U.S. patent application number 10/839884 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-24 for system and method for simultaneously displaying video programming and instant messaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to Qwest Communications International Inc.. Invention is credited to Rambo, Kenneth.
Application Number | 20050066363 10/839884 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34313918 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050066363 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rambo, Kenneth |
March 24, 2005 |
System and method for simultaneously displaying video programming
and instant messaging
Abstract
Instant messaging (IM) and TV programming are displayed
simultaneously on a TV screen. An instant messaging window on the
screen displays posted messages and identifies the TV program (if
any) being currently viewed by each user posting messages. An icon
accompanying a message can be selected by a message recipient to
permit a telephone call to be automatically dialed and completed to
the message sender. Video files attached to sent messages include a
key which may be compared to a key at the destination, so that the
video file may be viewed by the recipient only if the there is a
match. Data collected at a server managing the instant messaging
may be used to monitor message, television and telephone activity,
as well as demographic data associated with the IM users.
Inventors: |
Rambo, Kenneth; (Denver,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Qwest Communications International
Inc.
Denver
CO
|
Family ID: |
34313918 |
Appl. No.: |
10/839884 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10839884 |
May 5, 2004 |
|
|
|
10671312 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/43 ; 348/564;
348/565; 348/E7.071; 725/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4758 20130101;
H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/25891
20130101; H04N 21/24 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/478
20130101; H04N 21/25883 20130101; H04L 51/04 20130101; H04N 21/4788
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/043 ;
725/040; 348/564; 348/565 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/45; G06F
013/00; H04N 005/445 |
Claims
1-16. (Cancelled)
17. A display system for use in a communications network,
comprising: a display device; and first and second display windows
at the display device for simultaneously displaying multiple
content, the first display window displaying video programming
content and the second display window displaying content from an
instant messaging (IM) application, wherein the IM content
comprises a selectable telephone communications display element, so
that upon selection of the display element a telephone
communications line is established over the communications network
between plural users of the IM application.
18. The display system of claim 17, wherein the plural users
include a first user at the display device and a second user remote
from the display device.
19. The display system of claim 18, wherein the telephone
communications line is connected at a telephone device separate
from the display system, and such telephone communications line
uses the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
20. The display system of claim 18, wherein the video programming
content is a broadcast television program.
21. The display system of claim 20, wherein the broadcast
television program is provided over one of a plurality of
selectable television channels, and wherein the display device is a
television screen.
22. The display system of claim 18, wherein the instant messaging
content further comprises: a personal ID associated with the second
user of the IM application.
23. The display system of claim 22, wherein the instant messaging
content further comprises a program ID for identifying broadcast
television program being viewed by the remote user.
24. The display system of claim 23, wherein the instant messaging
content further comprises a message sent from the remote user to a
user at the display system.
25. The display system of claim 24, wherein each of the plural
users has a display device within the communications network,
wherein the communications network includes a server storing
instant messaging content for display at each display device, and
wherein the server may be used to aggregate instant messaging
content from the plural users, whereby video programming activity
by users can be tracked at the server.
26. The display system of claim 18, wherein the video programming
content is provided to the display system by a VDSL service.
27. The display system of claim 18, wherein the video programming
content is provided to the display system by a satellite television
service.
28. The display system of claim 18, wherein the video programming
content is provided to the display system by a cable television
service.
29. In a communications network having a plurality of users and a
user interface device associated with each user, the user interface
device comprising: display means; and means for simultaneously
displaying multiple content to a viewer at the display means,
including first window means for displaying video programming
content at a first display window at said display means, and second
window means for simultaneously displaying content from an instant
messaging (IM) application at a second window at said display
means, wherein the IM content comprises selectable telephone
communications means for establishing a telephone communications
line over the communications network between plural users of the IM
application.
30. A method for establishing a telephone line connection between
at least two users in a public switched telephone network (PSTN),
comprising: displaying content at a display device associated with
each user; providing plural windows at the display device, with a
first window displaying video programming content and a second
window for simultaneously displaying instant messaging content; and
providing a selectable telephone communications element as part of
the instant messaging content, the telephone communications
element, selected by at least one of the users for establishing a
telephone line between the users over the PSTN.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] It messaging has become a popular forum for exchanging
messages and information among computer users. While popular, it
has some drawbacks. For example, the instant messaging screen used
for sending and receiving information typically identifies the
person posting any message next to his/her message, but it may not
reveal other conditions pertaining to the message or its sender.
For example, if the sender is engaged in a second activity (such as
watching a TV program) at the same time as sending and receiving
instant messages, the recipient may not know about the second
activity unless told by the sender as part of the message.
[0002] Currently available instant messaging (IM) applications have
other characteristics that limit their use as a complete form of
communications. For example, while it may be possible to initiate a
voice conversation as part of the IM application, such voice
communications are implemented using a communication channel
established by an IM server over the internet. Each user must have
the proper software and hardware for participating in the voice
communications. Such communications may not use conventional
telephones and the PSTN (public switched telephone network).
[0003] Also, while it is known for people using email and instant
messages to send attachments with their messages, there can be
problems surrounding the attachments. For example, if the sender
attaches a video clip of a TV program or movie, the recipient may
or may not be a subscriber to the service ( e.g., premium cable TV
channel) from which the video clip was obtained.
[0004] Further, while IM applications have the capability of
collecting data concerning those sending and receiving messages,
there has not existed a convenient manner of collecting that data
and using it for purposes of understanding the habits or needs of
users.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] There is provided, in accordance with the present invention,
a display system for use in a communications network, the display
system having a display device, and plural display windows at the
display device, the plural windows for simultaneously displaying
multiple content to a viewer, wherein a first display window
displays video programming content and wherein a second display
window displays content from an instant messaging application.
[0006] In another embodiment, the video programming content is a
broadcast television program provided to the viewer over one of a
plurality of selectable television channels and wherein the instant
messaging content includes a program ID for identifying the
broadcast television program being viewed by instant messaging (IM)
users.
[0007] In another embodiment, the instant messaging content further
includes a selectable telephone communications element, and wherein
a telephone communications line is established over the
communications network between the viewer (the user at the display
system) and a remote IM user having his or her personal ID
displayed as part of the instant messaging content, when the
telephone communications element is selected by the viewer.
[0008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the viewer is a
subscriber to video programming content received over the
communications network, the viewer is assigned one or more security
keys in order to display the video programming content, an
electronic message sent by the viewer to a remote IM user includes
a video data file attachment obtained from the video programming
content, the video data file includes a security key associated
with the video programming content, and the video data file is
displayed for the IM user only if that user has a security key
matching the security key associated with the video programming
content.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a simplified view of a network in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the network seen in FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the components of the
set top box (STB) seen FIG. 2.
[0012] FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate various screen displays seen on
a TV screen as part of an instant messaging (IM) application, and
implementing one embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a program process
carried out within the STB seen in FIG. 3, in order for an IM user
to make a telephone call to another IM user.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a program process
carried out within the STB for sending a video file from one IM
user to another.
[0015] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate functionality within the STB of an
IM user for decrypting video program signals, and providing a key
for use with a video file attachment that is to be sent to another
IM user.
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates a database management system for use
with an IM server, in order to collect and report data at the IM
server, such data associated with IM users.
[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates a report on IM activity and TV watching
habits, that could be generated by the database management system
of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] There are various configurations and embodiments
implementing the present invention. One such implementation is
shown in FIG. 1, where a communications network 100 has a
subscriber premises 110 connected by a network interface device
(NID) 112 to a service provider network120. The NID 112 serves as
demarcation point and interface between a twisted pair drop cable
160 and the twisted pair and other wiring (and equipment) within
the subscriber premises. In the embodiment illustrated, the
subscriber receives VDSL (Very high data rate Digital Subscriber
Line) services from the service provider, whereby the subscriber is
provided internet access at a personal computer 130, receives video
programming (such as video-on-demand) and other information for
display at a television 132, and has telephone or voice service at
one or more telephones 134.
[0019] The network illustrated is a fiber-to-the-neighborhood
(FTTN) distribution system, with a central office 150 having
optical fiber lines 154 (e.g., OC-3 to OC-12c) extending to a
universal system access multiplexer (USAM) 156, which in turn is
connected to the subscriber NID 112 via the twisted pair copper
wire 160. The arrangement seen provides a dedicated VDSL loop
between the USAM 156 and the subscriber, using an existing POTS or
telephone system twisted pair. A residential gateway or set top box
(STB) 166 at the subscriber premises provides a connection point
(electrical connections, encoding/decoding, multiplexing, etc.)
between the network and the various customer devices (e.g., PC 130,
TV 132 and telephone 134). While shown as separate components, the
NID 112 and the STB 166 could be combined to perform all subscriber
interface functions within a single unit.
[0020] The fiber optic lines 154 running from the USAM 156 connect
to a high bandwidth, host digital terminal (HDT) 170 within the
central office 150. The HDT 170 receives various digital signals
containing video, data and voice (from various sources--to be
described) and combines those as a broadband signal to the
subscriber over the twisted pair drop cable 160. Bi-directional
connection paths or channels connect to the HDT 170 and carry (1)
voice signals to/from the public switched telephone network (PSTN)
180, directly or through a digital telephone switch 182, (2) video
signals (and appropriate video command and control signals) to/from
a video headend system 186 provided by a video information
provider, and (3) data to/from the internet 190. The VDSL network
as thus far described is well known, and the various systems,
components and interfaces used in implementing such network are
available and established by various standards bodies,
telecommunications service providers and manufacturers of VDSL
equipment.
[0021] Using the network 100 (or any other internet access network
and service) for accessing the internet obviously connects the
subscriber to a vast network of information providers and their
servers, and one such server--an instant messaging (IM server
192--is shown in order to further illustrate various embodiments of
the present invention. The IM server 192 is of the type operated by
any one of many commercial instant messaging service providers,
such as AOL.RTM., Yahoo!.RTM. and MSN.RTM. (AOL is a registered
trademark of American Online Inc., Dulles, Va., Yahoo is a
registered trademark of Yahoo! Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., and MSN
is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redman, Wash.),
and works in conjunction with the subscriber's equipment to permit
receiving, displaying and sending instant messages among
subscribers that have, for example, formed a "buddy list" for such
purpose (a "buddy list" is a list or group of users that have
collectively selected each other, and that communicate with each
other within that group via instant messaging).
[0022] Before leaving FIG. 1, it should be noted that in one
embodiment of the invention, the television 132 at the subscriber
premises 110 will be used to display not only video programming
content delivered over the communications network 100 to the
subscriber (originating from headend 186), but also to display
instant messaging content using applications, information and
services provided by the IM server 192.
[0023] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown in greater detail the
equipment within the subscriber premises 110 that may be used in
implementing one embodiment of the present invention. In
particular, there is shown the set top box (STB) 166, receiving
broadband signals from a twisted pair line 212 coming from the ND
112 (FIG. 1). As mentioned earlier, the signals passing through the
NID (provided over the twisted pair drop cable or line 160 from the
USAM 156--see FIG. 1) contain voice, video and data originating
from any one or all of the PSTN 180, internet 190, and video
headend system 186. The relevant functions within STB 166 will be
described later, but briefly video, data and voice signals present
in the broadband signals on line 212 are separated. Video (and
companion audio) signals are usually received in an encoded format
(e.g., MPEG-2) from the line 212, and are converted by the STB to
an analog or other format suitable for a conventional television
set and provided over line 214 to the TV 132. Voice signals are
provided to telephone equipment over a telephone (bi-directional)
line 216, and data signals are provided over a bi-directional line
218 to one or more personal computers. The STB 166 is powered by a
suitable power source, such as household AC power.
[0024] The TV 132 has a display screen (CRT, LCD, etc.), with the
display operated to include a primary window 222 for displaying
video programming content (originating from the video headend 186),
and a smaller, secondary window 224 for displaying instant
messaging screens. As will be described later, the STB 166 acts as
a client (having its own processor and memory), running a
java-capable or other suitable browser that is programmed to use an
instant messaging application or applet downloaded from the IM
server 192. Thus for instant messaging functions programmed into
the STB processor, including sending, receiving and displaying
instant messages and related content, the STB will communicate with
the IM server 192 to perform such instant messaging functions, and
the instant messaging screens used for such functions are displayed
on the secondary window 224 and overlay the video programming on
the primary window 222 of the TV 132.
[0025] The size, shape and format of the windows 222 and 224 may
change to suit the preferences of the user. While FIG. 2 shows them
as overlapping, it should be appreciated that for ease of viewing,
the secondary window could have a vertical or horizontal shape on
one side of the display screen, so that the primary window 222 can
be resized when secondary window 224 appears (in order for the
video programming on the primary window to not be obstructed by the
secondary window).
[0026] It should be noted that the PC 130 receiving data signals
over line 218 may also have an instant messaging application applet
downloaded from the same or a different IM server 192. However,
such instant messaging functions and the corresponding screens are
displayed at the PC 130 rather than the TV 132. The STB 166 may
include a conventional router function that recognizes the IP
addresses appended to messages received at the line 212 (and
originating over the internet), and routes those messages to the
client within the STB when they are addressed to the instant
messaging application running within the STB, for ultimate display
of instant messaging screens at the TV 132. Of course, IP addresses
appended to messages intended for the PC 130 (whether as part of an
instant messaging application or any other application on the PC)
are routed by the STB to the PC over line 218. While not
specifically illustrated, it should be appreciated that the STB as
a client may also run applications other than instant messaging
applications, and such applications or applets may also have
information displayed at the TV 132.
[0027] The STB 166 works with two user interface devices, a remote
control 230 and a wireless keyboard 232. Both remote control 230
and wireless keyboard 232 may use conventional infra red techniques
to communicate with the STB 166. The remote control 230 may have
conventional controls or buttons for controlling the operation of
the TV 132 for viewing television programming. The keyboard 232 may
likewise be a conventional device for controlling the client in the
STB, in order to enter data and otherwise interact with any
application controlling the secondary window 224 on the TV, which
as mentioned earlier, may be used to display instant messaging
content. While the remote control and keyboard are shown as
separate devices herein, it will be appreciated that they could in
fact be integrated into a single device for both controlling
televisions programming and entering data While not illustrated,
other user interface devices (e.g., a mouse, roller ball, etc.)
could also be used for controlling the STB 166.
[0028] The internal features of the set top box 166 are illustrated
in FIG. 3. In this example, the STB 166 is controlled by a central
processing unit (CPU) 312, which is coupled to an
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 313. The CPU
executes software designed to implement various functionality
performed at the STB, in conjunction with the ASIC 313 and other
components. The ASIC 313 also operates in conjunction with the CPU
312 to interconnect various components to the CPU and operate the
TV 132 in a well known manner. Connected to the ASIC are memory
devices, such as a ROM 314 (e.g., for storing code used by the
CPU), a RAM 316 (e.g., for storing digitized TV signals so that
they can be processed by the CPU 312 before viewing, in order to
provide, among other things, shared or split screen viewing), IR
interfaces 318 and 320 for the remote control 230 and wireless
keyboard 232, respectively, and a VDSL interface 324 for receiving
VSDL signals from the ND 112. A mass storage device 330 may be used
for storing data and applications, and can be any suitable medium
for storing machine executable instructions and data, such as
magnetic disks, optical disks, and the like. Also within the STB
166 are an audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 328 which
provides audio output to the TV 132, a video encoder/decoder 332
which provides video output to the TV 132, a telephone interface or
modem 334 for passing voice signals to/from the telephone 134, and
a data interface or modem 336 for passing data signals to/from the
PC 130. As should be appreciated, the telephone interface 334 may
have multiple telephone ports, in order to accommodate multiple
phone lines (each with a different phone number) within the
subscriber premises, as well as the ability to connect several
telephones to a single port (for multiple telephones/extensions
sharing a single phone line). Furthermore, the data interface 336
may have multiple data ports in order to permit connection of more
than one PC 130 to the STB 166.
[0029] The CPU 312 runs a java capable browser stored in the memory
of the STB in order to download an instant messaging application.
The instant messaging application maybe used by the subscriber to
display instant messages and related content from other instant
message subscribers, such content displayed in one embodiment on
the secondary window of TV 132. However, before displaying the
content, it is necessary for each user to establish a profile. Such
profiles are set up in a well-known manner to those familiar with
instant messaging, by entering personal data (e.g., via keyboard
232) pertaining to the user. However, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, certain profile data is
established to enable users to communicate in a manner augmenting
the conventional entry and display of data on an instant message
screen. In particular, users will enter telephone number
information so that while communicating with other users on the
subscriber's "buddy" list, the user can initiate a telephone call
to discuss the content of their instant messages. This entry can be
done in advance of posting the instant messages, e.g., when setting
up a user profile at the IM server 192. The manner of entering
telephone information is illustrated in FIG. 4, where a profile
screen is illustrated for setting up or joining an instant
messaging group or "buddy list", or otherwise permitting one to
establish himself as an IM user.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 4, there is shown a screen 410 for entering
the personal profile information of an IM user (i.e., a person who
desires to send or receive email within an IM application). As can
be seen, the screen includes fields for entering information on the
user, including a "User ID" field 414 (the ID displayed with an
instant message), "Real Name" field 416 (the actual real name of
the user), "Location" field 418 (a city name or other geographical
information concerning the user), "Age" field 420, "Marital Status"
field 422, "Gender" field 424 and "Occupation" field 426. The
forgoing fields are those commonly used by people to establish
themselves as users within an IM application and make themselves
available to be added to "buddy lists" set up by that user or
others (additional or alternative fields could, of course, be
employed depending on how the IM application will be used). As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the profiled user has provided a User ID of
"jsmith", having a Real Name "James Smith", living in Denver,
Colo., and being a 22 year old, single, male student.
[0031] The information in the profile (or portions of it) can be
designated as "public", that is, revealed to all other users in
order for them to decide if they want the profiled user included in
their buddy list, and to organizations such as commercial entities
that may use the profile information (and other collected data--to
be described) for commercial purposes. Alternatively, the
information (or portions of it) may be designated as private,
meaning that it is made available only to the user setting up the
profile, or to others that the user has selected.
[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the profile screen 410
includes a "Telephone No." field 428 and a "Profile Public/Private"
field 430. The "Telephone No." field 428 permits the user to enter
and the IM server to store the personal telephone number of the
profiled user (standard 10 digits--North American Numbering Plan),
and ultimately permits other users to telephone the profiled user
during an instant messaging session (as will be described in
greater detail later). The "Profile Public/Private" field 430
permits the profiled user to designate his/her information as
public or private (in the illustrated screen of FIG. 4, the user
has designated his information as public).
[0033] It should be appreciated that the STB 166 may store and
manage multiple profiles so that each household member at the
subscriber premises my separately use the IM application with
his/her own profile and preferences. A screen (not shown) may be
initially presented for each user to identify (using keyboard 232)
himself and thereby use his profile and preferences. The STB may
also be programmed to default to one user if he/she is the
principal user of the IM application.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a session set up screen 510 used by a
user when setting up an instant message session with people on
his/her buddy list. As illustrated, the user having the ID "jsmith"
has two buddy lists, "List No. 1 and "List No. 2". List No. 1 is
illustrated as having four other users who are part of the list,
and List No. 2 has two other users. Either list can be selected or
clicked to permit "jsmith" to log on or join that instant messaging
or chat session (as seen in FIG. 5, List No. 1 has three of its
members logged "on" and one logged "off", and List No. 2 had both
of its members logged "off"). In addition to identifying each user,
screen 510 displays the TV program (if any) being currently viewed
by that user.
[0035] As also illustrated in FIG. 5, the screen 510 has two fields
for implementing certain embodiments of the present invention. An
"Accept Calls" field 516 permits the user to either accept
telephone calls from other users on the selected buddy list, or not
accept those calls. A "TV Show" field 518 permits the user to enter
the name of the TV show or program that he is watching while he is
present in the IM session. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
TV program may be the program displayed on the primary window 222
of the TV 132, while screens from the instant messaging application
are displayed on the secondary window 224 of the TV 132. (While not
shown, screen 510 could be pre-programmed to list TV programs or
channels, so that the user may select the one being watched.)
Various examples of using the TV programming identification will be
described shortly in conjunction with FIG. 6.
[0036] It should be mentioned that while the embodiments of the
invention described in connection with FIG. 5 are illustrated with
the user entering the name of TV programming in field 518,
alternatively such programming information could be captured
electronically at the STB 166. That is, the STB 166 will receive
programming ID information along with the actual programming
content, as part of the standard MPEG-2 formatted signals from the
video headend 186 (FIG. 1), and if an IM application (implementing
the present invention) is running at the same time on the CPU 312
within the STB 166, such programming identification can be captured
and stored automatically by the IM application. This arrangement,
of course, permits the IM application to recognize a change in the
programming content or channel (such as a result of the user
changing TV channels) that may occur during the IM session, and
dynamically change the displayed TV programs ID without the user
having to return to screen 510 and manually change the TV program
ID or name.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a message
display screen 610 that is displayed after a buddy list has been
selected by the user (in the screen illustrated in FIG. 6, the
screen illustrates messages from all the users who are part of
"List No. 1" in FIG. 5, and each of those users sees the same
screen format). The message display screen 610 will appear in the
secondary window 224 of TV 132. The message display screen has two
windows or subscreens, a sent/posted message subscreen 614 for
displaying all messages that have been sent by all of the users,
and a message composition subscreen 616 that is used in order to
compose messages before they are sent (by selecting a "Send" button
618) to all the other users. As seen in FIG. 6, each message has
four components, namely an "ID" component 622 displaying the ID of
the message sender, a "TV Show" component 624 displaying the name
of the television program that the sender is watching (entered for
example, at screen 510 in FIG. 5), a "Message Content" component
626 showing the actual content of the sent message, and a "Call"
component 628 having for each message a telephone icon or button
(graphical element) that can be selected to permit the user viewing
the screen to telephone the sender of that message (assuming that
the sender has decided to accept calls at field 516 in FIG. 5). As
conventional, attachments (text, audio, video) can be included with
a message and, although not illustrated in FIG. 6, an attachment
icon can be displayed with the message to indicate the presence of
the attachment.
[0038] The screen 610 also has a Send Video File button 640 for
sending a video file attachment to any message composed at
subscreen 616 (the details of such attachment will be described
later).
[0039] Thus, it can be appreciated that the user of the IM
application implemented by the screens of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 is not
only able to see messages from other users on his/her buddy list,
but also see which TV program each user is watching. This
facilitates "real time" conversation (via email messages)
concerning the TV program as part of the instant messaging session.
Further, the user can select the "Call" button at any message in
order to initiate a telephone call to the sender of that message so
that, among other things, the user selecting the "Call" button and
the sender of the message being called, may also have a "real time"
voice conversation about the particular TV show being watched (as
well as any other subject) at the same time as they are each
viewing the message display screen 610 in FIG. 6.
[0040] It should be further appreciated that other embodiments may
use variations of the screens seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. As one
example, rather than a chat session involving a group of users from
a predefined buddy list, a user may be messaging only one (or a
few) individual users (that are not part of a buddy list). While
the screen 610 in FIG. 6 might, in such instance, show only one
other user and his/her messages, the screen 510 in FIG. 5 can be
selected for simultaneous display so that the user may still
monitor (separately) other users in the buddy list(s), their status
("on"/"off"), and which TV show they are each watching. While not
illustrated in FIG. 5, the screen 510 could also include a call
button (similar to call button 628 in FIG. 6) so that a call can be
initiated to any other person on the buddy list using screen 510,
even if such person is not part of an active instant messaging
session (screen 610).
[0041] Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown a flow diagram
illustrating the process and associated program steps (implemented
within STB 166) for making a telephone call by selecting the Call
button 628 seen in FIG. 6. After the Call button has been selected
at step 710, the IM application running within STB 166 checks
profile information of the selected user (which has been downloaded
by the IM Server 192 into memory within the STB) to determine (step
712) whether the person to be called is accepting telephone calls
(such information was entered at field 516, screen 510 in FIG. 5,
when that person joined the IM session). If the person is not
accepting calls, a message to that effect (not shown) is displayed
on the TV 132, at step 714. If the person is accepting calls, then
the IM application at step 718 reads the telephone number stored
with the profile information within the STB memory (such number was
initially entered when the person set up his/her profile at screen
410 seen in FIG. 4). The IM application then determines the correct
dialing format of the telephone number to be called, step 720. This
last mentioned step is necessary because the actual number to be
dialed may have a format different than the format entered at
screen 410.
[0042] This last mentioned step 720 may involve one or more
subprocesses, depending on the nature of the number stored for the
person being called For example, all numbers are entered in a ten
digit format as seen at screen 410 (three digit area code plus
seven digit phone number). Two lookup tables within the STB can be
used to determine the proper dialing format needed to make the
call. As an example, lets assume the person being called lives in
the same area code, and a seven digit number (without area code) is
used to make the call. The STB will be programmed to convert the
telephone number stored (ten digits) to seven digits by dropping
the area code before dialing the number. Similarly, if the call is
a long distance call, requiring that a "1" precede the ten digit
number when dialed, the STB is programmed to include the "1" in the
dialed number. The following Table 1 illustrates several different
algorithms stored in STB 166 and that can be used to convert the
stored telephone number into an appropriately formatted number for
dialing:
1TABLE 1 Algorithm Algorithm Index Name Algorithm Description 0 1 +
10D Dial out 1 followed by the last 10 digits 1 7D Dial out the
last 7 digits 2 10D Dial out the last 10 digits 3 1 + 7D Dial out 1
followed by the last 7 digits 4 5D Dial out the last 5 digits
[0043] Further, the following Table 2 illustrates an excerpted
portion of a look-up-table that can also be stored in the STB 166
for determining which of the algorithms (such as those in Table 1)
should be used to dial the called number:
2 TABLE 2 Area Code Algorithm Index * * * * * * 201 0 202 0 203 0
204 3 205 2 206 0 207 0 208 0 209 0 210 0 301 0 302 0 303 1 * * *
*
[0044] Thus, based on the area code of the number to be dialed, the
STB 166 will use the stored ten digit phone number, and reformat as
necessary to complete the call over the PSTN 180.
[0045] A more complete description of a system and apparatus for
properly formatting a dialed number from a stored telephone number
(e.g., when the stored number is in a ten digit format), can be
found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,597,785, entitled "Automatic Caller ID
Call Log Dial Back", issued to Burke et al on Jul. 22, 2003, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0046] After the correct dialing number is determined, the STB 166
waits for a dial tone (step 722) at the telephone connected to the
STB and that the user will use to make the phone call (most likely
in close proximity to TV 132). For example, if there are several
phones (extensions) throughout the subscriber premises, and someone
other than the user is using one of the other telephones within the
premises, the STB may be programmed to display a message at the TV
indicating that the line is busy or that no dial tone is available.
The STB can also tell the user through the display that the number
will be dialed when the phone line becomes available (the user can
decide whether to wait or cancel the call request).
[0047] After a dial tone is detected at step 722, the user is
instructed (by display at the TV), to pick up the telephone, step
724. Once the STB detects that the telephone receiver has been
picked up, the STB dials the correctly formatted number (step 726),
and when the telephone receiver at the called location is picked
up, the call is completed (step 728) and the user at the dialing
location and the user at the called location may then have a
telephone conversation (which in the illustrated embodiment is
carried over the PSTN 180).
[0048] It should be noted that the forgoing feature for calling a
sender of an email message could be implemented in many other ways.
For example, if the central office switch 182 (FIG. 1) implements
AIN (Advanced intelligent Network) functionality, the STB 166 could
dial the telephone number of the user to be called, and the switch
182 could call back the calling user as soon as that call can be
completed. Further, the telephone call could be made using IP
telephony (using the internet), and the switch 182 could be
bypassed altogether.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow and
associated program steps by which the IM user at the subscriber
premises 110 may provide a video file to another IM user. FIG. 8
will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10, which
illustrate functional features within STB 166 used in encrypting
and decrypting video files and keys as part of the process of FIG.
8. In FIG. 8, the user first selects (step 810) the Send Video File
button 640 seen in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the user may merely
select (step 812) from video files that have previously been stored
by the IM user within the memory of the STB 166. Such files are
stored in an appropriate format, such as MPEG-2. However, the user
may also select a file to be created or that is currently being
created, such as a file or video clip of the program that the user
is currently watching at TV 132. Systems and services for storing
video programming currently being viewed or broadcast are those
marketed by TiVo (TiVo is a registered trademark of TiVo, Inc.,
Alviso, Calif.). Such a system is described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,233,389, entitled Multimedia Time Warping System, issued to
Barton et al. on May 15, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by
reference. If such a system were employed, TV programming currently
being viewed at TV 132 is simultaneously being stored in memory,
and the user sending the attachment could identify a TV show or
portion thereof that might appeal to another user as he or she is
watching it, and use the stored file of the TV program as an
attachment to an instant message created as the TV program is still
being watched.
[0050] It should be appreciated that depending on the source, the
video file to be shared may be stored in a proprietary format
(e.g., other than MPEG-2) at the STB 166. For example, if the file
is created using the previously mentioned TiVo system, such file
would be in a TiVo proprietary format and may be stored at the STB
in that proprietary format. The file may be re-formatted (to
MPEG-2) by the STB when shared with others, or shared (sent to
another IM user) in the stored proprietary format if the
destination STB is programmed to use that proprietary format.
[0051] After the user has selected a video file, the STB may also
attach (step 814) an encryption key associated with that TV program
file. This is particularly useful if the TV program is broadcast on
a premium channel (the user has paid a subscription fee for viewing
at TV 132), and the program has been encrypted using well know
encryption techniques to prevent unauthorized viewing.
[0052] In order to more completely understand this last mentioned
feature of the described embodiment (implemented at step 814),
reference can be made to FIG. 9, which illustrates the use of
encryption for TV programming as could be implemented by the CPU
312 and other functionality within STB 166. As can be seen, the
encryption/decryption functionality within the STB 166 includes a
decryption function 912 for receiving an encrypted program or
service, and providing the program in a decrypted format at its
output, through the use of a working key provided by a security
processor 914. The security processor 914 is connected to memory
(RAM 918 and ROM 920). The memory stores both an encrypted pre-key
that is provided by the service provider when the user subscribes
to the service, and a monthly key that is provided by the service
provider (changed each month to make it difficult to obtain
unauthorized access to the program). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the
STB 166 uses the pre-key to decrypt (block 1010) the monthly key,
resulting in a working key that is provided to the programming
decryption function 912 (FIG. 9) in order to decrypt the
programming signal. The security processor 914 controls a switch
926, so that if the user has the appropriate pre-key and monthly
key, the decrypted programming is provided by switch 926 to TV 132
via the video encoder/decoder 332 (previously discussed in
conjunction with FIG. 3). If the user is not authorized, the switch
926 provides encrypted programming (scrambled so as to not be
viewable) to TV 132.
[0053] The encryption/decryption techniques described are well
known, and techniques other than those described could be employed.
A more detailed description of the functionality seen in FIG. 9 and
10 is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,794, issued to Eyer et al. on
Jan. 14, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0054] As seen in FIG. 9, the video provided to TV 132 is also
outputted as a file (MPEG-2 format) to be stored within the STB
166. Such file can be accessed and then sent to another user as an
video file attached to an instant message (step 812, FIG. 8).
Further, as also seen in FIG. 9, the security processor 914 also
supplies the working key so that it can be stored with the video
file, for reasons to be explained shortly.
[0055] Returning to FIG. 8, the IM user wanting to attach a video
file then sends the message with the selected video file (which is
now decrypted, but includes the working key associated with that
video file), step 816. When the message and attachment are received
at the intended destination (i.e., one of the other users on the
"buddy list"), the STB 166 at that destination stores the video
file, and compares the working key (sent with the message) to a
working key generated at that STB, step 818. In particular, if the
destination user has subscribed to the same premium channel, that
STB at the destination takes the program pre-key and monthly key
stored at that location for viewing encrypted programming, and
derives a working key (see FIG. 10), and compares that working key
to the working key sent with the video file. It should be noted
that the destination user may subscribe to more than one premium
channel or pay-per-view channel, it which case a comparison is made
of the working key generated for each such channel to the working
key sent with the attachment. At step 820, if a match is made, the
video file is passed to the TV connected to the STB at that
location; if there is no match, the video file is blocked at that
location from being displayed.
[0056] It is noteworthy that the use of a working key as the key or
code to permit viewing is but one example of a process for assuring
that the destination user is authorized to view the video file.
Requiring that the destination decrypt a monthly key to yield a
working key assures that the destination has both a monthly key and
an encrypted program pre-key. However, in alternative embodiments,
the video file could be sent with just the program pre-key, just
the monthly key, or with any other key or code, as long as the same
key or code will be present (or can be generated) at a destination
when that destination is an authorized viewer/location of the
channel from which the video file was originally made.
[0057] It should be appreciated that the method described above for
matching keys at the destination is particularly useful in the
context of instant messaging, where the user sending a video or
other protected file distributes each message to a group of users
(recipients) who happen to be on the "buddy list", and thus where
it is difficult or impractical for the user to ask each person
whether they are authorized to view programming from a premium (or
pay-per-view) channel, and be able to verify that each such
recipient is in fact so authorized.
[0058] Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated an
arrangement where the operator of the IM server 192 (or others with
access to the IM server) may use data collected during an IM
session. In particular, there is seen in FIG. 11 a survey database
1110 connected to the IM server 192. The database 1110 stores data
collected or gleaned from the messages being posted by the instant
messaging services (and each of the instant messaging sessions)
operated through use of the IM server 192. Such data can include
the number of users, which TV programs those users are watching
(based on the TV programming names or IDs presented with instant
messages), key words present in messages, and so forth. The
database 1110 is connected to a database or survey system 1112,
that includes a survey server 1114 which manages the database 1110,
an input/output terminal 1116 for permitting queries and other
actions in connection with the data, building database reports,
etc., and a printer 1118 for printing database reports, etc.
[0059] The types of data that are collected and the reports that
can be generated by the database system 1112 are numerous. It
should be appreciated that since the data collected relates to
instant messaging being posted, TV programs being watched by the IM
users, telephone calls being made in association with the messages,
and other data associated with the content of those messages, that
the data is real time, i.e., reflects instantaneous activity by
users. As an example, if a TV programming entity wants to know on
an instantaneous basis how audiences are reacting to a broadcast
program, the data generated at system 1112 can be used by the
survey system operator for such purpose.
[0060] An exemplary report in such an instance is shown in FIG. 12,
where at a given time (8:15PM) for a given broadcast program ("TV
Show A"), a programming entity can learn how many users are using
the IM server 192 (the total survey population), how many of those
users are watching Show A, whether over a period of time (say, 5
minutes) the number of viewers is trending up or down (i.e.,
whether the number of viewers has increased or decreased), and how
the TV program is impacting instant mail activity and phone
activity (an increase in mail or phone activity by users watching
Show A might indicate the degree of interest in the program). In
addition, to the extent users have permitted profile data to be
used (field 430 in FIG. 4), the survey organization may also learn
about the demographics of the users being reported. All of this is
real time, of course, with data changing as activity changes, and
such instantaneous data capable of being reported as it changes.
This permits the survey organization, for example, to note
favorable or unfavorable instant messaging activity moment by
moment, or scene by scene, as a TV program progresses.
[0061] In conclusion, the described embodiments of the invention
provide networks, systems and methods implementing various
applications, features, and functionality relating to instant
messaging and similar services. While the network 100 is described
as employing VDSL service, it should be appreciated that other
forms of data transmission could be employed. For example, the
video programming or signals transmitted to the STB 166 at the
subscriber premises (and even the voice and data signals) can be
from one or more video sources, such as cable TV, satellite, and
other forms of wireline and wireless transmission. Such
transmission can be made in conjunction with or separately from the
connections/transmissions between the subscriber premises and the
central office 150. In such example, if video programming
originates from a satellite system, then the NID 112 (in FIG. 1)
may receive signals (e.g., voice and data) over drop cable 160 and
the STB 166 may also separately receive video programming from a
separate line (not shown) carrying video signals from a satellite
dish at the subscriber premises.
[0062] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the functionality
described as resident at the STB 166 (e.g., look up tables for
telephone calling, assembling attachments and the corresponding
encryption/decryption of video messages and keys) could be provided
in part or in whole at the IM server 12 rather than the STB
166.
[0063] While a detailed description of presently preferred
embodiments of the invention have been given above, various
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to
those skilled in the art without varying from the spirit of the
invention. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *