U.S. patent application number 10/039855 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-16 for video-on-demand service with an interactive interface for facilitating viewer selection of video programs.
This patent application is currently assigned to Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.. Invention is credited to Billock, John K., Cuttner, Craig D., Dowdell, Kevin C., Flanagan, Elizabeth B., Granger, James E., Hsu, Henry C., Martin, Robert I., May, Robert, Peck, Nicholas, Pontecorvo, Michael S., Probst, Bruce E., Rosenberg, Marc D., Smul, Debra R., Wilkinson, Dennis P., Zitter, Robert M..
Application Number | 20020059581 10/039855 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23182628 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020059581 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Billock, John K. ; et
al. |
May 16, 2002 |
Video-on-demand service with an interactive interface for
facilitating viewer selection of video programs
Abstract
A telecasting service is provided that offers video programs
upon viewer demand, and which includes an interactive interface for
facilitating viewer selection of video programs. The interactive
interface allows the viewer to scan through a list of video
programs available on the demand telecasting service. The
interactive interface also provides the viewer with still images,
full-motion previews, and textual descriptions of the available
programs. The demand telecasting service distinguishes subscribers
from non-subscribers, and provides an interactive facility for
allowing non-subscribers to subscribe to the system.
Inventors: |
Billock, John K.;
(Greenwich, CT) ; Cuttner, Craig D.; (Norwalk,
CT) ; Dowdell, Kevin C.; (New York, NY) ;
Flanagan, Elizabeth B.; (Westfield, NJ) ; Granger,
James E.; (Corte Madera, CA) ; Hsu, Henry C.;
(Port Washington, NY) ; Martin, Robert I.; (New
York, NY) ; May, Robert; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Peck, Nicholas; (Millvalley, CA) ; Pontecorvo,
Michael S.; (San Francisco, CA) ; Probst, Bruce
E.; (Croton On Hudson, NY) ; Rosenberg, Marc D.;
(New York, NY) ; Smul, Debra R.; (New York,
NY) ; Wilkinson, Dennis P.; (Old Greenwich, CT)
; Zitter, Robert M.; (Stamford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & NEAVE
1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
50TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10020-1105
US
|
Assignee: |
Time Warner Entertainment Company,
L.P.
|
Family ID: |
23182628 |
Appl. No.: |
10/039855 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10039855 |
Oct 19, 2001 |
|
|
|
08811418 |
Mar 4, 1997 |
|
|
|
08811418 |
Mar 4, 1997 |
|
|
|
08305847 |
Sep 14, 1994 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/25 ;
348/E5.099; 348/E5.108; 348/E7.071; 348/E7.073; 725/87; 725/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/4401 20130101;
H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 21/47202 20130101; H04N 7/17336
20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 5/445 20130101; H04N 21/8549
20130101; H04N 21/426 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/25 ; 725/87;
725/93 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/16; H04N
007/173 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of operating a video-on-demand service comprising at
least one interactive channel coupled to a viewing station, said
service accessible to subscribers and non-subscribers of said
service, said service providing video programs, segments of said
video programs, and a list of at least some of said video programs,
said method comprising: transmitting a first signal to said viewing
station acknowledging access of said service; transmitting said
list to said viewing station; receiving a second signal from said
viewing station indicating a selection of one of said segments or
said video programs; transmitting one of said segments to said
viewing station when said second signal indicates a selection of
said one segment; preventing transmission of one of said video
programs to said viewing station when said second signal indicates
a selection of said one video program by one of said
non-subscribers; and transmitting one of said video programs to
said viewing station when said second signal indicates a selection
of said one video program by one of said subscribers.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said first signal acknowledges
access of said service at said viewing station by one of said
subscribers.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said first signal acknowledges
access of said service at said viewing station by one of said
non-subscribers.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein at least some of said video
programs and said segments comprise video and audio portions.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said video programs comprise at
least one movie.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said video programs comprise at
least one television program.
7. A video-on-demand service comprising: a telecasting facility
operative to provide video programs, previews of said video
programs, and at least one list of at least some of said video
programs and operative to receive selections of said previews and
of said video programs, said facility comprising: a multiple
processor computer that allows said list and said previews to be
transmitted to subscribers and non-subscribers of said service and
that allows said video programs to be transmitted to only said
subscribers, a mass storage system coupled to said computer, said
mass storage system storing said list and said previews, and a
transmitting station coupled to said computer, said transmitting
station operative to transmit said video programs, said previews,
and said list and operative to receive said selections; and a
communication medium coupled to said transmitting station over
which said video programs, said previews, and said list are
transmitted from said telecasting facility and over which said
selections are transmitted to said telecasting facility.
8. The video-on-demand service of claim 7 wherein said
communication medium comprises a plurality of channels.
9. The video-on-demand service of claim 7 wherein said
communication medium is selected from the group consisting of
coaxial cable and fiber optic cable.
10. A method of operating a video-on-demand service, said service
interactively coupled to a viewing station comprising a video
display, said service accessible to non-subscribers of said
service, said service providing video programs, segments of said
video programs, and a list of at least some of said video programs,
said method comprising: displaying on said display said list to one
of said non-subscribers; displaying on said display one of said
segments selected by one of said non-subscribers; preventing
display on said display of one of said video programs selected by
one of said non-subscribers; displaying on said display an offer
for one of said non-subscribers to become a subscriber
substantially immediately after said non-subscriber selects one of
said video programs for display; receiving interactively from said
non-subscriber via said viewing station an acceptance of said offer
to become a subscriber; establishing said non-subscriber as a
subscriber substantially immediately after said receiving; and
allowing said video programs selected by said non-subscriber to be
displayed on said display substantially immediately after said
establishing.
11. The video-on-demand service of claim 10 wherein said display
comprises a television monitor.
12. The video-on-demand service of claim 10 wherein said display
provides audio.
13. The video-on-demand service of claim 10 wherein said display is
part of a personal computer.
14. A video-on-demand service comprising: a telecasting facility
operative to transmit video programs, previews of said video
programs, and lists of said video programs, said facility
comprising a first computer programmed to allow said lists and said
previews to be transmitted to subscribers and non-subscribers of
said service and to allow said video programs to be transmitted to
only said subscribers; a viewing station comprising a video display
and a second computer, said viewing station operative to receive
said video programs, said previews, and said lists and operative to
transmit selections of said video programs and said previews, said
second computer programmed to display on said video display said
programs, said previews, and said lists; and a communication medium
coupled to said facility and to said viewing station over which
said programs, said previews, and said lists are transmitted from
said facility to said viewing station and over which said
selections are transmitted from said viewing station to said
facility.
15. The video-on-demand service of claim 14 wherein: said viewing
station is operated by one of said non-subscribers; said
telecasting facility is further operative to transmit subscription
offers over said communication medium to said viewing station; and
said viewing station is further operative to receive said
subscription offers and to transmit a subscription offer acceptance
over said communication medium to said telecasting facility.
16. A method of operating a video-on-demand service, said service
interactively coupled to a viewing station comprising a video
display, said service accessible to subscribers and non-subscribers
of said service, said service providing video programs, segments of
said video programs, and lists of said video programs, and said
method comprising: receiving video program classification
information associated with a viewer identifier; storing said
classification information; displaying on said display any of said
segments selected from said lists by one of said non-subscribers;
preventing display on said display of any of said video programs
selected from said lists by one of said non-subscribers; receiving
said viewer identifier from said viewing station; generating one of
said lists in accordance with said stored classification
information; and displaying on said display said generated list,
only those segments and video programs on said generated list being
selectable for display on said display.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein said classification information
causes those said video programs that contain violence to be
excluded from said generated list.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein said classification information
causes only those said video programs that are suitable for
children to be included on said generated list.
19. A method of operating a video-on-demand service, said service
interactively coupled to a viewing station, said service accessible
to subscribers and non-subscribers of said service, said service
operative to provide video programs, segments of said video
programs, and a list of at least some of said video programs and
operative to receive selections of said segments and said video
programs, said method comprising: receiving an identifier from said
viewing station; comparing said identifier with a list of
identifiers corresponding to said subscribers; receiving one of
said selections; transmitting one of said video programs to said
viewing station when said comparing indicates that said identifier
is on said list of identifiers and said selection corresponds to
said one video program; preventing transmission of one of said
video programs to said viewing station when said comparing
indicates that said identifier is not on said list of identifiers
and said selection corresponds to said one video program; and
transmitting one of said segments to said viewing station when said
comparing indicates that said identifier is not on said list of
identifiers and said selection corresponds to said one segment.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein said identifier is a viewer
identifier, said method further comprising: receiving a station
identifier from said viewing station; and addressing transmissions
to said viewing station using said station identifier to determine
an address of said viewing station.
21. A video-on-demand service comprising: a telecasting facility
operative to transmit video programs, previews of said video
programs, and lists of said video programs, said facility also
operative to receive selections of said previews and said video
programs, said facility comprising: a first computer programmed to
allow said lists and said previews to be transmitted to subscribers
and non-subscribers of said service and programmed to allow video
programs to be transmitted to only said subscribers, and a
transmitting station coupled to said first computer and operative
to transmit said video programs, said previews, and said lists and
operative to receive said selections; and a viewing station for use
by said subscribers and non-subscribers, said viewing station
operative to receive said programs, said previews, and said lists
and operative to transmit said selections, said viewing station
comprising: a video display; and a second computer coupled to said
display and programmed to provide said display with an interactive
interface to facilitate selection of said video programs.
22. The video-on-demand service of claim 21 wherein said preview
comprises a portion of a corresponding video program.
23. The video-on-demand service of claim 21 wherein said preview
comprises a summary of the content of a corresponding video
program.
24. The video-on-demand service of claim 23 wherein said summary
comprises audio.
25. The video-on-demand service of claim 23 wherein said summary
comprises full-motion video.
26. The video-on-demand service of claim 21 wherein: said
telecasting facility is further operative to transmit textual
descriptions of said video programs; said viewing station is
further operative to receive said textual descriptions; and said
interactive interface comprises: a first screen that displays one
of said lists; a second screen that displays one of said previews;
and a third screen that displays one of said textual
descriptions.
27. The video-on-demand service of claim 26 wherein any one of said
screens is displayable immediately after display of any other one
of said screens.
28. The video-on-demand service of claim 26 wherein one of said
video programs is selectable from any one of said screens.
29. The video-on-demand service of claim 26 wherein another one of
said lists, said segments, and said textual descriptions is
displayable on said respective screens immediately after a
respective one of said lists, said segments, and said textual
descriptions is displayed on said respective screens.
30. The video-on-demand service of claim 21 wherein: said
telecasting facility is further operative to transmit textual
descriptions of said video programs; said viewing station is
further operative to receive said textual descriptions; and said
interactive interface comprises: a list mode actuator that when
actuated causes one of said lists to be displayed on said display;
a preview mode actuator that when actuated causes one of said
previews to be displayed on said display; and an information mode
actuator that when actuated causes one of said textual descriptions
to be displayed on said display.
31. The video-on-demand service of claim 30 wherein said viewing
station further comprises a remote control unit, said remote
control unit operative to actuate any one of said actuators.
32. The video-on-demand service of claim 21 wherein: said video
programs are organized into categories; and said interactive
interface comprises: a previous-category actuator that when
actuated displays on said display a preceding category of video
programs in a sequence of categories; a next-category actuator that
when actuated displays on said display the next category of video
programs in said sequence; a previous-program actuator that when
actuated causes a displayed one of said lists to scroll in a first
direction on said display; a next-program actuator that when
actuated causes a displayed one of said lists to scroll in a second
direction on said display; and a selection actuator that when
actuated selects one of said video programs for display on said
display.
33. The video-on-demand service of claim 32 wherein one of said
categories is comedy.
34. The video-on-demand service of claim 32 wherein said
previous-category actuator and said next-category actuator operate
in an endless loop.
35. The video-on-demand service of claim 32 wherein said viewing
station further comprises a remote control unit, said remote
control unit operative to actuate any one of said actuators.
36. A method of operating a video-on-demand service, said service
interactively coupled to a viewing station comprising a video
display, said service accessible to subscribers and non-subscribers
of said service, said service operative to transmit video programs,
segments of said video programs, and a list of at least some of
said video programs, said method comprising: displaying said list
on said display, said list available to said subscribers and said
non-subscribers; displaying one of said segments on said display,
said segment available to said subscribers and said
non-subscribers; and displaying one of said video programs on said
display, said video program available only to subscribers.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein said displaying one of said
segments comprises displaying a preview of one of said video
programs on said display.
38. The method of claim 36 wherein said displaying one of said
segments comprises displaying a portion of one of said video
programs on said display.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This is a continuation of copending, commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 08/811,418, filed Mar. 4, 1997, now
U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is a continuation of commonly assigned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/305,847, filed Sep. 14, 1994,
now U.S. Patent Ser. No. 5,619,249.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to telecasting systems and
particularly to telecasting systems that provide video programs
which may be viewed on conventional televisions or other suitable
video monitors. More particularly, this invention is directed
toward a telecasting service that provides video programs upon
viewer demand, and which includes an interactive interface for
facilitating viewer selection of video programs.
[0003] Television viewing has become an increasingly popular
pastime over the past several decades. Commercial and public
broadcasting stations and cable networks provide viewers with
entertainment programming, educational programming, as well as
programming dedicated to news, weather, and commercial advertising.
But programming variety is not the only reason for the popularity
of television--the convenience of television also contributes
substantially to its popularity. Indeed, nearly every household in
the United States is equipped with at least one (and commonly
several) television sets. It is not surprising that many people
take advantage of the convenience of television instead of seeking
out other forms of entertainment.
[0004] Early telecasting systems relied almost exclusively on
aerial transmissions to deliver video programs to the viewers'
television sets. Many difficulties led to the demise of aerial
broadcasting as the dominant video delivery system. For example,
the quality of aerial broadcasts varies considerably depending on
atmospheric conditions and the viewer's geographic location. But
more importantly, aerial broadcasting systems could not keep up
with viewer demands for increased variety, because of the limited
bandwidth available for aerial transmissions.
[0005] In response to the difficulties associated with aerial
broadcasting systems, cable telecasting systems have been
developed, and they have become the telecasting systems of choice
in areas where they are available. Cable telecasting systems
provide consistent, high quality transmissions of video
programming. They also offer greater variety than aerial systems
because more bandwidth is available on cable networks. For example,
whereas most viewers receive only a few aerial programming
channels, typical cable telecasting systems currently provide 30-75
different programming channels, and systems with even greater
channel capacity have been launched in certain areas.
[0006] In most cable telecasting systems, a central telecasting
facility is coupled to the subscribing viewers', television sets
through a communication network. Most current networks use coaxial
cable as the communication medium. However, an increasing number of
cable telecasting systems are migrating to fiber optic networks.
Fiber optic networks offer substantially greater bandwidth than
coaxial networks, which has created the opportunity for even more
programming variety than is currently available. Indeed, a cable
telecasting system based on a fiber optic network can support
hundreds of programming channels, as compared to the typical few
dozen channels offered by coaxial cable-based systems.
[0007] The increased program variety offered by modern cable
telecasting systems is advantageous because it gives the viewer a
wider selection of video programs to choose from at any given time.
However, no matter how many different programs are available, the
viewer's selection has to date been limited to the programs that
are being exhibited at any particular time. The viewer thus has
been constrained by a predetermined program schedule, which may be
undesirable in some situations. For example, television viewers are
frequently forced to choose between watching a program of
particular interest or engaging in an activity that temporally
conflicts with the program of interest. Of course, the viewer may
choose to record the program, but this is often a cumbersome task,
especially if a video recorder is not immediately available.
[0008] Many viewers overcome scheduling conflicts by renting video
programs. Although video rental establishments typically offer a
wide variety of programs to choose from, the process of renting
video programs is rather inconvenient. As a result, a large number
viewers may forego viewing a particular program of interest until
it is scheduled on one of the program channels--which may not occur
until sometime in the distant future, if at all.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a
demand telecasting service which allows a viewer to select a video
program from a plurality of available programs, and which telecasts
the selected program substantially at the time the viewer makes the
program selection.
[0010] It would also be desirable to provide a telecasting service
that includes an interactive interface which allows a viewer to
review a list of available video programs and which facilitates the
viewer's selection of a desired program.
[0011] It would further be desirable to provide a telecasting
service that allows a viewer to preview a segment of a video
program before viewing the entire video program.
[0012] It would even further be desirable to provide a telecasting
service that distinguishes subscribers from non-subscribers, which
allows even non-subscribers to preview a segment of a video
program, but allows only subscribers to view the entire video
program.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an object of this invention to provide a demand
telecasting service which allows a viewer to select a video program
from a plurality of available programs, and which telecasts the
selected program substantially at the time the viewer makes the
program selection.
[0014] It is also an object of this invention to provide a
telecasting service that includes an interactive interface which
allows a viewer to review a list of available video programs and
which facilitates the viewer's selection of a desired program.
[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
telecasting service that allows a viewer to preview a segment of a
video program before viewing the entire video program.
[0016] It is even a further object of this invention to provide a
telecasting service that distinguishes subscribers from
non-subscribers, which allows even non-subscribers to preview a
segment of a video program, but allows only subscribers to view the
entire video program.
[0017] In accordance with this invention, there is provided a
demand telecasting service for telecasting video programs for
display on a television or other suitable video display. The demand
telecasting service allows a viewer to select from among a
plurality of programs that are available substantially at the time
of viewer selection. The demand telecasting service provides an
interactive interface for facilitating viewer selection of a
program. The interactive interface includes a memory for storing a
list of available programs and a segment of each program on the
list, a display generator for displaying the list on the display,
and a viewer control unit that is used by the viewer to select one
of the programs on the list, to initiate display of the selected
program, and to initiate display of one of the segments
corresponding to the selected program. After selecting one of the
programs from the list and before initiating display of the
selected program, the viewer can preview the selected program by
initiating display of the segment corresponding to the selected
program.
[0018] In order to distinguish subscribers from non-subscribers,
the memory of the interactive interface can further store a list of
identifiers corresponding to subscribing viewers. The viewer
control unit transmits an identifier corresponding to a viewer
using the viewer control unit. The interactive interface further
comprises a validator for comparing the transmitted identifier to
the list of identifiers corresponding to subscribing viewers. When
the transmitted identifier does not match any identifier on the
list of identifiers, the validator prevents display of the selected
program, but allows the viewer to preview the segment corresponding
to the selected program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts
throughout, and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cable telecasting network
within which the demand telecasting service of the present
invention may be implemented;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the telecasting
facility shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIGS. 3 and 4 are tables containing lists of data items
stored in the mass storage system shown in FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram of one of the
viewing stations shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIGS. 6-8 are sample screen displays which illustrate the
operation of the interactive interface of the present invention;
and
[0025] FIGS. 9A-9H are logic flow diagrams representing a control
program used to implement the interactive interface of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a cable telecasting network 10 within which the
demand telecasting service of the present invention may be
implemented. Network 10 includes a telecasting facility 12 and a
plurality of viewing stations 14. A communication medium 16 couples
telecasting facility 12 to viewing stations 14. Communication
medium 16 may be any medium that is suitable for delivering signals
over long distances between telecasting facility 12 and viewing
stations 14. Preferably, communication medium 16 is fiber optic
cable, although other media (such as coaxial cable) may be used
instead.
[0027] In many respects, network 10 operates in a conventional
manner to make video programs available for viewing on viewing
stations 14. Telecasting facility 12 preferably includes a central
transmitting station that transmits video programs to viewing
stations 14 via communication medium 16. Viewing stations 14 are
typically located in viewers' homes or other locations that are
convenient for viewing video programs. Each viewing station 14
preferably includes a conventional television monitor or other
suitable video display.
[0028] Telecasting facility 12 preferably telecasts a plurality of
video programs simultaneously over a plurality of programming
channels on communication medium 16. All viewing stations 14 on
network 10 have access to the plurality of programs that are
telecast by telecasting facility 12. A viewer can view a particular
video program by tuning one of the viewing stations 14 to the
programming channel that is carrying the program of interest.
[0029] However, unlike conventional telecasting networks, network
10 permits bi-directional communication between telecasting
facility 12 and each viewing station 14 over communication medium
16. Preferably, at least one of the plurality of programming
channels is used for interactive applications, like the demand
telecasting service of the present invention. However, it should be
understood that a plurality of programming channels may be used for
the demand telecasting service without departing from the spirit of
the invention.
[0030] When the viewer tunes one of the viewing stations 14 to the
interactive channel, commands may be sent from that viewing station
14 to telecasting facility 12. As described in detail below, such
commands may include a program selection command that causes
telecasting facility 12 to telecast a program of interest on the
interactive channel substantially at the time that the command is
transmitted. Although all viewing stations 14 receive all of the
signals telecast on the interactive channel, only the viewing
station 14 that is used to select a particular program displays the
selected program. The use of the interactive channel by one of the
viewing stations 14 does not interfere with the use of the
interactive channel by another one of the viewing stations 14.
Thus, many different viewing stations 14 on network 10 may be used
to view different interactively selected programs at the same
time.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a
telecasting facility is described that is suitable for use as
telecasting facility 12 shown in FIG. 1. As mentioned above,
telecasting facility 12 includes a transmitting station 20 that
transmits video programs to viewing stations 14 (FIG. 1) over a
plurality of programming channels on communication medium 16 in a
conventional manner. However, in order to implement the demand
telecasting service of the present invention, telecasting facility
12 also includes a processing system 22 coupled to the transmitting
station 20, a mass storage system 24, a tape drive system 26, and
conventional I/O devices 28 (such as a keyboard, display monitor,
and mouse). Mass I/O storage system 24, tape drive system 26, and
I/O devices 28 are considered peripheral components of processing
system 22.
[0032] Processing system 22 is preferably a multiple processor
computer system that is capable of handling many programing
requests that may be received from viewing stations 14 (FIG. 1)
over communication medium 16 on the interactive channel. Such
requests are initially received by transmitting station 20 and are
subsequently passed on to processing system 22. In a preferred
embodiment, processing system 22 is a network of at least eight
Challenge computer systems available from Silicon Graphics, Inc.,
located in Mountain View, Calif. Each Challenge computer is
preferably equipped with at least eight processors operating in
parallel, thus providing processing system 22 with at least 64
processors for handling programming requests.
[0033] Mass storage system 24 is preferably an array of high
performance disk drives. Alternatively, other types of data storage
systems can be used, such as CD-ROM systems.
[0034] Tape drive system 26 is preferably a multi-component system
that includes a tape storage unit (not shown), a plurality of tape
players (not shown), and an automatic tape retrieval unit (not
shown). When a request for a video program is received, processing
system 22 instructs the automatic tape retrieval unit to retrieve
the tape containing the selected video program from the appropriate
location in the tape storage unit. The automatic tape retrieval
unit then inserts the tape into an available tape drive, which in
turn plays the tape to be telecast. As the tape is played, the
video program data (video and audio) is transferred to mass storage
system 24 for temporary storage, after which the program is
telecast to the viewing station 14 (FIG. 1) from which the viewer
made the selection. When the tape has finished playing, the
automatic tape retrieval unit returns the tape to the appropriate
location.
[0035] Tape drive system 26 preferably accommodates professional
recording tapes, such digital linear tapes (DLTs), although systems
which accommodate other types of media (such as conventional video
tapes, digital audio tapes (DATs), video disks, etc.) may be used
instead. A suitable automated tape drive system that uses DLTs is
available from Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Maynard,
Mass. It should be noted, however, that a manual tape storage and
retrieval system may be used without departing from the spirit of
the invention.
[0036] Preferably, telecasting facility 12 receives tapes
containing the video and audio portions of new video programs on a
periodic basis (e.g., monthly). The video portion of each video
program is preferably stored in a compressed format in accordance
with the MPEG-1 video compression standard established by the
Motion Picture Experts Group. The tapes are loaded into the storage
unit of tape drive system 26, into locations that may be
predetermined by the supplier of the tapes. If a particular
predetermined location is occupied, another location may be used,
as long as processing system 22 has information reflecting the
actual tape location.
[0037] Mass storage system 24 stores many data files used in
connection with the demand telecasting service of the present
invention. These data files include data files for storing the
video and audio portions of frequently selected video programs,
data files for storing the video and audio portions of full-motion
previews from the available video programs, and data files for
storing still images from the available video programs. Mass
storage system 24 also stores additional data (described below in
connection with FIGS. 3 and 4) associated with each available video
program and each subscribing viewing station 14 (FIG. 1). Further,
as mentioned above, mass storage system 24 temporarily stores data
files containing the audio and video portions of programs that have
been transferred from tape in response to viewer selections.
[0038] The still image data and the video portions of the
full-length video programs and full-motion previews are preferably
stored in a compressed format in accordance with the MPEG-1
standard.
[0039] The full-motion preview data and the still image data are
preferably received on tape along with the tapes containing the
corresponding full-length video programs. The full-motion preview
data and the still image data for each available program are
preferably transferred to mass storage system 24 at the time the
corresponding video program tapes are loaded into the tape storage
unit of tape drive system 26.
[0040] When a video program needs to be retrieved from the tape
storage unit, the viewer may experience a noticeable delay between
the time of selection and the time the program is exhibited. By
storing the data for frequently selected programs in mass storage
system 24 on a long-term basis, telecasting facility 12 is able to
service requests for such programs more rapidly than would
otherwise be the case. Indeed, if there is sufficient storage
space, it may be preferable to store the entire program library in
mass storage system 24, to eliminate the delays associated with the
use of tape drive system 26.
[0041] Processing system 22 receives requests for available video
programs from viewing stations 14 (FIG. 1). In a large telecasting
network, it should be expected that processing system 22 will be
called upon to service a large number of requests within relatively
short periods of time. In order to promptly service a large number
of requests, processing system 22 preferably uses the asynchronous
transfer mode (ATM) protocol to manage data flow on communication
medium 16. In accordance with the ATM protocol, telecasting
facility 12 and each viewing station 14 (FIG. 1) are assigned time
slots during which they are permitted to transmit data on
communication medium 16. Data to be transmitted by a particular
device are buffered by that device in a conventional manner until
its time slot is reached. When its time slot is reached, the
transmitting device transmits the data, along with an address that
identifies the device that is to receive the data.
[0042] When large amounts of data need to be transmitted, such as
when telecasting facility 12 needs to transmit an entire video
program to one of viewing stations 14 (FIG. 1), the data are
divided into smaller packets which are transmitted during different
time slots. Each packet is transmitted with a destination address.
The destination device receives and reassembles the packets as
required. Telecasting facility 12 transmits packets at a rate that
allows the receiving viewing station 14 (FIG. 1) to present an
uninterrupted video program to the viewer.
[0043] FIGS. 3 and 4 are tables that list data items that are
representative of data that are stored in mass storage system 24
(FIG. 2) (in addition to the files containing the full-length video
data, the full-motion preview data, and the still image data). The
data represented by the tables shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are
preferably stored in conventional database tables.
[0044] The data items listed in FIG. 3 represent data that are
stored in connection with each stored video program. This data is
preferably transferred to mass storage system 24 (FIG. 2) each time
new video program tapes are received by telecasting facility 12
(FIG. 2). This may be accomplished through a tape transfer (similar
to the full-motion preview data and the still image data), or
through a direct transfer from the video program supplier (e.g.,
through a modem connection).
[0045] The data item "PROGRAM_ID" represents a unique identifier
that is associated with each available video program. As explained
below, viewer requests for video programs are accomplished by the
transmission of the PROGRAM_ID associated with the desired program
from one of viewing stations 14 (FIG. 1) to processing system 22
(FIG. 2). A numerical identifier is preferred as the PROGRAM_ID to
facilitate rapid processing of viewer requests.
[0046] The data item "PROGRAM_NAME" preferably represents a text
field that contains the commonly known name of an available video
program.
[0047] The data item "CATEGORY" preferably represents a text field
that contains the name of one of several categories to which a
video program may be assigned. Typical categories for video
programs may include "action," "drama," "sports," etc. Preferably,
the CATEGORY field can support multiple category assignments for
each video program. Thus, some video programs may appear in the
program listings for two or more categories. For example, a
recently released comedy program may be assigned to a "comedy"
category, as well as a special category designated "new
releases."
[0048] The data item "CLASSIFICATION" is used to further categorize
each video program. One particularly useful classification scheme
distinguishes video programs that are suitable for children from
those that are not. As explained below, this data item may be used
to limit certain viewers' program choices.
[0049] The data item "DESCRIPTION" represents a text field that
contains information that may be helpful to a viewer when searching
for a particular video program of interest. Some examples of this
type of information include the names of the performers, the name
of the director, the length of the video program, and a brief
description of the content of the video program. Other useful
information may be added, as appropriate.
[0050] The data item "STILL_IMAGE" represents a text field that
contains the name of a data file stored in mass storage system 24
(FIG. 2) that contains image data that is used to provide the
viewer with a still image from a video program. The still image is
provided to the viewer (in a manner described below) as an aid to
selecting a program of interest.
[0051] The data items "PREVIEW_VIDEO" and "PREVIEW_AUDIO" are text
fields that represent the names of data files stored in mass
storage system 24 (FIG. 2) that contain the video and audio
portions of a short segment of a video program. The short segment
of the video program is provided to the viewer (in a manner
described below) as an aid to selecting a program of interest.
[0052] The data items "FULL_VIDEO" and "FULL_AUDIO" are text fields
that represent data that are used by processing system 22 (FIG. 2)
to determine the location of a selected video program. If the video
program is one that is stored on a long-term basis in mass storage
system 24 (FIG. 2), the FULL_VIDEO and FULL_AUDIO data items
represent the names of the data files containing the full video and
audio portions of the video program. Otherwise, the FULL_VIDEO data
item represents a location in the tape storage unit of tape drive
system 26 (FIG. 2) where the tape containing the video program is
stored. The FULL_AUDIO data item is not used in this situation.
[0053] The data items listed in FIG. 4 represent data that pertain
to viewing stations 14 (FIG. 1) that are connected to network 10
(FIG. 1). This information may be entered by an operator using I/O
devices 28 (FIG. 2).
[0054] The data item "STATION ID" preferably represents a numeric
field that contains a unique identifier for each viewing station 14
(FIG. 1) that has subscribed to the demand telecasting service of
the present invention. The station identifiers are used by
processing system 22 (FIG. 2) as the destination addresses for data
packets transmitted on communication medium 16 (FIG. 2).
[0055] The data item "VIEWER_ID" represents a text field that
contains a unique identifier for each person that is permitted to
use a particular viewing station 14 (FIG. 1).
[0056] The data item "CLASSIFICATION" is similar to the data item
of the same name described in connection with FIG. 3. However, the
purpose here is to define the classes of video programs that a
particular viewer (as identified by the VIEWER_ID) is permitted to
watch.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5, a preferred embodiment of a viewing
station is described that is suitable for use as one of the viewing
stations 14 shown in FIG. 1. Viewing station 14 includes a graphics
computer 30, a video encoder 32, a television monitor 34, a signal
converter 36, and a remote viewer control unit 38. It should be
understood that some or all of these components, especially
graphics computer 30, video encoder 32, and signal converter 36,
may be combined into a single device without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
[0058] Graphics computer 30 performs the graphics functions
required to implement the interactive interface of the present
invention. Graphics computer 30 also performs the communications
functions for viewing station 14, including transmitting data
packets to, and receiving data packets from, telecasting facility
12 (FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, graphics computer 30 is an
R4000PC Indy computer available from Silicon Graphics, Inc. The
Indy computer is preferably equipped with 8 megabytes of memory, a
Newport graphics card, and an A/V card which provides an audio and
video interface between graphics computer 30 and signal converter
36.
[0059] Graphics computer 30 receives several different types of
information in packets from telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2) over
the interactive channel on communication medium 16. This
information includes the video and audio portions of video programs
selected by the viewer, the video and audio portions of short
segments of the video programs, still images from the video
programs, textual descriptions of the available video programs, and
listings of the available video programs. As explained below, this
information is presented to the viewer through the use of a
convenient interactive interface.
[0060] Information received by viewing station 14 is initially
processed by graphics computer 30. Such processing steps may
include reassembling of data packets, decompression of the
compressed video portions of the video programs and short segments
of the video programs, and synchronization of the video and audio
portions of the video programs and the short segments of the video
programs. These processing steps may be performed in a conventional
manner.
[0061] The information processed by graphics computer 30 that is to
be made available to the viewer (e.g., video programs, short
segments, still images, program lists, etc.) is sent to video
encoder 32. Video encoder 32 is preferably a 2826 Video Encoder II
available from RasterOps, Inc., located in Santa Clara, Calif.
Video encoder 32 converts the information from the native format of
graphics computer 30 to a television standard format such as NTSC,
PAL, or SECAM, as appropriate. Converting the information to the
appropriate format renders the information suitable for viewing on
conventional television monitor 34.
[0062] The viewer can communicate with graphics computer 30 through
the use of the combination of signal converter 36 and remote viewer
control unit 38. In many respects, control unit 38 is similar to
conventional remote control units that are commonly used with
audio-visual equipment. However, control unit 38 includes buttons
that are used in connection with the interactive interface of the
present invention, as described below.
[0063] Preferably, control unit 38 transmits infrared signals to
signal converter 36 in response to commands entered by the viewer.
Signal converter 36 receives the infrared signals and converts them
to electrical signals suitable for transmission to graphics
computer 30. In a preferred embodiment, signal converter 36 is an
8600 Converter available from Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., located in
Atlanta, Ga.
[0064] Graphics computer 30 is programmed to provide an interactive
interface that is intended to facilitate the viewer's selection of
a video program. The interactive interface facilitates the viewer's
program selection by organizing the programs available for
selection into a convenient menu, and by providing the viewer with
helpful selection aids, including still images, short segment
previews, and textual descriptions of the available programs. The
interactive interface may be understood by reference to the screen
examples shown in FIGS. 6-8.
[0065] The interactive interface preferably operates in three
modes--a list mode, a preview mode, and an information mode. FIG. 6
depicts a list mode screen 40 that appears on television monitor 34
when the interactive interface is operating in the list mode. List
mode screen 40 is preferably the first screen displayed after the
viewer logs into the interactive interface.
[0066] In the center of list mode screen 40 is a display window 42.
In the list mode, display window 42 is preferably divided into a
menu window 44 (on the left side) and a still image window 46 (on
the right side). Menu window 44 displays a list of video programs
that are available for viewer selection. The list of video programs
is transmitted from telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 1) to the viewing
station 14 (FIG. 1) that the viewer is using.
[0067] At any given time, one of the video programs in menu window
44 is highlighted by an active program bar 48. When list mode
screen 40 first appears after start-up, active program bar 48
highlights the first program in the list. The video program
highlighted by active program bar 48 is deemed the "active
program."
[0068] The interactive interface provides several program selection
tools that may used by the viewer to learn more about the active
program. One such tool requires no viewer interaction--a still
image of the active program automatically appears in still image
window 46. The still image may aid the viewer in identifying or
remembering the subject matter of the active program. Data files
used to display the still images corresponding to each available
video program are transmitted to the viewing station 14 (FIG. 1)
being used along with the list of video programs.
[0069] In order to simplify the program selection process, the
available video programs are organized into categories, as
described above in connection with FIG. 3. Only the programs in an
"active category" appear in menu window 44 at any given time. The
name of the active category appears in the center of a category
selection bar 50 which is displayed above display window 42. When
list mode screen 40 is first displayed after start-up, the first
category in a sequence of available categories is the active
category. The list of categories is transmitted to the viewing
station 14 (FIG. 1) being used along with the list of available
video programs.
[0070] Category selection bar 50 also includes two actuators that
are used to change the active category a previous-category actuator
52 and a next-category actuator 54. In general, the various
actuators described below in connection with the screens shown in
FIGS. 6-8 preferably correspond to buttons on control unit 38 (FIG.
5). In order to activate a particular actuator, the viewer simply
presses the corresponding button on control unit 38 (FIG. 5).
Alternatively, control unit 38 (FIG. 5) may include a highlighting
device for activating some or all of the various actuators. It
should be understood that the labels which appear in FIGS. 6-8 to
denote the various actuators may be modified without departing from
the spirit of the invention.
[0071] Previous-category actuator 52 is used by the viewer to
change the active category to the preceding category in the
sequence of categories. Next-category actuator 54 is used to
advance the active category to the next category in the sequence.
When either previous-category actuator 52 or next-category actuator
54 is used, the category name displayed in the center of category
selection bar 50, and the list of programs displayed in menu window
44, change accordingly. Both previous-category actuator 52 and
next-category actuator 54 conveniently display the name of the
category that will be the active category if the corresponding
actuator is activated. Preferably, the category actuators operate
in an endless loop fashion.
[0072] Along the left side of display window 42 is a program
selection bar 56. Program selection bar 56 includes two actuators
for changing the active program--a previous-program actuator 58 and
a next-program actuator 60. Previous-program actuator 58 and
next-program actuator 60 operate in a manner similar to that of
previous-category actuator 52 and next-category actuator 54.
Specifically, the viewer can move backward and forward in the list
of programs displayed in menu window 44 through the use of
previous-program actuator 58 and next-program actuator 60.
[0073] Typically, only a subset of the programs in the active
category can be displayed in menu window 44 at any given time. To
view other program titles, the viewer may use previous-program
actuator 58 and next-program actuator 60 to cause the displayed
list of programs to scroll backward and forward, respectively,
through the complete list of programs within the active category.
Previous-program actuator 58 and next-program actuator 60
preferably operate in an endless loop fashion.
[0074] Preferably, the interactive interface stores a pointer to
the most recently active program in each category. Thus, if the
viewer leaves a first category to scan programs in a second
category, and then returns to the first category, the active
program will be the program that was active when the viewer left
the first category. The viewer therefore does not need to re-scan
the programs in the first category to locate the most recently
considered program in that category.
[0075] A selection actuator 62 (labeled "SELECT") may be used by
the viewer to select the active program (as indicated by active
program bar 48) for viewing. When selection actuator 62 is
activated, list mode screen 40 disappears and the full-length video
program that was selected by the viewer begins. After the program
has completed, list mode screen 40 returns to allow the viewer to
make another selection.
[0076] In some situations, the still image from the active program
that appears in still image window 46 may not provide enough
information for the viewer to make a program selection. The
interactive interface thus offers the preview mode and the
information mode to provide the viewer with even more information
to facilitate program selection.
[0077] The different operational modes of the interactive interface
are selected by the viewer through the use of three actuators in a
mode selection bar 64. On the left side of mode selection bar 64 is
a list mode actuator 66 (labeled "A LIST"). When list mode screen
40 is displayed, list mode actuator 66 is preferably highlighted to
show that the list mode is the current mode of operation. List mode
actuator 66 is active only when the interactive interface is
operating in either the preview mode or the information mode. Any
depressions of the button on control unit 38 (FIG. 5) corresponding
to list mode actuator 66 have no effect on the operational mode
when list mode actuator 66 is highlighted.
[0078] A preview mode actuator 68 (labeled "B PREVU") is positioned
in the center of mode selection bar 64. Preview mode actuator 68
may be used by the viewer to cause the interactive interface to
switch to the preview mode. As described below in connection with
FIG. 7, the preview mode is used to provide the viewer with a
full-motion preview of the active program.
[0079] An information mode actuator 70 (labeled "C MORE") appears
on the right side of mode selection bar 64. Information mode
actuator 70 may be used by the viewer to cause the interactive
interface to switch to the information mode. As described below in
connection with FIG. 8, the information mode is used to provide the
viewer with a textual description of the active program.
Preferably, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) causes monitor 34 (FIG.
5) to play background music while the information mode is active.
Background music may also be provided during the list mode.
[0080] When the viewer activates preview mode actuator 68, a
preview mode screen 72 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 7. In the
preview mode, display window 42 serves as a single large window for
displaying a full-motion preview of the active program (i.e., the
program that was highlighted by active program bar 48 in the list
mode shown in FIG. 6). Preferably, the full-motion preview lasts
for about 30 seconds, and includes video and audio components. The
title of the active program appears in the lower portion of display
window 42.
[0081] Preview mode screen 72 also includes category selection bar
50, program selection bar 56, and mode selection bar 64. It should
be noted that preview mode actuator 68 becomes inactive while the
interactive interface is operating in the preview mode, and
accordingly, the preview mode actuator is highlighted on preview
mode screen 72. However, the other actuators described above in
connection with the various selection bars, as well as selection
actuator 62, remain active during the full-motion preview.
[0082] Through the use of the above-described actuators, the viewer
can perform the functions described above in connection with list
mode screen 40 (FIG. 6). For example, the viewer can use
previous-category actuator 52 and next-category actuator 54 to
change the active category. Also, the viewer can use
previous-program actuator 58 and next-program actuator 60 to change
the active program within the active category. When the viewer
makes such changes, the full-motion preview being displayed in
display window 42 changes accordingly. This allows the viewer to
rapidly scan through several full-motion previews without having to
return to list mode screen 40 (FIG. 6).
[0083] List mode actuator 66 may be used to return to list mode if
the viewer desires to review the list of available programs in a
menu-based format. If the viewer changed the active program or
active category while in the preview mode, the changes are
"remembered" by the interactive interface, and active program bar
48 (FIG. 6) in the list mode appears on the program title that
corresponds to the program most recently made active during the
preview mode.
[0084] Selection actuator 62 may also be used from preview mode
screen 72 to begin a full-length presentation of the active
program.
[0085] The interactive interface is preferably programmed to take
one of four courses of action if the viewer does not use one of the
available actuators on preview mode screen 72 before the end of the
full-motion preview. In one embodiment, the interactive interface
enters a waiting state where it simply waits until the viewer
activates one of the various actuators. In another embodiment, the
interactive interface returns to the list mode to allow the viewer
to consider other programs. In still another embodiment, the
interactive interface returns to the mode it was in when the viewer
initiated a preview. In yet another embodiment, the interactive
interface begins a full-motion preview of the next program in the
active category. If the active program is the last in the sequence
of programs within the active category, the interactive interface
preferably cycles to the first program in the active category. If
the fourth embodiment is adopted, the automatic cycling of programs
during the preview mode preferably results in a corresponding
change in the active program, such that the last program previewed
at the time one of the actuators is activated becomes the active
program.
[0086] From either list mode screen 40 (FIG. 6) or preview mode
screen 72, the viewer may use information mode actuator 70 (labeled
"C MORE") to switch to an information mode screen 74, which is
shown in FIG. 8. While in the information mode, display window 42
displays textual information pertaining to the actual program. Such
information may include, for example, the title of the program, the
length of the program, the program's cast, and the director of the
program. Of course, this information can be varied in accordance
with the type of program being considered.
[0087] All of the actuators described above are available for use
from information mode screen 74, with the exception of information
mode actuator 70, which is highlighted. Thus, the viewer can freely
change the active program or the active category from information
mode screen 74. Also, the viewer can switch to either the list mode
or the preview mode using the appropriate actuator from mode
selection bar 64. Selection actuator 62 may also be used from
information mode screen 74 to begin a full-length presentation of
the active program.
[0088] As can be seen from the screen examples of FIGS. 6-8, the
interactive interface allows the viewer to efficiently acquire
information about many available video programs. For example, after
designating a particular program as the active program in list mode
screen 40, the viewer can quickly evaluate a still image of the
program in still image window 46. If more information is needed,
the viewer can rapidly switch to either the preview mode or the
information mode using the appropriate actuators. Further, the
active program or active category can be changed in any of the
three operational modes, thereby allowing the viewer to consider
the same type of information for several different programs in
succession. And once the viewer has made a program selection,
selection actuator 62 can be activated from within any of the three
modes of operation to begin a full-length presentation of the
active program.
[0089] Turning now to FIGS. 9A-9H, a series of logic flow diagrams
are described which represent a control program that is executed by
graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5). The control program allows graphics
computer 30 (FIG. 5) to provide the interactive interface of the
present invention. It also manages communication between viewing
station 14 (FIG. 5) and telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2).
[0090] Referring first to FIG. 9A, the control program starts when
the viewer selects the demand telecasting service of the present
invention from a list of interactive applications available on the
interactive channel of telecasting network 10 (FIG. 1). After
start-up, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) receives a VIEWER_ID
provided by the viewer at step 100. However, the viewer can choose
not to provide a VIEWER_ID at step 100. As explained below, this
prevents the viewer from viewing the full-length video programs,
but allows the viewer to use the other features of the interactive
interface.
[0091] It should be understood that the present invention can be
practiced without the use of VIEWER_IDS. Indeed, if it is
determined that a viewing population would find the task of
entering a VIEWER_ID to be cumbersome, it may be preferable to
eliminate VIEWER_IDS and any features which require them. For the
purposes of the following discussion, it is assumed that the system
accommodates VIEWER_IDS. Any modifications required to eliminate
VIEWER_IDS would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0092] At step 104, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) transmits the
VIEWER_ID and a STATION_ID to telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2). The
STATION_ID is a unique identifier stored in graphics computer 30
(FIG. 5).
[0093] After telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2) receives the
VIEWER_ID and the STATION_ID, processing system 22 (FIG. 2)
determines if the received information matches an entry in the
station table described in connection with FIG. 4. If there is a
matching entry, telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2) transmits a
subscriber confirmation signal, which is received by graphics
computer 30 (FIG. 5) at step 106. Otherwise, telecasting facility
12 (FIG. 2) transmits a non-subscriber confirmation signal, which
is also received at step 106.
[0094] At step 108, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) receives a list
of PROGRAM_IDS, PROGRAM_NAMES, and CATEGORIES from telecasting
facility 12 (FIG. 2). If a VIEWER_ID was received at step 100, the
list is limited to information pertaining to the programs that the
viewer is authorized to view. Processing system 22 (FIG. 2)
determines which data are to be transmitted by comparing the
CLASSIFICATION data item from the station able (FIG. 4)
corresponding to the viewer's VIEWER_ID o the CLASSIFICATION data
items in the program table (FIG. 3). This step is useful, for
example, for limiting the list of available programs to those that
are appropriate for children. If a VIEWER_ID was not received at
step 100, the complete list of available video programs is
preferably received by graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) at step
108.
[0095] At step 110, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) sets the active
category to the first category in the sequence of categories
received at step 108. Then, at step 112, the active program is set
to the first program in the sequence of programs within the active
category.
[0096] At step 114, the actuators described in connection with
FIGS. 6-8 are displayed on monitor 34 (FIG. 5). At step 116,
graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) then displays the active category in
the center of category selection bar 50 (FIGS. 6-8), the previous
category in the sequence (which at this time is actually the last
category in the sequence) in previous-category actuator 52 (FIGS.
6-8), and the next category in the sequence in next-category
actuator 54 (FIGS. 6-8).
[0097] At step 118, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) calls a list mode
routine to establish the initial mode of operation for the
interactive interface. The list mode routine is described below in
connection with FIG. 9C. However, before turning to the list mode
routine, the main program loop of the control program, which
responds to the viewer's use of the various actuators, will be
described.
[0098] The main program loop is shown in FIG. 9B. It includes a
series of six tests that are re-executed until the viewer leaves
the interactive interface (typically by changing the channel or
turning off viewing station 14 (FIG. 5) using control unit 38 (FIG.
5)). The six tests are performed to detect when the viewer
activates one of the actuators by pressing one of the corresponding
buttons on control unit 38 (FIG. 5).
[0099] At test 120, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines if
list mode actuator 66 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated. If so, the list
mode routine (FIG. 9C) is called at step 122.
[0100] At test 124, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines if
preview mode actuator 68 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated. A preview mode
routine (FIG. 9D) is called if appropriate at step 126.
[0101] At test 128, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines if
information mode actuator 70 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated. An
information mode routine (FIG. 9E) is called at step 130 when such
an activation is detected.
[0102] At test 132, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines if
either previous-category actuator 52 (FIGS. 6-8) or next-category
actuator 54 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated. Category changes are handled
by a change category routine (FIG. 9F) which is called at step
134.
[0103] Similarly, at test 136, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5)
determines if either previous-program actuator 58 (FIGS. 6-8) or
next-program actuator 60 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated. Program changes
are handled by a change program routine (FIG. 9G) which is called
at step 138.
[0104] Finally, test 140 is performed by graphics computer 30 (FIG.
5) to determine if selection actuator 62 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated.
Program selections are managed by a selection routine (FIG. 9H)
which is called at step 142.
[0105] Turning now to FIG. 9C, the list mode routine is described.
The list mode routine starts with test 144, where graphics computer
30 (FIG. 5) determines if the list mode routine is being executed
for the first time during the current session of the interactive
interface. If so, step 146 is performed to initialize menu window
44 (FIG. 6). Preferably, the PROGRAM_NAMES of at least the first
five programs in the sequence of available programs within the
active category are displayed. Since the active program is the
first program in the sequence, active program bar 48 (FIG. 6)
appears on the first displayed PROGRAM_NAME.
[0106] If the list mode routine was previously executed during the
current session, test 148 is performed to determine if the active
program is within the list of PROGRAM_NAMES that was previously
displayed in menu window 44 (FIG. 6). If not, at step 148, graphics
computer 30 (FIG. 5) scrolls the list of PROGRAM_NAMES, either
upwardly or downwardly, to an extent that allows active program bar
48 (FIG. 6) to appear on the PROGRAM_NAME corresponding to the
active program.
[0107] At step 152, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) transmits the
PROGRAM_ID corresponding to the active program to telecasting
facility 12 (FIG. 2). Processing system 22 (FIG. 2) applies the
PROGRAM_ID to the program table (FIG. 4) to determine the name of
the data file (STILL_IMAGE) stored in mass storage system 24 (FIG.
2) that contains the still image data for the active program.
Telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2) then transmits the data file to
graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5), which receives the data at step 154.
Graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) displays the still image in still
image window 46 (FIG. 6) at step 156.
[0108] At step 158, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) sets the active
mode to the list mode. Control then returns to the main program
loop of FIG. 9B.
[0109] The logic flow diagram for the preview mode routine is shown
in FIG. 9D. The preview mode routine starts at step 160, where
graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) transmits the PROGRAM_ID
corresponding to the active program to telecasting facility 12
(FIG. 2). Processing system 22 (FIG. 2) receives the PROGRAM_ID and
applies it to the program table (FIG. 4) to determine the names of
the video file (PREVIEW_VIDEO) and the audio file (PREVIEW_AUDIO)
stored in mass storage system 24 (FIG. 2) that contain the data for
the full-motion preview for the active program. Processing system
22 (FIG. 2) then transmits the data files to graphics computer 30
(FIG. 5), which receives the data at step 162.
[0110] At step 164, the PROGRAM_NAME of the active program is
displayed at the bottom of display window 42 (FIG. 7). At step 166,
graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) decompresses the video portion of the
data. Then at step 168, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) synchronizes
the video and the audio portions of the full-motion preview. The
synchronized data is provided to monitor 34 (FIG. 5) for viewing at
step 170. At step 172, the active mode is set to the preview
mode.
[0111] Preferably, each full-motion preview lasts about 30 seconds.
It should be noted that the interactive interface does not linger
in the preview mode routine while the preview is running. Rather,
graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) exits the preview mode routine to
return to the main program loop (FIG. 9B) to allow the viewer to
use the various actuators while the preview is running. Thus, the
viewer can stop a preview by activating either list mode actuator
66 (FIG. 7), information mode actuator 70 (FIG. 7) or selection
actuator 62 (FIG. 7).
[0112] It should also be noted that several possible courses of
action may be taken by graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) when a
full-motion preview ends. In one embodiment, graphics computer 30
(FIG. 5) enters a waiting state within the main program loop (FIG.
9B) until the viewer activates one of the various actuators. In
another embodiment (not shown), graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5)
resets the interactive interface to the list mode, so that viewer
can consider other programs. In still another embodiment (not
shown), graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) resets the interactive
interface to the mode it was in (either the list mode or the
information mode) when the user initiated a preview. In yet another
embodiment (not shown), graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) cycles
through full-motion previews of the programs within the active
category until the viewer activates one of the various actuators.
The particular programming steps required for the second, third,
and fourth embodiments can be easily implemented by one of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0113] Turning now to FIG. 9E, the information mode routine is
described. The information mode routine begins at step 174, where
graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) transmits the PROGRAM_ID
corresponding to the active program to telecasting facility 12
(FIG. 2). Processing system 22 (FIG. 2) receives the PROGRAM_ID and
applies it to the program table (FIG. 4) to extract the DESCRIPTION
data item corresponding to the active program. Processing system 22
(FIG. 2) then transmits the DESCRIPTION to graphics computer 30
(FIG. 5), which receives the data at step 176.
[0114] At step 178, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) displays the
PROGRAM_NAME and the DESCRIPTION corresponding to the active
program in display window 42 (FIG. 8). The active mode is set to
the information mode at step 180, and control then returns to the
main program loop (FIG. 9B).
[0115] The change category routine is shown in FIG. 9F. The change
category routine is executed whenever the viewer actuates either
previous-category actuator 52 (FIGS. 6-8) or next-category actuator
54 (FIGS. 6-8).
[0116] At test 182, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines which
of the two category actuators was activated. If previous-category
actuator 52 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated, the active category is set
to the previous category in the sequence at step 184. The active
category may be set to the last category in the sequence if
actuator 52 (FIGS. 6-8) is activated while the first category in
the sequence is active. If next-category actuator 54 (FIGS. 6-8)
was activated, the active category is set to the next category in
the sequence at step 186. The active category may be set to the
first category in the sequence if actuator 54 (FIGS. 6-8) is
activated while the last category in the sequence is active. At
step 188, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) displays the active,
previous, and next categories in category selection bar 50, as
described above in connection with FIGS. 6-8.
[0117] At test 190, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines
whether the category made active at either step 184 or step 186 was
ever previously active during the current session. If so, the
active program is set to the program that was last active within
the active category at step 192. Otherwise, the active program is
set to the first program in the sequence of programs within the
active category. Test 190 advantageously allows the viewer to
quickly return to the most recently considered program within a
particular category--without having to re-scan the program
list.
[0118] Tests 196, 200, and 204 are used by graphics computer 30
(FIG. 5) to determine the mode that the interactive interface was
operating in at the time one of the category actuators was
activated. If it is determined at test 196 that the list mode is
the active mode, the list mode routine is called at step 198. If it
is determined at test 200 that the preview mode is the active mode,
the preview mode routine is called at step 202. Or if it is
determined at test 204 that the information mode is the active
mode, the information mode routine is called at step 206. This
sequence of tests and steps causes the interactive interface to
return to the active mode and provide the viewer with information
corresponding to the new active program.
[0119] The change program routine is shown in FIG. 9G. The change
program routine is executed whenever the viewer actuates either
previous-program actuator 58 (FIGS. 6-8) or next-program actuator
60 (FIGS. 6-8).
[0120] At test 208, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines which
of the two program actuators was activated. If previous-program
actuator 58 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated, the active program is set to
the previous program in the sequence at step 212. The active
program may be set to the last program in the sequence if actuator
58 (FIGS. 6-8) is activated while the first program in the sequence
is active. If next-program actuator 60 (FIGS. 6-8) was activated,
the active program is set to the next program in the sequence at
step 216. The active program may be set to the first program in the
sequence if actuator 60 (FIGS. 6-8) is activated while the last
program in the sequence is active.
[0121] Tests 218, 222, and 226, and steps 220, 224, and 228 are
executed by graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) s to cause the
interactive interface to return to the active mode and provide the
viewer with information corresponding to the new active program, as
described above in connection with FIG. 9F. Control then returns to
the main program loop.
[0122] The selection routine, shown in FIG. 9H, is called when the
viewer activates selection actuator 62 (FIGS. 6-8) to view the
active program. At test 230, graphics computer 30 validates the
subscriber confirmation data previously transmitted by telecasting
facility 12 (FIG. 2) to determine if viewing station 14 (FIG. 5) is
a subscribing viewing station. If it is, test 232 is performed to
determine if the viewer provided a valid VIEWER_ID during the login
procedure. If the VIEWER_ID is invalid, control returns to the main
program loop. The viewer is thus prevented from viewing the
full-length video program unless a valid VIEWER_ID is provided.
[0123] If a valid VIEWER_ID was provided, graphics computer 30
(FIG. 5) transmits the PROGRAM_ID corresponding to the active
program to telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2) at step 234. Processing
system 22 (FIG. 2) receives the PROGRAM_ID and applies it to the
program table (FIG. 4) to determine the location of the active
program. If the FULL_VIDEO data item indicates that the video
program needs to be retrieved from the tape storage unit of tape
drive system 26 (FIG. 2), processing system 22 (FIG. 2) causes tape
drive system 26 (FIG. 2) to retrieve the appropriate tape and
transfer the data to mass storage system 24 (FIG. 2). Otherwise,
processing system 22 (FIG. 2) uses the FULL_VIDEO and FULL_AUDIO
data items to locate the appropriate data files in mass storage
system 24 (FIG. 2). Processing system 22 (FIG. 2) then begins to
transmit the data to graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) (preferably in
packets, as described above), which in turn receives the data at
step 236.
[0124] At step 238, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) decompresses the
video portion of the data. Then at step 240, graphics computer 30
(FIG. 5) synchronizes the audio and video portions of the data. The
synchronized data is provided to monitor 34 (FIG. 5) for viewing at
step 242. It should be noted that the full-length program may last
several hours. Accordingly, steps 236, 238, 240, and 242 are
repeated as often as necessary to process the large number of data
packets that are transmitted from telecasting facility 12 (FIG. 2)
in connection with the presentation of the full-length program.
[0125] When the full-length program has completed, the list mode
routine is called at step 244. Control then returns to the main
program loop (FIG. 9B), so that the viewer can use the interactive
interface to consider additional video programs for viewing.
[0126] If it is determined at test 230 that the viewing station is
not a subscribing viewing station, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5)
displays a message informing the viewer that only subscribing
viewing stations can receive full-length video programs. Graphics
computer 30 (FIG. 5) may provide the viewer with subscription
information (such as a program schedule, listing of features, etc.)
at step 246. Then at step 248, the viewer may be provided with an
opportunity to interactively subscribe to the demand telecasting
service. Preferably, if interactive subscribing is provided, the
viewer is prompted to confirm a new subscription by pressing the
button on control unit 38 (FIG. 5) that corresponds to selection
actuator 62 (FIGS. 6-8). If the viewer presses any other button on
control unit 38 (FIG. 5), it is interpreted as a refusal.
[0127] At test 250, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) determines
whether the viewer accepted or refused a subscription. If the
subscription was refused, control returns to the main program loop
(FIG. 9B). Otherwise, graphics computer 30 (FIG. 5) preferably
assigns a temporary VIEWER_ID to the viewer so that the viewer can
view full-length programs (as described above in connection with
steps 234, 236, 238, 240, and 242) until the subscription is
confirmed. It is contemplated that new subscriptions will be
confirmed by mail, telephone, or other suitable means.
[0128] Thus a telecasting service is provided that offers video
programs upon viewer demand, and which includes an interactive
interface for facilitating viewer selection of video programs. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can
be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are
presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and
the present invention is limited only by the claims which
follow.
* * * * *