U.S. patent application number 12/432871 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for interactive television system with one-touch recording and conflict detection features.
This patent application is currently assigned to Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. d/b/a Time Warner Cable, Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. d/b/a Time Warner Cable. Invention is credited to Ralph W. Brown, Joseph G. Buehl, Stephen M. Johnson, Haig H. Krakirian, Mike L. LaJoie.
Application Number | 20090241144 12/432871 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25184836 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090241144 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaJoie; Mike L. ; et
al. |
September 24, 2009 |
INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM WITH ONE-TOUCH RECORDING AND CONFLICT
DETECTION FEATURES
Abstract
A full service television system and method are provided. The
system comprises a cable headend, at least one fiber transport, at
least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber coax plant,
and a plurality of set-top terminals. The system delivers
television programs, advanced cable services, and online services.
Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in
both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility
with existing systems. The set-top terminal includes a central
processing unit, a unified memory architecture, a memory management
unit, communications circuitry, I/O control circuitry, and audio
and video output circuitry. Through these components, the set-top
terminal provides advanced cable services such as a comprehensive
channel navigator, an interactive program guide, one-touch
recording, recording conflict detection and resolution, and
advanced configuration controls. The set-top terminal also provides
online services such as World Wide Web browsing, Internet e-mail,
and home shopping.
Inventors: |
LaJoie; Mike L.; (Sherman
Oaks, CA) ; Buehl; Joseph G.; (Van Nuys, CA) ;
Krakirian; Haig H.; (Glendale, CA) ; Johnson; Stephen
M.; (Burbank, CA) ; Brown; Ralph W.; (Boulder,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JONES DAY
222 EAST 41ST ST
NEW YORK
NY
10017
US
|
Assignee: |
Time Warner Entertainment Company,
L.P. d/b/a Time Warner Cable
|
Family ID: |
25184836 |
Appl. No.: |
12/432871 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10882099 |
Jun 29, 2004 |
7546621 |
|
|
12432871 |
|
|
|
|
09185179 |
Nov 3, 1998 |
6772433 |
|
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10882099 |
|
|
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08802833 |
Feb 19, 1997 |
5850218 |
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09185179 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/40 ; 725/39;
725/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4753 20130101;
H04N 21/4821 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 7/17318
20130101; H04N 21/4402 20130101; H04N 21/485 20130101; H04N 21/47
20130101; H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 5/46 20130101; H04N 21/42204
20130101; H04N 21/6118 20130101; H04N 21/426 20130101; H04N 21/84
20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 5/44513 20130101; H04N
5/44543 20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101; H04N 7/165 20130101; H04N
5/4401 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/40 ; 725/39;
725/58 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20060101
H04N005/445 |
Claims
1. A method of recording at least one television program using an
interactive program guide, the interactive program guide having
displayable information pertaining to a plurality of television
programs, the method comprising: displaying the interactive program
guide on a display; highlighting on the display information in the
program guide pertaining to a selected television program;
receiving a single record-key actuation; and in response to
receiving only the single record-key actuation, automatically
recording the selected television program when the selected
television program is broadcast.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the automatically recording
comprises automatically programming apparatus operative to record a
television program with broadcast channel and start and stop times
associated with a broadcast of the selected television program as
highlighted in the interactive program guide.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying an indicator
on the interactive program guide display in response to receiving
the record-key actuation, the indicator confirming acceptance of
the selected television program for recording.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising after receiving the
record-key actuation and before automatically recording: displaying
a banner on the display indicating a recording conflict.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising after receiving the
record-key actuation and before displaying the banner:
automatically determining whether the recording of the selected
program will exceed capabilities of apparatus operative to record
television programs; and in response to automatically determining
that the capabilities of the apparatus will be exceeded, generating
the banner indicating a recording conflict.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the capabilities of the apparatus
include a maximum number of television programs that can be
programmed for recording by the apparatus at any one time.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the capabilities of the apparatus
include a maximum amount of storage that can be used by the
apparatus to record one or more television programs.
8. The method of claim 4 further comprising after receiving the
record-key actuation and before displaying the banner:
automatically determining whether any portion of the selected
program to be recorded is to occur simultaneously with any portion
of at least one other television program to be recorded; in
response to automatically determining that portions of two or more
television programs are to be recorded simultaneously,
automatically determining whether capabilities of recording
apparatus to record portions of two or more television programs
simultaneously will be exceeded; and in response to automatically
determining that the capabilities of the recording apparatus will
be exceeded, generating the banner indicating a recording
conflict.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the capabilities of the recording
apparatus include a maximum number of television programs that can
be recorded at any one time.
10. The method of claim 4 further comprising after displaying the
banner: displaying a plurality of actuators for resolving the
recording conflict.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising receiving a
cancel-most-recent-record-key actuation.
12. A method of recording at least one television program using an
interactive program guide, the interactive program guide having
displayable information pertaining to a plurality of television
programs, the method comprising: receiving a record-key actuation
pertaining to a selected television program having information in
the interactive program guide highlighted on a display; retrieving
broadcast information from the interactive program guide pertaining
to the selected television program; determining whether a
television program recorder has previously-programmed broadcast
information that conflicts with the retrieved broadcast
information; in response to determining that no conflict exists:
programming the television program recorder with the broadcast
information retrieved from the interactive program guide to record
the selected television program when the selected television
program is broadcast, and displaying an indicator on the display
confirming acceptance of the selected television program for
recording; and in response to determining that a conflict exists,
displaying a plurality of actuators for resolving the conflict.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the broadcast information
includes broadcast channel and start and stop times associated with
a broadcast of the selected television program as indicated in the
interactive program guide.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the conflict is one of exceeding
the number of television programs programmable in the television
program recorder at any one time, exceeding the storage capacity of
the television program recorder, or exceeding the number of
television programs that can be recorded simultaneously by the
television program recorder.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the plurality of actuators for
resolving the conflict includes at least one actuator for:
canceling the most recent record-key actuation; accepting the most
recent record-key actuation and canceling conflicting
previously-programmed broadcast information; or entering a general
setting menu to modify previously-programmed broadcast
information.
16. A method of recording at least one television program using an
interactive program guide, the interactive program guide having
displayable information pertaining to a plurality of television
programs, the method comprising: displaying the interactive program
guide on a display; highlighting on the display information in the
program guide pertaining to a first selected television program;
receiving a first record-key actuation; automatically programming
recording apparatus to record the first selected television program
when that television program is broadcast; highlighting on the
display information in the program guide pertaining to a second
selected television program; receiving a second record-key
actuation; automatically determining whether the recording of the
second selected program will exceed capabilities of the recording
apparatus; in response to determining that the capabilities of the
recording apparatus will not be exceeded, automatically programming
the recording apparatus to record the second selected television
program when the second selected television program is broadcast;
and in response to determining that the capabilities of the
recording apparatus will be exceeded, displaying a banner
indicating a recording conflict.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the capabilities of the
recording apparatus include a maximum number of television programs
that can be programmed for recording by the recording apparatus at
any one time.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the capabilities of the
recording apparatus include a maximum number of television programs
that can be recorded by the recording apparatus at any one
time.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein the capabilities of the
recording apparatus include a maximum amount of storage that can be
used by the recording apparatus to record one or more television
programs.
20. The method of claim 16 further comprising after displaying the
banner: displaying a plurality of actuators for resolving the
recording conflict.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/882,099, filed Jun. 29, 2004, now U.S. patent Ser. No. ______,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/185,179, filed Nov. 3, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,433, which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/802,833
filed on Feb. 19, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,218. The content of
each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to television systems. More
particularly, the invention relates to full service television
systems that use advance storage, communications, and processing
techniques to provide a variety of television services including
audio and audiovisual programming, advanced navigation controls,
interactive program guides, Impulse Pay-Per-View activation,
Near-Video-On-Demand programming, Video-On-Demand programming,
advanced configuration controls, and online services.
[0003] With recent advances in storage, communication, and
processing technologies, many present-day television systems are
becoming antiquated. This is especially true of many cable
television systems. Traditional methods of broadcasting television
programs and services in such cable television systems suffer from
an inability to deliver a high number of high quality television
signals on a single coaxial cable. Many existing television systems
also cannot provide the advanced television services desired by
their subscribers, such as, for example, a comprehensive channel
navigator, an interactive program guide, Impulse Pay-Per-View
activation, Near-Video-On-Demand programming, Video-On-Demand
programming, and advanced configuration controls. Furthermore, most
modern television systems have no provisions whatsoever for
supplying services such as World Wide Web browsing, Internet
E-Mail, and online services.
[0004] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a
full service television system capable of delivering a high number
of high quality television signals.
[0005] It would also be desirable to provide a full service
television system capable of using advanced communication
techniques to deliver a high number of high quality television
signals.
[0006] It would further be desirable to provide a full service
television system capable of sustaining two-way communication
between a cable service provider and a cable service
subscriber.
[0007] It would even further be desirable to provide a full service
television system capable of delivering advanced television
services such as a comprehensive channel navigator, an interactive
program guide, Impulse Pay-Per-View activation,
Near-Video-On-Demand programming, Video-On-Demand programming, and
advanced configuration controls.
[0008] It would still further be desirable to provide a full
service television system capable of delivering services such as
World Wide Web browsing, Internet E-Mail, and online services.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
full service television system capable of delivering a high number
of high quality television signals.
[0010] It is also an object of this invention to provide a full
service television system capable of using advanced communication
techniques to deliver a high number of high quality television
signals.
[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide a full
service television system capable of sustaining two-way
communication between a cable service provider and a cable service
subscriber.
[0012] It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
full service television system capable of delivering advanced
television services such as a comprehensive channel navigator, an
interactive program guide, Impulse Pay-Per-View activation,
Near-Video-On-Demand programming, Video-On-Demand programming, and
advanced configuration controls.
[0013] It is an even further object of this invention to provide a
full service television system capable of delivering services such
as World Wide Web browsing, Internet E-Mail, and online
services.
[0014] In accordance with these and other objects of the present
invention, a full service television system is provided that
includes digital and analog programs and services, an advanced
communications network, and a fully programmable set-top terminal
capable of implementing advanced television and online
services.
[0015] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
full service television system is implemented as a cable television
system. Although a cable television system is described herein, the
present invention, and all of its features, may be implemented in
other forms, such as, for example, a Direct Broadcast Satellite
(DBS) system, a Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution System
(MMDS), an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop (ADSL) system, a
Local Area Network (LAN) system, or a Wide Area Network (WAN)
system.
[0016] Preferred implementations of the cable television system of
the present invention include a cable headend, at least one fiber
transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber
coax plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. The cable headend
provides programs, services, and overall system control of the
cable television system. The fiber transports, distribution hubs,
and hybrid fiber coax plants provide an advanced communication
network for the cable television system. The set-top terminals
provide interfaces, processing, and storage capability in a
subscriber's home to facilitate the implementation of advanced
television and online services.
[0017] To provide programs, services, and overall system control of
the cable television system of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, the cable headend incorporates digital and
analog satellite receivers, a broadcast cable gateway, integrated
receiver decoders, analog scrambling and modulation, application
and media servers, an addressable controller, a digital switch or
multiplexer, and an interactive cable gateway. Although these
elements will be described herein as distinct functions, each can
be implemented as a portion of a single device, as a single device,
or as a composition of devices.
[0018] Programs and services provided by the cable headend are
supplied to the cable headend primarily through analog and digital
satellite broadcasts and through digital data storage. The cable
headend may also receive programs and services from sources such
as, for example, analog off-air signals, digital off-air signals,
and locally originated signals.
[0019] Analog and digital satellite broadcasts are received at the
cable headend by a plurality of analog and digital satellite
receivers. Integrated receiver decoders within the cable headend
control the reception of the analog satellite broadcasts, and
analog scrambling and modulation converts the analog signals into a
format suitable for transmission over the cable system's
communication network. Similarly, a broadcast cable gateway within
the cable headend controls the reception of the digital satellite
broadcasts and converts the digital signals into a format suitable
for transmission over the cable system's communication network.
[0020] Programs and services are also supplied to the cable headend
through digitally stored data in application and media servers.
Programs and services stored in the application and media servers
are first transmitted to the cable system's communication network
through a digital switch or multiplexer and then through an
interactive cable gateway. The digital switch or multiplexer can be
implemented through an Asynchronous Transfer Mode switch, a Digital
Video Broadcast Asynchronous Serial Interface (DVB ASI), or other
suitable means. The application servers can be connected directly
to the digital switch or multiplexer, or can be connected to the
digital switch or multiplexer via an intermediate network. The
media servers, however, should preferably be connected to the
digital switch or multiplexer directly because of the high
bandwidth requirements of the media servers and the limited
bandwidth capabilities of present day networks. Programs and
services transmitted through the digital switch or multiplexer from
the application and media servers are converted by the interactive
cable gateway to a format suitable for transmission in the cable
system's communication network. By connecting the application and
media servers to the interactive cable gateway through the digital
switch or multiplexer, a cable system operator can add new
application and media servers to the cable television system as
needed.
[0021] Overall system control is provided by the cable headend
primarily through an addressable controller. The functions
performed by the addressable controller can include, for example,
control of all equipment interaction at the cable headend,
management of the cable television system's communication network,
control of all equipment located in the system's communication
network, configuration and management of set-top terminals
(preferably both those of the present invention and those that may
later be introduced into the marketplace), operational control of
the distribution hubs, operational control of the interactive cable
gateway, and distribution control of programs and services from the
integrated receiver decoders, broadcast cable gateway, application
servers, and media servers to the set-top terminals.
[0022] The communication network of the cable television systems of
the preferred embodiments of the present invention includes at
least one fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, and at
least one hybrid fiber coax plant. The communication network
preferably includes analog channels with vertical blanking interval
(VBI) signals, forward application transport (FAT) channels,
forward data channels (FDC), and reverse data channels (RDC).
Analog channels with VBI signals maintain downward compatibility
with existing cable television equipment. FAT channels provide
set-top terminals with compressed digital content such as, for
example, video, audio, applications, control message, and broadcast
data. Forward data channels carry to the set-top terminals
out-of-band Internet protocol (IP) datagrams containing messages
regarding, for example, conditional access, entitlement, broadcast
data, network management, application downloads, variable bit-rate
(VBR) downloads, external device data services, or general matters.
Furthermore, all interactive program guide data is carried to the
set-top terminals exclusively over the out-of-band forward data
channels. Reverse data channels carry IP datagram messages from the
set-top terminals to equipment within the cable headend. These
messages can relate to, for example, network management, external
device data services, program/service control and activation, or
general matters.
[0023] The fiber transports carry signals between the cable headend
and the distribution hubs and are preferably each physically
configured in a ring connecting typically five distribution hubs to
the cable headend. Each of the fiber transports includes a bundle
of at least one fiber optic cable, at least one of which is used by
each distribution hub on the physical ring of each fiber transport.
By using selected fiber optic cables within the fiber transport's
bundle, the distribution hubs may be connected to the cable headend
either through adjacent hubs in a logical "ring" configuration,
directly to the headend in a logical "star" configuration, or in
any other logical configuration.
[0024] The distribution hubs comprise a plurality of data channel
gateways, each of which receives and transmits data messages
between the cable headend and the set-top terminals. The data
channel gateways provide routing functions, modulation functions on
the signals to the set-top terminals, and demodulation functions on
the signals from the set-top terminals. The routing, modulation,
and demodulation functions performed by the data channel gateways
are all controllable by the addressable controller within the cable
headend.
[0025] The hybrid fiber coax plants connect the distribution hubs
to the set-top terminals and each includes fiber optic cable, a
node, and a plurality of coaxial cables. The node in each hybrid
fiber coax plant converts optical signals to electrical signals and
electrical signals to optical signals such that two-way
communication is maintained over the fiber optic and coaxial cables
connecting the distribution hubs and set-top terminals.
[0026] The digital and analog programs and services furnished by
the cable headend are presented to cable subscribers by set-top
terminals within their homes. In the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, the set-top terminals each include a central
processing unit, memory, a memory management unit, communications
circuitry, I/O control circuitry, and audio and video output
circuitry. Each set-top terminal is controlled by the central
processing unit which executes operating system and application
software stored within memory. The memory management unit
simplifies and oversees the interaction between the central
processing unit and memory. Communication circuitry in the set-top
terminal receives, demodulates, decrypts, decodes, and descrambles
programs and services transmitted by the cable headend.
Additionally, the communication circuitry also controls the two-way
digital data transmissions between the headend and the set-top
terminal. Input/output (I/O) control circuitry controls subscriber
interaction with the set-top terminal through a keypad, an LED
display, and a remote control. The I/O control circuitry also
interfaces the set-top terminal with an accessories bus and
external equipment (e.g., via an I/R transmitter), and is
compatible with known interfaces, such as, for example, Ethernet
10-base-T, P1394, and SPDIF. Audio and video control circuitry in
each set-top terminal provides graphics generation, audio
synthesis, and real-time digital video processing, and generates
the outputs necessary to interface the set-top terminal with a
subscriber's home audio and video system. These audio and video
outputs can include, for example, AC-3 audio, baseband audio, RF
video, S-Video, and baseband video outputs.
[0027] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention,
application software within the set-top terminal provides the
advanced cable services desired by many cable subscribers. These
services include a comprehensive channel navigator, an interactive
program guide, Impulse Pay-Per-View activation,
Near-Video-On-Demand programming, Video-On-Demand programming, and
advanced configuration controls. Additionally, because the set-top
terminal is upgradable via software downloads from the cable
headend, new services can be added to the set-top terminal as they
become available.
[0028] The comprehensive channel navigation controls provided by
the application software of the set-top terminal enable a
subscriber to more easily navigate through the abundance of
programming and services that are available in the preferred
embodiments of the present invention. For example, a program
information banner can be displayed whenever a subscriber changes
channels to identify the program currently being displayed on the
selected channel. This banner can include the following: the
channel's call sign, number, and logo; the program's name, running
time, and elapsed time; the current time; a brief description of
the program; information regarding the next program on that
channel; or any other information that may be of interest to the
subscriber.
[0029] The navigation controls of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention provide a channel selection function that
includes a plurality of tables that cross reference channel numbers
with the type, source, parameters, and description of the various
television services (e.g., audio and video programming and online
services) provided by the cable system. These tables create levels
of control, transparent to the subscriber, that allow the set-top
terminal to identify the parameters and software needed to activate
the program or service associated with a selected channel number.
For example, if a subscriber selects channel 10, which is
associated with an E-mail service, the set-top terminal accesses
the cross-reference tables to identify the type and source of the
television service associated with channel 10. The set-top terminal
then obtains from the tables any necessary parameters and executes
the appropriate E-mail software to activate the selected service.
Thus, rather than just map channel numbers to analog broadcast
video frequencies as in traditional cable systems, these tables
allow channel numbers to be mapped to other sources of data, such
as, for example, MPEG video, VBI, IP, and ROM.
[0030] Furthermore, unlike traditional cable systems in which
channel numbers are fixed to analog broadcast frequencies, these
cross-reference tables allow television services to be arranged in
any channel number order, regardless of how they are transmitted by
the cable system to the set-top terminal. For example, a channel
table can be configured to associate channel 4 with video service 3
provided by video source 2 or, alternatively, channel 4 can be
associated with music service 12 provided by music source 8. Once a
set-top terminal channel number is associated with a particular
service, the association is maintained even if the cable provider
reassigns the cable channel numbers over which the television
services are transmitted.
[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention also
provide channel setting controls which enable a subscriber to fully
configure the set-top terminal to operate as desired. For example,
the subscriber can assign channels to a favorite channel list;
block channels based on channel number, time, program rating,
genre, etc.; set timers to record a particular program; turn the
set-top terminal on or off at a particular time; or remind the
subscriber that a particular program is on or that a tape has to be
put in an attached video cassette recorder (VCR).
[0032] A browse feature is also provided by the comprehensive
navigation controls in the preferred embodiments of the present
invention. The browse feature presents a banner that can identify
other programs or services that are, were, or will be available for
viewing on other channels. Similar to the program information
banner described previously, the browse banner can include the
following: a channel's call sign, number, and logo; a program's
name, running time, and elapsed time; the current time; a brief
description of the current program; information regarding a program
following the browse program; or any other information that may be
of interest to a subscriber.
[0033] An interactive program guide within the set-top terminal of
the preferred embodiments of the present invention further allows
the subscriber to easily operate the set-top terminal and navigate
through the abundance of programs and services available in the
cable television system. This interactive program guide can include
any of at least three main modes: a time mode, a theme mode, and a
title mode.
[0034] In the time mode, program information is displayed in a grid
arrangement with rows preferably corresponding to channel numbers,
and columns preferably corresponding to times. By navigating
through this grid, a subscriber can identify and review information
regarding programs that were, are, or will be available for
viewing.
[0035] The theme mode of the present invention displays program
information of programs that were, are, or will be available for
viewing based on a subscriber-selected theme category. Once a theme
category has been selected, all programs within that theme are
displayed to the subscriber. In some embodiments of the present
invention, in addition to scrolling through programs corresponding
to a selected theme, a subscriber can also scroll to other themes
after reaching the end of the list of programs corresponding to the
selected theme.
[0036] Similar to the theme mode, the title mode lists and displays
information regarding programs available for viewing based on the
titles of the programs. Once a first letter is selected, all
programs having titles beginning with that letter that were, are,
or will be available for viewing are displayed to the subscriber.
As with themes, in some embodiments of the present invention, a
subscriber is not limited to viewing only those programs with
titles beginning with the selected letter, but rather the
subscriber may scroll to program titles beginning with other
letters once an end of the program titles beginning with the
selected letter has is been reached.
[0037] All modes of the interactive program guide of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention can include a highlighted
channel banner, a highlighted program summary, a program viewing
window, and mode indicators. The highlighted channel banner
preferably indicates the call sign, channel number, and channel
logo of the channel highlighted in the interactive program guide
display. The highlighted program summary preferably indicates the
title, running time, description, and characteristics of the
program highlighted in the interactive program guide display. The
program viewing window can display, for example, any of the
following: the program being viewed prior to entering the
interactive program guide, a program selected from the interactive
program guide, or a program selected at the headend. The content of
the program in the program viewing window can include any of the
programs or services which can be displayed by the set-top
terminal. The program viewing window can also include a time and
channel banner indicating the current time and the channel being
displayed in the program viewing window. The mode indicators can
indicate the current mode of the interactive program guide and how
to activate other available program guide modes.
[0038] The interactive program guide of the preferred embodiments
of the present invention also facilitates rapid navigation to
programs selected by a subscriber. Once the subscriber has found a
desired program in the interactive program guide, the subscriber
can, by pressing a single key, switch to the program if it is
currently being transmitted, set a timer to remind the subscriber
of its scheduled transmission, or record the program, either now if
currently transmitted or at its scheduled transmission time.
[0039] Impulse Pay-Per-View (IPPV) program purchasing is also
facilitated in the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
Through Impulse Pay-Per-View, a subscriber can request a
Pay-Per-View event from the set-top terminal's keypad or remote
control. Upon the subscriber selecting an IPPV program, which can
be through either the interactive program guide, manual channel
selection, or setting of a recording timer, the set-top terminal
automatically identifies channels and programs which are IPPV,
queries whether the subscriber would like to purchase the selected
IPPV program, and authorizes the purchase if the subscriber so
indicates. The preferred embodiments of the present invention also
allow a subscriber to view summaries of past and currently
scheduled IPPV purchases, and to cancel currently scheduled
purchases. Additionally, the IPPV features of the preferred
embodiments of present invention provide free preview screening of
IPPV events, countdown timers to the start of an IPPV event, and
automatic reminders if the subscriber has changed channels between
the time of ordering and the start time of the IPPV event.
[0040] Near-Video-On-Demand (NVOD) can also be implemented in the
preferred embodiments of the present invention. NVOD programming
transmits each NVOD program from a plurality of sources, each
source transmitting the same NVOD program at a fixed time period
out of phase with the others. Upon a request to view an NVOD
program, the set-top terminal displays on an NVOD channel the
source that will next begin transmitting the selected NVOD program
based on when the subscriber chooses to view the program.
[0041] NVOD programming can simulate the VCR functions of pausing,
fast forwarding, and rewinding. This is accomplished by switching
the NVOD channel to another NVOD program source. For example, to
pause an NVOD program, the set-top terminal displays a pause
"barker" (e.g., on-screen message) for the time period between
consecutive out-of-phase transmissions of the NVOD program. Once
the time period has passed, the set-top terminal switches to the
source that began transmitting the program one time period after
the previously displayed source's transmission. The NVOD program
thus resumes at the point where paused and appears to the
subscriber to have been paused by that time period. Similarly, fast
forwarding and rewinding are accomplished by switching directly to
another NVOD program source. For example, fast forwarding switches
to a source that began transmitting the program before the
currently viewed transmission, and rewinding switches to a source
that began transmitting the program after the currently viewed
transmission. By switching to a different NVOD program source, the
NVOD program appears to have jumped by the time period between
transmissions.
[0042] Video-On-Demand (VOD) programming can also be implemented in
the preferred embodiments of the present invention. VOD is
facilitated primarily by the media servers' ability to deliver
high-speed digital data to subscribers' set-top terminals. Upon a
subscriber's request to view a VOD event, a media server capable of
delivering the VOD event begins digitally transmitting the program
to the subscriber's set-top terminal. Unlike traditional
broadcasts, this transmission is typically received only by the
subscriber who requested the VOD event. A subscriber can therefore
view the program at any time, and can also pause, fast forward, or
rewind the program being transmitted.
[0043] Finally, the preferred embodiments of the present invention
also allow messages to be transmitted to one or more subscribers.
These messages can be sent to all subscribers (e.g., an emergency
broadcast message) or to only one subscriber (e.g., an unpaid
balance message). This message system can also send messages from
one party within a household to another (e.g., an instruction by a
parent to a child) or from one household to another. Thus a local
messaging system within the cable system's community can be
established. Additionally, these messages can be configured to
activate a service at a subscriber's set-top terminal. For example,
a set-top terminal can be automatically turned on to display an
emergency news broadcast upon receipt of a message from the
headend. Thus a subscriber can be alerted by the set-top terminal
at any time, regardless of whether the set-top terminal is on or
not.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts
throughout, and in which:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cable television system of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cable television system
of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a set-top terminal of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a channel navigation function of
a set-top terminal of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram illustrating a channel
selection function of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0050] FIGS. 6-7 are flow diagrams illustrating a browse function
of a set-top terminal of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 8 is layout diagram illustrating a browse banner of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIGS. 9-13 are flow diagrams illustrating channel and
general setting functions of a set-top terminal of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 14 is an illustrative screen display of a general
setting menu of a set-top terminal of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0054] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a general setting
function of a set-top terminal of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0055] FIGS. 16-17 are illustrative screen displays of the time
mode of an interactive program guide of a set-top terminal of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating entry, navigation,
and tuning within the time mode of an interactive program guide of
a set-top terminal of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0057] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating switching modes
within an interactive program guide of a set-top terminal of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIGS. 20-21 are illustrative screen displays of a theme mode
of an interactive program guide of a set-top terminal of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIGS. 22-23 are illustrative screen displays of a title mode
of an interactive program guide of a set-top terminal of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIGS. 24-27 are flow diagrams illustrating the operation of
an interactive program guide of a set-top terminal of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram illustrating an Impulse
Pay-Per-View function of a set-top terminal of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 29 is an illustrative screen display of an Impulse
Pay-Per-View barker of an Impulse Pay-Per-View function of a
set-top terminal of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0063] FIGS. 30-32 are flow diagrams illustrating the operation of
an Impulse Pay-Per-View function of a set-top terminal of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIGS. 33-34 are flow diagrams illustrating the operation of
a Near-Video-On-Demand function of a set-top terminal of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0065] FIG. 35 is an illustrative screen display of a messaging
function of a set-top terminal of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0066] A cable television system 1 of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Cable system 1 includes five
primary components: a headend 2; at least one fiber transport 3; at
least one distribution hub 4; at least one hybrid fiber coax plant
5; and a plurality of set-top terminals 6, typically located in the
homes of subscribers. Headend 2 is the primary source of programs,
services, and control of cable system 1. Programs, services, and
control signals are delivered to subscribers' set-top terminals 6
from headend 2 by transmitting signals through fiber transport 3,
distribution hub 4, and hybrid fiber coax plant 5. These
transmissions can be in the form of broadcasts to all set-top
terminals, narrowcasts to a group of set-top terminals, multicasts
to a list of particular set-top terminals, or unicasts to a single
set-top terminal. The present invention can be implemented as a
one-way cable television system in which signals are only
transmitted from headend 2 to set-top terminals 6, or
alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, can be implemented as a
two-way interactive cable television system. Subscribers interact
with the programs and services provided by headend 2 by
transmitting signals from set-top terminals 6 through hybrid fiber
coax 5, distribution hub 4, and fiber transport 3 to headend 2.
[0067] To provide the programs, services, and control of cable
system 1, headend 2 includes a plurality of digital satellite
receivers 10, a broadcast cable gateway (BCG) 11, a plurality of
analog satellite receivers 12, a plurality of integrated receiver
decoders (IRD) 13, analog scrambling and modulation circuitry 20,
an addressable controller (AC) 14, a plurality of application
servers 15, a plurality of media servers 16, a digital switch or
multiplexer 17, and an interactive cable gateway (ICG) 18. Although
each of these headend 2 elements are described as single functions,
each can be implemented as part of a single device, as a single
device, or as a plurality of devices.
[0068] The programs and services generated by headend 2 are
received from four primary sources: analog satellite transmissions
from analog service providers, digital satellite transmissions from
digital service providers, application programs and services on
application servers 15, and media programs and services on media
servers 16. Programs and services can also be received at headend 2
from other sources, such as, for example, analog off-air signals,
digital off-air signals, and locally originated signals. Analog and
digital satellite transmissions typically provide the traditional
forms of television broadcast programs and information services.
Application servers typically provide, for example, executable code
and data for application specific services such as database
services, network management services, transactional electronic
commerce services, system administration console services,
application specific services (such as stock ticker, sports ticker,
weather, and interactive program guide data), resource management
services, connection management services, subscriber care services,
billing services, operation system services, and object management
services. Media servers provide time-critical media assets, such
as, for example, MPEG-2 encoded video and audio, MPEG-2 encoded
still images, bit-mapped graphic images, PCM digital audio, three
dimensional graphic objects, application programs, and application
data files. Although specific examples of programs and services and
the sources that provide them (such as analog and digital satellite
transmissions, application servers, and media servers) are given
herein, other programs and services, and programs and services from
other sources, can be provided to cable system 1 without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0069] To provide this multitude of programs and services to a
subscriber's home on a single coaxial cable, these signals are
preferably modulated onto a plurality of 6 MHZ frequency division
multiplexed (FDM) channels in the RF spectrum from 5 MHZ through
860 MHZ. More specifically, the 6 MHZ FDM channels in the present
invention can be used to carry analog channels with vertical
blanking interval (VBI) signals, forward application transport
(FAT) channels, forward data channels (FDC), and reverse data
channels (RDC). In one embodiment of the present invention, analog
channels are in the frequency range of 50 to 500 MHZ, FAT channels
are in the frequency range of 500 to 750 MHZ, and FDCs and RDCs are
in the frequency ranges of 5 to 40 MHZ and 70 to 130 MHZ,
respectively. Although values for the bandwidth, upper limits, and
lower limits of these channels are given herein, these values can
be altered to suit the individual needs and capabilities of any
system in which the present invention is implemented without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For
example, 1 MHZ FDM channels can be implemented wherein each of the
analog channels, FAT channels, forward data channels, and reverse
data channels use different sections of the RF spectrum.
[0070] Analog programs and services are received from satellite
transmissions in the preferred embodiments of the present invention
by analog satellite receivers 12, integrated receiver decoders 13,
and analog scrambling and modulation circuitry 20. Analog satellite
receivers 12 typically receive the satellite transmissions from the
analog service providers in a modulated and scrambled NTSC format.
Integrated receiver decoders 13 demodulate and descramble the
satellite signals into NTSC signals, and then analog scrambling and
modulation circuitry 20 scrambles (using the cable system's
scrambling method, if desired) and modulates the NTSC signals onto
an analog 6 MHZ FDM channel. The FDM modulation frequencies and
scrambling techniques used for the NTSC signals are preferably
selected to maintain downward compatibility with analog set-top
terminals that may be used with the present invention. The
demodulation, descrambling, scrambling, and modulation functions
performed by integrated receiver decoders 13 and analog scrambling
and modulation circuitry 20 can alternatively be performed by other
dedicated devices, such as, for example, satellite receivers,
satellite decoders, NTSC scramblers, and NTSC modulators.
[0071] Digital services are received from satellite transmissions
by digital satellite receivers 10. The signals received by digital
satellite receivers 10 typically arrive in quadrature phase shift
key (QPSK) modulated, encrypted MPEG-2 transport stream format.
Once the satellite transmissions have been received by the digital
satellite receivers, broadcast cable gateway (BCG) 11 converts the
transmissions signals for transmission over the cable system's
communication network under the control of addressable controller
14. broadcast cable gateway 11 demodulates, applies forward error
correction (FEC), if desired, and decrypts the satellite
transmission to recover an MPEG-2 transport stream. The MPEG-2
transport stream may then be manipulated by BCG 11 to remove
unwanted programs from the stream to form an MPEG-2 payload. BCG 11
then encrypts the payload (if desired) and modulates it onto a
forward application transport (FAT) 6 MHZ FDM channel. The
modulation of FAT channels is preferably 64 or 256 quadrature
amplitude modulation (QAM), which enables the channels to carry
digital data at rates typically in the range of 27 to 38 Mbps,
respectively. By using MPEG-2 payloads, the present invention
provides an increase in the number of programs and services that
can be transmitted on a 6 MHZ channel over that available with
analog technology by digitally compressing and combining a
plurality of programs and services into a single MPEG-2
payload.
[0072] Application and media programs and services are provided by
application and media servers 15 and 16 under the control of
addressable controller 14 through digital switch or multiplexer 17,
interactive cable gateway 18, and data channel gateways 19 in
distribution hubs 4. The programs and services provided by
application and media servers 15 and 16 are preferably provided in
MPEG-2 transport stream format. Addressable controller 14 may
oversee the distribution of programs and services by servers 15 and
16 by processing requests for programs and services from set-top
terminals 6, instructing the servers when, where, and how to
deliver a requested program or service, and directing the programs
and services through the digital switch or multiplexer to the
interactive cable gateway and data channel gateways in the
distribution hubs.
[0073] Digital switch or multiplexer 17 connects servers 15 and 16
to addressable controller 14, to interactive cable gateway 18, and
to data channel gateways 19 in distribution hubs 4. Because the
programs and services provided by application servers 15 typically
do not require high bandwidth, these servers can be connected to
digital switch or multiplexer 17 directly (as shown) or via
intermediate networks. Media servers 16, however, do require a
great deal of bandwidth and accordingly should be connected to
digital switch or multiplexer 17 or interactive cable gateway 18
directly until intermediate networks with sufficient bandwidth
become available. Furthermore, to achieve their high bandwidth
requirement, media servers 16 should incorporate storage devices
having interfaces with speeds of at least SCSI Fast and SCSI Wide
interfaces, and preferably speeds of Ultra SCSI and fiber channel
interfaces.
[0074] Interactive cable gateway (ICG) 18 processes the servers'
signals so they can be transmitted over the cable system's
communication network. Signals received at ICG 18, either through
digital switch or multiplexer 17 or from servers 15 or 16 directly,
are optionally encrypted, optionally subjected to forward error
correction (FEC), and modulated onto a 6 MHZ FAT channel using 64
or 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
[0075] The analog channels, forward application transport channels,
forward data channels, and reverse data channels are transmitted
between the cable headend and the set-top terminals over the cable
systems' communication network. As shown in FIG. 2, this network
comprises at least one fiber transport 3, at least one distribution
hub 4, and at least one hybrid fiber coax plant 5.
[0076] Each fiber transport 3 connects headend 2 to at least one
distribution hub 4. Typically fiber transport 3 is physically
configured as a ring of bundled fiber optic cables. In this
configuration, six cables in the bundle of each fiber transport 3
are typically dedicated to each hub 4 on the ring, and each hub 4
is typically within twenty miles of headend 2. For those hubs 4
that are more than a limiting distance (e.g., more than 20 miles)
from headend 2, an intermediate distribution hub 4 may be needed to
retransmit the signals in fiber transport 3.
[0077] By selecting particular fiber optic cables within the bundle
of fiber transports 3, the distribution hubs can be connected to
headend 2 through adjacent hubs in a logical "ring" configuration,
or directly to headend 2 in a logical "star" configuration.
Alternatively, other logical configurations can be used. However,
an advantage of the ring configuration is that no distribution hub
4 is cut off from headend 2 by a single break in fiber transport
3.
[0078] Hybrid fiber coax plants 5 connect distribution hubs 4 to
set-top terminals 6. In a preferred embodiment, hybrid fiber coax
plants 5 include a plurality of fiber optic cables 25, a plurality
of nodes 26, and a plurality of coaxial cables 27. A plurality of
radio frequency (RF) amplifiers (not shown) may also be required at
various locations throughout coaxial cables 27 to compensate for
losses that occur when the coaxial cable is split to connect each
set top terminal. Nodes 26 convert the optical signals in fiber
optic cables 25 generated by the distribution hub 4 into electrical
signals for transmission on coaxial cables 27 to set-top terminals
6. Return signals from set-top terminals 6 on coaxial cables 27 are
converted to optical signals by nodes 26 for transmission in fiber
optic cable 27 to distribution hubs 4.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, each distribution hub 4 comprises a
plurality of data channel gateways 19 that support the forward and
reverse data channels between headend 2 and set-top terminals 6. In
the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signals in
the forward and reverse data channels between headend 2 and data
channel gateways 19 are Internet protocol datagrams. Between data
channel gateways 19 and set-top terminals 6, these Internet
protocol datagrams may be encrypted or decrypted, as desired, and
QPSK modulated or demodulated. Accordingly, data channel gateways
19 can include routing, encryption, decryption, QPSK modulation,
and QPSK demodulation functions.
[0080] One embodiment of set-top terminal 6 constructed in
accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. Set-top
terminal 6 includes the following: a central processing unit (CPU)
30, a memory management unit 31, memory 32 comprising NVRAM, DRAM,
flash read only memory (ROM), and ROM, an MPEG-2 decompression unit
33, an A/D converter 34, an IP router 35, a security unit 36, a QAM
64/256 demodulator 37, an NTSC decoder 38, a QPSK demodulate unit
39, a QPSK modulate unit 40, an in-band tuner 41, an out-of-band
tuner 42, an out-of-band transmitter 43, an NTSC encoder 44, an RF
modulator 61, an RF output 45, an S-Video output 47, a baseband
video output 48, a graphics subsystem 46, an audio subsystem 49, an
AC-3 audio output 50, a baseband audio output 51, an I/O subsystem
52, a keypad 53, an LED display 54, an IR receiver 55, an IR
transmitter 56, an accessories bus interface 57, and a 10-base-T
interface 58.
[0081] Controlling the operation of set-top terminal 6 is central
processing unit 30. Preferably CPU 30 is a processor that can
support 32 bit arithmetic and logical operations, operate at speeds
of at least 25 MIPS, and support a system of dynamically
prioritizable hardware and software interrupts. An example of a
suitable processor for CPU 30 is the SUN Micro-Systems micro-SPARC
core. CPU 30 executes instructions stored in memory 32 under the
control of an operating system such as the PowerTV Operating System
by PowerTV, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. CPU 30 accesses memory 32
through memory management unit (MMU) 31. MMU 31 provides memory
protection for application processes and the kernel, and provides a
flat address space for subscriber processes.
[0082] Memory 32 comprises non-volatile random access memory
(NVRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash read only
memory (ROM), and read only memory (ROM). NVRAM is used primarily
for the storage of subscriber settings and set-top terminal
configuration settings, such as, for example, parental control
codes, favorite channel line ups, set-top terminal setups, channel
maps, authorization tables, and forward data channel address
assignments. At least 2K bytes of NVRAM should be provided in
memory 32. Dynamic RAM is used for most application and operating
system storage requirements, such as, for example, the stack, heap,
graphics, interactive program guide data, channel map, VCR codes,
marketing data, and usage data, and functions such as MPEG-2 video
decompression, AC-3 audio decoding, and video manipulation. At
least 3 M bytes of dynamic RAM should be provided in memory 32.
Flash ROM is used primarily for the storage of resident application
software, as well as patches to the operating system and
application software which are downloaded to the set-top terminal
from the headend after the set-top terminal has been deployed in
the subscriber's home. At least 1M byte of flash ROM should be
provided in memory 32. ROM is used primarily for the storage of the
operating system. At least 1M byte of read only memory should be
provided in memory 32. Although specific purposes for the NVRAM,
DRAM, flash ROM, and ROM are illustrated herein, these memory
elements can be used for purposes not listed and for purposes
listed as corresponding to other elements without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0083] Frequency division multiplexed (FDM) signals from headend 2
are initially received from hybrid fiber coax plant 5. In-band
tuner 41 receives programs and services transmitted to the set-top
terminal on analog channels and forward application transport
channels. These programs and services include analog programs and
services from analog satellite broadcasts, digital programs and
services from digital satellite broadcasts, some digital programs
and services from application servers, and digital programs and
services from media servers. NTSC decoder 38 receives the analog
programs and services from in-band tuner 41 and produces NTSC
baseband signals. QAM 64/256 demodulator 37 receives the digital
programs and services from in-band tuner 41 and demodulates the
signal into MPEG-2 payloads. Out-of-band tuner 42 receives only
incoming IP datagram messages from headend 2 on the forward data
channel. Messages transmitted from the headend to the set-top
terminals in Internet protocol datagrams on the forward data
channel include interactive program guide data messages as well as
other data and control messages. Messages received by out-of-band
tuner 42 are QPSK demodulated by QPSK demodulator 39 to reveal the
IP datagrams. The analog NTSC baseband signals, the digital MPEG-2
payloads, and the digital IP datagrams are descrambled (if
necessary), decrypted (if necessary), and screened by security unit
36. Additionally, security unit 36 provides encryption, key
management, authentication, and secure transaction functions, and
prevents downloading of viruses by authenticating trusted sources,
vandalism of software, theft of services, falsified orders by using
electronic signatures, tampering with the set-top terminal, and
direct cloning or remanufacturing of the set-top terminal.
[0084] After descrambling, decryption, and screening by security
unit 36, the baseband signals, MPEG-2 payloads, and IP datagrams
are passed on to the analog-to-digital converter 34, MPEG-2
decompress unit 33, and IP router 35. As their names imply,
analog-to-digital converter 34 converts the NTSC baseband signals
to digital signals; MPEG-2 decompress unit 33 decompresses the
MPEG-2 payloads; and IP router 35 routes the IP datagrams toward
their ultimate destination.
[0085] Outgoing IP datagram messages are also processed by IP
router 35. After routing the outgoing IP datagrams, security unit
36 screens and encrypts the IP datagrams (if necessary). The IP
datagrams are then QPSK modulated by QPSK modulator 40 and
transmitted to hybrid fiber coax plant 5 by out-of-band transmitter
43.
[0086] The video and audio outputs of set-top terminal 6 are
generated by graphics subsystem 46, audio subsystem 49, NTSC
encoder 44, and RF modulator 61. Graphic subsystem 46 produces
graphic images and scales MPEG-2 and NTSC video. NTSC encoder 44
generates S-Video output 47 and baseband video output 48 from
digitized MPEG-2 and NTSC video. Audio subsystem 49 produces the
audio outputs for set-top terminal 6 including AC-3 audio output 50
and baseband audio output 51. RF modulator 61 generates NTSC RF
output 45 necessary to drive a television without S-Video or
baseband inputs from signals received from NTSC encoder 44 and
audio subsystem 49.
[0087] I/O subsystem 52 controls input and output functions and the
10-base-T computer interface for set-top terminal 6. As shown in
FIG. 3, I/O subsystem 52 receives inputs from keypad 53, I/R
receiver 55, accessories bus 57, and 10-base-T interface 58. I/O
subsystem 52 also produces outputs to LED display 54, I/R
transmitter 56, accessories bus 57, and 10-base-T interface 58.
Keypad 53 enables the subscriber to control set-top terminal 6
without remote control 59. LED display 54 provides a numeric
display for channel or time indication, and provides a plurality of
single LEDs to indicate statuses such as power on, message waiting,
set-top output disabled, etc. I/R receiver 54 receives and
digitizes input from remote control 59. I/R transmitter 56 controls
a VCR 60 and sends updates to remote control 59. Accessories bus 57
connects to external equipment such as keyboards, joysticks,
mouses, I/R transmitters, etc. The 10-base-T interface can be used
to connect to Ethernet interfaces in equipment such as routers,
personal computers, or home entertainment equipment.
[0088] FIGS. 4 through 35 illustrate the operation of preferred
embodiments of the application software of set-top terminal 6 of
the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the
channel selection function of one embodiment of the present
invention is shown. From a first channel display 100, the channel
selection function changes channels in response to pressing a
channel up/down key 102 on set-top terminal 6 or its remote control
59. This causes a second channel display 106 to be displayed. In
the preferred embodiment of the channel selection function, a
program information banner 114 is displayed indicating the current
channel's channel number 116, the current channel's call sign 118,
current time 120, the current program's name 123, running time 125,
and elapsed time 127. Banner 114 may also include information
regarding the program following the program currently being
transmitted. Banner 114 is preferably displayed for a fixed period
of time (e.g., 2 seconds) or until an information key 104 is
depressed on set-top terminal 6 or its remote control 59. Pressing
channel up/down key 102 again causes set-top terminal 6 to select
the next channel in order. For example, as shown, pressing the up
side of channel up/down key 102 causes the display to switch from
channel 4 (KNBC) to channel 5 (HBO). Similar to the initial display
of second display 106, the initial display of a third channel
display 108 can include a program information banner 122.
[0089] Additionally, in the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, pressing information key 104 from a first channel
display 100 causes a program information banner 124 to be displayed
on first channel display 100. Similar to program information
banners 120 and 122, program information banner 124 can display the
current channel's channel number, the current channel's call sign,
the current time, the current program name, the program's running
time, and the program's elapsed time. Like banner 114, banner 124
may also include information regarding the program following the
program currently being transmitted. Pressing information key 104
again with program information banner 124 displayed preferably
causes a more detailed program information banner 126 to be
displayed on first channel display 100. Unlike banners 114, 122,
and 124, more detailed program information banner 126 preferably
does not display the running time and elapsed time but rather
displays a brief description of the program's contents. As shown,
program information banner 126 may omit the current program's name
or, as in the preferred embodiments, may include the current
program's name.
[0090] As an alternative to changing channels using channel up/down
key 102 as shown in FIG. 4, channel selection can be accomplished
by entering the number of a channel on a numeric keypad. Such a
keypad is preferably on remote control 59 and can also be on
set-top terminal 6. The channel number is entered on the numeric
keypad one digit at a time from left to right, optionally preceded
by zeros if the number of digits in the channel number is less than
the number of digits required for the channel selection function.
For example, in a set-top terminal with three-digit selection, a
subscriber enters the channel number "125" by pressing the one-key,
followed by the two-key, and then by the five-key. To enter the
number "50" on a three-digit selection set-top terminal 6, the
subscriber enters the number zero, then five, then zero, or simply
enters a five followed by a zero. In the latter case, set-top
terminal 6 automatically adds the leading zero to the channel
number and selects the new channel accordingly.
[0091] In the preferred embodiments, the channel selection function
of the present invention includes a plurality of channel
cross-reference tables as shown in FIG. 5. These tables cross
reference set-top terminal channels with a variety of television
services, which can include various types of video and audio
programming and online services. Transparent to subscribers,
selection of a channel transfers control to a specific application
program that, along with one or more appropriate parameters
obtained from the cross-reference tables, activates (i.e., displays
on the selected channel) the television service associated with
that selected channel. The channel selection function
advantageously enables set-top terminal 6 to process data from
sources other than just traditional analog video broadcast sources.
These other sources can include, for example, MPEG video, VBI, IP,
and ROM.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 5, channel table 101 associates channels
of set-top terminal 6 with a plurality of television services
listed in service table 103. When a subscriber selects a channel,
that channel is first identified in channel table 101 where a
pointer associates the channel with a particular service in service
table 103. For example, channel 5 is associated with service 4,
channel 7 is associated with service 6, and channel 14 is
associated with service 14.
[0093] Service table 103 preferably indicates the type of service
provided. For example, as shown in column 111, services 1-5 are
video services, service 6 is a split service (described below),
services 12 and 13 are music services, and service 14 is an NVOD
service. Optionally, a channel does not have to be associated with
a television service, in which case it is associated with "null"
service 0 (e.g., channels 8 and 9 are associated with service 0).
Other service types, such as, for example, a home shopping service,
a still image library service, an online database service, a World
Wide Web browsing service, or an E-Mail service, can be added to
service table 103 and are represented in service table 103 by
"other" service 16.
[0094] Service table 103 preferably provides descriptive
information for each television service listed. Represented by
column 125, this information may include, for example, the
service's logo, programming schedule, and program content, and can
be used as a source for the program information banners described
previously or the browse information banners and interactive
program guide described in more detail further below.
[0095] Service table 103 further preferably provides parameter
references as shown in column 123 for identifying sources of listed
television services. The parameter references point to parameter
tables, such as, for example, video parameter table 105, split
parameter table 107, music parameter table 109, NVOD parameter
table 127, VOD parameter table 129, and "other" parameter table
131.
[0096] Video parameter table 105 provides application parameters
needed to activate video sources 1-9. The content of video sources
1-9 may include, for example, recently released movies, classic
movies, science fiction programming, or weather information.
Application software parameters are used by set-top terminal 6 (in
particular, CPU 30) when executing application software, and may
simply include the frequency of a particular source's signals or
other more complex variables.
[0097] Split parameter table 107 allows a channel to be associated
with two or more services, each during different time periods.
These services can be of different types and from different
sources. For example, if a subscriber selects channel 7, set-top
terminal 6 determines from channel table 101 that channel 7 is
associated with service 6. From service table 103, set-top terminal
6 determines that the source of service 6 is a split service
governed by split parameter table 107. From split parameter table
107, set-top terminal 6 determines that channel 7 is associated
with service 10 during time period one (time1) and service 11
during time period two (time2). Set-top terminal 6 then refers to
video parameter table 105 to determine the sources and parameters
for activating services 10 and 11. Thus, selecting channel 7 will
cause set-top terminal 6 to activate source 8 during time period
one and source 9 during time period two.
[0098] The other parameter tables function similarly to video
parameter table 105. Music parameter table 109 identifies sources
of music and provides the appropriate parameters for activating
these sources. NVOD parameter table 127 provides application
parameters for activating a Near-Video-On-Demand service and,
similarly, VOD parameter table 129 provides application parameters
for activating a Video-On-Demand service. Other Parameter Table 131
is representative of other television service sources and
application parameters that can be provided by a cable system of
the present invention.
[0099] In sum, the cross reference tables of the channel selection
function enable set-top terminal 6 to execute software and activate
a variety of television services. When a subscriber selects a
channel, set-top terminal 6 identifies the type of service
associated with the selected channel from channel table 101 and
service table 103, and then executes the appropriate program (or
special routine within the running program that allows channel
selection) to tune in the frequency of the service's source by
referring to the appropriate parameter table, descrambling the
signal if necessary, and displaying the source's contents on the
selected channel. Advantageously, set-top terminal 6 can respond to
other types of services that require more interaction. For example,
a request to view a channel incorporating a World Wide Web browser
results in set-top terminal 6 executing either a resident copy of a
Web browser or a downloaded copy from the headend, requesting
log-in information from the subscriber, and establishing a browsing
session with the headend. Thus the types of services that can be
provided to subscribers are not limited by set-top terminal 6.
Preferably, new types of services can be added to the cable
system's offerings by downloading a new service type module to
set-top terminal 6. The cross-reference tables (i.e., channel,
service, and parameter tables) are accordingly updated and the new
module can then be executed whenever a subscriber selects a channel
corresponding to that service.
[0100] Furthermore, by configuring set-top terminal channel
settings based on entries in service table 103 rather than on
entries in channel table 101, changes in the cable channel lineup
over which television services are transmitted to set-top terminal
6 do not invalidate a subscriber's set-top terminal channel
settings. In other words, the subscriber's mapping of set-top
terminal channels to television services is maintained even if the
cable service provider reassigns the cable channels over which
those services are transmitted. Preferably, when such a
reassignment occurs, an updated channel-to-service mapping
corresponding to the reassignment is downloaded to set-top terminal
6 to maintain the existing association of set-top terminal channels
to television services. Thus, for example, once parents configure
channel settings to block particular services deemed inappropriate
for their children, a reassignment of cable channels over which
those services are transmitted will not affect those services'
blocked status. Similarly, other channel settings, such as a
subscriber's favorite channel line-up, will also not be affected if
such cable channel reassignments occur.
[0101] To prevent channel settings from becoming invalid during the
lifetime of a set-top terminal, television services listed in
service table 103 of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention are typically not deleted or replaced. Instead, a new
service is assigned to reserved space or space which is dynamically
allocated within service table 103.
[0102] The manner in which requests for services are made by
different applications within set-top terminal 6 are simplified in
a preferred embodiment of the present invention by incorporating a
uniform resource locator (URL), similar to that on the Internet, to
uniformly identify services requested. Services are identified by a
URL that incorporates information regarding the format, physical
location, logical location, and identity of the service requested
(e.g., format://physical/logical/identity). For example, if a
service is requested that resides on a server at the headend, the
URL identifies the format (e.g., the headend's format), the
particular server at the headend, the directory on that server, and
the file in that directory. Alternatively, if a service is
requested that resides in set-top terminal 6, the URL identifies
the format (e.g., code segment format), the physical location
(i.e., set-top terminal 6), the particular block of memory, and the
memory address of the requested service.
[0103] FIG. 6 illustrates the "Browse" mode of the present
invention. The browse mode is entered by pressing the up, down,
left, or right arrow keys whenever a program information banner or
more detailed program information banner is being displayed. For
example, from a television display 110 incorporating either a
program information banner 124 or a more detailed program
information banner 126, pressing up or down arrow keys 128 causes a
browse information banner 132 to be displayed. Browse information
banner 132 displays information for programs other than that
currently being displayed on display 110. As shown, a program
entitled "comedy: D. Miller" is being displayed on display 110 (see
program information banner 124). However, browse information banner
132 reflects information for a program entitled "CBS Sports." The
subscriber can therefore determine what other programs are
available for viewing while still observing the currently selected
program. By repeatedly pressing up or down arrow keys 128,
information regarding other concurrently transmitted television
programs can also be displayed on browse information banner 132.
Pressing information key 104 whenever a browse information banner
132 is displayed causes banner 132 to be replaced by a more
detailed browse information banner 142 displaying a brief
description of the browse program rather than the browse running
time and elapsed time. As with the program information banner 126,
browse information banner 142 may is omit the browse program's name
(as shown) or, as in the preferred embodiments, may include the
browse program's name.
[0104] The browse mode of set-top terminal 6 can be exited by
pressing channel up/down key 102, by pressing select key 136, by
pressing information key 104 whenever more detailed browse
information banner 142 is displayed, or by waiting a fixed period
of time (e.g., 20 seconds) without pressing any remote control 59
or set-top terminal 6 key. More particularly, pressing channel
up/down key 102 with a displayed browse information banner 132
causes the following: the banner is removed from the display, the
channel tuner selects and displays the next channel following the
previously displayed channel (in this case channel 4 follows the
previously displayed channel 3 since the up side of channel up/down
key 102 was pressed), and a program information banner 133 is
displayed for the new channel as shown in channel display 106.
Alternatively, pressing select key 136 with browse information
banner 132 displayed causes set-top terminal 6 to tune in and
display browse channel 138 and to briefly display a program
information banner 140.
[0105] The browse information banner can also be used to display
information for programs that were or will be transmitted. For
example, as shown in FIG. 7, browse information banner 152 can be
used to display information for a program airing in twenty minutes
from the current time. This can be done, for example, as follows:
from a program information banner 124 displayed within a television
display 110, the browse mode of set-top terminal 6 is entered by
pressing up arrow key 128. With the browse mode entered, a browse
information banner 148 displays information for a browse channel
(i.e., channel 4, KNBC) during a browse period which straddles the
current time (i.e., 8:10 p.m.). By pressing right arrow key 128,
the browse period changes to the period for the next program on the
browse channel. Alternatively, the subscriber can press left arrow
key 128 to change the browse period to the previous program on the
browse channel. In a similar fashion, by repeatedly pressing up,
down, left, and right arrow keys 128, the subscriber can view
information for programs on other channels and at different
times.
[0106] As described in connection with FIG. 6, once the subscriber
has viewed browse information banner 152, more detailed information
can be obtained or the subscriber can exit the browse mode of
set-top terminal 6. For example, by pressing information key 104
with the browse information banner 152 displayed, the subscriber
causes browse information banner 152 to be replaced by a more
detailed browse information banner 154. Banner 154 may replace the
program name, running time, and elapsed time of banner 152 with a
brief description of the browse program's contents. Alternatively,
the browse mode may be exited by pressing channel up/down key 102
to view a new channel display 158 or by not pressing any keys on
remote control 59 or terminal 6 for a fixed period of time (e.g.,
20 seconds).
[0107] Although the embodiment of the browse banner shown in FIGS.
6 and 7 is activated from the program information banner by
pressing the up or down arrow keys, the browse banner of the
present invention can also be activated by pressing the left or
right arrow keys from the program information banner.
[0108] FIG. 8 provides a more detailed illustration of an
embodiment of the browse information banner of the present
invention. As shown, browse information banner 160 can display the
browse channel's channel number 160, call sign 162, logo 164, a
favorite channel icon 166, a blocked channel icon 168, current time
170, the browse program's name 172, running time 174, elapsed time
176, and icons to indicate whether the browse program is
closed-captioned 178, has a second audio program 180, is in stereo
182, and is designated to be recorded 184.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 9, a channel settings menu 190 allows the
subscriber of set-top terminal 6 to change the favorite, blocked,
and record status for each channel. The subscriber enables channel
settings menu 190 by pressing a settings key 188 on set-top
terminal 6 or its remote control 59 from any television display
186. As illustrated, channel settings menu 190 may be incorporated
into the previously viewed television display 186 while leaving the
television audio unaffected. Within channel settings menu 190,
settings may be provided which allow the subscriber to add the
current channel (i.e., KCBS) to the favorite channel list (setting
200), block the current channel (setting 202), and record the
current channel (setting 204). To select any of settings 200, 202,
or 204, the subscriber highlights one of the settings by
positioning the setting within cursors 198 and 216 by pressing up
or down arrow keys 128. In the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, cursors 198 and 216 remain in a fixed vertical position
within menu 190 as the subscriber presses up and down arrow keys
128 and the list of settings scrolls such that the settings list
comprising settings 200, 202, and 204 moves in the opposite
direction of the key pressed. That is, when the subscriber presses
up arrow key 128, the list moves down and the cursor remains fixed,
thereby giving the net effect of the cursor moving up within the
list. Set-top terminal 6 indicates that the subscriber may press up
and down arrow keys 128 to highlight different settings using
cursors 198 and 216 by providing up and down arrow indicators 194
and 196. With cursors 198 and 216 on the desired setting, the
subscriber may then enable or disable the highlighted setting by
pressing left and right arrow keys 128. Similarly to up and down
arrow indicators 194 and 196, menu 190 provides left and right
arrow indicators 206 and 208 to indicate that the subscriber may
press left and right arrow keys 128 to enable or disable the
highlighted setting. Setting indicators 210, 212, and 214 will
shift position to beneath either the "YES" column 218 or "NO"
column 220 to indicate to the subscriber whether each function is
enabled or disabled, respectively.
[0110] A general settings menu 224, as shown in FIG. 10, is also
provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Menu
224 enables a subscriber to make further settings adjustments to
set-top terminal 6. The subscriber enters general settings menu 224
by pressing settings key 188 from channel setting menu 222. As with
the channel settings menu 222, general settings menu 224 may be
incorporated into the previously displayed television display 250
without affecting the television audio. Within general settings
menu 224, the subscriber may control settings such as blocked
channels 228, favorite channels 230, VCR timers 232, IPPV purchases
234, sleep timers 236, and wake timers 238. Other settings
available in general settings menu 224, but not illustrated, can
include, for example, reminder timers, view all timers, block
times, setup blocking PIN, setup purchase PIN, set power-on
channel, enable second audio program (SAP), set audio output level,
set AC outlet function, set VCR type, set clock options, control
VCR on/off, and enable watch and record. Similarly to channel
settings menu 190 (FIG. 9), a subscriber selects the desired
setting by positioning the desired setting 228, 230, 232, 234, 236,
or 238 within a cursor 226 using up and down arrow keys 128, as is
indicated by up and down arrow indicators 240 and 242. As with
channel settings menu 190, in the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, cursor 226 remains in fixed vertical position
within general settings menu 224 and the list of settings scroll in
a direction opposite to the direction of the up and down arrow keys
depressed.
[0111] Once the desired setting has been highlighted by cursor 226,
the subscriber may then view or modify contents of the setting by
pressing right arrow key 128 (as is indicated by right arrow
indicator 246) or select key 136 to move cursor 226 to right half
248 of general settings menu 224. In cases where a setting has not
been previously set or the contents of the setting have been
erased, an indication such as "(New . . . )" will be displayed in
right half 248 of menu 224 to indicate to the subscriber that the
setting is empty. When the subscriber has completed using general
settings menu 224, the subscriber may exit the menu by pressing
settings key 188 to return to previous television display 250.
Alternatively to exiting the general settings menu 224, the
subscriber may also select another general setting by returning to
the left half of menu 224 by pressing left arrow key 128, as
indicated by left arrow indicator 244.
[0112] FIGS. 11 through 15 illustrate the VCR timers, IPPV
purchases, all timers, and favorite channel settings of the general
settings menu. Referring to FIG. 11, one embodiment of the VCR
timers setting is shown. Selecting the VCR timers setting by
pressing right arrow key 128 or select key 136 with VCR timers
setting 256 highlighted in general settings menu 254 causes cursor
255 to be removed from the display and a new cursor 257 to be
displayed in the left-most column of right half 248 of the general
settings menu as shown in menu 258. In cases in which the VCR
timers setting is selected when contents for the setting do not
exist, set-top terminal 6 will determine default contents for the
setting. The contents may be either the current program being
viewed prior to entering the general settings menu, or may be the
next program to be aired if within a fixed period of time (e.g., 10
minutes) of the start time of the next program. Pressing either up
or down arrow keys 128 causes each parameter to cycle to the next
higher or lower value for that parameter. As shown in menu 260,
pressing up arrow key 128 causes the date to change from "Mo 23" to
"Tu 24." Pressing right arrow key 128 or select key 136 causes
cursor 257 to be removed from the display and a new cursor (e.g.,
cursor 259) to be displayed in the next, rightward, parameter as
shown in menu 262. Alternatively, pressing left arrow key 128
causes cursor 257 to be removed from the display and a new cursor
to be displayed in the previous parameter. By using arrow keys 128
in this fashion, the subscriber is able to select the date,
channel, start time, and stop time for the VCR timers setting.
[0113] Once the subscriber has modified the contents of the VCR
timer setting, the subscriber may accept or cancel the
modifications as indicated by "A" and "C" indicators 261 and 263.
To accept the modified setting, the subscriber presses the "A"
application definable key 252. If the subscriber accepts the
settings, a cursor will be displayed in list of settings 249 and
the modified setting will be displayed as shown in menu 264. To
cancel the modified setting, the subscriber presses "C" application
definable key 252. Alternatively, if left arrow key 128 is pressed
when a cursor is displayed in the left-most column in right half
248 of the general settings menu (as shown in menu 258), any
changes to the setting will be canceled. Once canceled, a cursor
will be displayed in list of settings 249 and the prior contents of
the setting will be displayed.
[0114] FIG. 12 illustrates the conflict checking feature of the
present invention. Upon pressing select key 136, settings key 188,
or channel up/down key 102 after modifying a timer setting's
contents from within general settings menu 268, set-top terminal 6
verifies is that there are no conflicts created by the modified
setting. Conflicts can arise, for example, when there are
overlapping timers, unusual settings (such as VCR record timers
which exceed typical tape length), record timers for unpurchased
Impulse Pay-Per-View (IPPV) events, attempts to set up more than a
limited number of VCR timers (e.g., eight), and attempts to
purchase more than a limited number of IPPV events (e.g., eight).
For example, upon pressing select key 136 from general settings
menu 268 when attempting to record an IPPV event, set-top terminal
6 displays an interactive warning window 270 alerting the
subscriber that the IPPV event sought to be recorded has not been
purchased. Interactive warning window 270 then allows the
subscriber to press "B" or "C" application definable keys 252 to
either buy the IPPV event or cancel the warning. Pressing select
key 136 from general settings menu 268 for non-IPPV events causes
another interactive warning window 272 to be displayed when there
are conflicting timers. For example, interactive warning window 272
is displayed when there is an attempt to record two different
programs at overlapping times. As illustrated, the subscriber has
the choice of selecting one of "A," "B," and "C" application
definable keys 252 in response to this warning in the preferred
embodiment. Pressing "A" key 252 causes set-top terminal 6 to keep
both settings and apply logic to resolve the conflict as shown in
menu 274 ("VCR Timer 1" referring to the first setting and "VCR
Timer 2" referring to the second). This can be accomplished, for
example, in cases where two recording timers partially overlap by
recording up until the start time of the second program and
dropping the end of the first program. Pressing "B" key 252 in
response to interactive warning window 272 causes the conflict to
be resolved by a new setting that overwrites the old setting as
shown in menu 276. Pressing "C" key 252 in response to interactive
warning window 272 causes the old setting to be retained in general
settings menu 278 and cursor 226 to remain displayed on right side
248 of the general settings menu to indicate to the subscriber that
the most recent setting has not been accepted.
[0115] When the subscriber exits general settings menu 268 by
pressing settings key 188 or channel up/down key 102 while leaving
behind a conflicting setting, a non-interactive warning window 280
is displayed for a brief period of time (e.g., five seconds) to
inform the subscriber of the conflict. To resolve the conflict, the
subscriber must press settings key 188 to reenter the general
settings menu. Upon reentering the general settings menu, the
subscriber is prompted with interactive warning window 272 so the
conflict can be resolved using the procedure previously
described.
[0116] FIG. 13 illustrates the Impulse Pay-Per-View (IPPV)
purchases setting of the general settings menu. As shown in general
settings menu 284, whenever IPPV Purchases setting 286 is
highlighted, a summary indicator 288 is displayed in right half 248
of the general settings menu. Indicator 288 indicates the number of
past and pending IPPV purchases. Pressing right arrow key 128 or
select key 136 causes summary indicator 288 to be replaced by list
290 of past and pending purchases as shown in general settings menu
292. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a
pending purchase can be removed from list 290 by pressing stop key
282 with a particular purchase highlighted. For example, with "9/18
The Fugitive" highlighted in menu 292, pressing stop key 282 causes
"9/18 The Fugitive" to be removed from subsequent list 296 in
subsequent menu 294. As with highlighting different settings 249 in
the general settings menu, the IPPV purchases are highlighted by
positioning the IPPV purchase within cursor 255 using up and down
arrow keys 128. Like the cursor in the general settings menu,
cursor 255 is preferably fixed in the vertical position.
[0117] When done reviewing list 290 of past and pending IPPV
purchases, the subscriber may press the "A" application definable
key 252 to exit. In response, the present invention removes the
list from right side 248 of the general settings menu, replaces the
list with an updated summary indicator 300, and highlights IPPV
Purchases setting 286. In an alternative embodiment of the present
invention (not shown), the subscriber may also press "C"
application definable key 252 to cancel any IPPV cancellations that
were made by highlighting a pending IPPV event and pressing stop
key 282.
[0118] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the all timers setting
of the general settings menu. As shown, selecting all timers
setting 323 within general settings menu 322 causes list 325 of
type 324, day 326, date 330, time 332, channel number 334, and
channel call sign 336 for each active timer in set-top terminal 6
to be displayed. As with IPPV purchases (see the description
accompanying FIG. 13), pressing stop key 282 with any timer
highlighted causes that timer to be canceled and accordingly
removed from all timers list 325. As indicated by up and down arrow
indicators 327 and 329, up and down arrow keys 128 are used to
highlight timers within list 325 by positioning a timer within
cursor 255. As with the other settings, cursor 255 is preferably
fixed in the vertical position. Once the subscriber has completed
reviewing and modifying all timers list 325, the subscriber may
accept the changes by pressing "A" application definable key 252 as
indicated by prompt 328. In an alternative embodiment of the
present invention (not shown) the subscriber may also press "C"
application definable key 252 to cancel any timer cancellations
made by highlighting a timer and pressing stop key 282.
[0119] The favorite channels setting of the general settings menu
is shown in FIG. 15. By selecting favorite channels setting 304 of
general settings list 249 the subscriber causes listing 306 of
favorite channels to be displayed on right side 248 of general
settings menu 302. Pressing "C" application definable key 252
causes list 306 to be cleared as represented by list 306 in menu
308. Pressing right arrow key 128 or select key 136, however,
brings up an available channel list 310 as shown in menu 312. List
310 shows all of the available channels along with check marks 311
next to the channels which are included in favorite channel listing
306. Pressing right arrow key 128 or select key 136 while a channel
within available channel list 310 is highlighted causes the
highlighted channel to be toggled to and from favorite channel list
306 as shown in menu 314. That is, if the channel is included in is
list 306, and therefore checked in list 310, pressing right arrow
key 128 or select key 136 causes the channel to be removed from
favorite channel list 306 and unchecked in list 310. On the other
hand, with a channel not listed in favorite channel list 306, and
therefore not checked in available channel list 310, pressing right
arrow key 128 or select key 136 causes the channel to be added to
favorite channel list 306 and checked in available channel list
310. As with other settings within the general settings menu,
channels within list of available channels 310 are highlighted by
positioning the channel within cursor 255 by pressing up and down
arrow keys 128. General settings menu 316 illustrates a preferred
embodiment of the present invention in which cursor 255 remains in
fixed vertical position within list 310. As shown, available
channel list 310 was scrolled from that shown in menu 312 to
highlight "28 DISC." Once highlighted, right arrow key 128 or
select key 136 was pressed to add "28 DISC" to favorite channel
list 306.
[0120] When the subscriber has finished viewing and editing
favorite channel list 306, the subscriber may exit the favorite
channels setting by pressing "A" or "C" application definable keys
252. Pressing "A" key 252 causes the additions and deletions to be
accepted by set-top terminal 6 as shown in general settings menu
318. Pressing "C" key 252, however, causes all changes to be
discarded and favorite channel list 306 to remain as it was prior
to modification as illustrated in general settings menu 320.
[0121] FIG. 16 illustrates the time mode of interactive program
guide (IPG) 338 of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention. As shown, guide 338 includes program viewing window 340,
current time and channel indicator 342, highlighted channel banner
344, highlighted program summary 346, guide date and time bar 348,
channel list 350, program grid 366, and key indicators 352, 354,
356, 358, 360, 362, and 364. As shown, region 339 around indicator
360 is highlighted as compared with regions 341 and 343 around
indicators 362 and 364, respectively, to indicate that the
interactive program guide is in the time mode rather than
alternative theme or title modes. Program viewing window 340
displays a reduced size display of the normal television display so
that the program being viewed prior to entering the program guide
may continue to be viewed while in the guide. Incorporated into
program viewing window 340 is a current time and channel indicator
342. Indicator 342 may be transparent or opaque, and displays the
time and channel number currently being displayed. Highlighted
channel banner 344 may indicate logo 368, call sign 370, and number
372 for the channel highlighted in channel list 350 by channel
shadow 392. Highlighted program summary 346 may list program name
374, running time 376, brief description 378, and icons 380
indicating applicable characteristics of the program such as closed
captioning, second audio program (SAP), and stereo for the program
highlighted in program grid 366 by program cursor 394. Guide date
and time bar 348 lists in a preferably horizontal arrangement, from
left to right, day 382, date 384, and times 386 of programs listed
in program grid 366. Times 386 are typically incremented in half
hour steps, and span one and a half hours, although other time
increments and spans can be used. Channel list 350 is positioned
beneath day 382 and date 384 indicators of guide date and time bar
348, and lists call signs 388 and channel numbers 390 for each of
the channels available to the subscriber. As shown, only a portion
of channel list 350 is usually displayed as indicated by up and
down arrow indicators 352 and 354.
[0122] Program grid 366 includes a plurality of rows, each
including at least one program cell 396. The number of rows in grid
366 matches the number of displayed channels in channel list 350,
and each row in grid 366 is horizontally aligned with the displayed
channels in channel list 350 so that the displayed channels act as
labels for each row. The size of each cell 396 in grid 366 is a
function of the running time of the program identified in that
cell. For example, the cell entitled "Encounters" in grid 366 is
one half hour long to indicate that the program "Encounters" is one
half hour long. Similarly, the cell entitled "Money Line" in grid
366 is one hour long to indicate that the program "Money Line" is
one hour long. The start time of each program identified in a
respective cell can be determined by referring to the time
indicated in date and time bar 348 directly above the leftmost end
of each cell. For example, the program entitled "Money Line" begins
at 4:30 p.m. as indicated by the time indicator "4:30 p.m."
positioned directly above the leftmost end of the cell identifying
"Money Line."
[0123] The subscriber of interactive program guide 338 navigates
the program listings of grid 366 to highlight a desired program
cell 396 with cursor 394 by pressing up, down, left, and right
arrow keys (not shown) as indicated by up, down, left, and right
arrow indicators 352, 354, 356, and 358. In the preferred
embodiments, cursor 394 is always shadowed in channel list 350 by
channel shadow 392 and in date and time bar 348 by time shadow 393.
In these embodiments, channel shadow 392 always remains
horizontally aligned with cursor 394 to indicate the channel on
which the program highlighted by cursor 394 can be found.
Similarly, in these embodiments, time shadow 393 always remains
vertically aligned with cursor 394 to show the beginning of the
time frame highlighted by cursor 394. For example, "KCBS 2" in
channel list 350 and "4:00 p.m." in date and time bar 348 are
shadowed by channel shadow 392 and time shadow 393, respectively,
to indicate that "CBS Sports . . . " is on channel "KCBS 2" at
"4:00 p.m."
[0124] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, cursor
394 does not move within grid 366 of the interactive program guide.
Program cells 396 of grid 366, call signs 388 and channel numbers
390 of channel list 350, and times 386 of date and time bar 348
scroll instead. For example, as a subscriber presses up and down
keys 128 (on remote control 59 or keypad 53 on set-top terminal 6),
call signs 388 and channel numbers 390 in channel list 350 and
program cells 396 in grid 366 scroll down and up, respectively. As
the subscriber presses left and right arrow keys 128, times 386 in
date and time bar 348 and program cells 396 in grid 366 scroll
right and left, respectively. In the vertical directions, call
signs 388, channel numbers 390, and cells 396 scroll one row for
each depression of up or down arrow key 128. In the horizontal
direction, times 386 and cells 396 scroll one time increment (e.g.,
one half hour as illustrated) for each depression of the left or
right arrow key 128. Alternatively, times 386 and cells 396 can
horizontally scroll to the next program cell 396 immediately
following the currently highlighted program cell 396 when the
subscriber presses right arrow key 128, and scroll to the previous
program cell 396 immediately preceding the currently highlighted
program cell 396 when the subscriber presses left arrow key 128.
After the cells have scrolled up or down, or left or right, the
stationary cursor 394 expands or contracts to highlight (preferably
entirely) the leftmost program cell, and only the leftmost program
cell, that has moved under the cursor's stationary position. Thus,
the stationary cursor reacts in the same manner (to highlight the
underlying cell) irrespective of the direction of movement of the
underlying program grid 366.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 16, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, channel list 350 rolls over when either the
beginning or end of the list is reached. For example, as a
subscriber scrolls list 350 upward, thereby giving the appearance
of the channel shadow moving downward with respect to the list, the
subscriber eventually reaches the end of the list of available
channels. Rather than simply preventing the subscriber from
scrolling list 350 any further when at the end of the list, set-top
terminal 6 displays the beginning of the list following the end of
the list and allows the channel shadow to move to the top of the
list. Channel list 350 thus appears to be a circular list of
channel numbers. Similarly, when the subscriber scrolls list 350
downward, thereby giving the appearance of the channel shadow
moving upward with respect to the list, the bottom of list 350 will
appear as the subscriber scrolls past the beginning of list 350.
This feature of list 350 may also be applied to other lists within
the present invention, including lists of settings, IPG guide data
(in grid format), etc. Alternatively, the present invention can
incorporate lists that do not roll over. In those cases, the
subscriber cannot continue scrolling the channel list in the same
direction once the top or bottom of the channel list has been
reached.
[0126] As described in connection with FIG. 5, the present
invention makes special provisions for channels which are split in
time between two or more sources. As shown in FIG. 17, channel
"147" within interactive program guide display 361 is split between
"BRAV" 363 and "LIFE" 365. As illustrated, channel "147" switches
from "BRAV" to "LIFE" at 5:00 p.m. Similarly, other splitting
arrangements can be configured. For example, channel "147" (or any
other channel number) can be used for three different daily
sources, such as "BRAV" from 12:00 a.m. to 7:59 a.m., "LIFE" from
8:00 a.m. to 3:59 p.m., and "QVC" from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. In
such an arrangement, channel 147 can be presented in program grid
366 in at least two manners. First, each of the sources, "LIFE,"
"BRAV," and "QVC," can be assigned a row in grid 366 at all times
during the day regardless of whether the source is "ON AIR" during
the time window displayed in the guide. Second, only those sources
that is are at least partially "ON AIR" during the time window
displayed in the guide are allocated a line in grid 366. In this
second approach, for example, displaying programs with times
ranging from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. shows a split at 4:00 p.m. with
only two lines of the program guide allocated to channel 147.
[0127] FIG. 18 further illustrates the navigation features of the
interactive program guide of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention. Pressing guide key 398 from any television
display 396 causes set-top terminal 6 to enter the time mode of
interactive program guide 400. As shown, pressing right arrow key
128 causes the contents of cell 404 to scroll to cell 406 as
illustrated in IPG 402. Similarly, the contents of all other cells
scroll from their current position to the cell immediately to their
left. Likewise, pressing left arrow key 128 causes the contents of
the cells to scroll to the right. Thus the cell contents scroll in
time, causing the cursor to highlight either the contents of an
earlier or later cell under the action of left and right arrow keys
128, respectively. Similarly, pressing either up or down arrow keys
128 causes the cell contents to scroll vertically either down (with
the contents of cell 407 moving to the position of cell 406) or up
(with the contents of cell 409 moving to the position of cell 406),
respectively, as shown in IPG 408. As the cell contents of grid 366
scroll up and down, the contents of channel list 350 also
simultaneously scroll in the same direction.
[0128] After scrolling the contents of grid 366 to highlight a
program other than the one currently being displayed, pressing
select key 136 causes the interactive program guide to be removed
from the display and the channel selection function to select the
new program as illustrated by display 410. As shown, a program
information banner 412 may be incorporated into display 410 for a
fixed period of time (e.g., two seconds) to indicate to the
subscriber that the selected program is being displayed. In cases
where the subscriber does not wish to switch to a new program,
pressing guide key 398 with the interactive program guide displayed
causes the display to revert back to original television display
396.
[0129] FIG. 19 illustrates switching between different modes of the
interactive program guide. From time mode display 414 of the guide,
pressing "B" application definable key 252 causes theme mode
display 416 of the guide to be presented. As illustrated, region
341 is highlighted to indicate the theme mode. Pressing "C"
application definable key 252 from time mode display 414 causes
title mode display 418 of the guide to be displayed. Similar to the
theme mode, region 343 is highlighted to indicate the title mode.
From either the theme mode or title mode, pressing "A" application
definable key 252 causes the display to switch to time mode display
414. From the theme mode, pressing "C" application definable key
252 causes title mode display 418 to be displayed. From title mode
display 418, pressing "B" application definable key 252 causes
theme mode display 416 to be displayed. Accordingly, pressing "A"
key 252 from any IPG display causes time mode display 414 to be
displayed, pressing "B" key 252 from any IPG display causes theme
mode display 416 to be displayed, and pressing "C" key 252 from any
IPG display causes title mode display 418 to be displayed.
[0130] The theme mode display of the interactive program guide is
further illustrated in FIG. 20. As shown, date and time bar 348,
channel list 350, and program grid 366 of the title mode display
(FIG. 16) are replaced by theme and programs bar 422, theme list
424, and program list 432 in theme mode display 420. Similarly to
channel listing 350, all available themes will not be displayed
simultaneously when the length of themes listing 424 is greater
than the available space in theme mode display 420. Up and down
arrow indicators 426 and 428 are provided to indicate to the
subscriber that list 424 may be scrolled by pressing up or down
arrow keys (not shown). Using up and down arrow keys, the
subscriber can scroll list 424 to highlight a desired theme with
cursor 430. A right arrow indicator 434 is also provided to
indicate to the subscriber that a highlighted theme must be
selected by pressing right arrow key (not shown) or select key (not
shown) to scroll though program list 432. As shown, when the
subscriber enters theme mode display 420, the default theme and
highlighted program may correspond to the program being viewed in
program viewing window 340 or, alternatively, a highlighted program
in a prior mode display of the interactive program guide. For
example, entering the interactive program guide while watching "CBS
Sports Special" and then selecting the theme mode will cause the
theme "Sports" to be highlighted with "CBS Sports Special" centered
in program list 432 next to right arrow indicator 434.
[0131] Once the subscriber has highlighted and selected a theme
from theme list 424, set-top terminal 6 replaces theme list 424
with a selected theme indicator 436 as illustrated in FIG. 21. Up
and down arrow indicators 437 and 439 are also provided to indicate
that the subscriber may scroll through and highlight with cursor
440 a program within program list 432 by pressing up and down arrow
keys 128. As with other lists in the present invention, cursor 440
is preferably stationary within the IPG display and list 432
scrolls to make the cursor appear to move with respect to list
432.
[0132] In some embodiments of the present invention, by scrolling
through program list 432 the subscriber can see not only those
programs within the selected theme, but also programs in other
themes. This is facilitated by program list 432 comprising all
programs for which data is available and by program list 432 being
sorted primarily by program theme. In addition to being primarily
sorted by theme, programs in program list 432 may also be
secondarily sorted by time and title (as shown) or by any other set
of program characteristics. When a subscriber selects a particular
theme, set-top terminal 6 displays that portion of program list 432
in which the programs of the selected theme are positioned. The
subscriber may then scroll through not only that portion of the
list containing the programs of the selected theme but also
programs in other theme areas.
[0133] By highlighting a desired program in program list 432,
information for that program may be displayed to the subscriber. As
shown in FIG. 21, information for the program highlighted in
program list 432 is displayed in channel banner 344 and program
summary 346. More particularly, channel banner 344 may indicate the
channel number, call sign, and logo for the channel showing the
highlighted program, and program summary 346 indicates the program
title, running time, description, and characteristics for the
highlighted program. As also shown, redundant information such as
the date of the programs listed in program list 432 may be
incorporated into theme and programs bar 422 when appropriate to
save space in theme mode display 420. Stars 442 (or any other
symbol) may be indicated for those programs in list 432 currently
available for viewing. Likewise, other indicators can be displayed
to indicate other program characteristics such as favorite channel,
blocked channel, etc.
[0134] Once a subscriber has completed viewing the program list
432, the subscriber may select a program for viewing or
alternatively return to the theme list to select another theme. The
subscriber may select a program for viewing by highlighting a
program with cursor 440 and then pressing the select key (not
shown). Set-top terminal 6 then switches to the corresponding
channel when the program is a past or current program, or sets a
reminder timer when the program is on at some future time.
Alternatively, the subscriber may return to theme list 424 to
select another theme by pressing the left arrow key (not shown) as
indicated by left arrow indicator 438.
[0135] The title mode of the interactive program guide of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 22. Like the theme mode,
the title mode replaces date and time bar 348, channel list 350,
and program grid 366 of the time mode display (FIG. 16) with
alphabet and program bar 446, alphabet list 448, and program list
450 as shown in title mode display 444. Alphabet list 448 displays
the letters of the alphabet from A through Z and allows the
subscriber to highlight a desired letter using cursor 452.
Similarly to the theme mode display, a default letter and program
name are displayed upon entering the title mode display of the
interactive program guide. The default letter and program name
selected may be based upon the program currently displayed in
program viewing window 340 or, alternatively, a program highlighted
in a previous mode of the interactive program guide. For example,
if "CBS Sports Special" is being displayed in program viewing
window 340, the default letter and program are accordingly "C" and
"CBS Sports Special," respectively.
[0136] By using up and down arrow keys (not shown), as indicated by
up and down arrow key indicators 454 and 456, a subscriber can
highlight a desired letter with cursor 452 by scrolling alphabet
list 448. As with other lists in the present invention, cursor 452
is preferably stationary within the IPG display and list 448
scrolls to make the cursor appear to move with respect to list 448.
Once a desired letter has been highlighted, the subscriber may
select that letter and enter program list 450 by pressing right
arrow key (not shown) or select key (not shown), as indicated by
the right arrow indicator 458.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 23, once the subscriber has selected a
letter from alphabet list 448 (FIG. 22), a selected letter
indicator 460 replaces alphabet list 448 to indicate that a letter
has been selected, and a cursor 462 appears in program list 450.
This cursor is used to scroll through and highlight a program in
program list 450. Up and down arrow indicators 464 and 466 are
provided in display 444 to indicate to the subscriber that program
list 450 is scrolled by pressing up and down arrow keys 128. As
with other lists in the present invention, cursor 462 is preferably
stationary within the IPG display and list 450 scrolls to make the
cursor appear to move with respect to list 450.
[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, a subscriber
can see not only those programs beginning with the letter selected
from alphabet list 448 by scrolling through program list 450, but
also those programs beginning with other letters. This is
facilitated by including in list 450 all programs for which data is
available and sorting the list by program title. When displaying
the list to a subscriber after the subscriber has selected a letter
from list 448, set-top terminal 6 centers the displayed portion of
list 450 on the portion of the list with program titles that begin
with the selected letter.
[0139] Once a program has been highlighted using cursor 462,
channel banner 344 and program summary 346 each display information
for the highlighted program. More particularly, channel banner 344
indicates the channel number, call sign, and logo for the channel
showing the highlighted program, and program summary 346 indicates
the program title, running time, description, and characteristics
for the highlighted program. As with the theme mode display, stars
468 may be displayed adjacent to some programs to indicate that
those programs are currently available for viewing. Similarly,
other icons can be displayed to indicate other characteristics of
the programs in program list 450 such as favorite channel, blocked
channel, etc.
[0140] Once a subscriber has completed viewing program list 450,
the subscriber may select another letter from alphabet list 448 by
pressing the left arrow key (not shown) as indicated by left arrow
indicator 468. Alternatively, by pressing the select key (not
shown) when any program is highlighted by cursor 462, the program
guide switches to the corresponding channel if the program is a
past or current program, or sets a reminder timer if the program is
on at some future time.
[0141] FIG. 24 illustrates the One-Touch Recording (OTR) feature of
the present invention. From an interactive program guide display
470, pressing record key 472 with a program 474 highlighted causes
a VCR timer to be set up for the highlighted program 474 and a
to-be-recorded indicator 476 to appear in program summary 346, as
illustrated in display 478. To fine-tune the settings of the VCR
timer set up by the OTR feature, the subscriber may enter the
general settings menu by pressing settings key 188. As shown in
general settings menu 480, by highlighting and selecting VCR timers
setting 482, the subscriber can modify the recording settings 484
for highlighted program 474.
[0142] As discussed in connection with the general settings menu
(see FIG. 12), conflict detection and resolution is also
incorporated into the OTR feature of the present invention.
Conflict detection and resolution detects and alerts the set-top
terminal subscriber of possible timer conflicts at the time the
timers are set up to prevent timers from being erroneously set or
over-written. For example, the OTR feature will alert the
subscriber if an attempt is made to simultaneously record two or
more programs as illustrated in FIG. 24. As shown, if after having
set up a program to be recorded using One-Touch Recording (display
478), the subscriber attempts to record another program which is
being shown at the same time by first highlighting (display 486)
and then pressing record key 472, an attention banner 488 will be
displayed (display 490) warning the subscriber of the conflict and
enabling the conflict to be resolved.
[0143] The One-Touch Recording feature of the present invention
also automatically warns the subscriber if an attempt is made to
record an Impulse Pay-Per-View program without having previously
made arrangements to purchase the program. As shown in FIG. 25,
pressing record key 472 with an Impulse Pay-Per-View program 494
highlighted causes a buy option window 496 to be displayed. In
addition to providing the subscriber with a summary of program
information 498, "B" and "C" application definable keys 252 are
monitored to determine if the subscriber would like to purchase the
program or cancel the OTR event. If the subscriber presses "B"
application definable key 252 with buy option window 496 displayed,
a buy confirmation window 500 is provided to confirm the
subscriber's purchase request. If in response to the buy
confirmation window 500 the subscriber presses "C" application
definable key 252, the display will revert to buy option window
496. If the subscriber presses "B" application definable key 252 in
response to buy confirmation window 500, set-top terminal 6 will
prompt the subscriber for a purchase pin through a purchase PIN
entry window 502. If the PIN entered by the subscriber matches the
PIN's predefined value, the display will switch back to interactive
program guide display 504 and note the future recording by
providing a record icon 506 when the program to be recorded is a
future event, or will immediately display the Impulse Pay-Per-View
event, as illustrated by display 508, when the event is currently
being shown.
[0144] FIG. 26 illustrates the reminder timer function of the
present invention. With a program 510 highlighted within an
interactive program guide display 512, pressing select key 136
causes one of three things to occur. First, if the time between the
current time and the start time of the program selected exceeds a
threshold amount and the program selected is not on an Impulse
Pay-Per-View channel, a reminder timer icon 516 is displayed in
program summary 346 to indicate that set-top terminal 6 has set a
reminder timer to remind the subscriber to watch the selected
program as illustrated by display 514. Second, set-top terminal 6
will display a buy option window 496 when the subscriber has
selected a program on an Impulse Pay-Per-View channel. The
interaction with this window matches that for the recording of
Impulse Pay-Per-View programs as described in connection with FIG.
25. Third, if the current time is within a threshold amount of time
before the starting time of the selected program, set-top terminal
6 will tune to the channel on which the selected program is to be
aired as illustrated by display 518.
[0145] In addition to the information normally available in the
program summary of the interactive program guide of the present
invention, additional information may also be requested for a
highlighted program by the subscriber pressing the information key
on the set-top terminal or its remote control. FIG. 27 illustrates
this process in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
After highlighting a program 523 within an interactive program
guide display 522, the subscriber may request more information for
the highlighted program by pressing information key 520 if the
information provided in program summary 346 is inadequate. Set-top
terminal 6 may then incorporate a loading data window 524 into
display 522 while retrieving the requested information. Once the
information has been retrieved, loading data window 524 is replaced
by a full description display window 530. Full description display
window 530 may include such information as a description of the
program, the program's rating, the program's reviews, a list of the
actors and actresses staring in the movie, etc. Once the subscriber
has completed viewing full description display window 530, pressing
"C" application definable key 252 will cause full description
display 530 to be removed and a fresh interactive program guide
display 522 to be displayed.
[0146] The information displayed in the interactive program guide
of the present invention may be sent to set-top terminal 6 from
headend 2 in at least three ways. First, the information may be
periodically transmitted to set-top terminals 6, whereby the
terminals store the information in their internal memory for use
when necessary. Second, the information may be continuously
transmitted to set-top terminals 6, whereby the terminals need not
store the information in their internal memory, but rather accept
the information required for display and discard all of the rest as
the information is received. Third, the information may be
requested when needed by a set-top terminal 6 over the return data
channel of the present invention, after which headend 2 transmits
the requested information back to the set-top terminal.
Additionally, combinations of these approaches can also be
implemented. For example, a week's worth of data can be regularly
transmitted by the headend and stored in the set-top terminal's
internal memory for display on demand by the subscriber. Other
data, however, can be specifically requested by the set-top
terminal when the subscriber wishes to view program information not
regularly stored in the set-top terminal. Alternatively, rather
than requesting the not-regularly-stored information, the terminal
can wait for the data to be transmitted in an approach similar to
the second approach above. As another example, the program summary
data can be received and stored in the terminal's internal memory
on a regular basis, with any full description information being
requested from the headend by the set-top terminal as required.
[0147] FIG. 28 illustrates a process for purchasing an Impulse
Pay-Per-View (IPPV) event within the present invention. Selecting
an IPPV channel from either an interactive program guide display
540 or a television display 542 causes an event barker 544 to be
displayed. This barker informs the subscriber of a currently
showing or upcoming IPPV event. Event barker 544 provides a summary
indicator 546 and buy indicator 548 to instruct the subscriber to
press "A" application definable key 252 to view a summary of
purchased IPPV events 550 or press "B" application definable key
252 to purchase the IPPV event. Upon selecting to purchase the IPPV
event, a buy confirmation window 552 is displayed instructing the
subscriber to press "B" application definable key 252 again or
press "C" application definable key 252 to go back to event barker
544. If the subscriber confirms the purchase of the IPPV event by
pressing "B" application definable key 252 at buy confirmation
window 552, a PIN entry screen 554 will prompt the subscriber to
enter a predefined purchase PIN. If the subscriber correctly enters
the predefined purchase PIN and the IPPV event has already started,
the set-top terminal will immediately tune to and display the IPPV
event as is illustrated in display 560. As is also shown, a program
information banner 562 may be displayed momentarily to indicate to
the subscriber that the program has been tuned and inform the
subscriber of the program's elapsed time. If the subscriber has
correctly entered the predefined purchase PIN and the event has not
yet started or is a Near-Video-On-Demand (NVOD) or Pay-Per-Day
(PPD) event, a countdown barker 556 will be displayed informing the
subscriber of the time remaining until the beginning of the next
showing of the program. At the time the program begins, the set-top
terminal will automatically tune to and display the IPPV event. As
illustrated by barker 558, the set-top terminal may give the
subscriber the option of entering an IPPV event during the current
showing by pressing "A" application definable key 252 when the IPPV
event is a NVOD or PPD event.
[0148] FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative means through which a
subscriber may select an IPPV event for purchase rather than
selecting individual channels for each IPPV event. As shown an
interactive barker 564 allows the subscriber to select an IPPV
program title from a list of titles 566 and a time from a list of
times 568. The subscriber may scroll through the lists of titles
566 by pressing up and down arrow keys (not shown) as indicated by
up and down arrow indicators 572 and 574. After selecting a
program, an IPPV program information banner 570 then indicates to
the subscriber the program price, channel, rating, etc. To scroll
the list of times 568, the subscriber presses left and right arrow
keys (not shown) as indicated by left and right arrow indicators
576 and 578. Much like event barker 544 (FIG. 28), from barker 564
the subscriber may display a summary of IPPV purchases by pressing
"A" application definable key 252 or purchase the selected program
by pressing "B" application definable key 252.
[0149] Referring to FIG. 30, the operation of the countdown
mechanism for IPPV purchases is now described. After a countdown
barker 556 is displayed confirming the purchase of a future IPPV
event, the subscriber is free to change channels to watch another
program 580 while awaiting the IPPV event. If a problem occurs in
purchasing the desired IPPV event, a message banner 582 will be
displayed to indicate to the subscriber the presence of a problem.
If the subscriber presses select key 136 in response to banner 582,
a more detailed window 584 will be displayed to indicate to the
subscriber how to proceed. Upon exiting window 584 by pressing "C"
application definable key 252, the subscriber will return to event
barker 544 if the purchase problem has not been resolved. If the
purchase problem has been resolved, an updated countdown barker 586
will be displayed. If no purchase problems are encountered while
viewing program 580, a notification banner 588 will be displayed at
least one time period before the beginning of the IPPV event. By
pressing select key 136 in response to barker 588, the subscriber
will cause the set-top terminal to display an updated countdown
barker 586. At the time the IPPV event begins, the IPPV event will
be selected and displayed as illustrated by display 590. Along with
display 590, a program information banner 592 may be displayed to
indicate to the subscriber that the IPPV event has begun.
[0150] Preferred embodiments of the present invention incorporate a
method for canceling pending IPPV purchases as illustrated in FIG.
31. By entering an IPPV summary display 594 from a countdown barker
556 (or any other display) by pressing "A" application definable
key 252, a list 596 of pending and past IPPV purchases is
displayed. After using up and down arrow keys 128 to highlight a
pending purchase 598, the subscriber may cancel purchase 598 by
pressing "C" application definable key 252. Once purchase 598 has
been canceled, an updated summary display 600 is presented. After a
brief period (e.g., 30 seconds) of inactivity, the display will
revert to countdown barker 556 (if the IPPV event of barker 556 is
still pending) or an event barker 544 for that IPPV channel.
[0151] The free preview feature of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 32. After selecting an IPPV channel from an
interactive program guide display 540 or a normal television
display 542, set-top terminal 6 may display a preview barker 602
showing a free preview of an IPPV event in a preview window 604. In
response to barker 602, the subscriber may elect to buy the IPPV
event by pressing "B" application definable key 252 as indicated by
a buy option indicator 606. Set-top terminal 6 will then display a
confirmation barker 552 to confirm the purchase request. In
response, the subscriber may confirm the purchase request by
pressing "B" key 252 again after which set-top terminal 6 will
continue the IPPV purchase in accord with FIG. 28, or cancel the
request by pressing "C" application definable key 252 after which
the display will revert to preview barker 602. If the subscriber
does not press "B" key 252 in response to preview barker 602 and
the time period for the preview expires, a preview expiration
barker 608 will be displayed. Expiration barker 608 allows the
subscriber to return to event barker 556 by pressing "C"
application definable key 252 or to purchase the IPPV event, and
therefore continue to the confirmation barker 552, by pressing "B"
application definable key 252.
[0152] Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide
for the operation of Near-Video-On-Demand (NVOD) programs. NVOD
allows a program to be viewed more frequently than traditional IPPV
events. This is accomplished in the present invention by
transmitting the same program using two or more sources, each
beginning a fixed period of time after the others. For example,
transmitting an hour long program on four channels, each fifteen
minutes apart, allows the program to be viewed beginning every
fifteen minutes. In this way, the video is near on demand--the
prospective subscriber only has to wait at most fifteen minutes to
view the program.
[0153] A pause feature is incorporated into the NVOD feature of the
preferred embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in
FIG. 33. The pause feature operates by presenting a pause barker
616 when the subscriber presses pause key 612 while viewing a NVOD
event 614. Pause barker 616 notifies the subscriber that the
program is "paused" and provides a countdown timer 618 informing
the subscriber when the program will resume. This countdown timer
begins with a time equivalent to the delay between consecutive
transmissions of the same program. Upon expiration of countdown
timer 618, the pause feature automatically switches to subsequent
transmission 622 of the program. In this way, the program appears
to have been paused for the fixed period of time. Alternatively,
the subscriber can elect to continue viewing current transmission
614 of the program by pressing play key 610 as indicated by play
indicator 620. By pressing play key 610, pause barker 616 is
removed from display, transmission 614 is displayed, and any part
of transmission 614 during which pause barker 616 was displayed is
lost.
[0154] Similarly, NVOD provides skip forward and skip backward
capabilities as well. As illustrated in FIG. 34, pressing
fast-forward (FF) key 634 while viewing an nth transmission 614 of
an NVOD program causes set-top terminal 6 to tune to (n-1)th
transmission 624 of the same NVOD program--that is the transmission
which began immediately prior to the nth transmission. Pressing FF
key 634 again causes the set-top terminal to select (n-2)th
transmission 626 of the NVOD program. Likewise, pressing rewind
(REW) key 636 while viewing nth transmission 614 of an NVOD program
causes the set-top terminal to tune to (n+1)th transmission 628 of
the NVOD program. In instances where the subscriber presses REW key
636 and an (n+2)th transmission has not yet begun, a delay barker
630 is displayed indicating that the NVOD program cannot be skipped
backward any further. Delay barker 630 displays a countdown timer
638 indicating to the subscriber the amount of time remaining
before the (n+2)th transmission of the NVOD program begins.
Pressing REW key 636 again with the delay barker 630 displayed
causes the barker to indicate to the subscriber that the program
cannot be further skipped backward by blinking the "elapsed time"
text 640.
[0155] The present invention also incorporates a message
transmission system. Messages may be sent from headend 2 to one or
more subscribers at one or more set-top terminals 6, or may be sent
from one subscriber within a household to another (e.g., automatic
message from mother to son sent every Monday night at 8:15 p.m.: is
"take out trash"). The messages may be displayed upon the
occurrence of a predetermined action by the subscriber or
immediately by overriding whatever channel was previously being
viewed by the subscriber. For example, FIG. 35 illustrates the
display of an emergency broadcast message 642. As indicated by
select key indicator 644, the subscriber can press the select key
(not shown), or any other key, to get more information regarding
the message being displayed. In response to the subscriber pressing
select key 136, set-top terminal 6 may switch to another channel to
display more information or display another message. Additionally,
messages may be configured to turn on set-top terminal 6 and an
attached television or other appliance to automatically display an
important message. In this way, a subscriber can be effectively
alerted to a crisis situation without the subscriber watching
television at the time of the transmission. Messages can also
activate a particular service within the set-top terminal. For
example, a message can cause the set-top terminal to switch to and
display a particular service on the subscriber's television. To
indicate the presence of a message in set-top terminal 6, an LED on
the terminal's face may illuminate or an icon may be incorporated
into the display screen until a subscriber presses a key or a fixed
amount of time has passed.
[0156] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments,
which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of
limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims
which follow.
* * * * *