U.S. patent application number 10/898002 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for promotional philosophy for a video-on-demand-related interactive display within an interactive television application.
This patent application is currently assigned to United Video Properties, Inc.. Invention is credited to DeWeese, Toby, Drummond, Bryan Mitchell, Lumley, Daniel I., McCoy, Robert H..
Application Number | 20050125823 10/898002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22496278 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050125823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCoy, Robert H. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2005 |
Promotional philosophy for a video-on-demand-related interactive
display within an interactive television application
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing an interactive display having
indicators of video-on-demand programs are described. The systems
and methods select indicators for inclusion in the interactive
display according to a promotional selection algorithm.
Inventors: |
McCoy, Robert H.; (Broken
Arrow, OK) ; Lumley, Daniel I.; (Owasso, OK) ;
Drummond, Bryan Mitchell; (Broken Arrow, OK) ;
DeWeese, Toby; (Tulsa, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & NEAVE IP GROUP
ROPES & GRAY LLP
1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS FL C3
NEW YORK
NY
10020-1105
US
|
Assignee: |
United Video Properties,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22496278 |
Appl. No.: |
10/898002 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10898002 |
Jul 22, 2004 |
|
|
|
09607208 |
Jun 28, 2000 |
|
|
|
60141575 |
Jun 29, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/34 ;
348/E5.002; 348/E5.105; 348/E7.071; 725/32; 725/42; 725/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/812 20130101;
H04N 21/4532 20130101; H04N 21/435 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101;
H04N 21/25808 20130101; H04N 21/42202 20130101; H04N 21/4826
20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/25891 20130101; H04N 21/47
20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N
21/47202 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/034 ;
725/032; 725/086; 725/042 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/173; G06F
013/00; G06F 003/00 |
Claims
1. A method for providing video-on-demand program listings in an
interactive display according to a promotional selection algorithm
comprising: receiving video-on-demand program listings,
advertisements associated with video-on-demand programs, and data
that define the promotional selection algorithm; selecting one or
more of the video-on-demand program listings for inclusion in the
interactive display according to the promotional selection
algorithm as defined by the data; and selecting one or more of the
advertisements for inclusion in the interactive display according
to the promotional selection algorithm; and generating an
interactive display that presents the video-on-demand program
listings and the advertisements selected according to the
promotional selection algorithm.
2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the interactive display is
a browse display that provides a user with an opportunity to browse
through the video-on-demand program listings selected according to
the promotional selection algorithm.
3. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the interactive display is
a video-on-demand program listings display that provides a user
with an opportunity to navigate within the video-on-demand program
listings selected according to the promotional selection
algorithm.
4. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the interactive display is
a screening room that provides a user with an opportunity to
preview a video-on-demand program associated with a program listing
selected according to the promotional selection algorithm.
5. (canceled)
6. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising providing the
video-on-demand program listings.
7. The method defined in claim 1 wherein selecting one or more of
the video-on-demand program listings comprises selecting the one or
more of the video-on-demand program listings according to a user
preference profile.
8. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising: generating a
selection log; and updating the promotional selection algorithm
based on the selection log.
9. A system in which video-on-demand program listings are provided
in an interactive display according to a promotional selection
algorithm comprising: means for receiving video-on-demand program
listings, advertisements associated with video-on-demand programs,
and data that define the promotional selection algorithm; means for
selecting one or more of the video-on-demand program listings for
inclusion in the interactive display according to the promotional
selection algorithm as defined by the data; means for selecting one
or more of the advertisements for inclusion in the interactive
display according to the promotional selection algorithm; and means
for generating an interactive display that presents the
video-on-demand program listings and the advertisements selected
according to the promotional selection algorithm.
10. The system defined in claim 8 wherein the interactive display
is a browse display that provides a user with an opportunity to
browse through the video-on-demand program listings selected by the
means for selecting according to the promotional selection
algorithm.
11. The system defined in claim 9 wherein the interactive display
is a video-on-demand program listings display that provides a user
with an opportunity to navigate within the video-on-demand program
listings selected by the means for selecting according to the
promotional selection algorithm.
12. The system defined in claim 9 wherein the interactive display
is a screening room that provides a user with an opportunity to
preview a video-on-demand program associated with a program listing
selected by the means for selecting according to the promotional
selection algorithm.
13. (canceled)
14. The system defined in claim 9 further comprising means for
providing the video-on-demand program listings.
15. The system defined in claim 9 wherein the means for selecting
one or more of the video-on-demand program listings comprises means
for selecting the one or more of the video-on-demand program
listings according to a user preference profile.
16. The system defined in claim 9 further comprising: means for
generating a selection log; and means for updating the promotional
selection algorithm based on the selection log.
17. A system in which video-on-demand program listings are provided
in an interactive display according to a promotional selection
algorithm comprising: a communications device configured to receive
video-on-demand program listings, advertisements associated with
video-on-demand programs, and data that define the promotional
selection algorithm; an indicator selector configured to select one
or more of the video-on-demand program listings for inclusion in
the interactive display according to the promotional selection
algorithm as defined by the data, the indicator selector is further
configured to select one or more of the advertisements for
inclusion in the interactive display according to the promotional
selection algorithm; and an interactive application configured to
generate an interactive display that presents the video-on-demand
program listings and the advertisements selected according to the
promotional selection algorithm.
18. The system defined in claim 15 wherein the interactive display
is a browse display that provides a user with an opportunity to
browse through the video-on-demand program listings selected by the
indicator selector according to the promotional selection
algorithm.
19. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the interactive display
is a video-on-demand program listings display that provides a user
with an opportunity to navigate within the video-on-demand program
listings selected by the indicator selector according to the
promotional selection algorithm.
20. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the interactive display
is a screening room that provides a user with an opportunity to
preview a video-on-demand program associated with a program listing
selected by the indicator selection according to the promotional
selection algorithm.
21. (canceled)
22. The system defined in claim 17 further comprising a data source
configured to provide the video-on-demand program listings.
23. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the indicator selector
is further configured to select one or more of the video-on-demand
program listings according to a user preference profile.
24. The system defined in claim 17 further comprising: a log
generator configured to generate a selection log; and a log
analyzer configured to receive the selection log and update the
promotional selection algorithm based on the selection log.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/607,208, filed Jun. 28, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 60/141,575 filed Jun. 29, 1999.
All of these prior applications are hereby incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to television application systems,
and more particularly, to interactive television application
systems such as interactive television program guide systems that
provide indicators of video-on-demand offerings.
[0003] Interactive television program guides are typically
implemented on set-top boxes connected to televisions. Such program
guides may be used to present screens of interactive television
program listings to users. Video-on-demand systems allow users to
order videos for immediate delivery to the home over a cable or
other suitable path.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
interactive display indicators for video-on-demand offerings using
a promotional selection algorithm such as a promotional
philosophy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This and other objects of the present invention are
accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present
invention by providing an interactive display of indicators, such
as promotions or listings, for video-on-demand offerings to a user
based on a promotional selection algorithm as described, for
example, in McCoy et al. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/141,575, filed Jun. 29, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. The promotional selection
algorithm according to which promotions or listings are displayed
may be based on, for example, a promotional philosophy. If desired,
the indicators may be presented in a passive display within an
otherwise interactive application.
[0006] Generally, promotional philosophies are promotional event
selection algorithms. A particular promotional philosophy may be
designed to attempt to maximize returns from content such as
promotions or advertisements by positioning certain types of
promotions and advertisements at particular times of the day to
reach certain types of television viewers. Promotional material
distribution systems in which promotional philosophies are used to
distribute promotions are described, for example, in Kern et al.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999,
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Systems in which users are "targeted" for specific advertisements
are described, for example, in Reynolds et al. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/217,100, filed Dec. 16, 1998, which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0007] An interactive application presents an interactive display
containing indicators of video-on-demand offerings (e.g., on demand
movies, television programs, video clips, or any other suitable
type of programming). The interactive application may be any
suitable application, such as interactive television program guide,
web browser, or other application. The offerings are displayed
according to a particular promotional selection algorithm designed
to have indicators presented so as to attempt to maximize, for
example, the return on or the viewer rate of video-on-demand
programs. Promotional selection algorithms may also be designed to
have indicators selected so that any other suitable paradigm for
the display of indicators is met. For example, it may be
undesirable to have certain programs indicated at a certain time of
day (e.g., adult programs), or it may be desirable to have some
programs indicated more often based on upcoming holidays or
events.
[0008] The display may include, for example, a series of buttons or
other selectable on-screen display elements that contain listings
for video-on-demand programs. The interactive display may include,
for example, a browse display that provides a user with an
opportunity to browse video-on-demand program listings while
watching a television program. The interactive display may include,
for example, a screening room within which users may view trailers
or clips of video-on-demand offerings. Systems in which
video-on-demand listings are displayed in a browse display are
described, for example, in Ellis U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/262,870, filed Mar. 4, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. Any other suitable approach for
the display indicators of video-on-demand offerings.
[0009] The interactive application may obtain application data and
data that define the promotional selection algorithm using any
suitable approach. The application may, for example, obtain data
continuously, periodically, on-demand or using any other suitable
approach. The interactive application may also receive templates
that define a desired promotional selection algorithm such as a
promotional philosophy.
[0010] The promotional philosophy may be designed to include
promotions or programs in the interactive application based on and
suitable criteria. The promotional philosophy may be based on, for
example, the availability of a video-on-demand offering or the
availability a promotion for such an offering (e.g., when sent by
satellite via Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), or a videodisc
in a player). The promotional philosophy may be defined to cause
the selection of promotions or programs based on, for example,
conditional play attributes. For example, a listing or promotion
(or group of listings or promotions) may be designated for
inclusion in the interactive display only on Fridays if the weather
is cold outside and the local system has HBO in its channel line
up. The display characteristics of a promotion or program listing
may also be determined according to the promotional philosophy. For
example, a promotion or program listing may be displayed first in
an interactive display before other types of program listings or
promotions for programs (e.g., sitcoms). If desired, the
application may monitor user actions to determine if a given
promotional philosophy results in desirable video-on-demand program
selection.
[0011] The indicators of video-on-demand offerings and
corresponding promotional philosophies may be based on, for
example, what data the interactive application requests, detectable
environmental situations, or what is provided by the
video-on-demand system. Some examples of environmentally detectable
situations include: the specific clip played in relation to a title
selected by a user, the channel line up provided to the user, the
weather, local channels, promotional media available, and specific
customer behaviors or profiles (e.g., whether the user subscribes
to adult or children's programming). In these examples, the
promotional philosophies may be designed using alternates,
playability levels, and keywords as described, for example in
above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999.
[0012] User selections of indicators or other user activity may be
analyzed to determine whether the promotional philosophy of the
interactive display facilitates a desirable result (e.g., purchases
of particular video-on-demand programming), or whether the
promotional philosophy needs to be modified. Interactive program
guide systems in which user usage of advertisements is monitored
are described, for example, in Thomas et al. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/139,798, filed Aug. 25, 1998, which is
hereby incorporate by reference herein in its entirety. The
interactive display may be updated to display only the promotions
or programs that a user is most interested in viewing, or that the
video-on-demand system or interactive application provider desires
to present to the user (which may be based on, for example,
particular environmental situations and user demographics).
[0013] The interactive display may be based on templates that are
modified for each user based on, for example, the individual user's
profile, the hardware on which the interactive display is displayed
(e.g., the configuration of the user's set-top box), or other user
specific information. Thus, the interactive display may look
different for each user, but is derived from the same basic
template that has been provided according to the chosen selection
algorithm, such as a promotional philosophy algorithm. The user's
profile may include, for example information suitable to select
indicators in a way that personalizes the interactive display to
the user in accordance with the selection algorithm. For example, a
playability level may include user preferences. User preferences
may be generated or obtained using any suitable scheme for
monitoring user behavior and targeting the user with indicators for
appropriate content. In another suitable approach, the user may
define a preference profile that is used for indicator
selection.
[0014] In another suitable approach, the system may maintain a
record that includes environmentally detectable situations and
specifics of resulting interactive display. This may be combined
with the actual behavior of the user to form a log that is
available to a master processing system. The record may be
maintained on a disc drive in the system and may be available to
the master processing system via suitable transmission media. The
system may analyze this record and may correct the promotional
philosophy. The system may, for example, modify the promotional
philosophy based on desirable or undesirable results from a
recorded log. Systems in which promotional philosophy algorithms
are automatically updated are described, for example, in Lumley et
al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/227,401, filed Jan. 8,
1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0015] 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
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 2a-2e are schematic block diagrams of illustrative
arrangements for the interactive application equipment of FIG. 1 in
accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the user television
equipment of FIGS. 2a-2d in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a more generalized schematic block diagram of the
user television equipment of FIG. 4 in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustrative dataflow diagram for analyzing a
selection log to determine if indicators are being selected
optimally in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 6-9 are illustrative interactive displays in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0022] FIGS. 10 and 11 are flow charts of illustrative steps
involved in providing indicators of video-on-demand programing in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] An illustrative system 10 in accordance with the principles
of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Main facility 12 may
provide application data, such as program guide data, from data
source 14 to interactive application equipment 17 via
communications link 18. There may be multiple data sources but only
one has been shown to avoid over complicating the drawing. If
desired, data sources may be located at facilities separate from
main facility 12, such as at local information services 15, and may
have their data provided to main facility 12 for localization and
distribution. Data sources 14 may be any suitable computer or
computer based system for obtaining data (e.g., manually from an
operator, electronically via a computer network or other
connection, or via storage media) and providing the data in
electronic form for distribution by main facility 12. Data sources
14 may also receive promotional material for distribution to
interactive application equipment 17. Link 18 may be a satellite
link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, a
microwave link, an Internet link, a combination of such links, or
any other suitable communications link. Video signals may also be
transmitted over link 18 if desired.
[0024] Local information service 15 may be any facility suitable
for obtaining data particular to a localized region and providing
the data to main facility 12 over communications link 141. Local
information service 15 may be, for example, a local weather station
that measures weather data, a local newspaper that obtains local
high school and college sporting information, or any other suitable
provider of information. Local information service 15 may be a
local business with a computer for providing main facility 12 with,
for example, local ski reports, fishing conditions, menus, etc., or
any other suitable provider of information. Link 141 may be a
satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic
link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a combination of such
links, or any other suitable communications link.
[0025] Local information service 15 may include environmental
detector 41. Environmental detector 41 may be equipment suitable
for detecting local environmental conditions and providing them to
main facility 12 for inclusion in the application data. For
example, the local temperature may be supplied by local information
service 15 as part of local weather data. Environmental detector 41
may, for example, have a digital thermometer connected to the
input-output port of a suitable computer and provide detectable
environmental situation information (e.g., temperature data) to a
communications device for transmission to main facility 12.
Environmental detector 41 may be any other device suitable for
detecting environmental situations, such as a barometer, windspeed
measuring device, or other suitable device, that is capable of
supplying detectable environmental information to main facility
12.
[0026] The application data transmitted by main facility 12 to
interactive application equipment 17 may include any data suitable
for the chosen interactive application. For an interactive program
guide, for example, the application data may include television
programming data (e.g., program identifiers, times, channels,
titles, and descriptions) and other data for services other than
television program listings (e.g., help text, pay-per-view
information, weather information, sports information, music channel
information, associated Internet web links, associated software,
etc.). There are preferably numerous pieces or installations of
interactive application equipment 17, although only one is shown in
FIG. 1 to avoid over-complicating the drawing. The application data
may also include data defining the rules of the promotional
selection algorithm, such as, for example, promotional philosophy
templates. Promotional philosophy templates are described, for
example, in above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999. If desired, promotional
material for video-on-demand offerings may also be provided by main
facility 12 using, for example, a store-and-forward approach as
described in the same application. The promotional material may
include any suitable text, graphics, animation, video, audio, or
other multimedia.
[0027] Application data may be transmitted by main facility 12 to
interactive application equipment 17 using any suitable approach.
Data files may, for example, be encapsulated as objects and
transmitted using a suitable Internet based addressing scheme and
protocol stack (e.g., a stack which uses the user datagram protocol
(UDP) and Internet protocol (IP)). Systems in which program guide
data is transmitted from a main facility to television distribution
facilities as objects are described, for example, in Gollahon et
al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,624, filed Jun. 11,
1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0028] Main facility 12 may include log analyzer 31. Log analyzer
31 may include any suitable storage, processing, and communications
circuitry or devices for monitoring the indicator selection process
or other processes carried out by interactive application equipment
17. Interactive application equipment 17 may provide a selection
log to main facility 12. The selection log may list the actual
indications (e.g., promotions, listings, etc.) that are included by
the interactive application within the interactive display. Logging
the indicators that are actually displayed may be useful when, for
example, indicators are selected for display but are unavailable
during screen generation. This may occur when, for example,
indicators are received corrupted such as when link 18 is very
noisy. In another suitable approach, the selection log may log what
is selected, or a combination of these approaches may be used. Log
analyzer 31 may also monitor changes to the selection log over
communications link 18 or another communications link to observe
the selecting of indicators at about the same time they are
selected. The selection log may be used by log analyzer 31 to
modify the promotional philosophy used by interactive application
equipment 17 in order to maximize the probability of achieving the
desired results for the system, or to test how changes to a
promotional philosophy might affect indicator selection.
[0029] Interactive application equipment 17 may include indicator
selector 44, log system 43, and environmental detector 41.
Indicator selector 44 may be any combination of hardware and
software suitable for generating a playlist, set, database, or
other data structure that either indicates or includes indicators
of video-on-demand selections for presentation in the interactive
display according to the chosen selection algorithm. The indicator
list may be, for example, a playlist of video-on-demand promotions
chosen according to a promotional philosophy as described, for
example, in above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999. The indicator list may
be, for example, a set, database or other data structure of program
listings for video-on-demand program listings that are incorporated
into the interactive display. In still another suitable approach,
the indicator list may be generated in real time; that is,
indicator selector 44 may select indicators for presentation and
immediately display them without first creating a list. Indicator
selector 44 may be, for example, a process running on a computer
acting as an application server, a process running on a set-top
box, or any other suitable combination of hardware and
software.
[0030] Log generator 43 may be any combination of hardware and
software suitable for generating a list or other data structure of
the indicators that are actually presented by the interactive
application in the interactive display. Log generator may be for
example, a process running on a computer acting as an application
server, a process running on a set-top box, or any other suitable
combination of hardware and software.
[0031] Indicator selector 44 may use data regarding local
environmental conditions when determining if a particular indicator
meets a particular selection algorithm. For example, whether a
particular video-on-demand offering is promoted or included in a
list of listings may depend on the local temperature. The local
temperature may be supplied by main facility 12 as part of local
weather data contained in the data stream, or may be supplied by a
local operator or device responsible for supplying local
environmental information, such as environmental detector 41.
Environmental detector 41 may, for example, have a digital
thermometer connected to the input-output port of a suitable
computer and provide detectable environmental situation information
(e.g., temperature data) to indicator selector 44. Environmental
detector 41 may be any other device suitable for detecting
environmental situations, such as a barometer, windspeed measuring
device, or other suitable device, that is capable of supplying
detectable environmental situation information to indicator
selector 44 for use in detecting if an environmentally detectable
situation parameter has been met.
[0032] Indicator selector 44 may use user preference profiles to
personalize the interactive display to a particular used. The
profiles may be modified for each user based on, for example, the
individual user's profile, the hardware on which the interactive
display is displayed (e.g., the configuration of the user's set-top
box), or other user specific information. Thus, the interactive
display may look different for each user, but is derived from the
same basic template that has been provided according to the chosen
selection algorithm, such as a promotional philosophy algorithm.
The user's profile may include, for example information suitable to
select indicators in a way that personalizes the interactive
display to the user in accordance with the selection algorithm. For
example, a playability level may include user preferences. User
preferences may be generated or obtained using any suitable scheme
for monitoring user behavior and targeting the user with indicators
for appropriate content. In another suitable approach, the user may
define a preference profile that is used for indicator
selection.
[0033] An interactive application is implemented on interactive
application equipment 17. The interactive application may be any
application suitable for providing users with the interactive
display. The application may be, for example, an interactive
television program guide, search engine, or any other suitable
application. For purposes of clarity and not by way of limitation,
the following discussion will describe the invention implemented as
an illustrative interactive television program guide implemented on
interactive application equipment 17. Five illustrative
arrangements for interactive application equipment 17 are shown in
FIGS. 2a-2e. As shown, interactive application equipment 17 may
include one or more of distribution equipment 21, located at
distribution facility 16, and user television equipment 22 or
personal computer 23.
[0034] To avoid over-complicating FIGS. 2a-2e, indicator selector
44, environmental detector 41, and log generator 43 have been shown
generally in FIG. 1 and are not shown in FIGS. 2a-2e. Indicator
selector 44, environmental detector 41, and log generator 43 may be
included in distribution facility 16 if desired as one or more
separate systems, or one or more of their functionalities may be
incorporated into any suitable component shown in FIGS. 2a-2e. For
example, the functionalities of one or more of indicator list
generator 44, environmental detector 41, or log generator 43 may
reside in or be integrated with distribution equipment 21,
application guide server 25, Internet service system 61,
application server 25, or user television equipment 22. When
incorporated into user television equipment 22, user television
equipment 22 may be configured to communicate information, such as
environmental conditions or indicator logs, back to distribution
facility 16 or main facility 12.
[0035] The interactive television program guide (or other
interactive application) may run totally on user television
equipment 22 as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2c, or may run partially on
user television equipment 22 and partially on interactive
application equipment 17 using a suitable client-server or
distributed processing approach as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2d.
Distribution facility 16 may be any suitable distribution facility
(e.g., a cable system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, a
satellite television distribution facility, an Internet site, or
any other suitable type of television distribution facility).
Distribution facility 16 may have distribution equipment 21.
[0036] Distribution equipment 21 of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d may be
any equipment suitable for providing application data to user
television equipment 22 over communications path 20. Distribution
equipment 21 may include, for example, suitable transmission
hardware for distributing application data on a television channel
sideband, in the vertical blanking interval of a television
channel, using an in-band digital signal (e.g., MPEG tables), using
an out-of-band digital signal, using Internet streaming techniques
or by any other suitable data transmission technique. Analog or
digital video signals (e.g., television programs, pay-per-view
programs, video-on-demand programs, etc.) may also be distributed
by distribution equipment 21 to user television equipment 22 over
communications paths 20 on multiple television channels.
[0037] Communications paths 20 may be any communications paths
suitable for distributing application data and, if desired, video
signals. Communications paths 20 may include, for example, a
satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic
link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a data-over-cable service
interface specification (DOCSIS) link, a digital subscriber line
(DSC) link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable
communications link. Communications paths 20 preferably have
sufficient bandwidth to allow distribution facility 16 to
distribute television programming to user television equipment 22.
There are typically multiple pieces of user television equipment 22
and multiple associated communications paths 20, although only one
piece of user television equipment 22 and communications path 20
are shown in FIGS. 2a-2d to avoid over complicating the drawings.
If desired, television programming may be provided over separate
communications paths (not shown).
[0038] FIG. 2b shows an illustrative arrangement for interactive
application equipment 17 in a client-server based or distributed
interactive program guide system. As shown in FIG. 2b, distribution
equipment 21 may include application server 25. Application server
25 may be any suitable software, hardware, or combination thereof
for providing a client-server based application such as a program
guide. Application server 25 may, for example, run a suitable
database engine (e.g., SQL Server by Microsoft) and provide program
guide data in response to queries generated by a program guide
client implemented on user television equipment 22. If desired,
application server 25 may be located at main facility 12 (not
shown).
[0039] Application server 25 may be based on any suitable
combination of server software and hardware. Application server 25
may retrieve application data such as program guide data, promotion
files, or any suitable combination thereof from storage device 56
in response to requests for program guide or promotional material
generated by an interactive application client implemented on user
television equipment 22. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, application
server 25 may include processing circuitry 54 and storage device
56. Processing circuitry 54 may include any suitable processor,
such as a microprocessor or group of microprocessors, and other
processing circuitry such as caching circuitry, video decoding
circuitry, direct memory access (DMA) circuitry, input/output (I/O)
circuitry, etc.
[0040] Storage device 56 may be a memory or other storage device,
such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk
drive, etc., that is suitable for storing application data and, if
desired, promotional material. User data, such as user preference
profiles (whether generated by the system or defined by the user),
parental control settings, record and reminder settings, viewing
histories, the configuration of the user's equipment and other
suitable data may also be stored on storage device 56 by
application server 25. Program guide data and user data may be
stored on storage device 56 in any suitable format (e.g., a
Structured Query Language (SQL) database). User data may be used by
indicator list generator 44 to select indicators for the
interactive display. If desired, storage device 56 may also store
video-on-demand programs for playing back on demand.
[0041] Processing circuitry 54 may process requests for application
data by searching the application data stored on storage device 56
for the requested data, retrieving the data, and providing the
retrieved data to distribution equipment 21 for distribution to
user television equipment 22. Processing circuitry 54 may also
process storage requests generated by the application client that
direct application server 25 to store user data. Alternatively,
application server 25 may distribute application data to and
receive user data from user television equipment 22 directly. If
communications paths 20 include an Internet link, DOCSIS link, or
other high speed computer network link (e.g., 10BaseT, 100BaseT,
10BaseF, T1, T3, etc.), for example, processing circuitry 54 may
include circuitry suitable for transmitting application and user
data and receiving application data and storage requests over such
a link.
[0042] Application server 25 may communicate with user television
equipment 22 using any suitable communications protocol. For
example, application server 25 may use a communications protocol
stack that includes transmission control protocol (TCP) and
Internet protocol (IP) layers, sequenced packet exchange (SPX) and
internetwork packet exchange (IPX) layers, Appletalk transaction
protocol (ATP) and datagram delivery protocol (DDP) layers, DOCSIS,
or any other suitable protocol or combination of protocols. User
television equipment 22 may also include suitable hardware for
communicating with application server 25 over communications paths
20 (e.g., Ethernet cards, modems (digital, analog, or cable),
etc.)
[0043] The program guide client on user television equipment 22 may
retrieve program guide data from and store user data on application
server 25 using any suitable client-server based approach. The
program guide may, for example, pass SQL requests as messages to
application server 25. In another suitable approach, the program
guide may invoke remote procedures that reside on application
server 25 using one or more remote procedure calls. Application
server 25 may execute SQL statements for such invoked remote
procedures. In still another suitable approach, client objects
executed by the program guide may communicate with server objects
executed by application server 25 using, for example, an object
request broker (ORB). This may involve using, for example,
Microsoft's Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) approach. As
used herein, "record requests" and "storage requests" are intended
to encompass any of these types of inter-process or inter-object
communications, or any other suitable type of inter-process or
inter-object communication.
[0044] FIGS. 2c and 2d show illustrative Internet-based systems.
Distribution facility 16 may, for example, include Internet service
system 61. Internet service system 61 may use any suitable
combination of hardware and software capable of providing program
guide data to the guide using an Internet based approach (e.g., the
HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)).
[0045] If the program guide is implemented on user television
equipment 22 of interactive application equipment 17 as shown in
FIG. 2c, Internet service system 61 (or other suitable equipment at
distribution facility 16 that is connected to Internet service
system 61) may provide program guide data to user television
equipment 22 via the Internet, or via application distribution
equipment 21 using any suitable Internet-based approach (e.g.,
using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer
Protocol (FTP) over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) type link). If the program guide implemented on
interactive application equipment 17 is a client-server guide as
shown in FIG. 2d, for example, application server 25 may obtain
program guide data from Internet service system 61. In another
suitable approach, the program guide may obtain program guide data
from Internet service system 61 via an Internet connection.
[0046] In still another embodiment, distribution equipment 21 may
include suitable hardware (not shown) on which a first portion or
version of the interactive television program guide is implemented.
A second portion or version of the program guide may be implemented
on user television equipment 22. The two versions or portions of
the interactive program guide may communicate using any suitable
peer-to-peer communications scheme (e.g., messaging, remote
procedure calls, etc.) and perform interactive program guide
functions distributively between television distribution facility
16 and user television equipment 22.
[0047] Another suitable arrangement for interactive application
equipment 17 is shown in FIG. 2e. Interactive application equipment
17 may include, for example, distribution facility 16 having
application server 25 and Internet service system 61. A program
guide client application (or other client application) may run on
personal computer 23. The client may access application server 25
via Internet service system 61 and communications path 20. Personal
computer 23 may include processing circuitry 27, memory 29, storage
device 31, communications device 35, and monitor 39.
[0048] Processing circuitry 27 may include any suitable processor,
such as a microprocessor or group of microprocessors, and other
processing circuitry such as caching circuitry, direct memory
access (DMA) circuitry, input/output (I/O) circuitry, etc.
Processing circuitry 27 may also include suitable circuitry for
displaying television programming. Personal computer 23 may
include, for example, a PC/TV card. Memory 29 may be any suitable
memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or read only memory
(ROM), that is suitable for storing the computer instructions and
data. Storage device 31 may be any suitable storage device, such as
a hard disk, floppy disk drive, flash RAM card, recordable CD-ROM
drive, or any other suitable storage device. Communications device
35 may be any suitable communications device, such as a
conventional analog modem or cable modem.
[0049] An illustrative arrangement for user television equipment 22
of FIGS. 2a-2d is shown in FIG. 3. User television equipment 22 of
FIG. 3 receives video or a digital video stream and data from
distribution facility 16 (FIG. 1) at input 26. During normal
television viewing, a user tunes set-top box 28 to a desired
television channel. The signal for that television channel is then
provided at video output 30. The signal supplied at output 30 is
typically either a radio-frequency (RF) signal on a predefined
channel (e.g., channel 3 or 4), or a analog demodulated video
signal, but may also be a digital signal provided to television 36
on an appropriate digital bus (e.g., a bus using the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard, (not
shown)). The video signal at output 30 is received by optional
secondary storage device 32.
[0050] The interactive television program guide (or other
application) may run on set-top box 28, on television 36 (if
television 36 has suitable processing circuitry and memory), on a
suitable analog or digital receiver connected to television 36, or
on digital storage device 31 if digital storage device 31 has
suitable processing circuitry and memory. The interactive
television program guide may also run cooperatively on a suitable
combination of these devices. Interactive television program guide
systems in which a cooperative interactive television program guide
runs on multiple devices are described, for example, in Ellis U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/186,598, filed Nov. 5, 1998, which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0051] Secondary storage device 32 can be any suitable type of
analog or digital program storage device or player (e.g., a
videocassette recorder, a digital versatile disc (DVD) player,
etc.). Program recording and other features may be controlled by
set-top box 28 using control path 34. If secondary storage device
32 is a videocassette recorder, for example, a typical control path
34 involves the use of an infrared transmitter coupled to the
infrared receiver in the videocassette recorder that normally
accepts commands from a remote control such as remote control 40.
Remote control 40 may be used to control set-top box 28, secondary
storage device 32, and television 36.
[0052] If desired, a user may record programs, program guide data,
or a combination thereof in digital form on optional digital
storage device 31. Digital storage device 31 may be a writeable
optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling
recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk
drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device.
Interactive television program guide systems that have digital
storage devices are described, for example, in Hassell et al. U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/157,256, filed Sep. 17, 1998, which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0053] Digital storage device 31 can be contained in set-top box 28
or it can be an external device connected to set-top box 28 via an
output port and appropriate interface. If necessary, processing
circuitry in set-top box 28 formats the received video, audio and
data signals into a digital file format. Preferably, the file
format is an open file format such as the Moving Picture Experts
Group (MPEG) MPEG-2 standard or the Moving Joint Photographic
Experts Group (MJPEG) standard. The resulting data is streamed to
digital storage device 31 via an appropriate bus (e.g., a bus using
the Institute Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394
standard), and is stored on digital storage device 31. In another
suitable approach, an MPEG-2 data stream or series of files may be
received from distribution equipment 21 and stored.
[0054] Television 36 receives video signals from secondary storage
device 32 via communications path 38. The video signals on
communications path 38 may either be generated by secondary storage
device 32 when playing back a prerecorded storage medium (e.g., a
videocassette or a recordable digital video disc), by digital
storage device 31 when playing back a pre-recorded digital medium,
may be passed through from set-top box 28, may be provided directly
to television 36 from set-top box 28 if secondary storage device 32
is not included in user television equipment 22, or may be received
directly by television 36. During normal television viewing, the
video signals provided to television 36 correspond to the desired
channel to which a user has tuned with set-top box 28. Video
signals may also be provided to television 36 by set-top box 28
when set-top box 28 is used to play back information stored on
digital storage device 31.
[0055] Set-top box 28 may have memory 44. Memory 44 may be any
memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory
(RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a
combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable for storing
program guide instructions and program guide data for use by the
program guide.
[0056] Set-top box 28 may have communications device 37 for
communicating directly with application server 25 or Internet
service system 61 over communications path 20. Communications
device 37 may be a modem (e.g., any suitable analog or digital
standard, cellular, or cable modem), network interface card (e.g.,
an Ethernet card, Token ring card, etc.), or other suitable
communications device. Television 36 may also have such a suitable
communications device if desired. In another suitable approach,
user television equipment 22 may communicate with Internet service
system 61 via distribution equipment 21 using a suitable return
path.
[0057] A more generalized embodiment of user television equipment
22 of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, program guide
data from distribution facility 16 (FIG. 1) is received by control
circuitry 42 of user television equipment 22. The functions of
control circuitry 42 may be provided using the set-top box
arrangement of FIGS. 2a and 2b. Alternatively, these functions may
be integrated into an advanced television receiver, personal
computer television (PC/TV), or any other suitable arrangement. If
desired, a combination of such arrangements may be used.
[0058] User television equipment 22 may also have secondary storage
device 47 and digital storage device 49 for recording programming.
Secondary storage device 47 can be any suitable type of analog or
digital program storage device (e.g., a videocassette recorder, a
digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.). Program recording and other
features may be controlled by control circuitry 42. Digital storage
device 49 may be, for example, a writeable optical storage device
(such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a
magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or
any other digital storage device.
[0059] User television equipment 22 may also have memory 63. Memory
63 may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard
disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable
for storing program guide instructions and program guide data for
use by control circuitry 42.
[0060] User television equipment 22 of FIG. 4 may also have
communications device 51 for supporting communications between the
program guide (or other application) and distribution equipment 21
or Internet service system 61 via communications path 20.
Communications device 51 may be a modem (e.g., any suitable analog
or digital standard, cellular, or cable modem), network interface
card (e.g., an Ethernet card, Token ring card, etc.), or other
suitable communications device.
[0061] Main facility 12 of FIG. 1 may include log analyzer 31 as
described above. Log analyzer 30 may make changes to a promotional
selection algorithm if the algorithm does not provide for optimal
selection of indicators of video-on-demand offerings. Updating
promotional selection algorithms may be performed as described, for
example, in above-mentioned Lumley et al. U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/227,401, filed Jan. 9, 1999. FIG. 5 is an illustrative
dataflow diagram for analyzing a selection log to determine if
indicators are being selected optimally. Log analyzer 31 may, for
example, be programmed with desirable occurrences database 400 and
undesirable occurrences database 410. Desirable occurrences
database 400 may include a number of rules that define desirable
selections. Desirable occurrences database 400 may, for example,
define as desirable having a large number of indicators for
programs of a particular theme during a particular time slot,
having certain indicators for programs in certain time slots for
different time zones, having particular indicators sent to
distribution facilities of a certain service configuration (e.g.,
providers of multiple video-on-demand channels as opposed to those
with few), or any other suitable desirable occurrence.
[0062] Undesirable occurrences database 410 may include a number of
rules that define undesirable selections. Undesirable occurrences
database 410 may define as undesirable, for example, having the
same indicator presented more than one time in a row or more than a
number of times an hour, having indicators of a particular theme
during a particular time slot (e.g., adult video-on-demand
promotions at 3:00 p.m.), or any other undesirable occurrence.
[0063] Selection log analyzer engine 420 running on log analyzer 31
may compare the selection log 430 with desirable occurrences
database 400 and undesirable occurrences database 410. Selection
log analyzer engine 420 may be any suitable process or application
capable of, for example, comparing selection log 430, desirable
occurrences database 400, and undesirable occurrences database 410.
Selection log analyzer engine 420 may make changes to the
promotional selection algorithm to increase the likelihood of
having desirable occurrences and to reduce the likelihood of having
undesirable occurrences. The new promotional selection algorithm
may be generated by selection log analyzer engine 420 and provided
by data source 14 to interactive application equipment 17 for use
by indicator selector 44 during indicator selection.
[0064] The selection log may also be used by main facility 12 to
test planned changes for a promotional selection algorithm. Main
facility 12 may have, for example, an indicator selector 44 and a
log generator 43 to which indicators are supplied and selected
according to a test promotional selection algorithm. The test
promotional selection algorithm may, for example, be a modified
version of the current algorithm used by indicator list generator
44 at the distribution facilities 16, or it may be a totally new
algorithm. The test selection log may be analyzed by log analyzer
31, and the system may change the test promotional selection
algorithm if indicators are not being presented optimally. This
process may continue until the test promotional selection algorithm
selects indicators as close to optimally as may be determined
without running the promotional selection algorithm in the
field.
[0065] The promotional selection algorithm already running on
interactive application equipment 17 may be modified or may be
replaced by the test promotional selection algorithm. Promotional
selection algorithm testing may also be accomplished by running a
test promotional selection algorithm on interactive application
equipment 17 in addition to an already running promotional
selection algorithm (e.g., as a separate process).
[0066] The interactive display generated by the program guide or
other interactive application may include any suitable indicator of
video-on-demand offerings and any other suitable content.
Indicators of video-on-demand offerings may include, for example,
promotions for video-on-demand offerings, program listings for
video-on-demand offerings, or any other suitable indicator. The
interactive display may include, for example, a browse display that
provides a user with an opportunity to browse video-on-demand
program listings while watching a television program. The
interactive display may include, for example, a series of buttons
or other selectable on-screen display elements that contain
listings for video-on-demand program listings. In still another
suitable approach, the interactive display may include a screening
room that allows users to watch previews or clips of
video-on-demand programs by selecting video-on-demand program
listings. Indicators of video-on-demand offerings are included in
the interactive display based on the promotional selection
algorithm.
[0067] FIG. 6 shows illustrative "BROWSE" overlay 230 that the
program guide may display when a user opts to browse through
program listings for a given time slot while watching a program. A
user may browse through program listings by, for example, using
remote control arrow keys. The BROWSE overlay allows a user to
continue to watch a program on a particular channel (e.g., channel
2) while browsing for information on programs that are playing on
other channels and at other times.
[0068] The program guide may provide a user with an opportunity to
change time slots and channels in order to browse through
additional program listings for video-on-demand programs according
to the selection algorithm. Indicator list generator 44 may, for
example, select program listings for video-on-demand programs
before listings for regular channels. A user may indicate a desire
to browse through additional program listings by, for example,
pressing "up", "down", "left", and "right" arrows to access
additional channels and time slots. After the user browses through
listing for video-on-demand programs, the program guide may provide
listings for non-video-on-demand programs.
[0069] Browse overlay 230 may also include selectable
advertisements, such as selectable advertisements 221. Selectable
advertisements 221 may, for example, include text, graphics, video,
audio, animations, or other multimedia advertising the
video-on-demand programs or other television programs, channels, or
products. When a user selects a selectable advertisement 221, the
program guide may display information (e.g., video-on-demand
program information) or take other actions related to the content
of the advertisement. Advertisements 221 may be included in browse
overlay 230 according to the selection algorithm. If desired,
different selection algorithms may be run for selecting indicators
and for selecting promotions.
[0070] A main menu screen, such as illustrative main menu screen
100 of FIG. 7, may include menu 102 of selectable program guide
features 106. If desired, program guide features 106 may be
organized according to feature type. In menu 102, for example,
program guide features 106 have been organized into three columns.
The column labeled "TV GUIDE" is for listings related features, the
column labeled "MSO SHOWCASE" is for multiple service organization
(MSO) related features, and the column labeled "VIEWER SERVICES" is
for viewer related features. The interactive television program
guide may generate a display screen for a particular program guide
feature when a user selects that feature from menu 102.
[0071] Main menu screen 100 may include one or more selectable
advertisements 108. Selectable advertisements 108 may, for example,
include text, graphics, video, audio, animations, or other
multimedia advertising video-on-demand programs or other programs,
channels, or products, based on the promotional selection
algorithm. When a user selects a selectable advertisement 108, the
program guide may display information (e.g., video-on-demand
program information) or take other actions related to the content
of the advertisement. Pure text advertisements may be presented, if
desired, as illustrated by selectable advertisement banner 110.
Advertisements 108 and 110 may be included in main menu screen 100
(or other screens) according to one or more promotional selection
algorithms if desired.
[0072] Main menu screen 100 may also include other screen elements.
The brand of the program guide product may be indicated, for
example, using a product brand logo graphic such as product brand
logo graphic 112. The identity of the television service provider
may be presented, for example, using a service provider logo
graphic such as service provider logo graphic 114. The logos may be
included in the program guide data allowing for on-the-fly
configurability of the display screens. The current time may be
displayed in clock display region 116. In addition, a suitable
indicator such as indicator graphic 118 may be used to indicate to
a user that mail from a cable operator or program guide provider is
waiting for a user if the program guide supports messaging
functions.
[0073] The interactive television program guide may provide a user
with an opportunity to view video-on-demand program listings. A
user may indicate a desire to view video-on-demand program listings
by, for example, positioning highlight region 120 over a desired
program guide feature 106, such as "VOD Listings" feature 106.
Alternatively, the program guide may present video-on-demand
program listings when a user presses a suitable key (e.g., a
"guide" key) on remote control 40. When a user indicates a desire
to view video-on-demand program listings, the program guide
generates an appropriate video-on-demand program listings screen
for display on display device 45 (FIG. 4). A video-on-demand
program listings screen may contain one or more groups or lists of
video-on-demand program listings organized according to one or more
organization criteria (e.g., by time, by program category,
etc.).
[0074] The program guide may, for example, provide a user with an
opportunity to view video-on-demand listings by time, according to
a number of categories (e.g., movies, sports, children, etc.), or
may allow a user to search for a listing by title. Video-on-demand
program listings may be displayed using any suitable list, table,
grid, or other suitable display arrangement. If desired,
video-on-demand program listings screens may include selectable
advertisements, product brand logo graphics, service provider brand
graphics, clocks, or any other suitable indicator or graphic.
[0075] An illustrative video-on-demand by time program listings
screen 130 is shown in FIG. 8. Program listings screen 130 of FIG.
8 may include highlight region 151, which highlights the current
program listing 150. A user may position highlight region 151 by
entering appropriate commands with user interface 46. For example,
if user interface 46 has a keypad, a user can position highlight
region 151 using "up" and "down" arrow keys on remote control 40. A
user may select a listing by, for example, pressing on the "OK" or
"info" key on remote control 40. Alternatively, a touch sensitive
screen, trackball, voice recognition device, or other suitable
device may be used to move highlight region 151 or to select
program listings without the use of highlight region 151. In still
another approach, a user may speak a television program listing
into a voice request recognition system. These methods of selecting
program listings are merely illustrative. Any other suitable
approach for selecting program listings may be used if desired.
[0076] A user may view additional video-on-demand listings for the
time slot indicated in timebar 111 by, for example, pressing an
"up" or "down" arrow, or a "page up" or "page down" key on remote
control 40. The user may also see listings for the next 24 hour
period, or the last 24 hour period, by pressing a "day forward" or
"day backward" key on remote control 40, respectively. If there are
no listings starting exactly 24 hours in the indicated direction,
the program guide may pick programs starting at either closer or
further than 24 hours away. If desired, the program guide may
require a user to scroll through advertisement banner 110. A user
may view program listings for other time slots by, for example,
pressing "right" and "left" arrows on remote control 40, or by
scrolling up or down until listings for the next time slot are
displayed. Timebar 111 may change its display to the previous or
next time slot accordingly.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, the displayed indicators, in this
example listings 150, are not displayed in channel or source order
because the listings are displayed according to a promotional
selection algorithm which may cause indicator selector 44 to select
listings from video-on-demand channels or sources in a way that
presents the most desirable indicators (e.g., the indicators that
satisfy primary playability levels of a promotional philosophy)
before other indicators. If desired, the sources for the indicators
may be generated in real time, and listings 150 labeled
accordingly, so that the user is not aware that the listings are
presented out of order.
[0078] FIG. 9 shows another illustrative interactive display in
which indicators of video-on-demand programming are displayed
according to a promotional selection algorithm. Screening room 900
of FIG. 9 may provide users with an opportunity to preview one or
more video-on-demand programs by, for example, selecting a listing
150. The listings 150 are selected for presentation by indicator
selector 44 according to the promotional selection algorithm. In
this example, the promotional philosophy may require that only
movies starring Arnold Schwarzeneggar are available for previewing.
Video window 910 may display a clip of a movie or a trailer
associated with a movie when the user selects a listing 150. In
another suitable approach, the display of video window 910 may be
synchronized with the currently highlighted listings 150; that is,
as the user navigates within listings 150, video window 810 may
display a clip or preview associated with the currently highlighted
listing.
[0079] FIGS. 10-11 are flowcharts of illustrative steps involved in
providing indicators of video-on-demand programs according to a
promotional selection algorithm in accordance with the principles
of the present invention. The steps shown in FIGS. 10-12 are
illustrative and may generally be performed in any suitable order.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in operating
the system of FIG. 1. Main facility 12 provides data on promotions
for indicators to interactive application equipment 17 at step
1000. At step 1010, environmental situations, e.g., the weather,
are detected and detectable environmental situation information is
provided to indicator selector 44.
[0080] At step 1020, indicators are selected for display 1020 by
indicator selector 44. Indicators are selected for display
according to the promotional selection algorithm, such as a
promotional philosophy. The selected indicators are presented in
the interactive display at step 1030. The interactive display may
be any suitable display such as, for example, a browse display,
listings screen, screening room, or any other suitable interactive
display.
[0081] Information on which indicators are selected or presented is
stored by log generator 43 in a selection log at step 1040. At step
1050, the selection log may be provided to main facility 12 for
analysis. The selection log may be provided to main facility 12
using any suitable transmission method (e.g., telephone dial-up,
very small aperture transmission (VSAT), portable storage media,
etc.). The selection log may be analyzed by log analyzer 31 to
determine if indicators are being optimally selected or presented
(step 1060). For example, the selection log may be compared with a
desirable occurrences and an undesirable occurrences database. If
desired, the promotional selection algorithm can be changed to
increase the likelihood of desirable occurrences and to decrease
the likelihood of undesirable occurrences (step 1070). At step
1080, the changed promotional selection algorithm may be provided
to interactive application equipment 17.
[0082] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in
testing a promotional selection algorithm in accordance with the
present invention. Testing of a promotional selection algorithm may
be desirable when changes to the promotional selection algorithm
are proposed and it is desirable to see how the new promotional
selection algorithm will affect the selection of indicators for the
interactive display. At step 1100, a promotional selection
algorithm is tested using the selection log to determine if the
system will select indicators optimally. This may be accomplished,
for example, by comparing the selection log with a desirable
occurrence database and an undesirable occurrences database. The
testing may be performed at the main facility or other interested
testing facility, or by monitoring a separate process running on
interactive application equipment 17. System testing information
(e.g., the types or number of desirable and undesirable occurrences
that occur) may be generated at step 1110. If the promotional
selection algorithm as tested is desirable, changes to the existing
promotional selection algorithm are made accordingly at step 144.
The existing promotional selection algorithm may be replaced by the
test promotional selection algorithm.
[0083] Thus, an interactive display having indicators of
video-on-demand programs selected according to a promotional
selection algorithm is provided. The principles of the present
invention may be applied to any suitable system in which any type
of information or programming, whether data, audio, video, test or
graphic, and whether analog or digital, is provided on demand. For
example, the principles of the present invention may be used in an
audio-on-demand system. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
the present invention can be practiced by other than the described
embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and
not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the
claims which follow.
* * * * *