repeat until you've already watched it, then you're still going to have to rewind, pause, play, etc. to see it again. All of which a current DVR can do. Even if you really wanted to include a 'loop' feature, why have the remote involved besides key presses, unless you're seeking some way to be original for patent rights.

PS offloading features and data to the remote makes the remote & the components that it controls propriatary, right? I mean, how do I get this feature to work with universal remotes? stupid

[Mike @ Jan 28th 2006 4:00PM]

Wow!
Just think Dish Network has only had this feture for some year now.....
WHAT you say? Let me explane, all you need is a Dish Network 522 or above DULE Tuner system setup in single mode. you watch the football game on you TV with tuner #1 and record it with tuner #2, then if you want to rewind a section while still watching live tv you jst pop up a PIP window and rewind tuner #2 in it and BOOM you got live tv with a PIP rewind window.

Simple

[epp_b @ Jan 29th 2006 12:48AM]

I yearn for the day when the USPTO will either die or just immediately tear up patent applications that are worth less than the cute little diagram on the paper.

[Daniel @ Jan 30th 2006 7:16AM]

What's up with No. 12, pointing towards the guy's head? They're not attempting to patent the trusty old mullet, are they?