U.S. patent application number 14/625810 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for system and method in a television system for presenting information associated with a user-selected object in a television program.
This patent application is currently assigned to Broadcom Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Broadcom Corporation. Invention is credited to Jeyhan Karaoguz, Nambirajan Seshadri.
Application Number | 20150172769 14/625810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43730008 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150172769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan ; et
al. |
June 18, 2015 |
System And Method In A Television System For Presenting Information
Associated With A User-Selected Object In A Television Program
Abstract
A system and method in a television system for presenting
information associated with a user-selected object in a television
program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection
with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in
the claims.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) ; Seshadri; Nambirajan; (Irvine, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Broadcom Corporation |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Broadcom Corporation
|
Family ID: |
43730008 |
Appl. No.: |
14/625810 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12881067 |
Sep 13, 2010 |
|
|
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14625810 |
|
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61242234 |
Sep 14, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/436 20130101;
H04N 21/858 20130101; H04N 21/4828 20130101; G06F 3/0304 20130101;
H04N 21/472 20130101; H04N 21/8545 20130101; G06F 3/0325 20130101;
H04N 21/42209 20130101; H04N 21/42204 20130101; H04N 21/25841
20130101; H04N 21/2668 20130101; H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N
21/8126 20130101; H04N 21/4722 20130101; H04N 21/4725 20130101;
H04N 21/23892 20130101; G06F 3/0386 20130101; H04N 21/4325
20130101; H04N 9/8205 20130101; H04N 21/4334 20130101; H04N 21/4728
20130101; H04N 21/8173 20130101; G06F 3/0308 20130101; H04N
21/42222 20130101; H04N 21/2408 20130101; H04N 21/438 20130101;
H04N 21/4826 20130101; G06F 3/0346 20130101; H04N 5/445 20130101;
G06F 3/0428 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/845 20130101;
H04N 21/42206 20130101; H04N 21/4524 20130101; G06F 3/0412
20130101; H04N 5/76 20130101; H04N 21/234318 20130101; H04N
21/44008 20130101; H04N 21/47805 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101;
H04N 21/8133 20130101; H04N 21/41265 20200801; H04N 21/812
20130101; H04N 21/47815 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/4725 20060101
H04N021/4725; H04N 21/81 20060101 H04N021/81; G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; H04N 21/2343 20060101 H04N021/2343; H04N 21/2389
20060101 H04N021/2389; H04N 21/422 20060101 H04N021/422; H04N
21/432 20060101 H04N021/432; H04N 21/433 20060101 H04N021/433; H04N
21/4728 20060101 H04N021/4728; H04N 21/845 20060101 H04N021/845;
G06F 3/038 20060101 G06F003/038; H04N 21/2668 20060101
H04N021/2668; H04N 21/472 20060101 H04N021/472; H04N 21/8545
20060101 H04N021/8545; H04N 21/858 20060101 H04N021/858; H04N 5/445
20060101 H04N005/445; H04N 21/482 20060101 H04N021/482; H04N 21/436
20060101 H04N021/436; H04N 21/258 20060101 H04N021/258; H04N 21/45
20060101 H04N021/45; H04N 21/24 20060101 H04N021/24; H04N 21/438
20060101 H04N021/438; H04N 5/76 20060101 H04N005/76; H04N 9/82
20060101 H04N009/82; G06F 3/03 20060101 G06F003/03 |
Claims
1. A method for presenting information regarding user-selected
objects in a video stream, the method comprising: receiving object
identification data embedded in the video stream; determining an
identity of a user-selected object in the video stream being
presented based on the object identification data; determining,
based at least in part on the identity of the user-selected object
in the video stream, information to present; and presenting the
determined information on a display.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said presenting the determined
information comprises overlaying the determined information on the
video stream.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining information to
present to the user comprises determining information describing
the user-selected object.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining information to
present to the user comprises determining user interface
information to present to the user associated with the
user-selected object.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the user interface information
comprises information associated with the user performing a
commercial transaction associated with the user-selected
object.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the user interface information
comprises information associated with the user requesting
additional information associated with the user-selected
object.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the user interface information
comprises information associated with a two-way communication
session between the user and a networked entity remote from the
display regarding the user-selected object.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the user interface information
comprises information associated with controlling a manner in which
information associated with user-selected objects is presented on
the display.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said identity determining,
information determining and said information presenting are
performed at a location of the display.
10. A display system for presenting information regarding
user-selected objects in video stream, the display system
comprising: at least one module operable to, at least: determine an
identity of a user-selected object in a video stream being
presented to a user; determine, based at least in part on the
identity of the user-selected object in the video stream,
information to present to the user; and present the determined
information to the user on a display.
11. The display system of claim 10, wherein said at least one
module is operable to present the determined information by, at
least in part, operating to pause presentation of the video stream
while presenting the determined information.
12. The display system of claim 11, wherein the at least one module
is operable to record the video stream while operating to present
the determined information.
13. The display system of claim 10, wherein the at least one module
is operable to present the determined information by, at least in
part, operating to overlay the determined information on the video
stream.
14. The display system of claim 10, wherein the at least one module
is operable to determine information to present to the user by, at
least in part, operating to determine information describing the
user-selected object.
15. The display system of claim 10, wherein the at least one module
is operable to determine information to present to the user by, at
least in part, operating to determine user interface information to
present to the user associated with the user-selected object.
16. The display system of claim 15, wherein the user interface
information comprises information associated with the user
performing a commercial transaction associated with the
user-selected object.
17. The display system of claim 15, wherein the user interface
information comprises information associated with the user
requesting additional information associated with the user-selected
object.
18. The display system of claim 15, wherein the user interface
information comprises information associated with a two-way
communication session between the user and a networked entity
remote from a local display system regarding the user-selected
object.
19. The display system of claim 15, wherein the user interface
information comprises information associated with controlling a
manner in which information associated with user-selected objects
is presented on the display.
20. A method for presenting information regarding user-selected
objects in a video stream, the method comprising: determining an
identity of a user-selected object in the video stream being
presented based on an object identification data structure embedded
in the video stream; determining, based at least in part on the
identity of the user-selected object in the video stream,
information to present; and presenting the determined information
on a display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application is a continuation application of
non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/881,067 filed Sep. 13,
2010, and titled SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR
PRESENTING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A USER-SELECTED OBJECT IN A
TELEVISION PROGRAM, which is related to and claims priority from
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/242,234 filed Sep. 14,
2009, and titled "TELEVISION SYSTEM," the contents of which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This
patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/880,530, filed Sep. 13, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A
DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM FOR RESPONDING TO USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN
A TELEVISION PROGRAM", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/880,594,
filed Sep. 13, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A LOCAL
TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR RESPONDING TO USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN
A TELEVISION PROGRAM", U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/880,668,
filed Sep. 13, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION
SYSTEM FOR RESPONDING TO USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN A
TELEVISION PROGRAM BASED ON USER LOCATION"; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/881,096, Sep. 13, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A
TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR PRESENTING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A
USER-SELECTED OBJECT IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/880,749, filed Sep. 13, 2010, titled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR RESPONDING TO
USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM UTILIZING AN
ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION NETWORK"; U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/851,036, filed Aug. 5, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A
TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING FOR USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN
A TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/851,075,
filed Aug. 5, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A PARALLEL
TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A
TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/880,851,
filed Sep. 13, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION FOR
PROVIDING ADVERTISING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A USER-SELECTED
OBJECT IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/880,888, filed Sep. 13, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A
TELEVISION FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A
USER-SELECTED PERSON IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/881,110, filed Sep. 13, 2010, titled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION
ASSOCIATED WITH A USER-SELECTED INFORMATION ELEMENT IN A TELEVISION
PROGRAM". The contents of each of the above-mentioned applications
are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0004] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Present television systems are incapable of providing for
and/or conveniently providing for user-selection of objects in a
television program, much less responding to such selection. Further
limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional
approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through
comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth
in the remainder of the present application with reference to the
drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Various aspects of the present invention provide a system
and method in a television system for presenting information
associated with a user-selected object in a television program,
substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at
least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the
claims. These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of
the present invention, as well as details of illustrative aspects
thereof, will be more fully understood from the following
description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary television
system, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method
for presenting information associated with a user-selected object
in a television program, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method
for presenting information associated with a user-selected object
in a television program, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary television, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary television
receiver, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary television
controller, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating exemplary modules and/or
sub-modules for a television system, in accordance with various
aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The following discussion will refer to various communication
modules, components or circuits. Such modules, components or
circuits may generally comprise hardware and/or a combination of
hardware and software (e.g., including firmware). Such modules may
also, for example, comprise a computer readable medium (e.g., a
non-transitory medium) comprising instructions (e.g., software
instructions) that, when executed by a processor, cause the
processor to perform various functional aspects of the present
invention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of particular
hardware and/or software implementations of a module, component or
circuit unless explicitly claimed as such. For example and without
limitation, various aspects of the present invention may be
implemented by one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor,
digital signal processor, baseband processor, microcontroller,
etc.) executing software instructions (e.g., stored in volatile
and/or non-volatile memory). Also for example, various aspects of
the present invention may be implemented by an application-specific
integrated circuit ("ASIC") and/or other hardware components.
[0015] Additionally, the following discussion will refer to various
television system modules (e.g., television modules, television
receiver modules, television controller modules, modules of a
user's local television system, modules of a geographically
distributed television system, etc.). It should be noted that the
following discussion of such various modules is segmented into such
modules for the sake of illustrative clarity. However, in actual
implementation, the boundaries between various modules may be
blurred. For example, any or all of the functional modules
discussed herein may share various hardware and/or software
components. For example, any or all of the functional modules
discussed herein may be implemented wholly or in-part by a shared
processor executing software instructions. Additionally, various
software sub-modules that may be executed by one or more processors
may be shared between various software modules. Accordingly, the
scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by arbitrary boundaries between various hardware and/or
software components, unless explicitly claimed.
[0016] The following discussion may also refer to communication
networks and various aspects thereof. For the following discussion,
a communication network is generally the communication
infrastructure through which a communication device (e.g., a
portable communication device, television, television control
device, television provider, television programming provider,
television receiver, video recording device, etc.) may communicate
with other systems. For example and without limitation, a
communication network may comprise a cable and/or satellite
television communication network, a cellular communication network,
a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless local area
network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), any home
or premises communication network, etc. A particular communication
network may, for example, generally have a corresponding
communication protocol according to which a communication device
may communicate with the communication network. Unless so claimed,
the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of a particular type of communication
network.
[0017] The following discussion may at times refer to an on-screen
pointing location. Such a pointing location refers to a location on
the television screen (e.g., a primary television screen, a
secondary television screen, etc.) to which a user (either directly
or with a pointing device) is pointing. Such a pointing location is
to be distinguished from other types of on-screen location
identification, such as, for example, using arrow keys and/or a
mouse to move a cursor or to traverse blocks (e.g., on an on-screen
program guide) without pointing. Various aspects of the present
invention, while referring to on-screen pointing location, are also
readily extensible to such other forms of on-screen location
identification.
[0018] Additionally, the following discussion will at times refer
to television programming. Such television programming generally
includes various types of television programming (e.g., television
programs, news programs, sports programs, music television, movies,
television series programs and/or associated advertisements,
educational programs, live or recorded television programming,
broadcast/multicast/unicast television programming, etc.). Such
television programming may, for example, comprise real-time
television broadcast programming (or multicast or unicast
television programming) and/or user-stored television programming
that is stored in a user device (e.g., a VCR, PVR, etc.). Such
television programming video content is to be distinguished from
other non-programming video content that may be displayed on a
television screen (e.g., an electronic program guide, user
interface menu, a television set-up menu, a typical web page, a
document, a graphical video game, etc.). Various aspects of the
present invention may, for example in a television system, comprise
receiving a television program, presenting such received television
program to a user, determining an object in the television program
that has been selected by the user, determining based on the
user-selected object one or more actions to perform with entities
remote from the user's local television system, and performing such
determined one or more actions.
[0019] Also, the following discussion will at times refer to
user-selectable objects in television programming. Such
user-selectable objects include both animate (i.e., living) and
inanimate (i.e., non-living) objects, both still and moving. Such
objects may, for example, comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of objects present in television programming. Such objects
may, for example and without limitation, comprise inanimate
objects, such as consumer good objects (e.g., clothing,
automobiles, shoes, jewelry, furniture, food, beverages,
appliances, electronics, toys, artwork, cosmetics, recreational
vehicles, sports equipment, safety equipment, computer equipment,
communication devices, books, etc.), premises objects (e.g.,
business locations, stores, hotels, signs, doors, buildings,
landmarks, historical sites, entertainment venues, hospitals,
government buildings, etc.), objects related to services (e.g.,
objects related to transportation, objects related to emergency
services, objects related to general government services, objects
related to entertainment services, objects related to food and/or
drink services, etc.), objects related to location (e.g., parks,
landmarks, streets, signs, road signs, etc.), etc. Such objects
may, for example, comprise animate objects, such as people (e.g.,
actors/actresses, athletes, musicians, salespeople, commentators,
reports, analysts, hosts/hostesses, entertainers, etc.), animals
(e.g., pets, zoo animals, wild animals, etc.) and plants (e.g.,
flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, cacti, etc.).
[0020] Turning first to FIG. 1, such figure is a diagram
illustrating a non-limiting exemplary television system 100 in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The
exemplary system 100 includes a television provider 110. The
television provider 110 may, for example, comprise a television
network company, a cable company, a movie-providing company, a news
company, an educational institution, etc. The television provider
110 may, for example, be an original source of television
programming (or related information). Also for example, the
television provider 110 may be a communication company that
provides programming distribution services (e.g., a cable
television company, a satellite television company, a
telecommunication company, a data network provider, etc.). The
television provider 110 may, for example, provide television
programming and non-programming information and/or video content.
The television provider 110 may, for example, provide information
related to a television program (e.g., information describing or
otherwise related to selectable objects in programming, etc.). The
television provider 110 may, for example, operate to (which
includes "operate when enabled to") perform any or all of the
functionality discussed herein.
[0021] The exemplary television system 100 may also include a third
party program information provider 120. Such a provider may, for
example, provide information related to a television program. Such
information may, for example, comprise information describing
selectable objects in programming, information to provide to a user
upon selection of a selectable object in programming, information
related to various actions that may be performed (e.g., with
networked entities remote from the user's local television system)
upon user selection of a selectable object, program guide
information, etc. The third party program information provider 120
may, for example, operate to (which includes "operate when enabled
to") perform any or all of the functionality discussed herein.
[0022] The exemplary television system 100 may include one or more
communication networks (e.g., the communication network(s) 130).
The exemplary communication network 130 may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of types of communication
networks over which television programming and/or information
related to television programming (e.g., information identifying
and/or describing and/or otherwise related to user-selectable
objects in television programming) may be communicated. For example
and without limitation, the communication network 130 may comprise
characteristics of any one or more of: a cable television network,
a satellite television network, a telecommunication network, a
general data network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a
personal area network (PAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), any
of a variety of different types of home networks, etc.
[0023] The exemplary television system 100 may include a first
television 140. Such a first television 140 may, for example,
comprise networking capability enabling such television 140 to
communicate directly with the communication network 130. For
example, the first television 140 may comprise one or more embedded
television receivers or transceivers (e.g., a cable television
receiver, satellite television transceiver, Internet modem, etc.).
Also for example, the first television 140 may comprise one or more
recording devices (e.g., for recording and/or playing back video
content, television programming, etc.). The first television 140
may, for example, operate to (which includes "operate when enabled
to") perform any or all of the functionality discussed herein.
[0024] The exemplary television system 100 may include a first
television controller 160. Such a first television controller 160
may, for example, operate to (e.g., which includes "operate when
enabled to") control operation of the first television 140. The
first television controller 160 may comprise characteristics of any
of a variety of television controlling devices. For example and
without limitation, the first television controller 160 may
comprise characteristics of a dedicated television control device,
a universal remote control, a cellular telephone or personal
computing device with television control capability, any personal
electronic device with television control capability, etc. The
first television controller 160 may, for example, operate to (which
includes "operate when enabled to") perform any or all of the
functionality discussed herein. In a non-limiting exemplary
configuration, the first television controller 160 may comprise an
on-board display which may operate as a television screen (e.g., a
primary, secondary and/or parallel television screen) via which the
first television controller 160 may present television programming
and/or interface with a user regarding user-selectable objects in
television programming.
[0025] The first television controller 160 (or television control
device) may, for example, transmit signals directly to the first
television 140 to control operation of the first television 140.
The first television controller 160 may also, for example, operate
to transmit signals (e.g., via the communication network 130) to
the television provider 110 to control television programming (or
related information) being provided to the first television 140, or
to conduct other transactions (e.g., business transactions,
etc.).
[0026] As will be discussed in more detail later, the first
television controller 160 may operate to communicate screen
pointing and/or object selection information with the first
television 140 and/or other devices. Also, as will be discussed in
more detail later, various aspects of the present invention include
a user selecting a user-selectable object in programming. Such
selection may, for example, be performed by the user pointing to a
location on a television screen (e.g., pointing to an animate or
inanimate object presented in television programming). In such a
scenario, the user may perform such pointing in any of a variety of
manners. One of such exemplary manners includes pointing with a
television control device. The first television controller 160
provides a non-limiting example of a device that a user may utilize
to point to an on-screen location.
[0027] As will be mentioned throughout the following discussion,
various aspects of the invention will be performed by one or more
devices, components and/or modules of a user's local television
system. The first television 140 and first television controller
160 provide a non-limiting example of a user's local television
system. Such a user's local television system, for example,
generally refers to the television-related devices that are local
to the television system currently being utilized by the user. For
example, when a user is utilizing a television system located at
the user's home, the user's local television system generally
refers to the television-related devices that make up the user's
home television system. Also for example, when a user is utilizing
a television system at a premises away from the user's home, the
user's local television system generally refers to the
television-related devices that make up the premises television
system. Such a user's local television system does not, for
example, comprise television network infrastructure devices that
are generally outside of the user's current premises (e.g., cable
and/or satellite head-end apparatus, cable and/or satellite
communication intermediate communication network nodes) and/or
programming source devices that are generally managed by television
enterprises and generally exist outside of the user's home. Such
entities, which may be communicatively coupled to the user's local
television system, may be considered to be entities remote from the
user's local (or home) television system (or "remote entities").
Such remote entities may also, for example, include networked
entities generally remote from the user's current and/or home
premises, where such entities are independent of the television
program delivery system (e.g., Internet web sites, networked
databases, networked information servers, etc.).
[0028] The exemplary television system 100 may also include a
television receiver 151. The television receiver 151 may, for
example, operate to (e.g., which includes "operate when enabled
to") provide a communication link between a television and/or
television controller and a communication network and/or
information provider. For example, the television receiver 151 may
operate to provide a communication link between the second
television 141 and the communication network 130, or between the
second television 141 and the television provider 110 (and/or third
party program information provider 120) via the communication
network 130.
[0029] The television receiver 151 may comprise characteristics of
any of a variety of types of television receivers. For example and
without limitation, the television receiver 151 may comprise
characteristics of a cable television receiver, a satellite
television receiver, etc. Also for example, the television receiver
151 may comprise a data communication network modem for data
network communications (e.g., with the Internet, a LAN, PAN, MAN,
telecommunication network, etc.). The television receiver 151 may
also, for example, comprise recording capability (e.g., programming
recording and playback, etc.). The television receiver 151 may, for
example, be a stand-alone component (e.g., a set top box) or may be
integrated with any of a variety of other television system
components (e.g., a television, a video recorder, a gaming station,
etc.). The television receiver 151 may, for example, operate to
(which includes "operate when enabled to") perform any or all of
the functionality discussed herein.
[0030] The exemplary television system 100 may include a second
television controller 161. Such a second television controller 161
may, for example, operate to (e.g., which includes "operate when
enabled to") control operation of the second television 141 and the
television receiver 151. The second television controller 161 may
comprise characteristics of any of a variety of television
controlling devices. For example and without limitation, the second
television controller 161 may comprise characteristics of a
dedicated television control device, a dedicated television
receiver control device, a universal remote control, a cellular
telephone or personal computing device with television control
capability, any personal electronic device with television control
capability, etc.
[0031] The second television controller 161 may, for example,
operate to transmit signals directly to the second television 141
to control operation of the second television 141. The second
television controller 161 may, for example, operate to transmit
signals directly to the television receiver 151 to control
operation of the television receiver 151. The second television
controller 161 may additionally, for example, operate to transmit
signals (e.g., via the television receiver 151 and the
communication network 130) to the television provider 110 to
control television programming (or related information) being
provided to the television receiver 151, or to conduct other
transactions (e.g., business transactions, etc.). The second
television controller 161 may further, for example, operate to
receive signals from the second television 141 and/or television
receiver 151. Such signals may, for example, comprise signals
communicating television programming, information identifying
and/or describing user-selectable objects in television programming
and/or any of a variety of other information to the second
television controller 161. As a non-limiting example, the second
television controller 161 may comprise an on-board display which
may operate as a television (e.g., a primary television, secondary
television, parallel television (presenting on the on-board display
a same television program as that being presented by the second
television 141), etc.). In such a configuration, the second
television controller 161 may, for example, operate to perform any
or all of the functionality discussed herein.
[0032] As will be discussed in more detail later, various aspects
of the present invention include a user selecting a user-selectable
object in programming. Such selection may, for example, comprise
the user pointing to a location on a television screen (e.g.,
pointing to an animate or inanimate object presented in television
programming). In such a scenario, the user may perform such
pointing in any of a variety of manners. One of such exemplary
manners includes pointing with a television control device. The
second television controller 161 provides one non-limiting example
of a device that a user may utilize to point to an on-screen
location. Also, in a scenario in which the second television
controller 161 comprises a touch screen, a user may touch a
location of such touch screen to point to an on-screen location
(e.g., to select a user-selectable object).
[0033] As will be mentioned throughout the following discussion,
and as mentioned previously in the discussion of the first
television 140 and television controller 160, various aspects of
the invention will be performed by one or more devices, components
and/or modules of a user's local television system. The second
television 141, television receiver 151 and second television
controller 161 provide another non-limiting example of a user's
local television system.
[0034] The exemplary television system 100 was provided to provide
a non-limiting illustrative foundation for discussion of various
aspects of the present invention. Thus, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by any
characteristics of the exemplary television system 100 unless
explicitly claimed.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method
200 for responding to user-selection of objects in television
programming based on geographical location, in accordance with
various aspects of the present invention. Any or all aspects of the
exemplary method 200 may, for example, be implemented in one or
more devices (or components or modules) of a user's local
television system (e.g., in any one or more of the first television
140 and/or second television 141, the television receiver 151, the
first television controller 160 and/or second television controller
161, etc., shown in FIG. 1 and discussed previously).
[0036] The exemplary method 200 may, for example, begin executing
at step 205. The exemplary method 200 may begin executing in
response to any of a variety of causes and/or conditions,
non-limiting examples of which will now be provided. For example,
the exemplary method 200 may begin executing in response to a user
command to begin, in response to user selection of a
user-selectable object in a television program, upon television
and/or television receiver and/or television controller reset or
power-up, in response to a user input indicating a desire to
provide object selection capability to the user, in response to
identification of a user and/or user equipment for which object
selection capability is to be provided, in response to receipt
and/or presentation of a television program comprising
user-selectable objects, in response to user payment of a fee,
etc.
[0037] The exemplary method 200 may, for example at step 220,
comprise determining an identity of a user-selected object in a
television program being presented to a user. Step 220 may comprise
performing such determining in any of a variety of manners,
non-limiting examples of which will now be provided.
[0038] For example, step 220 may comprise analyzing various sensor
readings to identify an object in television programming selected
by a user. For example, step 220 may comprise performing such
analysis in a local television system component (or device)
implementing the exemplary method 200. Also for example, step 220
may comprise receiving information from another television system
component (or device) identifying an object in a television program
that has been selected by a user. In such an exemplary scenario,
step 220 may, for example, comprise receiving object identification
information from another television system component (or device) of
the user's local television system and/or from another television
system component remote from the user's local television system
(e.g., via a direct communication link; via a personal area
network, local area network or home area network; via the Internet,
etc.).
[0039] Many examples of such object-selection determination are
provided in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/242,234, which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Additionally, examples of such object-selection determination are
also provided in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/774,380,
filed May 5, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION FOR
PROVIDING USER SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/850,832, filed Aug. 5, 2010, titled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING
USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/850,866, filed Aug. 5, 2010, titled "SYSTEM
AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF
OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/850,911, filed Aug. 5, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A
TELEVISION CONTROLLER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A
TELEVISION PROGRAM"; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/850,945,
filed Aug. 5, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION
CONTROLLER FOR PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION
PROGRAM"; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/851,036, filed Aug.
5, 2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR
PROVIDING FOR USER-SELECTION OF AN OBJECT IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM";
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/851,075, filed Aug. 5,
2010, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD IN A PARALLEL TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR
PROVIDING USER-SELECTION OF OBJECTS IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM". The
contents of each of the above-mentioned applications are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. A
user-selectable object in a television program may be identified by
one or more identifiers comprising any of a variety of
characteristics. For example, a user-selectable object may be
identified by a universally (or globally) unique serial number. For
example, a user-selectable object may be identified by a data
structure that includes a plurality of code fields (e.g., country
field, a company or enterprise ID field, a product type field, a
product model field, a date/time field, a language field, a
personal identifier, etc.). Also for example, a user-selectable
object may be identified, at least in part, by a communication
network address at which information about a user-selectable object
may be obtained (e.g., a Universal Resource Locator (URL), an
Internet address, a memory address, a database identifier, a server
identifier and/or address, etc.).
[0040] In general, step 220 may comprise determining an identity of
a user-selected object in a television program being presented to a
user. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by particular characteristics of
any particular type of identification and/or of any particular
manner of making such a determination unless explicitly
claimed.
[0041] The exemplary method 200 may, at step 230, comprise
determining, based at least in part on the determined object
identity, information to present to a user. Various non-limiting
examples of such actions, and associated information, will be
provided below. Step 230 may comprise determining any of a variety
of different types information to present (e.g., associated with
any of a variety of actions) and may comprise making such
determination in any of a variety of manners, non-limiting examples
of which will now be provided.
[0042] Such information may, for example and without limitation,
correspond to one or more actions to perform with regard to the
identified user-selected object. Such determined actions may
comprise any of a variety of characteristics, non-limiting examples
of which will be provided throughout this discussion. Such actions
may, for example, comprise determining information to present to
the user, where such information is associated with a user-selected
object in a television program (e.g., retrieving such information
from a known location at an entity (e.g., a television system
component, networked non-television system component, etc.) remote
from and/or local to the user's local television system, conducting
a search for such information in one or more system entities (e.g.,
searching entities of the user's local television system and/or
searching entities remote from the user's local television system),
etc.), notifying one or more other system entities (e.g., a
television system component, network non-television system
component, etc.) of the user's selection of the user-selected
object (e.g., notifying a television network enterprise, a
production enterprise, a distribution enterprise, a rating company,
an advertising agency, etc.). Such actions may also, for example,
comprise establishing a communication session by which a user may
interact with networked entities (e.g., one or more entities local
to and/or remote from the user's local television system)
associated with a user-selected object (e.g., communicating
regarding general object information, communicating regarding
obtaining a user-selected object corresponding to a consumer good,
communicating regarding membership in an organization related to
the user-selected object, etc.), interacting with a user regarding
local television system control and/or control of a remote
television system component, interacting with a user regarding
display of a user-selected object and/or associated information,
etc.
[0043] For example, step 230 may comprise determining, based at
least in part on the determined object identity, to obtain (or
acquire) and/or obtaining one or more sets of information from a
system entity (e.g., local to and/or remote from the user's local
television system), where such information may then, for example,
be presented to the user. Such information obtaining may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of different manners of
obtaining such information.
[0044] For example, step 230 may comprise determining a memory
address of a local and/or remote entity associated with the
information, and retrieving the information from the determined
memory address. For example, such memory address information may be
stored in a table or other data structure indexed by object
identity (e.g., by general object type or name, by exact object
identity, by object source, etc.). Such a memory may, for example,
be part of an entity (e.g., a component and/or device of a user's
local television system) implementing the step 230. Such a memory
may also, for example, be a memory of another television system
component (e.g., a component of the user's local television system
or a component remote from the user's local television system) that
is communicatively coupled to the component implementing step 230
(e.g., a memory accessible by direct memory access, via an
information retrieval communication protocol between components,
etc.). Such a memory may additionally, for example, be a memory of
a system entity that is not a television system component, but
which is communicatively coupled to the system entity implementing
step 230 via a communication network.
[0045] In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a plurality of memory
addresses may be associated with a user-selected object, where such
memory addresses correspond to different respective locations
(e.g., any of the exemplary types of locations discussed above).
For example, different respective sets of information for the same
user-selected object associated with different respective locations
may be stored at the different respective memory locations. In such
a scenario, step 230 may comprise determining the location
associated with the location determined at step 225 and then
selecting the memory address corresponding to the determined
location.
[0046] Also for example, step 230 may comprise determining, based
at least in part on the determined object identity, a communication
network address (e.g., a network address of a one or more system
entities (e.g., components, devices, servers, databases, etc.)
remote from and/or local to the user's local television system, a
television communication network address, an Internet address, a
LAN address, etc.). For example, such network address information
may be stored in a table or other data structure indexed by object
identity (e.g., by general object type or name, by exact object
identity, by object source, etc.) and/or by location (e.g., any one
or more of the exemplary locations presented above). Such a network
address may, for example, correspond to a network address at which
information corresponding to the identified object and determined
location may be obtained, a network address of a component with
which a communication session may be initiated and/or conducted
(e.g., to obtain information regarding the user-selected object, to
interact with the user regarding the selected object, to notify of
user-selection of a particular object, etc.), etc. For example,
such a network address may, for example, be a network address
associated with a commercial enterprise (e.g., a manufacturer,
retailer, tech support, etc.) associated with the identified
object. Step 230 may then, for example, comprise obtaining
information from a networked entity having the identified
communication network address.
[0047] In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a plurality of network
addresses may be associated with a user-selected object, where such
network addresses correspond to different respective locations
(e.g., any of the exemplary types of locations discussed above).
For example, different respective sets of information for the same
user-selected object associated with different respective locations
may be stored at the different respective network locations. In
such a scenario, step 230 may comprise determining the location
associated with the location determined at step 225 and then
selecting the network address corresponding to the determined
location.
[0048] In an information-determining and presenting scenario, the
information may comprise any of a variety of different types of
information related to the user-selected object. For example and
without limitation, the determined information may comprise
information describing the object (e.g., information describing
aspects of the object, history of the object, design of the object,
source of the object, source of the object corresponding to the
determined location, price of the object, price of the object
associated with the determined location, critiques of the object,
information provided by commercial enterprises producing and/or
providing such object, etc.), information indicating to the user
how the user may obtain the selected object, information indicating
to the user how the user may obtain the selected object near the
determined location, information indicating how the user may
utilize the selected object, etc. The information may, for example,
comprise information of one or more non-commercial organizations
associated with, and/or having information pertaining to, the
identified user-selected object (e.g., non-profit and/or government
organization contact information, web site address information,
etc.). In general, step 230 may comprise determining to obtain any
of a variety of types of information corresponding to the
identified user-selected object (e.g., from an entity local to
and/or remote from the user's local television system), where such
information may for example, be presented to the user and/or
utilized to perform additional actions on behalf of the user.
[0049] Step 230 may also, for example, comprise determining to
conduct and conducting, based at least in part on the determined
object identity, a search for information corresponding to the
identified user-selected object. Such a search may, for example,
comprise a search of one or more entities (or system components or
devices) local to and/or remote from the user's local television
system (e.g., a search of television system components, a search of
general networked entities via a general data network (e.g., the
Internet, the LAN, etc.), etc.).
[0050] For example, step 230 may comprise determining, based at
least in part on the determined, network search terms that may be
utilized in a search engine to search for information corresponding
to the user-selected object and the determined location. For
example, such search term information may be stored in a table or
other data structure indexed by object identity (e.g., by general
object type or name, by exact object identity, by object source,
etc.) and/or location (e.g., any one or more of the exemplary
location types discussed previously). Such search terms may also,
for example, comprise one or more search terms specifying the
location (which may be retrieved from memory and/or obtained from a
user via a user interface). Such search terms may, for example,
utilize location to enhance the probability of returning object
information that is of higher relevance to the user from a location
perspective.
[0051] In another exemplary scenario, step 230 may comprise
determining to request and/or requesting information for a
particular user-selected object or type of user-selected object
from a remote entity. For example, step 230 may comprise
determining (e.g., based at least in part on the object identity
determined at step 220) a network address of an information server
and communicating a request to such information server for
information pertaining to a particular user-selected object from
such information server. In an exemplary scenario comprising a
plurality of different information sources (e.g., remote
information sources) for respective user-selectable objects, step
230 may comprise determining to which of the plurality of different
information servers the information request should be sent. Such a
determination may, for example, be based at least in part on
location.
[0052] As discussed above, one or more actions determined at step
230 may comprise determining to obtain (and present) information
corresponding to the user-selected object, where such information
determining may, for example, comprise accessing such information
directly from memory, searching for such information in a variety
of manners, etc.
[0053] In an exemplary scenario in which such information
corresponding to user-selectable objects is stored in one or more
television system entities (or other networked entities) remote
from and/or local to the user's local television system, step 230
may comprise initiating and managing an interactive session with
the user to more clearly identify information desired by the user.
Such an interactive session may comprise presenting associated user
interface information to the user and receiving user input
information from the user.
[0054] For example, step 230 may comprise determining that, since a
relatively large amount of information corresponding to a
user-selected object in the television program is available,
additional interaction with the user is necessary to reduce the
amount of information that may ultimately be presented to the user.
For example, step 230 may comprise determining to provide and
providing a list (or menu) of types of information available to the
user and solicit input from the user regarding the selection of one
or more of the listed types of information for presentation to the
user. Also for example, step 230 may comprise providing the user a
list of locations (e.g., locations near or within a particular
distance of the location determined at step 225) to the user and
soliciting input from the user regarding the selection of one or
more of the presented locations. Additionally for example, step 230
may comprise identifying user interface information for
presentation to the user (e.g., a user interface by which the user
may further refine search terms and/or filter search results or
other acquired information). Further for example, a user may
utilize such user interface to specify utilization of the user's
present location and/or the user's home location in acquiring
(e.g., searching for) information to be presented to the user.
[0055] As discussed above, one or more of the actions determined at
step 230 may comprise establishing a communication session by which
a user may interact with networked entities associated with a
user-selected object. For example, such networked entities may
comprise components (or devices) local to and/or remote from the
user's local television system. In an exemplary scenario, step 230
may comprise determining to open and/or opening a user interface
session with which a user may interact with an object information
database (or server) local to and/or remote from the user's local
television system. Such database (or server) may, for example,
comprise a television system entity, but may also comprise a
database (or server) independent of a television system (e.g., a
server with a general Internet presence, a server on a Local Area
Network (LAN), etc.). In such an exemplary scenario, step 230 may
comprise identifying the appropriate user interface information to
present to the user. Such user interface information may, for
example, comprise interface information regarding the communication
of information to the database and/or information communicated from
the database.
[0056] Also for example, in an exemplary scenario (e.g., in which a
user selects an object in a television program associated with a
particular person), step 230 may comprise determining to open
and/or opening a communication session with such person and/or an
associated organization or other entity (e.g., a telephone call may
be placed, an Internet chat session may be opened, an Internet blog
may be entered, an email may be sent, an instant message may be
sent, a facsimile may be transmitted, etc.). In such a scenario, a
user interface (e.g., a two-way user interface) may be presented to
the user for use by the user to interact with networked entities
associated with a user-selected object. For example, such a
communication interface may be utilized by the user to interact
with one or more entities local to and/or remote from the user's
local television system to communicate regarding general object
information, communicate regarding the user acquiring a
user-selected object, communicate regarding membership in an
organization and/or service related to the user-selected object,
etc. In such a scenario, step 230 may comprise determining the user
interface information to present to the user (e.g., on a television
screen).
[0057] Also for example, such a user interface (e.g., a television
control user interface) may be utilized to interact with a user
regarding local television system control and/or control of a
remote television system component. For example, such a user
interface may be utilized to provide user control of television
program presentation (e.g., user control of remote and/or local
television program sources). In such a scenario, step 230 may
comprise determining the user interface information to present to
the user (e.g., on a television screen).
[0058] Additionally for example, such a user interface (e.g., an
information presentation control interface) may be utilized to
interact with a user regarding display of information associated
with a user-selected object (e.g., interacting with a menu
structure associated with retrieved and/or available object
information, interacting with the user regarding screen location
for presentation of such information, regarding size of presented
information, regarding information scrolling control, regarding
duration of information presentation, regarding whether to pause
presentation of the television program while such information is
being presented to the user, etc.). In such a scenario, step 230
may comprise determining the user interface information to present
to the user (e.g., on a television screen).
[0059] Also as discussed above, one or more of the actions
determined at step 230 may comprise providing a user interface
(e.g., an object presentation interface) by which a user may
control presentation of the user-selected object to the user. Such
an action may, for example, comprise providing a user interface by
which the user may pause the television program, center the object
on the screen, zoom in and/or out on the object, etc. Such an
action may, for example in an exemplary scenario where 3-D object
information is available (e.g., stored in a networked entity remote
from the user's local television system, stored in a component of
the user's local television system, etc.), comprise providing a
user interface by which a user may rotate the user-selected object
to provide the user with a more complete understanding of the
user-selected object. In another exemplary scenario, for example a
scenario in which information regarding ordering the user-selected
object is available for the user to consider, such an action may
comprise providing a user interface by which the user may explore
optional characteristics of the user-selected object (e.g.,
different available coloration, add-ons, delivery options, etc.).
In such a scenario, step 230 may comprise determining the user
interface information to present to the user (e.g., on a television
screen).
[0060] Step 230 may, for example, comprise determining to perform
and/or performing an action comprising notifying another entity
(e.g., another entity local to and/or remote from the user's local
television system) of the selection of the user-selected object.
For example, step 230 may comprise establishing a communication
link with any of a variety of networked entities (e.g., television
broadcasters or other television providing entities, enterprises
providing an object or related service, enterprises advertising an
object or related service, a television program server, a
television network operator, etc.).
[0061] For example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario in which a
user selects an object in a television program representing a good
and/or service, step 230 may comprise determining to communicate
and/or communicating a message to a commercial enterprise providing
such a good and/or service. Such a message may, for example,
comprise information related to the user-selected object identified
at step 220, the user's location, the television program in which
the user-selected object was selected, etc.). In another exemplary
scenario in which a user selects an object in a television program
representing a good and/or service, such a message may be sent to a
third party service that tracks user interest in such a good and/or
service. In yet another exemplary scenario in which a user selects
an object in a television program representing a particular person
(e.g., an actor, spokesperson, athlete, politician, comedian,
etc.), step 230 may comprise determining to communicate and/or
communicating such a message (e.g., an email message) to the
particular person (and/or a representative thereof) notifying such
particular person of the user selection. In such an exemplary
scenario, such an outgoing message may be communicated
automatically without interaction with the user, but may also be
communicated after interacting with the user (e.g., to solicit
permission from the user). Also, the user may be provided
notification that such an outgoing message was sent. In such
scenarios, step 230 may comprise determining the user interface
information to present to the user (e.g., on a television
screen).
[0062] As shown above, various user-selectable objects (or types of
objects) may, for example, be associated with any of a variety of
respective actions that may be taken upon selection of a respective
user-selectable object by a user, and such actions may correspond
to communicating respective types of information to the user (e.g.,
on the television screen). Such actions (e.g., information
retrieval, information searching, television system control,
communication session management, object-selection tracking, etc.)
may, for example, be included in a table or other data structure.
In an exemplary scenario, when a first user selects a first object
in a first television program, step 230 may comprise analyzing a
table to determine that the first object is associated with
requesting information from a first server related to the first
object, presenting such acquired information to the user, providing
the user a mechanism by which the user may view such object at
different angles, and presenting an advertisement to the first user
showing a first on-line commercial source of such object.
Continuing such exemplary scenario, when a second user selects the
first object in the first television program while viewing the
first television program at a second location, step 230 may
comprise analyzing a table to determine that the first object is
associated with requesting information from a first server related
to the first object and associated with the second location,
presenting such acquired information to the user, and presenting an
advertisement to the user showing a second commercial source of the
selected object where the second commercial source is
geographically near the second location.
[0063] In another example, when a user selects an object in a
television program while viewing a television program (e.g., where
the object is a baseball player), step 230 may comprise analyzing a
table to determine that the baseball player is associated with
requesting season and lifetime statistics from a server, presenting
such season and lifetime statistics, and providing a menu-based
interface to the user by which the user may access (e.g., at a
remote information server associated with the player, a team on
which the player plays, a league in which the user plays, etc.) any
of a variety of types of additional personal and/or professional
information regarding the baseball player. Step 230 may also, for
example, comprise determining that the selected player is
associated with presenting the user with information regarding
charitable organizations in the user's geographical region with
which the player is associated. Such actions may, for example, be
associated with any or all geographical locations. Additionally, in
the same exemplary scenario, step 230 may comprise sending a
message to an email address associated with the player's team to
notify the team of the user's selection of the object.
[0064] In yet another example, when a user selects a landmark in a
movie, step 230 may comprise analyzing a data structure to
determine that the landmark is associated with acquisition (e.g.,
from a remote server) of historical information regarding such
landmark and hours of operation and presentation of such acquired
information to the user, presenting a map and transportation
options to the user showing travel directions and transportation
options to travel from the user's current location to the landmark,
and providing a user interface to the user by which the user may
peruse an album of photographs of the landmark where such album is
stored at a remote database.
[0065] In still another example, when a user located at a third
location selects a food item in a movie, step 230 may comprise
analyzing a table to determine that such food item, when selected
at the third location, is associated with presenting a map to the
user showing directions to the nearest set of restaurants at which
such food item is available, and presenting hyperlinks to
respective websites of such restaurants if available.
[0066] Note that in such exemplary scenarios, some actions may be
associated with any location, some actions might only be associated
with the selected object at some locations, and some actions, while
performed for all location, may be tailored to the specific
location of the user.
[0067] As discussed previously, step 230 may comprise determining
and/or performing one or actions based on general type of a
user-selected object or based on specific identity of a
user-selected object. Step 230 may also comprising determining
and/or performing one or more actions based on the general type of
a user-selected object and determining and/or performing one or
more actions based on specific identity (or other more specific
identifying characteristics) of a user-selected object. For
example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario, user-selection of an
actor may cause execution of an action generally associated with
all actors (e.g., acquisition of general information of the actor
from a database remote from the user's local television system, for
example the actor's name, to the user on a television screen), and
user-selection of the specific actor may cause execution of an
action specifically associated with the selected actor (e.g.,
acquisition of specific information of the actor from the specific
actor's personal website and providing a user interface enabling
the user to interact with the actor's personal website).
[0068] Note that in all of the examples above, any or all of the
descriptive information, user interface information, one and/or
two-way communication information, and/or user interface capability
may reside autonomously in the user's local television system
(i.e., in one or more components thereof) and/or may reside in a
system entity remote from the user's local television system and
communicatively coupled to the user's local television system.
[0069] In general, step 230 may comprise determining, based at
least in part on the determined object identity, information to
present to a user. Such information may be associated with any of a
variety of actions performed with regard to a user-selected object
in a television program. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects
of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics
of any particular user-selected object and/or any particular manner
of determining to present information to the user unless explicitly
claimed.
[0070] As discussed above, one or more actions determined at step
230 may comprise determining to perform and/or performing actions
with local and/or remote system entities, where such actions may
comprise accessing information directly from memory of a system
entity, searching for such information in a system entity, directly
requesting a system entity for information of a user-selected
object, establishing a communication link with a system entity,
notifying another system entity of a user-selection of an object,
etc. In such an exemplary scenario, information related to
determining one or more actions to perform and/or determining how
to perform such one or more determined actions may be stored in
and/or accessed from one or more components of the user's local
television system. Such information (or a remote portion thereof)
may also, for example, be stored in and/or accessed from a system
entity remote from the user's local television system.
[0071] In an exemplary scenario in which such information
corresponding to selection and/or performance of actions associated
with user-selectable objects is stored in one or more components of
the user's local television system (e.g., a television, a
television receiver, a television controller, etc.), the method 200
may comprise receiving data associating a user-selectable object in
the television program with one or more actions and/or the
performance thereof (e.g., including data associated with
information to be presented to a user). For example, the method 200
may comprise receiving a data stream (or other data communication
format, for example, a file) comprising such information, and
storing such information in a memory (or database) of the user's
local television system (e.g., before a need arises to access
and/or utilize such information).
[0072] For example, in such a scenario, such data receiving may
comprise receiving such data embedded in a same television program
signal that communicates the television program to the user's local
television system. Also for example, such data receiving may
comprise receiving the data in parallel with receipt of a
television program signal that communicates the television program
to the user's local television system. Additionally for example,
such data receiving may comprise receiving the data in a signal
that is independent of a television program signal that
communicates the television program to the user's local television
system (e.g., receiving such signals from a same source and/or from
different respective sources). Further for example, such data
receiving may comprise receiving the data in a plurality of
different signals from a plurality of different respective
sources.
[0073] As discussed previously, the received object information may
be stored in memory (e.g., of the user's local television system)
indexed by any or all of object identification, object type,
location of the user, location of the user's home television
system, television program in which the object appears, scene
and/or frame of the television program in which the object appears
or to which an object selection window corresponds, etc. Also for
example, the received object information may be stored in memory
indexed (or otherwise accessible) by search terms.
[0074] Turning next to step 240, such step may comprise presenting
the information determined at step 230 on a television screen
(e.g., the same television screen on which the television program
containing the user-selected object is presented). Step 240 may
comprise presenting such information in any of a variety of
manners, non-limiting examples of which will be presented below.
Step 240 may, for example, presenting such information in
respective manners dependent on the respective natures one or more
actions associated with the presentation of such information.
[0075] For example, step 240 may comprise outputting the determined
information on a television display concurrently (i.e.,
simultaneously or pseudo-simultaneously in a time-sharing manner)
with presentation of the television program (i.e., the television
program in which the user-selected object was presented). Step 240
may comprise performing such concurrent presentation in any of a
variety of manners, non-limiting examples of which will now be
provided.
[0076] For example, step 240 may comprise presenting the determined
information by outputting the determined information on the display
concurrently with presentation of the television program on the
television display without altering presentation dimensions of the
television program. For example, in an exemplary scenario in which
a television program is being presented on the entire television
display, step 240 may comprise presenting the determined
information on the television display while the television program
continues to be presented on the entire television display. In such
a scenario, step 240 may comprise utilizing a variety of video
processing techniques to perform such presentation.
[0077] For example, step 240 may comprise overlaying the
information on the presented television program (e.g., using an
information presentation window, an information bubble, a ticker, a
scrolling banner, a menu, etc.). For example, step 240 may comprise
presenting the determined information by outputting the determined
information in a window of the television program. For example,
step 240 may comprise forming a window having default dimensions at
a default location on the television display, and presenting the
information in such window. Additionally, for example, step 240 may
comprise forming a window having user-specified dimensions at a
user-specified location on the television display. In an exemplary
scenario, step 240 may comprise providing a user-interface by which
the user may adjust the characteristics (e.g., size and/or location
of the window, duration of the information presentation, etc.) of
such a window in the television program.
[0078] Further for example, step 240 may comprise analyzing the
presented television program to determine a location and/or size of
a window (or other information presentation format) that minimizes
interference with the television program presentation (e.g.,
determining to present the information at a location on the
television display corresponding to a relatively still portion of
the television display). Such operation may, for example, comprise
selecting between presenting the information near the top of the
display or near the bottom of the display, near the left of the
display, near the right of the display, etc.
[0079] In another exemplary implementation, step 240 may comprise
blending the image with the presented television program, etc. In
such an implementation, step 240 may comprise presenting the
information in a manner in which at least a portion of the
television program located in an overlapping region of the display
with the presented information may be viewed. Such implementation
may, for example, provide for enhanced viewing of the television
program relative to an implementation where an opaque window in the
television program is utilized to present the information.
[0080] Also for example, step 240 may comprise presenting the
determined information by outputting the determined information on
the display concurrently with presentation of the television
program on the television display and altering presentation
dimensions of the television program. For example, in an exemplary
scenario in which a television program is being presented on the
entire television display, step 240 may comprise presenting the
determined information on the television display while the
television program is presented with different dimensions (e.g., in
a window of smaller size then the entire television display). In
such a scenario, step 240 may comprise utilizing a variety of video
processing techniques to perform such presentation. For example,
step 240 may comprise reducing the size of the television program
on the display to make room for an information window, ticker, etc.
For example, step 240 may comprise reducing the size of the
television program while maintaining the proper aspect ratio, but
may also comprise reducing the size of the television program in a
single dimension.
[0081] Additionally for example, step 240 may comprise presenting
the determined information by outputting the determined information
on the television display concurrently with presentation of the
television program on the television display without altering
presentation speed of the television program. For example,
presentation of the television program on the television display
may continue at normal speed during presentation of the determined
information on the television display. In such an implementation,
presentation of the television program may continue in real-time
while step 240 presents information to the user.
[0082] As discussed above, step 240 may comprise presenting the
determined information on the television display concurrently with
presentation of the television program. In another exemplary
scenario, step 240 may comprise presenting the determined
information on the television display while pausing presentation of
the television program (or otherwise presenting the television
program at a non-normal presentation speed).
[0083] For example, during exemplary operation where presentation
of the television program is paused, step 240 may comprise freezing
a still image of the television program as background to the
presented information or may comprise removing the image of the
television program entirely. While step 240 comprises presenting
the information as the television program presentation is paused,
step 240 may also comprise recording the television program for
resuming presentation of the paused presentation program in its
entirety after step 240 complete presenting the information to the
user. In such a scenario, step 240 may also comprise providing a
user interface by which the user may fast-forward presentation of
the television program to catch up to real-time presentation. In an
alternative scenario, step 240 may comprise pausing presentation of
the television program by communicating a signal to a television
program source (e.g., a source remote from the user's local
television system) to pause transmission of the television program
to the user's local television system while step 240 is presenting
the information on the television display.
[0084] In an exemplary scenario in which presentation of the
television program is paused (or otherwise presented at a
non-normal presentation speed), such pausing may be performed in
response to user-selection of an object in a television program.
Also, such pausing may be performed in response to other causes
and/or conditions (e.g., a direct command from the user to pause
the presentation, an input from the user indicating that the user
desires to select an object in a television program, etc.).
[0085] Note that the method 200 may comprise interacting with a
user to allow the user to specify the manner in which presentation
of the information determined at step 230 is performed. For
example, the method 200 may comprise interacting with the user to
allow the user to specify whether, and/or under what conditions,
the television program should be paused during presentation of the
information, should continued to presented normally during
presentation of the information, should be spatially altered during
presentation of the information, etc. For example, a user may
specify different manners of presentation according to different
respective types of television programs and/or different types of
user-selected objects. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the
user may specify that selecting an object during a newscast does
not affect normal play of the newscast while the information is
being presented, selecting an object during a sporting event causes
the sporting event to be paused and recorded during presentation of
the information, selecting a consumer good object causes pausing of
the television program during presentation of the information while
selecting a person object does not cause such pausing, etc. Also,
for example, a user may specify that particular types of actions
associated with user-selectable objects in a television program
correspond to different types of information presentation. For
example, when a selection of an object results in an information
bubble being presented to the user, the television program will
continue to be presented in a normal manner, and when a selection
of an object results in the initiation of a communication session
between the user and a remote entity, the television program will
be paused.
[0086] In general, step 240 may comprise presenting the information
determined at step 230 on a television screen (e.g., the same
television screen on which the television program containing the
user-selected object is presented). Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular type of presenting such
information or by characteristics of any particular manner of
obtaining such information unless explicitly claimed.
[0087] The exemplary method 200 may, at step 295, comprise
performing continued operation. Such continued operation may
comprise characteristics of any of a variety of different types of
continued operation, non-limiting examples of which will be
presented below.
[0088] For example, step 295 may comprise looping execution flow of
the exemplary method 200 back to step 220 for continued
user-selected object determination, information determination and
information presenting. Also for example, step 295 may comprise
looping execution flow of the exemplary method 200 back to step 230
for continued information determination and presentation regarding
a user-selected object. Additionally for example, step 295 may
comprise performing additional user interaction with the user to
further refine the user-selected object information determined at
step 230 and/or presented at step 240. For example, step 295 may
comprise interfacing with a user to determine which information to
present, how such information should be presented, etc.
Additionally for example, upon completion of the information
presentation at step 240 (e.g., in a scenario in which television
program presentation is paused during the performance of such
actions), step 295 may comprise resuming normal presentation of the
television program.
[0089] Also for example, step 295 may comprise determining when the
information presentation being performed at step 240 is complete.
Step 295 may, for example, comprise making such a determination in
any of a variety of manners. For example and without limitation,
step 295 may comprise determining that the information presentation
is complete based, at least in part, on explicit user command
indicating that the user no longer desires to interact with an
entity remote from the user's local television system regarding
user-selectable objects in television programming. Also for
example, step 295 may comprise determining that the information
presentation is complete based, at least in part, on user dismissal
of presented information associated with a user-selected object
(e.g., closing an information window and/or other GUI mechanism
associated with the user-selected object). Additionally for
example, step 295 may comprise determining that the information
presentation is complete based, at least in part, on a timer (e.g.,
making such determination a predetermined amount of time after an
information and/or a GUI interface is presented to a user, after a
user has last interacted with the system regarding a user-selected
object, etc.). Further for example, step 295 may comprise
determining that the information presentation is complete based on
a user command to perform some other action (e.g., a user command
for normal television program play to resume (if halted), a user
command for television program play at fast-forward until caught up
to real-time, a user command to jump presentation of the television
program to real-time, etc.).
[0090] In general, step 295 may comprise performing continued
operation. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of continued operation unless explicitly
claimed.
[0091] The exemplary method 200 may be performed in any one or more
components (or devices) of a user's local television system. For
example, the method 200 (or a portion thereof) may be performed in
a television. Also for example, the method 200 (or a portion
thereof) may be performed in a television receiver (e.g., a
stand-alone cable and/or satellite television receiver (or set top
box), a digital video recorder with television receiver capability,
a gaming device with television receiver capability, etc.).
Additionally for example, the method 200 (or a portion thereof) may
be performed in a television controller (e.g., a dedicated
television or entertainment system remote control, a personal
electronic device with television control capability, etc.).
Further for example, the method 200 may be performed in any
combination of the user's local television system components. For
example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario, one or more modules
of a television may operate to perform at least step 220, one or
more modules of a television controller may operate to perform at
least step 230, and one or more modules of a television receiver
may operate to perform at least step 240. Additionally, various
portions of any of the above-mentioned method steps (e.g., step
220, 230 and 240) may be performed in any one or more components
(or devices) remote from the user's local television system.
[0092] Additionally, the steps of the exemplary method 200 (or
aspects thereof) may, for example, be performed in real-time. In
such manner, the user may have relatively expeditious access to
functionality associated with the user-selected object.
Alternatively for example, the exemplary method 200 (or aspects
thereof) may be performed off-line in a manner in which
functionality associated with the user-selected object is provided
to the user at a later time (e.g., after presentation of the
television program, upon the user logging into the user's computer
system, upon the user accessing email, etc.).
[0093] Further, any or all of the steps of the exemplary method 200
may be performed for user selection of an object in television
programming as the programming is broadcast in real-time and/or may
be performed for user selection of an object in television
programming that has been recorded on a user (or home) television
programming recorder (e.g., a personal video recorder (PVR), video
cassette recorder (VCR), etc.) and is currently being presented to
the user (e.g., at step 220) in a time-shifted manner. For example,
a user may record a broadcast television program on a PVR for later
viewing, view such recorded programming at a later time, and while
viewing such time-shifted television programming at a later time,
select user-selectable objects in such programming (e.g., at a
particular user location, television system location, etc.).
[0094] Similarly, any or all of the steps of the exemplary method
200 may be performed for user selection of an object in television
programming that has been provided to the user (or stored by the
user) on a physical storage medium (e.g., on a digital versatile
disc (DVD), video cassette recorder tape, non-volatile memory
device, etc.). For example, a user may purchase a set of DVDs
including all episodes of a season of a television series, view
each of such episodes at the convenience of the user, and while
viewing such episodes, select user-selectable objects in such
programming. Such DVDs may, for example, comprise any or all of the
above-mentioned information (e.g., information relating
user-selectable objects and/or geographical location to one or more
actions, memory and/or network addressing for entities remote from
the user's local television system, general information
corresponding to user-selectable objects, user interface
information corresponding to user-selectable objects and location,
executable software corresponding to user-selectable objects,
etc.).
[0095] Turning next to FIG. 3, such figure is a flow diagram
illustrating an exemplary method 300 for presenting information
associated with a user-selected object in a television program, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The
exemplary method 300 may share any or all characteristics with the
exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed
previously.
[0096] As with the exemplary method 200 discussed above, any or all
aspects of the exemplary method 300 may, for example, be
implemented in the user's local television system (e.g., any or all
or the first television 140 and/or second television 141, the
television receiver 151, the first television controller 160 and/or
second television controller 161, etc., shown in FIG. 1 and
discussed previously). Also as with the exemplary method 200
discussed above, portions of any of the exemplary steps of the
method 300 may also be implemented in one or more components remote
from the user's local television system.
[0097] The exemplary method 300 may, for example, begin executing
at step 305. The exemplary method 300 may begin executing in
response to any of a variety of causes or conditions. Step 305 may,
for example, share any or all characteristics with step 205 of the
exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed
previously.
[0098] The exemplary method 300 may comprise presenting a
television program to a user, where the program comprises
user-selectable objects in the program. The method 300 may comprise
presenting such television program to a user in any of a variety of
manners, non-limiting examples of which will now be provided.
[0099] For example, the method 300 may comprise receiving
television programming. Many non-limiting examples of such
television programming were provided above. The method 300 may
comprise receiving the television programming from any of a variety
of sources. For example and without limitation, the method 300 may
comprise receiving the television programming from a television
broadcasting company, from a movie streaming company, from a user
(or consumer) video recording and/or playback device (e.g.,
internal and/or external to the television), from an Internet
television programming provider, from a gaming device comprising
television program capability, from a DVD player, etc.
[0100] The method may also comprise receiving the television
programming via any of a variety of types of communication
networks. Such networks may, for example, comprise a wireless
television network (e.g., terrestrial and/or satellite) and/or
cable television network. Such networks may, for example, comprise
any of variety of data communication networks (e.g., the Internet,
a local area network, a personal area network, a metropolitan area
network, etc.).
[0101] The method 300 may also, for example, comprise presenting
received television programming to a user. The method 300 may, for
example, comprise presenting television programming received (e.g.,
received from a local and/or non-local television program source)
to a user in any of a variety of manners. For example, the method
300 may comprise presenting the television programming on one or
more of a screen of a television, television controller comprising
a screen, television receiver comprising a screen, personal
computer system, handheld computer, etc.
[0102] The presented television programming may, for example,
comprise user-selectable objects in the television programming.
Many non-limiting examples of such user-selectable objects were
presented above. In general, such user-selectable objects may, for
example, comprise animate and/or inanimate objects in television
programming that a user may select (e.g., using a pointing device,
touch screen, or other user interface by which a user may identify
an object in television programming being presented to the
user).
[0103] In general, the method 300 may comprise presenting a
television program to a user, where the program comprises
user-selectable objects in the program. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular manner of receiving and/or
presenting such a television program to a user unless explicitly
claimed.
[0104] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 320, comprise
determining an identity of a user-selected object in a television
program being presented to a user. Step 320 may share any or all
characteristics with step 220 of the exemplary method 200 shown in
FIG. 2 and discussed previously.
[0105] For example and without limitation, step 320 may comprise
(e.g., at sub-step 322) locally determining such identity of a
user-selected object in a component (or device) of the user's local
television system and/or a component remote from the user's local
television system. Also for example, step 320 may comprise (e.g.,
at sub-step 324) receiving identity information regarding such a
user-selected object from another component (or device) of the
user's local television system and/or an entity remote from the
user's local television system.
[0106] The exemplary method 300 may also (e.g., at step 320 or
another step), comprise determining a location (e.g., a
geographical location). For example and without limitation, such
location determination may comprise determining a location of the
user's home television system. Also for example, such location
determination may comprise determining a location of the user's
local television system. Additionally for example, such location
determination may comprise determining a location of the user.
[0107] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 330, comprise
determining, based at least in part on the determined object
identity (e.g., as determined at step 320), information to present
to a user. Step 330 may, for example, share any or all
characteristics with step 230 of the exemplary method 200
illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.
[0108] For example and without limitation, step 330 may (for
example at sub-step 332) comprise determining information
describing a user-selected object in a television program, where
such information is to be presented to a user (e.g., on a
television display). Also for example, step 330 may (for example at
sub-step 334) comprise determining user-interface information
(e.g., UI information for user control of the television system, UI
information associated with communicating with another device or
networked entity, UI information associated with a two-way
communication session, UI information associated with ordering a
consumer good, etc.) associated with a user-selected object in a
television program, where such information is to be presented to a
user (e.g., on a television display).
[0109] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 340, comprise
presenting the information determined at step 330 on a television
screen (e.g., the same television screen on which the television
program containing the user-selected object is presented). Step 340
may, for example, share any or all characteristics with step 240 of
the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed
previously.
[0110] For example, step 340 may (e.g., at sub-step 342) comprise
presenting the information determined at step 330 on a television
display while the television program comprising the user-selected
object corresponding to such determined information is also being
presented on the television display. Also for example, step 340 may
(e.g., at sub-step 344) comprise presenting the information
determined at step 330 on a television display while presentation
of the television program comprising the user-selected object
corresponding to such determined information is paused.
[0111] The exemplary method 300 may, for example at step 395,
comprise performing continued operations. Step 395 may, for
example, share any or all characteristics with step 295 of the
exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed
previously.
[0112] As discussed previously, any or all portion of the exemplary
methods 200 and 300 may be implemented in one or more components
(or devices) of a user's local television system and/or system
entities remote from the user's local television system. Various
non-limiting examples of such implementation in entities of the
user's local television system will now be presented in the
discussion of FIGS. 4-7. Note that, as discussed previously, at
least portions of the previously-discussed steps may also be
performed in components remote from the user's local television
system. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by the following focus on various
entities of the user's local television system unless explicitly
claimed.
[0113] Turning next to FIG. 4, such figure is a diagram
illustrating an exemplary television 400, in accordance with
various aspects of the present invention. The exemplary television
400 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with one or
more of the exemplary televisions 140 and 141 illustrated in FIG. 1
and discussed previously. Also, the exemplary television 400 (e.g.,
various modules thereof) may operate to perform any or all of the
functionality discussed previously with regard to the exemplary
methods 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and discussed
previously.
[0114] The exemplary television 400 includes a first communication
interface module 410. The first communication interface module 410
may, for example, operate to communicate over any of a variety of
communication media and utilizing any of a variety of communication
protocols. For example, though the first communication interface
module 410 is illustrated coupled to a wireless RF antenna via a
wireless port 412, the wireless medium is merely illustrative and
non-limiting. The first communication interface module 410 may, for
example, operate to communicate with one or more communication
networks (e.g., cable television networks, satellite television
networks, telecommunication networks, the Internet, local area
networks, personal area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc.)
via which television video content (e.g., television programming)
and/or other data is communicated. Also for example, the first
communication interface module 410 may operate to communicate with
local sources of television video content (e.g., video recorders,
receivers, gaming devices, etc.). Additionally, for example, the
first communication interface module 410 may operate to communicate
with a television controller and/or a television receiver external
to the television 400 (e.g., directly or via one or more
intermediate communication networks).
[0115] The exemplary television 400 includes a second communication
interface module 420. The second communication interface module 420
may, for example, operate to communicate over any of a variety of
communication media and utilizing any of a variety of communication
protocols. For example, the second communication interface module
420 may communicate via a wireless RF communication port 422 and
antenna, or may communicate via a non-tethered optical
communication port 424 (e.g., utilizing laser diodes, photodiodes,
etc.). Also for example, the second communication interface module
420 may communicate via a tethered optical communication port 426
(e.g., utilizing a fiber optic cable), or may communicate via a
wired communication port 428 (e.g., utilizing coaxial cable,
twisted pair, HDMI cable, Ethernet cable, any of a variety of wired
component and/or composite video connections, etc.). The second
communication interface module 420 may, for example, operate to
communicate with one or more communication networks (e.g., cable
television networks, satellite television networks,
telecommunication networks, the Internet, local area networks,
personal area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc.) via which
television video content (e.g., television programming) and/or
other data is communicated. Also for example, the second
communication module 420 may operate to communicate with local
sources of television video content (e.g., video recorders,
receivers, gaming devices, etc.). Additionally, for example, the
second communication module 420 may operate to communicate with a
television controller (e.g., directly or via one or more
intervening communication networks).
[0116] The exemplary television 400 may also comprise additional
communication interface modules, which are not illustrated. Such
additional communication interface modules may, for example, share
any or all aspects with the first 410 and second 420 communication
interface modules discussed above.
[0117] The exemplary television 400 may also comprise a
communication module 430. The communication module 430 may, for
example, operate to control and/or coordinate operation of the
first communication interface module 410 and the second
communication interface module 420 (and/or additional communication
interface modules as needed). The communication module 430 may, for
example, provide a convenient communication interface by which
other components of the television 400 may utilize the first 410
and second 420 communication interface modules. Additionally, for
example, in an exemplary scenario where a plurality of
communication interface modules are sharing a medium and/or
network, the communication module 430 may coordinate communications
to reduce collisions and/or other interference between the
communication interface modules.
[0118] The exemplary television 400 may additionally comprise one
or more user interface modules 440. The user interface module(s)
440 may generally operate to provide user interface functionality
to a user of the television 400. For example, and without
limitation, the user interface module(s) 440 may operate to provide
for user control of any or all standard television commands (e.g.,
channel control, volume control, on/off, screen settings, input
selection, etc.). The user interface module(s) 440 may, for
example, operate and/or respond to user commands utilizing user
interface features disposed on the television (e.g., buttons, etc.)
and may also utilize the communication module 430 (and/or first 410
and second 420 communication interface modules) to communicate with
a television controller (e.g., a dedicated television remote
control, a universal remote control, a cellular telephone, personal
computing device, gaming controller, etc.).
[0119] Various aspects of the present invention comprise presenting
information to a user (e.g., on a television display 470), where
such information is related to a user-selected object in a
television program. In various exemplary scenarios, such
information may comprise user interface information (e.g.,
graphical, textual, image, video, etc.) providing information to
the user and/or soliciting information from the user. In such
scenarios, the user interface module(s) 440 may operate to perform
such functionality. For example, the user interface module(s) may
operate to interact with the information determination module(s)
456 and/or information presentation module(s) 458, discussed
below.
[0120] The user interface module(s) 440 may also comprise one or
more sensor modules that operate to interface with and/or control
operation of any of a variety of sensors (e.g., screen pointing
sensors, location sensors, etc.) that may be utilized to ascertain
an on-screen pointing location. For example and without limitation,
the user interface module 440 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may
operate to receive signals associated with respective sensors
(e.g., raw or processed signals directly from the sensors, through
intermediate devices, via the communication interface modules 410,
420, etc.). Also for example, in scenarios in which such sensors
are active sensors (as opposed to purely passive sensors), the user
interface module(s) 440 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may operate
to control the transmission of signals (e.g., RF signals, optical
signals, acoustic signals, etc.) from such sensors. Additionally,
the user interface module(s) 440 may perform any of a variety of
video output functions (e.g., presenting television programming to
a user, providing visual feedback to a user regarding an identified
user-selected object in the presented television programming,
etc.).
[0121] The exemplary television 400 may comprise one or more
processors 450. The processor(s) 450 may, for example, comprise a
general purpose processor, digital signal processor,
application-specific processor, microcontroller, microprocessor,
etc. For example, the processor 450 may operate in accordance with
software (or firmware) instructions. As mentioned previously, any
or all functionality discussed herein may be performed (in-part or
in-whole) by a processor executing instructions. For example,
though various modules are illustrated as separate blocks or
modules in FIG. 4, such illustrative modules, or a portion thereof,
may be implemented by the processor 450.
[0122] The exemplary television 400 may comprise one or more
memories 460. As discussed above, various aspects may be performed
by one or more processors executing instructions. Such instructions
may, for example, be stored in the one or more memories 460. Such
memory 460 may, for example, comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of types of memory. For example and without limitation,
such memory 460 may comprise one or more memory chips (e.g., ROM,
RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, one-time-programmable OTP memory,
etc.), hard drive memory, CD memory, DVD memory, etc.
[0123] Also as discussed previously, various types of information
corresponding to user-selectable objects in television programming
(e.g., object descriptive information, communication information,
user interaction information, user control information, information
describing actions to perform with local and/or remote devices and
associated with user-selectable objects, commerce information,
etc.) may be stored in memory. Also as discussed previously,
location information (e.g., any of the exemplary types of location
information discussed previously) may be stored in memory. The
memory 460 provides one non-limiting example of a memory in which
such information may be stored. Note that such memory 460 (or a
portion thereof) may also be external to the television 400 and/or
communicatively coupled thereto.
[0124] The exemplary television 400 may comprise one or more
modules (not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 4) that operate to
receive and present a television program to a user. Such one or
more modules may, for example, operate to utilize one or more of
the user interface module(s) 440 to present the television program
on the display 470. The one or more modules may, for example,
operate to perform television program receiving and/or presenting
functionality discussed previously with regard to exemplary methods
200 and 300. Various non-limiting aspects of the present invention
may comprise presenting information associated with user-selectable
objects in conjunction with (or instead of) television programming.
In such an exemplary scenario, one or more modules that operate to
receive and present a television program to a user may operate in
conjunction with the information presentation module(s) 458,
discussed below.
[0125] The exemplary television 400 may comprise one or more
user-selected object determination (or identification) modules 454
that operate to determining an identity of a user-selected object
in a television program being presented to a user. For example,
such module(s) 454 may operate to perform step 220 of the exemplary
method 200 discussed previously and/or step 320 of the exemplary
method 300 discussed previously.
[0126] For example, in an exemplary scenario in which the
television 400 locally determines an identity of a user-selected
object, the module(s) 454 may operate to utilize one or more of the
user interface module(s) 440 to interface with various sensors.
Additionally, for example, the module(s) 454 may operate to utilize
the communication module 430 (and communication interface modules
410 and 420) to communicate with external systems regarding various
sensor signals.
[0127] Also for example, in another exemplary scenario in which the
television 400 operates to receive information of the identity of a
user-selected object in a television program from a source external
to the television 400, the module(s) 454 may operate to utilize the
communication module 430 (and communication interface modules 410
and 420) to communicate with such external source.
[0128] The exemplary television 400 may comprise one or more
location determination modules 455 that operate to determine a
location (e.g., a point location, a region location, etc.), for
example, a user location, a home television system location, a
local television system location, etc. For example, such module(s)
455 may operate to perform location determination steps or
sub-steps of the exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or
the exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0129] For example, in an exemplary scenario in which the
television 400 locally determines a location, the module(s) 455 may
operate to interface with one or more position sensors and process
signals from such sensors to determine the location. For example,
in such a scenario, the module(s) 455 may comprise GPS circuitry
that operates to communicate with the global positioning system to
determine location of the television 400.
[0130] Additionally for example, in an exemplary scenario in which
the television 400 receives information of the location from
another entity (e.g., from a personal electronic device of the user
with position-determining capability, from a television service
provider, from a cellular telephone company, from a user's
premises-based positioning system, from an Internet service
provider, etc.), the module(s) 455 may operate to utilize the
communication interface module 430 (and, for example, the first
communication interface module(s) 410 and/or the second
communication interface module(s) 420) to receive such location
information.
[0131] In another exemplary scenario, the module(s) 455 may operate
to utilize the user interface module(s) 440 to interface with a
user of the television 400 regarding location information. For
example, the module(s) 455 may operate to utilize the user
interface module(s) 440 to solicit information describing a
location from a user. Also for example, the module(s) 455 may
operate to utilize the user interface module(s) 440 to offer a user
a list of locations from which to select. Various non-limiting
aspects of the present invention may comprise presenting
information associated with user-selectable objects in conjunction
with (or instead of) television programming. In such an exemplary
scenario, the modules 455 may operate in conjunction with the
information presentation module(s) 458, discussed below, to receive
and/or present user interface information in conjunction with
(and/or instead of) presentation of the television programming.
[0132] The exemplary television 400 may also, for example, comprise
one or more information determination module(s) 456 that operate to
determine (e.g., based at least in part on the determined identity
of a user-selected object in a television program) information
associated with a user-selected object for presentation to a user.
For example, such module(s) 456 may operate to perform step 230 of
the exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or step 330 of
the exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0133] For example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario in which
such information determination comprises analyzing a table or other
data structure correlating object identification characteristics
and/or location to particular actions (and/or information to
present to a user), the module(s) 456 may operate to analyze such a
table and/or other data structure stored in the memory 460.
Additionally for example, in an exemplary scenario in which such
information determination comprises interacting with the user to
determine an initial action and/or subsequent action (and/or
information) related to the identified user-selected object and/or
location, the module(s) 456 may operate to utilize the user
interface module(s) 440 to perform such user interaction.
[0134] In a non-limiting exemplary scenario in which a determined
action comprises retrieving information associated with an object
from a memory of a networked entity, the module(s) 456 may operate
to communicate with such memory (e.g., either directly, for
example, utilizing DMA and/or indirectly utilizing an interface of
the networked entity) of the networked entity. For example, the
module(s) 456 may operate to utilize the communication module 430
(and first communication interface module 410 and/or second
communication interface module 420) to communicate with such
networked entity. Such a networked entity may, for example,
comprise a communication infrastructure component of a television
system, a television server component, a cable and/or satellite
head-end station, a networked information server, a remote computer
communicatively coupled to the television, a component of the
user's local television system, a component of the user's home
television system, etc.
[0135] Also for example, in a non-limiting scenario in which a
determined action comprises searching for information, the
module(s) 456 may operate to perform a search for such information.
In such a scenario, the module(s) 456 may, for example, operate to
perform such a search in memory of other television system
components and/or other networked entities (e.g., directly
utilizing direct memory access and/or utilizing a search interface
provided by a networked entity). For example, the module(s) 456 may
operate to perform such a search in such networked entities
utilizing the communication module 430 (and first communication
interface module 410 and/or second communication interface module
420) to communicate with such networked entities. For example, such
networked entities may provide respective interfaces specifically
adapted to request and/or search for information stored in and/or
accessible to such networked entities. In such a scenario, the
module(s) 456 may operate in accordance with such interfaces.
[0136] In an exemplary scenario, a networked entity may operate in
accordance with a protocol in which a requestor requests (via a
communication network) information associated with a particular
user-selected object and/or associated with a particular location,
and the remote entity responds to such a request by communicating
the requested information back to the requestor. In such a
scenario, the module(s) 456 would operate in accordance with such
protocol when interacting with the networked entity via the
communication network.
[0137] Additionally for example, in a non-limiting scenario in
which a determined action comprises interfacing with a user of the
television 400, the module(s) 456 may operate to utilize the user
interface module(s) 440 to provide the user interface. For example,
in an exemplary scenario in which a determined action comprises
presenting object information and/or different views of the object
to a user, the module(s) 456 may operate to utilize the user
interface module(s) 440 to perform such output (e.g., on the
display 470 of the television 400). In such an exemplary scenario,
the module(s) 456 may operate in conjunction with the user
interface module(s) 440 and the information presentation module(s)
458, discussed below, to receive and/or present user interface
information in conjunction with (and/or instead of) presentation of
the television programming.
[0138] Further for example, in a non-limiting scenario in which a
determined action comprises establishing and/or managing a
communication session between the user and another networked entity
(e.g., a television system and/or non-television system entity
remote from the user's local television system), the module(s) 456
may operate to utilize the user interface module(s) 440 to provide
the user interface and utilize the communication module(s) 430 (and
first communication interface module 410 and/or second
communication interface module 420) to communicate to perform
communication link establishment and/or management. The module(s)
456 may also operate in conjunction with the information
presentation module(s) 458, discussed below, to receive and/or
present user interface information in conjunction with (and/or
instead of) presentation of the television programming.
[0139] Still further for example, in a non-limiting scenario in
which a determined action comprises notifying one or more other
networked entities of the user's selection of the user-selected
object (e.g., a production enterprise, a distribution enterprise, a
rating company, an advertising agency, etc.), the module(s) 456 may
operate to utilize the communication module(s) 430 (and first
communication interface module 410 and/or second communication
interface module 420) to perform such notification, and may also
operate in conjunction with the user interface module(s) and
information presentation module(s) 458, discussed below, to receive
and/or present user interface information regarding such notifying
in conjunction with (and/or instead of) presentation of the
television programming.
[0140] The exemplary television 400 may additionally comprise one
or more information presentation modules 458 that operate to
present the information determined by the information determination
module(s) 456. For example, the information presentation module(s)
458 may operate to perform step 240 of the exemplary method 200
discussed previously and/or step 340 of the exemplary method 300
discussed previously.
[0141] For example, the information presentation module(s) 458 may
operate to output the determined information on a television
display 470 concurrently (i.e., simultaneously or
pseudo-simultaneously in a time-sharing manner) with presentation
of the television program (i.e., the television program in which
the user-selected object was presented). The module(s) 458 may
operate to perform such concurrent presentation in any of a variety
of manners, non-limiting examples of which will now be
provided.
[0142] For example, the information presentation module(s) 458 may
operate to present the determined information by operating to
output the determined information on the display 470 concurrently
with presentation of the television program on the television
display 470 without altering presentation dimensions of the
television program. For example, in an exemplary scenario in which
a television program is being presented on the entire television
display, the module(s) 458 may operate to present the determined
information on the television display 470 while the television
program continues to be presented on the entire television display
470. In such a scenario, the module(s) 458 may operate to utilize a
variety of video processing techniques and/or devices to perform
such presentation.
[0143] For example, the information presentation module(s) 458 may
operate to overlay the information on the presented television
program (e.g., using an information presentation window). For
example, the module(s) 458 may operate to present the determined
information by outputting the determined information in a window of
the television program. For example, the module(s) 458 may operate
to form a window having default dimensions at a default location on
the television display, and present the information in such window.
Additionally, for example, the module(s) 458 may operate to form a
window having user-specified dimensions at a user-specified
location on the television display. In an exemplary scenario, the
module(s) 458 may operate to provide a user-interface (e.g., in
conjunction with the user interface module(s) 440) by which the
user may adjust the characteristics (e.g., size and/or location of
the window, duration of the information presentation, etc.) of such
a window in the television program.
[0144] Further for example, information presentation module(s) 458
may operate to analyze the presented television program to
determine a location and/or size of a window that minimizes
interference with the television program presentation (e.g., to
present the information at a location on the television display
corresponding to a relatively still portion of the television
display). Such operation may, for example, comprise selecting
between presenting the information near the top of the display or
near the bottom of the display, near the left of the display, near
the right of the display, etc.
[0145] In another exemplary implementation, the information
presentation module(s) 458 may operate to blend the determined
information with the presented television program, etc. In such an
implementation, the module(s) 458 may operate to present the
information in a manner in which at least a portion of the
television program located in an overlapping region of the display
with the presented information may be viewed. Such implementation
may, for example, provide for enhanced viewing of the television
program relative to an implementation where an opaque window in the
television program is utilized to present the information.
[0146] Additionally for example, the information presentation
module(s) 458 may operate to present the determined information by
outputting the determined information on the television display
concurrently with presentation of the television program on the
television display without altering presentation speed of the
television program. For example, presentation of the television
program on the television display may continue at normal speed
during presentation of the determined information on the television
display. In such an implementation, presentation of the television
program may continue in real-time while the module(s) 458 operate
to present the information to the user.
[0147] As discussed above, the information presentation module(s)
458 may operate to present the determined information on the
television display concurrently with presentation of the television
program. In another exemplary scenario, the module(s) 458 may
operate to present the determined information on the television
display while pausing presentation of the television program (or
otherwise presenting the television program at a non-normal
presentation speed).
[0148] For example, during exemplary operation where presentation
of the television program is paused, the information presentation
module(s) 458 may operate to freeze a still image of the television
program as background to the presented information or may comprise
removing the image of the television program entirely. While the
module(s) 458 operates to present the information as the television
program presentation is paused, the module(s) 458 may also operate
to record the television program for resuming presentation of the
paused presentation program in its entirety after the module(s) 458
complete presenting the information to the user. In such a
scenario, the module(s) 458 may operate to provide a user interface
by which the user may fast-forward presentation of the television
program to catch up to real-time presentation. In an alternative
scenario, the module(s) 458 may operate to pause presentation of
the television program by communicating a signal to a television
program source (e.g., a source remote from the user's local
television system) to pause transmission of the television program
to the user's local television system while the module(s) 458 is
operating to present the information on the television display.
[0149] Though not illustrated, the exemplary television 400 may,
for example, comprise one or more modules that operate to perform
any or all of the continued processing discussed previously with
regard to step 295 of the exemplary method 200 and step 395 of the
exemplary method 300, discussed previously. Such modules (e.g., as
with the one or more modules 454, 455, 456 and 458) may be
performed by the processor(s) 450 executing instructions stored in
the memory 460.
[0150] Turning next to FIG. 5, such figure is a diagram
illustrating an exemplary television receiver 500, in accordance
with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplary
television receiver 500 may, for example, share any or all
characteristics with the exemplary television receiver 151
illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. Also, the exemplary
television receiver 500 may, for example, share any or all
characteristics with the exemplary television 400 illustrated in
FIG. 4 and discussed previously. For example, the exemplary
television receiver 500 (e.g., various modules thereof) may operate
to perform any or all of the functionality discussed previously
with regard to the exemplary methods 200 and 300 illustrated in
FIGS. 2-3 and discussed previously.
[0151] The exemplary television receiver 500 includes a first
communication interface module 510. The first communication
interface module 510 may, for example, operate to communicate over
any of a variety of communication media and utilizing any of a
variety of communication protocols. For example, though the first
communication interface module 510 is illustrated coupled to a
wireless RF antenna via a wireless port 512, the wireless medium is
merely illustrative and non-limiting. The first communication
interface module 510 may, for example, operate to communicate with
one or more communication networks (e.g., cable television
networks, satellite television networks, telecommunication
networks, the Internet, local area networks, personal area
networks, metropolitan area networks, etc.) via which television
video content (e.g., television programming) and/or other data is
communicated. Also for example, the first communication interface
module 510 may operate to communicate with local sources of
television video content (e.g., video recorders, receivers, gaming
devices, etc.). Additionally, for example, the first communication
interface module 510 may operate to communicate with a television
controller and/or a television (e.g., directly or via one or more
intermediate communication networks).
[0152] The exemplary television receiver 500 includes a second
communication interface module 520. The second communication
interface module 520 may, for example, operate to communicate over
any of a variety of communication media and utilizing any of a
variety of communication protocols. For example, the second
communication interface module 520 may communicate via a wireless
RF communication port 522 and antenna, or may communicate via a
non-tethered optical communication port 524 (e.g., utilizing laser
diodes, photodiodes, etc.). Also for example, the second
communication interface module 520 may communicate via a tethered
optical communication port 526 (e.g., utilizing a fiber optic
cable), or may communicate via a wired communication port 528
(e.g., utilizing coaxial cable, twisted pair, HDMI cable, Ethernet
cable, any of a variety of wired component and/or composite video
connections, etc.). The second communication interface module 520
may, for example, operate to communicate with one or more
communication networks (e.g., cable television networks, satellite
television networks, telecommunication networks, the Internet,
local area networks, personal area networks, metropolitan area
networks, etc.) via which television video content (e.g.,
television programming) and/or other data is communicated. Also for
example, the second communication module 520 may operate to
communicate with local sources of television video content (e.g.,
video recorders, receivers, gaming devices, etc.). Additionally,
for example, the second communication module 520 may operate to
communicate with a television controller and/or a television
external to the television receiver 500 (e.g., directly or via one
or more intervening communication networks). The second
communication interface module 520 may, for example, operate to
communicate video and/or graphics information to a television
and/or television receiver (e.g., using any of the previous
interfaces mentioned above).
[0153] The exemplary television receiver 500 may also comprise
additional communication interface modules, which are not
illustrated. Such additional communication interface modules may,
for example, share any or all aspects with the first 510 and second
520 communication interface modules discussed above.
[0154] The exemplary television receiver 500 may also comprise a
communication module 530. The communication module 530 may, for
example, operate to control and/or coordinate operation of the
first communication interface module 510 and the second
communication interface module 520 (and/or additional communication
interface modules as needed). The communication module 530 may, for
example, provide a convenient communication interface by which
other components of the television receiver 500 may utilize the
first 510 and second 520 communication interface modules.
Additionally, for example, in an exemplary scenario where a
plurality of communication interface modules are sharing a medium
and/or network, the communication module 530 may coordinate
communications to reduce collisions and/or other interference
between the communication interface modules.
[0155] The exemplary television receiver 500 may also comprise one
or more television interface modules 535 that operate to provide an
interface between the television receiver 500 and a television
(e.g., a television external to the television receiver 500 or
housed with the television receiver). For example, the television
interface module(s) 535 may operate to provide video, graphical
and/or textual information to a television (e.g., via the
communication module 530, first communication interface module(s)
510 and/or second communication interface module(s) 520). For
example, various portions of the following discussion will refer to
presentation of information related to a user-selected object in a
television program on a television display (e.g., the same
television display on which the television program is being
presented). Such presentation may, for example, be performed on an
optional television display 570 of the receiver and/or by utilizing
the television interface module(s) 535 to communicate to a
television display external to the receiver 500.
[0156] The exemplary television receiver 500 may additionally
comprise one or more user interface modules 540. The user interface
module(s) 540 may generally operate to provide user interface
functionality to a user of the television receiver 500. For
example, and without limitation, the user interface module(s) 540
may operate to provide for user control of any or all standard
television commands (e.g., channel control, volume control, on/off,
screen settings, input selection, etc.). The user interface
module(s) 540 may, for example, operate and/or respond to user
commands utilizing user interface features disposed on the
television receiver 500 (e.g., buttons, etc.) and may also utilize
the communication module 530 (and/or first 510 and second 520
communication interface modules) to communicate with a television
controller (e.g., a dedicated television remote control, a
universal remote control, a cellular telephone, personal computing
device, gaming controller, etc.).
[0157] Various aspects of the present invention comprise presenting
information to a user (e.g., on a television display), where such
information is related to a user-selected object in a television
program. In various exemplary scenarios, such information may
comprise user interface information (e.g., graphical, textual,
image, video, etc.) providing information to the user and/or
soliciting information from the user. In such scenarios, the user
interface module(s) 540 may operate to perform such functionality.
For example, the user interface module(s) may operate to interact
with the information determination module(s) 556 and/or information
presentation module(s) 558, discussed below.
[0158] The user interface module(s) 540 may also comprise one or
more sensor modules that operate to interface with and/or control
operation of any of a variety of sensors (e.g., screen pointing
sensors, location sensors, etc.) that may be utilized to ascertain
an on-screen pointing location. For example and without limitation,
the user interface module 540 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may
operate to receive signals associated with respective sensors
(e.g., raw or processed signals directly from the sensors, through
intermediate devices, via the communication interface modules 510,
520, etc.). Also for example, in scenarios in which such sensors
are active sensors (as opposed to purely passive sensors), the user
interface module(s) 540 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may operate
to control the transmission of signals (e.g., RF signals, optical
signals, acoustic signals, etc.) from such sensors. Additionally,
the user interface module(s) 540 may perform any of a variety of
video output functions (e.g., presenting television programming to
a user, providing visual feedback to a user regarding an identified
user-selected object in the presented television programming,
etc.).
[0159] The exemplary television receiver 500 may comprise one or
more processors 550. The processor(s) 550 may, for example,
comprise a general purpose processor, digital signal processor,
application-specific processor, microcontroller, microprocessor,
etc. For example, the processor 550 may operate in accordance with
software (or firmware) instructions. As mentioned previously, any
or all functionality discussed herein may be performed by a
processor executing instructions. For example, though various
modules are illustrated as separate blocks or modules in FIG. 5,
such illustrative modules, or a portion thereof, may be implemented
by the processor 550.
[0160] The exemplary television receiver 500 may comprise one or
more memories 560. As discussed above, various aspects may be
performed by one or more processors executing instructions. Such
instructions may, for example, be stored in the one or more
memories 560. Such memory 560 may, for example, comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of types of memory. For example
and without limitation, such memory 560 may comprise one or more
memory chips (e.g., ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory,
one-time-programmable OTP memory, etc.), hard drive memory, CD
memory, DVD memory, etc.
[0161] Also as discussed previously, various types of information
corresponding to user-selectable objects in television programming
(e.g., object descriptive information, communication information,
user interaction information, user control information, information
describing actions to perform with local and/or remote entities and
associated with user-selectable objects, commerce information,
etc.) may be stored in memory. Also as discussed previously,
location information (e.g., any of the exemplary types of location
information discussed previously) may be stored in memory. The
memory 560 provides one non-limiting example of a memory in which
such information may be stored. Note that such memory 560 (or a
portion thereof) may also be external to the television 500 and/or
communicatively coupled thereto.
[0162] The exemplary television receiver 500 may comprise one or
more modules (not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 5) that operate to
receive and present a television program to a user. Such one or
more modules may, for example, operate to utilize one or more of
the user interface module(s) 540 to present the television program
on the optional display 570 (if present with the receiver 500
and/or communicatively coupled thereto). The one or more modules
may, for example, operate to perform television program receiving
and/or presenting functionality discussed previously with regard to
the exemplary methods 200 and 300. Various non-limiting aspects of
the present invention may comprise presenting information
associated with user-selectable objects in conjunction with (or
instead of) television programming. In such an exemplary scenario,
one or more modules that operate to receive and present a
television program to a user may operate in conjunction with the
information presentation module(s) 558, discussed below.
[0163] The exemplary television receiver 500 may comprise one or
more user-selected object determination (or identification) modules
554 that operate to determining an identity of a user-selected
object in a television program being presented to a user. For
example, such module(s) 554 may operate to perform step 220 of the
exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or step 320 of the
exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0164] For example, in an exemplary scenario in which the
television receiver 500 locally determines an identity of a
user-selected object, the module(s) 554 may operate to utilize one
or more of the user interface module(s) 540 to interface with
various sensors. Additionally, for example, the module(s) 554 may
operate to utilize the communication module 530 (and communication
interface modules 510 and 520) to communicate with external systems
regarding various sensor signals.
[0165] Also for example, in another exemplary scenario in which the
television receiver 500 operates to receive information of the
identity of a user-selected object in a television program from a
source external to the television receiver 500, the module(s) 554
may operate to utilize the communication module 530 (and
communication interface modules 510 and 520) to communicate with
such external source.
[0166] The exemplary television receiver 500 may comprise one or
more location determination modules 555 that operate to determine a
location (e.g., a point location, a region location, etc.), for
example, a user location, a home television system location, a
local television system location, etc. For example, such module(s)
555 may operate to perform location determination steps or
sub-steps of the exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or
the exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0167] For example, in an exemplary scenario in which the
television receiver 500 locally determines a location, the
module(s) 555 may operate to interface with one or more position
sensors and process signals from such sensors to determine the
location. For example, in such a scenario, the module(s) 555 may
comprise GPS circuitry that operates to communicate with the global
positioning system to determine location of the television receiver
500.
[0168] Additionally for example, in an exemplary scenario in which
the television receiver 500 receives information of the location
from another entity (e.g., from a personal electronic device of the
user with position-determining capability, from a television
service provider, from a cellular telephone company, from a user's
premises-based positioning system, from an Internet service
provider, etc.), the module(s) 555 may operate to utilize the
communication interface module 530 (and, for example, the first
communication interface module(s) 510 and/or the second
communication interface module(s) 520) to receive such location
information.
[0169] In another exemplary scenario, the module(s) 555 may operate
to utilize the user interface module(s) 540 to interface with a
user of the television receiver 500 regarding location information.
For example, the module(s) 555 may operate to utilize the user
interface module(s) 540 to solicit information describing a
location from a user. Also for example, the module(s) 555 may
operate to utilize the user interface module(s) 540 to offer a user
a list of locations from which to select. Various non-limiting
aspects of the present invention may comprise presenting
information associated with user-selectable objects in conjunction
with (or instead of) television programming. In such an exemplary
scenario, the modules 555 may operate in conjunction with the
information presentation module(s) 558, discussed below, to receive
and/or present user interface information in conjunction with
(and/or instead of) presentation of the television programming.
[0170] The exemplary television receiver 500 may also, for example,
comprise one or more information determination module(s) 556 that
operate to determine (e.g., based at least in part on the
determined identity of a user-selected object in a television
program) information associated with a user-selected object for
presentation to a user. For example, such module(s) 556 may operate
to perform step 230 of the exemplary method 200 discussed
previously and/or step 330 of the exemplary method 300 discussed
previously.
[0171] For example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario in which
such information determination comprises analyzing a table or other
data structure correlating object identification characteristics
and/or location to particular actions (and/or information to
present to a user), the module(s) 556 may operate to analyze such a
table and/or other data structure stored in the memory 560.
Additionally for example, in an exemplary scenario in which such
information determination comprises interacting with the user to
determine an initial action and/or subsequent action (and/or
information) related to the identified user-selected object, the
module(s) 556 may operate to utilize the user interface module(s)
540 to perform such user interaction.
[0172] In a non-limiting exemplary scenario in which a determined
actions comprises retrieving information associated with an object
from a memory of a networked entity, the module(s) 556 may operate
to communicate with such memory (e.g., either directly, for
example, utilizing DMA and/or indirectly utilizing an interface of
the networked entity). For example, the module(s) 556 may operate
to utilize the communication module 530 (and first communication
interface module 510 and/or second communication interface module
520) to communicate with such networked entity. Such a networked
entity may, for example, comprise a communication infrastructure
component of a television system, a television server component, a
cable and/or satellite head-end station, a networked information
server, a remote computer communicatively coupled to the
television, a component of the user's local television system, a
component of the user's home television system, etc.
[0173] Also for example, in a non-limiting scenario in which a
determined action comprises searching for information, the
module(s) 556 may operate to perform a search for such information.
In such a scenario, the module(s) 556 may, for example, operate to
perform such a search in memory of other television system
components and/or other networked entities (e.g., directly
utilizing direct memory access and/or utilizing a search interface
provided by a networked entity). For example, the module(s) 556 may
operate to perform such a search in such networked entities
utilizing the communication module 530 (and first communication
interface module 510 and/or second communication interface module
520) to communicate with such networked entities. For example, such
networked entities may provide respective interfaces specifically
adapted to request and/or search for information stored in and/or
accessible to such networked entities. In such a scenario, the
module(s) 556 may operate in accordance with such interfaces.
[0174] In an exemplary scenario, a networked entity may operate in
accordance with a protocol in which a requestor requests (via a
communication network) information associated with a particular
user-selected object and/or associated with a particular location,
and the remote entity responds to such a request by communicating
the requested information back to the requestor. In such a
scenario, the module(s) 556 would operate in accordance with such
protocol when interacting with the networked entity via the
communication network.
[0175] Additionally for example, in a non-limiting scenario in
which a determined action comprises interfacing with a user of the
television receiver 500, the module(s) 556 may operate to utilize
the user interface module(s) 540 to provide the user interface. For
example, in an exemplary scenario in which a determined action
comprises presenting object information and/or different views of
the object to a user, the module(s) 556 may operate to utilize the
user interface module(s) 540 to perform such output (e.g., on the
optional display 570 of the television receiver 500 if such a
display 570 is included, on a display external to the receiver 500
(for example a television display), etc.). In such an exemplary
scenario, the module(s) 556 may operate in conjunction with the
user interface module(s) 540 and the information presentation
module(s) 558, discussed below, to receive and/or present user
interface information in conjunction with (and/or instead of)
presentation of the television programming.
[0176] Further for example, in a non-limiting scenario in which a
determined action comprises establishing and/or managing a
communication session between the user and another networked
entity, the module(s) 556 may operate to utilize the user interface
module(s) 540 to provide the user interface and utilize the
communication module(s) 530 (and first communication interface
module 510 and/or second communication interface module 520) to
communicate to perform communication link establishment and/or
management. The module(s) 556 may also operate in conjunction with
the information presentation module(s) 558, discussed below, to
receive and/or present user interface information in conjunction
with (and/or instead of) presentation of the television
programming.
[0177] Still further for example, in a non-limiting scenario in
which a determined action comprises notifying one or more other
networked entities of the user's selection of the user-selected
object (e.g., a production enterprise, a distribution enterprise, a
rating company, an advertising agency, etc.), the module(s) 556 may
operate to utilize the communication module(s) 530 (and first
communication interface module 510 and/or second communication
interface module 520) to perform such notification, and may also
operate in conjunction with the user interface module(s) and
information presentation module(s) 558, discussed below, to receive
and/or present user interface information regarding such notifying
in conjunction with (and/or instead of) presentation of the
television programming.
[0178] The exemplary television receiver 500 may additionally
comprise one or more information presentation modules 558 that
operate to present the information determined by the information
determination module(s) 556. For example, the information
presentation module(s) 558 may operate to perform step 240 of the
exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or step 340 of the
exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0179] For example, the information presentation module(s) 558 may
operate to output the determined information on a television
display (e.g., an optional display 570 of the television receiver
500 and/or an external display (for example a television display))
concurrently (i.e., simultaneously or pseudo-simultaneously in a
time-sharing manner) with presentation of the television program
(i.e., the television program in which the user-selected object was
presented). The module(s) 558 may operate to perform such
concurrent presentation in any of a variety of manners,
non-limiting examples of which will now be provided.
[0180] For example, the information presentation module(s) 558 may
operate to present the determined information by operating to
output the determined information on the display concurrently with
presentation of the television program on the television display
without altering presentation dimensions of the television program.
For example, in an exemplary scenario in which a television program
is being presented on the entire display, the module(s) 558 may
operate to present the determined information on the display while
the television program continues to be presented on the entire
display. In such a scenario, the module(s) 558 may operate to
utilize a variety of video processing techniques and/or devices to
perform such presentation.
[0181] For example, the information presentation module(s) 558 may
operate to overlay the information on the presented television
program (e.g., using an information presentation window). For
example, the module(s) 558 may operate to present the determined
information by outputting the determined information in a window of
the television program. For example, the module(s) 558 may operate
to form a window having default dimensions at a default location on
the television display, and present the information in such window.
Additionally, for example, the module(s) 558 may operate to form a
window having user-specified dimensions at a user-specified
location on the display. In an exemplary scenario, the module(s)
558 may operate to provide a user-interface (e.g., in conjunction
with the user interface module(s) 540) by which the user may adjust
the characteristics (e.g., size and/or location of the window,
duration of the information presentation, etc.) of such a window in
the television program.
[0182] Further for example, information presentation module(s) 558
may operate to analyze the presented television program to
determine a location and/or size of a window that minimizes
interference with the television program presentation (e.g., to
present the information at a location on the display corresponding
to a relatively still portion of the display). Such operation may,
for example, comprise selecting between presenting the information
near the top of the display or near the bottom of the display, near
the left of the display, near the right of the display, etc.
[0183] In another exemplary implementation, the information
presentation module(s) 558 may operate to blend the determined
information with the presented television program, etc. In such an
implementation, the module(s) 558 may operate to present the
information in a manner in which at least a portion of the
television program located in an overlapping region of the display
with the presented information may be viewed. Such implementation
may, for example, provide for enhanced viewing of the television
program relative to an implementation where an opaque window in the
television program is utilized to present the information.
[0184] Additionally for example, the information presentation
module(s) 558 may operate to present the determined information by
outputting the determined information on the display (e.g., an
optional display 570 of the television receiver 500 and/or a
display external to the television receiver (for example a
television display)) concurrently with presentation of the
television program on the display without altering presentation
speed of the television program. For example, presentation of the
television program on the display may continue at normal speed
during presentation of the determined information on the display.
In such an implementation, presentation of the television program
may continue in real-time while the module(s) 558 operate to
present the information to the user.
[0185] As discussed above, the information presentation module(s)
558 may operate to present the determined information on the
display concurrently with presentation of the television program.
In another exemplary scenario, the module(s) 558 may operate to
present the determined information on the display while pausing
presentation of the television program (or otherwise presenting the
television program at a non-normal presentation speed).
[0186] For example, during exemplary operation where presentation
of the television program is paused, the information presentation
module(s) 558 may operate to freeze a still image of the television
program as background to the presented information or may comprise
removing the image of the television program entirely. While the
module(s) 558 operates to present the information as the television
program presentation is paused, the module(s) 558 may also operate
to record the television program for resuming presentation of the
paused presentation program in its entirety after the module(s) 558
complete presenting the information to the user. In such a
scenario, the module(s) 558 may operate to provide a user interface
by which the user may fast-forward presentation of the television
program to catch up to real-time presentation. In an alternative
scenario, the module(s) 558 may operate to pause presentation of
the television program by communicating a signal to a television
program source (e.g., a source remote from the user's local
television system) to pause transmission of the television program
to the user's local television system while the module(s) 558 is
operating to present the information on the display.
[0187] Though not illustrated, the exemplary television receiver
500 may, for example, comprise one or more modules that operate to
perform any or all of the continued processing discussed previously
with regard to step 295 of the exemplary method 200 and step 395 of
the exemplary method 300, discussed previously. Such modules (e.g.,
as with the one or more modules 554, 555, 556 and 558) may be
performed by the processor(s) 550 executing instructions stored in
the memory 560.
[0188] Turning next to FIG. 6, such figure is a diagram
illustrating an exemplary television controller 600, in accordance
with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplary
television controller 600 may, for example, share any or all
characteristics with the exemplary television controllers 160 and
161 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. Also, the
exemplary television controller 600 may, for example, share any or
all characteristics with the exemplary television 400 illustrated
in FIG. 4 and discussed previously and/or with the exemplary
television receiver 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed
previously. For example, the exemplary television controller 600
(e.g., various modules thereof) may operate to perform any or all
of the functionality discussed previously with regard to the
exemplary methods 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and
discussed previously.
[0189] The exemplary television controller 600 includes a first
communication interface module 610. The first communication
interface module 610 may, for example, operate to communicate over
any of a variety of communication media and utilizing any of a
variety of communication protocols. For example, though the first
communication interface module 610 is illustrated coupled to a
wireless RF antenna via a wireless port 612, the wireless medium is
merely illustrative and non-limiting. The first communication
interface module 610 may, for example, operate to communicate with
one or more communication networks (e.g., cable television
networks, satellite television networks, telecommunication
networks, the Internet, local area networks, personal area
networks, metropolitan area networks, etc.) via which television
video content (e.g., television programming) and/or other data is
communicated. Also for example, the first communication interface
module 610 may operate to communicate with local sources of
television video content (e.g., video recorders, receivers, gaming
devices, etc.). Additionally, for example, the first communication
interface module 610 may operate to communicate with a television
controller and/or a television (e.g., directly or via one or more
intermediate communication networks).
[0190] The exemplary television controller 600 includes a second
communication interface module 620. The second communication
interface module 620 may, for example, operate to communicate over
any of a variety of communication media and utilizing any of a
variety of communication protocols. For example, the second
communication interface module 520 may communicate via a wireless
RF communication port 622 and antenna, or may communicate via a
non-tethered optical communication port 624 (e.g., utilizing laser
diodes, photodiodes, etc.). Also for example, the second
communication interface module 620 may communicate via a tethered
optical communication port 626 (e.g., utilizing a fiber optic
cable), or may communicate via a wired communication port 628
(e.g., utilizing coaxial cable, twisted pair, HDMI cable, Ethernet
cable, any of a variety of wired component and/or composite video
connections, etc.). The second communication interface module 620
may, for example, operate to communicate with one or more
communication networks (e.g., cable television networks, satellite
television networks, telecommunication networks, the Internet,
local area networks, personal area networks, metropolitan area
networks, etc.) via which television video content (e.g.,
television programming) and/or other data is communicated. Also for
example, the second communication module 620 may operate to
communicate with local sources of television video content (e.g.,
video recorders, receivers, gaming devices, etc.). Additionally,
for example, the second communication module 620 may operate to
communicate with a television controller and/or a television
external to the television controller 600 (e.g., directly or via
one or more intervening communication networks). The second
communication interface module 620 may, for example, operate to
communicate video and/or graphics information to a television
and/or television receiver (e.g., using any of the previous
interfaces mentioned above).
[0191] The exemplary television controller 600 may also comprise
additional communication interface modules, which are not
illustrated. Such additional communication interface modules may,
for example, share any or all aspects with the first 610 and second
620 communication interface modules discussed above.
[0192] The exemplary television controller 600 may also comprise a
communication module 630. The communication module 630 may, for
example, operate to control and/or coordinate operation of the
first communication interface module 610 and the second
communication interface module 620 (and/or additional communication
interface modules as needed). The communication module 630 may, for
example, provide a convenient communication interface by which
other components of the television controller 600 may utilize the
first 610 and second 620 communication interface modules.
Additionally, for example, in an exemplary scenario where a
plurality of communication interface modules are sharing a medium
and/or network, the communication module 630 may coordinate
communications to reduce collisions and/or other interference
between the communication interface modules.
[0193] The exemplary television controller 600 may also comprise
one or more television interface modules 635 that operate to
provide an interface between the television controller 600 and a
television (e.g., a television external to the television
controller 600). For example, the television interface module(s)
635 may operate to provide video, graphical and/or textual
information to a television and/or television receiver (e.g., via
the communication module 630, first communication interface
module(s) 610 and/or second communication interface module(s) 620).
For example, various portions of the following discussion will
refer to presentation of information related to a user-selected
object in a television program on a television display (e.g., the
same television display on which the television program is being
presented). Such presentation may, for example, be performed on an
optional television display 670 of the controller and/or by
utilizing the television interface module(s) 635 to communicate to
a television display external to the controller 600
[0194] The exemplary television controller 600 may additionally
comprise one or more user interface modules 640. The user interface
module(s) 640 may generally operate to provide user interface
functionality to a user of the television controller 600. For
example, and without limitation, the user interface module(s) 640
may operate to provide for user control of any or all standard
television commands (e.g., channel control, volume control, on/off,
screen settings, input selection, etc.). The user interface
module(s) 640 may, for example, operate and/or respond to user
commands utilizing user interface features disposed on the
television controller 600 (e.g., buttons, etc.) and may also
utilize the communication module 630 (and/or first 610 and second
620 communication interface modules) to communicate with a
television and/or television receiver.
[0195] Various aspects of the present invention comprise presenting
information to a user (e.g., on a television display), where such
information is related to a user-selected object in a television
program. In various exemplary scenarios, such information may
comprise user interface information (e.g., graphical, textual,
image, video, etc.) providing information to the user and/or
soliciting information from the user. In such scenarios, the user
interface module(s) 640 may operate to perform such functionality.
For example, the user interface module(s) may operate to interact
with the information determination module(s) 656 and/or information
presentation module(s) 658, discussed below.
[0196] The user interface module(s) 640 may also comprise one or
more sensor modules that operate to interface with and/or control
operation of any of a variety of sensors (e.g., screen pointing
sensors, location sensors, etc.) that may be utilized to ascertain
an on-screen pointing location. For example and without limitation,
the user interface module 640 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may
operate to receive signals associated with respective sensors
(e.g., raw or processed signals directly from the sensors, through
intermediate devices, via the communication interface modules 610,
620, etc.). Also for example, in scenarios in which such sensors
are active sensors (as opposed to purely passive sensors), the user
interface module(s) 640 (or sensor module(s) thereof) may operate
to control the transmission of signals (e.g., RF signals, optical
signals, acoustic signals, etc.) from such sensors. Additionally,
the user interface module(s) 640 may perform any of a variety of
video output functions (e.g., presenting television programming to
a user, providing visual feedback to a user regarding an identified
user-selected object in the presented television programming,
etc.).
[0197] The exemplary television controller 600 may comprise one or
more processors 650. The processor(s) 650 may, for example,
comprise a general purpose processor, digital signal processor,
application-specific processor, microcontroller, microprocessor,
etc. For example, the processor 650 may operate in accordance with
software (or firmware) instructions. As mentioned previously, any
or all functionality discussed herein may be performed by a
processor executing instructions. For example, though various
modules are illustrated as separate blocks or modules in FIG. 6,
such illustrative modules, or a portion thereof, may be implemented
by the processor 650.
[0198] The exemplary television controller 600 may comprise one or
more memories 660. As discussed above, various aspects may be
performed by one or more processors executing instructions. Such
instructions may, for example, be stored in the one or more
memories 660. Such memory 660 may, for example, comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of types of memory. For example
and without limitation, such memory 660 may comprise one or more
memory chips (e.g., ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory,
one-time-programmable OTP memory, etc.), hard drive memory, CD
memory, DVD memory, etc.
[0199] Also as discussed previously, various types of information
corresponding to user-selectable objects in television programming
(e.g., object descriptive information, communication information,
user interaction information, user control information, information
describing actions to perform with local and/or remote entities and
associated with user-selectable objects, commerce information,
etc.) may be stored in memory. Also as discussed previously,
location information (e.g., any of the exemplary types of location
information discussed previously) may be stored in memory. The
memory 660 provides one non-limiting example of a memory in which
such information may be stored. Note that such memory 660 (or a
portion thereof) may also be external to the television 600 and/or
communicatively coupled thereto.
[0200] The exemplary television controller 600 may comprise one or
more modules (not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 6) that operate to
receive and present a television program to a user. Such one or
more modules may, for example, operate to utilize one or more of
the user interface module(s) 640 to present the television program
on the optional display 670 (if present with the television
controller 600 and/or communicatively coupled thereto). The one or
more modules may, for example, operate to perform television
program receiving and/or presenting functionality discussed
previously with regard to the exemplary methods 200 and 300.
Various non-limiting aspects of the present invention may comprise
presenting information associated with user-selectable objects in
conjunction with (or instead of) television programming. In such an
exemplary scenario, one or more modules that operate to receive and
present a television program to a user may operate in conjunction
with the information presentation module(s) 658, discussed
below.
[0201] The exemplary television controller 600 may comprise one or
more user-selected object determination (or identification) modules
654 that operate to determining an identity of a user-selected
object in a television program being presented to a user. For
example, such module(s) 654 may operate to perform step 220 of the
exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or step 320 of the
exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0202] For example, in an exemplary scenario in which the
television controller 600 locally determines an identity of a
user-selected object, the module(s) 654 may operate to utilize one
or more of the user interface module(s) 640 to interface with
various sensors. Additionally, for example, the module(s) 654 may
operate to utilize the communication module 630 (and communication
interface modules 610 and 620) to communicate with external systems
regarding various sensor signals.
[0203] Also for example, in another exemplary scenario in which the
television controller 600 operates to receive information of the
identity of a user-selected object in a television program from a
source external to the television controller 600, the module(s) 654
may operate to utilize the communication module 630 (and
communication interface modules 610 and 620) to communicate with
such external source.
[0204] The exemplary television controller 600 may comprise one or
more location determination modules 655 that operate to determine a
location (e.g., a point location, a region location, etc.), for
example, a user location, a home television system location, a
local television system location, etc. For example, such module(s)
655 may operate to perform location determination steps or
sub-steps of the exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or
the exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0205] For example, in an exemplary scenario in which the
television controller 600 locally determines a location, the
module(s) 655 may operate to interface with one or more position
sensors and process signals from such sensors to determine the
location. For example, in such a scenario, the module(s) 655 may
comprise GPS circuitry that operates to communicate with the global
positioning system to determine location of the television
controller 600.
[0206] Additionally for example, in an exemplary scenario in which
the television controller 600 receives information of the location
from another entity (e.g., from a personal electronic device of the
user with position-determining capability, from a television
service provider, from a cellular telephone company, from a user's
premises-based positioning system, from an Internet service
provider, etc.), the module(s) 655 may operate to utilize the
communication interface module 630 (and, for example, the first
communication interface module(s) 610 and/or the second
communication interface module(s) 620) to receive such location
information.
[0207] In another exemplary scenario, the module(s) 655 may operate
to utilize the user interface module(s) 640 to interface with a
user of the television controller 600 regarding location
information. For example, the module(s) 655 may operate to utilize
the user interface module(s) 640 to solicit information describing
a location from a user. Also for example, the module(s) 655 may
operate to utilize the user interface module(s) 640 to offer a user
a list of locations from which to select. Various non-limiting
aspects of the present invention may comprise presenting
information associated with user-selectable objects in conjunction
with (or instead of) television programming. In such an exemplary
scenario, the modules 655 may operate in conjunction with the
information presentation module(s) 658, discussed below, to receive
and/or present user interface information in conjunction with
(and/or instead of) presentation of the television programming.
[0208] The exemplary television controller 600 may also, for
example, comprise one or more information determination module(s)
656 that operate to determine (e.g., based at least in part on the
determined identity of a user-selected object in a television
program) information associated with a user-selected object for
presentation to a user. For example, such module(s) 656 may operate
to perform step 230 of the exemplary method 200 discussed
previously and/or step 330 of the exemplary method 300 discussed
previously.
[0209] For example, in a non-limiting exemplary scenario in which
such action determination comprises analyzing a table or other data
structure correlating object identification characteristics and/or
location to particular actions (and/or information to present to a
user), the module(s) 656 may operate to analyze such a table and/or
other data structure stored in the memory 660. Additionally for
example, in an exemplary scenario in which such information
determination comprises interacting with the user to determine an
initial action and/or subsequent action (and/or information)
related to the identified user-selected object, the module(s) 656
may operate to utilize the user interface module(s) 640 to perform
such user interaction.
[0210] In a non-limiting exemplary scenario in which a determined
action comprises retrieving information associated with an object
from memory of a networked entity, the module(s) 656 may operate to
communicate with such memory (e.g., either directly, for example,
utilizing DMA and/or indirectly utilizing an interface of the
networked entity). For example, the module(s) 656 may operate to
utilize the communication module 630 (and first communication
interface module 610 and/or second communication interface module
620) to communicate with such networked entity. Such a networked
entity may, for example, comprise a communication infrastructure
component of a television system, a television server component, a
cable and/or satellite head-end station, a networked information
server, a remote computer communicatively coupled to the
television, a component of the user's local television system, a
component of the user's home television system, etc.
[0211] Also for example, in a non-limiting scenario in which a
determined action comprises searching for information, the
module(s) 656 may operate to perform a search for such information.
In such a scenario, the module(s) 656 may, for example, operate to
perform such a search in memory of other television system
components and/or other networked entities (e.g., directly
utilizing direct memory access and/or utilizing a search interface
provided by a networked entity). For example, the module(s) 656 may
operate to perform such a search in such networked entities
utilizing the communication module 630 (and first communication
interface module 610 and/or second communication interface module
620) to communicate with such networked entities. For example, such
networked entities may provide respective interfaces specifically
adapted to request and/or search for information stored in and/or
accessible to such networked entities. In such a scenario, the
module(s) 656 may operate in accordance with such interface.
[0212] In an exemplary scenario, a networked entity may operate in
accordance with a protocol in which a requestor requests (via a
communication network) information associated with a particular
user-selected object and/or associated with a particular location,
and the networked entity responds to such a request by
communicating the requested information back to the requestor. In
such a scenario, the module(s) 656 would operate in accordance with
such protocol when interacting with the networked entity via the
communication network.
[0213] Additionally for example, in a non-limiting scenario in
which a determined action comprises interfacing with a user of the
television controller 600, the module(s) 656 may operate to utilize
the user interface module(s) 640 to provide the user interface. For
example, in an exemplary scenario in which a determined action
comprises presenting object information and/or different views of
the object to a user, the module(s) 656 may operate to utilize the
user interface module(s) 640 to perform such output (e.g., on the
optional display 670 of the television controller 600 if such a
display 670 is included, on a display external to the controller
600 (for example a television display), etc.). In such an exemplary
scenario, the module(s) 656 may operate in conjunction with the
user interface module(s) 640 and the information presentation
module(s) 658, discussed below, to receive and/or present user
interface information in conjunction with (and/or instead of)
presentation of the television programming
[0214] Further for example, in a non-limiting scenario in which a
determined action comprises establishing and/or managing a
communication session between the user and another networked
entity, the module(s) 656 may operate to utilize the user interface
module(s) 640 to provide the user interface and utilize the
communication module(s) 630 (and first communication interface
module 610 and/or second communication interface module 620) to
communicate to perform communication link establishment and/or
management. The module(s) 656 may also operate in conjunction with
the information presentation module(s) 658, discussed below, to
receive and/or present user interface information in conjunction
with (and/or instead of) presentation of the television
programming.
[0215] Still further for example, in a non-limiting scenario in
which a determined action comprises notifying one or more other
networked entities of the user's selection of the user-selected
object (e.g., a production enterprise, a distribution enterprise, a
rating company, an advertising agency, etc.), the module(s) 656 may
operate to utilize the communication module(s) 630 (and first
communication interface module 610 and/or second communication
interface module 620) to perform such notification, and may also
operate in conjunction with the user interface module(s) and
information presentation module(s) 658, discussed below, to receive
and/or present user interface information regarding such notifying
in conjunction with (and/or instead of) presentation of the
television programming.
[0216] The exemplary television controller 600 may additionally
comprise one or more information presentation modules 658 that
operate to present the information determined by the information
determination module(s) 656. For example, the information
presentation module(s) 658 may operate to perform step 240 of the
exemplary method 200 discussed previously and/or step 340 of the
exemplary method 300 discussed previously.
[0217] For example, the information presentation module(s) 658 may
operate to output the determined information on a television
display (e.g., an optional display 670 of the television controller
600 and/or an external display (for example a television display))
concurrently (i.e., simultaneously or pseudo-simultaneously in a
time-sharing manner) with presentation of the television program
(i.e., the television program in which the user-selected object was
presented). The module(s) 658 may operate to perform such
concurrent presentation in any of a variety of manners,
non-limiting examples of which will now be provided.
[0218] For example, the information presentation module(s) 658 may
operate to present the determined information by operating to
output the determined information on the display concurrently with
presentation of the television program on the television display
without altering presentation dimensions of the television program.
For example, in an exemplary scenario in which a television program
is being presented on the entire display, the module(s) 658 may
operate to present the determined information on the display while
the television program continues to be presented on the entire
display. In such a scenario, the module(s) 658 may operate to
utilize a variety of video processing techniques and/or devices to
perform such presentation.
[0219] For example, the information presentation module(s) 658 may
operate to overlay the information on the presented television
program (e.g., using an information presentation window). For
example, the module(s) 658 may operate to present the determined
information by outputting the determined information in a window of
the television program. For example, the module(s) 658 may operate
to form a window having default dimensions at a default location on
the television display, and present the information in such window.
Additionally, for example, the module(s) 658 may operate to form a
window having user-specified dimensions at a user-specified
location on the display. In an exemplary scenario, the module(s)
658 may operate to provide a user-interface (e.g., in conjunction
with the user interface module(s) 640) by which the user may adjust
the characteristics (e.g., size and/or location of the window,
duration of the information presentation, etc.) of such a window in
the television program.
[0220] Further for example, information presentation module(s) 658
may operate to analyze the presented television program to
determine a location and/or size of a window that minimizes
interference with the television program presentation (e.g., to
present the information at a location on the display corresponding
to a relatively still portion of the display). Such operation may,
for example, comprise selecting between presenting the information
near the top of the display or near the bottom of the display, near
the left of the display, near the right of the display, etc.
[0221] In another exemplary implementation, the information
presentation module(s) 658 may operate to blend the determined
information with the presented television program, etc. In such an
implementation, the module(s) 658 may operate to present the
information in a manner in which at least a portion of the
television program located in an overlapping region of the display
with the presented information may be viewed. Such implementation
may, for example, provide for enhanced viewing of the television
program relative to an implementation where an opaque window in the
television program is utilized to present the information.
[0222] Additionally for example, the information presentation
module(s) 658 may operate to present the determined information by
outputting the determined information on the display (e.g., an
optional display 670 of the television controller 600 and/or a
display external to the television controller (for example a
television display)) concurrently with presentation of the
television program on the display without altering presentation
speed of the television program. For example, presentation of the
television program on the display may continue at normal speed
during presentation of the determined information on the display.
In such an implementation, presentation of the television program
may continue in real-time while the module(s) 658 operate to
present the information to the user.
[0223] As discussed above, the information presentation module(s)
658 may operate to present the determined information on the
display concurrently with presentation of the television program.
In another exemplary scenario, the module(s) 658 may operate to
present the determined information on the display while pausing
presentation of the television program (or otherwise presenting the
television program at a non-normal presentation speed).
[0224] For example, during exemplary operation where presentation
of the television program is paused, the information presentation
module(s) 658 may operate to freeze a still image of the television
program as background to the presented information or may comprise
removing the image of the television program entirely. While the
module(s) 658 operates to present the information as the television
program presentation is paused, the module(s) 658 may also operate
to record the television program for resuming presentation of the
paused presentation program in its entirety after the module(s) 658
complete presenting the information to the user. In such a
scenario, the module(s) 658 may operate to provide a user interface
by which the user may fast-forward presentation of the television
program to catch up to real-time presentation. In an alternative
scenario, the module(s) 658 may operate to pause presentation of
the television program by communicating a signal to a television
program source (e.g., a source remote from the user's local
television system) to pause transmission of the television program
to the user's local television system while the module(s) 658 is
operating to present the information on the display.
[0225] Note that in various implementations where the information
determined by the information determination module(s) 656 is
presented by the information presentation module(s) 658 on a
television display (i.e., a television external to the controller
600), the information presentation module(s) may, for example,
utilize the communication module 630 to communicate the information
to devices external to the controller 600 for ultimate display of
such information. Note that in various scenarios, the controller
600 may also communicate the television program to such
devices.
[0226] Though not illustrated, the exemplary television controller
600 may, for example, comprise one or more modules that operate to
perform any or all of the continued processing discussed previously
with regard to step 295 of the exemplary method 200 and step 395 of
the exemplary method 300, discussed previously. Such modules (e.g.,
as with the one or more modules 654, 655, 656 and 658) may be
performed by the processor(s) 650 executing instructions stored in
the memory 660.
[0227] Though the previous discussions of FIGS. 4-6 presented
various exemplary modules of a television 400, television receiver
500 and television controller 600, as discussed previously, various
aspects of the present invention may be performed in a distributed
system (e.g., by a plurality of components of the user's local
television system and/or by a plurality of components remote from
the user's local television system). Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited to
performance by a single television system component (or device)
unless explicitly claimed.
[0228] Turning next to FIG. 7, such figure is a diagram
illustrating exemplary modules and/or sub-modules for a television
system, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention. The exemplary television system 700 may share any or all
aspects with any of the television 400, television receiver 500
and/or television controller 600 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and
discussed above. The exemplary television system 700 may, for
example, share any or all characteristics with one or more of the
exemplary televisions 140 and 141, television controllers 160 and
161, television receiver 151, television provider 110 and/or third
party program information provider illustrated in FIG. 1 and
discussed previously. Also, the exemplary television system 700
(e.g., various modules thereof) may operate to perform any or all
of the functionality discussed previously with regard to the
exemplary methods 200 and 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and
discussed previously. The components of the exemplary television
system 700 may be disposed in a single television system component
(e.g., a single television, a single television receiver, a single
television controller, etc.) or dispersed in a plurality of
television system components (e.g., a plurality of components of a
user's local television system, a combination of components
comprising one or more components of the user's local television
system and one or more components remote to the user's local
television system, etc.).
[0229] For example, the television system 700 comprises a processor
730. Such a processor 730 may, for example, share any or all
characteristics with the processors 450, 550 and 650 discussed with
regard to FIGS. 4-6. Also for example, the television system 700
comprises a memory 740. Such memory 740 may, for example, share any
or all characteristics with the memory 460, 560 and 660 discussed
with regard to FIGS. 4-6.
[0230] Also for example, the television system 700 may comprise any
of a variety of user interface module(s) 750. Such user interface
module(s) 750 may, for example, share any or all characteristics
with the user interface module(s) 440, 540 and 640 discussed
previously with regard to FIGS. 4-6. For example and without
limitation, the user interface module(s) 750 may comprise: a
display device, a camera (for still or moving picture acquisition),
a speaker, an earphone (e.g., wired or wireless), a microphone, a
video screen (e.g., a touch screen), a vibrating mechanism, a
keypad, and/or any of a variety of other user interface devices
(e.g., a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, touch screen, light pen,
game controlling device, etc.).
[0231] The exemplary television system 700 may also, for example,
comprise any of a variety of communication modules (705, 706, and
710). Such communication module(s) may, for example, share any or
all characteristics with the communication interface module(s) 410,
420, 510, 520, 610 and 620 discussed previously with regard to
FIGS. 4-6. For example and without limitation, the communication
interface module(s) 710 may comprise: a Bluetooth interface module;
an IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16 and/or 802.20 module; any of a
variety of cellular telecommunication interface modules (e.g.,
GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA/CDMA2000/1x-EV-DO, WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA/PDC,
WiMAX, etc.); any of a variety of position-related communication
interface modules (e.g., GPS, A-GPS, etc.); any of a variety of
wired/tethered communication interface modules (e.g., USB, Fire
Wire, RS-232, HDMI, Ethernet, wireline and/or cable modem, etc.);
any of a variety of communication interface modules related to
communicating with external memory devices; etc. The exemplary
television system 700 is also illustrated as comprising various
wired 706 and/or wireless 705 front-end modules that may, for
example, be included in the communication interface modules and/or
utilized thereby.
[0232] The exemplary television system 700 may also comprise any of
a variety of signal processing module(s) 790. Such signal
processing module(s) 790 may share any or all characteristics with
modules of the exemplary television 400, television receiver 500
and/or television controller 600 that perform signal processing.
Such signal processing module(s) 790 may, for example, be utilized
to assist in processing various types of information discussed
previously (e.g., with regard to sensor processing, position
determination, video processing, image processing, audio
processing, general user interface information data processing,
etc.). For example and without limitation, the signal processing
module(s) 790 may comprise: video/graphics processing modules (e.g.
MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, JPEG, TIFF, 3-D, 2-D, MDDI, etc.);
audio processing modules (e.g., MP3, AAC, MIDI, QCELP, AMR, CMX,
etc.); and/or tactile processing modules (e.g., Keypad I/O, touch
screen processing, motor control, etc.).
[0233] In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide
a system and method in a television system for presenting
information associated with a user-selected object in a television
program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection
with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in
the claims. While the invention has been described with reference
to certain aspects and embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that
the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment
disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments
falling within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *