U.S. patent application number 14/855800 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-07 for system and method for providing video program information or video program content to a user.
The applicant listed for this patent is Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Scott Brenner, Michael E. Cain, Kenneth L. Hamel, Joshua D. Staller.
Application Number | 20160007082 14/855800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27659944 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160007082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brenner; Scott ; et
al. |
January 7, 2016 |
System and Method for Providing Video Program Information or Video
Program content to a User
Abstract
In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including
a display, a system and method for providing program information or
a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one
aspect, a device tuned to a channel for a period of time
communicates a request for a portion of a program transmitted prior
to the period of time. The device may generate a prompt seeking
approval to make the request. A controller receiving the request
may cause the portion to be provided from storage in response to
the request. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of
time during which a device is tuned to a channel and provide a copy
of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a
predetermined threshold time.
Inventors: |
Brenner; Scott; (Superior,
CO) ; Cain; Michael E.; (Arvada, CO) ; Hamel;
Kenneth L.; (Louisville, CO) ; Staller; Joshua
D.; (Littleton, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC |
Philadelphia |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
27659944 |
Appl. No.: |
14/855800 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13446479 |
Apr 13, 2012 |
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14855800 |
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10074743 |
Feb 12, 2002 |
8181215 |
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13446479 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/6581 20130101;
H04N 5/76 20130101; H04N 5/781 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101;
H04N 5/765 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/4331 20130101;
H04N 21/84 20130101; H04N 21/437 20130101; H04N 21/44204 20130101;
H04N 5/775 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/47202 20130101;
H04N 21/8549 20130101; H04N 5/907 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/442 20060101
H04N021/442; H04N 21/433 20060101 H04N021/433; H04N 21/437 20060101
H04N021/437; H04N 21/84 20060101 H04N021/84; H04N 21/8549 20060101
H04N021/8549; H04N 21/431 20060101 H04N021/431; H04N 21/472
20060101 H04N021/472 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: determining, by a computing device, that a
channel has been tuned to for a period of time, wherein the period
of time is associated with a first portion of a content;
communicating, responsive to the determining, a request for a
second portion of a content, wherein the second portion of the
content comprises a portion of the content transmitted via the
channel prior to the period of time; and receiving, responsive to
the request, the second portion of the content.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a
portion of the content beginning at a start time of the content and
ending at a start time of the period of time.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating, prior to
communicating the request to retrieve the second portion of the
content, a prompt requesting approval to generate the request to
retrieve the second portion of the content.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising outputting the second
portion of the content.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: causing output of the
first portion of the content on a first portion of an associated
device associated with the computing device; and causing output of
the second portion of the content on a second portion of the
associated device, the second portion of the device being different
from the first portion of the associated device.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing locally the
content in response to the request for the second portion of the
content.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the second portion of
the content comprises receiving the second portion of the content
from a device remote from the computing device.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the device remote from the
computing device is a device configured to store the content during
transmission of the content.
9. A method comprising: receiving, at a computing device, a request
for the computing device to tune to a channel, wherein the request
is received after a start time of transmission of a content via the
channel; determining, by the computing device, that a length of
time since the receiving of the request exceeds a threshold;
communicating a request for a requested portion of the content in
response to determining that the length of time exceeds the
threshold; and receiving the portion of the content, wherein the
portion of the content comprises a portion of the content starting
at the start time and ending at a receipt time of the request for
the computing device to tune to the channel.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising outputting, by the
computing device and prior to the determining, a different portion
of the content received responsive to the request to tune to the
channel.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: causing output of
the different portion of the content on a first portion of an
associated device associated with the computing device; and causing
output of the requested portion of the content on a second portion
of the associated device, the second portion of the associated
device being different from the first portion of the associated
device.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the determining comprises
determining an amount of the different portion of the content that
has been received by the computing device.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the determining comprises
determining an amount of time that the computing device has been
set to receive the different portion of the content.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising generating, prior to
communicating the request to retrieve the requested portion of the
content, a prompt requesting approval to generate the request to
retrieve the requested portion of the content.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving the portion of the
content comprises receiving the portion of the content from a
device remote from the computing device and configured to store the
content during transmission of the content.
16. A method comprising: causing, by a first computing device and
at a first time, transmission of a program via a channel;
receiving, from a second computing device and at a second time, a
request for a portion of the program, wherein receiving the request
indicates that the second computing device has been tuned to the
channel for a period of time beginning at a third time and ending
at the second time, wherein the third time is after the first time
and before the second time; and responsive to the request, causing
transmission of a portion of the program transmitted via the
channel between the first time and the third time.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein causing transmission of the
portion of the program comprises causing a remote device to
transmit the portion of the program.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the remote device is configured
to store the program during transmission of the program.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the remote device is a device
remote from the first computing device and the second computing
device.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising storing the program
at the first computing device prior to the causing transmission of
the program via the channel.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/446,479, filed Apr. 13, 2012, pending,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/074,743 filed Feb. 12, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,181,215, issued
May 15, 2012, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for
providing video program information or video program content to a
user.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Cable and satellite television service providers now offer
subscribers hundreds of channels, each broadcasting a wide variety
of video programs, thereby presenting subscribers with hundreds of
programming choices at any given time of day. As a result, a
subscriber is often forced to switch between television programs of
interest, or to finish watching one program before the subscriber
can begin watching another program, the broadcast of which has
already started.
[0006] Moreover, the onset of television viewing by a subscriber is
often asynchronous with respect to program broadcast schedules.
Still further, television programs may not fit into standard
one-half or one hour time slots, or the time then available to a
subscriber for viewing. Thus, inevitably, some program of interest
to a subscriber will be in-progress, no matter when the subscriber
chooses to begin watching television.
[0007] For all of these reasons, subscribers to cable and/or
satellite television services are often faced with decisions as to
whether to begin watching a program that is already in progress.
That is, for an in-progress program, no mechanism or procedure
exists for a subscriber to "catch-up" on that portion of the
program already broadcast. Similarly, for an in-progress program,
no mechanism or procedure exists for a subscriber to obtain a copy
of that portion of the program already broadcast, or a complete
copy of the program, either automatically or upon a request by the
subscriber.
[0008] In that regard, on-screen television program guides are
known which afford the display of television program information,
which may include program start and end times, as well as a brief,
and often cryptic, description of the program. However, such
program guides neither deliver nor support the delivery of
"catch-up" information tailored for an individual viewer and a
given program based on the time that the viewer begins watching the
program.
[0009] Still further, in addition to well known video cassette
recording (VCR) systems, which can be programmed in advance of the
broadcast time of a television program to automatically record the
program at the broadcast time, digital video recording (DVR)
systems are known that can also record television programs, either
as scheduled events or on a speculative basis based on
pre-determined user preferences provided to the DVR system by the
user. In that regard, current DVR systems also allow a user to go
back to any point in the locally stored video content, up to the
existing storage capacity of the DVR system.
[0010] Such existing VCR and DVR systems, however, do not allow a
user to obtain that portion of an in-progress program already
broadcast (including from the beginning of the program), or a
complete copy of the in-progress program if the user was not
previously tuned to the particular channel on which the program is
broadcast. In addition, although streaming video methods exist that
allow a user to download digital video, such methods do not work
seamlessly and/or dynamically with passive television viewing. That
is, such methods again do not allow a user to automatically obtain
that portion of an in-progress television program already broadcast
(including from the beginning of the program), or a complete copy
of the in-progress program.
[0011] Thus, there exists a need for a system and method that
would, in a system for broadcasting video programs, allow a user to
"catch-up" on a program already in progress. Such a system and
method would allow a user, such as a cable or satellite service
subscriber, to initiate a request for and receive a timely synopsis
or summary of major events, actions, outcomes, or other information
pertaining to a program, the broadcast of which is already in
progress.
[0012] In addition, there exists a need for a system and method
that would allow such a user, either automatically or upon request,
to obtain a copy of at least a portion of a program, the broadcast
of which is already in progress. Such a system and method would
allow a user to dynamically retrieve, store and manage the video
content of such programs. Such systems and methods would thereby
enhance the value of video programming by making such programming
more comprehensible, interesting, and entertaining to viewers. In
such a fashion, such systems and methods would increase the
likelihood that such programming will be watched by more viewers,
which is an important goal of program content providers, cable
and/or satellite television service providers, and advertisers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a system for
broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system
and method for providing program information or a copy of at least
a portion of a program to the user.
[0014] According to the present invention, then, in a system for
broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system
is provided for providing program information to the user. The
system comprises an input device for use in generating an input
signal representing a request for summary information concerning a
video program, the program having a beginning and the input signal
being generated at a time during a broadcast of the program. The
system further comprises a controller for receiving the input
signal and, in response thereto, providing via the display a
summary of the program from the program beginning to the input
signal time.
[0015] Also according to the present invention, in a system for
broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a method
is provided for providing program information to the user. The
method comprises providing a controller for receiving an input
signal representing a request for summary information concerning a
video program, the program having a beginning and the input signal
being generated at a time during a broadcast of the program, and
for providing via the display a summary of the program from the
program beginning to the input signal time in response to receipt
of the input signal.
[0016] Still further according to the present invention, in a
system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a
display, a system is provided for providing a copy of at least a
portion of the program to the user. The system comprises a
controller for monitoring a period of time during which the display
is tuned to a broadcast of a video program, the period starting
during the broadcast of the program, and for use in providing via
the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the
period exceeds a predetermined threshold time. The system further
comprises a storage medium for use in storing the copy of at least
a portion of the program.
[0017] Further still according to the present invention, in a
system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a
display, a method is provided for providing a copy of at least a
portion of the program to the user. The method comprises providing
a controller for monitoring a period of time during which the
display is tuned to a broadcast of a video program, the period
starting during the broadcast of the program, and for use in
providing via the display a copy of at least a portion of the
program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.
[0018] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are set
forth in the following detailed descriptions thereof, including the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a simplified, exemplary block diagram of the
system of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a simplified, exemplary flowchart concerning the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a simplified, exemplary flowchart of one
embodiment of the method of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 4 is a simplified, exemplary flowchart of another
embodiment of the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0023] Referring now to the Figures, the preferred embodiments of
the present invention will now be described in detail. As
previously noted, cable and satellite television service providers
now offer subscribers hundreds of channels, each broadcasting a
wide variety of video programs. As a result, a subscriber is often
forced to switch between television programs of interest, or to
finish watching one program before the subscriber can begin
watching another program, the broadcast of which has already
started.
[0024] Moreover, the onset of television viewing by a subscriber is
often asynchronous with respect to program broadcast schedules.
Still further, television programs may not fit into standard
one-half or one hour time slots, or the time then available to a
subscriber for viewing. For all of these reasons, subscribers to
cable and/or satellite television services are often faced with
decisions as to whether to begin watching a program that is already
in progress. That is, for an in-progress program, no mechanism or
procedure exists for a subscriber to "catch-up" on that portion of
the program already broadcast. Similarly, for an in-progress
program, no mechanism or procedure exists for a subscriber to
obtain a copy of that portion of the program already broadcast, or
a complete copy of the program, either automatically or upon a
request by the subscriber.
[0025] In that regard, as also described previously, on-screen
television program guides are known which afford the display of
television program information, which may include program start and
end times, as well as a brief, and often cryptic, description of
the program. However, such program guides neither deliver nor
support the delivery of "catch-up" information tailored for an
individual viewer and a given program based on the time that the
viewer begins watching the program.
[0026] Still further, in addition to well known video cassette
recording (VCR) systems, which can be programmed in advance of the
broadcast time of a television program to automatically record the
program at the broadcast time, digital video recording (DVR)
systems are known that can also record television programs, either
as scheduled events or on a speculative basis based on
pre-determined user preferences provided to the DVR system by the
user. In that regard, current DVR systems also allow a user to go
back to any point in the locally stored video content, up to the
existing storage capacity of the DVR system.
[0027] Such existing VCR and DVR systems, however, do not allow a
user to obtain that portion of an in-progress program already
broadcast (including from the beginning of the program), or a
complete copy of the in-progress program if the user was not
previously tuned to the particular channel on which the program is
broadcast. In addition, although streaming video methods exist that
allow a user to download digital video, such methods do not work
seamlessly and/or dynamically with passive television viewing. That
is, such methods again do not allow a user to automatically obtain
that portion of an in-progress television program already broadcast
(including from the beginning of the program), or a complete copy
of the in-progress program.
[0028] Thus, there exists a need for a system and method that
would, in a system for broadcasting video programs, allow a user to
"catch-up" on a program already in progress. Such system and method
would allow a user, such as a cable or satellite service
subscriber, to initiate a request for and receive a timely synopsis
or summary of major events, actions, outcomes, or other information
pertaining to a program, the broadcast of which is already in
progress.
[0029] In addition, there exists a need for a system and method
that would allow such a user, either automatically or upon request,
to obtain a copy of at least a portion of a program, the broadcast
of which is already in progress. Such a system and method would
allow a user to dynamically retrieve, store and manage the video
content of such programs. Such systems and methods would enhance
the value of video programming by making such programming more
comprehensible, interesting, and entertaining to viewers, thereby
increasing the likelihood that such programming will be watched by
more viewers, which is an important goal of program content
providers, cable and/or satellite television service providers, and
advertisers.
[0030] In one embodiment, the present invention enables a
television viewer to "catch-up" on a program, the broadcast of
which is already in progress. Using standard television input
devices and methods, such as a wireless television remote control,
a wireless keyboard, an onscreen guide, or any combination thereof,
a viewer initiates a request for a timely synopsis or summary of
major events, actions, outcomes and/or other information pertaining
to that portion of the in-progress program already broadcast.
[0031] Such summary information may take any of a number of forms.
For example, such summary information may be video content
comprising text, which is simple and easily manipulated.
Alternatively, IP streaming media, which may comprise audio and/or
video content, such as video clips, may be provided using the full
display, an overlay, a separate channel, or a separate window on
the television display, such as via picture-in-picture
functionality. "Catch-up" information is preferably provided by the
content providers of the television programs.
[0032] More particularly, an exemplary sequence of events to
deliver a web-based text synopsis includes a viewer selecting a
"catch-up" capability via a television wireless remote control,
wireless keyboard and/or an onscreen guide. A television set-top
box then requests a URL for dynamically generated video content
comprising text. A server for the program content provider receives
the request and delivers one of several possible summaries based on
a clock time indicative of that portion of the in-progress program
already broadcast. Thereafter, the set-top box delivers the summary
to the viewer via the television display. Another possible
alternative is the use of Advanced Television Enhancement Form
(ATVEF) transport B to send text summaries embedded in the video
stream of the program. In this embodiment, the set-top box stores
the most current summary, and delivers that summary to the viewer
via the display at the viewer's request.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a simplified, exemplary block
diagram including the system of the present invention is shown,
denoted generally by reference numeral 10. As seen therein, a
display (12) is provided in communication with a controller (14).
Display (12) is preferably a television for use by a cable or
satellite television service subscriber (not shown), although the
present invention is suitable for use with other types of display
devices, such as a computer. Controller (14) is itself provided in
communication with a storage medium (16). In that regard, storage
medium (16) is preferably RAM, although any other type of storage
medium, such as a magnetic disk, could also be used.
[0034] A cable or satellite television service subscriber (who may
also be referred to as a user or viewer) interfaces with controller
(14) via an input device (18). In that regard, while input device
(18) preferably comprises a wireless remote control device, any
type of input device known to those of ordinary skill in the art
could also be used, such as a wireless keyboard. Input device (18)
is for use by a viewer (not shown) to generate input signals (20)
for use in controlling display (12) or for use in the present
invention. As seen in FIG. 1, controller (14) receives input signal
(20) from input device (18) via a conventional receiver (22)
configured for use with input device (18). Controller (14), storage
medium (16) and receiver (22) preferably form at least part of a
television set-top box (24).
[0035] As part of set-top box (24), controller (14) is provided in
communication with at least one remote site (26) via at least one
communication path (28). In that regard, the remote site or sites
(28) may be associated with a cable or satellite television service
provider and/or a program content provider, and may include a
server, data storage devices and/or other equipment. In that same
regard, the communication path or paths (28) preferably provide for
two-way communication between set-top box (24) and remote site
(26), and may comprise any type of path suitable for such
communication, such as a cable line, DSL, telephone line, satellite
link, wireless link, or any other well known communication path.
Still further, communication path or paths (28) may also comprise
any hardware or devices necessary for providing such communication,
such as a modem or a satellite dish receiver.
[0036] As can be seen from FIG. 1, display (12), input device (18),
set-top box (24), remote site (26), and communication path (28) are
part of a system for broadcasting video programs, such as for
viewing by a satellite or cable television subscriber. Thus, in a
system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a
display (12), the present invention provides a system for providing
program information to the user. In that regard, input device (18)
is for use in generating an input signal (20) representing a
request for summary information concerning a video program, the
program having a beginning and the input signal being generated at
a time during a broadcast of the program. Controller (14) is for
receiving the input signal (20) and, in response thereto, providing
via the display (12) a summary of the program from the program
beginning to the input signal time.
[0037] In that regard, controller (14) is preferably further for
transmitting a control signal to remote site (26) in response to
receipt of the input signal (20), and for receiving the summary in
response to transmission of the control signal. Controller (14) may
be operative to receive the summary from the remote site (26), or
from a site other than the remote site (26).
[0038] As previously described, the summary may comprises video
content, audio content, or both. In that regard, the video content
may comprise text, and such text may be embedded in the program, to
be provided by the controller (14) via the display (12) only after
receipt of the input signal (20) by the controller (14). Further,
the video content may be provided on a portion of the display (12)
separate from a portion of the display (12) used to provide the
program.
[0039] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
system and method for requesting and storing the un-viewed portion
of a video broadcast already in progress. This embodiment
preferably involves the use of a set-top box (24) with Digital
Video Recording (DVR) functionality, a head-end architecture that
supports server based storage of the broadcast video content, and a
two-way broadband data network. According to this embodiment of the
present invention, a viewer is able to initiate network retrieval
of a previously broadcast video program based on the viewer's
activity as the viewer alternates between programs on different
channels (i.e., channel "surfs").
[0040] For example, referring still to FIG. 1, after channel
surfing among a variety of channels, a viewer tunes display (12) to
a particular television program which is in progress, and then
watches the program for a pre-determined period of time. The
set-top-box (24) then automatically contacts a video storage device
at the head-end, such as may be provided at remote site (26), that
has been storing the broadcast video, and begins to download the
program from the beginning using the Data-Over-Cable Service
Interface Specification (DOCSIS) channel, or any other out-of-band
(OOB) data channel, such as may be provided by communication path
(28).
[0041] In addition to requesting and storing the previously
broadcast video using an OOB channel, the set-top-box (24) also
preferably stores the broadcast video from the moment the user
first tuned display (12) to the program, and continues to store the
content as it is broadcast in real time. The OOB download
preferably occurs at the maximum download speed available on the
network, with the download starting at the beginning of the
program, continuing until the initial storage of the program and,
if content is available on the server, continuing to download the
program from the end of the program.
[0042] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the
user's channel tune event automatically initiates the local storage
of the program content. In that regard, for example, local storage
may be delayed for a predetermined amount of time to ensure that
the viewer is actually tuned to and watching a particular program,
rather than channel surfing. The present invention further provides
for managing the download process as a user watches a program or
moves through the locally stored content. In that regard, for
example, if a user elects to move quickly to the beginning of
locally stored content, the content already viewed is preferably
kept, the content currently being watched is preferably cached
locally, such as in storage medium (16), and those portions of
content not yet cached may be requested in a specific order. Still
further, the present invention also provides for network content
requests, storage management and storage clean-up as the user
changes channels. In that regard, for example, the user is
preferably prompted by set-top-box (14) via display (12) as to
whether or not to continue downloading program content if the user
changes channels during the download process.
[0043] In such fashion, the present invention allows a user to
watch an entire program that the user previously would have missed
by tuning in to the program after its broadcast has already
started. As a result, a user will have access to the beginning of a
program, or the entire program, by the mere act of tuning in and
watching a portion of the program.
[0044] According to this embodiment, and referring still to FIG. 1,
in a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a
display (12), the present invention provides a system for providing
a copy of at least a portion of the program to the user. Controller
(14) is for monitoring a period of time during which the display
(12) is tuned to a broadcast of a video program, the period
starting during the broadcast of the program, and for use in
providing via the display (12) a copy of at least a portion of the
program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.
Storage medium (16) is for use in storing the copy of at least a
portion of the program.
[0045] In this embodiment, controller (14) is preferably further
for communicating with remote site (26) to request a copy of at
least a portion of the program when the period exceeds the
predetermined threshold time, and for receiving the copy of at
least a portion of the program. In that regard, controller (14) may
be operative to receive the copy of at least the portion of the
program from remote site (26), or from a site other than remote
site (26). As previously described, the copy of at least a portion
of the program preferably comprises a complete copy of the
program.
[0046] Also in this embodiment, input device (18) may be provided
for use in generating a request for display of, and the controller
(14) is further for providing via the display (12), at least a
portion of the copy of at least a portion of the program during the
broadcast of the program. Still further, as also described
previously, controller (14) may also be for requesting, and input
device (18) for use in generating, an indication whether to
continue receiving the copy of at least a portion of the program
when the display (12) is tuned to a broadcast of another video
program before receipt of the copy of at least a portion of the
program has been completed.
[0047] Alternatively in this embodiment, controller (14) may be
provided for requesting, and input device (18) may be for use in
generating, an indication whether a copy of at least a portion of
the program is desired when the period exceeds a predetermined
threshold time. In that regard, controller (14) may be provided for
communicating with remote site (26) to request a copy of at least a
portion of the program upon a receipt of an indication that a copy
of at least a portion of the program is desired.
[0048] Referring next to FIG. 2, a simplified, exemplary flowchart
concerning this embodiment of the present invention is shown. As
seen therein, after a user tunes to a particular channel at (30),
the present invention then determines at (32) whether or not to
download data based on how long the user pauses on that channel. If
it is determined at (32) that the user did not pause for a
sufficient time on that channel, the present invention again
determines at (32) whether or not to download data based on how
long the user pauses on a subsequent channel.
[0049] If it is determined at (32) that data is to be downloaded,
it is then determined at (34) if the data is available. If not, the
user is notified at (36), such as via translucent text or a
graphical icon on the display, that the desired content is
unavailable. If the data is available, a user profile is determined
at (38). In that regard, a user might have previously elected to
automatically retrieve content of interest or, alternatively, to be
manually prompted before downloading.
[0050] If the user profile indicates manual download is desired at
(40), then the present invention prompts the user as to whether a
download is desired at (42). If not, no further action is
undertaken. Alternatively, if the user indicates that a download is
desired, or if the user profile indicates automatic download is
desired, the number of active downloads by the user is checked at
(44). In that regard, the present invention preferably supports
only a pre-determined number of data streams to each user. If the
user is over such a pre-determined limit at (46), the user is
notified at (48), again such as via translucent text or a graphical
icon on the display, that such a pre-determined limit has been
exceeded.
[0051] Alternatively, if the user is within such a pre-determined
limit, the download process is undertaken at (50), and the content
is added to the user's inventory at (52). As seen in FIG. 3, a user
may be charged for such a service, and billing for such a charge
may be on a flat rate or per event basis. With a flat rate charge,
a user may download for a fixed monthly, or other periodic, fee.
With a per event charge, a user receives a charge each time
downloaded content is viewed. For a per event charge, downloaded
content is flagged to create a billing event at (54) when the
downloaded content is viewed. For either type of billing basis, the
user is notified at (56), again such as via translucent text or a
graphical icon on the display, that the downloaded content has been
retrieved and is available for viewing.
[0052] Referring next to FIG. 3, a simplified, exemplary flowchart
of one embodiment of the method of the present invention is shown,
denoted generally by reference numeral 60. The method (60) is for
use in a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including
a display, and is for providing program information to the user. As
seen in FIG. 3, the method (60) comprises providing (62) a
controller for receiving an input signal representing a request for
summary information concerning a video program, the program having
a beginning and the input signal being generated at a time during a
broadcast of the program, and for providing via the display a
summary of the program from the program beginning to the input
signal time in response to receipt of the input signal. The method
(60) may further comprise providing (64) an input device for use in
generating the input signal.
[0053] As previously described, the controller may further be for
transmitting a control signal to a remote site in response to
receipt of the input signal, and for receiving the summary in
response to transmission of the control signal. In that regard, the
controller may be operative to receive the summary from the remote
site, or from another site. As also previously described, the
summary may comprise video content, audio content, or both. In that
regard, the video content may comprise text, and may be provided on
a portion of the display separate from a portion of the display
used to provide the program. Still further, the summary may
comprise text embedded in the program, the text to be provided by
the controller via the display only after receipt of the input
signal by the controller. The method (60) may also further comprise
providing (66) a storage medium for use in storing the summary.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4 a simplified, exemplary flowchart of
another embodiment of the method of the present invention is shown,
denoted generally by reference numeral 70. The method (70) is for
use in a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including
a display, and is for providing a copy of at least a portion of the
program to the user. As seen in FIG. 3, the method (70) comprises
providing (72) a controller for monitoring a period of time during
which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a video program, the
period starting during the broadcast of the program, and for use in
providing via the display a copy of at least a portion of the
program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time. The
method (70) may further comprise providing (74) a storage medium
for use in storing the copy of at least a portion of the
program.
[0055] As previously described, the controller may further be for
communicating with a remote site to request a copy of at least a
portion of the program when the period exceeds the predetermined
threshold time, and for receiving the copy of at least a portion of
the program. In that regard, the controller may be operative to
receive the copy of at least the portion of the program from the
remote site, or from some other site. As also previously described,
the copy of at least a portion of the program may comprise a
complete copy of the program.
[0056] Referring still to FIG. 4, the method (70) may further
comprise providing (76) an input device, wherein the input device
is for use in generating a request for display of, and the
controller is further for providing via the display, at least a
portion of the copy of at least a portion of the program during the
broadcast of the program. The controller may further be for
requesting, and the input device may be for use in generating, an
indication whether to continue receiving the copy of at least a
portion of the program when the display is tuned to a broadcast of
another video program before receipt of the copy of at least a
portion of the program has been completed.
[0057] The method (70) may also further comprise providing (76) an
input device, wherein the controller is further for requesting, and
the input device is for use in generating, an indication whether a
copy of at least a portion of the program is desired when the
period exceeds a predetermined threshold time, and the controller
is further for communicating with a remote site to request a copy
of at least a portion of the program upon a receipt of an
indication that a copy of at least a portion of the program is
desired. In that regard, as previously described, the controller
may be operative to receive the copy of at least the portion of the
program from the remote site, or from another site. As also
previously described, the copy of at least a portion of the program
may comprise a complete copy of the program.
[0058] As described previously, the input device may further be for
use in generating a request for display of, and the controller may
further be for providing via the display, at least a portion of the
copy of at least a portion of the program during the broadcast of
the program. As also described previously, the controller may
further be for requesting, and the input device may further be for
use in generating, an indication whether to continue receiving the
copy of at least a portion of the program when the display is tuned
to a broadcast of another video program before receipt of the copy
of at least a portion of the program has been completed.
[0059] It should be noted that the simplified flowcharts depicted
in FIGS. 3 and 4 are exemplary of the method of the present
invention. In that regard, the steps of such method may be executed
in sequences other than those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, including the
execution of one or more steps simultaneously.
[0060] As is readily apparent from the foregoing description, the
present invention provides, in a system for broadcasting video
programs to a user including a display, a system and method for
providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a
program to the user. The present invention provides a system and
method that allow a user to "catch-up" on a program already in
progress. The present invention allows a user, such as a cable or
satellite service subscriber, to initiate a request for and receive
a timely synopsis or summary of major events, actions, outcomes, or
other information pertaining to a program, the broadcast of which
is already in progress.
[0061] In addition, the present invention allows such a user,
either automatically or upon request, to obtain a copy of at least
a portion of a program, the broadcast of which is already in
progress. The present invention allows a user to dynamically
retrieve, store and manage the video content of such programs. The
present invention thereby enhances the value of video programming
by making such programming more comprehensible, interesting, and
entertaining to viewers, thereby increasing the likelihood that
such programming will be watched by more viewers, which is an
important goal of program content providers, cable and/or satellite
television service providers, and advertisers.
[0062] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it is not intended that these
embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the
invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of
description rather than limitation, and it is understood that
various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *