Method and system for allowing viewers to purchase program products

Abstract

To allow viewers to easily purchase products shown in entertainment programs, the viewers call an operator terminal. The operator terminal is networked to a central controller, which is also networked to remote terminals. Remote terminal operators enter data about props used in programs, copies of which are to be offered for sale. These remote terminals transmit this data to the central controller for storage in a database. Operators at the operator terminals can access the data stored at the central controller to respond calls from viewers seeking to purchase products.

1 . A system for allowing a viewer to purchase products shown in an entertainment program comprising: 
 means for storing in a database product information relating to a product shown in the entertainment program;    means for receiving from the viewer a request about the product shown in the entertainment program, the request containing a subset of the product information;    means for identifying the product information in the database using the subset of the product information; and    means for communicating to the viewer the identified information about the product.    
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 means for placing an order with a vendor for the product.    
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the identifying means includes: 
 a central processing unit.    
     
     
         4 - 40 . (canceled)