U.S. patent application number 17/378180 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for multimedia content search and recording scheduling system.
The applicant listed for this patent is TiVo Solutions Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian Beach, Marcel Dubois, Shelly Glennon, Robert F. Poniatowski.
Application Number | 20210345007 17/378180 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005720339 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210345007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poniatowski; Robert F. ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
MULTIMEDIA CONTENT SEARCH AND RECORDING SCHEDULING SYSTEM
Abstract
Techniques described herein enable searching for multimedia
content and for downloading or scheduling the recording of the
multimedia content. The multimedia content may have been previously
stored on one or more databases. The client device may download or
schedule the recording of multimedia content in one step, for
example, in one touch. When desired multimedia content is not
available, the multimedia content is added to the client device's
wish list. When the client device's does not have a wish list, the
client device's wish list may be created on the spot. During the
scheduling of the recording, a tag associated with the multimedia
content is checked to determine whether the multimedia content is
live or delayed. When the tag indicates the multimedia content is
live or delayed, the client device prompts with a suggestion to add
extra time to the end of the recording of the multimedia
content.
Inventors: |
Poniatowski; Robert F.; (San
Jose, CA) ; Glennon; Shelly; (San Jose, CA) ;
Beach; Brian; (Columbus, IN) ; Dubois; Marcel;
(San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TiVo Solutions Inc. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005720339 |
Appl. No.: |
17/378180 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16238485 |
Jan 2, 2019 |
11095951 |
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17378180 |
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15386337 |
Dec 21, 2016 |
10743078 |
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16238485 |
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14597838 |
Jan 15, 2015 |
9571892 |
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15386337 |
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13657592 |
Oct 22, 2012 |
8959099 |
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14597838 |
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12121557 |
May 15, 2008 |
8301648 |
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13657592 |
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60930419 |
May 15, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/7867 20190101;
H04N 21/2747 20130101; H04N 21/8586 20130101; H04N 21/2665
20130101; H04N 21/25891 20130101; H04N 21/4334 20130101; H04N
21/4828 20130101; Y10S 707/914 20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101;
H04N 21/4825 20130101; H04N 21/4788 20130101; G06F 16/3325
20190101; H04N 21/232 20130101; H04N 21/6587 20130101; Y10S 707/916
20130101; H04N 21/242 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N
21/47214 20130101; H04N 21/4135 20130101; H04N 21/632 20130101;
G06F 16/9537 20190101; Y10S 707/915 20130101; H04N 21/2393
20130101; G06F 16/955 20190101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/482 20060101
H04N021/482; G06F 16/955 20060101 G06F016/955; G06F 16/332 20060101
G06F016/332; G06F 16/78 20060101 G06F016/78; G06F 16/9537 20060101
G06F016/9537; H04N 21/433 20060101 H04N021/433; H04N 21/4788
20060101 H04N021/4788; H04N 21/63 20060101 H04N021/63; H04N 21/858
20060101 H04N021/858; H04N 21/472 20060101 H04N021/472; H04N 21/242
20060101 H04N021/242; H04N 21/258 20060101 H04N021/258; H04N
21/2747 20060101 H04N021/2747; H04N 21/41 20060101 H04N021/41; H04N
21/45 20060101 H04N021/45; H04N 21/6587 20060101 H04N021/6587; H04N
21/232 20060101 H04N021/232; H04N 21/239 20060101 H04N021/239; H04N
21/2665 20060101 H04N021/2665; H04N 21/462 20060101
H04N021/462 |
Claims
1.-18. (canceled)
19. A method comprising: receiving, from a user interface of a
client device, a rule that comprises a selection of order in which
to search a broadband content database and a broadcast content
database; receiving a search request from the client device for a
multimedia content; and in response to receiving the search
request: searching the broadband content database and the broadcast
content database to determine the availability of the multimedia
content, wherein the broadband content database and the broadcast
content database are queried in the order specified by the rule;
and in response to determining that the multimedia content is
available in one of the broadband content database and the
broadcast content database: transmitting for display information
from a matching database.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein, in response to receiving the
search request: searching only the broadband content database; and
searching the broadcast content database if the multimedia content
is not available in the broadband content database.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising, terminating the
search in response to determining that the multimedia content is
available in the broadband content database.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein, in response to receiving the
search request: searching only the broadcast content database; and
searching the broadband content database if the multimedia content
is not available in the broadcast content database.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, terminating the
search in response to determining that the multimedia content is
available in the broadcast content database.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein, in response to receiving the
search request: determining if a broadcast source is broadcasting
the multimedia content; and in response to determining that the
broadcast source is broadcasting the multimedia content: accessing
one or more broadcast times for multimedia content; and
transmitting a link to download the multimedia content.
25. The method of claim 19, further comprising: in response to
determining that the multimedia content is not available in one of
the broadband content database and the broadcast content database,
generating a search parameter to continue searching for the
multimedia content at periodic intervals.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising storing the search
parameter in a wishlist.
27. The method of claim 19, wherein, the selection of order in
which to search a broadband content database and a broadcast
content database includes searching the broadband content database
prior to searching the broadcast content database.
28. The method of claim 19, wherein, the selection of order in
which to search a broadband content database and a broadcast
content database includes searching the broadcast content database
prior to searching the broadband content database.
29. A system, comprising: communication circuitry configured to
access a user interface of a client device; and control circuitry
configured to: receive, from the user interface of the client
device, a rule that comprises a selection of order in which to
search a broadband content database and a broadcast content
database; receive a search request from the client device for a
multimedia content; and in response to receiving the search
request: search the broadband content database and the broadcast
content database to determine the availability of the multimedia
content, wherein the broadband content database and the broadcast
content database are queried in the order specified by the rule;
and in response to determining that the multimedia content is
available in one of the broadband content database and the
broadcast content database: transmit for display information from a
matching database.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein, in response to receiving the
search request, the control circuitry configured to: searching only
the broadband content database; and searching the broadcast content
database if the multimedia content is not available in the
broadband content database.
31. The system of claim 30, further comprising, the control
circuitry configured to terminate the search in response to
determining that the multimedia content is available in the
broadband content database.
32. The system of claim 29, wherein, in response to receiving the
search request, the control circuitry configured to: searching only
the broadcast content database; and searching the broadband content
database if the multimedia content is not available in the
broadcast content database.
33. The system of claim 32, further comprising, the control
circuitry configured to terminate the search in response to
determining that the multimedia content is available in the
broadcast content database.
34. The system of claim 29, wherein, in response to receiving the
search request, the control circuitry configured to: determining if
a broadcast source is broadcasting the multimedia content; and in
response to determining that the broadcast source is broadcasting
the multimedia content: accessing one or more broadcast times for
multimedia content; and transmitting a link to download the
multimedia content.
35. The system of claim 29, further comprising, the control
circuitry configured to: in response to determining that the
multimedia content is not available in one of the broadband content
database and the broadcast content database, generating a search
parameter to continue searching for the multimedia content at
periodic intervals.
36. The system of claim 35, further comprising, the control
circuitry configured to storing the search parameter in a
wishlist.
37. The system of claim 29, wherein, the selection of order in
which to search a broadband content database and a broadcast
content database includes the control circuitry configured to
search the broadband content database prior to searching the
broadcast content database.
38. The system of claim 29, wherein, the selection of order in
which to search a broadband content database and a broadcast
content database includes the control circuitry configured to
search the broadcast content database prior to searching the
broadband content database.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY AND CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority, as a continuation
application, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/597,838, filed
Jan. 15, 2015, which claims priority, as a continuation
application, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/657,592, filed
Oct. 22, 2012, which claims benefit as a continuation to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/121,557, filed May 15, 2008, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,301,648, issued Oct. 30, 2012, which claims benefit
to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/930,419, filed May 15, 2007,
entitled "Multi-Level Media Content Search And Recording System",
the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference as if
fully set forth herein, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120. The applicants
hereby rescind any disclaimer of claim scope in the parent
applications or the prosecution history thereof and advise the
USPTO that the claims in this application may be broader than any
claim in the parent application(s).
[0002] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/121,619 (Attorney Docket No. 60097-0424), entitled, "Program
Data Progressive Search System," filed May 15, 2008, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/121,672 (Attorney Docket No. 60097-0426),
entitled, "Multimedia Content Search System," filed May 15, 2008,
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/121,688 (Attorney Docket
No. 60097-0427), entitled, "Multimedia Content Search System with
Source and Field Differentiation," filed May 15, 2008, each of
which is owned by Applicant and is incorporated herein in its
entirety by this reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to digital video recorders
("DVRs"). The invention relates more specifically to a multimedia
content search and recording scheduling system for DVRs.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The approaches described in this section could be pursued,
but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously
conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein,
the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the
claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by
inclusion in this section.
[0005] The introduction of the DVR to the consumer world has
revolutionized the way users watch and record television programs.
DVRs eliminate many of the complications of VCRs and the need for
video tapes. DVRs record television programs on a hard drive that
is capable of storing a large number of television programs.
Because DVRs are usually box-like in shape, and are often found
sitting on top of the television sets to which they are connected,
DVRs typically are included in the broad category of devices now
called "set-top boxes." Much like VCRs, DVRs receive one or more
television signals (which may represent television programs and/or
movies) as input from cables or satellite dishes, (or, in some
cases, unlike VCRs, from broadband network connections) and also
output television signals to a television set or other display.
[0006] A DVR's user can instruct the DVR to schedule, for
recording, specified content that may be broadcasted or otherwise
transmitted to the DVR at some future time. Thus, the user can
schedule the automatic recording of the content in advance of the
time that the DVR will receive the content. For example, the user
can instruct the DVR to record unspecified content that will be
broadcasted on a specified channel beginning at a specified date
and time and ending at another specified time. For another example,
the user can instruct the DVR to record a specified showing (on a
specified channel, and beginning at a specified date and time) of a
specified movie, specified event, or specified episode of a
multi-episode television series. For another example, the user can
instruct the DVR to record the next to-be-broadcasted instance of a
specified movie, specified event, or specified episode of a
multi-episode television series without specifying the date, time,
or channel on which that instance will be broadcasted. For another
example, the user can instruct the DVR to record all (or all
first-run) episodes of a multi-episode television series on a
specified channel without specifying the dates or times at which
those episodes will be broadcasted. For another example, the user
can instruct the DVR to record all (or all first-run) instances of
movies, events, or episodes of a multi-episode television series
that are associated with a specified keyword, a specified actor,
and/or a specified director without specifying the titles,
channels, or broadcasting times of those instances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for
providing branded video tags according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a general overview of
the components of a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
service communicating with broadband and broadcast databases
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that allows a user to input search terms and dynamically displays a
list of matches according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that displays a program synopsis and user-selectable menu items
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that displays a program synopsis and user-selectable search terms
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that displays upcoming program listings and user-selectable search
terms according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that displays downloadable content listings and user-selectable
search terms according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that displays a program synopsis and a user-selectable episode
guide according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that displays an episode guide according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a user interface screen
that displays user-selectable tags according to an embodiment of
the invention;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a system on which embodiments
of the invention may be implemented;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a list and an anchor
according to one embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a screen shot showing a one touch record link
according to one embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a screen shot showing a one touch record link
according to one embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a screen shot showing a Create a WishList for
this episode link according to one embodiment; and
[0024] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram that illustrates a one touch
record and wish list process according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will
be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
[0026] In the following discussion, in references to the drawings
like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.
[0027] Embodiments are described herein according to the following
outline: [0028] 1.0 General Overview [0029] 2.0 System Structural
Overview [0030] 3.0 Example Techniques and Processes [0031] 3.1
Unified Searching of Broadband and Broadcast Multimedia Content
[0032] 3.2 Tagging Multimedia Content [0033] 3.3 Filtering
Broadband and Broadcast Multimedia Content Search Results [0034]
3.4 Partial List and Indicator [0035] 3.5 One Touch Record and Wish
List [0036] 3.6 Live or Delayed [0037] 4.0 Implementation
Mechanisms--Hardware Overview
1.0 General Overview
[0038] Embodiments of the invention summarized above are described
below in greater detail, along with some alternative embodiments of
the invention. Although embodiments of the invention described
below are described in the context of DVRs, in alternative
embodiments of the invention, devices other than DVRs may be
substituted for, and may perform similar operations to those that
are performed by, DVRs.
[0039] In an embodiment, a service receives search requests from
client systems and performs an integrated search across databases
containing informational data for broadcast content and broadband
content using the received search criteria. The service may be
owned or operated by a service provider, third party, etc. Owners
of client devices are charged a fee by the service provider, third
party, etc., for access to the database search service, content
recording scheduling, content download service, etc. A user enters
search criteria on a client device. The client device can be a DVR,
set-top box, cell phone, handheld device, laptop, PC, etc., for
example.
[0040] The client device formulates a search request given the
user's input and sends the search request to the service. The
service receives the search request from the client device and
formulates a query for at least one broadband database and at least
one broadcast database. The broadband database contains data from
partners of the service provider such as: Amazon.com, RocketBoom,
dLife.RTM., The New York Times.RTM., and CNET.RTM.. Broadband
databases may exist at each partner's server. The service queries
each partner's database with a compatible query that the service
creates using information regarding the type of database queries
each partner's database requires. Data in the broadband database(s)
consists of links to multimedia content that are available for
download from the partners. The data also includes information
describing the multimedia content such as: program description,
program synopsis, program rating, actors, directors, producers,
program title, pricing, etc., as well as search data tags.
[0041] In an embodiment, the partners pay the service provider a
fee for placing data in the database or for having their database
searched by the service. For example, partners may pay a fixed fee
or a fee based on the number of times that the service queries the
partner's database.
[0042] The broadcast database contains data from electronic program
guide (EPG) providers such as Tribune Media Services.RTM.. The EPG
data describes programs that are available from many different
broadcasters and services such as: DirecTV.RTM., Comcast.RTM.,
CableVision.RTM., etc. The EPG data contains information describing
the program such as the channel that the program is available on,
program description, program synopsis, program rating, actors,
directors, producers, program title, etc., as well as search data
tags.
[0043] The service performs searches on both databases using the
search queries that it created. The databases can be databases that
the service can directly access or database servers hosting the
databases or other database services. The service receives or
generates results from the search queries and organizes the
retrieved information into a format that the client device can
use.
[0044] In an embodiment, the service also has access to its own
client device database where the service stores information
regarding the status of all the client devices in communication
with the service. The client database includes, among other
information, the multimedia content that the client devices have
recorded. The service can include in the search results that
concern broadband content, multimedia content that is available to
download from other client devices. A client device can request
downloads of multimedia content from multiple client devices and
receive segments of the multimedia content from those client
devices.
[0045] The client device receives the search results from the
service. The client device processes the search results and
displays the search results in a list to the user. The service
creates the user interface screen for the client device to display.
Each time a client device sends a search request to the service,
the service formats the data received from the searches of the
databases into a user interface screen that is presentable by the
client device. The client device receives the user interface screen
and displays the screen as formatted by the service. The screen
information instructs the client device on how it should respond to
any key presses by the user.
[0046] In an embodiment, the client device may request a search for
multimedia content and for downloading or scheduling the recording
of the requested multimedia content. The multimedia content may
have been previously stored on one or more databases. The client
device may download or schedule the recording of multimedia content
in one step, for example, in one touch. When desired multimedia
content is not available, the multimedia content is added to the
client device's wish list. When the client device's wish list has
not already been created, the client device's wish list may be
created on the spot. During the scheduling of the recording of the
multimedia content, a tag associated with the multimedia content is
checked to determine whether the multimedia content is live or
delayed. When the tag indicates the multimedia content is live or
delayed, the client device prompts with a suggestion to add extra
time to the end of the recording of the multimedia content.
2.0 System Structural Overview
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system according to an
embodiment. The system contains at least one client device such as
DVR 102 which is communicatively coupled to network 105 through any
communication interface, such as an Ethernet interface or wireless
communications port. The functionality of a DVR is typified in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,233,389 which is owned by the Applicants and is hereby
incorporated by reference. The system also includes service
provider 104, content provider 106, personal computer 108 and
portable device 110.
[0048] Personal computer 108 may be a personal computing device,
such as a desktop computer or laptop computer, and is also coupled
to network 105 through any communications interface, including
wireless. Portable device 110 may be any handheld computing device,
cellular phone, portable media player, or any other portable device
capable of displaying multimedia content and is also coupled to
network 105 through any communications interface, including
wireless. DVR 102, personal computer 108, and portable device 110
each communicate with service provider 104 through network 105. In
another embodiment, DVR 102, personal computer 108, and portable
device 110 each communicate with content provider 110 through
network 105.
[0049] Network 105 may be implemented by any medium or mechanism
that provides for the exchange of data between devices in the
communication system. Examples of network 105 include, without
limitation, a network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area
Network (WAN), the Internet, one or more terrestrial, satellite or
wireless links, etc. Alternatively or additionally, any number of
devices connected to network 105 may also be directly connected to
each other through a communications link.
[0050] In one embodiment, content provider 106 provides broadcast
program content to DVR 102 via cable, satellite, terrestrial
communication, or other transmission method. Broadcast program
content may include any multimedia content such as: audio, image,
or video content. In another embodiment, content provider 106
provides multimedia content, such as any downloadable content,
through network 105 to DVR 102, personal computer 108, or portable
device 110.
[0051] In one embodiment, DVR 102 communicates with service
provider 104, which provides program guide data, graphical
resources (such as fonts, pictures, etc.), service information,
software, advertisements, event identification data, and other
forms of data that enable DVR 102 to operate independently of
service provider 104 to satisfy user interests. In another
embodiment, DVR 102, personal computer 108, and portable device 110
can communicate with each other to transfer content, metadata, or
any other data through network 105, communication connection, or
any local network.
[0052] In another embodiment, content provider 106 may provide, to
service provider 104, content data or any metadata, including
promotional data, icons, web data, and other information. Service
provider 104 may then interpret the metadata and provide the
content data and metadata to DVR 102, personal computer 108, or
portable device 110.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, DVR 102 generally
comprises a plurality of components, signified by signal converter
254, that are necessary to digitize an analog television signal and
convert it into a digital data stream or accept a digital data
stream. An example of the internal structure and operation of a DVR
is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,389.
[0054] DVR 102 receives broadcast signals from an antenna, from a
cable TV system, satellite receiver, etc., via input 252A. Input
252A may comprise a plurality of tuning modules that allow a
plurality of signals to be received and recorded simultaneously.
For example, a TV input stream received by input 252A may take the
form of a National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) compliant
signal or a PAL compliant broadcast signal. For another example, a
TV input stream received by input 252A may take a digital form such
as a Digital Satellite System (DSS) compliant signal, a Digital
Broadcast Services (DBS) compliant signal, or an Advanced
Television Standards Committee (ATSC) compliant signal. DBS, DSS,
and ATSC are based on standards called Moving Pictures Experts
Group 2 (MPEG-2) and MPEG-2 Transport. MPEG-2 Transport is a
standard for formatting the digital data stream from the TV source
transmitter so that a TV receiver can disassemble the input stream
to find programs in the multiplexed signal.
[0055] An MPEG-2 transport multiplex supports multiple programs in
the same broadcast channel with multiple video and audio feeds and
private data. Input 252A tunes to a particular program in a
channel, extracts a specified MPEG stream from the channel, and
feeds the MPEG stream to the rest of the system. Analog TV signals
are encoded into a similar MPEG format using separate video and
audio encoders, such that the remainder of the system is unaware of
how the signal was obtained. Information may be modulated into the
vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the analog TV signal in a
number of standard ways; for example, the North American Broadcast
Teletext Standard (NABTS) may be used to modulate information onto
certain lines of an NTSC signal, which the FCC mandates the use of
a certain other line for closed caption (CC) and extended data
services (EDS). Such signals are decoded by input 252A and passed
to the other modules as if the signals had been delivered via an
MPEG-2 private data channel.
[0056] Recording module 260 records the incoming data stream by
storing the digital data stream on at least one storage facility,
signified by storage 264A/264B that is designed to retain segments
of the digital data stream. Storage 264A/264B may be one or more
non-volatile storage devices (e.g., hard disk, solid state drive,
USB external hard drive, USB external memory stick, USB external
solid state drive, network accessible storage device, etc.) that
are internal 264A and/or external 264B. A signal converter 254
retrieves segments of the data stream, converts the data stream
into an analog signal, and then modulates the signal onto a RF
carrier, via output 252B, through which the signal is delivered to
a standard TV set. Output 252B may alternatively deliver a digital
signal to a TV set or video monitor. For example, DVR 102 may
utilize a Digital Visual Interface port (DVI) for sending digital
signals to a TV via a DVI cable.
[0057] DVR 102 also includes a communication interface 262, through
which the DVR 102 communicates with network 105 via Ethernet,
wireless network, modem, USB, or other communications standard.
Further, DVR 102 may be integrated into a TV system such that the
components described above are housed in a TV set capable of
performing the functions of each component of DVR 102.
[0058] In another embodiment, DVR 102 generally comprises a
plurality of components necessary to receive, record, store,
transfer and playback digital data signals from a plurality of
sources, such as a PC, a DVR, a service provider, or content
server. DVR 102 can transfer digital data signals to another DVR or
PC. DVR 102 may encode or decode digital signals via encoder 256A
and decoder 256B into a plurality of formats for playback, storage
or transfer. According to one embodiment of the invention, encoder
256A produces MPEG streams. According to another embodiment of the
invention, encoder 256A produces streams that are encoded using a
different codec. Decoder 256B decodes the streams encoded by
encoder 256A or streams that are stored in the format in which the
streams were received using an appropriate decoder. DVR 102 can
also encrypt or decrypt digital data signals using
encryptor/decryptor 258 for storage, transfer or playback of the
digital data signals.
[0059] In one embodiment, DVR 102 communicates with service
provider 104, which provides program guide data, graphical
resources such as brand icons and pictures, service information,
software programs, advertisements, and other forms of data that
enable DVR 102 to operate independently of the service provider 104
to perform autonomous recording functions. Communication between
DVR 102 and service provider 104 utilizes a secure distribution
architecture to transfer data between the DVR 102 and the service
provider 104 such that both the service data and the user's privacy
are protected.
3.0 Example Techniques and Processes
3.1 Unified Searching of Broadband and Broadcast Multimedia
Content
[0060] According to one embodiment, an advanced DVR (e.g., DVR 102)
allows a user to search for multimedia material across both
broadcast and broadband sources. The user forms search criteria (by
direct input or selecting a menu item) and instructs the DVR to
perform the requested search. The user typically does not have to
be concerned about whether the search is for broadcast content or
whether the search is for broadband content. The embodiment
automatically performs a plurality of searches across dissimilar
sources using the user's search criteria. Once the user is
presented with a listing of available broadcast and broadband
content that matches his search, the user can peruse the list of
available content in order to obtain more information for
particular content or to schedule recordings or downloads of
particular content. The ability to search both broadcast and
broadband sources for multimedia content is unique to the
embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates a service 304 that receives search
requests from client systems and performs an integrated search
across databases containing informational data for broadcast
content and broadband content using the received search criteria.
The service 304 can be a server implementing searches across
databases 301 and 303. The service 304 can also consist of a
plurality of Web Service Application Program Interfaces (APIs) that
service client requests. The service 304 may be owned or operated
by a service provider, third party, etc. Owners of client devices
such as client device 305 are charged a fee by the service
provider, third party, etc., for access to the database search
service, content recording scheduling, content download service,
etc. A user enters search criteria on a client device 305. The
client device 305 can be a DVR, set-top box, cell phone, handheld
device, laptop, PC, etc., for example.
[0062] The client device 305 formulates a search request given the
user's input. FIG. 4 illustrates a screen shot of an entry screen
400 where the user enters information such as a keyword, actor
name, director name, producer name, program title, etc. As the user
enters each character on the virtual keypad 402 in the search, the
client device 305 displays the entered characters in an entry field
401. The client device 305 formulates a search request using the
entered characters. The client device 304 sends the search request
to the service 304.
[0063] The service 304 receives the search request from the client
device 305. The service 304 formulates a query for each database
301, 303. The databases consist of at least one broadband database
301 and at least one broadcast database 303. The broadband database
301 contains data from partners of the service provider such as:
Amazon.com, RocketBoom, dLife.RTM., The New York Times.RTM., and
CNET.RTM.. Broadband databases may exist at each partner's server.
The service 304 then queries each partner's database with a
compatible query that the service 304 creates using information
regarding the type of database queries each partner's database
requires. In an embodiment, the partners pay the service provider a
fee for placing data in the database or for having their database
searched by the service 304. For example, partners may pay a fixed
fee or a fee based on the number of times that the service 304
queries the partner's database. The broadband database(s) makes it
possible for the partners' products and services to be displayed to
users. Data in the broadband database(s) consists of links to
multimedia content that are available for download from the
partners. The data also includes information describing the
multimedia content such as: program description, program synopsis,
program rating, actors, directors, producers, program title,
pricing, etc., as well as search data tags (described below).
[0064] The broadcast database 303 contains data from electronic
program guide (EPG) providers such as Tribune Media Services.RTM..
The EPG data describes programs that are available from many
different broadcasters and services such as: DirecTV.RTM.,
Comcast.RTM., CableVision.RTM., etc. The EPG data contains
information describing the program such as the channel that the
program is available on, program description, program synopsis,
program rating, actors, directors, producers, program title, etc.,
as well as search data tags (described below). EPG data is
typically updated periodically and typically covers 14 days of
programming The number of days is dependent upon the service
provider. The EPG data covers, for example, the U.S., Mexico,
Canada, and other countries. Given that the EPG data is on the
service provider's database 303, the service provider can retain
all the EPG data that EPG providers have delivered. This gives the
service provider historical data from which a user can obtain
historical data or program names. The service can provide a client
device with information from the historical EPG data regarding
multimedia content such as when the content was last broadcast.
This type of information is typically not obtainable in normal DVRs
or EPG services because EPG data is typically limited to a number
of days, such as 14 days. Search requests for content that is not
in a typical 14-day EPG would receive a null search response. In
this embodiment, because the service has the historical EPG data,
the search requests would receive a positive hit as long as the
content has been shown in the time frame of the service's EPG
data.
[0065] The service 304 performs searches on both databases 301, 303
using the search queries that it created. The databases 301, 303
can be databases that the service 304 can directly access or
database servers hosting the databases or other database services.
The service 304 receives or generates results from the search
queries and organizes the retrieved information into a format that
the client device 305 can use.
[0066] In an embodiment, the service 304 also has access to its own
client device database (not shown) where the service 304 stores
information regarding the status of all the client devices in
communication with the service 304. The client database includes,
among other information, the multimedia content that the client
devices have recorded. The service 304 can include in the search
results that concern broadband content, multimedia content that is
available to download from other client devices as described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/285,411 which is owned by the
Applicants and is hereby incorporated by reference. A client device
can request downloads of multimedia content from multiple client
devices and receive segments of the multimedia content from those
client devices. This allows a user to obtain multimedia content
that has not been broadcast for a long time period and is not
scheduled to be broadcast as well as not being available from
partners.
[0067] The client device 305 receives the search results from the
service 304. The client device 305 processes the search results and
displays the search results in a list 403 to the user. The list 403
begins with the first multimedia content that matches the
characters in the entry field 401 that the user has entered. The
list can be updated at each character entry or after a few seconds
of inactivity from the user. The user may pause while entering
characters to allow the list to be refreshed. The client device 305
creates the search request to the service 304 upon each character
entry or few seconds of inactivity. This gives the user a dynamic
list that reacts to the user's input in a rapid manner.
[0068] The user can also access the search mechanism through a
program information screen that the user displays for a particular
content that is on an EPG or has been recorded. FIG. 5 shows a
screen 500 that is displayed for a recorded program. The screen 500
allows the user to navigate through menu options and select the
search option 501.
[0069] When the user selects a multimedia content from the list 403
or the search option 501, the client device 305 displays a screen
as in FIG. 6. The screen 600 displays information related to the
selected multimedia content. Information contained in the data sent
from the service 304 is used to display program information such as
the program synopsis 601. The received data also may contain
additional search terms 602 that allow the user to select more
search terms that are related to the multimedia content. The data
may also contain search request information regarding upcoming
showings for the multimedia content 603 or available downloads for
the multimedia content 604.
[0070] If the user selects upcoming showings for the multimedia
content 603, the client device 305 sends a search request to the
service 304 that requests information regarding upcoming showings
for the multimedia content. The service 304 queries the broadcast
database 303 for the upcoming showings for the multimedia content
and sends the resulting data to the client device 305. FIG. 7
illustrates a screen 700 displaying upcoming broadcast showings for
the multimedia content using data received from the service 304.
The client device 305 receives EPG data relevant to channels the
user receives, subscribes to, or the channels that are available in
the area that the client device is in.
[0071] In one embodiment, the service 304 receives subscriber
information 306 and looks up user data from a user data database
302 in order to supply the client device with the correct
information regarding multimedia content that is available to the
specific user via broadcast or broadband access. The service 304
can use the user's information to formulate search queries from the
broadband database 301 and broadcast database 303 in order to find
information that is appropriate for the user's location, age,
preferences, etc. In one embodiment, the service 304 can filter
content information based on the user's age or client device's
parental control setting (described in further detail below).
[0072] If the user selects available downloads for the multimedia
content 604, the client device 305 sends a search request to the
service 304 that requests information regarding available downloads
for the multimedia content. The service 304 queries the broadband
database 301 for the available downloads for the multimedia
content. As noted above, this operation could involve querying
multiple partner databases. The service 304 sends the received
query data to the client device 305. FIG. 8 illustrates a screen
800 displaying available downloads for the multimedia content. In
this example, some of the available downloads are for episodes of a
program series that are available from a partner. The screen 800
can display the list of available downloads 801 with the partner's
logo 802 next to content titles available from that particular
partner. The logo data can come from the broadband database 301 or
the service 304. The user can select an episode from the list of
available downloads 801 to download the content to his client
device 305.
[0073] The download may originate from a partner and the user is
presented with a screen that may display a synopsis of the episode
and any costs associated with the download. The user may also
select a download that is retrieved from other client devices as
discussed above and as described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/285,411. The service 304 filters one or more client devices
according to a number of factors, including bandwidth, to create a
pool of client devices for transferring the content. The service
304 initiates the transfer by either requesting each client device
in the pool of client devices to begin transferring the content to
the requesting client device 305, or by directly requesting the
client device 305 to retrieve the content from the pool of client
devices. The content is sent to the requesting client device in
portions which are re-assembled at the client device 305 and stored
for later playback. It is not necessary for the user to know where
the download is originating from and the user may or may not be
told what mechanism is being used to download the episode.
[0074] FIG. 9 illustrates a screen 900 displaying program
information 901 for the multimedia content. The screen 900 also
displays an option where the user can obtain more information about
episodes (episode guide) of the multimedia content 902. If the user
selects the episode guide 902, the client device 305 sends a search
request to the service 304 that requests information regarding
episode information for the multimedia content. The service 304
queries the broadcast database 303 and/or the broadband database
301 for the episode information for the multimedia content. The
service 304 processes the received data and sends the processed
data to the client device 305.
[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates a screen 1000 displaying available
episodes for specific seasons for a particular series title. In an
embodiment, each time the user selects a season further in the list
1001, the client device 305 sends a search request to the service
304 that requests information regarding episode information for the
selected season for the multimedia content. The service 304 queries
the broadcast database 303 and/or the broadband database 301 for
the season episode information for the multimedia content. The
service 304 processes the received data and sends the processed
data to the client device 305. The client device 305 displays the
list of episodes to the user 1002.
[0076] FIG. 11 illustrates a screen 1100 displaying tags that are
associated with the multimedia content or series title. The user
can perform a search by clicking on any of the tag keywords or
phrases 1101. The client device 305 creates a search request using
the selected tag. The service 304 performs a search of tag
information contained in the broadband database 301 and/or the
broadcast database 303 in the same manner as searches described
above.
[0077] In an embodiment, the service 304 creates the user interface
screen for the client device 305 to display. Each time a client
device sends a search request to the service 304, the service
formats the data received from the searches of the databases into a
user interface screen that is presentable by the client device. The
client device receives the user interface screen and displays the
screen as formatted by the service 304. The screen information
instructs the client device on how it should respond to any key
presses by the user. For example, the user moves the highlight bar
down and the client device checks which items on the screen are
selectable and moves the highlight bar to the next selectable item
on the screen. If the user selects an item, then the client device
looks at the screen information to see if the selection operation
merits the highlight bar moving to another location or requires
that a search request be sent to the service 304. This allows the
service to change the look and feel of user interface screens
dynamically without having to update the client device's software
to implement user interface changes. This approach is easily
scalable and presents a highly maintainable model. Alternatively,
the client device can format its own user interface screens when it
receives screen information from the service 304.
3.2 Tagging Multimedia Content
[0078] Tags 1101 are also shown as an option that may be selected
as shown in FIG. 11 on the left side of the screen. For the
television series "Doogie Howser, M.D.", the tags "coming of age,"
"doctor," "medical," and "prodigy" are shown. When a tag is
selected, content associated with that tag appears on the right
side of the screen. In this example, for the tag "doctor", the
television series "ER", "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scrubs" appear
because they are associated with the tag and are scheduled to be
shown in the near future.
[0079] Tags, as used herein, refer to a set of words, pictures or
other media used to link various pieces of content together.
Examples of tags may be, but are not limited to, locations in which
the content is set, genres to which the content belongs, or the
subject matter associated with the content. If the term "New York"
is searched, results returned may include the television series
"Friends", and the movies "Gangs of New York" and "Ghostbusters".
The results are returned because each selection is set in the city
of New York. In another example, the term "marriage" is searched.
This search returns content that are associated with "marriage".
Some results may include the television series "Wedding Story,"
certain episodes of television series in which marriage occurs such
as "Friends," and the movie "The Runaway Bride".
[0080] Tags linked to content may include any association with
words. Some examples of tags are "singing," "reality TV,"
"fashion," "terrorist," "crime," and "roommate." Tags may be added
or changed over time. Tags are also not limited to words, but may
consist of a picture associated with content (an example is the
symbol that identifies singing star Prince), or other media such as
sounds or music. For example, a selection of new age music may be
associated with a show on spirituality and a selection of heavy
metal music may be associated with a television show on
skateboarding.
[0081] Tagging may be performed on either broadcast content or
downloadable content. Broadcast content includes, but is not
limited to, content from over-the-air antennas, satellite, and
cable. Downloadable content includes, but is not limited to,
broadband video, podcasts and other forms of audio, images, and RSS
feeds.
[0082] In an embodiment, tags may be created by the service
provider. For example, the service provider might wish to point out
certain subject matter available on a television program. In this
way, if a user repeatedly views a certain video segment that
relates to a certain subject matter, then the service provides
associations to other video segments that relate to the certain
subject matter. The service provider may also provide tags that
originate from the content provider.
[0083] In another embodiment, the content provider creates tags for
the content provider's own programming. In this circumstance, the
tags are not provided first to the service provider for
dissemination for additional editorial. This allows the content
provider to have the assurance that tags provided to users are
accurate and reflect the intention of the content provider. The
tags may then be used by the content provider to ensure that users
may be linked to other shows that contain similar content or appeal
to a similar demographic of users.
[0084] According to another embodiment, multimedia devices such as
DVRs, PCs, cell phone, and handheld computing devices are used to
create tags for video programs, herein referred to as "community
tagging." Using a control interface such as a remote control, touch
screen, touchpad, or a keyboard, when a user is viewing a video
program, the user enters possible terms that associate the content
to the tag. For example, the user might use the control interface
to mark a program segment, or alternatively to mark an event within
the video program. For instance, when viewing a sporting event such
as a football game, the user signals via remote control when an
exciting play occurs. The user may enter the term "exciting" and
the tag is then associated with that program. Community tagging may
be completely open or subject to the editorial of the service
provider in order to maintain a sense of order. Also, community
tagging may be aggregated so that only the most common actions are
selected and then the tags may be disseminated to the network of
users.
[0085] In an embodiment, data that may be selected is not limited
to words used in credits and tags, but may include other media such
as video, pictures, or sounds. Examples of pictures include, but
are not limited to, headshots of actors, movie posters, or still
frames from shows or movies. Sounds may include, but are not
limited to, theme music from a show, music from a motion picture,
or an actor's voice.
3.3 Filtering Broadband and Broadcast Multimedia Content Search
Results
[0086] The service 304 has the ability to filter database query
results according to user preferences, user personal information,
client device settings, etc. As briefly discussed above, in an
embodiment, the user can set preferences and personal information
in his client device such as channels that he receives, channels
that he views, age, sex, shows that the user likes and dislikes,
the user's interests, credit card information, home address,
etc.
[0087] When a client device 305 sends a search request to the
service 304, the service 304 creates queries to the broadcast
database 303 and/or the broadband database 301. Upon receipt of the
requested data, the service 304 can filter the data to customize
the data for the client device 305. In one embodiment, the service
304 can supply broadcast information to the client device 305 that
only pertains to the channels that the client device receives. In
another embodiment, the service 304 can supply the client device
305 with broadcast information that only pertains to the channels
that the user watches.
[0088] This type of filtering can be performed on an opt-in/opt-out
basis. If a user opts-in, the user has given the service permission
to use the user's preferences and personal information 302, 306, to
automatically filter requested broadcast and/or broadband
information to match the user's preferences and personal
information.
[0089] If the user opts-out, then the service can only use
information that it knows about the client device 305 that does not
involve the user's personal information. The service 304 is limited
to the client device's locale and channels that a client device
would receive in that area from the local cable or satellite
broadcaster.
[0090] The service 304 can also filter information based on the
type of client device. For example, if the client device 305 is a
portable video device, then the service 304 may send a condensed
version of the search results to the client device 305.
[0091] In an embodiment, the user can specify to the client device
305 that his selection of a search term is to be limited to a
certain type of media or access. For example, the user can specify
that the search be limited to HD (High Definition) content only.
The user could also specify that the content listed be available
from broadband only or broadcast only. The user can create any
combination of such search limitations. Another embodiment would
allow the user to specify combinations of tags that are displayed
on a screen. Referring again to FIG. 11, for example, the user
could specify combining the tags of Peter Riga 1102 and Prodigy
1104, or Prodigy 1104 and Coming of Age 1103, or any other
combination of tags.
[0092] The user has the capability to select each tag using the
highlight bar. Each time the user selects a tag, he can press a
button on a remote control to signify that the selection is part of
a combination. Once the user has selected all of his desired terms,
he can press another button (or the same button) on the remote
control that tells the client device 305 that the search is to be
performed. As an example, the user selects Prodigy 1104 and Coming
of Age 1103 and also selects HD content only. The client device 305
then formulates the search request and sends the request to the
service 304. The service 304 creates queries across the databases
that are appropriate for the search. Here, since the user has
specified that the search be HD content only, the service 304
queries the broadband database 301, or partner servers as mentioned
above, and the broadcast database 303 for HD content that includes
tags or other content information that match the search tags that
were selected, e.g., Prodigy and Coming of Age. The service 304
returns the query results to the client device 305. The client
device 305 displays the search results to the user.
3.4 Partial List and Indicator
[0093] In an embodiment, a user may search through content in one
or more content databases. For example, the user may search for
entries (e.g., multimedia content), which had been or will be
broadcasted, in broadcast data 303. For example, the ability for
the user to search through content in the broadcast database may
include every program that had ever been imported into such
database. Thus, it is possible that the result of a search request
may return to the user a very large list of entries, such as over a
few hundred entries.
[0094] In an embodiment, to handle very large search results,
service 304 returns to client device 305 a predetermined number of
entries, rather than the entire list of entries. For example,
service 304 may return to client device 305 a list of fifty (50)
entries out of a total number of entries in the large search
results. In an embodiment, an indicator is returned along with the
predetermined number of entries of the large search results. The
indicator indicates whether the list of predetermined number of
entries is a complete list or a partial list. If the indicator
indicates that the list is a partial list, then the user may select
to view other entries of the large search results. For example, a
Next 50 button may be presented to the user along with the partial
list containing 50 entries. The user may select to view the next 50
entries by clicking the Next 50 button. Similarly, a Previous 50
button may be presented to the user along with the partial list
containing 50 entries. The user may select to view the previous 50
entries by clicking the Previous 50 button.
[0095] In an embodiment, a list of entries from a search result is
displayed along with an anchor. An anchor is a particular entry
used as a point of reference among the other entries, for example,
in the context of browsing. Browsing search results by way of an
anchor may be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a
schematic diagram showing a bar whose length 1302 represents the
list of entries from the search result. A particular position
within the list is an anchor 1304. Anchor 1304 represents a
position in the list that the user has selected. From anchor 1304,
the user is presented with the next predetermined number of entries
1306. For example, from a particular entry associated with the
position of anchor 1304, the user is also presented with the next
50 entries 1306. In another embodiment, the user is presented with
the previous predetermined number of entries, such as the previous
50 entries. In yet another embodiment, the anchor is presented
along with the previous twenty-five (25) entries as well as the
next 25 entries. Thus, the user may move back and forth in the list
by moving anchor 1304. For example, the user may move anchor 1304
by clicking on another entry and making that entry the current
anchor. In an embodiment, browsing search results by way of
anchoring uses a count and an offset. The count is a value used to
indicate the position of the anchor. The offset is a value used to
determine the number of entries from the position of the
anchor.
[0096] In an embodiment, a toggle indicator is sent to the user.
Using the toggle indicator, a user may toggle between being
presented with the entire list of results from a search request and
being presented with a partial list that may be specified by
particular criteria. For example, a user may choose to be presented
with the partial list consisting of multimedia content that are
available in the next fourteen (14) days, rather than the full list
of multimedia content that are available in the next fourteen (14)
days. Then, when the user desires to view the full list, the user
may toggle to the full list selection. It should be appreciated
that certain details presented herein are by way of example only
and are not meant to be limiting.
3.5 One Touch Record and Wishlist
One Touch Record
[0097] In an embodiment, a one touch recording feature allows a
user to select to record a multimedia content (e.g., a television
program) in one touch. For example, a user may press a record
button on a remote control device, e.g., while a program is
playing, a recorded movie is being played back, or a commercial
about a multimedia content is playing. In another example, a user
may press a button on the remote control in response to an
indicator on an interactive user interface when the user finds a
multimedia content and desires to record such multimedia content.
The multimedia content may be a program or series of programs that
the user is interested in viewing. Example screen shots showing a
selectable indicator that a user may select for recording a
multimedia content are depicted in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15,
respectively. Referring to FIG. 14, an indicator 1402 labeled,
"Record this episode" is shown which, when selected, activates a
process for recording the episode or for scheduling to record the
episode. The client device schedules the episode for recording
using the EPG that it has stored locally. If the episode is
currently being shown, the client device automatically starts
recording the episode and if there is any portion of the episode
that is in the client device's cache buffer, the client device adds
the cache buffer's portion of the episode to the recording. In an
embodiment, the client device tells the service that the user has
requested the recording and the service schedules the recording in
a master schedule that the service has for the client device. The
service later downloads the master recording schedule to the client
device, thus updating the client device's local recording schedule.
Thus, selecting indicator 1402 is a "one touch record" process for
recording the episode.
[0098] Similarly, the interactive screen in FIG. 15 shows an
indicator 1502 labeled, "Record this program" which, when selected,
activates the process, as described above, for recording the
program or scheduling the program to be recorded. Thus, selecting
indicator 1502 is a "one touch record" process for the program.
Creating a Wishlist
[0099] In an embodiment, a wishlist is a list of entries that
correspond to one or more multimedia content that a user wants
recorded when the one or more multimedia content, such as a
particular episode or program, is ever broadcast. An example of a
type of entry in a wishlist may be a program identifier (program
ID) that corresponds to and identifies a particular multimedia
content. For example, suppose a user desires to watch only one
episode of a weekly running show because the particular episode
features a particular actor as a guest actor. According to an
embodiment, the user may add this particular episode to the user's
wishlist. When the particular episode becomes available to be
scheduled or downloaded, the particular episode is automatically
scheduled to be recorded or is automatically downloaded. The user
could also create a wishlist for any episodes or programs that a
certain actor was in or a certain director, producer, etc. The
client device can look for episodes or programs that have any
criteria that the user specifies in the wishlist.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 16, an example screen shot shows
information for a particular episode, Episode 1, for the show, "How
I Met Your Mother." Also presented in the screen is link 1602,
labeled, "Create a WishList for this episode." When the user
selects link 1602, a wishlist is created and an entry corresponding
to and representing this episode is added to the wishlist. An
example wishlist is described in detail below in the section
entitled, "An Example Wishlist".
One Touch Record and Wishlist
[0101] An embodiment for one touch record and wishlist process that
includes multimedia content, such as programs, that may not be
readily available is described with reference to FIG. 17, a flow
diagram illustrating a one touch record and wishlist process for a
program. Upon browsing through multimedia content, e.g., resulting
from a search of the databases 301 and 303 and, possibly, of the
historical EPG data, a user may find a desired multimedia content,
such as a desired program, that the user would like to record. The
user may activate a one touch record indicator (1702). In an
embodiment, it is determined whether the desired program is airing
in a next predetermined or specified amount of time, such as for
example, in the next two weeks (1704). If it is determined that the
desired program is airing in a next predetermined or specified
amount of time, the desired program is scheduled to be recorded
(1706). For example, if the desired program is scheduled to be
broadcast over network television at a particular time of the next
day, then the broadcast is scheduled to be recorded at that
particular time the next day. If the desired program is available
to be downloaded, then a process for downloading the program
begins. For example, upon activation of the one touch record
mechanism (1706), the desired program begins to download. The
client device downloads the program from a partner or other client
devices as described above. In an embodiment, if there is a cost
associated with the download, the client device may ask the user if
the cost is acceptable before performing the download. If the user
prefers not to accept the charge for the download, the user may
cancel the download and select another option such as placing the
desired program on a wishlist or scheduling a recording of the
desired program, if available.
[0102] When the desired program is not airing in the next
predetermined or specified interval, for example it is not airing
in the next two weeks then the program may be added to the user's
wishlist. If a wishlist has not already been created for the user,
then a wishlist may automatically be created (1708). After the
wishlist is automatically created, the program is added to the
wishlist. Thus, when the program becomes available for downloading
or for scheduling to be recorded (1710), the desired program on the
wishlist is downloaded or is scheduled for recording.
[0103] In an embodiment, the client device may perform the above
steps in another order depending on rules that are determined by
the service or rules specified by the user. For example, the
service may specify that the client device first look for the
desired multimedia content from the broadband content database.
This gives the service's partners an advantage to present their
content offerings to the user before the client device checks for
recording the desired multimedia content from the broadcast
stations. The user may also set his own rules by specifying, for
example, that searches for desired multimedia content begin with
checking for broadcast times for the desired multimedia content
followed by searching for the desired multimedia content from
broadband downloads if it cannot be found that any broadcast
sources are broadcasting the desired content within a predetermined
or specified time frame. If the desired multimedia content cannot
be found from either broadband or broadcast sources (not
necessarily in that particular order) then the client device sets
up a wishlist or wishlist entry for the desired multimedia content
using, for example, the desired multimedia content's program ID.
The client device uses the program ID to perform periodic searches
of its EPG data for a subsequent showing of the program ID.
[0104] In another embodiment, as discussed above, the service
performs a search for the user's desired multimedia content using
the broadband and broadcast databases. In an embodiment, the
service may also perform a search for the user's desired content
using historical EPG data. If the service finds the desired
multimedia content in the broadband database, the service creates a
display screen or search information for the client device that
contains information that the user can download the desired
multimedia content. If the user selects that option from the
display screen, the client device sees from the screen information
that it should download the multimedia content from a certain URL
or IP address. The client requests a download of the desired
multimedia content from that URL or IP address. The client then
stores the downloaded multimedia content.
[0105] If the service finds the desired multimedia content in the
broadcast EPG, it can additionally or only create an entry on the
display screen that the user can select to record the desired
multimedia content. If the user selects to record the program menu
item, then the client device checks the screen information and
finds that it should schedule a recording of a program ID that the
service determined from its EPG. Finally, if the service finds that
the desired multimedia content is not available from both broadcast
and broadband sources, it creates an entry on the display screen or
the search information that the user can select to place the
desired multimedia content in his wishlist. The client device
checks the screen information and finds that it should schedule a
recording of a program ID (that the service determined from its
historical EPG data) in its wishlist. As with the previous
embodiment, the service may perform the searches of the broadcast
and broadband databases in an order that the service has determined
or an order that the user has specified.
[0106] In yet another embodiment, as discussed above, the service
performs a search for the user's desired multimedia content using
the broadband and broadcast databases. If the service finds the
desired multimedia content in the broadband database, the service
requests a download of the desired multimedia content from a URL or
IP address from the broadband database. The service then sends the
downloaded multimedia content to the client device which stores the
multimedia content.
[0107] If the service finds the desired multimedia content in the
broadcast EPG, it can instruct the client to schedule a recording
of a program ID that the service determines from its EPG data.
Finally, if the service finds that the desired multimedia content
is not available from both broadcast and broadband sources, it
places the desired multimedia content in a wishlist and sends the
wishlist to the client device to update the client device's local
wishlist with the information. The client device schedules a
recording of a program ID (that the service determined from its
historical EPG data) in its wishlist. As with the previous
embodiment, the service may perform the searches of the broadcast
and broadband databases in an order that the service has determined
or an order that the user has specified.
DVR and Wishlist Synchronization
[0108] In an embodiment, data contained in a user's wishlist that
is resident at the service is synchronized on a periodic basis with
the user's DVR. In an embodiment, a copy of the user's wishlist at
the service is downloaded to the user's DVR. In another example,
the user's DVR and the user's wishlist are synchronized every six
(6) hours. When content in the user's wishlist becomes available,
the DVR downloads the content after synchronization. When content
in the user's wishlist is to be broadcasted or played at a known
point in time, the user's DVR schedules to record the multimedia
content after the synchronization, accordingly. In an embodiment,
and referring to FIG. 3, user's DVR 305 may have to "opt in" to a
service and to be on the network for synchronization to work which
includes the service accessing the user's wishlist on the DVR. For
example, when user's DVR 305 has opted in to have the user's
information available to the service, the user's DVR 305 is then
able to send messages to and receive messages from service 304,
even when a user is not actively using or the DVR 305. In an
embodiment, service 304 is granted access to the user's DVR 305.
With access granted to the user's DVR 305, service 304 may gather
current informational data from the user's wishlist on user's DVR
305.
[0109] As an example, suppose a user has opted in. Further, suppose
the synchronization process is scheduled to activate every six
hours. Suppose after the user has opted in, the first activation of
the synchronization process occurs at noon. For example, service
304 may check the user's wishlist stored on user's DVR 305 for
multimedia content stored in broadband data 301 or with broadcast
data 303, which service 304 is configured to search. Suppose the
user had added a particular episode of Gilligan's Island to the
user's wishlist. In accordance with an embodiment, service 304 may
check the broadcast database 303. In this example, service 304 does
not find the particular episode of Gilligan's Island playing in the
next two weeks. Then, suppose at 3 pm, the user adds the program,
King of Queens, to the user's wishlist. At 6 pm, the next
synchronization processing event, service 304 searches the user's
wishlist on user's DVR 305 and discovers the new addition, King of
Queens. Service 304 searches broadband database 301 and does not
find a match for King of Queens. Service 304 searches broadcast
data 303 and finds a match for King of Queens. The match for Kind
of Queens is a showing of the program that evening at 7 pm on
channel 551. Thus, service 304 instructs the client device to
schedule to record the 7 pm showing of King of Queens to be
recorded when it plays at 7 pm on channel 551.
An Example Wishlist
[0110] An example wishlist is, but is not limited to, the wishlist
feature described in the U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/425,308, entitled, "SMART BROADCAST PROGRAM RECORDING PADDING
AND SCHEDULING SYSTEM," filed on Apr. 28, 2003, which is subject to
an obligation of assignment to the same entity, and which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety by this reference
thereto. It should be appreciated that this example wishlist is for
illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting. A
detailed description of the example wishlist as described in the
afore-mentioned patent application is provided as follows.
[0111] In addition to season passes, a user can also designate a
wishlist of programs that he would like to have recorded if those
shows are ever aired. A wishlist is set up by the user where the
user specifies a search feature that uses user defined search
criteria, e.g., categories, actors, keywords, combinations of
search terms, etc., and finds upcoming programs. The user can set
up multiple wishlists.
[0112] A scheduler on the client device periodically, e.g., when
updated program guide information (containing upcoming program
information and broadcast times) is received, searches the program
guide information for shows that meet the criteria on the user's
wishlist for as long as the user keeps the wishlist. The user can
look at a list of upcoming shows resulting from the search. The
user can also set a wishlist to auto-record the wishlist and the
scheduler will schedule every program on the wishlist for recording
that it finds. For example, if the user selects a specific actor
wishlist, the scheduler automatically records movies that the
particular actor is listed in. The recordings are also subject to
any conflict resolution for conflicts with other scheduled
recordings.
[0113] Wishlist programs can have their start and/or end times
padded by the user in the same manner as season pass programs. Just
like season passes, there may be reasons why padding is put into
place by a user. For example, if a wishlist is for shows that are
sports shows with the San Francisco Giants playing, it is widely
known that baseball games run over the posted broadcast ending
time. The user can set an overrun value for that wishlist.
[0114] Any conflicts that occur between the scheduling of a program
or season pass recording with other programs or season passes
scheduled for recording are found by the scheduler. The scheduler
indicates to the user that a conflict has occurred for a scheduled
program. Conflicting programs and/or season passes are listed to
the user. The user then decides to cancel the conflicting scheduled
recordings or to not record the present program. The scheduler can
alternatively perform automatic conflict resolution using set rules
or rules specified by the user.
[0115] A season pass manager screen can show the season passes and
wishlists that the user has selected. The user can find out what
the upcoming shows to be recorded will be by selecting the season
pass or wishlist. The user can also change the priority of the
season pass or wishlist by moving the entry up or down the
list.
[0116] The priority of the season pass or wishlist determines which
program is recorded in case of a conflict in the scheduling of a
recording. For example, a show that is to be scheduled for
recording may overlap with another show that is already scheduled
for recording, causing a conflict. There are two levels of
conflicts that can occur. The first is a single show conflicting
with another show or season pass and the second is multiple shows
conflicting with a season pass.
[0117] The reason why a season pass is used for this example is
because a season pass is generally fairly consistent. For example,
a season pass may be for only first run episodes of a show. The
first run episodes are only broadcast every Tuesday at 8:00 pm PDT,
for example. When a season pass has conflicts with any other shows
already scheduled, the user has the option to record all of the
season pass or the non-conflicted episodes. Additionally, the user
is allowed to resolve conflicts on an episode by episode basis.
Wishlists are handled in the same manner.
[0118] The scheduler manages the recording of the season passes,
wishlists, and manually selected recordings. This means that there
are several different sources from which a conflict may arise.
Shows not only conflict with scheduled broadcast times but things
get more complicated with the addition of user adjusted padding.
The user does not want to get involved with every decision that
must be made with regard to a conflict and since the scheduler
receives periodic program guide updates, conflicts will regularly
occur. With smart padding activated, the scheduler has the ability
to automatically adjust to the user's padding settings, i.e.,
adjusted start and end recording time adjustments.
[0119] The scheduler provides the following options for padding:
[0120] Explicit--Requested by the user. This means that at some
point, the user requested to add padding to a season pass,
wishlist, or single program. [0121] High Priority--The padding has
the same priority as the recording for which it is set. For
example, if the padding of a high priority season pass recording
conflicts with the body of a lower priority season pass recording,
the high priority padding wins. The low priority recording is
either cancelled (if the padding is greater than the low priority
recording's duration) or started late. [0122] Low Priority--The
padding has lower priority than the recordings. For example, if the
padding of a high priority season pass conflicts with the body of a
lower priority season pass recording, the low priority recording
wins. The padding of the high priority recording is dropped. [0123]
Required--The padding must be scheduled, or the entire recording
should be cancelled. [0124] Optional--If padding has a conflict,
ifs ok to get the recording without the padding.
[0125] The combinations of options can be set by the system or by
the user. The most common are Explicit/High Priority/Required,
Explicit/High Priority/Optional and Explicit/Low Priority/Optional.
The scheduler uses the options to make its conflict decisions. The
options can be set for all recordings down to the single program
granularity. Designating options at a program level requires too
much user interaction for setting a recording, so it is much easier
for the user to set the options at a higher system-wide level.
[0126] Explicit/High Priority/Required examples: [0127] First high
priority recording with the designated options, conflicts with a
second high priority recording, then the scheduler cancels the
first recording. [0128] First high priority recording with the
designated options, conflicts with a second high priority recording
with the designated options, then the scheduler cancels the later
scheduled recording.
[0129] Explicit/High Priority/Optional examples: [0130] First high
priority recording with the designated options, conflicts with a
second high priority recording, then the scheduler cancels the
padding of the first recording. [0131] First high priority
recording with the designated options, conflicts with a second low
priority recording, then the scheduler uses the padding and starts
the second recording later.
[0132] Explicit/Low Priority/Optional examples: [0133] First high
priority recording with the designated options, conflicts with a
second low priority recording, then the scheduler cancels the
padding of the first recording. [0134] First high priority
recording with the designated options, conflicts with a second low
priority recording with the designated options, then the scheduler
cancels the conflicting padding for both recordings.
[0135] The scheduler uses the season pass manager's priority
settings to determine the priority of a season pass or wishlist
recording. A user's single program recording is explicitly
programmed by the user and is considered high priority.
[0136] The scheduler can also adjust the padding in order to
resolve a conflict. The adjustment is determined by the scheduler
using a predetermined threshold.
[0137] For example, using Explicit/High Priority/Optional, a set of
scheduler threshold values can be set to:
StartLate(body)=1 minute; StartLate(padding)=any
StopEarly(body)=0 minutes; StopEarly(padding)=any
[0138] This means that when two programs conflict, the scheduler
can propose, to the user, resolving the conflict by taking the
lower priority program and dropping: 1) any amount of its start or
end padding; 2) up to one minute at the start of the program body;
or 3) no amount at the end of the program body. For newly-requested
programs, the user is asked to confirm the conflict resolution:
[0139] If the conflict can be resolved using the above example
thresholds, a conflicts screen is presented so that the user can
accept/decline any of the proposed adjustments to the scheduled
recordings or not record the newly requested program.
[0140] If the conflict cannot be resolved, a conflicts screen is
presented so the user can cancel the conflicting recording or
decide not to schedule the new recording.
[0141] For existing season pass, wishlist, and single program
conflicts detected when the scheduler periodically runs, the
conflict will be automatically resolved according to the thresholds
set or, if no thresholds are set, the straight-forward approach for
the options selected.
[0142] The scheduler can optionally deal with the special case of
back-to-back episodes of a season pass by resolving the conflict by
recording the first episode with padding followed by recording
whatever remains of the body/padding of the second episode.
3.6 Live or Delayed
[0143] In an embodiment, a live recording feature is provided such
that anytime a user chooses to schedule a recording of multimedia
content, an associated indicator (e.g., metadata associated with
the multimedia content) is checked to determine whether it is
tagged as either live (e.g., "Live") or delayed (e.g., "Delayed").
For example, when the indicator is tagged as "Live", such feature
may automatically cause the user to be presented with a message
that suggests adding time to the end of the recording session
(e.g., padding) for the multimedia content. As another example, the
message may be rendered on a screen and says, "Because this program
is live, it may run longer than expected. Do you want to add extra
time to the end of this recording just in case?" The user may
choose to ignore the message and proceed as normal (e.g., proceed
with no changes to the recording time). Or, the user may, in
real-time, add additional recording time, for example, by an
interactive interface. For example, a user may be presented with a
text entry box in which to type in a number of minutes to add to
the recording time. As another example, the user may point to and
select from a list of minutes with which to increase recording
time, such as 1-minute, 2-minutes, and so on.
4.0 Hardware Overview
[0144] FIG. 12 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer
system 1200 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be
implemented. Computer system 1200 includes a bus 1202 or other
communication mechanism for communicating information, and a
processor 1204 coupled with bus 1202 for processing information.
Computer system 1200 also includes a main memory 1206, such as a
random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled
to bus 1202 for storing information and instructions to be executed
by processor 1204. Main memory 1206 also may be used for storing
temporary variables or other intermediate information during
execution of instructions to be executed by processor 1204.
Computer system 1200 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 1208
or other static storage device coupled to bus 1202 for storing
static information and instructions for processor 1204. A storage
device 1210, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided
and coupled to bus 1202 for storing information and
instructions.
[0145] Computer system 1200 may be coupled via bus 1202 to a
display 1212, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying
information to a computer user. An input device 1214, including
alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 1202 for
communicating information and command selections to processor 1204.
Another type of user input device is cursor control 1216, such as a
mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating
direction information and command selections to processor 1204 and
for controlling cursor movement on display 1212. This input device
typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis
(e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to
specify positions in a plane.
[0146] The invention is related to the use of computer system 1200
for implementing the techniques described herein. According to one
embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by
computer system 1200 in response to processor 1204 executing one or
more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory
1206. Such instructions may be read into main memory 1206 from
another machine-readable medium, such as storage device 1210.
Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory
1206 causes processor 1204 to perform the process steps described
herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be
used in place of or in combination with software instructions to
implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not
limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and
software.
[0147] The term "machine-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing data that causes a
machine to operation in a specific fashion. In an embodiment
implemented using computer system 1200, various machine-readable
media are involved, for example, in providing instructions to
processor 1204 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example,
optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 1210. Volatile
media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 1206.
Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber
optics, including the wires that comprise bus 1202. Transmission
media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as
those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data
communications. All such media must be tangible to enable the
instructions carried by the media to be detected by a physical
mechanism that reads the instructions into a machine.
[0148] Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example,
a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any
other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium,
punchcards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of
holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory
chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any
other medium from which a computer can read.
[0149] Various forms of machine-readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to
processor 1204 for execution. For example, the instructions may
initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The
remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory
and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A
modem local to computer system 1200 can receive the data on the
telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data
to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data
carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place
the data on bus 1202. Bus 1202 carries the data to main memory
1206, from which processor 1204 retrieves and executes the
instructions. The instructions received by main memory 1206 may
optionally be stored on storage device 1210 either before or after
execution by processor 1204.
[0150] Computer system 1200 also includes a communication interface
1218 coupled to bus 1202. Communication interface 1218 provides a
two-way data communication coupling to a network link 1220 that is
connected to a local network 1222. For example, communication
interface 1218 may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN)
card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of telephone line. As another example,
communication interface 1218 may be a local area network (LAN) card
to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN.
Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation,
communication interface 1218 sends and receives electrical,
electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams
representing various types of information.
[0151] Network link 1220 typically provides data communication
through one or more networks to other data devices. For example,
network link 1220 may provide a connection through local network
1222 to a host computer 1224 or to data equipment operated by an
Internet Service Provider (ISP) 1226. ISP 1226 in turn provides
data communication services through the world wide packet data
communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet"
1228. Local network 1222 and Internet 1228 both use electrical,
electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams.
The signals through the various networks and the signals on network
link 1220 and through communication interface 1218, which carry the
digital data to and from computer system 1200, are example forms of
carrier waves transporting the information.
[0152] Computer system 1200 can send messages and receive data,
including program code, through the network(s), network link 1220
and communication interface 1218. In the Internet example, a server
1230 might transmit a requested code for an application program
through Internet 1228, ISP 1226, local network 1222 and
communication interface 1218.
[0153] The received code may be executed by processor 1204 as it is
received, and/or stored in storage device 1210, or other
non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, computer
system 1200 may obtain application code in the form of a carrier
wave.
[0154] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention
have been described with reference to numerous specific details
that may vary from implementation to implementation. Thus, the sole
and exclusive indicator of what is the invention, and is intended
by the applicants to be the invention, is the set of claims that
issue from this application, in the specific form in which such
claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Any definitions
expressly set forth herein for terms contained in such claims shall
govern the meaning of such terms as used in the claims. Thus, no
limitation, element, property, feature, advantage or attribute that
is not expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such
claim in any way. The specification and drawings are, accordingly,
to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive
sense.
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