U.S. patent application number 11/784474 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for system and method for targeted advertisement display responsive to user characteristics.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gemstar Development Corporation. Invention is credited to Kenneth Hancock, Douglas B. Macrae, Thomas E. III Ward.
Application Number | 20070186240 11/784474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27580762 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070186240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ward; Thomas E. III ; et
al. |
August 9, 2007 |
System and method for targeted advertisement display responsive to
user characteristics
Abstract
A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database
for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service
provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement
to all the television stations regardless of their geographic
location and other user specific information, and need not
re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the
show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed,
the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database
and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present
invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an
EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule
information in a first database; storing advertisement information
in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television
schedule information into a portion of the advertisement
information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the
modified advertisement on a screen.
Inventors: |
Ward; Thomas E. III;
(Weston, MA) ; Hancock; Kenneth; (Nashua, NH)
; Macrae; Douglas B.; (Weston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & NEAVE IP GROUP;ROPES & GRAY LLP
1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036-8704
US
|
Assignee: |
Gemstar Development
Corporation
Los Angeles
CA
90028
|
Family ID: |
27580762 |
Appl. No.: |
11/784474 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10066811 |
Feb 4, 2002 |
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11784474 |
Apr 6, 2007 |
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09595216 |
Jun 16, 2000 |
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10066811 |
Feb 4, 2002 |
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09120488 |
Jul 21, 1998 |
6177931 |
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09595216 |
Jun 16, 2000 |
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60055237 |
Aug 12, 1997 |
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60068375 |
Dec 22, 1997 |
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60053330 |
Jul 21, 1997 |
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60055761 |
Aug 14, 1997 |
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60061119 |
Oct 6, 1997 |
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60071811 |
Jan 20, 1998 |
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60071812 |
Jan 20, 1998 |
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60071882 |
Jan 20, 1998 |
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60034784 |
Dec 19, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/42 ;
348/E5.104; 348/E5.105; 348/E7.071; 725/23; 725/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4334 20130101;
H04N 21/458 20130101; H04N 21/44016 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101;
H04N 21/6125 20130101; H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 21/4345
20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N
21/4532 20130101; H04N 21/4821 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101; H04N
5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/812 20130101; H04N 21/8586 20130101; H04N
21/42204 20130101; H04N 21/478 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N
21/44222 20130101; H04N 5/782 20130101; H04N 21/25891 20130101;
H04N 21/4314 20130101; H04N 21/4438 20130101; H04N 21/47214
20130101; H04N 2007/1739 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/042 ;
725/040; 725/023 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20060101
H04N005/445; G06F 13/00 20060101 G06F013/00; G06F 3/00 20060101
G06F003/00; H04N 7/16 20060101 H04N007/16 |
Claims
1-58. (canceled)
59. A method for customizing the real time viewing of
advertisements displayed on a television system, the method
comprising: providing multiple channels of advertising; monitoring
the television signal of a first particular channel; identifying
the time when said signal begins to telecast an advertisement; and
changing channels at said time.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein changing channels further
comprises changing channels to one of the multiple channels of
advertising.
61. The method of claim 59, further comprising maintaining a viewer
profile based on viewer interactions with an electronic program
guide in the television system.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein changing channels further
comprises changing channels to one of the multiple channels of
advertising based, at least in part, on the viewer profile.
63. The method of claim 59, wherein changing channels further
comprises changing channels based, at least in part, on a change
channel command in the Vertical Blanking Interval of said
signal.
64. The method of claim 59, wherein changing channels further
comprises: changing channels from the first particular channel to a
second particular channel; and changing channels from the second
particular channel to the first particular channel at the
conclusion of the advertisement.
65. A system for customizing the real time viewing of
advertisements displayed on a television system, the system
comprising: means to provide multiple channels of advertising;
means to monitor the television signal for a first particular
channel; means to identify the time when said signal begins to
telecast an advertisement; and means to change channels at said
time.
66. The system of claim 65, wherein the means to change channels
further comprise means to change channels to one of the multiple
channels of advertising.
67. The system of claim 65, further comprising means to maintain a
viewer profile based on viewer interactions with an electronic
program guide in the television system.
68. The system of claim 67, wherein the means to change channels
further comprise means to change channels to one of the multiple
channels of advertising based, at least in part, on the viewer
profile.
69. The system of claim 65, wherein the means to change channels
further comprise means to change channels based, at least in part,
on a channel change command in the Vertical Blanking Interval of
said signal.
70. The system of claim 65, wherein the means to change channels
further comprises: means to change channels from the first
particular channel to a second particular channel; and means to
change channels from the second particular channel to the first
particular channel at the conclusion of the advertisement.
71. A machine-readable medium for customizing the real time viewing
of advertisements displayed on a television system, comprising
machine program logic recorded thereon for: providing multiple
channels of advertising; monitoring the television signal of a
first particular channel; identifying the time when said signal
begins to telecast an advertisement; and changing channels at said
time.
72. The machine-readable medium of claim 71, wherein the machine
program logic for changing channels further comprises machine
program logic for changing channels to one of the multiple channels
of advertising.
73. The machine-readable medium of claim 71, further comprising
machine program logic for maintaining a viewer profile based on
viewer interactions with an electronic program guide in the
television system.
74. The machine-readable medium of claim 73, wherein the machine
program logic for changing channels further comprises machine
program logic for changing channels to one of the multiple channels
of advertising based, at least in part, on the viewer profile.
75. The machine-readable medium of claim 71, wherein the machine
program logic for changing channels further comprises machine
program logic for changing channels based, at least in part, on a
change channel command in the Vertical Blanking Interval of said
signal.
76. The machine-readable medium of claim 71, wherein the machine
program logic for changing channels further comprises machine
program logic for: changing channels from the first particular
channel to a second particular channel; and changing channels from
the second particular channel to the first particular channel at
the conclusion of the advertisement.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/595,216, filed Jun. 16, 2000, which claims
priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/120,488, filed Jul.
21, 1998, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Nos. 60/055,237, filed Aug. 12, 1997, 60/068,375, filed
Dec. 22, 1997, 60/053,330, filed Jul. 21, 1997, 60/055,761, filed
Aug. 14, 1997, 60/061,119, filed Oct. 6, 1997, 60/071,811, filed
Jan. 20, 1998, 60/071,812, filed Jan. 20, 1998, and 60/071,882,
filed Jan. 20, 1998, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/034,784, filed Dec. 19, 1996 and PCT International Application
No. PCT/US97/23852, filed Dec. 19, 1997, the disclosures of all of
which are incorporated herein by reference, as if fully stated
here, for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to television
systems, and more particularly, to the display of, and recording
control interface with, television programs, video, advertising
information and program scheduling information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Television viewers have historically analyzed the
information provided by television program schedule guides to
select television programs to watch. Historically, television
program schedule guides have listed the available television
programs by day of the week, time of day, channel, and program
title. Historically, only hardcopy television program schedule
guides were available. More recently, as illustrated by the Levine
patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,713, television program guides have
become available in electronic form.
[0004] The earliest versions of on-screen electronic program guides
("EPG") provided for the storage of program schedule information in
an electronic memory connected to the television receiver and
generally provided for the on-screen formatting and display of the
program schedule information on the television screen. The early
EPGs typically overlaid the television programming. Furthermore,
viewer interaction capabilities with early EPGs was extremely
limited.
[0005] Later EPGs provided viewer-to-EPG interaction improvements
and provided Picture-In-Guide ("PIG") display of the television
program simultaneous with the display of the EPG. International
Application No. PCT/US95/11173 (International Publication No. WO
96/07270), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein for all purposes, illustrates such an improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is an improvement over previous EPGs
in that it provides, among other things: [0007] A. Improved viewer
interaction capabilities with the EPG; [0008] B. Improved viewer
control of video recording of future-scheduled programming; [0009]
C. Improved features to the EPG display and navigation; [0010] D.
Parental control of the EPG display; [0011] E. Improved television
program information access by the viewer; [0012] F. Improved
opportunities for the commercial advertiser to reach the viewer;
[0013] G. Improved product information access by the viewer; [0014]
H. Creation of a viewer's profile; [0015] I. Utilization of viewer
profile information to customize various aspects of the EPG; and J.
Utilization of viewer profile information to provide customized
presentation of advertising to the viewer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a graphic representation of a sample screen
display of the EPG.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a portion of a remote control device
that shows keys for activating various functions of the EPG.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of a sample on screen EPG
display depicting the EPG's on-screen Grid Guide in the programming
scrolling mode.
[0020] FIGS. 4a and 4b is a graphic representation of a sample on
screen EPG display depicting the EPG's on-screen Grid Guide in the
channel-scrolling.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a graphic representation of a sample on screen EPG
display depicting the EPG in the Watch Scheduling mode.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a graphic representation of a sample on screen EPG
display depicting the Watch/Record Schedule screen of the EPG.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a graphic representation of a sample on screen EPG
display depicting the top level theme screen display of the
EPG.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a graphic representation of a sample on screen EPG
display depicting the second-level theme screen display of the
EPG.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a graphic representation of a sample on screen EPG
display depicting the Channel Guide function of the EPG.
[0026] FIGS. 10a and 10b are graphic representations of sample on
screen EPG displays depicting one embodiment of the feature of
presenting additional information concerning the subject matter of
a highlighted Panel Ad Window.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The disclosure of International Application WO96/07270,
published on Mar. 7, 1996 is incorporated fully herein by
reference. The present invention is an improvement on the
electronic program guide (EPG) disclosed therein. The apparatus
disclosed in the referenced PCT application is used to generate the
screen displays described below.
[0028] In FIG. 1 of the drawing, one embodiment of the EPG with Ad
Window and Advertising Messages is shown. In FIG. 1, a television
screen display 10 is shown. Display 10 could be generated by a
conventional television receiver with interlaced scan lines, by a
VCR, by a PC monitor with progressive scan lines, or by another
other type of video display device. In the upper left hand corner
of the screen is a PIP window 12. Below window 12 are Panel Ad
Windows 14, and 16 ("Ad Windows"). Windows 12, 14, and 16 each
typically occupy about 1/9 of the total screen area. The remainder
of the screen area is typically occupied (moving from top to bottom
of the screen) by an action key bar 18, a navigation bar 20, a grid
guide 22 ("Grid Guide"), and an information box 24 (the "detailed
information area). In the embodiment pictured in FIG. 1, the
position of the windows, and other user interface features,
including the action key bar, navigation bar and Grid Guide, are
fixed. In another embodiment of this invention, as is described
further below, the position and size of the windows and other user
interface features are customizable by the viewer.
[0029] In FIG. 2 of the drawing, one embodiment of a remote
controller 26 for activating the functions of display 10 is shown.
Remote controller 26 could have other keys for activating the
functions of a user video device, such as a television receiver, a
VCR, or a cable box. Remote control 26 has up, down, right, and
left arrows keys 28, 30, 32, and 34, respectively, for controlling
the movement of a cursor 36 on display 10. Cursor 36 can select,
i.e., highlight, any of windows 12, 14, or 16 by pressing arrow
keys 28 to 34, any of the titles and channels in Grid Guide 22 by
pressing arrow keys 32 and 34, or navigation bar 20 by pressing
arrow keys 32 and 34. Windows 12, 14, and 16 are highlighted by
adding a border around the window or changing the color of the
border, if the border is permanent. The titles and channels in Grid
Guide 22 and navigation bar 20 are highlighted by changing
color.
[0030] Highlighting of windows and/or viewer selections from the
Grid Guide and/or navigation and EPG on screen display components
may be accomplished in a number of other ways. For instance, the
border of a selected window, or the selected Grid Guide or
navigation component, can be made to appear to flash. Another way
to highlight a viewer selection is to make the selected window or
feature appear to become brighter than the rest of the on screen
display. Yet another way to highlight a viewer selection is to blur
all portions of the on screen display, except for the viewer
selected component. Still another way to highlight a viewer
selection is to make all portions of the on screen display, except
for the viewer selected component, appear transparent. Still yet
another way to highlight a viewer selection is to add animation to
the selected component. When a portion of the EPG is selected, the
system issues graphic display commands to the on screen display
(OSD) controller to implement one or more of the desired
enhancement technique(s).
[0031] The viewer enters the Guide Mode illustrated in FIG. 1 by
pressing a "guide" key 35 and returns to the full screen Television
Mode by pressing key 35 again or by pressing the "select" key. A
real time television program is displayed in window 12. A
translucent overlay of the PIP window 12 can display the title,
channel (local number and/or station name), and status (locked or
unlocked) of window 12 over the television program so the viewer
can still see the entire image.
[0032] The PIP Window can be locked or unlocked. The "lock/unlock"
mode is user controlled. To lock or unlock the PIP Window, the
viewer can use a PIP button on the remote control device, or can
highlight and press the Lock/Unlock EPG action button. The
lock/unlock status is recorded and maintained until the status is
reset by the viewer. That is, the lock/unlock status for the PIP
Window in the EPG is maintained when the viewer leaves the Guide
and later re-enters the Guide, including when the viewer turns off
the television. If the viewer selects the "lock" status, the last
channel to which the tuner was set in the PIP Window continues to
be displayed regardless of the actions exercised by the viewer. In
the unlocked status, the channel highlighted by cursor 36 in Grid
Guide 22 is displayed if the Grid Guide is displaying currently
telecast programs and the last currently telecast channel that was
highlighted is displayed if the Grid Guide is displaying future
programs.
[0033] There are generally three results to leaving the Guide,
depending upon the way the viewer leaves the Guide. If the viewer,
while in the EPG, wants to watch in full screen mode the program
shown in the PIP Window, then the viewer can press the Guide button
on the remote control device. If the viewer, while in the EPG,
highlights a particular channel in the Grid Guide, and then presses
the "select" button, the viewer will leave the Guide to view in the
full screen mode the television program that the viewer highlighted
in the Guide. If the viewer, while in the EPG, presses the "clear"
or "cancel" button on the remote control device, then the viewer
will leave the Guide and return to the television program that the
viewer was watching immediately before entering the Guide.
[0034] Typically, an ad for a future telecast program is displayed
in window 14. This ad is linked to the time and channel of the
program in RAM so the viewer can watch or record the program
automatically by pressing the blue left action button to watch the
program, or the green right action button to record the
program.
[0035] Typically, an ad for a product or service is displayed in
window 16. This ad is linked to more information about the product
or service in RAM so the viewer can read one or more pages about
the product or service in window 16 by pressing an "info" key 40
one or more times. Alternatively, this ad is linked to the time and
channel in RAM that an infomercial about the product or service
will be telecast so the viewer can watch or record the infomercial
automatically by pressing "select" key 42.
[0036] Bar 18 displays a blue button 44 and/or a green button 46
with legends that depend upon the context of the information
displayed on the screen. Remote controller 26 has corresponding
keys 48 and 50, respectively, to activate the functions represented
by blocks 44 and 46.
[0037] From window 12, 14, or 16 the viewer moves to grid guide 22
by pressing arrow key 32. (From grid guide 22 the viewer moves to
window 12, 14, or 16 by pressing arrow key 34.) In grid guide 22
the viewer moves cursor 36 to highlight one of the nine tiles in
which channel and title are displayed by pressing arrow keys 28 and
30. The viewer can view program listings scheduled at future times
by pressing keys 32 or 34 to move horizontally about the Grid.
[0038] From grid guide 22 the viewer moves to navigation bar 20 by
pressing arrow key 28. Initially, the center button is highlighted.
To highlight a different button, arrow key 32 or 34 is pressed. To
enter the screen represented by the highlighted button, "select"
key 42 is pressed.
[0039] In grid guide 22 details about the program represented by
the highlighted tile are displayed. If more information is
available this fact is indicated by an icon and such information is
displayed in the area occupied by grid guide 22, instead of the
grid guide by pressing "info" key 40. To return to the grid guide,
"info" key 40 is pressed again. After an action button has been
pressed or an icon on navigation bar 20 has been activated, an
instructional prompt may be substituted for the program information
in information box 24.
[0040] In addition to the tiles representing television programs, a
virtual channel ad can be displayed in grid guide 22 on a tile 52.
A virtual channel ad may promote, for instance, a current or future
television program. Such a virtual channel ad for a television
program is linked to the time and channel of the program in RAM so
the viewer can watch or record the program automatically by
pressing "select" key 42 in the manner described in the referenced
application. More than one virtual channel ad may be stored in RAM,
but preferably only one such ad is displayed at a time.
[0041] Reference is made to the TV Guide Plus+ 98 User Interface
Specification v1.42stv, which is attached hereto as Appendix A, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully stated
herein, for more description of the invention.
[0042] One embodiment of the hardware for this invention includes a
circuit board consisting of a gate array that provides all of the
control functions for access by the processor (e.g., Motorola
68000), control of memory (dynamic RAM and external ROM), and some
peripheral functions such as infrared ("IR") input and output,
frequency synthesizer for the paging system, and data acquisition
from the paging system. Inside there is a module for creating an
on-screen display including a programmable DMA (direct memory
access) controller, a color lookup table that provides for a field
called a color index that can be used to select a more complicated
color (more bits than can be expressed in the bit map),
first-in-first-out ("FIFO") memory for ordering the pixels (which
allows the system to write the pixels as fast as the system is
capable of writing the pixels and then sending the pixels to the
display according to a prescribed timing. Included in the chip is a
timing subsystem that produces a number of different timing signals
of varying frequency--from clocks to long millisecond time
measurement, and interrupts. Synchronization signals for the
television monitor are also generated by the internal timing
subsystem. The system also typically includes circuits for
functions including but not limited to: data receiver, memory
controller, timing interface with the processor, data
deinterleaving, error correcting, and synchronous timing generator
with horizontal and vertical counters.
[0043] Another feature of one embodiment of the EPG system hardware
is that display list hardware is capable of both video input and
output on the same DMA hardware. The display processor is comprised
of a video section and a FIFO section in an ASIC. The system has
multiple clocks. The display memory has the capability to store 8
screen tiles in a horizontal plane.
[0044] Described below in more detail are the following
improvements to an EPG: [0045] A. Improved viewer interaction
capabilities with the EPG, including: [0046] 1. A Variety of
Operating Modes. [0047] 2. Joy Stick and Track Ball Viewer Remote
Interface. [0048] 3. Contextually Sensitive EPG On-Screen Control
Mechanisms. [0049] 4. Watch Scheduling. [0050] 5. "All Channel"
Guide Format, Channel Guide Format and "Next"/"Previous" Channel
Guide. [0051] B. Improved viewer control of video recording of
future-scheduled programming, including: [0052] 1. Recording
program displayed in PIP window. [0053] 2. Recording "Regularly."
[0054] 3. Record Function rerun filter for "Regularly" recorded
programs. [0055] 4. Skip recording instruction. [0056] 5. Automatic
Record List Update. [0057] 6. Recording on recordable Digital Video
Discs. [0058] 7. Speed Sensitive Tape Capacity. [0059] 8. Record
Instruction Conflict Resolution. [0060] 9. Recording from Theme
Guides. [0061] C. Improved features to the EPG display and
navigation, including: [0062] 1. E-mail. [0063] 2. Multiple
Viewable "Windows." [0064] 3. Translucency on-screen effects.
[0065] 4. On-screen notifications. [0066] 5. Theme navigation bar.
[0067] 6. Improved Scrolling through the EPG and Smooth Scrolling.
[0068] 7. "Jumping" in the EPG. [0069] 8. Thematic color-coding of
program schedule. [0070] 9. Controllable number of days of
programming. [0071] D. Parental control of the EPG display; [0072]
E. Improved television program information access by the viewer,
including: [0073] 1. Virtual Channel Ad Slots and Ad Window program
advertisements. [0074] 2. Additional detailed information for
viewer access including link to the Internet. [0075] F. Improved
opportunities for the commercial advertiser to reach the viewer,
including: [0076] 1. Ad Window product-related video clips and
infomercial recording. [0077] 2. Ad Window program-related
recording. [0078] 3. Panel Ads. [0079] 4. Virtual Channel Ad Slots.
[0080] 5. Placeholder Ads [0081] 6. Full Screen ads. [0082] 7.
Automatic watch channel. [0083] 8. Ad Features. [0084] G. Improved
product information access by the viewer, including: [0085] 1. Ad
Window product detail. [0086] 2. Ad Window product-related
recording. [0087] 3. Ad Window program-related recording. [0088] H.
Creation of a viewer's profile, including: [0089] 1. Collecting
viewer profile information. [0090] 2. Analyzing and characterizing
viewer profile information. [0091] I. Utilization of viewer profile
information to customize various aspects of the EPG; and J.
Utilization of viewer profile information to provide customized
presentation of advertising to the viewer. A. Improved Viewer
Interaction Capabilities with the EPG
[0092] 1. A Variety of Operating Modes.
[0093] Under the improved EPG system, there are multiple modes in
which the viewer can operate the television.
[0094] a. Television Mode.
[0095] In the Television Mode, the viewer watches a full screen
display of the television video programming. In one embodiment, in
order to enter the EPG, the viewer presses the "Guide" key on the
viewer's remote control device. In another embodiment, the EPG Grid
Guide is the default mode. In the case where the EPG Grid Guide is
the default mode, when the viewer turns the television on, the
first thing that the viewer sees is the EPG in Grid Guide Mode as
is described more fully below. In one embodiment, at the viewer's
option, as identified in the EPG set up procedure, the viewer can
override the EPG Grid Guide default mode by selecting to
automatically enter the Television Mode whenever the viewer first
turns on the television. During setup procedures, the viewer can
further instruct the EPG to automatically tune to the last-watched
channel as identified when the viewer last turned off the
television. The viewer can further instruct the EPG to
automatically tune to the viewer's favorite channel, as is deduced
from analyzing the viewer's profile information, described below.
Alternatively, the viewer can instruct the EPG to automatically
tune to a particular channel, e.g., a news channel such as CNN.
[0096] b. EPG Grid Guide Mode.
[0097] In the EPG Grid Guide Mode, the EPG displays the Grid Guide,
or in the alternative, a Channel Guide. The viewer can request that
the Grid Guide occupy the entire screen, be displayed over a
portion of the screen as an overlay of the video television
programming, or, in the preferred embodiment, occupy only a portion
of the screen, typically 2/3 of the entire screen, while continuing
to show the video television programming in the PIP Window of the
screen. In the preferred embodiment, multiple Windows are displayed
for the viewer, as are further described below, including at least:
the EPG/Grid Guide Window, the PIP Window, and the Ad Window.
[0098] Scrolling through the Guide is described below. The viewer
can press the "Menu" key on the viewer's remote control device to
go to the top of the Guide.
[0099] The viewer can return to the full screen display of the
video television programming in a number of ways. One way is to
press the "Guide" key on the viewer's remote control device.
Another way is to press the "Select"" key on the viewer's remote
control device when the on-screen highlighting/cursor is
highlighting a particular program listing on the Grid Guide for a
program that is available for real-time viewing. Another way is to
press the "last channel" key on the viewer's remote control device
to return to the program the viewer was watching before entering
the Guide, or the last program on which the PIP window was locked
(an option explained further below).
[0100] 1.) Theme Guide Function.
[0101] The EPG provides various Theme Guides, e.g., sports, movies,
news, etc. Each Theme Guide presents program listings associated
with a particular theme, e.g., all sports programs. The Theme Guide
display format only displays program listings, and consequently
channels, for certain times of the day, with content appropriate
for the selected theme. For instance, the Sports Theme Guide will
display, typically in schedule order, only listings for channels
that carry sports programs that are scheduled during a certain
period of time, e.g., 48 hours, 8 days, etc.
[0102] 2.) Record Selection Function.
[0103] In the Record Selection Function, also referred to as the
Recording Function, the viewer instructs the EPG what programs to
add to the Record List, which is the list of programs and related
programming schedule information, for programs that the viewer want
to have recorded. As is further described below, the viewer can
identify the frequency/regularity with which the viewer wants to
record each program listed in the Record List.
[0104] The viewer can enter the Recording Function in a number of
ways. The viewer can press the "Record" key, if there is one, on
the viewer's remote control device. Alternatively, the viewer can
"press" a "Record" action button on the EPG display.
[0105] 3.) Watch Scheduling Function.
[0106] In the Watch Scheduling Function, also referred to as the
Watch Function, the viewer instructs the EPG what programs to add
to the Watch List, which is the list of programs and related
programming schedule information, for programs that the viewer want
to watch. As is further described below, the viewer can identify
the frequency/regularity with which the viewer wants to watch each
program listed in the Watch List.
[0107] The viewer can enter the Watch Function in a number of ways.
The viewer can press the "Watch" key, if there is one, on the
viewer's remote control device. Alternatively, the viewer can
"press" a "Watch" action button on the EPG display.
[0108] 4.) Data Download Function.
[0109] In some embodiments, data for the EPG schedule, and/or
supplemental information relevant to the program listings, and/or
advertising data, can be downloaded to the memory resident at the
viewer's television system. In the preferred embodiment of the
download data system, the viewer will ask the EPG to make certain
types of information available; the EPG will use an index of where
to find the information and will automatically connect to the
appropriate data source and will download the information. Data for
the EPG schedule, and/or supplemental information relevant to the
program listings, and/or advertising data, can be downloaded from
various sources. In one embodiment, data is downloaded from the
Internet. In other embodiments of the download data system, the
viewer is asked to tune to a particular channel at a particular
time if the viewer is interested in accessing and downloading
particular types of information.
[0110] c. Internet Mode.
[0111] Not all embodiments require that data be downloaded to the
EPG memory. In one embodiment, the EPG scheduling data,
supplemental data and/or advertising data and the software to
format, display, and navigate the EPG scheduling data, supplemental
data and/or advertising data is accessed by the viewer's television
system through a direct link between the viewer's television system
and the Internet.
[0112] In one embodiment of the above-described direct-link to the
Internet, the viewer's television is connected to the Internet by
telephone line via modem, by cable modem, by other two-way
communication device, including wireless modem communication
devices and by other conventional methods of communicating with the
Internet. The initial connect web site address may be supplied, for
instance, through information transmitted to the viewer's
television over the vertical blanking interval (the "VBI"). The
viewer may also be provided with a selection of multiple EPG
Internet web sites. The viewer uses the remote control device to
select one of the EPG Internet web sites
[0113] The viewer's television system is programmed to emulate
computer on-line access to the Internet. Once the connection
between the viewer's television system and the Internet is made,
the user has two-way communication with the on-line Internet
service provider of the EPG related information. The user can then
navigate through the EPG. Furthermore, in one embodiment, in which
keyboard user interface is available, the user can enter chat rooms
or other interactive services.
[0114] 2. Joy Stick and Track Ball Viewer Remote Interface.
[0115] The viewing user's video interface (UI) comprises the
viewer's remote control device and the television monitor screen
display. In one embodiment of the present invention, one
improvement in the UI offered by the present invention is the use
of a joy stick as a substitute for the traditional remote control
device configuration of a circle of four (4) arrow keys (up, down,
left and right) with a select key in the center. The joy stick UI
provides a user-friendly interface with the EPG. Use of the joy
stick is intuitive. The viewer/user does not have to look at the
remote once the viewer's finger contacts the remote control joy
stick. Accordingly, the viewer can control the UI while
simultaneously watching, without interruption, the on-screen
display.
[0116] In another embodiment of the present invention, one
improvement in the UI offered by the present invention is the use
of a track ball as a substitute for the traditional remote control
device configuration of a circle of four (4) arrow keys (up, down,
left and right) with a select key in the center.
[0117] In both the track ball and the joy stick embodiments, there
is an on-screen "cursor." The viewer uses the track ball or joy
stick remote control device to navigate the cursor to any location
on the screen, much as a PC user navigates a cursor on a PC
terminal window.
[0118] 3. Contextually Sensitive EPG On-Screen Control
Mechanisms.
[0119] "Keys," "buttons," menu "bars," and other such visual
control mechanism devices are displayed on-screen for the control
of the EPG. Typically, the visual control mechanism devices are
sensitive to user-interaction. Typically, the viewer uses the UI
remote control device to highlight a particular on-screen control
device. Typically, the viewer then uses the UI remote control
device to select the highlighted on screen control device.
[0120] In one embodiment of the present invention, positionally
constant on-screen control devices are contextually sensitive. That
is, a particular button can be consistently displayed on every
screen of the EPG in the same position and with the same color,
from one screen to the next, from one mode to the next. With
contextually sensitive control devices, even though the on screen
control device has the same appearance and placement from one
screen to the next and from one mode to the next, the button has a
different function, and if selected, will provide a different
result, depending upon the screen on which the button appears. In
one embodiment, the function of the on-screen control device is
textually described next to the control device, or, if the control
device is sufficiently large, on the face of the control
device.
[0121] For instance, in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3,
4a and b, 5, and 6, the EPG displays two buttons at the top of each
of the four screens pictured. In each of the four different
screens, the top left button has a different function. (As referred
to in this application, the directions "left" and "right" refer to
the viewer's left and the viewer's right, respectively.) FIG. 3
depicts the EPG's on-screen Grid Guide in the programming scrolling
mode. In FIG. 3, the viewer's-left button is described as "Watch."
FIGS. 4a and 4b depict the EPG's on-screen Grid Guide in the
channel-scrolling. In FIGS. 4a and b, the viewer's-left button is a
toggle button, alternately described as "Lock" and "Unlock." FIG. 5
depicts the EPG in the Watch Scheduling Function. In FIG. 5, the
viewer's-left button is described as "Cancel." FIG. 6 depicts the
Watch/Record Schedule screen of the EPG. In FIG. 6, the
viewer's-left button is described as "Remove."
[0122] 4. Watch Scheduling.
[0123] The EPG provides the viewer with the opportunity to select
program titles, scheduled for delivery at future times, to watch.
By selecting program titles, the viewer builds a "watch list."
Watch list options and instructions provide functionality parallel
to the EPG's Record Function. Instead of automatically recording
the programs selected, the Watch Function automatically turns the
television on, if it is not already on, and automatically tunes the
television to the channel scheduled to deliver the designated
program, if the television is not already tuned to that channel.
This feature provides the viewer with the opportunity to watch a
program of special interest at the scheduled time even if the
viewer has forgotten about the scheduled delivery. This feature
will also provide for parental selection of program viewing for
children.
[0124] The viewer can enter the Watch Scheduling Function in a
number of ways. The viewer can enter the Watch Scheduling Function
by selecting that Function from the EPG menu. The viewer can also
enter the Watch Scheduling Function by highlighting an Ad Window
displaying an advertisement for a future-scheduled program or a
Virtual Channel Ad Slot displaying an advertisement for a
future-scheduled program (both of which are described elsewhere in
this application).
[0125] The viewer can designate any program on the Watch List as a
program that the viewer wants to watch regularly. In one
embodiment, if the viewer enters the Watch Scheduling Function by
highlighting an Ad Window or Virtual Channel Ad Slot, then if the
viewer chooses to designate the program as a "regular" watch, the
designation expires after a certain amount of time if the
advertiser stops running the advertisement. The planned expiration
is an incentive to the advertisers to renew their
advertisements.
[0126] 5. "All Channel" Guide Format, Channel Guide Format and
"Next"/"Previous" Channel Guide.
[0127] The viewer can choose to view the Grid Guide in an "all
channel" format which displays in some order every channel and the
listings of programs already in progress or scheduled to begin at
some time in the future. In the "all channel" format, the viewer
scrolls up and down the listings for each channel and from left to
right and right to left to view the listings for a channel
scheduled for different times during the day. Typically, the
left-most portion of the guide begins with the earliest scheduled
programs and continues to the right serially through the listings
scheduled at later times during the day.
[0128] As an alternative, the viewer can choose to view the
programs scheduled for one channel at a time (a "Channel Guide").
In this format, the viewer scrolls up and down the listings for a
single channel as scheduled for different times of the day.
Typically, the "top" of the Channel Guide begins with the earliest
scheduled program and continues serially through the listings
scheduled at later times during the day. FIG. 9 is a graphic
representation of a sample on screen EPG display depicting the
Channel Guide function of the EPG.
[0129] In the "Channel Guide" format, the viewer can select to view
the Channel Guide for the "next" channel or for the "previous"
channel. In one embodiment, the "Next" and "Previous" Channel Guide
is an option on one of the EPG menus, action buttons or task bars.
In another embodiment, the viewer's remote control device provides
"Next" and "Previous" Channel Guide keys. In another embodiment,
the viewer uses the up and down arrow keys to navigate to the next
or previous Channel Guides.
B. Improved Viewer Control of Video Recording of Future-Scheduled
Programming
[0130] 1. Recording Program Displayed in PIP Window.
[0131] As explained in more detail below, the EPG provides for
multiple "windows." One window displays the currently tuned
program. When the viewer enters the EPG from the television mode,
the PIP window is "highlighted." In one embodiment, highlighting of
the PIP window is accomplished by a color change of the border
around the PIP window. While the PIP window is highlighted, the
viewer can instruct the EPG to record the displayed program. In one
embodiment, the viewer records the displayed program in the
highlighted PIP window by pressing the record button on the
viewer's remote control device.
[0132] 2. Recording "Regularly."
[0133] One embodiment of the present invention provides the viewer
with the option of recording a particular program "regularly." The
"regularly" option can be selected when the viewer highlights a
particular program title on the EPG Grid Guide. Viewer selection of
the "regularly" option instructs the VCR control system to record
the particular title on the selected channel at the selected time
slot any day of the week that the program is telecast. If a
telecast of the selected title is preempted by another program, the
new program is not recorded. The change in the telecast schedule is
determined by comparing the title of the selected program to the
title of the program actually telecast. In one embodiment of the
invention, it is assumed that the title of the program actually
telecast is carried in the vertical blanking interval of the
television signal. When the viewer has instructed the EPG to
"regularly" record a particular program, if the selected program is
preempted by another program, the preempting program is not
recorded and the EPG displays a message notifying the viewer that
the selected program was preempted and was not recorded.
[0134] 3. Record Function Rerun Filter for "Regularly" Recorded
Programs.
[0135] The EPG is capable of detecting reruns. The identification
of the program as a rerun may be carried in the VBI of the program
broadcast. In another embodiment, the rerun identification
information is available in the program detail. In one embodiment
of the Record Function, when the viewer selects the "Regularly"
record option, the viewer is also given the option of filtering
reruns. If the viewer selects the rerun filter option, then every
time the program is regularly scheduled, the EPG determines whether
or not the program episode to be delivered is identified as a
rerun. If the episode is a rerun, and if the viewer has selected
the rerun filter option for that program title, then the EPG will
not record the episode.
[0136] 4. Skip Recording Instruction.
[0137] In the EPG's Record Function, the viewer selects a program
title for recording. Once a program title has been selected, the
viewer is asked to select a record-scheduling option. The viewer
can select Once, Daily, Weekly, or Regularly as a record-scheduling
option. If the viewer has selected a record-scheduling option of
Daily, Weekly, or Regularly, one embodiment allows the viewer to
skip recording of the program one time. The One-time skip
instruction would result in the EPG not recording the program
title, even though the record instruction for that program title
remained in the record list.
[0138] In the EPG's Record Function, the viewer can turn select the
skip instruction for all programs on the Record List, or for
selected programs on the Record List. This feature might be used
when the viewer goes on vacation. The programs remain on the Record
List. At the viewer's option, the viewer can turn off the skip
instruction for all programs on the Record List, or for selected
programs on the Record List.
[0139] 5. Automatic Record List Update.
[0140] In the EPG's Record Function, the EPG will detect changes in
program scheduling as compared to record instructions for
particular program titles designated for recording. In one
embodiment, when the EPG detects program scheduling changes, the
Record List is automatically updated with the schedule change
information. For instance, if a sports event runs longer than the
originally scheduled time, a packet of scheduling update
information can be transmitted over the VBI that updates the time
of the programs scheduled to be telecast after the sports event.
The EPG detects the VBI scheduling updates and updates the
recording list to permit the recording of any programs following
the sports program to be recorded as appropriate.
[0141] 6. Recording on Recordable Digital Video Discs.
[0142] The viewer can instruct the EPG to record programs on
recordable Digital Video Discs (DVD's). Because of the extended
storage capacity of DVD's, the viewer can instruct the EPG to
record and index an extended period of programming. For instance,
the viewer can instruct the EPG to record and index, e.g., 4 hours
of CNN news broadcasts certain number. When the viewer is ready to
view the DVD recording, the EPG displays the DVD index on screen.
The viewer can then select to view either the entire DVD, or only
those portions of the recording in which the viewer is
interested.
[0143] In one embodiment, program-level indexing of recorded
programs is created. In another embodiment, intra-program indexing
is created by using information transmitted in the VBI of the video
transmitted. In this embodiment, a recording of CNN would likely
show indexing breakdowns that include themes, such as
"International News," "National News," "Sports," "Entertainment,"
"Business & Finance," and "Weather."
[0144] In yet another embodiment, intra-program indexing is created
using some constant time interval. The index shows a start and end
time interval, and audio content excerpts.
[0145] In still another embodiment, indexing software analyzes the
audio content of the program recorded ("Content Analysis Program").
This is typically in addition to using all indexing breakdown
information transmitted in the VBI of the program. The Content
Analysis Program uses speech and voice recognition technology to
analyze, among other things, such variables as: changes in
announcers, changes in tone, changes in speed, topical words,
geographic locations, substantive words. The Content Analysis
Program then creates a topical index in addition to the theme index
described above.
[0146] 7. Speed Sensitive Tape Capacity.
[0147] The EPG's Record Function provides a Record List that
identifies the titles of programs that the viewer has selected to
be recorded. The speed sensitive tape capacity feature uses color
coding to identify in one color the titles that would fit on one
tape at a fast tape speed and to separately identify, with another
color, the titles that would fit on one tape at slow tape
speed.
[0148] 8. Record Instruction Conflict Resolution.
[0149] The EPG's Record Function recognizes conflicts in viewer
record instructions. In one embodiment, the EPG's Record Function
prompts the viewer to resolve the conflict. For instance, in the
Record Function, the EPG would accept viewer instructions to record
a particular program. The EPG compares the newly received record
instruction to as-yet incompletely executed, or as yet unexecuted,
record instructions in the Record List. If the EPG detects an
overlap in date, time and duration between the newly received
instruction on the one hand and one or more of the remaining record
instructions in the Record List, the EPG formats a message to the
viewer describing the conflict. The message describes to the user
the newly received instruction to record a particular program and
the conflicting record instructions in the Record List. In Record
Function, the EPG will prevent entry of conflicting instructions
into the Record List. The EPG will require that the viewer revise
the record instructions to eliminate the conflict. In one
embodiment, if the EPG detects that one recording instruction
pertains to a "one occurrence" program that conflicts in date, time
and duration with a recording instruction to record a "regularly
recorded" program, the EPG would format an on screen message that
would suggest to the viewer that the viewer select the "one
occurrence" program to be recorded. In another embodiment, the EPG
automatically "decides" to override the "regularly record"
instruction and will record the "one occurrence" program with no
further intervention by the viewer.
[0150] One way to resolve a recording instruction conflict is to
chose an alternative occurrence of the conflicting program for
recording. In one embodiment of the EPG, the viewer can highlight a
particular program in the EPG and request a list of all occurrences
of that program for the week. The viewer can then instruct the EPG
to record an alternative occurrence of the program. In an
alternative embodiment, the viewer can view an alphabetical list of
all programs for the week. The viewer can mark a program for
viewing or recording from the alphabetical list.
[0151] 9. Recording from Theme Guides.
[0152] The EPG provides various Theme Guides, e.g., sports, movies,
news, etc. When the viewer selects a particular Theme Guide, e.g.,
the Sports Theme Guide, the viewer can instruct the EPG to record
an event while in the Theme Guide without having to exit the Theme
Guide and go to the program Grid Guide. For instance, in the Sports
Theme Guide, the viewer instructs the EPG to add a sports event to
the Record List by clicking on the box score for a particular
sports event and/or on the sports program listing in the Sports
Theme Guide.
C. Improved Features to the EPG Display and Navigation
[0153] 1. E-Mail.
[0154] In the preferred embodiment, the EPG interfaces with the
Internet/World Wide Web. In the preferred embodiment, the viewer
can access the Internet to send and receive e-mail.
[0155] In another embodiment, the television terminal is separately
addressable, and the head end controls e-mail traffic between
viewers on its network. To facilitate two-way transmission a 900 or
toll free number is used as a back link. E-mail can then be sent to
the appropriate viewer through the VBI to the viewer's separately
addressable television.
[0156] 2. Multiple Viewable "Windows."
[0157] The EPG UI screen provides for multiple viewable "windows."
One window presents the EPG Grid Guide. Another window presents the
picture-in-picture (PIP) window on which the currently tuned
program is displayed. Another window displays advertising
information (the "Ad Window"). Advertising may be in the form of
graphics and textual information. Alternatively, advertising may be
in the form of video display. In one embodiment, the Ad Windows are
interactive.
[0158] As the viewer enters the EPG from the television mode, the
PIP window is highlighted. The viewer can lock the PIP window.
Locking the PIP window allows the viewer to continue to watch the
television program being displayed in the PIP window while the
viewer scrolls through the EPG program Grid Guide. Unlocking the
PIP window causes the video for the program title highlighted in
the Grid Guide to be displayed in the PIP window.
[0159] As described further below, the viewer can also highlight
the Ad Window. Doing so will cause additional text describing the
product to be displayed in the detail box are of the EPG Grid
Guide.
[0160] If the Ad Window displays information about a particular
product, pressing a record button will instruct the EPG to record
an infomercial, to the extent that one is scheduled for a future
time. Alternatively, the Ad Window can display information about a
future-scheduled television program or about a series of programs
to be telecast over a period of time. In that case, pressing a
record button will instruct the EPG to record the future-scheduled
program. Alternatively, the viewer can designate the program for
the Watch List.
[0161] In one embodiment, the viewer navigates from the Grid Guide
to the PIP Window by pressing the left arrow key until the
cursor/highlighting reaches the PIP Window. From the PIP Window,
the viewer uses the right arrow key to move back to the Grid Guide.
In one embodiment, moving from the PIP Window to the Grid Guide
causes the cursor to scroll to the very top of the Grid Guide
lineup. From the top of the Grid Guide lineup, pressing the up
arrow key moves the cursor to the navigation bar. The EPG provides
several possible destinations on the navigation bar, e.g., info
center, sports, news, set up, help, etc.
[0162] From the PIP Window, pressing the down arrow key moves the
cursor to the Ad Window.
[0163] The viewer can set a default, or allow the system default,
to highlight a particular navigation bar destination when the
viewer initially enters the Grid Guide.
[0164] In another embodiment of this invention, the position and
size of the windows and other user interface features are
customizable by the viewer. This feature is similar to the PC
user's ability under a Microsoft Windows operating system to
control the size and position of various functional windows. The
difference here is that, in contrast to, e.g., a Windows 95
operating system which allows the PC user to control the size and
position of various functional windows on the face of a static PC
monitor background, the present invention allows the television
viewer to manipulate the PIP Window carrying a video signal of a
first television channel tuned by a first television tuner and the
various EPG Windows and EPG features on the face of the television
monitor, while the television monitor continues to receive a second
video signal of a second television channel tuned by a second
television tuner.
[0165] 3. Translucency on-Screen Effects.
[0166] In one embodiment, the EPG creates special translucency
visual effects. To create the translucency effect, the system
alternates the display format pixel by pixel--one pixel is the
color of the overlay and the next pixel is transparent.
[0167] 4. On-Screen Notifications.
[0168] The EPG formats on-screen notifications to the viewer and
displays the notification to the viewer. On-screen notifications
can be used to alert the viewer to any number of possible items of
information. For instance, the EPG can notify the viewer that the
EPG will begin recording a particular program within a certain
amount of time, e.g., 2 minutes. The record notification could
further ask the viewer whether to switch the cable box to record
the program. If the viewer indicated that the viewer did not want
the EPG to switch to the cable box to record the program, then the
EPG would delete the program from the record list. Another example
would be to notify the viewer that a program that may be of
interest (e.g., as determined from analyzing the Viewer's Profile)
will be broadcast on another channel within a certain amount of
time, e.g., 2 minutes. The EPG could then ask if the viewer wants
to view the program on the other channel. If the viewer indicates
that the viewer wants to watch the program on the other channel,
then the EPG will automatically tune to the other channel at the
appropriate time. Alternatively, the EPG could ask the viewer is
the viewer wants to record the program on the other channel and
could then record that program at the appropriate time if the
viewer answers affirmatively.
[0169] If the television is in television mode, the notification
will be displayed on-screen. The notification can be displayed in a
number of ways, including: 1.) a complete screen overlay; 2.) a
partial screen overlay; 3.) The real time program video is
automatically changed to a PIP format, and the notification is
displayed outside of the PIP window; 4.) The real time program
video is automatically changed to a PIP format, and the
notification is displayed inside of the PIP window; 5.) as a
"watermark" somewhere on-screen; 6.) an on-screen icon is displayed
which can be "pressed" by the viewer using the navigation keys on
the viewer's remote control device, and which, if pressed, displays
the notification in one of the above formats; 7.) the program video
is compressed slightly to fit in some percentage, e.g., 90%, of the
top of the screen, and the notification is displayed as a
horizontally-rolling message at the bottom of the screen; 8.) the
program video is compressed slightly to fit in some percentage,
e.g., 90%, of the bottom of the screen, and the notification is
displayed as a horizontally-rolling message at the top of the
screen.
[0170] If the television is in some mode other than the television
mode, the EPG can notify the viewer through some modification of
one of the above-described formats. For instance, if the television
is in the Grid Guide mode in a PIP format, then the EPG could use
any of format numbers 1.), 2.), 5.), 6.), 7.), 8.) or, the EPG
could notify the viewer by displaying the notification in the Ad
Window, a virtual ad channel slot, in the detail information
window, or in a horizontally-rolling message at the top or bottom
of the screen.
[0171] 5. Theme Navigation Bar.
[0172] The theme display is above the top of the Grid Guide. In one
embodiment, the Grid Guide display provides for a "page up"
on-screen button. In one embodiment, the Grid Guide display also
provides for a "menu" button. The viewer can scroll to the top of
the Grid Guide by successively "pressing" the page up on-screen
button, or by "pressing" the menu button.
[0173] 6. Improved Scrolling Through the EPG and Smooth
Scrolling.
[0174] In the top level screen of the EPG in Grid Guide mode, the
viewer user can jump directly to a future day of programming
schedule information.
[0175] In one embodiment, the Grid Guide display provides for a
"page up" on-screen button.
[0176] Program schedule information for a plurality of channels is
displayed on a screen of the EPG in Grid Guide mode. Titles are
shortened for display in the Grid Guide to conserve space. The
entire title is available to the system and is displayed in the
detailed description area of the Grid Guide when the viewer
highlights a tile in the Grid Guide for the corresponding program
listing. But the EPG shortens the titles, according to a set of
rules for shortening the titles, so that the titles fit in the
scheduling tiles of the Grid Guide.
[0177] The viewer can scroll up or down through the program
listings. While scrolling, the titles are not drawn until the
scrolling stops. Such a delay in drawing titles speeds up the
processing and makes the screen appearance less confusing. While
scrolling, the cursor will not highlight the top or the bottom tile
on the screen unless the channel is the top or bottom of the
lineup. The absence of highlighting signals to the viewer that more
channels remain in the scrolled direction.
[0178] A further improvement to the EPG User Interface ("UI") is
the development of "Smooth Scrolling." When the cursor reaches the
second tile from the bottom, and a new tile appears on the bottom,
the entire tile and its contents, e.g., a program title, grow
gradually in height until the newly appearing tile reaches full
tile height. At the same time, the tile that is disappearing from
the top of the screen, and the contents of that top tile, shrink in
height until the tile is gone. This provides a smooth transition in
the overall screen display but is not actually perceptible because
it is changing at 1/60 of a sec.
[0179] Smooth Scrolling is less disorienting to the viewer than a
page by page screen change, which is the scrolling technique used
in existing on screen guides. The entire bit map does not need to
be redrawn as you scroll up one tile--only the top tile is shrunk
or compressed in the vertical dimension.
[0180] In one embodiment, while slowly scrolling, the new title
appearing on the screen is not redrawn until the scrolling stops.
While rapidly scrolling multiple tiles, the processor stops
redrawing the title on any of the tiles during the scroll; the
processor waits until the scroll stops or slows down to redraw the
titles. This permits faster scrolling because the titles do not
have to be retrieved until the screen reaches the desired point.
Redrawing the data is very processor intensive. A special
interaction between the firmware and the hardware is required to
minimize redrawing the bit map and retrieving data from memory.
This applies to both vertical and horizontal scrolling. The user
can remain oriented because the channel identifiers and schedule
times remain displayed.
[0181] 7. "Jumping" in the EPG.
[0182] The viewer can "jump" to the desired action or location in
the EPG in a number of ways. In the Grid Guide, the viewer can jump
to the channel slot for a particular channel by entering the digits
of the channel identification number on the key pad of the viewer's
remote control device. The EPG interprets the number and calculates
the proper position for the EPG cursor. The EPG then displays the
cursor at the appropriate channel slot on-screen.
[0183] In one embodiment, the viewer's favorite and/or most watched
channels are displayed as buttons on a favorite channel selection
bar somewhere on the EPG display of the Grid Guide. The viewer can
jump to one of the viewer's favorite channels by "pressing" the
appropriate channel button.
[0184] In another embodiment, the viewer's remote control device
displays letters associated with the numbers on the key pad. The
viewer can use a special "Alt" key to allow the viewer to press the
keys as if alphabetic and/or alphanumeric. In this way, the viewer
can enter a channel identifier, such as "CNN".
[0185] In yet another embodiment, the viewer can request a pull
down menu of favorite channel identifiers and can select a channel
from the pull down menu.
[0186] In yet another embodiment, the viewer can set "bookmarks" in
the EPG by using a "bookmark" key on the viewer's remote control
device, or alternatively, a "bookmark" button on the EPG display.
The viewer can press the "bookmark" key when the user wants to mark
a current location for later return. The viewer can then scroll,
jump, or otherwise navigate away to some other location in the EPG.
When the viewer wants to return to the book marked location, the
viewer can press the "lastmark" key (on either the viewer's remote
control device, or alternatively on the EPG display). The EPG can
record a plurality of book marked locations. In one embodiment, the
EPG can remember book marked locations after the viewer turns off
the television and then turns on the television multiple times.
[0187] 8. Thematic Color-Coding of Program Schedule.
[0188] The EPG categorizes programs according to a plurality of
themes. In one embodiment, the EPG color codes the presentation of
the program in the Grid Guide according to the theme categorization
assigned to the program.
[0189] 9. Controllable Number of Days of Programming.
[0190] Typically, the EPG will carry only 2 days of program
listings. At the viewer's selection, the EPG can carry only a
single day of program listings. The single day option provides a
smaller range of program listings but increases response time.
Alternatively, the viewer can select to carry any number of days of
program listings, up to the number of days that is provided for by
the particular installation, which is set by the corresponding
amount of memory storage available.
D. Parental Control of the EPG Display
[0191] The Parent viewer initially enters the Parental Control
Function during initial EPG setup procedures. In the EPG setup
procedure, the Parent identifies all viewers of the television, and
assigns individual viewer Identifiers. The Parent viewer also
establishes a password for said Parent viewer. U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/085,401 ("V-CHIP Plus+: In-Guide
User Interface Apparatus and Method for Programmable Blocking of
Television and other viewable programming such as for Parental
Control of a Television Receiver") describes Parental Control setup
procedures for the identification of individual viewers and
initialization of password protection, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference here as if fully stated herein.
[0192] In the Parental Control Function, the Parent selects the
channels and programs that can be visible in the Grid Guide for a
particular viewer and selects channels and/or programs that are to
be blocked from viewing. Child viewers, as identified during setup
procedure, will view a simplified Grid Guide and will be blocked
from viewing the programs so marked by the Parent. In one
embodiment, individual viewers are identified by viewer ID and
password. In another embodiment, individual viewers have different
remote control devices, the use of which is also password
protected.
E. Improved Television Program Information Access by the Viewer
[0193] 1. Virtual Channel Ad Slots and Ad Window Program
Advertisements.
[0194] As described below, the EPG provides the viewer with
multiple opportunities to obtain detailed information about
television programs. As is further described below, the EPG
provides the viewer the opportunity to select Virtual Channel Ad
Slots or Ad Window displays that advertise future-scheduled
television programs and get additional information in the way of
text or video clips.
[0195] 2. Additional Detailed Information for Viewer Access
Including Link to the Internet.
[0196] The EPG displays detailed information relevant to program
listings in the detailed information area of the Grid Guide. The
detailed information can include, among other things, a detailed
textual description of the program, information about the actors
and actresses, information about the production of the program,
product related information, identification of relevant Internet
web sites and online Internet chat rooms. The EPG provides the
viewer with the ability to request detailed information from such
guides/data services in a number of ways, including when the viewer
highlights: a particular program in the Grid Guide, the Ad Window,
or a Virtual Channel Ad Slot. In one embodiment, the viewer's
remote control device has a power "Information" key. When the
viewer has navigated the on screen highlighting/cursor to a
particular tile or window on the EPG on screen display, the viewer
can press the remote control device "Information" key to request
the additional information
[0197] In one embodiment, when the viewer highlights a particular
program in the Grid Guide, the Ad Window, or a Virtual Channel Ad
Slot, or other requests access to detailed program-related
information, the EPG connects the viewer with an external database
of information, such as with a particular web site on the Internet.
The viewer can instruct the EPG to connect the user with detailed
specialized information guides/data services, such as sports, news,
or other guides/data services. In one embodiment, the linking to
the external data source is accomplished by storing a web site
address with the Ad Window or Virtual Channel Ad Slot advertisement
in the RAM of the user terminal.
[0198] A sports program listed in the Grid Guide provides an
illuminating example of how the viewer interacts with such a
detailed specialized information guide/data service. When the
viewer highlights a football game listed in the Grid Guide, the
normal detail concerning the program is displayed in the detailed
information are of the Grid Guide. Furthermore, multiple icons
related to the highlighted program can be displayed in the Grid
Guide. One icon alerts the user that the game is already underway.
Another icon indicates the availability of specialized guide
information. The viewer can select the program from the Grid Guide
for viewing and/or recording. In addition, the viewer can select
the specialized guide icon. In the case of a sports program,
selecting the specialized guide icon would display, for instance, a
scoreboard for the game if the game were already in progress in the
detailed information area of the Grid Guide. If the game were
scheduled for a future time, then selecting the specialized guide
icon would display, for instance, information about the players,
the teams, and perhaps, the odds about the game.
[0199] Another icon, displayed for instance in the display of the
sports guide scoreboard, provides the viewer with the option of
connecting to the Internet, e.g., to a particular web site that
provides additional information about the game, possibly, including
online chat about the game. In one embodiment, the EPG switches to
full screen to display of the Internet web site. In another
embodiment, the EPG displays the Internet web site in the area of
the screen previously occupied by the Grid Guide and/or the Grid
Guide and the Ad Window, while continuing to display the real time
video display of the currently tuned television program in the PIP
window. Alternatively, the EPG can display the Internet web site in
the PIP window and display the currently tuned television program
in the area of the screen previously occupied by the Grid Guide
and/or the Grid Guide and the Ad Window. The Internet web site to
which the EPG initially connects (the "contact web site") may be a
specialized directory, using pre-determined hyperlinks to the
viewer to other cites of interest. The contact web site may
additionally, or in the alternative, offer search capabilities to
the viewer to locate information of interest.
[0200] Once the viewer is connected with a specialized information
guide/data service, the viewer can use the guide/data service to
direct the viewer to particular information contained in the EPG
Grid Guide. For instance, a viewer selects a news program to watch.
While watching the news program, the news broadcaster describes an
event involving astronauts. The viewer selects the news guide/data
service icon and connects to a web site on the Internet describing,
among other things, additional information about the particular
event involving the astronauts. The viewer uses the search engine
offered by the contact web site to locate additional information
about the same astronauts. At the subsequent web sites, a Discovery
Channel program is mentioned concerning some of the same
astronauts. The viewer instructs the EPG to locate any occurrence
of the referenced program and to schedule that program to be
recorded. In one embodiment, a PLUS CODE-like address is used to
link to, or record, the scheduled program.
[0201] The viewer can search an index, available on the Internet
and created by a news data service, of recorded television news
programs and reports. The viewer can search the index. If the
viewer selects one of the indexed reports, a video clip of the
indexed report will be shown in the area on the screen occupied by
the Internet web site display, or any alternate area or portion of
the on-screen display. The viewer can instruct the EPG to record
the video clip.
[0202] The EPG is capable of integrating additional information
provided by the special data services into the EPG display. For
instance, in the case of a sports data service, the EPG can format
the program listing display and/or the sports scores for a game
with special color coding depending upon the stage of the game. For
instance, if the game is in progress, the EPG will format the
program listing and/or the sports scores for that game with one
color, e.g., green; if the game is completed, the program listing
and/or the final scores can be in a different color, e.g., blue. If
the game is in progress, the viewer can highlight and select the
box score to move from the box score to the game shown on the
television. In one embodiment, the selected television sports
program appears in the PIP Window or the Ad Window, allowing the
viewer to read the sports program-related story in the sports guide
while watching the corresponding television sports program.
[0203] The EPG is further capable of linking between news items in
a special news guide and related television programs. The viewer
can link to a news program to watch or record that program by
highlighting and selecting a news item in a news guide. In one
embodiment, the selected television news program appears in the PIP
Window or the Ad Window, allowing the viewer to read the story in
the news guide while watching a tv news program that reports on the
event.
[0204] In one embodiment, the VBI for selected channels are
dedicated to the delivery of a special data service. For instance,
the ESPN VBI would carry the sports data service only. In one
embodiment, as an incentive to carry this data, the data service
would display the ESPN TV program in the PIP window. Since the
tuner must be set to ESPN to capture the data, the television
signal is available for display in the PIP.
F. Improved Opportunities for the Commercial Advertiser to Reach
the Viewer
[0205] 1. Ad Window Product-Related Video Clips and Infomercial
Recording
[0206] The EPG provides producers of infomercials with extended
capabilities to reach the viewers through the Ad Window. Because of
the cost of buying advertising time, a growing number of product
manufacturers and marketers produce infomercials about their
products and then buy relatively inexpensive air time for their
infomercials according to off-prime-time schedules, often on
non-prime channels. The EPG provides the producers of infomercials
with the opportunity to provide the viewer with the opportunity to
record an infomercial that is broadcast at a time, or on a channel,
that would be inconvenient for the viewer to watch real-time.
[0207] If the Ad Window displays information about a particular
product, pressing a record button will instruct the EPG to record
an infomercial or advertisement, to the extent that one is
scheduled for a future time. Alternatively, the viewer can
designate the infomercial or advertisement for the Watch List.
Alternatively, the EPG provides the producers of infomercials with
the opportunity to provide the viewer with the opportunity to view
a video clip about the product being advertised.
[0208] In one embodiment, the video clip associated with the
product and/or program displayed in the Ad Window is shown when the
viewer highlights the Ad Window. Depending upon the embodiment
and/or viewer option selections, the video clip is shown in the PIP
window, in the Ad Window, or full screen. At the conclusion of the
video clip, the EPG typically returns to the mode in which the
viewer was operating immediately before selecting the option that
triggered the display of the video clip.
[0209] 2. Ad Window Program-Related Recording
[0210] The EPG provides distributors of television programming with
additional opportunities to reach the viewer. The Ad Window can
display information about a future-scheduled television program. If
the viewer is interested in recording the program, the viewer can
take a number of alternative actions. For instance, in one
embodiment, the viewer can instruct the EPG to record the
future-scheduled program. In one embodiment, the viewer presses
record button on the remote control device to instruct the EPG to
record the future-scheduled program. Alternatively, the viewer can
instruct the EPG to add program to the Watch List. Alternatively,
the viewer can instruct the EPG to display a video clip about the
program. Yet further, the viewer can instruct the EPG to connect
the user with detailed specialized information guides/data
services, such as sports, news, or other guides/data services. The
EPG provides the viewer with the ability to request detailed
information from such guides/data services in a number of ways,
including when the viewer highlights: a particular program in the
Grid Guide, the Ad Window, or a Virtual Channel Ad Slot. In one
embodiment, the EPG displays relevant detailed information in the
detailed information area of the Grid Guide. In another embodiment,
the EPG connects the viewer with an external database of
information, such as with a particular web site on the
Internet.
[0211] 3. Panel Ads.
[0212] In one embodiment, Panel ads occupy a fixed area in the
Guide and are generally filled with paid advertisements. Located
directly below the PIP in an Ad Window, space is available in the
Guide for two Panel ads. Each Panel ad occupies approximately 1/9th
of the total screen area. The usable area of a Panel ad is 132
pixels high.times.160 pixels wide, with 2 pixel wide black borders
all around and 2 pixels of gray on the left and right sides and
between the two ad spaces. When a given ad space is not sold, the
space will be filled with a Placeholder ad, stored in ROM, and
inserted in the available space, or with a bonus ad.
[0213] An advertiser may purchase both 1/9th screen areas, thus
creating a single ad with a usable space of 270 pixels high by 160
pixels wide, with 2 pixel wide black borders all around and 2
pixels wide of gray on the left and right sides.
[0214] In one embodiment, all Guide screens are made up of "hard
pages." A hard page is defined as an area comprising 9 channel
slots. Each time a user scrolls below the 9*x channel slot, a new
"hard page" appears. Scrolling back up will bring the previous hard
page back into view. Each hard page may have different Panel ads
associated with it.
[0215] In one embodiment, Hard pages are defined differently in the
Sort screens. Each sort category (e.g. Movies, Sports, Children's)
will be considered one hard page regardless of the number of items
in the list vertically. As the user moves [0216] Panel ad Pair 2
with channels 9-16 and the second Channel ad [0217] Panel ad Pair 3
with channels 17-20 and the third and fourth Channel ads
[0218] If the user turned on more channels requiring the addition
of a fourth hard page, then the fourth Panel ad Pair would become
visible.
[0219] In one embodiment, the user can highlight these ads,
resulting in the automatic display of an expanded information box.
This expanded information box covers the entire right-hand 2/3rds
of the grid. The user closes the expanded information box by moving
the highlight off the Panel ad or by pressing the information
button after the last related information box screen has been
presented. FIGS. 10a and 10b are graphic representations of sample
on screen EPG displays depicting one embodiment of the feature of
presenting additional information concerning the subject matter of
a highlighted Panel Ad Window.
[0220] In one embodiment, Panel ads are surrounded by flat black
borders. When a panel ad is highlighted, the border turns yellow.
When a program is set to record the border turns red (dark red when
the Panel ad is not highlighted, light/bright red when
highlighted). When a program is scheduled to watch, the border
turns orange (dark orange when the Panel ad is not highlighted,
light/bright orange when highlighted).
[0221] In one embodiment, there can be multiple information
"screens" displayed sequentially in the expanded information box.
Pressing the Info. button while an ad is highlighted accesses these
additional screens. There is no finite limit to the number of
additional screens; memory limitations and selling requirements
will limit this number.
[0222] In one embodiment, if a Panel ad is highlighted, has show
information associated with it, and the advertised show is
currently on, the user may tune directly to the related program by
pressing the Left Action button (the Blue button which is labeled
"Watch") or by pressing the Enter/Select button on the remote.
Pressing the Watch button also places the show in the Record/Watch
Schedule for the duration of the show to allow the user to set the
frequency to daily or weekly. If the show is not currently on,
pressing the Left Action button places the show in the Record/Watch
Schedule or; pressing the Enter/Select button tunes to the channel
related to the show in the ad. Shows added to the Record/Watch
Schedule may be set to be viewed: once, daily, or weekly. The Watch
feature and related Action button labels operate in the same way as
if scheduling a show to watch from the Grid.
[0223] In one embodiment, if a Panel ad has show information
associated with it, the show may be recorded by highlighting the ad
and pressing the Right Action button (the Green button, labeled
"Record"). If the show is on now, recording begins immediately and
the show is placed in the Record/Watch Schedule for the duration of
the show to allow the user to set the frequency to daily or weekly.
If the show is on in the future, that show is added to the
Record/Watch Schedule for auto-recording. Shows added to the
Record/Watch Schedule may be set to be recorded: once, daily, or
weekly. The Record feature and related Action button labels operate
in the same way as if scheduling a show to record from the
Grid.
[0224] In one embodiment, Panel ads can be dynamic. There are two
areas which may be dynamic: 1.) the Panel ad space; and/or 2.) the
Information box.
[0225] The Panel ad area may change over time, e.g., every x
seconds rotating through a plurality of different graphical or
textual ad executions in the Panel ad space. When a Panel ad is
highlighted, the ad rotation stops on the currently displayed ad
visual. The dynamic rotation does not restart until the Panel ad is
de-highlighted.
[0226] The information box text associated with the Panel ad may
change over time, e.g., every y seconds, rotating through a
plurality of different screens of text. The screen rotation stops
if the user presses the Info. Button, displaying the first page of
info. text. This option is available for advertisers to rotate
different headlines in the information box. The user may view
subsequent pages by pressing the Info. button again. The screen
rotation does not restart until after the Panel ad is
de-highlighted.
[0227] 4. Virtual Channel Ad Slots.
[0228] The EPG provides producers of infomercials with extended
capabilities to reach the viewers through Virtual Channel Ad Slots,
also referred to as Channel ads. Virtual Channel Ad Slots appear as
rows of the Grid Guide and typically show the titles of the
programs that are scheduled for a particular channel. The EPG Grid
Guide's Virtual Channel Ad Slots provide advertisement to be
displayed as a row in the Grid Guides schedule of programs. The
Virtual Channel Ad Slots may be used to provide multiple exposures
of a particular program in the guide. The Virtual Channel Ad Slots
act like a channel entry in the Grid Guide in that the viewer can
record, watch, schedule for watching, and/or get information about
the advertised program in the information detail box of the Grid
Guide.
[0229] In FIG. 1 of the drawing, tile 52 shows an example of a
Virtual Channel Ad Slot for an ad for a television program--it is a
program listing that is out of place channel-wise and time-wise in
the Grid Guide 22. That is, it does not appear in the usual channel
position or time position in the guide, but the tile is otherwise
like the other program listing tiles of grid guide 22 (including
height), except that it occupies the entire width of the tile
irrespective of the duration of the program. A tile for a normal
program listing scrolls off the screen as the up and down arrow
keys are pressed. In contrast, in one embodiment, a Virtual Channel
Ad Slot, such as shown in tile 52, remains on the screen at all
times as the up and down arrow keys are pressed, so the ad remains
in view at all times.
[0230] Channel ads do not occupy a fixed area. Channel ads are
essentially inserted between channels in the grid. If there are no
Channel ads sold, the grid will simply be a continuous list of
channels/show tiles with no gaps. As these channel ads take up a
channel slot in the grid, it is desirable to limit how many are
likely to appear on any one screen to ensure the Guide is a useful
source of TV programming information. Typically, there will be
approximately 1 Channel ad per hard page.
[0231] Channel ads are typically the height of a channel slot, the
width of the grid and are intermingled with the channel listings.
The usable area for a Channel ad is typically 24 pixels
high.times.344 pixels wide, with 2 pixel wide bevels all
around.
[0232] There are several types of Channel ads, including: Relative,
Parent, and Fixed position Channel ads.
[0233] Relative Channel Ads appear in a position relative to the
top of the grid and are spaced every n channel slots, where n is
some number. These ads appear and disappear as the user pages
through the Guide's hard pages. It is anticipated that n will
usually (but not necessarily always) equal 9 since this is the
number of channels in the PIP version grid. This would provide for
one ad per hard page. A location for the first ad can be selected
on the first page and subsequent ads follow every n channel slots.
The same ad is repeated every n.sup.th slot. This method of
repeating every n.sup.th channel slot is true for both PIP and
non-PIP versions. Typically, as a user turns channels off, the
spacing of these ads remains constant (every n channel slots). In
the event that there are not enough channels to continue this
spacing, ads will appear at the end of the grid listings.
[0234] Parent Channel ads are related to a specific channel located
directly above the ad. A Parent Channel ad is attached to its
adjacent "parent" channel (that is, the ad follows the parent
channel). As it is desirable to limit the number of Channel ads
seen on any one screen, the number of Parent ads will typically be
limited. Additionally, if the parent channel is turned off, the ad
will typically be displayed at the bottom of the grid.
[0235] Fixed Position Channel ads are located in one specific
location, y (where y is some number) channels down from the top of
the grid. If y is greater than the number of channels in the grid,
the ad will be located at the end of the grid.
[0236] Except as noted above regarding Parent and Fixed Position
Channel ads, Channel ads will typically be spaced so that no more
than one Channel ad is displayed at one time.
[0237] In one embodiment, Channel ads page vertically along with
the channel listing information. These ads remain in a fixed
position when the grid is scrolled horizontally. The user can
highlight these Channel ads just as any show title can be
highlighted. When highlighted, these Channel ads display additional
information in the info. box just as when any channel is
highlighted.
[0238] Channel ads are typically surrounded by bevels just like any
show tile. Channel ad highlighting is typically similar to Panel ad
highlighting. In one embodiment, when a user highlights a Channel
ad, the bevels change to a flat (non-beveled) yellow border. When a
Channel ad show is set to record the border turns red (dark red
when not highlighted, light/bright red when highlighted). When a
Channel ad show is scheduled to watch, the border turns orange
(dark orange when not highlighted, light/bright orange when
highlighted).
[0239] In one embodiment, Channel ads can have multiple, sequential
info. box "screens" of information. The availability of this
additional information is indicated by an "i" icon. The user can
access the additional information by pressing the info. button.
[0240] In one embodiment, if a Channel ad is highlighted, has show
information associated with it, and the advertised show is
currently on, the user may tune directly to the related program by
pressing the Left Action button (the Blue button which is labeled
"Watch") or by pressing the Enter/Select button on the remote.
Pressing the Watch button also places the show in the Record/Watch
Schedule for the duration of the show. If the show is not currently
on, pressing the Left Action button places the show in the
Record/Watch Schedule for future auto-viewing; pressing the
Enter/Select button tunes to the channel related to the show in the
Channel ad. Shows added to the Record/Watch Schedule may be set to
be viewed: once, daily, or weekly. The Watch feature and related
Action button labels operate in the same way as if scheduling a
show to watch from the Grid.
[0241] In one embodiment, if a Channel ad has show information
associated with it, the show may be recorded by highlighting the ad
and pressing the Right Action button (the Green button, labeled
Record). If the show is already being delivered in the television
signal, recording begins immediately and the show is placed in the
Record/Watch Schedule for the duration of the show. If the show is
on in the future, the show is added to the Record/Watch Schedule
for recording. Shows added to the Record/Watch Schedule may be set
to be recorded: once, daily, or weekly. The Record feature and
related Action button labels operate in the same way as if
recording a show from the Grid.
[0242] Channel ads can be dynamic.
[0243] 5. Placeholder Ads
[0244] In one embodiment, when the Guide is first setup, the
initial download of information will not have been received. The
Panel ad spaces must be filled with Placeholder ads that are stored
in ROM. These ads must be "timeless" as they will appear each time
a TV is set up, either for the first time or after a power
outage.
[0245] One use for the Panel ad space is for help text. Help text
that draws the user to select the ad space could serve as a
"tutorial" on how to access Panel ads, the additional information
on info. screens, and how to Watch and Record from ads.
[0246] 6. Full Screen Ads.
[0247] When the viewer first enters the EPG, the EPG can display a
full screen ad, such as an ad that would be displayed in the Ad
Window. The viewer can interact with the full screen ad in the same
manner in which the viewer can interact with the Ad Window. That
is, the viewer can instruct the EPG to record, or to add to the
watch list, the infomercial or program, if there is one, that is
associated with the advertisement.
[0248] 7. Automatic Watch Channel.
[0249] Rather than have the last channel watched as the first
channel tuned the next time that the viewer turns on the
television, a channel selected by the viewer could be automatically
tuned. In one embodiment, the viewer indicates the Automatic watch
channel in the Watch List Function of the EPG. In another
embodiment, a broadcaster sends an on-screen query to each viewer
to enter a command if the viewer wants the broadcaster's channel to
be the first watched channel when the viewer first turns on the
television.
[0250] 8. Ad Features.
[0251] Ads may feature, among other things, a graphics field, a
text field or a combination of a graphics and text field.
[0252] Graphics are typically presented in 8 bit/pixel (using "320
mode"), 4 bit/pixel (in "640 mode") and 1 bit/pixel images. In some
embodiments, there will be memory limitations. In embodiments with
such memory limitations, it is expected that Panel ads will contain
graphics no larger than 25% of the ad area when 4 or 8 bit/pixel
graphics are used. 100% of the area may be used for a 1 bit/pixel
graphic. Channel ad graphics will typically, but not necessarily,
be limited to the channel logo portion of the ad. (The use of the
word "typically" here, and elsewhere in this application, means
"typically, but not necessarily.") The remaining portion of the
Channel ad will typically be text only.
[0253] Displayed text will typically have the following
characteristics: [0254] available normal and condensed 18 and 24
point fonts oblique version of the fonts [0255] underlining [0256]
bold [0257] centering [0258] left and right justification [0259]
color can be selected once per line [0260] Text could also be
displayed as a 1 bit/pixel bitmap in the Panel ad areas only.
[0261] Background colors will have an impact on the overall look
and usability of the Guide. The following describes a typical
embodiment.
[0262] Panel ad background colors may be selected by the advertiser
and will typically be subject to luminance constraints set forth
below.
[0263] Channel ad background colors may be restricted. Show tile
background colors are used as keys for show categories (movies,
sports, etc.) and actions taken on a show (set to record or watch).
While most any background color could be displayed it is desirable
to maintain the integrity of the show tile color schemes.
Therefore, it is likely that a limited set of background colors or
a set of colors which can not be used will be specified for
advertising agencies to use when developing Channel ad creative.
Channel ad backgrounds will typically be subject to luminance
constraints set forth below.
[0264] The Info. box background will typically be gray and
typically can not be changed by the advertiser.
[0265] There are typically limitations on the luminance of the
colors in the ads. If the luminance is set too high, the screen
image will blister. These limitations will be set, according to the
embodiment, and communicated to the advertisers for their
development consideration. Ads that do not comply with luminance
restrictions for the particular embodiment will be subject to
default override limitations.
[0266] In one embodiment, the viewer can interact with the ads and
the television. For instance, Tune-in ads will allow the viewer to
tune directly to a show in progress from a highlighted ad block
assuming the ad block has program information associated with it.
An in progress show associated with an ad is directly tuned by
pressing either the Enter/Select button or the Left Action button
(the Blue button labeled "Watch").
[0267] Direct-record ads will allow the user to record a show in
progress or scheduled to be on in the future from a highlighted ad
block. There is no practical limit on how far into the future a
direct-record associated show may be scheduled to air. A show
associated with an ad is recorded by pressing the Right Action
button while the ad is highlighted. The user may select a record
frequency of once, daily or weekly. From an ad, the user presses
the Right Action button (the Green button labeled "Record") to
place the show in the Record Schedule. In the event that the show
is currently on, pressing the Right Action button while
highlighting an ad allows recording of the show in progress. The
show title is also placed in the Record Schedule until the show
ends in the event the user wishes to modify the record frequency to
daily or weekly.
[0268] Watch ads consist of a program advertised in any ad space.
The program advertised may be placed into the Watch Schedule as
long as the ad block has program information associated with it.
There is no practical limit on how far into the future an
associated show may be scheduled to air. The Watch feature operates
much the same way as the Record feature, except that it tunes the
television ("TV") to the show rather than recording it. If a user
is watching TV, the channel automatically changes to a show placed
in the Watch Schedule when the show begins. If the TV is turned off
when a show in the Watch Schedule is scheduled to begin, the TV is
turned on and tuned to the desired channel (TV implementations
only, not VCR.) The user may select a watch frequency of once,
daily or weekly. From an ad, the user presses the Left Action
button (the Blue button labeled "Watch") to place the show in the
Watch Schedule. In the event that the show is currently on,
pressing the Left Action button while highlighting an ad results in
tuning directly to the show. The show title is also placed in the
Watch Schedule until the show ends in the event the user wishes to
modify the watch frequency to daily or weekly.
[0269] Ads may have multiple levels of information. Typically,
First Level Information is the ad copy and/or graphics that are
presented on screen with no user action. This comprises the Panel
and Channel ad areas.
[0270] Typically, Second Level Information (if provided by the
advertiser) is automatically made visible ("Auto-Open") when the
user highlights an ad block by scrolling onto it. This secondary
information is presented in the info. box when a Channel ad is
selected and in an automatically expanded version of the info. box
that covers the entire channel grid area when a Panel ad is
highlighted. The "i" icon on the ad, placed at the advertiser's
discretion, indicates there is more information available for that
ad. The second level information may be text and/or graphics
depending on memory availability.
[0271] Typically, Third Level Information (if provided by the
advertiser) availability is indicated by the info. button "i" on a
Second Level information screen. Pressing the info. button accesses
this information and cause the information box to expand for
Channel ads to cover the entire grid area. This information can be
multiple pages long. Pressing the info. button successive times
cycles the user through the multiple pages. Pressing the info.
button from the last available screen causes the information box to
contract to its original size for all ads. The third level
information may be text and/or graphics depending upon memory
capabilities.
[0272] Ad Blocks can be dynamic. Memory permitting, the Panel ad
graphics and/or text and information box text may change every X
(where X is some number) seconds rotating through a limit of N
(where N is some number) different graphical or textual executions.
There is the capability to limit the number of dynamic ads
displayed at any one time.
[0273] Ad duration and start time/end time can be scheduled and/or
dynamic. In one embodiment, ads are to be displayed at a given
start time with a related end time. The time between the start and
end is the ad's duration. The minimum duration increment is
typically 60 seconds. In one embodiment, an ad will not be replaced
automatically when an ad's end time arrives. Ads will only change
when the user's actions cause a new "hard page," or new section of
the guide to appear (e.g. going from the Grid to Sort).
[0274] Ads can rotate. For example, different ads can appear each
time the user enters the same page/section of the Guide. There is
no hard limit on the number of ads placed in rotation. Ads can be
assigned a priority with the ad of the highest priority being
displayed the first time a hard page or section is accessed. Then
the second priority ad is displayed the next time the user views
this page and so forth. The priority counter is page dependent,
meaning that if the user views the first page for a third time,
they will see the third priority ad on that page and if they then
scroll to the second page for the first time, they will see the
first priority ad on the second page.
[0275] Ads may differ by the section of the Guide being viewed. For
example, if a user is viewing the Sports theme area, an ad for ESPN
Sports Center may appear, whereas a different ad was presented when
the user was on the main grid.
[0276] The EPG can determine which advertisements to display
depending upon the advertisement being displayed on the television
channel that the viewer was watching immediately before entering
the EPG. That is, if a Toyota advertisement was being shown on the
channel that the viewer was watching at the time that the viewer
entered the EPG, then the EPG can be timed to display a correlative
Toyota advertisement in some portion of the EPG, e.g., the Ad
Window. a television program.
[0277] In one embodiment, the EPG tests the Viewer Profile to
determine which ad to display at various times during the viewer's
session with the EPG. The EPG can assign Ad and Page priorities to
represent the advertisers' investment and the relative viewer's
profile.
[0278] Graphically dynamic ads typically present different graphics
every x seconds (where x is some number, with x as small as 1.0
second) rotating through n (where n is some number) graphical or
textual executions. Typically, only a limited number of these ads
will be displayed at any one time (likely a maximum of 1 per
screen) as busy screens will decrease the effectiveness of the ads
and the utility of the Guide.
[0279] Ads must be "identifiable" and "accessible" once placed in
memory in order to allow advertisers to "pull" an ad, to update an
ad, or to correct errors in transmission.
G. Improved Product Information Access by the Viewer
[0280] 1. Ad Window Product Detail.
[0281] The viewer can highlight the Ad Window to locate additional
information about the product advertised. In one embodiment, the
viewer highlights the Ad Window by pressing the arrow/directional
navigational keys of the remote control device to navigate the
remote control device pointer to the location of the Ad Window on
the on-screen television monitor display. When the remote control
device pointer is located at the Ad Window on the on-screen
television monitor display, the on-screen display of the Ad Window
will be highlighted. In one embodiment, the color of the Ad Window
itself will become brighter or show a lighted effect. In another
embodiment, the color of a border surrounding the Ad Window will
become brighter or show a lighted effect. Highlighting the Ad
Window will cause additional text describing the product to be
displayed in the detail box are of the EPG Grid Guide.
Alternatively, the EPG provides the producers of infomercials with
the opportunity to provide the viewer with the opportunity to view
a video clip about the product being advertised.
[0282] The Ad Window can be optionally interactive. The Internet
address of a web site containing information relevant to the ad
being displayed in the Ad Window can be displayed in the Ad Window
as a web site address, as an icon, or in some other graphical
presentation, such as a stylized "i" indicating additional
interactive information. Furthermore, the viewer's interaction with
the Ad Window will be monitored by the EPG to record as part of the
viewer's profile.
[0283] 2. Ad Window Product-Related Recording
[0284] The EPG provides viewers the opportunity to access extended
product information about which the viewer is interested. Because
of the cost of buying advertising time, a growing number of product
manufacturers and marketers produce infomercials about their
products. Because of the cost of air-time, many manufacturers and
marketers buy relatively inexpensive air time for their
infomercials according to off-prime-time schedules, often on
non-prime channels. The EPG provides the viewer the opportunity to
record an infomercial that is broadcast at a time, or on a channel,
that would be inconvenient for the viewer to watch real-time. If
the Ad Window displays information about a particular product,
pressing a record button will instruct the EPG to record an
infomercial, to the extent that one is scheduled for a future time.
Alternatively, the viewer can designate the infomercial for the
Watch List.
[0285] 3. Ad Window Program-Related Recording
[0286] The EPG provides viewers with additional opportunities to
instruct the EPG to record or watch a future-scheduled television
program. The Ad Window can display information about a
future-scheduled television program. If the viewer is interested in
recording the program, the viewer can instruct the EPG to record
the future-scheduled program. In one embodiment, the viewer presses
record button on the remote control device to instruct the EPG to
record the future-scheduled program. Alternatively, the viewer can
instruct the EPG to add program to the Watch List. Alternatively,
the viewer can view a video clip about the program.
H. Creation of a Viewer's Profile
[0287] 1. Collecting Viewer Profile Information.
[0288] The EPG requests that the viewer provide certain profile
information, including but not limited to: the viewer's zip code;
television, cable, and satellite services to which the viewer
subscribes; the length of said subscriptions; the type of
television; the age of the television; where the television was
purchased; the viewer's top favorite channels; the viewer's
favorite types of programs; and the times during which the viewer
is most likely to watch television. If the viewer declines to
provide this information, the EPG will attempt to "learn" the
information as described below.
[0289] In one embodiment, the EPG is capable of distinguishing
between individual viewers and develops individualized profiles.
For instance, in one embodiment, each viewer has an individual PIN
or other identification number. In another embodiment, each viewer
uses an individualized remote. In yet another embodiment, there is
an absence of a way to distinguish one viewer from another. In that
case, the profile is developed for the "family."
[0290] Every time the viewer interacts with the EPG or the
television, the EPG records the viewer's actions and the
circumstances surrounding those actions. For instance, when the
viewer changes channels, the EPG records, among other things,
information about the first channel, the changed-to channel, the
time that the change was made, the identification of the
programming that was displayed on the first channel, the
identification of the programming that was displayed on the
changed-to channel, the time of the change, the identification of
any advertisement that was displayed on the first channel at the
time of the change, the identification of any advertisement that
was displayed on the changed-to channel, and whether the viewer
changed channels while in one of the EPG modes, as opposed to being
in the television mode. The EPG will also record every instruction
by the viewer to record or watch a program, whether the instruction
is Once, Daily, Weekly, or Regularly. The EPG will also record
whether the viewer changes the volume of the television audio, and
if so, what circumstances surrounded the change in volume. If the
viewer changes channels while in one of the EPG modes, then the EPG
records information about what was displayed in each of the windows
of the EPG UI before and after the change.
[0291] The EPG also records information when there is an absence of
interaction between the viewer and the television or the EPG. For
instance, the EPG will record whether a viewer continues to view an
advertisement rather than changing channels. The EPG calculates and
records the entire duration of the time that the television is on
in any particular day.
[0292] The EPG also records information surrounding the viewer's
interaction with external sources of information, such as the
Internet. For instance, the EPG records each search query criteria
initiated by the viewer, the Search Engine used to make the search,
the items selected by the viewer from the search response,
interaction by the user with Internet sites, and viewer
interactions with the EPG during the same time-frame as the viewer
interacts with the Internet.
[0293] An alternative to the above-described individual viewer
profile information collection would be to provide on-screen survey
queries. That is, the EPG could display an offer on-screen that
would tell the viewer to call a toll-free number for the purpose of
reading an on-screen encrypted number for the survey in exchange
for a gift certificate. The offer could be made only to viewers
watching a particular program or particular advertisement at a
particular time. Survey responses would provide useful information
further survey customization, customizing the guide, and targeting
advertising.
[0294] 2. Analyzing and Characterizing Viewer Profile
Information.
[0295] The viewer profile information (data collected concerning,
and surrounding, a viewer's interaction with the television, the
EPG (including the recording and watching functions), the Internet,
the World Wide Web, and any other sources of information external
to the EPG, but through which the viewer interact)) can be sent to
a computer at the head end of television distribution for analysis,
or in the alternative, can be analyzed by the EPG.
[0296] Information about the viewer is captured on an ongoing
basis. Similarly, viewer profile data is updated on an ongoing
basis. Accordingly, the viewer profile analysis program (the
"Profile Program"), can be repeated at some time interval to
incorporate additional information about the viewer that has been
captured since the last analysis. Alternatively, the Profile
Program is a real time program that processes each discrete item of
information about a viewer as the data is captured.
[0297] The viewer profile analysis program (the "Profile Program"),
may be resident at the head end, in the Internet, included as part
of the EPG, or distributed among these various possible locations.
The Profile Program performs a variety of different types of
analysis on the viewer profile data. For instance, the Profile
Program performs simple statistical analysis of the data collected.
The Profile Program accumulates, among other things, the number of
times that the viewer: interacted with the EPG during a particular
viewing session; performed particular types of interactions with
the EPG; watched a particular channel; interacted with the Internet
during a particular viewing session, interacted with a particular
website; watched and/or recorded and/or scheduled to watch a
program with a particular type of theme (e.g., comedy, sports,
drama, movie, sitcom, science fiction, adventure, mystery,
documentary, cooking, travel, etc.); and watched and/or recorded
and/or scheduled to watch a program with a particular type of
subject (e.g., golf, tennis, football, basketball, baseball,
animals, food, etc.), or a particular actor or actress. The Profile
Program also calculates the duration of each viewing and compiles,
among other things, statistics about the times of day and days of
the week during which the viewer watches television, interacts with
the EPG, or interacts with the Internet or the World Wide Web.
[0298] Using the basic viewer profile data and the simple
statistics collected about a particular viewer, the Profile Program
"learns" to recognize a finer breakdown about the various types of
data collected and then uses the learned information to describe a
"Viewer Preference.". For instance, if the Profile Program detects
that the viewer watches sports programs, and that a number of
sports programs are basketball games, the Profile Program analyzes
the teams involved in the programs watched. The Profile Program is
able, in this manner, to determine whether the viewer is a fan of a
particular team. If so, the Profile Program records the viewer's
team affiliation as a Viewer Preference.
[0299] The Profile Program performs multiple levels of
sophisticated analysis and learning involving numerous comparisons
of the basic viewer profile data and the simple statistics
collected about a particular viewer to develop Viewer
Characteristics. In this way, the Profile Program develops a
multi-dimensional profile of the viewer. For example, once the
Profile Program detects a Viewer Preference, the Profile Program
compares, e.g., the number of times that the viewer interacts with
the EPG or an external information source such as the
Internet/World Wide Web, during a telecast of a program that
relates to the Viewer Preference (e.g., a basketball game involving
the viewer's favorite team) with, e.g., the number of times that
the viewer interacts with the EPG or an external information source
such as the Internet/World Wide Web, during a telecast of a program
that does not relate to the Viewer Preference.
[0300] Further, the types of interactions in both sets of
circumstances are analyzed. In this way, the Profile Program
determines Viewer Characteristics relating to, among other things:
attention span; general interest in product advertisements;
interest in specific types of product information; propensity for
impulse buying; correlation of impulse buying habits to price
ranges, product types, and advertising formats; interest in
recording and/or watching future-scheduled programs; interest in
accessing additional levels of information concerning television
programs; and interest in accessing additional levels of
information concerning product advertisements including the
correlation of such interest with the Viewer Preferences. Over
time, with sufficient data, the EPG characterizes the viewer's
sense of humor, chronological age, activity age, whether the viewer
is married, whether the viewer has children, whether the viewer has
a pet and what type of pet the viewer likely has, whether the
viewer is interested in buying a particular type of appliance,
whether the viewer is considering buying a car, the viewer's likely
political affiliations, and a broad range of various other Viewer
Characteristics.
[0301] Yet further, the Profile Program analyzes an individual's
Viewer Profile as compared to the Viewer Profiles of others. With
this cross-comparison analysis, the Profile Program can determine
the likelihood that the subject viewer will prefer or be interested
in a particular subject, product, theme, movie, episode, etc. based
on comparisons to similar Viewer Profiles.
I. Utilization of Viewer Profile Information to Customize Various
Aspects of the EPG
[0302] The EPG and Profile Program use the basic viewer profile
data, the simple statistics collected about a particular viewer,
Viewer Preferences and Viewer Characteristics (collectively,
hereinafter, the "Viewer's Profile") to customize various aspects
of the EPG. The viewer has the option to block any of these
automatic customization features in the EPG Setup Mode. One aspect
of the EPG that will be customized is the order of the channel
slots presented in the Grid Guide. The order in which the channel
slots are presented can be customized to present the viewer's
favorite channels at the top/beginning of the Grid Guide in
descending order according to the Viewer's Profile.
[0303] In one embodiment, the order of the channel slots is
customized according to the day of the week and the time of day in
accordance with the Viewer's Profile. For instance, if a particular
viewer frequently watched Nick at Nite on weekday evenings from 7
pm to 10 pm, then the EPG automatically tunes the television when
turned on between 7 pm and 10 pm, to the appropriate Nick at Nite
channel and formats the Grid Guide to show the Nick at Nite channel
as the first channel in the Grid Guide. If the same viewer
typically watched ESPN during daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday,
then the EPG automatically tunes the television when turned on
between, e.g., 7 am through 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday to one of
the ESPN channels and formats the Grid Guide to show the ESPN
channels as the first several channels in the Grid Guide whenever
the viewer enters the Grid Guide between, e.g., 7 am through 7 pm
on Saturday and Sunday.
[0304] At the viewer's option, the EPG and Profile Program use the
basic viewer profile data, the simple statistics collected about a
particular viewer, Viewer Preferences and Viewer Characteristics to
perform automatic surfing. At the viewer's option, auto surfing can
be performed during real-time advertising telecasts. At the
viewer's further option, auto surfing can be performed in PIP Watch
Function, allowing the viewer to watch the program currently tuned
in the main Picture Window, while providing auto surfing in the PIP
Window. Alternatively, at the viewer's option, auto surfing can be
performed in PIP Watch Function, allowing the viewer to watch the
program currently tuned in the PIP Window, while providing auto
surfing in the Main Picture Window. Still further, the viewer can
choose the option of selecting a different advertisement to watch,
or manually surfing channels of the viewer's choice.
[0305] At the viewer's option, the EPG and Profile Program use the
basic viewer profile data, the simple statistics collected about a
particular viewer, Viewer Preferences and Viewer Characteristics to
populate the Record List and/or the Watch List with programs that
are likely to suit the viewer's interests. In one embodiment,
searches for this type of information are conducted at a central
computer at the head end. In another embodiment, queries are
constructed and fed to an Internet search engine.
[0306] At the viewer's option, the EPG and Profile Program use the
basic viewer profile data, the simple statistics collected about a
particular viewer, Viewer Preferences and Viewer Characteristics to
search for news stories that are likely to suit the viewer's
interests. The problem that is solved is automatically (without an
editorial staff) choosing news stories from multiple news feeds for
display to a particular viewer in a news service. The content of
the audio portion of the news broadcast is digitized and can be
stored at a central computer, on one or more web sites, on DVD's
(both video and audio recordings) local to the particular viewer's
television system, or in memory at the particular viewer's
television system. In addition to the audio content, video
recordings of the news stories can also be stored.
[0307] The Viewer's Profile, and in some embodiments, specific
input from the viewer, is then used to construct data-mining search
queries to locate and deliver content that matches the viewer's
profiled interests and/or the viewer's specific requests for
information. The news stories are then indexed (as described
elsewhere in this disclosure). The EPG presents the viewer with the
customized index. In this way, the viewer selects the news stories
for viewing in much the same way as the viewer selects television
programs that the viewer wants to watch or record. Furthermore, web
sites containing additional information concerning the indexed news
stories can be posted, e.g., as part of the detailed description
area text presented at the time that the viewer highlights a
particular news story for viewing.
[0308] In one embodiment, Theme Guides provide "Smart Sorting"
based on the Viewer's Profile (which is explained more fully
elsewhere in this application). That is, if a program is on two
channels, the system will select the best channel based on which of
the two channels the viewer watches more often. In one embodiment,
the Theme Guides are further customized according to the Viewer's
Profile. For instance, an information broadcast packet sent with
the scores is used to order the score in the sports guide
consistent with the Viewer's Profile. For instance, the score for a
game involving the Boston Red Sox would display the scores for the
Red Sox first for a viewer in Boston.
[0309] During set up procedures, the EPG provides for automatic
channel map selection. All channel maps in the viewer's zip code
are downloaded. Zip code related options are displayed. In one
embodiment, the viewer is asked to identify information necessary
for the television to select the appropriate channel mapping
option, but the television automatically selects the appropriate
channel map. For instance, the viewer is asked to identify, e.g,
the distribution service to which the viewer subscribes, e.g.,
Colonial Cable, and a particular channel map, e.g., does the viewer
receive HBO on channel 43. In this way, the viewer identifies the
information necessary for the television to select the appropriate
channel map. Alternatively, the viewer is actually asked to select
the channel map, e.g., "if you have Colonial Cable and get HBO on
channel 43, pick this channel map."
J. Utilization of Viewer Profile Information to Provide Customized
Presentation of Advertising to the Viewer
[0310] The EPG and the Profile Program use Viewer Profile
information to tailor the presentation and scheduling of
advertisements to the viewer and to customize the presentation of
the EPG for the user. For instance, the EPG uses Viewer Profile
information to determine whether to notify the viewer about
scheduling for a program involving the viewer's favorite team, a
talk show involving a star player from that team, etc. The EPG is
capable of such customized notification/advertisement through e.g.,
an advertisement in the Ad Window, or through an advertisement in a
Virtual Ad Channel Slot.
[0311] Additionally, the EPG and the Profile Program use Viewer
Profile information to customize the presentation and/or scheduling
of telecast advertisements that are viewable during the real time
telecast of the television program that the viewer is watching. One
example is customizing an overlay message to an advertisement on a
local geographic basis. For instance, the EPG knows the geographic
location of the individual viewer. The broadcaster can packet match
on the zip code to customize the message so each zip code gets a
different message, i.e., the 3 Burger Kings in the viewer's local
area. In one embodiment, the customized messages can be preloaded
by zip code into the memories of particular viewers' EPG's. The
preloaded messages can be transmitted by a head end during off
hours and stored in the viewer's terminal for use when the
advertisement runs, e.g., during a television program or in a video
clip in the Ad Window. The electronic trigger to run the message
can be transmitted along with the television signal in real time
and can identify the messages stored in the user terminal that need
to be applied.
[0312] In another embodiment, the customized messages are
narrowcast with the televised advertisement. One way to narrowcast
the customized messages is to embed the customized information in
the advertisement video stream. Another way is to transmit a
digital "watermark" in the video stream of the advertisement.
[0313] In one embodiment, customization of real-time viewing of
advertisements is achieved by providing multiple channels of
advertising, by tuning the television automatically to a particular
advertising channel at the time during the telecast of the
television program during which an advertisement is scheduled to
occur, and by then tuning the television back to the viewer's
chosen television program at the conclusion of the advertisement.
In another embodiment, a service monitors telecasts for
advertisements as they are telecast on a particular channel and
inserts a change channel command in the Vertical Blanking Interval
(the "VBI") when an ad is telecast, said change channel command
causing the television to tune to a particular channel for a
telecast of an advertisement suitable to the Viewer's
Preferences.
[0314] Viewer Profile information can be reported, as with, for
instance, statistical reports of Viewer Profile information for
many viewers. These reports could be provided for analysis by
advertisers, head end operators, Guide producers, or others, to
determine, among other things, marketing customization
opportunities, narrowcasting opportunities, program detail
information requirements, and program distribution scheduling
requirements.
[0315] The EPG will attempt to capture the approximate initial
purchase date (e.g., first turn-on date) of any
television/entertainment system components. The EPG can notify the
user at the appropriate time after the initial purchase of
opportunities such as purchasing an extended warranty from the
manufacturer. In one embodiment, the terminal equipment is
separately addressable providing that such notification messages
can be sent in the VBI to the appropriate viewer. Based on the
Viewer Profile, the extended warranty offer could be tailored to
the viewer's financial situation.
[0316] Another way that the EPG uses Viewer Profile information is
in connection with "access-content" customization of the
advertising messages displayed by the EPG. Viewer Profile
information will include the television program that the viewer was
watching immediately before entering the EPG. The EPG can display
different ads in the Guide or Service based upon the content of the
television program that the viewer was watching before entering the
EPG or one of the special data services accessible through the EPG.
The "access-content" advertising strategy provides a much more
refined way of targeting the consumer. For example, consider two
viewers who are both watching television at 8:00 p.m. on a Tuesday
night. When the one viewer who has been watching "Nova" enters the
EPG, the EPG might display an advertisement for educational
computer; whereas when the second viewer who has been watching
Major League Baseball enters the EPG, the EPG might display an
advertisement for Goodyear Tires.
[0317] In one embodiment of this invention, a data base of
advertising messages and virtual channel ads is stored in RAM at
the viewer terminal or is accessible at a web site if the viewer
terminal has an Internet connection. In either case, the
advertising items in the data base are labeled with coded
categories that correspond to coded category labels assigned to the
telecast television programs. (Preferably, these are the same
categories that are used to sort the programs in the on screen
category or theme guide.) The category labels of the television
programs could be stored in RAM as part of the EPG data base and
retrieved from the applicable Show Information Package ("SIP")
based on the information from the real time clock and the tuner
setting. This information identifies a time and channel that points
to the applicable SIP. After the category label of the last program
the viewer was watching in the television mode is retrieved from
the EPG data base, this label is matched to the corresponding label
in the data base of advertising messages and virtual channel ads
stored in RAM. In FIG. 1 of the drawing, the advertising items to
which the labels are attached are displayed in ad windows 14 and 16
and the virtual channel ad displayed on tile 52 as described
above.
[0318] Yet another way that the EPG uses Viewer Profile information
is in connection with "adjacent-content" customization of the
advertising messages displayed by the EPG. Viewer Profile
information will include identification of the content that the
viewer has currently highlighted in the EPG or related data
service. Using this method, the EPG displays different
advertisements depending upon, e.g., which show the viewer has
currently highlighted in the Grid Guide, what sport is highlighted
in a sports data service, or what type of news is highlighted in a
news service (international, local, etc.).
[0319] The EPG can select advertisements from various possible
locations, including but limited to: a library of advertisements
stored at the viewer's terminal in RAM that have been downloaded
through the VBI, stored at the head-end, or accessible through an
EPG link to the Internet/World Wide Web. The advertisements may be
in the form of graphics, text, video clips, audio clips, and
combinations thereof. Each advertisement can be assigned theme
codes, profile codes, and other selection intelligence. In one
embodiment, in order to customize the advertising display, the EPG
searches the library of available advertisements to locate
advertisements that match criteria set by the advertisers for
"access content," "adjacent content," and/or Viewer Profile
information. In another embodiment, the EPG selects advertisements
for display according to pre-established selection criteria.
[0320] The disclosures of the following patent applications are
incorporated fully herein by reference: International Application
WO96/07270; Application No. 60/053,330 filed Jul. 21, 1997;
Application No. 60/061,119 filed Oct. 6, 1997; and Application No.
60/055,237 filed Aug. 12, 1997.
[0321] In one embodiment, the advertisements in the library are
assigned to themes; the history of use of an on-screen theme menu
or program guide is recorded; and the history is analyzed by the
EPG microprocessor to decide which advertisement to display.
[0322] For example, a particular advertisement for automobiles
might be assigned to a sports event theme. In a simple
implementation, this automobile advertisement would be selected for
display, if the users of the particular EPG selected sports as a
theme more frequently than any other theme during a prescribed
period of time. FIG. 7 represents the on screen display for the top
level theme screen; and FIG. 8 represents the on screen display for
the second-level theme screen. A theme selection could be recorded
when a viewer highlights a theme in FIG. 7, such as "Sports".
Selecting a theme brings up a screen listing, by time, channel, and
title, of the programs that are consistent with the selected theme
on a second-level theme screen, an example of which is shown in
FIG. 8. The history of use could be recorded in a memory by
overwriting the oldest data stored in the memory. If desired, a
more sophisticated analysis could be used. Thus, the frequency of
selection could be weighted to favor more recent selections over
older selections or themes could be combined to determine which
advertisement to display.
[0323] In another embodiment, the advertisements in the library are
assigned to particular television programs or classes of television
programs; the history of use of the information box of the EPG is
recorded, in terms of frequency of the visits, time spent during a
single visit, and/or total time of all the visits; the information
boxes are correlated to the television programs, and the results
are analyzed to decide which advertisement to display. Instead of
the information box, any other area of the EPG screen could be
monitored in similar fashion to decide which advertisement to
display. In each case, the advertisements in the library are
assigned to the types or subjects of information displayed in the
monitored area so as to target better the advertisements to the
interests of the users.
[0324] In another embodiment, the advertisements in the library are
also assigned to particular television programs or classes of
television programs in terms of channel and time; the tuner is
monitored; the channel and time are correlated to the television
programs, and the results are analyzed to decide which
advertisement to display.
[0325] For example, an advertisement for brand name athletic shoes
with a popular basketball star could be assigned to basketball
programs. The shoe advertisement would be selected for display if
the viewer of the particular EPG entered the EPG while watching a
basketball game.
[0326] In another embodiment, the advertisements in the library are
also assigned to particular television programs or classes of
television programs; the history of television programs entered
into a "record-watch list" as shown in FIG. 6 is recorded; and the
results are analyzed to decide which advertisement to display.
[0327] The time of the monitored event can also be taken into
account in order to distinguish between multiple users of the same
EPG or related television receiver. The assumption is that the
people using the EPG and watching television at different times of
the day have different interests--housewives may use the EPG more
in the morning, children may use it in the early evenings, and men
who work outside the home may use it on Sunday afternoons.
[0328] History of use as described above can be combined with the
"access-content" model described in Application No. 60/055,237 to
further pin-point advertisements to the user's interests. Thus, if
the users of the particular EPG selected comedies as a theme more
frequently than any other theme during a prescribed period of time,
three advertisements might be flagged and the final selection made
therefrom depending upon which type of program the viewer was
watching on television before switching to the on-screen EPG.
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