Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING AN
ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the presentation of channel,
program, and broadcast information for a multiple channel television
broadcast system.
BACKGR(~~,JND OF THE INVENTION
Television broadcasting technology has improved
tremendously since its inception. Today, television signals are
broadcasted on the airwaves, through cables, and via satellite. The
number of stations accessible today has increased to hundreds of
stations. To select a program to view, many viewers simply "channel
surf" until they find a channel that has a desirable program. Channel
surfing refers to the process of using the channel "+" or "-" key to
sequentially view each channel. Although some viewers find
channel surfing among hundreds of stations enjoyable, most viewers
prefer a more direct method for selecting a program to view.
Some prior art television channel selection guides provide a
television channel selection guide which displays a listing of the
channels typically in numeric order and the titles of the programs
broadcasted or to be broadcasted on the channels. A simplified block
diagram of such a guide is illustrated in Figure 1. The viewer or user
of the system may then select the channel by entering in the channel
number or selecting a program. The system responds by removing the
guide displayed and tuning to the station selected and displaying the
broadcast signals of the station.
This system has a number of drawbacks. First, the guide
provides only the title of the program. To get additional information,
such as a written description of the program, the user must select an
information button which responds by bringing up a second layer of
the menu having the program description. Thus, as the number of
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stations increase, the efficiency of reviewing programs and program
descriptions decreases.
Furthermore, many viewers prefer to preview an actual
broadcast on a station before selecting that station for viewing. In the
prior art systems, the user has to select each station to view, and
subsequently go back to the channel guide in order to view program
titles on other channels. While other prior art systems may provide a
program listing having a transparent background superimposed over
a program broadcast, it is still difficult to view the program broadcast
through the program listing.
Moreover, in any television system a user can channel surf by
skipping from channel to channel in sequence using the channel "up"
or "down" buttons. However, when channel surfing in the prior art
systems, the user is unable to take advantage of the channel listing
and program description information. While some prior art
television channel selection guides allow for channel surfing while
the guide is displayed, these systems change the channel as the user
moves a selection device or pointer to each new channel. Again this
prevents taking full advantage of the broadcast system guide because,
while the system guide provides program descriptions, a user might
like to view a particular channel while surfing among the program
descriptions of other channels.
Another shortcoming of prior art television channel selection
guides is that, while providing the current time on the guide display,
they do not provide a clear representation of the current time in
relation to the channel program listings. Consequently, it is difficult
for a user to ascertain the amount of time elapsed since a particular
program began.
In the current generation of broadcasting technology, a viewer
is provided with many options regarding programs that are available
for broadcast. These options include, but are not limited to, on-
demand selection of pay-per-view broadcasts, selection of a broadcast
for automatic recording, and programming a broadcast system to tune
to a preselected station at a designated time. As the number of options
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increases, so to does the need for a user-friendly system interface. The
prior art channel selection guides do not provide a ready status
indication as part of the channel selection guide. In addition, as the
channel selection guides become more interactive and provide the
viewer with more selections, the lack of status displays for system
pointers and tuners can lead to a great deal of viewer frustration.
SUMMARY OF TI-iE INVENTION
A method and apparatus for displaying programming
information by translating the display of a broadcast of a program are
provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a multiple
channel broadcasting system is tuned to a channel to provide a display
of a broadcast of a program on a screen. Programming information is
displayed that identifies channels in the broadcasting system. When
displaying the programming information, the display of the program
broadcast is translated to a smaller broadcast window on the screen.
The translation comprises two steps. One step superimposes at least
one of a series of successively smaller broadcast window outlines over
the display of the broadcast on the screen. Another step displays the
broadcast in the smaller broadcast window. Therefore, the
programming information is displayed along with the program
broadcast on the screen such that no portion of the broadcast is
covered by the programming information. Thus, a viewer has an
unobstructed view of the selected program while simultaneously
accessing the channel program selections of the programming
information. The programming information includes an electronic
program guide, a display information packet, an electronic category
guide, and an electronic subcategory guide.
A method and apparatus for channel surfing while using
an electronic program guide are provided. According to one aspect of
the invention, a multiple channel broadcasting system is tuned to a
first channel to provide a display of a broadcast of a first program on a
screen. An electronic program guide is displayed that identifies a
plurality of channels and programming on the channels. A first
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display information packet containing a description of the first
program is displayed with the electronic program guide. The
broadcast system displays a system pointer. The system pointer is
manipulated in response to input by the user to an area of the
electronic program guide associated with a second program. The
display of the first display information packet is subsequently replaced
with a display of a second display information packet containing a
description of the second program. The broadcast system remains
tuned to the first program while the user views program information
for a second program on a second channel.
A method and apparatus for providing a status indication of a
tuner and a pointer in a multiple channel broadcasting system are also
provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the multiple
channel broadcasting system is tuned to a channel to provide a display
of a broadcast of a program on a screen. An electronic program guide
is generated that identifies a plurality of channels and programming
on the channels. A system pointer is supplied that points to a location
in the electronic program guide that identifies a channel program in
the broadcasting system. An indication is provided to the user as to
the status of the broadcasting system tuner and the system pointer.
The status is indicated by displaying a program block of a
corresponding program on the electronic program guide as appearing
to be depressed into the screen when the broadcasting system is tuned
to the channel program. The status is indicated by displaying a
program block of a corresponding program on the electronic program
guide as appearing to be protruding from the screen when the
broadcasting system is not tuned to the channel program. The status
is indicated by displaying a program block of a corresponding program
as highlighted when the system pointer is pointing to the channel
program. The status is indicated by displaying a program block of a
corresponding program as unhighlighted when the system pointer is
not pointing to the channel program.
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These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and
from the detailed description and appended claims which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWINGS
The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed
description in which:
Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of a prior art direct digital
satellite system guide display.
Figure 2 is a simple illustration of one embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram representation of the elements
utilized in the receiver of the television signals.
Figure 4 is a representation of a remote control utilized to tune
television stations in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram of the circuitry utilized in
a remote control device.
Figure 6 illustrates the type of data utilized to present the
electronic program guide in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates the pointers to the data utilized to generate
the electronic program guide in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates the Master Guide presented to enable the
viewer to view programming that is broadcast and is to be broadcast.
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Figures 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate one embodiment of the present
invention in which a broadcast audio and video is displayed behind
the Master Guide.
Figure 10 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of translating a
display to a small window in one embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a broadcast display in one embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates superimposing successively smaller
broadcast window outlines over a broadcast display in the translation
of the broadcast window in one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide
along with a program broadcast on a screen in one embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 14 is an exemplary flowchart that illustrates integrating
the translation of a display to a small window with other functions of
a broadcast system in one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide
in one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1b is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of the process
for optimizing the font size for an available display space in one
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of the process
for integrating the process of optimization of the font size with other
functions of a broadcast system in one embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 18 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of channel
surfing in one embodiment of the present invention.
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Figure 19 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of the process
for providing tuner and pointer status display in one embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 20 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide
in one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21 illustrates the display of an electronic subcategory
guide with an electronic program guide in one embodiment of the
present invention.
Figure 22 is an exemplary flowchart that illustrates the process
for providing an icon to indicate program status in one embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 23 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide
having program status icons in one embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 24 is an exemplary flowchart that illustrates a process for
providing a time bar with a current time marker in one embodiment
of the present invention.
Figure 25 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide
having a graphical representation of the current time in relation to
the times of channel programming in one embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 26 is an exemplary flowchart that illustrates the process
for providing an on-screen menu having differing transparency levels
in one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 27 illustrates the display of an on screen menu having
differing transparency levels in one embodiment of the present
invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the method and apparatus of the present invention the
broadcast system described is a direct broadcast satellite system.
However, it is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other
broadcast systems which have the capability of receiving and
displaying a multiplicity of stations may utilize the method and
apparatus of the present invention. Furthermore, in the following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set
forth, such as menus, flowcharts and system configurations, in order
to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific
details are not required in order to practice the present invention. In
other instances, well known electrical structures and circuits are
shown in block diagram form in order not to unnecessarily obscure
the present invention.
Figure 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a Direct Satellite
System (DSS). The system has an antenna 3, an integrated
receiver/decoder 2 (IRD), a remote controller 5, and a monitor 4.
Packets of data are transmitted by a transponder on the satellite. Each
transponder transmits data in a time share manner at a
predetermined frequency. A tuner 21 of a decoder is tuned in to the
frequency of the transponder corresponding to a channel, which is
designated by a viewer so that the packets of digital data are received
by the decoder.
The antenna 3 receives an encoded data signal sent from a
satellite. The received encoded signal is decoded by the IRD. The
antenna 3 has a low noise block down converter 3a (LNB). The LNB
3a converts a frequency of a signal sent from the satellite to another
frequency. The converted signal is supplied to the IRD 3. The
monitor 4 receives a signal from the IRD 3.
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Figure 3 is a block diagram of the IRD 3. A radio frequency (RF}
signal output from the LNB 3a of the antenna 3 is supplied to a tuner
21 of a front end 20. The output from the tuner 21 is supplied to a
quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) demodulation circuit 22 for
demodulation. The output from the QPSK demodulation circuit 22 is
supplied to an error correcting circuit 23 for error correction. The data
is received in encrypted and encoded (i.e., compressed) form.
The transport IC 24 receives the data stream, consisting of
packets of data, from the error correcting circuit 23 and directs portions
of the data stream to the appropriate circuit for processing. The digital
data stream sent from a satellite includes headers for classifying the
different portions of the data in the digital data stream. The transport
IC stores the headers in registers and uses the headers to direct the
data. The data stream sent from the satellite, includes video data in
the format specified by the Motion Pictures Expert Group standard
(MPEG), MPEG audio data and electronic programming guide (EPG)
data. Data that is identified by its header to be video data is transferred
to MPEG video decoder 25. Data that is identified by its header to be
audio data is transferred to MPEG audio decoder 26. Similarly, data
having a header that identifies the data to be EPG data is transferred to
a predetermined area in the data buffer 51 designated to store the EPG.
A conditional access module 33, includes a central processing
unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory
(RAM). The conditional access module determines whether the user
has the authorization to receive certain data, e.g., audio/video for a
pay TV station, using the authorization information stored in its
memory. Thus, if the conditional access module determines that the
user is authorized access, a key to decrypt the incoming data is
provided to the transport IC 24, which decrypts the data using the key
provided. In one embodiment, a smart card is utilized. This card is
inserted into the card reader interface 32 for interface to the transport
IC 24. It is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the
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conditional access module is not limited to smart cards and may be
configured in other kinds of circuitry.
The MPEG video decoder 25 decodes the video signal received
from the transport IC. Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 25a,
connected to the MPEG video decoder 25, is used for buffering and
storage of video data during processing by the MPEG video decoder.
The decoded digital video signal is supplied to a National Television
System Committee (NTSC) encoder 27 and converted to a luminance
signal (Y) and a chroma signal (C) which are respectively output
through a buffer amplifier 28Y or 28C as an S video signal. A
composite video signal is also output through a buffer amplifier 28V.
The MPEG audio decoder 26 decodes the digital audio signal.
DRAM 26a, connected to the MPEG audio decoder 26, is used for
buffering of data and information during processing by the MPEG
audio decoder 26. The decoded digital audio signal is converted into
an analog audio signal by D/A converter 30. The left audio signal is
output through buffer amplifier 31L and the right audio signal is
output through buffer amplifier 31R.
An RF modulator 41 mixes a composite signal output from the
NTSC encoder 27 with an analog audio signal output from the D/A
converter 30. The RF modulator 41 converts the mixed signal into an
RF signal and outputs the RF signal therefrom.
The CPU 29 is the central control mechanism and executes code
stored in the ROM 37 to perform certain functions of the system. For
example, the CPU processes certain data to control the generation of
the program list in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. In addition, the CPU receives and processes the user input,
received from the front panel buttons or switches 40 and the
photodetector circuit 39 to provide the user functionality and access to
the system described herein. In addition, the CPU accesses user
settings/preferences for processing of information and configuration
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of the system. The user settings are stored in the non-volatile
memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory (EEPROM) 38. In addition, the CPU maintains a list of
pointers, stored in static random access memory (SRAM) 36, to the
channel information and program information stored in the SRAM
51. Thus, when a user wishes to display a form of the EPG on the
screen, the CPU 29, accessing pointers stored in the SRAM 3b,
communicates to the transport IC 34 to retrieve the data from the data
buffer (SRAM) 51 identified by the pointers. The CPU then formulates
the format and other digital data which forms the guide or list on the
screen and forwards the data representative of the guide/list to the
transport IC 34 which forwards the data to the DRAM 25a of the MPEG
video decoder 25 for subsequent output to the screen.
Figure 4 shows an example of a remote controller utilized by a
user to transmit commands and make program selections in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 5 is
simplified a block diagram of the remote controller. The remote
controller 400 has an infrared originating device 405, a set of operation
buttons 410, a CPU 415, a ROM 420 and a RAM 425. The CPU 415
receives a signal sent from an operation button 410 through an input
port 430. The signal is processed according to a program stored in the
ROM 420. The RAM 425 is used as a working space so as to produce a
transmitting code. The transmitting code is sent to the infrared
originating device 405 through an output port and converted into an
infrared signal. The infrared signal is transmitted to the IRD. The
operation buttons 410 include a direction key for designating a pointer
direction such as north, south, east and west, an "EPG" key, a
"FAVORITE" key, a "SELECT KEY", a "MENU" key, an "EXIT" key, a
ten-key numeric keypad and an "ENTER" key. The set of operation
buttons 410 enable the user to select programs through the electronic
programming guide in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
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Figure 6 is a block diagram illustration of the data stored in a
portion of the data buffer RAM 51. As noted above, the RAM 51
stores EPG data including guide data, channel data, and program data.
General information is included in the guide data, for example, the
current date and time. The transponder list identifies the number of
the transponder transmitting a segment. The channel list identifies
the channel number of the first channel of a portion of data. The
channel data includes data relating to channels, such as the channel
number, channel name (i.e., the call sign of a broadcast station), logo
ID (i.e., an identification of the channel Iogo), data ID, which is an
identification of a channel number of MPEG video data or MPEG
audio data, number of programs, which identifies the number of
programs to be transmitted on a channel during a predetermined time
frame, and first program offset which identifies the offset from the
header to the first channel data in a segment.
The program data includes the program title, start time of the
program, time length of the program, program category such as
movies, news, sports, etc., program subcategory such as drama, horror,
children's movies or baseball, basketball, football for the sports
category, the movie rating and program description that provides a
detailed description of the program.
Figure 7 illustrates how pointers to the EPG data are sorted for
display on a guide on the user's television screen. As noted above,
EPG data includes guide data, channel data and program data which
are stored in the Data Buffer (RAM) of the IRD (as shown in Figure 3).
When a viewer selects a channel, the CPU of the system determines
the packet containing the channel information and extracts the
transponder number from the channel information. The system front
end starts tuning in the frequency of the designated transponder so as
to receive the data transmitting from that transponder. If a viewer
does not select any channel, the last channel is designated.
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As noted above, the CPU generates a table of pointers 736 to the
EPG stored in the memory. The table 736 is used for changing the
order of channels or programs according to the information to be
presented in the guide to the user. The table 736 includes an entry for
the address pointer to the corresponding channel data and an entry to
the corresponding program data.
A table for generating display information is stored in the ROM
37. Certain data from the table is read out from the ROM 37 and stored
in DRAM 25a. Preferably the data is stored in compressed form.
Therefore, when a character is displayed on a screen, the compressed
character array is decoded so as to generate the character to be
displayed. The encoder references a dictionary which includes a set of
words and frequently used portions of words and numbers
corresponding to each word or portion of a word. The encoder
encodes each word to each number by using the dictionary. The
decoder references the same dictionary as the encoder to perform the
decode function. Once decoded, each character of the decoded word
includes a character code corresponding to an American Standard
Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) code. Nonvolatile memory
(e.g., EEPROM 38) has two tables. The first table contains character
bitmaps in the different fonts available for each character. The second
table identifies the address in the first table at which to extract the
character bitmap. The address is determined according to the character
code. The bit map image of the character is transmitted to DRAM 25a
and subsequently accessed to display the character on the screen.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the channel data
is received from a predetermined transponder and the channel
number and channel name are stored in DRAM 25a. Additional
channel information such as the channel logo is stored in the ROM
36. The ROM 36 preferably includes a table of Logo IDs and the address
of Logo Data stored in ROM 36. Therefore, once a Logo ID is
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determined, the address of the Logo Data is determined, retrieved and
stored in DRAM 25a.
The channel data provides the beginning address of the
program data for a particular program. The actual location on the
screen at which the program information is displayed is dependent
upon the format of the guide. For example, in a time-based system,
the location where the program title is displayed is determined by the
start time and time length stored in the program data.
Using this information downloaded from the satellite
transmission, programming and channel selection information is
provided to the viewer. In the system and method of one
embodiment of the present invention, this information is provided to
the user in an innovative manner in order to enable the viewer to
easily determine and select stations or programs to be viewed. For
example, Figure 8 illustrates a Master Guide that provides such
information as the channel call sign 810, channel number 815 in the
system, the channel logo of the selected station 820, a highlight 825
indicating the location of the system pointer operable by the arrow
direction buttons, a program description 830 for the program the
system pointer is located at, as well as program time information 835.
This guide is superimposed on the broadcast of channel 840 at
which the system pointer is located. Thus, the user not only is
provided the television system data showing the television channels,
times of programming broadcasts and descriptions of programs, but is
also provided the audio and video of one channel, all on the same
menu level of the guide. By movement of the pointer 845 (in the
present example, by manipulation of the information highlighted),
the channel tuned to will change automatically, enabling the user to
stay in the menu while still previewing in part the actual channel
highlighted on the guide. This process is illustrated by Figures 9A, 9B,
and 9C. The discussion will now turn to general process flows for an
embodiment of the present invention.
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It is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that additional
functions can be added to the process and functions modified or
removed and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. The
system provides an innovative and user friendly access to a wealth of
information regarding programming available through the
broadcasting system. In the present invention a number of functions
are selectable through the remote control device. It is apparent that
these functions may be selectable through other devices such as a
joystick or other means such as an on screen menu.
Figure 10 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of translating a
display to a small window in one embodiment of the present
invention. The resizing process provides innovative feedback to the
user while providing the broadcast system time to perform the
computations necessary to resize the window. In the present
embodiment, the broadcast display is translated to a small window
when the user selects to display the electronic program guide. Thus
both the broadcast and the electronic program guide are displayed
without overlap. It is readily apparent that the window resizing
process can be used to resize windows for a variety of purposes.
Referring to Figure 10, operation begins at Block 1000, at which
a broadcasting system is tuned to a channel to provide a display of a
broadcast of a program. The broadcast window corresponds to the
entire display. Figure 11 illustrates a broadcast display 1102 in one
embodiment of the present invention. It is readily apparent that the
window size need not initially correspond to the entire display but can
be some portion of the display. Operation continues at Block 1002, at
which a series of successively smaller broadcast window outlines are
superimposed over the program display when it is desirable to
translate to a smaller window. Figure 12 illustrates superimposing
these successfully smaller broadcast window outlines 1202-1210 over a
broadcast display 1201 in the translation of a broadcast window in one
embodiment of the present invention. With reference to Figure 12,
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outline 1202 is displayed first, followed by outlines 1204, 1206, 1208,
and 1210, respectively. ,Preferably, outline 1202 is shorter in length and
narrower in width than the screen perimeter 1220, although it is
contemplated that the outlines can progress in one dimension. Each
of outlines 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210 is shorter in length and narrower
in width than the preceding outline, respectively.
Referring again to Figure 10, operation continues at Block 1004,
at which the program display is translated to a smaller broadcast
window. Preferably the size of the broadcast window is not changed
until the size of the smallest superimposed broadcast window outline
equals a predetermined smallest broadcast window size. In an
alternate embodiment, the size of the broadcast window changes as
the size of the outline changes.
Operation continues at >llock 1006, at which programming
information in the form of an electronic program guide is displayed
on the screen with the broadcast on the screen such that no portion of
the broadcast is covered by the electronic program guide. In an
alternate embodiment, programming information is displayed
performed prior to the translation of the program broadcast.
Figure 13 illustrates one embodiment of a display of an
electronic program guide 1301 with the program broadcast 1310 on a
screen 1320. The electronic program guide 1301 .includes the broadcast
channel number 1330, the broadcast network identification 1332, the
program title 1334, the start and end times for a program 1336, the
current day 1338, the current date 1340, and the current time 1342. It is
readily apparent that other embodiments of displays of electronic
program guides presenting different information may be utilized.
Referring to Figure 13, a user is able to readily view not only the
broadcast audio and video, but also the electronic program guide of
programming and the program description. A display information
packet 1302 containing a description of the program broadcast may be
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displayed with the electronic program guide 1310. The display
information packet 1302 also contains the program title 1350, the
broadcast network identification 1352, the broadcast channel number
1354, the start and end times of the program 1356, and the program
rating 1358. Alternatively, the user may selectively replace the display
of the display information packet 1302 with the display of an electronic
category guide. The electronic category guide contains a listing of
programming categories.
After viewing the programming selections on the electronic
program guide, a viewer may deselect the electronic program guide
display. The electronic program guide display is also deselected upon
selection of a channel by the user. Upon deselection of the electronic
program guide, the broadcast system translates the broadcast of a
program displayed in the small window by superimposing a series of
successively larger broadcast window outlines over the display. In the
present embodiment, the first larger broadcast window is longer in
length and wider in width than the small window in which the
program is displayed. Each successive outline is longer in length and
wider in width than the preceding outline. Following the translation,
the video broadcast is redisplayed in an area defined by each
successively larger broadcast window outline.
Figure 14 is an exemplary flowchart that illustrates one
embodiment of the process for integrating the translation of a display
to a small window with other functions of a broadcast system.
Operation begins at Block 1402, at which a television screen or display
is currently showing a broadcast of a selected station. Operation
continues at Block 1404, at which a user may select the electronic
program guide for display. The system monitors the states of the
buttons on a user's remote control device to determine when the user
has depressed a certain button. Implementation of monitoring, e.g.,
polling, interrupt driven events, are well known in the art and will
not be discussed further herein. If the user does not select the
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electronic program guide for display operation continues at Block
1402, at which the system continues to display the broadcast and
monitors selection by the user of the electronic program guide
function. If the user does select the electronic program guide for
display at Block 1404, then operation continues at Block 1406, at which
a series of successfully smaller broadcast window outlines are
displayed.
Operation continues at Block 1408, at which the display of a
broadcast is translated to a smaller broadcast window on the display.
Operation continues at Block 1410, at which an electronic program
guide is displayed in an area adjacent to the smaller broadcast window.
An exemplary electronic program guide was previously discussed
with reference to Figure 13. Operation continues at Block 1412, at
which a display information packet is displayed along with the
electronic program guide in an area adjacent to the broadcast window
on the electronic program guide. The display information packet
contains a description of the program that is currently selected.
Operation continues at Block 1414, at which a user may select an
electronic category guide for display using the buttons on the remote
control. If the user selects the display of an electronic category guide,
operation continues at Block 1416, at which the display of an electronic
category guide replaces the display of the display information packet.
The electronic category guide includes a number of programming
categories. The broadcast system then identifies programs on channels
that correspond to each category contained in the electronic category
guide. The programs that correspond to the particular categories of
the electronic category guide are then highlighted on the electronic
program guide.
If the user does not select the electronic category guide for
display, or following the display of the electronic category guide when
the user selects the electronic category guide for display, operation
continues at Block 1418, at which the user may deselect the display of
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the electronic program guide using the buttons on the remote control.
If the user does not deselect the electronic program guide at Block
1418, operation continues at Block 1410, at which the broadcast system
continues to display the electronic program guide. If the user does
deselect the electronic program guide at Block 1418, operation
continues at Block 1420, at which a series of successfully larger
broadcast window outlines are displayed. Operation continues at
Block 1422, at which the electronic program guide is removed from
the display. If the electronic category guide was not selected by the
user, then the display information packet is also removed from the
display at Block 1422. If the electronic category guide was selected by
the user, then the electronic category guide is also removed from the
display at Block 1422. Operation continues at Block 1424, at which the
display of the broadcast is translated to a larger window on the display
screen.
As noted earlier and referring again to Figure 13, the user may
select a display information packet for display along with the
electronic program guide. In one embodiment, the display
information packet contains a description of the program selected for
display. Preferably, the system automatically resizes the text of the
display information packet such that all the text appears in the
window. Figure 15 illustrates a display of an electronic program guide
in one embodiment of the present invention that is displayed with a
display information packet 1502 that contains a greater number of
characters than the display information packet 1302 of Figure 13. As
the area allocated for the display information packet in one
embodiment of the broadcasting system is of a constant fixed size, the
broadcasting system is configured to adjust the font size of the
characters based on the number of characters present for display.
Optimization of the font size causes a maximum number of characters
to be displayed for a given display area.
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Figure 16 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of the process
for optimizing the font size for an available display space in one
embodiment of the present invention. Operation begins at Block 1602,
at which the broadcast system determines a number of characters to be
displayed. Operation continues at Block 1604, at which the broadcast
system determines the number of display pixels available for character
display. Operation continues at Block 1606, at which the broadcast
system adjusts the character font size in order to display all characters
in the available number of display pixels. Operation continues at
Block 1608, at which the broadcasting system displays the characters in
the display information packet.
Figure 17 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of the process
for integrating the process of optimization of the font size in the
display information packet with other functions of a broadcast system
in one embodiment of the present invention. Operation begins at
Block 1702, at which a television screen or display is currently
showing a broadcast of a selected station. Operation continues at Block
1704, at which a user may select a display of an electronic program
guide. If the user does not select the electronic program guide for
display, operation continues at Block 1702, at which the system
continues to display the broadcast. If the user does select the display of
an electronic program guide operation continues at Block 1706, at
which the electronic program guide is displayed. Operation continues
at Block 1708, at which a user selects a display information packet for
display along with the electronic program guide.
Upon selection of the display information packet for display,
operation continues at Block 1710, at which the broadcast system
determines the number of pixels available for the display information
packet. Operation continues at Block 1712, at which the broadcast
system determines the number of characters in the display
information packet that are to be displayed. In one embodiment, the
maximum number of characters is 256. Operation continues at Block
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1714, at which the broadcasting system determines if the number of
characters is less than 180. One embodiment of the present invention
uses three font sizes for the displaying characters in the display
information packet. If the broadcast system determines at Block 1714
that the number of characters is less than 180, then the broadcast
system selects the largest of the three font sizes. Following selection of
the largest font size, operation continues at Block 1722, at which the
broadcast system displays the display information packet using the
largest font.
If the broadcast system determines at Block 1714 that the
number of characters is not less than 180, then operation continues at
Block 1716, at which the broadcasting system determines if the
number of characters is greater than 180 and less then 220 characters.
If the number of characters is greater than 180 and less than 220 then
the broadcast system selects the medium font size. Following
selection of the medium font size, operation continues at Block 1722,
at which the broadcast system displays the display information packet
using the medium sized font.
If the broadcast system determines at Block 1714 that the
number of characters is not more than 180 and less than 220, then
operation continues at Block 1718, at which the broadcast system
determines that the number of characters is more than 220. Operation
continues at Block 1720, at which the broadcast system selects the
smallest of the three font sizes. Operation continues at Block 1722, at
which the broadcast system displays the display information packet
using the smallest font size.
Because the number of television broadcasting stations
accessible today includes hundreds of stations, many viewers channel
surf until they find a channel that has a desirable program. Channel
surfing refers to the process of using the channel plus or minus key to
sequentially view each channel. While some viewers find channel
surfing among hundreds of stations enjoyable, some viewers prefer a
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more direct method of program selection. For this reason, an
embodiment of the system of the present invention uses two modes, a
non-channel surfing mode and a channel surfing mode, from which a
user may select channels to view.
The non-channel surfing mode is described with reference to
Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C. When the user selects the non-channel
surfing mode, the broadcast system is first tuned to a channel 233 to
provide a broadcast of a program on the screen or display 910. The
user then selects a display of an electronic program guide 912 for
identifying the channels available on the broadcast system and the
programming available on the channels. A display information
packet 916 is displayed along with the electronic program guide 912,
and the display information packet 916 contains a description of the
program to which the broadcast system is currently tuned.
Furthermore, a system pointer 918 is displayed on the electronic
program guide 912. The system pointer 918 is used to select a program
for viewing by the user and, as such, may be manipulated by the user
within the area of the electronic program guide 912. In the non-
channel surfing mode the broadcast system is tuned to the channel
that is pointed to by the system pointer 918. Furthermore, the display
information packet 916 displays a program description for the program
to which the broadcasting system is tuned. Therefore, when the user
manipulates the system pointer to a different channel 229 and 240 in
the non-channel surfing mode, the broadcast system tunes to that
channel and displays the program 975 and 930 currently being
broadcast on that channel, respectively.
In contrast to the non-channel surfing mode, is the channel
surfing mode of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18
is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of the process of channel surfing
in one embodiment of the present invention. At Block 1802, the
broadcast system is tuned to a first channel arid a display is generated
consisting of a broadcast window, an electronic program guide, a
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display information packet, and a system pointer. A first program
broadcast is displayed in the broadcast window. Operation continues
at Block 1804, at which a display information packet is displayed for
the first program broadcast. This display information packet contains
a description of the first program broadcast. At Block 1806, the user
moves the system pointer to an area of the electronic program guide
associated with a second program broadcast. Operation continues at
Block 1808, at which the broadcast system replaces the display
information packet of the first program with a display information
packet of a second program broadcast. The broadcast system remains
tuned to the first program broadcast and continues to display the first
program broadcast.
In the channel surfing mode the user may manipulate the
system pointer to a program or channel in the electronic program
guide that is different from the program or channel currently being
broadcast. For this reason, it is preferred that the broadcast system
provides in the electronic program guide an indication to the user as
to the status of the broadcast system tuner and the system pointer.
However, the status indication is not required to operate the channel
surfing mode in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. Figure 19 is an exemplary flowchart illustrative of the
process for providing tuner and pointer status display in one
embodiment of the present invention. An electronic program guide
is generated at Block 1902. At Block 1904, a system pointer is supplied
for the electronic program guide. Operation continues at Block 1906,
at which a status indication is provided of the system tuner and the
system pointer.
Each program displayed in the electronic program guide is
displayed in a program block or area that is associated with a particular
channel and a particular time slot. The status indication is provided
by controlling the appearance of the program block in accordance with
the location of the system pointer and the channel to which the
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system is tuned. In particular, when the broadcast system is tuned to a
program, and therefore the broadcast window displays the
programming of the channel the system is tuned to, the
corresponding program block is displayed on the electronic program
guide as appearing to be depressed into the screen. The program
blocks of the remaining programs not broadcasted but shown in the
electronic program guide appear to be protruding from the screen.
Therefore, when the broadcasting system is not tuned to a program
the corresponding program block is displayed on the electronic
program guide as appearing to be protruding from the screen. The
status indication of the system pointer causes a different effect. In
particular, when the system pointer is pointing to a program the
corresponding program block is displayed as highlighted on the
electronic program guide. When the system pointer is not pointing to
a program the corresponding program block is displayed as not
highlighted on the electronic program guide.
There are four primary combinations of the status indications
as used by an embodiment of the broadcast system of the present
invention. First, the display of a program block appears depressed into
the screen and highlighted to indicate that the broadcast system is
tuned to the corresponding program and the system pointer is
pointing to the corresponding program.. Second, the display of a
program block appears depressed into the screen and unhighlighted to
indicate that the broadcast system is tuned to the corresponding
program while the system pointer is pointing to a different program.
Third, the display of a program block appears protruding from the
screen and highlighted to indicate that the system pointer is pointing
to the corresponding program while the broadcast system is tuned to a
different program. Fourth, the display of a program block appears
protruding from the screen and unhighlighted to indicate that the
broadcast system is not tuned to the corresponding program and the
system pointer is not pointing to the corresponding program.
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Figure 13 illustrates a tuner and pointer status display in one
embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast system of Figure
I3 is tuned to the National Geographic Explorer program on the TBS
network as indicated by the corresponding program block 1380
appearing to be depressed into the screen. The system pointer is also
pointing to the National Geographic Explorer program as indicated by
the highlighting of program block 1380.
Figure 20 illustrates the situation in which a broadcast system is
tuned to one channel and the system pointer is pointing somewhere
other than to the channel which is tuned. In particular, the broadcast
system of Figure 20 is tuned to the National Geographic Explorer
program on the TBS network as indicated by the corresponding
program block 2002 appearing to be depressed into the screen. An
electronic category guide is selected for display instead of a display
information packet. The system pointer is pointing to the "ALL"
category box 2004 in the electronic category guide as indicated by the
highlighting of the category block 2004.
As shown in Figure 20, instead of selecting a display
information packet for display at Block 1806 of Figure 18, the user may
select an electronic category guide 2006 for display with the electronic
program guide 2001. The electronic category guide 2006 includes a
number of programming categories 2010. The broadcast system then
identifies programs on channels that correspond to each category 2010
contained in the electronic category guide 2006. The programs that
correspond to the particular categories of the electronic category guide
2006 are then indicated or highlighted on the electronic program guide
2001. The system pointer may be manipulated by the user to an area of
the electronic category guide 2006, and system pointer status is
indicated. When the system pointer is pointing to a category block the
category block is displayed as highlighted on the electronic category
guide 2006. The system pointer is pointing to the "ALL" category block
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2004 in the electronic category guide 2006 as indicated by the
highlighting of category block 2004.
If the user, typically using the broadcast system remote control,
selects one of the categories from .the electronic category guide, then
the display of the electronic category guide is replaced with a display of
an electronic su~:~:.ategory guide. Figure 21 illustrates the display of an
electronic subcategory guide 2102 with an electronic program guide
2104 in one embodiment of the present invention. The selected
category 2106 is displayed along with the electronic subcategory guide
2102 and the electronic program guide 2104. The electronic
subcategory guide 2102 includes a number of subcategories 2108. The
broadcast system identifies programs on channels that correspond to
each subcategory contained in the electronic subcategory guide 2102.
The programs that correspond to the particular categories of the
electronic subcategory guide 2102 are indicated or highlighted on the
electronic program guide. The status of the system pointer is shown
and changed as the pointer is moved about the display. For example,
the system pointer may be manipulated by the user to an area of the
electronic subcategory guide 2102. When the system pointer is
pointing to a subcategory block the subcategory block is displayed as
highlighted on the electronic category guide. In Figure 21, he system
pointer is pointing to the "ALL" subcategory block 2108 in the
electronic subcategory guide 2102 as indicated by the highlighting of
subcategory block 2108.
The multiple channel broadcasting system of one embodiment
of the present invention provides a user with several options
regarding the programs available for broadcast. The multiple channel
broadcasting system allows the user to select pay-per-view broadcasts
for purchase. In addition, the broadcast system allows the user to
select corresponding programs for recording. Furthermore, the
multiple channel broadcasting system allows the user to set a
broadcasting system timer to automatically tune the broadcasting
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system to a program at a particular time. Moreover, the multiple
channel broadcasting system allows the user to designate certain
programs as favorite programs. Consequently, the multiple channel
broadcasting system of one embodiment of the present invention
displays icons that provide the user with the status of the programs
while viewing the electronic program guide.
Figure 22 is an exemplary flowchart that illustrates the process
for providing an icon to indicate program status in one embodiment
of the present invention. Operation begins at Block 2202, at which the
broadcasting system is tuned to display a program broadcast.
Operation continues at Block 2204, at which an electronic program
guide is generated. Electronic menus may be displayed along with the
electronic program guide. The electronic menus control pay-per-view
purchases, selections of programs for recording, setting of the
broadcasting system timer, and selection of favorite programs. At
Block 2206, graphic images are generated that indicate program status.
Operation continues at Block 2208, at which the graphic images are
displayed within the electronic program guide. The icons or graphic
images may serve as electronic links between the electronic program
guide and a corresponding menu of the electronic menus and a
display information packet.
Figure 23 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide
having program status icons in one embodiment of the present
invention. The icon 2302 displayed in program block 2304 to indicate
that a pay-per-view broadcast is selected resembles a dollar sign. The
icon 2306 displayed in program block 2308 to indicate that a broadcast
is selected for recording resembles a videocassette tape. The icon 2310
displayed in program block 2312 to indicate that the broadcast system
timer is set to tune the broadcast system to a program at the time of
the corresponding program resembles a clock. An icon may be
' displayed in a program block to indicate that a program is a favorite
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program. Icon 2314 in program block 2316 is one possible
representation of a favorite program icon.
The multiple channel broadcasting system of one embodiment
of the present invention provides a display of the time wherein a user
can view the current time in relation to the times of programming
and the program blocks. Figure 24 is an exemplary flowchart that
illustrates a process for providing a time bar with the current time
marker in one embodiment of the present invention. Operation
begins at Block 2402, at which a television screen or display is
currently showing a broadcast of a selected station. Operation
continues at Block 2404, at which a user may select a display of an
electronic program guide. If the user does not select display of an
electronic program guide operation continues at Block 2402, at which
the broadcasting system continues to display the broadcast of the
currently selected station. If the user selects the display of an
electronic program guide, operation continues at Block 2406, at which
the electronic program guide is displayed by the broadcast system.
Following display of the electronic program guide, operation
continues at Block 2408, at which a time bar is displayed that identifies
times of programming on the channels in the broadcasting system.
Operation continues at Block 2410, at which a graphical representation
of the current time is generated. Operation continues at Block 2412, at
which the graphical representation of the current time is displayed in
proximity to the time bar so as to indicate the current time in relation
to the times of programming on the channels of the broadcast system.
In one embodiment of the present invention the graphical
representation of time is displayed as an inverted triangle on the time
bar. The graphical representation of time may include a digital display
of the current time. The graphical representation of time may also
include an icon with the display of the current time.
Figure 25 illustrates the display of an electronic program guide
and a graphical representation of the current time in relation to the
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times of channel programming in one embodiment of the present
invention. When the user selects the display of an electronic program
guide, the electronic program guide 2502 is displayed by the broadcast
system. With the electronic program guide, a time bar 2504 is
displayed that identifies times of programming 2506 on the channels
in the broadcasting system. An embodiment of the present invention
generates a graphical representation of the current time 2508. This
graphical representation of the current time 2508 is displayed in
proximity to the time bar 2504 so as to indicate the current time in
relation to the times of programming on the channels of the broadcast
system. This graphical representation of the current time 2508 is
displayed as an inverted triangle on the time bar and includes a digital
display of the current time.
In addition to the electronic program guide discussed herein, an
embodiment of the multiple broadcasting system of the present
invention provides an on screen menu display that enables the user
to operate different functions of the system. Figure 26 is an exemplary
flowchart that illustrates the process for providing an on screen menu
having differing transparency levels in one embodiment of the
present invention.
In Figure 26, operation begins at Block 2602, at which an
electronic menu display is generated. The menu display comprises
multiple components, multiple alphanumeric characters, and
multiple icons that identify different functions of the broadcast
system. Operation continues at Block 2604, at which different levels of
transparency are applied to the different electronic menu components.
The different levels of transparency are applied to the components so
that the number of opaque components is minimized and the
background is highly transparent. Operation continues at Block 2606,
at which the electronic menu is superimposed over the display of a
program broadcast. While the opaque components are minimized,
the obstruction of the video of the broadcast by the electronic menu
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display is minimized. Preferably, the different transparency levels
may be selected by the user.
When the user selects an electronic menu for display, then
alphanumeric characters and icons are generated that identify
different broadcast system functions. The user may select the
transparency levels to be applied to the characters and icons of the
electronic menu display. If the user does not select the transparency
levels to be applied to the characters and icons of the electronic menu,
then the multiple channel broadcasting system applies the least
transparent Ievel of transparency to the electronic menu icons.
Furthermore, the multiple channel broadcasting system applies the
least transparent level of transparency to the verbal description of the
broadcasting system functions. Moreover, the multiple channel
broadcasting system applies the most transparent level of transparency
to the numerals of the electronic menu display.
Figure 27 illustrates the display of an on screen menu having
differing transparency levels in one embodiment of the present
invention. The electronic menu display 2702 comprises multiple
components 2711-2719, multiple alphanumeric characters 2720-2722,
and multiple icons 2731-2739 that identify different functions of the
broadcast system. Different levels of transparency are applied to the
different electronic menu components. The different levels of
transparency are applied to the components so that the number of
opaque components is minimized and the background is highly
transparent. Following generation of the electronic menu 2702, the
electronic menu 2702 is superimposed over a program broadcast 2750.
The invention has been described in conjunction with the
preferred embodiment. Although the present invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be
evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these
embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of
the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification
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and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
