ES2428143T3 - Improved system and method of electronic television programming guide - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of displaying an advertisement in an interactive television program guide for a user on a screen on which program listings are displayed, comprising: displaying a plurality of program listings using the interactive television program guide; and simultaneously displaying with the plurality of program listings a video ad clip using the interactive television program guide, wherein the video ad clip is displayed on a video screen section, and wherein the video ad clip is randomly displayed in the video screen section.

Description

Improved system and method of electronic television programming guide

Background of the Invention

This invention relates to an electronic programming system, which provides the user with information.

5 programming of broadcast or cable television programs seen by the user on a television receiver. More particularly, it relates to an improved electronic programming guide that gives the user a more convenient and powerful operating environment, while at the same time increasing the user's navigation efficiency through the guide.

Electronic programming guides for television systems are known in the art. For example, a system

10 above uses an electronic character generator to display textual programming information on the full screen of a television receiver. Other previous systems present information about programming of television programs stored electronically to a user who observes while allowing him to select display formats. Still other systems use a data processor to enter the user selection criteria, then store only information about program programming.

15 television that meet these criteria, and then use the stored information to automatically tune a programmable tuner or activate a recording device at the time of transmission of the selected television programs. These previous systems are discussed in general in "Stay Tuned for Smart TV," published in Popular Science in November 1990.

Collectively, previous electronic program systems can be difficult to implement and

20 complicated to use. Nor do they offer visualization capabilities that exceed the visualization habits of the users of these electronic program systems in a more real way. Moreover, many of these systems are complex in their design and are expensive to implement. Ease of use and economy are the main concerns of television program distributors and viewers as they contemplate dramatic increases in the number and nature of program networks and other television-based services.

25 And, when the number of television channels available to a user increases dramatically with the advent of new cable and satellite based technologies, the usefulness of these previous systems decreases substantially.

These prior art systems also do not provide the user with sufficient information, for example prices and the like, about pay-per-view events, exclusive services or other packaged programming to which the user does not subscribe, nor does it provide the user with the ability to Automatically buy such programming on demand or impulse. Moreover, these prior art systems are deficient in that they do not provide an automatic and efficient method to update or replace the application of software programs that implement the electronic guide on user sites, rather than relying on manual or other forms. complicated forms of revision or replacement or hardware-based systems that cannot be updated without the physical replacement of

35 integrated circuits and / or other parts.

None of these previous electronic guidance systems have the ability to link the user with other applications or information systems that are not part of the application of the electronic programming or data guide.

None of these previous electronic guide systems provide video promotion of programs and

40 television services that are functionally linked and displayed in an integrated way. The promotion of the program is an important element of the effective commercialization of television programming. The promotion of pay-per-view programs (ie "on demand") and other unregulated program services is particularly important for cable television operators following federal government regulation. The current method to promote such programming using video is through dedicated "promotional" channels that use

45 continuous full-screen promotional advances (i.e. pre-viewing) that may or may not be accompanied by prices and requested information. Recently, such promotional videos have been shown on split screens where part of the screen shows general programming information during a period that corresponds approximately to the time during which the promoted general program is shown. In accordance with the above, there remains a need for an electronic programming guide that can provide

50 enhanced screen and link of video promotions with information on television program programming and order processing functions.

The above electronic program guides also cease to provide the user with a simple and efficient method to control access to individual channels and individual programs. The number of situations for adults that involve sex and violence has steadily increased over the past 40 years. The fact of how this affects children or other spectators has gained national attention. Provide parental protection

With the ability to block a channel it is a well known and widespread feature of certain television receivers and decoders. Despite this availability, the feature is rarely used by parents. The main impediments to its effective use are the usual ways in which it is generally implemented, as well as the requirement that complete channels are blocked in order to block access to any objectionable programming. Parental channel-oriented insurance is unfair to other programmers on the blocked channel, who, for example, offer adult-oriented programming at night and youth-oriented programming the next morning and inconvenient for viewers who wish to have access to such programs . However, there remains a particular need for a system that provides control via passwords for individual programs and channels using a flexible and simple on-screen user interface.

The above electronic program guides are also deficient in that they do not give the user the ability to observe the actual billing status on demand and, however, there is a need for a system that can provide the user with actual billing information at the request of the user. .

An additional problem with the previous program guides is that when programming information is displayed in a network format, that is, columns representing time intervals and rows representing channels, generally the program titles are truncated in width to fit in the cells of the network. The width of a cell varies with the duration of the program. Because a 30-minute program is awarded only a small amount of space for the title and description of the program, part-time titles and / or descriptions and even full-time programs can often be truncated in order to adjust them in the program. allocated space Some systems simply cut the description of a program without abbreviating it in any way, so that the user is unable to determine the subject matter of the program. For example, a recent television show presented includes the following text in a grid cell: "Baseball: Yankees v." Although some systems partially alleviate this problem by providing two lines of text in each grid cell, this solution is not ideal because program descriptions can still be truncated.

A similar problem arises when the time intervals change, either automatically or in response to a user control command. Normally, 90 minutes of programming information is displayed at once and the 90 minute window may change in 30 minute increments. In the case where a 30-minute change causes the display of a grid cell size of 30 minutes, for example, a two-hour film, it is likely that the entire film title does not fit in the cell. The truncation of the title however is also required in this situation. In these cases, while two lines of text may be desirable to adjust the title in the 30-minute cell, the 60 and 90-minute cells may only require one line of text to display the title.

The previous electronic program guides also lack a method to create an electronic viewing itinerary while still watching a program currently appearing on the television receiver. Moreover, these previous program guides leave many guesses for the user when navigating through a sequence of channels. When navigating through the channels to determine the program that is displayed on a channel, commonly known as "channel navigation," the user needs to guess what program is currently being transmitted from the video found when the user navigates through the channels. channels, since to a large extent, in some cases, up to 30%, of the programming that appears on any given channel at any given time is advertising or other commercial programming, the user is not given any clue of what program is appearing on a channel selected at a given time and therefore can wait until the commercial or commercial announcement is finished before determining the program that then appears on the selected channel. However, there remains a need for a program guide that displays information about current television program programming for each channel when the user navigates through the available channels.

In accordance with the foregoing, there remains a need in the art for an electronic simplified television program programming system that can be easier to implement, and that is attractive and efficient in operation. There is also a need to provide the user with an electronic television program programming system that displays transmitted programs and electronic programming information in a form not previously available with another electronic television program programming system, particularly those using a remote control. distance.

For example, there is a particular need for a flexible television program programming system that allows a user to watch selected broadcast programs on a part of the television receiver's screen while simultaneously viewing information on television program programming for others. channels and / or services in another part of the screen. There is also a need for said television program programming system that allows the user to select from a plurality of selectable display formats to view information on television program programming. It is also preferred to have a system that indicates to the user those keys on the remote control that are active in

Any particular mode of operation. There is also a need for such a system that will give a user the ability to set a programmable reminder to view a schedule of programs broadcast in the future.

There is also a need for an electronic guidance system that provides the user with complete information about pay-per-view events, exclusive services or other packaged programming to which the user does not ordinarily subscribe, and that gives the user the ability to buy automatically said programming by demand or impulse. There is also a need for an electronic guide system that provides a reliable and efficient method for updating or replacing the application software that implements the electronic guide on user sites.

A first prior art document, EP-A-0560593, describes a menu display screen that lists the menu items for different programming categories. The menu items can be selected in order to access the lists of specific programs. Additionally, the video of a program can be viewed at the top of the menu display screen. In some cases, you can select a menu that requires a user to select whether to watch or copy a movie.

A second prior art document, EP-A-0401930, describes presenting an overlay on a program that is currently being recorded.

A third prior art document, JP-58210776A, describes a television receiver that can superimpose program information, such as start time and end time of a program, on a television signal.

A fourth prior art document, US 5 223 924, describes the provision of photographs and video graphics related to program information.

There is also a need for an electronic programming guide that operates as a cover or window to provide the user with the ability to access other applications or information systems that are not part of the electronic programming or data guide application.

According to the above, it is an object to provide a system that will allow the user to watch a broadcast program while, at the same time, interactively watching television program programming information for other programs.

It is another object to provide the user with the ability to select from a plurality of screen formats the display information about television program programming.

It is still another object to indicate to the user of the program programming system those keys in the remote control active in the particular mode of operation of the system at the time of use.

It is still an additional object to provide the user of the electronic program programming system with the ability to set programmable reminder messages for any future program.

It is still an additional object to provide the system user with complete information about pay-per-view events, exclusive services or other packaged programming to which the user does not subscribe and the ability to automatically purchase such programming on demand or impulse.

It is another object to provide an electronic guide system that provides an efficient and reliable method for updating or replacing the application software programs that implement the electronic guide on user sites.

It is still another object of the electronic programming guide to operate as a cover or window to provide the user with the ability to access other applications or information systems that are not part of the electronic programming or data guide application.

It is still another object of the electronic programming guide to provide a system whereby the video promotion of television programs and services are functionally linked and visualized in an integrated manner to facilitate the commercialization and sale of said programs and services.

It is still an additional object to provide password control to access individual programs, as well as channels, using an uncomplicated and flexible interactive protected on-screen interface.

Another object is to provide the user with current programming information for all programs when the

User navigates through the available channels. It is still an additional object to provide a system in which the user can access their information actual billing on demand.

It is another object to provide a system that overlays television program listings against various views of

background. It is still another object to provide an improved text screen in the cells comprising a page of TV show listings.

The invention is set forth in the appended claims. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the preferred embodiment of the

Invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of program and programming information by the superimposed video device used in the preferred embodiment of the Invention. Figure 3 describes a remote control that can be used in relation to the preferred embodiment of the system.

of electronic programming guide of this application. Figure 4 describes an alternative embodiment of the remote control shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows an overlay that appears on a television screen in an operating mode of the

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6A is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 describes a Viewer Preference Menu that appears on a television screen on a aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 shows a preferred Channel Selection Submenu. Figure 9 shows an impulse request menu that appears on a television screen in one aspect of the

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a submenu of Exclusive Services that appears in a mode of operation of the embodiment Preferred of the present invention. Figure 11 shows an overlay graph that appears on a television screen in a

Operation NAVIGATION of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows an overlay graph that appears on a television screen in a

NAVIGATION of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention having different information of that shown in Figure 11. Figure 12A shows an overlay graph that appears on a television screen in a

Operation NAVIGATION in the present invention that displays programming information during a period

and a different channel than the one shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 shows an overlay graph that appears in a REMINDER mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 shows yet another superimposed graph that appears in an operation REMINDER mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 shows a network listing of programming information displayed in an All Operation Listings mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows programming information displayed in the listings by mode of Operation category of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 shows programming information displayed in the Listings by Operation Channel mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 shows information displayed in response to the user's request for add-on programming information.

Figure 22 shows programming, order and promotional information on video displayed in a Pay Per View mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 shows an order submenu used in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in Figure

22

Figure 24 shows yet another order submenu used in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in Figure 22 Figure 24A shows yet another order submenu used in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in

Figure 22

Figure 25 shows another network listing of programming information displayed in an All mode. Operating listings of the present invention. Figure 26 shows a submenu of Exclusive Services that appears in a mode of operation of the embodiment

Preferred of the present invention.

Figure 27 shows a Message menu that appears in an operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 28 shows the sample messages used in relation to the menu of Figure 27. Figure 28A is an alternative message menu. Figure 29 shows billing information used in relation to the menu in Figure 27. Figure 30 shows a Key to Unlock Access menu that appears during an operation mode of the

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 31 shows a menu that appears in relation to an Interactive Television operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 shows information that appears in a menu See Quotes in relation to the mode of operation

of Interactive Television shown in Figure 31. Figure 33 shows other information that appears in relation to the Interactive Television operation mode shown in Figure 31.

Figure 34 is a menu showing information that appears on a news screen in the Interactive Television mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 35 is a menu showing information that appears on a sports screen in the Interactive Television mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 36 is a flow chart showing the logical operation required for the implementation of a computer program for the electronic programming guide.

Figure 37 is a menu that shows a Locator screen for locating channel numbers and defining favorite channel lists.

Figure 38 is an alternative menu that can be used in a MENU mode of operation of the electronic programming guide.

Figure 38A and 38B show, respectively, an alternative main menu screen and an accessible time list screen of the alternative main menu.

Figure 39 is a Lock menu that can be used alternately to allow or prohibit access to certain programs.

Figure 40 is a Configuration menu that can be used to set text location and a purchase code for exclusive programs and pay-per-view programs.

Figure 40A shows an example menu for entering a security code.

Figures 40B to 40E show, respectively, sample menus for entering, confirming, deleting or changing a purchase code.

Figure 41 is a Lock Verification menu that is used in relation to the Figure Lock menu

39.

Figure 42 is a flow chart showing the operation of the preferred embodiment of the text wrapping system of the Invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

System configuration

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the electronic program programming system generally designated as 10. Physically, these system components can be located in a user decoder or other signal processing or reception device, such as a satellite receiver. Alternatively, the components may be mounted in a separate housing, or included as part of a television receiver, VCR, personal computer, or media player; or reside as an application distributed in a broadband network architecture.

An input signal 11 is connected to a receiver 12, which receives a data stream transmitted from a data provider. The data flow may contain, for example, information about programs or services available in a particular market, geographic or otherwise. The input signal 11 may originate, for example, as part of a satellite transmission, cable transmission or standard transmission, or other form of data transmission. The data provider is a program information provider, the satellite uplink manager, a local cable operator, or a combination of these sources, and the data stream contains information on programming television programs for all television programs. television and other services available in the geographic market of the operator.

The data flow can be modulated and then transmitted on the cable line in any number of ways, including as part of a dedicated channel transmission operating in a frequency of, for example, 75 MHz. Those skilled in the art they will understand that numerous other transmission schemes can be used to transmit the data flow, such as incorporating them into the vertical vacuum interval of a program transmission signal. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in accordance with the present invention, the transmitted data stream may additionally contain the application software for implementing or updating the electronic programming guide at the user's site.

Programming data of transmitted programs or application software are received by the receiver 12 on the signal input line 11. The received signal is passed from the receiver to a data demodulator 13, such as a QPSK demodulator or a GI Info-Cipher 1000R, which demodulates the transmission and passes it to a buffer 15.

A microcontroller 16, such as an M68000EC, receives data passed to buffer 15. The Boot operation software, which can be used to capture the application software that updates the electronic programming guide, is stored in a read-only memory ( ROM) 17. Microcontroller 16 uses information on programming of received television programs to build a database by storing data in properly organized records in Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) 18. The stored programming information can be updated on a periodic basis, such as hourly, daily or weekly, or at any time when changes in programming or other factors warrant an update. The system also includes a system clock 19.

Alternatively, information about programming television programs can be supplied on a ROM, disk or other non-volatile memory, or can be downloaded to a storage disk or other data storage devices. The invention here is not directed to a particular method of transmitting or receiving programming information.

If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the received data as the application software that controls the television program programming system, when it is opposed to the television program programming information, it is stored in non-volatile memory, such as a programmable ROM Electrically erasable (EEPROM) 20 or static RAM with backup battery (SRAM). This configuration allows the revised or replacement versions of the application software to be downloaded directly from the software developer to the user's site through the cable or other transmission system.

In the case where EEPROM is used, versions of application software downloaded from the developer first stored in DRAM 18 are reviewed or replaced by microcontroller 16, under the direction of the download operation software stored in ROM 17. The application software stored then it can be checked for accuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verification routine.

After the accuracy of the application software has been verified, the microcontroller 16 starts a routine to reprogram the EEPROM 20, where the application software is permanently stored. The microcontroller 16 will issue appropriate control commands to a reprogramming circuit 21, which is adapted for proper supply of program voltage and logic control signals 22 required to erase and write to the EEPROM. This program voltage, Vprog, is supplied, as well as any other required control signals, such as reading or writing that allows EEPROM 20 after command of Microcontroller 16. After EEPROM 20 has been electrically erased, microcontroller 16 starts the transfer of the new application software from DRAM 18 to EEPROM 20 for storage.

When a backup battery SRAM is used as nonvolatile memory, the microcontroller stores the revised or replacement version of the application software downloaded from the developer directly into the SRAM, again under the direction of the download operation software stored in the ROM The accuracy of the stored application software can then be checked by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verification routine.

When power is first applied to system 10, the Start operation software verifies that the program guide application software resides in memory, if it does not reside, the Start operation software waits for the software download. Once the application software resides, the microcontroller 16 executes the application program software of a dedicated part of the DRAM 18. Alternatively, the application software can be executed directly from the non-volatile memory 20. Under the control of the application software As a program guide, the microcontroller 16 first verifies that the television program programming information resides in DRAM 18. If it does not reside, the microcontroller expects a download of the television program programming information, as discussed above. Alternatively, if the application program resides in memory, but the records in the database containing information on programming of television programs are not available, the application software can be configured to perform other tasks, such how to allow the user to carry out functions that do not require information on programming of television programs, as well as display an appropriate message that indicates that database data is not yet available.

When the programming system operates, as discussed in greater detail below, the microcontroller 16 takes the information on programming of television programs stored in the DRAM 18 and, in conjunction with other types of downloaded data such as the bitmaps stored for the configuration of the screen and the graphic symbol or logo shown stored in the non-volatile memory 20 or, alternatively, in DRAM 18, supplied to a video display generator (VDG) 23, which in the current embodiment can be a card

VGA graphics available commercially, such as a Rocgen card manufactured by Roctec. The VDG includes a standard RGB video generator 24, which takes the information on programming of digital television programs sent by the microcontroller 16 and converts it to an RGB format according to the bitmap for the particular screen display that is then introduces the user to the television receiver 27. The configuration of each screen is shown and discussed in greater detail in the System Operation section below.

The VDG also includes a Video Overlay Device 25, which accepts RGB video input, as well as an input from the conventional television tuner 28, such as a conventional tuner manufactured by General Instrument or a Jerrold DPBB tuner, which supplies a program signal in standard NTSC video format. The overlay device 25 converts and combines the RGB signal with the signal from the tuner 28, and produces a composite NTSC output signal that contains the program signal and the television program programming information, as shown in Figure 2. This composite video signal is supplied, to a modulator 26, shown in Figure 1, which can be a modulator such as that available from Radio Shack, and then to the television receiver 27, whose user is kept updated in the modulated channel, for example, channel 3 or 4. The composite video signal can also be supplied directly to the television receiver 27 or other VDG receiving device to the video port 25A in the VDG.

The system components identified in relation to Figure 1 can all be implemented on a preferred platform by, for example, an IBM personal computer equipped with a transmission link and a video graphics card, such as those manufactured by Roctec, others platforms, such as a decoder equipped with a microprocessor and memory, or a broadband network can also be used. Examples of the particular components are as follows 0065; Microcontroller, Motorola part no. MC68331-16; ROM, Texas Instruments part no- TMS27PC512; DRAM, - Texas Instruments part no. TM4256; EEPROM, Intel part no. 28F001BX-T. In any event, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particular details of the hardware and data storage components are a function of the implementation of the particular system, and are not the object of the present invention.

As discussed in detail below, the user can navigate through the television program programming system with a remote control, such as that shown in Figure 3, which operates on conventional principles of the remote control transmitter-logical receiver , such as by infrared signaling or other signaling, or other suitable user interface. The remote control 31 communicates with the microcontroller 16 through the remote control receiver 29, shown in Figure 1, which can be an inactive companion IR receiver and that receives the signals transmitted by the remote control 31 and supplies the microcontroller 16 with a corresponding digital signal indicating the key pressed by the user.

A remote control suitable for the present invention, such as that shown in Figure 3, which may be a remote control manufactured by an Inactive Companion of Universal Electronics or presentation Electronics, may include a power switch 32, volume 33 and controls Silence 34, an OK key 35, digit keys 0-9 36, four arrow direction keys 37A and 37B, a MODE key 38 and an information key 39 that is designated by a lowercase letter "i." The power keys 32, volume 33 and mute 34 operate in the same way as conventional remote controls normally used with current television receivers. The numeric digit keys 36 also work in the same way as conventional remote controls. Follow a brief description of the remaining keys.

The MODE key 38 takes the user through several layers of the electronic program programming system 10 and generally allows the user to return to a previous screen when in a submenu. The up / down arrow keys 37A allow the user to navigate through different TV program channels when the program programming system is in a BROWSE or NAVIGATE mode, as will be described fully below, and also allows the user to User navigate through highlighted bars displayed on the TV screen when done in a MENU. The left / right arrow keys 37B allow the user to navigate through selected periods when the program programming system is in NAVIGATION mode, as will also be described below. These additionally allow the user to navigate through the subject matter categories while in the "Categories" submenu of the menu mode, as well as to navigate through periods when the program programming system is in an order mode Pay to see and, in general, navigate in the left or right directions to select various icons and other objects. The information, or "i," key 39 allows the user to observe complementary programs and other information during the various modes of the television program programming system. The OK key 35 complies and enters a command once the user has made a selection of the keys of the remote control. The function and operation of these keys will become more evident in the detailed discussion of the BROWSE, BROWSE and MENU modes forward.

A second embodiment of the remote control 40 is shown in Figure 4. This embodiment of the remote control also includes a power key 41, number digit keys 42, direction arrow keys 43A and 43B,

information key 48, ACCEPT or SELECT or the "OK" key 44, volume control 45, lock key 45A, mute keys 46 and help key 48A. It also includes the pound and star sign keys.

This embodiment of the remote control additionally includes a number of icon keys 47A and 47B, which correspond to different submenus or modes of the television program programming system. Icons 47A and 47B can also be displayed on the TV screen when operating the television program programming system. The icon keys essentially replace the MODE key 38 used in the realization of the remote control shown in Figure 3. Using these keys, the user can move from one mode to another simply by pressing the icon key corresponding to the desired mode of operation of the television program programming system. In the embodiment of Figure 4, icons 47A and 47B are shown as graphic symbols located directly above a corresponding color-coded key. Alternatively, the color-coded keys can be removed and the keys can be formed in the image with the icon itself.

The realization of the remote control shown in Figure 4 also includes three favorite channel or viewer color-coded keys, 48A, 48B and 48C that are located directly above the icon keys. Each of these keys indicates the program programming system of a “Channel preference” or “Favorite Channel” list created for a different user, which is a list of a specific subset of channels for a particular user, arranged in order sequential that the user wishes to observe during the operation of the television program programming system. The creation of the Preferred Channel or Favorite Channel list is discussed in the next section. However, the system provides at least three subsets of individual channels for three individual users.

The remote control of Figure 4 can also be equipped with a "HELP" key 48A, which, when pressed, causes the microcontroller 16 to retrieve the previously stored instruction messages from memory and causes them to be displayed on the television receiver 27. These messages offer help to the user in the form of instructions that guide the user through the operation of the various modes of operation of the electronic television program guide. These may be text messages, or instructional video images, or audio programs, depending on the storage capacity of the system, or any combination of these. Moreover, these help messages can be created in such a way that they are context sensitive, that is, the messages displayed depend entirely on the precise point in the operation of the electronic programming guide that the user presses the help key 48A. For example, information can be provided for the operation of the remote control, to operate the BROWSE or NAVIGATE mode (discussed below), or any other operating mode of the guide, for impulse request, to configure a lock, etc. In order to accomplish this, each operating point of the guide can be encoded in such a way that the microprocessor can follow the current operating point, for example, by temporarily storing the code reflecting the current operating point when the User operates the guide. When the user presses the help key 4BA, the microcontroller 16 would retrieve an appropriate set of messages based on the currently stored operating point code. Additionally, the i 39 key can be used to carry out the help key function.

Additionally, each of the functions of the remote controls can also be integrated into a keyboard on the user decoder or other hardware.

System Operation

In operation, the electronic program programming system of the present invention functions as follows.

BROWSE mode

When the user watches a particular program channel on the television receiver, the program programming system is predetermined in a BROWSE mode, shown in Figure 5. In this mode, an overlay graph S1 containing programming information for the channel currently tuned into the tuner is superimposed on a superimposed relationship with a received program signal 55 on the television receiver screen 27 when the viewer changes the program channel, for example, by using the up / down directional arrows on the remote from distance. The superimposed video device 25, such as that shown in Figure 1, combines the superimposed information of RGB video graphics generated in the computer with the program signal in NTSC format of tuner 28, and supplies an output signal in NTSC format , which includes the tuner program signal and program programming that superimposes information to watch on television receiver 27.

The programming information contained in graphic overlay 51 is supplied from the RGB video generator by the microcontroller. In the BROWSE mode, the microcontroller first searches the program programming database in, for example, DRAM 18 to retrieve the programming information for the currently tuned channel 52 corresponding to the current time; that is, the moment when the user just

tune the television receiver to watch, The microcontroller 16 then supplies the current channel and program information for the RGB video generator 24 that converts the digital data information to RGB format and supplies it to the superimposed video device 25.

In normal operation, the microcontroller 16 is predetermined to display all the channels offered by the cable company prioritized in numerical order, which is determined by the position of the channel transmitted in the radio spectrum or the marketing judgments of local cable operators. Using a "Channel preference" submenu, or an "Locator" alternative screen, both of which are discussed below, the user can review the content and / or sequential order of the channels presented on the television receiver 27.

In general, if the user does not issue an instruction to change the channel, or other command, of the remote control 40 within a predetermined time interval while in LEAVE mode, the microcontroller 16 instructs the VDG 23 to remove the graphic overlay 51 of the television receiver, thus presenting only a program signal 55 to the television receiver 27 for viewing. The duration of the predetermined time interval is such that it allows the user enough time to read the programming information contained in the overlay. The duration of the predetermined time interval during which the superimposed graph 51 appears to be stored in a location in the non-volatile memory 20 addressable by the microcontroller 16. The user can change the duration of the time interval, by first entering a Preference mode of Viewer, and then select an "overlapping interval" entry. The microcontroller 16 then asks the user what to display on the screen, for example, asks the user to select an appropriate period for display in the graphic overlay on the screen. Using the numeric keys, the user can enter an appropriate response, for example, a period between 5 and 60 seconds, and then press OK. The new time interval is then read and stored by the microcontroller 16 in the time slot location superimposed on the memory.

If the user issues a channel change command from the remote control 40 before or after the predetermined overlapping period has elapsed, either by using the up / down arrow keys 43A, or by entering a desired channel number using the number keys 42 and then pressing the OK key 44, the microcontroller 16 will cause the tuner 28 to tune to any desired channel of the channel immediately before or following the current channel when the up or down arrow 43A is used or the specific channel enters the numeric keypad by the user and will also immediately search and cause the current program information to be displayed for this channel. However, when the user browses through the channels, the television program programming information for any selected channel automatically appears in the graphic overlay 51 while the current program 55 appears in the selected channel at the particular time the rest occupies. from the screen.

The system can also be configured to issue an error message, such as an audible beep or displayed text indicating an invalid keystroke, if the user presses the left or right arrow keys while in the BROWSE mode.

NAVIGATION mode

To start the NAVIGATION mode, the user presses the MODE switch once while in BROWSE mode when using the first embodiment of the remote control 31 shown in Figure 3. Using the second embodiment of the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, the user would press the forward button of the NAVIGATE 47A icon,

In NAVIGATE mode, the user is given the ability to explore through information on television program programming for any channel, which includes, but is not limited to, the channel being watched, while at the same time continuing to watch the previously selected TV show. As shown in Figure 11, in this mode the superimposed graphical information that appears in the BROWSE mode is replaced with programming information for the channel to be navigated, which may or may not be the channel currently viewed by the user. that the user issues the command from the remote control 40 to enter the NAVIGATION mode, an overlay graphic 111 is generated, as in the BROWSE mode, with information on programming of television programs for the currently tuned channel 112 and a textual indicator NAVIGATE 113 to remind the user of the currently active mode, as shown in Figure 11.

If the user presses the direction arrow up or down on the remote control 40 while in NAVIGATION mode, the information on programming television programs for the next channel or the previous channel is displayed on the graphic overlay part 111 of the television receiver screen 27, while the tuner remains tuned to the channel program that appears on the television receiver at the time the user enters NAVIGATION mode, as shown in Figure 12, and therefore continues to appear . Each successive press of the up or down arrow key produces the information about programming of corresponding television programs for the selected channel. The graphic overlay can also include a small video window for which the current video signal of a

program currently broadcast or a clip of a future program that corresponds to the programming information that then appears in the NAVIGATE overlay. In this way, the user can simultaneously explore information about television program programming for all channels while continuously watching at least one selected program on the television receiver. With the appearance of sophisticated television receivers, it may also be possible to simultaneously view multiple programs broadcast on a single screen for viewing, or to divide the screen to show, for example, programs broadcast in combination with advertisements. You can use the NAVIGATE feature in these situations.

If, at any time during the exploration of the information on programming of television programs in NAVIGATION mode, the user wishes to tune the television receiver 27 from the program channel currently viewed to the program channel indicated in the programming information in the graphic overlay, he simply presses the OK button 44 and the tuner 28 will tune that channel. If the user does not want to watch another channel and expects to exit NAVIGATION mode, thus removing graphic overlay 111 with the information on television program programming, he can press the MODE key twice in the first realization of the remote control 31. The The first press of the MODE key puts the user in the menu mode, discussed below, and the second press will put the user in the BROWSE mode. Once in the BROWSE mode, the graphic overlay will be removed after the time interval has elapsed. In the second embodiment of the remote control shown in Figure 4, the user alternates the NAVIGATE icon key to deactivate the NAVIGATION mode.

When the user first enters the NAVIGATION mode and begins to scan the channels, the programming information that appears in the superimposed part 111 describes the programs currently played on any particular channel. In order to observe the programming information of later or earlier schedules, the user uses the left and right direction arrows 43B. As a consequence, the system will display information about future television program programming for the particular channel previously selected by the up and down arrow keys, whether it is the currently viewed channel or any other available channel. The programming information presented includes the name of the program and the start / end time of the program. The actual realization of the system, in order to preserve the memory, will not allow the user to observe the programming information for a period before the current moment. The system can be easily modified to provide such information if adequate memory is available. It may be desirable, for example, to allow the user to observe programming information during an earlier time to search for a particular show and then allow the user to command the microcontroller to search and display future dates of the show's broadcast, or simply the microcontroller can do it automatically. .

When watching television program programming information for a later time in the NAVIGATION mode, the displayed broadcast time 121 of the particular show 122 is highlighted, as well as the channel number and service indicator 123, as shown in the Figure 12A This highlighted information reminds the user that they are watching information about television program programming at a later time. Also, when viewing information about television program programming for a later time on any particular channel in NAVIGATION mode, pressing the up arrow key on the remote control 40 causes the programming to appear. Programming information for the next channel, which corresponds in time to the next moment that is being viewed before the user presses the up key. The arrow key in the downward direction of channel 43B operates identically in this mode.

If, while observing the information on programming of television programs for a future period in NAVIGATION mode, the user presses the ACCEPT key on the remote control, the microcontroller 16 will instruct the VDG 23 to display an overlay message REMINDER 130 which, as shown in Figure 13, it is displayed as a second overlay 131 that appears above the NAVIGATE 132 overlay. The REMINDER message 130 asks the user if the system should remind the user, at a predetermined time before the start of the selected program. , that he or she would like to observe the selected program, as shown in Figure 13. If the user responds affirmatively, Microcontroller 16 stores the reminder data consisting of at least the channel, time and day of the program selected in a reminder buffer, which contains similar programming information for all programs for what s that the user has set a reminder. At a pre-determined time before the start time of the selected program for example, five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will retrieve the programming information, including the title and service, based on the reminder data, and will instruct the VDG 23 to that displays a superimposed REMINDER message 140 on television receiver 27, as shown in Figure 14, to remind the user that he or she previously set a reminder to watch the selected program. The REMINDER 140 message contains the channel, service and start time. It also displays the number of minutes before the broadcast time of the particular show and updates the screen every minute until the moment of broadcast. The REMINDER 140 message also displays a "TUNE" search, which asks the user if he would like to tune the selected program, when the user sets multiple reminders, the reminder overlays are stacked, for example, in ascending order according to time that each reminder was programmed to be displayed, and the following reminder message will appear on the receiver of

television after the user takes the appropriate action to remove the reminder message that is then displayed. The REMINDER message (140 can also be adapted to allow the user to view or modify a list of all reminders previously set by the user. The time displayed superimposed in the BROWSE mode, the user can modify the period before the REMINDER message appears. program selected when entering the Viewer Preference mode and checking the time entry.

MENU mode

Using the remote control 31 shown in Figure 3, the user can enter the menu mode of NAVIGATION mode or BROWSE mode by switching the MODE button 38 once or twice, respectively. Using the remote control 40 of Figure 4, the user will simply press the key 47B corresponding to the menu icon.

With reference to Figure 6, in the menu mode the system displays a plurality of menu items and icons, which corresponds to and allows the user to select different screen formats for information on television program programming, message boards of the local cable system and other online information services. The menu screen shown in Figure 6 is a full screen. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, four vertically selectable horizontal bars 61-64 are presented, which are accessed using the up and down directional arrows 43A on the remote control 31 or 40. At the left end of each bar, displays an identification icon 61A-64A, which identifies the information contained in this bar. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the "TV GUIDE" icon 61A on the first bar corresponds to information on programming TV programs of the TV Guide® magazine, the "ON EXHIBITION" icon 62A on the second bar 62 corresponds to events exclusive service and pay to see, the "Logo MSO" icon 63A in the third bar 63 corresponds to Customer Service or information messages from local cable companies, and the circular icon 64A in the fourth bar 64 corresponds to other interactive services available to the user, or in the case of broadband networks, other spaces, for example, use of purchases from home, banking or telephone. As also shown in Figures 6 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of its contents.

When the user first enters the menu mode, the system predetermines the selection of the television program programming bar. When a particular bar is selected, the textual description is removed and a plurality of identification icons or windows adjacent to the identification icon are displayed. In Figure 6, the program programming bar 61 is selected. Using the up or down arrow key on the remote control 40, the user selects a vertically adjacent bar. Figures 15-17 show, respectively, the selection of the Pay Per View 62 bar, the customer service or Message bar 63 and the Interactive TV Services bar 64.

An alternative main menu screen 215 is shown in Figure 38. Certain accessible selection screens from the menu shown in Figure 38 are shown in Figures 38A and 38B. This has three horizontally selectable bars: program programming 205, Home Theater 206 and Customer Service 207. The MAIN MENU screen 215 also contains an additional "Locator" identifier, described below.

Once a particular bar is selected on the menu screen, the user can select a particular icon from the plurality of horizontally selectable icons displayed 65A-65C by using the left or right direction arrow and the OK key on the remote control 40 Each icon contains a graphic symbol that appears in a background window of a particular color. When a particular icon is selected, it scrolls from its background window and the color of the window changes. In Figure 6, the network icon 65 is selected Immediately adjacent to the "TV GUIDE" icon on the first bar 61.

The function corresponding to the selectable entries in the MAIN MENU screen will now be discussed with reference to Figure 6. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art who apply the same functionality in the categories shown in MAIN MENU 215 shown in Figure 38.

In the vertically selectable horizontal bar above 61, the first network icon 65A represents a "All Listings" mode in which the information about programming of television programs is displayed in a network listing, such as that shown in the Figure 18. Alternatively, a screen similar to a single column network can be used, such as that shown in Figure 25. In this format, the vertical y axis identifies the channel and service number while the horizontal x axis identifies the time. The screen in Figure 18 also contains in the upper left corner a mode identifier 180, in this case the annotation "All Listings," reminds the user of the current mode of operation of the system. Directly below the screen mode is a highlighted 181 screen of the channel the user is watching before entering the menu mode. In the upper right corner, a logo icon 182 appears in a window directly above a date / time identifier 183, which alternately displays the current date and time.

In the center of the display screen shown in Figure 18 is an Active Keyboard Display Representation (AKD) 184 that tells the user those keys on the remote control that are active for that particular mode of the guide display system of television shows. For example, on the display screen of Figure 18, the cursor can only be moved up, down or to the right. If the user presses the left arrow key on the remote control at this point, the system would not perform any function because the cursor cannot move to the left. However, the left arrow key is not active so that your image is not displayed on the AKD 184. Similarly, because the system will not only respond to a press of the arrow keys in the up, down or right and the OK key, these are the only key images displayed on the graphic AKD 184. The MODE key, although not displayed, is always active to change from one mode to another. When the user first enters the All Listings guide, the schedule listings begin by default at half an hour immediately before the current time unless the current time is one hour or half an hour, in which case the display starts at that hour or half an hour, and the channel list starts on the last channel that the user has seen before entering the menu mode. For example, in Figure 18, the current time is displayed as 7:13 p.m., the schedule list starts at 7:00 p.m. and the channel list starts with channel 4.

In the All Listings mode, a movable highlighted cursor 185 is used to indicate the currently selected program to the user. The user manipulates the cursor movement using the arrow keys on the remote control 40. Additionally, the entire information screen turns up one page if the cursor is located at the bottom of the screen and the arrow is pressed direction down, and similarly the pages to the left if the cursor is on the far right side of the screen and the right arrow is pressed. In this way, the user can navigate through the complete programming of television programs.

The folder icon 65B immediately to the right of the All Listings icon in the upper horizontal bar 61 of Figure 6 identifies a "Category List" Mode in which information about television program programming is displayed and categorized through the content of programs, as shown in Figure 19. The particular list shown in Figure 19 includes the categories of Movies, Sports, News and Children 190A-190D. The database record stored for each listing contains a specific content identifier so that the microcontroller can search the database and categorize the information by content for the purpose of viewing them in the category listing mode. As shown in Figure 19, the user can manipulate the cursor to the left or right to highlight any of the categories that appear at the top of the list. In Figure 19, the category "Movies" 190A is selected. As shown, the user receives a visualization of all the films, prioritized in time and then alphabetically by show title, starting with the immediately preceding half hour of the current time unless the current time is in the hour or half an hour, in in which case the screen starts with the particular hour or half hour. The display screen shown in Figure 19 also includes a textual description of the current mode of operation of the television program programming system, as well as the AKD 184 graphic, similar to that used in relation to the All Listings mode.

With the All Listings mode, if the user highlights a show that is currently being broadcast, he can immediately tune in to that show by pressing the ACCEPT key on the remote control 40. If the highlighted show is one that will be presented at a later time , the user is again given the option to configure a REMINDER message.

The triangular icon 65C to the right of the TV GUIDE bar 61 on the screen of Figure 6 identifies a "Channel List" mode in which the information on television program programming is categorized and displayed by the channel, such as is shown in Figure 20. The display screen shown in Figure 20 again includes a text mode identifier 201, the graph AKD 184, and the window that includes the logo icon 182 and the screen alternating time / date 183 At the top of the program list there is a list of several consecutive channels 202A-202C starting with the last channel viewed by the user before entering the Channel List mode. The channel in the middle window 202B is highlighted and is the channel for which the programming information is displayed. The screen identifies those programs that appear on the highlighted channel starting with the current time immediately before half an hour unless the current time is one hour or half an hour, in which case the screen starts with the particular hour or half hour. The user can additionally display future listings by manipulating the cursor at the bottom of the screen and paging the screen, as previously described. The user can also change the selected channel by manipulating the right or left arrow keys on the remote control 40. When the user issues a channel change command in this way, the next consecutive channel will be displayed on the highlighted window 202B in the row of channels at the top of the screen, and programming information for the newly selected channel will be displayed on the television receiver 27.

As with other modes, if a user wishes to tune to a highlighted program that is currently being broadcast, they can do so by simply pressing the ACCEPT key on the remote control 40, and if the user

You want to observe a program that is being broadcast at a later time, the user is again given the option to configure a REMINDER message.

In each of the BROWSE, BROWSE and MENU modes, a lower case icon "i" appears on a number of occasions in relation to certain program listings, such as movies, such as "i" 203 shown in Figure 20 At any time the icon appears, the user can see additional programming information, which generally includes a textual description of program contents and / or other information related to the program, such as the names of cast members and the like. , by pressing the "i" key 48 on the remote control 40. An example of a visualization of said additional information is shown in Figure 21.

The second horizontal bar 62 that appears on the screen in the MAIN MENU mode shown in Figure 6 is the "Home Theater" Listing. It corresponds to Events or paid services to see, specialized programming, and Exclusive Service programs. When the user selects this category, the television receiver displays information as shown in Figure 15. The first theater ticket icon 150 that appears in this Home Theater bar identifies a format in which events and services are displayed. Pay to see exclusives, as shown in Figure 22. As with other modes, the user can manipulate the cursor to highlight and select any particular show. Also, the user can obtain additional information about the Pay-Per-View event or service by pressing the "i" key 48 on the remote control 40. The Pay-Per-View menu screen shown in Figure 22 also includes a section of 220 video screen in which the user can show short promotional video clips of current and future events and services while the user is watching the Pay Per View programming information. The screen in Figure 22 is a bitmap of such that video clips from commercials can be displayed in the lower left quadrant of the screen. The video clips can be displayed randomly in the video screen section 120 or, alternatively, the clip shown may correspond to the particular selected entry in the event list, and would change automatically when the user navigates through the list.

When a user highlights an event or service Pay per View when manipulating the cursor for the desired event or service using the arrow keys on the remote control 40, he can request the event or service by pressing the OK button on the remote remotely, thereby linking programming, and order and promotional functions. If the user selects a particular Pay-Per-View event or service in this way, the television program programming system will then present the user with a Pay-Per-View order screen as shown in Figure 23. The screen includes a figure that represents the cost of the event or service. The screen also asks the user to select from a plurality of scheduled broadcast schedules 230A-230C, as well as if the user would like to see a REMINDER message before the start of the event or service Pay Per View. The user responds to these Questions when using the arrow keys on the remote control 40 to manipulate the cursor to the appropriate answer and then press the OK key. After the user has ordered a Pay-Per-View event or service, the program programming system will present the user with two order confirmation submenus, as shown in Figures 24 and 24A. In any of these submenus, the user can confirm or cancel the event or service Pay Per View.

If the user confirms the order, the microcontroller 16 stores the Pay Per View order information in a memory location. The order information can then be transmitted to the cable operator via microcontroller 16 via telephone line or on the cable line where the system has two-way communication or other interactive capability. Alternatively, a computer at the location of the cable operator may consult the memory where the microcontroller stores the Pay Per View order information. At the appropriate time, the cable operator supplies the Pay Per View event or service and is received by all the users who have requested the program.

The second icon 151 on the Pay Per View bar of Figure 15 identifies a specialized satellite, cable or satellite transmission programming service to which the user has access through the electronic programming guide. As in this mode, the electronic programming guide the application software acts to connect the user, although an appropriate data transmission link, to the programming service, at which point the user interacts with the service. Alternatively, the electronic programming guide provides navigation software, which includes menus and programming information, for the particular programming service. Such a service can be, for example, Your Choice of TV ("YCTV"), a service that offers replacements of highly valued cable programs and transmissions, in which case the icon can take an appropriate form to identify YCTV. The programming available on YCTV is then supplied to the user through the program guide system.

The last icon 152 that appears on the Pay Per View bar of Figure 15 identifies a display format that lists all the exclusive Services offered by the cable operator, as shown in Figure 26. As in this mode, the user You can select the impulse order of any one of the exclusive services by manipulating the cursor using the arrow keys on the remote control and pressing the OK key. Similar to the Pay Per View order, the system will present the user with a series of visualizations of

order and, if a service is ordered by the user, the user request will be confirmed using another submenu. If confirmed, microcontroller 16 will store the order information or transmit it directly to the cable operator. Once the order has been confirmed, the microcontroller can immediately allow the user access to the exclusive service ordered. In this way, the user can request exclusive events or services on demand.

If, during the BROWSE or NAVIGATE modes, a user watches a channel or programming information for a service not subscribed by the user, the microcontroller 16 causes an order submenu to appear instead of displaying a program signal along with the graphic overlay , as shown in Figure 9. This submenu tells the user that they are not currently subscribing to the selected service, and then asks the user if they would like to request the service. If the user answers yes, the program programming system takes the user to the order submenu discussed above. In this way, the user can request events or exclusive services by impulse.

The third horizontal bar 63 in the menu mode shown in Figure 6 is the "Messages" or "Customer Service" list. As shown in Figure 16, the first envelope icon 160 represents message information available from the cable operator. When the user selects the message icon, it is presented with a display screen of currently available messages, as shown in Figure 27. The screen shown in Figure 27 includes cable system messages 270 and billing information 271. If the user selects the cable system message option 270, it is presented with a message belonging to the local cable operator, such as that shown in Figure 28. If the user selects the billing status option 271 shown in the Figure 27, is presented with a real billing information screen, such as that shown in Figure 29. This information may include a history of purchases charged to the user, updated balance information, pending orders, and a credit indication available, which may be an authorized debit limit previously agreed with the cable operator or another operator. However, a user can only specify a certain pre-established expense limit. Once the amount of event charges pays to see reaches the limit, the microcontroller will not allow additional ordering of events. An alternative message menu is shown in Figure 28A.

The following icon 161 in the Customer service information bar 63 of Figure 16 identifies a "Spectator Preference" mode, which allows the user to create or revise a series of operating parameters of the program programming systems. television. Once selected, this screen presents the user with various preference options that relate to certain operating parameters of the television program programming system, as well as the view of certain channels and / or certain specific content programming, for example , the one shown in Figure 7.

The first option shown in Figure 7 is the "Parental" 70 option, which can also be expressed as a "Key to Unlock Access" option. Once this option is initially selected by the user, the system displays a submenu of "Password to Unblock Access" as shown in Figure 30.

The Key to Unlock Access menu shown in Figure 30 allows the user to control access to individual channels and programs or events by requiring the user to enter a "password" access code consisting of a specific four-digit code of user in the specific realization discussed here, before requesting or viewing these pre-selected channels, programs or events. The displayed menu shown in Figure 30 shows a series of target categories that are user-selectable axis and vertical entries. A particular target category is selected by using the up or down arrow keys on the remote control 40 to highlight the desired entry. Once the user selects a particular target category, the left and right arrow keys are used to navigate within the selected category.

The first target entry shown in Figure 30 is the category of "Parental Guide" 301. Once the user selects this category by manipulating the cursor to highlight the entry, the cursor can then be moved horizontally to an active Window 302 that displays and Select one of the five letters of classification elements in the category. The letter elements represent program content ratings as follows: "V" for violence, "N" for nudity, "L" for language, "AS" for adult situations and "FD" for parental discretion. Once the user selects a particular item, such as "L", by moving it to the active window 302 using the right arrow key, pressing the OK key will indicate to the microcontroller 16 that a Key to Unlock Access has been selected for qualified programs with an "L" rating for violent or explicit language. The system indicates the activation of a Password to Unlock Access by displaying a key icon directly below the "L" category display. Once a Password to Unlock Access is set, it can be deactivated by selecting the category letter and then pressing the ACCEPT key. This action causes the key icon to disappear. The user can change the rating category in the active window 302 by using the left or right arrow direction keys on the remote control 40, whose images are displayed on the screen adjacent to the active window as a reminder to the Username. In this way, the user can select other rating categories for

set a Password to Unlock Access for any of the program content identifiers that appears in the Parental Guide category.

The Key to Unlock Access code itself consists of a four-digit code, which the user can enter and modify at any time. To do this, the user highlights the fourth vertically selectable entry "Change Password Code to Unlock Access," 304 when manipulating the cursor to highlight it using the arrow keys on the remote control. Once highlighted, the user enters a new four-digit code or then checks the existing code and press the ACCEPT key. Microcontroller 16 then identifies the new Code code to Unlock Four-digit Access and stores it in memory. The user can delete the Key Code to Unblock Access, as well as all other previously activated keys, by moving to the last entry in Figure 30, "Erase the Key Code to Unlock Access and All Keys," 305 which The "OK" window is highlighted, and then the ACCEPT key is pressed. This action deletes and deactivates all the previously established keys, as well as the Password to Unlock Access code.

The programming information database record for each television program contains a field that corresponds to the program content identifiers in the Parental Guide category. During operation, the microcontroller reviews this field in response to a user command to tune or order a program, or to display its corresponding programming information before performing the tuning, ordering or viewing function. If the parental guidance identifier in the television program information database record matches any one of the activated parental guidance identifiers shown in Figure 30, the user will be prompted to enter the Password code for Unlock Four-digit access before the system takes any additional action. If the code entered matches the Key to Unlock Access code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will ask the user to tune the program, to order it, or to display its corresponding programming information. If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action will be taken and the user's request will be denied.

By manipulating the cursor using the arrow keys to highlight the second entry, "MPAA ratings," 308 the user can also set a Password to Unlock Access for programs based on their MPAA rating code, as also shown in the Figure 30

As with the Parental Guide category, once the MPAA rating category has been selected, the user can move horizontally within the category to the active window 306 to select one to five rating codes, that is, "G" for general audiences, "PG" for parental guidance, "PG-13" for suggested parental guidance, children under 13 are not admitted without the company of an adult, "R" for restricted and "X" for rating x. With the category of Parental Guide, when selecting a particular grade, when using the arrow direction keys to the left or right until the particular rating code appears in the active window, and then pressing the OK key, the user establishes a Key to Unlock Access for qualification, in which case a key icon appears below the qualification code. And, with the category of Parental Guide, once a Password to Unlock Access is established, the system will ask the user to enter the code to Unblock Four-digit Access at any time a request is made to tune in, sort or display information Programming for a particular program that has a qualification code that matches a qualification code by which the Key to Unlock Access has been activated.

The Key to Unlock Access mode also includes a target category 303 to control access to channels, which can be titled, for example, "Channel Lock" or "Channel Search." With the categories of Parental Guide 301 and MPAA 308, the user navigates to the category of Channel Lock 303 when manipulating the cursor using the arrow keys on the remote control and pressing the ACCEPT key. Once the Channel Lock category 303 has been entered, the user can move horizontally to an active window 307, which in Figure 30 indicates channel 2. Once the user highlights this window by manipulating the cursor using the arrow keys. Direction arrow on the remote control 40, a Key to Unlock Access can be set for the channel that appears in the active window. This is done, with the other target categories in the Key to Unlock Access mode, by pressing the ACCEPT key, which again causes a key icon that appears below the channel number in the active window. The user can move to the previous channel or to the next channel in the sequence by pressing the arrow key left or right on the remote control 40. In this way, the user can activate a Key to Unlock Access for any channel available

With the Parental Guide 301 and MPAA 308 categories, once a Password to Unblock Access for a particular Channel is established, the system will ask the user to enter the Password to Unlock Access code before performing an instruction to tune in or Sort this channel. If the Key Code for Unlocking Entry Access matches the previously stored access code, the user instruction is carried out. Otherwise, the user's instruction is ignored. However, the user can control the

Access to the content of audio and video programs of any available channel. In this case, the microcontroller 16 will not allow audio or video program signals to appear in the VDG, but will allow programming information to appear for the channel.

An alternative method of blocking programs is carried out using a "Blocking" screen, as shown in Figure 39. In addition to limiting access to programs based on the Parental Guide, MPAA access and Channel criteria, as discussed above, can be limited based on the program title. Figure 39 shows an Alternative Lock screen 250 that can be used to allow or limit access to programs based on the program title, in addition to the criteria mentioned above. Other parameters may also be included, such as time of day, day of the week, credit limit, and content category (for example, discussion programs).

To enter the Lock screen 250 shown in Figure 39, the user can enter a multi-digit security code using the numeric digit keys 42 and the entry key 44 on the remote control 40. The security code is initially set when the system is first used or installed. To set a security code in the first case, the user accesses a Configuration 260 screen, such as that shown in Figure 40. The first schedule of the electronic programming guide that is installed will automatically appear on the Configuration 260 screen. and initialize. To access during the normal operation of the electronic programming guide, an appropriate path can be provided to the Configuration screen 260, such as from an appropriate icon in the MAIN MENU 215.

In the Configuration screen 260 of Figure 40, the user can navigate in the category of Security Code 265 and set a new security code using the appropriate navigation and selection keys on the remote control 40. A menu suitable for Enter the security code shown in Figure 40A. Once enabled, the security code can be used to set or modify the locks, to observe a previously locked program, or to delete or change the security code. The location of the stored security code memory must also be remotely accessible, such as through the local cable company, in case the user forgets the security code and can be deleted.

Once the lock code is entered and the Lock screen 250 of Figure 39 is displayed, navigation within the screen is controlled by the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40. Using the up arrow keys and down 43A to move the selection cursor, you can select the Movie Rating category 251, Parental Guide 252, channel 253, program blocked 254 or Lock code 255. The left and right arrow keys 43B are then used to Browse within the selected category.

Deleting a previously established security code can be done by moving the selection cursor to the "Delete" 256 entry in the category of Security Code 255 and pressing the entry key 44 on the remote control 40. This causes the microcontroller delete the security code stored in the memory, as well as all the locks previously set by the user. To change the current security code, the user navigates to the "Change" entry 257 in the category of Security Code 255 and presses the entry key 44 on the remote control 40. The user is then asked to enter a new security code, which is subsequently stored in memory by the microcontroller.

To set a lock in the category of either Movie Rating 251 or Parental Guide 252, the user navigates at the entry selected in Figure 39 when manipulating the selection cursor using the arrow keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40, and then press the lock key on the remote control, such as security key 45A shown in Figure 4. The microcontroller would appropriately modify the screen to indicate that a lock has been established, for example, by changing the color of the text or background in the selected input window, or when displaying an appropriate icon next to the text in the selected input window. In Figure 39, a lock icon 258 appears in the "PG" input window in the Movie Rating category 251. Repeatedly pressing the lock key while positioning the selection cursor on a selected entry will enable or disable the Selected input of the blocking function for that input.

Similarly, to set a lock for a particular channel, the user selects the channel using the selection cursor and then presses the lock key. In Figure 39, the channel input "4 KCNC" in the category of Channel 253 has been blocked, which is indicated by the security and reverse video icon that appears in the window.

You can also set Program blocks by title, which can be done in various ways. For example, when the BROWSE or NAVIGATE mode described above in the electronic programming guide is enabled, therefore causing the title of a program to be displayed along with other information about programming television programs in a window superimposed on the current signal program which is then received, the user can limit access to the program corresponding to the program information on the screen by pressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40. The user can also limit access to the program currently tuned to the press the lock key 45A on the remote control 40 while watching the

program, regardless of whether the BROWSE or NAVIGATE modes are enabled. In this case, the microcontroller first removes the program signal from the screen and then accesses the programming information database register for the program that then appears and establishes an appropriate label to indicate that the program has been locked. Also, when viewing information about programming of television programs on the network or Category listings, as discussed and shown above, for example, in Figures 18-20, the user can also tag a program to block by highlighting it with the selection cursor and then press the lock key 45A on the remote control 40.

In each of these cases, the microcontroller then stores the program title in a block title list stored in memory along with any other titles that have been previously blocked by the user. The individual items in the list of blocked titles are displayed in alphabetical order in the "Blocked Programs" window 259 shown in Figure 39, and the user can scroll through the list by positioning the selection cursor in the Program window locked 259 using the up and down arrow keys 43A on the remote control in Figure 40 and then using the left and right arrow keys 43B to scroll through the list one item at a time. In order to save memory space, alternatively, the microcontroller can be programmed to establish a label or otherwise mark the particular database record containing the information on programming television programs for the program that has been locked, and to then access the database to retrieve the title information when viewed, such as when the viewer reviews the block title list in the Blocked Program window 259.

Once the individual title has been locked, the microcontroller can optionally be programmed to display an appropriate lock icon, such as a padlock, provided that information about programming television programs for the blocked program is displayed, as in the overlay window of the BROWSE or NAVIGATE mode, or in the various grill displays and categories available in the MAIN MENU displays. The system can also display an appropriate text message if someone tries to access the program signal of a previously blocked program. Of course, once the program has been locked, in all cases the microcontroller prevents access to the current program signal (which includes the audio and video parts of the program signal) until an appropriate code is entered or Remove the lock.

Various methods can be used to block programs broadcast at any time. For example, in the case of Movie Rating, Parental Guide and Channel categories, the database record of programming information for each program is provided with a field that corresponds to the rating, program content identifier or appearance of the program. channel, respectively, in the Rating category of Movie 251, Parental Guide 256 and Channel 253 of the Locked screen 250 shown in Figure 39.

During operation, the microcontroller checks the appropriate field in the database register in response to a user command to tune or order a program before performing the tuning or sorting function. Additionally, the security code can also be used to restrict access to information about television program programming. In this case, the microcontroller would also review the appropriate field in the programming information database record before displaying programming information for a program.

If the Movie Rating, Parental guide or channel identifier in the television program information database record matches any one of the blocking entries indicated on the Lock screen 250, a screen of Lock Verification 300 in superimposed relationship with the video signal after being displayed on the television receiver, as shown in Figure 41. The user will be asked to enter the previously established lock code before the system takes any action. additional. As an additional security measure, asterisks will be displayed when the user enters the security code. If the code entered matches the security code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will ask the user to tune in or order a program, or display its corresponding programming information. If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action will be taken and the user's request will be denied. In this case, the Lock Verification screen 300 will remain displayed on the television receiver waiting for a correct code to be entered. If the user does not take any action, the Lock Verification screen 300 will be removed after a predetermined period of time, such as one or two minutes.

Similarly, in the case of blocking by title, the microcontroller can also review the title field in the programming information database record and compare it with the list of program titles for which the user previously established the blocking. If, as described above, the microcontroller does not maintain a list of the current titles of programs blocked by title, an appropriate identifier can be established in a field in the database record to indicate that a program has been blocked by title when the user first sets the lock, and, after this, the microcontroller can check this field

in response to a user request to tune in or order a program, or display programming information.

An alternative method to effect blocking involves the use of a portion of the real-time program signals that is received by the television receiver. With this method, the codes that correspond to a program rating, Parental guidance category, title or channel are inserted in and transmitted together with the program signal, such as in the vertical or horizontal erase intervals, or in lines of raster scan that are not visible on the television receiver. When the program signal is received, these codes are extracted from the program signal and stored in memory. Methods and apparatus for the transmission and reception of insertion of digital codes carried in a program signal are known in the art.

After the transmitted codes have been separated from the program signal and stored in memory, the microcontroller can compare them with the blocking criteria group by the user on the Lock screen and take the appropriate action, as described above.

The Configuration 260 screen shown in Figure 40 also contains a category of purchase code 270, which allows the user to configure a numerical purchase code that can be entered before any exclusive channels or pay-per-view programs can be ordered. The configuration screen 260 shown in Figure 40 includes entries to configure a new purchase code and to delete or change a previously established password. Appropriate menus for setting, confirming, deleting or changing the purchase code are shown in Figures 40B to 40E. Once a user establishes a purchase code, the microcontroller will then display a Purchase Code Verification in response to a user request to tune in or order an exclusive service channel or pay-per-view program. The Purchase Code verification displays jobs in a manner similar to the Lock Verification screen 300 in which the user is asked to enter the previously established purchase code password before the microcontroller tunes or orders the requested program. If the correct purchase code is not entered, the microcontroller will not take additional action and the Purchase Code Verification screen will remain displayed waiting for the correct code entry. If no action is taken within a predetermined period, the Purchase Code Verification screen will be removed.

The next option shown in Figure 7 is the Channel Preference or "Favorite Channel" 71 list option. By highlighting this icon and pressing the entry key on the remote control 40, the user is presented with a submenu on the screen such as the one shown in Figure 8.

In normal operation, the program guide system presents channels to the user in numerical order in response to a channel change command up or down issued by the user using one of the arrow keys on the remote control. The channel number presentation sequence includes all channels offered by the cable company in the order in which they are modulated on the channel by the operator.

The program guide system also provides the ability to select from various display sequences of the user-defined channel, which are activated using one of the three "check mark" icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C on the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4. Each of these keys represents a particular list of channels that a particular user selects and that the microcontroller stores in memory as a "Channel Preference" list, as discussed in detail below. To activate one of these preferred channel lists, the user presses the corresponding check mark icon key, in which case the microcontroller can select the icon of choice on the screen in the graphic overlays and the full screen is displayed to remind him to the user that a particular channel preference list is used by the system. Once a preference list is activated, the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and the programming information screen only for those Channels that are designated in the preference list of the activated viewer.

To review the content and / or sequential order of the channels in the Channel Preferences list, the user enters the menu mode of the programming guide system. To enter the menu mode of the BROWSE mode, the user presses the MODE 38 key twice when using the remote control 31 of Figure 3. To enter the menu mode when using the alternative embodiment of the remote control 40 of Figure 4, the user simply presses the menu icon key 47B.

When it first enters, the menu mode has a display screen as shown in Figure 6. To select the submenu to edit the Channel Preference list, the user first selects the third horizontal bar 63, which can be titled, by For example, "Messages" or "Customer Service," when manipulating the cursor using the down arrow key, as shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the screen in Figure 6A is displayed. The user then selects the second icon 161 that appears on that bar, which indicates with a check mark, which corresponds to a "Spectator Preference" mode, by highlighting the icon using the arrow keys and again pressing the Enter key This action will cause the microcontroller 16

display a Spectator Preference submenu such as that shown in Figure 7. By selecting the Channel Preference entry or "Favorite channel" 71, the user enters the Channel Preference submenu, shown in Figure 8. If the user You no longer do this, then you would press the particular check mark icon key on the remote control 40 in Figure 4 to create or review the particular channel preference list.

In the Channel Preference menu shown in Figure 8, a list 80 of all available channels in the particular cable system is displayed on the left side of the television receiver screen, marked "Elections" in Figure 8, and the preferred list of the viewer 81, designated "selected" in Figure 8, is displayed on the right side. If a particular code, such as END or the "-1" symbol appears in the first (highest) position 82 of the viewer's preference list 81, the system displays information for all channels in numerical order in all modes of operation. This is the System default mode.

By selecting the channels in the sequence of the available list 80 and placing them in the desired order in the preference list 81, the user can select a subset of channels and / or redispose the predetermined sequence in response to a channel command above or channel down the user. This is done by highlighting the channel in the available list 80 using the up and down arrow keys on the remote control 40 and pressing the entry key 44, which temporarily stores the entry in a buffer.

The microcontroller 16 stores a list of all previously entered channels in the viewer preference list 81. When a particular channel is underlined by the user when browsing through the available channel list 80 displayed on the left hand side of the screen television, a window 84 appears adjacent to the particular channel highlighted by the user. If the particular channel already appears in the viewer preference list 81, the system displays a "DELETE" Message in window 84 as a reminder that the channel was previously selected from the list of available channels 80 and can only be removed from list 81, which is carried out when the input key 44 is pressed. If the particular highlighted channel in list 80 was not previously selected, the system displays a "SELECT" message in window 84 as a reminder that it will be selected a particular channel for addition to the viewer preference list 81 if the user presses the input key 44. The microcontroller 16 inserts a selected channel at the bottom of the list 81. In this way, the user can select or delete channels from the viewer's preference list in any desired order.

You can also provide the available channel list 80 with category 83 entries, such as movies, news, sports or shows for children. The user can also highlight any of these entries and place them in the viewer preference list 81. If the user does not include a category in his viewer preference list 81, when the user issues channel commands up or down, the system will display , in sequence, first the preferred channels selected by the user in numerical order and then all the channels have a program whose content corresponds to the selected category or categories at the moment.

Once the user has reviewed the channel preference list 81 in the manner described, microcontroller 16 will follow the channel sequence specified by the user stored in response to a channel change command made by the user using one of the keys Direction arrow. To activate the viewer preference list, the user presses one of the three check mark icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C on the top of the remote control shown in Figure 4. The viewer preference list can be use to selectively limit the tuning of the television receiver or display the programming information in any of the operating modes of the electronic programming guide. In the present embodiment, once the preference list is activated, the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and the programming information screen in the BROWSE, and NAVIGATE modes, as well as in the network category and Channel list in menu mode, only for those channels designated in the viewer preference list activated. The tuner cannot tune in, and does not correspond to programming information that can be displayed for any channel not entered in the viewer's preference list when activated. In this regard, it should be noted that configuring a Password to Unblock Access in the categories of Parental Guide 301, MPAA 308 or Channel Lock 303 produces a different result than when other display criteria are used, such as the preference list of channels of the preferred channels discussed above. However, although a Key to Unlock Access will prevent the information of audio and video programs, but not programming information, from which the missing entry of an authorization code is displayed or ordered, if a particular channel is included in the list channel preference and also has a Password to Unlock Access activated in the Channel Lock category 303 of the Key to Unlock Access mode, that the channel or its corresponding programming information will not be displayed at any time.

To deactivate a pre-selected list of viewer preference, the user alternates the appropriate check mark icon key on the remote control 40 of Figure 4. Once deactivated, the default system displays and tunes all available channels, as well as display programming information for all available channels.

Alternatively, the viewer preference list 81, if activated, can be used to control the tuning and display the programming information only in selected modes, such as only in the BROWSE mode, thus allowing the user to tune in and view the information corresponding programming only for those channels entered in preference list 81 in the BROWSE mode, while viewing all channels and corresponding programming information in all other modes.

In this last configuration, as well as in the case where the channel preference list is not activated and the system is in default mode, if a channel appears in the viewer preference list 81 corresponding to a service not subscribed by the user, the microcontroller 16 causes an order submenu to appear instead of displaying a program signal along with the graphic overlay, as shown in Figure 9. This submenu indicates to the user that he does not currently subscribe to the selected service , and then asks the user if he would like to order the service. If the user answers affirmatively, the program programming system takes the user another order submenu to confirm the user request, with impulse request,

The program guide can also be configured with a Locator 201 screen, as shown in Figure 37, which assists the viewer in selecting and defining a channel from a list of favorite channels. The Locator 201 screen displays all available channel numbers grouped according to the source of program information that appears on any particular channel at any particular time, for example, transmission, cable transmission, pay per view, video on demand, satellite, or other source of program material. However, the Locator 101 screen can be used to locate any particular channel or service because the clusters provide a fast and efficient method of scrolling through the list of available channels. Channel numbers can also be grouped according to other criteria, such as program category, program content, program evaluation or other standard based on content, availability time, numerical order, or other logical grouping.

In the example shown in Figure 37, the user navigates within the Locator 201 screen using the arrow keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40. The right and left arrow keys 43B move the selection cursor within the category arrows, while the up and down arrow keys 43A are used to select a particular category. From the Locator 201 screen, any particular channel can be selected to view by positioning the selection cursor on the desired channel and press the input key 44 or an optional tuning key (not shown) on the remote control 40.

In addition to assisting in the selection of the channel, the Locator 201 screen also gives the user the ability to conveniently define the favorite channel lists. To do this, the user first moves the selection cursor to the desired channel by using the arrow keys 43A and 43B or the numeric digit keys 42 on the remote control 40, and then presses a favorite channel key 46A provided on the remote control 40, which causes the screen to change in some way or feature as an indication that the channel has been selected as a favorite channel, such as when changing the color of the channel identification text or the text background, when displaying an appropriate icon or by some other appropriate identification scheme. In the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, the "#" numeral key can function as a favorite channel key.

Also, if multiple favorite channel lists are used, the user would press the appropriate favorite channel key on the remote control to select a particular list before pressing the favorite channel key. For example, as discussed above, the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, has three favorite checkmark channel keys color coded 48A, 48B and 48C, which provides at least three lists of individual favorite channels for Three individual users. Different identification features can be displayed on the Locator 201 screen to indicate that a particular favorite channel list is selected. For example, the icon or image used to allow a favorite channel list on the remote control, such as the check mark key 48A used on the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, can be displayed on the screen. Locator 201, as well as other screens of the program guide, when a list of favorite channels is allowed. Alternatively, the color of the screen text or background can be changed to match the color of the selected favorite channel key.

The Locator 201 screen can be accessed through various routes. For example, it can be included as a virtual channel that is conveniently positioned in the channel tuning sequence, such as between the numbers of major and minor available channels, for example, a virtual channel 0. For the user, said virtual channel seems Be a conventional channel. However, it does not require additional bandwidth as a carrier. For example, it can be produced digitally at the subscriber station or is included in an appropriate pulse interval at existing bandwidth frequencies. In this way, the virtual channel is accessible by entering the corresponding channel number using the numeric digit keys 42 on the remote control, or by using the up and down arrow keys 43A to scroll from the highest channel number to the lower, or vice versa. As shown in Figure 38, it may also be desirable to provide a suitable identifier, such as an icon or text message 210, in the MAIN MENU screen 215, from which the user can access

the Locator 201 screen simply by highlighting the identifier 210 with the selection cursor and setting the input key 44 on the remote control 40. Alternatively, the remote control can be provided with a key corresponding to the Locator screen 201 which would cause the microcontroller to display the Locator 201 screen when the user presses it.

In addition to the Favorite Channel or Channel Preference keys, the remote control 40 can also be supplied with a number of icon preference keys of the user-activated category, for example, movie, sports, or children's programming. The system can be adapted to present to the user only those programs that meet the particular preference category when activated by the user. With the Channel Preference icons, the microcontroller can display the icon corresponding to the activated preference category to remind the user of the currently activated mode of system operation.

The question mark icon 162 on the right side of the third horizontal bar in the menu of Figure 16 identifies a "Help" program guide system mode in which the information explains the operation of the system is displayed to the user. . Again, by manipulating the cursor using the appropriate keys on the remote control, the user can select this mode. Once selected, the following submenu that appears in the Help mode asks the user to identify the particular portion of the system that the user would like to see Help information about.

The icons that appear in the last horizontal bar of the menu mode identify certain interactive and / or other information services that the programming system, acting as a gateway, makes available to the user as shown in Figure 17. At manipulating the cursor, the user can select any one of the identified services, as shown in Figures 31-35.

For example, if the user initially selects the "X * PRESS" icon that appears on the last horizontal bar, it is presented with a submenu such as the one shown in Figure 31. Using the enter and arrow direction keys on the remote control distance, the user selects one of the three inputs that appear on the screen of Figure 31. Once the particular entry is selected, the electronic programming guide connects the user to the selected service and passes the control to the particular service application software , as shown in Figures 32-35.

Alternatively, the remote control 40 can be supplied with a plurality of specific content keys that correspond to a plurality of specific categories of programming content, for example, a Sports key, News key, Movie key, etc. When the user presses a specific content key, a specific content mode is started. In Figure 4, the remote control is equipped with a Sports button 49. If the user presses the Sports button 49, the microcontroller will limit the screen of programs and / or information about programming of television programs for those related to sports . The microcontroller will block all other programming or programming information that appears on the television receiver. The microcontroller can be adapted to distinguish programs and programming information that relate to sports by examining an appropriate code associated with the program or programming information.

As discussed above, coding can be carried out using any series of methods, such as by including an appropriate code in the vertical pulse interval of the program signal, or in an appropriate memory location in the base register of information on the programming of television programs, or if the programming information is received on a broadband network, by including it in an appropriate pulse interval. The user activates a specific content mode by pressing the appropriate content specific key in any operating mode of the electronic programming guide, which includes the BROWSE, NAVIGATE or MAIN MENU modes described above, as well as when no information is displayed. programming and only one program signal is visible on the television receiver. Once a specific mode of content is requested by the user, the microcontroller immediately and directly allows the specific programming criteria of contents, and maintains them for all modes of operation of the guide until it is disabled, which can be carried out , for example, by switching the sports key 49.

Instead of a dedicated dedicated content key, such as the Sports 49 key, the system can be configured with a single generic specific content key, which, when activated, would cause the microcontroller to display a specific content menu containing a list of all specific categories of content available to the user. The user can then underline a particular category by manipulating the selection cursor using the arrow keys on the remote control and selects it by pressing the OK or OK key 44. As an alternative to use a specific key contained in the remote control, which accesses the specific menu of contents can be carried out by means of which it provides an appropriate identifier in another menu screen of the electronic guide, such as in the LOCATOR, CONFIGURATION or MAIN MENU screens.

In addition to blocking all specific content programming not selected when a specific category of particular content has been selected, the microcontroller can be programmed to allow all programming or value-added services that are especially related to the specific category of content selected. For example, if the user activates a specific mode of Sports content, the microcontroller, in addition to allowing only sports programming or programming information related to sports programming to be displayed, will proactively search and allow all value-added services related to sports, such as video games or related curiosities, updated scores while a game is in progress, team calendars, repetitions of previous games of selected teams or players, purchase of tickets or souvenirs, etc. However, the information available on the programming or service can be integrated into the electronic programming guide environment. Unlike simply passing control to another service as described above, in this way the electronic programming guide would function as an integrator or system interface to combine the value-added information available in a package within the electronic guide environment, essentially creating a series of modular electronic program applications that correspond to a variety of specific categories of content available.

The Settings screen shown in Figure 40 also includes a Text Location category 275, which contains the text entries "Bottom of Screen" and "Top of Screen." When navigating in the Text Location category 275 using the up and down arrow keys 43A on the remote control 40, and for the "Top" or "Bottom" entries in which the category uses the left and right arrow keys 43B on the remote control, and then pressing the enter or select key 44, the user can control the position of the superimposed window used to display information in various modes of operation of the electronic programming guide. The Configuration screen in Figure 40 provides the user with two position choices: the top or bottom of the screen. Depending on the modes of operation of the program guide, you can provide the user with more positional choices in the area seen from the television receiver, or provide the user with the ability to select a different position for different modes of operation of displayed information .

One of the novel features of the described invention is the text wrapping system. The preferred embodiment of the text wrapping system includes an interactive ordering program used to edit the data of listings of data programs before they are transmitted to the user and stored in memory. The interactive system operates as follows: the information of the unedited (or partially edited) program listings is located in a data processor. The data includes program titles, television program schedule, duration, category, as well as additional descriptive information depending on the type of program. For example, for movies, the data includes the MPAA rating, year of the movie, if it is in black and white, and a list of actors and actresses.

The data processor extracts only program title data that includes TV show titles as well as movie titles, sporting events and titles for other special events. Based on the duration of the program, the data processor first analyzes the listing data to determine what grid size the lists for each title need. However, a two-hour movie may require four different edited titles to adjust them in every four grid cells of different sizes (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes). The data processor then determines how much space is required to display the title based on its character length. If the title is displayed on the program programming network using a provide font and character for character setting, the data processor can also count these factors to determine the space required to display a title. The determination would be based on the number of pixels required for the particular combination of characters in the title. The amount of space available for displaying a title depends on the size of the grid cell and the space required for the display of the icons, when activated.

If the data processor determines that the entire title also requires a lot of space to adjust one or more grid cells, the title is then presented to the editor using a suitable display device connected to the data processor, such as a CRT. The editor then queries to modify the title in such a way that it will fit the allocated space. If the title can be edited for more than one cell size, the editor is consulted to edit each of these separately. In the preferred embodiment of the interactive program, the editor is shown in real time if the edited title will be adjusted in the designated grid cell.

In the preferred embodiment, two lines of text are displayed in each grid cell of the program listings. The title, when edited, appears on the first line, and if necessary, continues on the second line. The decision to move to the second line is based on whether there are natural breaks in the title such as spaces between words, commas, periods, hyphens, etc., These are standard techniques used in text processing software routines. The editor may also be asked to edit a title in the situation where the full title fits on the two assigned lines, but a script is required because there are no natural cuts in the title.

Before asking the editor to shorten a title, the data processor compares the title with a stored library of shortened titles to determine if the title has been previously shortened while editing other listing databases. Each of the schedule changes is made by the editor to a title, the shortened title is added to the library. It is clear that this process of building a library of shortened titles greatly reduces the required manual entry.

A flow chart is shown that illustrates the process by which the text wrapping system operates in Figure 42. The chart illustrates the operation of editing a listing for viewing on a program network for a single platform, but the operation is Same for all platforms.

Text editing may be necessary in other situations in addition to when multiple sizes of grid cells are used to display the same title. For example, the described program guide can run on several different platforms, each one has different limitations and availability of the grid cell space, some cannot display the text in proportional sources and some may have other limitations that reduce the available space . However, in the preferred embodiment the interactive program would request editions for all platforms for which they require at the same time. Additionally, text editing may be required to view modes other than a network of program listings. For example, in the "Listed by Channel" display of Figure 20, programs are listed on a fixed, full length line, but the length of the line may vary from platform to platform, such that the system Text wrapping can be used for the purpose of editing listings for different platforms also in this viewing mode. The available space of the text screen will also depend on how much space is reserved for the display of the icon. I would apply the same process as the one shown in Figure 42, except that I would not need to determine what grill sizes are needed because a fixed length line is used for display as opposed to multi-size grill cells.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described text wrapping system has applications beyond just editing titles. The system can be easily modified to provide message editing, "i" screen arguments, pay-per-view promotional copy, and similar text messages as these will be adjusted in the designated space available for text display. In fact, the system can be used to edit any text for display in the program programming system described.

The computer program for the microcontroller 16 may also include a schedule for the display of several background views after which the information on television program programming is partially overlaid or on a full screen display. Background views can be stored as bitmaps in memory or other storage media, such as an optical storage device. For example, the Microcontroller can be programmed to issue a command to the VDG every morning at 6:00 AM to visualize a sunrise in the background. The background can then be changed according to the above throughout the day, for example, to a blue sky or a night view. This may also vary, for example, by time of day, day of the week, month, year or season. The background can also change depending on the particular programming category that the user is watching or to which the selected programming information belongs. The ambient background can also be adapted to display scenes that reflect the particular view area in which the user is located, such as the Rocky Mountains, or Mt. Rainier, etc. It may also be possible to view standard scenes, such as an ocean or forest scene. Moreover, the audio background can also be adjusted to relate to the particular ambient background that is then displayed. Additionally, different background views can be used for holidays and special events, such as Christmas, Fourth of July, Superbowl Sunday, etc. The purpose of background views is to help eliminate monotony to see program listings. The microcontroller 16 can be automatically adapted to coordinate the ambient background screen. The user may also be given the ability to select from various background screens by adapting the microcontroller to display an appropriate option menu that lists the background options available to the user and allows the user to select one or more at manipulate the selection cursor. Access to said environment option menu can be achieved by providing an appropriate identifier, textual or visual, in an appropriate system menu, such as the LOCATOR or CONFIGURATION screen.

Additionally, electronic programming guide can be configured to store a unique digital identifier for each program along with its programming information and finally use the identifier, for example, when transmitting it, to indicate a storage or recording device, such as a recorder video, which the user wants to record the program. The program guide can also use the identifier to automatically control the operation of the video recorder. The electronic programming guide can also be configured to use other stored programming information for this purpose.

The form and content of a particular computer program to implement the invention described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art of programming video systems and graphic display. A flow chart showing the logical operation of the system is shown in Figure 36. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that can depart from the specific embodiment of the Invention described herein without departing from the true scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

one.

A method for displaying an advertisement in an interactive television program guide for a user on a screen in which program listings are displayed, comprising:

display a plurality of program listings using the interactive television program guide; and simultaneously display with the plurality of program listings a video advertising clip using the interactive television program guide, where the video advertising clip is displayed in a video screen section, and where the video advertising clip is randomly displayed in the video screen section.

2.

The method of claim 1 wherein the video screen section is smaller than the screen.

3.

The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receive a user selection from a particular program list of the plurality of program listings; and display for the user, in response to receiving the user selection, additional information associated with the particular program list; and / or additionally comprising displaying a logo for a service provider.

Four.

The method of claim 1 further comprising:

display an icon that indicates that an interactive screen is available for at least one program listing; provide the user with an opportunity to select at least one list of programs; Y In response to receiving a selection of at least one program list, display the interactive screen associated with at least one program list.

5.

The method of claim 1 wherein the program listings are displayed in a first part of the screen, and wherein the simultaneously displayed video advertising clip is displayed in a second part of the screen, the second part has smaller dimensions than those of the first part of the screen.

6.

A system for using an interactive television program guide to display the advertisement to a user on a screen in which the program listings are displayed, comprising:

means for displaying a plurality of program listings using the interactive television program guide; Y means for simultaneously displaying a video advertising clip with the plurality of program listings using the interactive television program guide, where the video advertising clip is displayed on a video screen section, and where the video advertising clip Shown randomly in the video screen section.

7.

The method of claim 1 or the system of claim 6 wherein the video ad clip is for a pay-per-view program.

8.

The system of claim 6 wherein the video screen section is smaller than the screen.

9.

The system of claim 6 further comprising:

means for displaying an icon indicating that an interactive screen is available for at least one list of programs; means to provide the user with an opportunity to select at least one list of programs; Y in response to receiving a selection of at least one list of programs, means for displaying the interactive screen associated with at least one list of programs.

10.

The system of claim 6 wherein the program listings are displayed in a first part of the screen, and wherein the advertisement clip displayed simultaneously is displayed in a second part of the screen, the second part has smaller dimensions than those of the first part of the screen.

eleven.

The system of claim 6 further comprising:

means for receiving, while viewing video for a given television channel, a user indication to observe the information of program listings for channels other than the given television channel; and means for displaying the information of the program listings in response to receiving the user's indication. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receive, while viewing video for a given television channel, a user indication to observe the information of the program listings for channels other than the given television channel; and display the information of the program listings in response to receiving the user's indication.