U.S. patent application number 12/827753 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for video data recorder with personal channels.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Edward Kessler, Douglas Shannon, Spencer Shanson, Karl Townsend, Anthony Wood, Donald Woodward, JR..
Application Number | 20100266260 12/827753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22447836 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100266260 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wood; Anthony ; et
al. |
October 21, 2010 |
Video Data Recorder With Personal Channels
Abstract
A video data recordable having integrated channel guides
allowing a user to control recording and storage of television
signals into personal channels for later playback and viewing. In
the described embodiment, the user may specify criteria for
recording of shows from an input source such as a broadcast signal
and shows are then selected based on the user specified criteria
and recorded for later playback. Storage of the shows may be
organized into personal channels in order to facilitate later
playback, e.g., the user may specify a channel of action movies, a
channel of nature programming, a channel for sports, etc. The shows
to be recorded may also have a predefined format which may be used
to ease playback of recorded programming by allowing the user to
easily locate and playback sections of programming of interest.
Inventors: |
Wood; Anthony; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; Woodward, JR.; Donald; (Los Altos, CA) ;
Kessler; Edward; (Los Gatos, CA) ; Shannon;
Douglas; (Mountain View, CA) ; Shanson; Spencer;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Townsend; Karl; (Los Altos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDONNELL BOEHNEN HULBERT & BERGHOFF LLP
300 S. WACKER DRIVE, 32ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
THE DIRECTV GROUP, INC.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
22447836 |
Appl. No.: |
12/827753 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10386585 |
Mar 11, 2003 |
7773860 |
|
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12827753 |
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09131091 |
Aug 7, 1998 |
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10386585 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/241 ;
386/248; 386/E5.005 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4756 20130101;
H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/4424 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101;
G11B 27/105 20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101; H04N 21/47214
20130101; H04N 21/4661 20130101; H04N 21/47217 20130101; G11B 27/34
20130101; G11B 27/034 20130101; H04N 21/4334 20130101; H04N 21/4826
20130101; G11B 27/036 20130101; H04N 21/4668 20130101; G11B 27/11
20130101; H04N 21/4335 20130101; G11B 2220/20 20130101; H04N 5/782
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/68 ;
386/E05.005 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/915 20060101
H04N005/915 |
Claims
1-42. (canceled)
43. A method comprising: a digital video data recorder recording a
show; the digital video data recorder associating a first index
point with the show, wherein the first index point represents a
first temporal location within the show; and responsive to received
input, the digital video data recorder, during playback of the
show, jumping the playback to the first temporal location within
the show.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first index point
represents a beginning of a segment of the show.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the show has a beginning and an
ending, and wherein the beginning of the segment is not the
beginning of the show.
46. The method of claim 43, wherein the first index point is
determined based on text from closed captioning.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein determining the first index
point based on text from closed captioning comprises: while the
show is being recorded, the digital video data recorder examining
the text for keywords; and the digital video data recorder defining
the first index point based on encountering the keywords in the
text.
48. The method of claim 46, wherein determining the first index
point based on text from closed captioning comprises: after
recording the show, the digital video data recorder examining the
text for keywords; and the digital video data recorder defining the
first index point based on encountering the keywords in the
text.
49. The method of claim 43, further comprising: the digital video
data recorder downloading the first index point from a source.
50. The method of claim 43, further comprising: the digital video
data recorder receiving the first index point from a broadcast
medium.
51. The method of claim 43, further comprising: the digital video
data recorder associating a second index point with the show,
wherein the second index point represents a second temporal
location within the show; and responsive to additional received
input, the digital video data recorder, during playback of the
show, jumping the playback to the second temporal location within
the show.
52. The method of claim 43, wherein the received input is from a
user of the digital video data recorder.
53. An article of manufacture, including a non-transitory
computer-readable medium, having program instructions stored
thereon that, in response to execution by a computing device, cause
the computing device to perform operations comprising: recording a
show; associating a first index point with the show, wherein the
first index point represents a first temporal location within the
show; and during playback of the show, responsive to received
input, jumping the playback to the first temporal location within
the show.
54. The article of manufacture of claim 53, wherein the first index
point represents a beginning of a segment of the show.
55. The article of manufacture of claim 54, wherein the show has a
beginning and an ending, and wherein the beginning of the segment
is not the beginning of the show.
56. The article of manufacture of claim 53, wherein the first index
point is determined based on text from closed captioning.
57. The article of manufacture of claim 56, wherein determining the
first index point based on text from closed captioning comprises:
while the show is being recorded, examining the text for keywords;
and defining the first index point based on encountering the
keywords in the text.
58. The article of manufacture of claim 56, wherein determining the
first index point based on text from closed captioning comprises:
after recording the show, examining the text for keywords; and
defining the first index point based on encountering the keywords
in the text.
59. The article of manufacture of claim 53, the program
instructions also causing the computing device to perform
operations comprising: downloading the first index point from a
source.
60. The article of manufacture of claim 53, the program
instructions also causing the computing device to perform
operations comprising: receiving the first index point from a
broadcast medium.
61. The article of manufacture of claim 53, the program
instructions also causing the computing device to perform
operations comprising: associating a second index point with the
show, wherein the second index point represents a second temporal
location within the show; and during playback of the show,
responsive to additional received input, jumping the playback to
the second temporal location within the show.
62. A digital video data recorder comprising: a recording medium
for storing a recorded show and associating a first index point
with the show, wherein the first index point represents a first
temporal location within the show; and an interface for receiving
input during playback of the show, and responsively jumping the
playback to the first temporal location within the show.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of video data
recorders and, more specifically, to digital video data recorders
such as may be used to record and play back video signals.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Video data recorders are well-known in the art. Initially,
video data recorders were designed to record video signals on video
tape and to allow play back of recorded video signals from the
tape. Of course, video tapes require sequential recording and
playback limiting the functionality of such machines.
[0005] Disk-based video playback machines have been introduced such
as video disks and more recently digital video disk machines. These
machines may be generally characterized as providing a removable
randomly accessed disk allow for the storage and playback of video
signals.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,428 (the '428 patent) describes a video
recording and playback device. The described system provides for
simultaneous playback and recording of video signals on a randomly
accessed recording medium. By allowing simultaneous recording and
playback of video signals and by allowing for random access of the
recording medium, additional functionality may be provided beyond
that realized by a video tape recording machine.
[0007] While the '428 patent describes a randomly accessed video
recording and playback device, it fails to describe or suggest
significant functionality which may be implemented in such a
device. Thus, what is needed is an improved video data recorder
having increased functionality.
[0008] Channel guides are well-known in the art. A channel guide is
a catalog of television broadcasts together with the times and
channels for play of each television broadcast. Perhaps one of the
best known channel guides is the TV Guide.TM. channel guide which
has been available by subscription and in magazine racks for years.
More recently, on-line versions of channel guides have become
available. These all have in common that they list titles of
television programs, together with the time and channel on which
the television program will air. In addition, the channel guide may
provide a short synopsis of the program and other information such
as names of actors, directors, program length, rating information,
parental control information, whether the program is new
programming or a rerun, and information categorizing the program
(e.g., action movie, children's movie, sitcom, news broadcast,
etc.).
[0009] Unfortunately, there has not been sufficient integration of
the channel guides with record and playback capabilities of video
data recorders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A video data recorder operating under control of a processor
utilizing channel guide data and user entered selection criteria is
described. The video data recorder also provides for recording of
programming into personal channels into order to facilitate
organization of the recorded shows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram illustrating a video
data recorder of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for recording
programming as may be implemented by an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
determining if a show meets recording criteria.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a user rating feedback
process.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for selection
of shows for recording based on multiple user's criteria.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
previewing shows selected for recording.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a screen shot illustrating a channel guide as may
be implemented in the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a screen shot illustrating a channel guide as may
be implemented in the present invention and illustrating single
show recording.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a screen shot illustrating a channel guide as may
be implemented in the present invention and illustrating series
recording.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a screen shot illustrating a channel guide as may
be implemented in the present invention and illustrating use of an
personal channel guide.
[0021] For ease of reference, it might be pointed out that
reference numerals in all of the accompanying drawings typically
are in the form "drawing number" followed by two digits, xx; for
example, reference numerals on FIG. 1 may be numbered 1xx; on FIG.
3, reference numerals may be numbered 3xx. In certain cases, a
reference numeral may be introduced on one drawing and the same
reference numeral may be utilized on other drawings to refer to the
same item.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS THE PRESENT INVENTION
Block Diagram Architecture of the VDR
[0022] FIG. 1 provides a high level block diagram view of a video
data recorder (VDR) as may utilize the present invention.
[0023] A processor 101 is coupled in communication with a channel
guide database 103, a criteria database 104, video storage 105
(also referred to as the recording medium), program logic memory
102, a video compressor/decompressor 112, a video input source 106,
a video output 107, a channel guide data source 109 and a user
interface 108.
[0024] The processor 101 may be any of a plurality of commercially
available processors such as the a processor from the Motorola
68000 series of processors, a processor from the Intel 8086 family
of processors or a higher level processor such as a processor from
the Intel Pentium.TM. family of processors or from the Motorola
PowerPC.TM. family of processors. The processor in the described
embodiment acts under program control by a program stored in
program logic memory 102 to perform functions which will be
described in greater detail below.
[0025] The channel guide data source 109 provides periodic updates
to the local channel guide database 103. As will be described in
greater detail below, the channel guide data source 109 provides
program titles, start times, end times, channel information and
other criteria (such as ratings, descriptions of shows, names of
actors, producers, directors, awards and rating information)
regarding channel programming. Channel guide data sources are
available commercially from TVGuide, TV Data, and Tribune media.
The channel guide source may be accessed periodically to obtain
changes and additions over any of a number of communication
mediums. For example, the channel guide source may be accessed
telephonically by a modem connection to a server or by receiving
broadcasted updates and changes from a source such as satellite or
terrestrial VBI, national pager network or the internet. In other
embodiments, the channel guide source may be obtained periodically
such as by subscription and received on a recording media such as a
disk through the mail or other source.
[0026] The channel guide database 103 is illustrated in the
described embodiment as being stored on a locally attached disk. In
alternative embodiment, the channel guide database may be stored
locally in alternative storage media such as RAM. In other
embodiments, a channel guide database 103 may be stored on a remote
server and queried for matches with the criteria database 104
periodically. The locally stored channel guide database 103 would
be replaced with a "match" database in such an embodiment. Such an
embodiment reduces the need for local storage and reduces the
required bandwidth and processing power to periodically obtain and
store a complete local channel guide database. However, this
embodiment does depend on a relatively reliable connection to the
server storing the channel database.
[0027] The criteria database 104 provides criteria for selection of
programming from the channel guide database. The criteria is user
defined and input through user interface 108. Based on matches
between the criteria database 104 and the channel guide database
103, the processor causes video input signals to be recorded on
video storage 105.
[0028] In the described embodiment, video storage 105 is a high
capacity, recordable, randomly accessible recording medium such as
a hard disk. Use of a randomly accessible recording medium provides
certain advantages such as allowing a user to simultaneously record
and playback video signals. Thus, a user may view a program as it
is being recorded and take advantage of the rewind, pause and fast
forward capabilities of the VDR. However, in certain embodiments a
sequential recording medium may be utilized without departure from
certain aspects of the present invention.
[0029] Importantly, the disclosed embodiment provides certain user
interface features. For example, in the disclosed embodiment it is
possible to fast forward and rewind through recorded programming.
The user may increase the rate of fast forwarding and/or rewinding
by continuing to depress the fast forward and/or rewind button for
a period of time. For example, if the button is pressed for
instantaneously, the system may fast forward or rewind at one speed
and the speed may continuously increase the longer the button is
depressed.
[0030] In addition, the described embodiment provides an instant
replay function. The user may depress the instant replay button and
the system will automatically "rewind" (i.e., move the point of
viewing of the programming back in time) a predetermined amount
(e.g., 5 seconds) in the programming.
[0031] The video input source 106 may be any of a number of sources
including cable, over-the-air broadcast and satellite. In certain
embodiments, multiple video input sources may be utilized. The
video output source 107 is typically coupled with a display device
such as a television but may also be coupled with another video
data recorder.
[0032] The video compressor/decompressor 112 provides for
compressing and decompressing the video signal. Any commercially
available compression technology may be utilized including by way
of example MPEG and MPEG II.
[0033] In alternative embodiments, the data may be received in a
compressed format. In such an embodiment, the compressor may not be
utilized or even required and the decompressor may only be utilized
to decompressed the compressed signals.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen shot showing a user interface
display of information from a channel guide. As can be seen, the
display shows channels, show names and start and end times.
Detailed information on any particular show can be displayed in a
top portion of the screen. Alternative user interfaces will be
apparent to one skilled in the art.
Recording of Video Programming
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 2, an overall method of recording
programming is described. In accordance with FIG. 2, the processor
101 monitors the criteria database 104 and the channel guide to
determine when programming is available which meets predetermined
user selectable criteria, block 201. The user or users may have
previously provided criteria over user interface 108. In the
described embodiment, any of a number of criteria may be specified.
Various criteria are discussed in greater detail below. If no
current programming meets the preselected criteria, branch 202, the
processor 101 continues to monitor for programming meeting the
criteria.
[0036] When programming is available which meets the criteria,
branch 203, a determination is made whether multiple programs
simultaneously meet the criteria. In certain embodiments, only a
single video input source 106 may be provided allowing only a
single program to be recorded at a time. In alternative
embodiments, multiple video input sources may be available allowing
simultaneous recording of multiple channels. If sufficient video
input sources are not available to allow recording of all shows
which meet the criteria, branch 206, the system determines the
highest priority programming based on user provided priority
information.
[0037] If only a single show meets the criteria (or in
implementations having multiple video inputs, a number of shows
less than or equal to the number of inputs), branch 207, then a
determination is made whether there is room on the disk for
recording the show, block 208. If there is room on the disk, branch
211, the show is recorded, block 215. If there is not room on the
disk, branch 209, a determination is made whether there are shows
which may be selected for removal, block 212. In one embodiment, a
show may be selected for removal if it is a lower priority than the
show to be recorded. Other criteria may also be used. For example,
as will be discussed in greater detail below, the described
embodiment provides for "personal channels" into which selected
programming may be stored. For example, a personal channel may be
established to store all episodes of a particular situation comedy.
Another personal channel may be established to store news
broadcasts. If the show to be recorded is, for example, a new
episode of the situation comedy, the earliest episode of the
situation comedy in the personal channel may be deleted.
[0038] In addition to storing the video data for a show selected
for recording, the system also stores the meta data associated with
the show from the channel guide, e.g., names of actors and
actresses, director, ratings information, textual descriptions of
the show, etc. This information may then be recalled by the user at
any time in order to assist in making a decision of whether the
watch the particular recorded show.
Criteria Database
[0039] As has been discussed, the criteria database 104 stores user
specified criteria for selection of shows for recording. The user
may specify criteria for recording shows including a show title, a
keyword such as actor or director name or text from a description
of the show, a show class (such as action, mystery, childrens,
etc.) and rating information (both parental control and quality
ratings).
[0040] The user can also specify the priority of the show. If two
shows are scheduled to be recorded at the same time, the higher
priority show will take precedent. The user may specify the number
of shows in a series to record (e.g., keep the most recent two
shows). In addition, the user may specify whether reruns are to be
recorded and whether syndicated reruns are to be recorded (e.g.,
record reruns, but not syndicated reruns, record all reruns,
etc.).
[0041] In certain embodiments, the user interface may provide for
improved data input methods to ease the input of criteria
information by the user. For example, when specifying a show name,
the user may be presented with a pop-up alphabetical menu of all
show titles in the channel guide database 103.
[0042] The pop-up menu may be derived by searching the channel
guide database 103 for all titles of shows, for all
actors/actresses, directors, etc. and storing them. The pop-up
display may display the information, for example, in alphabetical
order. Because the channel guide database 103 at any point in time
does not provide a complete list of all show titles,
actors/actresses, directors, etc. (e.g., because a particular
director may not have any shows airing during the time period
covered by the channel guide database 103), the system may
incrementally save new show titles, actor/actresses, etc. from new
copies of the channel guide database 103 as the channel guide
database is updated. In this way, over a period of time, the system
will derive a relatively complete list for the pop-up menus. In the
event a desired show title, actor/actress, director, etc. is not
available in the pop-up menu list, the system may allow the user to
manually enter a name.
[0043] In order to simplify the display, the user may be presented
with a list of letters (A-Z) and given the opportunity select a
letter (e.g., B) in order to obtain a list of all titles beginning
with the selected letter.
[0044] Other alternative methods may also be employed for
displaying the lists including for example, a hierarchical
list.
[0045] These data entry methods not only ease data entry for the
user but also alleviates data entry problems. Similar methods may
be used for selection of actors and directors (e.g., the pop-up
menu for actors may list all actors names in the channel guide
database 103) or for selection of topics (e.g., a pop-up menu of
all topics available in the channel guide database 103).
[0046] Another method of specifying criteria for recording a show
is to simply click on a show name in the channel guide. This is
illustrated by FIG. 8 which again illustrates a screen shot showing
a channel guide. In this illustration, the user has selected
"Scooby Doo" by clicking on the "Scooby Doo" portion of the screen.
The user may then click the record button a single time with a
cursor control device. After the single click, a dot is placed on
the screen by the "Scooby Doo" show name indicating the system is
now programmed to recorded that episode of "Scooby Doo".
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of specifying that all shows in
a series are to be recorded. In FIG. 9, the user clicked the record
button a second time. In the described embodiment, this causes a
double dot to be placed by "Scooby Doo" and all shows in the series
"Scooby Doo" will be recorded. Clicking the record button a third
time while Scooby Doo is selected will cause recording of the show
to be cancelled.
[0048] In the described embodiment, the user may also depress the
record button while viewing a show. A dialog box will appear asking
whether the user wishes to record the show currently be watched or
all shows in the series. The user may select either option. The
show (and if requested all shows in the series) will then be
recorded and a personal channel for the show will be created.
[0049] The user may also specify "negative" criteria--e.g.,
criteria indicating that a show is not to be recorded even if it
otherwise meets criteria for recording. For example, a user may
specify "Ignore all Sienfield" and that particular situation comedy
would not be recorded even if there is general criteria to record
situation comedies. In addition, in such embodiments, the system
may be configured such that shows meeting the negative criteria are
not displayed when the channel guide data is displayed.
[0050] Importantly, in addition to selecting shows for recording
based on exact matches to user entered criteria, block 301, shows
may also be selected based on "fuzzy match logic", block 305. A
"fuzzy" match may occur where the description of a show matches
some but not all keywords or satisfies less than all of the
criteria. In addition, a "fuzzy" match may occur by the system
making assumptions about the viewing habits of the user. For
example, if the user has been consistently recording a particular
television series (e.g., "Tool Time" starring Tim Allan), the fuzzy
logic may choose to record a movie starring Tim Allan. If the user
typically chooses to record action movies by title, fuzzy logic may
be employed to select an action movie for recording.
[0051] As another method of providing fuzzy logic selection of
shows, after viewing a show, block 401, the user may be asked to
provide input on the show, block 402. For example, the system may
ask the user to rate their enjoyment of the show overall on a scale
(e.g., 1-10), to rate the lead actor, to rate the lead actress,
etc. The criteria database can then be updated with information
from the user's answers to the rating questions, block 403. This
information can then be used in a "fuzzy" logic selection process,
e.g., the user rates action movies high which star Tom Cruise. The
fuzzy logic process may then look perform pattern matching for
other action movies starring Tom Cruise or may employ further
intelligence based, for example on viewer surveys, to determine
that a viewer who enjoys Tom Cruise action movies also enjoys Star
Trek. Star Trek may then be selected for recording. It should be
noted that while the system may employ fuzzy logic to directly
select shows for recording, it many implementations it may be
preferable to query the user to determine if the show should be
recorded.
[0052] The described embodiment also always multiple users to
provide criteria information. For example, in a household, both the
husband and wife may provide criteria information, blocks 501 and
503. The criteria information for each user is stored separately in
the criteria database, block 502 and 504. The system may then
employ pattern matching and fuzzy logic to record shows which may
be of interest to both users.
[0053] At any time, the user may preview shows which will be
recorded based on the criteria information provided. The user
selects the preview function, block 601 and the system proceeds to
match shows from the channel guide database 103 against the
criteria database 104, block 602. Based on the matching criteria, a
list of shows to be recorded is displayed, block 603. The user may
then edit the list by, for example, deleting shows from the list
which the user does not wish to be recorded, block 604.
[0054] As one additional feature of the system, the system may
provide notification to the user when programming of interest is
available. For example, if a user recorded all episodes of a
situation comedy during the previous season, the system may notify
the user when a new season programming is scheduled to begin based
on information from the channel guide database. The system may
notify the user when the system is activated or in embodiments
which provide a connection to the Internet, the system may notify
the user by email.
Personal Channels
[0055] The described embodiment provides a unique system for
organization of shows for viewing. A user may set up personal
channels. Personal channels are logical organizations of recorded
shows. For example, a personal channel may be set up to record the
situation comedy "Tool Time", another personal channel may be set
up to record sporting events, another personal channel may be set
up to record childrens programming, another personal channel may be
set up to record cooking shows, another for action movies, another
for news broadcasts, etc. When the user stores criteria information
to select shows for recording, the user may also specify a personal
channel to store the recorded show in.
[0056] Generally, the personal channels may be labeled with any
name selected by the user. However, as one feature of the described
embodiment, while viewing a show, the user may select a set up
personal channel function (using one of several methods such as by
selecting record while viewing a show or by selecting a show from
the channel guide and then pressing the record button). The system
will proceed to set up a personal channel for the show and
initially label the personal channel with the show name. In
addition, if the show is a series or mini-series, the system will
add to the criteria database criteria to record the series in the
future and to put the recorded shows into the newly established
personal channel.
[0057] As is illustrated by FIG. 10, personal channels may be
displayed, similar to other channels, in the user interface. In the
illustrated embodiment, the personal channel guide, showing
personal channels for the series "Friends" (P100 Friends), for
"Tonight" (P101 Tonight) and for science shows (P102 Science) is
integrated in the same display with the channel guide previously
illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. In alternative embodiments, the personal
channel guide may be provided on a separate display. In addition,
other user interface features may be provided. For example, the
user interface may display an indictor by each personal channel
indicating that the channel includes new content.
[0058] Associated with any particular personal channel is a size
parameter indicating the amount of disk space (or minutes of
recording time or number of episodes) which are to be stored in the
personal channel. When the size is exceeded, the system
automatically deletes the oldest show in the personal channel in
order to make room for new shows to be recorded.
[0059] In certain embodiments the size is set by default to record
a single show when a personal channel is added. The user may adjust
the size to allow recording multiple shows in the personal channel.
In addition, in certain embodiments, the system allocates disk
space for the personal channel when the personal channel is
created. In this way, the user is assured there will be room to
record the show at the time the show is scheduled. If there is not
sufficient room on the disk to allocate space when the personal
channel is created, the user is given opportunity to delete other
previously recorded or previously allocated disk space.
[0060] In addition, the various information from the channel guide
(e.g., ratings, actor/actress names, director names, keywords,
awards given) may be recorded in the personal channel so that it
may be accessed even after the channel guide information for the
broadcast program has expired and has been deleted.
Recording from a Default Channel when not Busy
[0061] In certain embodiments of the present invention, a feature
may be provided to allow continuous recording of a predetermined
channel when the system is not busy recording some other
programming.
[0062] For example, the system may be configured to continuously
record the CNN news channel so that the latest version of the CNN
news is always available and recorded. CNN (or similar format video
programming) is particularly of interest for continuous recording
because the format is relatively fixed with news at a predetermined
time during each hour, sports at another predetermined time,
business news at another predetermined time, etc. Assume for
example that general news is provided on the hour, sports on the 15
minutes, business news at 25 minutes after the hour, weather at 40
minutes after the hour and special interest stories at ten minutes
before the hour. If a user has the system configured to
continuously record CNN, and wants to watch business news, the user
may sit down at 5 minutes after the hour and watch the recorded
business news from 40 minutes earlier rather than having to wait 20
minutes for the next real-time airing of business news.
Program Indexing
[0063] CNN HeadLine News is an example of programming which may be
indexed based on the established format of the show (e.g., sports
always shown at the same number of minutes past the hour). In
addition, the system may use other methods of indexing shows to
allow a user to jump to a selected location in the program such as
by indexing based on text from closed captioning. Use of program
indexing methods allows the user to further refine selection
criteria beyond selection of particular shows to watch and,
instead, allowing the further granularity of selecting portions of
shows to watch.
[0064] Another method of indexing may allow the user to
periodically download program indexes from a source. The program
indexes may have been generated manually and the user may subscribe
to the source in order to obtain the program indexes. In this
embodiment, the source may manually generate program indexes for
certain shows. For example, television magazine shows (such as 60
Minutes) may be indexed by topic, talk shows may be indexed (for
example by guest, to show the start David Letterman's Top Ten List,
etc.). The index may be obtained by any number of methods including
allowing the user's system to dial-in to the indexing source or
alternatively by satellite broadcast. Programs, such as CNN
Headlines News, which are originally recorded with a defined format
and other programming which has been indexed post-recording, may be
referred to herein as defined format or indexable format video
programs.
[0065] In certain embodiments, recording may be based on the
segment information. For example, the closed caption information
may be examined on-the-fly, searching for keywords, while the
channel is being recorded. If the keywords are encountered, a
segment of the programming before and after the keywords is
retained in a personal channel. Alternatively, a particular channel
may be continuously recorded and the index information (closed
caption information or other information) may be examined after
recording to determine what segments of the recorded information
are to be retained.
[0066] Thus, what has been disclosed is an improved video data
recorder.
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