U.S. patent application number 11/807569 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for lodging entertainment system with guest-selected time shifting.
This patent application is currently assigned to LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation. Invention is credited to David M. Bankers, Randall J. Califf, Gary L. Kolbeck, Brian P. Pelletier, Sanford L. Silverberg.
Application Number | 20070234390 11/807569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24909827 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070234390 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bankers; David M. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Lodging entertainment system with guest-selected time shifting
Abstract
A lodging entertainment system provides a variety of products
and services, including free television, pay-per-view movies, video
games, guest services, and guest-selected recording of television
programs for time-shifted viewing. Through the use of an
interactive program guide, the guest may select programs being
aired during the guest's stay at the hotel for later viewing, or
may elect to record a television program while watching the same or
another program.
Inventors: |
Bankers; David M.; (Sioux
Falls, SD) ; Silverberg; Sanford L.; (Sioux Falls,
SD) ; Kolbeck; Gary L.; (Canton, SD) ;
Pelletier; Brian P.; (Brandon, SD) ; Califf; Randall
J.; (Sioux Falls, SD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KINNEY & LANGE, P.A.
THE KINNEY & LANGE BUILDING
312 SOUTH THIRD STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55415-1002
US
|
Assignee: |
LodgeNet Entertainment
Corporation
Sioux Falls
SD
|
Family ID: |
24909827 |
Appl. No.: |
11/807569 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09724289 |
Nov 28, 2000 |
|
|
|
11807569 |
May 29, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/78 ;
348/E5.008; 348/E5.105; 348/E7.071 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/482 20130101;
H04N 21/274 20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101; A63F 2300/409
20130101; H04N 21/2747 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/47
20130101; H04N 21/472 20130101; H04N 21/4781 20130101; A63F 13/12
20130101; H04N 21/4314 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101; H04N
21/47214 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/2143 20130101;
H04N 21/47211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/078 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. An entertainment system comprising: a plurality of guest
terminals in a plurality of guest rooms in a lodging facility; a
distribution system connected to the guest terminals; and a head
end at the lodging facility comprising: a digital content server
for storing entertainment content in digital files and supplying to
the distribution system television signals based upon the digital
files; a receiver for receiving television programs on a plurality
of channels and supplying the programs to the distribution system;
an encoder for converting a selected television program on one of
the channels to a digital file representing the selected program
and transferring the digital file to the digital content server for
storage; and a computer which communicates with the guest terminals
over the distribution system, the computer providing the guest
terminals in the guest rooms with television signals representing a
schedule listing both (a) the television programs available for
viewing and recording and (b) previously recorded programs
available for time-shifted viewing, controlling operation of the
encoder based upon a selection by a guest of a program to be
recorded and controlling operation of the digital content server
based upon a selection by a guest of a previously recorded program
for time-shifted viewing.
2. The entertainment system of claim 1 wherein the encoder is an
array including a plurality of tuners for tuning to the channels
and an encoding device connected to each tuner.
3. The entertainment system of claim 1 wherein the computer
provides information about the television programs in the form of
an interactive program guide.
4. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the interactive
program guide includes information about previously recorded
television programs.
5. The entertainment system of claim 1 wherein, in response to a
request from a guest terminal, the computer causes the digital
content server to supply television signals based upon the digital
file representing the selected program.
6. The entertainment system of claim 1 wherein the computer creates
a recording schedule for the encoder based upon data from the guest
terminals representing selections by guests of programs to be
recorded.
7. A method of providing guest-selected viewing of time-shifted
television programs in an entertainment system having a head end
and a plurality of guest terminals in a lodging facility connected
by a distribution system, the method comprising: tuning to channels
on which scheduled television programs selected for time shifting
are carried; encoding the programs selected into a digital format
to create digital files representing the programs; storing the
digital files at the head end in the lodging facility;
transmitting, from the head end in the lodging facility to the
guest terminal in a guest room in the lodging facility, television
signals representing an interactive schedule listing both (a)
scheduled television programs available for viewing and (b)
previously recorded television programs available for time-shifted
viewing based upon the digital files stored; transmitting, from the
guest terminal to the head end, data requesting playback of one of
the time-shifted programs displayed; playing back the time-shifted
program requested based upon the stored digital file representing
that program; and transmitting the time-shifted program being
played back to the guest terminal; and displaying the program at
the guest terminal.
8. A method of providing time-shifted television programs in an
entertainment system having a head end and a plurality of guest
terminals in a lodging facility connected by a distribution system,
the method comprising: digitally storing, at the head end in the
lodging facility, television programs for time-shifted viewing,
when they are broadcast; transmitting, from the head end to a guest
terminal in a guest room, television signals representing a
schedule containing both (a) scheduled programs available for
viewing and recording, and (b) time-shifted television programming
based upon television programs digitally stored; receiving at the
head end, from the guest terminal, playback request data selecting
one of the digitally stored time-shifted television programs;
converting at the head end, in response to the playback request
data, the selected digitally stored time-shifted television program
to television signals; and transmitting the television signals from
the head end to the guest terminal; and displaying the program at
the guest terminal.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein digitally storing comprises:
tuning to a channel on which a television program is carried; and
encoding the program into a digital format to create a digital
file.
10. An entertainment system comprising: a plurality of guest
terminals in a lodging facility, wherein the terminals are capable
of receiving and displaying an interactive schedule in the form of
television signals, and does not require the conversion of a
digital file by the guest terminals to display the interactive
schedule; a distribution system connected to the guest terminals;
and a head end at the lodging facility comprising: a digital
content server for storing entertainment content in digital files
and supplying to the distribution system television signals based
upon the digital files; a receiver for receiving television
programs on a plurality of channels and supplying the programs to
the distribution system; an encoder for converting to digital files
television programs, to be made available for time-shifted viewing,
when those programs are received by the receiver and transferring
the digital files to the digital content server for storage; and a
computer which communicates with the guest terminals over the
distribution system, the computer providing the guest terminals
with television signals representing the interactive schedule
listing both (a) scheduled programs available for viewing and
recording and (b) previously recorded television programs available
for time-shifted viewing based upon the digital files representing
the selected television programs.
11. The entertainment system of claim 10 wherein the encoder is an
array including a plurality of tuners for tuning to the channels
and an encoding device connected to each tuner.
12. The entertainment system of claim 10 wherein, in response to a
request from a guest terminal, the computer causes the digital
content server to supply television signals for one of the
television programs available for time-shifted viewing based upon
the digital file representing that television program.
13. The entertainment system of claim 10 wherein the computer
creates a recording schedule for the encoder.
14. A method of providing guest-selected viewing of time-shifted
television programs in an entertainment system in a lodging
facility, the method comprising: creating, at a head end in the
lodging facility, a recording schedule of television programs to be
recorded for time-shifted viewing; encoding, at the head end,
television programs based upon the recording schedule to create
digital files representing time-shifted television programs;
storing the digital files at the head end; transmitting, from the
head end to a guest terminal in a guest room in the lodging
facility, television signals representing an interactive schedule
listing both (a) scheduled programs available for viewing and
recording and (b) time-shifted television programs available for
viewing based upon the digital files stored; transmitting, from the
guest terminal to the head end, a request to view one of the
time-shifted television programs; and transmitting, from the head
end to the guest terminal, the time-shifted television program
requested based upon the digital file representing that
time-shifted television program; displaying the program at the
guest terminal.
15. An entertainment system comprising: a plurality of guest
terminals in a lodging facility; a distribution system connected to
the guest terminals; and a head end comprising: a digital content
server at the lodging facility for storing entertainment content in
digital files and supplying to the distribution system television
signals based upon the digital files, the digital files including a
first group of files representing motion pictures and a second
group of files representing recorded television programs available
for time-shifted viewings; and a computer at the lodging facility
which communicates with the guest terminals over the distribution
system, the computer providing the guest terminals with television
signals representing a combined schedule (a) listing scheduled
programs available for viewing and recording, (b) listing the
motion pictures in the first group of files available for viewing,
and (c) listing the television programs in the second group of
files available for time-shifted viewing, and controlling operation
of the digital content server to provide motion pictures and
time-shifted television programs to guest terminals based upon
signals from the guest terminals.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/724,289, filed Nov. 28, 2000 and entitled
LODGING ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM WITH GUEST-SELECTED TIME SHIFTING.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to entertainment systems for
use in the lodging industry. In particular, the present invention
is an entertainment system which permits a guest to select
television programs to be recorded and to view previously-recorded
television programs at a later time in the guest room.
[0003] The past two decades have seen the wide scale introduction
of entertainment systems in hotels and other lodging facilities
which provide a variety of services to the guest through the guest
room television. The range of services typically include regular
off-air television programs, pay-per-view movies, Internet access,
and guest services such as video shopping and video checkout.
[0004] Lodging entertainment systems typically include a head end
which is located within the lodging facility and which is linked to
guest terminals in the individual guest rooms by an MATV cable
distribution system. The distribution system provides transmission
of both audio/video RF signals, as well as two way data and digital
communication (typically RF) signals between the head end and guest
terminals.
[0005] Typically, lodging entertainment systems are not owned by
the hotel, but rather are provided by a vendor who provides the
head end equipment, and the guest terminal (including the
television, remote control, game controller, keyboard, and
associated control circuitry which interfaces the television to the
distribution system).
[0006] The entertainment system vendor owns the equipment and pays
for the installation of the system in the lodging facility. The
vendor must also provide the content, such as movies, games, and
cable/satellite programming. The vendor receives compensation based
upon amounts the hotel collects from the guest for pay- per-view
movies, games, Internet access, and other services for which
charges are made. The hotel usually receives a percentage of the
guest charges, and the sources of content, such as motion picture
studios and game program vendors, receive royalties for movies and
games which are viewed and played by guest.
[0007] In many cases, a guest may not purchase any of the services
being offered through the entertainment system. The amount of
purchases depend upon the popularity of the movies and other
products/services being offered, vacancy rates at the hotel, the
demographics of the guests, and the extent of free offerings
available through the entertainment system.
[0008] There is a continuing need for new and improved offerings
which will result in higher purchase rates through the lodging
entertainment system. At the same time, any additional
products/services which also require significant increases in
capital investment in the entertainment systems are difficult to
justify. For example, if a new service will require additional
capital equipment to be installed in every guest room, or will
require the addition of expensive hardware or software at the head
end, the total cost of the additional hardware and software must be
weighed against the increase in purchases which can be expected
from the additional capital investment.
SUMMARY
[0009] The entertainment system of the present invention uses a
digital content server and associated mass storage to provide
program content, on request, to guest terminals located in guest
rooms. Program content includes movies and time shifted program
content.
[0010] The present invention permits time shifted recording and
viewing which is controlled by the guest through the guest
terminal. The guest may select an interactive program guide to be
displayed on the guest terminal. From the program guide, the guest
may select a program which will be broadcast during the guest's
stay at the hotel. Upon selection of a program for recording, the
host computer will coordinate the operation of an encoding array
which can be scheduled to record any channel from the cable or
satellite distribution of programming received at the hotel. When
the requested program is broadcast, it is received at the headend,
encoded and stored in the mass storage. The interactive program
guide is updated to include programs, which have been recorded and
stored at a guest's request. The guest can request playback
recorded programs, and the digital content server will retrieve the
stored program and play the program for the guest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hotel entertainment system
which permits guest-selected recording and time-shifted viewing of
television programs.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a main menu screen.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows an interactive program guide screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system overview of hotel
entertainment system 10 which delivers television programming,
video-on-demand (VOD) movies, interactive video games, Internet
access, and other interactive video services to individual guest
rooms of a hotel or other lodging facilities. Among the services
offered to the guest is the ability of the guest to select programs
broadcast during the guest's stay to be recorded for later viewing.
Entertainment system 10 includes four primary portions: headend 12,
distribution system 14, guest terminals 16, and cable/satellite
receiver 18.
[0015] Audio/video RF signals for all channels of the cable
television system are provided from headend 12. The audio/video RF
signals from headend 12 may include off-air local television
channels, direct broadcast satellite programing, interactive menus
and interactive program guides, video-on-demand programming,
interactive video games, Internet services, and other interactive
video and multi-media services. Based upon system control data
transmitted and received via distribution system 14 from guest
terminals 16, headend 12 controls the operation of interactive
menus and program guides, VOD movies, interactive games, Internet
services, and other interactive services.
[0016] Distribution system 14 is preferably an MATV cable
distribution system conventionally used in hotels and other lodging
facilities. Distribution system 14 permits the transmission of both
audio/video RF signals, as well as two-way data and digital
communication (typically RF) signals between headend 12 and guest
terminals 16.
[0017] Headend 12 includes UNIX host computer 20 (UHC), Internet
server and network interface 22, dual ported modem 24, game
platform 26, Internet ports 28, interactive ports 30, multi-media
ports 32, digital content server (DCS) 34, video switch 36, a bank
of selectable modulators 38, encoder array 40, combiner/diplexer
42, telecom modems 44, property management system (PMS) 46, printer
48, and video display terminal (VDT) 50.
[0018] UNIX host computer (UHC) 20 is, in a preferred embodiment, a
Pentium II or Pentium III computer which runs UNIX operating code,
together with software for coordinating the operations of
components of headend 12. UHC 20 houses several different computer
cards and components. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, UHC
includes an intelligent communications processor (ICP) card, a
multi-port serial card, a number of interactive video port cards,
an SCSI interface card, and an ethernet card. In addition, UNIX
host computer 20 also houses storage devices such as floppy disk
drive, a backup drive, a CD ROM drive, and a hard disk drive.
[0019] UHC 20 manages the operation of several other devices of
headend 12, together with communication tasks. UHC 20 communicates
with dual port modem (DPM) 24, encoder array 40, modem 44, property
management system 46, printer 48, and video display terminal 50
over serial lines such as RS-232 lines connected to serial card of
UHC 20.
[0020] UHC 20 is in charge of polling all of the guest terminals 16
for keystroke activity. The polling function is performed by ICP
through DPM 24. ICP communicates with DPM 24 over a high speed
serial line. The results of the polling are received back over
distribution system 14 and are routed through diplexer/combiner 42
to DPM 24. Depending upon the particular keystrokes that are
returned, DPM 24 will return the keystrokes to the serial card of
UHC 20, to game platform 26, or to Internet ports 28 through serial
lines, or other services which may be implemented.
[0021] UHC 20 communicates with game platform 26 by a high speed
serial line between the SCSI port of UHC 20 and game platform 26.
For example, game programs stored by UHC 20 are downloaded to the
individual game engines of game platform 26 based upon game
ordering and selection made by the guest through guest terminals
16.
[0022] UHC 20 communicates through its ethernet card with Internet
server 22, Internet ports 28, interactive ports 30, multi-media
ports 32 and digital content server 34. Internet server 22 provides
a communication interface between headend 12 and Internet 60.
[0023] The outputs of interactive ports of UHC 20, as well as the
outputs of game platform 26, Internet ports 28, interactive ports
30, multi-media ports 32, and digital content server 34 are
baseband audio/video signals which are provided to inputs of video
switch 36. The outputs of video switch 36 are connected to a bank
of modulators 38. Video switch 36 is controlled by UHC 20 to route
particular baseband audio/video outputs to the inputs of selected
modulators of bank 38.
[0024] Game platform 26 is a device that allows a guest to purchase
an interactive video game and to view that game at guest terminal
16. Game platform 26 sends game audio and video and game data
through video switch 36, one of the modulators 38,
combiner/diplexer 42 onto distribution system 14 to guest terminals
16.
[0025] Game platform 26 receives information from UHC 20 from the
SCSI card. Keystrokes which are received back from the guest
terminal 16 are received by DPM 24 and routed to the appropriate
game engine of game platform 26 which corresponds to the guest who
has sent the keystroke.
[0026] Internet ports 28 send audio and video information from the
Internet to the appropriate guest terminal. The output of Internet
ports 28 are connected to the appropriate modulator, so that the
audio and video is placed on a channel to which the guest terminal
of the guest conducting the Internet session is tuned.
[0027] Interactive ports 30 provide audio and video associated with
menuing, program guides and other interactive services. These
include guest services such as video checkout, interactive
shopping, surveys, opinion polls, and room service ordering.
[0028] Multi-media ports 32 provide a wide variety of different
audio and visual programs to a subscriber. These can include, for
example, video directories, advertising, and other information
services.
[0029] Digital content server 34 includes digital storage (e.g. a
RAID hard disc array) with storage capacity to store all desired
program content to be offered to the guest. This includes, for
example, movies, music, web cinema, pre-recorded broadcast programs
from a central site, and guest-selected programs recorded for
time-shifted viewing. The content is stored in files in the digital
storage, and each type of service has its own directory where its
content is stored. The overall storage space is shared among the
various services. The content is stored in an encoded format such
as MPEG-2.
[0030] Digital content server 34 includes decoders for converting
the stored content to baseband audio/video during playback. The
outputs of digital content server 34 are output ports which are
connected through video switch 36 to selected modulators 38.
[0031] Video switch 36 is a device that receives baseband audio and
video signals at its input ports, and routes those signals to
output ports which are connected through individual lines to inputs
of individual modulators 38. Video switch 36 is capable of
connecting any one of the baseband audio/video signals received at
its inputs to any one more of the bank of modulators 38. Although
one video switch is shown in FIG. 1, multiple video switches can be
used as needed. Operation of video switch 36 is under control of
UHC 20, which tells video switch 36 which input port connect to
which output port.
[0032] Modulators 38 convert baseband video and audio signals
received at their inputs to RF and deliver the signals to
combiner/diplexer 42. Each modulator is set to modulate on a
specific frequency or RF channel. The outputs of modulators 38 are
connected to inputs of combiner 42.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, cable/satellite receiver 18 receives
cable or satellite programming, which is supplied to
combiner/diplexer 42. Receiver 18 provides the programming (which
is the free-to-guest television programs) on channels which are
different from the channels produced by modulators 38. In that way,
there is no channel overlap between the free-to-guest television
programming and the other offerings (such as pay-per-view movies or
games).
[0034] Encoder array 40 is a computer with a group of tuner/encoder
cards which can be scheduled to record any channel of the
cable/satellite programming from receiver 18. Multiple encoder
cards allow different channels to be encoded at the same time.
Encoder array 40 receives instructions as to the channel and time
of encoding from UHC 20. Once the program has been encoded to a
file (such as an MPEG-2 file), the data is moved to digital content
server 34 via an ethernet or SCSI connection. Once the file is
stored in digital content server 34, a guest can choose to playback
the file (i.e. the recorded program). File names are unique, and
preferably identify the guest and the program recorded so that
multiple guests can have files stored in digital content server 34,
and a guest can have multiple files. Recorded files can be deleted
when the guest who requested recorded of that program checks out,
or at a predetermined time after recording. Control of deleting
files is by UHC 20.
[0035] UHC 20 communicates with the owner/operator of entertainment
system 10 through modem 44. The system owner and operator is
typically remote from the hotel facility, and must receive usage,
billing, and financial information in order to settle accounts with
the hotel. In addition, control and trouble shooting information
can be communicated to and from UHC 20 through modem 28.
[0036] Property management system (PMS) 46 is a computer system
operated by the hotel to track charges incurred by individual
guests. These charges typically include room charges, as well as
dining charges, room service, telephone charges, charges for use of
hotel entertainment system 10, and a variety of other charges. As
charges related to system 10 are incurred, UHC 20 communicates that
information to PMS 46. During video checkout operations, UHC 20
communicates with PMS 46 to obtain the data necessary to show the
guest, on guest terminal 16, a folio of charges associated with
that guest's room. The video checkout system allows the guest to
approve the charges and to authorize payment for those charges
through a credit card number previously given to the hotel and
stored in property management system 46.
[0037] Guest terminal 16 includes television 70, remote control 72,
game controller 74, and keyboard 76. Each television 70 has a
television screen for viewing, and has an associated television
tuner and a control card which interfaces guest terminal 16 with
distribution system 14 and headend 12.
[0038] The control card of guest terminal 16 receives keystrokes
from remote control 72, game controller 74, and keyboard 76. In the
case of remote control 72, the keystrokes are in the form of
infrared signals which are transmitted from an infrared transmitter
within remote control 72 to an infrared receiver associated with
television 70. The keystrokes are passed by the control card to
distribution system 14 back to headend 12. The guest selects
options by viewing interactive menus on the screen of television 70
and pressing keys of remote control 72 accordingly. These key
presses are received and stored by the control card. In response to
polling signals from headend 12, the control card provides system
data representing the keystrokes to headend 12 which indicates
which key or keys have been pressed.
[0039] Video game controller (or game paddle) 74 is connected by a
cable to television 70. Alternatively, game paddle 74 can be
connected via an IR link. Keystrokes from game paddle 74 are
supplied to the control card, and then are supplied as part of
system data in response to polling of guest terminals 16 by headend
12. In some embodiments, game paddle 74 includes keys which
duplicate keys on remote control 72 so that game paddle 74 can be
used to initiate interactive sessions and order programs without
the need to use remote control 72.
[0040] Keyboard 76 is connected to television 70 either through a
cable or by an IR link. Keystrokes from keyboard 76 are supplied by
the control card of guest terminal 16 to headend 12 in response to
polling. Keyboard 76 is useful for interactive services such as
Internet, e-mail and computer games. Keyboard 76 can, in some
cases, be used to initiate interactive sessions, order programs or
select programs to be recorded, rather than using remote control
72.
[0041] When a guest wishes to use entertainment system 10, the
guest presses a key on remote control 72 to turn on television 70.
A welcome screen will first appear on the TV screen of guest
terminal 16. If the guest wishes to view off-air or satellite
programming which is free programming, those channels are
accessible by pressing the channel up or channel down keys on
remote control 72. If, on the other hand, the guest wishes to view
and perhaps select other offerings of system 10, such as on demand
movies, Internet access, interactive video games, recording of
broadcast programs for time-shifted viewing, or interactive
services, the welcome channel screen provides an instruction to the
user to select a menu. Upon pressing the menu key, a signal is
provided to the control card 50, which stores the keystroke
information until the next time that guest terminal 16 is polled by
headend 12. In response to polling, the keystroke indicating
pressing of the menu key is supplied to headend 12. This results in
UHC 20 selecting one of the interactive ports (which are either
internal to UHC 20 or are part of interactive ports 30) to display
a series of interactive menus which are navigated by the guest
through the use of keystrokes supplied by remote control 72 (or
alternatively game paddle 74 or keyboard 76). Depending upon the
selections made by the guest in response to the screens which are
displayed, UHC 20 will activate the requested service which may be
provided by game platform 26, Internet ports 28, interactive ports
30, multi-media ports 32, digital content server 34, or encoder
array 40. UHC 20 routes the selected output through video switch 36
to a modulator representing one of the available channel and sends
digital control signals to the control card of the guest terminal
16 to cause guest terminal 16 to tune to the channel on which the
requested service is to appear.
[0042] Guest-selected recording and time-shifted viewing offers
hotel guests the ability to schedule the recording of programs from
the channel line up at the hotel and be able to watch the programs
at a later time. The channel line up represents the programs from
cable/satellite receiver 18 which are available for viewing by the
hotel guest. The programs are typically "free-to-guest" programs,
in that the hotel does not charge separately for viewing of those
programs.
[0043] There are times when a hotel guest would like to watch a
particular program, but will not be available when that program is
being broadcast. For example, a guest may have checked into the
hotel at 6:00 in the evening. The guest's favorite program,
"Everybody Loves Raymond" is on at 7:30 that evening. The guest,
however, has a dinner meeting from 6:30 to 8:30, and therefore will
miss the broadcast. Similarly, the guest may wish to view two
programs which are being broadcast at the same time.
[0044] With the guest selected-recording and time-shifted viewing
service of the present invention, the guest can record programs in
order to view them at a later time. As part of the menu options
offered by system 10, an interactive program guide may be selected
by the guest. The interactive program guide lists the
cable/satellite programming with the time of broadcast and the
particular channels. The guest selects the programs which he or she
wishes to record from the interactive program guide. The selection
is made interactively through the use of remote control 72 or
keyboard 76, and the selections are provided through MATV
distribution 14 back to UHC 20 in headend 12. UHC 20 creates a
recording schedule based on selections made by the guests. When
selected program (e.g. "Everybody Loves Raymond") is received by
cable/satellite receiver 18, UHC 20 causes encoder array 40 to
encode the programming into the encoded file format (such as
MPEG-2). Encoder array 40 delivers the recorded program as a
digital file to digital content server 34 for storage in the mass
storage of digital content server 34. The digital file has
associated with it the guest identification and an identification
of the program which was recorded.
[0045] When the guest returns to his or her room, guest may again
select the interactive program guide. Among the programs which will
be displayed on the program guide is "Everybody Loves Raymond",
which will be indicated as available for viewing at any time. The
guest may then select the previously recorded program for
viewing.
[0046] There are several alternative ways in which the guest may be
charged for the recording and time-shifting service, and several
alternative ways in which the availability of time-shifted programs
may be presented to guests. For example, the guest may select the
time-shifting option and be charged a set fee per day, a fee for
each program recorded, a fee for each half hour of programming
recorded, a fee based upon the number of programs recorded and
viewed, or a fee based only on recorded programs which are viewed.
The information provided through interactive menus and the
interactive program guide will differ, of course, depending upon
the particular way in which guests will be charged for use of the
service.
[0047] For example, one option available is to allow guest to view
not only programs selected for recording by that guest, but also
programs selected for recording by other guests at the hotel. In
that case, the interactive program guide may include a listing of
free-to-guest programs, the previously recorded programs selected
by the particular guest, and previously recorded programs selected
by other guests. Depending upon the particular way in which the
hotel will charge for the time-shifting services, a selection of a
previously recorded program from the interactive program guide may
result in a charge being made to the guest's account. The
determination of whether a charge is to be made is done by UHC 20.
To avoid disputed charges, the selection from the interactive
program guide of a previously recorded program may be followed by a
follow-on screen requesting that the guest verify the selection and
order of the time-shifted program (with the associated charge to be
made), before the program is played back by digital content server
34 and delivered to that particular guest television 70.
[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the use of the
time-shifting feature by the guest is achieved as follows. When the
guest first turns on the television, a welcome channel appears. The
welcome channel screen may identify the "hotel" as well as the
entertainment service provider. The general description of
available services is included. If the guest presses the channel up
or down buttons, the television will be tuned to one of the
free-to-guest channels. On the other hand, if the guest presses the
menu button on the remote control 72, the headend will produce
first an interstitial screen indicating that the system is
"accessing" and then will display a main menu screen.
[0049] The main menu screen includes listings of various services
available for selection by the guest. FIG. 2 shows an example of
main menu screen 100, which lists ten different selectable
services: "movies", "Internet", "games", "what's cool", "hotel
services", "special offer", "premium T.V.", "help", "interactive
T.V. listings", "got your laptop?" The guest uses the navigational
arrow buttons on remote control 72 to highlight one of the
available services, or uses the key number or symbol associated
with the services. For example, key "3" can be pressed to highlight
games, while key "*" can be pressed to highlight "interactive T.V.
listings" (which will lead to the interactive program guide). To
access the highlighted service, the guest must then press the
select button on the remote control 72.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows an example of interactive program guide 200,
which provides the guest with a number of options including
guest-selected recording of programs and time-shifted viewing of
recorded programs. Interactive program guide 200 includes
programming information 210 for each of the free-to-guest channels
available to the guest. For illustration only, two channels are
shown in FIG. 3. Interactive program guide 200 shows the times 220
at which programs will be broadcast on each of channels, and allows
the guest to scroll forward over several days of programming, so
that the guest can see what programs will be running at time in the
future. UHC 20 may receive the programming information necessary to
produce interactive program guide 200 from a number of different
sources. For example, programming information can be received from
the Internet 60 through Internet server 22. Programming information
also may be supplied to UHC 20 by receiver 18 from data supplied
along with the cable/satellite programming.
[0051] Interactive program guide 200 also provides the opportunity
to make the guest aware of pay-per-view offerings 230 and
previously recorded programming 240 which is now available for
time-shifted viewing. The time-shifting offering may be a listing
of all offerings regardless of which guest requested recording, or
may be separated into two categories: the specific guest's recorded
programs 250, and the recorded programs 260 selected by other
guests. The order in which information 210, 230, 250, and 260 is
presented can, of course, be arranged differently than the example
shown in FIG. 3.
[0052] The guest may use interactive program guide 200 for several
purposes. First, the guest may review the programs in information
field 210 which are currently being aired, and make a selection of
a program by highlighting that program on program guide 200. By
highlighting and then selecting a currently playing program, the
guest is requesting that UHC 20 tune that guest terminal to the
free-to-guest channel which carries that program. In response to
the key strokes by the guest, UHC 20 causes the tuner of guest
terminal 16 to tune the television to the requested free-to-guest
channel.
[0053] Second, the guest may use interactive program guide 200 to
select a pay-per-view movie. If a movie in field 230 is highlighted
and selected, UHC 20 will display a "description and order" screen
for the selected movie. This screen includes a description of the
movie, an indication of the price for ordering the movie, and
includes "go back" and "order" selections". If the guest presses
"go back", this indicates that the guest is not interested in
ordering the movie, and interactive program guide 200 is again
displayed on the guest terminal screen. If the guest selects
"order", a "thank you" screen is displayed, and then the ordered
movie begins to play. UHC 20 provides the necessary control inputs
to digital content server 34 locate the digital file containing the
ordered movie and to initiate its play back. In addition, UHC 20
selects an available modulator from the bank of modulators 38 and
configures video switch 36 to connect the output port of digital
content server 34 at which the ordered movie is being supplied to
the selected modulator. Through control signals to the guest
terminal 16, UHC 20 causes the guest terminal 16 to be tuned to the
particular channel on which the movie is playing. UHC 20 also
determines the appropriate charge to be made to the guest's
account, and provides that information to PMS 46.
[0054] A movie purchase through interactive program guide 200 is an
alternative to the selection of a movie by selecting "movies" from
the main menu screen 100 shown in FIG. 2. Interactive program guide
200 provides an alternative path for reaching the "description and
order" screen from which the pay-per-view movie is ordered.
[0055] Third, the guest may use interactive program guide 200 to
select and order a previously recorded program for time-shifted
viewing. The guest highlights the program of interest from field
240 or field 250 and presses "select". What happens next will
depend upon the particular way in which the guest is to be charged
for the time-shifted programming feature. If a charge will be made
for each time-shifted program that is viewed, then UHC 20 will
display an "order" screen in response to the selection of a
previously recorded program. The order screen will indicate the
price for viewing the time-shifted program, and will include "go
back" and "order" options. If the guest selects "go back",
interactive program guide 200 will again appear on screen. If the
guest selects "order", a "thank you" screen will appear, followed
by the play back of the previously recorded program. UHC 20 will
control the digital content server 34, video switch 36, and guest
terminal 16 in a manner which is similar to the process for viewing
a movie. The digital file stored in digital content server 34
containing the previously recorded program will be accessed,
decoded and played back. The output of digital content server 34
will be connected through video switch 36 to an appropriate
modulator 38, and the appropriate guest terminal 16 will be tuned
to the appropriate channel to allow the guest to watch the program
as it is played back.
[0056] If the guest is charged for recording a program but is not
charged again for playing that program back, then the display of
the order screen may not be necessary--if the program being viewed
is one which the guest caused to be recorded. Since the guest's
identification is associated with the recorded program, UHC 20 can
check to see whether the guest is selecting one of the programs
that the guest recorded, or whether the program was recorded by a
different guest. This may allow different treatment in terms of
charges to the guest depending upon who recorded the program.
[0057] Fourth, the guest can use the interactive program guide to
select for recording a program which is not yet being aired. When
the guest highlights and selects a program schedule to happen in
the future, UHC 20 causes interactive program guide 200 to
acknowledge that the guest is requesting that the program be
recorded for later viewing. If there is a charge for the recording
of programs (as opposed to the viewing of programs), interactive
program guide 200 will indicate that there is a charge and will
require a further action, (such as the pressing of an order key) to
continue. When the guest has confirmed the desire to record the
program, UHC 20 stores the necessary information to coordinate a
recording process in a recording schedule. At the appropriate time,
UHC 20 activates encoder array 40 to tune to the program of
interest during the time that it is playing. Encoder array 40
encodes the program as it is being broadcast and then transfers the
encoded file to the digital content server 34 for storage.
[0058] Fifth, interactive program guide 200 can be used by the
guest to both select a program for viewing and simultaneously view
the same program or a program on another channel. The guest may
wish to record the program while watching it if, for example, the
guest expects to leave partway through the program and would like
to see how it finishes, or expects any interruption, such as a
phone call while watching. The simultaneous viewing and recording
of programs also allows the guest to effectively "rewind" and watch
certain parts of program over again or to in effect "pause" the
live television program and then resume viewing later. These
features are achieved through button presses at remote control 72
which are interpreted by UHC 20 and used to control operation with
digital content server 34.
[0059] As programs are recorded and transferred as digital files to
digital content server 34, UHC 20 updates interactive program
guide. Thus, not only is program guide 200 changing over time so
that it only reflects programs currently playing and programs
available in the future, but it is also being changed to reflect
the then current line up of recorded programs available for
time-shifted viewing. As each program is recorded and the file is
transferred to digital content server 34, interactive program guide
200 is updated to reflect the inclusion of that recorded
program.
[0060] In order to remind a guest that the guest has recorded a
program for time-shifted viewing, a special on screen message may
be provided to the guest. This message may be superimposed onto the
welcome channel screen or main menu screen 100, or may be a
separate screen. UHC 20 determines whether to provide that message
depending upon the directory of files of recorded programs stored
in digital content server 34. Identification of the guest (or
guests) which have requested recordings of programs is a part of
the information associated with the file.
[0061] To conserve storage space and to eliminate the storage and
subsequent listing of the same program requested for recording by
multiple guests, UHC 20 preferably receives and stores all requests
for recording programs, creates a consolidated recording schedule,
and then associates each guest who requested a particular program
with the digital file for that program. This avoids having to
record the same program multiple times, once each for every
different guest who requests that the program be recorded.
[0062] The guest-selected recording and time-shifting of television
programs provides another service to the guest, and another
opportunity for revenues through entertainment system 10. By
recording on site, rather than at a remote centralized location,
the system gives the guest the opportunity to record programs of
local content. No large files need to be distributed from a central
location out to the individual sites in order to accommodate
time-shifted viewing. Instead, only those programs of interest to
the particular guests of the hotel are recorded, and the recording
is done locally. The ability of each guest to select programs for
recording and later viewing makes entertainment system 10 more
attractive to the guest and increases usage of the system and
revenue derived from its use.
[0063] Other implementations of the present inventions are
possible. For example, in other embodiments the encoder array may
be combined with its own separate digital content server, so that
recording and play back of television programs is separate from the
digital content server which provides movies and other pre-recorded
material.
[0064] Similarly, the encoder array can be incorporated into the
digital content server, so that no separate interconnection between
the two units is required. The interactive program guide can take a
number of different forms. As it relates to the time-shifting
feature, the interactive program guide makes use of program
schedules and channel line ups to simplify the process of choosing
the correct channel, time, and duration of recording. Although
other techniques can be used, such as those used in conventional
VCR recording (which involves the user selecting a particular time,
channel, and duration), the use of a interactive program guide
gives the guest an interface which is simple and intuitive to
use.
[0065] In addition, the interactive program guide gives the
opportunity to also make the guest aware of previously recorded
television programs which are available for time-shifted viewing,
as well as other entertainment offerings, such as pay-per-view
movies.
[0066] The present invention gives the guest recording options
which simulate having a personal VCR device in each room, without
the significant cost. By using a shared encoder array, which
records programs based upon a recording schedule set by UHC 20 in
response to recording selections made by the guests, each guest has
the opportunity to personalize the entertainment system to his or
her needs and desires.
[0067] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *