Systems and methods are described for broadcasting interactive content
without using triggers embedded in the broadcast content. When a viewer
sees an item of interest while viewing a program, the viewer can initiate
a request for information (RFI) about that item with a single button
actuation. When the RFI is entered, a client device, such as a set-top
box, detects the RFI and transmits RFI data to a server, including the
channel viewed, a time stamp and--in at least one implementation--a
system-defined amount of closed captioning data. The RFI data is
cross-referenced with program time code information, programming guide
information, program information and/or advertiser information to
determine the context of the RFI, i.e. what the user saw that made the
user enter the RFI. Information about the item is then sent to the viewer
as a system message, an e-mail message, a post, or by way of any other
delivery mode.
