U.S. patent application number 10/287640 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for internet television program guide system.
This patent application is currently assigned to United Video Properties, Inc., a corporation of Delaware. Invention is credited to Allison, Donald W., Boyer, Franklin E., Demers, Timothy B., Hensley, Joanna L., Herrington, W. Benjamin, Reddy, Paul N., Regouby, Mark A., Williamson, Steven C..
Application Number | 20030066085 10/287640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46281467 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030066085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boyer, Franklin E. ; et
al. |
April 3, 2003 |
Internet television program guide system
Abstract
An Internet television program guide system is provided that
allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related
to television programs over an Internet communications link. The
user can view and select television program guide listings,
including listings for pay-per-view programs. A program information
web page may be provided for programs selected by the user. The
program information page may include a selectable option for
allowing the user to view a video clip of the selected program. An
order web page may be provided for users to order selected
pay-per-view programs over the Internet by selecting an on-screen
option in the order web page.
Inventors: |
Boyer, Franklin E.;
(Cleveland, OK) ; Demers, Timothy B.; (Tulsa,
OK) ; Allison, Donald W.; (Tulsa, OK) ;
Regouby, Mark A.; (Tulsa, OK) ; Williamson, Steven
C.; (Broken Arrow, OK) ; Hensley, Joanna L.;
(Tulsa, OK) ; Herrington, W. Benjamin; (Tulsa,
OK) ; Reddy, Paul N.; (Sand Springs, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & NEAVE
1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
50TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10020-1105
US
|
Assignee: |
United Video Properties, Inc., a
corporation of Delaware
|
Family ID: |
46281467 |
Appl. No.: |
10/287640 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10287640 |
Nov 1, 2002 |
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09560207 |
Apr 27, 2000 |
|
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09560207 |
Apr 27, 2000 |
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08938028 |
Sep 18, 1997 |
|
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60032539 |
Dec 10, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/104 ;
348/E5.002; 348/E5.105; 348/E7.071; 725/109; 725/112; 725/51;
725/61; 725/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/47 20130101;
H04N 7/163 20130101; H04N 21/4381 20130101; H04N 21/6125 20130101;
H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/4725 20130101; H04N 21/478 20130101;
H04N 21/4821 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 21/8586
20130101; H04N 21/6175 20130101; H04N 21/8549 20130101; H04N 21/435
20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 21/4828 20130101; H04N 21/235
20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/47211 20130101; H04N
21/26283 20130101; H04N 21/64322 20130101; H04N 5/445 20130101;
H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101;
H04N 21/8153 20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/104 ; 725/61;
725/86; 725/109; 725/112; 725/51 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/173; G06F
003/00; H04N 005/445; G06F 013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for providing web pages of information to a user of an
Internet television program guide system, the method comprising:
providing web pages of program listings from a web server to a user
multimedia system over an Internet communications link, wherein the
web pages of program listings include program listings for
scheduled pay-per-view programs; providing a pay-per-view program
information web page for a pay-per-view program listing selected by
the user to the multimedia system over the Internet communications
link; and providing a selectable option for allowing the user to
order the selected pay-per-view program over the Internet
communications link.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pay-per-view program
information web page includes at least one selectable option for
allowing the user to view a video clip related to the selected
pay-per-view program before ordering the selected pay-per-view
program.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one selectable
option is a selectable image.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing the user
with an opportunity to specify a file-type for the video clip.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pay-per-view program
information web page includes at least one scheduled time listing
for which the selected pay-per-view program is to be broadcast.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the at least one
scheduled time listing is a selectable hyperlink.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the selectable option is a
hyperlink, the method further comprising: providing an order web
page from the web server in response to the user selecting the
hyperlink; and allowing the user to order the selected pay-per-view
program with the order web page.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising providing instructions
on how to order the selected pay-per-view program on the order web
page.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructions include a
customer service telephone number and procedures for obtaining a
personal identification number.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the order web page prompts the
user to enter user-specific information used to verify the user's
identity.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the user-specific information
is a personal identification number.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the user-specific information
is a telephone number.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising electronically
submitting order and verification data entered on the order web
page to a cable system operator for processing.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising electronically
submitting order and verification data entered on the order web
page to a third party order fulfillment processor linked to a cable
headend.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: automatically
processing the order and verification data using equipment at the
cable headend; and arranging for delivery of the selected
pay-per-view program.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising using equipment at
the cable headend to direct the multimedia system to display the
selected pay-per-view program.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising: processing the
order and verification data entered on the order web page with the
web server; and transmitting authorization information from the web
server to equipment located at the user's premises to allow display
of the selected pay-per-view program.
18. An Internet television program guide system for providing web
pages of information to a user, the system comprising: means for
providing web pages of program listings from a web server to a user
multimedia system over an Internet communications link, wherein the
web pages of program listings include program listings for
scheduled pay-per-view programs; means for providing a pay-per-view
program information web page for a pay-per-view program listing
selected by the user to the multimedia system over the Internet
communications link; and means for providing a selectable option
for allowing the user to order the selected pay-per-view program
over the Internet communications link.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the pay-per-view program
information web page includes at least one selectable option for
allowing the user to view a video clip related to the selected
pay-per-view program before ordering the selected pay-per-view
program.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one selectable
option is a selectable image.
21. The system of claim 19, further comprising means for providing
the user with an opportunity to specify a file-type for the video
clip.
22. The system of claim 18, wherein the pay-per-view program
information web page includes at least one scheduled time listing
for which the selected pay-per-view program is to be broadcast.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein each of the at least one
scheduled time listing is a selectable hyperlink.
24. The system of claim 18, wherein the selectable option is a
hyperlink, further comprising: means for providing an order web
page in response to the user selecting the hyperlink; and means for
allowing the user to order the selected pay-per-view program with
the order web page.
25. The system of claim 24, further comprising means for providing
instructions on how to order the selected pay-per-view program on
the order web page.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the instructions include a
customer service telephone number and procedures for obtaining a
personal identification number.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein the order web page prompts the
user to enter user-specific information used to verify the user's
identity.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the user-specific information
is a personal identification number.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein the user-specific information
is a telephone number.
30. The system of claim 27, further comprising means for
electronically submitting order and verification data entered on
the order web page to a cable system operator for processing.
31. The system of claim 27, further comprising means for
electronically submitting order and verification data entered on
the order web page to a third party order fulfillment processor
linked to a cable headend.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising: means for
automatically processing the order and verification data using
equipment at the cable headend; and means for arranging for
delivery of the selected pay-per-view program.
33. The system of claim 32, further comprising means for using
equipment at the cable headend to direct the multimedia system to
display the selected pay-per-view program.
34. The system of claim 27, further comprising: means for
processing the order and verification data entered on the order web
page with the web server; and means for transmitting authorization
information from the web server to equipment located at the user's
premises to allow display of the selected pay-per-view program.
35. A machine-readable medium for use in providing web pages of
information to a user of an Internet television program guide
system, comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for:
providing web pages of program listings from a web server to a user
multimedia system over an Internet communications link, wherein the
web pages of program listings include program listings for
scheduled pay-per-view programs; providing a pay-per-view program
information web page for a pay-per-view program listing selected by
the user to the multimedia system over the Internet communications
link; and providing a selectable option for allowing the user to
order the selected pay-per-view program over the Internet
communications link.
36. The machine-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the
pay-per-view program information web page includes at least one
selectable option for allowing the user to view a video clip
related to the selected pay-per-view program before ordering the
selected pay-per-view program.
37. The machine-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the at least
one selectable option is a selectable image.
38. The machine-readable medium of claim 36, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with
an opportunity to specify a file-type for the video clip.
39. The machine-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the
pay-per-view program information web page includes at least one
scheduled time listing for which the selected pay-per-view program
is to be broadcast.
40. The machine-readable medium of claim 39, wherein each of the at
least one scheduled time listing is a selectable hyperlink.
41. The machine-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the selectable
option is a hyperlink, further comprising machine program logic
recorded thereon for: providing an order web page from the web
server in response to the user selecting the hyperlink; and
allowing the user to order the selected pay-per-view program with
the order web page.
42. The machine-readable medium of claim 41, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for providing instructions
on how to order the selected pay-per-view program on the order web
page.
43. The machine-readable medium of claim 42, wherein the
instructions include a customer service telephone number and
procedures for obtaining a personal identification number.
44. The machine-readable medium of claim 41, wherein the order web
page prompts the user to enter user-specific information used to
verify the user's identity.
45. The machine-readable medium of claim 44, wherein the
user-specific information is a personal identification number.
46. The machine-readable medium of claim 44, wherein the
user-specific information is a telephone number.
47. The machine-readable medium of claim 44, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for electronically
submitting order and verification data entered on the order web
page to a cable system operator for processing.
48. The machine-readable medium of claim 44, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for electronically
submitting order and verification data entered on the order web
page to a third party order fulfillment processor linked to a cable
headend.
49. The machine-readable medium of claim 48, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for: automatically
processing the order and verification data using equipment at the
cable headend; and arranging for delivery of the selected
pay-per-view program.
50. The machine-readable medium of claim 49, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for using equipment at the
cable headend to direct the multimedia system to display the
selected pay-per-view program.
51. The machine-readable medium of claim 44, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for: processing the order
and verification data entered on the order web page with the web
server; and transmitting authorization information from the web
server to equipment located at the user's premises to allow display
of the selected pay-per-view program.
52. A method for providing web pages of information to a user of an
Internet television program guide system, the method comprising:
providing web pages of program listings from a web server to a user
multimedia system over an Internet communications link; providing a
program information web page for a program listing selected by the
user to the multimedia system over the Internet communications
link, wherein the program information web page includes at least
one selectable option for allowing the user to view a video clip
related to the selected program; and providing the video clip to
the multimedia system over the Internet communications link in
response to the user selecting the at least one selectable
option.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the at least one selectable
option is a selectable image.
54. The method of claim 52, further comprising providing the user
with an opportunity to specify a file-type for the video clip.
55. The method of claim 52, wherein the video clip is a preview for
the selected program.
56. The method of claim 52, wherein the video clip is an interview
related to the selected program.
57. The method of claim 52, wherein the video clip is a promotion
related to the selected program.
58. An Internet television program guide system for providing web
pages of information to a user, the system comprising: means for
providing web pages of program listings from a web server to a user
multimedia system over an Internet communications link; means for
providing a program information web page for a program listing
selected by the user to the multimedia system over the Internet
communications link, wherein the program information web page
includes at least one selectable option for allowing the user to
view a video clip related to the selected program; and means for
providing the video clip to the multimedia system over the Internet
communications link in response to the user selecting the at least
one selectable option.
59. The system of claim 58, wherein the at least one selectable
option is a selectable image.
60. The system of claim 58, further comprising means for providing
the user with an opportunity to specify a file-type for the video
clip.
61. The system of claim 58, wherein the video clip is a preview for
the selected program.
62. The system of claim 58, wherein the video clip is an interview
related to the selected program.
63. The system of claim 58, wherein the video clip is a promotion
related to the selected program.
64. A machine-readable medium for use in providing web pages of
information to a user of an Internet television program guide
system, comprising machine program logic recorded thereon for:
providing web pages of program listings from a web server to a user
multimedia system over an Internet communications link; providing a
program information web page for a program listing selected by the
user to the multimedia system over the Internet communications
link, wherein the program information web page includes at least
one selectable option for allowing the user to view a video clip
related to the selected program; and providing the video clip to
the multimedia system over the Internet communications link in
response to the user selecting the at least one selectable
option.
65. The machine-readable medium of claim 64, wherein the at least
one selectable option is a selectable image.
66. The machine-readable medium of claim 64, further comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for providing the user with
an opportunity to specify a file-type for the video clip.
67. The machine-readable medium of claim 64, wherein the video clip
is a preview for the selected program.
68. The machine-readable medium of claim 64, wherein the video clip
is an interview related to the selected program.
69. The machine-readable medium of claim 64, wherein the video clip
is a promotion related to the selected program.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/560,207, filed Apr. 27, 2000, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/938,028, filed
Sep. 18, 1997 (now abandoned), which is a nonprovisional of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 60/032,539, filed Dec. 10, 1996.
All of these prior applications are hereby incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the Internet, and more
particularly, to techniques for providing television program guide
information and services to a user over the Internet.
[0003] A large number of television channels are available over
cable television systems and satellite television systems.
Television viewers have traditionally had to consult preprinted
television program listings to determine which programs were
scheduled to be broadcast on a particular day. More recently,
television-based program guides have been developed that allow
television viewers to view television program listings directly on
their television sets.
[0004] For example, the Prevue.RTM. channel is a scrolling
television program listings service that a cable system operator
may make available to subscribers over a dedicated cable channel.
Viewers can tune to the appropriate television channel to view
program listings for television programs that are currently being
broadcast and are scheduled to be broadcast in the next few hours.
Although the Prevue.RTM. channel is a valuable service, the viewer
is somewhat constrained by the passive nature of the service. For
example, the viewer cannot view television listings for the next
day or week.
[0005] As a result, more advanced television program guide services
have been developed that allow the service provider to deliver
television program listing data to the user's set-top box. The data
is typically delivered over the television cable system
infrastructure (e.g., on a given television channel during the
vertical blanking interval or over an out-of band channel).
Software in the set-top box allows the viewer to display the
television program listings on the viewer's television set.
[0006] These program guide services allow the user to manipulate
the television listings by searching or sorting through the
listings using criteria such as genre, channel, and broadcast time.
An example of a such an interactive television program guide is the
Prevue Express.RTM. guide of Prevue Networks, Inc. of Tulsa, Okla.,
the assignee of the present invention.
[0007] Although passive scrolling guides and interactive set-top
box guides are useful sources of television program guide
information, millions of users with personal computers have not
been able to obtain on-line television program listings. In
addition, users have not been able to select from diverse options
that allow the user to view promotional video clips, interview
segments, audio clips, and other multimedia material related to a
given television program.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a television program guide system that provides television
program listings from a server to a user's multimedia system over
an Internet communications link.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
television program guide system that allows users to click on text
or still images to view promotional video clips, audio clips,
interview segments, and other multimedia material related to a
given television program.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] These and other objects of the invention are accomplished in
accordance with the principles of the present invention by
providing an Internet television program guide system. A computer
system having a media library and a data server is used to provide
multimedia clips and related television program guide data. The
multimedia material and program guide data are provided to a web
server. The web server provides this information to the user's
multimedia system via an Internet communications link.
[0011] The multimedia system has a processing unit for receiving
information from the Internet communications link and processing
such information accordingly. The multimedia system also has a
video unit for receiving television signals. In a first embodiment,
the processing unit is based on a personal computer running a
standard web browser with plug-ins. The video unit is based on a
television. In a second embodiment, the processing unit and video
unit of the multimedia system are provided by an integrated
personal computer and television unit. In a third embodiment, the
processing unit is in an Internet capable set-top box and the video
unit is based on a television.
[0012] The web server may be located adjacent to the computer
system and the program guide data and multimedia material provided
to the multimedia system via the Internet. Alternatively, the web
server may be located in a cable system headend. When the web
server is located in the cable system headend, program guide data
and other multimedia material may be provided to the web server via
a satellite link. The program guide data and multimedia material
are provided to the multimedia system over an Internet
communications link.
[0013] Television program guide data and related multimedia
information are preferably provided to the user's multimedia system
in the form of one or more web pages. Because such an arrangement
allows the use of the widely adopted hypertext transfer protocol
(http) and emerging web standards, a user with a personal computer
can access information using commonly available web browser
software. Because program guide information is distributed over the
Internet, the user can access this information at remote locations.
For example, the user can access the television program guide
service while traveling by car, bus, train, or plane, from a hotel
room or business meeting, from a personal computer at work, or in
any suitable environment in which there is a link to the Internet.
In all arrangements (whether the user is accessing the program
guide service from their home or from a remote location), the
system benefits from using the established protocols and standards
of the Internet.
[0014] In addition, because the Internet television program guide
is provided as a web site having a number of linked web pages,
features can be easily added or deleted from the service by the
service provider, without directly affecting the hardware and
software of the user.
[0015] Using a web site platform also allows a wide range of
service options to be provided. In particular, numerous media
formats (animation, full motion video, sound, still images, and
text) are supported and may be interconnected using various
embedded hypertext transfer protocol links.
[0016] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and
the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing a media library and data
server interconnected with a web server and various multimedia
systems.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a generalized diagram of a user's multimedia
system.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a system diagram similar to that of FIG. 1 showing
an arrangement in which the web server is located in a cable system
headend.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a home page for an Internet
television program guide.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a map-based menu for identifying a
geographical area of interest.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a map-based menu for a smaller
geographical region than shown in FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a web page informing the user that no service is
available.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a web page offering alternatives to local
service.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a web page allowing the user to provide
information regarding the user's multimedia system to the service
provider.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a web page presenting various program guide
options to the user.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a web page containing information on community
events.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a web page providing the user an opportunity to
give feedback to a local cable system operator.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a web page containing information pertaining to
the local cable operator's system.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a web page containing weather information.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a web page presenting various program guide
options including direct links to related program guide and movie
guide television channels.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a web page containing television program guide
listings organized by time.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a web page presenting a menu of channel
selections.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a web page containing television program guide
listings organized by channel.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a web page containing icons representing category
options.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a web page containing television program guide
listings organized by category.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a search page containing a box for entering
search text and various search field options.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a television program guide listing page based on
the results of a search.
[0039] FIG. 23. is a web page presenting program guide options
related to promotional clips, interview segments, and pay-per-view
and premium services.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a web page presenting various image stills that
may be selected by the user when it is desired to view related
video clips.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a web page presenting user options regarding
pay-per-view and premium services.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a web page containing television program listings
for a selected pay-per-view channel.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a web page containing television program listings
for a selected premium channel.
[0044] FIG. 28 is a web page providing information regarding
upcoming pay-per-view sporting and special events.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a web page containing still images corresponding
to available interview segments.
[0046] FIG. 30 is a program information web page containing
information on a program selected by the user and presenting
related options.
[0047] FIG. 31 is a web page that allows a user to enter
information for ordering a pay-per-view event.
[0048] FIG. 32 is a web page that provides a showcase for
advertisers.
[0049] FIG. 33 is a web page containing detailed advertising
information on a selected topic or television program.
[0050] FIG. 34 is a site map showing the options that are selected
and the links that are traversed in navigating among the television
program guide web pages of FIGS. 4-33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] An Internet television program guide system 10 is shown in
FIG. 1. Television program information is stored in media library
12 and data server 14. Media library 12 preferably contains an
array of compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) disks, digital
video disks (DVDs), or other suitable media for storing multimedia
content. Media library 12 contains television program clips and
related interviews and reviews. The television program information
stored in media library 12 is primarily video-based. Data server 14
maintains various databases of television program information. For
example, data server 14 may have a remote media database containing
descriptions of videos in media library 12. Data server 14 may also
have a database containing information on standard titles, a pay
per view database containing information regarding pay-per-view
events, and a scheduling information database. Data server 14 may
have a cable system operator database containing channel lineups,
information on the time zone of the operator, weather data for the
operator's region, data on the zip codes in the cable system
operator's area, etc. Other databases may be supported by data
server 14, as desired. The television program information in data
server 14 is primarily in non-video formats.
[0052] Media library 12 and data server 14 are interconnected with
transmission server 16 via internal network 18. Media library 12,
data server 14, network 18, and transmission server 16 make up
computer system 19. Television program information may be stored on
data server 14 in a relational database format and may be stored on
transmission server 16 in an object-oriented database format. A
building process implemented in the C.sup.++ programming language
can be used to periodically (e.g., once a day) build a temporary
data set of television program information (e.g., a seven-day to
one-month data set) for storage on transmission server 16.
Transmission server 16 also receives information for the Internet
television program guide service such as weather data, sports
scores, etc., via data input 17.
[0053] Television program information and related data may be
transferred from transmission server 16 to web server 20 via
communications line 22. Communications line 22 may be part of an
internal network or may be a standard dedicated communications
line. Web server 20 can be connected to the Internet 24 via
communications link 26. Communications link 26 is preferably a
telephone line or other suitable Internet communications path.
[0054] If transmission server 16 and web server 20 are separate
devices, as shown in FIG. 1, transmission server 16 can be used as
a common data processing facility for other applications which use
the type of television program data stored on transmission server
16. If desired, the functions of transmission server 16 and web
server 20 can be integrated in a signal machine.
[0055] Web server 20 uses standard protocols such as the TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol) and hypertext
transfer protocol to make the television program information
available over the Internet 24 to users at multimedia systems 28,
30, and 32 via communications links 34, 36, and 38. Communications
links 34, 36, and 38 are Internet links formed from telephone
lines, radio-frequency (RF) links, cable modem links, satellite
dish links, combinations of links such as these, or any other
suitable Internet connection paths.
[0056] Multimedia system 28 has personal computer 40 and may have
television 42. Certain program guide features require that personal
computer 40 be able to control television 42 via link 41, which may
be, e.g., an infrared communications link. Link 41 allows personal
computer 40 to tune television 42 using control signals. Television
42 receives television signals from input 44. The television
signals received by input 44 and the other television signal inputs
shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be provided by cable television, satellite
television, broadcast television, a combination of such sources, or
any other suitable source of television programming signals.
Internet access for multimedia system 28 is provided via Internet
communications link 34.
[0057] Multimedia system 30 has an integrated personal computer and
television 46, such as the Gateway 2000 Destination.RTM. PC-TV
hybrid available from Gateway 2000 Inc. of North Sioux City, S.
Dak. Television signals are provided at input 48. Internet access
is provided via Internet communications link 36.
[0058] Multimedia system 32 has an Internet capable set-top box 50.
Set-top box 50 may use the TV OnLine.RTM. set-top box application
software of World Gate Corporation, which may be implemented on
set-top boxes such as the CFT-2200.RTM. of General Instrument
Corporation of Hatboro, Pa. and the 8600x.RTM. of Scientific
Atlanta of Atlanta, Ga. Set-top box 50 receives television signals
via input 52. Internet access is provided via Internet
communications link 38. Video display signals containing television
and Internet information are provided to television 54 by line
56.
[0059] During operation of system 10, certain data processing
functions, such as user-initiated searches and sorts, are typically
performed on web server 20. If desired, such functions can be
performed on a suitable data processing component in multimedia
systems 28, 30, and 32.
[0060] Certain television guide functions require only that
multimedia systems 28, 30, and 32 contain web browsing
capabilities. Other functions require television tuning and video
recording capabilities. FIG. 2 shows a generalized multimedia
system arrangement that is capable of supporting controlled
television tuning and video recording, if desired. As shown in FIG.
2, multimedia system 58 has a processing unit 60, which preferably
contains memory for storing instructions and a microprocessor for
executing the instructions. Processing unit 60 accesses the
Internet via Internet link 62. Video unit 64, which may be
connected to processing unit 60 by communications line 66, contains
recording unit 68, tuner 70, and monitor 72. Television signals are
received at input 74.
[0061] Tuner 70 is used to select television programs from
television signals on input 74 for viewing or recording. Tuner 70
may be controlled under the direction of control signals provided
by processing unit 60 over communications link 66. Television
signals and Internet information can be viewed using monitor 72.
Recording unit 68 allows the user to make videocassette recordings
of television programs. Recording unit 68 may also be controlled by
control signals from processing unit 60.
[0062] The operation of processing unit 60 is determined based on
the execution of instructions stored in memory in processing unit
60 and on control inputs received from the user via user interface
76. Suitable user interfaces include handheld infrared remote
controls, keyboards, pointing devices, and voice recognition
devices.
[0063] Multimedia systems such as multimedia system 58 of FIG. 2
may be used in place of multimedia systems 28, 30, and 32.
Alternatively, systems such as systems 28, 30, and 32 may be
modified to incorporate features like those shown multimedia system
58. For example, if it were desired to provide a multimedia system
with circuitry to handle video recording, video recording units
(such as recording unit 68) could be provided in systems such as
multimedia systems 28, 30, and 32. In addition, in systems such as
system 58, certain components may be used more than once (e.g.,
tuner 70 may be contained within both a television component and a
videocassette recorder component in system 58).
[0064] Regardless of the specific configuration of the multimedia
systems used in system 10, the user of such a multimedia system has
the capability to access television program guide information on
web server 20. Many of the features of the Internet program guide
service are available using multimedia systems with the
capabilities of a modern personal computer (desktop or laptop). If
it is desired to use certain program guide features that rely upon
controlling a tuner or recording unit, the multimedia system should
also have the ability to tune to a desired television program from
among the various television programs provided at inputs 44, 48,
52, and 74 and have the ability to record that program
automatically, under the control of commands from processing unit
60. Additional features may also be implemented on multimedia
system 58.
[0065] Another configuration that may be used for an Internet
television program guide system is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in
FIG. 3, Internet television program guide system has media library
80 and data server 82. Media library 80 contains television program
clips, interviews, and reviews. The television program information
stored in media library 80 is primarily video. Data server 82
contains databases of television program information. For example,
data server 82 may have a database containing descriptions of
videos in media library 80. Data server 82 may also have a
databases containing information on program titles, pay-per-view
events, and television program schedules. Data server 82 may have a
cable system operator database containing channel lineups,
information on the time zone of the operator, weather data for the
operator's region, data on the zip codes in the cable system
operator's area, etc. Other databases may also be supported by data
server 82. The television program information in data server 82 is
mainly in formats other than video.
[0066] Media library 80 and data server 82 are interconnected with
transmission server 84 via internal network 83. Media library 80,
data server 82, and internal network 83 make up computer system 87.
Television program information may be stored on data server 82 in a
relational database format and may be stored on transmission server
84 in an object-oriented database format. A building process
implemented in the C.sup.++ programming language may be used to
periodically (e.g., once a day) build a temporary data set of
television program information (e.g., a seven-day to one-month data
set) for storage on transmission server 84. Transmission server 84
also receives information for the Internet television program guide
service such as weather data, sports scores, etc., via data input
85.
[0067] A web server 86 is provided in each cable system headend 88.
Cable system headend 88 has additional components (not shown) for
distributing cable television signals to customers in the service
area surrounding headend 88. Providing web server 86 in a location
that is relatively close to users allows television program
information to be provided to the users efficiently.
[0068] Television program information (including video clips and
associated television program data) is transmitted from
transmission server 84 to each cable system headend 88 via
satellite uplink 90 and satellite downlink 92. Each web server 86
uses the Internet TCP/IP protocol to make the television program
information available to users at multimedia systems 94, 96, and 98
via respective communications links 100, 102, and 104.
Communications links 100, 102, and 104 are Internet links formed
from telephone lines, radio-frequency (RF) links, cable modem
links, satellite dish downlinks, combinations of links such as
these, or any other suitable Internet connection paths. Although
illustrated as direct links between multimedia systems 94, 96, and
98 and web server 86, communications links 100, 102, and 104 may be
Internet paths that pass through extensive portions of the
Internet.
[0069] Multimedia system 94 has personal computer 106 and may have
television 108. Television 108 receives television signals from
input 110. Access to web server 86 is provided via Internet
communications link 100.
[0070] Multimedia system 96 has an integrated personal computer and
television 112, such as the Gateway 2000 Destination PC-TV hybrid.
Television signals are provided at input 114. Access to web server
86 is provided via Internet communications link 102.
[0071] Multimedia system 98 has an Internet capable set-top box
116, such as the TV OnLine.RTM. set-top box. Set-top box 116
receives television signals via input 118. Access to web server 86
is provided via Internet communications link 104. Video display
signals containing television and Internet information are provided
to television 120 by line 122.
[0072] The system hardware shown in FIGS. 1-3 for providing
television program guide Internet services is illustrative and
other suitable hardware arrangements may be used, if desired.
Regardless of the particular hardware system that is used, however,
the present invention preferably involves providing television
program guide services and features to users over the Internet in
the form of multiple web pages that use the standard hypertext
transfer protocol (http). In the system of FIG. 1, web pages and
associated program guide features (such as searching, etc.) are
provided using web server 20. In the system of FIG. 3, web pages
and associated features are provided using web server 86.
[0073] Because television program guide services are provided using
web pages, the program guide services may be accessed using
standard web browsers operating on the appropriate processing unit
in the user's multimedia system. For example, in multimedia system
58 of FIG. 2, a web browser may be implemented using processing
unit 60. Suitable web browsers include the Internet Explorer.RTM.
web browser of Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. and the
Netscape Navigator.RTM. web browser of Netscape Communications
Corporation of Mountain View, Calif. Such web browsers support the
viewing of various types of multimedia content, such as video
stills (JPEG or GIF files) and video and audio clips (AVI, MOV, and
MPG files). If desired, certain of these multimedia support
functions may be provided as web browser plug-ins (i.e., special
software modules designed to enhance the features of a web browser
application). A suitable video player plug-in for MOV files is the
Quicktime.RTM. application of Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino,
Calif. AVI and MPG (or MPEG--Motion Picture Expert Group) files may
be played using the ActiveMovie.RTM. application of Microsoft
Corporation.
[0074] An illustrative welcome page 124 for the television program
guide service of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. (A site
map is shown in FIG. 34.) Web browser function keys 126 help the
user at multimedia system 58 to navigate through web pages of
material such as welcome page 124. Users may also navigate by
clicking on an image or an element of highlighted text with cursor
142, which may be controlled by a pointing device such as a mouse
or trackball. Other arrangements for selecting links may be used if
supported by the user interface 76 that is provided in multimedia
system 58. Web browser function keys 126 include back and forward
keys that allow the user to navigate backward and forward along a
browsing trail. Web browser function keys 126 are not shown in the
other FIGS., but are shown in FIG. 4 to illustrate the types of
function keys that are available with a standard web browser.
[0075] Welcome page 124 may contain identifying logos 128 (which
may be, for example, United States trademarks). Identifying logos
128 allow a user to quickly associate a service provider, such as
the assignee of the present invention, Prevue Networks, Inc. of
Tulsa, Okla., with the Internet television program guide service.
If desired, welcome page 124 can contain summary instructions 130
that inform the user of some of the features available with the
service. Other web pages (not shown) may contain links that point
to welcome page 124.
[0076] Advertisements 132 and 134 allow a service provider to
generate revenues from parties who wish to advertise products using
Internet television program guide system 10 (FIG. 1) or 78 (FIG.
3). Advertisements 132 and 134 may be video stills, may be
animated, or may include full-motion video. Audio material can also
be associated with advertisements 132 and 134. For example,
supplemental audio information can be provided when a user clicks
on advertisement 132 or 134. If desired, advertisements 132 and 134
may be linked to web sites provided by the advertising parties. The
advertisements 132 and 134 that are displayed may periodically
(e.g., once every few seconds) cycle through different
advertisements for different advertisers.
[0077] An important aspect of the Internet television program guide
service provided by system 10 (FIG. 1) and system 78 (FIG. 3)
relates to on-line television program listings and information on
upcoming movies and special events. The user may be presented with
a number of choices regarding the type of on-line information that
is available. For example, the user may be presented with the
opportunity to select between go local option 136, go national
option 138, and go satellite option 140. Additional features of the
service may be accessed after the user has selected one of these
options.
[0078] If the user desires to select go local option 136, the user
may be prompted to enter a zip code for the local area of interest
in box 144. If service is available, the program guide system links
the user to an appropriate local system operator's web site based
on the zip code information. If desired, the user can select a
local area by entering information such as a cable system
operator's name, the name of a city, international country and city
information, etc. Another way in which the user may select a local
service area of interest is using a map-based graphical user
interface. As shown in FIG. 5, the user is presented with United
States map 146. The user selects a state of interest using cursor
142. If necessary, additional maps containing greater levels of
detail are provided, each allowing the user to make further
geographical selections. Ultimately, the user is presented with a
local map (e.g., a map that allows the user to select from several
available cable system operators). In map 148 of FIG. 6, the user
can select between three available cable system operator regions:
region 1, region 2, and region 3.
[0079] If no local service is available, the user may be provided
with a web page such as no service page 150 of FIG. 7, in which the
user is informed that local service is not presently available in
the area selected by the user. No service page 150 may provide the
user with an opportunity to submit the user's e-mail address, cable
provider information, local zip code information, and comments.
Information provided by the user can be used by the operator of the
television program guide system to solicit participation from
non-participating local cable operators.
[0080] If no local service is available, the user may also be
provided with pick again page 152, as shown in FIG. 8. Pick again
page 152 provides the user with another opportunity to select go
national option 138 or go satellite option 140. In addition, pick
again page 152 provides the user with select a city option 154,
which is associated with a less restrictive set of program
information than go local option 136 (FIG. 4). With select a city
option 154, the user may select a desired city using arrow key 156
(or alternatively, could type the name of the city directly into
box 158). After entering the desired city, the city information is
submitted to the system by clicking on submit button 160. Because
select a city option 154 is less localized than go local option
136, choosing select a city option 154 makes it more likely that
there will be a set of program listings available for the user.
[0081] If service is available for the user in either the city
selected in city option 154 or the localized geographic area
selected in go local option 136, the user is presented with
registration page 162, as shown in FIG. 9. Registration page 162
may contain instructions prompting the user to enter an e-mail
address and information concerning the user's computer equipment.
As with many of the other web pages provided in connection with the
Internet television program guide service of systems 10 (FIG. 1)
and 78 (FIG. 3), registration page 162 contains an identifying logo
164 and advertisements 166 and 168.
[0082] Upon completing registration page 162, the user is presented
with local cable site page 170 of FIG. 10, which is customized to
reflect the local geographic area or city selected by the user.
Local cable site page 170 may contain a welcome message 172 that is
customized to reflect the name of the local cable system
operator.
[0083] A number of options 174 may be presented as hypertext links
to associated web pages. An image 175 is displayed that changes as
the user places cursor 142 on top of each option 174. For example,
the image 175 of FIG. 10 is presented when the user positions
cursor 142 over program guide option 190. Different images are
displayed as cursor 142 passes over each option 174. The images 175
to be displayed are stored as bitmap images in processing unit 60
of multimedia system 58 (FIG. 2). This technique of presenting
context-sensitive images to illustrate the current position of the
cursor over hypertext link options is preferably used throughout
the Internet television program guide service.
[0084] Various web pages may be displayed depending on which option
174 is selected by the user. For example, selecting community
events option 176 presents the user with community events page 178
(FIG. 11), which contains information on local upcoming community
events. If desired, the listed community events may be specific to
the type of service to which the user subscribes (e.g., cable or
satellite).
[0085] Selecting cable feedback option 180 presents the user with
cable feedback page 182 (FIG. 12), which allows the user to submit
an e-mail address and comments to the local cable system
operator.
[0086] Selecting cable operator option 184 takes the user to cable
operator page 186 (FIG. 13), which contains information related to
the local cable system. For example, by clicking on icon 187, the
user may be provided with a weekly report prepared by the cable
system operator.
[0087] If the user wishes to customize the program guide service,
the user may click on customize option 185 (FIG. 10). Selecting
customize option 185 presents the user with a customization web
page containing guide features that the user can customize, such as
channel line-ups and genre-specific display colors (e.g., pink for
sports program listings and orange for movie program listings). The
customization web page may also contain user-selectable options
that control how the user receives reminder messages when a desired
program is about to start on the user's television. The user can
direct the system to provide a pop-up reminder on the television
screen, to send the user an e-mail reminder, or to remind the user
via a predetermined paging number, etc. Customize option 185 may be
provided in any suitable portion of the program guide service, such
as on a program guide listings page (FIG. 16).
[0088] Another option 174 that is available on local cable site
page 170 (FIG. 10) is local weather option 186. Selecting local
weather option 186 takes the user to local weather page 188 (FIG.
14). If desired, a map-based menu (such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6)
or other user input arrangement can be used to provide the user
with the opportunity to select additional cities for which weather
information is desired.
[0089] Program guide option 190 allows the user to access
television program listings that can be organized by time, channel,
and category and can be searched. Selecting program guide option
190 takes the user to program guide menu page 194 (FIG. 15). Movie
guide option 192 allows the user to access channel listings for
premium and pay-per-view channels, interviews, and various
promotional media. Selecting movie guide option 192 takes the user
to movie guide menu page 196 (FIG. 23).
[0090] The user may reach program guide menu page 194 (FIG. 15)
from go national option 138 (FIGS. 4 and 8) or go satellite option
140 (FIGS. 4 and 8). If the user selected go local option 136 (FIG.
4) and successfully completed registration page 162 (FIG. 9), the
user may reach program guide menu page 194 (FIG. 15) by selecting
program guide option 190 on local cable site page 170 (FIG. 10).
The user may also reach program guide menu page 194 (FIG. 15) via
select a city option 154. Each of these paths to program guide menu
page 194 requires that slightly different user selections be
made.
[0091] Go local option 136 (FIG. 4) requires that a user specify a
particular local region (or cable system operator) of interest to
reach local cable site page 170 (FIG. 10). To reach program guide
menu page 194 (FIG. 15) from local cable site page 170, the user
selects program guide option 190.
[0092] Go national option 138 (FIGS. 4 and 8) requires that a user
select a desired time zone (e.g., eastern, central, mountain, or
pacific). To reach program guide menu page 194 from welcome page
124 (FIG. 4) or pick again page 152 (FIG. 8), the user selects
program guide option 284.
[0093] Go satellite option 140 (FIGS. 4 and 8) requires that the
user select a desired satellite provider 286. To reach program
guide menu page 194 from welcome page 124 (FIG. 4) or pick again
page 152 (FIG. 8), the user selects program guide option 288.
[0094] Select a city option 154 (FIG. 8) requires that the user
enter information specifying a particular city. When the user
submits the city information by clicking on submit button 160, the
user is taken to registration page 162 (FIG. 9). The user reaches
program guide menu page 194 from local cable site page 170 (FIG.
10) after completing the form on registration page 162.
[0095] Regardless of which option is used to reach program guide
menu page 194 (FIG. 15), information is preferably retained by the
system 10 or 78 that indicates which selections have been made by
the user. Retaining this information allows subsequently displayed
program listings and other information to be automatically
customized to reflect the user's selections.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 15, program guide menu page 194 may be
constructed from two smaller web pages: top web page 198 and a
bottom web page 200. Top web page 198 contains graphics and
text-based options 202 that are common to many different system
operators. Bottom web page 200 may contain system specific
promotional materials, such as pay-per-view video promotion 204.
Dividing program guide menu page 194 in this way allows system
resources to be used more efficiently than would otherwise be
possible, because the common material in top web page 198 can be
used for more than one local cable system.
[0097] If desired, television channel options 206 and 208 may be
provided that allow the user to easily access related television
channel program services. When the user selects options 206 or 208,
processing unit 60 (FIG. 2) sends control commands to video unit 68
that direct tuner 70 of video unit 64 to tune to a television
channel on which the desired program service is being
broadcast.
[0098] For example, if the user wishes to tune video unit 64 to the
Prevue.RTM. channel, the user may click on program guide television
channel option 206. When program guide television channel option
206 is selected, processing unit 60 directs video unit 64 to select
the appropriate television signal from television signal input 74
so that the Prevue.RTM. channel is displayed on monitor 72. The
Prevue.RTM. channel is an example of a type of program guide
service that displays a scrolling list of television program titles
with a concurrent display of promotional videos and
advertisements.
[0099] If the user wishes to tune video unit 64 to the Sneak
Prevue.RTM. channel, the user may click on movie guide television
channel option 208. When movie guide television channel option 208
is selected, processing unit 60 directs video unit 64 to select the
appropriate television signal from television signal input 74 so
that the Sneak Prevue.RTM. channel is displayed on monitor 72. The
Sneak Prevue.RTM. channel is an example of a type of movie guide
service that displays promotional videos of upcoming pay-per-view
events and premium channel offerings.
[0100] Television channel options 206 and 208 allow user to jump
directly from an Internet-based television program guide service to
related program guides services provided on conventional television
channels. Facilitating this type of direct link is beneficial for
the user, because it allows the user to avoid the cumbersome steps
of leaving the Internet-based service and manually tuning video
unit 64 to the appropriate channel while attempting to remember the
correct channel number of the desired television service.
[0101] Options 202 allow the user to choose how to display various
program listings for the user's preselected region of interest
(national, satellite, or local). Typical options 202 include by
time option 210, by channel option 212, by category option 214, and
search option 216.
[0102] If by time option 210 is selected, the user is presented
with by time page 218, as shown in FIG. 16. By time page 218
contains program listings 220 that are organized in channel order
from top to bottom and by broadcast time from left to right. In by
time page 218, the programs in program listings 220 may be listed
beginning with programs that are currently being broadcast. For
example, if the current time is between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM,
program listings 220 may begin with programs that start at 1:30 PM.
Alternatively, the programs in program listings 220 may be listed
based on a predetermined time slot (e.g., morning, afternoon, or
prime time). If desired, the closest time slot to the current time
may be displayed. Program listings 220 typically contain
information for about two hours of programing.
[0103] Cursors 222 and 224 are used to navigate to earlier or later
time periods, respectively. Web browser cursors 226 and 228 allow
the user to scroll through the program listings. The user may also
navigate the program listings with time navigation buttons 230. For
example, if the user would like to view program listings that begin
in the morning, the user clicks on the morning navigation button
230. If the user would like to view program listings for programs
currently being broadcast, the user may click on the current
navigation button 230. Program listings for different days in the
month may be viewed by selecting the appropriate day from calendar
buttons 232.
[0104] The user can chose between various available view options by
selecting the appropriate time, channel, category, or search button
from among view buttons 234. View buttons 234 take the user to the
same web pages that are presented when the corresponding options
202 of FIG. 15 are selected. For example, by channel option 212 and
channel view button 234 are both linked to by channel page 242
(FIG. 17).
[0105] Another component of by time page 218 and various other web
pages provided by the present system is program information box
236. The contents of program information box 236 changes
dynamically, depending on which program title in program listings
220 is selected. For example, the user has clicked on the entry
"Primal Fear" in program listings 220 of FIG. 16. As a result, the
contents of program information box 236 reflect this selection.
Program information box 236 typically contains the program title
(e.g., Primal Fear), the running time of the program (e.g., 2:09),
a brief description of the program (e.g., A hot shot . . . ), and a
description of the program type or genre (e.g., drama movie). The
program description may contain information on the actors in the
program, the director, etc. Program information box 236 typically
provides a rating of the program, such as a star rating (e.g.,
three stars) or the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
rating for movies or the television rating for television programs.
If the user desires to view additional information relating to the
selected program, the user may click on closer look icon 238 (or
alternatively, on any portion of box 236), which takes the user to
program information page 240 (FIG. 30).
[0106] If desired, when programs are selected by a user that are
currently being broadcast, direct tune button 231 may be displayed.
When direct tune button 231 is clicked on by the user, processing
unit 60 directs video unit 64 to select the appropriate television
signal from television signal input 74 to display the selected
program on monitor 72.
[0107] By channel page 242 of FIG. 17 is presented when the user
selects by channel option 212 from program guide menu page 194
(FIG. 15) or when the user clicks on a channel view button, such as
channel view button 234 of by time page 218 (FIG. 16). By channel
page 242 contains channel list 244. Channel list 244 may be
arranged in channel number order and may contain associated icons
246 for certain channels. A user can click on each individual
channel 248 in channel list 244 to obtain a list of program
information based on the selected channel. A user can also click on
a graphic or text link to a listed network's web site to be
hyperlinked to that site.
[0108] When a channel 248 is selected, the user is presented with
channel program list page 250, as shown in FIG. 18. The selected
channel in the example of FIG. 18 is channel 2. In channel program
list page 250, program listings 252 for the selected channel may be
arranged in time order, beginning with the current time. If
programs in program listings 252 extend into the next day, the
programs may be separated by date separation bar 254. Title bar 256
contains information identifying the currently selected
channel.
[0109] By category page 258 of FIG. 19 is presented when the user
selects by category option 214 from program guide menu page 194
(FIG. 15) or when the user clicks on a category view button, such
as category view button 234 of by time page 218 (FIG. 16). By
category page 258 contains category list 260, which may be
presented in the form of category icons 262. A user can click an
individual category icon 262 in category list 260 to obtain a list
of program information based on the selected category.
[0110] When a category is selected, the user is presented with
category program list page 264, as shown in FIG. 20. In category
program list page 264, program listings 266 may be arranged in time
and channel order, beginning with the current time and date.
Program listings 266 contain the channel information for each
program adjacent to the program title. If a user wishes to view
program information for a given channel, the user may click on one
of the displayed channels. The user is then presented with a
program list that is restricted to programs appearing on the
selected channel.
[0111] If desired, the program list that is displayed in category
program list page 264 may be limited to programs appearing in the
next 24 hour period. The user may view information for later days
by clicking on the appropriate day in calendar buttons 270.
[0112] Search page 272 of FIG. 21 is presented when the user
selects search option 216 from program guide menu page 194 (FIG.
15) or when the user clicks on a search view button, such as search
view button 234 in by time page 218 (FIG. 16). Search field options
274 allow the user to select a search field, such as title, actor,
category, description, rating. A search text string is entered in
search text box 276.
[0113] After search text has been entered in search text box 276
and one of search field options 274 has been selected, the
requested search is performed (e.g., by web server 20 (FIG. 1) or
web server 86 (FIG. 3)) and the user is provided with search
results page 278 of FIG. 22. Search results page 278 contains
program listings 280 that satisfy the search criteria specified
using search page 272 (FIG. 21). For example, the program listings
280 in FIG. 22 resulted from a search for the text string "Gibson"
in the actor search field, as shown by search criteria bar 282.
[0114] The user may reach movie guide menu page 196 (FIG. 23) from
go national option 138 (FIGS. 4 and 8) or go satellite option 140
(FIGS. 4 and 8). If the user selects go local option 136 (FIG. 4)
and successfully completes registration page 162 (FIG. 9), the user
may reach movie guide menu page 196 (FIG. 23) by selecting movie
guide option 192 on local cable site page 170 (FIG. 10). Each of
these paths to movie guide menu page 196 requires that slightly
different user selections be made.
[0115] Go local option 136 (FIG. 4) requires that a user specify a
particular local region (or cable system operator) of interest to
reach local cable site page 170 (FIG. 10). To reach movie guide
menu page 196 (FIG. 23) from local cable site page 170, the user
selects movie guide option 192.
[0116] Go national option 138 (FIGS. 4 and 8) requires that a user
select a desired time zone (e.g., eastern, central, mountain, or
pacific). To reach movie guide menu page 196 from welcome page 124
(FIG. 4) or pick again page 152 (FIG. 8), the user selects movie
guide option 290.
[0117] Go satellite option 140 (FIGS. 4 and 8) requires that the
user select a desired satellite provider 286. To reach movie guide
menu page 196 from welcome page 124 (FIG. 4) or pick again page 152
(FIG. 8), the user selects movie guide option 292.
[0118] Regardless of which option is used to reach movie guide menu
page 196, information is preferably retained by the system 10 or 78
that indicates which selections have been made by the user.
Retaining this information allows subsequently displayed program
listings and other information to be automatically customized to
reflect the user's selections.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 23, movie guide menu page 196 contains hot
picks option 294, movie cruiser option 296, main event option 298,
and interview option 300. When the user selects one of these
options by clicking on the associated icon, the user is presented
with a corresponding web page for that feature.
[0120] If the user selects hot picks option 294, the user is
provided with hot picks page 302, as shown in FIG. 24. Hot picks
page 302 contains images 304, 306, 308, and 310 of popular programs
for which promotional materials are available. Images 304 and 308
typically contain program titles. Images 306 and 310 typically
contain actor stills. The programs for which images 304, 306, 308,
and 310 are displayed may be automatically selected in accordance
with their upcoming frequency on the pay-per-view services. The
upcoming frequency may be calculated based on the number of
expected occurrences of a given program in a predetermined period
of time (e.g., seven days). The predetermined period may be
commenced starting with the current date and time, thereby allowing
for a seamless crossing of the monthly barrier. The information
used to determine which program images are displayed is preferably
customized based on the selections (local, national, satellite,
etc.) previously made by the user.
[0121] When the user clicks on one of images 304, 306, 308, or 310,
the user is taken to program information page 240 (FIG. 30), which
allows the user to obtain additional information, such as video
clips and interview segments on the selected program. When a user
clicks on pay-per-view link 312 or pay-per-view link 314, the user
is taken to pay-per view page 316 (FIG. 26), which provides the
user with pay-per-view program listings for the selected
program.
[0122] When the user selects movie cruiser option 296, the user is
presented with movie cruiser page 318, as shown in FIG. 25. Movie
cruiser page 318 lists the pay-per-view and premium channels that
are available to the user (based on previous selections). In
particular, movie cruiser page 318 contains pay-per-view channel
options 320 and premium channel options 322.
[0123] If the user selects one of pay-per-view options 320, the
user is taken to pay-per-view page 316, as shown in FIG. 26.
Pay-per-view page 316 contains program listings 324 for
pay-per-view events. Multiple pay-per-view programs may be
simultaneously listed in a grid format or may be listed as shown in
FIG. 26 for a selected pay-per-view channel (i.e., channel 35). As
with several other pages, page 316 contains program information box
325, which contains program information when a program from program
listings 324 has been selected by the user. Clicking on box 325 (or
a closer look icon in box 325) takes the user to program
information page 240 (FIG. 30).
[0124] If the user selects one of premium channel options 322 on
page 318 (FIG. 25), the user is taken to premium services page 326,
as shown in FIG. 27. Premium services page 326 contains program
listings 328 for premium events. Multiple premium service programs
may be simultaneously listed in a grid format or a single program
may be listed as shown in FIG. 27 for a selected premium service
(i.e., the Disney.RTM. channel) Program information box 330
provides program information for a program that has been selected
by the user. In the example of FIG. 27, the user has clicked on
"Pete's Dragon." Clicking on program information box 330 (or a
closer look icon in box 330) takes the user to program information
page 240 (FIG. 30), where the user can view additional information
on the selected program (i.e., information on the movie Pete's
Dragon).
[0125] When the user selects main event option 298 from movie guide
menu page 196 (FIG. 23), the user is presented with main event page
332, as shown in FIG. 28. Main event page 332 lists premium or
pay-per-view sports events and other special events. By clicking on
an event (e.g., event 334), the user may be presented with an
associated program information page (such as page 240 of FIG. 30),
provided that additional information on the event is available.
Alternatively, the user may be directly presented with pay-per-view
order page 336 (FIG. 31).
[0126] When the user selects interview option 300 from movie guide
menu page 196 (FIG. 23), the user is presented with interview page
338, as shown in FIG. 29. Interview page 338 contains still images
340 of various subjects. As with other pages in the Internet
program guide service, the subjects presented on interview page 338
are customized to reflect the user's selected type of service
(e.g., the user's selection of a particular cable system operator
or the user's selection of national service or a particular
satellite service). Accordingly, images 340 relate to interviews
for the movies and other programs currently available to the user.
The determination of which interview images 340 are to be made
available on interview page 338 may be based on a calculation of
the most frequently scheduled upcoming programs in a predetermined
time period (e.g., in the upcoming week). If desired, interviews
corresponding to programs not currently available to the user may
also be provided. The user may select a given interview by clicking
on one of images 340. The user is then taken to program information
page 240 (FIG. 30).
[0127] As shown in FIG. 30, program information page 240 contains
detailed information on a selected program (e.g., the movie
Birdcage). Program information page 240 preferably contains image
342, which may initially be presented as a still image of the
program title (e.g., from a JPEG or GIF file). When a user clicks
on image 342, an associated video clip is presented. Program
information page 240 also contains title 344, actor information
346, and program description 348. Additional information may
include content information 350 and genre information 352. If
desired, information may be provided on the director, year of
release, and other relevant items. Additional actor information may
be supplied (e.g., in the form of biographical information and
related video clips accessed by clicking on actors 346).
[0128] Interview icon 354, commentary icon 356, and promotional
clip icon 358 represent available services. The user can view video
clips of interviews on the selected program (i.e., the movie
Birdcage) by clicking on the appropriate file-type option
associated with a given service. For example, file options 360,
362, and 364 are associated with an interview service (represented
by interview icon 354). Clicking on file option 360 allows the user
to view interview video clips using a protocol appropriate for an
MOV file (e.g., using the QuickTime application). Clicking on file
option 362 or 364 allows the user to view interview video clip
using a protocol appropriate for an AVI or MPG (MPEG) file (e.g.,
using the ActiveMovie application). Commentary icon 356 and
promotional clip icon 358 have associated file options (e.g., MOV,
AVI, and MPG options) that allow the user to view commentary or
promotional video clips for the selected program.
[0129] Program information page 240 contains information tied to
the program selected by the user on previous pages. The user may
reach program information page 240 by various paths. For example,
the user may select a program from program listings 220 in by time
page 218 (FIG. 16) by clicking on the desired program title. The
user may also select a pay-per-view or premium program from
pay-per-view page 316 (FIG. 26) or premium services page 326 (FIG.
27) by clicking on the appropriate listing. When the user reaches
program information page 240, program information is provided for
the selected program. Icons and other indicators are used to
identify which services are available for the selected program. For
example, if no commentary video clips are available for a given
program, then the file options below commentary icon 356 may be
omitted. Similarly, if no video still is available for a movie,
image 342 can be omitted.
[0130] Program information page 240 contains program listings 366,
which provide program title, channel, and time and date information
for the selected program. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the
movie Birdcage is appearing on channel 35 (a pay-per-view channel)
on three days in the next weekly period. When the user clicks on a
pay-per-view entry in program listings 366, the user is taken to
order page 336 (FIG. 31).
[0131] As shown in FIG. 31, order page 336 contains instructions
368 on how to order a pay-per-view event. Order page 336 also
contains telephone number query box 370 and personal identification
number box 372. The user may place an order for a pay-per-view
event by clicking on place order button 374. Information entered by
the user into boxes 370 and 372 is used to verify the user's
identity and account status. Once the user's information has been
verified, the selected pay-per-view event may be delivered to the
user's multimedia system.
[0132] The way in which pay-per-view event orders are processed
depends on the particular hardware used to deliver services to the
user. Order and account verification information is generally
electronically submitted to the headend cable system operator or a
third party order fulfillment processor linked to the headend
system. Equipment in the headend processes the order automatically
and arranges for the delivery of the pay-per-view event to the
user. Typically, the headend equipment directs equipment (such as a
set-top box or similar integrated component) in the user's
multimedia system to display the ordered event.
[0133] In system 78 of FIG. 3, web server 86 at cable system
headend 88 may be used to receive and process pay-per-view orders
submitted using order page 336. After processing the order, web
server 86 can direct conventional pay-per-view equipment at headend
88 to authorize the display of the ordered pay-per-view event using
set-top box 116.
[0134] Similar techniques for delivering pay-per-view events may be
used with other hardware arrangements such as those shown in FIGS.
1-3. If desired, after web server 86 has processed the user's
pay-per-view order, web server 86 can communicate authorization
information to processing unit 60 (FIG. 2) in the user's multimedia
system 58 (FIG. 2). Processing unit 60 (FIG. 2) can direct video
unit 64 (FIG. 2) to decode and display the pay-per view event from
among the received television signals 74 (FIG. 2) based on the
authorization information.
[0135] Order page 336 can be provided with user-selectable options
for recording programs and for reminding the user when selected
programs are about to be broadcast. For example, order page 336 may
contain a clickable record button. Selecting the record option by
clicking on the record button directs multimedia system 58 (FIG. 2)
to record the selected program (by controlling recording unit 68 of
video unit 64 with processing unit 60) when the selected program is
being aired. Similarly, order page 336 may contain a clickable
reminder button. Selecting the reminder option by clicking on this
button directs multimedia system 58 to remind the user of the
upcoming selected program (e.g., 10 minutes before the scheduled
broadcast time) by automatically tuning to the desired channel, by
displaying a reminder message, or by issuing an audible reminder.
Reminder messages may also be generated by web server 20 or 86 and
transmitted to multimedia system 58 by e-mail.
[0136] If desired, these selectable recording and reminder features
can be incorporated into other pages, such as program information
page 240, one of the pages containing television program listings,
or a page presented to the user after clicking on place order
button 374.
[0137] When a user clicks on an advertisement (typically an image)
in one of the web pages associated with the program guide service,
the user may be taken directly to a more detailed advertisement
page. Alternatively, the user may be taken to advertiser showcase
page 376, as shown in FIG. 32. Advertiser showcase page 376
contains clickable images, such as images 378, 380, and 382, which
are linked to more detailed advertising pages. Advertiser showcase
page 376 also may contain a advertiser logo image, such as image
390. Text bar 392 contains clickable text fields that duplicate the
selections available by clicking on images.
[0138] The advertiser logo image in advertiser showcase page 376
may be linked to the web site of the advertiser. For example, image
390 may be linked to a web site for UPN, so that if the user clicks
on image 390, the user will be taken to the UPN web site.
[0139] If the user clicks on an image such as images 378, 380, or
382 in advertiser showcase page 376, the user is presented with
advertisement page 394, as shown in FIG. 33. Advertisement page 394
contains detailed information related to the subject matter of the
image that was selected from advertiser showcase page 376 (FIG.
32). In the example of FIG. 33, additional information is provided
on the program "The Sentinel," because this program was selected in
advertising showcase page 376 by clicking on image 382. If desired,
advertisement page 394 can contain appropriate links to further
advertisement pages or to the advertiser's home page.
[0140] FIG. 34 is a site map of the television program guide
service. The service can be accessed from service provider home
page 396. Selecting the television program guide service from home
page 396 takes the user to welcome page 124. If the user selects
the go local option and no service is available, no service page
150 and pick again page 152 are presented. If the user selects the
go local option and service is available, the user is taken to
registration page 162. If maps 146 (FIG. 5) and 148 (FIG. 6) are
used to define the local area of interest, the maps may be provided
in path 398 between welcome page 124 and registration page 162.
[0141] Selecting an advertisement by clicking on its image may
typically be done on any page containing an advertisement. In the
example of FIG. 34, selecting an advertisement on registration page
162 takes the user to advertiser showcase page 376. Selecting an
image on advertiser showcase page 376 takes the user to
advertisement page 394.
[0142] Completing the registration form on registration page 162
allows the user to proceed to local cable site page 170. From local
cable site page 170, the user can view community events page 178 by
selecting the community events option. By selecting the cable
feedback option, the cable operator option, or the local weather
option, the user can access cable feedback page 182, cable operator
page 186, or local weather page 188.
[0143] If the user selects the go national option on welcome page
124, the user is taken to program guide menu page 194 or movie
guide menu page 196, depending on whether the user selected the
program guide or movie guide option. Similarly, if the user selects
the go satellite option on welcome page 124, the user is taken to
program guide menu page 194 or movie guide menu page 196, depending
on whether the user selected the program guide or movie guide
option. The user can also reach program guide menu page 194 or
movie guide menu page 196 from pick again page 152 or local cable
site page 170. If the user reaches program guide menu page 194 from
either pick again page 152 or local cable site page 170, the local
area of interest to the user is retained by the system, so that
subsequently displayed program guide listings can be customized to
the user's local area.
[0144] When the user is at program guide menu page 194, selecting
the program guide channel option tunes the system directly to
program guide television channel 400. Similarly, selecting the
movie guide channel option tunes the system to movie guide
television channel 402. Selecting the time option from program
guide menu page 194 takes the user to by time page 218. If a
program is selected that is currently being broadcast and is
therefore available for the user to view, a direct tune option may
be displayed on by time page 218 or any page containing program
listings. Selecting the direct tune option tunes the user's
television unit directly to selected television channel 404.
[0145] Selecting the channel option from program guide menu page
194 takes the user to by channel page 242. When the user selects a
desired channel, channel program list page 250 is displayed.
Selecting the category option from program guide menu page 194
takes the user to by category page 258. When the user selects a
desired category, category program list page 264 is displayed.
[0146] When the user at program guide menu page 194 selects the
search option, search page 272 is presented. Search page 272 allows
the user to enter search terms and to initiate a search of a
program database. After the search is performed, search results
page 278 is displayed.
[0147] Selecting the movie guide option from welcome page 124, pick
again page 152, or local cable site page 170 presents the user with
movie guide menu page 196. If the user selects the interview
option, the user is presented with interview page 338. When the
user selects an interview from interview page 338, the user is
taken to program information page 240 to view the interview. If the
user selects the hot picks option from movie guide menu page 196,
the user is presented with hot picks page 302. When the user
selects a hot pick from the displayed images on hot picks page 302,
the user is taken to program information page 240 to view a
promotional video clip for the hot pick. If the user selects the
main event option from movie guide menu page 196, the user is
presented with main event page 332. When the user selects a given
event from main events page 332, the user is taken to program
information page 240 to view information on that event.
Alternatively, the user may be taken to order page 316 to place an
order for the event.
[0148] Selecting the movie cruiser option from movie guide menu
page 196 presents the user with movie cruiser page 318. The user
can view pay-per-view page 316 by selecting the pay-per-view
option. The user can view premium services page 326 by selecting
the premium option. Programs may be selected by the user from
either pay-per-view page 316 or premium services page 326. In
either case, the user is taken to program information page 240 to
view additional information on the selected program.
[0149] Program information page 240 allows the user to view
multimedia material on a given program, interview, event, etc. The
content of program information page 240 depends on the path taken
to reach program information page 240 and the options selected by
the user. Program information page 240 contains options that allow
the user to select a program to view. When the user makes such a
program selection, the user is presented with order page 336.
[0150] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of
this invention and various modifications can be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention.
* * * * *