U.S. patent application number 13/280213 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for interactive television program guide with simultaneous watch and record capabilities.
This patent application is currently assigned to United Video Properties, Inc.. Invention is credited to Donald W. Allison, Michael D. Ellis, Thomas R. Lemmons, Connie T. Marshall.
Application Number | 20120148212 13/280213 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22217915 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120148212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ellis; Michael D. ; et
al. |
June 14, 2012 |
INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE WITH SIMULTANEOUS WATCH AND
RECORD CAPABILITIES
Abstract
An interactive television program guide system is provided in
which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while
simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the
recording or viewing process. This interactive television program
guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the
program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending
on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch
and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top
box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital
switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented
using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor
and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a
very versatile watch and record environment for the user.
Inventors: |
Ellis; Michael D.; (Boulder,
CO) ; Lemmons; Thomas R.; (Sand Springs, OK) ;
Marshall; Connie T.; (Muskogee, OK) ; Allison; Donald
W.; (Tulsa, OK) |
Assignee: |
United Video Properties,
Inc.
Santa Clara
CA
|
Family ID: |
22217915 |
Appl. No.: |
13/280213 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11894622 |
Aug 20, 2007 |
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13280213 |
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11154065 |
Jun 15, 2005 |
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11894622 |
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10723586 |
Nov 24, 2003 |
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11154065 |
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09329850 |
Jun 11, 1999 |
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10723586 |
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60089487 |
Jun 16, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/238 ;
386/E5.001; 725/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/47 20130101;
H04N 21/47214 20130101; H04N 5/76 20130101; H04N 21/4263 20130101;
H04N 5/775 20130101; H04N 5/7755 20130101; H04N 7/163 20130101;
H04N 5/85 20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/4135 20130101;
H04N 21/4334 20130101; H04N 5/782 20130101; H04N 21/4821 20130101;
H04N 21/4383 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/238 ; 725/39;
386/E05.001 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/76 20060101
H04N005/76; H04N 21/462 20110101 H04N021/462 |
Claims
1-199. (canceled)
200. A method for performing multiple operations using multiple
tuners included in a single device, the multiple tuners controlled
by an interactive television program guide, the method comprising:
receiving a first user input to perform a first tuning operation;
in response to the first user input, allocating a first tuner to
perform the first tuning operation; receiving a second user input
to perform a second tuning operation; in response to the second
user input, determining whether the first tuner is available to
perform both the first tuning operation and the second tuning
operation; and allocating a second tuner to perform the second
tuning operation to prevent interruption of the first tuning
operation performed by the first tuner when it is determined that
the first tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning
operation and the second tuning operation.
201. The method of claim 200 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning
operation and the second tuning operation occurs when the first
user input comprises a user selection of a first channel for
viewing using the interactive television program guide, and the
second user input comprises a user selection of a second channel
for recording using the interactive television program guide.
202. The method of claim 200 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning
operation and the second tuning operation occurs when the first
user input comprises a user selection of a first channel for
viewing using the interactive television program guide, and the
second user input comprises a user selection of a second channel
for viewing using the interactive television program guide.
203. The method of claim 200 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning
operation and the second tuning operation occurs when the first
user input comprises a user selection of a first channel for
recording using the interactive television program guide, and the
second user input comprises a user selection of a second channel
for recording using the interactive television program guide.
204. The method of claim 200 further comprising: allocating the
first tuner to perform both the first tuning operation and the
second tuning operation when it is determined that the first tuner
is available to perform both the first tuning operation and the
second tuning operation.
205. The method of claim 204 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is available to perform both the first tuning operation
and the second tuning operation occurs when the first user input
comprises a user selection of a first channel for viewing using the
interactive television program guide, and the second user input
comprises a user selection of the first channel for recording using
the interactive television program guide.
206. The method of claim 205 further comprising: receiving a user
selection of a second channel for viewing using the interactive
television program guide; and in response to the user selection of
the second channel for viewing, allocating the second tuner to tune
to the second channel for viewing to prevent interruption of the
recording.
207. The method of claim 200 further comprising: determining
whether the second tuner is capable of performing more tuner
functions than the first tuner; and wherein the allocating the
first tuner to perform the first tuning operation further comprises
allocating the first tuner to perform the first tuning operation
when it is determined that the second tuner is capable of
performing more tuner functions than the first tuner.
208. The method of claim 200 further comprising: receiving at least
one other user input to perform at least one other tuning
operation; in response to the other user input, determining whether
the first tuner or the second tuner is available to perform the
other tuning operation; and allocating at least one other tuner to
perform the other user tuning operation when it is determined that
the first tuner or the second tuner is not available to perform the
other tuning operation.
209. The method of claim 200 wherein the first user input or the
second user input comprise a user selection using the interactive
television program guide of a tuner function selected from the
group consisting of providing a picture-in-picture signal,
collecting program guide data, browsing the Internet, and playing a
music channel.
210. The method of claim 200 wherein allocation of the first tuner
and the second tuner is performed using switching circuitry.
211. A system for performing multiple operations using multiple
tuners controlled by an interactive television program guide, the
system comprising: a first tuner; a second tuner, wherein the first
tuner and second tuner are included in a single device; and an
interactive television program guide implemented on the system,
wherein the interactive television program guide is operative to:
receive a first user input to perform a first tuning operation; in
response to the first user input, allocate the first tuner to
perform the first tuning operation; receive a second user input to
perform a second tuning operation; in response to the second user
input, determine whether the first tuner is available to perform
both the first tuning operation and the second tuning operation;
and allocate the second tuner to perform the second tuning
operation to prevent interruption of the first tuning operation
performed by the first tuner when it is determined that the first
tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning operation
and the second tuning operation.
212. The system of claim 211 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning
operation and the second tuning operation occurs when the first
user input comprises a user selection of a first channel for
viewing using the interactive television program guide, and the
second user input comprises a user selection of a second channel
for recording using the interactive television program guide.
213. The system of claim 211 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning
operation and the second tuning operation occurs when the first
user input comprises a user selection of a first channel for
viewing using the interactive television program guide, and the
second user input comprises a user selection of a second channel
for viewing using the interactive television program guide.
214. The system of claim 211 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is not available to perform both the first tuning
operation and the second tuning operation occurs when the first
user input comprises a user selection of a first channel for
recording using the interactive television program guide, and the
second user input comprises a user selection of a second channel
for recording using the interactive television program guide.
215. The system of claim 211 wherein the interactive television
program guide is further operative to: allocate the first tuner to
perform both the first tuning operation and the second tuning
operation when it is determined that the first tuner is available
to perform both the first tuning operation and the second tuning
operation.
216. The system of claim 215 wherein the determination that the
first tuner is available to perform both the first tuning operation
and the second tuning operation occurs when the first user input
comprises a user selection of a first channel for viewing using the
interactive television program guide, and the second user input
comprises a user selection of the first channel for recording using
the interactive television program guide.
217. The system of claim 216 wherein the interactive television
program guide is further operative to: receive a user selection of
a second channel for viewing; and in response to the user selection
of the second channel for viewing, allocate the second tuner to
tune to the second channel for viewing to prevent interruption of
the recording.
218. The system of claim 211 wherein the interactive television
program guide is further operative to: determine whether the second
tuner is capable of performing more tuner functions than the first
tuner; and wherein the allocating the first tuner to perform the
first tuning operation further comprises allocating the first tuner
to perform the first tuning operation when it is determined that
the second tuner is capable of performing more tuner functions than
the first tuner.
219. The system of claim 211 wherein the interactive television
program guide is further operative to: receive at least one other
user input to perform at least one other tuning operation; in
response to the other user input, determine whether the first tuner
or the second tuner is available to perform the other tuning
operation; and allocate at least one other tuner to perform the
other tuning operation when it is determined that the first tuner
or the second tuner is not available to perform the other tuning
operation.
220. The system of claim 211 wherein the first user input or the
second user input comprise a user selection using the interactive
television program guide of a tuner function selected from the
group consisting of providing a picture-in-picture signal,
collecting program guide data, browsing the Internet, and playing a
music channel.
221. The system of claim 211 further comprising: switching
circuitry, wherein the switching circuitry is used to allocate the
first tuner and the second tuner.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application No. 60/089,487, filed Jun. 16, 1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to interactive television program
guides, and more particularly, to television program guides that
allow users to record one program while simultaneously watching a
different program.
[0003] Interactive program guides are typically implemented on
set-top boxes. The program guides implemented on set-top boxes
allow users to view television program listings. In addition, some
program guides allow the user to select a program to be recorded.
When the selected program begins, the program guide tunes the
set-top box to the channel showing the program and directs a
videocassette recorder ("VCR") to begin recording. At the end of
the selected program, the program guide stops the recording
process.
[0004] A significant disadvantage to the program guides that are
currently available is that they are generally based on set-top
boxes that contain one tuner (although set-top boxes containing two
tuners have been proposed). A program may be selected for recording
using such one-tuner program guides, however, a viewer is unable to
watch one program while simultaneously recording another.
[0005] What is needed is a more sophisticated program guide that
can perform an allocation function amongst multiple tuners or a
single tuner in conjunction with a RF bypass switch inside a
set-top box or alternatively, outside the set-top box to allow a
viewer to watch one program while simultaneously recording another
program.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an interactive television program guide system which allows
a user to record one program while simultaneously watching another
program.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides the user of an interactive
television program guide with the ability to watch one program
while simultaneously recording another. The user may select a
television program to be recorded by viewing the interactive
television program guide's program listings display screen and
making a selection using a remote control device. The selection is
then stored in memory that resides in the set-top box or some other
suitable device such as a satellite receiver, an advanced
television with a processor and memory or a computer.
[0008] If the set-top box is equipped with multiple tuners, the
interactive television program guide will allocate one of the
tuners for recording the program when it is time for the program to
start. However, if all of the tuners are in use, which may be the
case if the viewer is watching one program and using a
picture-in-picture ("PIP") feature to view another program or to
display additional text or graphics by using some other secondary
tuner function feature that requires a tuner to operate, the
interactive television program guide may allocate a tuner for the
recording function if the user indicates that he is no longer
interested in using the PIP or another secondary tuner function or
if the tuner allocation scheme dictates it do so. Alternatively, if
the set-top box is equipped with two tuners, one may be dedicated
for television viewing and interactive television program guide
user features, while the other tuner may be dedicated for recording
use only.
[0009] The present invention may also be practiced using a set-top
box system having a single tuner and a radio-frequency ("RF")
bypass or digital switch. With such a system, the interactive
television program guide allocates use of the single tuner output
and controls the switch output to provide a watch and record
environment for the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention, together with its various features and
advantages, can be readily understood from the following more
detailed description taken in conjunction with accompanying
drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
television program guide system in which an interactive television
program guide is implemented in accordance with the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 1(b) is a diagram of the user television equipment that
includes alternative devices for the user program guide equipment,
recording device and viewing device.
[0013] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
television program guide system that includes a two-tuner set-top
box in which the output of each tuner is connected directly into an
external device in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2(b) is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
television program guide system that includes a two-tuner set-top
box in which the output of each tuner is connected to switching
circuitry in accordance with the present invention. The outputs of
the switching circuitry are connected to external devices.
[0015] FIG. 3(a) is a flow chart that illustrates steps involved in
using an interactive television program guide system that includes
a set-top box that has two tuners of the type shown in FIG. 2(a) in
accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3(b) is a flow chart that illustrates steps involved in
using an interactive television program guide system that includes
a set-top box that has two tuners and switching circuitry of the
type shown in FIG. 2(b) in accordance with the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3(c) is an illustrative flow chart showing steps
involved in providing a secondary function in accordance with the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4(a) is an illustrative interactive television program
guide selection screen that may be provided on a user's television
in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4(b) is an illustrative interactive television program
guide viewer option selection screen for use in canceling a
picture-in-picture function or other secondary user functions in
accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4(c) is an illustrative interactive television program
guide viewer option selection screen for use in the cancellation of
a scheduled recording in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
television program guide system that includes a set-top box with
one tuner, an external radio frequency (RF) bypass switch, and an
external infrared (IR) transmitter, and where the set-top box tuner
output is received by a videocassette recorder (VCR) in accordance
with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system that includes a set-top
box that has one tuner and an external RF bypass switch of the type
shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
television program guide system that includes a set-top box that
has one tuner, an external RF bypass switch, and an external IR
transmitter, and in which the set-top box tuner output is connected
to the television in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system that includes a set-top
box that has one tuner and an external RF bypass switch and in
which the set-top box tuner output is connected to the television
as shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
television program guide system that includes a set-top box that
has one tuner, an external RF bypass switching circuitry unit, and
an external IR transmitter in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system that includes a set-top
box of the type shown in FIG. 9 having one tuner, an external RF
bypass switching circuitry unit, and an external IR transmitter in
accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram illustrating a switching position to
which an external RF bypass switching circuitry unit can be set so
that both outputs of the RF bypass switching circuitry unit
transmit a processed signal in accordance with the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram illustrating a switching position to
which an external RF bypass switching circuitry unit can be set so
that an unprocessed television signal is directed to the VCR and a
processed television signal is directed to the television in
accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 11(c) is a diagram illustrating a switching position to
which an external RF bypass switching circuit can be set so that
the unprocessed television signal is directed to the television
input and the processed television signal is directed to the VCR
input in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive
television program guide system that includes a set-top box that
has one tuner, an external RF bypass switching circuitry unit
described in FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c), and an external IR
transmitter in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system that includes a set-top
box that has one tuner and an external RF bypass switching
circuitry unit as shown in FIG. 11 having three distinct switching
positions in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] FIG. 1(a) shows an illustrative interactive television
program guide system 100 in accordance with the present invention.
Main facility 102 contains a program guide database 104 for storing
program guide information such as television program guide listings
data, pay-per-view ordering information, television program
promotional information, etc. Information from database 104 may be
transmitted to multiple television distribution facilities 110 via
communications link 120. Only one such facility 110 is shown in
FIG. 1 to avoid over-complicating the drawing. Communications link
120 may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or
fiber optic link, a microwave link, a combination of such links, or
any other suitable communication path. If it is desired to transmit
video signals over link 120 in addition to data signals, a
relatively high bandwidth link such as a satellite link is
generally preferable to a relatively low bandwidth link such as a
telephone line. Television distribution facility 110 is a facility
for distributing television signals and data to users, such as a
cable system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, or a
satellite television distribution facility.
[0033] The program guide information transmitted by main facility
102 to television distribution facility 110 includes television
program listings data for current and future television programs.
The television program listings data for each program preferably
includes the title of the program, the channel for the program, a
scheduled broadcast time (start time) and an ending time or the
duration of the program. Other typical program listings data
includes ratings, critics ratings, descriptions, genres (sport,
movies, children, etc.), actors, etc. Transmitted program
information may also include advertising information and pay
program data such as pricing information for individual programs
and subscription channels, telephone numbers for placing orders
that cannot be impulse ordered, etc.
[0034] Television distribution facility 110 distributes television
programming and program guide information to the user television
equipment 106 of multiple users via communications paths 108. For
example, television programming may be distributed over analog
television channels and program guide data may be distributed over
an out-of-band link on paths 108. Data distribution may also
involve using one or more digital channels on paths 108. Such
digital channels may also be used for distributing television
programming and other information. Multiple television and audio
channels (analog, digital, or both analog and digital) may be
provided to set-top boxes 112 via communication paths 108. If
desired, program listings and other information may be distributed
by one or more distribution facilities that are separate from
television distribution facility 110 using communications paths
that are separate from paths 108.
[0035] Certain functions such as pay program purchasing may require
set-top boxes 112 to transmit data to television distribution
facility 110 over communications paths 108. If desired, such data
may be transmitted over telephone lines or other separate
communications paths. If functions such as these are provided using
facilities separate from television distribution facility 110, some
of the communications involving set-top boxes 112 may be made
directly with the separate facility.
[0036] Each user has user program guide equipment that acts as a
receiver. The user program guide equipment is typically a set-top
box such as set-top box 112, but which may be other suitable
television equipment into which circuitry similar to set-top box
circuitry has been integrated. Program guide data is distributed to
set-top boxes 112 periodically, continuously or on demand.
Television distribution facility 110 may also poll set-top boxes
112 periodically for certain information (e.g., pay program account
information or information regarding programs that have been
purchased and viewed using locally-generated authorization
techniques). Main facility 102 preferably contains a processor to
handle information distribution tasks. Each set-top box 112
preferably contains a processor to handle tasks associated with
implementing a interactive television program guide application on
the set-top box 112. Television distribution facility 110 may
contain a processor for tasks associated with monitoring a user's
interactions with the interactive television program guide
implemented on set-top boxes 112 and for handling tasks associated
with the distribution of program guide data and other information
to user television equipment 106.
[0037] Each set-top box 112 is typically connected to an optional
recording device such as videocassette recorder (VCR) 114 or other
suitable recording device, so that selected television programs may
be recorded. VCR 114 may be connected to television 116 (or other
suitable viewing device such as a monitor) or set-top box 112 may
be connected to television 116 (or other suitable viewing device).
To record a program, set-top box 112 tunes to a particular channel
and sends control signals via infrared (IR) transmitter 200, other
suitable control paths such as a hard-wired link or serial bus 201
to VCR 114. The control signals direct VCR 114 to start and stop
recording at the appropriate times.
[0038] During use of the interactive television program guide
implemented on set-top box 112, television program listings and
other information may be displayed on television 116. Such
interactive television program guide displays may be overlaid on
top of a television program to which the user has tuned with
set-top box 112 or may be displayed in place of such a program.
Each set-top box 112, VCR 114, and television 116 may be controlled
by one or more remote controls 118 or any other suitable user input
interface such as a wireless keyboard, mouse, trackball, dedicated
set of buttons, voice recognition system etc. Remote controls such
as remote control 118 have various buttons that may be pressed by
the user such as cursor keys (for on-screen movement of a
highlighted region, scrolling functions, etc.), an enter key (for
making a selection), channel number keys (for selecting functions
related to user preferences), etc.
[0039] FIG. 1(b) shows alternative devices that may be used in
implementing the interactive television program guide. The
interactive television program guide may be implemented on user
program guide equipment that includes a set-top box, advanced
television receiver with a microprocessor and memory, a personal
computer with or without one or more tuners, a satellite receiver,
a high definition television ("HDTV") receiver, or any other
suitable television reception and data processing device. A
suitable personal computer arrangement may contain a tuner card
that contains suitable analog and digital tuning circuitry to
perform the simultaneous watch and record features. A tuner card
may contain two analog tuners that both receive television program
signals from the television input signal and are controlled by the
interactive television program guide. Typically a digital tuner for
the interactive television program guide system may contain an
analog tuner, a decoder such as a Motion Pictures Experts Group
("MPEG") MPEG-2 decoder, a demodulator such as a quadrature
amplitude modulation ("QAM") demodulator, and a demultiplexer such
as a MPEG-2 demultiplexer that is used to extract the portion of
the television input signal that is desirable to the user and
corresponds to a particular television program or channel.
Alternatives for the recording device include a videocassette
recorder, a digital versatile disk or digital video disk ("DVD")
player with recording capabilities, a digital storage device such
as a disk drive or other suitable digital storage device that may
or may not be part of the computer, or any other suitable recording
device. The recording device may also be a videocassette recorder
controlled by the computer. Alternatives for the viewing device
include a television, a monitor with or without an attached
computer, or the viewing equipment portion of a personal
computer-television (PC/TV). The viewing device may also be an
analog or digital television.
[0040] FIG. 2(a) shows an illustrative two-tuner set-top box 112.
The television input signal 206 may be received from a cable
connected to a cable system headend or from an antenna that
receives satellite television transmissions. Television signals may
also be received that are distributed, for example, by terrestrial
wireless communications systems such as microwave-based
communications systems or the like. If desired, television signals
may be received from conventional broadcast television systems.
Television-like signals may be received over the Internet (e.g.,
using video compression techniques). Television signals from these
sources or any other such suitable sources may be combined if
desired. Television signals may be analog or digital (e.g., in the
MPEG-2 format or the like). A television input signal that has not
been processed by a tuner or decoder in the program guide equipment
is referred to herein as a raw signal.
[0041] The unprocessed television input signal on line 206 is
provided to set-top box 112. The unprocessed television input
signal on line 206 is then received by tuner 202 and tuner 204
which process this signal by decoding it and tuning to desired
television channels. The television input signal on line 206 is
typically an analog television signal and the invention will
generally be described in this context. However, the principals of
the present invention also apply to set-top boxes that receive
digital television signals as well. The principals of the present
invention apply to satellite receivers, cable set-top boxes, and
other devices suitable for the reception of television signals such
as microwave television receivers, or broadcast television system
receivers. However, for clarity the present invention will be
described primarily in the context of cable set-top boxes. Tuner
outputs 208 and 210 of each tuner are respectively connected to
audio/video output 1 and audio/video output 2 of set-top box 112.
Audio/video output 1 and audio/video output 2 may be connected to
external devices such as either a television or VCR. Formats for
audio/video output 1 and audio/video output 2 may include RF or
baseband analog, MPEG-2 carried on an IEEE 1394 bus, or any other
suitable format.
[0042] In this example, audio/video output 204 is connected to VCR
114. Accordingly, with the arrangement of FIG. 2(a), the
interactive television program guide always uses the same tuner for
recording functions, because tuner 204 is dedicated for that
purpose. However, VCR 114 may be connected to either audio/video
output 1 or audio/video output 2 so that if VCR 114 is connected to
audio/video output 1, tuner 202 will be used exclusively for
recording.
[0043] FIG. 2(a) also shows that the interactive television program
guide system may include an external IR transmitter 200 for
communicating with VCR 114. External IR transmitter 200 receives
interactive television program guide command signals from set-top
box 112 on line 212. Although in FIG. 2(a) and other drawings, IR
transmitter 200 is depicted as being external to the set-top box
112, this configuration may be modified if desired by using a
set-top box that includes an internal IR transmitter capable of
transmitting an infrared signal at an optimal trajectory such that
it is effectively received by external devices such VCR 114 and
television 116. IR transmitter 200 may be optimally positioned so
that VCR 114 will receive the IR signal effectively. Alternatively,
the interactive program guide system may include two IR
transmitters, one for VCR 114 and one for television 116 or other
equipment for communicating with the recording device such as
optional serial bus 201. The interactive television program guide
command signals on line 212 that are provided to IR transmitter 200
allow channel selection requests and VCR start and record commands
to be sent from the interactive television program guide in set-top
box 112 to VCR 114. The interactive television program guide
commands that are sent to VCR 114 are based on the user's
interactions with the interactive television program guide (i.e.,
to select programs for recording, etc,).
[0044] FIG. 3(a) is a flow chart showing steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system having a set-top box
configuration such as shown in FIG. 2(a). At step 300, the
interactive television program guide provides the user with an
opportunity to select a program to be recorded at some later time.
The user may select a program to be recorded from a interactive
television program guide screen such as interactive television
program guide program selection screen 400 of FIG. 4(a), which the
interactive television program guide displays on the user's
television. By entering a selection using remote control 118, the
user may select a program to be recorded. The user may enter a
selection into remote control 118 by using the up and down cursor
buttons on remote control 118 to highlight the desired selection
with a highlight region such as highlight region 402. In the
example depicted in FIG. 4(a), program 10, is being selected for
recording at 7:30 on channel 4. The user may initiate recording by
pressing a remote control "record" button or by pressing an "OK"
button followed by appropriate responses to various on-screen menus
generated by the interactive television program guide.
[0045] At step 302 of FIG. 3(a), the interactive television program
guide sends commands to tuner 204 of FIG. 2(a) at the time the
program selected after step 300 is about to begin. These commands
allow the interactive television program guide to tune tuner 204 to
the channel of the program selected for recording.
[0046] At step 304, the interactive television program guide sends
commands via IR transmitter 200 that direct VCR 114 of FIG. 2(a)
begin recording. Optionally, the interactive television program
guide may send commands that direct VCR 114 to turn on if
necessary. While tuner 204 of FIG. 2(a) is being used to record the
selected program, tuner 202 may be used to view any program made
available to the user on television input signal 206 by television
distribution facility 110. In addition, the user may use the
interactive television program guide without any limitations as to
which tuner-related features of the interactive television program
guide may be used. This two-tuner set-top box system provides a
system by which the user may simultaneously watch one program and
record another.
[0047] At step 306 of FIG. 3(a), the interactive television program
guide sends IR commands to VCR 114 at the end of the recorded
program. These IR commands instruct VCR 114 to stop recording.
Optionally, the interactive television program guide may send
commands that direct VCR 114 to turn off if necessary.
[0048] FIG. 2(b) shows another illustrative arrangement of a
two-tuner set-top box 112. The arrangement of FIG. 2(b) allows the
interactive television program guide to allocate whichever tuner is
not currently busy for recording a selected program when that
program is about to begin. Outputs 208 and 210 of tuners 202 and
204 respectively, of FIG. 2(b) are connected to inputs 214 and 216,
respectively, of switching circuitry 218. Switching circuitry 218
is controlled by interactive television program guide command
signals on line 212. Switching circuitry 218 has two outputs 220
and 222. Each of the switching circuitry outputs 220 and 222 may be
connected to at least one external device such as television 116 or
VCR 114. The arrangement of FIG. 2(b) is similar to the arrangement
of FIG. 2(a), except that the FIG.(b) arrangement has switching
circuitry that allows the interactive television program guide to
switch tuner outputs so that each external device may receive
output from either tuner 202 or tuner 204, whereas the arrangement
in FIG. 2(a) only allows the tuner outputs to be dedicated to one
external device or another. Further, in the configuration of FIG.
2(b), both switching circuitry outputs 220 and 222 are connected to
television 116 and output 222 is also connected to VCR 114. Output
220 is connected to the regular television input and Output 222 is
connected to the Picture-In-Picture input or some other auxiliary
television input. This configuration allows the user to use
secondary functions such as PIP while viewing television 116.
Alternatively, the picture-in-picture output from one tuner may be
combined internally in the set-top box with the processed signal
output from the other tuner to create one output that is connected
to television 116.
[0049] FIG. 3(b) shows a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system having a set-top box
configured as shown in FIG. 2(b). Before step 300, a user may use
the interactive television program guide to select a particular
television program for viewing. The interactive television program
guide commands a first non-busy tuner to direct its output to
television 116 for user viewing. At step 300, the interactive
television program guide provides the user with an opportunity to
select a program to be recorded. The user may also activate a
secondary function for the set-top box tuner such as a
picture-in-picture function or the interactive television program
guide may utilize that tuner for another secondary function such as
collecting program guide data, browsing the Internet, playing a
particular music channel, using interactive services or running a
background process.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 3c, when a user activates a secondary tuner
function, the tuner for that function (e.g., the tuner other than
the first non-busy tuner) may perform that secondary tuner function
at step 322. Step 322 may also involve non-user activated secondary
tuner functions such as step 324 that provides support for
background processes. A background process supported may be
collecting interactive television program guide data. Step 324 may
be performed, for example, by tuning the other tuner to a channel
on which interactive television program guide data is provided from
main facility 102 via television distribution facility 110 on one
of communications paths 108 connecting television distribution
facility 110 to user television equipment 106 or more specifically
to user program guide equipment 112. Step 324 may also involve
using the other tuner to provide interactive services such as
enabling Internet browsing at step 326. Internet browsing may
involve accessing the Internet by launching a Internet browser and
connecting to the Internet using the other tuner over a data
channel on one of communications paths 108 linking user program
guide equipment 112 to television distribution facility 110.
Television distribution facility 110 may contain a server or other
suitable equipment for completing a connection to the Internet.
Step 322 may also involve step 328 of playing a music channel or to
obtain information for that channel. In step 328, the other tuner
may be used in tuning to a digital music channel provided from
television distribution facility 110. Aspects of the use of
multiple tuners to obtain in-band information for analog and
digital music channels are described in Ellis U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith (Attorney
Docket No. UV-69), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety. If desired, the other tuner may be used to provide
a picture-in-picture signal at step 330.
[0051] Returning to FIG. 3b, if the user decides to activate a
secondary function such as PIP before the interactive television
program guide begins to record the program that was selected for
recording at step 300, the other tuner is used to provide the
secondary function at step 309. Thus following step 309, both
tuners are in use. The user is watching television with the first
tuner while the second (other) tuner is being used to provide a
secondary function such as PIP. At step 310, the interactive
television program guide processes the request to record the
program selected at step 300.
[0052] At step 312, after the record request is processed the
interactive television program guide displays viewer option for
secondary function use (PIP cancellation) display screen 410 as
shown in FIG. 4(b) which provides the user with an opportunity to
either initiate the recording process or to continue using
secondary functions that involve supplying PIP or additional text
or graphics that overlay the display of television 116. The user,
who is already watching television using the first non-busy tuner,
may indicate a desire to continue using the other tuner for
secondary functions by selecting "No" on the viewer option for
secondary function use (PIP cancellation) display screen 410 with
highlight region 411. This selection can be made by using remote
control 118. If the user selects "No," the interactive television
program guide will continue to direct the other tuner to be used
for secondary function use. Alternatively, the user may cancel the
secondary function use on the other tuner and may initiate the
recording process using the other tuner by selecting "Yes" on
viewer option for secondary function use (PIP cancellation) display
screen 410. If the interactive television program guide does not
receive a "Yes" or "No" selection from the user, the interactive
television program guide will terminate the secondary function use
on the second tuner and proceed with the recording process.
Further, if the second tuner is being used for an secondary
function such as data collection that requires no user input, the
interactive television program guide will automatically terminate
that function without displaying a viewer alert screen.
[0053] At step 314, after the user has chosen to proceed with the
recording process, the output of the other tuner is directed to VCR
114 by switching circuitry 218 and used to record the selected
program. The interactive television program guide tunes the other
tuner to the channel on which the selected program will be
broadcast and sends IR commands to VCR 114 to start recording.
[0054] If the user decides not to activate a secondary function
such as PIP before the interactive television program guide begins
to record the program that was selected for recording, the
interactive television program guide uses the other tuner to record
the selected program at step 308. Thus, following step 308, both
tuners are in use. The user is watching television with the first
tuner while the second (other) tuner is being used to record the
selected program. If the user attempts to activate a secondary
function as shown at point 311 in FIG. 3(b), the interactive
television program guide displays viewer option for secondary
function use (recording cancellation) display screen 420 at step
316 as shown in FIG. 4(c) which gives the user the option to either
cancel the recording process and allocate the other tuner for
secondary function use or to continue the recording process and
cancel the secondary function request.
[0055] If the user cancels the secondary function request (using,
e.g., highlight region 421 of FIGS. 4(c)) to select "No" in viewer
option for secondary function use (recording cancellation) display
screen 420, the interactive television program guide continues the
recording process on the other tuner at step 318.
[0056] If the user cancels the record request by selecting "Yes" in
viewer option for secondary function use (recording cancellation)
display screen 420, the interactive television program guide
allocates the other tuner for secondary function use at step 320.
In step 320, the interactive television program guide sends IR
commands to VCR 114 to direct VCR 114 to stop recording.
[0057] FIG. 4(a) shows an illustrative interactive television
program guide selection screen 400 that may be displayed on
television 116 when the user enters commands into remote control
118 that direct the interactive television program guide to be
displayed. The user may use remote control 118 to select a desired
program for recording. Interactive television program guide
selection screen 400 provides the user with an opportunity to view
program listings for current and future programs as well as to
initiate the recording process by selecting a program to be
recorded. FIG. 4(a) depicts an example in which the user has
selected program 10 for recording with highlight region 402.
Program 10 will be broadcast on channel 4 at 7:30. This means that
at 7:30 the interactive television program guide uses either a
set-top box tuner or the internal tuner of VCR 114 to tune to
channel 4 before initiating the record sequence. This record
sequence may be performed while the user is watching a television
program different from the program being recorded.
[0058] FIG. 4(b) shows an illustrative interactive television
program guide viewer option for secondary function use (PIP
cancellation) screen 410 which acts to alert the viewer to a
conflict in tuner allocation and usage. Screen 410 may be displayed
by the interactive television program guide on user television 116
when the second or "other" tuner chosen by the interactive
television program guide to record the selected program is already
in use performing a secondary function such as PIP and the first
tuner is being used for viewing television 116. Screen 410 provides
the user with an opportunity to continue using the second tuner for
the secondary function and to cancel the record request or to
cancel the secondary use and to proceed with the record request. If
the user still desires to have the program recorded, the user will
select "Yes." The interactive television program guide will then
redirect the use of the second tuner and initiate the record
sequence. If the user desires to continue using the secondary
function, the user will select "No." The interactive television
program guide will then cancel the record request and allow the
user to continue using the second tuner for any of the available
secondary functions.
[0059] FIG. 4(c) shows illustrative interactive television program
guide viewer option for secondary function use (record
cancellation) display screen 420 which acts to alert the viewer to
a conflict in tuner allocation and usage. Screen 420 maybe
displayed by the program on television 116 when the second or
"other" tuner chosen by the interactive television program guide is
asked to perform a secondary function but that tuner is already
busy performing the record function and the first tuner is being
used for viewing television 116. Screen 420 provides the user with
the option to continue using the second tuner for recording the
selected program and canceling the request for use of the other
tuner for performing a secondary function or to cancel the current
recording and to process the secondary function request. If the
user desires to have the recording process canceled, the user will
select "Yes." The interactive television program guide will then
redirect the use of the second tuner and process the secondary
function request. If the user desires to continue the recording
process, the user will select "No." The interactive television
program guide will then cancel the secondary function request and
allow the user to continue using the second tuner for recording the
selected program.
[0060] FIG. 5. shows the first of four illustrative configurations
involving a single-tuner set-top box 500 that has an RF bypass
switch. If desired, the functions of the RF bypass switch may be
provided by a digital switch. The RF bypass switch may be
incorporated as part of the input circuitry on either the viewing
or recording devices and functionally perform the same as RF bypass
switch 502. RF bypass switch 502 allows raw cable input 506 to be
passed through to an external device such as television 116 without
being processed. RF bypass switch 502 not only receives raw signal
506, but it receives processed signal 508 as well. Processed signal
508 is output from tuner 504 and into VCR 114. Processed signal 508
passes through VCR 114 and is output as processed signal 510 from
VCR 114 to RF bypass switch 502. The interactive television program
guide command signals on line 212 are also an input to RF bypass
switch 502 and are used to control output 512 of RF bypass switch
502. Output 512 from RF bypass switch 502 may be either raw signal
506 or processed signal 510. The ability of RF bypass switch 502 to
output either the raw or the processed signal is an attractive
feature because it allows the user to view programs on channels
that must be processed by a tuner for unscrambling or decoding,
such as HBO, as well as those programs that do not.
[0061] When the interactive television program guide system is in
watch-and-record mode, only raw signal 506 is transmitted on output
512 of RF bypass switch 502 and directed to television 116. Output
508 of tuner 504 in set-top box 500 is directed to VCR 114 only.
Therefore, all of the programs (scrambled and unscrambled) that are
available to the user from television distribution facility 110 may
be recorded by VCR 114. When television 116 receives unprocessed
raw signal 506, the user may view all of the programs available to
that user from television distribution facility 110 that do not
require processing or unscrambling by tuner 504. The user may tune
the television by using remote control 118 to change the channels
on the television and not by changing the channels on set-top box
tuner 504. The interactive television program guide may process
channel requests received from remote control 118 and may
retransmit suitable channel changing commands to TV 116 using IR
transmitter 200. In this mode, channel requests are redirected away
from tuner 504, which is normally the recipient of such requests,
to the tuner of television 116.
[0062] When television 116 is in a mode where it is receiving raw
signal 506, use of the interactive television program guide is
limited because many of the interactive television program guide's
features require processing by set-top box tuner 504 and its output
508 to be directed to television 116. However, limited use of the
interactive television program guide is still possible in this mode
because some interactive television program guide features remain
accessible to the user. For example, the interactive television
program guide may display simple information such as the channel
number on the front panel of the set-top box. The interactive
television program guide may also prevent the user from attempting
to tune to any channel that television 116 cannot decode due to
scrambling. The interactive television program guide may provide
the user with the option to select the last channel viewed, use
favorite channel features or adjust television volume without
interrupting the recording process. If the user had set a reminder
for the time during which a recording is active, the interactive
television program guide may automatically tune the television to
the selected program. Alternatively, the interactive television
program guide may allow the user to toggle between programs with
reminders, by using a predefined key on remote control 118. If the
user attempts to tune to a program that is parentally controlled,
the interactive television program guide may prevent the
transmission of channel-tuning commands to the television. In this
case, the interactive television program guide may tune to the
desired program only after a special personal identification number
(PIN) is entered into remote control 118. The interactive
television program guide may present a prompt for such a PIN on the
front-panel display of set-top box 500. Interactive television
program guide command signal 212 is an input to IR transmitter 200
and is used to send commands from the interactive television
program guide to external devices such as television 116 and VCR
114 via infrared transmission signals. IR transmitter 200 may be
optimally positioned so that VCR 114 and television 116 will
receive the IR signal effectively.
[0063] The single tuner, RF bypass switch configuration of FIG. 5
operates in a similar manner to the two-tuner set-top box
configurations described in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) in that it allows
the user to watch one program while simultaneously recording
another.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system that includes a single
tuner, RF bypass switch, and set-top box tuner output directed to
VCR 114 as shown in FIG. 5. At step 300, the interactive television
program guide provides the user with an opportunity to select a
program to be recorded at some later time. After the user selects a
program for recording, the interactive television program guide
continues to direct set-top box tuner output 508 to television 116
at step 600 until the recording process has been initiated.
Directing set-top box tuner output 508 of FIG. 5 to television 116
allows the user to view all programming available from television
distribution facility 110.
[0065] At step 602, the interactive television program guide
initiates the recording of the selected program by directing
set-top box tuner output 508 to VCR 114. The interactive television
program guide tunes set-top box tuner 504 to selected program and
sets set-top box tuner output 508 to an optimal volume level for
recording. Because set-top box tuner output 508 is being used to
record the selected program, all programs available to the user
from television distribution facility 110 may be recorded. When the
recording process is initiated, the interactive television program
guide directs raw signal 506 through RF bypass switch 502 and to
television 116. Because television 116 receives raw signal 506
while the recording process is occurring only programs decodeable
by cable ready television 116 may be viewed. The interactive
television program guide may send commands via IR transmitter 200
to tune television 116 to the channel previously watched by the
user so as not to interrupt the program being viewed. While
television 116 receives raw signal 506, the user has limited access
to interactive television program guide features because to have
full access to interactive television program guide features
set-top box tuner 504 must not be in the record mode.
[0066] At step 604, without interrupting the recording process, a
user may select a particular television channel by using remote
control 118. When the user selects a channel, the interactive
television program guide sends IR commands to the tuner of
television 116 and not to set-top box tuner 504, thereby providing
an interruption-free recording environment. In this configuration,
the user may use a limited number of interactive television program
guide functions such as parental control, reminders and volume
control.
[0067] At step 606, when the selected program ends, the interactive
television program guide sends IR commands to stop the recording
process. The interactive television program guide directs the
output of set-top tuner 504 to television 116 and also tunes
set-top box tuner 504 to the channel television 116 was previously
tuned to, which once again provides the user with the full range of
programs available to the user and full access to interactive
television program guide features. The interactive television
program guide may change the volume of set-top box tuner output 508
back to the volume level selected by the user.
[0068] FIG. 7 is the second illustrative configuration of the
single tuner and RF bypass switch set-top box system. Set-top box
500 is similar to that shown in FIG. 5. However, here, output 508
of tuner 504 is directed to television 116 and output 512 of RF
bypass switch 502 is directed to VCR 114. RF bypass switch output
512 is controlled by interactive television program guide command
signals on line 212, which are an input to RF bypass switch 502. In
this configuration, if a user wanted to watch one program while
recording another, VCR 114 is only able to record programs that can
be decoded by the VCR (e.g., unscrambled and unprocessed analog
channels). However, the user would also be able to view any program
available to the user while simultaneously recording a selected
program that is different from the program being viewed. If the
user is not viewing television 116 any program available to the
user may be recorded. The user may also view a scrambled program if
that program is the same one being recorded. In addition, unlike in
the first configuration of the single-tuner RE-bypass set-top box
system shown in FIG. 5, the user would be able to use and enjoy the
full range of available interactive television program guide
features. The full range of interactive television program guide
features may be used simultaneously with the recording function
because set-top box tuner output 508 is input directly to
television 116. In contrast to the set-top box embodiment shown in
FIG. 5, where set-top box output 508 is directed to VCR 114 and
full interactive television program guide use is not possible while
in the watch and record mode, this single-tuner RF-bypass-switch
embodiment does not interfere with the functionality of the
interactive television program guide when VCR 114 recording
function is in operation because set-top box tuner output 508 is
directed to television 116 and not VCR 114.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system that includes a
single-tuner RF-bypass switch, and set-top box tuner output 508
that is directed to a television as shown in FIG. 7. At step 300,
the interactive television program guide provides the user with an
opportunity to select a program to be recorded at some later
time.
[0070] At step 800, after the user has selected a program to be
recorded, the interactive television program guide continues to
direct set-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and switches
raw signal 506 through RF bypass switch 502 to VCR 114.
[0071] At step 802, when the selected program is to begin, the
interactive television program guide initiates recording of the
selected program. The interactive television program guide sends IR
commands that tune the internal tuner of VCR 114 to the desired
channel for the selected program. This configuration of the present
invention allows only programs that are decodeable by VCR 114 to be
recorded while another program is being viewed and not those
programs that require processing or unscrambling by set-top box
tuner 504. However, if television 116 is not being viewed, VCR 114
can record any program available to the user. While the recording
process is occurring, set-top box tuner output 508 continues to be
directed to television 116 providing the user with unlimited access
to interactive television program guide features and all programs
available to the user from television distribution facility
110.
[0072] At step 804, when the selected programs ends, the
interactive television program guide sends IR commands to VCR 114
to stop the recording process. The interactive television program
guide also switches raw signal 506 and processed signal 508 such
that VCR 114 receives processed signal 508 once again.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a third illustrative configuration
involving a single-tuner RF-bypass-switch system. In this
configuration or pass through mode, RF bypass switch 900 has two
outputs 902 and 904 and includes switching circuitry that provides
the user with the ability to pass its two inputs 506 and 508
directly to outputs 902 and 904 respectively. In addition, outputs
902 and 904 of RF bypass switch 900 may be switched or placed in a
switched mode to receive a signal from inputs 508 and 506
respectively, upon commands sent from the interactive television
program guide via the interactive television program guide command
signals on line 212. This switching capability allows the
interactive television program guide to direct either raw signal
506 or processed signal 508 to either VCR 114 or television 116. In
normal mode, raw signal 506 is directed to VCR 114 via output 902
and processed signal 508 is directed to television 116 via output
904. However, if VCR 114 is unable to record the selected program
because the program's signal is scrambled or digital, the
interactive television program guide will send commands via line
212 to RF bypass switch 900 to switch raw signal 506 to television
116 via output 904 and processed signal 508 to VCR 114 via output
902. This switch arrangement allows the user to record the selected
program while simultaneously watching another program that does not
require processing by tuner 504.
[0074] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an
interactive television program guide system that includes a
single-tuner RF-bypass switch that can operate in two modes, pass
through or switched, as shown in FIG. 9. At step 300, the
interactive television program guide provides the user with an
opportunity to select a program to be recorded at some later
time.
[0075] At step 1000, the interactive television program guide
directs set-top box tuner output 508 through RF bypass switch 900
via output 904 to television 116 and raw signal 506 through RF
bypass switch 900 via 902 to VCR 114. A user may be watching
television 116.
[0076] At step 1002, when the program is scheduled to begin, the
interactive television program guide initiates recording of the
program selected by the user. The record process may be initiated
while a user is watching programming on television 116.
[0077] At step 1004, if VCR 114 can decode the channel on which the
selected program will be broadcast, the program continues to direct
set-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and raw signal 506
through RF bypass switch 900 to VCR 114. The interactive television
program guide sends IR commands to the internal tuner of VCR 114
that tune to the desired channel for the selected program and
directs VCR 114 to start recording the selected program. This
allows the user to view any program available to the user from
television distribution facility 110 without any interruptions due
to the recording process.
[0078] At step 1006, if VCR 114 cannot decode the channel on which
the selected program will be broadcast, the interactive television
program guide redirects set-top box output 508 from television 116
to VCR 114 and also redirects raw signal 506 through RF bypass
switch 900 from VCR 114 to television 116. The interactive
television program guide may set set-top box tuner output 508 to an
optimal volume level for recording. The interactive television
program guide sends commands on line 212 to tune set-top box tuner
504 to tune to the channel on which the selected program will be
broadcast. The interactive television program guide also sends IR
commands to television 116 to tune it to the channel, if
unscrambled, that the user was viewing prior to the switch. This
provides the user with the ability to record any program available
to him from television distribution facility 110. However, the user
may only view programs decodeable by cable-ready television 116.
Similar to the configuration described in FIG. 5 in this
configuration when television 116 is in a mode where it is
receiving raw signal 506, use of the interactive television program
guide is limited because many of the interactive television program
guide's features require processing by set-top box tuner 504 and
its output 508 to be directed to television 116. However, limited
use of the interactive television program guide is still possible
in this mode because some interactive television program guide
features remain accessible to the user. See description for FIG.
5.
[0079] At step 1008, when the selected programs ends, the
interactive television program guide sends IR commands to VCR 114
to stop the recording process. The interactive television program
guide switches raw signal 506 and processed signal 508 so that raw
signal 506 is directed to VCR 114 and processed signal 508 is
directed to television 116 once again. The interactive television
program guide may tune set-top box tuner 504 to the channel that
was being viewed prior to the switch to provide the viewer with an
interruption-free viewing environment.
[0080] FIG. 11(a) shows RF bypass switch 1100 in one of three
possible positions. RF bypass switch 1100 may be used in place of
RF bypass switch 900 of FIG. 9 in a single-tuner RF-bypass-switch
interactive television program guide system. When this substitution
is made, a very versatile configuration of the single-tuner
RF-bypass-switch interactive television program guide system
results. FIG. 11(a) shows RF bypass switch 1100 in its normal
position. The normal position allows processed signal 508 from
set-top box tuner 504 to be output from both RF bypass switch
outputs 1102 and 1104 to be directed to VCR 114 and television 116,
respectively.
[0081] FIG. 11(b) shows another switch position of RF bypass switch
1100. This position allows inputs 506 and 508 to be passed directly
through RF bypass switch 1100 to outputs 1102 and 1104,
respectively.
[0082] FIG. 11(c) shows another switch position of RF bypass switch
1100. This position allows inputs 506 and 508 to be switched to
outputs 1104 and 1102, respectively.
[0083] FIG. 12 shows a diagram of a fourth illustrative
configuration of the single-tuner RF-bypass-switch set-top box
interactive television program guide system. The FIG. 12
configuration uses RF bypass switching circuitry 1100 (shown in
FIG. 11), which is more complicated than RF-bypass switching
circuitry 900 (shown in FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the RF bypass
switch provides the user with three distinct combinations for the
two outputs. These three distinct combinations are as follows: 1)
both the outputs 1102 and 1104 transmit processed signal 508 to VCR
114 and television 116 respectively; 2) output 1102 transmits raw
signal 506 to VCR 114 and output 1104 transmits the processed
signal 508 to television 116; and 3) output 1102 transmits
processed signal 508 to VCR 114 and the output 1104 transmits raw
signal 506 to television 116. In the normal mode, both VCR 114 and
television 116 receive processed signal 508 from the set-top box
tuner 504. The normal mode may be used to simultaneously watch and
record, but the program watched by the viewer must be the same as
that being recorded. If different programs are watched and recorded
and the program selected to be recorded is unscrambled or can be
decoded by VCR 114, the interactive television program guide
switches output 1102 of RF-bypass switch 1100 to a position such
that VCR 114 can receive raw signal 508. In this situation,
television 116 continues to receive the processed signal from
set-top box tuner 504, which gives the user unrestricted access to
all programs available to the user, in addition to the unrestricted
use of the interactive television program guide and its many
features. The user is able to watch one program while recording
another. If the selected program cannot be unscrambled by VCR 114,
the interactive television program guide will send commands to RF
bypass switch 1100 that command processed signal 508 to be directed
to VCR 114 and raw signal 506 to be directed to the television. In
this switching position, the user is restricted to viewing programs
that do not require unscrambling or processing by set-top box tuner
504.
[0084] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of steps involved in using the
interactive television program guide system shown of FIG. 12, which
includes single tuner 504 and the substituted RF bypass switch 1100
shown in FIG. 11 that can operate in three modes.
[0085] At step 300, the interactive television program guide
provides the user with an opportunity to select a program to be
recorded at some later time.
[0086] At step 1300, the interactive television program guide
directs set-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and to VCR
114. This arrangement is the normal switching position for this
configuration of the present invention.
[0087] At step 1302, the interactive television program guide
initiates recording of the program selected by the user.
[0088] At step 1304, while the user is viewing television 116, if
VCR 114 can decode the channel on which the selected program will
be broadcast, the interactive television program guide continues to
direct set-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and raw
signal 506 through RF bypass switch 1100 to VCR 114. The
interactive television program guide sends IR commands that tune
the internal tuner of VCR 114 to the desired channel for the
selected program and that directs VCR 114 to start recording the
selected program. This allows the user to view any program
available to the user from his cable company without any
interruptions due to the recording process.
[0089] At step 1306, while the user is viewing television 116, if
VCR 114 cannot decode the channel on which the selected program
will be broadcast, the interactive television program guide
redirects set-top box output 508 from television 116 to VCR 114 and
also redirects raw signal 506 through RF bypass switch 1100 from
VCR 114 to television 116. The interactive television program guide
may set set-top box tuner output 508 to an optimal volume level for
recording. The interactive television program guide may tune
television 116 to channel previously selected by the user. This
provides the user with the ability to record any program available
from television distribution facility 110. However, the user may
only view programs decodeable by cable television 116. As mentioned
previously in the specifications for FIGS. 5 and 10, when
television 116 is in a mode where it is receiving raw signal 506,
use of the interactive television program guide is limited because
many of the interactive television program guide's features require
processing by set-top box tuner 504 and its output 508 to be
directed to television 116. However, limited use of the interactive
television program guide is still possible in this mode because
some interactive television program guide features remain
accessible to the user.
[0090] At step 1308, when the selected programs ends, the
interactive television program guide sends IR commands to the VCR
to stop the recording process. The interactive television program
guide switches raw signal 506 and processed signal 508 so that
processed signal 508 is directed to both VCR 114 and television
116. The interactive television program guide may tune set-top box
tuner 504 to channel selected prior to the switch.
[0091] The interactive television program guide system provides the
user with a variety of watch and record options that depend on the
particular signal switching options, tuner capabilities, and tuner
functions available in user television equipment 106. The
interactive television program guide system may use various types
of switches to implement the necessary signal routing between user
program guide equipment tuners, the viewing device tuner and the
recording device tuner. A switch may have one or more outputs
depending on the interactive television program guide system's
configuration. Thus, signal switching options relate to the
switching capabilities associated with a particular type of switch.
Tuner capabilities relate to whether a tuner is capable to decoding
a scrambled television input signal, or a digital signal. For
example, when a user requests to view a scrambled program the
interactive television program guide allocates a tuner that is
capable of decoding the scrambled signal such as a set-top box
tuner, and does not allocate a tuner such as a viewing device tuner
that may be incapable of decoding the signal. The allocated tuner
provides a corresponding unscrambled or processed signal to viewing
device 116 so that the user is able to view the requested
program.
[0092] A tuner that is "less capable" of fulfilling a user request
is a tuner that is capable of handling the user request. For
example, a viewing device tuner may be capable of handling a user
request to view an unscrambled program. In that case the
interactive television program guide will not allocate a tuner that
is capable of unscrambling signals such as a set-top box tuner,
because it is not necessary to do so.
[0093] Tuner functions relate to the various user-requested and
non-user-requested automatic functions that a tuner can perform.
Tuner functions, also referred to as secondary functions include
providing the user with the ability to view and to record selected
television programs using the interactive television program guide,
collect data from the television input signal while another tuner
is performing another function, supporting Internet browsing,
providing the user with the capability to play a particular music
channel or to obtain music information, providing the user with
interactive services, performing a background process or providing
a second video image (PIP).
[0094] Another option provided to the user by the interactive
television program guide is the watch option. The watch option
allows the user to immediately view a selected program if the
program is currently being broadcast when the user selects it from
a group of interactive television program guide program listings or
if the program will be broadcast in the future, the watch option
allows the user to set a reminder that will remind the user that
the selected program is about to begin. The user may set a reminder
that will displayed while the viewer is watching a television
program or the user may set the reminder to automatically tune to
the selected program when it is time for that program to begin.
[0095] While a user is viewing or attempting to view a particular
program the interactive television program guide will allocate
tuner resources that are composed of one or more tuners for the
viewing activity. The interactive television program guide may
allocate tuner resources based on an assumption that the user is
always viewing a particular program or that the user desires to
view a particular program.
[0096] In the case where a user is initially watching and recording
the same program, then while the recording is still continuing the
user desires to watch a different program, the interactive
television program guide may allocate another tuner to accommodate
the user's request in accordance with the configurations of the
present invention described above.
[0097] The optimal volume feature is a feature that allows the
interactive television program guide to automatically set the
output of a tuner that has been allocated for recording to its
optimal volume level some time prior to the start of the recording
process.
[0098] The parental control feature is a capability of the
interactive television program guide to prevent access to programs
or channels that the user desires to block access to unless a
special access code or personal identification number ("PIN") is
entered into the interactive television program guide system. After
the PIN is entered into the system by the user, the user program
guide equipment provides user feedback on a numeric display. The
user feedback may be in the form of a user prompt, an indication
that the correct or incorrect PIN has been entered, dashed lines or
some other suitable method of providing the user with feedback.
[0099] Interactive television program guide features include tuner
functions such as watch and record, PIP, etc., or non-tuner based
features such as providing the user with program listings, program
information displays and on-screen menu displays, etc.
[0100] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of
this invention and various modifications can be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention.
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