TV viewers and couch potatoes alike may soon be able to share thoughts online on what they are watching via their television remotes….

IBM has filed a patent ahead of plans to create access to blogging and social networking sites through the controls.

The technology giant believes viewers will want to post comments about their favourite television shows, music videos or news stories from the comfort of the sofa.

Pressing a button on the controller could allow users to post snapshots of programmes, tag something “lame”, or write and receive comments through their TV according to the patent.

It might work well with popular sites such as Facebook and Twitter, the patent adds.

The firm filed the document with US authorities in May this year but the innovation went unnoticed – until it was spotted by a blog.

The idea capitalises on the growing trend for social networking sites to become virtual ‘watercoolers’ during big events.

Earlier this year, Michael Jackson’s death and memorial dominated discussions on microblogging site Twitter.

For Barack Obama’s inauguration as US President, broadcaster CNN used Facebook Connect to allow viewers to share comments while they watched a live stream.

According to IBM’s submission, the firms wants to create easier ways for television viewers to take part in microblogging.

“Whether it is the desire to keep and share lists of books that have been read, comments about movies that have been seen, music that has been listened to, or television shows of interest, more than ever, people wish to be able to share their comments with others in real-time as they experience life.”

It is not yet known whether IBM plans to launch a commercial product along these lines.