CA2662685C - Improved electronic television program schedule guide system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information. A video display generator receives video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information from the memory and displays a portion of the program schedule information in overlaying relationship with a television program appearing on a television channel in at least one mode of operation of the television programming guide. The data processor controls the video display generator with video control commands, issued in response to the user control commands, to display program schedule information for any chosen one of the plurality of television programs in overlaying relationship with at least one television program then appearing on any chosen one of the plurality of channels on the television receiver.

Description

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B.ackground of the Inve;ition This invention relates to an electronic procqran schedule = system, which provides a user vith schedule information for broadcast or cablecast programs vieved by the user on a television receiver. More particularly, it relates to an improved electronic program guide that provides the user with a more powerful and convenient operating environment, while, at the same time, increasing the efficiency of navigation by the user through the guide.
Electronic program guides for television sy:-tems are known in the art. For example, one prior system used an electronic ciia;acter generator to display textual schedule information on the full screen of a television receiver. Other prior systems presented electronically stored program schedule information to'a user for viewiilg while allowing the user to select display formats. Still other systems employed a data processor to input user-selection criteria, then stored only the program schedule information meeting these criteria, and subsequently used the stored information to automatically tune a programmable tuner or activate a recording device at the time of Y+roadcast of-the selected television progrars. Such prior systems are generally discussed in "Stay Tuned for Smart TV," published in the November 1990 issue of Popular Science.
Collectively, the prior electronic program syatems may be difficult to implement and cumbersome to use. They also fail to provide viewing capabilities that address in a more realistic manner the viewing habits of the users of these electronic program systems. Moreover, many of these systems are complex in their design and are expensive to implement. Ease of use and economy are primary concerns of television program diztributors and vi2vers as they contem;jlate dramatic increases in the number and nature of program networks and other television-based services.
And, as the number of television channels available to a user increases dramatically with the advent of new satellite and cable-

2 based technologies, the utility of these prior systems substantially diminishes. These prior-art systems also fail to provide the user with sufficient information, for example pricing and the like, 5 about pay-per-view events, premium services or other packaged programming to erhich the user does not subscribe, nor do thel provide the user vith the capability to automatically purchase such programming on demand or impulse. Moreover, these prior-art systems are deficient in that they fail to provide aii efficient and automatic method of updating or replacing the 'application software programs that implement the electronic guide at the user sites, relying instead on manual or other cumbersome forms of revision or replacement or hardware-based systems that can not bi updated without physical replacement of integrated circuits and;or other parts.
Nor do these prior electronic guide systems have the capability of linkir.g the user to other applications or information systems which are not part of the electronic prcgram guide application or data.
Nor do these prior electronic guide systems provide video promotion of television programs and services that are functionally linked and visually displayed in an integrated fashion. Program promotion is an important element of the effective marketing of television prograffining. The promotion of pay-per-view pay (i.e., "a la carte") programs and other unregulated program services is particularly important to cable television operators in the wake of re-regulation by the federal government. The current method of promoting such p=ogramming using video is th..Tough dedicated "barker" channels that use full screen continuous trailers (i.e., previews) which may or may not be accompanied by prices and ordering information. Recently, such promotional videos have been shown in split screens v:^.ere part of the screen shows general schedule information for a tine period roughly corresponding to the #:iae period during which the general program being promoted is shown. Acccrdingly, there exists a need

3 for an eloctronic program guide which can provide improved display and linking of video promotions with program schedule informatioa and order processing functions.
The prior electronic program guides also fail to provide tiie user with a simple and efficient method of- controlling access to individual channels and individual programs. The amount of adult situations involving sex and violence has steadily increased during the last 40 years. The issue of Low this affects childree or other viewers has gained national attention. Providing a parent vith the ability to lock-out a channel is a well known ars3 widespread feature of certair. television receivers and cabie converter boxes., Despite this availability, the feature is seldcm used by parents. The main impediments to its effective use are the cumbersome ways in which it is generally implemented, as we2_1 as the requirement that eutire channels be blocked in order ta block access to any objectional progranm4ing. A channel-orienteci parental lock is unfair to other programmers on the blocked channel -- who, for example, offer adult-oriented programmi*+g in the evening and youth-oriented programming the following morning-and inconvenient for viewers whcj want access to such programs.
Thus, there is a particular nesad for a system vhich provid,e3 password control to individual progra,T: and channels usir.c a flexible and uncomplicated on-screer.i:s.er, interface.
The prior electronic program guides are also deficie3t in that they do not provide the user with the ability to viev or.
demand current billAng status ancl, tlius, a need exists for a system which can provide the user with current billing info,.~:::3on on the user's demand.
An additional problem with prior program guides is t-ItLa.t = 30 when displaying schedule information in grid foraat, i.e., colv=ns representing time slots and rows representing channels, pro&,;-am titles generally are width-wise truncated to fit into the cells of the grid. The width of a grid cell varies with the duratiom of the program. Since a 30 minute program is allotted only a sa.all amount of space for the program title and description, tit.les

4 and/or descriptions for half and even full hour programs often must be truncated in order to fit-into the allotted spacs. Soae systems sfnply cut off the description of a program withosrt abbrsviating it in any way, such that the user is unable to 5 determine the subject matter of the program. For ayample, a recent television program display included the following text in a grid cell: "Baseball: Yankees v." Although some syste~
partially alleviate this problem by providing two lines of text in each grid celi, this solution is not ideal because program descriptions may still be truncated.
A similar problem arises as the time slots change, either automatically or in response to a user control command.
Typically, 90 minutes of schedule information is displayed at one time and the 90 minute window is shiftable in 30-minute increments. In the case where a 30 minute shift causes a 30 minute size qrid cell to display, e.g., a two-hour movie, it is likely that the full title of the movie will not fit into the cell. Truncation of the title is thus required in this situation as well. In this case, while two lines of text-may be desirable to fit the title in the 3C minute cell, the 60 and 90 minut-e cells may require only one line of text to display the title.
The prior electronic program guides also lack a method for creating a viewing itinerary electronically while still viewing a program currently appearing on the television receiver.
Moreover, these prior program guides leave much guess work for the user as he navigates through a sequence of channels. Whem skimming througiz channels to aFcertain the program then being displayed on any channel, commcniy known as "channel surfing," the :iser needs to guess which program is currently being aired frcm the video encountered as tha user surfs through the channels.
Since much -- in some cases, up to 30% - of the progrzwming appearing on any given channel at any given time is advertising cr otr.er commercial program.-sing, the user is not vrovided with any clues as to what program is appearing on a selected channel at a given time and must therefore Wait until the advertisement or S

commerrial is over before ascertaining the program then appearing on the selected channel. Thus a need exists for a program guide vhich di4plays current program schedule information for each = channel as the user surfs through the available channels.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplified electronic program schedule system that may be more eas.ly implAmented, and which is appealing and efficient in operation.
There is also.a need to provide the user v;th an electronic program schec:l2e system that displays bot~* broadcast programs and electronic schedule information ir. a manner not previously available with other electronic program schedule systems, particularly those using a remote controller.
For example, there is a particular need for a flexible progran, schedule system that allows a user to view selected broadcast programs on a portion of the screen of the television receiver while simultaneously viewing program schedule information for other channels and/or services on another portion of the screen. There is also a need for such a program schedule system that.permits the user to select from a plurality of selectable display formats for viewing the program schedule information. It is also preferred to have a system that indicates to the user those keys on the remote ccntroller that are active in any particular mode of operation. There also exists a need for such a system that will give a user tha capability to set a programmable reminder for viewing a program scheduled to air at a future time.
There is also a need for an electronic guide system providing the user with comprehensive information about pay-per-view events, premium services cr other packaged programming to =.30 which the user does not ordinarily subscribe, and which provides the user with the capability to automatically. purchase such programming on demand or impulse. There is also a need for an electronic guide system providing a reliable and efficient method of updating or replacing the application software that in.plements the electronic guide at the user sites.

There a]so exists a need for an electronic program guide that operates as a shell or vindow ta provide the user with ths =
capability to access other applications or information systms that are not part of the electronic program guide application or 5 data.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a system that will allow the user to view a broadcast program while, at the same time, interactively viewing program schedule information for other programs.
It is another object of the present invention_ to provide the user with the ability to select from among a plurality of display formats for the program schsdule information.
It is yet another object of the present invention tr 4-ndicate to the user of the program schedule system those keys on ?5 the remote controller active in the particular mode of operatior, of the system at the time of use.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide= the user of the electronic program schedule system with the capability of setting programmable reminder msssages for any future program.
It is yet a further object of this invention to provide the system user with comarehensive information about pay-per-view events, premium services or other packaged programming to which the user does not subscribe and the capability to automatically purchase such programaing on demand or impulse.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic guide system that provides a reliable and efficient method of updating or replacing the application software programs that implement the electronic guide at the user sites.
It is still another object of the electronic program guide to operate as a shell or window to provide the user with the capability to access other applications or information systems which are not part of the electronic program.3uide application or data.

it= is yet another object of the electronic program guide=
to provide a system whereby video promotion of television programs and services are functionally linked and visually displayed in an intograted fashion to facilitate the marketing and sale of such programs ard services.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide password control for access to individual programs, as well as channels, using a protected interactive flexible and uncomplicated on-screen interface.
Anbther object of the present inventior, is to provide the user with current programming information for all programs as the user surfs through the available channels.
It is yet a furtrer object of the present invention to provide a system in which the user can access his current billing information on demand.
it is another object of the present invention to provide a system which overlays television program listings against varying background views. _ It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved display of text in the grid cells comprising a page of television program listings.
These and other objects of the invention are achieved by an electronic prograa schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality -)f television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A tetevision receiver is used to display the television prc3rams and television program schedule and other information. A video display generator raceivos video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information from the aemory and displays a pcrtion of the program schedule inf.ornation in overlaying relationship with a television program appearing on a television 5 channel in at least one mode of operation of the television programming guide. '!'he data processor controls the video display generator with video control conxands, issued in reaponse to the user cqntrol commands, tc display program schedule information for any choaen one of the plurality of television programs in overlaying relationship xith at least one television program then appearing on any chasEn one of the plurality of channels on the television receiver.

Brief Description of the Drawinas Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the preferred embodiment of the invention herein.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of program and schzdale informaticn by the video overlay device utilized in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 depicts a remote cantroll`er that can be used in connection with the preferred embodiment of the electronic program guide system of the present application.
Fig. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of the remote controller shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 shows an overlay appearing on a television screen in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a menu that appears on a television screen in a?M mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6A is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation cf the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 depicts a Viewer Preference Menu that appears on a television screen in one nspect of the preferred erhodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 shovs a Preferred Channel selection submenu.
Fig. 9 shows an impulse crdering menu that appears on a television screen in one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 shows a Premium Services submenu that appears in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. _ Fig. 11 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a television screen in a BROWSE mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invantion.
Fig. 12 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a television screen in a BROWSE mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention having different information from that shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 12A shows a graphic overlay appearing on a television screen in a BROWSE mode of operation in the present invention displaying schedule information for a time and channel o--her than that shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 shows a graphic overlay appearing in a RESZ2dDER
aode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present inrantion.
Fig. 14 shows yet P_nother graphic overlay appearing in a RFMINDBR mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the vresent invention.
Fig. 15 is yet another menu t1:3t appears on a television screen in a MENL7 mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of = 30 the present invention.
Fig. 16 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MF.Nii mode of operation of the preferred enbodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in aKM mc_2 of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 shows a grid lssting af schedule information 5 displayed in an All Listings mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19 shows schedule infoxxation displayed in a Listings By Category mode of operation of the preferrecl embodiment of the present invention.
10 Fig. 20 shows schedule information displayed in a Listings By Channel rode of operation of the praferred embodimenz of the present invention.
Fig. 21 shows information displayed ir. response to a user's request fo.: supplemental programming information.
Fig. 22 shows Frogra-ing, ordering and video promotional inf-rmation displayed in a Pay-Per-View mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present inrention.
Fig. 23 shows an ordering -submenu used in cnnjunction with the mode of operation shown in Fig. 22_..
Fig. 24 shows yet another ordering aubmenu used in conjunct:on with the mode of operation shown in Fig. 22.
FicT. 24A shows yet another ordering submenu used in conjunction vith the mode cf operation shown in Fig. 22.
Fig. 25 shows another grid listing of schedule information dis?layed in an All Listings mode of operation of the present invention.
Fig. 26 shows a Premium Services si:amenu that appears in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the praaent invention.
Fig. 27 shows a Messages menu that appears in one mode of opsration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 28 shows exemplary messages used in connection with the menu of Fig. 27.
Fig. 28A is an alternative message menu.

Fig. 29 shows bil?ir_g information used in connection with the menu of Fig. 27.
Fig. 30 shows a Key Lock Access menu that appears during one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 31 shows a menu appearing in connection with an Interactive Television mode =of operation of the preferred embodixqent of the present invention.
Fig. 32 shows inforation that appears in a Quote Watch menu in connection with the Interactive Television mode of operation shcwn in Fig. 31.
Fig_ 31 shows other inforaation that appears in connection with the Interactive Television mode o= operation shown=
in Fig. 31.
Fig. 34 is a menu showing information that appears in a news display in the Interactive TelL ision mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present inventior._ Fig. 35 is a menu showing information tbat appears in a sports display in the Interactive Tele-zision mode of cperation of the preferreri embodiment of the present inventior..
Fig. 36 is a flow chart showing the operation logic required for implementation of a computer p=ogra= for the elzctronic program guide.
Fig. 37 is a menu showing a Locator screen for locating channel numbers and defining favorite channel lis-ts.
Fig. 38 is an alternative menu that can Le used in a ?ENU mode of operation of tkie electronic program 3uide.
Fig. 38A and 38B show, respectively, an alternative main menu screen and a listing-by-time screen accessible from the alternative main menu.
Fig. 39 is a Lockout menu that alternatively can be used for permitting or prohibiting access to certain F:ogra-s.
Fig. 40 is a Setup menu that can be used to set text location and a purchase code for premiu.m and pay-per-view programming.

Fig. 40A shows an exemplary menu for inputting a lockout code. Figs. 40B through 40E show, respectively, exemplary menus for entering, confirming, clearing or changing a purchase 5 code. Fig.
41 is a Lockout Verify menu that is used in connection with the Lockout menu of Fig. 39.
Fig. 42 is a flow chart showing the operation of the preferred embodiment of the text fit system of the inventioit herein.
pETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ElKBODIKENT
System Confiauration Fig. 1 is a block diagram sY_owing various components of the electronic program schedule system generally designated as 10.
Physically, these system components can be located in a user's set-top cable converter box or other signal rcception or processing device,. such as a satellite receiver. Alt=rnatively, the components can be mounted in a separate housing, or i:Icluded as part of a televisicn receiver, VCR, personal computer, or multimedia player; or reside as a distributed application in a broadband network architecture.
An input signal 11 is connected to a receiver 12, which receives a transmitted data stream from a data prcvider. The data stream may contain, for exaaple, information about prog_ams or services available in a particular market, geographical or otherwise. The input signal 11 can originate, for example, as part of a standard broadcast, cablecast or satellite 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 Frogram schedule intormation for all television programs and other services available in the operator's geographical market.
The data stream may be modulated and then transmitted on the cable lir.e in any nunber of ways, including as part of a dedicated channel transmission ooerating at a frequency of, for nsample, 75 2giz. Those of skill in the art will understand that numerous other transmission schemes can be used to transmit the data stream, such as embedding - it in the vertical blanking interval of a program broadcast signal. As will be discussed in greater detail below, according to the present invention, the transmitted data stream may additionally contain application software for implementing or updating the electronic program guide at tbe user site.
The transmitted program schedale data or application software is received by the receiver 12 on signal input line 11.
The received signal is passed from the receiver to a data demodulator 13, such as a QPSK demodulator or ,-% GI Info-Ci-pher 1000R, which demodulates the transmission and passes it to a buf f er 15.
A microcontroller 16, such as a M68000EC, receives data passed to the buffer 15. Bootstrap operating softwareT which may be used for capturing electronic program guide application software updates, is stored in a read only memory (ROK) 17. The microcontroller 16 uses the received program schedule information to build a database by storing the data in appropriately organized records in dynamic random access memory (DRA.`S) 18. The stored schedule information can be updated on a periodic basis, such as hourly, daily or weekly, or at any time when changes in scheduling or other factors warrant an update. The system also includes a system clock 19.
Alternatively, the program schedule information could be supplied in a ROM, disk or other non-volatile memory, or it cculd be downloaded to a storage disk or other data storage device. The invention herein is not directed to the particular methc-I of transmission or reception of the echedule information.
If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the received data as application software which controls the program schedule system, as opposed to program schedule information, it stores it in non-volati:e memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) 20 or battery-backed static RAM (SRAK).
This configuration allows revised or replacement versics.=s af the application software to be downloaded directly from the software developer to the user site through the cable or other tzansmission system.
In the case where an EEPROM is utilized, revised or replacement versions of the application software downloaded from the developer are first stored in DRAM 13 by the microcontroller 16, under direction of 'the downloading operating software stored in the ROM 17. The stored application software can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verifieation ro:itine.
After the accuracy of the application software hzs been verified, the microcontroller 16 initiates a routine to re-program the EEPROM 20, where the application software is permanently stored. The microcontroller 16 will issue proFer control commands to a reprogram circuit 21, t,rhich is adapted to supply the proper program voltage and logic control signals 22 required to erase and vrite to the EEPROM. it supplies this program voltage, vprog, as well as any other required control signals, such as read or write enxble, to the EEPROM 20 upon command from the microcontroller 16.
After the EEPRI)M 20 has been electrically erased, the microcontroller 16 initiates transfer of the new application software from the DRAM 18 to the EEPROM 20 for storing.
'Rhen a battery-backed SRAM is utilized as non-volatile memory, the microcontroller stores the re,~,ised or replacement version of the application software downloaded from the developer directly in the SRAM, again under direction of the downloading operating software stored in the ROM. The stored application softvare can tiien be checked for accuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verification routine.
when ' power is first applied to the system 10, the bootstrap operating software verifies that the program guide upplication software is resident in raemory. If it is not resident, the bootstrap operating software waits for a download of the software. Once the application software is resident, the microcontroller 16 executes the rspplication program software from a dedicated portion of the DRAM 18. Alternatively, thcs application software can be executed directly from the non-

5 volatile remory 20. IInder control of the program guide application software, the microcontroller 16 first verifies that the program schedule_information is resident in DRAM 18. It it is not resident, the microcontroller waits for a download of the program schedule information, as discussed above. Alternatively, 10 if the application program is resident in memory, i+ut the database records containing the program schedule information data are not yet available, the application software can be configured to carry out other tasks, such as allowing the user to carry out functions not requiring the program schedule information data, as well as 15 displaying an appropriate message indicating the database data is not yet available.
When.the schedule svstem is operating, as riiscussed in greater detail hereinbelow, the microcontroller 16 takes the program schedule information stored in the DRAM 18 and, in conjunction with other downloaded data types such as stored bit maps for the screen configuration and 'the graphic symbol or logo disalays stored in non-volatile memory 20 or, alternatively, in DRAM 18, supplies it to a video display generator (VDG) 23, which in the present embodiment may be a commerc{ally available VGA-type graphics card, such as a Rocgen card manufactured by Roctec. The VDG includes a standard RGB video generator F4, which takes the digital program schedule information sent by the microcontroller 16 and converts it to an RGB format in accordance with the bit map for the particular screen display then being prasented to the user on the television receiver 27. The configuration of each screen is zhown and discussed in greater detail in the System operation section below.
The VDG also includes a Video Overlay Device 25, which accepts the RGB video input, as well as an input from conventional television tuner 28, such as a conventional tuner manufactured by General In etrument 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 vith the signal from the tuner 28, and produces a composite NTSC output signal containing both the program signal and the program schedule information, as shown in Fig. 2. This composite video signal is supplied to a modulator 26, shown in Fig. 1, which can be a aeodulator such as available from Radio Shack, and then to the television receiver 27, which the user keeps tuned to 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 receiving device from the VDG thiough a video port 25A on the VDG.
The syst:m components identified in connection with Fig.
1 can all be implemented in a preferred platform by, for example, an IBX personal computer equipped with a transmission link and a video qraphics=card, such as those manufactured by Roetec. other platforms,- such as a cnble converter box equipped with a sicroprocessor and memory, or a broadband network also could be used. Examples of the particular components are as follows:
Hicrocontroller -- Motorola part no. MC68331-16; ROM -- Texas Instruments part no. T2S527PC512; DRA?i -- Texas Instruments part no. TH4256; EEPROM -- Intel part no. 28FOO1BX-T. In any avant, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the particular details of the hardware components and data storage are a function of the particular implementation of the system, and are not the r:ubject of the present invention.
As discussed in detail below, the user may navigate through the program schedule system with a remote controller, such as that shown in Fig. 3, which operates on conventional principljs of remote control transmitter-receii'er logic, such as by infrared or othar signalling, or other su{table user interface. The renote control2ei 31 communicates with the microcontroller 16 through the remote controller receiver 29, shown in Fig. 1, which can be a Silent Partner IR receiver xnd which receives signals transmitted by the remote contsoller 31 and supplies the microcontroller 16 vith a corresponding digital signal ind'Lcating the key depressed by the user.
A remote controller suitable for the present invention, such as shown in Fig. 3, which can be a remote controller manufactured by Universal Electronics or Presentation ElectronicF' Silent Partner, may include a power switch 32, volume 33 and mrste 34 controls, an ENTER key 35, 0-9 digit keys 36, four direction arrow keys 37A and 37B, a MODE key 38 and an information key 39 that is designated with a lower case "i." The power 32, volume 33 and mute 34 keys operate in the same manner as conventional remcti controllers typically used with present-day television receivers.
The numeric digit keys 36 also function in much the same manner as-conventional remote controllers. A brief description of the re-aining keys follows.
The MODE key 38 takes the user through various layers of the electronic program schedule system 10 and generally allows the user to return to a previous screen when he is in a submenu. 'fbe up/down-direction arrow keys 37A allow a user to navigate throogh the different TV program channels when the program schedule system is in a FLIP or BROWSE mode, as will be fully described belo=.+, and also allow the user to navigate through highlighted bars displayed on the TV screen when in a liFNU mode. The left/right direction arrow keys 37L allow the user to navigate through selected time periods when the program schedule system ic in the BROWSE aode, as will also be described below. They further allow the user -..o navigate across subject-mattesr categories while in the "Categories" submenu of the tiENU mode, as well as to navigate across time periods when the program schedule system is in a pay-per-view ordering mode and, in general, navigate in left or rig!lt directions to select various icons and other objects. The information, or "i," key 39 allows the user to view suppleaental program and other irformation during the various modes of the program schedule system. The ENTER 35 key fulfills and inputs a command once the user has made a selection from the remote controller keys. The function and operation of these keys will be made more apparent in the detailed discussion of the FLIP, BROWSE
and MENU nodes below.
A second embodiment of the remote controller 40 is shown in Fig. 4. This embodiment of tha rumcte controller also inrludes a power key 41, nuneric digit keys 42, direction arrow keys 43A
and 43B, information key 48, ENTER or SELECT or "OK" key 44, volume control 45, lockout key 45k, mute kevs 46 and hefp key 48A.
It also includes pound sign and star keys.
This embodiment of the remote controller further inclu:.as a number of icon keys 47A and 47B, which correspond to different submenus or modes of the program schedule system. The icons 47A and 47B may also be displayad on the TV screen when the program schedule system is operating. The icon keys essentially replace -.he MODE key 38 used in the embodiment of the remote controller shown in Fig. 3. Using these keys, the user can move from one mode to another simply by depressf'ng the icon key corresponding to the desired mode of operation of the program schedule system. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the icons 4771 and 47B are shown as graphic symbols situated directly above a corresponding color-ccdad key. Alternatively, the color-coded keys could be eliminated and keys could be formed in the image of the icon itself.
The embodiment of the remote controller shown in Fig. 4 also includes three color-coded viewer preference or favorite channel keys, 43A, 48B and 48C that are situated directly above the icon keys. Each of these keys indicates to the program schedule system a distinct user-created "Channel Preference" or "Favorite Channel" list, which is a listing of a specific subset of channels for a particular u=er, arranged in the sequential order that the user wishes to view during operation of the program schedule system. The creation of the Chanriel Preference or Favorite Cha.znel- list is discussed in the following section.
Thus, the system provides for at least three individual channel subsets for three individual users.

The remote controller of Fig. 4 also may be equipped with a"HELP" key 48A, which, when depressed, causes the sicrocontroller 16 to retrieve previously stored instruction messages from memory and cause them to be displayed on the television receiver 27. These messages offer help to the user in the form of instructions that guide the us r through the operation of the various operating modes of the electronic television program guide. They may be text messages, or instructional video images, or avdio programs, deper_ding on the storage capacity of the system, or any combination of these. Moreover, these help messages may be created so that they are context-sensitive, i.e., the messages displayed depend entirely upon the precise point in the operation of the electronic program guide that the user depresses the help key 48A. For example, information could be supplied for operation of the remote controller, for operating the FLIP or BROWSE mode (discussed below), or any other mode of operation of the guide, for impulse ordering, for setting a lockout, etc. In order to accomplish this, each point of operation of- the guide could be coded so that the microprocessor could track the current operating point, for . example, by temporarily storing the code reflecting the present operating point as the user operated the guide. When the user pressed the help key 48A, the microcontroller 16 would retrieve an appropriate set of messages based on the presently stored operating point code. Additionally, the i key 39 could be used to carry out the function of the help key.
Additionally, each of the functions of the remote controllers can also be integrated into a keypad on the user's cable box or other hardware.

Svstem Oolration In operation, the electronic program schedule system of the present invention'functions as follows.

FL7PM4de Hhen the user is viewing a particular program channel on the television receiver, the program schedule system defaults to a FLIP mode, shown in Pig. 5. In this mode, a graphic overlay 51 5 containing programming information for the channel currently tuned on the tuner is superimposed in overlaying relationship with a received program s=gnal 55 on the screen of the television receiver 27 whenever the viewer changes the program channel, for example, by u-sing the up/dovn direction arrows on :~T:ie remo.`.e 10 controller. The video ovarlay device 25, such as shown in Fig. 1, combines the computer-generated RGB video-graphic overlay information witY-, the NTSC-format program signal from t,hp tuner 28, and st.-pplies an N':'SC-format output signal, which includes the program signal from the tuner and the progrtm schedule overlay 15 inforaLation for viewing on the television receiver 27.
The programming information contained in the graphic overlay 51 is supplied to the RGB video generator by the microcontroiler- In FLIP mo3e, the microcontroller first 5earches the program schedule database in, for example-, the DRAM 18 to 20 retrieve the programming information for the currently tuned channel 52 corresponding to the current time; i.e., the tise at vhich the user just turned on the television receiver for viewing.
The microcontroller 16 then supplies the ct:rzent channel and proc,ran information to the RGB video generator x4 which converts t2,e digital data information to RGB format and supplies it to the video overlay device 25.
Zn normal operation, the microcontroller 16 defaults to dibplaying all channels offersd by the cable company prioritized by numeric order, which is determined by ttza broadcast chaz,.el position in the radio spectrum or the marketing judgments of lrcal cable operatorr.. Using a"Channel Preference" submenu, er an alternative "Locator" screen, both of which are d'Lscussed below, the user can revise the content and/or sequential order cf the channels presented to the televisic>Z receiver 27.

In general, if the user does not issue a change-channel instruction, or other command, from the remote controller 40 vithin a predetermined time interval while in the FLIP mode, the microcontroller 16 instructs the VDG 23 to remove the graphic overlay 51 from the telsvision 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 sufficient time to read the programming information contained in the overlay. The duration of the predetermined time interval during which the graphic 51 overlay appears is stored in a location in non-volatile memory 20 addre_ssable by the microcontroller 16. The user can change the duration of the ti.me interval, by first entering a Viewer Preference mode, and than selecting an "overiav interval" entry. The microcontroller 16 then causes a uzer prompt to be displayed on the screen which, for example, asks the user to select an appropriate time period for displaying in the graphic overlay on. the screen. Using the numeric keys, the user can input an appropriate response, for example, a period between 5 and 60 seconds, hnd then depress ENTER. TYse new interval period is then read and stored by the microcontroller 1G in the overlay time interval location i-n nemory.
If the user issues a change-channel_command from the remote controller 40 before. or after the predetermined overlay period has elapsed, either by using the up/down direction arrv.+s 43A, or by entering a desired channel number using the numeric keys 42 and then dearessing the ENTER key 44, the microcontroller 16 vill cause the tuner 28 to tune to the desired channel --either the channel immediately preceding or following the current channel when the up or down arrow 43A is used or the specific channel entered on the numeric key pad by the user -- and will also search for and immediately cause to be displayed the current program information for that channel. Thus, as the user flipr through the channels, the program schedule information for any selected channel automatically appears in the yraphic overlay 51 while the actual program 55 appearing on the selected channel at the particular time occupies the remainder of the screen.
The system can also be configured tv issue an error aessage, such as an audible beep or displayed =text indicating an 5 invalid key stroke, if the user depresses either the left or right direction arrow keys while in the FLIP node.
BROWSE Mode To initiate thc BROWSE mode, the user depresses the MODE
sswitch once while in the FLIP mode when using the first embodiment of the remote controller 31 shown in Fig. 3. Utilizing the second embodiment of the remote controller 4C shown in Fig. 4, the user would depress the button below the BROWSE icon 47A.
In the BROWSE rrode, the user is prov:ded with the aaility to scan through program schedule informatior, for any channel, including, but not limited to, the channel beina viewed, while at the same time continuing to view thn TV proa,ram previously selected. As shown ir. Fig. il, _ in this mode the graphic overlay information that appears in the FLIP m,-Ae is replaced with programming information for the chan_nel being browsed, which ssay or may not be the c-hannel currently being viewed by the user. After the user issues the command from the remote controller 40 to enter the BROWSE mode, a graphic overlay 111 is generated, zs in the FLIP mode, with program schedule information for the currently tuned channel 112 and a textual BROWSE indicator 113 to remind the user of the currnntly active mode, as shown in Fig. 11.
If thi user depresses either thR up or down direction arrow on the remote controller 40 while ir, the BRO14SE rode, program schedule information for either the prior or next channel is diEplayed in the graphic overlay portion 111 of t'ie t:levision receiver vcreen 27, while the tuner remains tuned to the channel program that appeared on the televi:;.:on receiver at the time the user e7,tered the BROWSE mode, as shown in Fig. 12, and continues to so appear. Each successive depression af the up or down 2'3 direction arrow key produces correspcnding Frogram schedule information for tl.e selected channel. The graphic overlay may also include a small video window for showing the actual video signal of a currently aired program or a clip of a future program corresponding to the schedule information then appearing in the BROWSE overlay. In this way, the user can simultaneously scan program schedule information fo,: all channels while continuously viewing at least one selected program on the television receiver.
With the advent of sophisticated television receivers, it may also be possible to simultaneously display multiple broadcast programs on a single screen for viewing, or to split the'screen to show, for example, broadcast programs in combination with advertisements. The EROWSE feature could be used in any of these situations.
If, at zny time during scanning of the program schedule information in the BROWSE mode, the user desires to tune the television receiver 27 from the program channel currently being viewed to the program channel indicated in the schedule information in the graphic overlay, he Aimply depresses the ERTER
button 44 and the tuner 28 will be tuned to that channel. If the user does not want to view another channel and wishes to exit the BROWSE mode, thus removing the graphic overlay 111 with the program schedule information, he must depress t.he MODE key twice in the first embodiment of tl.e remote controller 31. The first depression of the MOD key takes the u3er to the MENI7 mode, discussed below, and the second depression will take the user to the FLIP mode. Once in the FLIP mode, the graphic overlay will be removed after tthe duration of the time-out interval has passed.
3n the second embodiment of the remote controller shown in Pig. 4, the uver =toggles the BROWSE icon key to deactivate the BROWSE
mode.
When the user first enters the BROWSE mode and begins sca^.n.ing channels, the schedule information appearing in the overlay portion 1l1 describes the programs currently playing on any particular channel. in order to view programming information for later or earlier times, the user employs the left and right direction arrows 43B. As a consequence, the system will display future program schedule information for the particular channel previously selected by the up and down direction arrows, vhether it is the channel currently being viewed or any otber available channe=. The schedule information presented includes the name of tha program and program start/stop time. The instant embodi3aent of the system, in order to conserve memory, will not allow the user to view programming information for a time prior to the current time. The system could be easily modified to provide such information if adequate memory is made available. It.may be desirable, for example, to allow a user to view schedule information for an earlier time to find a particular show and then allow the user to command the microcontroller to find and display future airing dates of the show, or the microcontroller could simply do this automatically.
When viewing progra.a schedule information for a future time in the BROWSE mode, the displayed time of airing 121 of the.
particular show 122 is highlighted, as well -as the channel nu=ber aad se_-vice indicator 123, as shown in Fig. 12A. Such highlighted information reminds the user that he is viewing program schedule i.aformation for a future time. Also, when viewing program schedule i.nformatio:l for a future tine on any particular channel in the BROWSE mode, depression of the channel up dira.ction arrow key on tha remote c,)ntroller 40 er.uses programming schedule information for the next channel to appear, which corresponds in time to the future time that was being viewed bcfore the up key was depressed by the user. The chan.nel dow-n direction arrow key 43B functions identically iz this mode.
IZ while viewing program schedule information for a future time in BROWSE mode the user depresses tha EhTER key cn the remote controller, the microcon=~.roller 16 will instruct the VDG 23 to display a RniINDER overlay meosage 130 which, as shown in Fig.
13, is displayed as a second overlay 131 appearing above the BROWSE overlay 132. The R}34INDL'R message _30 queries the use= as to whether the system should remind the user, at a predetermined time before the start of the selected program, that he or she would like to view the selected program, as shown in rig. 13. If the user responds affirmatively, the microcontroller 16 stores 5 reminder data consisting of at least the channel, time and day of the selected program in a remindar buffer, which contains similar schedule information for all programs for which the user has set a reminder. At a pre-determined time before the selected program start timo, for example, five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will 10 retrieve schedule information, including titla and se_-vice, based on the reminder data, and will instruct the VDG 23 to display a RF3=IINDr'1t overlay message 140 on the television receiver 27, as shown in Fig. 14, to remind the user that he or she prev:ously set a reminder to watch the selected program. The message 15 140= contains the channel, sarvice and start time. It also displays the number of ninutes before the tiae of ai_ring of the part--cular show and updates the displa} every minute until the time of airing. The Rr.'.iIND'Et message 140 also displays a"TU'NE"
inquiry, which ask:; the user if she would like to tunne to the 20- selecte;3 program. When the user sets multiple' re :=n3ers, the reminder overlays are stacked, for example, in ascending o=der according to the time each reminder is scheduled to be displayed, and the ;:ext reminder message vili appear on the -television receiver after the user takes appropriate action to rzmose the 25 reminder message then being displayed. The R.."*iZNDER =essage (140 could also be adapted to allow the user to display or modify a list of all reminders previously set by the user. A$ with the overlay display time period in the FLIP mode, the user can modify the time pariod before a salccted program that the RII:INDF''t message appears Lly entering the Viewer Preference mo.3e and revising the time entry.

I{E?tU Mode Using the remote controller 31 shown in fig. 3, the user can enter the lZNU )node from the BROWSE mode or from the FLIP mode by toggling the MODE button 38 once or twice, respectiveiy. Usir.q the remote controller 40 of Fig. 4, the user would simply depress the key 47B corresponding to the KaIU icon.
Referring to Fig. 6, in the MM.'U mode, the system displays a plurality of menu items and icons, which correspond=to and allow user selection of distinct program schedule information display formats, local cable syst"em message bcards and other on-line information services. 1'Y:e MENU screen shown in Fig. 6 is a full-screen display. in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, there are four vertically selectable horizontal bars 61-64, which are accessed using the up and down direction arrows 43A on the remote controller 21 or 40. At the extreme left of each bar, an identifying icon 61A-64A is 3isplayed, which identifies the informat=on contained in that bar. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the "TV GUIDE" icon 61A in the first bar corresponds to program schedule information from TV Guides magazine, the "NOW SHOWING"
icon 622% in the second bar 62 corresponds to pay-per-view and premium serv:.: e events, the "KSO Logo" icon 63A in the third bar 63 cori=esponds to Customer Service or local cable company information messages, and the circular icc., 64A in the fourth bar 64 corresponds to other interactive services avaUable to the user, or in the case of broadband networks, other venues, e.g., home shopping, banking or telephone use. As also shown in Figs.
5 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of its contents.
When the user first enters the 2SEt7II mode, the syste=
defau'ts to selection of the program schedule bar. When a particular bar is selected, the textual description is removed and a plurality o= icons or identifying windows are displayed adjacent the identifying icon. In Fig. 6, the program schedule bar 61 is selected. Using the up or down direction arrow key on the remote controller 40, the user selects a vertically adjacent bar. Figs.

15-17 show, respectively, selection of the Pay-Per-View bar 62, the Customer Service or Messages bar 63 and the Interactive TV
services bar 64.
An alternative MAIN MENU screen 215 is shown in Fig. 38.
Certain selection screens accessible from the menu shown in Fig.
38 are shown in Figs. 38A and 38B. It has three horizontally selectable bars: program schedule 205, Home Theater 206 and Customer Service 207. The KAIN IiF2.'a screen 215 also contains an additional "Locator" identifier, which is described below.
Once a particular bar in the MENU screen is selected, the user can select a particular icon from the plurality of horizontally selectable displayed icons 65A-65C by using the left or right direction arrow and the ENTER key on the remote controller 40. Each icon contains a graphical symbol appearing in a background window of a particular color. When a particular icon is selected, it is offset from its background window and the color of the window changes. In Fig. 6, the grid icon 65A immediately adjacent the "TV GUIDE" icon in the first bar G1 is selected.
The function corresponding to the selectable entries in the ?SAIN MEN[J screen will now be discussed with reference to Fig.

6. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the same functionality applies in the categories shown in the MAIN
MENO 215 shown in Fig. 38.
In the uppermnst vertically sesecta3le horizontal bar 61, the first grid icon 65A rerresents an "All Listings" mode in which the program schedule information is displayad in a grid listing, such as that shown in Fig. 18. Alternatively, a single column grid-lika display could be used, as that shown in Fig. 25.
In this format, the vertical y-axis identifies the chanr_el nunber and service while the horizontal x-axis identifies thc time. The screen display of Fig. 18 also contains in the upper left-hand corner a mode identifier 180, in this case the notation "All Listings," to remind the user of the current cparating mode of the system. Directly underr.aath the mode display is a highlighted display 181 of the channei ttiat the vser was watching before entering the MENU mode. In the upper right-hand corner, a logo icon 182 appears in a window airectly above a date/time identifier 183, which alternatively displays the current date and time.
In the center of the screen display shown in Pig. 18 is a graphical Active Key Display (AKD) 184 which indicates to the user those keys on the remote controller that are active for that particular mode of the program guide display system. For example, in the screen display of Fig. 18, the cursor can only move ' up, down or to the riy~-ht. If the user were to depress the left direction arrow key on the remote controller at that point, the system would not carry out any function since the cursor can not move to ttie left. Thus, the left arrow key is not active so its image is not displayed on the AKD 184. Similarly, since the system will only respond to a depression of the up, down or right direction arrow keys and the ENTER key, they are the only key isaages displayed on t2hm graphical AIXD 184. The 2SODE key, though not displayed, is always active to change from one mode to another. When the user first enters the All Listings the time listing begins by default at the haif-hour imzaediately preceding the current time :iniess ::ne current time is on the hour or half-hour, in s-hich case the display begins with tha particular hour or half-hour, and the channel listing begins at the last c,anne: being viawed by the user before entering the HENU mode.
For exaa,ple, in Fig. 18, the current time is displayed as 7:13 p.m., the time listing begins at 7:00 p.m. and the channel listing begins with channel 4.
In the All Listings mode, a moveable highlighted cursor 185 is used to indicate the currently selected program to the user. The user manipulates cursor movement using the direction arrow keyz on the remote controller 40. Furthermore, the entire information display psges upward if the cursor is plac-:d at the bottom of the screen and the down direction arrow is depressed, and simi? arly pages to the left if the cursor is at the extreme right side of the display and the r{ght direction arrow is depressed. In this way, the user can navigate through the entire program schedule.
The folder icon 65B i=ediately to the right of the All Listings icon in the top horizontal bar 61 of Fig. 6 identifies a 5"Category Listing" mode in which program schedule information is displayed and categorized by program content, as shown in Fig. 1S.
The particular listing showri in Fig. 19 includes the categories of Movies, Sports, News and Children 190A-190D. The database record stored for each listing contains a content-specific identifier so the microcontroller can search the database and categorize the information by content for purposes of displaying it ir. the Category Listing modc. As shown in Fig. 19, the user can nanipulate the cursor le*_t'or right to highlight ar.y one of the categories which appear at the head of the listing. In F:g. 19, the "Movies" category 190A is selected. As shown, the user is given a displav of all movies, prioritized by tjpme 3nd then alphabetically by title of show, beginning with the half-ho-sr ixmediately preceding the current time unless the current tine is or. the hour or half-hour, in which casR the display begins with the particular hour or half-hour. The screen display shown ir.
Fig. 19 also includes a textual description of the currant operating mode of the program schedule systan, as veli as the graphic AXD 184, similar to that used in connection with the All Listings mode.
As with the All Listings mode, if the user highlights a show which is currently airing, he can immediately tune to that 6riow by depressing the ENTE]? key on the remcte controller 40. If the highlighted show is one that will appear at future tiine, the user is again given the option of setting a REMI.'TCs.P. message. -The triangular icon 65C at the far right of the TV GUIDE
be.r 61 in the display of Fig. 6 identifies a"Channel Listing"
mode in which the program schedule infora:ation is categorized and displayed by channel, as shown in Fig. 20. The screen display shown in Fig. 20 again includes a textur,l mode identifier 201, the graphic P.KD 184, and the window inclrding the logo icon 182 and altesnating time/date display 183. At the head of the program listissg is a list of several consecutive channels 202A-202C
begi~ning with the last channel viewed by the user before entering the Channel Listing mode. The channel in the niddle wir,dow 2023 5 in highlighted and is the channel for which schedule information is displayed. The display identifies those programs appe3rinq on tha highlighted channel beginning with the half-hour immediately preceding the current time unless the current time is on the hour or half-hour, in which case the display begins with the particular 10 hour or half-hour. The user can display further future 3istings by manipulating the cursor to the bottom of the screen and paging the display, as pre-,riously described. The user can also change the selected channel by aanipulating the left or right direction srrosr keys on the remote controller 40. When the user issues a 15 chang=-cbar.nel command in this manner, the next consecutive char.nel will be displayed in the highlighted window 2028 in the channel string at the head o-f the display, _and schedule infc.zmation for the newly selected channel will be displayed on the television receiver 27.
.20 As with other modes, if a user wishes to tune to a highlighted program that is currently airing, he can do so by si3rply depressing the ENTEst key on the remote controller 40, and if the user wishes to view a program that airs at a future time, the user is again given the option of setting a RF3'iIh'pER message.
25 In each of the FLIP, BROWSE and MENtJ modes, a lover case "i* ic.on appears at a number of occasions in connection with certain procr-am listir.gs, such as movies, such as the *i" 203 shoc+n in Fig. 20. 1Lny time this icon appears, the user can view additional programwing information, genarally comprising a textual 30 descript:on of program content and/or other information related to the program, such as the names of cast yember.s and the like, by deprensir., the "i" key 48 on the rzmote controller 40. An example of a display rf such additional information is shown in Fig. 21.
The second horizontal bar 62 appearing on the screen in the YAIli K.YU mode shown in Fig. 6 is the "Home Theater" Listing.

It corresponds to Pay-Per-Viev events or services, specialized programming, and Premium Service programs. UThen this category is chosen by the user, the television receiver displays information as shown in Fig. 15. The first theater-ticket icon 150 that appears in this Home Theater bar identifies a format in whi.ch the Pay-Per-View events and premium services are displayed, as shown :Ln Fig. 22. As with other modes, the user can manipulate the cursor to highlignt and select any particular show.: Also, the user can obtain additional information about the Pay-Per-View event or service by depressing the "i" key 48 on the remote controller 40. The Pay-Per-View menu screen display shown in Fig.
22 also includes a video display section 220 in which short promotional clips of current and future events and services car. be shown to tha user while the user is vic=.-ing the Pay-Per-View scheduling ingormation. The display of Fig. 22 is bit mapped such that the advertising clips may be shown in the lower left quadrant of the screen. The clips zaay _e shcsn randoxly i.-i the video display section 120 or, alternatively, the clip shown could correspond to the particular selected entry on the list of events, and would change automatically as the user navigated through the list.
W'nen a user riighliqhts a Pay-Per-View event or service by manipulating the cursor to the desired event or service using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller 40, he can crder the event or service by depressing the ENTER button on the remote controller, thus lin}:ing schedule, promotional and ordering functions. If the user selects a particular Pay-Per-View event or service in this manner, the program.~aing schedule systam will next present to the user a Pay-Per-View ordering screen such as that shown in Fig. 23. The display includes a f:gure representing the cost of the event or service. The display also xsks. the user to chaose'frors among a plurality of scheduled airing times 230A-230C, as well as whether the user would like to se a I'w'rIINDZt message prior to ths sta.*-t of the Pay-Per-View event or service. '. : user responds to these incFsiries by using the direction keys cn the remote controller 40 to manipulate the cursor to the proper response and then depressing the ENTIIt key. After the user has ordered a Pay-Per-View event or service, the program schedule system will present the user vith two ordering confirmation submenus, such as shown in Figs. 24 and 24A. In either of these subaenus, the user can confirm or cancel the Pay-Per-View event or service.
If the user confirms the order, the microcontroller 16 stores the Pay-Per-View ordering iRforriation in a location in memory. Tha ordering information can then be trarsmitted to the cable operator by the microcontroller ]: either by phoaa line or or, the cable line where the system has '=.:sao-vay communication or other such interactive capability. Alternatively, a comptter at the cable cperator location can interrogate the memory whn.e thP
microcontroller stored thc Pay-Per-View ordering information. At the appropriate time, the cable operator supplies the Pay-Per-View even*_ or service and it is received by all users-who have ardered the program. -The second icon 151 in the Pay-Per-View bar of Fig. 15 identifies a sgecial-ized broadcast, cable or satellite programming service to which the user has access via the electronic program guide. In this mode, the electronic program guide application software acts to connect the user, through an appropriate data transmission link, to the programming servi_e, at which point the user interacts with t_he service. Alternatively, the electronic program guide provides the navigation software, including the menus and schedulir.g information, for the particular programair.g service. Such a service could be, for Example, Your Choice i1 ("YCTV*), a service offering reruns of highly rated broadcast and cable programs, in vhich case the icon nay take a form suitable to identify YCfiV. :he programming available on YCTV is then supplied to the user via the prograassing guide systam.
The last icon 152 appearing in the Pa;-Per-View bar of Fig. 25 identifies a display format which lists all Praniu=
s2rvices offered by the cable operator, as shown ;n Fig. 26. In this mode, the user can select for impulse ordering any one of the preaiiua services by manipula=ing.the cursor using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller and depressing the ENTER key.
Similar to Pay-Per-View ordering, the system will present the user with a series of ordering displal-s and, if a ser-wice is ordered by the user, it will confirm the user's request using another other submenu. If confirmed, the microcontrollpr 16 w?ll store the ordering information or transmit it direct?y to the cable operator. Once-the order has been confirmed, the microcontrolle.r can immediately allow the user access to the orderec! aremiun service. Zn this manner, the user can order premiun events or services on demand.
If, during FLIP or BROWSE modes, a user views a channel or schedule information for a service not subscribed to by the user, the microcontroller 16 causes an ordering submenu to appear instead of displaying a program signal a?ong with the graphic overl3y, as shown in Fig. 9. This submanu indicates to the user that she does not currer.tly subscribe to the selected service, and then 'asrs the user if she would like to order the service. If the user responds affirmatively, the program schedule system takes the user to the ordering su.bm,enu discussed above. In this manner, the user cat order pre.miun events or services on impulse.
= The third horizontal bar 63 in the ?i's3N mode snovn in 6 is t:ie "Messages" or "Customer Service" listing. As shown in Fig. 16, *-he firrt envelope icon 160 represents message information available from the cable operator. Whan tha user selects the message icon, he is presented with a screen display of currently available messages, as shown in Fig. 27. TY.e display shown i:, Fig. 27 includes cable system messages 270 and billing information 271. Zf-the user selects the cable system messages option 270, she is preaented with a message pertaining to the ;.ocal cable operator, such as that shown in Fig. 28. If the user selects the billing status option 271 shown in FS.g. 27, she is presented vith a aispla_v of current billing info~~tion, such as thst. suoLm in Fig. 29. This information may include a history of purchases charged to the user, current balnnce infcrmation, pending orders, and, an indication of available credit, which can be an authorized debit limit previously arranged with the cabla or other operator. Thus, a user could specify only a c;:rtain pre-set spending limit. Once the amount of charges from pay-per-view events reaches the limit, the microcontroller would not permit further ordering of events. An aitarnative messages menu is shown in Fig. 28A. -The next icon 161 in the r-'i:stomer Service information bar 63 of Fig. 16 identifies a"V_ewer Preference" sode, which allows the user to create or revise a number of program schedule system operating parameters. Once selected, t-his display presents the user with several preference options concerning certain operating parameters of the program schedule system, as well as the viewing of certain channels and/or certain content-specific programmir.g, for'examplz, those shown in Fig. 7.
The first ontion shown in Fig. 7 is the "Parental"
option 70, which can also be expressed as a"Key Lock access' oFtian. Once this option is initially selected by the user, the system displays a"Key Lock Access" submanu such as 't:zat shou-n in Yig. 30.
The Key Lock Access menu showrs in Fig. 30 allows the user to control access to individual channels and programs or events by requiring the user to enter an access code "key,"
consibting of a user-specified four digit code in the specific embodiment discussed herein, before ordering or vievi.-:g these pre-selected channels, programs or cvents. The menu display shown in Fig. 30 choras a ser?es of subject categories that are entries in the vertical y-axis selectable by tha user. A particular sub;ect c3tegorI is chosen by using the up or t=wm direction arrow keys on the remote contrni.ler 40 to highlight the desired entry.
ua:cs the user aelects a particular subject categorv, the.left and right arrow keys are used to navigate within the chosen category.
The first subject entry sho'.rn in Fig. 30 is the 3d "Parental Guidance" category 301. Once t.h_ user selects this category by manipulating the cursor to highlight the entry, the cursor can be then moved horizontally to an active window 302 which displays and selects one the five lettsr rating items in the category. The letter items represent ratings of procram content 5 as follows: "V" for violence, "N" for nudity, "L" for language, "AS" for adult situations and "PD" for parental discretion. Once the user selects a particular item, such as "L", by moving to the active window 302 using the right direction arrow key, depressing the ENTEP key will indicate to the microcontroller.36 that a key 10 lock access has been selected for programs rated with.a "L" rating for violent or explicit language. The system indicates activation of a key lock access by displaying a key icon directly below the "L" category disalay. Once a key lock access is set, it can be deactivated by selecting the category letter and then depressing 15 the ENTER 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 direction arrow keys on the reaote controller 40, images of which are disp2ayed on the screen adjacent the active window as a reminder to the user. In this 20 manner, the user can aelect other rating categories for setting a key lock access for any of the program content identifiers appearing in the Parental Guidance category.
The key lock access code itself consists of a four digit code, which the use: can enter and modify at any time. To do so, 25 the user highlights the fourth vertically selectable entry "Change Bey Lock Access Code," 304 by manipulating the cursor to highlight it using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller. Once highlighted, the user enters a new four digit code or revises the then existing code and depresses the n:TEEt key. The 30 microcontroller 16 then identifies the new four digit key lock access code and stores it in memory. The user can clear ='the key lock access code, as well as all other previously activated keys, by moving to the last entry in Fig. 30, "Clear Key Lock Access Code and All Keys," 305 which highlights the "OS" window, and then depressing the FF`ITER key. This action clears and deactivates all previously set keys, as well as the key lock access code.
The schedule infu=-mation database record for each program contains a field that corresponds to the program content identifiers in the Parental Guidance category. During operation, the microconLroller checks this field in response to a user c.mmand to 'tune to or order a prograr,, or to display its corresFonding schedule information befora carrying out the tuning, ordering or displaying function. If the parental guide identifier in the program sci.=dule information database record matches any one of the activated parental guidance identifiers shown in Fig.
30, the user will be prompted to enter the four digit key lock access code before the system takes any further action. If the=
entered code matches the key lock access code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will carry out the user request to tune to the program, to order it, or to display its corresponding schedule ir.formation. If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action will be taken and the user's request wi'Ll be denied.
By manipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys to highlight the secor.d entry, "M?r.A ratings," 308 the user can also set a key loc:c access for progrars based on their MPAA
rating code, as also shown in Fig. 30.
As with the Parental Guidance category, once thz H?AA
rating category has been selected, the user can nove horizontally within the category to the act_ve window 306 to select one the five rating codes, i.e., "G" 2cr general audiences, "PG" for parentai guidance, "PG-13" for suggested parental guidance, no one unds:r 13 admi.ttza xithout an adu:4, "R" for restricted and "X" for x-rated. As with the Parental Guidance category, by selecting a particular rating --by using tha left or right direction arrow kays until the particular rating code appears in the active window--and then depressing th3 Et?TL..R kev, t1he user vets a key lock access for the rating, in which case a key icon appears below the rating code. ~~.nd, as with the Parental Guidance category, once a kev lock access is set, the system will prompt the user to enter the four digit key lock access code anytime a request is aade to tune to, order or display schPdule information for a particular program having a rating code which matzhes a rating aode for which key lock access has been activated.
The Key Lock Access mode also includes a s-abject category 303 for controlling access to channels, which may be entitled,- for example, "Channel Block" or "Channel Lock." As with the Parental Guidance 301 and IPAA 308 categories, the user navigates to the Channel Block category 303 by manipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller and depressing the Fa?TER key. Once the Channel Block category 303 has been entered, the user can move horizontally to an active window 3C7, which in Fig. 30 indicates channel 2. Once the user highlights this window by manipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller 40, a key lock access can be set for the channel appearing in the active window.
This is done, as with the other subject categories in the Key Lock Access mode, by depressina the ENTER key, which again causes a key icon to appear below the channel number in the active window. The user can sove to the prior channel or to the next channel in sequence by depressing either the left or right direction arrow kev on the remote controller 40. In this manner, the user can activate a key lock access for any available channel.

As with the Parental Guidance 301 and MPAA 308 categories, once a key lock access is set for a partici:lar channel, the system will prompt t1he user to input the key lock access code prior to carrying out an instruction to tune to or order that channel. If the input key lock access code matches the previously sto_ed access code, the user's instruction ir. carried out. Otherwise, the user's instruction is ignored. ' Thus, the user can control access to the audio and video program content of any available channel. In this instance, the microcontroller 16 vill not allow audio or video program signals to pass to the VDG, but it will allow schedule information to appear for the channel.

An alternative method for effecting lockout of programs is accomplished using a"Lockout" screen, as shown in Fig. 39. In addition to limiting access to programs based on the Parental Guidance, I4pAA and channel criteria, as discussed above, access may be limited on the basis of program title. Fig. 39 shows an altern4tiva Lockout screen 250 that can be used to permit or limit access to programs based on program title, in addit_on to the aforementioned criteria. Other parameters also may be incILuded, such as time of day, day of week, credit limit, and content category (e.g., talk shows).
To enter the Lockout screen 250 shown in Fig. 39, the user must enter a multi-digit lockout code using the numeric digit keys 42 and the enter key 44 on the remote controller 40. The' lockout code is set initially vhen the system is first used or installed. To set a lockout code in the first instance, the user accesses a Setup screen 260, such as that sY~own in P g. 40. The Setup screen 260 vill automatically appear the first time the electronic program guide is installed and initialized. For access .during normal operation of the electronic program guide, a suitable access path to the Setup screen 26Q may be provided, such as from an appropriate icon in the HAIN eM 215.
In the Setup screen 260 of Fig. 40, the user can r.avigace to the Lockout Code category 265 and set a new lockout code using the appropriate navigation and selection keys on the remote controller 40. P_ suitable nenu for inputting the lockout code is shown in Fig. 40A. Once enabled, the lockout code must be u.ed to Eet or modify locks, to viev a previously locked program, or to clear or change the lockout code. The memory location of the stored lockout code also should be remotely accessible, such as by r.he local cable company, in case the user forgets tha lactcout code and it must be erased.
Once the lockout code is entered and the Lockout screen 250 of Fig. 39 is displayed, navigation within the screen is controlled by the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote controller 40. Using the up and down direction keys 43A to move the selection cursor, either the Movie Rating 251, Parental Guidance 252, Channel 253, Locked Program 254 or Lockout CoaE 255 category can be selected. The left and right direction keys 43B
are then used to navigate inside the selected category.
Clearing a previously set lockout code is accosplished by moving the selection cursor to the "Clear" entry 256 in the Lockout Code category 255 and depressi_-sg the enter key 44 an the remote controller 40. This causes the microcontroller to clear the lockout code stored in memory, as well as all locks previously set by the user. To change the curreat lockoutcode, the user navigates to the "Change" entry 257 in the Lockout Code catagory 255 and depresses the enter key 44 on the remote cor.troller 40.
zne user is then prompted to enter a new lockcut code, which is subsequently stored in memory by the microcontroller.
To set a lock in either the Ke4ie Rating 251 or Parental Guidance 252 category, the user navigates to the selected entry in Fig. 39 by --anipulating the selection cursor using the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote controlZer -40, and then depresses 'a lockout key on the remote controller, such as the padlcck key 45A shown in Fig. 4. The microcontroller will appropriately modify the display to indicate that a lock has been set, for example, by changing the color of the _ext or the backgrc;:r.3 in the selected entry window, or by displaying an approprin=e icon next to the text in the selected entr.= window. In Fig. 39, a padlock icon 258 appaars in the window of the "PG" entri in the *Sovie Rating category 251. Toggling t_'`ie lockout key whilp the selection cursor is positioned on a selected entry will alternately enable and disable the leckout function for ;.hr.t entry.
Similarly, to set a 7.oc:c for a particular channe:, t2:e user selects the channel using the selection cursor r-sd then depresses the lockout key. In Fig. 39, -.`.e channel "4 X:.'2:C" e~ tx-y in the Channel category 253 has been lo:.ked, which is indi~- -: by the inverse video and padlock i^cn appea-ring in th~ windcv.

Program locks also may be set by title, which can be effected in several ways. For example, when the above-described FLIP or BROWSE mode of the electronic program guide is enabled, thereby causing the title of a program tv be.displayed along with 5 other program schedule informatiori in a window superimposed on the actual program signal then being received, the user can limit access to the program corresponding to the displayed progr:.=
information by depressing the lockout key 45A on the .:remote controller 40. The user also may limit access to the currently 10 t+aned procgras by depressing the lockout key 45A on the remote controller 40 while viewing the program, regardless whether the FLIP or BROWSE modes are enabled. In this instance, the microcontroller first removes the program signal from the display and then accesses the schedule information database record for the 15 program then appearing and sets an appropriate flag to indicate the program has been locked. Also, when viewing program schedule information in the grid or category listings, as discussed above and shoFtn, for example, in Figs. 18-20, the user also can tag a program for lockout by highlighting it with the selection cursor 20 and ther. depressing the lockout key 45A on the remote controller 40.
In each of these instances, the microcontroller then stores the program title in a lockou'c title list stored in memory along with any other titles that previously have been locked out 25 by the user. Individiial items in the lockout title list are dimplayed in alphabetical order in the "Locked Program" window 259 shown in Fig. 39, and the user may scroll through the list by positioning the selection cursor on the Locked Program window 259 using the up and down direction keys 43A on the remote controller 30 in Fig. 40 and then using t.ns left and right direction keys 43B to scroll through the lint one item at a time. In order to save m2mory space, alternatively, the vnicrocontroller may ba programmed to set a flag or otherwise mark the particular database record cont&ining the program sche?ule information for the program that 35 is to be locked out, and to thareaftar access the database to retrieve the title information when it is to be displayed, ;;uch as when the viewer i3 reviewing the lockout title list in the Locked Program window 259. -Once an individual title has been locked out, the microcontroller can be programned optionally to display an appropriate lockout icon, such as a padlock, whenever program schedule information for the locked program is to be displayed, such as in the window overlay of the FLIP or BKOWSE mode, or in the various grid and category displays available in the MAIN TIExU
displays. The system also may display an appropriate text message if someone tries to access the program signal of a previously-locked program. Of course, once a prograr~ is loc3ced, in all instances the microcontroller prevents access to the actual program signal (including both the audio and video portions of the program signal) until an appropriate code is entered or the lockout is removed.
Several methods can be used to block programs at their time of airing. For example, in tha case of the Movie Rating, Parental Guidance and Channel cat4gories, the schedule information database record for each program is provided with a field that correaponds to the rating, program content identifier or channel appearing, respectively, in the Movie Rating 251, Parental Guidance 256 and Channel 253 category of the Lockout screen 250 shown in Fig. 39.
During operation, the microcontroll.r checks the appropriate f~eld in the database record in response to a user command to tune to or order a program bafore carrying out the tuning or ordering function. Additionally, the lockout code also nay be used to restrict access to program schedule information.
In this instance, the microcontroller also would check the appropriate field in the schedule information database record before displaying schedule information for a program.
If the movie rating, parental guidance or channe]
identifier in the program schedule information database record matches any one of the locked-out entries indicated in the Lockout screen 250, a Lockout Verify screen 300 is displayed in overlaying relationship with the video siqnal then being displayed on the t2levision receiver, as shown in Fig. 41. The user vill be prcrmpted to enter the previously set lockout code before the system takes any further action. As an added security naasure, asterisks will be displayed as the user enters the lockout code.
If the entered code matches the lockout code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system :ri?1 carry out the user request to tune to or order the program, or to display its corresponding schedule information. If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action will be ta.l:en and the user's request vili be denied. In this cas+e, the Lockout Verify screen 300 will remain disnlayed on the television receiver waiting for a correct code to be entered. If no action is taken by the user, the Lockout Verify screen 300 vill be removed after a predetermined time-out period, such as one or two ainutes.
Similarly, in the case of lockout by title, the microcontroller also could,checic the title field {n the schedule information database record and compare it vith the list of program titles for vhich the user previously set a lock. If, as described above, the microcontroller does not maintain a list of the actual titles of programs locked by title, a suitable identifier can be s2t in a field in the database record to indicate that a program has been :ocked by title when t2:e user 35 first sets the lock, and, thereafter, the microcontroller could chec.k that field in response to a user request to tune to or order a program, or diaplay schedule inf ormatior..
An alternative method for effecting lockout involves the use of a portion of the real-time program signal tas ng received by the television receiver. With this method, codes corresponding to a program's rating, parental guidance category, title or channel are inrserted into and transzi*_ted along with t-he program signal, such as in the vertichl or horizontal blanking intervals, or on raster scan 1{nes that ara not visible on the te?evisicn receiver.
:5 When the program signal is received, these codes are stripped from the program signal and stored in memory. Methods and apparatus for the insertion transmission and reception of digital codes carried or. a program signal are known in the art.
After the transmitted codes have been separatEd from the program siqnal and stored in memory, the microcontroller esr.
compare them with the lockout criteria set by the user in the Lockout screen and take appropriate action, as described above..
The Setup screen 260 shown in Fig. 40 also contains a Purchase Code category 270, which allows the user to set a::umeric i0 purchase code that must be entered before any premium rharnels or pay-per-view programs can be orderad. The Setup screen 260 shown in Fig. 40 includes entries for setting a new purchase code and for clearing or changing a previously set password. A,-propriate manus for setting, confirming, clearing or changing the g-,irchase code are shown in Figs. 409 t''irough 40E. C,nce _ a user sets a p=.srchase code, the microcontroller thereafter vill display a Purchase Code Ver;fy screen in response to a user request to tune to or order a premium services channel or pay-per-view progra:.
The P=.archase Code Verify screen works in a manner similar to the Z,cckout verify screen 300- in that the user is prompted to enter the previously set purchase code passvord before the microcontroller will tune to or or3er the requested prcgran. If the correct purchase code is not enttred, the microcontraller uill take no further action and the Purchase Code Verify screen will rem,ain displayed waiting for input of the correct code. if no action is taken within a prodatermined time-aut period, the F-urchEse Code Verify screen will be removed.
The next o:+tion shown in Fig. 1 is the Channel Prefere.nc3 or NFSVoT;te Channel" list option 71. By highlighting this icor. and denreasing the MITER key on the cemote controller 40, the user is presented with a submenu on the screen such as that shown in Fig. 8.
In nornal operation, the program guide system presents channels to the user in nuaerical order in response to an up or de=.m change-channel command issued by the user using one cf the direction arrow.keys on the remote controller. The channel number presentation sequence includes all channels offered by the cable company in the order of which they are modulated onto the channel by the operator.
The program guide system also provides the capability of selecting from among several user-defined channel presentation sequences, which are activated using one of the three "check mark"
icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C on the remote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4. Each of these keys represents a preferred partivalar list of channels which a particular user selects and which the micracontroller stores in memory as a "Channel Preference" list, as discussed in detail below. To activate one of these prefferred channel lists, the user depresses the corresponding chac{-mark icon k=y, in which case the microcontroller aay display *1he chosen ?5 icon on the screen in the graphic overlays and full screen displays to remind the user that a particular channel preference list is 'neing used by the svstem. Once a preference list is activated, the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and the display of schedule information only to those channels that are dezignated in the activated viewer preference li:t.
To revise the content andjor sequential order of the channels in the Channel Preference list, the user enters the MENU
mode of the programming guide system. To ert+r the MENU mode from the FLZP mode, the user twice depresses the MODE key 38 vhen using the remote controller - of Fig. 3. To enter the MENU mode when using the alternative 4mbodiment of the remote controller 40 of Fig. 4, the user simply depresses the MENU icon key 47B.
Xhen first entered, the MMrJ mode has a screen display such as eho:m in Fig. 5. To select the submenu for editing the Ghannel Preference list, the user first selects the third horizontal bar 63, which can be titled, for example, "Messages" or "Customer Service," by manipulating the cursor using the down direction arrow key, as shown in F`.g. 7. The screen of Fig. 6A is thereby displ=ycd. The user then selects the second icon 161 appearing in that bar, indicated with a check mark, which corresponds to a "Viewer Preference" mode, by highlignting the icon using the direction arrow keys and again depressing the D+'=
key..'This action will cauge the microcontroller 16 to display a 5 Viewer Preference submenu such as that shown in Fig. 7. By selecting the Channel Preference or "Favorite Channel" entry 71, the user enters the Channel Preference submenu, shown in Fig. 8.
If the, user has not already done so, he would then depress the particular check-mark icon key on the remote control3ar 40 of 10 Fig.4 to create or revise the particular channel preference list.
In the Channel Preference menu shawn in Fig. 8, a list 80 of all channels available on the particular cable system is displayed on tne left side of the television receiver screen,-labeled "Choices" in Fig. 8, and the viewer's preferred list 81, 15 dasignated "Selected" in Fig. 8, :.s displayed on the right side.
If a particuiar code, such as an ~'~tD or "-1" symbol appears in the first (upperacst) position 82 of the viewer preference list E1, the system displays information for all channels in numerical order in=all mcdes of operation. This is the default mcde of t.he 20 system.
By selecting channels in sQquence from the available list 80 and placing them in the desired order in the profere-nce list 31, the user can select a subset of channels 3ndjor rearrange the default sequence in response to a channel up or channel down 25 conmand from t-he user. This is accomplished by hiahl{3htir.g a channel in the available list 80 using the up and down direction arrow keys on the remote controller 40 and depressing the M:I'EIt key 44, which stores the entry temporarily in a buffer.
The aicrocontroller 16 stores a list of all channels 30 previously entered in the viewer preference list 81. As a parc3cular channel is highlighted by the user when navigati~g through the available channel list 80 displayed on the left side of the television screen, a vindov 84 appears adjacent to the particular channel hiqhlighted by the user. I. the partictirlar 35 channel already appears in the viewer preference list 31, the system displays a"LELETE" aessage in the window 84 as a reminder that the channel was previously selected from the available channel list 80 and can only be deleted from the list 81, which is accomplished by depressing the M1TER key 44. if the particular highlighted channel in the list 80 was not previously selected, the system displays a"SELECT" message in the vindow 84 as a remir.der that the particular channel will be selected for addition to the viewer preference list 81 if the user depresses the ENTER
key 44. The m'Lcrocontroller 16 inserts a selected channel at the bottom of the list $1. In this manner, the user can select or delete channels from the viewer preference list in anv desired order.
The available channel list 80 may also be provided with categorical entries 83, such as movies, news, sports or children's shows. The Lser may also highlight any of these entries and put them into t2:e viewer preference list 81. If the user does it.clude a category in his viewer preference list 81, vhen tha user issues channel up or do,.m commands, the system will display, in sequence, first the user's selected preferred channels in numerical order and then all channels having a program vhose content corresponds to the selected category or categories at the time.
Once the user has revised the chann*l preference list 81 in the described manr,er, the microcontroller 16 will follow the stored user-specified channel saquenca in response to a change-chanr.el command made by the us2r employing one of the direction arrow keys. To activate the viewer preference list, the user depresses one of the three check-mark icon keys 48A, 48E or 48C on the top of the remote controller shovn in Fig. 4. The viewec preference list can be used to selectively limit tuning of tY.e television receiver or display ef schedule information in any of the operating modes of the electronic program guide. In tht present embod.iment, once a preferen=e list is activated, the system will limit the tuning oi the television receiver and the di3plap of schcdule iniormation in the FLIP, and BROWSE modes, as well as in t_he grid category and channel listings in the xINU

mode, only to those channels designated in the activated viewer preference list. The tuner can not be tuned to, and no cor:espondIng schedule information can be displayed for, any chanr.el not entered in the viawer preference list when it is activated. In this regard, it should be noted that setting a key lock access in the Parental Guidance 301, 14pAA 308 or Channel BloeX 303 categories produces a different result than vhen using other display criteria, such as the Channel Preferer.ue List of preferred channels discussed above. Thus, while a key lock access will prevent audio and video program information, but not schedule information, from being displayed or ordered absent entry of an authorization code, if a particular channel is included in the Channel Preference list and also has a key lock access activated in tha Channel Block category 303 of the Key Lock Access mode, that ch:iznel or its corresponding schedule information will not be displayed at any time. -Tc deactivate a previously selected.viewer preference list, the user toggles the appropriate check-mark icon key on the remote.ccn`.rol ler 40 of Fig. 4. Once deactivated, the system defaults to displaying and tuning all available channels, as well as displaying schedLlc information for all available channels.
Alternatively, the viewer preference list 81, if activated, can be used to control tuning r-*-d display of schedule information only in selected modes, such as only in the FLIP mode, thus allowing the user to tune and view corresponding schedule information only for those channels entered in the preference list 81 in the FLIP mode, while viewing all channels and corresponding schedule information in all other modes.
In this latter configuration, as well as in the instance where no channel preference list is activated and the syaten is in default mode, if a channel appears in the vibver preference list 81 that corresponds to a service not subscribed to by the user, the microcontroller .16 causes an ordering submenu to appear instead of displaying a program sic,nal alor.g with the graphic overlay, as shown in Fig. 9. Tiiis submenu indicates to t3:a user that he does riot currently subscribe to the selected service, and then asks the user if he would like to order the service. If the user responds affirmatively, the program schedule system takes the user to another order_r.g submznu to confirm the uaer's request, as with impulse ordering.
The program guide also nay be configured with a Locator screen 201, as shown in Fig. 37, which aids the viewer in channel selection and definition of a favorite channel list. The Locator screez 201 displays all available channel nunbers grouped r_ccarding to the source of the program information appearing on any particular channel at any particular time, e.g., broadcast, cablecast, pay-per-view, near video on demand, satellite, or other source of program material. Thus, the Locator screen 201 can be used to locata any part..cular channel or service because the groupings provide a quic-k and efficient method for scrolling +...hrough the list of available channels. The channel numbers also aay be grouped according to other criteria-, such as prcgram-cat::gory, program content, program rating or other content-based standard, time of availability, numerical order, or othrs logical grouping.
In the example shown in Fig. 37, the user navigates within the Locztor scrsen 201 using the direction keys 43A and 43B
on the remote eontrollar 40. The right and left direction keys 43B move the selection cursor within the category r=ws, w5ile the up and down direction keys 43A are used to select a particular r.atagor*. From the Locdtcr screen 201, any ?.articular channel can be selected fcr viewing by positioning the selection cursor on the desired channel and depressing E3ther the anter key 44 or ar.
optional tune key (rot shown) on the remote controller 40.
in addition to aiding in channe1 selection, the Locator screen 201 also provides the user wit.}1 the ability to co:.veniently define i avarite channel l ists . To do sc, the user first moves the selection cursor to the desired channel by using the direction keys 431. and 43B or numer_c C.:.git keys 42 on the remote controller 40, and then depresses a favorite channel k2y 46A provided on the remote controller 40, which causes the display to change in some manner or characteristic as an indication that the channel has been selected as a favorite channel, sulch as by changing the color of the channel identification text or the text background, by displaying an appropriate icon or by some other appropriate identification scheme. In the remote controller 40 shown in Fig.
4, the pound key "f" can function as the favorite channel key. =
Also, if multiple favorite channel lists are being used, t.l-a user would depress the appropriate favorite channel key on the relnote controller to select a particu2ar list before depressing the favorite channel key. For example, as discussed above, the remote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4, has three color-coded check-mark favorite channel keys 48A,.48$ and 48C, which provide for at least three individual favorite channel lists for three individual users. DiOLferent identification characteristic:: could be displayed on the Locator screen 201 to indicate that a particular favorite channel list is selected. For example, the ::co.l or image used to enable a favorite channel list on the re:otc: controller, such as the check mark key 48A used on the remote controller 40 shown in rig. 4, could be displayed on the Locator screen 201, as well as other screens of the program guide, when a favorite channel list is enabled. Ji-lternatively, the color of the displayed text or background could be changed to match the color of the selected favorite channel key.
The Locator screen 201 may be zccessed via several paths. For exanrle, it may be included as a virtual chanr.el that is conveniently positioned in the channel-tuniF;g sequence, such as }etween the highest and lowest available channel numbers -- for examFi.e, a vir*_ual channel 0. To the user, such a virtu3l channel aopears to be a conventioaal channPl. However, it requires no additional bandwidth as a carrier. For exanple, it can be digitally produced at the subscriber station or included in an appropriate blar.k ng interval in existing banctdi-dth frequencies.
In this manner, the virtual channel is accRssib?s eithJr by entering the corresponding channel number usinq taA numeric digit keys 42 on the remote controller, or by using tiza up and down direction keys 43A to wrap around from the highest to the lovest channel number, or vice versa. As shown in Fig. 38, it also ray be desirable to provide a suitable identifier, such as an icon or 5 text message 210, in the MAIN ?ENU displav 215, from which the user could access the Locator screer, 201 sisply by highlighting the identifier 210 with the selection cursor and depressing the enter key 44-on the remote cont=oller 40. Alternatively, the remote controller may be provided with a key carrespendin3 to the 10 Locator screen 201 which would cause the nicrocontroller to display the Locator screen 201 when the aser depressed it.
In addition to Channel Preferencz or Favorite Channal keys, the remote controller 40 can also be supplied with a number of user-activated categorv preference icon keys, e.g., novies, 15 sports, or children's prograIIning. The system can be adapted to present to the user only thcse programs meeting particular preference category when it is activated by the user. As witn the ChanneZ'Preference iccns, the microcontraller say display t-:e ?con corresponding to the activated preference category to remi,id the 20 user of the currently activated mode of system operaticn.
The question mark icon 162 at the far right of the t~.ird borizontal bar in the menu of Fig. 16 identifies a program cuide system "Help" mode in which infcrmati on exglaining the operation of the system is displayed for the user. Again, by manipulating 25 the cursor using the appropriate keys on the remote controller, the =.:ser can select this mode. Once selected, the next submenu appearing in the Help mode asks the user to identify the particular portion of the system about wr.ich the user would like to ~.iew Halp information.
30 The icons anpearing in ti-,e last horizontal bar cf the 2f`:liTJ moclp identify =ertain interactive and/or other types of information services which the progr::r=ir_g system, acting as a ghteway, makLs available to the user as shown in rig. 17. By ieanipulating the cursor, the user can select any ona oi the 35 identified services, as shown in Figs. 31-35.

For exasple, if the user initially selects the "X*PR8S5-ieon appearing in the last horizontal bar, he is presented with a su_.-aenu such as that shown in Fiq. 31. IIsing the direction arrow and enter keys on the r--tnote cor.=roliEr, the user selects one of the three entries appearing in the display of Fig. 31. Once a particular entry is selected, the electronic program guide connects the user to the selected 3ervice and passes control to the particular service application software, as sho-an in Figs. 32-35. _ 1G Alternatively, the remote controller 40 can be suaplied with a plurality of content-specific keys corresponding to a plurality of content-specific categories of programmir.g, -z.g., a Sarrts key, News key, Movie key, etc. When the user depresses 3_ content-specific key, a content-specific mode is initiated. In ?ig. 4, the remote controller is equipped with a Sports key 49.
If the user depresses the Sports key 49, the microcontroller will limit the display of programs and/or prociam schedule information to th~se that are srorts-related. ibe microcont:oller vill block all other p rogra.:ming cr schedule information fron appearing on the television receiver. The microcontroiler ca:: be adapted to distir.guish programs and schedule information that are apo:-ts-.reZated by examining an appropriate code associated with the program or sc2;aduie information.
As discussed above, coding can be accomplished using any ntim-ber of inethod_ _ such as by includi.^.g an appropriate code in the vertical blanking interval of the program signa:, cr in an appropriate memory location in t1he database record of the progr-a.a schedulE information, or if the schedule information j.s being received on a broadband network, by including it in an appropriate blanking interval. The user activates a contant-specific mode by depressir.g the appropriate cantent-specific key in any code of operation of the electronic prog*3mraing guide, sr.cluding the aforedescribed FLIP, BROWSE or K.AIN KENU modes, as well as when no schedule information is being displayed and only a program signal is visible on the television receiver. Once a content-specific mode is requested by the user, the m_i.croconrroller immediately and directly enables the content-specific programming criteria, and maintains it for all operating modes of the guide until disabled, which can be accomplished, for example, by toggling the Sports key 49.
Instead of a dedicated content-specific key, such as Sports key 49, the system nay be configured with a single, generic content-specific key, which, when activated, would cause the aicrocontroller to display a content-specific menu containing a list of all content-specific categories available to the user.
The user then could highlight a particular ' category by manipulating the selection cursor using the direction arrour keys on the remote controller and select it by depressing the ENTER or OK kay 44. As an alternative to using a content-specific key an the remota controller, access to the content-specific menu can be effected by providing an appropriate identifier in another menu screen of the electronic guide, such as in the IACATOR, SE'TUP or HA IN =I~.ENU screens.
in addition to blocking all non-selected content-specific programming when a partieu2ar content-specific category has been selected, the micr==ontroller can be -ogrammed to enabla all added-value programming or services t*!at are specially related ta the selected content-spe:.ific cateeory. For example, if the user activates a Sports content-specific mode, the microcontroller, in addition to allowing only sports programming or schedule information related to sports programming to be displayed, will proactively seek out and enable all sports related added-value services, such as related trivia or video qames, up-to-date scores while a game is in progress, team schedules, replays of prior games of the selected teams or players, ticket or souvenir purchasing, etc. Thus, the information available from the programming or service can be iateg=ated into the environment of the electronic program guide. Rather than simply passing ccntrol to another service as described above, in this manner the electronic program guide wou5d fune:ian as a system integrator or interface to combine the available added-value information into a packat ' r: within the electronic guide environment, thus essentially creating a series of modular electronic program applications corresponding to a variety of available content-specific categories. -The Setup screen shown in sig. 40 also includes a Text Location category 275, which contains the textual entries "Bottom of S::reen" and "Top of Screen." By navigating to the Text Location category.275 using the up and do=.-n direction keys 43A_.4n the remote controlier 40, and to either tk!e "Top" or "Bottom"
entries in that category -using the left znd right direction keys 43B on the remote controller, and then depressing the enter or select key 44, the user can control the position of the overlay windows used to display iiiformation in various operating modes of the electronic proaram guide. The Se_up screen of Fig. 40 provides the user witi; twc positicnal choices: the top or bottca of the screen. Depending on the modes of operation of the program guide, it may be desirable to provid-e the user with more positional choices in viewing area of the -television receiver, or to provide the user with the ability to choose a different position for information displayed di=fere_.t operating modes.
One of the novel features of the disclosed invention is the taxtfit syLtar.. The preferred embo.~'.iyer.t of the text fit system includes an interactive comFutar program used to edit the program listings data before it i1 tran=itted to the user and stored in memory. The inzeractive syste= operates as follows:
unedited (or pr7tially edited) progran listings information is loaded into data a processor. The data includes program titles, program schedule times, duration, category, as well as additional descriptive information dependent cn the type of program. For example, for aovies the data includes t: a 2^AA rating, year of the movie, whether it is in black ard white, and a list of starring actors and actresses.
Tl:z data processor extracts onlf the program title data which includes television program 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 listings data to determine what grid size listir.gs are neaded for each title. Thus, a two hour movie 'could require four different edited titles to fit into each of the four different size grid cells (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 to be displayed in the program schedule grid using a proportional font and character to character kerning, tr:e data processor may also account for these factors in determining the space required to display a title. The determination would than be based on the nunber r=f pixels required for the particular combination of characters in the title. The amount of space available for display of a title depends on the size of the grid cell and the space required for display of icons, when activated.
If the data processor determines that a fuIl title requires too much space to fit into 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 is then queried to alter the title so that it will fit in the allotted space. If the title must be edited for aore than one cell size, the cditor is queried to edit each of these separately.
In the preferred embodiment of the interactive program, the editor is shown in real time whether the edited title will fit in the designated grid cell.
In the preferred cmbodiment, two lines of text are displayed in each grid cell of the program listings. The title, as edited, appears on the first line, and if necessary, continues onto the second line. The decision to wrap-around to the second line is based on l;.ether natural breaks exist in the title such as spaces between words, commas, periods, hyphens, etc. These are standard techniques used in word processing software routines.
The editor may also be cuer_ed to edit a title in the situation where the full title will fit on the allotted two lines, but a hyphen is required because there are no natural breaks in the title.
Prior to querying the editor to shorten a title, the data processor compares the title with a stored library of 5 shortenad titles to determine if the title had previously been shortened while editing another listings database. Each time changes are made by the editor to a title, the shortened title is added to the library. It is apparent that this process of building a library of shortened titles greatly reduces the manual 10 input required.
A flow chart illustrating the process by which the text fit system operates is shown in Fig. 42. The chart illustrates the operation of editing a listing for display in a program grid =for a single platform, hut operation is the same for all 15 platforms.
Text editing may be necessary in other situations besides that where multiple size grid cells are used -for display of the same title. For example, the disclosed program guide nay run on several different platforms, with each one having different 20 constrain*_s and grid cell space availability. Some may not display the text in proportional fonts and some may have other limitations reducing the available spr.ce. Thus, in the preferred embodiment the interactive program would request edits for all platforms for which they requir:-d at the same time. In additior.
25 editing of text may be recV:ired for display modes other than a grid of program listings. For example, in the "Listings by Channel" display of 2ig. 20, prcgrams are listed on an entire, fixed-length lir.e, but the length of the line may vary from platform to platform, so that the text fit system may be employed 33 for the purpose of editing listings for the different platforms n this display mode as well. The space ava lable for the display of text will also depend on how much space is reserved for icon display. The same process as that shovn n fig. 42 would apply, excent that there would be no need to determine what grid sizes are needed because a fixed length line is used for display rather than multiple sized grid cells.
It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the disclosed text fit system has applications beyond that of title editing alone. The system may be easily modified to provide editing of nessages, "i" screen storylir.es, pay-per-view promotional copy, and similar text messages so that they will fit into the desiy-.: ced space availa'vle Zor display of the text. In fact, the system aay be used to edit any text for display in the disclosed program schedule system.
The computer program for the aicrocontroller 16 may also include a schadule for the display of varying background views upon which the program schedule information is overlaid either partially or in a full screen display. The background views may be stored as bit maps in memory or in another storage medium, such an an optical storage device. For example, the microcontroller 16 may be pro3ramaed to issue a command to the vDG every morning at 6;00 AM to display a sunrise in the backcround. The background may then be changed 3ecorciingiy 42:rougYioi:t t7e day to, for example, a blue sky or a nighttime view. It also aay vary, e.g., by time of day, day of week, month, year or spafion. The mood background also could char:ge dapending on the particular catagory of programming that the user is watching or to which selected schedule infornation pertains. The mood background also may be adapted to display scenes that reflect the particular viewing area in which the +lser is situated, like the Rocky Mountains, or Mt.
Fcainier, etc. it also may be possible to display standard scenes, =:icn as an ocean or forest scans. Horecver, the audio background also cou'La he adjusted to relate to the particular mood background 20 then being displayed- In addition, different background views may be used for holidaya and specirl events, such as Christmas, Fourth of July, 5uparbowl Sunday, etc. The purpose of the background views is to help ease the monotony of viewing program listings.
The micrccontrol?er 16 coulcl be adapted automatically to :~ coordinate the dishlay of tha mood background. The user also could be given the ability to choose from among various mood background displays by adapting the microcontroller to display ar.
appropriate mood option manu that lists the mood background options available to the user and allows the iuser to select one cr more by manipulating the selection cttrsor. ?,ccess to such a mood option menu couid_ be achieved by supplying an apprepriate identif ier, textual or visual, in an appropriate menu of the system, such as the LOCATOR or SETUP screen.
Additionally, the alectrozic proc,ram guide cou'A"d h-e configured to store a unique digital identifier for each prograU
along wi=.*s its schedule in ormation and later use the identifier -- e.g., by transmitting it -- to indicate to a recording or storage device, sucY, as a video recorder, that the user wishes to record the program. The program guide could also use the identifier to automatically control operation of the video recorder. The electronic program guide could also be configured to use other stored schedule information for this purpose.
The form and content of a particular computer pragr3n to imple"ment the invention disc2osed herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of video system programming and graphic display. A flow chart showing the operation logic oi the system is shown in Fig. G. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there can be departure from the specific eabodiment of the invention described herein without departing f=om the true sccpe of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (12)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for use in an electronic program schedule system, the method comprising:
receiving program schedule information including a plurality of air times for at least one program;
providing a user with an opportunity to select the at least one program;
in response to a user selection of the at least one program, simultaneously displaying the plurality of air times for the selected at least one program; and providing the user with an opportunity to select one of the plurality of air times for the selected program.

2. The method defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one program is at least one pay-per-view program.

3. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising, in response to receiving a user selection of one of the plurality of air times for the selected program, performing a function associated with the selected air time.

4. The method defined in claim 3, wherein the performing the function comprises setting a reminder message to be displayed prior to the selected air time.

5. The method defined in claim 3, wherein:
the selected program is a pay-per-view program; and the performing the function comprises ordering the pay-per-view program associated with the selected air time.

6. The method defined in claim 5 further comprising:
receiving a user indication to cancel the ordered pay per-view-program; and canceling the ordered pay-per-view program in response to receiving a user indication to cancel the ordered pay-per-view program.

7. An electronic program schedule system comprising:
means for receiving program schedule information including a plurality of air times for at least one program;
means for providing a user with an opportunity to select the at least one program;
means for in response to a user selection of the at least one program, simultaneously displaying the plurality of air times for the selected at least one program; and means for providing the user with an opportunity to select one of the plurality of air times for the selected program.

8. The system defined in claim 7, wherein the at least one program is at least one pay-per-view program.

9. The system defined in claim 7 further comprising, in response to receiving a user selection of one of the plurality of air times for the selected program, means for performing a function associated with the selected air time.

10. The system defined in claim 9, wherein the means for performing the function comprises means for setting a reminder message to be displayed prior to the selected air time.

11. The system defined in claim 9, wherein:
the selected program is a pay-per-view program; and the means for performing the function comprises means for ordering the pay-per-view program associated with the selected air time.

12. The system defined in claim 11 further comprising:

means for receiving a user indication to cancel the ordered pay per-view-program; and means for canceling the ordered pay-per-view program in response to receiving a user indication to cancel the ordered pay-per-view program.