U.S. patent application number 11/042820 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for interactive television targeted message system.
This patent application is currently assigned to United Video Properties, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ellis, Michael D..
Application Number | 20050204382 11/042820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22606302 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050204382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ellis, Michael D. |
September 15, 2005 |
Interactive television targeted message system
Abstract
An interactive television system is provided in which targeted
messages may be sent to users. The interactive television system
may use an interactive television program guide or other
interactive applications to provide interactive television services
to users. An e-mail or other messaging application may be used to
receive the messages. The messaging application may be separate
from the program guide or other interactive television application
or may be part of the program guide or other interactive television
application. Messages may be targeted based on the television
channels to which the user subscribes or based on which settings
the user has established in the program guide or other application
or based on any other suitable criteria.
Inventors: |
Ellis, Michael D.; (Boulder,
CO) |
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: |
22606302 |
Appl. No.: |
11/042820 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11042820 |
Jan 25, 2005 |
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09717729 |
Nov 21, 2000 |
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60167184 |
Nov 23, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/35 ;
348/E7.063; 348/E7.074; 725/109; 725/110; 725/112; 725/113; 725/34;
725/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 7/163 20130101;
H04N 21/454 20130101; H04N 21/4788 20130101; H04N 7/17345 20130101;
H04N 21/4882 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101;
H04N 21/8126 20130101; H04N 21/47214 20130101; H04N 21/4826
20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/4786 20130101; H04N 7/173
20130101; H04N 21/25891 20130101; H04N 21/44222 20130101; H04N
21/4532 20130101; H04N 21/4755 20130101; H04N 21/26283 20130101;
H04N 7/165 20130101; H04N 21/4825 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/035 ;
725/034; 725/109; 725/110; 725/112; 725/113; 725/042 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/173; G06F
013/00; H04N 005/445; G06F 003/00; H04N 007/10; H04N 007/025; H04N
007/16 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a targeted message to a user of an
interactive television application, comprising: using the
interactive television application to order a product or service;
storing user information relating to the ordered product or service
in user equipment; creating a message having associated targeting
criteria at a first location; distributing the message along with
the targeting criteria from the first location to the user
equipment; comparing the targeting criteria to the stored user
information relating to the ordered product or service at the user
equipment; and presenting the message to the user when the
targeting is criteria are satisfied.
2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the distributing the
message comprises distributing the message through the Internet or
a television distribution facility.
3. (canceled)
4. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the distributing the
message comprises distributing the message through the Internet and
a television distribution facility.
5. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the presenting the message
comprises presenting the message using a set-top box.
6. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the presenting the message
comprises presenting the message using a digital video
recorder.
7. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising: using the
interactive television application to set a reminder based upon
user input; and comparing the targeting criteria to stored user
information relating to the reminder.
8. (canceled)
9. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising: using the
interactive television application to set a favorite setting; and
comparing the targeting criteria to stored user information
relating to the favorite setting.
10. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising: using the
interactive television application to set a parental control; and
comparing the targeting criteria to stored user information
relating to the parental control.
11. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising: using the
interactive television application to select content for recording;
and comparing the targeting criteria to stored user information
relating to the content.
12-14. (canceled)
15. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising providing the
message from an interactive television application provider or a
television service provider.
16. (canceled)
17. A system for providing a targeted message to a user of an
interactive television application, comprising: a first processor
that creates a message having associated targeting criteria and
that causes the message to be distributed along with the targeting
criteria to the user; user equipment that stores user information
relating to a product or service that is ordered using the
interactive television application, that compares the targeting
criteria with stored user information relating to the ordered
product or service and that causes the message to be presented to
the user for which the targeting is criteria are satisfied.
18. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the first processor is
part of a television distribution facility.
19. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the first processor also
causes the message to be distributed through the Internet.
20. (canceled)
21. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the user equipment
comprises a set-top box.
22. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the user equipment
comprises a digital video recorder.
23. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the user equipment also
sets a reminder based upon user input and compares the targeting
criteria to stored user information relating to the reminder.
24. (canceled)
25. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the user equipment also
sets a favorites setting based upon user input and compares the
targeting criteria to stored user information relating to the
favorites setting.
26. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the user equipment also
sets a parental control based upon user input and compares the
targeting criteria to stored user information relating to the
parental control.
27. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the user equipment also
selects content for recording based upon user input and compares
the targeting criteria to stored user information relating to the
content.
28-30. (canceled)
31. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the first processor is
part of an interactive television application provider or a
television service provider.
32. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 60/167,184, filed Nov. 23, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to distributing and using electronic
messages in an interactive television environment.
[0003] Interactive television applications such as program guides
are well known. Such guides, which are typically implemented on
set-top boxes, allow users to view television program listings on
their home televisions. Typical program guides allow users to view
information for television programs and channels and audio programs
and channels. For example, a program guide may provide information
on regular television channels, premium television channels,
pay-per-view television channels, and music channels. A variety of
display formats are typically supported. For example, program
listings may be organized by time, by channel, and by category
(sports, children, comedy, movies, etc.).
[0004] Other interactive television applications include e-mail
readers, web browsers, video-on-demand applications, home banking
applications, home shopping applications, etc.
[0005] Program guides typically receive program schedule data from
a central source. Various data distribution schemes may be used. In
one suitable distribution scheme, a global set of program schedule
data is transmitted nationwide to numerous cable systems. Each
cable system typically has a different channel lineup.
[0006] As a result, the global set of program schedule data that is
provided by the central source includes data for all cable systems.
The global program schedule data may be filtered so that only an
appropriate subset of the data is delivered to each subscriber.
[0007] The central program guide data source may distribute
messages to all subscribers in a particular cable system. Cable
operators may also communicate with their subscribers using
messages. For example, a cable operator may send a message to a
subscriber who has not paid their last bill.
[0008] It has not been possible, however, to use existing systems
to deliver messages to particular subscribers that are targeted
based on criteria such as subscriber-defined program guide settings
or the channels to which the subscriber has subscribed.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide targeted messaging systems for television service
subscribers in a cable television system, satellite television
system, broadcast television system, or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, an interactive
television system is provided. Television programming is delivered
to users with equipment such as television equipment based on
set-top boxes or the like or computer equipment. The system
provides targeted messages to the users at such user equipment.
[0011] Interactive television applications such as program guides,
interactive messaging applications (e.g., e-mail readers), web
browsers, and other such applications may be implemented using the
user equipment. Applications may be run locally (e.g., on a set-top
box or personal computer) or may use a client-server architecture
(e.g., an arrangement in which a set-top box or other platform acts
as a client processor and generates requests for data from a server
processor such as a server computer located at a cable system
headend or a server computer located on the Internet).
[0012] Program guides based on set-top box systems may be provided
that display television, messages, menu options, and various
program guide display screens on a monitor (e.g., a television)
that is connected to the set-top box.
[0013] Messages, which may be e-mail or other subscriber messages,
may be targeted to a user based on which television programming and
other services are available in the user's home. For example, an
interactive television application provider or other service
provider may send a message to all users (e.g., all program guide
users) who have or who do not have a specific channel in their
local lineup or who have or who have not subscribed to a particular
channel or other service. Messages may also be sent to all users
who have or who have not set a reminder for a specific program or
other content, who have or who have not scheduled a specific
program or other content for recording, or who have or who have not
selected a specific program, channel, or other content as a
favorite. If desired, messages may be sent to all users who have or
who have not ordered specific products or services, (e.g., a
specific pay-per-view (PPV) program, a specific package of
pay-per-view programs, video-on-demand, a specific product, etc.).
Messages may be targeted based on parental control settings. Any
suitable combination of these criteria or other suitable criteria
may be used.
[0014] As an example, a message may be targeted to those users who
have or who have not subscribed to or ordered a particular set of
channels or any channel in a set of channels.
[0015] The messages may be used by a program guide or other
application to send programming-related messages such as last
minute schedule changes to only those users who might be
interested. Users who do not subscribe to the affected service need
not be notified of such changes.
[0016] If desired, messages may be distributed by a cable provider
or programmer (to a program guide or independent of any program
guide) to target messages to users who are interested in a
particular program or who do not have access to certain programming
and hence might be potential customers.
[0017] Messages may be distributed to user television equipment and
user computer equipment from a computer at a main facility such as
a program guide data source facility. Messages may be distributed
through a plurality of television distribution facilities (e.g.,
cable system headends or the like). Messages may also be
distributed to set-top boxes from equipment at the television
distribution facilities.
[0018] Messages may be provided with targeting criteria. For
example, messages may be tagged with a unique identifier (ID) or a
list of unique IDs associated with the referenced program(s) or
channel(s). As an example, to target a message only to Home Box
Office (HBO) subscribers, the message may be prefaced with a code
indicating that a channel source ID will follow, and that only
users authorized for that source ID should receive that
message.
[0019] The message may be automatically accepted or discarded by
the user's message receipt/display application. That application
may be an e-mail application, may be part of a program guide, or
may be part of any other suitable application.
[0020] The application may be implemented using user equipment in
the home such as a set-top box, or it may be client-server based,
with only the client application in the home.
[0021] 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
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative interactive
television system in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of illustrative user
television equipment in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is schematic diagram of additional illustrative user
television equipment in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of illustrative user computer
equipment in accordance with the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of illustrative user equipment
in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users in accordance with the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how messages may have associated
targeting criteria in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users based on which reminders have
been set in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users based on which services the
user subscribes to in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users based on which favorites
settings the user has established in accordance with the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users based on which parental
control settings the user has established in accordance with the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users based on which content the
user has selected for recording in accordance with the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users based on which products and
services the user has ordered in accordance with the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in
providing targeted messages to users based on settings from a
television service provider in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] An illustrative interactive television system 10 is shown in
FIG. 1. A user at user equipment 12 may receive television
programming and other services from television distribution
facility 14 over communications path 16. Television distribution
facility 14 may be a satellite television facility, a cable system
headend, a broadcast facility, or any other suitable facility for
distributing television programming to the user. Communications
path 16 may be a satellite link, a broadcast link, a cable link, a
fiber-optic link, a combination of such links, or any other
suitable link. There may be numerous television distribution
facilities, but only one such facility is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid
overcomplicating the drawings.
[0037] Television programming may be provided over path 16 using
any suitable approach. For example, television programming may be
provided as analog television signals, as digital streams, or as a
combination of analog signals and digital streams.
[0038] An interactive television program guide may be implemented
using user equipment 12. For example, an interactive television
program guide may be implemented on user equipment 12. If desired,
the interactive television program guide may be implemented using a
client-server or distributed architecture in which user equipment
12 acts as the client processor and servers or other computing
equipment such as server 18 act as one or more server
processors.
[0039] Program guide data for the program guide application (e.g.,
program listings, program descriptions, etc.) may be provided to
the program guide for storage in a program guide database. Such a
database may be maintained on a server such as server 18 or on user
equipment 12 or any other suitable location. Program guide data and
other data used by the program guide may be distributed using any
suitable data distribution technique. For example, if the program
guide application is implemented using user equipment 12, program
guide data may be distributed to user equipment 12 in the
television vertical blanking interval, on a sideband, using a
separate data path from the televison signal or a separable data
stream, etc. Computer 19, server 18, and server 28 preferably
include a processor to handle information distribution tasks.
[0040] User equipment 12 preferably includes a processor to handle
tasks associated with implementing a program guide application.
User equipment 12 may connect to the Internet or other suitable
communications network 24 via path 16, television distribution
facility 14, and path 26. Path 26 may be any suitable
communications path, such as a cable link, a satellite link, a
fiber-optic link, telephone link, wireless link, or any other such
path or combination of such paths.
[0041] User equipment 12 may also connect to communications network
24 over link 27, which may be any suitable communications path,
such as a cable link, a satellite link, a fiber-optic link, or any
other such path or combination of such paths.
[0042] Regardless of how user equipment 12 connects to
communications network 24, user equipment 12 may receive content
from computers such as server 18, server 28, and computer 19. For
example, user equipment 12 may support a web browser that allows
the user to view web pages or the like or an e-mail or other
messaging application that allows the user to receive messages. If
desired, the user may view web pages that are stored on server 18
using a web browser.
[0043] Applications other than web browser applications and e-mail
applications may also be used to obtain content and access services
from computers such as server 18, server 28, and computer 19.
Suitable applications include interactive program guide
applications, home shopping applications, home banking
applications, video-on-demand applications, etc. E-mail
applications and web browser capabilities may be incorporated into
such applications and program guide applications if desired. A
common navigation shell may be used to provide access to the
applications if desired.
[0044] Servers such as servers 18 and 28 may be associated with
Internet service providers, program guide providers, application
providers, cable system operators, broadcast or satellite
television operators, etc. Computer 19 may be associated with an
interactive television application provider.
[0045] If desired, program schedule information may be provided to
user equipment 12 from computer 19 of program guide data source 20
using communications path 30, communications network 24, and
communications path 27. Communications path 30 may be any suitable
communications path, such as a wired link, a satellite link, a
fiber-optic link, or any other such path or combination of such
paths.
[0046] Users may use various types of user equipment to receive
television programming from television distribution facility 14 and
to receive messages and access services such as interactive
television program guides and non-program-guide applications. For
example, user equipment may be based on user television equipment
such as a set-top box and a television. User equipment may also be
based on a personal computer. If desired, user equipment
arrangements may be based on personal computer televisions (PC/TVs)
and WebTV boxes.
[0047] Illustrative user television equipment 32 is shown in FIG.
2. Each set-top box 34 preferably contains a processor to handle
tasks associated with implementing a program guide application on
set-top box 34. Set-top box 34 is typically connected to a
television 38 or other display device. Set-top box 34 may receive
television programming and data at line or input 35. Set-top box 34
may have analog and digital television tuning circuitry for
handling analog and digital television signals. Television signals
may be passed to videocassette recorder 36 or any other suitable
recording device for recording. Set-top box 34 may also control the
operation of videocassette recorder 36. For example, set-top box 34
may issue infrared commands that are received by videocassette
recorder 36 at the same inputs at which standard remote control
commands are received.
[0048] Videocassette recorder 36 may be connected to television 38.
Television programming and graphic display screens generated by
applications implemented using set-top box 34 may be passed from
set-top box 34 to television 38 through videocassette recorder 36.
If desired, videocassette recorder 36 may be omitted.
[0049] Set-top box 34 has memory and processing circuitry. This
allows set-top box 34 to be used to implement applications that
support an interactive television program guide, web browsing and
Internet access, e-mail and other messaging services, and other
services such as home shopping, home banking, and video-on-demand
services, etc.
[0050] A remote control 40 such as an infrared remote control may
be used to control set-top box 34, videocassette recorder 36, and
television 38. Remote control 40 may have buttons 42 such as a
power button, right, left, up, and down arrow keys, an OK or select
key, a favorites or fav key, a lock or parental control key, a
record key, etc.
[0051] Illustrative user television equipment 44 based on a digital
video recorder 46 is shown in FIG. 3. Digital video recorder 46 may
receive television programming and may access interactive services
using line or input 48. Digital video recorder 46 may have analog
and digital tuning circuitry to receive and process television
signals. Digital video recorder 46 may be used to record television
programs in any suitable format. For example, digital videos may be
stored using the MPEG-2 format.
[0052] Recorded videos or real-time videos from input 48 may be
displayed on television 50 or any other suitable monitor. A remote
control 52 such as an infrared remote control may be used to
control digital video recorder 46 and television 50. Remote control
52 may have buttons such as a power button, right, left, up, and
down arrow keys, an OK or select key, a favorites or fav key, a
lock or parental control key, a record key, etc.
[0053] Digital video recorder 46 has memory and processing
circuitry that allows digital video recorder 46 to be used to
implement applications that support an interactive television
program guide, web browsing and Internet access, e-mail and other
messaging services, and other services such as home shopping, home
banking, and video-on-demand services, etc. Television programming
and display screens generated by interactive applications may be
displayed on television 50.
[0054] Illustrative user computer equipment 54 is shown in FIG. 4.
User computer equipment 54 may be based on a personal computer 56
or any other suitable computing device. A personal computer with
television capabilities will hereinafter be referred to as personal
computer 56. Each personal computer 56 preferably contains a
processor to handle tasks associated with implementing a program
guide application on personal computer 56. Personal computer 56 is
typically connected to a monitor 62 or other display device.
Personal computer 56 may receive television programing and
information for interactive services using line or input 58.
Personal computer 56 may contain a tuner card or other suitable
circuitry for handling analog and digital television signals.
Personal computer 56 may also contain memory and processing
circuitry that allows personal computer 56 to be used to implement
applications that support an interactive television program guide,
web browsing and Internet access, e-mail and other messaging
services, and other services such as home shopping, home banking,
and video-on-demand services, etc.
[0055] Television signals and screens generated by interactive
applications may be displayed on monitor 62.
[0056] The user may interact with personal computer 56 using any
suitable user input interface, such as keyboard 62, a pointing
device such as a trackball, mouse, or touch pad, a voice
recognition system, a handwriting recognition system, etc. If
desired, the user may interact with personal computer 56 using a
wireless remote control such as remote control 64. Remote control
64 may be, for example, an infrared remote control.
[0057] User equipment 12 such as user television equipment 32 or 44
of FIGS. 2 and 3 and user computer equipment 54 of FIG. 4 may
communicate with communications network 24 and television
distribution facility 14 and other facilities using telephone
modems, cable modems, digital subscriber line (DSL) modems,
integrated digital services network (ISDN) modems, wireless
communications circuitry, or any other suitable communications
circuitry.
[0058] A generalized schematic diagram of user equipment 12 of FIG.
1 is shown in FIG. 5. Control circuitry 66 and memory and storage
70 may have communications and memory and processing circuitry for
supporting functions such as receiving television programming and
e-mail and other messages and accessing interactive services over
line 68. Line 68 may connect to communications paths such as paths
16 and 27 of FIG. 1. Videos may be stored in storage 70. Television
programming and text, graphics, and video associated with
interactive services may be presented to the user with display 72.
Display 72 may be a television, a computer monitor, or any other
suitable display equipment.
[0059] The user may interact with control circuitry 66 using any
suitable user input interface 74, such as a remote control, a
keyboard, a wireless keyboard, a display remote, a handheld
computer, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, or any other suitable
input device.
[0060] Program listings information may be provided to the user
with user equipment 12. For example, an interactive television
program guide that is implemented using user equipment 12 may be
used to display various screens of program listings organized by
time, by television channel, by time and channel (e.g., in the form
of a grid or the like), etc.
[0061] Program guide data sources such as program guide data source
20 may distribute television program listings to multiple
television distribution facilities. Only one such television
distribution facility 14 is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid
overcomplicating the drawings. Each television distribution
facility may have a different channel lineup. Moreover, each user
associated with a given television distribution facility may
subscribe to different channels. Users may also set various
settings in program guides or other applications.
[0062] If desired, the information on which services the user
subscribes to, the reminders that the user has set, information on
the favorites settings of the user, information on the user's
parental control settings, information on which content the user
has set for recording, information on which products and services
(e.g., pay-per-view programs) the user has ordered, and other such
information may be stored in user equipment 12. In another suitable
approach, the information may be stored on a remote computer such
as server 18, server 28, or computer 19. Servers such as server 18
are associated with the television distribution facility from which
the user receives television programming. If a program guide or
other interactive television application is implemented using a
client-server arrangement involving user equipment 12 and server
18, the information may be stored at server 18 by a client-server
application. If server 28 supports an on-line program guide, the
information may be stored at server 28 by the on-line program
guide. Any other suitable approach or a combination of such
approaches may also be used.
[0063] The interactive television application provider or
television service provider such as a cable system operator at
television distribution facility 14 may send targeted messages to
users at user equipment 12. The interactive television application
provider may be a program guide provider at program guide data
source 12, or any other suitable service provider (e.g., an e-mail
service provider, a shopping service provider). The targeted
messages may be based on the services to which the user subscribes,
may be based on which products and services the user orders, may be
based on which settings the user has established in the program
guide or other application, or may be based on any other suitable
criteria.
[0064] Some of the settings that the user may establish in an
interactive program guide include settings related to parental
controls (e.g., whether certain channels or programs have been
locked), favorites or preferences (e.g., whether the user has
informed the program guide of the user's preferences in certain
channels, programs, categories of programming, etc.), recording
(e.g., whether certain programs have been selected for automatic
recording by the program guide), and reminders (e.g., whether the
user has directed the program guide to remind the user when a
particular television program is about to begin). These are merely
illustrative examples. The user may establish any suitable settings
using an interactive television program guide. Moreover, the user
may establish settings using other interactive television
applications such as e-mail applications, home banking
applications, video-on-demand applications, etc.
[0065] The filtering process that occurs when comparing the
targeting criteria with each user's information may be performed at
user equipment 12 or may be performed at any other suitable
location within the message distribution path. For example,
messages may be filtered at television distribution facilities such
as television distribution facility 14, etc.
[0066] Any of these settings or other such information may be used
as criteria for distributing targeted messages to users.
Illustrative steps involved in distributing targeted messages to
users are shown in FIG. 6. At step 76, the program guide provider,
television service provider, or any other service provider may be
provided with an opportunity to create targeted messages. For
example, a message creation tool implemented on computer 19, server
18, or server 28 may be used to create messages. Messages may
promote services, may provide last-minute schedule changes, etc.
Messages may be created automatically by the message creation tool
and targeted toward various classes of users. If desired, messages
may be created with input from personnel at the program guide
provider or television service provider.
[0067] At step 78, the messages are distributed to users. For
example, messages may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0068] At step 80, the user equipment 12 may be used to compare
stored user information with criteria that are associated with the
message. If the criteria are satisfied, the messages may be
presented to the user at step 81. The message may be presented in
the form of a message delivered to the user's e-mail in-box, as a
pop-up overlay on top of the content being displayed on user
equipment 12, or using any other suitable technique.
[0069] In comparing the targeting criteria to the stored user
information at step 80, boolean logic terms (e.g., NOT, AND, OR,
etc.) may be used. For example, a message may be targeted to all
users who subscribe to (HBO or TBS) but NOT (SHO or TMC). Ranges
may also be used. For example, a message may be targeted to all
users who have set reminders for programs scheduled to start after
7:00 PM. Multiple criteria may need to be satisfied. For example,
messages may be targeted to all users who have HBO AND who have SHO
set as a favorite.
[0070] An example of a targeted message is shown in FIG. 7. Message
82 may contain a message body 84, which may contain text, graphics,
audio, or video. Message 82 may also contain message targeting
criteria 86. Message 82 is distributed to user equipment 12 where
targeting criteria 86 are compared with data such as program guide
data. Program guide data may include reminder list 88.
[0071] In the example of FIG. 7, message 82 has been provided with
targeting criteria based on reminders. In particular, the criteria
R(7:00, 13) specifies that the reminder is directed toward users
who have a reminder set for channel 13 at 7:00. If desired, the
channel number may be a source identifier (ID) that uniquely
specifies which the television service of interest. Such a source
ID may be used in program guide data source 20 to globally identify
different sources of programming.
[0072] Regardless of how the channel information is specified, the
information may be compared with the information in the user's
reminder list 88. This allows the program guide, e-mail reader, or
other suitable application at user equipment 12 to determine
whether the user has set a reminder for the designated time and
channel. In the example of FIG. 7, the targeted message may be
presented to the user, because the user has set a reminder
(reminder No. 1) for 7:00 on channel 13.
[0073] Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users
based on reminders settings are shown in FIG. 8. At step 90, the
user may be provided with an opportunity to set a reminder. Such
reminders may include a reminder for a television program, a web
reminder for a web cast, a web reminder for a chat session, a
banking reminder, or any other suitable reminder. For example, a
program listings grid may be displayed on user equipment 12 that
contains program listings for various channels and times. The user
may scroll through the program listings to locate a future program
of interest using a highlight region or the like. When the user has
highlighted a program of interest, the user may press an OK key on
a remote control. This directs the program guide to provide the
user with on-screen options that allow the user to set a reminder.
Information on which reminders have been set by the user may be
stored in user equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19, any
other suitable device, or a combination thereof.
[0074] At step 92, the program guide provider, television service
provider, or any other provider may use a message creation tool to
automatically or manually generate targeted messages to be
delivered to the user. For example, a message may be created that
promotes a new television program that is expected to be popular to
users who enjoy program Z. The message may be targeted to users who
have set reminders for program Z. As another example, a message may
be created that includes information on a last-minute schedule
change for program Z. The message may be targeted to users who have
set reminders for program Z.
[0075] At step 94, the message may be distributed to users. For
example, the message may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0076] At step 96, the program guide or other suitable interactive
television application or the like may compare the targeting
criteria from message 82 with stored user information by the
interactive television application or other application in user
equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable
device, or a combination thereof. In particular, the targeted
message criteria may be compared with information in the user's
reminder list 88 or other such file or data structure stored by the
interactive television program guide or any other suitable
application. If the targeted message criteria are satisfied, the
message may be displayed on user equipment 12 at step 98.
[0077] Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users
based on particular services to which the user subscribes are shown
in FIG. 9. Such services may include television channels, shopping
web sites, etc. At step 100, the user may be provided with an
opportunity to subscribe to certain services. For example, a cable
operator or other television service provider may provide on-screen
options that allow the user to order television services (e.g.,
premium television channels or packages of premium television
channels) through a program guide implemented on user equipment 12.
Television services may also be ordered on-line or over the
telephone. Information on which services have been subscribed to
may be stored on user equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer
19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof.
[0078] At step 102, the program guide provider, television service
provider, or any other provider may use a message creation tool to
automatically or manually generate targeted messages to be
delivered to the user. For example, a message promoting channel X
may be created for all subscribers of channel Y who do not
subscribe to channel X.
[0079] At step 104, the message may be distributed to users. For
example, the message may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0080] At step 106, the program guide or other suitable interactive
television application or the like may compare the targeting
criteria from the message with stored user information by the
interactive television application or other application in user
equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable
device, or a combination thereof. In particular, the targeted
message criteria may be compared with information that indicates
which television channels the user subscribes to. This type of
information may, if desired, be maintained by the program guide, by
the television service provider, or any other suitable provider. If
the targeted message criteria are satisfied, the message may be
displayed on user equipment 12 at step 108.
[0081] Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users
based on favorite channel settings, favorite program settings,
favorite web sites, and other favorites settings are shown in FIG.
10. At step 110, the user may be provided with an opportunity to
set favorites. For example, the interactive television program
guide may provide the user with on-screen lists of programs and
channels. If the user highlights a desired channel or program and
presses a remote control "favorites" key, the program guide will
set that channel or program as a favorite. The user may also
respond to on-screen prompts such as "set this program as a
favorite?" or the like. If desired, preferences or favorites may be
established for certain genres or categories of programming.
Information on the user's favorites settings may be stored on user
equipment 12 (e.g., by the program guide), server 18, server 28,
computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination
thereof.
[0082] At step 112, the program guide provider, television service
provider, or any other provider may use a message creation tool to
automatically or manually generate targeted messages to be
delivered to the user. For example, a message promoting channel X
may be created for all subscribers who have set channel Y as a
favorite, but have not set channel X as a favorite.
[0083] At step 114, the message may be distributed to users. For
example, the message may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0084] At step 116, the program guide or other suitable interactive
television application or the like may compare the targeting
criteria from the message with stored user information by the
interactive television application or other application in user
equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable
device, or a combination thereof. In particular, the targeted
message criteria may be compared with information that indicates
which favorites settings the user has made in the interactive
television program guide or other application that supports
favorites. This type of information may, if desired, be maintained
by the program guide. If the targeted message criteria are
satisfied, the message may be displayed on user equipment 12 at
step 118.
[0085] Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users
based on parental control settings are shown in FIG. 11. At step
120, the user may be provided with an opportunity to set parental
controls. For example, the interactive television program guide may
provide the user with on-screen lists of programs and channels. If
the user highlights a desired channel or program and presses a
remote control "lock" key, the program guide will lock that channel
or program. A subsequent viewer must provide the correct personal
identification number (PIN) to unlock the locked programming.
Programs may also be locked by responding to on-screen options.
Such options may be provided, for example, by a program guide when
the user requests additional information using a remote control
"info" key. If desired, genres of programming may be locked or
programming may be locked based on parental guidance ratings (e.g.,
TV-Y, TV-G, TV-MA, R, NC-17, etc.). As another example, shopping
web sites, genres of web sites, or any other web site or other type
of content may also be locked. Information on the user's parental
control settings (e.g., which programs, channels, genres of
programming, ratings, etc. have been locked) may be stored on user
equipment 12 (e.g., by the program guide), server 18, server 28,
computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination
thereof.
[0086] At step 122, the program guide provider, television service
provider, or any other provider may use a message creation tool to
automatically or manually generate targeted messages to be
delivered to the user. For example, a message promoting channel X
or promoting a pay-per-view program may be created for all
subscribers who have not blocked programming with a TV-MA or R
rating.
[0087] At step 124, the message may be distributed to users. For
example, the message may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0088] At step 126, the program guide or other suitable interactive
television application or the like may compare the targeting
criteria from the message with stored user information by the
interactive television application or other application in user
equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable
device, or a combination thereof. In particular, the targeted
message criteria may be compared with information on the parental
control settings that the user has established using an interactive
program guide or other interactive television application. This
type of information may, if desired, be maintained by the program
guide. If the targeted message criteria are satisfied, the message
may be displayed on user equipment 12 at step 128.
[0089] Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users
based on which content the user has selected for recording are
shown in FIG. 12. Content may include television programs, web
casts, chat sessions, or any other suitable content. At step 130,
the user may be provided with an opportunity to set certain content
to be recorded. For example, the interactive television program
guide may provide the user with on-screen lists of programs and
channels. If the user highlights a desired channel or program and
presses a remote control "record" key, the program guide may set a
timed recording for that program. At the designated time, the
program guide may record the selected program using videocassette
recorder 36 (FIG. 2), digital video recorder 46 (FIG. 3), storage
in personal computer 56 (FIG. 4), memory and storage 70 (FIG. 5),
or other suitable user equipment 12. If desired, programs may also
be recorded using remote equipment such as server 18, server 28, or
computer 19. Programs may also be recorded by responding to
on-screen options. Such options may be provided, for example, by a
program guide when the user requests additional information for a
program using a remote control "info" key. Information on the
user's recording settings (e.g., which programs have been set for
recording) may be stored on user equipment 12 (e.g., by the program
guide), server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable
device, or a combination thereof.
[0090] At step 132, the program guide provider, television service
provider, or any other provider may use a message creation tool to
automatically or manually generate targeted messages to be
delivered to the user. For example, a message promoting program X
may be created for all subscribers who have set program Y to be
recorded.
[0091] At step 134, the message may be distributed to users. For
example, the message may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0092] At step 136, the program guide or other suitable interactive
television application or the like may compare the targeting
criteria from the message with stored user information by the
interactive television application or other application in user
equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable
device, or a combination thereof. In particular, the targeted
message criteria may be compared with information on the recording
settings that the user has established using an interactive program
guide or other interactive television application. This type of
information may, if desired, be maintained by the program guide. If
the targeted message criteria are satisfied, the message may be
displayed on user equipment 12 at step 138.
[0093] Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users
based on which products and services the user has ordered are shown
in FIG. 13. Products and services may include pay-per-view events,
program packages (e.g., all football games on pay-per-view),
merchandise (e.g., clothing), etc. At step 140, the user may be
provided with an opportunity to order products or services. For
example, the interactive television program guide may provide the
user with on-screen lists of programs and channels. If the user
highlights a desired pay-per-view program and presses a remote
control "OK" key, the program guide may provide on-screen options
that allow the user to order the pay-per-view program. Information
on which pay-per-view programs the user has ordered may be stored
on user equipment 12 (e.g., by the program guide), server 18,
server 28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination
thereof. When the user desires to order any products and services,
the system may direct the request via communications network 24
(e.g., the Internet) or any other suitable communications path to
an appropriate vendor.
[0094] At step 142, the program guide provider, television service
provider, or any other provider may use a message creation tool to
automatically or manually generate targeted messages to be
delivered to the user. For example, a message promoting
pay-per-view program X may be created for all subscribers who have
ordered pay-per-view program Y.
[0095] At step 144, the message may be distributed to users. For
example, the message may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0096] At step 146, the program guide or other suitable interactive
television application or the like may compare the targeting
criteria from the message with stored user information by the
interactive television application or other application in user
equipment 12 (e.g., by the program guide), server 18, server 28,
computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof.
In particular, the targeted message criteria may be compared with
information on which pay-per-view events the user has ordered using
an interactive program guide or other interactive television
application. This type of information may, if desired, be
maintained by the program guide. If the targeted message criteria
are satisfied, the message may be displayed on user equipment 12 at
step 148.
[0097] In another approach, messages may be used by a program guide
or other application based on television service provider settings.
The television service provider may enable the user equipment to
receive some services, but not others. For example, the user
equipment may be enabled to receive a certain lineup of television
channels, which is different than the channel lineup of user
equipment used by other users. The user equipment may be enabled to
access certain interactive applications or have other features that
are not available to all users. Messages may be targeted based on
such television service provider settings, so that, for example,
messages may be not displayed to users not having access to related
features. For example, a message may inform the user of last minute
schedule changes on a particular television channel, and may be
targeted to only those users who have that channel in their channel
lineups. Users who do not have access to the particular channel
need not be notified of such changes.
[0098] Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users
based on settings from a television service provider are shown in
FIG. 14. At step 150, the program guide provider, television
service provider, or any other provider may use a message creation
tool to automatically or manually generate targeted messages to be
delivered to the user. For example, a message presenting a schedule
change for channel X may be created for all subscribers who have
access to channel X.
[0099] At step 152, the message may be distributed to users. For
example, the message may be sent to users from a program guide
provider at program guide data source 20 via path 30,
communications network 24, and path 27, via path 30, communications
network 24, path 26, television distribution facility 14, and path
16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14, and path
16. Messages may be sent to users from a television service
provider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via
path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.
[0100] At step 154, the program guide or other suitable interactive
television application or the like may compare the targeting
criteria from the message with stored user information by the
interactive television application or other application in user
equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable
device, or a combination thereof. In particular, the targeted
message criteria may be compared with stored user information from
the television service provider. This type of information may, if
desired, be maintained by the program guide. If the targeted
message criteria are satisfied, the message may be displayed on
user equipment 12 at step 156.
[0101] Thus, systems and methods for distributing and using
electronic messages in an interactive television environment are
provided. The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of
this invention and various modifications can be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention.
* * * * *