Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
.
1 :
W+ROM ..t=fROMC Tt7.8N ZSk7el NtoGR/W SQKMViE GVmE SV1Zt]! AM -GEn100
, Sackground of the Invention
This invention relates to an electronic progran schedule
system, which provides a user with schedule information for
broadcast or cablecast programs viewed by the user on a television
receiver. More particularly, it relates to an improved electronic
program guide that providas the user with a zore powerful and
convenient operating environment, while, at the same time,
increasirg the efficiency of navigation by the user through the
guide.
Electronic program guides for television systems are
known in the art. For example, or.e prior system used an
electronic ci,4racter generator to display textual sche3ulF
information on the full screen of a television receiver. other
prior systems presented electronically stored program schedule
information to"a user for viewing while allowing the user to
select display formats. Still other systems employed a data
processor to input user-selection criteria, then stored only the
program schedule information meeting thesce criteria, and
subsequently used the stored information to automatically tune a
programnable tuner or activate a recording device at the time of
Y+roadcast of the selected television progrars. Such prior systens
are generally discussed in "Stay Tuned for Smart TV," published in
the November 1990 issue of Popular Science.
Collectively, the prior electronic program syrtems may
be difficult to implement and cumbersome to use. They also fail
to provide viewing capabilities that address in a more realistic
manner the viewing habits of the users of these electronic program
systems. Moreover, many of these systeas are complex in their
= design and are expensive to implement. Ease of use and economy
are primary concerns of television program diztributors and
vi2wers as they contempl3te dramatic increases in the number and
nature of program networks and other television-based services.
And, as the number of television channels available to a user
increases dramatically with the advent of new satellite and cable-
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
2
based technologies, the utility of these prior systems
substantially diminishes. These prior-art systems also fail to provide the
user
with sufficient information, for example pricing and the like, 5 about pay-per-
view events, premium services or other packaged
programming to which the user does not subscribe, nor do thel
provide the user vith the capability to automatically purchase
such programming on demand or impulse. Moreover, these prior-art
systems are deficient in that they fail to provide ari efficient
and automatic method of updating or replacing the 'application
software programs that implement the electronic guide at the u.ser
sites, relying instead on manual or other cumbersome forms of
revision or replacement or hardware-based systems that can not bi
updated without physical replacement of integrated circuits and;or
other parts.
Nor do these prior electronic guide systems have the
capability of linki:.g the user to other applications or
information systems which are not part of the electronic prcgram
guide application or data.
Nor do these prior electronic guide systems provide
video promotion of television programs and servicea that are
functionally linked and visually displayed in an integrated
fashion. Program promotion is an important element of the
effective marketing of television programming. The promotion oZ
pay-per-view pay (i.e., "a la carte") progrars and other
unregulated program services is particularly important to cable
television operators in the wake of re-regulation by the federal
government. The current method of promoting such progranming
using video is through dedicated "barker" channels that use full
screen continuous trailers (i.e., previews) which may or may not
be accompanied by prices and ordering information. Recently, such
promotional videos have been shown in split screens w::-!re part of
the screen shows general schedule information for a tine period
roughly corresponding to the time period during which the general
program being promoted is shown. Acccrdingly, there exists a need
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
3
for bn elactronic program guide which can provide improved display
and linking of video promotions with program schedule informatiors
and order processing functions.
The prior electronic program guides also fail to provide
tue user with a simple and efficient method of'controlling access
to individual channels and individual programs. The amount of
adult situations involving sex and violence has steadily increased
during the last 40 years. The issue of Low this affects childret;
or other viewers has gained national attention. Providing a
parent with the ability to lock-out a channel is a well known and
widespread feature of certair. television receivers and cable
converter boxes.' Despite this availability, the feature is seldcm
used by parents. The main impediments to its effective use are
the cumbersome ways in which it is generally implemented, as we?l
as the requirement that eiitire channels be blocked in order tz
block access to any objectional proqramming- A channel-oriente=d
parental lock is unfair to other programmers on the blocked
channel -- who, for example, offer adult-oriented programmirg in
the evening and youth-oriented programming the following morning-
and inconvenient for viewers who want access to such programs.
Thus, there is a particular need for a system which provides
password control to individual progra,-*.:, and channels usir.c a
flexible and uncomplicated on-&creen Lser ir.terface.
The prior electronic program guides are also deficie3t
in that they do not provide the user with the ability to viev or.
demand current bill.Ing status ancI, thus, a need exists for a
cystem which can provide the user with cnrrent billing in_*o...::;.=on
on the user's 3emand.
An additional problem with prior program guides is t2ia.t
= 30 when displaying schedule information in grid foraat, i.e., col=Ms
representing time slots and rows representing channels, pro-am
titles generally are width-wise truncated to fit into the cells of
the grid. The width of a grid cell varies with the duratiosn of
the program. Since a 30 minute program is allotted only a saall
amount of space for the program title and description, titSes
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
4
and/or descriptions for half and even full hour programs often
must be truncated in order to fit into the allotted spacs. Sosw systers s:nply
cut off the description of a program vithotrt
abbravi.ati.ng it in any way, such that the user is unable to 5 determine the
subject matter of the program. For example, a
recent television pr.ogram display included the following text in
a grid cells "Baseball: Yankees v.* Although some syste~
partially alleviate this problem by providing two lines of text i.-i
each grid celi, this solution is not ideal because program
descriptions may still be truncated.
A similar problem arises as the time slots change,
either automatically or in response to a user control command.
Typically, 90 minutes of schedule information is displayed at one
time and the 90 minute window is shiftable in 30-minute
increments. In the case where a 30 minute shift causes a 30
minute size grid cell to display, e.g., a two-hour movie, it is
likely that the full title of the movie will not fit into the
call. Truncation of the title is thus required in this situation
as vell. In this case, while two lines of text-;nay be desirable
to fit the title in the 3C minute cell, the 60 and 90 minute cells
may require only one line of text to display the title.
The prior electronic program guides also lack a method
for creating a viewing itinerary electronically while still
viewing a proc,ram currently appearing on the television receive-T.
Xoreover, these prior program guides leave much guess work for the
user as he navigates through a sequence of channels. When
skimming througiz channels to arcertain the program then being
displayed on any channel, eommcniy known as "channel surfing,* the
user needs to guess which program is currently being aired frca
the video encountered as tha user surfs through the channels.
Since much -- in some cases, up to 30% - of the progrzmirrg
appearing on any given channel at any given time is advertising cr
otY.er commercia], programming, the user is not nrovided with any
clues as to what program is appearing on a selected channel at a
given time and must therefore wait until the advertisement or
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
commernial is over before ascertaining the program then appearing
on the selected channel. Thus a need exists for a program guide
vhicts di.tplays current proqram schedule information for each
= channel as the user curfs through the availabls channels.
5 Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplified
electronic program schedule system that 'may be more easily
implssmented, and which is appealing and efficient in operation.
There is also.a need to provide the user with an electronic
program schec:sle system that displays bot!~ broadcast programs and
l0 electronic schedule information ir. a manner not previously
available with other electronic program schedule systems,
particularly those using a remote controller.
For example, there is a particular need for a flexible
program schedule system that allows a user to view selected
broadcast programs on a portion of the screen of the television
receiver while simultaneously viewing program schedule information
for other channels and/or services on another portion of the
screen. There is also a need for such a program s4hedule system
that.permits the user to select from a plurality of selectable
display formats for viewing the program schedule information. It
is also preferred to have a system that indicates to the user
those keys on the remote ccntroller that are active in ar.y
particular mode of operation. There also exists a need for such
a system that will give a user tha capability to set a
programmable reminder for viewing a program scheduled to air at a
future time.
There is also a need for an electronic guide system
providing the user with comprehensive information about pay-per-
view events, premium services cr other packaged prograsmQing to
.30 which the user does not ordinarily subscribe, and which provides
the user with the capability to automatically, purchase such
programming on demand or impulse. There is also a need for an
electronic guide system providing a reliable and efficient method
of updating or replacing the application software that in.plements
the electronic guide at the user sites.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
6
There a]so exists a need for an electronic program guide
that operates as a shell or window to provide the user with ths capability to
access other applications or information systems
that are not part of the electronic program guide application or 5 data.
It is accordingly an object of the preaent inventicn to
provide a system that Srill allow the user to view a broadcast
program while, at the same time, interactively viewing program
schedule information for other programs.
It is another object of t.he present invention, to provide
the user with the ability to select from among a plurality of
display formats for the program schsdule inforaation.
It is yet another object of the present invention :o
?ndicate to the user of the program schedule system those keys on
the remote controller active in the particular mode of operation
of the system at the time of use.
It is a still further object of the present invention to
previde=the user of the electronic program schedule system with
the capability of setting programmable reminder 3a=ssages for any
future program.
Zt is yet a further object of this invention to provide
the system user with comnrehensive information about pay-per-view
events, premium services or other packaged prograaming to which
the user does not subscribe and the capability to automatically
purchase such programming on demand or impulse.
It is another object of the present invention to provide
an electronic guide system that provides a reliable and efficient
method of updating or replacing the application software programs
that implement the electronic guide at the user sites.
It is still another object of the electronic program
guide to operate as a shell or window to provide the user with the
capability to access other applications or information systems
which are not part of the electronic pr.ogram.3uide application or
data.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
7
It is yet another object of the electronic program quide.
to provide a system whereby video promotion of television programs
and services are functionally linked and visually displayed in an
intngrated fashion to facilitate the marketing and sal: of such
programs ard services.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide password
control for access to individual programs, as
well as channels, using a protected interactive flexible and
uncomplicated on-screen interface.
Anbther object of the present invention is to provide
the user with current programming information for all programs as
the user surfs through the available channels.
It is yet a furtrer object of the present invention to
provide a system in which the user can access his current billing
information on demand.
It is another object of the present inventi-on to provide
a system which overlays television program listings against
varying backgrouad views. _
Zt is yet another object of the present invention to
provide an improved display of text in the grid cells comprising
a page of television program listings.
These and other objects of the invention are achieved by
an electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver
for receivino broadcast, satellite or cablecast television
progra3ns for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for
tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of
c.hannels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory
television program schedule information for a plurality of
television programs to appear on the plurality if television
channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller,
is utilized by a viewei: to choose user control commands and
transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives
the signals in response to user control commands. A te.levision
receiver is used to display the television prcgrams and television
program schedule and other information. A video display ganerator
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
8
raceives video control commands from the data processor and
program sche3ule information from the aemory and displays a
pcrtion of the program schedule int_ornation in overlaying
relationship with a television program appaaring on a television 5 channel in
at least one mode of operation of the television
programming guide. 'I'tie data processor controls the video display
generator with video control coamands, issued in reaponse to the
user cqntrol commands, tc display program schedule information for
any chosen one of the plurality of television programs in
overlaying relationship with at least one television program then
appearing on any chcsEn one of the plurality of channels on the
television receiver.
Brief Description of the Drawines
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing various components of
the preferred embodiment of the invention herein.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of
program and schedale information by the video overlay device
utilized in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 depicts a remote controller that can be used in
connection with the preferred embodiment of the electronic program
guide system of the present application.
Fig. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of the remote
controller shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 shows an overlay appearing on a television screen
in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
Fig. 6 is a menu that appears on a television screen in
a MM1U mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
Fig. 6A is yet another menu that appears on a television
screen in a MENU mode of operation ef the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
9
Fig. 7 depicts a Viewer Preference Menu that appears on
a television scrnen in one nspect of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
Fig. 8 shows a Preferred Channel selection submanu.
Fig. 9 shows an impulse crdering menu that appears on a
television screen in one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
Fig. 10 shows a Premium Services submenu that appears in
one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of thE present
3.0 invEntion. _
Fig. 11 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a
television screen in a BROWSE mode of operation of the preferred
embodiment of the present invantion.
Fig. 12 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a
television screen in a BROWSE mode of operation of the preferred
embodiment of the present inventicn having different information
from that shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 12A shows a graphic overlay appearing on a
television screen in a BROWSE node of operation in the present
invention displaying schedule information for a time and channel
o-ther than that shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 shows a graphic overlay appearing in a REMINDER
aode of operation of the preferred embodimme:.t of the present
intantion.
Fig. 14 sbows yet r_nother graphic overlay appearing in
a REMINDER mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the
Dresent invention.
Fig. 15 is yet another menu t1:3t appears on a television
screen in a MENII mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
Fig. 16 is yet another menu that appearu on a television
screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
Fig. 17 is yet another menu that appears on a tclevision
screen in a Mat'U mcda of operation of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
Fig. 18 shows a grid listing of schedule information
5 displayed in an All Listings mode of operation of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19 shows schedule information displayed in a
Listings By Category mode of operation of the preferreci embodiment
of the present invention.
10 Fig. 20 shows sc.`:edule infornation displayed in a
Listings By Channel rodz of operation of the preferred e.mbodimenz
of the present invention.
Fig. 21 shows information displayed ir response to a
user's request fo,,7 supplemental programming information.
Fig. 22 shows Frogramming, ordering and video
promotional inf-rmation displayed in a Pay-Per-View mode of
operation of the preferred embodiment of the present ir.tention.
Fig. 23 shows an ordering submenu used in cnnjunction
with 'the mode of operation shown in Fig. 22 -
Fig. 24 shows yet another ordering submenu used in
conjunct~on with the mode of operation shown in Fig. 22.
Fici_ 24A shows yet another ordering submenu used in
conjunction vith the mode cy operation sho-an in Fig. 22.
Fig. 25 shows another grid listing of schedule
information dis?layed in an All Listings mode of operation of the
present invention.
Fig. 26 shows a Premium Services submenu that appears in
one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the prezent
invention.
Fig. 27 shows a Messages menu that appears in one mode
of operatIon of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 28 shows exemplary messages used :n connection with
the menu of Fig. 27.
Fig. 28A is an alternative message menu.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
il
Fig. 29 shows billir.g information use3 in connection
with the menu of Fig. 27.
Fig. 30 shows a Key Lock Access menu that appears during
one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Fig. 31 shows a menu appearing in connection with an
Interactive Television zaode of operation of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 32 shows information that appears i.n a Quote Watch
menu in connection -dith the Interactive Television mode of
operation shown in Fig. 31.
Fig. 31 shows other inforaation that appears in
connectio.^.t:ith the Interactive Television mode of operation shown
in Fig. 31.
Fig. 34 is a menu showing information that aapears in a
news display in the Interactive TelL ision mode of operation of
the preferred embodiment of the present inventior._
Fig. 35 is a menu showing information that appears in a
sports display in the Interactive Telev.ision mode of cperation of
the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 36 is a flow chart showing the operation logic
required for implementation of a computer proa,ra= for the
electronic program guide.
Fig. 37 is a menu showing a Locator screen for locating
channel numbers and defining favorite channel lisrs.
Fig. 38 is ar alternative menu that c.3n Le used in a
?fENU mode of operation of the electronic program guide.
Fig. 38A and 38S show, respectively, an alternative main
menu screen and a listing-by-time screer, accessible from the
alternative main menu.
Fig. 39 is a Lockout menu that alternatively can be used
for permitting or prohibiting access to certain Frograms.
Fig. 40 is a Setup menu that can be used to set text
location and a purchase code for premium and pay-per-view
programming.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
12
Fig. 40A shows an exemplary menu for inputting a lockout
code. Figs. 40B through 40E show, respectively, exemplary
menus for entering, confirming, clearing or changing a purchase 5 code.
Fig. 41 is a Lockout Verify menu that is used in
connection with the Lockout menu of Fig. 39.
Fig. 42 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
preferred embodiment of the text fit system of the imfentioin
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E?'BODIMENT
System Cor.fiauration
Fig. 1 is a block diagram srowing various components of
the electronic program schedule system generally designated as 10.
Physically, these system components can be located in a user's
set-top cable converter box or other signal rcception or
processing !evice,; such as a satellite receiver. Alternatively,
the components can be mounted in a separate housing, or included
as part of a televisicn receiver, VCR, personal computer, or
multimedia player; or reside as a distributed application in a
broadband network architecture.
An input sigtial 11 is connected to a receiver 12, which
receives a transmitted data stream from a data prcvider. The data
stream may contain, for example, information about programs oc
services available in a particular market, geographical or
otherwise. The input signal 11 can originate, for example, as
part of a standard broadcast, cablecast or satellite transmission,
or other form of data transmission. The data provider is a
program information provider, the satellite uplink manager, a
local cable operator, or a combination of these sources, and the
data stream contains program schedule information for all
television programs and other services available in the operator's
geographical market.
The data stream may be modulated and then transmitted on
the cable lir.e in any nunber of ways, including as part of a
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
13
dedicated channel transmission ouerating at a frequency of, for
Q..yample, 75 HHz. Those of skill in the art will understand that
numerous other transmission schemes can be used to transmit the
data stream, such as embedding=it in the vertical blanking
interval of a program broadcast signal. As will be discussed in
greater detail below, according to the present invention, the
transmitted data stream may additionally contain application
software for implementing or updating the electronic program guide
at tbe user site.
The transmitted program schedule data or application
software is received by the receiver 12 on signal input line 11.
The received signal is passed from the receiver to a' data
demodulator 13, such as a QPSK demodulator or a GI Info-Ci-pher
1000R, which demodulates the transmission and passes it to a
buffer 15.
A microcontroller 16, such as a M68000EC, receives data
passed to the buffer 15. Bootstrap operating softwareT which may
be used for capturina electronic program guide application
software updates, is stored in a read only memory (R0K) 17. The
microcontroller 16 uses the received program schedule information
to build a database by storing the data in appropriately organized
records in dynamic random access memory (DRA.'i) 18. The stored
schedule information can be updated on a periodic basis, such as
hourly, daily or weekly, or at any time when cha_*-ges in scheduling
or other factors warrant an update. The system also includes a
system clock 19.
Alternatively, the program schedule information could be
supplied in a BOH, disk or other non-volatile memory, or it cculd
be downloaded to a storage disk or other data storage devica. The
invention herein is not directed to the particular methcd of
transmission or reception of the schedule information.
If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the received data
as application software which controls the program schedule
system, as opposed to program schedule information, it stores it
in non-volati:e memory, such as an electrically erasable
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
14
programvnable ROIf (EEPROH) 20 or battery-backed static RAIi (SRJ1K) .
This configuration allows revised or replacement versic:.-e of the
application software to be downloaded directly from the software
developer to the user site through the cable or other transmission =
system.
In the case where an EEPROM is utilized, revised or
replacement versions of the application software downloaded from
the developer are first stored in DRAM 13 by the microcontroller
16, under direction of "the downloading operating software stored
in the ROH 17. The stored application software can then be
checked for accuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other
verification routine.
After the accuracy of the application software has been
verified, the microcontroller 16 initiates a routine to re-program
the EEPROM 20, where the application software is permanently
stored. The microcontroller 16 will issue proper control commands
to a reprogram circuit 21, which is adapted to supply the proper
program voltage and logic control signals 22 required to erase and
write to the EEPROM. It supplies this program voltage, Vprog, as
well as any other required control signals, such as read or write
enable, to the EEPROM 20 upon command from the microcontroller 16.
After the EEPR')H 20 has been electrically erased, the
microcontroller 16 initiates transfer of the new application
software from the DRAM 18 to the EEPROM 20 for storing.
When a battery-backed SRAM is utilized as non-volatile
memory, the microcontroller stores the re,.ised or replacement
version of the application software downloaded from the developer
directly in the SRAH, again under direction of the downloading
operating software stored in the ROM. The stored application
software can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, a
checksum analysis or other verification routine.
When power is first applied to the system lo, the
bootstrap operating software verifies that the program guide
application software is resident in memory. If it is not
resident, the bootstrap operating software waits for a download of
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
the software. Once the application software is resident, the
microcontroller 16 executes the rapplication program software from
a dedicated portion of the DRAM 18. Alternatively, the
application softdare can be executed directly from the non-
5 volatile remory 20. Under control of the program guide
application software, the microcontroller 16 first verifies that
the procgram schedule=information is resident in DRAM 18. If it is
not resident, the microcontroller waits for a download of the
program schedule information, as discussed alrove. Alternatively,
10 i-40 the application program is resident in memory, rut the database
records containing the program schedule information data are not
yet available, the application software can be configured to carry
out other tas:ts, such as allowing the user to carry out functions
not requiring the program schedule information dhta, as well as
15 displaying an apprupriate message indicating the database data is
not yet available.
When.the schedule system is operating, as 4iiscussed in
greater detail hereinbelow, the microcontroller 16 takes the
program schedule information stored in the DRAM 18 and, in
conjunction with other downloaded data types such as stored bit
maps for the screen configuration and the graphic symbol or logo
disalays stored in non-volatile memory 20 or, alternatively, in
DRAM 18, supplies it to a video display generator (VDG) 23, which
in the present embodiment may be a commerc{ally available VGA-type
graphics card, such as a Rocgen card manufactured by Roctec. The
VDG includes a standard RGB video generator 24, which takes the
digital program schedule information sent by the inicrocontroller
16 and converts it to an RGB format in accordance with the bit map
for the particular screen display then being prasented to the user
on the television receiver 27. The configuration of each screen
is ahown and discussed in greater detail in the System operation
section below.
The VDG also includes a Video Overlay Device 25, which
accepts the RGB video input, as well as an input from
conventional television tuner 28, such as a conventional tuner
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
16
manufactured by General Instrument or a Jerrold DPBB tuner, which
supplies a program signal in standard NTSC video format. The
overlay device 25 converts and combines the RGB signal vith the
signal from the tuner 28, and produces a composite HTSC output 5 signal
containing both the program signal and the program schedule
information, as shown in Fig. 2. This composite video signal is
supplied to a modulator 26, shown in Fig. 1, which cn-n ba a
modulator such as available from Radio Shack, and then to the
television receiver 27, which the user keeps tuned to the
modulated channel, for example, channel 3 or 4. The composite
video signal can also be supplied directly to the television
receiver 27 or other receiving device from the VDG thiough a video
port 25A on the VDG.
The syst=m components identified in connection with Fig.
1 can all be implemented in a preferred platform by, for example,
an IBM personal computer equipped with a transmission link and a
video graphics=card, such as those manufactured by Roctec. Other
platforms,- such as a cnble converter box equipped vith a
microprocessor and memory, or a broadband network also could be
used. Examples of the particular components are as follows:
Kicrocontroller -- Motorola part no. MC68331-16; ROM -- Texas
Instruments pLrt no. TM527PC512; DRAM -- Texas Instruments part
no. TM4256; EEPROM -- Intel part no. 28FOO1BX-T. In any evant,
those of skill in the art will appreciate that the particular
details of the hardware components and data storage are a function
of the particular implementation of the system, and are not the
s:ubject of the present invention.
As discussed in detail below, the user may navigate
through the program schedule system with a remote controlle.r, such
as that shown in Fig. 3, which operates on conventional principlas
of remote control transmitter-receil'_r logic, such as by infrared
or oth2r eignalling, or other su{table user interface. Z=he remote
controller 31 communicates with the microcontroller 16 through the
=emote controller receiver 29, shown in Fig. 1, which can ba a
Silent Partner IR receiver and which receives signals transmitted
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
17
by the remote controller 31 and supplies the microcontroller 16
vith a corresponding digital signal indicating the key depressed
by the user.
A remote controller suitable for the present invention,
such as shown in Fig. 3, which can be a remote controller
manufactured by Universal Electronics or Pxesentation Electronica'
Silent Partner, may include a power switch 32, volume 33 and zate
34 controls, an ENTER key 35, 0-9 digit keys 36, four direction
arrow keys 37A and 37B, a MODE key 38 and an information key 39
that is designated with a lower case "i." The power 32, volume 33
and mute 34 keys operate in the same manner as conventional remot-
controllers typically used with present-day television receivess.
The numeric digit keys 36 also function in much the same manner as-
conventional remote controllers. A brief description of the
remaining keys follows.
The MODE key 38 takes the user through various layers of
the electronic program schedule system 10 and generally allows the
user to return to a previous screen when he is in a submenu. --be
up/down_direction arrow keys 37A allow a user to navigate through
the different TV program channels when the program schedule system
is in a FLIP or BROWSE mode, as wili be fully described below, and
also allow the user to navigate through highlighted bars displayed
on the TV screen when in a MENU mode. The left/right direction
arrow keys 37L allow the user to navigate through selected tia-e
periods when thc program schedule system ic in the BROWSE aode, a_s
will also be described below. They further allow the user to
navigate across subject-matter categories while in the
"Categories" submenu of the MENU mode, as well as to navigate
across time periods when the program schedule system is in a pay-
per-view ordering mode and, in general, navigate in left or rig^t
directions to select various icons and other objects. The
information, or "i," key 39 allows the user to view supplementzl
program and other irf ormation during the various modes of t::e
program schedule system. The ENTER 35 key fulfills and inputs a
command once the ueer has made a selection from the remot.e
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
18
controller keys. The function and oFeration of these keys will be
made more apparent in the detailed discussion of the FLIP, $ROWSE
and lrlEflU nodes below.
A second embodiment of the remote controller 40 is shown
in Fig. 4. ThiF embodiment of tha rumote controller also inrludes
a power key 41, nuneric digit keys 42, direction arrow keys 43A
ar.3 43B, information key 48, ENTER ar SELECT or "OK" key 44,
volume control 45, lockout key 45A, mute kevs 46 and help key 48A.
It also includes pound sign and star keys.
This embodiment of the remote controller further
inclu:as a number of icon keys 47A and 47B, which correspond to
different submenus or modes of the program schedule system. The
icons.47A and 47B may also be displaysd on the TV screen when the
program schedule system is operating. The icon keys essentially
replace the 2i0DE key 38 used in the embodiment of the remote
controller shown in Fig. 3. Using these keys, the user can move
from one mode to another simply by depressf'ng the icon key
corresponding to the -desired mode of operation of the program
schedule system. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the icons 47A and
47B are shown as graphic symbols situated directly above a
corresponding color-codad key. Alternatively, the color-coded
keys could be eliminated and keys could be formed in the image of
the icon itself.
The embodiment of the remote controller shown in Fig. 4
also includes three color-coded viewer preference or favorite
channel keys, 48A, 48B and 48C that are situatad directly above
the icon keys. Each. of these keys indicates to the program
schedule system a distinct user-created "Channel Preference" or
"Favorite Channel" list, which is a listing of a specitic subset
of channels for a particular user, arranged in the sequential
order that the user wishes to view during operation of the program
schedule system. The creation of the Channel Preference or
Favorite Channel- list is discussed in the following section.
Thus, the system provides for at least three individual channel
subsets for three individual users.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
19
The remote controller of Fig. 4 also may be equipped
vith a"HELPP" key 48A, which, when depressed, causes the
i.icrocontroller 16 to retrieve previously stored instruction
messages from memory and cause them to be displayed on the
television receiver 27. These messages offer help to the user in
the form of instructions that guide the us9r through the operation
of the various operating modes of the electronic television
program guide. They may be text messages, or instructional video
images, or audio programs, deper_ding on the storage capacity of
the system, or any combination of these. Moreover, these belp
messages may be created so that they are context-sensitive, i.e.,
the messages displayed depend entirely upon the precise point in
the operation of the electronic program guide that the user
depresses the help key 48A. For example, information could be
supplied for operation of the remote controller, for operating the
FLIP or BROWSE mode (discussed below), or any other mode of
operation of the guide, for impulse ordering, for setting a
lockout, etc. In order to accomplish this, each point of
operation of; the guide could be coded so that the microprocessor
could track the current operating point, for - example, by
temporarily storing the code reflecting the present operating
point as the user operated the guide. When the user pressed the
help key 48A, the microcontroller 16 would retrieve an appropriate
set of messages based on the presently stored operating point
code. Additionally, the i key 39 could be used to carry out the
function of the help key.
Additionally, each of the functions of the remote
controllers can also be integrated into a keypad on the user's
cable box or other hardware.
=Svstem Operation
In operation, the electronic program schedule system of
the present invention-functions as follows.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
FLT.E Mode
W'hen the user is viewing a particular program channel on the television
receiver, the program schedule system defaults to
a FLIP mode, shown in Fig. S. In this mode, a graphic overlay 51
5 containing programming information for the channel currently tuned
on the tuner is superimposed in overlay'-ng relationship with a
received program s_gnal 55 on the screen of the television
receiver 27 whenever tha viewer changes the program channel, for
example, by trsing the up/dotm direction arrows on -the remo'.:e
10 controller. The video ovarlay device 25, such as shown yn Fig. 1,
combines the computer-generated RGB video-graphic overlay
information with the NTSC-format program signal from the tuner 28,
and supplies an N'TSC-format output signal, wiiich includes the
program signal from the tuner and the progrlm schedule overlay
15 information for viewing on the telev-Lsion receiver 27.
The programming informatior. contained in the graphic
overlay 51 is supplied to the RGB video generator by the
microcontroller- In FLIP mo=ie, the microcontroller first bearches
the program schedule database in, for examplc; the DRAH 18 to
20 retrieve the programming information for the currently tuned
channel 52 corresponding to the current time; i.e., the time at
which the user just turned on the televisiora receiver for vieving.
The microcontroller 16 then supplies the cer--ent channel and
program information to the RGB video generator z4 which converts
t2,e digital data information to RGB format and supplies it to the
video overlay device 25.
In normal operation, the microcontroller 16 defaults to
displaying all channels otfered by the cable company prioritized
by numeric order, which is determined by tha broadcast chaa,.e1
position in the radio spectrum or the marketing judgments of 1Jca1
cable operators. iTsing a "Channel Prefererce" submenu, or an
alternative "Locator" screen, both of which are discussed below,
the user can revise the content and/or sequential order of the
channels presented to the television receiver 27.
. . . . . . ... . i .
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
21
in general, if the user does not issue a change-channel
instruction; or other command, from the remote controller 40
within a predetermined time interval while in the FLIP mode, the
microcontroller 16 izstrt:cts the VDG 23 to reaove the graphic
overlay 51 from the television receiver,- thus presenting only a
program signal 55 to the television receiver 27 for viewing. The
duration of the predetermined time interval is such that it allows
the user sufficient time to read the programming information
contained in the overlay. The duration of the predetermined time
interval during which the graphic 51 overlay appears is stored in
a location in non-volatile memory 20 addre_ssable by the
microcontroller 16. The user can change the duration of the time
interval, by 4-irst entering a Viewer Preference mode, and then
selecting an "overlav interval" entry. The microcontroller 16
then causes a uaer prompt to be displayed on the screen which, for
example, asks the user to select an appropriate time period for
displaying in the graphic overlay on the screen. Using the
numeric keys, the user can input an appropriate response, for
example, a period between 5 and 60 seconds, and then depress
ENTER. Tr.e new interval period is then read and stored by the
microcontroller 1G in the overlay time interval location in
nemory. -
If the user issues a change-channel command from the
remote controller 40 befora- or after the predetermined overlay
period has elapsed, either by using the up/down direction arr::.+s
43A, or by entering a desired channel number using the numeric
keys 42 and then depressing the ENTER key 44, the microcontroller
16 will cause the tuner 28 to tune to the desired channel --
either the channel immediately preceding or following the current
channel when the up or down arrow 43A is used or the specific
channel entered on the numeric key pad by t_he user -- and will
also search for and immediately cause to be displayed the current
program information for that channel. Thus, as the user flipr.
through the channels, the program schedule informatioii for any
selected channel automatically appears in the graphic overlay 51
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
22
while the actual program 55 appearing on the selected channel at
the particular time occupies the remainder of '.he screen.
The system can also 'be configured t-i issue an error
message, such as an audible beep or displayed *cext indicating an =
invalid key stroke, if the user depresses either the left or right
direction arrow keys while in the FLIP node.
BROWSE Made
To initiate thc BROWSE mode, the user depresses the MODE
switch once while in the FLIP mode when using the first embadixent
of the remote controller 31 shown in Fig. 3. Utilizing the second
embodiment of the remote controller 4C shown in F_g. 4, the user
would depress the button below the BROWSE icon 47A.
In the BROWSE aode, the user is pravided with the
ability to scan through prcgram schedule information for any
channel, including, but not limited to, the channel beina viewed,
vhile at the same time continuing to view the TV program
prQviously seiected. As shown in Fig. 11,_in this mode the
graphic overlay information that appears in the FLIP mode is
replaced with programming information for the channel being
broused, which may or may not be the channel currently being
viewed by the user. After the user issues the command from the
remote controller 40 to enter the BROWSE mode, a graphic overlay
111 is generated, cs in the FLIP mode, with program schedule
information for the currently tuned channel 112 and a textual
7.5 BROWSE indicator 113 to remind the user of `,.he L-irrently active
mode, as shoWn in Fig. 11.
If ths uuer depresses eit'3er thR up or down direction
arrow on the remote controller 40 while in the BROWSE mode,
program schedule information for either the prior or next channel
is diEplayed in the graphic overlay portion 111 of t:le t_levision
receiver ccreen 27, while the tuner remains tuned to the channel
program that appeared on the televi:;ion receiver at the time the
user eAtered the BROWSE mode, as shown in Fig. 12, and continues
to so appear. Each successive depression of the up or down
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
21
direction arrow key produces correspcssding Frogram schedule
information for ti.e selected channel. The graphic overlay may
also include a small video window for showing the actual video
signal of a currently aired program or a clip of a future program
corresponding to the schedule information then appearing in the
BROWSE overlay. In this way, t2ie user can siaultaneously scan
program schedule information fo- all channels while continuously
viewing at least one selected program on the television receiver.
With the advent of sophisticated television receivers, it may also
be possible to simultaneously display multiple broadcast programs
on a single screen for viewing, or to split the'screen to show,
for example, broadcast programs in combination with
advertisements. The EROWSE feature could be used in any of these
situations.
If, at any time during scanning of the program schedule
information in tha BROWSE mode, the user desires to tune the
television receiver 2: from the program channel currentlv being
viewed to the prograa channel indickted in the schedule
information in the graphic overlay, he simply depresses the EHTER
button 44 and the tuner 28 will be tuned to that channel. Zf the
user does not want to view another channel and wishes to exit the
BROWSE mode, thus removing the graphic overlay 111 with the
program schedule information, he must depress the MODE key twice
in the first embodiment of tl.e remote controller 31. The first
depression of the MODE key takes the user to the MENtJ mode,
discussed below, and the second depression will take the user to
the FLIP mode. Once in the FLIP mode, the graphic overlay will be
removed afte: the duration of the time-out interval has passed.
In the seccnd embodiment of the remote controller shown in Fig. 4,
the user toggles the BROWSE icon key to deactivate the BROWSE
mode.
W'hen thc user first enters the BROWSE mode and begins
scanning channels, the schedule information appearing in the
overlay portion 17.2 describes the programs currently playing on
any particular channel. in order to view programming information
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
24
for later or earlier times, the user employs the left and right
direction arrows 43B. As a consequence, the system will display
future program schedule information for the particular channel
previoe:sly selected by the up and down direction arrows, whether 5 it is the
channel currently being viewed or any other available
channe=. The schedule information presented includes the name of
tha program and program start/stop time. The instant embodinent
of the system, in order to conserve memory, will not allow the
user to view programming informatioa for a time prior to the
cuxrent time.. The system could be easily modified to provide such
information if adequate memory is made available. It may be
desirable, for example, to allow a user to view schedule
information for an earlier time to find a particular show and then
allow the user to command the microcontroller to find and display
future airing dates of the show, or the microcontroller could
simply do this automatically.
When viewing progran schedule information for a future
time in the B:tOidSE mode, the displayed time of airing 121 of the.
partic.:lar shou* 122 is highlighted, as well -as the channel n=ber
and service indicator 123, as shown in Fig. 12A. Such highlighted
information reminds the user that he is viewing program schedule
information for a future time. Also, when viewing pro3ram
schedule information for a future tine on any particular channel
in the BROWSE mode, depression of the channel up dirpction arrow
key on tlia remote controller 40 cr.uses programming schedule
inform.ation for the next channel to appear, which corresponds in
time tm the future time that was being viewed before the up key
was depressed by the user. The chanael dow-n direction arrow key
43B functions identically in this mode.
IZ while viewing program schedule information for a
future time in BROWSE mode the user depresses t`.s E2:TER key cn the
remote controller, the nicrocan=:.roller 16 will instruct the VDG 23
to display a RF1dINDER overlay message 130 which, as shown in Fig.
13, is displayed as a second overlay 131 appearing above the
BROWSE overlay 132. The REMINDLR m_ssage _30 quer'Les the use= as
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
to whether the system should remind the user, at a predetermined
time before the start of the selected program, that he or she
would l4-ke to view the selected program, as shown in Fig. 13. If
the user responds affirmatively, the microcontroller 16 stores
5 reminder data consisting of at least the channel, tine and day of
the selected program in a reminder buffer, which contains similar
schedule information for all programs for which the :=ser has set
a reminder. At a pre-determined time before the selected program
start tize, for example, five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will
10 retrieve schedule information, including title and se_-vice, based
on the reminder data, and will instruct the VDG 23 to display a
REMINDER overlay massage 140 on the television receiver 27, as
shown in Fig. 14, to remind the user that he or she previously set
a reminder to watch the selected proc,*ram. T'ne P._'`:IN-Dnz message
15 140 contains the channel, sarvice and start timE_ It also
displays the number of minLtes before the time of a:,Ting of the
part;cular s-how and updates the displa} every minute until the
time of airing. The Rr'"'2~. iINDER message 140 also displays a"TLWE"
inquiry, which ask:, the user if she would like to tuse to the
20. selecte:3 program. When the user sets multiple re :inders, the
reminder overlays are stacked, for example, in ascending order
according to the time each reminder is scheduled to be displayed,
and the ::ext reminder message aill appear on the -television
receiver after the user takes appropriate action to remove the
25 reminder message then being displayed. The R"`SIND3 =essage (140
could also be adapted to allow the user to display or modify a
list of all reminders previously set by the user. is with the
overlay display time period in the FLIP mode, the user can modify
the time pzriod before a selEctsd program that the RFKINDF.,'2
message appears by entering the =:iever Preference mode and
revising the time entry.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
26
tdE}rJ Mode
Using the remote controller 31 shown in fig. 3, the user
can enter the ?ZNU inode from the EP.OtdSE mode or from the ='I.IP mode
by toggling the MODE button 38 once or twice, respectively. Using
the remote controller 40 of Fig. 4, the user would simply depress
the key 47B corresponding to the M't.'NU icon.
Re:erring to Fig. 6, in the ME.'U mode, the system,
displays a plurality of'menu items and icons, which correspond- to
and allow user selection of distinct program schedule information
display formats, local cable syst-em message bcards and other on-
line information services. The HENU screen shown in Fig. 6 is
a full-screen display. in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, there
are four vertically selectable horizontal bars 61-64, which are
accessed using the up and down direction arrows 43A on the remote
controller 21 or 40. At the extreme left of each bar, an
=dentifying icon 61A-64A is displayed, which identifies the
infarmati-on contained in that bar. In the embodiment of Fig. 6,
the "TV GUIDE" icon 61A in the first bar corresponds to progran
schedule information from TV GuideO magazine, tk:e "NOW SHOF7ING*
icon 6z2% in the second bar 62 corresponds to pay-per-view ar.d
premium serv:.^e events, the "K50 Logo" icon 63A in the third r.ar
63 corZ=espo.^.t'.s to Customer Service cr local cable company
information messages, and the circular icc_, 64A in the fourth bar
64 corresponds to other interactive services ava:;lable to the
user, or in the case of broadband networks, other venues, e.g.,
hoae shopping, banking or telephone use. As also shown in Figs.
6 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of its
contents.
When the user first enters the 2+lS1iII mode, the system
defaults to selection of the program schedule bar. When a
particular bar is selected, the textual description is removed and
a plurality of icons or identifying windows are displayed adjacent
the identifying icon. In Fig. 6, the program schedule bar 61 is
selected. Using the up or down direction arrow key on the remote
controller 40, the user selects a vertically adjacent bar. Figs.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
27
15-17 show, respectively, selection of the Pay-Per-View bar 62,
the Customer Service or Messages bar 63 and the Interactive TV
services bar 64.
An alternative MAIN MENU screen 215 is shown in Fig. 38.
Certain selection screens accessible from the menu shown in Fig.
38 are shown in Figs. 38A and 38B. It has three horizontally
selectable bars: program schedule 205, Home Theater 206 and
Customer Service 207. The MAIN HEh'D screen 215 also contains an
additional "Locator" identifier, vhich is described below.
Once a particular bar in the MENU screen is selected,
the user can select a particula: icon from the plurality of
horizontally selectable displayed icons 65A-65C by using the left
or right direction arrow and the ENTER key on the remote
controller 40. Each icon contains a graphical symbol appearing in
a background window of a particular color. When a particular icon
is selected, it is offset fram its background window and the color
of the windosr changes. In Fig. 6, the grid icon 65A immediately
adjacent the "TV GUIDE" icon in the first bar 61 is selected.
The function corresponding to the selectable entries in
the MAIN MENU screen will now be discussed with reference to Fig.
6. It wiil be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the
same functionality applies in the categories shown in the HAIN
MIINJ 215 shown in Fig. 38.
In the uppermnst vertically selectable horizontal bar
61, the first grid icon 65A represents an "All Listings" mode in
which the program schedule information is displayed in a grid
listing, such as that shown in Fig. 18. 'Alternatively, a single
column grid-like display could be used, as that shown in Fig. 25.
In this format, the vertical v-axis identifies the channel number
and service while the horizontal x-axis identifies the time. The
screen display of Fig. 18 also contains in the upper left-hand
corner a mode identifier 150, in this case the notation "All
Listings," to remind the user of the csrrent operating mode of the
system. Directly undernoath the sode display is a highlighted
display 181 of the=channel that the user was watching before
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
28
entering the MENU mode. in the upper right-hand corner, a logo
icon 182 appears in a window airectly above a date/time ider.tifier
183, which alternatively displays the current date and time.
In the center of the screen display shown in Pig. 18 is
a graphical Active Key Display (AKD) 184 which indicates to the
user those keys on the remote controller that are active for that
particular mode of the program guide display system. For example,
in the screen display of Fig. 18, the cursor can only move ' up,
down or to the rig-ht. If the user were to depress the left
direction arrow key on the rerote controller at that point, the
system would not carry cut any fu_nction since the cursor can not
-move to ttie left. Thus, the left arrow key is not active so its
image is not displayed on the AKD 184. Similarly, since the
system will only respond to a depression of the up, down or right
direction arrow keys and the ENTER key, they are the only key
iraages displayed on the graphical AKD 184. The 2SODc, key, though
not displayed, is always active to change from one mode to
another. When the user first enters the All Listings ';uine, the
time listing begins by defaalt at the half-hour imanediately
preceding the current time ::niess the current tine is on the hour
or half-hour, in which case the display begins with the particular
hour or half-3;our, ar.d tha channel listing begins at the last
channel being viawed by the user before entering the HENV mode.
For exas,ple, in Fig. 18, the current time is displayed as 7:13
p.m., the time listing begins at 7:00 p.m. and the channel listing
begins with channel 4.
In the All Listings mcde, a moveable highlighted cursor
185 is used to indicate the currently selected program to the
user. The uspr manipulates cursor movement using the direction
arrow keys on the remote controller 40. Furthermore, the entire
information display pages upward if the cursor is placud at the
bottom of the screen and the down direction arrow is depre3sed,
an1 similarly pages to the left if the cursor is at the extreme
right side oi the dispiay and the r;.ght direction arrow is
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
29
depressed. In this way, the user can navigate through the entire
program schedule.
The folder icon 65B immediately to the right of tha All
Listings icon in the top horizontal bar 61 0t Fig. 6 identifies a
"Category Listing" mode in which program schedule information is
displayed and categorized by program content, as shown in Fig. 19.
The particular listing shown in Fig. 19 includes the categories of
Movies, Sports, News and Children 190A-190D. The database record
stored for each listing containa a cantent-specific identifier so
the microcontroller can search the database and categorize the
information by content for purposes of displaying it in the
Category Listing mod:. As shown in Fig. 19, the user can
manipulate the cursor left or right to highlight any one of the
categories which appear at the head of the listing. In Fig. 19,
the "Movies" category 190A is selected. As shown, the user is
given a displav of all movies, prioritized by time and then
alphabetically by title of show, beginning with the half-ro-sr
iasediately preceding the current time unless the current time is
or. the hour or half-hour, in which case the display begins with
the particular hour or half-hour. The screen display shown in
Fig. 19 also includes a textual description of the current
operating mode of the progr.3m schedule system, as well as the
graphic MM 184, similar to that used in connection with the All
Listings mode.
As with the A11 Listings mode, if the user highlights a show
which is currently airing, he can immediately tune to that show by
depressing the ENTIP. key on the remote controller 40. If the
hignlighted show is ons that will appear at future time, tha user
is again given the option of setting a RF:MI'tDF.P. message.
The triangular icon 65C at the far right of the TV GUIDE
bar 61 in tha display ot Fig. 6 identifies a"Channel Listing"
mode in which the program schedule inforssation is categorized and
displayed by channel, as shown in Fig. 20. The screen display
shown in F:g. 20 again includes a textur,l mode identifier 201, the
graphic P.KD 184, and the window including the logo icon 132 and
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
alternating time/date display 183. At the head of the program
listing is a list of several consecutive channels 202a-202C
begi-uiing wit.'~ the last channel viewed by the user before entering
the Channel Listing mode. The channel in the middle vindow 2023
5 is highlighted and is the channel for vhich schedule information
is displayed. The display identifies those programs appe3rinq on
the highlighted channel begi--ning with the half-hour imnediately
preceding the current-time unless the current time is on the hour
or half-hour, in which case the display begins with the particular
10 hour or half-hour. The user can display further future listings
by aanipulating the cursor to the bottom of the screen and paging
the display, as previously described. The user can also change
the selected channel by aanipulating the left or right direction
arrov keys on the remote controller 40. When the user issues a
15 c.hazx3e-char.nel command in this manner, the next cor.secutive
char.nel will be displayed in the highlighted window 2028 in the
charsnel string at the head of the display, _and schedule
infcrmation for the newly selected channel will be displayed on
the television receiver 27.
20 As with other modes, if a user wishes to tune to a
highlighted -orogram that is currently airing, he can do so by
simply depressing the ENTEZ key on the remote controller 40, and if the user
wishes to view n program that airs at a future time,
tre user is again given the option of setting a REMIhDER message.
25 In each of the FLIP, BROWSE and ISFNU modes, a lower case
"i" icon appears at a number of occasions in connection witis
certain program listings, such as movies, such as the "i" 203
shovn {n Fig. 20. &ny time this icon appears, the user can view
additional programming information, generally comprising a textual
30 description of program content and/or other information related to
the progrsm, such as the names of cast member_s and the like, by
deprersir.g the "i" key 48 on the remote controller 40. An example
of a display cf such additional information is shown in Fig. 21.
The second horizontal bar 52 appearing on ttie screen in
the XAItt ME.W ao<ie sl:o n in Fig. 6 is the "Home Theater" Listir.g.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
31
It corresponds to Pay-Per-View events or services, specialized
programming, and Premium Service programs. When this cateqery is
chosen by the user, the television receiver displays inform.ation
as shown in Fig. 15. The first theater-ticket icon 150 that
appears in this Home Theater bar identifies a format in which the
Pay-Per-View events and premium services are displayed, as shown
in Fig. 22. As with other modes, the user can manipulate the
cursor to highlignt and select any particular show.. Also, the
user can obta3n additional information about the Pay-Per-View
event or service by depressing the "i" key 48 on the remote
controller 40. The Pay-Per-View menu screen display shown in Fig.
22 also includes a video display secticn 220 in which short
promotional clips of currant and future events and services can be
shown to t*a user while the user is vic*,ring the Pay-Per-View
scheduling information. The display of Fig. 22 is bit mapped such
that the advertising clips may be shown ir. the lover le`t quadrant
of the screEn: The clips may be shown randomly L-i the video
display section 120 or, alternatively, the clip shown could
correspond to the particular selected entry on the list of events,
and would change automatically as the user navigated through the
list.
wnen a user highliqhts a Pay-Per-View event or service
by manipulating the cursor to the desired event or service using
the direction arrow keys on t.ha remote controller 40, be can order
the event or service by depressing the EJTER button on the remote
controller, thus lin}:ing schzdule, prom:otional an: ordering
functions. If the user selects a particular Pay-Per-View event or
service in this manner, the prograaaaing schedule systam will next
present to the user a Pay-Per-View ordering screen such as that
shown in Fig. 23. The display includes a figure representing the
cost of the event or service. The display also asks the user to
choose ;ror among a plurality of scheduled airing times 230A-230C,
as well as whether the user would like to see a I:r."'MINDZR message
prior to the start of t2'.e Pay-Per-View event or service. ;, user
responds to these inquiries by using the direction kzys on the
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
32
remote controller 40 to manipulate the cursor to the proper
response and then depressing the I2iTER key. After the user has
ordered a Pay-Per-Viev event or service, the program schedule
system will present the user with two ordering confirmation
submenus, such as shown in Figs. 24 and 24A. In either of these
subaenus, the user can confirm or cancel the Pay-Per-View event or
servica. -
If the user confirms the order, the microcontrolier 16
stores the Pay-Per-View ordering i-nforMation in a location in
m=emory. The ordering information can then be trar.smittEd to the
cable operator by the microcontroller 1: either by phona line or
on the cable line where the system has two-way communication or
other such 3nteruct:ve capability. Alternatively, a computer at
the cable cperator location can intesrogate the memory whA:e the
microcontroller stored the Pay-Per-View ordering information. At
the appropriate time, the cable operator supplies the Pay-Per-View
event or service and it is received by all users-who have zrdered
the program.
The second icon 151 in the Pay-Per-View bar of Fig. 15
identifies a specialized broadcast, cable or satel3.ite programming
service to which the user has access via the electronic program
guide. In this mode, the electronic program guidp application
Fsoftware acts to connect t.re user, throsgh an aFpropriate data
transmission .tink, to the programming servica, at which point the
user interacts with the service. Alternatively, the electronic
program guide provides the navigation software, including the
menua and scheduling information, for the particular prograanir.g
service. such a service could be, for example, Your Choice iJ
("YC'T'Y"), a service offering reruns oi highly rated broadcast ar.d
cable programs, in vhich case the icon nay taY.e a forn sultnble to
identify YCTV. The programming available on YCTV is then suppiied
to the user via the programsaing guide system.
The last icon 152 appearing in the Pay-Per-View bar of
Fig. 15 identifies a display format Which lists all Presiu=-
Sarvicas offered by the cable operator, as s!hown in rig. 26. in
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
33
this mode, the user can select for impulse ordering any one of the
prexiiua services by manipula =inq . i,.he cursor using the direction
arrow keys on the remote cor.troller and depressing the ENTIIt key.
Similar to Pay-Per-View ordering, the system will present the user
5wit?i a series of ordering displays and, if a ser-=rice is ordered by
the user, it will confirm the user's request using ano;.her other
submenu. If confirmed, t:e microcontroller 16 will store the
ordering information or transmit it directly to the cable
operator. once-the order has been confirmed, the microcontroller
can immediately allow the user access to the ordered premiuo
service. In this manner, the user can order premiua events or
services on demand.
If, durir.g FLIP or BROWSE modes, a user views a channel
or schedule infor-mation for a service not subscribed to by the
user, the microcontroller 16 causes an ordering submenu to appear
instead of displaying a program signal along with the graphic
ove_l3y, as shown in ?ig. 9. This stlbIIenL' indicates to the user
that she does not currer.tly subscribe to the selected service, and
then asks the user if she vould like to order the'service. If the
:.0 user responds affirnatively, the program schedule system takes the
user to the ordering st:bmanu discussed above. In this manner, the
user can order premium events or services on impulse.
= The third horizontal bar 63 in the ?:r~N mode shown in
Fig. 6 is the "Messages" or "Customer Service" listing. As shown
in Fig. 16, t1he firft envelope icon 160 represents message
information avai2able from the cable operator. When the user
selects the message icon, he is presented with a screen display of
cur:ently available messages, as shown in Fig. 27. T1-ie display
s2:own in Fig. 27 includes cable system messages 270 and billing
information 271. If the user selacts the cable systen messages
option 270, she is preser.ted with a message pertaining to the
locai cable operator, such as thnt shown in Fig. 28. If t_he user
selects the billing status option 271 shown in Fig. 27, she is
presented vith a disvlav of current billing information, such as
thaL shovn in Fig. 29. This information may include a history of
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
34
purchases charged to the user, current balance infcrmation,
pending orders, and, an indication of available credit, which can
be an authorized debit limit previously arranged with the cabla or
other operator. Thus, a user could specify only a c,-rtain pre-set
spending limit. Once the amount of charges from pay-per-view
events reaches the linit, the microcontroller would not permit
fu_-ther ordering of events. An alternative messages menu is shown
in Fig. 28A. -
The next icon 161 in the Oti:stomer Serviee information
bar 63 of Fig. 16 identifies a"viewer PrEference" mode, which
allows the user to create or revise a number of program schedule
system operating parameters. Once selected, this display presents
the user with several preference options concerning certain
operating parameters of the program schedule systea, as well as
the viewing of certain channels and/or certain content-specific
programming, for'example, those shown in Fig. 7.
The first ontion shown in Fig. 7?s the "Parental"
option 70, which can also be expressed as a"1Cey Loc.': Access'
optidn. Once this option is initially selected by the user, the
system displays a"Kep Lock Access" submanu such as that shou-n in
Fig. 30.
The Key Lock Access menu showr- in Fig. 30 allows the
user to control access to individual channels and programs or
events by requiring the user to enter an access code "key,"
consisting of a user-specified four digit code in the specific
embodiment uiscussed herein, before ordering or viewing these
pre-selected channels, programs or cvents. The menu display sbown
in Fig. 30 shoras a series of subject categories that are entries
in the vertical 1-axis selectable by t.he user. A particular
subject category is chos_n by using the up or daõn direction azrow
keys on the remote ccntrnller 40 to higfzii?ht the desired entry.
Once the user selects a particular subject category, the left and
right arrow keys are used to navigate within che chosen category.
The first subject entry sho-.n in Fig. 30 is the
33 "Parental Guidance" category 301. Once th= user selects this
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
categorp by manipulating the cursor to highlight the eiitry, the
cursor can be then moved horizontally to an active window 302
which displays and selects one the five letter rating items in the
category. The letter items represent ratings of praaram content
5 as fol?ows: "V" for violence, "N" for nudity, "L" for language,
"AS" for adult situations and "PD" for parental discretion. Once
the user selects a particular item, such as "I.", by moving to the
active window 302 using the right direction arrow key, depressing
the EHTER key will indicate to the microcontroller.l6 that a key
10 lock access has been selected for programs rated witha "L" rating
for violent or explicit language. The system indicates activation
of a key lock access by displaying a key icon directly below the
"L" category disDlay. Once a key lock access is sat, it can be
deactivated by selecting the category letter and then depressing
15 the ENTER key. This action causes the key icon to disappear. The
user can change the rating category in the active window 302 by
using the left or right direction arrow keys on the remote
controller 40, images of which are displayed on the screen
adjacent the active window as a reminder to the user. In this
20 manner, the user can gelect other rating categories for setting a
key lock access for any of the program content identifiers
appearing in the Parental Guidance category.
The key lock access code itself consists of a four digit
code, which the user can enter and modify at any time. To do so,
25 the user highlights the fourth vertically selectable entry "Change
?Cey Lock Acces3 Code," 304 by manipulating the cursor to highlight
it using the direction arrow keys on the rmote controller. Once
highlighted, the user enters a r.ew four digit code or revises the
then existing code and depresses the F3:TER key. The
30 microcontroller 16 then identifies the new four digit key lock
access code and stores it in memory. The user can clear the key
lock access cbde, as well as all other previously activated keys,
by moving to the last entry in Fig. 30, "Clear Key Lock Access
Code and All Keys," 305 which highlights the "OF" wir.dow, and then
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
36
depressing the FWTER key. This action clears and deactivates all
previously set keys, as well as the key lock access code.
The schedule information database record for each
program contains a field that corresponds to the program content
identifiers in the Pareritai Guidance category. Durirr3 operation,
the microcontroller checks this field in response to a user
c.mmand to 'tune to or order a program, or to display its
corresponding schedule information befora carrying out t.he tuning,
ordering or displaying function. If the parental cuide identifier
in the program sc'r.=_dule information database record matches any
one of the activated parental guidance identifiers shown in Fig.
30, the user will be prompted to enter the four digit key lock
access code before the systeu takes any further action. If the=
entered code m3tches the key lock access code previously ent-ere3
and stored by the user as described above, the system will carry
out the user request to tune to the program, to order it, or to
display its corresponding schedule ir.formation. If the code is
not recoanizEd by the system, no further action will be taken and
the user's request vill be denied.
By manipulating the cursor using the direction arrow
keys to highlight the cecor_d entry, "MPr.A ratings," 308 the user
can also set a key lec:t access for prograr.s based on their MPAA
rating code, as also shown in Fig. 30.
As with the Parental Guidance category, once the M?AA
rating category has been selected, the user can move herizontally
within the category to the active window 306 to select one the
five rating codes, i.e., "G" fcr general audiences, "PG" for
parentai guidance, "?G-13" for suggested parental guidance, no one
under 1: admi.ttzc srithout an adult, "R" for restricted and X" for
x-rated. As with the Parental Guidance category, by selecting a
particular rating --by using tha left or right direction arrow
kays until the particular rating code appears in the active
window--and then depressing th3 E2?TER kev, the user veta a?cey
lock access for the ratin5, in which case a kcy icon appears below
the rating code. ~l.rid, as with the Parental Guidance category,
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
37
once a kev lock access is set, the system will prompt the user to
enter the four digit key lock access code anytime a request is
aade to tune to, order or display schpdule information for a
particular program having a rating code which matzhes a rating
code for which key lock access has been activated.
The Key Lock Access mode also includes a s-,ibject
category 303 for controlling access to channels, which may be
entitled, for example, "Channel Block" or "Channel Lock." As
vith the Parental Guidance 301 and MPAA 308 categories, the user
navigates to the Channel Block category 303 by manipulating the
cursor using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller and
depressing the ENTER key. Once the Channel Block category 303 has
been entered, the user can move horizontally to an active window
3017, which in Fig. 30 indicates channel 2. Once the user
highlights this window by manipulating the cursor using the
direction arrow keys on the remote controller 40, a key lock
access can be set for the channel appearing in the active window.
This is done, as with the other subject categories in the Key Lock
Access mode, by depressina the EN'rER key, which again causes a key
icon to appear below the channel number in the active vindow. The
user can move to the prior channel or to the next channel in
sequer_ce by depressing either the left or right direction arrow
kev on the remote controller 40. In this manner, the user can
activate a key lock access for any available channel.
As with the Parental Guidance 301 and MPAA 308
categories, once a key lock access is set for a particLlar
channel, the system will prompt the user to input the key lock
access code prior to carrying out an instruction to tune to or
order that channel. If the input key lock access code matches the
previously sto=ed access code, the user's instruction is carried
out. Otherwise, the user's instruction is ignored. ' Thus, the
user can control access to the audio and video progran content of
any available channel. In this instance, the microcontroller 16
vill not allow audio or video program signals to pass to the VDG,
but it will allow schedule information to appear for the channel.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
38
An alternative method for effecting lockout of programs
is accomplished using a"Lockout" screen, as shown in Fig. 39. In
addition to limiting access to programs based on the Parental
Guidance, IPAA and channel criteria, as discussed above, access
may be limited on the basis of program title. Fig. 39 shows an
altern4tiva Lockout screen 250 that can be used to permit or limit
access to programs based on program title, in addit_on to the
aforementioned criteria. Other parameters also may be incILuded,
such as time of day, day of week, credit limit, and content
category (e.g., talk shows).
To enter the Lockout screen 250 shown in Fig. 39, the
user must enter a multi-digit lockout code using the numeric digit
keys 42 and the enter key 44 on the remote controller 40. The'
lockout code is set initially when the system is first used or
installed. To set a lockout code in the first instance, the user
accesses a Setup screen 260, such as that shown in F g. 40. The
Setup screen 260 wili automatically appear the first time the
electronic program guide is installed and initialized. For access
,during normal operation of the electronic program guide, a
suitable access path to the Setup screen 26Q may be provided, such
as from an appropriate icon in the 2iAIN k'ENIJ 215.
In the Setup screen 260 of Fig. 40, the user can
r.avigate to the L=ockout Code category 265 and set a new lockout
code using the appropriate navigation and selection keys on the
remote controller 40. P. suitable menu for inputting the lockout
code is shown in Fig. 40A. Once enabled, the lockout code must be
us.ed to Eet or modify locks, to viev a previously locked program,
or to clear or change the lockout code. The memory location of
the stored lockout code also should be remotely accessible, such
3o as by uhe local cable company, in case the user forgets the
lockout code and it must be erased.
Once the lockout code is entered and the Lockout screen
250 cf Fig. 3:~ is displayed, navigation within the screen is
controlled by the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote
controller 40. Using the up and down direction keys 43A to move
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
39
the selection cursor, either the Movie Rating 251, Parental
Guidance 252, Channel 253, Locked Program 254 or Lockout Coae 255
category can be selected. The left and right direction keys 43B
are then used to navigate inside the selected category.
Clearing a previously set lockout code is acco=plished
by moving the selection cursor to the "Clear" entry 256 i:, the
Lockout Code category 255 and depressi_zg the enter key 44 on the
remote controller 40. This causes the microcontroller to clear
the lockout code stored in memory, as well as all locks previously
set by the user. To change the currer,t lockout.code, the user
navigates to the "Change" entry 257 in the Lockout Code category
255 and depresses the enter key 44 on the remote cor.troller 40.
rne user is then prompted to enter a r.ew lockcut code, w4i=Z is
subsequently stored in memory by the microcontroller.
To set a lock in either the Movie Rating 251 or Parental
Guidancr_ 252 category, the user navigates to the selected entry in
Fig. 39 by r'anipulating the selection a-arsor using the direction
keys 43A and 43B on the remote controller -40, and then depresses
'a lockout key on the resote controller, such as the padlock key
45A shown in Fig. 4. The microcontroller will appropriately
modify the display to indicate that a lock has been set, for
example, by changing the color of the =ext or the bacicgroti.3 in
the selected entry window, or by displaying an appropri3=e icon
next to the text in the selected entr.r window. In Fig. 39, a
padlock icon 258 appears in the window of the "PG" entr~ in the
Movie Rating category 251. Toggling ;_.e lockout key while the
selection cursor is positioned on a selected ent+ ^y will
alternately enable and disable the lackout function for thr.t
entry.
Similarly, to set a loc:; for a particular channe:, tl:e
user selects the channel using the selection cursor rzd then
depresses the lockout key. In Fig. 39, r.`:e channel "4 R:.'2:C" e n`.._y
in the Channel category 253 has been locx=d, which is indi=--: by
the inverse video and padlock iccn appea-..~ing in th: windcw.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
Program locks also may be set by title, which can be
effected in several ways. For example, when the above-described
FLIP or BROkSE mode of the electronic program guide is enabled,
thereby causing the title of a program tc, be displayed along with
5 other program schedule information in a wfndow superimposed on the
actual program signal then being received, the user can limit
access to the program corresponding to the displayed progi:--
information by depressing the lockout key 45A on the .semote
controller 40. The user also may limit access to the currently
10 ttined prograse by depressing the lockout key 45A on the remote
controller 40 while viewing the program, regardless whether the
FLIP or BROWSE modes are enabled. In this instance, the
microcontroller first removes the program signal from the display
and then accesses the schedule information database record for the
15 program then appearing and sets an appropriate flag to indicate
the program has been locked. Also, when viewing program schedule
information in the grid or category listings, as discussed above
and shofrn, for example, in Figs. 18-20, the user also can tag a
program for lockout by highlighting it with the selection cursor
20 and ther, depressing the lockout key 45A on the remote controller
40.
In each of these instances, the microcontroller then
stores the program title in a lockou=. title list stored in memory
along with any other titles that previously have been locked out
25 by the user. Individnal items in the lockout title list are
digplayed in alphabetical order in the "Locked Program" window 259
shown in Fig. 39, and the user may scroll through the list by
positioning the selection cursor on the Locked Program window 259
using the up and down direction keys 43A on the remote controller
30 i;s Fig. 40 and then using tne left and right direction ;teys 43B to
scz-oll through the list one item at a time. In order to save
iaemory space, alternatively, tha vuicrocontroller may ba programmed
to set a flag or otherwise mark the particular database record
containing the program sche:'uie information for the program that
35 is to be locked out, and to thareaftar access the database to
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
41
retrieve the title inforaation when it is to be displayed, :uch as
when the viewer is reviewing the lockout title list in the Locked
Program window 259. -
Once an individual title has been locked out, the
microcontroller can be prograamed optionally to display an
appropriate lockout icon, such as a padlock, whenever program
schedule inf ormation for the locked program is to be displayed,
such as in the window overlay of the FLIP or BR7WSE mode, or in
the various grid and category displays available in the MAIN HFNU
displays. The system also may display an appropriate text message
if someone tries to access the program signal of a previously-
locked program. Of course, once a program is Ioc7ced, in all
instances the microcontroller prevents access to the actual
program signal (including both the as:dio and video portions of the
program signal) until an appropriate code is entered or t.he
lockout is removed.
Several methods can be used to block programs at their
time of airing. For example, in tha case of the Movie Rating,
Parental Guidance and Channel cate;ories, the schedule information
database record for each program is provided with a field that
correr.ponds to the rating, program content identifier or channel
appearing, respectively, in the Movie Rating 251, Parental
Guidance 256 and Channel 253 cate3ory of the Lockout screen 250
shown in Fig. 39.
During operation, the microcontroll;~r checks the
appropriate field in the database record in response to a usar
command to tune to or order a program bafore carrying out the
tuning or ordering function. Additionally, the lockout code also
nay be used to restrict access to program schedule information.
In this instance, the microcontroller also would check the
appropriate field in the schedule information database record
before displzying schedule information for a program.
If the movie rating, parental guidance or chnnne]
identifier in the program schedule information database record
matches any one of the locked-out entries indicated in the Lockout
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
42
screen 250, a Lockout Verify screen 300 is displayed in overlaying
relationship with the video signal then being displayed on the
talevision receiver, as shown in Fig. 41. The user vill be
prompted to enter the previously set lockout code before the
system takes any further action. As an added security maasurE,
asterisks will be displayed as the user enters the lockout code.
If the entered code matches the lockout code previously entered
and stored by the user as described above, the system will carry
out the user request to tune to or order the program, or to
display its corresponding schedule information. If the code is
not recognized by the system, no further action will be taken and
the user's request will be denied. In this case, the Lockout
Verify screen 300 will remain disnlayed on the television receiver
waiting for a correct code to be entered. If no action :.s taken
by the user, the Lockout Verify screen 300 will be removed after
a predetermined time-out period, such as one or two minutes.
Similarly, in the case of lockout by title, the
microcontroller also could -check the title field in the schedulp
information database record and compare it with the list of
program titles for which the user previously set a lock. If, as
described above, the inicrocontroll:r does not maintain a list of
the actual titles of programs locked by title, a suitable
identifier can t-e set in a field in the databa3e record to
indicate that a progran has been locked by title when the user
first sets the lock, and, thereafter, the microcontroller could
check that field in Yesponse to a user request to tune to or order
a program, or display schedule informatior..
An alternative method for effacting lockout involves the
use of a portion of the real-time program signni bt ng :eceived by
the television receiver. With this method, codes corresponding to
a oroyram's rating, parental guidance category, title or channell
are inserted into and transmitted along with the program signal,
such as in the vertical or horizontal blanking intervals, or on
raster scan linas that are not visible on the televisicn receiver.
When the Frogram signal is received, these codes are ctri.pped _*roa
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
43
the program signal and stored in memory. Methods and apparatus
for the insertion transmission and reception of digital codes
carried on a program signal are knoWn in the art.
After the transmitted codes have been separated from the
program signal and stored in memory, the microcontroller can
compare them with the lockout criteria set by the user in the
Lockout scrzen and take appropriate action, as described above..
The Setup screen 260 shown in Fig. 40 also contains a
Purchase Code category 270, which allows the user to set h numeric
purchase code that must be entered before any pre.mium channels or
pay-per-view programs can be ordered. The Setup screen 260 s!:owr.
in Fiy. 40 includes entries for setting a new purchase code and
for clearing or changing a previously set password. A,--propri3te
menus for setting, confirming, clearing or changing the p-urchase
code are shown in Figs. 403 t*irough 40E. Once_a user sets a
p=srchase code, the microcontroller thereafter will display a
Purchase Code Verify screen in response to a user request to tune
to or order a premium *services c.*.annei or pay-per-view proqr a--.
The P=.archase Code Verify screen works in a manner similar to the
Lcckout Verify screen 300 in that the user is prompted to anter
the previously set purchasa code passa-ord before the
microcontrcller will tune to or ordsr the requested pre.;ram_ if
the correct purchase code is not entered, the microcontroller will
ta3ce no further action and the Purchase Code Verify screen yili
rexwain displayed waiting for input of the correct code. if ao
actior~ is taken within a predetenm:ned time-out period, the
F-urchaEe Code Verify screen will be removed.
The next ontion zhowz in Fig. 'J is the Channel
Freferenc3 or N zvor:te ChannPl" 2iEt option 71. By highlighting
this icon and depreasing the EvTER key on the teWote controller
40, the user is presented with a submanu on the screen such as
that shown in Fig. s.
in rrorr+al operation, the program guide system presents
channels to the user in numerical order in response to an up or
do=.m c,`.ange-channal co:emar.d issued by the user using one cf the
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
44
direction arrov.keys on the remote controller. The channel nuxsber
presentation sequence includes all channels offered by the cable
campany in the order of which they are modulated onto the channel
by the operator.
The program guide system also provides the capability of
selecting from among several user-defined channel presentation
sequences, which are activated using one of the three "check mark"
icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C on the remote controller 40 shown in
Fig. 4. Each of these keys represents a preferred particular list
of char.nels which a particular user selects and which the
7aicrocontroller stores in memory as a"Channei Preference" list,
as discussed in detail below. To activate one of these preferred
channel lists, the user depresses the corresponding chec'c-mark
icon key, in which case the microcontroller may display t.he chosen
25 icon on the screen in the graphic overlays and full screen
displays to remind the user that a particular channel preference
list is being used by the svstem. Once a preference list is
activated, the system will li3it the tuning of the television
receiver and the display of schedule information only to those
channels that are designated in the activatsd vieweir preference
liat.
To revise the content andJor sesLential order of the
channels in the i:hannel Preference list, the user enters the MENU
mode of the pro-Sramming guide system_ To e*+tAr the MENU mode from
the FLIP mode, the user twice depresses the MODE key 38 when using
the remote controller _ of Fig. 3. To enter the KENU mode when
using the alternative cmbodiaent of the remote controller 40 of
Fig. 4, the user simply depresses the MENU icon key 47B.
Nhen first entered, the F.E1rJ 'mode has a screen display
such as Eho-.+n in Fig. 6. To select the submenu for editing the
C-hannel Preference list, the user first selects the third
horizont3l bar 63, which can be titlad, for example, "Messages" or
"Customer Service," by maaipulating the cursor using the down
direation arrow key, as shown in F:g. 7. The screen of Fig. 6A is
thereby disp?cyed. The user then selects the second icon 161
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
appearing in that bar, indicated with a check mark, vhich
corresponds to a"ViewEr Preference" mode, by highlignting the
icon using the direction arrow keys and again depressing the EN-1-_R
kev. 'This action will cauFe the microcontroller 16 to display a
5 Viewer Preference submenu such as that shown in Fig. 7. By
selecting the Channel Preference or "Favorite Channel" entry 71,
the user enters the Channel Preference submenu, shown in Yig. 8.
If the. user has not already done so, he would then depress the
particular check-mark icon key on the remote controller 40 of
10 Fig.4 to create or revise the particular channel preference list.
In the Channel Preference menu shcwn in Fig. 8, a list
80 of all channels available on the particular cable system is
displayed or, the left side of the television receiver screen,-
labeled "Choicas" in Fig. 8, and the viewer's preferred ?~st 81,
15 designated "Selected" in Fig. 8, is displayed on the right side.
If a particular code, sucr, as an Ei'3i or "-1" symbol appears in the
first (uppermost) position 82 of the viewer preference list 81,
the system displays information for all channels in numerical
order in-all gades of operation. This is the default acde of the
20 system.
By selecting channels in saquence from ';?:e availabIe
list 80 and placing them in the desired order in the prefere-*.ce
list 31, the user can select a subset of channels and/or rearrange
the default sequence in response to a channel up or ..hannal down
25 command from the user. This is accomplished by hiahlightir.r- a
channel in the available list 80 using the up and down direction
arrow keys on the remote controller 40 and dppressing the M:TF3t
key 44, which stores the entry temporarily in a buffer.
The aicrocontroller 16 stores a list of all channels
30 previously entered in the viewer preference list 81. As a
parc.icular channel is highlighted by the user when navigating
through the available channel list 80 displayed on the left side
of the television screen, a windov 84 appears adjacent to the
particular channel hiqhlighted by the user. I. the particular
35 channel already appears in the viewer preference list 21, the
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
46
system displays a"LELETE" aessage in the window 84 as a reminder
that the channel was previously se2ected from the available
channel list 80 and can only be deleted from the list 81, which is
accomplished by depressing the M?TER key 44. If t_e particular
highlighted channel in the list 80 was not previously selected,
the system dirpplays a"SELECT" message in the window 84 as a
remir.der that the particular channel will be selected for addition
to the viewer preference list 81 if the user depresses the ENTER
key 44. The microcontroller 16 inserts a selected channel at the
bottom of the list 81. In this manner, the user can select cr
delete channels from the viewer preference list in any desired
order.
^`he available channel list 80 may also be provided with
categorical entries 83, such as movies, news, sports or children's
shows. The user may also highlight any of these entries and put
them into tbe viewer preference list 81. If the user does iz.clude
a category in his viewer preference list 81, when tha user issues
channel up or do=.rn commands, the system will display, in seguence,
first the user's selected preferred channels in numerical order
and then all channels having a program whose content corresponds
to the salected category or categories at the time.
once the user has revised the channcl preference list 81
in the d_scrib.ed manr,er, the microcontroller 16 will follow the
storad user-specified channel saquence in response to a change-
chanr.el command 3ade by the user employing one of the direction
arrow keys. To activate the viewer preference list, the user
depresses one of the three check-mark icon keys 48A, 48E or 48C on
the top of the remote controller shown in Fig. 4. The viewer
preference list can be used to selectively limit tuning of tte
.30 television receiver or display cf schedule information in any of
the operating modes of the electronic program guide. In the
present embodiment, once a preference list is activated, the
aystem will limit the tuning o= the telev:sion receiver and the
disp?ay of schedule information in the FLIP, and BROWSE modes, as
wa? 1 as in t_he grid category and channel listings in the HINU
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
47
mode, only to those channels designated in the activated viewer
preference list. The tuner can not be tuned to, and no
correspond:.ng schedule information can be displayed for, any
channel not entered in the viewer preference list when it is
activated. In this regard, it should be noted that setting a key
lock access in the Parental Guidance 301, MPAA 308 or Channel
Block 303 categories produces a different result than, when using
other display criteria, such as the Channel Preferer.ue List of
preferred channels discussed above. Thus, while a key lock access
will prevent audio and video program information, but not schedule
information, from being displayed or ordered absent entry of an
authorization code, if a particular channel is included in the
Channel Preference list and also has a key lock access activated
in the C'hannel Block category 303 of the Key Lock Access mode,
that ct+:s:uiel or its corresponding schedule information will not be
displayed at any time. -
Tc deactivate a previously selected,viewer preference
list, the user toggles the appropriate check-mark icon key on the
remote.controller 40 of Fig. 4. Once deactivated, the system
defaults to displaying and tuning all available channels, as well
as displaying schedule information for all available cha;unels.
Alternatively, the viewer preference list el, ?f
activated, can be used to control tuning and d.isplay of schedule
information only in selected modes, such as only in the FLIP mode,
thus allowing the user to tune and view corresponding schedule
information only for those channels entered in t:ze preference list
81 in the FLIP mode, while viewing all channels and corresponding
schedule information in all other modes.
In this latter configuration, as vell as in the instance
where no channel preference list is activated and the syaterr is in
default mode, if a char_nel appears in the viftver preference list
Sl that corresponds to a service not subscribed to by the user,
the microcontroller * 16 causes an ordering submenu to appear
instead of displaying a program sic,*nal aior.g with thc sraphic
overlay, as sho=.m in Fig. 9. Tiiis stibmenu indicates to t':a user
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
48
that he does riot currently subscribe to the selected service, and
then asks the user if he would like to order the service. If the
user responds affirmatively, the program schedule system takes the
user to another ordering submenu to confirm the user's request, as
with impulse orderir.g.
The program guide also nay be configured with a Locator
screen 201, as shown in Fig. 37, which aids the viewer in channel
selection and ciefi:tition of a favorite channel list. The Locator
screen 201 displays all available channel nuirbers grouped
r_ccording to the source of the program information appearing on
any particu3ar channel at any particular tiae, e.g., broadcast,
cablecast, pay-per-view, near video on deziand, satellite, or other
source of program material. Thus, the Locator screen 201 can be
used to locats any part..clZar channel or service because the
groupings pro-rides a quir-k and efficient method for scrolling
t.hrough the list of available channels. The channel nu~ers also
say be grouped according to other criteria, such as prcgram
c3tegory, program content, program rating or other content-based
standard, time of availability, numerical order, or othzr logical
grouping.
IZ the exrm-pie shown in Fig. 37, tiie user navi3ates
within the LocEtor scrsez 201 using the direction keys 43A and 43B
on the remote controller 40. The right and lsft direction keys
43B move the selection cursor within the category rows, while the
up and down direction keys 43A are used to select a par=icular
catagoxy. From the Locntor screan 201, any particular channel can
be selected fcr viewing by positioning the eelection clrsor on the
desired chinnel and depressing either the enter key 44 or an
optional tune key (rot shown) on the remote controller 40.
3c In addition to aiding in chann==1 selection, the Locator
screen 201 also provides the user vith the ability to cor.veniently
define Savorita channel lists. To do so, the user first aoves the
selection cursor to the desired channel bv using the direc=ior.
keys 43A and 43B or numer:, d:.git Keys 42 on the remote controller
40, and then depresses a favoritF chnnnel kay 46A provided on the
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
49
remote controller 40, which causes the display to change in some
isanner or characteristic as an indication that the channel has
been selected as a favorite channel, such as by changing the color
of the channel identification text or the text background, by
displaying an appropriate icon or by some other appropriate
identification scheme. In the remote controller 40 shown in Fig.
4, the pound key "I" can function as the favorite channel key. =
Also, if multiple favorite channel lists are being used,
t?:s user would depress the appropriate favorite channel key on the
remote controller to select a partiaular list before depressing
the favorite channel key. For example, as discussed above, the
remote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4, has three color-coded check-
zza:rk favorite channel keys 48A, 48B and 48C, which provide for at
least three individual favorite channel lists for th_-ee individual
users. Di-06ferent identification characteristicn: could be
displayed on the Locator screen 201 to indicate tha= a particular
favorite channcl 2ist is selected. For example, the ::coa or image
used to enable a favorite channel list on the rezotcs cor,troller,
such as the check mark key 48A used on the remote controller 40
shown in Fig. 4, could be displayed on the Locator screen 201, as
well as other screens of the program guide, when a favorite
channel list is enabled. Alternatively, the color of the
displayed text or backcround could be changed to match the color
of the selected favorite channel key.
The Locator screen 201 zay be tccessed via several
paths. For example, it may be included as a virtual ch3nr.el that
is convenientl;[ positioned in the channel-tuning sequence, such as
t-etween the highest and lowest available channel numbers -- for
example, a virtual channel 0. To the user, such a virtual channel
aope.ars to be a conventioial channel. However, it requires no
additional bandwidth as a carrier. For example, it can be
d:.gitally produced at thc subscriber s:ation or included in an
appropriate blar.king interval in existing bando+;dth frequencies.
In this manner, the virtual channel is accQssib?s eith-ar by
entering the corresponding channel number usirr4 the numeric digit
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
keys 42 on the remote controller, or by using tiia up and down
direction keys 43A to wrap around from the highest to the lowest
channel number, or vice versa. As shown in Fig. 38, it also 'eay
be desirable to provide a suitable identifier, such as ar. icon or
5 text message 210, in the MAIN IYMM display 215, from which the
user could access the Locator screer, 201 simply by highlighting
the identifier 210 with the selection cursor and depressing the
enter key 44-on the remote controller 40. Alternatively, the
remote controller nay be provided with a key carrespondin3 to the
10 Locator screen 201 which would cause the nicrocontroller to
display the Locator screen 201 when the user dapressed it.
In addition to Channel Preferenca or Favorite Channel
keys, the remote controller 40 can also be supplied with a number
of user-activated categorv preference icon keys, e.g., ^ovies,
15 sports, or children's progrmm-ir.g. The system can be adapted to
present to the user only th^se programs meeting particular
preference category when it is activated by the user. As with the
Channel' Preference icen5, the microcontrcller say display the '_con
corresponding to the activated preference category to remi,id the
20 user of the currently activated mode of system operation.
The question sark icon 162 at the far right of the third
horizontal bar in the menu of Fig. 16 identifies a program cuide
system "Help" mode in which infcraation exglainicg the operation
of the system is displayed for the ufser. Again, by manipulating
25 the cursor using the appropriate keys on the remote cor.troller,
the user can select tbis mode. encz selected, the nexL submenu
appearing in the Help mode asks the user to ider.tify the
particular portion of the system about which the user would '.il:e
to view Help information.
30 The icons aapearing in the last horizontal bar cf the
2+lt.:N''J xsocle identify certain interactive a:,dJcr other types of
information services which the program--ir_g system, actir.g as a
gateway, s:akes available to the user as shown in :'ig. 17. By
manipulating the cursor, the user can select any ene of the
35 identi:tied aervices, as shown in Figs. 31-35.
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
51
For example, if the user initially selects the "X*PRESS-
icon anpearing in the last horizontal bar, he is presented with a
su...~-menu such as that shown in Fig. 31. Using the direction arrow
and enter keys on the remote cor.trollEr, the user selects one of
the three entries appearing in the :isplay of Fig. 31. Once a
particular entry is selected, the electronic program guidp
cor.nects the user to i,..ha selected service and passes control to
the particular service application software, as sho=,m in Figs. 32-
35. _
lc Alternatively, the remote controller 40 can be supplied
with a plurality of content-specific keys corresponding to a
plurality of content-specific categories of Fzogrammir.g,-e.g., a
Spc=ts key, News key, Movie key, etc. When the user depresses a.
cont2nt-specific key, a content-specific mode is initiated. In
F _g. 4, the remote controller is equipped with a Sports key 49.
If the user depresses the Sports key 49, the microcontroller wi'-1
limit the display of programs and/or praciam schedule information
to thtse that are srarts-related. The microcontrolier- will block
all other programming cr schedule information from apYearing on
the television receiver. The microcontrolier c=: be adapted to
distinguish programs and schedule information that are sports-
related by examining an appropriate code associated with the
program or schedule information.
As discussed above, coding can be accomplished using any
number of inethod_ _ such as by including an app?-opriate code in the
vertical blanking interval of the program signa:, cr in an
appropriate memory location in the database record of the progrars
s_hedul e inform3tion, or if the schedule infcrmati:.n is being
received on a broadband network, by inciuding it in an appropriate
blankin7 interva;.- The user activates e contant-specific mode by
depressir.g the appropriate content-specific key in any moda of
operation of the electronic pro3*3mr,eing guide, including L'ce
aforedesc: ibed FLIP, BROWSE or KA?N MENU mode:,, as well as when no
schedule information i: being displayed and only d program signal
is visible on the television receiver. Once a content-specific
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
52
mode is requested by the user, the microconrroller immediately and
directly enables the content-specific programming criteria, and
maintains it for all operating modes of the guide until disabled,
which can be accomplished, for example, by toggling the Sports key
49.
Instead of a dedicated cantent-specific key, such as
Sports key 49, the system zaay be configured with a single, generic
content-specific key, which, when activated, would cause the
nicrocontroller to display a content-specific menu containing a
list of all content-specific categories available to the usez.
The user then could highlight a particular - category by
manipulating the selection cursor using the direction arrc-a keys
on the remote controller and select it by depressing the ENTER or
OK key 44. As an alternative to using a content-specific key an
the remote controller, access to the eor.tent-specific menu can be
effected by providing an appropria=e identifier in another menu
screen of the electronic guide, such as in the LOC3TOR, SETUP or
HF IN .2SM screens.
3n addition to blocking all non-selected content-
specific programming when a particular content-specificcategory
has been selected, the m1c==controller can be -ogrammed to enabla
all added-value programming or services that are specially related
ta the selected content-specific category. For example, =f the
user activates a Sports conter_t-specific mode, the
microcontroller, in add?tion to allowing only sports programming
or schedule information related to sports programming to be
displayed, will proactively seek out and enable all sports related
added-value services, such as related trivia or video qames,
up-to-date scores while a game is in progress, team schedules,
replays of prior games of the selected teams or players, ticket or
souvenir purchasing, etc. Thus, ttize information available from
the programming or service can be iateg_-ated into theenvironment
of the electronic program guide. Rather than simply passing
ccntTol to another service as described above, in this manner the
electronic program guide crou5d fune:ion as a system integrator or
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
53
interface to combine the available added-value information into a
packa-r: within the electronic guide enviranment, thus essentially
creating a series of modular electronic program applications
corresponding to a variety of available content-specific
categories.
The Setup screen shown in rig. 40 also includes a Text
Location category 275, which contains the textual entries "Bottom
of _'::reen" and "Top of Screen." By navigating to the Text
Location category,275 using the up and do=.-n direction keys 43A on
the remote controller 40, and to either the "Top" or "Bottom"
entries in that category using the left znd right direction keys
43B on the remote controller, and then zepressing the enter or
select key 44, the user can control t~ie position of the overlay
windows used to display information im various operating modes of
the electronic prnaram guide. The Se:up screen of Fig. 40
provides the user witi, tt.:c :+ositicnal choices: the toD or bottcc
of the screen. Depending on the modes of operation of the program
gvide, it nay be desirable to provid-e the user with more
positional choices in viewing area of "..he ~television receiver, or
to provide the user with the ability to choose a different
position for information displayed di=iere,.t operating modes.
One of the novel features of the disclosed invention is
the textfit svctar.. The preferred embodiyer.t of the tez-- fit
system includes an interac+_ive computer p=ogram used to edit the
p=ogram listings data before it iz trans-_-itted to the user and
stored in memory. The inLeractive systes operates as follows:
unedited (or pr~tially edited) prograa Iistings information is
loaded into data a processor. The data imcludes program titles,
program schedule times, duration, category, as well as additional
descriptive information dependent on the type of program. For
example, for movies the data includes r.':a 21'?,A rating, year of the
movie, whether it is in black ar:d white, and a list of starring
actors and actresses.
Ti:e data processor extracts only the program title data
whic2-. includ4s television program titles as well as movie titles,
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
54
sporting events and titles for other special events. Based on the
duration of the program, the data processor first analyzes the
listings data to determine what grid size listings are neaded for
each title. Thus, a two hour movie 'could require four different
..=
edited titles to fit into each of the four different size grid
cells (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes). The data processor then
determines how much space is required to display the title based
on its character length; If the title is to be displayed in the
program schedule grid using a proportional font and character to
character kerning, tre data processor may also account for these
factors in determining the space required to display a title. The
determination would than be based on the number r=f pixels required
for the particular cambination o2f characters in the title. The amount of
space available for display of a title depends on the
size of the grid cell and the space required for 3isplay of icons,
when activated.
If the data processor determines that a full title
requires too much space to fit into one or more grid cells, the
title is then presented to the editor using a suitable display
device connected to the data processor, such as a CRT. The editor
is then queried to alter the title so that it will fit in the
allotted space. If the title must be edited for aore than one
cell size, the cditor is queried to edit each of these separately.
In the preferred embodiment of the interactive program, the editor
is shown in real time whether the edited title will fit in the
designated grid cell.
In the preferred embodiment, two lines of text are
displayed in each grid cell of the program listings. The title,
as edited, appears on the first line, and if necessary, continues
onto the second line. The decision to wrap-around to the second
line is based on w;,ether natural breaks exist in the title such as
spaces between words, commas, periods, hyphens, etc. These are
standard techniques used in word processing software routines.
The editor may also be quer3ed to edit a title in the situation
where the full title will fit on the allotted two lines, but a
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
hyphen is required because there are no natural breaks in the
title.
Prior to querying rh_ Bditor to shorten a title, the
data processor compares the title with a stored library of
5 shortened titles to determine if the title had previously been
shortened while editing another listings database. Each time
changes are made by the editor to a title, the shortened title is
added to the library. It is apparent that this process of
building a library of shortened titles greatly reduces the mar.:ial
10 input required.
A flow chart illustrating the process by which the text
fit system operates is shown in Fig. 42. The chart illustrates
the operation of editing a listing for display in a program grid
-for a single platform, hut operation is the same for all
15 platforms.
Text editing may be necessary in other situations
besides that where multiple size grid cells are used-for display
of the same title. For example, the disclosed program guide aay
run on several different platforas, with each one having different
20 constra;nts and grid cell space availability. Some may not
display the text in proportional fonts and some may have other
limitations reducing the available spr.ce. Thus, in the preferred
embodiment the interactive progra-, would request edits for all
platforms for which they requir~d at the same time. In additior.
25 editing of text may be recp.ired for display modes other than a
grid of program listin,s. For example, in the "Listings by
Channel" display of iig. 20, programs are listed on an entire,
fixed-length li.r.a, but the length of the l-ne may vary from
plntform to platform, so that the text fit syst=m may be employed
.33 for the purpose of editing listings for the different platforms !n
this display mode as well. The space ava{lable for tha display of
text will also depend on how much space is reserved for icon
display. The same process as that shown in fig. 42 would apply,
excent that there would be no nced to determine what grid sizes
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
56
are needed because a fixed length line is used for display rather
than multiple sized grid cells.
It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
the disclosed text fit system has applications beyond that of
title editing alone. The system may be easily aodifiEd to provide
editing of nessages, "i" screen storvlir.es, pay-per-view
promotional copy, and Eimilar text messages so that they vill fit
into the desi~::zced space available Zor display of the text. In
fact, the system may be used to edit any text for display in the
disclosed prograia schedule system.
The computer program for the microcontroller 16 may also
include a schedule for the display of varying background views
upon which the procjram schedule information is overlaid either
partially or in a full screen display. The background views may
be stored as bit maps in memory or in another storaga medium, such
ars an optical storage device. For example, the micracontroller 16
n3y be prograamed to issue a command to the VDG every morning at
6:00 AM to display a sunrise in the backcround. The background
aeay then be changed 3ccorciingly throughout the day to, for
example, a blue sky or a nighttime view. It also may vary, e.g.,
by time of day, day of weak, month, year or season. The mood
background also could change depending on the particular category
of programming that the user is watching or to which selected
schedule information pertains. The mood background also may be
adapted to display scenes that reflect the particular viewing area
in which t}ie user is situated, like the Rocky Mountains, or Mt.
Rainier, etc. It also may b< possible to display standard scenes,
riich as an ocean or forest seane. Moreover, the audio background
also could he adjusted to relate to the particular mood background
then being displayt.d. In addition, different background views may
be used for holidaya and spec_al events, such as Christmas, Fouxth
of Suly, Suparbawl Sunday, etc. The purpose of the background
views is to help ease the monotony of viewing program listings.
The sicrc:controller 16 could be adapted autoriatically to
coordinate the disnl'ay of tha mood background. The user also
CA 02662691 2009-04-23
57
could be given the ability to choose from among various mood
background displays by adapting the microcontroller to display ar.
appropriate mood option menu that lists the mood background
options available to the user and allows the iuser to select one or
aore by manipulating the selection cursor. Access to such a mood
option menu couid_ be achieved by supplying an apprepriate
identif ier, textual or visual, in an appropriate menu of tae
system, si;ch as tt-e LOCATOR or :.ETUP screen.
Additionally, the electronic program guide couid be
1a configured to store a unique digital identifier for each prograu
along wirh its schedule information and later use the identifier -
- e.g., by transmitting =t -- to indicate to a recording or
storage devica, sucY, as a video recorder, that the user wishes to
recorci the program. The program cuide could aiso use the
identifier t:) automatically control operation of the video
recorder. The electronic program guide could also be con?igured
to use other stored schedule inf crmation for this purpose.
The form and content of a particuiar computer progr3n to
3.mplement the invention disclosEd herein will be rcadily apparent
to t2:ose skilled in the art of video system programming and
graphic display. A flow chart showing the operation logic of the
system is shown in Fig. :5. It will also be appreciated by those
f.killed in the art that there can be departure from the specific
embodiment ot the invention described herein without departing
from the trt:n sccpe of the claims appended hereto.
