Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH CONTENT
IN AN ORGANIZED AND CATEGORIZED FASHION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a method and system for providing content in an
organized and categorized manner. In particular, this invention is directed to
a method and
system for delivering television programming which is categorized in domains
and for
delivering navigational tools which provide information about and access to
multiple channels
or programs. Users can navigate through the domains, tools, and channels with
a feeling of
three dimensional movement.
In the early days of television, viewers were offered few channels and a
limited
number of programs. Indeed, over-the-air television broadcasting in any given
region was, and
still is, limited to only about half of the thirteen VHF channels and several
UHF channels. With
limited channels and programming, viewers had little difficulty choosing what
to watch at a
given time by simply switching from one channel to the next until a desired
program was
presented.
The advent of cable and satellite television broadcast systems increased the
number of channels being delivered. Presently, many programming providers,
whether using
cable, microwave, satellite, or the like, provide upwards of 60 to 100
channels of programming
at any time. As with over-the-air broadcasting, the channels are arranged
linearly in numeric
order, e.g., from channel 1 through channel 99. Viewers change channels or
"channel surf" by
either moving from channel to channel in linear fashion or by selecting a
specific channel by
number and jumping directly from another channel to that channel.
The increased channel capacity of newer systems has provided the opportunity
and need to offer a greater number and variety of programming of different
types. For example,
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not only are there an increased number of conventional television programs
such as situation
comedies, dramas, game shows, and the like, but television now provides a
proliferation of talk
shows, cooking shows, music videos, shopping programs, movies, and more.
Furthermore,
entire channels are devoted to showing only programming of a specific category
or group, such
as movie channels, comedy channels, cooking channels, sports channels,
shopping channels,
etc. Cable and satellite system operators offer some of these channels as part
of a "base"
subscription package, and offer other channels, such as Home Box Office or
Showtime, only for
a premium. Additional channels offer programs on a pay-per-view basis.
With the increased number of channels and programs offered by cable and
satellite systems, it becomes more difficult for viewers to identify the
programming choices at
any time by channel surfing. The time taken to move from channel to channel,
wait at each
channel to determine what program is on, and decide whether to watch the
program seriously
cuts down viewing time once a program is selected. In addition, the viewer
must remember
what program is playing on each channel in order to decide what to watch and
return to a prior
channel if desired. Finally, this type of channel surfing makes viewing by
other viewers a
jumpy, disconcerting, and generally unpleasant experience.
New technological developments such as digital video and high definition
television promise to dramatically increase the number of channels available.
Television
broadcasting systems of the near future will likely have 500 or even 1000
channels available for
viewing at any given time. Interactive services, including video on demand and
Internet or on-
line services provide even more potentially available content for distribution
over television
broadcast systems. The problems described above associated with channel
surfing through a
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more limited number of channels will clearly become exponentially more
serious, to the point
where conventional channel surfing techniques become entirely unusable.
Thus, there is a need for a new system for organizing and navigating through
television channels and programs. The present invention provides such a
system. Furthermore,
with such a large quantity of programming content available to viewers, it is
desirable to
organize the content in a manner that is intuitive and provides for highly
efficient viewing by
the viewing audience. The present invention provides a viewing audience with
content
organized and presented to facilitate navigation through the content in an
efficient and intuitive
manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to solve the deficiencies noted above
in
current television programming delivery and selection.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an interface for
television
program selection that makes the process of selecting and viewing programs non-
intimidating,
pleasant, and entertaining.
It is another object of the invention to provide a navigation system
advantageous
for use with various types of data including on-line services over the
Internet, kiosks or
information booths, Internet browsers, as well as conventional television
programming or
movies. Such a navigation system provides an easy transition from today's
limited viewing
choices to the unlimited pallet of digital television, to encourage access to
a maximum number
of relevant program offerings, and to remove the fear, uncertainty and
intimidation factors from
digital television.
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It is another object of the invention to provide viewers with new options for
obtaining information and navigating through the many channels provided for
viewing.
It is another object of the invention to provide viewers with more options for
navigating through the information provided.
These and other objects are provided by a system and method for delivering
content that is organized to allow a viewer to access desired programming in
an orderly fashion
and which provides viewers with a feeling of three dimensional movement while
navigating
through content choices. The method involves categorizing the content into a
plurality of
domains according to related subject matter. Example domains include
television, movies,
shopping, cooking, sports, local, kids and the like. A plurality of
navigational tools are
provided which each offer information about a variety of content choices in a
given domain.
Some tools also provide access to the content choices; that is, allow users to
move from the tool
to the display of the content choice. The tools are, for example, a host tool,
where a "host" gives
a tour of the content available in a given domain, a multiscreen browser which
displays
audiovisual representations of the content choices, and an intelligent program
guide which
scrolls the content choices for a given time period. The tools are generally
ordered to
correspond to the cognitive abilities of viewers, with tools ranging from the
simple host tool
which presents preselected choices to a custom tool which allows viewers to
program viewing
selections and parameters.
When the system is applied to a television environment, the television
programming originates at a head end, is organized and categorized into
domains, tools and
channels, and is processed for distribution through cable or another type of
wired or wireless
broadcast distribution. At the user locations, a set top box and remote
control are provided. The
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set top box includes appropriate demultiplexing and decoding circuitry in
order to develop
signals playable by a television receiver. The playable signals are then
output to the television
set for display. The remote control contains special buttons for navigating
between domains and
tools, and for performing other advantageous functions such as tagging
programs for later
viewing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the
following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a pictorial representation of a user viewing content in accordance
with
the present system illustrating a plurality of tools and domains;
Fig. 2 is a pictorial representation similar to Fig. 1 showing a user
navigating
through channels within the television domain and channel tool;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a television screen including a
plurality of
hot-spots;
Figs. 4A and 4B are elevational views of two sides of a remote control
designed
in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 4C is a back and right side perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of a
remote control designed in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 4D is a back side elevational view thereof;
Fig. 4E is a front and right side perspective view thereof;
Fig. 4F is a front side elevational view thereof;
Fig. 5 is an exemplary two dimensional map of tools versus domains;
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Fig 6 is an exemplary three dimensional map illustrating the third dimension
of
the television domain of the map of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a screen display of a map listing tools along a first axis and
domains
along a second axis;
Fig. 8 is a sample tool screen illustrating common tool screen elements used
in
one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the process of providing transitional segments
when moving between domains and tools;
Figs. 10A - 10H are a sequence of screen displays showing a transition between
domains in accordance with the flow chart in Fig. 11;
Figs. 11A - 11H are a sequence of screen displays showing a transition between
tools in accordance with the flow chart in Fig. 11;
Fig. 12 is an exemplary illustration of an exemplary screen in the host tool;
Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing the process of navigating around the host
tool;
Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing the process of displaying events in accordance
with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is an illustration of an exemplary screen in the multiscreen browser
tool;
Figs. 16A - 16B contain a flow chart showing the process of creating and
navigating around the multiscreen browser tool in accordance with one
embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 17 shows a video source and grid overlay for the multiscreen browser tool
of one embodiment of the present invention;
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Figs. 18 and 19 contain flow charts showing the processes of generating a tag
edit menu and tagging programs or channels for later viewing;
Fig. 20 is an exemplary tag edit menu generated and used according to the
processes shown in Figs. 18 and 19;
Fig. 21 is a diagrammatic illustration in top plan view of a data plane
approach
to an intelligent program guide with a lens transposed thereon;
Fig. 22 is a diagrammatic illustration in isometric view of a data plane
approach
to an intelligent program guide with a viewer's sight path through a lens
illustrated;
Figs. 23A - 23C illustrate a first embodiment of a sequence of screens in the
intelligent program guide showing the handling of programming that is longer
than one half (1/2)
hour;
Fig. 24A - 24C illustrate a second embodiment of a sequence of screens in the
intelligent program guide showing the handling of programming that is longer
than one half (')
hour;
Fig. 25 is a flow chart showing the process of generating and navigating
through
the intelligent program guide tool in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
Figs. 26 and 27 contain flow charts showing the process of moving the program
guide grid in the intelligent program guide tool;
Fig. 28 is a flow chart showing the process of presenting a picture-in-
graphics
cell in the intelligent program guide tool of one embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 29 is a flow chart showing the process of navigating and making
selections
in a pick menu in the intelligent program guide;
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Figs. 30 and 31 show exemplary screens for the intelligent program guide tool
for specific categories and domains;
Figs. 32A - 32D contain flow charts showing the process of navigating within
the channel tool of one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 33 is an exemplary screen in the channel tool with an informational
banner
displayed in full;
Fig. 34 is an exemplary screen in the custom tool;
Figs. 35A - 35B contain flow charts showing the process of selecting and
storing
favorite channels in the custom tool;
Figs. 36A - 36B contain flow charts showing the process of setting blocked
channels and programs in the custom tool;
Figs. 37A - 37C illustrate exemplary channel rings with current data pointers
for
the host, MSB and viewing tools in the television domain;
Figs. 38A - 38C illustrate exemplary channel rings with current data pointers
for
the custom, IPG and information tools in the television domain;
Figs. 39A - 39B illustrate exemplary channel rings with current data pointers,
sorted for news and blocked for adult content in the viewing tool and IPG in
the television
domain; and
Fig. 40 is an exemplary two dimensional map illustrating policies for context
sensitive switching.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiments of the present invention described below illustrate
the invention as applied to television programming. While television
programming is a
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preferred application of the present invention, all types of content are
contemplated within the
scope of the invention. For example, the present invention may be applied to
content provided
over the Internet by on-line services, other communication networks, in kiosks
or other
information booths, by Internet browsing software, etc. Thus, the terms
programming and
content are used to generally describe all types of audio and video
information as well as digital
data.
Conceptual Overview of Navigational System
In accordance with the present invention, a navigational system is provided in
which programming to be distributed is categorized and organized to facilitate
navigation by
viewers through the programming. The full set of available programming is
organized into a
number of domains, each of which represents some categorical class or business
unit of
programming. Examples of domains include television, movies, local
programming, sports, and
others. Each of the domains may be further organized into more particular
categories of
programming specific to that domain. For example, the television domain may be
broken into
categories such as news, comedy, drama, etc., each representing a type of
program available in
the television domain.
In addition to organizing programming into domains, the navigational system of
the present invention provides a number of navigation tools to viewers. The
navigation tools
provide current or future programming choices to viewers through different
user interfaces. The
specific programming choices made available depend upon the tool being used
and the viewer's
current domain and category. Some tools provide a limited number of
preselected choices,
while other tools present all the programming choices and allow viewers to
narrow the choices
by selecting certain categories. For example, if a viewer is using a tool in
the television domain
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and the viewer selects the comedy category, the tool will present program
choices related to
television comedy programs. The viewer can select one of the program choices
for viewing
and, if the selected program is currently available, the selected program is
presented to the
viewer. If the viewer changes to the movies domain, the tool will present a
choice of movies
available for viewing.
Figs. 1 and 2 pictorially illustrate the mental impression a user receives
when
navigating through the navigational system of the present system. For ease of
illustration, the
example of Fig. 1 illustrates only three domains 10: television, movies, and
local programming.
The domains 10 are arranged in a circle because they are sequentially
accessible by the viewer
in a looped configuration. That is, the viewer can move from the television
domain to the
movies domain to the local domain and then back to the television domain. Each
time the
viewer changes domains along the loop, a perception of moving around the
circle is realized.
The navigational system provides transitional segments, described below, when
moving
between domains to enhance the viewer's feeling of motion when navigating
between domains.
As shown in Fig. 1, a series of tools 12 are illustrated arranged along a
radius of
the domain circle. Although the tools 12 are shown with reference to the
television domain,
they are accessible in each of the domains. The viewer may scroll from tool to
tool within the
television domain, and may change domains 10 while using one of the tools 12.
As the viewer
scrolls through the tools 12, the viewer gets a feeling of motion in a
direction perpendicular to
the direction of motion between domains 10. Transitional segments are provided
to enhance
this perception of movement between tools as compared to movement between
domains.
At the intersection of each domain and tool, representing a layer or level in
the
system and sometimes referred to herein as a "zone," the viewer is given a
selection of
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programming choices for viewing. The specific programming choices in each zone
are
determined by the current domain and category of programming or channel, and
the manner in
which these choices are presented is determined by the tool being used. In
Fig. 2, different
channels of programming content available in a given zone are aligned along an
additional axis,
pictorially represented in a linear fashion along a virtual vertical axis
orthogonal to the radius
14. The movement within a zone from channel to channel or from category to
category
provides the feeling of transition which is different than the transitions
between domains or
tools.
The navigational system of the present invention may be implemented in a one
way or two way broadcast system and makes use of certain special hardware
devices including a
set top box and remote control. The following sections describe these
elements.
System Architecture
A one way broadcast system generally includes a head end and a plurality of
receiving ends at subscriber's homes. The transmission from head end to
subscribers may be by
direct dish-to-dish microwave, cable, satellite or other transmission media
known to those of
skill in the art.
In preferred embodiments, the head end system converts analog television
programming into compressed digital information suitable for transmission in
accordance with
techniques known to those of skill in the art. The digital video information,
which may be in
MPEG format, is transmitted as digital channels, with multiple digital
channels being
transmitted in a single tunable frequency band. The set top box can tune to
one of the frequency
bands and generally includes circuitry for digital video decoding, including a
demultiplexer,
processor, and MPEG and graphics overlay processor and memory chips. A set top
box
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designed to perform digital video decoding and to support the functionality of
the present
invention is available from Zenith Electronics Corporation of Glenview,
Illinois and DiviCom
Inc. of Milpitas, California. Additional data is transmitted in the frequency
bands, such as
program guide data used to support the intelligent program guide tool of the
present invention,
described in greater detail below.
A two-way or interactive broadcast system is similar to the one way system,
except that an additional means is provided for transmission of signals from
the set top box to
the head end. This additional means may include a telephone link from the set
top box to the
head end, one or more back channels in a cable system to transmit intermittent
bursts of
information from the set top box to the head end, or, in a wireless broadcast
system, a
transmitter in the set top box to wirelessly transmit information back to the
head end. Two way
communication facilitates an array of services to be provided, such as video
on demand,
purchasing of products seen on television, etc. Additional embodiments of a
two way system
may become practicable as developments are made in the art.
As explained above, a preferred use for this system is to provide television
programming, including standard and premium television channels, movies and
pay-per-view
events through separate channels. However, content other than video may also
be provided.
For example, the system may be adapted to transmit pages of any kind of text,
picture and other
multimedia elements encoded as hypertext markup language (HTML) data with
accompanying
files such that world wide web-like pages can be delivered to the television
screen.
As described in detail below, several of the navigation tools of the present
invention provide an interactive interface which allows viewers to select
programs or channels
for immediate or later viewing. In a one way broadcast system, the viewer's
selections in these
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tools can not be communicated back to the head end. Therefore, functionality
must be provided
with the broadcast content which allows viewers to interact with the tools on
a real time basis.
This functionality is useful even in a two way broadcasting system to minimize
the amount of
up channel communication required for viewer interaction.
To provide this functionality, programs and other data are transmitted from
the
head end along with and linked to audiovisual content. The programs include
overlay functions
which link data with the audiovisual content and create actionable areas on a
television screen
which can be selected by viewers and which, when selected, provide links to
video, audio,
graphics or other data events. The data defining these actionable areas,
referred to herein as
"hot-spots," and linking them to the actionable events is also provided with
the broadcast
content. The overlay functions and hot-spot data are synchronized with the
audiovisual content
to give viewers the ability to interact with the hot-spots and cause the
overlay functions to
operate and display the linked audiovisual or other data.
Examples of hot-spots are shown in Fig. 4. A television receiver 34 is
illustrated
which includes a screen 40 with four hot-spots 42, 44, 46 and 48 indicated
thereon. The hot-
spots are predetermined areas on the screen that can be accessed by a remote
control, mouse
(not shown), or other conventional input device. Each hot-spot is defined by
data provided with
the audiovisual content. This data may include, for example, predetermined
coordinates. For
example, in Fig. 4, the upper left hand corner of hot-spot 42 may be defined
by x and y
coordinates xl = 100, yl =90 and the lower right hand corner may be defined by
coordinates x2
= 300, y2 = 220. Using this coordinate data, a computer program resident in
the set top box can
draw a rectangle representing the hot-spot and overlay the hot-spot with
audiovisual or other
content to be presented at that location on the screen. Viewers can move from
hot-spot to hot-
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spot using directional keys on the remote control, described below, and the
program displays a
visual indication of the currently activated hot-spot, such as a highlight
around the hot-spot.
When the viewer selects one of the hot-spots, such as by activating a button
on
the remote control, the set top box program determines whether a hot-spot
exists and is
currently activated, and if so, the program automatically changes the state of
the screen being
displayed by moving to the event linked to and indicated by the hot-spot. In
the typical
situation, this would be a full screen presentation of the audiovisual
sequence illustrated within
the hot-spot. However, it may be other information such as alternate audio,
graphics, text or
other appropriate content like a game.
The overlay functions include a variety of retrievable information and
interactive
functions that are made available to viewers while viewing a particular
television program or
tool. Each television program may have unique overlay functions since the
overlay functions
made available are based upon the unique content of each program. When a
television program
having overlay functions and associated interface data is sent by the content
provider from the
head end to a viewer, the overlay functions and interface data for the
television program are
synchronized with the television program and loaded into the viewer's set top
box. The set top
box, described in more detail below, contains a processor which reads the
overlay functions and
interface data, implements the interface, and enables the overlay functions in
real time and in
synchronization with the associated actionable event in the programming. As
the viewer
interacts with the television program through the synchronized interface, the
set top box
implements the relevant overlay functions selected by the viewer.
Alternatively, in a two way
broadcast system, the set top box may communicate with the content provider as
necessary to
implement certain overlay functions selected by the user.
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Remote Control
An infrared remote unit 68, illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B, sends signals
input by
a viewer to an infrared input of the set top box. The remote control unit 68
contains a number
of features to facilitate use of the navigational features and tools of the
present invention. The
exemplary remote control unit 68 includes a housing 70 which houses a light
emitting diode
(LED) unit 72 and electronics (not shown). The remote control unit 68 has two
sides 68A (Fig.
4A) and 68B (Fig. 4B). A keypad positioned on a first side 68A of the remote
control unit 68,
generally indicated at 96, includes numbers 0 through 9 as well as a star (*)
button and pound
(#) button.
A channel up/channel down key or button 74 is provided on each side of the
remote control unit 68 with a center toggle, so that a single button is used
for both channeling
up and channeling down in a conventional manner. Additionally, a volume
up/volume down
button 100 is provided on each side of the remote control unit 68 with a
center toggle, so that
the volume control is also on a single actuation button. Viewers can thus use
the first side 68A
of the remote control unit 68 in a conventional, "channel surfing" fashion.
The first side 68A of
the remote control unit 68 also contains conventional buttons for activating a
VCR, generally
indicated at 102, which can be programmed in a conventional manner to activate
any VCR unit,
a mode button 104 which changes remote control modes between cable,
television, and VCR
(also contained on the second side 68B); and other keys conventional to remote
control units.
In accordance with the present invention, in addition to moving between
channels viewers may also move between domains and tools. At the center of the
second side
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68B of the remote control unit 68 are a series of actuation keys or buttons 75-
80 used by
viewers to navigate between domains and tools. Actuation buttons 75 and 76,
positioned in an
opposing up and down arrangement, are provided to move up and down between
tools.
Actuation buttons 78 and 80, positioned in an opposing left and right
arrangement, are provided
for movement between domains. A press of either button 75 or 76 causes
movement from one
tool to another and a press of either directional button 78 or 80 causes
linear movement from
one domain to another. The second side 688 also contains channel and volume
buttons 74 and
100, so viewers need not flip the remote control over to change channels or
volume.
To help remind viewers of the difference between navigating between domains
and tools and simply changing channels, the domain and tool actuation keys 75-
80 on the
remote control unit 68 are provided with a different shape than the channel
button 74. The
actuation buttons 75-80 are provided in an essentially circular arrangement
with an indented
contour from the center outward for an aesthetically sophisticated
arrangement.
Four directional keys or buttons 82-88 are provided on the remote control for
navigating within the tools. The specific operation of these directional keys
depends upon the
tool, as will be described in greater detail below. In addition, an up/down
menu navigation key
85 with a center toggle is provided for moving up and down within menus
presented in the
tools.
The second side 68B of the remote control unit 68 contains additional, special
actuation buttons to facilitate use of the navigational system of the present
invention. One such
button is an enter or "gimme" button 92. Actuation of the enter button 92
executes requests or
selections or, if pressed when a hot-spot is highlighted or otherwise
selected, activates the
actionable event linked to the hot-spot. For example, if a certain program is
featured within a
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hot-spot, pressing the enter button 92 causes the system to tune to the
channel on which that
program is available, thus presenting the program.
As described in more detail below, the navigational system of the present
invention also allows viewers to tag one or more programs to be played at a
later time. A tag
button 90 is provided on the remote control unit 68 to facilitate this
function. The remote
control unit 68 further contains a back button 94 which returns the viewer to
a preceding tool or
channel or which steps backward through a process, a map button 95 which
displays a
navigational map of domains and tools, as described further below, and a teach
or help button
99 which activates help screens provided by the system.
An alternative embodiment of a remote control unit is illustrated in Figs. 4C,
4D,
4E and 4F. The alternative remote control unit 168 has a housing 170 and LED
unit 72, and has
buttons positioned on three sides of the housing 170-- a back side 168A, right
side 168B, and
front side 168C. The buttons are positioned such that a user may use the
remote control 168 in
either a conventional, "channel surfing" manner using a channel keypad or in
accordance with
the navigational system of the present invention, and in either event have
easy access to channel
and volume control buttons used in both cases without the need to duplicate
those buttons on
both sides of the unit, as with the remote control unit shown in Figs. 4A-4B.
Thus, in the alternative remote control unit 168, the back side 168A contains
a
channel keypad, generally indicated at 96, conventional buttons for activating
a VCR, generally
indicated at 102, a mode button 104 which changes remote control modes between
cable,
television, VCR, and other mode(s), and may contain other keys conventional to
remote control
units. Mode indicator lights 105 extend around the remote control unit 168
from the back side
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168A to the front side 168B so as to be visible on whichever side the remote
control unit 168 is
held.
On the front side 168B (Figs. 4E and 4F) of the remote control unit 168 are
the
actuation buttons 75-80 used by viewers to navigate between domains and tools,
the four
directional buttons 82, 84, 86, and 88 for navigating within the tools, and
pick menu actuation
keys 85, which may be either two separate keys or one toggle switch, for
moving up and down
within menus presented in the tools. The front side 168B also contains enter
or "gimme" button
92, tag button 90, back button 94, map button 95, and teach or help button 99,
all of which
function substantially as described above in relation to remote control unit
68.
The right side 168C (Figs. 4C and 4E) of the remote control unit 168 contains
buttons which are usable with both the navigational buttons on the front side
168B and the
channel keypad buttons positioned on the back side 168A. These buttons include
two channel
selection buttons 74, one up and one down provided for channeling up and
channeling down, a
volume up/volume down button 100 with a center toggle, a mute button 101, and
a power on/off
button 103. Viewers can thus use the right side 168C of the remote control
unit 168 in a
conventional, "channel surfing" fashion, and can easily access these "channel
surfmg" functions
from either the conventional, television/VCR back side 168A or from the
navigational,
domain/tool front side 168B of the remote control unit 168.
To use the present system, a viewer needs only the set top box and associated
remote control unit. The hardware required by the viewer is of essentially the
same nature as
the hardware required in current television broadcast subscription systems. As
with other
hardware, the system hardware for use with the present invention is easy to
connect and operate
in a home viewing environment.
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Although the hardware just described includes remote control units specially
designed for use with the navigational system of the present invention, one
skilled in the art will
recognize that other hardware devices may be used to facilitate use of the
present invention. For
example, a computer, such as a personal computer with appropriate sound and
video processors
and conventional input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, could be
programmed as needed
to provide the functionality described above.
Navigational System Operation
As explained above, the navigational system of the present invention allows
for
navigation among domains, tools, and channels. Fig. 5 illustrates a two
dimensional
programming map with domains arranged in columns and tools organized in rows.
Five
domains are used for purposes of illustration: the games domain 122, movies
domain 124,
television domain 126, sports domain 128, and shopping domain 120. Additional
domains may
be provided, such as a local programming domain and a VOD domain which
provides viewers
with video on demand and other interactive services. Interactive domains such
as the shopping
and VOD domains would be best deployed with an interactive television
broadcasting system.
Of course, a given program may be classified as part of two or more domains,
and would thus
be available through each of those domains.
The navigational system also provides a number of navigational tools. Six
tools
are illustrated in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, each positioned in a
separate row of the map.
The tools, described in more detail below, include the host tool 130,
multiscreen browser tool
("MSB") 132, intelligent program guide tool ("IPG") 134, channel or viewing
tool 136,
information or "info" tool 138, and custom tool 140. For purposes of this
application and for
ease of understanding, the functioning of the domains and tools are described
using the
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television domain 126 as the exemplary domain. However, one skilled in the art
will
understand the similar operation of the tools in other domains.
A viewer wishing to move between domains (an action sometimes referred to
herein as "zipping"), such as from the movies domain 124 to the television
domain 126, would
push the right actuation button 80 of the remote control 68. That is, for
example, if the viewer is
using the MSB tool 132 while in the movies domain 124, the viewer can move to
the television
domain 126 and remain in the MSB tool 132. To move back from movies domain 124
to
television domain 126, the viewer would depress the left actuation button 78
of remote control
68. Similarly, a viewer moving from the IPG tool 134 to the MSB tool 132 (an
action
sometimes referred to herein as "zooming") would depress the up actuation
button 75, and
moving in the opposite direction would depress the down actuation button 76.
In either case,
the viewer remains in the same domain while moving between tools. Then, to
move between
channels within a given zone (an action sometimes referred to herein as
"zapping"), the channel
up/down button 74 is pressed.
The six tools are now described briefly, with more details on each provided
below. In the host tool 130, an animated or video host is provided to guide
the viewer through
selected content choices. Typically, the content choices presented in the host
tool 130 are
determined by the content provider or other player involved with television
programming or
distribution. The host talks about these predetermined upcoming programs, and
an on-screen
menu allows viewers to select one or more of the programs for current or later
viewing. See
Fig. 12. The host tool 130 is similar to a guided tour, and is analogous to a
guided tour
provided by a tour company which sets out all the possible sites to visit and
which allows
tourists to decide which of the sites they desire to visit.
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The next tool in the organizational scheme depicted in Fig. 5 is the
multiscreen
browser tool or MSB 132. In the MSB 132, multiple reduced sized videos or
still images are
provided. See Fig. 15. Additionally, a pick menu is provided of the categories
of browsers
available within a given domain, and viewers can change the content choices
shown in the MSB
by changing the category. For example, in a television domain the content in
the MSB would
be determined according to categories of subject matter of the programming
content, such as
comedy, drama, news, etc. The reduced sized videos or images are hot-spots,
and viewers can
select one of them to tune to the specific program represented therein.
Following the MSB 132 is the intelligent program guide or IPG 134. The IPG
134 is an interactive program guide which lists programs by channel and time
in a text based
format. See Fig. 21. The viewer can navigate around the guide with the remote
control 68, and
can select or tag a program listed in the guide for immediate or later
viewing. In accordance
with further advantageous features of the present invention, data for the IPG
is broadcast from
the head end on multiple channels so that the set top box, having only one
tuner, need not tune
away from the last channel watched to obtain the IPG data and can present that
channel or other
audio and video data simultaneously with the IPG, as described further below.
The channel tool 136, the next tool in the organizational scheme, is the
actual
programming content shown at full screen resolution. The channel tool 136
plays a segment of
content, such as a video game in the games domain or a television show in the
television
domain. For example, in the television domain 126, channel tool 136 offers
multiple channels
of television programming, and allows for traditional channel surfing using
the channel
up/down buttons.
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The info tool 138 provides information regarding the programming content
provided in channel tool 136. For the television domain 126, the information
may be
information regarding the playing time of a program, the actors and actresses
appearing in the
program, plot, ratings information, or the like. Alternatively, in the sports
domain 128, info tool
138 might provide further information regarding playoff races, individual
player background,
statistics or the like. The data for the info tool 138 may be obtained from
the world wide web or
other service.
The custom tool 140 allows viewers to preprogram particular preferences, such
as which television channels they prefer and which channels they would like to
block from their
children's viewing, as well as other house-keeping activities. Alternatively,
if a viewer has
tagged program choices presented in one of the other navigation tools, such as
the host tool 130,
MSB 132 and IPG 134, the viewer can edit the list of tagged programs in the
custom tool 140.
The custom tool 140 also provides for the storage of customized channel rings,
as described
further below.
The tools shown in Fig. 5 are ordered in generally increasing order of
complexity of use and detail of information provided. That is, in the host
tool 130, shown first,
the viewer receives a simple list of suggested program choices, and simply
selects one of these
choices for immediate viewing or tags it for later viewing. The MSB 132
presents the entire
range of program choices for a given domain and category in audiovisual
format, which is
similar to traditional television viewing, and the 1PG 134 presents the
program choices in a
textual format which is also familiar to most viewers. All of these tools,
presented before the
channel tool 136, are relatively simple to use but provide limited control and
details. The info
tool 138 and custom tool 140, which provide greater details about the
programming and greater
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control over what and how programming is made available through the other
tools, are
positioned following the channel tool 136. Viewers wishing to maintain a
simplified and more
visual experience can thus remain "above" the channel tool 136, while others
more familiar with
more complex, computerized interfaces may venture "below" the channel tool
136.
As shown in Fig. 5, the navigational system maintains an index of the domains
and tools. Although other indexing schemes may be used, the index of the
embodiment shown
in Fig. 5 is maintained as a two dimensional array of coordinates. The first
coordinate in the
array represents the tools and the second coordinate represents the domains.
In the exemplary
embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the tools have coordinates host = 0, MSB = 1, IPG
=2, channel =
3, info =4, custom = 5, and the domains have coordinates games = 0, movies =
1, television =
2, sports = 3 and shopping = 4. Thus, for example, the zone defined by the
intersection of the
host tool 130 and the movies domain is at coordinates (0,1), representing the
host tool 130 at
coordinate 0 and the movies domain at coordinate 1. When a viewer moves around
within the
navigational system using the actuation buttons 75-80 on the remote control
68, the coordinates
change in one direction, and the index is used to determine what zone to
present next.
As explained above, each tool provides multiple channels or categories that
can
be accessed through the remote control unit 68. In the host tool 130, MSB 132,
and IPG 134,
different program choices are provided for different categories. For example,
comedies may be
provided on one MSB category set or "channel," dramas are provided on another
MSB
"channel," and news programs are provided on a third MSB "channel."
Alternatively,
television channels may be grouped in numerical order, for example, television
channels 1
through 9 provided on one MSB "channel," television channels 10 through 18
provided on the
next MSB channel, etc. In either case, viewers navigate through these tool
channels using the
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channel up/down button 74 on the remote control unit 68. Other tools,
including the channel
tool 136 and info tool 138, are broken into multiple television channels
arranged in standard
numerical order. See Fig. 6.
As shown in Fig. 6, the index is expanded to three dimensions to track the
channels available within each zone. The television domain 126 is used for
illustrative
purposes, with the movie domain 124 depicted in phantom. In the preferred
embodiment, the
coordinates for the expanded index are [tool, domain, channel]. The third
dimension or channel
dimension is indexed depending upon the channels available within the tool.
For example, in an
exemplary embodiment such as that in the host tool, all television channel =
0, news television
= 1, talk television = 2, soap operas = 3, dramas = 4 and comedies = 5. Thus,
if a user wants to
get to the host in the television domain displaying choices of talk shows, the
viewer navigates
using the actuation buttons 75-80 and channel up/down button 74 to coordinates
(0, 2, 2).
Aside from maintaining a viewer's position within the navigational system, the
use of an index as described above provides additional advantages. One such
advantage is
context sensitivity. When a user is at a particular zone and channel and
changes tools, the
viewer remains not only in the same domain but also in the same category or
channel. For
example, if the viewer is at the IPG tool, television domain and talk show
channel at coordinates
(2, 2, 2) and presses the up actuation button 75, the viewer will change to
the MSB tool and be
brought to coordinates (1, 2, 2). Although the viewer changes tools from IPG
to MSB, she
remains in the television domain and talk channel. Thus, the navigational
system is set up such
that when moving between tools, if viewing any category of programming, the
same category of
programming will be provided in the separate tools.
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In addition, when moving between domains, a viewer stays in the same tool.
For example, if a user is at coordinates (2, 2, 1) and depresses the left
actuation button 78, that
viewer is sent to coordinates (2, 1, 2) or is placed into the IPG tool in the
movie domain in the
third channel (coordinate 2).
Another advantageous use of the indexed coordinate system is the presentation
of a navigation map. An example of such a map is provided in Fig. 7. The
navigation map lists
the domains on a horizontal axis and the tools on a vertical axis. The zones
defined at the
intersection of the domains and tools are represented by still images or
reduced video segments
160 depicting the nature of material available at the zone. These images or
segments 160 may
be hot-spots which link to the zone represented therein. The viewer can use
the navigation map
to find their current location within the system and to move around within the
navigation map to
select a desired zone to which to jump.
As a further aspect of the navigational system of preferred embodiments of the
present invention, a number of common screen elements are provided on tool
screens to help
establish some uniformity of operation among the tools. Each tool screen has
some or all of the
elements. To illustrate the common screen elements of a preferred embodiment,
reference is
made to Fig. 8, which shows a screen in the IPG tool and VOD domain. The
screen contains a
tool window 180, clock 182, pick menu 184, tool identifier 186, domain
identifier 188, picture-
in-graphics cell 190, and description box 200.
The tool window 180 provides the interactive display area for the current
tool.
In some tools, including the IPG, the tool window contains a channel lineup
202 listing channel
numbers and logos in a series of vertically arranged cells. The data for the
channel logo and/or
number may be obtained from the head end if necessary, or may be stored in the
set top box.
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Similarly, the time data for the clock 182 is synchronized with the time
received from the head
end.
The pick menu 184 displays a number of viewer selectable options which vary
depending upon the tool used. In the MSB and IPG tools, and in some
embodiments the host
tool as well, the pick menu displays the available tool channels which, as
explained above,
represent categories of programming available within the given domain. These
categories may
be stored within the set top box or, if dynamically changing categories are
desired, may be
provided with the data broadcast from the head end. In the info tool the pick
menu 184 displays
available sub-topics, and in the custom tool the pick menu 184 displays
available preference
options. The viewer navigates up and down the pick menu 184 with the pick menu
key 85 on
the remote control 68, and selects one of the menu items using the enter or
gimme key 92.
Dynamically changing categories are desirable to prevent the viewer from
failing
to receive any programming choices in an MSB or IPG screen when a given
category is selected
for which no programming choices are currently available. For instance,
although a number of
programming choices would be available within the MSB or IPG tool screen in a
sports
category on a Sunday afternoon, the MSB and IPG tools may have no programming
choices for
sports in the middle of the night. Using dynamically changing categories
provides that no
sports category will be presented at times when there are no or minimally few
programming
choices available within that category.
In addition, certain categories should preferably be broken into or presented
as
subcategories when warranted by the number of programming choices. In the
example outlined
above, on a Sunday afternoon when a large number of football games are
available for viewing,
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the sports category may be replaced with a football subcategory to more
accurately indicate the
nature of the programming choices available.
To implement dynamically changing categories, the categories available at any
given time are transmitted with the programming data from the head end, as
explained above.
The category data may be embedded in the data stream for the programming data,
or may be
sent as a separate data packet. Other data may be embedded with the list of
categories,
including the number of items in the pick menu, and, for each item in the
menu, a service
identifier representing the channel number pointed to by the menu item, data
identifying the
item's position and size in the menu, and other related data. Alternatively, a
master list of all
available categories may be stored and indexed in the set top box or remote
control, with data
identifying a subset of all such categories being transmitted from the head
end.
The list of categories is generated at the head end or other location by
receiving
and storing a database containing television programming schedule data, as
known to those of
skill in the att. Each television program in the schedule is associated with a
number of
categories and/or subcategories. An intelligent agent is used to search
through the programming
available at a given time or period of time (e.g., a two or three hour time
range) to identify the
categories of programming available for that time period. Categories which
have associated
programs less than a predetermined, minimal threshold are eliminated from
consideration.
Categories having associated programs greater than an associated maximum
(e.g., nine
programs, the number which may be presented on a single MSB tool screen in one
preferred
embodiment) may be divided into subcategories. Alternatively, a human operator
may select
the categories based upon the programming contained in the schedule database.
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As an alternative to a complete selection of categories at each time interval,
selected categories would be selected on a default basis based on repetitive
programming
patterns. For example, because it is known that many professional football
games programs are
available for viewing at set times such as certain Sundays of the year, a
sports category or
football subcategory would automatically be selected for that time. This
alternative takes
advantage of the fact that television programming is a type of linear
programming which has
generally repeating patterns of scheduled events.
To help viewers keep track of their position in the navigational system, the
tool
screens provide a tool identifier 186 and domain identifier 188. The tool
identifier 186 appears
at the top left corner of the screen and displays the name of the current
tool. The domain
identifier 188 displays icons of the various domains, with a highlight on the
current domain.
The tool and domain information for these identifiers are obtainable from the
coordinate index
and tables relating the coordinates to particular tools and domains. The
domain icons are stored
in a dynamic RAM contained in the set top box. In some tools, such as the
channel tool, the
tool and domain identifiers appear only temporarily when a viewer changes
tools or domains
and then disappear in order not to block the view of a program or other
content.
The picture-in-graphics cell 190 and description box 200 display additional
information about a program highlighted in the tool window 180. This
information is obtained
from the head end as described above. The picture-in-graphics cell 190
displays audiovisual
content of either the program highlighted in the tool window 180 or of the
last channel watched
before navigating to the current tool, a preference set by the viewer in the
custom tool. The
operation of the picture-in-graphics cell is described in greater detail below
in relation to the
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IPG tool. The text for the description box 200 relates to the program
highlighted in the tool
window 180.
To provide viewers with a feeling of motion between domains and tools when
actuation buttons 76 through 80 are pressed, transition segments are provided
between screens.
When actuation buttons 75 or 76 are pressed, a transition segment is provided
on the screen that
gives a feeling of motion upward or downward, respectively. When actuation
buttons 78 or 80
are actuated, a transition segment is displayed that provides a feeling of
motion left or right.
These transition segments serve several purposes, including to provide a
feeling of motion to the
user, to orient the viewer to the direction in which the viewer is moving
(e.g., up or down
between tools), and to fill in a time gap created while the set top box is
locating the appropriate
data stream for the next tool or domain as requested by the user.
The process of displaying transition segments is shown in the flow chart of
Fig.
9 as described with reference to the screen displays shown in Figs. 10A-10H
and 11A-11}1.
Figs. 10A and 11A show a screen for the IPG tool in the television domain,
having a tool
identifier 186 and domain identifier 188. When a viewer presses one of the
actuation buttons
75-80, the navigational system begins to retrieve the data required for the
next screen, and the
current screen is dissolved leaving only the tool identifier 186 and domain
identifier 188, step
250. Next, transition animation is displayed, step 252, as shown in Figs. 10B
and 11B. The
transition animation is stored in and retrieved from memory in the set top
box.
If the right or left actuation button is pressed, step 254, indicating that
the viewer
wishes to move between domains, the entire transition screen is scrolled in
the direction of the
key pressed except for the tool identifier 186, step 256. The sequence of
scrolling the transition
screen is illustrated in Figs. 10C-10E, with the screen shown scrolling to the
right. Leaving the
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tool identifier 186 on the screen informs the viewer that the system is
switching domains while
remaining in the same tool. As the existing transition screen scrolls out, a
new transition screen
scrolls in from the opposite direction, step 258. The new transition screen
contains transition
animation as well as the domain identifier 188 highlighting the new domain.
The sequence of
scrolling in a new screen is illustrated in Figs. 10D-10G, with the new screen
scrolling in from
the left. Thus, the viewer is informed that the system has changed from one
domain to another,
in this case, from the television domain to the VOD domain. After the new
transition screen has
completely scrolled in, the transition animation is removed, step 260 (see
Fig. 10H), and the
new domain screen for the current tool is faded in, step 262. The viewer can
then interact with
the new screen.
If the up actuation key is pressed, step 264, indicating that a change of tool
is
desired, the system checks whether it is at the first tool in the order of
tools, step 266. In the
preferred embodiment, this is the host tool. As explained above, the tools are
arranged in a
specific desired sequence, and the viewer is prevented from wrapping around
from first to last in
order to maintain that sequence. If the current tool is the host tool, an
error indication is sent to
the viewer, step 278, such as in the form of an audio beep. Otherwise, the
entire transition
screen is scrolled down except for the domain identifier 188, step 268.
Leaving the domain
identifier informs the viewer that while the tool is changing, the domain is
remaining the same.
The sequence of scrolling the transition screen down is illustrated in Figs.
11C-11F. At the
same time, a new transition screen with a new tool identifier 186 is scrolled
in from the top of
the screen, step 270, giving the viewer the impression of moving down from one
tool to the
next. The sequence of scrolling the new transition screen down is illustrated
in Figs. 11C-110.
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Once the new transition screen is in place, the transition animation is
removed, step 272 (see
Fig. 11H), and a new screen showing the new tool is faded in, step 274.
A converse sequence of operations is performed if the viewer presses the up
actuation key 75. The system checks whether it is at the last tool, step 276,
and if so sends an
error message, step 278. Otherwise, the entire transition screen except for
the domain identifier
is scrolled up, step 280, and a new transition screen is scrolled up from the
bottom of the screen,
step 282. When complete, the transition animation is removed, step 272, and
the new tool
screen faded in, step 274.
The transition segments enhance the viewer's feeling of motion when navigating
between screens. In addition, the use of perpendicularly arranged transition
segments when
navigating between domains and tools reinforces the viewer's feeling of
traveling in two
different directions when moving between domains as opposed to moving
betweeruools.
An alternative method of providing transitions between domains and tools
highlights the feature wherein the last channel watched is contained in the
picture-in-graphics
cell 190 (Fig. 8), as described further herein. In this method, when a user
presses the up or
down key 75 or 76 while in the channel tool, the frame for the channel being
watched rapidly
shrinks down from the entire screen to the picture-in-graphics cell, with
numerous intermediary
frame sizes shown between the full size screen and the picture in graphics
cell. Simultaneously
with this transition, the IPG tool or info tool screen, as the case may be, is
transitioned into the
space left on the television screen by the shrinking channel frame. This
transition indicates to
the user that the picture-in-graphics cell 190 contains the last channel
watched. When the user
uses the up or down key 75 or 76 to move from the IPG tool or info tool screen
back to the
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channel tool, the last channel being displayed in the picture-in-graphics cell
190 expands from
the reduced size frame to full screen view.
For this alternative method of providing a picture-in-graphics cell, during
transitions between tools, the current screen is not dissolved upon operation
of one of the
actuation buttons 75 or 76, but rather, the whole tool screen scrolls out
while the new tool
screen scrolls in, leaving the picture-in-graphics cell 190 stationary on the
screen displaying the
last channel watched. The domain identifier may remain on the screen as well.
For this
method, there are no separate transition screens or animation used. Rather,
the current screen is
scrolled out either while still in its full operational state with running
video or multiple videos, if
displayed, or the video or multiple videos for that screen are frozen while
the new screen is
scrolled in. Similarly, the new screen for the tool being scrolled in may
contain running video
or multiple running videos to be displayed. The video or videos for the new
screen may
continue to run while the screen is being scrolled in, or the running video or
videos may be in a
frozen state while the screen is being scrolled in, wherein after the screen
scrolls in and the
video picture or pictures are updated to the real time state to continue
running. A similar
operation would occur for transitions between domains, with the picture in
graphics cell 190 and
tool identifier remaining stationary while the two screens scroll laterally in
and out.
Another implementation of this method may present in the picture-in-graphics
cell 190 the video for the currently highlighted channel for the current tool
as described further
below. For example, as the lens in the IPG tool, described below, moves from
channel to
channel, the picture-in-graphics cell changes to display the video for the
current channel
highlighted by the lens. With this implementation, when the "gimme" button 92
is pressed, the
current video being presented in the picture-in-graphics cell is expanded to
full screen display.
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The navigational system of the present invention provides other functions
which
operate in one or more of the tools. One such function allows viewers to tag
programs for later
viewing using the tag button 90 on remote control unit 68. The function of
tagging programs or
channels for later viewing varies somewhat from tool to tool and is described
below with
reference to each tool. The navigational system stores a list of the tagged
programs along with
the program times in the set top box, and updates this list as additional tags
are created or
existing tags deleted.
The navigational system polls the list of tagged programs on a regular basis,
such as every five minutes, to determine whether a program on the list will be
available for
viewing within the given amount of time. For any programs which will be
available within the
given amount of time, the system displays a message to the viewer identifying
the program or
programs which will be available for viewing. If more than one program will be
available, the
message presents a menu of the programs to the viewer. The viewer can then
select whether to
watch the program or pick one of the programs for viewing. The system
transfers to a display
of the channel in which the program is scheduled for viewing.
Another function provided by the system involves blocking. As explained
below, the custom tool may be used by a viewer to select certain channels or
programs for
blocking. The list of blocked channels or programs is stored in memory as
explained below. If
the channel or program is selected for viewing using one of the other tools,
the system requires
the viewer to enter a personal identification number ("PIN") before it allows
the viewing. This
function allows parents to prevent their children from watching certain
channels or programs.
The navigational system of a preferred embodiment also provides for ordering
pay-per-view events or video-on-demand. These types of programs may be grouped
in a single
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domain such as the VOD domain. Because these programs are generally available
a number of
times during a day, when a viewer selects or tags a pay-per-view event or
video-on-demand in
any of the tools, the system prompts the user to select a given time. The
system then requires
the viewer to enter a PIN and pay for or authorize payment for the program.
The various navigation tools provided in preferred embodiments of the
navigational system are described in greater detail in the following sections.
Host Tool
As explained above, the host tool is designed to provide a viewer with a
"guided
tour" of a day's or evening's programming. For example, a host may tell a
viewer of the top
rated shows for the day, selected movies available, special sporting events,
etc. This tool also
lets the viewer execute upon a hot-spot and be transferred to the viewer's
choice of preferred
programming. The list of programming choices is created by the content
provider and
transmitted with the program over the broadcasting system. Hosted viewing
provides content
providers with an opportunity for attracting and selling programming content
to the viewer. For
example, the host may recommend a pay-per-view event, video on demand, or the
like in order
to bolster sales of the event. Additionally, the host provides an opportunity
to interact with
viewers, such as by polling viewers to obtain marketing information or the
like.
Particular attention is directed to Fig. 12 which illustrates an exemplary
screen
for the host tool. In Fig. 12, an animated or taped or live video host 300
introduces the viewer
to upcoming or currently available programs 302 and provides suggestions
designed to assist
the viewer in reviewing programming choices. The data for the menu of program
choices 302
is transmitted to the viewer from the head end. As the head end periodically
changes the menu
choices, the menu is changed to reflect the addition and deletion of various
menu choices. The
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set top box generates a selection cell which is controllable by the user
through the down and up
directional keys 84 and 82, respectively, on the remote control unit 68. In
some embodiments,
the selection cell also rotates through the choices automatically and the
viewer uses the
directional keys to move the selection cell manually.
Each program choice 302 is a hot-spot which links to the program identified
therein. In some embodiments, audiovisual program data such as a reduced video
image may
also be displayed in the host tool. As the selection cell moves from choice to
choice, the
audiovisual data is changed to reflect the currently highlighted selection.
The host tool screen
also temporarily contains the tool identifier and may also contain the domain
identifier.
The process of displaying and handling viewer selections in the host tool is
shown in the flow chart in Fig. 13. When a viewer navigates to the host tool,
the tool identifier
for the host is displayed along with the host menu received from the head end,
step 320. The
tool identifier is then removed from the screen after a few seconds, such as
seven seconds, step
322. The viewer can then navigate among the program choices as explained
above. If the
viewer presses the gimme key 92 on a given program choice, step 324, the
system determines
whether the selected program choice is currently available for viewing, step
325. If the program
choice is currently on, the program is displayed in accordance with an event
display routine
shown in Fig. 14 and described below. If the program choice is not currently
on, the system
treats the selection as if the viewer had pressed the tag key 90, and follows
the same procedure
as explained below.
If the viewer presses the tag key 90 on a program choice, step 326, the system
determines whether the program choice is already tagged by checking the tagged
list, step 328.
If the program is not already tagged, the program is added to the tagged list,
step 330, and a
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message to that effect is displayed to the viewer, step 332. A small box is
also added to the
program choice shown in the tool to indicate that the program is tagged. If
the program choice
has already been tagged, the system prompts the viewer for a decision whether
to untag the
program, step 334. If the viewer wants to untag the program choice, step 336,
the program
choice is removed from the tagged list, step 338.
The steps taken by the navigational system when the viewer presses the gimme
key 92 on a program choice are shown in the flow chart in Fig. 14. The system
calls a
conditional access system, known to those of skill in art, to determine
whether the program
choice selected is on a channel to which the viewer is currently subscribed,
step 340. The
system then determines whether the program choice or associated channel is
blocked or
available only on a pay-per-view or video on demand ("VOD") basis, step 342.
The process of
creating and storing blocked programs and channels will be described further
below with
reference to the custom tool. If the program or channel is blocked or VOD, the
system displays
a message to that effect, step 344, and allows the viewer to enter the
required PIN for access to
the program or channel, step 346. If the PIN input by the viewer is incorrect
step 348, an error
message is sent, step 350, and the program is not displayed.
If the correct PIN is input or the program or channel is not blocked, the
system
determines whether the selected program is a pay-per-view or VOD event, step
352. If not, the
system displays the program in full screen resolution mode, step 354. If the
program is a pay-
per-view or VOD event, the system requires the viewer to authorize payment for
the event by
displaying the price for the event (as received from the head end), prompting
the viewer to
decide whether to pay, step 356, and accepting the viewer's decision, step
358. In some
embodiments, a viewer may set spending limits in the custom tool. If a
spending limit is set, the
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system determines whether the addition of the selected pay-per-view or VOD
program would
exceed the spending limits, step 360. If the spending limits are exceeded, an
error message to
that effect is displayed, step 362, and the program is not displayed. If the
pay-per-view or VOD
event falls within the spending limits, the set top box transmits billing
information to the head
end (in a two way system), step 364, and displays the program, step 354. In
some
embodiments, the set top box stores the billing information in a holder and
waits for the
telephone line to be available before calling and transmitting the billing
data to the head end.
Fig. 14 illustrates one process of presenting a selected program. One skilled
in
the art will recognize that the order of steps shown in Fig. 14 may be
changed, or that certain
steps may be omitted or added depending upon the interface desired.
Returning to Fig. 12, in some embodiments of the present invention the host
tool
also displays program categories 304. Selecting one of the categories brings
the viewer to
another tool screen, such as the MSB or IPG, with program choices filtered by
the selected
category, as explained further below with reference to each of these tools.
These category
selections 304 would thus be hot spots linked to those tool screens.
The host tool is the first level tool and it assists viewers in viewing
programming
content in the new navigational system of the present invention. The intuitive
nature of the host
tool is advantageous to those viewers that prefer a tour guide with targeted
viewing as opposed
to wandering or channel surfing as done by many viewers today.
Multiscreen Browser Tool (MSB)
The multiscreen browser tool is a second level tool that allows viewers to
scan
through a block of channels all at once. These blocks may contain programming,
pay-per-view
or video on demand previews, advertisements, shopping, etc. The MSB contains a
plurality of
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windows, each showing still images or full motion video image running
concurrently. In
addition, viewers are able to see information for each program, such as title,
channel, cost,
rating and duration, and are empowered to display more in-depth information,
such as cast
information or a brief synopsis.
An exemplary multiscreen display is shown in Fig. 15. The television receiver
screen 380 is illustrated with six reduced sized video displays 382 each
displaying a different
reduced size video signal. Each reduced size video display includes a
designated area for
displaying indicia 384 of the reduced sized display provided, such as a
channel logo for the
channel on which the program featured in the window is available. The MSB also
contains (not
shown in Fig. 15; see Fig. 8) the tool identifier, domain identifier, a pick
menu for the various
MSB channels available, a clock, and a description box.
The set of video windows 382 displayed on a single MSB screen is selected
according to the MSB channel. For example, in the "comedy" MSB channel, six
different
comedies would be displayed simultaneously. The viewer selects the desired
channel by
making a category selection in the pick menu or by using the channel selection
button 74. The
viewer then uses directional keys 82-88 on the remote control unit 68 to
choose for which
reduced sized image 382 the viewer desires to receive the associated audio. A
graphic highlight
is displayed around the viewer's selected reduced sized image 382.
The process of displaying and navigating through the MSB is shown in the flow
chart in Figs. 16A-16B. The set top box receives a video source from the head
end containing
the videos to be reduced, which may already be reduced at the head end, and
placed in MSB
windows, step 400. The data received from the head end specifies the number of
cells to be
placed in a given MSB screen. In some embodiments, the data specifying the
number of cells
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for each MSB display is sent in advance with the program guide information. A
sample video
source 500 for an MSB screen is shown in Fig. 17. The set top box then
constructs an overlay
grid, step 402, with a number of cells corresponding to the number of cells in
the video source.
Fig. 17 shows a sample overlay grid graphic 502 generated by the set top box
for the video
source 500. The set top box then overlays the grid 502 and the video source
500, step 404.
The MSB does not necessarily display all the videos contained in the video
source received from the head end. If the programs are in the VOD domain which
provides
pay-per-view programming, step 406, an advertisement video or still image
received from the
head end is displayed, step 408. Alternatively, the head end may provide the
advertisements in
lieu of the actual program videos. For standard programming, the system cross
references each
video in the video source with the blocked programs, channels or ratings
information, step 410,
to determine whether the program is blocked, step 412. If the program is
blocked, the system
replaces the video for that program with a message indicating that the program
is blocked and
the reason therefor, e.g., the program has a rating of R, step 414. Once each
program is
checked, the set top box sends the overlaid graphic and video source, with
channels blocked as
necessary, to the television receiver for display. By default, the top left
cell in the MSG graphic
is set as highlighted, step 416.
Referring now to Fig. 16B, which continues from Fig. 16A, the system plays the
audio stream associated with the video stream in the currently selected cell,
step 418. As
explained above, for each program the head end transmits the audio data
separately from but
linked to the video data. Both types of data are processed in the set top box
for presentation on
the television receiver. Description data related to the program is also
transmitted from the head
end and linked to the video data. The system displays the description data
associated with the
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program in the selected cell in the description box, step 420. As a result,
the viewer can view
the video in the selected cell, hear the audio, and read the description about
the program at the
same time.
The viewer navigates around the MSB windows 504 by pressing one of the
direction keys 75-80 on the remote control unit 68. If the user presses the
right direction key 80,
step 422, the system determines whether the viewer was currently at the last
cell in the grid, step
424, and if so, wraps to the first cell, step 426. Otherwise, the system moves
the selection frame
to the next cell to the right, step 428, in the same or following row.
Similarly, if the viewer
presses the left direction key 78, the system determines whether the viewer
was currently at the
first cell in the grid, step 430, and if so, wraps to the last cell, step 432,
or else moves the
selection frame to the prior cell to the left, step 434, in the same or
immediately preceding row.
The operation of the up and down direction keys 75 and 76 is similar. If the
up
button is pressed, step 436, and the current selected frame is on the top row
of a column, step
438, the selection frame is moved to the lowest row in the column, step 440.
If the selection
frame is not at the top row, it is simply moved up one row in the column, step
442. If the down
button is pressed, step 444, and the current selected frame is on the bottom
row of a column,
step 446, the selection frame is moved to the top row in the column, step 448.
If the selection
frame is not at the bottom row, it is moved down one row in the column, step
450.
Each time the selected frame is moved to a new cell, the system switches to
presenting the audio stream and description data linked to the program in the
new selected cell,
steps 418 and 420.
While a given MSB window is selected, a viewer can press the tag button 90 or
the gimme button 92. If the viewer presses the tag button, step 452, the
system displays the tag
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select menu and allows the viewer to tag the program, in accordance with the
processes shown
in Figs. 20 and 21 and described immediately below. If the viewer presses the
gimme button
92, step 454, the system displays the event linked to the selected window in
accordance with the
process shown in Fig. 14.
The process of creating tags is now described with reference to Figs. 18-20.
As
seen in Fig. 18, when the tag button 90 is pressed, the tag pop-up menu is
created, step 520. In
accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the tag menu is tailored
based upon the
specific program. Referring specifically to Fig. 19, the tag menu always
contains the options
"no tag" and "next time," so these options are placed in the tag menu to be
displayed, step 522.
If the program is capable of being recorded (as, for example, if the head end
does not include a
code with the program indicating that it may not be recorded), step 524, a "to
record" tag is
added to the tag menu, step 526. If the program is a one time special event
(e.g. , a boxing
match), step 528, no other options are added to the tag menu. Otherwise, the
program is on
more than once and an "each time" option is added to the tag menu, step 530.
If the program is
a daily event, step 532, a "daily" option is added to the tag menu, step 534.
If the program is on
once a week, a "weekly" option is added to the tag menu," step 536. A
resulting tag menu with
all options available is shown in Fig. 20.
Returning to Fig. 18, once the tag menu is generated and displayed, the system
checks the tagged list to determine whether the currently selected program has
already been
tagged, step 542. If so, the system displays a message or tag alert indicator
to that effect, step
544. If the viewer selects the "no tag" option on the tag menu, step 546, the
program is
removed from the event list and all visual indicators of the tag are removed,
step 548. The
system also determines whether the program is blocked, step 550, and if so,
requires the viewer
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to input a PIN, step 552. If the correct PIN is input, step 554, or if the
program is not blocked,
the viewer may select one of the options on the menu, step 556, and the
program with the
selected option is added to the tagged list, step 558.
Accordingly, it can be readily seen from the foregoing that the MSB allows a
typical "channel surfer" to navigate through a variety of different
programming content in a
much more efficient manner than typical channel surfing. This is due to the
fact that the
multiscreen browser provides a viewer with multiple reduced sized programming
images on a
single screen, and with each click of the channel changing button the viewer
receives new sets
of programming content. Additionally, the multiscreen browser allows the user
to view the
video for multiple programs and listen to different audio tracks of the
multiscreen images. In a
two way broadcasting system, the user may even contact the head end via
telephone line 115 to
request that one or more video channels be sent in a multiscreen mode.
Intelligent Program Guide Tool (IPG)
As explained above, the IPG presents a program guide with program channels
and times in a grid. Viewers can use the IPG to determine what programs are
available at any
time or to plan out viewing preferences in advance. The IPG contains
particular features and
elements detailed below that enhance the operation of the present invention.
Particular attention is directed to Figs. 21 and 22 which generally illustrate
the
functional operation of the intelligent program guide. Specifically, Fig. 21
is a top plan view
and Fig. 22 is an isometric view of the IPG tool window. The IPG tool window,
generally
indicated as 600, is designed as a matrix data plane 602 which includes
television scheduling
information arranged by channel vs. time. Portions of the data plane 602 are
moved smoothly
relative to a television screen which is indicated in phantom as reference
numeral 606, while a
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selection cell or lens 604 remains in a stationary position with respect to
the television screen
606. A viewer 610 (Fig. 22) sees all the information provided on television
screen 606 and
receives more detailed information with regard to the data in the matrix box
directly under lens
604.
The program guide functions such that each row of data represents the
programming provided on a specific channel at sequential times, and the
columns of
information represent different programs available within a given time slot.
In the preferred
embodiment, the columns are broken into time frames of 1/2 hour, representing
the standard
length of a short television show.
Each IPG includes a fmite number of channels, and scrolls through the channels
when the user causes the scroll by pressing the up and down directional
buttons 82 and 84 on
remote control 68 (Fig. 6). In the down mode of operation, data plane 602
scrolls in_the
direction of arrow B, and television screen 606 and lens 604 are stationary.
Thus, lens 604
continuously highlights the next lower matrix box. For example, as data plane
602 scrolls in the
direction of arrow B, lens 604 will sequentially highlight the appropriate
matrix box, from 614
to 616, then, from matrix 616 to matrix box 618. Near the end of each 1/2
hour, the data plane
shifts in the direction of arrow A, such that the next column of programming
information is
highlighted under lens 604.
The remote control 68 (Fig. 4) is designed to allow the user to control the
movement of data plane 602. If the user holds down a directional button 82
through 88, the data
plane first moves relatively slowly, but if the user continues to hold down
the button, the plane's
movement speed increases. For example, the user causes the data plane to move
to the right and
left by use of the directional buttons 86 and 88 of the remote control 80. The
system is designed
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such that when a matrix box is fully within lens 604, the matrix boxes on the
top, bottom and
each side of the screen are partially displayed. This partial display
indicates to the user that
there is more information located in each of the directions of arrows A, B, C
and D. The user
uses the directional buttons of the remote control to access the desired
portion of data plane 602.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the matrix boxes are hot-
spots
which are linked to the programs identified therein. Also, the IPG contains
other common tool .
screen elements, including the tool identifier, domain identifier, pick menu
featuring IPG
category channels, clock, picture-in-graphics cell, and description box (not
shown in Fig. 21;
see Fig. 8). As a result, the viewer can determine their current domain and
can obtain more
detailed information regarding the highlighted matrix box under the lens 604.
For example,
information such as the plot, rating, duration, actors, actresses, etc. may be
displayed in the
description box, either automatically or at a viewer's request.
Television programs which are longer than 30 minutes can be handled in two
ways. In either case the movement is at the same smooth rate, with
acceleration, as movement
over 30 minute programs. One way is illustrated in the exemplary displays
shown in Figs. 23A-
23C. In this embodiment, the title "Small Wonders," a one-hour program, is
repeated in two
consecutive matrix boxes, each box representing 30 minutes. The lens 604
smoothly scrolls
from the first occurrence of the title to the second. When a user presses
right directional button
88 on remote control 80, the system moves data plane 602 in the direction
opposite arrow C, so
that it appears lens 404 moves in the direction of arrow C. Fig. 23B shows
lens 604 during a
snapshot when it is between boxes in the matrix grid.
Another way to handle 30 minute programs is illustrated in the exemplary
displays in Figs. 24A-24C. In this embodiment, only one occurrence of the
title "Small
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Wonders" is provided in a matrix box, with the following box being empty. The
title moves
smoothly with the lens 604 from the left matrix box to the right matrix box as
the data plane 602
is moved in the direction opposite to arrow C. This movement between the boxes
in a greater
than 30 minute program also occurs whenever the title would otherwise scroll
off the screen to
the right or left regardless of whether it is in the lens or not.
As shown by comparing various drawings in several figures, the lens size is
variable. For example, a comparison between Figs. 8 and 34 shows that the size
of the lens
changes between tools. The lens shown in Fig. 34 is longer to accommodate the
larger cell size
used for a screen in the Custom tool than the lens shown in Fig. 8 having a
shorter size for the
IPG tool. Comparing Fig. 21 with Figs. 8 and 30 shows that the lens size also
varies among
domains and among categories within a domain. In Fig. 21, showing one
embodiment of an
IPG screen in the television domain, the lens is sized to fit a 30 minute
matrix box. In the
exemplary IPG screen for the VOD domain shown in Fig. 8, the lens is sized to
fit a movie title
and next play time. Similarly, in the exemplary IPG screen for the television
domain in the
comedy category shown in Fig. 30, the lens size accommodates the program name
and play
time.
As one skilled in the art will recognize, such different lens sizes may also
be
used within a given IPG tool screen for matrix boxes of different sizes. That
is, for example,
different size lenses 604 may be used in Fig. 23A or 24A for programs of
different length, with
the lens size used corresponding to the length of the program. The lens 604
varies between
different sizes when the movement of the data plane 602 causes the lens 604 to
cover programs
of different lengths. For example, a 30 minute matrix box sized lens 604 would
be used when a
30 minute program such as "Spiderman" comes into position with the lens 604,
while a 60
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minute matrix box size lens 604 would be used when a 60 minute program such as
"Small
Wonders" comes into position with the lens 604. Part of the lens 604, such as
the left -most
part, remains in a fixed position relative to the display. In this way, the
lens 602 highlights the
matrix box for the entire program as the box is moved into lens 602. Programs
shorter than 30
minute duration, such as 15 minutes or less, can be similarly accommodated
with
correspondingly shorter lens sizes, and lens 604 changes size accordingly.
The process of generating and navigating around the IPG screen is shown in
Figs. 25-30. The head end transmits program event data for a certain limited
amount of time,
typically about six hours worth, to the set top box. The set top box reads and
processes the data
by dividing it into two three hour segments of program data, step 650. The
system constructs a
screen grid frame graphic, overlays it on the data and positions the grid so
that the lens is on the
current time, step 652. The lens is positioned on a default channel identified
by the head end or
set by the viewer in the custom tool. The video data linked to the program
under the lens is
retrieved, reduced, and displayed in the picture-in-graphics cell.
To keep the lens positioned at the current day and time, the system regularly
checks whether the lens is positioned at the current day and time or whether
it needs to be
updated, step 654. If it needs to be updated, the system acts as if the right
directional button was
pressed and scrolls the grid in accordance with the process described below
with reference to
Fig. 27. This way, if a viewer moves to the IPG tool and uses it for a period
of time, it is
automatically updated to the current time while watched.
The viewer navigates around the IPG using the directional keys 82-88. If the
viewer presses the up or down directional keys, steps 656 or 658, the system
scrolls the IPG grid
in accordance with the procedures described below with reference to Fig. 26.
If the viewer
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presses the left or right directional keys, steps 660 or 662, the system
scrolls the IPG grid left or
right in accordance with Fig. 27. If the viewer presses the tag button, the
program currently
within the lens is tagged in accordance with the process shown in Fig. 18, as
described above.
The viewer can select items in the pick menu using the pick menu keys 85, and
the ensuing pick
menu selection process is described below with reference to Fig. 28. If the
viewer presses the
enter or gimme button 92, the program currently under the lens is displayed in
accordance with
the event display procedure described above with reference to Fig. 14.
Turning now to Fig. 26, if the IPG grid is to be scrolled up or down,
additional
data may be required from the head end if the IPG is currently displaying a
category of
programming rather than all channels, step 664. A sample screen display in the
IPG tool with a
specific category (e.g., comedy) selected is shown in Fig. 29. In the
category, the IPG displays
a list of program within the category and the times they are available for
viewing. If additional
data is needed to scroll up or down within this category, step 666, the data
is retrieved from the
head end, step 668. Otherwise, for each time the up direction button 82 is
pressed, step 670, the
entire channel segment in the grid is scrolled down one row, recycling back to
the first channel
in the segment after the last channel, step 672. For a press of the down
directional button, the
same procedure is implemented by moving the grid up, step 674.
Once the grid is moved up or down, the lens is positioned over a new program
on a new channel. If the channel in the lens is subscribed to by the viewer,
step 676, and is not
blocked, step 678, the video linked to the program is displayed in the picture-
in-graphics cell,
step 680. If the viewer does not subscribe to the channel, the system displays
an advertisement
in the picture-in-graphics cell, step 682. If the program or channel is
blocked, a message
indicating the blockage is displayed in the picture-in-graphics cell, step
684. In any event, the
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description data linked to the program is displayed in the description box,
step 686, either
automatically or at the request of the viewer.
If the IPG grid is to be scrolled right or left, the system moves the grid in
accordance with the process shown in Fig. 27. A move to the right of left
involves displaying
programs for additional times. Because the system receives and maintains a
limited amount of
program data, such as six hours stored in three hour segments in some
embodiments, a move to
the right or left may involve retrieving new program data. Thus, with
reference to Fig. 27, if the
right directional button is pressed, step 700, the system checks whether new
program event data
is needed, step 702. If the current program data segment contains sufficient
data, the entire grid
is scrolled to the left one column, step 704. If the current data segment is
insufficient, the
system determines whether the lower limit of data received from the head end
has been reached,
step 706. If the limit is reached, an audio feedback error message is sent,
step 708, and the grid
is not scrolled. If additional data is available, the upper data segment is
flushed and loaded with
the next event data, step 710, and the grid is scrolled left, step 704. The
corresponding process
is followed when the left button is pressed, as shown in steps 712, 714, 716,
and 718 in Fig. 27.
Once the grid is scrolled either left or right, a new program item may appear
in
the lens. As explained above, a new program will not appear if the hour half
program moves to
the next or previous matrix box. If a new program appears, the system
determines whether the
viewer subscribes to the channel or program, step 720, and, if not, displays
an advertisement in
the picture-in-graphics cell, step 722. If the program is blocked, step 724,
the system displays
the blocked message in the picture-in-graphics cell, step 726. Otherwise, the
video source
linked to the program is displayed in the picture-in-graphics cell, step 728,
and the description
data linked to the program is displayed in the description box, step 730.
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The operation of the picture-in-graphics ("PIG") feature used in the IPG is
described with reference to Fig. 28. The operation of the PIG is similar in
other tools. As
opposed to a picture-in-picture system which requires the use of two tuners to
present two
images, the PIG system of the present invention requires only one tuner. As a
result, the set top
box, which in one preferred embodiment has only one tuner, can simultaneously
present IPG
data and video from a digital video channel, such as the last channel watched
or the channel
linked to a program highlighted under the lens. This avoids the increased
complexity and cost
of providing a set top box with two tuners.
Referring to Fig. 28, the set top box receives multiple frequency bands
containing multiple digital channels and IPG data from the head end, step 740.
Some frequency
bands may contain digital video channels which each include video information
and IPG data.
Other frequency bands may include digital video channels and a separate data
channel
containing a continuous stream of IPG data that is then synchronized to the
digital video
channels in the band such that the separate digital video channels are
appropriately described by
the IPG data. Alternatively, one dedicated frequency band may be provided to
transmit only
IPG data, which is then stored in set top box memory and synchronized with
video when tuned
to a frequency band that has video.
A processor in the set top box controls the tuner to tune to a desired
frequency
band, step 742, depending upon the tool or channel selected by the viewer. The
tuner then
passes that selected frequency band's digital information to a demultiplexer
in the set top box,
step 744. Under control by the processor, the demultiplexer redirects the IPG
data to a memory
chip such as a RAM in the set top box and redirects digital video data to a
MPEG chip, step
746. The processor processes the IPG data stored in the RAM to create data
representing the
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IPG to be displayed, step 748. The MPEG chip receives the digital video data
from the MPEG
video stream and processes the data to output a series of graphic images which
represent the
MPEG video, step 750.
A graphics chip receives the graphic image data from the MPEG chip and data
representing the IPG image from the processor. If a PIG is not required in the
IPG, step 752, the
graphics chip converts the IPG data into a form that the television receiver
can present, step 754.
If a PIG is required, the graphics chip reduces the MPEG image data, step 756
and combines it
with IPG image data to create a composite image, step 758, for display on the
television
receiver. Such graphic manipulation and combination is known to those of skill
in the art.
Alternatively, if a very high speed processor is used, the demultiplexer can
send all data to the
RAM and the processor then processes the IPG and digital video data to form
the requisite
composite or single video image for display on the television receiver via a
simple graphics chip
which converts the data into a NTSC signal.
As shown in Fig. 8, the PIG cell 182 may be located in a corner of the tool
screen. Alternatively, the PIG screen may be overlaid on part of the tool
screen. For example,
the PIG cell may be positioned near the IPG lens (such as just above and to
the right of the lens)
so that the viewer can see the program title in the lens and watch the PIG
video together,
without the need to move his or her eyes substantially from lens to PIG cell
and back. In that
case, the graphics memory is organized into layers of graphics planes such
that the IPG is
displayed in the foreground while the plane with the reduced video images is
in the background.
The foreground IPG plane is then depicted in a transparent color to allow the
moving video in
the PIG to be viewed through the IPG plane.
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As explained above, the IPG data may be transmitted with each digital video
channel, as a separate digital channel in the same frequency band with other
digital video
channels, or in a separate frequency band from the digital video data. When
transmitted in a
frequency band with digital video data, the IPG may contain the entire set of
IPG data or only a
subset thereof, for example, IPG data for the programming available on the
channel in the same
frequency band or for programming available on all channels with the next few
hours.
If all IPG data is transmitted via an IPG data channel in a first frequency
band,
such as on a "home" channel transmitted either with or without other digital
channels in the
same band, and a viewer is watching a video channel in a second frequency
band, the tuner
needs to tune from the second frequency band to the first frequency band to
display the
currently transmitted IPG data. In that event, the set top box will be unable
to simultaneously
display the IPG and the last channel watched. Thus, to accomplish the goal of
being_able to
display the last channel watched while using the IPG, IPG data must be
available in tunable
frequency bands that may contain digital video channels so that the set top
box can obtain the
IPG data needed to update and present the IPG.
In one embodiment, IPG data for all channels is transmitted on an IPG data
channel in each tunable frequency band. This has the effect of transmitting
multiple home
channels and has the disadvantage of wasting a significant amount of
bandwidth. To reduce the
bandwidth requirement, in another embodiment only "near-term" IPG data, that
is, IPG data for
a few hours around the current time, is transmitted in each tunable frequency
band while a home
channel in another frequency band transmits "long-term" IPG data, that is IPG
data relating to
shows outside this time frame. This allows the viewer to display an IPG with
near-term IPG
data and a PIG presenting video and audio for the last channel watched or for
a program
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selected in the IPG. When the viewer desires to display IPG information
outside the near-term
time frame, the set top box tunes to the home IPG channel and may no longer be
able to display
the last channel watched in the PIG. This drawback may be acceptable since the
viewer may be
more interested in viewing the IPG when viewing the LPG beyond the near-term
time frame.
In another embodiment each tunable frequency band has both a near-term and
long-term channel. The set top box can then acquire long-term IPG data, if
needed, without
losing the last channel watched. Moreover, the long-term LPG data need not be
frequently
retransmitted, while the near-term IPG data is updated frequently. This
embodiment has the
advantage of minimizing the amount of time needed to acquire updated IPG data,
thereby
reducing the latency time for a viewer.
In another embodiment, the IPG data channel in each tunable frequency band
contains IPG data for only the data video channels in that tunable frequency
band and the
immediately adjacent frequency band. The set top box can then display the IPG
for the
channels in the current and adjacent frequency bands and a viewer moving among
the IPG
channels in the current frequency band can simultaneously watch those
channels. When the
viewer moves to another channel in a different frequency band while moving
among the IPG,
the set top box already has IPG information available about that channel in
the newly current
frequency band (and previously adjacent) and has more time to acquire the new
IPG data
transmitted in the IPG channel contained in that frequency band.
The process of navigating and selecting items from the pick menu in the IPG
screen is shown in Fig. 29. The pick menu wraps from top to bottom. Thus, if
the pick menu
key 85 is pressed up, and the current selection is the top item in the menu,
step 770, the bottom
item of the menu is selected, step 772. Otherwise, the selection moves up one
item, step 774.
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Similarly for pressing the pick menu key 85 down, if the bottom of the menu is
highlighted as
the current selection, step 775, the next item is the top item, step 776, and
otherwise the
highlighted changes to the next menu item below the current item, step 778. If
the viewer
presses the gimme key 92 to select a pick menu item, a new grid is displayed.
If the selected
pick menu item is a category (as opposed to all available programs or
favorites), the category
grid is displayed, as shown in Fig. 30, with days as columns each listing
programs and times
and the lens set on the current day's column, step 780. The list of programs
is sorted by channel
and time, step 782. If the all shows or favorites items are selected, the
system displays the
channel/time grid described above, step 784.
The IPG tool screen for the VOD domain in which pay-per-view programs are
available is similar to the category grid. An exemplary screen is shown in
Fig. 31. As shown in
Fig. 31, the grid contains the available events listed in a column with the
next and later viewing
times. Viewers can navigate, tag or enter one of these events in substantially
the same manner
as the all channel and category grids.
The IPG is an electronic tool that has many advantages over a conventional
paper or video television guide. Not only is the IPG conveniently located, but
the tool is broken
down into different domains and different categorical channels within each
domain to facilitate
obtaining the desired information therefrom. Additionally, the tool is always
located at the
same location and provides additional information about those programs about
which the
viewer desires to receive more information. Furthermore, the viewer can link
to the desired
program by executing on a hot-spot.
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Channel Tool
The channel tool displays television programs in full screen resolution mode.
A
viewer may enter the channel tool by either navigating to it using the up/down
actuation keys 75
and 76, or by pressing the gimme button on a hot-spot linked to a program, as
explained above.
The channel tool contains an additional advantageous feature, an informational
banner
containing information about the current channel and program, which further
supports the goals
of the present invention. The viewer can display the banner in parts, and the
information in the
banner is received from the head end linked to the video data for the program.
Fig. 33 contains
an exemplary screen showing the full extension of the informational banner. As
shown in Fig.
33, the banner contains the domain identifier 900, channel icon and number
cell 902, program
title indicator 904, and description box 906.
The process of navigating within the channel tool and displaying the
informational banner is described with reference to Figs. 32A-32D. When
entering the channel
tool or when changing channels within the tool, the program on the selected
channel is
displayed in full screen mode, step 950. If the informational banner was fully
or partially
displayed before entering the new channel, step 952, the information in the
banner as displayed
is updated and the banner remains on the screen for a short period of time
such as five seconds,
step 954. If the informational banner was not displayed, the tool identifier,
domain identifier
900, and channel icon 902 are displayed on the screen for a short period such
as five seconds,
step 956.
The viewers navigates through channels by pressing the channel up button, step
958, or channel down button, step 960. If the viewer goes up a channel, step
962 (Fig. 32B), the
system tunes to the next channel, step 964, which is the first channel, step
962, if the viewer was
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currently at the last channel. Similarly, if the viewer goes down a channel,
step 962 (Fig. 32B),
the system tunes to the prior channel, step 968, or the last channel, step
970, if the viewer was
currently at the first channel. If the next or prior channel to which the
system tunes is not
blocked, step 972, the program on the channel is displayed, step 950
(returning to Fig. 32A). If
the next or prior channel is blocked, the system may keep advancing channels
until a non-
blacked channel is found, or may prompt the viewer for a PIN to view the
channel.
The viewer can also navigate to a specific channel by entering the channel
number on the keypad 96 of remote control unit 68, step 976 (Fig. 32A). In
that event, if the
channel selected is not blocked, step 978 (Fig. 32C), the system tunes to the
channel, step 980.
If the channel is blocked, the system prompts the viewer for the PIN, step
982, and tunes to the
channel if the correct PIN is entered, step 984. Otherwise, an error message
is sent, step 986,
indicating that the program or channel may not be viewed by the current
viewer.
The portions of the informational banner 898 are displayed sequentially by
sequential presses of the gimme key 92, step 990 (Fig. 32A). Referring now to
Fig. 32D, when
the gimme button is pressed, if the domain identifier is not already
displayed, step 992, the
system displays it, step 994. If the domain identifier is displayed, but the
channel icon and
number cell 902 is not yet displayed, step 996, the system displays the cell,
step 998. If the
program title indicator is not yet displayed, step 1000, or the program
information indicator or
description box is not yet displayed, step 1002, the system displays those
elements at the press
of the gimme button 92, steps 1004 and 1006. If the entire informational
banner is displayed at
the press of the gimme button, it is removed from the screen, step 1008.
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Returning to Fig. 32A, if the viewer presses the tag button while watching a
channel, the tag menu is displayed and the program may be tagged in accordance
with the
process described above with reference to Figs. 18 and 19.
Although the channel tool allows viewers to watch programs in a manner similar
to existing television systems, the channel tool also contains additional
functions which enhance
the objects of the navigational system of the present invention of giving
viewers greater control
over and more information for their viewing experience.
Information (Info) Tool
The info tool provides viewers with additional information regarding the
programming delivered by the system. The info tool contains informational
content that is
valuable to the viewer who has limited his/her choice of programming to a few
events and may
obtain more information regarding the selected events. This information is
often in the form of
text and graphics.
The data provided in the info tool may be harvested from the world wide web,
with additional meta tags added to the web documents to support the hot-spot
functionality
described above for selectable items in the document. The data is transmitted
from the head end
in synch with and linked to each program currently being transmitted on each
channel. Thus,
the data displayed when a viewer enters the info tool relates to the channel
to which the viewer
was tuned just prior to entering the info tool, as determined from the index
described above. In
some embodiments, background graphics data for the info tool is stored in the
set top box
memory and overlaid with the data feed received from the head end.
The info tool screen contains some of the common screen elements described
above, including the tool identifier, domain identifier, clock, picture-in-
graphics cell, and pick
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menu. The picture-in-graphics cell presents the video and audio data from the
channel to which
the info tool screen relates. Thus, viewers can read facts about a program or
channel while
watching it. The pick menu presents different documents or pages which can be
retrieved
relating to the program or channel.
In the organizational structure of the navigational map of Fig. 5, the info
tool is
located adjacent to the channel tool. For that reason, and further because of
the content
sensitive switching capabilities of the present invention, a viewer watching a
program in the
channel tool need only move one tool down to obtain more information about the
content being
watched.
Custom Tool
The custom tool provides viewers with the ability to set preferences, edit the
list
of tagged programs, create and edit rings of favorite channels for each of a
number of viewers in
a household, and block programs based on channel or rating. Fig. 34
illustrates an exemplary
entry screen for the custom tool. As shown, the screen contains many common
tool screen
elements, including the tool identifier 1020, domain identifier 1022, clock
1024, and pick menu
1026. The pick menu lists the functions available in the tool, including those
set forth above.
As also shown in Fig. 34, many of the functions available in the custom tool
can
be performed by multiple viewers having individual PINs. The custom tool
screen contains
tabbed screens 1028 for different viewers having different PINs to set their
individual
preferences. As explained below, each viewer's tagged program list, list of
favorites, and list of
blocked channels or programs is stored in a channel ring individual to that
viewer.
To allow editing of the tagged list, the custom tool displays rows of the
tagged
program titles and frequency for the tag, e.z., daily, weekly, etc., which is
set as described
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above. The viewer may navigate up and down the rows using the directional
keys, and may
untag specific programs or edit the frequency by pressing the tag button and
using the tag edit
menu shown in Fig. 20.
Viewers create and edit a list of favorite channels by selecting that option
in the
pick menu 1026. The process of navigating around this list and setting
favorites is shown in
Figs. 35A-35B. The custom tool displays the entire list of channels available
on the system in a
grid, step 1050. For each channel in the grid, the system determines whether
the channel is in
the particular viewer's ring or list of favorites, step 1052, and marks those
channels on the grid
as "Favorites," step 1054. If the viewer presses the right or left directional
keys 88 or 86, step
1056, the favorites grid is scrolled right or left to the screen for the next
PIN, step 1058. If the
viewer presses the up or down directional keys 82 or 84, step 1060, the
favorites grid is scrolled
one channel down or up, respectively, step 1062. As with the IPG tool, the
lens or selected cell
in the favorites grid remains stationary while the grid moves up or down.
The viewer selects and deselects a channel as a favorite by pressing the gimme
button 92, step 1066. At the press of the gimme button, if the channel is not
already in the
particular viewer's favorites ring, step 1080, it is added to the ring, step
1082, and the channel is
marked as a favorite, step 1084. If the channel is already in the viewer's
favorite's ring, the
channel is removed from the ring, step 1086, and the selected channel is
unmarked as a favorite,
step 1088.
The operation of the blocking function of the custom tool is similar. A viewer
may block programs by blocking the program directly, blocking the channel, or
blocking all
programs having a certain rating or advisory code (e.g., violence, drug use,
adult content, etc.).
The system stores the various blocking choices in rings, as further described
below. When the
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viewer enters the blocking function in the custom tool, the system presents
options to the viewer
to select blocking by rating/advisory code, by channel or by program.
Referring now to Figs.
36A-36B, if the viewer selects with the gimme key 92 to block by rating, step
1100, the viewer
is prompted to input a PIN for blocking by ratings, step 1102. If the correct
PIN is input, step
1104, a ratings or advisory code grid is displayed on the screen, step 1106,
and the ratings or
advisory codes already in the blocked ratings ring are marked as blocked, step
1108. If an
incorrect PIN is input, an error message is presented, step 1110.
Similarly, if the viewer prefers to block by channel, step 1112, the system
displays a grid of channels on the screen, step 1114, with channels already in
the channel
blocking ring marked as blocked, step 1116. If the viewer selects to block by
program, step
1118, the system displays a program guide grid on the screen, step 1120, which
may be similar
to the IPG screen, with programs already in the program blocking ring marked
as blocked, step
1122.
Referring to Fig. 36B, the viewer navigates around the selected grid using the
remote control unit 68 in the manner explained above. If the viewer presses
the gimme key 92
over any selected item in the grid, step 1140, and if the ratings/advisory
code grid is displayed,
step 1142, and the viewer selected a rating, step 1143, the system determines
whether the
selected rating is already blocked by comparing it to the blocked rating ring,
step 1144. If the
rating is not yet blocked, all ratings equal to and higher than the selected
rating are added to the
blocked rating ring, step 1146. For example, if the viewer selects the rating
of R to be blocked,
the R rating is blocked along with ratings of NC-17, X, etc. If the selected
rating is already
blocked, that rating and all ratings below it, if any, are removed from the
rating ring, step 1148.
If the viewer selected an advisory code, the system determines whether the
advisory code is
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already blocked, step 1145, and if not adds the code to a ring of blocked
advisory codes, step
1147, and if blocked, removes the code from the ring, step 1149.
If the viewer is in either the channel or program grid when pressing the gimme
key 92, and the selected channel or program is not already blocked, step 1150,
the system
prompts the viewer for a PIN, step 1152. If a PIN was input, step 1154, the
selected channel or
program is added to the respective ring, steps 1156, 1158, depending upon
whether the viewer is
currently in the channel or program grid, step 1160. If the selected program
or channel is
already blocked, and system prompts the viewer whether to remove the block,
step 1162. If the
viewer wants to remove the block, step 1164, the system removes the blocked
channel or
program from the respective ring, steps 1166, 1168, depending upon whether the
viewer is
currently in the channel or program grid, step 1170.
The custom tool thus allows viewers, and parents in particular, to block their
children from watching particular programs or channels, or from watching any
programs or
channels having certain ratings.
Channel Rings and Policies
A channel ring is data structure in which television channel line-ups for
particular categories, customized favorites, and blocked programs or channels
are defined and
stored by the navigational system of the present invention. Particularly, a
channel ring shows
the channel progression when a viewer channels up from a base channel through
subsequent
channels. Channel ring data for categories can be delivered from the head end
using the
techniques described above.
With particular reference to Fig. 37A, a channel ring with current channel
pointer for the zone consisting of the host tool and television domain is
provided. As explained
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above, a "zone" is generally the intersection between a tool and a domain. The
current channel
pointer indicates channel 90 (host video for "all television"). When channel
up is hit, the
channel will move to channel 91 the host tool and news television, and as the
channels are
continued to be moved up, the user will scroll through the host tool and talk
television, soap
opera television, drama television and comedies television, sequentially. If
channel up is hit one
more time after comedy television (channel 95), the channel ring will loop
back to channel 90
for all television, and will progress in that manner. Moving in the down
direction on the
up/down channel button 74 on the remote will cause motion in the opposite
direction for the
channel ring.
With particular attention to Fig. 37B, a channel ring with current channel
pointer
for the MSB and television domain is depicted. The current channel is
indicated at MSB for all
television (channel 80). The channel ring, similar to that of Fig. 37A,
includes six channels,
channel 80 through channel 85 and scrolls sequentially through all television,
news television,
talk television, soap opera television, drama television and comedies
television. Likewise, after
comedies television at channel 85, if the up channel button is depressed one
more time, the
channel ring loops back to channel 80 for the MSB of "all television."
Attention is next directed to Fig. 37C which illustrates the channel ring with
current channel pointer for viewing in the channel tool and television domain.
This channel
ring illustrates a 75 channel system, and it is sequentially accessed from
channel 2 through
channel 75. The middle section of the channel ring, channel 5 through channel
73, is eliminated
in Fig. 37C for simplicity. However, all 75 channels would contain different
programming.
Particular attention is next directed to Fig. 38A which illustrates a data
ring with
current data pointer for the custom tool and television domain. The data ring
includes four data
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channels for favorites illustrated in Fig. 38A with DAD being at data channel
590, MOM being
at data channel 591, SIS at data channel 592 and BRO at data channel 593. The
data channels
can be scrolled through, and moved consecutively from data 590 to data 591 to
data 592 to data
593 and back to data 590.
With particular attention to Fig. 38B a data ring with current data pointer
for the
IPG and television data is illustrated. This tool provides program data for
each of the channels.
For each television channel in the channel or viewing tool there is
programming data for that
channel in the data ring for the IPG.
Particular attention is next directed to Fig. 38C which illustrates the data
ring
with current data pointer for the information tool and television domain. The
ring for this tool
essentially mimics the channel tool, and functions similarly. For each
television channel in the
channel tool there is an information channel giving information on that
television show as
explained above.
Attention is directed to Figs. 39A and 39B which illustrate channel rings with
portions sorted and blocked. Particularly, in connection with Fig. 39A the
channel ring with
current channel pointer for the viewing tool and television domain is
illustrated. These channel
rings are sorted for news and blocked for adult content. In particular,
channel 3 (local access
television) and channel 74 (food network television) are sorted out as not
containing news.
Additionally, channel 75 (adult channel television) is blocked out as
containing adult content.
Accordingly, in these embodiments, the ABC television programming and NBC
television
programming on channels 2 and 4 respectively are accessed by the set top box
when a viewer
channel surfs the content on the channel ring.
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With particular reference to Fig. 39B, a data ring with current data pointer
for
the IPG and television domain is illustrated. Similarly, channel 3 (program
data for local access
television) and channel 74 (program data for food network television) are
sorted out as not
containing news. Channel 75 (program data for adult channel television) is
blocked out as
containing adult content. Thus, the data ring would skip from channel 2
(program data for ABC
television) to channel 4 (program data for NBC television) both of which
contain news, and no
adult content.
Another advantageous feature of the navigational scheme of the present
invention is context sensitivity. As introduced above with reference to Figs.
5 and 6, context
sensitivity generally refers to the feature whereby when moving between tools
a viewer remains
in the same category of content. For example, referring to Fig. 6, when moving
from a
television channel in the zone defined by the channel tool and television
domain, e.g., channel 5
at map coordinates (3, 2, 3), if the tool is changed such that the viewer
moves to map
coordinates (4, 2, 3) which is the information tool, then the system will move
from the
television channel 5 to information regarding the programming on channel 5.
The system associates policies with the channel rings and their pointers to
control the operation of the tools in various domains. The policies affect the
context sensitivity
of each tool as well as the blocking functions of the present invention.
Particular attention is
directed to Fig. 40 which is an exemplary map of domains and zones including
channel ring
pointers and pointer policies for each zone. Default policies are set for each
zone. Exemplary
default policies include:
I. If the pointer state and the policies below would point to a
blocked
position, set the pointer to the default position (which is unblocked) for the
channel ring;
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If the default position is sorted-out, change the sort state to the default
and the pointer to the default position;
III. If the
appropriate channel ring does not exist in the current domain, use
the default channel ring for that domain.
Exemplary channel ring policies include:
A. Drop any blocked items for this ring for this family member;
B. Change the ring to the last sort state and block according to family
member;
C. Leave the ring for this zone unchanged.
Exemplary pointer policies are as follows:
1. Leave the pointer for this zone unchanged;
2. Change pointer to the last sort state (ez , news);
3. Set the pointer to the last channel watched in this domain, or the
nearest
channel that is not blocked or sorted-out;
4. Set pointer to last family member.
In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 40, every zone includes a channel ring
policy and pointer policy. For example, in the zone defined by the host tool
and games domain,
the policies are "C,1", meaning that the channel ring policy is to leave the
ring for this zone
unchanged and the pointer policy is to leave the pointer for this zone
unchanged. Alternatively,
at the intersection of the channel tool and shopping domain, the policy is
"A,3". Policy A states
that the channel ring policy is to drop any blocked items for this ring for
this family member
and pointer policy 3 is to set the pointer to the last channel watched in this
domain, or the
nearest channel that is not blocked or sorted-out.
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Taking the television domain as an example, it can be seen that the policies
work
to provide a user with an intuitive and efficient system. For example, the
host tool has a policy
"A,2" which requires that any blocked items be dropped for this ring for this
family member
and change pointer to the last sort state. If the last sort was news, the
channel ring would start
with the news host (or map location (0, 2, 1) of Fig. 6). Similarly, the zone
defined by the MSB
in the television domain also carries policy "A,2" which means that if news
was the last sort
state, this policy would require that the system go to map location (1,2, 1)
of Fig. 8 and display
the news MSB.
For the IPG tool in the television domain, the policy is "B, 3" which means
that
the channel ring changes the ring to the last sort state and blocks according
to family member.
Additionally, the pointer policy is to set to the last channel watched in this
domain or nearest
channel that is not blocked or sorted.
Additionally, the zones for the channel and info tools have policies the same
as
the IPG, and would function the same. The custom tool in the television zone
has a policy "C,
4" which means that the ring for this zone is unchanged and the pointer
policies are to set the
pointer to the last family member. Accordingly, if DAD was the last family
member to be in
this zone, then when this zone is accessed it would go back to DAD.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the navigation scheme is designed to
facilitate easy and effective navigation through a multiplicity of channels.
Viewers can change
among domains, among tools, and, when in a certain zone, among channels within
that zone.
The viewer is provided with a feeling of three dimensional movement when
moving among
domains, tools, and channels. Additionally, direct access to particular
programming is provided
using an enter key.
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The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations,
modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by
those of skill in
the art without departing from the scope, which is defined solely by the
claims appended
hereto.
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