MX2008009961A - Interactive mosaic channel video stream with nested menu features - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses an interactive matrixed video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. An interactive matrixed video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, and a control bar;wherein a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprising information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds.

Description

INTERACTIVE MOSAIC CHANNEL VIDEO CURRENT WITH NUMERIC MENU FEATURES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to satellite video systems, and particularly, to a method, an apparatus, and a manufacturing article for interactive mosaic channel video streams with nested menu features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Satellite broadcasting of communication signals has become common. The satellite distribution of signals. Commercials for use in television programming currently uses multiple power horns in a single External Unit (ODU) that supply signals to up to eight IRDs in separate cables of a multiswitch. FIGURE 1 illustrates a typical satellite television installation of the related art. The system 100 uses signals sent from satellite A 102 (SatA), satellite B 104 (SatB), and satellite C 106 (SatC) which are broadcast directly to an External Unit 108 (ODU) which is typically connected to the outside of a home 110. The ODU 108 receives these signals and sends the received signals to the IRD 112, which decodes the signals and separates the signals into display channels, which are then passed to the monitor 114 to be observed by a user. There may be more than one satellite transmitting from each orbital location and additional orbital locations without departing from the scope of the present invention. The uplink satellite signals 116 are transmitted by one or more uplink facilities 118 to the satellites 102-106 which are typically in the geosynchronous orbit. The satellites 102-106 amplify and redifuse the uplink signals 116, via transponders located on the satellite, as downlink signals 120. Depending on the antenna design of the satellites 102-106, the downlink signals 120 are directed towards the geographic areas for reception by the ODU 108. Alternatively, the uplink facilities 118 can send signals via the cable 122 in conjunction with the uplink signals 116 or in place of uplink signals 116 to IRD 112, for display on monitor 114. Each satellite 102-106 broadcasts downlink signals 120 at typically thirty-two (32) different frequencies, which are authorized for several users for broadcast programming, which can be audio, video, or data signals, or any combination. These signals are typically established in the frequency band Ku, that is, 11-18 GHz, or in the frequency band Ka, that is, 18-40 GHz, but typically 20-30 GHz. As the satellites 102-106 diffuse Additional services and additional channels to viewers, viewers will want and expect to see programming on the monitor 114 that relates to their specific needs and wishes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To minimize limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding of the present specification, the present invention describes an interactive mosaic channel video with nested menu features. The present invention combines several "display channels" and a separate channel, and provides a nested interactive feature that allows additional information to be presented with the user's interaction with the channel or system. The array can be changed from a given number of array cells to a larger or smaller number of array cells during transmission. In addition, the mosaic channel may include a propagator on the screen to provide other information that may or may not relate to one or more of the matrix cells, as well as possibly relate to the poster channel. There may also be a portion of subtitles in the selected portion of the screen, either the poster channel or a selected cell in the matrix. The present invention comprises an interactive matrix video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time. An interactive matrix video channel according to the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, and a control bar; wherein a command displayed in the control bar selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds. The present invention also optionally includes a cursor, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor, a poster cell that presents additional audio and video information can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, the genre is a specific event, which is selected from a group comprising Olympic Games , an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League. A system according to the present invention provides at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprising at least one uplink facility , at least one satellite, which receives at least one uplink signal at least from the uplink installation, at least one receiver, which receives at least one downlink signal from at least one satellite, at least one downlink signal related to at least one uplink signal, at least one receiver coupled to the video monitor, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells presenting at least the information of video, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, displayed on the vid monitor eo, and a control bar, displayed on the video monitor, where a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds. Such a system also optionally includes a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor, a poster cell presenting the additional audio and video information can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells is grouped by gender, the genre is a specific event, which is selected from the group comprising Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League. Another system according to the present invention displays at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given moment, and comprises a transmitter, the transmitter transmits the interactive matrix channel, and a receiver coupled with the video monitor and receiving the interactive matrix channel transmitted from the transmitter, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells presenting at least the video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, displayed on the video monitor, and a control bar, displayed on the video monitor, where a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the associated video cells with one of the plurality of individual video feeds. Such a system also optionally includes a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor, a cell of poster presenting additional audio and video information can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, the genre is a specific event, which is selected from a group comprising Olympic Games, a basketball tournament of the NCAA, and a game program of the National Football League. Other features and advantages are inherent in the system described or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES With reference now to the Figures in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts through them: FIGURE 1 illustrates a typical satellite television installation of the related art; FIGURE 2A illustrates a typical six cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention; FIGURE 2B illustrates a remote control used in the present invention; FIGURE 3 illustrates another six cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention; FIGURE 4 illustrates a monitor display of a typical six-cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention; FIGURE 5 illustrates a typical monitor display after the selection of a specific video cell according to the present invention; and FIGURE 6, FIGURE 7, and FIGURE 8 illustrate typical displays on the monitor after the selection of an icon on the screen according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, reference is made to the appended figures that form a part thereof, and which show, by way of illustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Description The present invention is an interactive television channel that allows a viewer to view a video stream and select an audio and / or video specific to the video stream based on the individual wishes of a viewer. The video stream is typically distributed to the monitor 114 of a user by the system 100, but could be done using cable or other terrestrial techniques. When a viewer watches a specific program on a monitor 114, he is looking at a "viewing channel" comprising video and audio information that is routed on a specific "channel" to monitor 114. For example, when a viewer wants to watch the FOX affiliate local station, knows that the station is associated with a specific channel number on its monitor 114 or IRD 112, for example, channel 11. When it programs or otherwise instructs the monitor 114 or IRD 112 to tune the channel 11, the monitor 114 or IRD 112 manipulates the electronics to capture and display the video information associated with that command from the downlink 120 of the satellite, or from another source such as a cable input 122 coaxial (cable TV) or frequencies of terrestrial broadcast to present that information in monitor 114. The information of the "visualization channel" is typically the information that is presented when a viewer selects a "channel" d In the monitor 114 or IRD 112. The present invention provides additional display channels comprising multiple video feeds that can be normally presented to a viewer in separate display channels, as well as presenting the unique video information that is associated with a or more of the video streams that provide the additional information to the viewer.

The present invention also allows a viewer to select several portions of video and audio presentation based on commands sent by the viewer, typically by remote control, to select the desired video and audio that is presented. This presentation is typically referred to as "interactive channel," an "interactive matrix channel," or an "interactive tile channel" therein. Within the interactive mosaic channel, the viewer is provided with various options of other viewing channels to view, either simultaneously as in a matrix display, or the viewer can choose one of the matrix display channels directly from the interactive tile channel . There may be more than one interactive channel as described above, and, as such, each of the interactive channels can have a thematic center, genre, or theme. For example, interactive channels may comprise a group of related channels, such as a group of viewing channels that provide news programming, a second group of viewing channels that provide sports programming, a group of channels that provide programming for children. , a group of channels that provide home shopping programming, or a group of channels that are selected by the user. Other groups can be presented, for example, all the affiliated channels of the local network, special groups such as a group of channels that provide specific programming of foreign language, preview channels of payment by event, programming for adults, etc. The present invention is not limited based on the array of matrix channels for understanding the interactive tile channel. The interactive tiling channel can be reached in a similar way to the other viewing channels available for viewing on the monitor 114; the interactive tiling channel can be selected from the programming guide, the interactive tiling channel number can be entered directly into the remote control, or the interactive tiling channel can be found when the user is "navigating the channels" or using the button "next channel higher or lower" on the remote control or directly on monitor 114 or IRD 112.

Interactive Mosaic Channel Visualization Diagram FIGURE 2A illustrates a typical matrix with a generic video feed according to the presinvon. The interactive tile channel 200 is shown as being displayed on the monitor 114. Within the interactive tile channel 200, there is a number of video cells 202A-202F and a text box 204, also referred to as Screen Display 204 (OSD) ). Optionally, the interactive tile channel 200 further comprises a separate video cell 206, also called "poster cell" 206, a video 208 in the background, and a control bar 210. The number of video cells 202A-F may change based on the number of desired video cells 200A-F. As the number of video cells 202A-F increases, of course, there must be a reduction in the size of the video cells 202A-F to ensure that the video cells are differated on the monitor 114. As the number of cells decreases 202A-F of video, the size of the video cells 202A-F may increase, since there is more space available on the monitor 114 to display the video cells 202A-F. In addition, the placemof the video cells 200A-F, the poster cell 206, the text box 204, and the blinking indicator 210 are not limited to the positions on the monitor 114 as shown in FIGURE 2A. These elem can be displayed anywhere on the monitor 114 without departing from the scope of the presinvon. Since there are multiple video feeds and the video cell 202A-F and the poster cell 206 that are presd, each video cell 202A-F and the poster cell 206, as well as video 208 in the background and possibly the indicator intermitt210 dynamic, have associated portions of audio that can be reproduced. The prestion of more than one audio stream can be confusing; as such, it is typical that only one audio stream of information is presd at a given time. However, each of the video feeds may also have subtitled information associated therewith, and the selection of a subtitled prestion, rather than an audio prestion, may be performed as described herein.

Video Cells The 200A-F video cells each contain a separate display channel of programming. So for example, in an interactive mosaic channel that focuses on news programming, cell 1 could contain the video programming associated with the Fox News Channel visualization channel, cell 2 could contain the programming of video associated with the CNN display channel, cell 3 could contain the video schedule associated with the Headline News news viewing channel, cell 4 could contain the video schedule associated with the MSNBC display channel, the cell 5 could contain the video programming associated with the Channel of Time display channel, and cell 6 could contain the video programming associated with the C-SPAN display channel. The placemand contof video programming for each 200A-F video cell can depend on a variety of factors, such as the percges of Nielsen viewers for a given channel, if a given channel is available in a programming package. from a specific viewer, the display channel number (from the lowest to the highest or from the highest to the lowest) or can be decided or changed based on the programming that is presin one or more of the display channels available for the interactive mosaic channel. For example, and not by limitation, an important vote on the floor of the Senate may take place, and a decision may be made to change the placemof the C-SPAN from the 200F video cell to the 200A video cell for a period of time . Changes in the prestion for interactive tile channel 200 are discussed in the following. Within each of the video cells 202A-F is a channel idfication frame 212 (ID). Typically, channel ID box 212 indicates to the viewer the nickname or name that is associated with the video feed shown in that respective video cell 200A-F, and the display channel number associated with the video feed which is shown in that respective 200A-F video cell. For example and not by limitation, in video cell 202A, which as described above, is showing the video feed for ESPN, channel ID box 212 may indicate "ESPN" as well as, optionally, a channel number, for example, "206" to indicate to the viewer that the video feed shown in video cell 202A is that of ESPN, and that the viewer is accustomed to seeing this full-screen video programming 114 in display channel 206 Other information may also appear in channel ID box 212, such as an indication that the video feed that is being presented in the associated video cell 202A-F is a "user preferred" channel, box 212 of Channel ID may be presented in a different color or video texture to indicate that the video feed that is being presented in the associated video cell 202A-F is a channel that displays programming that adults may wish to prevent their children from seeing or It has subtitles available, etc. Many possibilities are available within the scope of the present invention to present various types of video information within channel ID box 212 for selection and viewing benefit. Channel ID box 212 may also appear without a video cell 202A-F for those video feeds that have channels blocked by parental control, or otherwise not available to a specific viewer due to the viewer's programming package or for other reasons.

Text Box Text box 204 contains textual information that is useful to the viewer, and this information may change depending on the viewer's selection of interactive services as described herein. For example, the text box 204 may contain a generic statement about the genre of the interactive tile channel 200, or statements directed to a selected video cell 202A-F or information related to the channel ID box 212 to describe a channel. user the meaning of the information presented in the channel ID box 212 or other information related to the video cell 202A-F and the channel ID box 212. The text box can also be displayed to present additional information to the viewer that not everything fits into text box 204 at any given time. There may also be default text associated with each interactive tile channel 200, and, depending on the capabilities of the IRD 112, each time the interactive tile channel 200 is tuned, a descriptive text will be displayed by default in text box 204 .

Poster Cell Poster cell 206 is a presentation of video data that can be related to video cells 202A-F that are present in interactive tile channel 200. For those interactive tile channels 200 having the optional poster cell 206, the poster cell 206 may use audio or video signals to direct the user to one of the video cells 202A-F for more information on a given subject, or to provide a description of the information presented within the video cells 202A-F. For example, the audio and video associated with the poster cell 206 in a news format may be a series of levels that are being covered in more depth in the display channels that are displayed in the video cells 202A-F, and the audio and video of the poster cell 206 may then instruct the viewer to tune the IRD 112 or monitor 114 in a specific video cell 202A-F for more information on that subject. Poster cell 206 may also be used to provide a description of the news levels, either those presented in video cells 202A-F or other news interest levels, without directing the viewer to one of the video presentations. which are discussed in the video feeds shown in video cells 202A-F. The poster cell 206 may present the audio and video information that is not available in any other display channel that is accessible to the IRD 112 or the monitor 114, except within the poster cell 206 of the interactive tile channel 200. When the poster cell 206 presents audio and video information that is not present in any other display channel accessible to the IRD 112 or the monitor 114, then the poster cell 206 does not have an associated channel ID box 212.

Background Video Background 208 video in the background is typically a stage for channel 200 interactive mosaic. The video 208 in the background can be related to the genre of the interactive tile channel 200; for example, in a news environment, video 208 in the background can be related to a main level of news, the building of the stock exchange, a prominent building of the government, etc. Video 208 in the background can be changed or it can be a dynamic video depending on the 5 wishes of the editorial team's preferences or the preferences of the viewer. In addition, the video 208 in the background may be a logo or other indicator of the source of the interactive mosaic channel 200, such as DIRECTV. 10 Channel Nickname Interactive tile channel 200 may also comprise a channel nickname 218, which indicates the name of interactive tile channel to a viewer.

For example, as indicated in FIGURE 2A, the Interactive Mosaic channel 200 has a nickname 218 of the "Sports Mix" channel but this can also be a coverage related to events for specific events such as the Olympic Games, the National League of American Football, or other nicknames 218 of gender.

Interactive Features FIGURE 2B illustrates a remote control used in the present invention. Typically, IRD 112 and monitor 114 are controlled by a remote control device 224, which allows viewers a convenient way to control audio volume, channel selection, and other features and display characteristics from a distance. away from IRD 112 and / or monitor 114. Each video cell 202A-F has an associated channel ID box 212, and one of the video cells, cell 202D, has a cursor 220 surrounding that cell 202 of specific video and, optionally, channel ID box 212. This indicates that the specific video cell 202 and the channel ID 212 have been selected by the viewer. The cursor 220 is typically controlled by the buttons 226-232, but can be controlled by other buttons on the remote control 224 if desired. By selecting a given video cell 202A-F, the viewer is selecting a specific characteristic associated with that given video cell 202A-F, or the associated video feed used to generate that video cell 202A-F. In most cases, when the viewer selects a given video cell 202, the portion of audio associated with the selected video cell 202 will be presented to the viewer, rather than the audio portion associated with the poster cell 206 or a generic audio signal that is associated with the interactive tile channel 200. In addition, the selection of a video cell 202A-F given with the cursor 220 can also select a subtitled data stream associated with the selected video cell 202, depending on the availability of such data stream and / or other settings that a viewer has selected. The cursor 220 can be moved to any of the video cells 202A-F, and optionally, can be moved to select the text box 204 or the control bar 210. When the cursor 220 is moved to a given video cell 202A-F by buttons 226-232, the text box 204 may also experience a change in information. Typically, when the video cell 202A-F is selected by the viewer, indicated by the presence of the cursor 220, the text box 204 will present the information in the Advanced Programming Guide (APG) that is associated with the selected display channel. by the cursor 220. The APG typically includes information about the show or "show" that is currently being presented by the display channel shown in video cell 202A-F, as well as the time when the show and the show are aired. next show that airs on that viewing channel. Other information, in the APG or external to the APG, may also be displayed in the text box 204 when the cursor is moved to a given video cell 202A-F.

As such, the viewer can "interact" with the interactive tile channel 200 and decide which audio track to listen to, discover a dialogue line of each of the shows that are presented in the various video cells 202, discover what will be thereafter in the various display channels that are presented in the video cells 202, or listen to the generic audio of the poster cell 206 or associated with the same interactive mosaic channel 200 while the video presentations are variedly viewed in the video cells 202. If a specific video cell 202 presents the video information that is of interest to a viewer, then the viewer can move the cursor 220, by a remote control command, to a given video cell 202, and listen to the audio associated with it. that video cell 202 and discover more about that display channel in text box 204. If the viewer decides that the selected video cell 202 is of much interest, the viewer can then tune directly to the selected video cell 202, i.e., directly tune to that viewing channel that is providing the video and audio used to create the video. 202 video cell, by pressing a single button on the remote control (typically the "select" button on a DIRECTV remote control).

This will tune the IRD 112 or monitor 114 into that viewing channel, which will then be displayed on the full screen to the viewer as in a normal television monitor 114 display format. Poster cell 206, since it typically contains audio and video information that is not found in any display channel other than interactive tile channel 200, typically can not be selected for full-screen viewing by the viewer in the monitor 114. However, poster cell 206 may be selected for display of full monitor 114, or at least a sufficient portion of monitor 114 to allow changes in video cells 202 as described in the following, to allow changes in channel 200 of interactive mosaic in almost real time.

Control Bar Control Bar 210 (also called Attraction Icon or Attraction Icon Bar). The control bar 210 allows instant on-screen access to various data sources that allow the viewer to access the data related to what is being displayed in the video cells 202A-F. Those IRD 112 that have interactive capabilities have special buttons that correspond to the icons that appear in the control bar 210. Each icon / button directs the viewer to a different screen, such as the medal count, the North American Team, Olympic TV coverage, event results, performance of individual athlete or team, etc. Each screen may have sub-screens that additionally allow related data to be viewed or otherwise analyzed by the viewer. For example, and not by limitation, one of the buttons of the remote control 224, for example, the button "red" 234, indicated by the text and / or graphic 214, can take the viewer to the Countdown of Medals page, where Viewers can access the list of pages or the other audio / video presentation list of a last-minute medal count for each country that is participating, or at least each country that has won a medal. When a viewer fully displays the list, the cursor will highlight an individual country, and, when that country is selected, a subpage will appear on monitor 114, which lists the events of the medal winners for the selected country. Similarly, a "results" page can be accessed by pressing a different button on remote control 224, for example, button 236"green", where viewers can have access to last-minute counts of current events, as well as finished events. This list can be classified by day, where the current day can be the default page, but viewers can go back in time to see previous days if they wish. In addition, a viewer can click on an "events" icon which can be accessed from the Control Bar or from the Results page that allows access to a program of all Olympic events, the program can be searched per day or by event. Thus, if a viewer is interested in all small sled (or sled) events, a viewer can search for these events, find which channels are showing these events, and use the other features of IRD 112 to provide reminders to the viewer that these events are in progress, automatically tune these events if the viewer is watching another channel when these events are showing, or record these events to observe them at a more convenient time. The events page can also indicate if the event has already happened, in this case, the events page can show a list of results, or in the future, in which case, the day and time for the occurrence of the event and / or the programming can be displayed to the viewer. A TV show of the event can also be accessed by pressing another button on the remote 224 control, for example, button 238"blue", indicated by graph 216, which provides viewers with a program of televised events presented. This can also be searched by day, by the network, or by specific event. In addition, another button on the remote control 224, for example, the "yellow" button 240, indicated by the graph 222, may carry the selected video cell 202A-F, to a full-screen position, or to another position such as a L-wrap position, by pressing the indicated button on the remote control. When a viewer arrives at a given interactive tile channel 200, the position of the cursor 220 may bypass the poster cell 206, a given video cell 202A-F, the text frame 204, or by default not be present in any way . The viewer may have to press a button on the remote control to activate the cursor 220. Typically, a viewer moves the cursor 220 using the up / down / left / right keys on a remote control associated with the IRD 112, although other methods they can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, if the IRD 112 is not enabled for any or sufficient interactive services, the functions of the cursor 220 and the buttons 234-240 can be disabled, either completely or partially, depending on the capabilities of the IRD 112.

Other buttons other than buttons 226-240 shown may be used to perform similar functions or interactions with IRD 112 and / or monitor 114 without departing from the scope of the present invention. There may also be the ability to record the interactive tile channel 200 which will allow a viewer to record what would be several display channels as a single display channel, ie, the recorded interactive mosaic channel 200. However, a recorded version of the interactive tile channel 200 may act differently than a live feed interactive tile channel 200, because the functions of the cursor 220 may no longer be consistent with a recorded version of that information. video. For example, the selection of a video cell 202A-F, in live feed version, would tune the IRD 112 to the channel number associated with that video cell 202. When it is a recorded version, the selection of that video cell can not tune the IRD 112 to the channel number, but it can probably present that video information recorded in a full monitor format 114, with possible degradation of image quality. The ability to store interactive tile channel 200 may also be selectively disabled if desired.

Specific Ccteristics of Event Mixing Channel FIGURE 3 illustrates another six-cell matrix with a generic video feed according to the present invention. During certain times of the year, or, in the case of the Olympics or other special events, a given channel of mosaic 200 can be programmed to offer presentations of features that differ from other video presentations of channel 200 of mosaic. For example, during the coverage of the Olympic Games, a 200-channel Sport Mix tile can offer special Olympics features, which include previews of events and crucial interviews with top athletes in the United States, anyone in cell 206 of the poster or in one or more of the 200A-F video cells. In addition, the IRDs 112 that also include DVR capabilities can opt to be included to receive a more in-depth coverage of Olympic features, which include advancements of events and crucial interviews with major US Olympic prospects, as well as personal interviews. Many of these audio / video presentations can be exclusive to the mosaic channel 200, and, as such, provide unique programming within the system 100 that is not available on broadcast television.

By tuning into such a tiling channel 200, viewers can quickly see and navigate throughout the special event, for example, Olympic Games, coverage from a "local" channel on their television. In addition, there may be additional programming, for example, Olympics Culminating Moments packages, previous advancements and reviews of outstanding events of the day, and the summary shows specific events such as figure skating, which can be presented on channel 200 of mosaic. Poster cell 206 can be put on the air Olympic Preliminary Advances Segments, typically with a run time of two minutes per segment, with a number of segments running in a program. These segments can be interleaved with another poster cell 206 and video clips to create a custom poster cell 206 that changes when the events that are about to be displayed in other video cells 202A-F are about to be placed at the air. For example, and not by limitation, poster cell 206 can run a segment on a leading North American figure skating prospect, and a video segment on all major figure skating participants from around the world, which will subsequently compete on the same afternoon, such programming will be observed in one of the video cells 202A-F. After the competition is over, the poster cell 206 can probably run a different segment on a different sport, or run a pack of highlights on the figure skating competition, rather than a previous preview of the competition after it finishes. the competition Network Coverage During non-network coverage of the Olympics, when other non-broadcast networks are offering Olympic coverage, the other networks are placed in the 202A-F video cells of channel 200 of mosaic. Thus, for example, cell 202E, which in ordinary form can be the Golf Channel, can be replaced with USA Network during the USA Network Olympic Coverage. However, when there is a network coverage (NBC) of the Olympics, instead of displaying the network coverage in cell 202 A, a video fragment of previous advances for network coverage can be executed in video cell 202A of the 200 mixing channel. If desired, the poster cell may be removed or obscured during the Olympics network coverage. If cell 202A is selected when the repetitive sequence is being executed, the IRD 112 is tuned to the affiliate channel of the local network that is running the Olympics.

When the repetitive video stream is running in video cell 202A, the description of the program in text box 208 is updated from a source outside the Automated Programming Guide, typically from a local affiliate, or an affiliate of the east coast or an affiliate of the west coast of the network that puts the event on the air. The video cell 202A that is displaying the repetitive sequence may also receive a nickname or title in the ID box 212 differently from the other video cells that are displaying the channel number. For example, and not by limitation, the nickname in ID frame 212 associated with video cell 202A may change to "NBC Olympics" instead of "NBC" in video cell 202A, as shown in FIGURE 3 .

Channel Tuning Behavior When cell 202A is executing the repetitive sequence of advance video of the Olympiad, and cell 202A is selected by a user, IRD 112, by software and / or hardware, is tuned to the broadcast affiliate local because the appropriate affiliated local station number has been programmed into the IRD 112 during the establishment of the mixing channel. Depending on the viewer's time zone, direct tuning to the local network affiliate may or may not result in viewing of Olympic coverage. For example, and not by limitation, coverage of the Olympic event may occur between 8 and 11 p.m. regardless of what time zone a viewer is in. So, if it's 9 p.m. in the Eastern time zone, all the mixing channels will have the execution of the repetitive video sequence to show previous advances of the upcoming events of today that are executed in cell 1, but when a viewer in the peaceful time zone tries to tune direct on your local affiliate, it will not show Olympic coverage; will show any program that is currently displayed in the local affiliate of the Pacific Time Zone. As such, the present invention allows a single mixing channel to be programmed differently based on the time zone. The present invention also comprises an interactive application that allows for last-minute features such as medal counting, updates on the North American Team, and all television programming for the Olympics.

Monitor Visualizations FIGURE 4 illustrates a monitor display of a typical six cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention.

FIGURE 4 shows a typical display 400 of a mosaic channel 200, with the cursor 220 in the video cell 202A. FIGURE 5 illustrates a typical monitor display after the selection of a specific video cell according to the present invention. As described with respect to FIGURE 3, when the video cell 202A is selected by the viewer (via the cursor 220) while the repetitive sequence of the Olympic video is being played, the IRD 112 is able to tune directly to the local broadcasting affiliate. However, instead of assuming what the case is, given the difference in time zone, it may result in viewing something different from the Olympic coverage. Text box 204 may indicate that other programming is available in the network affiliate, and, as such, question 500 allows a user to continue in direct tuning in the network affiliate or cancels the request. FIGURE 6, FIGURE 7, and FIGURE 8 illustrate typical displays on the monitor after the selection of an icon on the screen according to the present invention. As described with respect to FIGURE 2A, when the graph 214 is selected, or, alternatively, when a specific button is selected on the remote control of the IRD 112, the monitor 114 displays a secondary display 600, comprising additional data that is relate to one or more video cells 202A-F of channel 200 of mosaic. For example, as shown in FIGURE 6, a count of medals by country is available to viewers within the system 100 to allow them to see which countries have won which types of medals, which country is ahead in terms of medals won, etc. The cursor 220 can be used to highlight a specific country, and another screen is displayed, which indicates which events won which country, which athletes, winning time for a given event, etc. In addition, the drop-down bar 602, which can be operated by the channel arrows or other buttons on the remote control for IRD 112, can display all the inputs, for example, countries, which are part of the secondary screen 600. FIGURE 7 illustrates the secondary display 700, which provides a focus on a specific equipment, for example, the North American Team, which is competing in the event. Characteristics about individual athletes, the in-depth coverage of the team as a whole or segments of the team, for example, alpine skiing, figure skating, jockey, etc., can be selected on the secondary screens by cursor 702 to provide more in-depth coverage for each of the topics presented. FIGURE 8 illustrates the secondary screen 800, which is the television coverage for the event. A cursor 802 is used to select individual television coverage, and text box 804 is used to describe the scheduled programming for the highlighted event. Several days of programming can be seen for the coverage of the event, instead of viewing all the channels through the APG, each channel 200 of mosaic can have a television guide to indicate to the viewers the current and next programming options by the channel 200 mosaic, or per event, for example, Olympic coverage. Text box 804 provides an in-depth report of the selected program. Although this may come from the APG, such a report may also come from outside the APG system, and typically includes information specific to the events shown in that program. For example, and not by limitation, text box 804 for an alpine skiing event may have information about favorites in the event, past winners, skiers to watch, or other additional information, which is not typically present in the APG information. . In addition, external reports can provide more timely updates to the event schedule as the previous portions of the event are completed, for example the compulsory programs in figure skating, jockey play, etc.

Determination of Mosaic Channel Design The determination of whether a given interactive mosaic channel 200 comprises a poster cell 206, a control bar 210, how many video cells 202A-F are presented, and the total video content of channel 200 Interactive mosaic is based on a number of factors. The genre, the percentages of Nielsen viewers, the accessibility of the channel for a given viewer or region, and the directorial or editorial wishes are part of the factors that are exercised in that determination. In addition, viewer preferences, viewer studies on the content or accessibility to the interactive tile channels 200 or the video feeds used to create video cells 202A-F are also part of that decision. Typically, the presence or absence of a given display channel within an interactive tile channel 200, the presentation of a poster cell 206, the text box 204 and the text box information 204, and the total video portions. and audio of channel 200 of interactive mosaic are controlled by the service provider. However, it is also visualized that interactive mosaic channels 200 created and / or controlled by the user may exist to further enhance the television viewing experience of the viewer.

Changes in Interactive Mosaic Channel Display Some of the interactive tile channels 200, due to the genre selected by that of the interactive tile channel 200 or for other reasons, can cause the video cells 202A-F to be changed from a channel. display to another, or cause the video cells 202A-F to be added or deleted from the presentation of the interactive tile channel 200 on the monitor 114. As such, there must be an ability to change the display of any interactive tile channel 200. dice. Changes may be of a time-sensitive nature, such as changes in news or sports events, or a change of season, such as additional viewing channels that carry an event such as the NCAA Basketball Tournament or Olympic coverage, and may be by season or otherwise included in a presentation of the interactive mosaic channel 200, or of a programming nature, where a viewer adds or deletes a viewing channel to its programming package and thus has access to a channel of visualization that is allowed or denied selectively. If such a display channel is being used to create a given interactive mosaic channel 200, then the interactive mosaic channel 200 should have the ability to add that video feed for display on the monitor. For example, in an interactive mosaic channel 200 of the sports genre, it is typically known when a sporting event will begin and which viewing channel will carry the event. Thus, the interactive tiling channel 200 can program the change in video feed for that viewing channel as shown in a video 202A-F cell, or change from a viewing channel that is no longer running a sporting event. , based on a program or other events of the established time period. When such changes take place, for those interactive tile channels 200 that have poster cells 206 associated with them, the service provider (which may be DIRECTV, or some other service provider) may program the interactive tile channel 200 for take the "full screen" of the poster cell 206 which means that the poster cell 206 can be presented to the viewer in such a way that the video cells 202 are not visible. It may also or may not be desired to present the poster cell 206 in such a way that the control bar 210 is not visible, or to present the information on the control bar 210 that the viewer needs to wait for during the change in programming. further, the information in the poster cell 206 can provide audio or video information to the viewer that a change in the programming of the interactive tile channel 200 is taking place, and request that the user wait until the changes are completed. Once the programming of the interactive tile channel 200 is complete, the service provider can then send the video information showing the new configuration of the video cells 202A-F, the new placement of the cell 206, the new placement of the poster cell 206, new information in text box 204, etc. Other methods for realizing the change in video presentation of the display channels are also possible within the scope of the present invention, such as a direct change in the video feed in one or more video cells 200A-F. The service provider, and the viewer, have the ability to obscure or disable the display channels, and, as such, have the ability to obscure or disable not only all of the interactive tile channels 200, but the individual video feeds. which are associated with the video cells 202A-F that are presented within an interactive mosaic channel 200. In addition, users may have the ability to create their own interactive tile channel 200, depending on the capabilities of the IRD 112 equipment, monitor 114, or other equipment that a specific viewer can access. For example, a given viewer may have a programming package that does not provide access to a specific viewing channel, for example, C-SPAN2. If the video feed used for the C-SPAN2 display channel is used to create an interactive tile channel 200, there are several options as to how to display the interactive tile channel 200 without inadvertently providing the user with access to the interactive channel. the video information about the unauthorized viewing channel. For example, interactive tile channel 200 may use the graphics of a channel logo to fill video cell 202A-F, and still provide the channel name / nickname or channel number in channel ID box 212. Interactive mosaic channel 200 can use a generic video feed to inform the viewer that an update is available for the viewer's programming package that can allow the viewer to watch the video information on that channel, and help the viewer to update its service to receive that video and audio information. The service provider may also choose not to display any video 202A-F cell in any way, or a blank video cell 202A-F without a channel ID frame 212. When the viewer places the cursor 220 in the video cell 202 containing the obscured video feed, many options are available, based on the procedure used to present the video information. In addition, parental controls can be applied to each of the video cells 202A-F and to an entire interactive tile channel 200. For example, an interactive tile channel 200 can be created that contains movie channels, such as HBO, SHOWTI E, and CINEMAX. If a movie is being displayed in one of the video cells 202 that exceeds the parental control limit set for a given IRD 112 or monitor 114, then the video cell 200A-F associated with that movie will be blocked in channel 200 interactive tile until the parental control limit is raised or the programming on that display channel falls below the established parental control limit. As a separate example, there may be an interactive mosaic channel 200 that is only for adult viewing, such as a shopping channel that is not allowed to see children due to possible unwanted purchases. A parental control can be applied to the entire interactive mosaic channel 200, just as with other display channels accessible in an IRD 112 or monitor 114. Applicable video and / or audio messages may be inserted into the display channels or interactive mosaic channels 200 that are blocked to inform the viewer that the channel 200 or video cell 206 is blocked.

Conclusion The present invention comprises an interactive matrix video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time. An interactive matrix video channel according to the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, and a control bar; wherein a command displayed in the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds. The present invention also optionally includes a cursor, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor, a poster cell that presents additional video and audio information that can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, the genre is a specific event, selected from a group comprising Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament; and a game program for the National Football League. A system according to the present invention provides at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time, and comprises at least one link facility ascending, at least one satellite, which receives at least one uplink signal from at least one uplink installation, at least one receiver, which receives at least one downlink signal from at least one satellite , at least one downlink signal related to at least one uplink signal, at least one receiver coupled to the video monitor, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information , related to the video cells of each of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, displayed on the video monitor, and a control bar, displayed on the video monitor, where a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with it. one of the plurality of individual video feeds. Such a system also optionally includes a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented through the monitor, a poster cell that presents the additional video and audio information that can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, the genre is a specific event, selected from the group comprising games Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League.

Another system according to the present invention displays at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given moment, and comprising a transmitter, the transmitter transmits the interactive matrix channel, and a receiver coupled to the video monitor and receiving the interactive matrix channel transmitted from the transmitter, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells presenting at least the video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, displayed on the video monitor, and a control bar, displayed on the video monitor, where a command displayed on the bar of control selects the screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds. Such a system also optionally includes a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor, a poster cell that presents the additional audio and video information that can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, the genre is a specific event, selected from the group comprising Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League. The above description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact described form. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the previous teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention is not limited by this detailed description.

Claims (20)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property. CLAIMS 1. An interactive matrix video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of video cells presenting at least the video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds; a text box, displayed on the monitor; and a control bar, displayed on the monitor, where a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information exclusive to the interactive matrix video channel and related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds.
2. 2. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor.
3. 3. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 2, characterized in that the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor.
4. 4. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 3, further characterized in that it comprises a poster cell that presents the additional audio and video information that can also be selected by the cursor.
5. 5. The interactive matrix channel according to claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of video cells is grouped by gender.
6. 6. The interactive matrix channel according to claim 5, characterized in that the genre is a specific event.
7. 7. The interactive matrix channel according to claim 6, characterized in that the specific event is selected from the group comprising the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a games program of the National Football League.
8. A system for providing at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time, characterized in that it comprises: at least one uplink facility; at least one satellite, which receives at least one uplink signal from at least one uplink facility; at least one receiver, which receives at least one downlink signal from at least one satellite, at least one downlink signal related to at least one uplink signal, at least one receiver coupled to the video monitor, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells displaying at least the video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, displayed on the monitor Of video; and a control bar, displayed on the video monitor, where a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with it. one of the plurality of individual video feeds.
9. The system according to claim 8, further characterized in that it comprises a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor.
10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor.
11. 11. The system according to claim 10, further characterized by comprising a poster cell presenting the additional audio and video information that can also be selected by the cursor.
12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of video cells is grouped by gender.
13. 13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the genus is a specific event.
14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the specific event is selected from the group comprising the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League.
15. 15. A system for displaying at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time, characterized in that it comprises: a transmitter, the transmitter transmits the channel interactive matrix; and a receiver coupled to the video monitor and receiving the interactive matrix channel transmitted from the transmitter, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells presenting at least the video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds; a text box, displayed on the video monitor; and a control bar, displayed on the video monitor, where a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with it. one of the plurality of individual video feeds.
16. 16. The system according to claim 15, further characterized in that it comprises a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, a new condition is displayed on the monitor.
17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the new condition comprises an audio portion of the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor.
18. 18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the plurality of video cells is grouped by gender.
19. 19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that the genus is a specific event.
20. 20. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the specific event is selected from the group comprising the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League.