U.S. patent application number 14/624559 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-24 for multimedia device for presenting various multimedia content.
The applicant listed for this patent is III HOLDINGS 2, LLC. Invention is credited to Alexander James Burke.
Application Number | 20150271565 14/624559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29714558 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150271565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burke; Alexander James |
September 24, 2015 |
MULTIMEDIA DEVICE FOR PRESENTING VARIOUS MULTIMEDIA CONTENT
Abstract
A user interface provides historical and hierarchical search and
navigation modes through previously selected and hierarchically
linked multimedia applications, documents and directories. The
system permits a search for information through hierarchically
linked documents accessible via the Internet in which an individual
document contains a reference link to a succeeding document. The
systems includes an input processor for receiving a user entered
search information item identifying an object associated with at
least one of the hierarchically linked documents. An Internet
processor for searching and identifying a plurality of child
documents hierarchically linked to a parent document identified by
the object and excluding non-hierarchically associated documents in
response to user initiation of a hierarchical search. An output
processor processes data identifying the plurality of child
documents for communication to a reproduction device.
Inventors: |
Burke; Alexander James;
(Montclair, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
III HOLDINGS 2, LLC |
WILMINGTON |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
29714558 |
Appl. No.: |
14/624559 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11888771 |
Aug 2, 2007 |
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14624559 |
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11029060 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
7269585 |
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11888771 |
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10641647 |
Aug 15, 2003 |
7058654 |
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11029060 |
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09337087 |
Jun 21, 1999 |
6665687 |
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10641647 |
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60090801 |
Jun 26, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 707/99931 20130101;
H04N 21/4828 20130101; H04N 21/8173 20130101; H04N 21/8126
20130101; H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 21/4722 20130101; Y10S
707/99937 20130101; Y10S 707/99945 20130101; Y10S 707/99933
20130101; H04N 21/8193 20130101; H04N 21/4786 20130101; Y10S
707/99948 20130101; Y10S 707/99943 20130101; H04N 21/4821 20130101;
G06F 16/951 20190101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/482 20060101
H04N021/482; H04N 21/81 20060101 H04N021/81; H04N 21/4722 20060101
H04N021/4722; H04N 21/4786 20060101 H04N021/4786; H04N 21/4782
20060101 H04N021/4782 |
Claims
1-30. (canceled)
31. A multimedia device, comprising: a decoder configured to
capture a plurality of television channels; a controller; memory
having program instructions stored therein, wherein the program
instructions are executable by the controller to cause the
multimedia device to perform operations comprising: presenting a
navigation menu depicting a plurality of media options, wherein the
plurality of media options include at least one of the plurality of
television channels and a web page accessible via a browser of the
multimedia device; receiving a directional input from a user,
wherein the directional input is one of a plurality of navigational
directions; based on the directional input, displaying one of the
plurality of media options to the user; presenting a search menu
having a field usable to receive search criteria; and searching one
or more of the plurality of media options based on the search
criteria.
32. The multimedia of claim 31, wherein the plurality of media
options include a plurality of multimedia applications selectable
via a directional input from the user, wherein the plurality of
multimedia applications include the browser.
33. The multimedia of claim 32, wherein the plurality of
applications include an email client executable to retrieve email
content of the user, and wherein the search menu allows the user to
conduct a search of the email content.
34. The multimedia of claim 31, wherein the searching includes
searching web page content and program titles associated with the
plurality of television channels.
35. The multimedia of claim 31, wherein the operations further
comprise: storing a database that defines an ordering in which the
plurality or media options are to be displayed based on received
directional inputs.
36. The multimedia of claim 35, wherein the displayed media option
is one of the plurality of television channels, and wherein the
database indicates that, upon receiving a particular directional
input when displaying the television channel, the multimedia device
is to transition from displaying the television channel to
displaying web page content via the browser.
37. The multimedia of claim 31, wherein the navigation menu
includes a timeline that indicates when particular television
programs are to be presented via ones of the plurality of
television channels.
38. The multimedia of claim 31, wherein the operations further
comprise: storing historical information identifying previously
displayed ones of the plurality of media options; receiving a
backwards directional input from the user; and in response to the
backwards directional input, displaying a previous one of the
displayed media options selected based on the historical
information.
39. The multimedia of claim 31, wherein the navigation menu depicts
two or more of the plurality of media options in a hierarchical
manner.
40. The multimedia of claim 31, further comprising: a display
coupled to the decoder, wherein the display is configured to
display the navigation menu to the user.
41. A method, comprising: a set-top box receiving a plurality of
television channels via a radio frequency tuner of the set-top box;
the set-top box storing a plurality of applications executable to
retrieve Internet content via a network connection of the set-top
box; and the set-top box presenting an interface that permits a
user to conduct a search of a plurality of sources including the
retrieved Internet content and television content associated with
the plurality of television channels.
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising: the set-top box
presenting one of the plurality of television channels to the user;
the set-top box receiving one of a plurality of directional inputs
supported by the set-top box, wherein the plurality of directional
inputs includes an upwards directional input and a downwards
directional input; and in response to the received directional
input, the set-top box transiting from displaying the television
channel to displaying web page content retrieved by a web browser
application, wherein the web browser application is one of the
plurality of applications.
43. The method of claim 42, further comprising: the set-top box
presenting a split-screen interface having a first portion and a
second portion, wherein the first portion includes a navigation
menu usable to select content to be displayed, and wherein the
second portion includes displayed selected content.
44. The method of claim 41, further comprising: the set-top box
accessing an address book of the user, wherein the address book is
one of the plurality of sources; and the set-top box presenting one
or more search results associated with members of the address
book.
45. The method of claim 41, further comprising: the set-top box
storing a word processor application, wherein the plurality of
sources include documents viewable at the set-top box via the word
processor application.
46. A multimedia device, comprising: decoder configured to decode a
plurality of video signals; a processor; and memory having program
instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to
cause the multimedia device to perform operations comprising:
providing video content associated with the plurality of video
signals and application content associated with a plurality of
applications executable on the multimedia device; and presenting a
search menu that allows a user to conduct a search using the video
content and the application content as sources of the search.
47. The multimedia device of claim 46, wherein the operations
further comprise: presenting an interface that allows the user to
cycle through viewing instances of video content and instances of
application content by selecting ones of a plurality directional
buttons.
48. The multimedia device of claim 46, wherein the operations
further comprise: storing a database that defines an ordering in
which video content and application content are provided, wherein
the database indicates that, for a particular television channel,
selection of a particular direction button is to cause the
multimedia device to transition from providing the television
channel to providing application content for a particular one of
the plurality of applications.
49. The multimedia device of claim 46, wherein the plurality of
applications include an email client executable on the multimedia
device to deliver email content to the user, and wherein the search
menu allows the user to conduct the search using the email content
as a source of the search.
50. The multimedia device of claim 46, wherein the search menu
allows the user to select what sources are to be used for the
search.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional application of non-provisional
application Ser. No. 11/029,060 by A. J. Burke, filed 4 Jan. 2005
which is a divisional application of non-provisional application
Ser. No. 10/641,647 by A. J. Burke, filed 15 Aug. 2003 which is a
divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,687 Ser. No.
09/337,087 by A. J. Burke, filed 21 Jun. 1999 claiming priority of
provisional application Ser. No. 60/090,801 by A. J. Burke, filed
26 Jun. 1998.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention is related to the field of digital signal
processing, and more particularly to an interface system supporting
navigation, search and operation of multimedia functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Processing devices such as personal computers (PCs), set-top
box systems and combined personal computer and television systems
(PC/TV systems), are increasingly becoming multimedia processing
systems. Such systems are required to process and decode data from
a variety of local and remote sources in different data formats for
a variety of applications in response to User requests. For
example, a multimedia decoder such as a PC/TV system may receive
and transmit data via telephone (e.g. the Internet) and coaxial
lines (e.g. cable TV) and from local sources such as Digital Video
Disk (DVD), CDROM, VHS and Digital VHS (DVHS.TM.) type players,
PCs, and many other types of sources. A multimedia decoder may also
receive data from satellite or terrestrial sources comprising High
Definition Television (HDTV) broadcasts, Multi-point Microwave
Distribution System (MMDS) broadcasts and Digital Video Broadcasts
(DVB). A multimedia decoder may also be required to support a
number of different functions such as Internet browsing, broadcast
video decoding, fax, Email, telephone, home control, word
processing and other computer functions.
[0004] A number of problems arise in providing a User interface for
such a multimedia decoder system that supports complex User
interactive tasks whilst providing a simple command interface
suitable for the general public. Specifically, problems arise in
navigating between different multimedia functions and in navigating
within a specific multimedia system function. A problem also occurs
in providing a user the capability to readily locate information
items and functions in Internet browsing and other applications.
These problems are addressed by a system according to the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The inventors have hereby recognized that a User interface
providing multiple navigation and search modes and associated menus
offers significant advantages. Specifically, a user interface
providing historical and hierarchical navigation and search modes
provides flexibility and usability in navigating and searching
through previously selected and hierarchically linked multimedia
applications documents and directories. Such a system also offers
advantages in searching and navigation within a specific multimedia
function. A system permits a search for information through
hierarchically linked documents accessible via the Internet in
which an individual document contains a reference link to a
succeeding document. The system includes a display menu generator
for initiating generation of data representing a menu item
permitting user entry of a search information item identifying an
object associated with at least one of the hierarchically linked
documents. An Internet processor for identifying a plurality of
child documents hierarchically linked to a parent document
identified by the object and excluding non-hierarchically
associated documents in response to user initiation of a
hierarchical search. The display menu generator initiates
generation of data representing an image window including data
items identifying the plurality of child documents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawing:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a multimedia decoder incorporating a user
interface according to the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary multimedia function display format
according to the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a database for use in navigating and searching
in a multimedia decoder system, according to the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows the database of FIG. 3 incorporating additional
elements and pointers for use in navigation and search operations,
according to the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a menu enabling forward and backward navigation
through different multimedia applications, according to the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a menu enabling upward and downward navigation
through Internet and other multimedia applications, according to
the invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary split screen display format
showing a hierarchical navigation menu and an application screen
area associated with a selected navigation menu item, according to
the invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a menu enabling user entry of a search
information item for searching across a plurality of multimedia
applications, according to the invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows a menu for selecting a multimedia item category
prior to entry of a specific search item, according to the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 shows a search menu permitting user selection of a
logical operator linking search terms in which the logical operator
is selected from a plurality of displayed logical operators,
according to the invention.
[0017] FIGS. 11 and 12 show search menus for selection of displayed
logical operators and search sources, according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a multimedia decoder communicating with
multiple sources including cable, Internet and terrestrial
broadcast sources and incorporating a user interface according to
the invention. A User may initiate Email, telephone, Internet
browsing, fax and video-phone functions via selection of options
from displayed menus. The decoder system adaptively decodes
Internet data representative of, for example, Hypertext Mark-up
Language (HTML) or Standardized Mark-up Language (SGML) and
broadcast data encoded to the MPEG standard incorporating
compressed video and audio program data. The decoded data is
formatted either as a composite video image or as separate video
images for display.
[0019] The MPEG2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group) image encoding
standard, hereinafter referred to as the "MPEG standard" is
comprised of a system encoding section (ISO/IEC 13818-1, 10 Jun.
1994) and a video encoding section (ISO/IEC 13818-2, 20 Jan.
1995).
[0020] Although the disclosed system is described in the context of
a system for receiving an Internet protocol compatible signal
conveying HTML or SGML data and an MPEG compatible signal, it is
exemplary only. The principles of the invention may be applied to
systems in which the types of transmission channels and
communication protocols may vary, or to systems in which the coding
type may vary. Such systems may include non-MPEG compatible
systems, for example, involving other types of encoded datastreams.
Further, although the disclosed system is described as processing
broadcast programs, this is exemplary only. The term `program` is
used to represent any form of data such as telephone messages,
computer programs, Internet data or other communications, for
example.
[0021] In overview, in the multimedia decoder system of FIG. 1,
Internet protocol information representing a web page, for example,
is received by multimedia decoder 17 of User terminal 10 from
remote terminal 47 via Internet TCP/IP telephone line link 37 and
server system 39. Decoder 17 also receives a carrier modulated with
MPEG compatible video data from a terrestrial broadcast source via
antenna 33. In addition, decoder 17 may also receive a cable TV
carrier modulated with MPEG compatible video data from a cable
source via coaxial line 31.
[0022] Decoder 17 demodulates and adaptively decompresses the input
compressed MPEG video data and decodes the HTML Internet data to
provide a composite video image or separate video images for
display on unit 60. Decoder 17 also decodes MPEG coded audio data
and provides decoded audio data to audio reproduction device 63. In
other modes decoder 17 provides encoded data outputs for storage on
storage medium 105 via storage device 90. Decoder 17 also
communicates with other data sources (not shown to simplify
drawing) via modem 35 and coaxial line 31 and telephone line 37
such as an Internet connection service (e.g. America
Online.TM.).
[0023] A multimedia decoder user initiates functions including
Email, telephone, Internet access, fax and video-phone functions
and viewing and storage of selected programs via selection of
options from a function display format. A User selects a displayed
option with a cursor using keyboard and mouse unit 20. Commands
from unit 20 are passed via interface 25 to controller 30. Unit 30
controls the operation of the elements of decoder 17 and responds
to unit 20 commands using a bi-directional data and control signal
bus C. Controller 30 controls the functions of individual elements
within decoder 17 by setting control register values within these
elements with control bus C. Controller 30 maintains a database
incorporating a plurality of pointers advantageously supporting
different modes of searching and menu navigation for a plurality of
multimedia functions.
[0024] Considering FIG. 1 in detail, upon a user request for a web
page, for example, decoder 17 establishes Internet access via
telephone line 37 and retrieves the web page information in a
conventional manner from the requested web page URL address (e.g.
of remote terminal 47) via modem 35 and server 39. Controller 30
determines whether the requested Internet access is authorized from
conditional access or smart card User entitlement information and
if authorized, controller 30 establishes telephone communication
with a service provider via server 39 by dialing a telephone number
using modem 35 and transmitting the requested web page URL address
code and user entitlement code, for example. Modem 35 may be a wide
bandwidth communication modem such as a cable modem enabling
decoder 17 to process both web page data and broadcast video
program data for display from a cable source. Controller 30 uses
response access data (including Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) identification data) determined
from an internal database to identify and assemble the web page
TCP/IP packets containing the web page HTML (or SGML) and
associated JAVA data (and other data e.g. JPEG, GIF, TIF type data)
in the response datastream from server 39.
[0025] The response web page TCP/IP packets are buffered within
modem 35 and provided to demultiplexer 43. Individual packets that
comprise the requested web page information are identified by data
identifiers (e.g. Packet Identifiers--PIDs) of the requested data.
Controller 30, in conjunction with unit 43, identifies the input
response web page data using a source identifier PID derived from
the web page request address. Other messages may be identified from
predetermined PIDs and HD mapping information stored within
controller 30. Demultiplexer 43 in conjunction with controller 30
identifies and assembles the requested web page data using the HD
information stored within controller 30. Unit 43 matches the PIDs
of incoming packets in the datastream from modem 35 with PID values
pre-loaded in control registers within unit 43 by controller 30.
Therefore, HTML.TM. and Java.TM. encoded web page information
representing a user requested web page image is assembled by unit
43 and provided to HTML.TM. processor 75 under command of
controller 30.
[0026] Processor 75 decodes the HTML.TM. and Java.TM. encoded web
page information and provides web page image representative pixel
data to sub-picture processor 80 for storage in internal memory.
Processor 75 incorporates the processing functions of a special web
browser, including JPEG decompression and Java decoding such as
involved in the operation of Netscape Navigator.TM., for example.
Processor 75 provides audio data associated with the HTML.TM. and
Java.TM. encoded web page information to audio processor 61. Audio
processor 61 decodes the audio data from unit 75 and provides
decoded and amplified audio data synchronized with the associated
decoded web page video data to device 63 for audio
reproduction.
[0027] Processor 80 formats the web page representative pixel data
received from unit 75 (and sub-picture data from unit 50 in
decoding MPEG compatible data) for storage as pixel mapped data in
display processor 55. Processor 80 also creates a user interface
comprising a set of interactive, hierarchical, navigation and
search menu displays, according to the invention, for presentation
on unit 60. The user interface system supports navigating and
searching through a plurality of image displays by traversing
through-previously selected image displays in a first mode and by
traversing through hierarchically linked image displays in a second
mode. The menu displays include, for example, the displays shown in
FIGS. 2, and 5-12, that enable searching and navigation through
different multimedia applications, according to the invention. The
search and navigation features shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-12 are
achieved by controller 30 using a database created from both
predetermined elements and from information elements from local and
remote sources. The database is updated by controller 30 and
employs a plurality of pointers as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The user
interface menu displays are generated in the form of pixel map data
by processor 80 under direction of controller 30. A menu database
distinct from the search and navigation database is employed by
controller 30 to support the creation and update of the user
interface menu displays presented on unit 60. The menu database
links particular menus and objects in search and navigation
functions and links particular functions with selectable menu
option icons in the menu currently displayed on unit 60. Controller
30 is thereby enabled to execute functions and navigate
hierarchical menus displayed on unit 60 in response to User
selection of a current menu option icon.
[0028] Controller 30 executes preprogrammed instructions
constituting an operating system. In executing the instructions,
controller 30 together with unit 80, generates a user interface
comprising a hierarchical sequence of menus for continuous display
on unit 60 for the duration of a User's interactive operation of
decoder 17. The hierarchical menu displays are generated in the
form of pixel map data by processor 80 under direction of
controller 30. The hierarchical menu displays generated by
processor 80 are provided to display processor 55 for formatting
and storage in a pixel representative memory contained within unit
55.
[0029] Similar to the HTML web page data, MPEG encoded program data
packets received within the response TCP/IP data from server 39 and
buffered within modem 35 are provided to demultiplexer 43.
Individual packets comprising a desired program are identified by
data identifiers (PIDs) of the requested data. Controller 30, in
conjunction with unit 43, identifies the packets of the desired
program using PID values acquired from program specific information
received in packetized program information accompanying the program
content data. Demultiplexer 43 in conjunction with controller 30
identifies and assembles the MPEG program data by matching the PIDs
of incoming packets in the datastream from modem 35 with PID values
pre-loaded in control registers within unit 43 by controller 30.
Therefore, MPEG encoded program representative video data is
assembled by unit 43 and provided to MPEG decoder 50 under command
of controller 30. Processor 50 decodes the MPEG encoded program
data and provides decoded pixel representative image data to
display processor 55 for formatting and storage in the pixel
representative memory contained within unit 55. Also MPEG encoded
audio data associated within the video data is assembled by unit 43
and provided to audio decoder 61 for processing and subsequent
reproduction by unit 63 under command of controller 30.
[0030] Display processor 55 converts the stored and formatted video
program data, and the hierarchical menu data provided from
processor 80, into conventional luminance and chrominance
components. The luminance and chrominance components, together with
timing data provided by controller 30, are processed by processor
55 in a conventional manner to form an NTSC signal for display on
NTSC compatible image reproduction device 60 e.g. a television or
video monitor. Processor 55 may, in another embodiment, provide RGB
output data for display by an RGB compatible reproduction device or
a high definition television.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a multimedia function display generated by
controller 30 and processor 80 that supports user selection of a
plurality of multimedia functions via user selectable icons
202-233. The multimedia function display also permits a plurality
of ancillary search, navigation and other functions using icons
237-273.
[0032] The user interface system created by controller 30 and unit
80 supports navigating and searching through a plurality of image
displays in a historical mode and in a hierarchical mode. In
historical mode, upon selecting icons 240 and 243 a user may
traverse through previously selected image displays. In a
hierarchical mode, upon selecting icons 237 and 238 a user may
traverse through hierarchically linked image displays such as a
sequence of Internet documents or web pages in which each document
contains a link or reference (e.g. an Internet URL) to a subsequent
document in the sequence. The sequence of web page documents may
not have been previously selected or viewed by a user of decoder
17. Further, the documents in the sequence may be advantageously
acquired by controller 30 using the database and cached within
memory of controller 30. This forward caching of hierarchically
sequenced Internet documents is performed in the background and is
transparent to a user. The forward caching of Internet documents
facilitates fast hierarchical search and navigation.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a portion of a database used by controller 30
for use in navigating and searching within decoder 17. The database
structure of FIG. 3 contains an index value 305 for each record
within the database. Index values range from 100 to 116 in
exemplary database portion of FIG. 3. An index value is a base
value enabling indexed addressing of individual records and their
sub-elements to enable their identification and to permit them to
be accessed. An index value may comprise a number, a code, an
address such as a memory address or the index value may be one of
the data base elements (305-326 of FIGS. 3 and 402-414 of FIG. 4)
such as an Internet URL, for example. An index value 305 is
associated with URL 307, Internet address (e.g. Email address) 309,
function identifier 312, category information 314, sub-category1
information 316, sub-category2 information 319, password 323 and
userid 326. Index values 305 are also associated with access
configuration information 402, and upindex 404 and downindex 407 of
pointer1, and backindex 410 and forwardindex 414 of pointer2, as
shown in the additional database elements listed in FIG. 4.
[0034] For individual records in the database, pointers 1 and 2
(404, 407, 410 and 414) indicate index numbers 305 of subsequent
records to be accessed in the various search and navigation modes.
For example, in FIG. 4, assume the current application is a word
data processing application as represented by index (column 305)
value 108 containing a database record of the word application.
Then, in historical navigation and search modes pointer2 backindex
410 indicates a backward navigation record index value of 103
indicating that upon historical backward navigation the next
application is a cable television application (HBO) identified by
index value 103. Similarly, in historical navigation and search
mode, pointer2 forward index 414 indicates a forward navigation
record index value of 110 indicating that upon historical forward
navigation the next application is an Internet application (web
page WWW.C.COM) identified by index value 110.
[0035] Further, in hierarchical navigation and search modes pointer
1 upindex 404 indicates an upward navigation record index value of
115 indicating that upon hierarchical upward navigation the next
application is an Internet application (web page WWW.E.COM)
identified by index value 115. Similarly, in hierarchical
navigation and search modes pointer1 downindex 407 indicates a
downward navigation record index value of 101 indicating that upon
hierarchical downward navigation the next application is an Email
application (A@B.COM) identified by index value 101. Thereby
pointers 1 and 2 support search and navigation through the decoder
17 multimedia functions.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a menu enabling forward and backward navigation
through different multimedia applications, according to the
invention. Menu entries 500-509 correspond to the navigation path
shown in FIG. 4 identified by backindex 410 and forwardindex 414 of
pointer2. FIG. 5 shows that the current application is HBO (entry
505). By selecting an entry in this menu such as entry 500, or 502
a user may navigate backward and by selecting entry 507 or 509 a
user may navigate forward. Alternatively, a user may select back
icon 520 to scroll through the back navigation menu items and the
entry finally attained is opened automatically by decoder 17.
Similarly, a user may scroll through forward navigation menu items
using icon 517. Menu items 513 and 515 are used to return to a
"home" application and to stop loading of a selected application
respectively.
[0037] The historical navigation through the application items
500-509 is achieved by controller 30 using the database pointer2
shown in FIG. 4. In addition, a user may navigate directly both
forward and back through applications using icons 240 and 243 as
shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively icons 240 and 243 may be used to
activate an intervening menu such as the menu of FIG. 5 to permit
forward and backward navigation through previously selected
multimedia applications.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows a menu enabling upward and downward navigation
through hierarchically linked Internet and other multimedia
applications and documents, according to the invention. These
applications/documents may be linked by URL reference links or
other links such as by other types of embedded references such as a
simple text reference to another document, a telephone number, fax
number, word document filename or the other database elements
associated with the base index value listed in FIGS. 3 and 4 etc.
These applications may also be linked by a user entered
hierarchical reference system using a menu (not shown to preserve
drawing clarity). Menu entries 600-630 correspond to the navigation
paths shown in FIG. 4 identified by upindex 404 and downindex 407
of pointer1. Four sets of navigation paths are shown comprising
path1 600-602, path2 607-615, path3 620-625 and path4 627-630. FIG.
6 shows that the current application is an Internet telephone
application (entry 615 of path2). By selecting an entry in this
menu such as entry 607, or 611 a user may navigate downward through
a set of hierarchically linked applications/documents (e.g.
Internet web pages). A user may also navigate upward through a set
of hierarchically linked applications/documents e.g. if the current
application was 611, then by selecting entry 613 upward navigation
through the applications occurs. A user may also move to another
navigation path by simply selecting a different path menu entry
e.g. by selecting entry 623 a user moves from hierarchical path2 to
hierarchical path3. Alternatively, a user may select down icon 640
to scroll through the down navigation menu items and the entry
finally attained is opened automatically by decoder 17. Similarly,
a user may scroll through upward navigation menu items using icon
637. Menu items 633 and 635 are used to return to a "home"
application and to stop loading of a selected application
respectively.
[0039] The hierarchical navigation through the application items
600-630 is achieved by controller 30 using the database pointer1
shown in FIG. 4. In addition, a user may navigate directly both
upward and downward through applications using icons 237 and 238 as
shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively icons 237 and 238 may be used to
activate an intervening menu such as the menu of FIG. 6 to permit
upward and downward navigation through hierarchically linked
multimedia applications.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary split screen display format
showing a hierarchical navigation menu in screen area 747 and an
application screen area 743 associated with a selected navigation
menu item, according to the invention. The hierarchical application
navigation path shows parallel linkage, for example, the world
document 735 referenced by the times 731 and identified as a
sub-reference by indicator 733 contains 6 references to 6 articles
1-6 shown in area 737. Menu items 720-729 show documents from
independent sources. Items 720-727 correspond to a portion of the
hierarchical navigation path2 (items 607-613 of FIG. 6). A user may
navigate through the hierarchical navigation path by selecting
entries in screen area 747 and by scrolling the navigation screen
area 747 using the arrow icons in the area 747 frame. The format of
FIG. 7 may also be used for historical navigation display and may
be displayed upon selection of hierarchical navigation items 237
and 238 and historical navigation items 240 and 243 in FIG. 1. The
hierarchical and historical navigation through the application
items of area 747 is achieved by controller 30 using the database
pointer1 and pointer2 shown in FIG. 4 as described in connection
with FIGS. 3-6.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows a menu enabling user entry of a search
information item for searching across a plurality of multimedia
applications, according to the invention. A user may search for
objects both in the database of controller 30 and in the
applications and associated documents identified by the database of
controller 30. Through the menu of FIG. 8, a user may search for a
channel, program title, program topic e.g. movies, a program theme
e.g. comedy, a telephone or fax number, Email address, name of a
person or corporation or other entity, an Internet URL, a text
string, a control function e.g. set burglar alarm, or a filename,
for example.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a menu for selecting a multimedia item category
prior to entry of a specific search item, according to the
invention. Upon selection of a category such as categories 900-925
of FIG. 9 a search dialog box is presented to a user. Exemplary
dialog boxes for searching are shown in FIGS. 8 and 10-12.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows a search menu permitting user selection of a
logical operator linking search terms 930, 937 and 939 in which the
logical operator is selected from a plurality of displayed logical
operators (929, 933 or 935, for example), according to the
invention. In addition, the menu also permits the search definition
to specify mandatory inclusion or exclusion of search terms with
user selectable option boxes 941 and 943. This search menu enables
a user to craft a logical search in an easy to use graphical manner
without resorting to a hidden, and platform variable syntax of
search logic. The displayed logical operators (929, 933 or 935) are
exemplary only and additional ones may be included corresponding to
known algebraic or other operations such as an exclusive-or
operator etc.
[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 show search menus for selection of displayed
logical operators and search sources, according to the invention.
FIG. 11 shows logical operator selection using a menu item 950 for
selection of a logical operator and also an item 952 permitting
selection of sources to be searched.
[0045] FIG. 12 shows logical search operators being presented in a
menu format 810 following user selection of item 807 by
mouse-cursor arrangement, for example. FIG. 12 also shows a menu
805 permitting user selection of a source to be searched. In the
absence of a user source selection, a default selection of all
sources is made. The sources that may be individually selected
include a hierarchical document search 813 in which case an
existing open document is taken as the base document for the
search. A hierarchical document search is then performed using the
method described in connection with FIGS. 3-6. If no base document
is open, the menu issues a prompt for selection of such a document
which may comprise any of the applications/documents listed within
the controller 30 database. Alternatively, documents stored
remotely may be searched such as an Internet web page, for example,
using a conventional web browser system such as provided by
Netscape Navigator.TM.. Item 805 also enables selection of a
library and one or more directories for search such as an Email,
file, telephone, Internet phone, fax, video-phone, address book or
storage directory. The search sources may also be defined
geographically by country or other area. Further, searching by zip
code and area code is also supported and upon such a selection an
additional dialog box is presented to a user to prompt user entry
of one or more zip or area codes.
[0046] In other modes, decoder 17 is adaptively configured by
controller 30 to receive satellite or terrestrial broadcast data
via antenna 33 or cable television broadcast data via coaxial line
31. In terrestrial broadcast mode, for example, modem 35 is
configured to receive a carrier modulated with video data from
antenna 33. An input processor within modem 35 converts the video
data to digital form. The unit 35 input processor also includes
radio frequency (RF) tuner and intermediate frequency (IF) mixer
and amplification stages for down-converting the input video signal
to a lower frequency band. The unit 35 input processor also
includes an analog to digital converter for digitizing the
down-converted signal to produce a signal suitable for further
processing. The resultant digital output signal is demodulated and
decoded and error-corrected by other elements in unit 35 and
provided to demultiplexer 43 for further processing as previously
described. Unit 35 adopts a similar process for input processing
and decoding cable television broadcast data received via coaxial
line 31 following configuration by controller 30.
[0047] The architecture of FIG. 1 is not exclusive. Other
architectures may be derived in accordance with the principles of
the invention to accomplish the same objectives. Further, the
functions of the elements of terminal 10 of FIG. 1 and the process
steps employed in creating, operating and updating the search and
navigation database and in implementing the search and navigation
functions may be performed in whole or in part within the
programmed instructions of a microprocessor.
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