U.S. patent application number 12/981986 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-08 for method and system for supporting a user-specified and customized interface for a broadband gateway.
Invention is credited to Xuemin Chen, Wael William Diab, David Garrett, Jeyhan Karaoguz, David Lundgren, Rich Prodan.
Application Number | 20110302497 12/981986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45064389 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110302497 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garrett; David ; et
al. |
December 8, 2011 |
Method and System for Supporting a User-Specified and Customized
Interface for a Broadband Gateway
Abstract
A method and system are provided in which a user interface
application may be received by a broadband gateway and may be
configured to generate a user interface for display in a display
device. The user interface may be generated based on programming
information and/or associated metadata received through one or more
network access service providers. Each of the network access
service providers may be handled by the broadband gateway through a
corresponding physical layer access. More than one user interface
application may be received by the broadband gateway. In such
instances, the broadband gateway may enable the selection of one of
the available user interface applications to generate the user
interface. For each user interface application, the associated user
interface that is generated may have a particular layout, visual
characteristics, set of functions, and/or theme that is different
from that of the other user interfaces.
Inventors: |
Garrett; David; (Tustin,
CA) ; Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine, CA) ; Chen;
Xuemin; (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) ; Diab; Wael
William; (San Francisco, CA) ; Lundgren; David;
(Mill Valley, CA) ; Prodan; Rich; (Niwot,
CO) |
Family ID: |
45064389 |
Appl. No.: |
12/981986 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61351696 |
Jun 4, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/736 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 41/32 20130101;
H04L 65/4084 20130101; H04N 21/6373 20130101; H04L 67/1095
20130101; H04N 21/47202 20130101; Y04S 40/20 20130101; H04L 47/2491
20130101; H04L 63/0281 20130101; H04L 45/302 20130101; H04L 69/16
20130101; H04W 52/265 20130101; G06Q 40/12 20131203; G06Q 20/10
20130101; H04L 63/10 20130101; H04L 67/2842 20130101; H04L 67/104
20130101; G06Q 30/0226 20130101; H04L 12/2801 20130101; H04L
12/2838 20130101; H04N 21/454 20130101; H04L 63/02 20130101; H04N
5/445 20130101; H04N 21/6543 20130101; G06Q 30/0215 20130101; H04L
41/0816 20130101; H04N 21/43615 20130101; G05F 1/66 20130101; H04L
65/1023 20130101; H04L 12/66 20130101; H04L 41/5019 20130101; H04L
67/10 20130101; H04L 67/12 20130101; H04L 67/16 20130101; H04N
21/632 20130101; G06F 2221/07 20130101; H04L 63/205 20130101; H04W
12/086 20210101; Y02D 30/00 20180101; H04L 29/06095 20130101; H04L
65/1033 20130101; H04L 65/1036 20130101; H04L 12/6402 20130101;
H04N 21/258 20130101; H04L 65/102 20130101; H04L 65/103 20130101;
G05B 13/02 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801;
G06Q 30/04 20130101; G06F 21/10 20130101; H04L 63/20 20130101; H04L
67/1078 20130101; H04L 2012/2849 20130101; G06F 21/6245 20130101;
H04L 12/1453 20130101; H04L 47/805 20130101; H04L 65/40 20130101;
H04N 21/6371 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/736 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; G06F 15/173 20060101 G06F015/173 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: in a broadband gateway that enables
communication with a plurality of devices, wherein the broadband
gateway is operable to handle a plurality of physical layer
connections to a plurality of corresponding network access service
providers: receiving a user interface application based on user
input; configuring the received user interface application; and
generating a user interface for display via a display device
utilizing the configured user interface application, the user
interface being generated based on programming information received
through one or more of the plurality of corresponding network
access service providers.
2. The method of claim 1, comprising configuring the received user
interface application based on configuration information received
in response to the user input.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user interface is generated
based on metadata associated with the received programming
information, the metadata being received through one or more of the
plurality of corresponding network access service providers.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the user interface is generated
based on content stored in one or both of the broadband gateway and
a device communicatively coupled to the broadband gateway through a
local network.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the user interface is generated
based on historical user preference information stored in the
broadband gateway.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the user interface application
is a first user interface application and the user interface is a
first user interface; and said broadband gateway enables: receiving
a second user interface application different from the first user
interface application based on a separate user input; configuring
the received second user interface application; selecting one of
the configured first user interface application and the configured
second user interface application; and when the configured second
user interface application is selected, generating a second user
interface different from the first user interface for display via
the display device utilizing the configured second user interface
application, the second user interface being generated based on the
received programming information.
7. The method of claim 6, comprising configuring the received
second user interface application based on configuration
information received in response to the separate user input.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein a layout associated with the
first user interface is different from a layout associated with the
second user interface.
9. The method of claim 6, comprising: configuring the received
first user interface application to enable a first set of
functions; configuring the received second user interface
application to enable a second set of functions different from the
first set of functions; and each of the first set of functions and
the second set of functions comprises one or more of information
organization functions, information creation functions, information
storage functions, information deletion functions, information
management functions, and on-demand access functions.
10. The method of claim 6, comprising: configuring the received
first user interface application based on a first theme;
configuring the received second user interface application based on
a second theme different from the first theme; and each of the
first theme and the second theme is one of a sports theme, a movie
theme, a news theme, a children's television theme, a soap operas
theme, a talk shows theme, a drama theme, a reality television
theme, and a detective theme.
11. A system, comprising: a broadband gateway that enables
communication with a plurality of devices, wherein the broadband
gateway is operable to handle a plurality of physical layer
connections to a plurality of corresponding network access service
providers, the broadband gateway comprising one or more processors
and/or circuits being operable to: receive programming information
through one or more of the corresponding plurality of network
access service providers; receive a user interface application
based on user input; configure the received user interface
application; and generate a user interface for display via a
display device utilizing the configured user interface application,
the user interface being generated based on the received
programming information.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors
and/or circuits are operable to configure the received user
interface application based on configuration information received
in response to the user input.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the user interface is generated
based on metadata associated with the received programming
information, the metadata being received through one or more of the
plurality of corresponding network access service providers.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the user interface is generated
based on content stored in one or both of the broadband gateway and
a device communicatively coupled to the broadband gateway through a
local network.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the user interface is generated
based on historical user preference information stored in the
broadband gateway.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein: the user interface application
is a first user interface application and the user interface is a
first user interface; and the one or more processors and/or
circuits are operable to: receive a second user interface
application different from the first user interface application
based on a separate user input; configure the received second user
interface application; select one of the configured first user
interface application and the configured second user interface
application; and when the configured second user interface
application is selected, generate a second user interface different
from the first user interface for display via the display device
utilizing the configured second user interface application, the
second user interface being generated based on the received
programming information.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors
and/or circuits are operable to configure the received second user
interface application based on configuration information received
in response to the separate user input.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein a layout associated with the
first user interface is different from a layout associated with the
second user interface.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors
and/or circuits are operable to: configure the received first user
interface application to enable a first set of functions; configure
the received second user interface application to enable a second
set of functions different from the first set of functions; and
each of the first set of functions and the second set of functions
comprises one or more of information organization functions,
information creation functions, information storage functions,
information deletion functions, information management functions,
and on-demand access functions.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors
and/or circuits are operable to: configure the received first user
interface application based on a first theme; configure the
received second user interface application based on a second theme
different from the first theme; and each of the first theme and the
second theme is one of a sports theme, a movie theme, a news theme,
a children's television theme, a soap operas theme, a talk shows
theme, a drama theme, a reality television theme, and a detective
theme.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application 61/351,696, filed on Jun. 4, 2010.
[0002] This application also makes reference to: [0003] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/355,377 (Attorney Docket No. 19545US01)
filed on Jan. 16, 2009; [0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/355,413 (Attorney Docket No. 19897US01) filed on Jan. 16, 2009;
[0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/355,480 (Attorney Docket
No. 19902US01) filed on Jan. 16, 2009; [0006] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/395,383 (Attorney Docket No. 19910US01)
filed on Feb. 27, 2009; [0007] U.S. patent application Ser. No.
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patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 23398US02)
filed on ______; [0009] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______
(Attorney Docket No. 23399US02) filed on ______; [0010] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 23400US02) filed
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application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 23431US02) filed
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Docket No. 23432US02) filed on ______; [0042] U.S. patent
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[0045] Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Certain embodiments of the invention relate to broadband
access. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention
relate to supporting a user-specified and/or customized user
interface for a broadband gateway.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0047] As the use of home networks grow in popularity, the
capabilities of today's gateway devices may not be adequate to
support certain applications and content to be provided through
such networks.
[0048] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention
as set forth in the remainder of the present application with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0049] A system and/or method for supporting a user-specified
and/or customized user interface for a broadband gateway, as set
forth more completely in the claims.
[0050] Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the
present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment
thereof, will be more fully understood from the following
description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
communication system that comprises a home network serviced by a
broadband gateway, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0052] FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating exemplary
broadband gateways, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating exemplary user interactions
with a broadband gateway, in connection with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0054] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow charts illustrating exemplary steps
for obtaining a user interface application and generating a user
interface, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a broadband gateway that
handles multiple user interfaces, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for
obtaining multiple user interface applications and selecting one to
generate a user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0057] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a broadband
gateway that handles multiple user interfaces, in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a broadband gateway that
concurrently handles multiple user interfaces, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] Certain embodiments of the invention can be found in a
method and system for supporting a user-specified and/or customized
user interface for a broadband gateway. In accordance with various
embodiments of the invention, a user interface application, which
may be received by a broadband gateway, may be configured to
generate a user interface for display in a display device. The user
interface may be generated based on programming information and/or
associated metadata received by the broadband gateway through one
or more network access service providers. The broadband gateway may
be operable to handle each of the network access service providers
through a separate physical layer access. A physical layer may
refer to an Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) layer 1. In some
instances, more than one user interface application may be received
by the broadband gateway. When multiple user interface applications
are available, the broadband gateway may enable the selection of
one of the user interface applications to generate the user
interface. For each user interface application, the associated user
interface that is generated may have a particular layout, visual
characteristics, set of functions, and/or theme that is different
from that of the other user interfaces that may be generated from
the other user interface applications.
[0060] For some devices, such as set-top-boxes (STBs) and digital
video recorders (DVRs), for example, a single user interface is
typically available from which a user may obtain information and/or
to control certain content-related functions or operations
associated with the device. Because of the graphical icons and
visual indicators present in such types of user interfaces, they
are generally referred to as graphical user interfaces or GUIs. As
utilized herein, the term user interface may refer to a graphical
user interface. For STBs, the content organization scheme, layout,
functions, and visual characteristics of the user interface are
selected by a cable or satellite provider such as AT&T, Cox,
Comcast, DirectTV, or DISH Network, for example. The user interface
is made available in the form of an electronic programming guide
(EPG) or an interactive programming guide (IPG). An EPG may present
a non-interactive menu of programming scheduling information that
lists current and upcoming programs on all available channels. An
IPG, on the other hand, may allow the user to interactively
navigate menus of programming scheduling information by, for
example, time, title, channel, and/or genre using an input device
such as a keypad, keyboard, or remote control. The user interface
is typically provided through one of the channels of the cable or
satellite service and may originate from a source different from
the source that provides the content available through the service.
While there are distinctions between an EPG and an IPG, the term
EPG is commonly used to refer to both. For a DVR, such as TiVo, for
example, a single user interface may be generated by the device to
handle storage and/or playback of content received by and/or stored
in the device. In this case, the user interface may be interactive
and may be different from the user interface available from the
cable or satellite provider that delivers content to the DVR or
STB. Regardless of whether a user interface is associated with an
STB or a DVR, they are generally static or fixed with respect to
the information that is presented, the layout in which the
information is presented, and the type of access, control, and/or
functionalities that are available. In other words, a user is
generally presented with a single user interface choice configured
by a service provider and/or by a device manufacturer in such a
manner as to satisfy the broadest possible set of customer
needs.
[0061] A typical user interface that may be utilized in connection
with a broadband gateway may present similar issues. That is, a
broadband gateway may generate a user interface to enable a user to
access information and/or control functions associated with content
accessible through the gateway. The user, however, may want to have
access to a different user interface, one that is more versatile,
intuitive, easier to use, flexible, and/or has better visual
characteristics than the one that is available. A different user
interface may allow the kind of content navigation, search, and/or
selection experience that the user wishes he or she could have.
Accordingly, the user may want to replace or override the default
user interface that is provided by the broadband gateway with a
customized user interface that has a desired look-and-feel and/or
functionality. To do so, the broadband gateway may be operable to
enable applications that generate user interfaces that are
different from those typically available. In some instances, the
broadband gateway may comprise more than one such user interface
application and may enable the selection of one of the applications
to generate the user interface. In this manner, a user may have a
choice of the type of experience that is desired when interacting
with a broadband gateway.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in order to
generate a customized user interface, the user may first search
through various sources of such user interfaces. An example of
where to search for sources and sample different types of user
interfaces may be the Internet. The sources of applications that
generate customized user interfaces may not only comprise
third-parties, but may also comprise cable and satellite providers
and/or device manufacturers that may see providing access to a
range of different user interface applications as another service
for their customers. Once a user identifies and selects a
particular user interface that suits his or her needs, preferences,
and/or style, an associated user interface application or file may
be downloaded to the broadband gateway. Once downloaded, the user
interface application may be installed and configured. The
configuration may be a default or standard configuration, in which
the features of the user interface to be generated by the user
interface application are fixed. The configuration may also be
non-standard configuration, or a customized configuration in which
a user may have the ability to select from several options
associated with the features of the user interface. In some
instances, a configuration file or other like file may be
downloaded with the user interface application file and may be
utilized to configure the user interface application for use with
the broadband gateway. Once installed and configured, the user
interface application may be utilized to generate and/or render the
customized user interface selected by the user.
[0063] In a broadband gateway that is capable of handling content
received through more than one network access service provider at
any one time, the user interface may need to present the user with
a content organization scheme, layout, visual characteristics,
and/or functionality that is suitable to handle the wide range of
content received through multiple network access service providers.
Moreover, a broadband gateway may also have access to stored
content that the user may want to be made available through the
user interface, such as content available from a DVR or other
content-storage and/or playback device. Accordingly, a user may
desire a user interface that provides an intuitive and easy way to
handle multiple sources of content and/or multiple types of
content. Therefore, a user may search for a customized user
interface that may be able to concurrently handle multiple sources
of content and/or multiple types of content in a manner that better
suits the needs of the user. As described above, once the user
finds such a customized user interface, an associated user
interface application may be downloaded, installed, configured, and
subsequently utilized to generate the customized user
interface.
[0064] In some instances, one or more third-parties may also
generate metadata associated with programming scheduling
information and/or with other type of content provided through the
network access service providers. For example, a third-party may
make available from a web server ranking information, reviews,
commentary, descriptions, links, and/or other ancillary information
associated with the programming and/or content received by the
broadband gateway. Such information may be different and/or
separate from other metadata received from a cable or satellite
provider. This additional information may enhance a user's
experience when navigating, searching, and/or making selections in
connection with the information presented by the user interface.
The user may find that the user interface that is available from
the broadband gateway is unable to handle such metadata or may not
do so in manner that meets the needs of the user. Again, the user
may find a customized user interface that that may be operable to
handle metadata in a suitable manner. Accordingly, the user may
want to download, install, configure, and utilize an associated
user interface application to generate a customized user interface
with enhanced metadata handling capabilities.
[0065] There may be situations in which the broadband gateway may
be utilized by several different users at the same time or at
different times. Any one of those users may want to have a
customized user interface that suits his or her preferences and may
want to have that customized user interface be presented to him or
her when using the broadband gateway. Accordingly, the broadband
gateway may be operable to support the use of multiple user
interface applications to address such a need. That is, the
broadband gateway may management and use of multiple user interface
applications. For example, the broadband gateway may support the
selection of one of the user interface applications to generate a
current user interface based on a current user and/or the
conditions under which the broadband gateway is being utilized.
Such conditions may comprise the time of day, the day of the week,
type of content being requested, and/or the location where the user
interface is being displayed, for example. In some instances, the
broadband gateway may support the concurrent generation of a
plurality of user interfaces.
[0066] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
communication system that comprises a home network serviced by a
broadband gateway, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a home network 100a,
a plurality of distribution networks 110, a plurality of network
access service providers 120, and a plurality of content providers
130. The home network 100a may be serviced by a broadband gateway
102.
[0067] The content providers 130 may generate, capture, and/or
package content, such as multimedia content, for example, that may
be distributed to end users. Content originating from the content
providers 130 may be distributed to end users (e.g., consumers) by
the network access service providers 120. The term "network access
service provider" as utilized herein, may be distinguished from the
more generic term "service provider" that may refer to services
other than providing physical layer access to a network. An entity
that functions as a network access service provider, however, may
also provide content and/or services other than network access. In
some instances, an entity that functions as a network access
service provider may generate, capture, and/or package content,
such as multimedia content, for example, that may be distributed to
end users. The content received through the network access service
providers 120 may comprise programming scheduling information
and/or metadata associated with such programming. In some
instances, the metadata may originate in a server, such as a web
server, associated with one or more of the content providers
130.
[0068] The network access service providers 120 may comprise
various entities and/or networks that provide access to content
and/or services using different access technologies, such as
multimedia, television, Internet, phone, Ethernet, multimedia over
coax alliance (MoCA), passive optical network (PON), and/or
cellular services, for example, to a plurality of end users. The
end users may utilize devices that may be configured to support the
necessary networking and/or communication infrastructures and/or
standards. For example, end users may utilize cellular devices or
smartphones, personal computers (PCs), servers, and/or set-top
boxes. Exemplary network access service providers may comprise, for
example, cellular service providers (e.g., AT&T, Verizon),
cable television (CATV) providers (e.g., Comcast, RCN, Cox),
satellite television providers (e.g., DirectTV, DISH Network),
Internet service providers (ISPs), digital subscriber line (DSL)
providers, WiMAX providers, and/or plain old telephone service
(POTS) providers. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
broadband gateway 102 may enable connecting to a plurality of
network access service providers 120 to facilitate receiving
content originating from one or more of the content providers 130.
When more than one network access service provider 120 provides
access to content and/or services to the broadband gateway 102,
each network access service provider 120 may do so through a
separate physical layer access. In an embodiment of the invention,
a separate physical layer access may be enabled in the broadband
gateway 102 by having a separate network interface for each network
access service provider 120 within the broadband gateway 102.
[0069] The plurality of distribution networks 110 may comprise one
or more networks that may be operable to enable wireless and/or
wired communication among a plurality of entities based on one or
more networking and/or communication infrastructures. In this
regard, the plurality of distribution networks 110 may be utilized
to enable distributing content generated by the content providers
130 and/or by the network access service providers 120 to end
users. The network connectivity available via the plurality of
distribution networks 110 may be based on one or more communication
standards and/or protocols. The plurality of distribution networks
110 may comprise, for example, the Internet 110a, a CATV network
110b, a satellite television (TV) network 110c, a wireless local
area network/wide area network (LAN/WAN) 110d, and/or a cellular
network 110e.
[0070] The Internet 110a may comprise a system of interconnected
networks to enable exchange of data between a plurality of nodes,
based on one or more networking standards, including, for example,
the Internet Protocol (IP). For example, the Internet 110a may
enable connectivity among a plurality of private and public,
academic, business, and/or government nodes and/or networks. The
physical connectivity may be provided in the Internet 110a via, for
example, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), copper
wires, fiber-optic cables, wireless interfaces, and/or other
protocols and/or standards-based interfaces. The transport
functionality may be performed in the Internet 110a based on, for
example, one or more protocols, such as the Transmission Control
Protocol/IP (TCP/IP), for example. The CATV network 110b may
comprise suitable distribution nodes, systems, and/or subnetworks
that may enable forwarding of communication between CATV providers
and a plurality of cable-TV consumers. For example, the CATV
network 110b may comprise a network of fiber optics and/or coaxial
cables for use in CATV broadcasts. The satellite TV network 110c
may comprise suitable distribution nodes, systems, and/or
subnetworks that may enable communication of satellite TV broadcast
by satellite TV providers to a plurality of consumers. For example,
the satellite network 110c may comprise a plurality of orbiting
satellite nodes and/or one or more terrestrial centers in a
satellite-TV system.
[0071] The LAN/WAN network 110d may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to enable
implementation of one or more wired and/or wireless LAN or WAN
standards and/or protocols. Exemplary WAN technologies comprise,
for example, WiMAX-based networks. Exemplary LAN technologies may
comprise, for example, those based on IEEE 802.11 standards,
including, for example, WiFi-based networks. The cellular network
110e may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code
that may be operable to enable communication via one or more
cellular technologies. Exemplary cellular technologies may comprise
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA),
CDMA1000, High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Global System
for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Services
(GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), and/or
Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). The cellular
network 110e may comprise, for example, a plurality of control
and/or switching nodes, and a plurality of base stations that
enable transmission and/or reception of cellular based
communications between the cellular network 110e and cellular
capable devices.
[0072] The home network 100a may correspond to a location that may
comprise a plurality of devices which may be serviced and/or
managed by the broadband gateway 102. In this regard, the location
may be a residence (e.g., home, apartment), a small business, a
school, a library, and/or other like settings in which users may
want to obtain access to service and/or to content provider
networks. The broadband gateway 102 may be utilized in the home
network 100a to provide connectivity between the home network 100a
and the network access service providers 120, the distribution
networks 110, and/or the content providers 130.
[0073] The broadband gateway 102 may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to provide
connectivity between one or more devices in a home network, such as
the home network 100a, and a plurality of external networks. For
example, the broadband gateway 102 may support configuring and/or
using a plurality of broadband connections 108 to the distribution
networks 110. The broadband connections 108 may comprise wired
and/or wireless connections between the broadband gateway 102 and
the distribution networks 110, which may enable communication
between the broadband gateway 102 and the network access service
providers 120. The broadband gateway 102 may operate as an
interface device that may allow one or more network access service
providers and/or content providers to interact with various devices
in the home network. In this regard, the broadband gateway 102 may
enable communication with each of the network access service
providers 120 through separate interfaces. That is, each network
access service provider 120 from the plurality of network access
service providers 120 may interface with the broadband gateway 102
through a network interface that is separate and/or different from
a network interface associated with each of the other network
access service providers 120.
[0074] A single broadband gateway 102 may be operable to handle
multiple physical layer access connections, where a physical layer
may refer to an OSI layer 1. The connections may provide access to
one or more of the distribution networks 110. The distribution
networks 110 may be owned, operated, leased, or otherwise
associated with different network access service providers 120. For
example, one network access service provider 120 may provide
network access to the broadband gateway 102 through a cable
television connection over coaxial cabling associated with the CATV
network 110b. In another example, a different network access
service provider 120 may provide network access to the broadband
gateway 102 through a DSL connection over twisted-pair cabling
associated with the Internet 110a. In some instances, the broadband
gateway 102 may be operable to concurrently communicate over
several physical layer connections associated with the multiple
network access service providers 120.
[0075] The broadband gateway 102 may be operable to perform and/or
provide various services that may pertain to enabling and/or
facilitating reception of multimedia content. The content may be
delivered through one or more network access services providers 120
and their associated networks, which may include at least some
portions of the distribution networks 110. For example, the
broadband gateway 102 may be operable to perform such operations as
network access related processing (e.g., PHY/MAC, transport layer
processing), encryption and/or decryption, user and/or account
authentication, and/or at least some of video and/or audio
processing operations that may be needed for consumption of
multimedia content. The broadband gateway 102 may communicate with
various devices in the home network 100a, using wired and/or
wireless communication links.
[0076] Devices serviced by, and/or connected to the broadband
gateway 102 may comprise content consuming devices and/or other,
non-content consuming household or home devices that may be
operable to interact with the broadband gateway 102. For example,
the broadband gateway 102 may service, and/or may communicate with
a plurality of home devices 104a-104j in the home network 100a. The
home devices may comprise, for example, one or more of a television
104a, a laptop computer 104b, a detector 104c (e.g., a smoke
detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a security alarm), a computer
and/or server 104d, a mobile phone 104e, a speaker 104f, an AM/FM
radio 104g, a phone 104h, an appliance 104i (e.g., refrigerator),
and a digital video recorder (DVR) or personal video recorder (PVR)
104j. The broadband gateway 102 may interact with each of the home
devices 104a-104j via links 106a-106j, which may be supported by
the broadband gateway 102 and the corresponding home device. For
example, the link 106a between the broadband gateway 102 and the
television 104a may comprise a High-Definition Multimedia Interface
(HDMI) cable and/or 60 GHz WiGig wireless connection/interface. The
link 106b may comprise, for example, a wired Ethernet link, a
wireless Ethernet link, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) link, or an
IEEE 1394 link. The link 106c may comprise, for example, a two-wire
link or a wireless link. The link 106d may comprise, for example, a
wired Ethernet link, a wireless Ethernet link, a USB link, or an
IEEE 1394 link. The link 106e may comprise, for example, a wireless
Ethernet link, a USB link, or a cellular link. The link 106f may
comprise speaker wire and/or a wireless link. The link 106g may
comprise, for example, AM and/or FM radio transmissions broadcast
received using the broadband gateway 102. The link 106h may
comprise, for example, a phone line. The link 106i may comprise,
for example, a wired or wireless Ethernet link. The link 106j may
comprise, for example, a wired or a wireless link.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 1, although the devices 104a-104j, which may be
communicatively coupled to only the broadband gateway 102, are
shown, the invention may not be so limited. Accordingly, the
devices 104a-104j, which may be communicatively coupled to multiple
broadband gateways in a local or home network, may be implemented
without departing from the spirit and scope of various embodiments
of the invention.
[0078] In operation, the broadband gateway 102 may be utilized as
an interface device that may allow one or more of the network
access service providers 120 and/or the content providers 130 to
interact with various devices in a home network, such as the home
network 100a. The broadband gateway 102 may be operable to perform
and/or provide various services that may pertain to enabling and/or
facilitating reception of content, such as multimedia content, for
example. The broadband gateway 102 may distribute the received
content to one or more devices in the home network 100a for
consumption. The broadband gateway 102 may also be operable to
enable searching, selecting, downloading, storing, installing,
configuring, and/or running user interface applications that may be
utilized to generate one or more customized user interfaces instead
of the user interface that is initially provided with the broadband
gateway 102. As described above, the customized user interface may
allow the user to have the kind of content navigation, search,
and/or selection experience that he or she wishes to have but may
not be able to obtain using the user interface initially provided
with the broadband gateway 102. The generation of the customized
user interface may comprise rendering the layout and/or visual
characteristics based on image or video information generated by
the user interface application. Moreover, the broadband gateway 102
may be operable to enable multiple instances of user interface
applications to be concurrently available to address the needs of
different users that may have access to the broadband gateway 102.
The broadband gateway 102 may also enable the selection of one of
the user interface application to generate a current user
interface.
[0079] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
broadband gateway, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 2A, there is shown a more detailed
view of an exemplary architecture of the broadband gateway 102
described above with respect to FIG. 1. The broadband gateway 102
may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, code, and/or interfaces
that may be operable to provide connectivity between one or more
networks, such as the distribution networks 110, for example, and
one or more devices in a home network, such as the home devices
104a-104j in the home network 100a. Access from the broadband
gateway 102 to the distribution networks 110 may be provided
through one or more of the network access service providers
120.
[0080] The broadband gateway 102 may operate as an interface device
that allows one or more network access service providers 120 and/or
content providers 130 to interact with various devices in the home
network 100a, such as the home devices 104a-104j. Moreover, when
more than one network access service provider 120 is utilized to
provide access, the broadband gateway 102 may handle each of
network access service providers 120 through a separate physical
layer access.
[0081] The broadband gateway 102 may comprise suitable hardware
and/or software to provide some or all of the functions and/or
operations of one or more of a modem, a router, and a switch. The
modem functions and/or operations may be those of a DSL modem, a
cable modem, or a wireless cable modem, for example. The router
functions and/or operations may be those of a wireless router, for
example. The switch functions and/or operations may be those of a
network switch, or a local area network (LAN) switch, for example.
In some instances, the broadband gateway 102 may communicate with
the various devices in the home via more than one home network.
[0082] The broadband gateway 102 may comprise one or more modules.
Each of these modules may comprise hardware, software, or a
combination thereof that may be utilized to perform various
operations associated with the broadband gateway 102. In an
embodiment of the invention, the broadband gateway 102 may comprise
a provider interface module 202, a processor module 204, a memory
module 206, and a client network interface module 208. The modules
in the broadband gateway 102 may communicate with one or more of
the other modules through one or more buses and/or connections 205.
In some instances, the broadband gateway 102 may be such that the
various modules listed above may be distributed over multiple
devices. In such instances, the buses and/or connections 205 may
enable communication between the various modules across the
multiple devices. Moreover, the modules listed above are provided
by way of illustration and not of limitation. Other configurations
and/or architectures of the broadband gateway 102 may also be
implemented. For example, the broadband gateway 102 may be a
virtual gateway that is setup in a network by utilizing virtual
machines (VMs) and/or next-generation (NG) data centers.
[0083] The provider interface module 202 may comprise suitable
logic, circuitry, code, and/or interfaces that may be operable to
receive data and/or to send data through one or more of the network
access service providers 120, for example. The data received and/or
sent may be associated with content from the content providers 130
and/or from the network access service providers 120. The provider
interface module 202 may be operable to support multiple
communication protocols, standards, and/or data transport
technologies. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the provider interface
module 202 may be operable to interface with one or more of the
network access service providers 120. In an embodiment of the
invention, the provider interface module 202 may be operable to
interface with N of the network access service providers 120. The
provider interface module 202 may be communicatively coupled to the
various network access service providers 120 via a plurality of
broadband connections 108 described above with respect to FIG.
1.
[0084] The processor module 204 may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, code, and/or interfaces that may be operable to process
data received and/or sent through one or more of the network access
service providers 120, and/or data received from and/or sent to one
or more devices in the home network 100a. In this regard, the
processor module 204 may comprise one or more portions that are
suitable to handle certain types of data such as video data and/or
audio data, for example. For example, the processor module 204 may
comprise a core processor (not shown), a video processor (not
shown), and an audio processor (not shown). The processor module
204 may be operable to perform operations associated with
searching, selecting, downloading, storing, installing,
configuring, and/or running user interface applications that may be
utilized to generate customized user interfaces other than the user
interface that is initially provided with the broadband gateway
102. Moreover, the processor module 204 may configure portions of
the broadband gateway 102, including portions of the processor
module 204, to support any functionality or operations associated
with the user interface applications. In some instances, to provide
a secure environment, the processor module 204 may be utilized to
run a virtual machine in which the user interface application may
be executed. The generation of the user interface may comprise a
rendering operation that may be supported by the processor module
204.
[0085] The memory module 206 may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, code, and/or interfaces that may be operable to store
data utilized in the operations of the broadband gateway 102. For
example, the memory module 206 may be utilized to store
configuration data, parameters, device information, tracking and/or
monitoring information, security information, and intermediate
processing data, for example. The memory module 206 may comprise
storage media that may be integrated in the broadband gateway 102
and/or may be removable such as a removable storage device. The
memory module 206 may be operable to store data associated with the
generation and/or the operation of a customized user interface,
including the storing of the user interface application, any files
associated with it such as configuration files, for example.
Moreover, the memory module 206 may store content and/or
information in response to user interaction with the user
interface. In some instances, the user interface application may be
downloaded and stored in a secure portion of the memory module 206.
The user interface application may then be securely executed by the
processor module 204 from the secure portion of the memory module
206.
[0086] The client network interface module 208 may comprise
suitable logic, circuitry, code, and/or interfaces that may be
operable to receive data from and/or send data to one or more
devices in the home network. The client network interface module
208 may be operable to support multiple communication protocols,
standards, and/or data transport technologies.
[0087] In operation, the broadband gateway 102 may enable a
customized user interface to be generated. The customized user
interface may have a particular organizational scheme, layout,
visual characteristics, and/or functionality that is presented to
the user. The broadband gateway 102 may be utilized to search,
request, download, store, install, configure, and/or run a user
interface application that is utilized to generate the customized
user interface for display in a display device such as the
television 104a. The user interface application may be received by
the broadband gateway 102 upon a request generated by the broadband
gateway 102 in response to a user input. During the installation
and/or configuration of the user interface application, the
broadband gateway 102 may enable the user to select from several
options associated with the features of the user interface to be
generated by the user interface application. The user interface may
be generated based on programming information and/or associated
metadata received through one or more network access service
providers 120. In some instances, the user interface may be
generated based on historical user preference information collected
by and/or stored in the broadband gateway 102. The historical user
preference information may comprise historical channel selection
information, historical genre selection information, historical
content selection information, and/or historical individual usage
information. When more than one user interface application is
available in the broadband gateway 102, the broadband gateway 102
may be utilized to manage the various user interface applications.
For example, the broadband gateway 102 may enable the selection of
one of the user interface applications to generate the user
interface. The broadband gateway 102 may also be utilized to manage
concurrent generation of user interfaces.
[0088] While exemplary uses of customized user interfaces have been
described in FIG. 1 with respect to the television 104a, the
various embodiments of the invention need not be so limited. Other
devices, including other of the home devices 104a-104j, may also be
utilized to display customized user interfaces. For example,
devices such as smartphones, personal digital assistants, laptop
computers, tablet computers such as iPads, and the like, may also
be utilized in connection with customized user interfaces.
[0089] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
broadband gateway, in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 2B, there is shown the broadband
gateway 102 with the provider interface module 202 comprising N
separate network interfaces 203-1, . . . , 203-N, each of which is
associated with one of the N network access service providers 120.
In this manner, the broadband gateway 102 may separately interface
with the network access service providers 120. The network
interfaces 203-1, . . . , 203-N may enable the broadband gateway
102 to handle separate physical layer access for each of the N
network access service providers 120. For example, the broadband
gateway 102 may interface with each of a cellular service provider,
a CATV provider, a satellite television provider, an ISP, and/or
POTS provider through a separate network interface, each of which
comprises suitable logic, circuitry, code, and/or interfaces to
enable physical layer access. The handling of the interfaces by the
broadband gateway 102 may occur separately and/or concurrently in
any combination of the plurality of interfaces.
[0090] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating exemplary user interactions
with a broadband gateway, in connection with an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown the broadband
gateway 102 and the television 104a described above. The television
104a may display or present a user with the user interface 302,
which may be a user-specified and/or customized user interface for
the broadband gateway 102. Also shown in FIG. 3 is an input device
300 for a user to interact with the broadband gateway 102. The
input device 300 may be a keypad, a keyboard, a remote control, or
other like device that enables a user to navigate, search, and/or
make selections in connection with the information presented by the
user interface 302. Other types of input devices 300 may comprise
smartphones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, tablet
computers such as iPads, and the like.
[0091] The user interface 302 may be generated by the broadband
gateway 102 and subsequently sent to the television 104a for
display. The generation of the user interface 302, which may
comprise rendering of the layout and visual characteristics of the
user interface 302, may be performed by a user interface
application that operates in the broadband gateway 102. The user
interface 302 may be generated from one of several user interface
applications that may be installed and/or configured in the
broadband gateway 102. The user interface 302 may give the user
more versatility, be more intuitive to use, and be more visually
pleasing, for example, than a user interface provided initially
available in the broadband gateway 102.
[0092] The input device 300 may be utilized to control the
broadband gateway 102 and/or to send instructions or commands
associated with the user interface 302. For example, the input
device 300 may typically communicate with the broadband gateway 102
through a link 304. The user may utilize the input device 300 to
select a channel or mode in which the television 104a displays the
user interface 302 generated by the broadband gateway 102 and
communicated to the television 104a via the link 106a. The user may
then send instructions or commands to the broadband gateway 102,
which in turn may perform certain operations and may communicate
results associated with those operations to the television 104a via
the link 106a. In this manner, any functions or operations that may
be available in the broadband gateway 102 and are presented to a
user through the user interface 102 may be accessed by the user
through the input device 300.
[0093] Although FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the television 104a
to display the user interface 302 associated with the broadband
gateway 102, the invention need not be so limited. Other devices in
the home network 100a in FIG. 1 that may communicate with the
broadband gateway 102 and that comprise a display area in which to
display the user interface 302 may also be utilized. For example,
the laptop computer 104b and the mobile phone 104e may be utilized
to enable user interaction with the user interface 302. In this
regard, the user interface application may generate a user
interface having a layout and/or other characteristics that are
consistent with the type of display, such as size and/or
resolution, for example, of the display device. In such instances,
the broadband gateway 102 may comprise information about such
devices and may provide that information to the user interface
application when generating the user interface 302.
[0094] FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for
obtaining a user interface application, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4A, there is shown a
flow chart 400 in which, at step 410, the broadband gateway 102 may
enable a user to select a user interface application from one of
many sources that may have such applications available. For
example, a user may access the Internet through the broadband
gateway 102 utilizing a browser displayed on the television 104a.
The user may search for sources of customized user interfaces and
may preview and/or sample how such user interfaces may look and/or
function when installed and/or configured for operation with the
broadband gateway 102. The user may then identify a customized user
interface that provides the user with the organizational scheme,
layout, visual characteristics, and/or functionality that he or she
prefers. The sources of such custom user interfaces may be
third-parties, but may also include websites associated with
service providers and/or device manufacturers, for example.
[0095] At step 420, the user may provide instructions or commands
to the broadband gateway 102 regarding a customized user interface
and its source. For example, the user may activate one or more keys
on the input device 300 to convey information to the broadband
gateway 102 regarding a preferred user interface and the source of
an associated user interface application that can generate the
desired user interface. The information conveyed may comprise a
uniform resource locator (URL) or other type of resource
identifier, for example. The broadband gateway 102 may receive the
information and may generate a request to download an instance of
the user interface application from a server associated with the
URL.
[0096] At step 430, after being downloaded, the user interface
application may be stored in the memory module 206 of the broadband
gateway 102. In some instances, the memory module 206 may be
partitioned into several areas and the user interface application
may be stored in a secure area of memory. Keeping the user
interface application quarantined in this manner may protect the
broadband gateway 102 from malicious software or code.
[0097] At step 440, the user interface application may be verified
by the broadband gateway 102. For example, the user interface
application may be verified for file integrity. In this regard, the
broadband gateway 102 may verify that the user interface
application has not been corrupted by transmission errors, storage
errors, copying errors, and/or software bugs, for example.
Appropriate steps may be taken by the broadband gateway 102 when
the user interface application is found to be corrupted. In another
example, the user interface application may be verified for
authenticity. In this regard, the broadband gateway 102 may verify
that the user interface application does not include or has not
been modified to include malicious code such as viruses, for
example. The above-mentioned verification operations are not
intended to be exhaustive. Appropriate steps may be taken by the
broadband gateway 102 when the user interface application is found
to contain malicious code. Other verification operations may also
be performed by the broadband gateway 102. The user interface
application need not be a single computer file or a single computer
program but may include more than one file and/or more than one
computer program. In such a case, the verification process may
comprise verification of each of the files and/or computer programs
associated with the user interface application.
[0098] When the user interface application passes the verification
in step 440, the process may proceed to step 460 in flow chart 450
shown in FIG. 4B. Otherwise, the broadband gateway 102 may not
allow the installation, configuration, and/or operation of the user
interface application.
[0099] FIG. 4B is flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for
generating a customized user interface, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4B, there is shown a
flow chart 450 in which, at step 460, the user interface
application received by the broadband gateway 102 may be installed
and/or configured. In an embodiment of the invention, once the user
interface application has been verified, the user may be prompted
with a series of instructions and/or steps that are to be followed
to install the user interface application. The installation
operation may comprise configuring the user interface application
based on a standard configuration or a non-standard configuration.
In a standard configuration, the customized user interface to be
generated by the user interface application has a set or fixed
group of features. Such features may be included in a configuration
file downloaded with the user interface application. In the
non-standard configuration, the user may be prompted to make
certain selections regarding some or all of the features of the
customized user interface. The various options to be presented to
the user to make the selections may be included in the
configuration file.
[0100] In addition to layout, visual characteristics, and/or a
theme, the features associated with the customized user interface
may also include a set of functions. The functions may comprise
information organization functions, information creation functions,
information storage functions, information deletion functions,
information management functions, and/or on-demand access
functions. With these functions, a user may utilize the customized
user interface to access and/or control programming content,
metadata, and/or other content that may be accessible through the
broadband gateway 102. Moreover, the information provided by the
user may be utilized by the broadband gateway 102 to manage the use
and/or operation of the user interface application.
[0101] As part of the installation of the user interface
application, the broadband gateway 102 may disable an application,
software, or code installed in the broadband gateway 102 that may
generate a native user interface. Moreover, the broadband gateway
102 may disable and/or replace a user interface provided by a
service provider with the customized user interface generated by
the user interface application. In each of these scenarios, the
broadband gateway 102 may enable a user, when he or she so desires,
to revert back to the native user interface or the user interface
provided by the service provider.
[0102] At step 470, the user interface application may be executed
or operated to generate the customized user interface. The user
interface application may receive programming scheduling
information, metadata, historical user preference information,
and/or configuration information to generate image data and/or
audio data associated with the customized user interface. The user
interface application may comprise a rendering engine, for example,
that may receive the image data and may render a video stream or
feed to be communicated to the television 104a. An audio stream or
feed, synchronized to the video stream, may also be communicated
from the broadband gateway 102 to the television 104a. The
television 104a may display the images and/or video associated with
video stream and may reproduce the sound associated with the audio
stream to present the user with the customized user interface that
he or she wanted.
[0103] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a broadband gateway that
handles multiple user interfaces, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown the broadband
gateway 102 and the television 104a. The broadband gateway 102 may
have received more than one user interface applications in response
to several requests made by one or more users of the broadband
gateway 102. Each of the various user interface applications may
have been installed and/or configured to have a different set of
features. In some instances, some or all of the user interface
applications may be associated with a particular theme. The
broadband gateway 102 may be utilized to manage the user interface
applications and the user interfaces that they generate.
[0104] In the exemplary scenario shown in FIG. 5, the broadband
gateway 102 may generate and present a list of customized user
interfaces that may be generated based on the user interface
applications installed in the broadband gateway 102. For example,
there may be a "Sports" user interface, a "Dad 1" user interface, a
"Kids" user interface, a "Mom" user interface, a "Dad 2" user
interface, and a "Native Interface."
[0105] The "Sports" user interface may have features that address a
sports theme. For example, prominence may be given to the
presentation of sports-related programming scheduling information
in the "Sports" user interface. The "Sports" user interface may be
generated by a user interface application, which was downloaded,
installed, and/or configured in response to a request by one of the
users of the broadband gateway 102. The "Sports" user interface may
be enabled or selected through the menu 510 presented by the
broadband gateway 102 through the television 104a. The menu 510 may
also enable the user to program at what times and/or in which
devices to make the "Sports" user interface a default user
interface, for example.
[0106] The "Kids" and "Mom" user interfaces may have features that
address, for example, a children's television theme and a news
theme, respectively. For example, the children's-television-themed
user interface application may enable filtering of programming that
may not be suitable for children and prominence may be given to
children and/or young adult programming scheduling information.
Accordingly, the look-and-feel and/or functionality of the "Kids"
user interface may be different from the look-and-feel and/or
functionality of the "Sports" user interface. The "Kids" user
interface may be enabled or selected through the menu 510 presented
by the broadband gateway 102 through the television 104a. The menu
510 may also enable the user to program at what times and/or in
which devices to make the "Kids" user interface a default user
interface.
[0107] The "Dad 1" and "Dad 2" user interfaces may be different
user interfaces that are preferred by the same user but for
different occasions. For example, the "Dad 1" user interface may be
associated with a movie theme, while the "Dad 2" user interface may
be associated with a sitcom theme. The "Dad 1" and "Dad 2" user
interfaces may result from utilizing two different user interface
applications or from utilizing the same user interface application
in two different configurations. The user of the "Dad 1" and "Dad
2" user interfaces may select which one to use through the menu
510. The menu 510 may also enable the user to program at what times
and/or in which devices to make the "Dad 1" user interface a
default user interface and at what times and/or in which devices to
make the "Dad 2" user interface a default user interface.
[0108] The "Native Interface" may refer to the user interface
provided with the broadband gateway 102 or the user interface
associated with a service provider. In either case, the broadband
gateway 102, through the menu 510, may enable the user to select
the "Native Interface" whenever he or she prefers to do so. In some
instances, the user may select to have the "Native Interface" be
the default user interface.
[0109] Managing the user interface applications and the user
interfaces that they generate may comprise adding new options
and/or removing existing options over time. Since the broadband
gateway 102 may be programmed to control when and/or where a
particular user interface is to be displayed, the broadband gateway
102 may be operable to enable and disable various user interface
applications and, in some instances, may be operable to run or
operate more than one user interface application concurrently.
[0110] The user interface applications need not be limited to the
themes described in the exemplary scenario of FIG. 5. Other themes,
such as a soap operas theme, a talk shows theme, a drama theme, a
reality television theme, and a detective theme, for example, may
be associated with a customized user interface and its
corresponding user interface application.
[0111] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps for
obtaining multiple user interface applications and selecting one to
generate a user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a flow chart 600 in
which, at step 610, the broadband gateway 102 may receive more than
one user interface applications. Each of the user interface
applications may have been downloaded and stored in the broadband
gateway 102 after a search and selection of a customized user
interface by one or more users of the broadband gateway 102. As
described above with respect to step 440 in FIG. 4A, each user
interface applications received may be verified by the broadband
gateway 102. Accordingly, each user interface application may need
to pass verification, otherwise, the broadband gateway 102 may not
allow the installation, configuration, and/or operation of the user
interface application.
[0112] At step 620, each of the user interface applications
received by the broadband gateway 102 may be installed and/or
configured. For each user interface application, a corresponding
user may be prompted with a series of instructions and/or steps
that are to be followed to install the user interface
application.
[0113] At step 630, the broadband gateway 102 may receive
instructions or commands to select one of the installed user
interface applications. In an embodiment of the invention, the
selection may be in response to a user input. In another embodiment
of the invention, the selection may be in response to a programmed
or determined schedule that identifies when, where, and/or which
customized user interface is to be displayed.
[0114] At step 640, the user interface application that is selected
in step 630 may be utilized to generate a user interface. The
generation may comprise generating image data and rendering the
image data to produce a video stream. The generation may also
comprise generating audio data to produce an audio stream that may
be synchronized with the video stream. At step 650, the user
interface that is generated in step 640 may be communicated to the
appropriate display device for display to a user.
[0115] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a broadband gateway that
handles multiple user interfaces, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. Referring to FIG. 7A, a user A may prefer to be
presented with programming scheduling information and/or with other
content-related information through a customized user interface
720. The user interface 720 may have a unique set of features,
functional and visual, that are suitable to user A. In one
embodiment of the invention, when user A is using the television
104a, he or she may select that user interface 720 be generated and
displayed. In another embodiment of the invention, when user A is
using the television 104a at a particular time, the broadband
gateway 104a may have been programmed and/or may have information
about the historical use of the television 104a by user A to
automatically generate and send the user interface 720 to the
television 104a without direct input from user A.
[0116] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a broadband gateway that
handles multiple user interfaces, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. Referring to FIG. 7B, a user B may prefer to be
presented with programming scheduling information and/or other
content-related information through a customized user interface
730, which is different from the user interface 720. The user
interface 730 may have a unique set of features, functional and
visual, that are suitable to user B. In one embodiment of the
invention, when user B is using the television 104a, he or she may
select that user interface 730 be generated and displayed. In
another embodiment of the invention, when user B is using the
television 104a at a particular time, the broadband gateway 102 may
have been programmed and/or may have information about the
historical use of the television 104a by user B to automatically
generate and send the user interface 730 to the television 104a
without direct input from user B.
[0117] As illustrated by FIGS. 7A and 7B, the broadband gateway 102
may keep track of whether user A or user B is using the television
104a, may generate the appropriate customized user interface for
the appropriate user at the appropriate time, and may update the
historical user preference information for each of user A and user
B.
[0118] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a broadband gateway that
concurrently handles multiple user interfaces, in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the broadband
gateway 102 may be operable to concurrently generate a customized
user interface 820 that is preferred by user A and a customized
user interface 830 that is preferred by user B. In an embodiment of
the invention, user A may select to have the user interface 820
displayed by a television 804a. The broadband gateway 102 may
generate the user interface 820 utilizing a corresponding user
interface application installed in the broadband gateway 102. The
user interface 820 is then communicated to the television 804a for
display through a link 806a. User B may select to have the user
interface 830 displayed by a television 804b. The broadband gateway
102 may concurrently generate the user interface 830 utilizing a
corresponding user interface application installed in the broadband
gateway 102. The user interface 830 is then communicated to the
television 804b for display through a link 806b.
[0119] Although the scenario described with respect to FIG. 8 shows
two different customized user interfaces being concurrently
generated and displayed, embodiments of the invention need not be
so limited. The broadband gateway 102 may be operable to
concurrently generate more than two customized user interfaces that
may be displayed in different devices communicatively coupled to
the broadband gateway 102.
[0120] In an embodiment of the invention, a method and a system may
comprise having a broadband gateway, such as the broadband gateway
102, that is operable to handle a plurality of physical layer
connections to a plurality of corresponding network access service
providers, such as the network access service providers 120. The
broadband gateway 102 may enable communication with a plurality of
devices, such as the home devices 104a-104j, for example. The
broadband gateway 102 may receive a user interface application in
based on user input. The broadband gateway 102 may configure the
received user interface application and may generate a user
interface for display via a display device, such as the television
104a, utilizing the configured user interface application. The
received user interface application may be configured based on
configuration information received in response to the user
input.
[0121] The user interface may be generated by the broadband gateway
102 based on programming information received through one or more
of the network access service providers 120. The user interface may
be generated based on metadata associated with the received
programming information, wherein the metadata may be received
through one or more of the network access service providers 120.
The user interface may be generated based on content stored in one
or both of the broadband gateway 120 and a device communicatively
coupled to the broadband gateway 120 through a local network, such
as the home network 100a. An example of such a content storage
device is the DVR 104j described above with respect to FIG. 1. The
user interface may be generated based on historical user preference
information stored in the broadband gateway 120.
[0122] The user interface application may be a first user interface
application and the user interface may be a first user interface.
In such instances, the broadband gateway 102 may receive a second
user interface application different from the first user interface
application based on a separate user input. The broadband gateway
102 may configure the received second user interface application.
The received second user interface application may be configured
based on configuration information received in response to the
separate user input. The broadband gateway 102 may select one of
the configured first user interface application and the configured
second user interface application. When the configured second user
interface application is selected, the broadband gateway 102 may
generate a second user interface different from the first user
interface for display via the television 104a utilizing the
configured second user interface application. The second user
interface may be generated based on the received programming
information. A layout associated with the first user interface may
be different from a layout associated with the second user
interface.
[0123] The broadband gateway 102 may configure the received first
user interface application to enable a first set of functions and
the received second user interface application to enable a second
set of functions different from the first set of functions. Each of
the first set of functions and the second set of functions
comprises one or more of information organization functions,
information creation functions, information storage functions,
information deletion functions, information management functions,
and on-demand access functions.
[0124] The broadband gateway 102 may configure the received first
user interface application based on a first theme and the received
second user interface based on a second theme different from the
first theme. Each of the first theme and the second theme may be
one of a sports theme, a movie theme, a news theme, a children's
television theme, a soap operas theme, a talk shows theme, a drama
theme, a reality television theme, and a detective theme.
[0125] Another embodiment of the invention may provide a
non-transitory machine and/or computer readable storage and/or
medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer
program having at least one code section executable by a machine
and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to
perform the steps as described herein for supporting a
user-specified and/or customized user interface for a broadband
gateway.
[0126] Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in
hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The
present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at
least one computer system or in a distributed fashion where
different elements may be spread across several interconnected
computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus
adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A
typical combination of hardware and software may be a
general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when
being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that
it carries out the methods described herein.
[0127] The present invention may also be embedded in a computer
program product, which comprises all the features enabling the
implementation of the methods described herein, and which when
loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.
Computer program in the present context means any expression, in
any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended
to cause a system having an information processing capability to
perform a particular function either directly or after either or
both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or
notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
[0128] While the present invention has been described with
reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the present
invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention
will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
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