U.S. patent application number 10/013719 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-11 for receivers for television signals.
This patent application is currently assigned to British Sky Broadcasting Ltd.. Invention is credited to Crossley, Robin, Holliday, David, Townsend, Christopher, Webber, Alun David.
Application Number | 20020042918 10/013719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26307076 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020042918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Townsend, Christopher ; et
al. |
April 11, 2002 |
Receivers for television signals
Abstract
A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video
signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is
arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28).
The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected
information data to convert the same into signals representative
thereof for output to a television in combination with the video
signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to
manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling
information pertaining to programs transmitted in the received
signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver
is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining
to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to
receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of
video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and
to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen.
The processor is arranged to respond to user manipulation of the
control device by storing data for subsequent viewing of user
selected programs. The decoder may further comprise a modem (32)
and a CD-ROM drive (25a).
Inventors: |
Townsend, Christopher;
(Isleworth, GB) ; Holliday, David; (Isleworth,
GB) ; Crossley, Robin; (Isleworth, GB) ;
Webber, Alun David; (Isleworth, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
555 13TH STREET, N.W.
SUITE 701, EAST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Assignee: |
British Sky Broadcasting
Ltd.
Isleworth
GB
|
Family ID: |
26307076 |
Appl. No.: |
10/013719 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10013719 |
Dec 13, 2001 |
|
|
|
08952603 |
Apr 23, 1999 |
|
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|
08952603 |
Apr 23, 1999 |
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PCT/GB96/01228 |
May 22, 1996 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/41 ;
348/E5.096; 348/E5.104; 348/E5.105; 348/E5.108; 348/E7.071;
375/E7.024; 375/E7.025; 725/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/50 20130101; H04N
21/426 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101; H04N
5/44 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 21/4331 20130101; H04N
21/435 20130101; H04N 21/44 20130101; H04N 21/47214 20130101; H04N
21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/4181 20130101; H04N 21/478 20130101; H04N
5/4401 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101; H04N
21/235 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 21/440263 20130101;
H04N 21/4312 20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/485 20130101;
H04N 21/42204 20130101; H04N 21/4345 20130101; H04N 21/4755
20130101; H04N 21/858 20130101; H04N 5/44591 20130101; H04N 21/4314
20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/41 ;
725/47 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/445; G06F
013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 27, 1995 |
GB |
9519651.5 |
May 22, 1995 |
GB |
9510429.5 |
Claims
1. A receiver for receiving a television signal comprising video
data defining a video picture and information data defining
information relating to user selectable services, the receiver
being arranged to produce output signals defining an image
representing available services for display on a television screen,
the receiver comprising a user operable selector operable to select
a displayed service and a modem responsive to such user selection
for establishing a connection via a telephone line to a provider of
the selected service.
2. A receiver as claimed in claim 1, wherein output signals are
produced from received video data for display of the video picture
represented thereby on a television screen while the connection is
established by the modem.
Description
[0001] The present invention is a divisional application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 08/952,603 filed Apr. 23, 1999 which is
a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of international
application No. PCT/GB96/01228, filed May 22, 1996, and claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to Great Britain patent
application No. 9519651.5 filed Sep. 27, 1995 and Great Britain
patent application No. 9510429.5 filed May 22, 1995.
[0002] The invention relates to improvements in receivers for
television signals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Originally a television (TV) in a typical home comprised a
single unit connectable to an antenna to receive UHF signals
broadcast terrestrially in different channels each containing a
single television programme from a respective television station.
More recent advances in technology have meant that additional
equipment, such as video cassette recorders (VCRs) and
satellite/cable receiver/decoders (decoders) have become affordable
and more widely used. A VCR enables the recording of broadcasts and
the playback of previously recorded cassettes. A decoder enables
the reception of additional television programmes broadcast in a
relatively large number of channels in media using cable or
satellite-based technology. Thus, a television system comprising a
TV, a VCR and a decoder, enables a user to select for viewing or
recording a wide range of terrestrial and satellite/cable
programmes and to play back previously recorded programmes. Such a
system therefore enables the user to select a programme for viewing
from multiple different media.
[0004] As the size of a television system is increased by the
addition of extra equipment, control and operation of the system
becomes more complex. The VCR and the decoder can be linked to the
TV via its UHF input by tuning the TV to receive UHF signals from
the VCR in one channel and to receive UHF signals from the decoder
in another channel. For this to operate satisfactorily, the VCR and
the decoder must each be tuned to output signals in different
channels than each other and in channels not used by terrestrial
stations. The VCR and the decoder each contain a modulating circuit
for placing the signals onto a UHF carrier so that the signals can
be demodulated by the receiver within the TV. Such modulation and
demodulation is undesirable because it results in some degradation
(albeit generally undetectable by the viewer) in the programme from
the VCR or decoder.
[0005] These problems can to some extent be avoided by the use of
so-called SCART connectors between the TV, the VCR and the decoder.
The SCART system avoids the unnecessary use of UHF carriers by
providing a direct path between the VCR, the decoder and the TV.
The SCART system includes control lines that enable the VCR to
override signals from the TV receiver, thereby causing the
programme from the VCR to be displayed on the TV screen, and
similarly enable the decoder to override signals from both the TV
receiver and the VCR so that the programme from the decoder is
displayed on the TV screen. The use of SCART connectors thus
simplifies connection between, and selection of, the TV, the VCR
and the decoder.
[0006] However, the SCART system does not overcome the problem of
user-friendly control and use of the system. Separate controls
(usually in the form of remote handsets) are provided for each of
the TV, the VCR and the decoder. Recording a satellite/cable
programme on the VCR requires the user to programme the VCR at the
required time and to programme the decoder to switch on to the
required satellite/cable programme at the required time. While this
is not difficult for viewers possessed of the appropriate skills,
it is too much for a large number of viewers who find such
technology bewildering.
[0007] At present most broadcasting, regardless of media, is analog
based and comprises a single television service (e.g. SKY ONE, SKY
SPORTS, SKY MOVIES) transmitted on a carrier signal or channel.
However, the use of digital based broadcast technology is imminent.
Digital broadcast technology will enable television service
companies to transmit in a single channel high definition
television programmes, or plural programmes at conventional
definition or multiple customer services, or a combination of
these.
[0008] In a conventional analogue-based television broadcast system
programmes (or "services") are broadcast by separate television
service companies on a single carrier signal ("channel"). In a
digital based broadcast system it is possible to broadcast plural
services multiplexed together on a single carrier. Unless the
context requires otherwise the term "channel" will be used herein
to refer to the bandwidth used by a single service to broadcast
television programmes or other customer services. The term
"channel" therefore encompasses both an entire carrier signal (when
the signal is used entirely by a single service) and a portion of a
carrier signal (when the signal is shared by plural services).
[0009] The ability to transmit multiple channels in a single
carrier signal enables a far greater number of services to be
provided in the digital domain than is possible in the analogue
domain. Some of the channels in a carrier may be used to provide
conventional television programmes while simultaneously other
channels in the carrier are used to provide data for other customer
services such as television programme listings, on-line programme
ordering or so-called pay-per-view (PPV) services, and so on.
Customer services should not be confused with the "services"
provided by television companies as discussed hereinabove.
[0010] Clearly, as digital broadcasting technology is adopted by
the station, the abovediscussed problems will increase.
[0011] The invention aims to provide a greater degree of
integration within a television system.
[0012] The invention also aims to simplify user control over a
television system. In an embodiment of the invention to be
described in greater detail hereinbelow, this simplification is
achieved by making the control more user friendly by making it more
intuitive.
[0013] In one aspect the invention provides a remote control device
for controlling a television system including a plurality of
independently controllable units, the device comprising plural user
selectable keys and being arranged to response to user selection of
a key by transmitting separate command signals to each of the
independently controllable units to cause the television systems to
be configured in a first mode and thereafter responding to further
user selection of the keys by transmitting command signals
pertinent to the first mode of the television system.
[0014] In another aspect the invention provides a receiver for
receiving digital television signals transmitted in a plurality of
channels each comprising video data and information data the
receiver comprising: a decoder circuit operable on one selected
channel for separating in the one channel the information data and
the video data and converting the video data into signals for
output for a television; a store for storing information data; a
viewer operable control device; and a processor connected to
receive the information data from the decoder circuit and/or the
store, the processor being arranged to respond to viewer operation
of the control device by processing selected information data to
convert the same into signals representative thereof for output for
a television in combination with the video signals.
[0015] In a farther aspect the invention provides a receiver for
receiving television signals in a plurality of channels, each
signal comprising video data defining a television programme and
programme scheduling data defining the scheduling of programmes in
the plurality of channels as scheduling events, the receiver being
arranged to produce from a received television signal output
signals defining an image of the television programme and an image
of scheduling events for display on a television screen, the
receiver comprising a user operable selector operable to select for
display a schedule of events for one channel while displaying a
television programme in another channel or to select for display a
television programme in one channel while displaying a schedule of
events for the one channel or another channel.
[0016] In another aspect the invention provides a receiver for
receiving television signals defining television programmes in a
plurality of channels, the receiver being arranged to produce
output signals defining a plurality of video clips representing
television programs available in the plural signal channels which
output signals are output for display of the clips in respective
areas on a television screen, the receiver comprising a user
operable selector operable to select one of the displayed clips and
responding to such user selection by storing data to cause the
receiver to receive the television signals when the programme is
transmitted in the corresponding channel for display of the
programme on a television screen.
[0017] In a further aspect the invention provides a receiver for
receiving television signals in a plurality of channels each
defining a television programme and at least a signal in one of the
channels further comprising programme scheduling data defining
events in terms of channels, programmes and broadcast times, the
receiver being arranged to produce output signals defining an image
of events in the programme schedule for displaying on a television
screen, the receiver comprising a user operable selector operable
to select events identified in the displayed programme schedule and
responding to such user selection by storing data to cause the
receiver to receive television signals defining the programmes in
the channels and at the times corresponding to the selected
events.
[0018] In another aspect the invention provides a receiver for
receiving a television signal comprising video data defining a
video picture and information data defining information relating to
user selectable services, the receiver being arranged to produce
output signals defining an image representing available services
for display on a television screen, the receiver comprising a user
operable selector operable to select a displayed service and a
modem responsive to such user selection for establishing a
connection via a telephone line to a provider of the selected
service.
[0019] In a further aspect the invention provides a receiver for
receiving a television signal comprising video data defining a
video picture and message data defining messages or information to
be received by a destination specified by an identity code, the
receiver being arranged to produce output signals defining the
video picture for display on a television screen, the receiver
having a unique identity code and being arranged to respond to
reception of message data having an identity code corresponding to
the unique identity code by producing output signals representing
the message or information in the message data for display on a
television screen.
[0020] The above and further features of the invention are set
forth with particularity in the appended claims and together with
advantages thereof will become clearer from consideration of the
following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the
invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] In the drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a television receiver
system;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a satellite
decoder;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a functional diagram showing interaction between
hardware and software of the decoder of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic functional diagram of a remote control
unit;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a keypad of the remote
control unit;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a screen displayed
when changing channels;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram representing a "surf" function;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram representing a "search"
function;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an IEPG screen;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a TV Guide
screen;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a programme mosaic
screen; and
[0033] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a Box Office
screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0034] System Overview
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings a
television receiver system 1 comprises a television (TV), a digital
integrated receiver decoder 3 (decoder) connected to receive
signals from a satellite dish antenna 4, and a video cassette
recorder 5 (VCR). The system 1 optionally further comprises a
personal computer 6 (PC) a telephone/modem 7 and a games console 8
each connected via respective lines to the decoder 3. SCART
connectors or other standard connectors may be used as appropriate.
The decoder 3 acts as an interface between the TV 2 and the VCR 5,
PC 6, modem 7 and games console 8 and thus serves to control the
system 1.
[0036] FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the decoder 3 in
greater detail. The dish antenna receives signals from a satellite
(not shown).
[0037] Signals from the dish antenna 4 are input to a tuner 12 and
from there to a quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) demodulator 13.
Demodulated signals are error corrected by way of a forward error
corrector circuit 14. Data from the forward error corrector circuit
is supplied to a transport/demultiplexer 15 which separates the
data into video data, audio data, user services data, programme
scheduling data, etc. for distribution to various locations within
the decoder. Satellite (and indeed cable) programmes are usually
scrambled to prevent unauthorised access by non-authorised
subscribers. The decoder 3 therefore comprises a conditional access
control circuit 16 which cooperates with a smart card 16a to
determine whether the viewer has subscribed to a particular channel
and is therefore authorised to access the channel. Parental control
over channel access is also provided, at least in part, by the
access control circuit 16. The decoder 3 further comprises a
descrambling circuit 17 which is controlled by the access control
circuit 16 to enable the descrambling of the signal by authorised
subscribers.
[0038] The received signals comprise digitally encoded data. It is
envisaged that the data will be compressed using for example the
MPEG 2 standard which permits both programme data and additional
data (for example customer service data) to be transmitted in a
single channel. MPEG 2 enables high compression ratios to be
achieved.
[0039] Descrambled signals from the descrambling circuit 17 are
input to a video decompression and processing circuit 18 and an
audio decompression and processing circuit 19, operating according
to the MPEG standard for example. Decompressed video signals are
input to a SCART interface 20 for direct input to the TV 2 and to a
PAL encoder 21 where they are encoded into the PAL format for
modulation by a UHF modulator 22 for output to the UHF input of the
TV if so desired.
[0040] The system 3 is controlled by a processor 23 which
communicates with the various units of the system via a bus 24. The
processor 23 has associated with it ROM 25 (optionally including a
CD-ROM drive 25a), RAM 26 (comprising both dynamic RAM and static
RAM) and a flash (non-volatile and writable) memory 27. As will be
explained in greater detail hereinafter the processor 23 controls
operation of the decoder 3 by controlling the tuner 12 to receive
signals for the desired channel from the dish antenna 4 and to
control demultiplexing, descrambling and decompression so that the
desired programme and/or customer service data is displayed on the
screen of the TV 2. Viewer selection of desired programmes and
customer services is controlled by way of a remote control unit 28
which in response to viewer manipulation thereof transmits control
signals to a receiver 29 for input to the processor 23.
[0041] The system 3 further comprises a high-speed data interface
30 and an RS232 interface 31 providing a serial link. The
high-speed data interface 30 and the RS232 interface may be
connected to the PC 6 and/or the games console 8 of FIG. 1. The
decoder 3 further comprises a modem interface 32 for connecting to
the telephone/modem 7 of FIG. 1.
[0042] Operation of the decoder 3, especially the processor 23, is
controlled by software that makes the processor 23 responsive to
control signals from the remote control unit 28 and to data
included in the signal received by the dish antenna 4 and in the
memory units 25 to 27. A schematic representation of the
interaction between hardware and software in the decoder 3 is shown
in FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings. The data in an incoming
signal is separated by the transporter 15 into video data and
information data. The information data is distributed around the
hardware and software, as will be described in greater detail
hereinafter. The video data and the audio data is demultiplexed and
output in suitable form for supply to a TV by the MPEG video and
audio circuits 18 and 19. When information is to be displayed
either with or instead of the video, data representing the
information is output in suitable form for supply to the TV via an
on-screen driver 33 and the video circuit 18. Signals from the OSD
driver 33 and the video circuit 18 are combined as appropriate
before being supplied to the TV. Operation of the software and
hardware of the decoder 3 is based around an operating system 35.
The conditional access controller 16 has associated software which
interfaces with the operating system via an application translator
36. The processor 23 has its own base operating system 37 which
interfaces to the decoder operating system 35 via an application
translator 38. Applications such as an intelligent electronic
programming guide (IEPG) 39 and other applications 40 interface to
the operating system 35 via an applications interface 41 and
associated application translator 42.
[0043] The software for applications such as the conditional access
16 and the intelligent electronic programming guide 39 are
installed permanently within non-volatile memory, e.g. the ROM 25,
of the decoder 3, but variable information such as new access codes
and TV programme scheduling details is updated regularly via
signals received from the dish antenna 4. Demodulated signals from
the demodulator 13 are input to the transport portion of the
transport demultiplexer 15 which examines the data to decide where
it should be sent. From time to time significant changes may be
made to conditional access codes or to the manner in which the
intelligent electronic programme guide (IEPG) 39 displays programme
information. Also, programmes for new applications, say a new
banking service for example, may be supplied via the satellite for
the decoder. Such data is routed by the transporter 15 directly to
the conditional access controller 16, the IEPG 39 and areas of the
store for other applications 40.
[0044] Operating data 43 is supplied on a substantially continuous
basis in every channel. The operating data 43 includes conditional
access data 44 associated with a channel and/or programmes therein
which enables the conditional access controller 16 to determine
whether or not access should be allowed to a particular programme
by descrambling the data therefor. Additionally, operating data
relating to customer services is transmitted in dedicated channels
which will be referred to herein as IEPG channels because they
carry control and information data for use by the IEPG provided by
the hardware and software of the processor 23 and the associated
memory devices 25 to 27. Thus, the operating data 43 depicted in
FIG. 3 also includes IEPG data 45 relating to specific programmes
and the times at which those programmes will be broadcast, and
service information 46 (for example relating to personal banking
services) and indeed any other data 47 required on a substantially
continuous or regular basis for the aforementioned customer
services.
[0045] The transporter 15 is arranged to supply the operating data
43 to the processor 23 via the operating system 35. The processor
23 responds to the data by sending appropriate commands or
information to other units within the system. Control data is also
transferred between the processor 23 and such units as the
demultiplexer 15, the video and audio decompressors 18, 19, the
remote control receiver 29 and the high-speed data interface 30 via
respective drivers 48 to 52.
[0046] The combined hardware and software of the decoder 3 enables
the data in received channels to be decoded for display of viewer
selected programmes and customer services. The scrambling is
controlled on a continuous basis and the decoder can be updated
with new descrambling codes as and when required. Data for customer
services can also be supplied and updated substantially
continuously and programmes relating to new services and
applications can be down loaded into the decoder if so desired.
[0047] Remote Control Unit
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings, the
remote control unit 28 comprises a keypad 60 which is scanned by a
scanner 61. In response to manipulation of a key by the viewer, the
scanner 61 outputs a code representing the viewer selected key to a
processor 62. The processor 62 has associated with it a memory 63
containing programme data defining how the processor 62 should
respond to codes from the scanner 61. The processor 62 is connected
to control a command transmitter 64 including for example an
infrared light emitting diode (not shown) for transmitting signals
to the TV, the decoder 3 and the VCR 5 of the system shown in FIG.
1. Data defining the codes for transmission by the transmitter are
stored in the memory 63. The memory 63 includes codes for the vast
majority of televisions available in a given market (e.g. the UK
market) and can therefore be said to be a "universal" remote
control. Viewer selection of appropriate codes from the memory 63
can be made by any one of a large number of well known methods and
therefore will not be described in further detail herein.
[0049] The keys comprising the keypad 60 are shown in greater
detail in FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of
simplicity it will be assumed that control over the TV 2 and the
decoder 3 only is required and that control over the VCR and other
units is not required. It will, of course, be appreciated that the
principles of operation of the remote control 28 in controlling the
TV 2 and the decoder 3 can easily be extended to controlling also
the VCR 5 and any other remotely controllable apparatus comprising
the system 1.
[0050] The keypad 60 includes a TV key 65 which causes the remote
control to function as a controller for the TV 1. When the TV key
65 is pressed the processor 62 responds by causing the transmitter
64 to transmit a command to the decoder to enter a standby mode in
which signals are not transmitted via the SCART interface 20 (i.e.
SCART pin 8 to the TV is set low). The transmitter also transmits a
command to the TV 2 to select a predetermined channel, e.g. channel
1. Thus, the system 1 is controlled by the remote control unit 28
to operate in a television configuration in which the television
receives terrestrial-based signals.
[0051] Once the command signals have been transmitted to the TV 2
and the decoder 3, the processor 62 in the remote control enters a
mode corresponding to the television configuration of the system 1.
In the television mode the remote control unit 28 responds to
viewer operation of keys on the keypad 60 by transmitting command
signals exclusively for the TV 2.
[0052] Most, if not all, of the functions of the TV controlled by
the various keys of the keypad 60 shown in FIG. 5 should be
self-apparent, but for the sake of completeness the following
comments will be made. The audio volume is controlled by a volume
control key 66 so-arranged that pressing the left-hand side thereof
reduces the volume of sound output from the TV and pressing the
right-hand side increases the volume. Pressing a mute key 67 causes
the remote control unit 28 to transmit a command to mute the sound
from the TV. A set of ten numeric keys 68 control TV channel
selection.
[0053] A key 69 carrying the legend "INFO" causes the television to
enter a teletext mode when first pressed (assuming the TV has a
teletext facility). Depending on the make and model of the TV,
further operation of the key 69 will cause the television to toggle
between "TEXT", "MIX", and "TV" teletext modes. The teletext mode
is exited by pressing a key with the legend "BACKUP" 70. A set of
four coloured keys 71 (red, green, yellow and blue) enable
so-called fast-text facilities to be utilised with the TV in
teletext mode.
[0054] Pressing an upwardly pointing key (up key) 72a causes the TV
to step up through the channels in the logical order in which they
are tuned and pressing the downwardly pointing key (down key) 72b
causes the TV to step down through the channels. The keypad also
includes left and right keys 73a and 73b that serve no function
when the remote control unit 28 is operating in the TV mode, but
are used together with the up and down keys 72, 72b to navigate
around the IEPG when the system is in a satellite
configuration.
[0055] The keypad includes an on/off key 74 for causing the TV to
switch between an on mode and a standby mode. The keypad further
comprises a "SAT" key 75, the selection of which causes the remote
control unit 28 to transmit command signals to the system 1 causing
it to operate in a satellite configuration. When the SAT key 75 is
pressed the processor 62 responds by causing the transmitter 64 to
transmit a command to the decoder 3 to enter a receive mode in
which signals are received from the satellite dish 4, and received
signals are decoded and transmitted via the SCART interface 20 to
the TV 2. A command is also sent to the TV 2, if appropriate, so
that TV receives signals transmitted by the SCART interface 20. If
the TV 2 is not connected to the decoder 3 via a SCART lead, then
the commands can be varied to ensure that the TV 2 instead receives
signals via the UHF modulator 22. Thus the system 1 is controlled
to operate in a satellite configuration in which the decoder 3
receives satellite-based signals which are decoded and output in
appropriate form to the TV 2.
[0056] Once the command signals have been transmitted to the TV 2
and the decoder 3, the processor in the remote control enters a
satellite mode corresponding to the satellite configuration of the
system 1. In the satellite mode, the remote control unit 28
responds to viewer operation of keys on the keypad 60 by
transmitting command signals both to the TV 2 and to the decoder 3
as appropriate.
[0057] Digital signals in the channels received via the satellite
dish 4 contain programme schedule information which can be
displayed under viewer control on the TV 2 when the system 1 is in
the satellite configuration. That is to say, the decoder 3 can be
controlled by way of the remote control unit 28 to operate as the
intelligent electronic programme guide (IEPG) by causing the TV to
display information relating to programme schedules, customer
services and the like.
[0058] The remote control keypad 60 comprises a TV guide key 77,
selection of which causes the decoder 3 to output for display a TV
guide main menu or screen. Similarly, selecting a box office key
78, a customer service key 79 or an interactive service key 80 will
cause the decoder to select an appropriate menu or screen for
display to enable viewer interaction. The processor 62 is arranged
to respond intelligently to the selection of any of the keys 77 to
80. If the system 1 (and therefore also the remote control 28) is
in TV mode when any of the keys 77 to 80 are depressed, the
processor 62 of the remote control responds by transmitting
appropriate signals to the TV 2 and the decoder 3 to place the
system 1 in the satellite configuration. The processor 62 then
causes the remote control 28 to enter the satellite mode.
[0059] The remote control keypad 60 also includes a select key 81
provided to enable user interaction with IEPG screens displayed on
the TV screen. The select key also enables interaction with other
information displayed on the TV screen. A help key 82 causes the
decoder to output for display help information. The processor 23 is
arranged to respond intelligently by displaying help information
appropriate to the IEPG screen displayed on the TV monitor when the
help key 82 is selected. Selection of the info key 69 similarly
causes the transmission of commands to the decoder causing the
decoder processor 23 to output for display appropriate information
depending on the IEPG menu displayed on the screen of the TV 2 when
the info key 69 is selected.
[0060] When the remote control 28 is operating in the satellite
mode, the processor 62 therein is arranged to respond to selection
of any of the coloured keys 71 by transmitting so-called quick
response commands to the decoder. The manner in which the decoder
responds to the selection of the coloured keys 71 is software
controlled and will vary between IEPG screens as will be described
in greater detail hereinafter.
[0061] Decoder Functions
[0062] The decoder 3 provides several facilities based on
information stored in the memory 25 to 27 of the decoder,
information transmitted with video in television channels and
information transmitted in dedicated IEPG channels. The facilities
provided by the decoder will be described under separate headings
as follows.
[0063] Surf, Search and Scan
[0064] It is envisaged that the data in each channel will be in
compressed form, for example in accordance with the DVB/MPEG-2
standard. DVB allows both video data and other data to be combined
in a single channel. In addition to the aforementioned operating
data 43 (see FIG. 3) for use in controlling access to channels, the
data in a channel can include brief programme scheduling data
defining the scheduling of programmes in several of the channels as
scheduling events.
[0065] One the scheduling data has been stored in the RAM the
information relating thereto is available effectively
instantaneously for display on the TV. The scheduling data is
transmitted regularly (say every 10 seconds) so that the decoders
are updated quickly after they are switched on. The information is
brief (e.g. title of programme and its start and end times) and
only covers a short period of time (e.g. 24 or 48 hours) to enable
each channel to carry data for other channels provided by the same
TV service company without excessive overheads in terms of
bandwidth requirements in each channel and memory requirements in
the decoder.
[0066] The decoder is arranged to enable a schedule of events for
one channel to be displayed while displaying a television programme
in another channel or to display a television programme in one
channel while displaying a schedule of events for the one channel
or another channel. These facilities (which will be referred to
herein as "surf", "search" and "scan") allow the viewer to search
through the programme scheduling information down-loaded from the
received signals into the RAM 26 using the up and down keys 72a,
72b together with the left and right keys 73a, 73b on the remote
control unit 28. The "surf" feature allows the viewer to change
channels and to view for the current channel scheduling information
for the present programme and for the next scheduled programme
simply by pressing the up and down keys 72, 72b on the remote
control keypad 60. The "search" feature allows the viewer to move
forward and backward in time through scheduling information for the
current channel. Scheduling information for past programmes is
deleted once the programme has finished. The "scan" feature is a
combination of the "surf" and "search" features and allows a viewer
to view the video for the current channel while inspecting
scheduling information for other channels.
[0067] The processor 23 of the decoder is arranged so that the surf
mode is entered simply by the viewer pressing the up and down keys
72a, 72b. When one of the keys 72a, 72b is depressed the decoder
responds by selecting another channel and thereafter outputting the
video and audio for that channel to the TV 2. The processor adds
information signals to the video signal so that the screen
displayed on the TV 2 is similar to the screen shown in FIG. 6 of
the accompanying drawings. The screen displayed on the TV comprises
a programme portion 95 containing both the video for the selected
channel and a channel identifier 96 and an information portion 97
containing information about the programme currently being received
including its title and scheduling information and information
about the next programme to be broadcast in the channel including
its title and scheduling information. Other information such as the
current time and instructions regarding the selection of programmes
for other decoder features (e.g. the custom channel to be described
in greater detail hereinafter) are also displayed in the
information portion 97.
[0068] The surf feature and the search feature are shown in greater
detail in FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings. First the surf
feature. When either of the up or down keys 72a, 72b are depressed
the processor 23 causes the TV to display the current service
picture (say service 1) and information relating to that service.
This is represented by the box 98 in FIG. 7. If no further keys are
pressed within the predetermined period, the processor removes the
service information from the display as represented by box 99. If
the up key 72a is depressed the processor is arranged to select the
next logical service (i.e. service 2) and to cause the TV to
display the picture therefore together with information relating
thereto as represented by box 100. If the down arrow is instead
depressed the processor will cause the TV to display the previous
service picture together with information relating thereto as
represented by box 101. It should be noted that in box 91 service
number 999 has been identified. This assumes that the decoder is
able to receive 999 different services. The logic of the decoder is
such that when the lowest number service is displayed pressing the
down button will cause the receiver to select for display the
highest number service and vice versa. Movement between the boxes
98, 100, 101 and other boxes relating to other service numbers (not
shown) is, of course, controlled by the up and down keys of the
remote control 28. In the case of each box 98, 100, 101 the
information portion for the service is removed so that only the
picture is displayed if no further keys are selected on the remote
control after a predetermined period of time, say ten seconds.
[0069] While the information is being displayed the viewer may use
the search feature by selecting either the left or right key 73a,
73b. The right key is used to move forward in time, whereas the
left key is used to travel backwards. Thus, for example starting at
box 98, with service 1 picture and service 1 current information
displayed on the TV screen selection of the right key 73b causes
the information to change to later information for service 1 as
represented by box 102. The viewer may return to the display
represented by box 98 by pressing the left key 73a or may advance
the scheduling information to even later information for service 1
by again pressing the right key 73b. Likewise, starting from box
100 the viewer can cause the later information for service 2 to be
displayed with the picture for service 2, as represented by box
103, by pressing the right key 73b. Similar movement through
scheduling information for other services, e.g. service 999 as
represented by boxes 101 and 104, is, of course, also possible.
[0070] FIG. 8 of the accompanying drawings shows the scan feature
in greater detail. It will be noted that the left hand column of
boxes correspond to the boxes 98 to 101 representing the surf
feature in FIG. 7. Starting at box 98 with service 1 picture and
service 1 current information displayed on the TV screen, selection
of an appropriate key of the remote control unit, e.g. the
information key 69 or another dedicated scan key (not shown).
Selection of the information key 69 with the information shown in
FIG. 6 displayed on the TV screen causes the processor to enter the
scan function. An appropriate device representing the scan function
may be displayed on the screen if so desired. Selecting the
information key 69 again while in the scan function causes exit
from the scan function to the normal TV screen represented by box
99.
[0071] While in the scan mode or function, selecting the left and
right keys 73a, 73b changes the displayed information to earlier or
later information for the service currently selected, whereas
selecting the up and down keys 72a, 72b changes the service for
which information is displayed. At all times in the scan mode the
video for the service displayed when the scan mode was entered
(i.e. service 1 picture) remains displayed on the TV screen.
[0072] Thus, for example, starting from box 98 and selecting the
information key 69 followed by the right key 73b causes the TV to
continue displaying the picture for service 1 and changes the
information to information for service 1, as represented by box
105. From box 105, selecting the up key 72a causes the TV to
display the picture for service 1 together with later information
for service 2 as represented by the box 106. If the up key 72a is
again depressed the information will change to later information
for service 3 (not shown). If, however, starting from box 105 the
right hand key 73b is depressed the information displayed will
change to even later information for service 1 while the picture
for service 1 will continue to be displayed, as represented by box
107. Starting from box 107 and selecting the up key 72a will result
in the processor causing the TV to display service 2 even later
information together with the service 1 picture as represented by
box 108.
[0073] In other words, while in scan mode selection of the left and
right keys causes the displayed information to move through time
and selection of the up and down keys causes the displayed
information to move through services. At all times the picture for
the service received when the scan mode was entered (i.e. service
1) will remain displayed on the TV screen.
[0074] A similar logical flow can be developed from other starting
points, e.g. box 100 or box 101. The scan mode can be entered from
either the surf mode or the search mode by way of the information
key 69. If a separate dedicated key is provided in the remote
control keypad, the processor may be arranged to enter the scan
mode directly without first entering the surf or search modes.
[0075] Intelligent Electronic Programme Guide (IEPG)
[0076] The processor 23 in the decoder is arranged to operate in an
intelligent electronic programme guide (IEPG) mode in which
information relating to programme listings, pay-per-view services,
and other customer and interactive services is displayable on the
screen of the TV 2. The decoder is arranged to enter the IEPG mode
in response to selection of any one of the TV guide, Box Office,
Customer Services or Interactive Services keys 77 to 80 of the
remote control keypad 60. Selection of the TV guide key 77 causes
the decoder initially to output data to the TV 2 representing an
IEPG screen comprising two panels of options 113 and 114 as shown
in FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings. The left-hand panel 113
contains options corresponding to the keys 77 to 80 on the remote
control keypad 60 and it will be noted that the box marked "TV
Guide" 115 is highlighted as depicted by the double lines
surrounding the "TV Guide" legend. In practice the box 115 would be
highlighted for example by changing the shape and/or size of the
box, increasing the brightness of the box, and/or changing the
colour of the box. In the event that the viewer selected one of the
other buttons 78 to 80, then the corresponding one of the other
boxes 116 to 118 would instead be initially highlighted. The boxes
115 to 118 serve as a reminder to the viewer that these facilities
are available for selection. The viewer can move between the boxes
by manipulating the keys 77 to 80 on the keypad 60 or the up and
down keys 72a, 72b.
[0077] The right-hand panel 114 identifies options available for
the IEPG facility highlighted in the left hand panel 113. Thus, for
example when the "TV Guide" box 115 is highlighted in the left hand
panel, the right hand panel will identify the type of programme
listings available in the TV guide.
[0078] TV Guide
[0079] Programmes can be listed by category, for example time 115,
title 116, movies 117, sports 118, childrens 119, factual 120,
soaps 121 or hot shows 122. Additionally, a listing of programmes
entered into a custom channel 123 (to be described hereinbelow) can
be displayed. With the TV guide selected, the viewer may scroll
through the available options in the panel 114 by way of the up and
down keys 72a, 72b of the remote control unit and may select a
listing in a desired format by operation of the select key 81.
[0080] When a listing in a desired format is selected, the
processor 23 causes the display to be changed to the TV Guide
screen shown in FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawings. The screen is
divided into a top area 125, a grid area 126, and a lower area
127.
[0081] The top area of the TV Guide screen contains information
such as a "TV Guide" logo in, say, the top left-hand corner and the
current time in, say, the top right-hand comer. A legend indicating
the format selected (e.g. "listings by time") is displayed in the
centre of the top area and the name of the day to which the
listings relate is displayed, say, at the right-hand edge of the
top area. The top area 125 also contains an event icon box 128
which displays graphical icons 129 to 132 indicating whether or not
an event has subtitles (an ear icon), additional information (an
"I" icon), is a pay-per-view event, is subject to parental or other
restriction, and so on.
[0082] The grid area 126 contains several entries of the selected
listing. Entries can be scrolled by way of the up and down keys
72a, 72b of the remote control 28. The IEPG is arranged so that at
any given time a selected one of the entries displayed in the grid
area 126 is highlighted and the icons in the event icon box 128
relate to the highlighted entry.
[0083] The lower area 127 of the screen displays functions
associated with the colour keys 71 of the remote control. The
functions performed in responses to selection of the colour keys is
determined by the IEPG software and will therefore vary between
different IEPG screens. For example, if the currently displayed
listing is "time" the IEPG may be arranged to respond to selection
of the red key by changing the screen to the "title" listing, and
to respond to viewer selection of the green key by changing the
display to the "movies" listing.
[0084] When the "time" listing is selected the IEPG enables the
viewer to access seven days of listings for all channels. When the
"title" listing is selected a list of events for the next 48 hours
is displayed in alphabetical order. When the "movies" listing is
selected a list of movie titles is displayed in alphabetical order.
Similarly, when the "sports", "childrens", "factual" and "soaps"
listings are selected appropriate lists of programme titles and
other information are displayed in alphabetical order on the TV
screen. When the "hot shows" listing is selected a list of
programmes which have been selected by the marketing department of
the television service company is displayed in alphabetical order
on the screen. Such shows may include first screenings, special
events and the like that the marketing departments wish to
promote.
[0085] The programme information for the listings is carried in a
separate IEPG channel and can therefore be quite detailed. The
displayed listing will include information about the day on which
the programme is being shown, the time at which it starts and the
time at which it finishes.
[0086] Programme Mosaic
[0087] In addition to displaying lists of television programmes
available on several channels the processor is arranged to display
a mosaic of promotional video clips simultaneously on the screen of
the TV 2. The high bandwidths made available using digital
techniques make it both possible and cost effective to use a single
channel as a promotional channels. It is envisaged that the
promotional channel would only be accessible by way of the IEPG to
enable viewers to inspect forthcoming promotions and to select for
viewing programmes advertised in the IEPG promotional channel.
[0088] FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawings shows an example of a
mosaic display comprising sixteen different promotional video clips
running in a respective cell A to P. Each of the promotional video
clips is of relatively short duration (say 2 to 3 minutes) and is
run in a continuous cycle. The clips are combined in the mosaic
form by the TV service company before transmission, and the whole
mosaic is transmitted as video data representing a single picture
in a single channel. Data identifying the events being promoted in
each cell is transmitted with the video data for use by the
processor 23 in the decoder. When the mosaic is first displayed one
of the cells, e.g. cell F, is highlighted. The processor 23 is
arranged to respond to viewer manipulation of the up and down, and
left and right keys 72a, 72b and 73a, 73b of the remote control 28
by changing the highlighted cell. In this way, the viewer is able
to navigate about the screen to enable a cell to be selected.
[0089] Cell selection is by way of the select key 81. The processor
23 is arranged to respond to manipulation of the select key for
example in one of three ways. One way in which the processor 23 may
respond is by tuning the receiver directly to the selected
programme so that the viewer may view the programme immediately.
Another way in which the processor 23 may respond is by adding
details of the selected programme to the custom channel (to be
described in greater detail hereinafter). Another way in which the
processor may respond is by changing the display to the Box Office
format shown in FIG. 12 of the accompanying drawings. That is to
say, the processor 23 can be arranged so that the programme mosaic
provides a route into the Box Office facility which will now be
described.
[0090] Box Office (Pay-Per-View)
[0091] The Box Office facility may be accessed in several different
ways. One way, as has already been mentioned herein, is for the
viewer to select a cell from the promotional programme mosaic.
Another way into the Box Office facility is for the viewer to
select a pay-per-view programme from the TV guide.
[0092] The main route into the Box Office facility is via the IEPG
initial screen shown in FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings. With
the IEPG initial screen displayed on the screen of the TV 2, viewer
manipulation either of the box office key 78 or the up, down, left
and right keys 72a and b, 73a and b together with select key 81 of
the remote control unit 28 causes the processor 23 to output for
display data in the Box Office format shown in FIG. 12. The format
of the Box Office screen, and indeed the format of other screens
described herein, is defined by the aforementioned template data.
The template data may be predefined in memory or downloaded to the
decoder in signals received via the satellite dish antenna 4.
[0093] The box office screen 139 is divided into three areas. The
top left hand quadrant 140 contains a moving promotional video. In
the interest of bandwidth economy it is preferred that the
promotional video is derived from the promotional video in an IEPG
mosaic channel. This is achieved by the processor 23 increasing the
size of the video clip from the IEPG mosaic channel from {fraction
(1/16)} screen size to 1/4 screen size by way of pixel replication,
interpolation, etc. Of course, a separate IEPG channel containing
only four 1/4 size videos could instead be utilized with a suitable
number of channels being employed to cover all desired pay-per-view
events, although this is more wasteful of bandwidth. The top right
hand quadrant 141 contains useful information such as the time and
date and the television service logo.
[0094] As has previously been mentioned, each promotional video
clip has associated with it data defining such information as the
title of the programme and the time or times when the programme is
to be broadcast. The processor uses the received information data
together with the template data to generate a title and an event
listing which are both displayed in the lower half 142 of the box
office screen. Additional information such as special messages or
discount information may also be associated with the promotional
video clip. This additional information may be displayed in the
right hand quadrant 141 or the lower half 142 of the box office
screen, as desired.
[0095] In general the lower half 142 of the screen will display, in
addition to the title and start time (including both time of day
and day) of the next showing, information including at least some
of the following. Some programmes, especially movies, are shown
more than once. The additional information will include the
frequency of showing if a programme is to be shown more than once.
The rating of movies will also be shown. The price of viewing the
programme will be shown in local currency. An "I" symbol will be
displayed if an extended description of the programme is available.
Finally, an ordering message such as "Press SELECT to order now"
will be displayed in the lower half 142 of the Box Office
screen.
[0096] As with previously described screens, the processor 23 is
arranged to respond to manipulation of the up and down, and left
and right keys of the remote control unit 28 by moving a highlight,
or other suitable marker such as a cursor, around the Box Office
screen.
[0097] In the event that the viewer presses the select key on the
remote control unit 28, the processor 23 will respond by outputting
for display data representing a box office ordering screen. The
ordering screen is also displayed if the Box Office facility is
entered either from the promotional mosaic or from the TV Guide.
The purpose of the ordering screen is to enable the viewer to
specify in detail the exact programme that he wishes to order. The
ordering screen therefore includes such information as the title of
the programme, the start time of the programme, or in the case of a
movie the next showing of the movie, and the price of the
programme. For movies additional information regarding the rating
and the frequency of showing will also be shown. If a discount is
to be made available for viewing at certain times that too will be
shown. When there is more than one showing of a programme, legends
will be displayed for the time of each showing and the viewer will
be able to select the desired showing by way of the up, down, left
and right keys 72a, 72b, 73a, 73b of the remote control unit
28.
[0098] The decoder may include a PIN (Personal Identification
Number) facility to prevent unauthorised ordering of programmes,
for example, or the ordering of adult rated movies by minors. If a
PIN facility is included, the ordering screen will include a
portion with which the viewer must interact to enter the PIN number
via the remote control unit 28 before the order can be placed.
[0099] Once the viewer is satisfied with the order defined in the
order screen displayed on the TV 2, the viewer may confirm the
order by pressing the select key 81 of the remote control unit. The
processor 23 is arranged to respond to the select command signal
from the remote control unit by outputting data defining a
confirmation screen for display on the TV 2. The confirmation
screen contains the same information as the ordering screen
together with a message such as "For Final Confirmation Press
SELECT". If any time the viewer wishes to back out of an order or
change an order to a different programme instead, pressing the back
up key 70 will cause the processor 23 to return to displaying of
the previous screen. The viewer pressing the select key 81 of the
remote control unit causes the processor 23 to respond by entering
an order placing routine.
[0100] If the decoder 3 is connected to a telephone line via the
modem 7, the processor 23 will send data via the modem 7 to the TV
service company placing the order for the viewer. The processor 23
is arranged to wait for confirmation that the order has been
accepted, or otherwise, before controlling the modem to hang up. If
the order has been accepted the processor will output a
confirmatory message for display on the TV screen. If the order is
not accepted the processor will instead output for display
appropriate instructions to the viewer, such as "Please contact the
TV service company".
[0101] Where the decoder does not include a modem or where
connection cannot be made via the modem the processor will output
for display suitable instructions to the viewer advising the viewer
how to place the order by telephone.
[0102] The CD-ROM drive 25a can optionally be utilized in order to
save bandwidth. Use of the CD-ROM drive 25a makes it possible for
TV service companies to send some data direct to viewers via a
compact disc (CD) for insertion into the CD-ROM drive 25a. The CD
may contain template data and other similar data associated with
the routine operation of the processor 23. The CD may also contain
data defining a whole month (say) of listings for all services
broadcast by the same company, and may even contain data defining
the promotional video clips used in the mosaic display and the Box
Office display. Non-changing information such as the title of a
programme may be delivered to the customer with the video clip data
on CD, and changing information such as future showing times may be
included in the signals transmitted via satellite.
[0103] Alternatively, or additionally, the modem can be utilized in
the transfer of data to viewers. A command signal may be
transmitted via the satellite instructing the processor 23 to cause
a message to be displayed immediately or when the decoder is next
switched on. The message would instruct the viewer to connect the
modem to a specified number at a specified time for the downloading
of new data. Of course, the processor 23 can be arranged to bypass
the viewer entirely by responding to a suitable command signal by
causing the modem to connect to the specified number. The approach
used to download new or updating data is simply a matter of viewer
and service company preference.
[0104] Custom Channel
[0105] The information carried in each channel includes data for
the processor 23 to enable the decoder 3 to be programmed to switch
at appropriate times to events selected by the viewer. The
processor 23 is therefore able to create under viewer control a
so-called custom channel comprising a sequence of programmes or
events selected in advance by the viewer from the displayed TV
guide from the Mosaic or Box Office displays or by surfing and
searching the brief scheduling information stored in RAM. In other
words, the custom channel is a virtual channel programmed by the
viewer in accordance with his or her planned viewing schedule.
[0106] Data defining the custom channel is held in a look up table
in the RAM 26. When the viewer selects a programme by pressing the
select button 81 of the remote control unit a prompt is displayed
asking the viewer to confirm that the programme is to be entered
onto the custom channel for future viewing. The viewer confirms the
selection by pressing the select key 81 again.
[0107] The titles and other details of programmes in the custom
channel can be viewed at any time by selecting the "custom channel"
option from the TV listings display shown in FIG. 6 of the
accompanying drawings. Should there be a clash of programmes
selected for the custom channel, the viewer is presented with a
prompt screen identifying the clash and providing alternative
options. The presentation of programme details on the custom
channel is displayed a day at a time in time order. The processor
23 is arranged to respond to selection of the up and down keys 72a,
72b by moving through time on the day displayed and to respond to
selection of the left and right keys 73a, 73b by changing the
displayed information to previous or subsequent days.
[0108] If the custom channel has no events added to it by the
viewer then it remains inactive. However, once events have been
added to the custom channel by the viewer, operation of the decoder
depends on the custom channel. The processor 23 is arranged so that
when an event in the custom channel is one minute away from
starting a prompt message is output for display on the TV screen
reminding the viewer that the event previously selected is about to
start. The prompt also asks the viewer for confirmation that he or
she still wishes to tune to the event when it is scheduled to
start. If the viewer presses the select key 81 of the remote
control unit the decoder will remain tuned to the current service
until the scheduled start time of the custom channel event, at
which time the decoder will tune to that event. If the viewer
presses the backup key 70 on the remote control, the prompt will be
removed from the display and the decoder will remain tuned to the
currently viewed service. The event will not, however, be removed
from the custom channel listing. Consequently, should the viewer
choose simply to extend the viewing of the currently viewed event,
he can return to the preprogrammed event at a later time simply by
entering the custom channel, for example via the TV guide listing
screen shown in FIG. 6. If no key is pressed within a predetermined
period of time, the prompt is removed from the display. All entries
in the custom channel are automatically deleted from the RAM once
the events have finished.
[0109] A programme may be related in some way to other programmes
to be transmitted at different times and/or on different channels
by the same TV service company. Obviously, programmes in daily or
weekly serials are related to each other. Other relationships are
less obvious. For example, a TV service company may wish to run a
season of James Bond movies over a number of different channels
with each movies being shown one or more times. Broadcasting in the
digital domain makes it easy to include in the data for the
showings of each movie further data linking that movie to other
movies in the season. The processor 23 is arranged to respond to
such linking data by displaying prompts when the viewer selects one
movie for the custom channel. The prompts alert the viewer to other
movies in the season and ask the viewer whether he/she wishes any
of the other movies to be included in the custom channel.
Interaction between the viewer and the IEPG then proceeds in a
similar manner to that already discussed hereinabove to allow the
viewer to add some or all of the linked programmes to the custom
channel as desired.
[0110] Customer Services
[0111] The provision of a smart card enables every decoder to be
uniquely identified. In view of the large data carrying capacity of
compressed digital signals it is therefore possible for a TV
service company to transmit personal messages to individual
subscribers. In a conventional e-mail system receipt of a message
depends on the destination being connected to a telephone line.
Transmitting e-mail type messages to satellite decoders with smart
cards does not suffer from this weakness. Unless a supply of power
is physically removed from a decoder, the decoder will not normally
be switched off. Decoders are designed to enter a stand-by mode
when they are switched "off" by the viewer. In the standby mode a
decoder can still receive signals via the satellite dish
antenna.
[0112] When the user switches "off" the decoder 3, the processor 23
enters a stand-by mode in which the information data context of
received signals is monitored for general updating control and
programme scheduling data and also for message data specifically
for the decoder 23 as determined by the identity data in the smart
card 16a. In this way, a simple and inexpensive e-mail type message
broadcasting system may be realised. The inclusion of the modem 32
within the decoder means that communication from the viewer back to
the TV service company is also possible.
[0113] Interactive Services
[0114] The provision of the modem 32 within the decoder 3 also
makes viewer interactive services possible. One application of this
is to allow viewers to vote on the progress of a game show by
pressing keys of the remote control unit 28. In the interactive
mode the processor 23 is arranged to respond to signals from the
remote control unit by transmitting appropriate data to a central
polling station via the modem 32. Data representing instructions on
how to interact with the game (i.e. which keys to press on the
remote control unit) and commands to the processor 23 are
transmitted as information data with the video data. The
information data is decoded by the processor 23 which reacts as
appropriate to the commands (i.e. connecting the modem to a
telephone number if the viewer wishes to participate in the game)
and also outputs the game instructions for display with the game
programme on the screen of the TV 2.
[0115] The modem 32 also makes it possible for a viewer to interact
with on-line services such as banking, insurance and mail order. It
is envisaged that a channel similar to the above-discussed mosaic
channel would carry promotional video and other promotional
information for several companies offering an on-line service. The
processor 23 can be arranged to enable the viewer to select a
service from a service mosaic display screen in much the same way
as programmes can be selected the promotional mosaic display screen
shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings. Viewer selection of a service
would result in the processor 23 establishing connection with the
service via the modem 32.
[0116] It can take tens of seconds for a modem to establish
connection. The processor is arranged to display the promotional
video for the selected service together with additional information
relating to the service on, say, a screen similar to the box office
screen shown in FIG. 12 while the modem connection is being made.
Such a display entertains the viewer while the modem connection is
being established and is replaced with a more appropriate screen
for interaction with the service once the connection has been
made.
[0117] It will be appreciated by those possessed of the appropriate
skills and knowledge that the invention is not limited to
television signals transmitted via satellite or cable. The
invention can be applied equally to any system for receiving
digital television signals including the digital signal systems
currently under investigation by terrestrial broadcasters in the UK
and elsewhere.
[0118] Having thus described the present invention by reference to
a preferred embodiment it is to be well understood that the
embodiment in question is exemplary only and that modifications and
variations such as will occur to those possessed of appropriate
knowledge and skills may be made without departure from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and
equivalents thereof.
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