U.S. patent application number 13/968913 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for method and system for managing programming on a television.
This patent application is currently assigned to Flextronics AP, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Flextronics AP, LLC. Invention is credited to Mohammed Selim.
Application Number | 20140053202 13/968913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50099797 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140053202 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Selim; Mohammed |
February 20, 2014 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING PROGRAMMING ON A TELEVISION
Abstract
A method, system, and executable instructions are provided that
receive from a network accessible content provider, electronic
program guide ("EPG") information, the EPG information comprising,
for each program, airtime, program name, program channel, and
program description, to maintain, in the local computer readable
medium, a set of favorite channels and programs, to receive from a
remote control of a user, a request for channels and programs
marked as favorites, to display, on the television screen, a
listing of the set of favorite channels and programs, the listing
comprising EPG information, to receive, from the at least one of an
infrared and radio frequency module, a selected channel or program
from the listing, and to change to the selected channel.
Inventors: |
Selim; Mohammed; (Oakville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Flextronics AP, LLC |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Flextronics AP, LLC
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
50099797 |
Appl. No.: |
13/968913 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61684672 |
Aug 17, 2012 |
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61702650 |
Sep 18, 2012 |
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61697710 |
Sep 6, 2012 |
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61700182 |
Sep 12, 2012 |
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61736692 |
Dec 13, 2012 |
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61798821 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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61804942 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61804998 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61804971 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61804990 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61805003 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61805053 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61805030 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61805027 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61805042 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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61805038 |
Mar 25, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/46 ;
725/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/017 20130101;
H04N 21/40 20130101; H04N 21/475 20130101; H04N 21/478 20130101;
H04N 21/4823 20130101; H04N 21/485 20130101; H04N 21/437 20130101;
H04N 21/4821 20130101; H04N 21/42684 20130101; H04N 21/433
20130101; H04N 21/462 20130101; H04N 21/8545 20130101; H04N 5/44
20130101; H04N 21/26291 20130101; H04N 21/42222 20130101; H04N
21/44213 20130101; H04N 21/4755 20130101; H04N 21/4826 20130101;
H04N 21/8358 20130101; H04N 21/4302 20130101; H04N 5/50 20130101;
H04N 21/258 20130101; H04N 21/8166 20130101; H04N 21/488 20130101;
H04N 21/8126 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101;
H04N 5/445 20130101; H04N 21/24 20130101; H04N 21/426 20130101;
H04N 21/44204 20130101; H04N 21/4725 20130101; H04N 21/235
20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101; H04N 21/6125 20130101; H04N
21/4221 20130101; H04N 21/43 20130101; H04N 21/4882 20130101; H04N
21/8173 20130101; H04N 21/414 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N
21/4828 20130101; H04N 21/441 20130101; H04N 21/25883 20130101;
H04N 21/4782 20130101; G06F 3/04842 20130101; H04N 21/42203
20130101; H04N 21/435 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N
21/41265 20200801; H04N 21/42225 20130101; H04N 21/4415 20130101;
H04N 21/4756 20130101; H04L 51/32 20130101; H04N 21/25 20130101;
H04N 21/251 20130101; H04N 21/4396 20130101; H04N 1/00448 20130101;
H04N 21/442 20130101; H04N 21/6175 20130101; G06F 3/04817 20130101;
G06F 3/04883 20130101; H04N 21/47205 20130101; H04N 21/8133
20130101; G06F 3/0481 20130101; H04N 21/422 20130101; H04N 21/4314
20130101; H04N 21/432 20130101; H04N 21/472 20130101; H04N 5/45
20130101; H04N 21/25891 20130101; H04N 21/4332 20130101; H04N
21/44222 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101; H04N 21/6582 20130101;
H04N 21/4307 20130101; H04N 21/431 20130101; H04N 21/4788 20130101;
H04N 21/23109 20130101; H04N 21/2187 20130101; H04N 21/25808
20130101; H04N 21/42206 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N
21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/4858 20130101; G06F 2203/04804 20130101;
H04N 17/04 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N 21/42204 20130101;
H04N 21/47202 20130101; H04N 21/85 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/46 ;
725/44 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/482 20060101
H04N021/482 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a microprocessor executable
data service of a television and from a network accessible content
provider, electronic program guide ("EPG") information, the EPG
information comprising, for each program, airtime, program name,
program channel, and program description; maintaining, by the data
service in a local computer readable medium, a set of favorite
channels and programs; receiving, by a microprocessor executable
application framework and from a remote control of a user, a
request for channels and programs marked as favorites; displaying,
by the application framework and on a television screen, a listing
of the set of favorite channels and programs, the listing
comprising EPG information; receiving, by the application framework
and from the remote control, a selected channel or program from the
listing; and changing, by the application framework, to the
selected channel.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the programs described by the EPG
programming information are indexed by airtime, channel, category,
and favorites and wherein the set of favorite channels and programs
are not maintained in a remotely located computer readable
medium.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein locally stored EPG information
comprises a favorite indicator to indicate that a corresponding
channel or program is in the set of favorite channels and programs,
a reminder indicator to indicate that a corresponding program has
been set to trigger a reminder, a category indicator to indicate a
category of the corresponding program, and a first air indicator to
indicate that a corresponding program that is airing for the first
time and wherein the program is one or more of a movie, an episode,
sport event, and a television special.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the displaying step, the
screen comprises a header bar, the header bar comprising a
graphical image associated with an in-focus program EPG
information.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the header bar comprises at least
one of a program name, series name, episode number, episode name,
and sport event name and a plurality of a program description, a
program type, a program category, a start-to-finish time, current
runtime, and a remaining runtime and wherein the image is one of a
captured frame of the second programming, a picture, and a
photograph.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the image is a captured frame of
the second programming and wherein the captured frame is a still
image and the image is displayed on only a part of the screen.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein, in the displaying step, the
display comprises a view of currently selected programming, the
view being displayed on only a part of the screen.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the displaying step, the
listing of favorite channels and programs are presented in a first
portion of the screen and recommended channels or programs are
presented in a second portion of the screen, the first and second
portions being non-overlapping and wherein the recommended channels
are based on one or more of the user's set of favorite channels and
programs and watching patterns.
9. A television, comprising: a television screen; a local computer
readable medium; at least one of an infrared and radio frequency
module configured to receive wirelessly requests from a remote
control of a user, the requests comprising a selected channel or
program from a displayed listing; a microprocessor executable data
service configured to receive from a network accessible content
provider, electronic program guide ("EPG") information, the EPG
information comprising, for each program, airtime, program name,
program channel, and program description and to maintain, in the
local computer readable medium, a set of favorite channels and
programs; and a microprocessor executable application framework
configured to receive from a remote control of a user, a request
for channels and programs marked as favorites, to display, on the
television screen, a listing of the set of favorite channels and
programs, the listing comprising EPG information, to receive, from
the at least one of an infrared and radio frequency module, a
selected channel or program from the listing, and change to the
selected channel.
10. The television of claim 9, wherein the programs described by
the EPG programming information are indexed by airtime, channel,
category, and favorites and wherein the set of favorite channels
and programs are not maintained in a remotely located computer
readable medium.
11. The television of claim 9, wherein locally stored EPG
information comprises a favorite indicator to indicate that a
corresponding channel or program is in the set of favorite channels
and programs, a reminder indicator to indicate that a corresponding
program has been set to trigger a reminder, a category indicator to
indicate a category of the corresponding program, and a first air
indicator to indicate that a corresponding program that is airing
for the first time and wherein the program is one or more of a
movie, an episode, sport event, and a television special.
12. The television of claim 9, wherein, in the displaying
operation, the screen comprises a header bar, the header bar
comprising a graphical image associated with an in-focus program
EPG information.
13. The television of claim 12, wherein the header bar comprises at
least one of a program name, series name, episode number, episode
name, and sport event name and a plurality of a program
description, a program type, a program category, a start-to-finish
time, current runtime, and a remaining runtime and wherein the
image is one of a captured frame of the second programming, a
picture, and a photograph.
14. The television of claim 13, wherein the image is a captured
frame of the second programming and wherein the captured frame is a
still image and the image is displayed on only a part of the
screen.
15. The television of claim 12, wherein, in the displaying
operation, the display comprises a view of currently selected
programming, the view being displayed on only a part of the
screen.
16. The television of claim 9, wherein, in the displaying
operation, the listing of favorite channels and programs are
presented in a first portion of the screen and recommended channels
or programs are presented in a second portion of the screen, the
first and second portions being non-overlapping and wherein the
recommended channels are based on one or more of the user's set of
favorite channels and programs and watching patterns.
17. A tangible and non-transient computer readable medium,
comprising microprocessor executable instructions that, when
executed, are configured to perform operations comprising: receive,
from a network accessible content provider, electronic program
guide ("EPG") information, the EPG information comprising, for each
program, airtime, program name, program channel, and program
description; maintain, in a local computer readable medium, a set
of favorite channels and programs; receive, from a remote control
of a user, a request for channels and programs marked as favorites;
display, on a television screen, the user with a listing of the set
of favorite channels and programs, the listing comprising EPG
information; receive, from the remote control of the user, a
selected channel or program from the listing; and change to the
selected channel.
18. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the programs
described by the EPG programming information are indexed by
airtime, channel, category, and favorites and wherein the set of
favorite channels and programs are not maintained in a remotely
located computer readable medium.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein locally
stored EPG information comprises a favorite indicator to indicate
that a corresponding channel or program is in the set of favorite
channels and programs, a reminder indicator to indicate that a
corresponding program has been set to trigger a reminder, a
category indicator to indicate a category of the corresponding
program, and a first air indicator to indicate that a corresponding
program that is airing for the first time and wherein the program
is one or more of a movie, an episode, sport event, and a
television special.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein, in the
displaying operation, the screen comprises a header bar, the header
bar comprising a graphical image associated with an in-focus
program EPG information.
21. The computer readable medium of claim 20, wherein the header
bar comprises at least one of a program name, series name, episode
number, episode name, and sport event name and a plurality of a
program description, a program type, a program category, a
start-to-finish time, current runtime, and a remaining runtime and
wherein the image is one of a captured frame of the second
programming, a picture, and a photograph.
22. The computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the image is
a captured frame of the second programming and wherein the captured
frame is a still image and the image is displayed on only a part of
the screen.
23. The computer readable medium of claim 20, wherein, in the
displaying operation, the display comprises a view of currently
selected programming, the view being displayed on only a part of
the screen.
24. The computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein, in the
displaying operation, the listing of favorite channels and programs
are presented in a first portion of the screen and recommended
channels or programs are presented in a second portion of the
screen, the first and second portions being non-overlapping and
wherein the recommended channels are based on one or more of the
user's set of favorite channels and programs and watching
patterns.
25. A method, comprising: monitoring, by a microprocessor
executable application framework, television channel and/or
programming viewing patterns of a user; and based on the monitored
viewing patterns, determining, by a microprocessor executable
application framework, that more frequently viewed television
channels and/or programming is of greater interest to the user than
less frequently viewed television channels and/or programming,
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising recommending more
frequently viewed television channels and/or programming to the
user, wherein the monitoring step is performed by monitoring the
viewing frequency over a selected period of time of the user
selecting a channel and/or watching a program, wherein whether a
channel and/or programming is viewed more or less frequently is
determined by comparing monitored viewing frequency against a
viewing frequency threshold, wherein the viewing frequency
threshold is a value based on the relative viewing frequency of
favorite or favorite and nonfavorite channels or programs, and
wherein the recommended channels and/or programs are ordered based
on frequency magnitude.
27. A television configured to perform the steps of claim 25.
28. A tangible and non-transient computer readable medium
comprising microprocessor readable and executable instructions
that, when executed, perform the steps of claim 25.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefits of and priority,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
Nos. 61/684,672 filed Aug. 17, 2012, "Smart TV"; 61/702,650 filed
Sep. 18, 2012, "Smart TV"; 61/697,710 filed Sep. 6, 2012, "Social
TV"; 61/700,182 filed Sep. 12, 2012, "Social TV Roadmap";
61/736,692 filed Dec. 13, 2012, "SmartTV"; 61/798,821 filed Mar.
15, 2013, "SmartTV"; 61/804,942 filed Mar. 25, 2013, "SmartTV";
61/804,998 filed Mar. 25, 2013, "SmartTV"; 61/804,971 filed Mar.
25, 2013, "SmartTV"; 61/804,990 filed Mar. 25, 2013, "SmartTV";
61/805,003 filed Mar. 25, 2013, "SmartTV"; 61/805,053 filed Mar.
25, 2013, "SmartTV"; 61/805,030 filed Mar. 25, 2013, "SmartTV";
61/805,027 filed Mar. 25, 2013, "SmartTV"; 61/805,042 filed Mar.
25, 2013, "SmartTV"; and 61/805,038 filed Mar. 25, 2013, "SmartTV."
Each of the aforementioned documents is incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety for all that they teach and for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Consolidation of device features or technological
convergence is in an increasing trend. Technological convergence
describes the tendency for different technological systems to
evolve toward performing similar tasks. As people use more devices,
the need to carry those devices, charge those devices, update
software on those devices, etc. becomes more cumbersome. To
compensate for these problems, technology companies have been
integrating features from different devices into one or two
multi-functional devices. For example, cellular phones are now
capable of accessing the Internet, taking photographs, providing
calendar functions, etc.
[0003] The consolidation trend is now affecting the design and
functionality of devices generally used in the home. For example,
audio receivers can access the Internet, digital video recorders
can store or provide access to digital photographs, etc. The
television in home audio/video systems remains a cornerstone device
because the display function cannot be integrated into other
devices. As such, consolidating home devices leads to integrating
features and functionality into the television. The emergence of
the Smart Television (Smart TV) is evidence of the trend to
consolidate functionality into the television.
[0004] A Smart TV is generally conceived as a device that
integrates access to the Internet and Web 2.0 features into
television sets. The Smart TV represents the trend of technological
convergence between computers and television sets. The Smart TV
generally focuses on online interactive media, Internet TV,
on-demand streaming media, and generally does not focus on
traditional broadcast media. Unfortunately, most Smart TVs have yet
to provide seamless and intuitive user interfaces for navigating
and/or executing the various features of the Smart TV. As such,
there are still issues with the consolidation of features and the
presentation of these features in Smart TVs.
SUMMARY
[0005] There is a need for an Intelligent TV with intuitive user
interfaces and with seamless user interaction capability. These and
other needs are addressed by the various aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations of the present disclosure. Also, while the
disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, it
should be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can
be separately claimed.
[0006] A method is provided that can include the steps: [0007]
receiving, by a microprocessor executable data service of a
television and from a network accessible content provider,
electronic program guide ("EPG") information, the EPG information
comprising, for each program, airtime, program name, program
channel, and program description; [0008] maintaining, by the data
service in a local computer readable medium, a set of favorite
channels and programs; [0009] receiving, by a microprocessor
executable application framework and from a remote control of a
user, a request for channels and programs marked as favorites;
[0010] displaying, by the application framework and on a television
screen, a listing of the set of favorite channels and programs, the
listing comprising EPG information; [0011] receiving, by the
application framework and from the remote control, a selected
channel or program from the listing; and [0012] changing, by the
application framework, to the selected channel.
[0013] A television is provided that can include: [0014] a
television screen; [0015] a local computer readable medium; [0016]
an infrared and/or radio frequency module configured to receive
wirelessly requests from a remote control of a user, the requests
comprising a selected channel or program from a displayed listing;
[0017] a microprocessor executable data service configured to
receive from a network accessible content provider, electronic
program guide ("EPG") information, the EPG information comprising,
for each program, airtime, program name, program channel, and
program description and to maintain, in the local computer readable
medium, a set of favorite channels and programs; [0018] a
microprocessor executable application framework configured to
receive from a remote control of a user, a request for channels and
programs marked as favorites, to display, on the television screen,
a listing of the set of favorite channels and programs, the listing
comprising EPG information, to receive, from the at least one of an
infrared and radio frequency module, a selected channel or program
from the listing, and to change to the selected channel.
[0019] A tangible and non-transient computer readable medium is
provided that includes microprocessor executable instructions that,
when executed, are configured to perform operations that can
include: [0020] receive, from a network accessible content
provider, electronic program guide ("EPG") information, the EPG
information comprising, for each program, airtime, program name,
program channel, and program description; [0021] maintain, in a
local computer readable medium, a set of favorite channels and
programs; [0022] receive, from a remote control of a user, a
request for channels and programs marked as favorites; [0023]
display, on a television screen, the user with a listing of the set
of favorite channels and programs, the listing comprising EPG
information; [0024] receive, from the remote control of the user, a
selected channel or program from the listing; and [0025] change to
the selected channel.
[0026] The programs described by the EPG programming information
can be indexed by airtime, channel, category, and favorites.
[0027] The set of favorite channels and programs cannot be
maintained in a remotely located computer readable medium.
[0028] The locally stored EPG information can include a favorite
indicator to indicate that a corresponding channel or program is in
the set of favorite channels and programs, a reminder indicator to
indicate that a corresponding program has been set to trigger a
reminder, a category indicator to indicate a category of the
corresponding program, and a first air indicator to indicate that a
corresponding program that is airing for the first time.
[0029] The program is typically one or more of a movie, an episode,
sport event, and a television special.
[0030] In the displaying step/operation, the screen can include a
header bar, which includes a graphical image associated with an
in-focus program and EPG information.
[0031] The header bar can include one or more of a program name,
series name, episode number, episode name, and sport event name and
a multiple of a program description, a program type, a program
category, a start-to-finish time, current runtime, and a remaining
runtime.
[0032] The graphical image can be one of a captured frame of the
second programming, a picture, and a photograph.
[0033] When the image is a captured frame of the second
programming, the captured frame can be a still image.
[0034] The graphical image is commonly displayed on only a part of
the screen.
[0035] In the displaying step/operation, the display can include a
(live) view of currently selected programming, which is displayed
on only a part of the screen.
[0036] In the displaying step/operation, the listing of favorite
channels and programs can be presented in a first portion of the
screen and recommended channels or programs in a second
(non-overlapping) portion of the screen. The recommended channels
can be determined by any suitable algorithm. Commonly, the
recommended channels are based on one or more of the user's set of
favorite channels and programs and watching patterns.
[0037] A method, television, and computer readable medium are
provided that can perform the following steps/operations: [0038]
monitoring television channel and/or programming viewing patterns
of a user; and [0039] based on the monitored viewing patterns,
determining that more frequently viewed television channels and/or
programming is of greater interest to the user than less frequently
viewed television channels and/or programming,
[0040] More frequently viewed television channels and/or
programming can be recommended to the user.
[0041] The monitoring step/operation can be performed by monitoring
the viewing frequency over a selected period of time of the user
selecting a channel and/or watching a program.
[0042] Whether a channel and/or programming is viewed more or less
frequently can be determined by comparing monitored viewing
frequency against a viewing frequency threshold. The viewing
frequency threshold can be a value based on the relative viewing
frequency of favorite or favorite and nonfavorite channels or
programs.
[0043] The recommended channels and/or programs can be ordered
based on frequency magnitude.
[0044] The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages
depending on the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or
configuration. The ability to mark favorite channels and programs
can not only increase user convenience but also provide a quick
interface to select channels. The ability of the user to select
channels and programs through various mechanisms, such as an EPG
listing indexed by airtime, channel, program title, or program
category and favorites, can enable users to use the most suitable
mechanism for his or her needs and preferences. The display of the
graphical image provided by or derived from metadata associated
with the programming can provide meaningful information without
needing to wait for the channel change to be activated fully. This
can improve the channel changing experience as all channels can
show a full screen channel preview while tuning takes place. This
can enable the user to flip quickly through channels to see what is
on without needing to wait for the tuner to catch up. The header
bar can provide further useful information during channel
changing.
[0045] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure.
[0046] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are
open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in
operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A,
B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and
C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B and C together.
[0047] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that
entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at
least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be
noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" can be
used interchangeably.
[0048] The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein,
refers to any process or operation done without material human
input when the process or operation is performed. However, a
process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of
the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input,
if the input is received before performance of the process or
operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input
influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human
input that consents to the performance of the process or operation
is not deemed to be "material."
[0049] A "blog" (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website
or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from
time to time. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with
regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other
material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed
in reverse-chronological order.
[0050] A "blogging service" is a blog-publishing service that
allows private or multi-user blogs with time-stamped entries.
[0051] The term "cable TV" refers to a system of distributing
television programs to subscribers via radio frequency (RF) signals
transmitted through coaxial cables or light pulses through
fiber-optic cables. This contrasts with traditional broadcast
television (terrestrial television) in which the television signal
is transmitted over the air by radio waves and received by a
television antenna attached to the television.
[0052] The term "channel" or "television channel," as used herein,
can be a physical or virtual channel over which a television
station or television network is distributed. A physical cannel in
analog television can be an amount of bandwidth, typically 6, 7, or
8 MHz, that occupies a predetermine channel frequency. A virtual
channel is a representation, in cable or satellite television, of a
data stream for a particular television media provider (e.g., CDS,
TNT, HBO, etc.).
[0053] The term "computer-readable medium," as used herein, refers
to any tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate
in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a
medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,
non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or
optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main
memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for
example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape,
or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any
other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical
medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a
FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other
memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter,
or any other medium from which a computer can read. A digital file
attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or
set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a
tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is
configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database
may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical,
object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution
medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in
which the software implementations of the present disclosure are
stored.
[0054] The term "enhanced television" (ETV) refers to a collection
of specifications developed under the OpenCable project of
CableLabs (Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.) that define an ETV
Application consisting of resources (files) adhering to the
Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) content format as well
as PNG images, JPEG images, and PFR downloadable fonts. An ETV
application is normally delivered through an MPEG transport stream
and accompanies an MPEG program containing video and audio
elementary streams. An "ETV Application" is a collection of
resources (files) that include one or more EBIF resources that
represent viewable information in the form of pages. Two forms of a
given ETV Application may be distinguished: (1) an interchange form
and (2) an execution form. The interchange form of an ETV
Application consists of the resources (files) that represent the
compiled application prior to its actual execution by an ETV User
Agent. The execution form of an ETV Application consists of the
stored, and possibly mutated forms of these resources while being
decoded, presented, and executed by an ETV User Agent. An "ETV User
Agent" is a software component that operates on a set-top box, a
television, or any other computing environment capable of
receiving, decoding, presenting, and processing an ETV Application.
This component usually provides, along with its host hardware
environment, one or more mechanisms for an end-user to navigate and
interact with the multimedia content represented by ETV
Applications.
[0055] The term "high-definition television" (HDTV) provides a
resolution that is substantially higher than that of
standard-definition television. HDTV may be transmitted in various
formats, namely 1080p-1920.times.1080p: 2,073,600 pixels
(approximately 2.1 megapixels) per frame, 1080i (which is typically
either 1920.times.1080i: 1,036,800 pixels (approximately 1
megapixel) per field or 2,073,600 pixels (approximately 2.1
megapixels) per frame or 1440.times.1080i:[1] 777,600 pixels
(approximately 0.8 megapixels) per field or 1,555,200 pixels
(approximately 1.6 megapixels) per frame), or 720p-1280.times.720p:
921,600 pixels (approximately 0.9 megapixels) per frame. As will be
appreciated, "frame size" in pixels is defined as number of
horizontal pixels.times.number of vertical pixels, for example
1280.times.720 or 1920.times.1080. Often the number of horizontal
pixels is implied from context and is omitted, as in the case of
720p and 1080p, "scanning system" is identified with the letter "p"
for progressive scanning or "i" for interlaced scanning, and "frame
rate" is identified as number of video frames per second. For
interlaced systems an alternative form of specifying number of
fields per second is often used. For purposes of this disclosure,
"high-definition television" is deemed to include other
high-definition analog or digital video formats, including ultra
high definition television.
[0056] The term "internet television" (otherwise known as Internet
TV, Online Television, or Online TV) is the digital distribution of
television content via the Internet. It should not be confused with
Web television--short programs or videos created by a wide variety
of companies and individuals, or Internet protocol television
(IPTV)--an emerging internet technology standard for use by
television broadcasters. Internet Television is a general term that
covers the delivery of television shows and other video content
over the internet by video streaming technology, typically by major
traditional television broadcasters. It does not describe a
technology used to deliver content (see Internet protocol
television). Internet television has become very popular through
services such as RTE Player in Ireland; BBC iPlayer, 4oD, ITV
Player (also STV Player and UTV Player) and Demand Five in the
United Kingdom; Hulu in the United States; Nederland 24 in the
Netherlands; ABC iview and Australia Live TV in Australia; Tivibu
in Turkey; and iWanTV! in the Philippines.
[0057] The term "internet protocol television" (IPTV) refers to a
system through which television services are delivered using the
Internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as the
Internet, instead of being delivered through traditional
terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable television formats. IPTV
services may be classified into three main groups, namely live
television, with or without interactivity related to the current TV
show; time-shifted television: catch-up TV (replays a TV show that
was broadcast hours or days ago), start-over TV (replays the
current TV show from its beginning); and video on demand (VOD):
browse a catalog of videos, not related to TV programming. IPTV is
distinguished from Internet television by its on-going
standardization process (e.g., European Telecommunications
Standards Institute) and preferential deployment scenarios in
subscriber-based telecommunications networks with high-speed access
channels into end-user premises via set-top boxes or other
customer-premises equipment.
[0058] The term "silo," as used herein, can be a logical
representation of an input, source, or application. An input can be
a device or devices (e.g., DVD, VCR, etc.) electrically connected
to the television through a port (e.g., HDMI, video/audio inputs,
etc.) or through a network (e.g., LAN WAN, etc.). Rather than a
device or devices, the input could be configured as an electrical
or physical connection to one or more devices. A source,
particularly a content source, can be a data service that provides
content (e.g., a media center, a file system, etc.). An application
can be a software service that provides a particular type of
function (e.g., Live TV, Video on Demand, User Applications,
photograph display, etc.). The silo, as a logical representation,
can have an associated definition or property, such as a setting,
feature, or other characteristic.
[0059] The term "panel," as used herein, can mean a user interface
displayed in at least a portion of the display. The panel may be
interactive (e.g., accepts user input) or informational (e.g., does
not accept user input). A panel may be translucent whereby the
panel obscures but does not mask the underlying content being
displayed in the display. Panels may be provided in response to a
user input from a button or remote control interface.
[0060] The term "screen," as used herein, refers to a physical
structure that includes one or more hardware components that
provide the device with the ability to render a user interface
and/or receive user input. A screen can encompass any combination
of gesture capture region, a touch sensitive display, and/or a
configurable area. The device can have one or more physical screens
embedded in the hardware. However a screen may also include an
external peripheral device that may be attached and detached from
the device. In embodiments, multiple external devices may be
attached to the device. For example, another screen may be included
with a remote control unit that interfaces with the Intelligent
TV.
[0061] The term "media" of "multimedia," as used herein, refers to
content that may assume one of a combination of different content
forms. Multimedia can include one or more of, but is not limited
to, text, audio, still images, animation, video, or interactivity
content forms.
[0062] The term "Intelligent TV," as used herein, refers to a
television configured to provide one or more intuitive user
interfaces and interactions based on a unique application platform
and architecture. The Intelligent TV utilizes processing resources
associated with the television to integrate Internet connectivity
with parallel application functionality. This integration allows a
user the ability to intuitively access various sources of media and
content (e.g., Internet, over-the-top content, on-demand streaming
media, over-the-air broadcast media, and/or other forms of
information) via the Intelligent TV in a quick and efficient
manner. Although the Intelligent TV disclosed herein may comprise
one or more components of a "smart TV," it is an aspect of the
Intelligent TV to provide expanded intuitive user interaction
capability for navigating and executing the various features of the
television. A "smart TV," sometimes referred to as a connected TV,
or hybrid TV (not to be confused with IPTV, Internet TV, or with
Web TV), describes a trend of integration of the Internet and Web
2.0 features into television sets and set-top boxes, as well as the
technological convergence between computers and these television
sets/set-top boxes. The smart TV devices have a higher focus on
online interactive media, Internet TV, over-the-top content, as
well as on-demand streaming media, and less focus on traditional
broadcast media than traditional television sets and set-top boxes.
As can be appreciated, the Intelligent TV encompasses a broader
range of technology than that of the smart TV defined above.
[0063] The term "television" is a telecommunication medium, device
(or set) or set of associated devices, programming, and/or
transmission for transmitting and receiving moving images that can
be monochrome (black-and-white) or colored, with or without
accompanying sound. Different countries use one of the three main
video standards for TVs, namely PAL, NTSC or SECAM. Television is
most commonly used for displaying broadcast television signals. The
broadcast television system is typically disseminated via radio
transmissions on designated channels in the 54-890 MHz frequency
band. A common television set comprises multiple internal
electronic circuits, including those for receiving and decoding
broadcast signals. A visual display device which lacks a tuner is
properly called a video monitor, rather than a television. A
television may be different from other monitors or displays based
on the distance maintained between the user and the television when
the user watches the media and based on the inclusion of a tuner or
other electronic circuit to receive the broadcast television
signal.
[0064] The term "Live TV," as used herein, refers to a television
production broadcast in real-time, as events happen, in the
present.
[0065] The term "standard-definition television" (SDTV) is a
television system that uses a resolution that is not considered to
be either high-definition television (HDTV 720p and 1080p) or
enhanced-definition television (EDTV 480p). The two common SDTV
signal types are 576i, with 576 interlaced lines of resolution,
derived from the European-developed PAL and SECAM systems; and 480i
based on the American National Television System Committee NTSC
system. In the US, digital SDTV is broadcast in the same 4:3 aspect
ratio as NTSC signals. However, in other parts of the world that
used the PAL or SECAM analog standards, standard-definition
television is now usually shown with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Standards
that support digital SDTV broadcast include DVB, ATSC and ISDB.
Television signals are transmitted in digital form, and their
pixels have a rectangular shape, as opposed to square pixels that
are used in modern computer monitors and modern implementations of
HDTV. The table below summarizes pixel aspect ratios for various
kinds of SDTV video signal. Note that the actual image (be it 4:3
or 16:9) is always contained in the center 704 horizontal pixels of
the digital frame, regardless of how many horizontal pixels (704 or
720) are used. In case of digital video signal having 720
horizontal pixels, only the center 704 pixels contain actual 4:3 or
16:9 image, and the 8 pixel wide stripes from either side are
called nominal analogue blanking and should be discarded before
displaying the image. Nominal analogue blanking should not be
confused with overscan, as overscan areas are part of the actual
4:3 or 16:9 image.
[0066] The term "video on demand (VOD)," as used herein, refers to
systems and processes which allow users to select and watch/listen
to video or audio content on demand. VOD systems may stream
content, to view the content in real time, or download the content
to a storage medium for viewing at a later time.
[0067] The term "satellite positioning system receiver" refers to a
wireless receiver or transceiver to receive and/or send location
signals from and/or to a satellite positioning system, such as the
Global Positioning System ("GPS") (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo
positioning system (EU), Compass navigation system (China), and
Regional Navigational Satellite System (India).
[0068] The term "display," as used herein, refers to at least a
portion of a screen used to display the output of the television to
a user. A display may be a single-screen display or a multi-screen
display, referred to as a composite display. A composite display
can encompass the touch sensitive display of one or more screens. A
single physical screen can include multiple displays that are
managed as separate logical displays. Thus, different content can
be displayed on the separate displays although part of the same
physical screen.
[0069] The term "displayed image," as used herein, refers to an
image produced on the display. A typical displayed image is a
television broadcast or menu. The displayed image may occupy all or
a portion of the display.
[0070] The term "display orientation," as used herein, refers to
the way in which a rectangular display is oriented by a user for
viewing. The two most common types of display orientation are
portrait and landscape. In landscape mode, the display is oriented
such that the width of the display is greater than the height of
the display (such as a 4:3 ratio, which is 4 units wide and 3 units
tall, or a 16:9 ratio, which is 16 units wide and 9 units tall).
Stated differently, the longer dimension of the display is oriented
substantially horizontal in landscape mode while the shorter
dimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical. In the
portrait mode, by contrast, the display is oriented such that the
width of the display is less than the height of the display. Stated
differently, the shorter dimension of the display is oriented
substantially horizontal in the portrait mode while the longer
dimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical.
[0071] The term "module," as used herein, refers to any known or
later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial
intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software
that is capable of performing the functionality associated with
that element.
[0072] The terms "determine," "calculate" and "compute," and
variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and
include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or
technique.
[0073] The term "touch screen" or "touchscreen" refer to screen
that can receive user contact or other tactile input, such as a
stylus. The touch screen may sense user contact in a number of
different ways, such as by a change in an electrical parameter
(e.g., resistance or capacitance), acoustic wave variations,
infrared radiation proximity detection, light variation detection,
and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for example, normally
separated conductive and resistive metallic layers in the screen
pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen, the two
layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a change in
electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contacted
location calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive
layer stores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user
upon contact with the touch screen, causing a decrease in the
charge of the capacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the
contacted location coordinates determined. In a surface acoustic
wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is transmitted through the
screen, and the acoustic wave is disturbed by user contact. A
receiving transducer detects the user contact instance and
determines the contacted location coordinates.
[0074] The term "web television" is original television content
produced for broadcast via the World Wide Web. Some major
distributors of web television are YouTube, Myspace, Newgrounds,
Blip.tv, and Crackle.
[0075] The terms "instant message" and "instant messaging" refer to
a form of real-time text communication between two or more people,
typically based on typed text.
[0076] The term "internet search engine" refers to a web search
engine designed to search for information on the World Wide Web and
FTP servers. The search results are generally presented in a list
of results often referred to as SERPS, or "search engine results
pages". The information may consist of web pages, images,
information and other types of files. Some search engines also mine
data available in databases or open directories. Web search engines
work by storing information about many web pages, which they
retrieve from the html itself. These pages are retrieved by a Web
crawler (sometimes also known as a spider)--an automated Web
browser which follows every link on the site. The contents of each
page are then analyzed to determine how it should be indexed (for
example, words are extracted from the titles, headings, or special
fields called meta tags). Data about web pages are stored in an
index database for use in later queries. Some search engines, such
as Google.TM., store all or part of the source page (referred to as
a cache) as well as information about the web pages, whereas
others, such as AltaVista.TM., store every word of every page they
find.
[0077] The terms "online community", "e-community", or "virtual
community" mean a group of people that primarily interact via a
computer network, rather than face to face, for social,
professional, educational or other purposes. The interaction can
use a variety of media formats, including wikis, blogs, chat rooms,
Internet forums, instant messaging, email, and other forms of
electronic media. Many media formats are used in social software
separately or in combination, including text-based chatrooms and
forums that use voice, video text or avatars.
[0078] The term "remote control" refers to a component of an
electronics device, most commonly a television set, DVD player
and/or home theater system for operating the device wirelessly,
typically from a short line-of-sight distance. Remote control
normally uses infrared and/or radio frequency (RF) signaling and
can include WiFi, wireless USB, Bluetooth.TM. connectivity, motion
sensor enabled capabilities and/or voice control. A touchscreen
remote control is a handheld remote control device which uses a
touchscreen user interface to replace most of the hard, built-in
physical buttons used in normal remote control devices.
[0079] The term "satellite TV" refers to television programming
delivered by the means of communications satellites and received by
an outdoor antenna, usually a parabolic reflector generally
referred to as a satellite dish, and as far as household usage is
concerned, a satellite receiver either in the form of an external
set-top box or a satellite tuner module built into a TV set.
[0080] The term "social network service" is a service provider that
builds online communities of people, who share interests and/or
activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and
activities of others. Most social network services are web-based
and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail
and instant messaging services.
[0081] The term "social network" refers to a web-based social
network.
[0082] The term "gesture" refers to a user action that expresses an
intended idea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user
action can include manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing
a device, changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or
wheel, etc.), movement of a body part in relation to the device,
movement of an implement or tool in relation to the device, audio
inputs, etc. A gesture may be made on a device (such as on the
screen) or with the device to interact with the device.
[0083] The term "gesture capture" refers to a sense or otherwise a
detection of an instance and/or type of user gesture. The gesture
capture can occur in one or more areas of the screen. A gesture
region can be on the display, where it may be referred to as a
touch sensitive display or off the display where it may be referred
to as a gesture capture area.
[0084] The term "electronic address" refers to any contactable
address, including a telephone number, instant message handle,
e-mail address, Universal Resource Locator (URL), Universal
Resource Identifier (URI), Address of Record (AOR), electronic
alias in a database, like addresses, and combinations thereof
[0085] It shall be understood that the term "means," as used
herein, shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in
accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim
incorporating the term "means" shall cover all structures,
materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents
thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the
equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the
summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings,
detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.
[0086] The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to
provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This
summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the
disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical
elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the
disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a
simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description
presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible
utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set
forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0087] FIG. 1A includes a first view of an embodiment of an
environment or a intelligent television;
[0088] FIG. 1B includes a second view of an embodiment of an
environment or a intelligent television;
[0089] FIG. 2A includes a first view of an embodiment of a
intelligent television;
[0090] FIG. 2B includes a second view of an embodiment of a
intelligent television;
[0091] FIG. 2C includes a third view of an embodiment of a
intelligent television;
[0092] FIG. 2D includes a fourth view of an embodiment of a
intelligent television;
[0093] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware
of the intelligent television;
[0094] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the
intelligent television software and/or firmware;
[0095] FIG. 5 is a second block diagram of an embodiment of the
intelligent television software and/or firmware;
[0096] FIG. 6 is a third block diagram of an embodiment of the
intelligent television software and/or firmware;
[0097] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a handheld remote
control;
[0098] FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a remote
control;
[0099] FIG. 9A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote
control with a joystick in a neutral position;
[0100] FIG. 9B is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote
control with the joystick in a lower position;
[0101] FIG. 9C is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote
control with the joystick in an upper position;
[0102] FIG. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a handheld
remote control;
[0103] FIG. 11A is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent
TV screen;
[0104] FIG. 11B is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent
TV screen;
[0105] FIG. 11C is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent
TV screen;
[0106] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a handheld
remote control of either FIG. 7 or 10;
[0107] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a content
data service;
[0108] FIG. 14 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0109] FIG. 15 is a partial screen shot of the Intelligent TV
screen according to an embodiment;
[0110] FIG. 16 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0111] FIG. 17 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0112] FIG. 18 is a partial screen shot of the Intelligent TV
screen according to an embodiment;
[0113] FIG. 19 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0114] FIG. 20 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0115] FIG. 21 is a partial screen shot of the Intelligent TV
screen according to an embodiment;
[0116] FIG. 22 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0117] FIG. 23 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0118] FIG. 24 is a screen shot of the Intelligent TV screen
according to according to an embodiment;
[0119] FIG. 25 is a flow chart according to an embodiment;
[0120] FIG. 26 is a flow chart according to an embodiment; and
[0121] FIG. 27 is a series of partial screen shots of the
Intelligent TV screen according to an embodiment.
[0122] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features
may have the same reference label. Further, various components of
the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label
by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If
only the first reference label is used in the specification, the
description is applicable to any one of the similar components
having the same first reference label irrespective of the second
reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0123] Presented herein are embodiments of a device. The device can
be a network-enabled telecommunications device, such as a
television, an electronic visual display device, or other smart
device. The device can include one or more screens, or sections of
a screen, that are configured to receive and present information
from a number of sources. Further, the device can receive user
input in unique ways. The overall design and functionality of the
device provides for an enhanced user experience making the device
more useful and more efficient.
[0124] Intelligent Television (TV) Environment:
[0125] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an Intelligent TV, or device,
100 is shown. It is anticipated that the Intelligent TV 100 may be
used for entertainment, business applications, social interaction,
content creation and/or consumption, and to organize and control
one or more other devices that are in communication with the
Intelligent TV 100. As can be appreciated, the Intelligent TV can
be used to enhance the user interactive experience whether at home
or at work.
[0126] In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may be
configured to receive and understand a variety of user and/or
device inputs. For example, a user may interface with the
Intelligent TV 100 via one or more physical or electrical controls,
such as buttons, switches, touch sensitive screens/regions (e.g.,
capacitive touch, resistive touch, etc.), and/or other controls
associated with the Intelligent TV 100. In some cases, the
Intelligent TV 100 may include the one or more interactive
controls. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more controls
may be associated with a remote control. The remote control may
communicate with the Intelligent TV 100 via wired and/or wireless
signals. As can be appreciated, the remote control may operate via
radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and/or a specific wireless
communications protocol (e.g., Bluetooth.TM., Wi-Fi, etc.). In some
cases, the controls, whether physical or electrical, may be
configured (e.g., programmed) to suit a user's preferences.
[0127] Additionally or alternatively, smart phones, tablets,
computers, laptops, netbooks, and other smart devices may be used
to control the Intelligent TV 100. For example, control of the
Intelligent TV 100 may be achieved via an application running on a
smart device. The application may be configured to present a user
with various Intelligent TV 100 controls in an intuitive user
interface (UI) on a screen associated with the device 100. The
screen may be a touch sensitive, or touch screen, display.
Selections input by a user via the UI may be configured to control
the Intelligent TV 100 by the application accessing one or more
communication features associated with the smart device.
[0128] It is anticipated that the Intelligent TV 100 can receive
input via various input devices including, but in no way limited
to, video, audio, radio, light, tactile, and combinations thereof.
Among other things, these input devices may be configured to allow
the Intelligent TV 100 to see, recognize, and react to user
gestures. For instance, a user may talk to the Intelligent TV 100
in a conversational manner. The Intelligent TV 100 may hear and
understand voice commands in a manner similar to a smart device's
intelligent personal assistant and voice-controlled navigator
application (e.g., Apple's Siri, Android's Skyvi, Robin, Iris, and
other applications).
[0129] The Intelligent TV 100 may also be a communications device
which can establish network connections 104 through many alternate
means, including wired 108 or wireless 112 means, over cellular
networks 116 to connect via cellular base antenna 142 to telephone
networks operated by telephone company 146, and by using a
telephone line 120 to connect to telephone networks operated by
telephone company 146. These connections 104 enable the Intelligent
TV 100 to access one or more communication networks 132. The
communication networks may comprise any type of known communication
medium or collection of communication media and may use any type of
protocols to transport messages or signals between endpoints. The
communication networks may include wired and/or wireless
communication technologies. The Internet is an example of a
communication network 132 that constitutes an Internet Protocol
(IP) network consisting of many computers, computing networks, and
other communication devices located all over the world, which are
connected through many telephone systems and other means.
[0130] Other examples of the communication network 132 include,
without limitation, a standard Plain Old Telephone System (POTS),
an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), the Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area
Network (WAN), a cellular network, and any other type of
packet-switched or circuit-switched network known in the art. In
addition, it can be appreciated that the communication network 132
need not be limited to any one network type, and instead may be
comprised of a number of different networks and/or network
types.
[0131] In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may be equipped
with multiple communication means. The multiple communication means
may allow the Intelligent TV 100 to communicate across Local Area
Networks (LANs) 124, wireless local area networks (WLANs) 128, and
other networks 132. The networks 132 may be connected in a
redundant manner to ensure network access. In other words, if one
connection is interrupted, the intelligent TV 100 can use an
alternate communications path to reestablish and/or maintain the
network connection 104. Among other things, the Intelligent TV 100
may use these network connections 104 to send and receive
information, interact with an electronic program guide (EPG) 136,
receive software updates 140, contact customer service 144 (e.g.,
to receive help or service, etc.), and/or access remotely stored
digital media libraries 148. In addition, these connections can
allow the Intelligent TV 100 to make phone calls, send and/or
receive email messages, send and/or receive text messages (such as
email and instant messages), surf the Internet using an internet
search engine, post blogs by a blogging service, and
connect/interact with social media sites and/or an online community
(e.g., Facebook.TM., Twitter, LinkedIn.TM., Pinterest.TM.,
GooglePlus.TM., MySpace.TM., and the like) maintained by a social
network service. In combination with other components of the
Intelligent TV 100 described in more detail below, these network
connections 104 also enable the Intelligent TV 100 to conduct video
teleconferences, electronic meetings, and other communications. The
Intelligent TV 100 may capture and store images and sound, using
associated cameras, microphones, and other sensors. Additionally or
alternatively, the Intelligent TV 100 may create and save screen
shots of media, images, and data displayed on a screen associated
with the Intelligent TV 100.
[0132] Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the Intelligent TV 100 can
interact with other electronic devices 168 by either by the wired
108 and/or wireless 112 connections. As described herein,
components of the Intelligent TV 100 allow the device 100 to be
connected to devices 168 including, but not limited to, DVD players
168a, BluRay players 168b, portable digital media devices 168c,
smart phones 168d, tablet devices 168e, personal computers 168f,
external cable boxes 168g, keyboards 168h, pointing devices 168i,
printers 168j, game controllers and/or game pads 168k, satellite
dishes 168l, external display devices 168m, and other universal
serial bus (USB), local area network (LAN), Bluetooth.TM., or
high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) compliant devices,
and/or wireless devices. When connected to an external cable box
168g or satellite dish 168l, the Intelligent TV 100 can access
additional media content. Also, as further described below, the
Intelligent TV 100 is capable of receiving digital and/or analog
signals broadcast by TV stations. The Intelligent TV 100 can be
configured as one or more of a standard-definition television,
enhanced television, and high-definition television. It may operate
as one or more of cable, Internet, Internet Protocol, satellite,
web, and/or smart television. The Intelligent TV 100 may also be
used to control the operation of, and may interface with, other
smart components such as security systems 172, door/gate
controllers 176, remote video cameras 180, lighting systems 184,
thermostats 188, refrigerators 192, and other appliances.
[0133] Intelligent TV:
[0134] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate components of the Intelligent TV 100.
In general, as shown by FIG. 2A, the Intelligent TV 100 can be
supported by a removable base or stand 204 that is attached to a
frame 208. The frame 208 surrounds edges of a display screen 212,
leaving a front surface of the display screen 212 uncovered. The
display screen 212 may comprise a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
screen, a plasma screen, Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen, or
other screen types. In embodiments, the entire front surface of the
screen 212 may be touch sensitive and capable of receiving input by
the user touching the front surface of the screen 212.
[0135] The Intelligent TV 100 may include integrated speakers 216
and at least one microphone 220. A first area of the frame 208 may
comprise a horizontal gesture capture region 224 and second areas
comprise vertical gesture capture regions 228. The gesture capture
regions 224, 228 may comprise areas or regions that are capable of
receiving input by recognizing gestures made by the user, and in
some examples, without the need for the user to actually touch the
screen 212 surface of the Intelligent TV 100. However, the gesture
capture regions 224, 228 may not include pixels that can perform a
display function or capability.
[0136] One or more image capture devices 232, such as a camera, can
be included for capturing still and/or video images. The image
capture device 232 can include or be associated with additional
elements, such as a flash or other light source 236 and a range
finding device 240 to assist focusing of the image capture device.
In addition, the microphone 220, gesture capture regions 224, 228,
image capture devices 232, and the range finding device 240 may be
used by the Intelligent TV 100 to recognize individual users.
Additionally or alternatively, the Intelligent TV 100 may learn and
remember preferences associated with the individual users. In some
embodiments, the learning and remembering (i.e., identifying and
recalling stored information) may be associated with the
recognition of a user.
[0137] An IR transmitter and receiver 244 may also be provided to
connect the Intelligent TV 100 with a remote control device (not
shown) or other IR devices. Additionally or alternatively, the
remote control device may transmit wireless signals via RF, light,
and/or a means other than IR. Also shown in FIG. 2A is an audio
jack 248, which may be hidden behind a panel that is hinged or
removable. The audio jack 248 accommodates a tip, ring, sleeve
(TRS) connector, for example, to allow the user to utilize
headphones, a headset, or other external audio equipment.
[0138] The Intelligent TV 100 can also include a number of buttons
252. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates the buttons 252 on the top of
the Intelligent TV 100, although the buttons could be placed at
other locations. As shown, the Intelligent TV 100 includes six
buttons 252a-f, which can be configured for specific inputs. For
example, the first button 252a may be configured as an on/off
button used to control overall system power to the Intelligent TV
100. The buttons 252 may be configured to, in combination or alone,
control a number of aspects of the Intelligent TV 100. Some
non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, overall
system volume, brightness, the image capture device, the
microphone, and initiation/termination of a video conference.
Instead of separate buttons, two of the buttons may be combined
into a rocker button. This rocker button arrangement may be useful
in situations where the buttons are configured to control features
such as volume or brightness. In some embodiments, one or more of
the buttons 252 are capable of supporting different user commands.
By way of example, a normal press has a duration commonly of less
than about 1 second and resembles a quick input. A medium press has
a duration commonly of 1 second or more but less than about 12
seconds. A long press has a duration commonly of about 12 seconds
or more. The function of the buttons is normally specific to the
application that is active on the Intelligent TV 100. In the video
conference application for instance and depending on the particular
button, a normal, medium, or long press can mean end the video
conference, increase or decrease the volume, increase a rate speed
associated with a response to an input, and toggle microphone mute.
Depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long press
can also control the image capture device 232 to increase zoom,
decrease zoom, take a photograph, or record video.
[0139] In support of communications functions or capabilities, the
Intelligent TV 100 can include one or more shared or dedicated
antennae 256 and wired broadband connections 260 as shown in FIG.
2B. The antennae 256 also enable the Intelligent TV 100 to receive
digital and/or analog broadcast TV channels. The wired broadband
connections 260 are, for example, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL),
an optical line, an Ethernet port, an IEEE 1394 interface, or other
interfaces. The Intelligent TV 100 also has a telephone line jack
262 to further provide communications capability.
[0140] In addition to the removable base 204, the Intelligent TV
100 may include hardware and mounting points 264 on a rear surface
to facilitate mounting the Intelligent TV 100 to a surface, such as
a wall. In one example, the Intelligent TV 100 may incorporate at
least one Video Equipment Standards Association (VESA) mounting
interface for attaching the device 100 to the surface.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 2C, the Intelligent TV 100 may include
docking interfaces or ports 268. The docking ports 268 may include
proprietary or universal ports to support the interconnection of
the Intelligent TV 100 to other devices or components, which may or
may not include additional or different capabilities from those
integral to the Intelligent TV 100. In addition to supporting an
exchange of communication signals between the Intelligent TV 100
and a connected device or component, the docking ports 268 can
support the supply of power to the connected device or component.
The docking ports 268 can also comprise an intelligent element that
comprises a docking module for controlling communications or other
interactions between the Intelligent TV 100 and the connected
device or component.
[0142] The Intelligent TV 100 also includes a number of card slots
272 and network or peripheral interface ports 276. The card slots
272 may accommodate different types of cards including subscriber
identity modules (SIM), secure digital (SD) cards, MiniSD cards,
flash memory cards, and other cards. Ports 276 in embodiments may
include input/output (I/O) ports, such as universal serial bus
(USB) ports, parallel ports, game ports, and high-definition
multimedia interface (HDMI) connectors.
[0143] An audio/video (A/V) I/O module 280 can be included to
provide audio to an interconnected speaker or other device, and to
receive audio input from a connected microphone or other device. As
an example, the audio input/output interface 280 may comprise an
associated amplifier and analog to digital converter.
[0144] Hardware Features:
[0145] FIG. 3 illustrates components of a Intelligent TV 100 in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In general,
the Intelligent TV 100 includes a primary screen 304. Screen 304
can be a touch sensitive screen and can include different operative
areas.
[0146] For example, a first operative area, within the screen 304,
may comprise a display 310. In some embodiments, the display 310
may be touch sensitive. In general, the display 310 may comprise a
full color, display.
[0147] A second area within the screen 304 may comprise a gesture
capture region 320. The gesture capture region 320 may comprise an
area or region that is outside of the display 310 area, and that is
capable of receiving input, for example in the form of gestures
provided by a user. However, the gesture capture region 320 does
not include pixels that can perform a display function or
capability.
[0148] A third region of the screen 304 may comprise a configurable
area 312. The configurable area 312 is capable of receiving input
and has display or limited display capabilities. In embodiments,
the configurable area 312 may present different input options to
the user. For example, the configurable area 312 may display
buttons or other relatable items. Moreover, the identity of
displayed buttons, or whether any buttons are displayed at all
within the configurable area 312 of a screen 304, may be determined
from the context in which the Intelligent TV 100 is used and/or
operated.
[0149] In an exemplary touch sensitive screen 304 embodiment, the
touch sensitive screen 304 comprises a liquid crystal display
extending across at least those regions of the touch sensitive
screen 304 that are capable of providing visual output to a user,
and a capacitive input matrix over those regions of the touch
sensitive screen 304 that are capable of receiving input from the
user.
[0150] One or more display controllers 316 may be provided for
controlling the operation of the screen 304. The display controller
316 may control the operation of the touch sensitive screen 304,
including input (touch sensing) and output (display) functions. The
display controller 316 may also control the operation of the screen
304 and may interface with other inputs, such as infrared and/or
radio input signals (e.g., door/gate controllers, alarm system
components, etc.). In accordance with still other embodiments, the
functions of a display controller 316 may be incorporated into
other components, such as a processor 364.
[0151] The processor 364 may comprise a general purpose
programmable processor or controller for executing application
programming or instructions. In accordance with at least some
embodiments, the processor 364 may include multiple processor
cores, and/or implement multiple virtual processors. In accordance
with still other embodiments, the processor 364 may include
multiple physical processors. As a particular example, the
processor 364 may comprise a specially configured application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a
digital signal processor, a controller, a hardwired electronic or
logic circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array, a special
purpose computer, or the like. The processor 364 generally
functions to run programming code or instructions implementing
various functions of the Intelligent TV 100.
[0152] In support of connectivity functions or capabilities, the
Intelligent TV 100 can include a module for encoding/decoding
and/or compression/decompression 366 for receiving and managing
digital television information. Encoding/decoding
compression/decompression module 366 enables decompression and/or
decoding of analog and/or digital information dispatched by a
public television chain or in a private television network and
received across antenna 324, I/O module 348, wireless connectivity
module 328, and/or other wireless communications module 332. The
television information may be sent to screen 304 and/or attached
speakers receiving analog or digital reception signals. Any
encoding/decoding and compression/decompression is performable on
the basis of various formats (e.g., audio, video, and data).
Encrypting module 368 is in communication with encoding/decoding
compression/decompression module 366 and enables the
confidentiality of all the data received or transmitted by the user
or supplier.
[0153] In support of communications functions or capabilities, the
Intelligent TV 100 can include a wireless connectivity module 328.
As examples, the wireless connectivity module 328 can comprise a
GSM, CDMA, FDMA and/or analog cellular telephony transceiver
capable of supporting voice, multimedia and/or data transfers over
a cellular network. Alternatively or in addition, the Intelligent
TV 100 can include an additional or other wireless communications
module 332. As examples, the other wireless communications module
332 can comprise a Wi-Fi, Blutooth.TM., WiMax, infrared, or other
wireless communications link. The wireless connectivity module 328
and the other wireless communications module 332 can each be
associated with a shared or a dedicated antenna 324 and a shared or
dedicated I/O module 348.
[0154] An input/output module 348 and associated ports may be
included to support communications over wired networks or links,
for example with other communication devices, server devices,
and/or peripheral devices. Examples of an input/output module 348
include an Ethernet port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port,
Thunderbolt.TM. or Light Peak interface, Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 port, or other interface.
[0155] An audio input/output interface/device(s) 344 can be
included to provide analog audio to an interconnected speaker or
other device, and to receive analog audio input from a connected
microphone or other device. As an example, the audio input/output
interface/device(s) 344 may comprise an associated amplifier and
analog-to-digital converter. Alternatively or in addition, the
Intelligent TV 100 can include an integrated audio input/output
device 356 and/or an audio jack for interconnecting an external
speaker or microphone. For example, an integrated speaker and an
integrated microphone can be provided, to support near talk or
speaker phone operations.
[0156] A port interface 352 may be included. The port interface 352
may include proprietary or universal ports to support the
interconnection of the device 100 to other devices or components,
such as a dock, which may or may not include additional or
different capabilities from those integral to the device 100. In
addition to supporting an exchange of communication signals between
the device 100 and another device or component, the docking port
136 and/or port interface 352 can support the supply of power to or
from the device 100. The port interface 352 also comprises an
intelligent element that comprises a docking module for controlling
communications or other interactions between the Intelligent TV 100
and a connected device or component. The docking module may
interface with software applications that allow for the remote
control of other devices or components (e.g., media centers, media
players, and computer systems).
[0157] An Intelligent TV 100 may also include memory 308 for use in
connection with the execution of application programming or
instructions by the processor 364, and for the temporary or long
term storage of program instructions and/or data. As examples, the
memory 308 may comprise RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or other solid state
memory. Alternatively or in addition, data storage 314 may be
provided. Like the memory 308, the data storage 314 may comprise a
solid state memory device or devices. Alternatively or in addition,
the data storage 314 may comprise a hard disk drive or other random
access memory.
[0158] Hardware buttons 358 can be included for example for use in
connection with certain control operations. One or more image
capture interfaces/devices 340, such as a camera, can be included
for capturing still and/or video images. Alternatively or in
addition, an image capture interface/device 340 can include a
scanner, code reader, or motion sensor. An image capture
interface/device 340 can include or be associated with additional
elements, such as a flash or other light source. The image capture
interfaces/devices 340 may interface with a user ID module 350 that
assists in identifying users of the Intelligent TV 100.
[0159] The Intelligent TV 100 can also include a global positioning
system (GPS) receiver 336. In accordance with embodiments of the
present invention, the GPS receiver 336 may further comprise a GPS
module that is capable of providing absolute location information
to other components of the Intelligent TV 100. As will be
appreciated, other satellite-positioning system receivers can be
used in lieu of or in addition to GPS.
[0160] Power can be supplied to the components of the Intelligent
TV 100 from a power source and/or power control module 360. The
power control module 360 can, for example, include a battery, an AC
to DC converter, power control logic, and/or ports for
interconnecting the Intelligent TV 100 to an external source of
power.
[0161] Communication between components of the Intelligent TV 100
is provided by bus 322. Bus 322 may comprise one or more physical
buses for control, addressing, and/or data transmission. Bus 322
may be parallel, serial, a hybrid thereof, or other technology.
[0162] Firmware and Software:
[0163] An embodiment of the software system components and modules
400 is shown in FIG. 4. The software system 400 may comprise one or
more layers including, but not limited to, an operating system
kernel 404, one or more libraries 408, an application framework
412, and one or more applications 416. The one or more layers
404-416 can communicate with each other to perform functions for
the Intelligent TV 100.
[0164] An operating system (OS) kernel 404 contains the primary
functions that allow the software to interact with hardware
associated with the Intelligent TV 100. Kernel 404 can include a
collection of software that manages the computer hardware resources
and provides services for other computer programs or software code.
The operating system kernel 404 is the main component of the
operating system and acts as an intermediary between the
applications and data processing done with the hardware components.
Part of the operating system kernel 404 can include one or more
device drivers 420. A device driver 420 can be any code within the
operating system that helps operate or control a device or hardware
attached to or associated with the Intelligent TV. The driver 420
can include code for operating video, audio, and/or other
multimedia components of the Intelligent TV 100. Examples of
drivers include display, camera, flash, binder (IPC), keypad, WiFi,
and audio drivers.
[0165] Library 408 can contain code or other components that may be
accessed and implemented during the operation of the software
system 400. The library 408 may contain one or more of, but is not
limited to, an operating system runtime library 424, a TV services
hypertext application language (HAL) library 428, and/or a data
service library 432. The OS runtime library 424 may contain the
code required by the operating system kernel 404 or other operating
system functions to be executed during the runtime of the software
system 400. The library can include the code that is initiated
during the running of the software system 400.
[0166] The TV services hypertext application language library 428
can include code required by TV services either executed in the
application framework 412 or an application 416. The TV services
HAL library 428 is specific to the Intelligent TV 100 operations
that control different functions of the Intelligent TV. The TV
service HAL library 428 can also be formed from other types of
application languages or embodiments of different types of code or
formats for code beyond the hypertext application language.
[0167] The data services library 432 can include the one or more
components or codes to implement components for the data services
function. The data services function can be implemented in the
application framework 412 and/or applications layer 416. An
embodiment of a function of the data services and the type of
components that may be included is shown in FIG. 6.
[0168] The application framework 412 can include a general
abstraction for providing functionality that can be selected by one
or more application 416 to provide specific application functions
or software for those applications. Thus, the framework 412 can
include one or more different services, or other applications, that
can be accessed by the applications 416 to provide general
functions across two or more applications. Such functions include,
for example, management of one or more of windows or panels,
surfaces, activities, content, and resources, The application
framework 412 can include one or more, but is not limited to, TV
services 434, TV services framework 440, TV resources 444, and user
interface component 448.
[0169] The TV services framework 440 can provide an additional
abstraction for different TV services. TV services framework 440
allows for the general access and function of services that are
associated with the TV functionality. The TV services 436 are
general services provided within the TV services framework 440 that
can be accessed by applications in the applications layer 416. The
TV resources 444 provide code for accessing TV resources 444
including any types of storage, video, audio, or other
functionality provided with the Intelligent TV 100. The TV
resources 444, TV services 436, and TV services framework 440
provide for the different implementations of TV functionality that
may occur with the Intelligent TV 100.
[0170] One or more user interface components 448 can provide
general components for display of the Intelligent TV 100. The user
interface components 448 might be general components that may be
accessed by different applications provided in the application
framework 412. The user interface components 448 may be accessed to
provide for panels and silos as described in conjunction with FIG.
5.
[0171] The applications layer 416 can both contain and execute
applications associated with the Intelligent TV 100. Applications
layer 416 may include one or more of, but is not limited to, a live
TV application 452, a video on demand application 456, a media
center application 460, an application center application 464, and
a user interface application 468. The live TV application 452 can
provide live TV over different signal sources. For example, the
live TV application, 452, can provide TV from input from cable
television, over air broadcasts, from satellite services, or other
types of live TV services. Live TV application 452 may then present
the multimedia presentation or video and audio presentation of the
live television signal over the display of the Intelligent TV
100.
[0172] The video on demand application 456 can provide for video
from different storage sources. Unlike Live TV application 452,
video on demand 456 provides for display of videos that are
accessed from some memory source. The sources of the video on
demand can be associated with users or with the Intelligent TV or
some other type of service. For example, the video on demand 456
may be provided from an iTunes library stored in a cloud, from a
local disc storage that contains stored video programs, or from
some other source.
[0173] The media center application 460 can provide application for
different types of media presentation. For example, the media
center 460 can provide for displaying pictures or audio that is
different from, but still accessible by the user and different from
live TV or video on demand. The media center 460 allows for the
access of different sources to obtain the media in the display of
such media on the Intelligent TV 100.
[0174] The application center 464 allows for the provision, storage
and use of applications. An application can be a game, a
productivity application, or some other application generally
associated with computer systems or other devices, but may be
operated within the Intelligent TV. An application center 464 may
obtain these applications from different sources, store them
locally and then execute those types of applications for the user
on the Intelligent TV 100.
[0175] User interface application 468 provides for the specific
user interfaces associated with the Intelligent TV 100. These user
interfaces can include the silos and panels that are described in
FIG. 5. An embodiment of the user interface software 500 is shown
in FIG. 5. Here the application framework 412 contains one or more
code components which help control the user interface events while
one or more applications in the applications layer 416 affects the
user interface use for the Intelligent TV 100. The application
framework 412 can include a silo transition controller 504 and/or
an input event dispatcher 508. There may be more or fewer code
components in the application framework 412 than those shown in
FIG. 5. The silo transition controller 504 contains the code and
language that manages the transitions between one or more silos. A
silo can be a vertical user interface feature on the Intelligent TV
that contains information for user. The transition controller 504
can manage the changes between two silos when an event occurs in
the user interface. The input event dispatcher 508 can receive user
interface events that may be received from the operating system and
provided to the input event dispatcher 508. These events can
include selections of buttons on a remote control or on the TV or
other types of user interface inputs. The input event dispatcher
508 may then send these events to a silo manager 532 or panel
manager 536 depending on the type of the event. The silo transition
controller 504 can interface with the silo manager 532 to affect
changes in the silos.
[0176] The application layer 416 can include a user interface
application 468 and/or a silo application 512. The application
layer 416 can include more or fewer user interface applications as
necessary, to control the user interface of the Intelligent TV 100
than those shown in FIG. 5. The user interface application 468 can
include a silo manager 532, a panel manager 536, and one or more
types of panels 516-528. The silo manager 532 manages the display
and/or features of silos. The silo manager 532 can receive or send
information from the silo transition controller 504 or the input
event dispatcher 508 to change the silos displayed and/or to
determine types of input received in the silos.
[0177] A panel manager 536 is operable to display panels in the
user interface to manage transitions between those panels or to
affect user interface inputs received in the panel. The panel
manager 536 may thus be in communication with different user
interface panels such as a global panel 516, a volume panel 520, a
settings panel 524, and/or a notification panel 528. The panel
manager 536 can display these types of panels depending on the
inputs received from the input event dispatcher 508. The global
panel 516 may include information that is associated with the home
screen or top level hierarchal information for the user. A volume
panel 520 may display information about an audio volume control or
other settings for volume. A settings panel 524 can include
information displayed about the settings of the audio or video, or
other settable characteristics of the Intelligent TV 100. A
notification panel 528 can provide information about notifications
to a user. These notifications can be associated with information,
such as, video on demand displays, favorites, currently provided
programs, or other information. Notifications can be associated
with the media or with some type of setting, or operation or the
Intelligent TV 100. The panel manager 536 may be in communication
with a panel controller 552 of the silo application 512.
[0178] The panel controller 552 may operate to control portions of
the panels of the types described previously. Thus, the panel
controller 552 may be in communication with a top panel application
540, an application panel 544, and/or bottom panel 548. These types
of panels may be differently displayed in the user interface of the
Intelligent TV 100. The panel control thus may be based on the
configuration of the system or the type of display being used
currently, put the types of panels 516-528 into a certain display
orientation governed by the top panel application 540, application
panel 544, or bottom panel application 548.
[0179] An embodiment of the data service 432 and the operation of
the data management is shown in FIG. 6. The data management 600 can
include one or more code components that are associated with
different types of data. For example, there may be code components
within the data service 432 that execute and are associated with
video on demand, the electronic program guide, or media data. There
may be more or fewer types of data service 432 components than
those shown in FIG. 6. Each of the different types of data may
include a data model 604-612. The data models govern what
information is to be stored and how that information will be stored
by the data service. Thus, the data model can govern regardless of
where the data comes from, how the data will be received or managed
within the Intelligent TV system. Thus, the data model 604, 608,
and/or 612, can provide a translation ability or affect the ability
to translate data from one form to another to be used by the
Intelligent TV 100.
[0180] The different types of data services (video on demand,
electronic programming guide, media) each have a data subservice
620, 624, and/or 628 that is in communication with one or more
internal and/or external content providers 616. The data
subservices 620, 624, and 628 that communicate with the content
providers 616 to obtain data that may then be stored in databases
632, 636, and 640. The subservices 620, 624, and 628 may
communicate with and initiate or enable one or more source plug-ins
644, 648, and 652 to communicate with the content provider. For
each content provider 616, there may be a different source plug-in
644, 648, and 652. Thus, if there is more than one source of
content for the data, each of the data subservice 620, 624, and 628
may determine and then enable or initiate a different source
plug-in 644, 648, and/or 652. The content providers 616 may also
provide information to a resource arbitrator 656 and/or thumbnail
cache manager 660. The resource arbitrator 656 may operate to
communicate with resources 664 that are external to the data
service 432. Thus, the resource arbitrator 656 may communicate with
cloud based storage, network based storage, or other types of
external storage in the resources 664. This information may then be
provided through the content provider module 616 to the data
subservices 620, 624, 628. Likewise, a thumbnail cache manager 660
may obtain thumbnail information from one of the data subservices
620, 624, 628 and store that information in the thumbnail database
668. Further the thumbnail cache manager 660 may extract or
retrieve that information from the thumbnails database 668 to
provide to one of the data subservices 620, 624, 628.
[0181] An exemplary content aggregation architecture 1300 is shown
in FIG. 13. The architecture can include a user interface layer
1304 and content aggregation layer 1308. The user interface layer
1304 may include a TV application 1312, media player 1316, and
application(s) 1320. The TV application 1312 enables the viewer to
view channels received via an appropriate transmission medium, such
as cable, satellite, and/or the Internet. The media player 1316
views other types of media received via an appropriate transmission
medium, such as the Internet. The application(s) 1320 include other
TV-related (pre-installed) applications, such as content viewing,
content searching, device viewing, and setup algorithms, and
coordinates with the media player 1316 to provide information to
the viewer.
[0182] The content source layer 1308 includes, as data services, a
content source service 1328, a content aggregation service 1332 and
a content presentation service 1336. The content source service
1328 can manage content source investigators, including local
and/or network file system(s), digital network device manager
(which discovers handheld and non-handheld devices (e.g., digital
media servers, players, renderers, controllers, printers,
uploaders, downloaders, network connectivity functions, and
interoperability units) by known techniques, such as a multicast
universal plug and play or UPnP discovery techniques, and, for each
discovered device, retrieves, parses, and encodes device
descriptors, notifies the content source service of the newly
discovered device, and provides information, such as an index, on
previously discovered devices), Internet Protocol Television or
IPTV, digital television or DTV (including high definition and
enhanced TV), third party services (such as those referenced
above), and applications (such as Android applications).
[0183] Content source investigators can track content sources and
are typically configured as binaries. The content source service
1328 starts content source investigators and maintains open and
persistent channels for communications. The communications include
query or command and response pairs. The content aggregation
service 1332 can manage content metadata fetchers, such as for
video, audio, and/or picture metadata. The content presentation
service 1336 may provide interfaces to the content index 1340, such
as an Android application interface and digital device
interfaces.
[0184] The content source service 1328 can send and receive
communications 1344 to and from the content aggregation service
1332. The communications can include notifications regarding new
and removed digital devices and/or content and search queries and
results. The content aggregation service 1332 can send and receive
communications 1348 to and from the content presentation service
1336 including device and/or content lookup notifications,
content-of-interest advisories and notifications, and search
queries and results.
[0185] When a search is performed, particularly when the user is
searching or browsing content, a user request may be received from
the user interface layer 1300, by the content presentation service
1336, which responsively opens a socket and sends the request to
the content aggregation service 1332. The content aggregation
service 1332 first returns results from the local database 1340.
The local database 1340 includes an index or data model and indexed
metadata. The content source service 1328 further issues search and
browse requests for all content source investigators and other data
management systems. The results are forwarded to the content
aggregation service 1332, which updates the database 1340 to
reflect the further search results and provides the original
content aggregation database search results and the data updates,
reflecting the additional content source service search results,
over the previously opened socket to the content presentation
service 1336. The content presentation service 1336 then provides
the results to one or more components in the user interface layer
1300 for presentation to the viewer. When the search session is
over (e.g., the search session is terminated by the user or by an
action associated with user), the user interface layer 1300
disconnects the socket. As shown, media can be provided directly by
the content aggregation service 1332 to the media player 1316 for
presentation to the user.
[0186] Remote Control:
[0187] A handheld remote control can be provided to enable user
interaction with the Intelligent TV 100. An exemplary handheld
remote control is shown in FIGS. 7-9. The remote control 700 can
include one or more of, but is not limited to, top, side and bottom
housings 704, 708, and 712, an (on/off) power button 716, an input
source button 720 (to select input source such as Live TV, video on
demand, media center, application center, high definition
multimedia interface or HDMI, component or COMP, audio/Video or
A/V, digital or analog television or DTV/ATV, and video graphics
array (VGA)), a (volume) mute button 724, a Live TV button 728 (to
activate or select the Live TV silo), a video on demand (VOD)
button 732 (to activate or select the video on demand silo), a
media center button 736 (to activate or select the media center
application or silo, which access various types of media such as
music, TV programming, videos, and the like), an application center
button 740 (to activate or select the application center
application or silo), a global panel button 744, an application
panel button 748, a back button 752 (to select a prior user
operation or Intelligent TV state and/or navigate up a hierarchy of
any displayed image or object(s) (in which case the back button 752
does not navigate within application panels or across application
silos), a play button 756 (to play or pause media), a D-pad 760
(which includes north, east, west, and south directional arrows to
navigate among displayed images and/or move between levels of an
application's or object's hierarchy such as application view
navigation, panel navigation, and collection navigation), an OK (or
select) button 764 (to select a highlighted displayed image (such
as displayed speed control, rewind, forward, play, and pause
objects and/or objects on menu bar or in a menu box) and/or
navigate down a hierarchy of any displayed image or object(s)), a
rocker-type volume-up and volume-down button 768 (to adjust the
volume), a menu/guide button 772 (to select for display a menu or
guide of programming), a 0-9 (number) button 776 (to display a
number pad on the TV screen), a settings button 780 (which launches
an application to access current and change TV settings (such as
channel settings and settings used to adjust picture and sound
effects (e.g., image mode (e.g., standard, playground, game,
cinema, concert, and studio), brightness, contrast, saturation,
color temperature, energy savings, 3D noise reduction, hue,
sharpness, zoom mode (e.g., full screen, standard, smart zoom, and
dot-to-dot), picture position, 3D mode, for picture, and sound
retrieval system or SRS TruSurround, sound mode (e.g., standard,
live 1, live 2, theatre, music, speech, user equalizer mode,
Left/Right speaker balance, auto volume control, Sony/Philips
Interconnect Format or S/PDIF (off, auto, pulse code modulation or
PCM) for sound) and system settings (such as system (e.g., selected
language for graphical user interface, user geographical and/or
geopolitical location information, input method, area settings, and
sleep time), network (e.g., WiFi, WiFi hotspot, WiFi direct,
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet or PPPoE (asymmetric digital
subscriber line or ADSL), Ethernet) settings (e.g., enabled and
disabled and selected and non-selected) and information (e.g.,
network information (e.g., electronic address such as Internet
Protocol or IP address, subnet mask, gateway, domain name server
information, domain name, Media Access Control or MAC address,
service set identification or SSID, security information, and
password information) and inline status), manage applications
(e.g., currently installed applications, currently executing
applications, and internal and external computer readable medium
usage), and view user information regarding the Intelligent TV
100)), a rocker-type channel-up and channel-down button 784 (to
increment or decrement the selected channel), and first, second,
third and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796, and/or a moveable
joystick 900 on a bottom of the remote control 700. The first,
second, third, and fourth hotkeys are generally assigned different
colors, which color indexing is depicted as visual indicia on a
selected panel to show the currently assigned function, if any, for
each hotkey. As can be seen, the actuator layout can provide a
highly efficient, satisfactory, and easily usable experience to the
end user.
[0188] Unlike the functional associations and functions of many of
the actuators, those of some of the actuators are not readily
apparent. A number of examples will now be discussed by way of
illustration.
[0189] The media center button 736, when selected, can provide
information regarding music, videos, photographs, collections or
groupings of music, videos, and/or photographs, and internal and
external computational devices (such as personal computers,
laptops, tablet computers, wireless phones, removable computer
readable media, and the like), which can be grouped in a selected
manner (such as favorites, most recently viewed, most watched or
viewed, and most recently added). The information can includes
previews (which can include selected portions of the media content,
duration, file size, date created, date last watched, times watched
or viewed, and audio and/or video format information).
[0190] The application center button 740, when selected, may
provide information regarding pre-installed and downloaded
applications. Unlike downloaded applications, pre-installed
applications cannot be removed by the user or manually updated.
Exemplary pre-installed applications include web browser, settings
control, and content search algorithms. By way of illustration, the
application center button 740 can provide a scrollable graphical
grid of icons (each icon being associated with an application)
currently available in the application center.
[0191] The global panel button 744, when selected, can provide the
user, via one or more panels or windows, with access to one or more
of, but not limited to, silos, notifications, a web browser, system
settings, and/or information associated therewith. For example, the
global panel button 744 can enable the user to determine what
external devices are currently connected to and/or disconnected
from the Intelligent TV 100, determine what inputs (e.g., HDMI
ports) are currently available for connecting to external devices,
determine a connection and/or operational status of a selected
external device and/or network (e.g., WiFi connected, Ethernet
connected, and offline), assign a custom (or user selected) name to
each input source, determine what content is currently being
offered on Live TV, on demand, the media center, and/or the
application center, access vendor messages and notifications to the
user (e.g., system and/or application updates are available),
activate the Internet browser, and/or access shortcuts on a
displayed shortcut bar to more frequently used and desired
applications. Common shortcuts are Internet browser (e.g., Internet
search engine), system settings, and notifications. The common
types of panels are for information (which is typically information
related to a currently displayed image and/or content (e.g., title,
date/time, audio/visual indicator, rating, and genre), browse
requests, and/or search requests (such as search term field)). Each
of the panel types may include a panel navigation bar, detailed
information or relevant content to the panel function, operation
and/or purpose, and a hotkey bar (defining currently enabled
functional associations of hotkeys).
[0192] The application panel button 748, when selected, can display
an application window or panel. One application panel may be an
information panel regarding a selected (pre-installed or previously
downloaded) application icon. The information panel can one or more
of identify the selected application, provide a description of the
functionality (including application developer and/or vendor,
version, release, and/or last update date and a category or type of
application based on the application's functionality) and user
ratings and/or degree of other user downloading of the application
(e.g., a star rating assigned based on one or more of the foregoing
inputs), provide the option to launch, remove, update, and add to
favorites the identified application, and provide a listing of
selectable links of other (not yet downloaded) recommended
applications that provide similar functionality to the identified
application. The latter listing can, in turn, provide a description
of the functionality (including application developer and/or
vendor, version, release, and/or last update date and a category or
type of application based on the application's functionality) and
user ratings and/or degree of other user downloading of the
application (e.g., a star rating assigned based on one or more of
the foregoing inputs).
[0193] The functions of the first, second, third, and fourth
hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 can change depending on system
state, context, and/or, within a selected screen and/or panel,
based on a content or currently selected portion of (or relative
cursor position on) the screen. Commonly, a currently assigned
function of any of the first, second, third, and fourth hotkeys
788, 792, 794, and 796 depends on a currently accessed silo and/or
panel (with which the user is currently interacting within the
silo). In other words, a first function of one of the first,
second, third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 is
activated by the respective hotkey in a first system state while a
different second function is activated by the respective hotkey in
a different second system state. In another example, a third
function of one of the first, second, third, and fourth hotkeys
788, 792, 794, and 796 is activated by the respective hotkey when a
user focus (or currently selected cursor position or screen
portion) is at a first screen position while a different fourth
function is activated by the respective hotkey when a user focus
(or currently selected cursor position or screen portion) is at a
different second screen position. The first screen position can,
for instance, be within an icon while the second screen position is
outside of the icon. Hotkey functionality that could be enabled
when in the first screen position may be "configure" and "remove"
and disabled is "add", and, when in the second position hotkey
functionality enabled can be "add" and disabled is "configure" and
"remove". Generally, the states of hotkeys can include normal (for
enabled actions or functions), disabled (when an action or function
is temporarily disabled), pressed (when selected by a user to
command an action or function to be performed), and unavailable
(when no association between the hotkey and an action or function
is currently available). While examples of hotkey functions are
discussed below, it is to be understood that these are not intended
to be exhaustive or limiting examples.
[0194] The first hotkey 788, when selected in a first system state,
can enable the user to assign, change, or edit a name of an input
source. It is typically enabled only when the input source of HDMI,
Comp/YPbPr (e.g., component video cables), video output, and VGA is
in focus. When selected in a second system state, the first hotkey
788 can return the user to a top of a scrollable collection of
objects, such as application icons.
[0195] The second hotkey 792 may show all or less. In other words,
the hotkey 792 can allow the user to show all inputs, including the
unconnected/undetected ones and to hide the unconnected/undetected
inputs, e.g., to expand and collapse the silo/input list. Each
input source can have one of two states, namely connected/detected
and unconnected/undetected. Some input sources, including Live TV,
video on demand, media center, and application center are always
connected/detected.
[0196] The moveable joystick 900 on the bottom of the remote
control 700, when manipulated, can cause a displayed image on the
Intelligent TV 100 screen to be displaced a proportional amount. In
other words, the displayed image is displaced substantially
simultaneously with displacement of the joystick 900 within the
joystick aperture 904 in the bottom housing 712 of the remote
control. As shown in FIGS. 9B-C, the joystick 900 moves or slides
between forward and reverse positions. Releasing the joystick 900
causes the joystick 900 to return to the center position of FIG.
9A, and the window to move or slide upwardly (when the joystick is
released from the joystick position of FIG. 9B) or downwardly (when
the joystick is released from the joystick position of FIG. 9C)
until it disappears from view as shown in FIG. 11A . The effect on
the screen of the Intelligent TV 100 is shown in FIGS. 11A-C. In
FIG. 11A, video content, such as TV programming, a video, movie,
and the like, is being displayed by front surface of the screen
212. In FIG. 11B, the joystick 900 is moved or slid to the upper
position of FIG. 9B, and a drop down window or panel 1100 moves or
slides down (at the substantially the same rate of joystick 900
movement) at the top of the screen 212. In FIG. 11C, the joystick
900 is moved or slid to the lower position of FIG. 9C, and a drop
up window or panel 1100 moves or slides up (at the substantially
the same rate of joystick 900 movement) at the bottom of the screen
212. The window 1100 partially covers the video content appearing
on the remainder of the screen 212 and/or causes a portion of the
screen 212 displaying video content to move and/or compress up or
down the height of the window 1100.
[0197] The window 1100 can include one or more of information
(which is typically information related to a currently displayed
image and/or content (e.g., panel navigation bar, detailed
information (e.g., title, date/time, audio/visual indicator,
rating, and genre), and hotkey bar (defining current functional
associations of hotkeys)), browse requests, and/or search requests.
Commonly, the window 1100 includes suitable information about the
content (such as name, duration, and/or remaining viewing duration
of content), settings information, TV or system control
information, application (activation) icons (such as for
pre-installed and/or downloaded applications such as application
center, media center and Web browser), and/or information about
input source(s), When the joystick 900 is in either the forward or
reverse position, the user can select an actuator on the front of
the remote control, such as the OK button 764, and be taken, by
displayed images on the screen 212, to another location in the user
interface, such as a desktop. This process can be done in a
nonintrusive manner and without affecting the flow of content that
is pushed up or down. The joystick 900 could be moved, additionally
or differently, from side-to-side to cause the window to appear at
the left or right edge of the screen 212.
[0198] An alternative actuator configuration is shown in FIG. 10.
The actuators are substantially the same as those of FIGS. 7-9
except that the social network button 1000, when selected, can
automatically select content and publish, via a social network
service or other social media, the content to a social network or
online community. User or viewer comments and/or other messages can
be included in the outbound message. For example, all or one or
frames or portions of media content (such as a video, music, a
photograph, a picture, or text) can be provided automatically to a
predetermined or selected group of people via Linked-In.TM.,
Myspace.TM., Twitter.TM., YouTube.TM., DailyMotion.TM.,
Facebook.TM., Google+.TM. or Second Life.TM.. The user, upon
activating the button 1000 could, in response, select a social
forum or media upon which the selected content (which is the
content displayed to the user when the social network button 1000
is activated) is to be posted and/or a predetermined group within
that social media to which the content is to be posted.
Alternatively, these selections could be preconfigured or
preselected by the user.
[0199] The social network button can also be used to "turn up" or
"turn down" a social volume visualization. The Intelligent TV 100
can create dynamically a visualization of aggregated connections
(and inbound and/or outbound messages) from a variety of social
networks. The aggregation (and inbound and outbound messages) can
be depicted graphically on the screen as a volume of connections to
influence the viewer user. With a social volume visualization,
selected contents of each linked social network profile of a social
contact (and inbound and/or outbound messages from or to the linked
social network contact and/or current activity of the social
contact (such as watching the same programming or content the
viewer is currently watching) can be presented in a separate tile
(or visually displayed object). The size of the tile can be related
to any number of criteria, including a relationship of the linked
social contact (e.g., a relative degree of importance or type of
relationship can determine the relative size of the tile, a degree
of influence of the linked social contact to the current viewer, a
geographic proximity of the linked social contact to the current
viewer, a degree to which the currently provided media content is
of interest to both the viewer and linked social contact (e.g.,
both parties enjoy war movies, murder mysteries, musicals,
comedies, and the like), an assigned ranking of the linked viewer
by the viewer, a type of social network type linking the viewer
with the linked social contact, a current activity of the social
network contact (e.g., currently watching the same content that the
viewer is currently watching), a current online or offline status
of the linked social contact, and a social network grouping type or
category to which both the viewer and linked social contact belong
(e.g., work contact, best friend, family member, etc.).
[0200] The viewer can designate a portion of the screen to depict
the social network aggregation. By turning the social volume up (+)
or down (-), the viewer can increase the size and/or numbers of
linked contact tiles provided to the viewer. In other words, by
increasing the social volume the viewer can view, access, and/or
push more social content from those of his or her social networks
associated with him or her in a memory of the Intelligent TV. By
decreasing the social volume, the viewer can view, access, and/or
push less social content from his or her associated social
networks. By selecting the mute button 724, the viewer can stop or
pause any interactivity with his or her associated social networks
(e.g., inbound or outbound messages). Social volume and/or mute can
be separated into two (or more) volume settings for outbound and
inbound social network activity. By way of illustration, a first
volume setting, control, and/or button can control the volume for
outbound social network activity (e.g., outbound social messages)
while a second (different) volume setting, control, and/or button
can control the volume for inbound social network activity (e.g.,
inbound social messages). By way of further illustration, a first
mute setting, control, and/or button can stop or pause outbound
social network activity (e.g., outbound social messages) while a
second (different) mute setting, control, and/or button can stop or
pause inbound social network activity (e.g., inbound social
messages).
[0201] A functional block diagram of the remote control is shown in
FIG. 12. The remote control 700 includes a controller 1208 to
control and supervise remote control operations, optional wireless
(RF) transceiver 1224 and antenna 1244 to send and receive wireless
signals to and from the Intelligent TV 100 and other external
components, optional infrared emitter 1228 to emit infrared signals
to the Intelligent TV 100, optional light emitting diode or LED
driver 1232 to control LED operation to provide video-enabled
feedback to the user, actuators 1220 (including the various buttons
and other actuators discussed above in connection with FIGS. 7 and
10), and joystick 900, all interconnected via a bus 1248. An on
board power source 1200 and power management module 1204 provide
power to each of these components via power circuitry 1240. The
infrared emitter 1228 and receiver (not shown) on the Intelligent
TV system 100 can be used to determine a displayed object
illuminated by the infrared signal and therefore adjust the
displayed image, for example to indicate a focus of the user (e.g.,
illuminate a displayed object or show cursor position relative to
displayed objects on the screen) and to determine and activate a
desired command of the user. This can be done by tracking a
position of the remote control in relation to infrared tracking
reference points (e.g., a sensor bar or infrared LED's) positioned
on or adjacent to the screen of the Intelligent TV 100. Motion
tracking can further be augmented using position information
received from a multi-axis gyroscope and/or accelerometer on board
the remote control (not shown).
[0202] Using metadata associated with the programming, the
application framework 416 can distinguish between, and classify
Live TV programming, the following program types: movies, TV show
episodes (which can be any type of recurring show such as drama
series, sitcoms, animated series, reality shows, mini series, talk
shows, game shows, and newscasts), sport events (such as baseball,
hockey, boxing, football, and other sporting event programming),
specials (such as holiday specials, election coverage, and special
news reports), radio (which deliver audio-only broadcasts), and
undefined (which refers to programming having no associated
metadata). Based on metadata associated with the programming, the
application framework 416 can further distinguish between and
classify each program type into a program category. Common program
categories include political, law, military, economic, culture,
sports, the Arts, history, geography, science, medical,
environmental, social, recreation, and other (for any non-
specified electronic programming guide ("EPG") entries).
[0203] The metadata can be obtained from the content aggregation
service 1332, a content metadata fetcher, such as for video, audio,
and/or picture metadata, and the like. The metadata, for example,
can be obtained from an Internet accessible EPG provider. Examples
of metadata formats include EVB-SI, TV-Anytime, and MPEG-7 and
communication protocols include the Programming Metadata
Communication Protocol ("PMCP") and Program and System Information
Protocol ("PSIP"). Typically, the data which populates the EPG
comes from the PSIP. PMCP provides the source data for PSIP, A PSIP
generator converts PMCP to a broadcast-ready format. The downloaded
EPG metadata is typically stored locally in a computer readable
medium.
[0204] The user application framework 416 further enables the user
to mark a selected channel or program as a "favorite". This marking
means that the user is more interested in these programming items
than other items; in other words, the user is more likely to watch
favorite programs and channels than other unmarked programs and
channels. Once a channel or program is marked as a "favorite", it
is highlighted in all views and made easier to access. While
favorite channels and programs can be located by an EPG provider in
the cloud, the favorite channels and programs are typically
maintained only in the local computer readable medium and not
remotely.
[0205] The application framework 416 can further enable the user to
set reminders for specific programs. Reminders cause notifications
by the notification panel 528 that a specific program is about to
start, regardless of where or how the user is currently interacting
with the Intelligent TV 100 (e.g., regardless of what channel or
silo the user is currently interacting with). When a reminder is
set, it is created for that specific instance of the complete
series. For example if a program were to be on every Friday night
at 8 pm on channel 3, setting a reminder for the program creates a
reminder that the program is provided every Friday at 7:58 pm. If a
program were to be a single airing event (such as a movie or
special), a reminder is provided only for that instance.
[0206] The EPG, which can be selected by the menu/guide button 772,
provides users with a continuously updating table of scheduling
information on current and upcoming programming. The EPG is
typically obtained, via a network 128 (e.g., the Internet) from a
third party source. The EPG can be used to discover content to
watch and set reminders for future programs. EPG program listings
typically provide at least the following information: show name
(which is the full name of the program (e.g., TV episode, movie or
special), length of show (which is shown by the relative size of
the listing or associated icon in the table), progress of show
(programs in process are visually differentiated from shows not in
progress to show the progress), favorite indicator (programs that
have been marked as a favorite are visually differentiated, such as
by a favorite icon, to show that they are favorites), reminder
indicator (programs that have been set to trigger a reminder are
visually differentiated, such as by a reminder icon, to show that
they contain reminders), first air indicator (programs that are
airing for the first time are visually differentiated, such as by a
first-to-air icon, to show that they are airing for the first
time), program type indicator (the program listing contains a
visual indicator, such a program-type indicator, to show the
program type), and an HD indicator (the program listing contains a
visual indicator, such an HD indicator, to show that the program is
in high definition).
[0207] One EPG format will be discussed with reference to FIG. 14.
The intelligent TV 100 displays the EPG modal 1400. The display
includes a live preview area 1404 (which displays programming on
the currently active channel (and not the channel that is in focus
within the EPG)), a program preview area 1408, the EPG 1412, and
the hot key bar 1416 (which is color-coded to the hot keys to show
currently enabled hot key functionality, e.g., the red hot key
corresponds to "Now", which, if selected, jumps to currently
playing program in the EPG, the yellow hot key to "Categories",
which, if selected, switches the category view, the green hot key
to "Manage", which, if selected, switches to the manage view, and
the blue hot key to "Mark", which, if selected, provides a modal
with three choices, namely set a reminder for [Show Name], Add
[Show Name] to favorites, and add [channel number] to favorite
channels, where the item in brackets refers to the currently
selected channel and program).
[0208] The program preview area 1408 corresponds to the program or
channel listing currently selected or in-focus. For the channel
listing, the program preview area 1408 includes program information
about the program currently being aired on the channel. The program
preview area 1408 can include the following fields, namely show
name 1420, season 1422 (if applicable) (which can be the number of
the season), episode number 1424, episode name 1428, start and end
time 1432, description 1436 (which describes the current program),
thumbnail view 1440 (which is a thumbnail preview of the current
program (e.g., a still (not moving) image, such as a captured frame
of the second programming (e.g., a screen grab provided by the
Internet-provided EPG service)), a picture (such as a movie
poster), or a photograph), channel 1442 providing the program, and
other information 1444 (which can include current time (e.g., the
current time of day), duration (or start-to-finish time), runtime
(or temporal progress of the program), runtime remaining, rating
(e.g., TV-Y, TY-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA), video format
(or resolution of the current program), audio format (or audio
format of the current program), digital air date or first airing
indicator, encryption status (when the channel is detected to be
encrypted (regardless of decryption status)), program category,
program type, track information (for radio Programming--the name of
the current artist and track), and other indicators noted
above).
[0209] The EPG includes plural program listings, with each listing
having a channel indicator 1448 and show name 1452. The program
listings may further include a favorite (program) indicator 1456
(which is shown in the shape of a star but can be any other
indicator), a first air indicator 1460 (which is shown as "NEW" but
can be any other indicator), and a reminder indicator 1464 (shown
as a blue dot but can be any other indicator). The channel
indicator 1448 typically includes the channel number, channel logo,
an active channel indicator (to show that the channel is currently
playing), a selected channel indicator (to show that the channel is
currently in-focus), and a favorite (channel) indicator (not shown)
(showing that the channel is marked as a favorite channel by the
user). Time indicators are shown at the top of the EPG and placed
relative to the EPG program listings to show, as the case may be, a
total or remaining duration of the program.
[0210] The EPG of FIG. 14 is by channel. Other EPG formats can be
used. An example EPG 1500 format is shown in FIG. 15, which is by
time. The listed programs each have an associated start time 1504
(which may be different or the same for plural listings), a show
name 1456, and channel indicator 1448. The program listings can be
grouped by program type, program category, or channel. A band 1508
shows the current program runtime for programs in process. The
format supports the other visual indicators of the EPG of FIG. 14.
While the EPG of FIG. 14 can be scrolled not only vertically (e.g.,
up and down in channels) but also horizontally (e.g., backwards and
forwards in time) using the D-Pad 760 of the remote control, the
EPG of FIG. 15 can be scrolled only vertically (e.g., up and down
in channels for the selected time). The topmost program listing in
each of the EPG formats, when the format is presented initially, is
typically the current program in view. The OK button 764 or play
button 756 on the remote control selects an in-focus program
listing for view. When a channel or program is selected, the
application layer 416 automatically exits the EPG display and
commences viewing the selected programming.
[0211] With reference to FIG. 16, the interaction of EPG with
selected program categories is illustrated. The vertically
scrollable category area 1600 presents a scrollable listing of
selectable program category bars 1604. Moving focus to a category
bar causes the EPG 1412 program listings to be refreshed with a set
of program listings filtered by the in-focus category bar. In the
hot key bar 1416, the red hot key corresponds to "Now", the yellow
and green hot keys correspond to no assigned functionality and the
blue hot key to "Mark". Unlike the other EPG formats, the
category-enabled EPG is fixed to a two-hour window and therefore
cannot be scrolled horizontally. Stated another way, only channels
having a program on (in the next two hours) that matches the
selected or in-focus category are shown. Those category-matching
programs are visually highlighted relative to category non-matching
programs to show the match. The content of the program preview area
1408 reflects the currently in-focus program listing. The OK button
764 or play button 756 on the remote control selects an in-focus
program listing for view. When a channel or program is selected,
the application layer 416 automatically exits the EPG display and
commences viewing the selected programming.
[0212] With reference to FIG. 17, the interaction of EPG with
favorite indicators is illustrated. The manage favorite area 1700
includes selectable bars 1708 for favorite channels, shows,
reminders, and channel list and a vertically scrollable channel
listing 1704. Moving the focus from one selectable bar 1708 to
another causes the vertically scrollable channel listing 1704 to be
refreshed to mirror the currently in-focus bar 1708. Each listing
in the channel listing 1704 includes, when the favorite channels
bar 1708 is in-focus, a favorite indicator 1456, a channel
identifier 1712, channel logo 1716, channel name 1720, and a remove
icon 1724 (which, if selected, removes the corresponding channel
from the set of favorite channels). When the favorite shows bar
1708 is in-focus, a program listing is provided in lieu of the
channel listing 1704. Each channel listing includes a favorite
indicator 1456, a show name. and a remove icon 1724 (which, if
selected, removes the corresponding program from the set of
favorite programs). Referring to FIG. 18, when multiple airings of
the same program are currently airing, those programs are
highlighted accordingly. Selecting the program will provide the
user with a modal 1800 of all the listings that are currently live.
The modal lists each currently live program listing or episode by
start time, show name and channel indicator. The content of the
program preview area 1408 reflects the currently in-focus channel
programming (in-focus not requiring selection by the OK or play
buttons but focus only by the cursor) or program listing. In the
hot key bar 1416, the red hot key corresponds to "Guide" (which, if
selected, jumps back to currently playing program in the full EPG),
and the yellow, green, and red hot keys correspond to no assigned
functionality.
[0213] The channel list bar 1700, when selected, enables the user
to hide and restore channels. Hiding a channel will remove the
channel from all views as well as from the normal channel changing
experience. If the hidden channel has been marked as a favorite, it
will automatically be un-favorited (or removed from the set of
favorite channels) before removal. Restoring or un-hiding a channel
will reactivate the channel and make it re-accessible from all
views. Channels that are hidden are visually differentiated from
active channels. In the hot key bar 1416, the red hot key
corresponds to "Guide" (which, if selected, jumps back to currently
playing program in the full EPG), the yellow hot key to "Restore
all" (which, if selected restores all hidden channels), the green
hot key to no assigned functionality, and the blue hot key to
"Favorites" (which, if selected, toggles the favorite status of the
listed channel(s)).
[0214] The reminder bar 1708, when selected, enables the user to
manage all configured reminders. The vertically scrollable list of
programs in the program listing contains all programs that have
reminders set. In the hot key bar 1416, the red hot key corresponds
to "Guide" (which, if selected, jumps back to currently playing
program in the full EPG), the yellow hot key to "Date/Alphabetic"
(which, if selected changes the sort order from alphabetic to date
(items ordered by soonest to latest) or vice versa with items
having no upcoming air date being ordered alphabetically at the
end), and the green and blue hot keys to no assigned
functionality.
[0215] In any of the variations of FIG. 17, the OK button 764 or
play button 756 on the remote control selects an in-focus program
or channel listing for live viewing. When a channel or program is
selected, the application layer 416 automatically exits the EPG
display and commences viewing the selected programming.
[0216] With reference to FIG. 19, the header bar 1900 will be
discussed. The header bar 1900 provides contextual information for
the currently watched program. The header bar 1900 includes the
following fields: channel indicator 1448, program preview area
1408, current time, current viewing time remaining (or completed)
1904 and/or start-to-finish viewing time 1908 for the currently
selected program, video format 1912, and audio format 1916. The
header bar 1900 is presented for all program types, including
movies, TV show episodes, sport, specials, radio, and undefined.
During programming viewing, the header bar 1900 is always displayed
whenever the D-Pad 760 is touched or whenever the channel is
changed. It auto hides (or is no longer viewable) after a
predetermined time, such as 5 seconds. In the viewing area 1920, a
full screen thumbnail view of the current program (which can be the
same or different to the thumbnail view 1440 in the header bar
1900) is displayed. As noted, the thumbnail view can be program
poster if the program poster is available; otherwise, the thumbnail
view should be a screen grab provided by the Internet-provided EPG
service. When a new channel or program is selected, both the header
bar 1900 and viewing area 1920 are updated immediately to reflect
the new programming without needing to wait for the newly selected
channel or program to activate. The activation delay can be caused
by tuning delays. During the activation delay, the viewing area
1920 of the display is unable to display the new programming as a
live feed and may continue to display video frames from the prior
programming even after a new channel or program is selected. The
thumbnail view on the display or viewing area can improve the
channel changing experience as all channels will show a full-screen
thumbnail view immediately after channel or program selection and
while tuning takes place. This can allow the user to flip quickly
through channels and view what is on without having to wait for the
tuner to catch up.
[0217] There are many modes to change channels or programming. With
reference to FIGS. 7-10, the remote control includes channel-up and
channel-down button 784 to select a next higher or lower channel,
respectively, for viewing. The D-Pad 760 can scroll through EPG
program or channel listings as described above, and the OK button
764 can select a program or channel for viewing. When not in the
EPG display mode, the D-Pad 760 can be used to cycle through
favorite channels that have been set on the system along with
favorite programs that are currently airing. Opposing sets of
arrows, either the up and down arrows or the left and right arrows,
when pressed cycle through the favorite channels and programs. The
back button 752 can change the currently viewed channel to the
last-viewed channel. Repeatedly pressing the back button 752 will
toggle between the currently viewed and previously viewed channels.
When scrolling in any of these modes, once the largest or smallest
numbered channel is reached, the next press takes the user to the
smallest or largest numbered channel, respectively.
[0218] With reference to FIGS. 7-10, the remote control does not
have number keys but rather a 0-9 (number) button 776, which, if
selected, reveals an on screen channel changer 2000 shown in FIG.
20. The on screen channel changer 2000 includes a program preview
area 1408 (reflecting the currently in-focus channel), a vertically
scrollable (EPG) channel listing 2004 (each listing including the
channel indicator 1448, show name and progress bar), and a number
input bar 2008. In the number input bar 2008, only numbers that
will currently produce a selectable channel are enabled. Disabled
numbers cannot receive focus and are bypassed during navigation of
the number input bar. As each number is selected, the numbers
enabled and disabled will vary to reflect the selectable channels
available from the root numbers selected. The back button 752 acts
as a backspace and, when selected, deletes the last number
selected. The removal of the number keys or buttons from the remote
control reduces the complexity of the remote control and thereby
improves the remote control's overall usability and simplicity
while the on screen channel changer 2000 provides the user with the
ability to change channels using only the D-Pad 760. One opposing
set of arrows (e.g., the up and down arrows) scrolls up and down
through the program listing 2004 while the other opposing set of
arrows (e.g., the left and right moves to the left and right,
respectively, through the number input bar 2008.
[0219] The on screen channel changer 2000 can have different EPG
channel listing configurations. In one configuration, a mini EPG is
presented having a single channel listing of the last channel that
was manually entered by the user (that may not be the currently
viewed channel). In another configuration shown in FIG. 20, as
numbers are selected a dynamic EPG channel listing is presented.
The channels in the dynamic EPG listing correspond to the channels
that are currently selectable from the root entered numbers. For
example, if the user has entered "11" and only numbers "2", "4",
and "6" in the number input bar are enabled, the channels in the
dynamic EPG channel listing would include channel listings for
channels 112, 114, and 116.
[0220] With reference to FIG. 21, a D-Pad channel navigation
display is shown. Pressing left or right arrows in the D-Pad moves
focus from file 2100 to file 2100. Each file 2100 includes a
channel number and logo, thumbnail view 1440, progress bar 1504,
and program information 2104 (e.g., program name, episode name,
season number, episode number, and/or program type and/or
category). An in-focus file can be selected by pressing the OK
button. The channels to the right of center 2108 can be made up of
all channels that have been set as favorites along with any other
channels that are currently airing a favorite program. The favorite
channels can be ordered by channel increasing or decreasing from
the center 2108 out. The channels to the left of the center 2108
can be made of all recommendations based on the user's favorites
and watching patterns (e.g., this can initially be limited to
programs matching the active program's category until cloud-based
recommendations are available). The user's current favorites, for
example, can be used to identify similar channels and/or programs
that may be of interest to the user. A similar channel may be, for
example, a channel broadcasting a favorite program of the user. A
similar program may be, for example, a program of a similar
category or type to a current favorite. Watching patterns can be
determined, for example, by monitoring the frequency (over a
selected period of time) of the user selecting a channel and/or
watching a program (such as an episode, sport event, news program,
and the like). When the frequency is at least a determined amount,
the channel or program is recommended. The frequency threshold can
be a default value, a value selected or configured by the user, or
a value based on the relative viewing frequency of favorite or
favorite and nonfavorite channels or programs. The frequency
threshold can be determined by other techniques appreciated by
others skilled in the art based on this disclosure. The recommended
channels and/or programs can be ordered based on frequency
magnitude. As will be appreciated, other techniques can be used to
recommend a channel or program to the user. The recommended
channels can be ordered by channel increasing or decreasing from
the center 2108 out.
[0221] The information panel for an episode is shown in FIG. 22. It
is available when the user is watching any episode and provides
extended information on the currently watched program. The
information panel 2200 is adjacent to the viewing area 1920
displaying the live episode programming and displaying the current
time 2216. The information panel 2200 includes a panel navigation
bar 2204, a thumbnail view 1440 and channel number, name and logo
1442 with accompanying information fields for the episode being
displayed in the viewing area 1920, a favorite action button 2208
(which, is selected, provides a modal providing the options: add or
remove a program to or from favorites, add or remove a channel to
or from favorites, audio track button 2220 (only visible is there
are multiple audio tracks and, if selected, provides a modal with a
list of all audio tracks available with the video), and subtitle
button 2224 (which, if selected, provides a modal with a list of
all subtitle tracks available within the video), an on next mini
EPG 2212, and hot keys 1416. The accompanying information fields
include show name 1420, episode name 1428, and other information
1428 (which includes one or more of program category of the
episode, program video format of the episode, program audio format
of the episode, program description of the episode, program start
and end times of the episode, program season number of the episode
(or the season to which the episode belongs), episode number,
original air date of the episode, first air indicator, encryption
status, and rating of the episode). The on next mini EPG 2212 shows
a small time-based EPG with the next few listings of the episode
that will be aired. In the hot key bar 1416, the red hot key
corresponds to "Guide", which, if selected, dismisses the
information panel and launches the full-screen EPG, the yellow hot
key to "View in HD", which, if selected, switches to the channel
currently airing the same program in HD (which is useful when the
current channel is airing the program in SD), the green hot key to
"Remind", which, if selected, toggles the reminder on and off for
the selected or in-focus program, and the blue hot key to
"Favorite", which, if selected, provides a modal with the options:
add or remove [Program] to or from favorites and add or remove
[Channel] to or from favorites.
[0222] An information panel similar to that of FIG. 22 is provided
for TV specials, movies, sporting events, radio, and undefined
programming. Any of the information panels can be selected by
selecting the "Info" option on the panel navigation bar 2204.
[0223] From the display of FIG. 22, an EPG panel can be selected by
selecting the On Now option on the panel navigation bar 2204. This
selection replaces the information panel 2200 with an EPG 1412
similar to that of FIG. 14. It provides a vertically scrollable
listing of programs available or airing within the next hour. In
this panel, the hot key assignments remain the same as the
information panel except for the yellow hot key, which has no
corresponding assigned function.
[0224] From the display of FIG. 22, a categories panel can be
selected by selecting the Category option on the panel navigation
bar 2204. This selection replaces the information panel 2200 with a
vertically scrollable list of all available program categories.
Categories not having available content are excluded from the
listing. Selecting a listed category provides a focused mini EPG
listing the corresponding available programs within the selected
category. In the hot key bar 1416, the red hot key corresponds to
"Go to Top", which, if selected, returns the user to the top of the
panel, the yellow hot key has no corresponding function, the green
hot key to "Remind", which, if selected, toggles the reminder on
and off for the selected or in-focus program, and the blue hot key
to "Favorite", which, if selected, marks the series in focus as a
favorite and, when the series is already a favorite, removes the
series from the set of favorites.
[0225] From the display of FIG. 22, a favorites panel can be
selected by selecting the Favorite option on the panel navigation
bar 2204. This selection replaces the information panel 2200 with a
vertically scrollable list of all channels that have been marked as
favorites along with currently airing programs that are marked as
favorites. The listing of channels includes channel number, name
and logo and show name. The listing is updated dynamically such
that, when a favorite program ends for a channel that is not a
favorite, the program is removed from the listing. In the hot key
bar 1416, the red hot key corresponds to "Guide", which, if
selected, dismisses the favorites panel and launches the
full-screen EPG, the yellow and green hot keys have no
corresponding functions, and the blue hot key to "Favorite", which,
if selected, provides a modal with the options: add or remove
[Program] to or from favorites and add or remove [Channel] to or
from favorites.
[0226] From the display of FIG. 22, a search panel 2300 can be
selected by selecting the Search option on the panel navigation bar
2204. The search panel 2300 allows the user to search for media
within the EPG for content that will be available within a
predetermined time period. With reference to FIG. 23, the search
panel 2300 includes a search term field 2304, a list of previous
search terms 2308, and the hot key bar 1416. The previous search
terms are listed with the most recent searched terms on the top of
the list. Any of the previous search terms can be selected by the
OK button to initiate a new search using the terms. The search term
can search any field within an EPG, including channel number, name,
or logo, show name 1420, episode name 1428, program category,
program video format, program audio format, program description,
program start and end times, program season number, episode number,
original air date, first air indicator, encryption status, and
rating. In the hot key bar 1416, the red hot key corresponds to
"Guide", which, if selected, dismisses the search panel and
launches the full-screen EPG, the yellow hot key to "Clear all",
which, if selected, clears the search history, the green hot key to
"Remove", which, if selected, removes the selected term from the
search history, and the blue hot key has no corresponding
function.
[0227] The search results panel 2400 of FIG. 24 is provided after a
search is initiated. The search results panel includes not only the
panel navigation bar 2204 and hot key bar 1416 but also a search
term field 2404 and search results listing 2408. The search results
update in real time while the user fills in the search term field
2404. The search results 2408 provide a vertically scrollable
collection of programs that are related to the search term and are
or will be airing within a predetermined time. Each search term
listing includes time on or program start time, show name, progress
bar, indicators such as the favorite and reminder indicators, and
channel number, name, and logo. The search terms are reset (to the
prior search terms on the display) when the user exits the live TV
silo, the user turns off the TV, or a predetermined time passes
from the time of the search. In the hot key bar 1416, the red hot
key corresponds to "Go to Top", which, if selected, returns the
user to the top of the panel, the yellow hot key to "Clear", which,
if selected, clears the current search and returns the panel to the
prior to search view with the focus in the empty entry field, the
green hot key to "Remind", which, if selected, toggles the reminder
on and off for the selected or in-focus program, and the blue hot
key to "Favorite", which, if selected, marks the series in focus as
a favorite and, when the series is already a favorite, removes the
series from the set of favorites. As shown, the search results
panel 2400 can optionally include a program preview area 1408 for
the in-focus listing in the search results listing 2408.
[0228] A user interface operation of the application framework 412
(typically the panel manager 536 and/or panel controller 552) is
shown in FIG. 25. The operation will be discussed with reference to
FIG. 19.
[0229] In step 2500, the application framework 412 detects a
stimulus, such as selection of a new channel or program that causes
the intelligent TV 100 tuner to locate a new programming
signal.
[0230] In step 2504, the intelligent TV 100 tuner initiates tuning
to locate the new programming signal.
[0231] In step 2508, the application framework 412, during the
period that the tuner is attempting to locate the new programming
signal, displays, in the viewing area 1920, the display of FIG. 19.
One or more thumbnail views of the current program on the new
channel or the newly selected program are shown in the thumbnail
view and viewing area.
[0232] In decision diamond 2512, the application framework 412
determines whether tuning is completed and the new programming
signal has been located and is currently being received. If not,
the application framework 412 returns to step 2508. If so, the
application framework 412, in step 1516, displays, in the viewing
area 1920, live programming in lieu of the view of FIG. 19.
[0233] A further user interface operation of the application
framework (typically the panel manager 536 and/or panel controller
552) is shown in FIG. 26. The operation will be discussed with
reference to FIGS. 20 and 27.
[0234] In step 2600, the application framework 412 detects a
stimulus, such as selection of the 0-9 (number) button 776, a new
channel or program that causes the intelligent TV 100 tuner to
locate a new programming signal.
[0235] In step 2604, the application framework 412, in response,
displays, in the viewing area 1920, an on screen channel changer
2000. With reference to FIG. 27, the on screen channel changer 2000
will have the appearance of the on screen channel changer 2700.
When the on screen channel changer is brought into focus, it will
contain a mini EPG with a single entry of the last channel that was
manually entered (that is not the current channel). The in-focus
indicator will be in a default center position on the number input
bar 2008 (which is in the "5" position as shown). Only numbers in
the number input bar 2008 that will produce a selectable channel
are enabled while the other numbers are disabled.
[0236] In step 2608, the application framework 412 receives a
number selection via the on screen channel changer.
[0237] In decision diamond 2612, the application framework 412
determines whether the user has entered a complete channel entry.
If not, the application framework 412, in step 2612, updates the on
screen channel changer 2700 to reflect the selected number.
Referring to FIG. 27, the user used the D-Pad to select the number
"2". The on screen channel changer 2704 is updated to show, in the
mini EPG, the next three channels that begin with the number "2".
Selecting any of these EPG listings will automatically change the
channel and dismiss the on screen channel changer 2704.
[0238] In the example of FIG. 27, the user has selected only the
first number of the channel. The user next uses the D-Pad to select
the number "9". Because a complete channel entry has not been
entered, the application framework 412 proceeds to step 2612 and
updates the on screen channel changer 2704 to reflect the selected
number. Referring to FIG. 27, the user used the D-Pad to select the
number "9". The on screen channel changer 2708 is updated to show,
in the mini EPG, the next three channels that begin with the
numbers "29". Selecting any of these EPG listings will
automatically change the channel and dismiss the on screen channel
changer 2708.
[0239] The user, in step 2608, next selects the number "4" using
the D-Pad. In decision diamond 2612, the application framework 412
determines that a complete channel has been entered (which is 294
in the example) and, in step 2620, updates the on screen channel
changer 2712 by showing, in the mini EPG, and putting in focus only
a single listing corresponding to the entered channel. If the user
selects the listing, the application framework 412 will
automatically change the channel and dismiss the on screen channel
changer 2712.
[0240] The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have
been described in relation to intelligent televisions. However, to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding
description omits a number of known structures and devices. This
omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of
the claims. Specific details are set forth to provide an
understanding of the present disclosure. It should however be
appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a
variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.
[0241] Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations illustrated herein show the various
components of the system collocated, certain components of the
system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a
distributed network, such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a
dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the
components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices,
such as a television, or collocated on a particular node of a
distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital
telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or a
circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the preceding
description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the
components of the system can be arranged at any location within a
distributed network of components without affecting the operation
of the system. For example, the various components can be located
in a switch such as a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more
communications devices, at one or more users' premises, or some
combination thereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of
the system could be distributed between a telecommunications
device(s) and an associated computing device.
[0242] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links
connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any
combination thereof, or any other known or later developed
element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data
to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links
can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating
encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for
example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals,
including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may
take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated
during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.
[0243] Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and
illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it
should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to
this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation
of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.
[0244] A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure
can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of
the disclosure without providing others.
[0245] In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this
disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose
computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and
peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other
integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired
electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a
programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA,
PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like.
In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the
methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various
aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for
the disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes
computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet
enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware
known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a
single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage,
input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative
software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein.
[0246] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be
readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or
object-oriented software development environments that provide
portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or
workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be
implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic
circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to
implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is
dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the
system, the particular function, and the particular software or
hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being
utilized.
[0247] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be
partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage
medium, executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the
cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer,
a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and
methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded
on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA.RTM. or CGI script, as
a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a
routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system
component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by
physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software
and/or hardware system.
[0248] Although the present disclosure describes components and
functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations with reference to particular standards and
protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not
limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards
and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are
considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the
standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar
standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically
superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having
essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and
protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents
included in the present disclosure.
[0249] The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes,
systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described
herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations
embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of
skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed
aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the
present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and
processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described
herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations
hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been
used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving
performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of
implementation.
[0250] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to
limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the
foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the
disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining
the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate
aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features
than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of
a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or
configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated
into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own
as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
[0251] Moreover, though the description has included description of
one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain
variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and
modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may
be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after
understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain
rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
* * * * *