CA2662689C - 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

1 ?
nayeon~ 1~ztor~le ZrlE.zsk~r+ r+eoauw ~L>: au~! sYSSfae,u~ .aET~~oo (/:

Background of the Inve;Ytion This invention relates to an electranfc program schedule system, which provides a user with schedule information for broadcast or cablecast programs viewed 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 systems are knovn 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 Drior systems presented electronically stored program schedule information to=a user for viewing while allowing the user to select display formats. Still other systems employed a data processor to input user-selection criteria, then stnred only the program schedule information meeting these criteria, and subsequently used the stored information to automatically tu.-ie a programmable tuner or activate a recording device at the time of broadcast of the selected television progrars. Such prior systeas are generally discussed in "Stay Tuned for Smart TV," published in the November 1990 issue of Popular Science.
Collectively, the prior electronic program syPteas 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 s-stems. 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 diatributors and viewers as they contemplnte 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 trhich the user does not subscribe, nor do thel provide the user with the capability to automatically purchase such programming on demand or impulse. Moreover, these prior-art systems are deficient in that they fail to provide ari afficient 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 linki:.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 programming. The prcmotion oZ
pay-per-view pay (i.e., "a la carte") prograr.s 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 prograzaaing using video is through 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 w;:--tre part of the screen shows general schedule information for a tine period roughly corresponding to the time period during which the general program being promoted is shown. Acccrdingly, there exists a need

3 ' for an electronic program guide which can provide improved display and linking of video promotions with program schedule information 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 violance has steadily incre.ased during the last 40 years. The issue of Low this affects childree or other viewers has gained national attention. Providing a parent with the ability to lock-out a channel is a vell knovn ar.r3 widespread feature of certair. television receivers and cable 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 we23 as the requircment that eiitire channels be blocked in order :.a block access to any objectional programming. A channol-oriented parental lock is unfair to other programmers on the block,ed channel who, for example, offer adult-oriented progra-i*+g in the evening and youth-oriented programming the felloWing morning-and inconvenient for -viewers whc, want access to such programs.
Thus, there is a particular need for a system which provicaes password control to individual prograys.: and channels using a flexible and uncomplicated on-screer. user interface.
The prior electronic program guides are also defic:.e3t in that they do not nrovide the user with the ability to viev or.
demand current billing status and, thus, a need exists for z system which can provide the user with current billing info,.:.::=on on the user's demand.
An additional problem with prior program guides is t-t.at = 30 when displaying schedule information in cgrid format, i.e., colum?ss representing time slots and rows representing channels, pro~._:ram 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. SL-ice a 30 minute program is allotted only a sa.all amount of space for the program title and description, titles

4 and/or descriptions for half and even full hour programs often must be truncated in order to fit-into the allotted spact. Sose systers s:nply cut off the description of a program vithout abbraviating it in any tray, such that the user is unable to 5 determine the subject matter of the program. For example, 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 cell, this solution is not ideal because program descriptions aay 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-ai.nute increments. In the case where a 30 minute shift causes a 30 minute size grid cell to display, e.g., a two-hour movie, it is likely that the full title of the movie vill not fit into the cell. Truncation of the title is thus required in this situation as vell. In this case, while two lines of text-may be desirable to fit the title in the 3C minute call, the 60 and 90 minute cells m.ay reri^uire 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 proc,ram currently appearing on the television receiver.
2foreover, these prior program guides leave much guess vork for the user as he navigates through a sequence of channels. When skiaming througiz channels to agcertain the program then being displayed on any channel, commcniy known as "channel surfing," the user needs to guess which program is currently being aired frca *he video encountered as tha user surfs through the channels.
Since asuch -- in some cases, up to 30% -- of the prograrminq appearing on any given channel at any given time is advertising or other commercial programming, the user is not provided with any clues as to vhat program is appearing on a selected channel at a given time and must therefore wait until the advertisement ar commerr:ial is over before ascertaining the program then appearing on the selected channel. Thus a need exists for a program guide vhich di4plays currant program schedule intormation for each channel as the user surfs through the available channels.

5 Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplified electronic program schedule system that may be more eas:ly impl+smented, and which is appealing and efficient in operation.
There is also_a need to provide the user with an electronic program schec:sle system that displays bot', broadcast programs and electronic schedule information ir. a manner not previously available with other electronic program schedule systems, garticularly those using a remote controller.
For example, there is a particular need for a flexible program schedule system that allows a user to view sele%ted broadcast programs on a portion of the screen of the television receiver while simultaneously viewing program schedule information foz other channels and/or services on another portion of the screen. .There is also a need for such a program s;.nedule system that,permits the user to select from a plurality of selectable display formats for viewing the program schedule information. It is also pref erred to have a system that indicates to the user those keys on the remote ccr,troller 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 or other packaged programming to -.30 which the user does not ordinarily subscribe, and which provides the user with the capability to automatically. purchase suc.
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.

6 There a]so exists a need for an electronic program guide that operates as a shell or vindow to provide the user with tha capabi].ity to access other applications or information systems that are not part of the slectronic program guide application or 5 data.

It is accordingly an object of the present inventicn=to provide a system that will allow the user to view a broadcast program while, at the same tine, 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 schadule information.
It is yet another object of the present invention to '_ndicate to the user of the program schedule system those keys on the remote controller active in the particular mode of operation 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 remir.der r+assages 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 programning 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 pr.oyzam.gv.ide application or data.

7 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 intugratad fashion to facilitate the narketing 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 az channels, using a protected interactive flexible and uncomplicated on-screen interface.
Anbther object of the present inventiou is to provide the user with current programming information for all programs as the user surfs through the available channels.
It is yet a further 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 inventi-on to provide a system which overlays television program listings against varying backgrouad 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 program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablccast 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 viewei 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 television receiver is used to display the television pregrams and television program schedule and other information. A video display generator

8 receives video control commands from the data processor and program sche3ule information from the memory and displays a pcrtion of the program schedule inf.ormation in overlaying relationship with a television program appearing on a television channel in at least one mode of operation of the television ptogramming guide. 'Phe data processor controls the video display generator with video control commands, issued in reaponse to the user cQntrol commands, to display program schedule information for a.ny 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.

Brief DescriQtion of the Drawing~
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the preferred embodiment of the invention terein.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of program and schzdale informaticn by the video overlay device utiliaed in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 depicts a remote controller 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?MNU mode of operation of the preferred embodiaient of the present invention. 30 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.

9 Fig. 7 depicts a Viever Preference Menu that appears on = a television screen in one nspect of the preferred e=bodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 shows 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 c-hannel czher than that shown in Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 shows a graphic overlay appearing in a REMINMER
aode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present-int antion.
Fig. 14 shows yet r_nother graphic overlay appearing in a REMINDER mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the _tiresen*_ invention.
Fig. 15 is yet another menu tl:3t appears on a television screen in a MENI7 mode of operation of the preferred aabodimer,t of the present invention.
Fig. 16 is yet another menu that appearv on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred enbodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is yet anot_her menu that appears on a television screen in a PSF.NU mc_s of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 shcws a grid ltsting of schedule information 5 displayed in an All Listings mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19 shows schedule information displayed in a Listings By Category mode of operation of the preferreci embodiment of the present invention.

10 Fig. 20 shows sc.:edule information displayed in a Listings By Channel srodz of operation of the praferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 21 shows information displayed in response to a user's request fo~ supplemental programming information.
Fig. 22 shows programming, ordering and video promotional inf-rmation displryed in a Pay-Per-View mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present ir.,iention.
Fig. 23 shows an ordering zzubmenu used in cnnjunction with che mode of operation shown in Fig. 22_ Fig. 24 shows yet another ordering submenu used in conjunctIon with the mode of operation shown in Fig. 22.
Fic7. 24A shows yet another ordering submenu used in conjunction vith the mode o; operation sho=an in Fig. 22.
Fig. 25 shows another grid listing of schedule information dis?layed in an All Listings node of operation of the present invention.
Fig. 26 shows a Premium Services submenu that appears in one mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 27 shows a Messages menu that appears in one mode of operation of the preferred esbodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2s shows exemplary messages used :n connection with the menu of Fig. 27.
rig. 28A is an alternative message menu.

11 Fig. 29 shows billir_g information used in connection with the menu of Fig. 27.
Fig. 30 shows a Key Lock Access menu that appears Zuring 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 embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 32 shows information that appears in a Quote Watch menu in connection with the Interactive Television mode of operation shcwn in Fig. 3_.
Fig. 31 shows other inforaation that appears in connection ::ith the Interactive Television mode of operation shown=
in Fig. 31.
Fig. 34 is a menu showing information that aapears in a news display in the Interactive TelL ision mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 35 is a mer_u showing information that appears in a sports display in the Interactive Tele=zision mode of cperation of the preferreri embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 36 is a flow chart showing the operation logic required for implementation of a computer progra.m for the electronic program guide.
Fig. 37 is a menyu showing a Locator screen for locating channel numbers and defining favorite channel lis--s.
Fig. 38 is ar alternative menu that ca.n Le used in a 2gNU mode of operation of trLa electronic program guide.
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 Frograxs.
Fig. 40 is a Setun menu that can be ised to set text location and a purchase code for premium and pay-per-view programming.

12 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 in=rentioii herein.
DETAIjED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E?'BODIMENT
Svstem 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 aevice,~ such as a satellite receiver. Alt=rnatively, the components can be mounted in a separate housing, or included as part of a televisicn receiver, VCR, personal computer, or multimedia player; or reside as a distributed application in a broadband network arcnitecture.
An input sigral 11 is connected to a receiver 12, which receives a transmitted data stream from a data prcvider. The data stream may contain, for example, information about programs 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 uplinic manager, a local cable operator, or a combination of these sources, and the data stream contains program schedule information 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 line in any number of vays, including as part of a

13 dedicated channel transmission operating at a frequency of, for asample, 75 ?Hz. 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 vill 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 schedule 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 a GI Info-i:i-rher 1000R, which demodulates the transmission and passes it to a buffer 15.
A microcontroller 16, such as a H6B000EC, 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 (Rfl?:) 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 (DRA2t) 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 FOM, disk or other non-volatile memory, or it ccald be downloaded to a storage disk or other data storage device. The invention herein is not directed to the particular method of transmission or reception of the schedule 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

14 programmable ROl4 (EEPROM) 20 or battery-backed static RAM (SRP,M).
This configuration allows revised or replacement versic:.-s of the application software to be downloaded directly from the software developer to the user site through the cable or other transmission =
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 ROH 17. The stored application software can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verification rostine.
After the accuracy of the application software has 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 proF_r control commands to a reprogram circuit 21, which is adapted to supply the proper program voltage and logic control signals 22 required to erase and write to the EEPROM. It supplies this program voltage, Vprog, as well as any other required control signals, such as read or write enable, to the EEPROM 20 upon command from the microcontroller 16.
After the EEPR7M 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.
When 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 software can tlien 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 application software is resident in memory. If it is not resident, the bootstrap operating software waits for a download of the software. Once the application software is resident, the micsocontroller 16 executes the hpplication program software from a dedicated portion of the DRAM 18. Alternatively, the 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=informat=on 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, rut 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 discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, the microcontroller 16 takes the program schedule information stored in the DRAH 18 and, in conjunction with other downloaded data types such as stored bit maps for the screen configuration and the graphic symbol or logo disnlays stored in non-volatile memory 20 or, alterzatively, in DRA2i 18, supplies it to a video display generator (VDG) 23, which in the present embodiment may be a commercially available VGA-type graphics card, such as a Rocgen card manufactured by Roctec. The VDG includes a standard RGB video generator 24, 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 ahown 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.strument 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 modulator such as available from Radio Shack, and then to the television receiver 27, which the user keeps tuned to the n-odulated 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 IBM personal computer equipped with a transmission link and a video graphics=card, such as those manufactured by Roetec. Other platfors-s,- such as a cable converter box equipped vith a microprocessor and memory, or a broadband network also could be used. Examplas of the particular components are as follows:
Hicrocontroller -- Motorola part no. MC68331-16; ROM -- Texas Instruments pLrt no. TliS27PC512; DRAM -- Texas Instruments part no. TM4256; EEPROM -- Intel part no. 28FOOIBX-T. In any evant, 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 cubject 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 Fiq. 3, which operates on conventional principl:s of remote control transmitter-receii'-r logic, such as by infrared or othnr signalling, or other su?table user interface. 1he remote controllei 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

17 by the remote controller 31 and supplies the microcontroller 16 with a corresponding digital signal indicating 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 IIniversal Electronics or Pxesentation Electronics' Silent Partner, may include a power switch 32, volume 33 and m=te 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 pover 32, volume 33 and mute 34 keys operate in the same manner as conventional remct-controllers typically used with present-day television receivers.
The numeric digit keys 36 also function in much the same aanner as-conventional remote controllers. A brief description of zhe re-aining keys follows.
The MODE key 38 takes the user through various layers of the electronic program schedule system :0 and generally allows the user to return to a previous screen when he is in a submenu. --be up/down-direction arrow keys 37A allow a user to navigate throu3gh the different TV program channels when the program schedule system is in a FLIP or BROWSE mode, as will be fully described below, and also allow the user to navigate through highlighted bars displayed on the TV screen when in a 14EriU mode. The left/right direction arrow keys 37g allow the user to navigate through selected time periods when tho program schedule system in in the BROWSE aode, rs vill also be described below. They further allow the user to navigate across subject-matter categories while in the "Categories" submanu of the lfENU 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!at directions to select various icons and other objects. Tlze information, or "i," key 39 allows the user to view suppleaental program and other irf orr.iation during the various modes of the program schedule system. The ENTER 35 key fulfills and inputs a command once the ueer 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 emnodiment of tha rumote controller also inrludes a power key 41, nuneric digit keys 42, direction arrow keys 43A
and 43B, information key 48, ERTER or SELECT or "OK" key 44, volume control 45, lockout key 45A, mute kevs 46 and help 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 correspo.zd to different submenus or modes of the program schedule system. The icons 47A and 47B may also be display=d 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 depressfng the icon key corresponding to the desired mode of operation of the program schedule system. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the icons 47A and 47B are shown as graphic symbols situated directly above a corresponding color-cedad 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, 48A, 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 vishes to view during operation of the program schedule system. The creation of the Channel Preference or Favorite Cha.-inel= list is discussed in the following caction.
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 vith a"HELP" key 48A, which, when depressed, causes the microcontroller 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 telcvision program guide. They may be text messages, or instructional video izages, or ardio programs, depending on the storage capacity of the system, or any combination of these. Moreover, these help messages may be created so that they are context-sensitiveF 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 Operation In operation, the electronic program schedule system of the present invention'functions as follows.

EI+7.P1iode When the user is viewing a particular program channel on the television receiver, the program schedule system defaults to a FLIP mode, shown in Fig. 5. In this mode, a graphic overlay 51 5 containing programming information for the channel currently tuned on the tuner is superimposed in overlay:.ng relationship with a received program sic,nal 55 on the screen of the telev?sion receiver 27 whenever tha viewer changes the program channel, for example, by irsing the up/down direction arrows on .s::ae remote 10 controller. The video overlay device 25, such as shown in Fig. 1, combines the computer-generated RGB video-graphic overlay information with the NTSC-format program signal from thP tuner 28, and supplies an N':'SC-format output signal, wiiich includes the program signal from the tuner and the progrlc schedule overlay 15 infor3hation for viewing on the television receiver 27.
The prog'ramming information contained in the graphic overlay 51 is supplied to the RGB video generator by the microcontroller. In FLIP mo3e, the microcontroller first bearches 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 which the user just turned on the television receiver for viewing.
The microcontroller 16 then supplies the current channel and program information to the RGB video qenerator e4 which converts tLe digital data information to RGB format and supplies it to the video overlay device 25.
In normal operation, the microcontroller 16 defaults to displaying all channels offered by the cable company prioritized by numeric order, which is determined by tha broadcast chaa,.al position in the radio spectrum or the marketing judgments of lrcal cable operators. ising a"Channel Preferer.ce" submenu, cr an alternative "Locator" screen, both of which are discussed below, the user can revise the content andjor sequential order of the channels presented to the television receiver 27.

In general, if the user does not issue a change-channel instruction, or other command, from the remote controller 40 within a predetermined time interval while in the FLIP mode, the microcontroller 16 instructs the VDG 23 to remove the graphic overlay 51 from the television receiver, thus presenting only a program signal 55 to the television receiver 27 for viewing. The duration of the predetermined time interval is such that it allows the user sufficient tilme 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 addressable by the microcontroller 16. The user can change the duration of the time interval, by first entering a Viewer Preference mode, and than selecting an "overiav interval" entry. The microcontroller 16 then causes a u:.er 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 oa the screen. I]sing the numeric keys, the user can input an appropriate response, for example, a period between 5 and 60 seconds, and then depress ENTER. Trie 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 arr::.+s 43A, or by entering a desired channel number u-ming the numeric keys 42 and then depressing the ENTER key 44, the microcontroller 16 will 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 informatioit for any selected char.r.el 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 -`he screen.
The system can also 'be configured ts issue an error message, such as an audible beep or displayed =cext indicating an 5 invalid key stroke, if the user depresses either the left or right direction arrow keys while in the FLIP aode.
BROWSE Mode To initiate thc BROWSE mode, the user deprasses the MODE
svitch once while in the FLIP mode when using the first embadisent of the remote controller 31 shown in Fig. 3. Utilizir.g the second embodiment of the remote controller 4C sY_own in Pig. 4, the user would depress the button below the BROWSE icon 47A.
In the BROWSE mode, the user is provided with the ability to scan through program schedule information for any channel, including, but not limited to, the channel beina viewed, while at the same time continuing to view the TV program previously selected. As shown in Fig. 11,_ in this mode ta`ts graphic overlay information that appears in the FLIP made is replaced with programming information for the channel being brovsPd, which may or may not be the channel 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 3.11 is generated, rs in the FLIP mode, with program schedule information for the currently tuned channel 112 and a textual BROWSE indicator 113 to remind tha user of the c*irrently active pode, as shown in Fig. 11.
Z4- tha user depresses eit_'sEr thR up or down direction arrow on the remote controller 40 while in the BROWSE modc, program schedule information for either the prior or next channel is displayed in the graphic overlay portion 111 of t`xe t=levision receiver screen 27, while the tuner rn.mai:.s tuned to the channel program that appeared on the televi:~:.on receiver at the time the user aistered the BROWSE mode, as shown in Fig. 12, and continues to so appear. Each successive depression of the tip or down 2'3 direction arrow key produces correspcnding program schedule information for tt_e selected channel. The graphic overlay zay 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, t2ie user can simultaneously scan program schedule information fo- all channels while continuously viewing at least one selected pr..gram 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 BROWSE feature could be used in any of tt,ese situations.
If, at any 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 currentlv being viewed to the program channel indicated in the schedule information in the graphic overlay, he aimply depresses the EKTER
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 proqram schedule information, he must depress the MODE key twice in the first embodiment of t1.e remote controller 31. The first depression of the MODF key takes the user to the MENU 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.
In the secc:sd embodiment of the remote controller shown in Pig. 4, the uzer toggles the BROWSE icon key to deactivate the BROWSE
mode.
When tha user first enters the BROWSE aode and begins sca.^.^.ing channels, the schedule information appearing in the overlay portion 111 describes the programs currently playing on any particular chaZnel. If1 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 dis-play future program schedule information for the particular channel previot:.sly selected by the up and down direction arrows, whether 5 it. is the channel currently being viewed or any otber available chunne=. The schedule information presented includes the nam;e of tha program and program start/stop time. The instant embodiment 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 informati.on 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 tnis automatically.
When viewing program schedule information for a future ti$e in the BROWSE mode, the displayed time of airing 121 of the.
partic~.alar show 122 is highlighted, as well -as the channel n=ber atsd service indicato= 123, as shown in Fig. 12A. Such highlighted information reminds the user that he is viewing program schedule information for a future time. ?-lso, when viewing proqram schedule i.nformation for a future time on any particular channel in the BROWSE mode, depression of the channel up diraction arrow key on tha remote controller 40 cr.uses programming schedule inform.ation 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 chanael dow-n direction arrow key 43B functions identically iz this mode.
I--' while viewing aroqram schedule information for a future time in BROWSE mode the user depresses t: 2 E2:TER key cn the remote controller, the microcon=c.roller 1a will instruct the VDG 23 to display a REMINDER overlay meL:sage 130 which, as shown in Fig.
13, is displayed as a second overlay 131 appearing abovP the BROWSE overlay 132. The REMINDL'R m_ssage _30 quer'Les the use= as to w1hether the system should remind the user, at a predetermined time before the start of the selected program, that he or she would 14-ke to view the selected program, as sho=an in Fig. 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 reminder buffer, which contains similar schedule information for all progre+ms for which the =aser has set a reminder. At a pre-determined time before the selected program start time, for example, five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will 10 retrieve schedule information, including titla and service, based on the reminder data, and will instruct the VDG 23 tc display a REIiIKDIR overlay massage 140 on the television receiver 27, as shown in Fig. 14, to remind the user that he or she previously set a reminder to watch the selected program. The Rc.."':ID?'R message 15 140 contains the channel, sarvice and start time. It also displays the number of minutes before the tine of a-iring of the part;cular s-how and updates the displa} every minute until the time of airing. The REMINDF.R message 140 also displays a"TL'2dE"
inquirv, which asks the user if she would like to tti~e to the 20- selecte.3 program. When the user sets multiple reninders, the reminder overlays are stacked, for example, in ascending order according to the time each reminder is scheduled to be displayed, and ',.he ::ext reminder message wili appear on the television receiver after the user takes appropriate action to remove the 25 reminder message then being displayed. The R:.."~iINDE? =essage (140 could also be adapted to allow the user to display or modify a list of all reminders previously set bv the user. As with the overlay display time period in the FLIP mode, the user can modify the time p2riod before a selEctad program that the RFHI2iDER
message appears liy entering the Viewer Preference mode and revising the time entry.

ME7nJ Mode Using the remote controller 31 shown in fig. 3, the user can enter the MENU iaode from the BP.OWSE mode or from the T.IP mode by toggling the MODE button 38 once or twice, respectively. Csir,g the remote controller 40 of Fig. 4, t'se user would simply depress the key 47B corresponding to the ID2IU icon.
Referring to Fig. 6, in the 2F-.'U mode, the system displays a plurality of menu items and icons, v'iich corresponC- to and allow user selection of distinct program schedule information display formats, local cable syst-em message bcards and other on-line information services. The IMMNU screen shown in Fic. 6 is a full-screen display. in the eabodiment shown in Fig. 6, there are four vertically selectable horizontal bars 61-64, which are accessed using the up and dcwn direction arrows 43A on the remote controller 21 or 40. At the extreme left of each bar, an =der.tifying icon 61A-64A is displayed, which identifies the information contained in that bar. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the "TV GUIDE" icon 61A in the first bar corresponds to prograxs schedule information from TV Guide magazine, the "NOW SHOWIHG*
icon 6221 4-:s the second bar 62 correspands to pay-per-view and premium service events, the "H.SO Logo" icon 63A in the third bar 63 corz=espc:.c's to Customer Service or local cable company information messages, and the circular icc_, 64A in the fourth bar 64 corresponds to other interactive services ava-Llable 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.
6 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of its contents.
When the user first enters the MEtiII mode, the syste=
defaults 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 MAIN H.ENND screen 215 also contains an additional "Locator" identifier, which is described below.
Once a particular bar in the MFNU 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 ENTF3; 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 61 is selected.
The function corresponding to the selectable entries in the l,AZN MENU 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
23FX'J 215 shown in Fig. 38.
In the uppermnst vertically selectable horizontal bar 61, the first grid icon 65A rer'resents an "All Listings" aode in which the program schedule information is displayad in a grid listing, such as that shown iz Fig. 18. Alternatively, a single column gzid-lika display could be used, as that sho:tn in Fig. 25.
In this format, the vertical v-axis identifies the chanr.el number and service while the horizontal x-axis identifies the 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 operating mode of the system. Directly underncath the =ode display is a highlighted display 181 of the channel ttiat the user was wetching before entering the 2+ENU mode. In the upper right-hand corner, a logo icon 182 appears in a window airectly above a date/ti.me identifier 183, which alternatively displays the current date and time.
In the center of the screen display shonn 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 down or to the rig`_?t. if the user were to depress the left lo direction arrow key on the rarote controller at that point, the system would not carry eut any function since the cursor can not move to tY,e lefL. 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 images displayed on tht graphical AKD 184. The 2iODE key, though not displayed, is always active to change from one mode to another. When the user first enters the All Listings ";allue, the time listing begins by defaalt at the *:ait-hour immediately preceding the current time ::niess the current tiae is on the hour or half-hour, in which case the display begins with the particular hour or half-3;our, and the channel liEt-lung begins at tha last channel :oeing viawed by the user before entering the xErrU mode.
For exaz,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 key3 on the remote controller 40. Furthermore, the entire information display pages upward if the cursor is plac-:d at the bottom of the screen and the down direction arrow is depressed, ana simi?arly pages to the left if the cursor is at the extreme right side of the display and the right direction arrow is depressed. In this way, the user can navigate through the entire program schedule.
The folder icon 65B iamediately 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. 19.
The particular listing showri in Fig. 19 includes the categories of Mavies, 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 in the Category Listing modrz. As shown in Fig. 19, the user can manipulate the cursor left or right to highlight any one of the categories which appear at trie head of the listing. In Fig. 19, the "Hovies" category 190A is selected. As shown, the user is given a displav of all movies, prioritized by time and then alphabetically by title of show, beginning with the half-hour immediately preceding the current time unless the current time is or. the hour or half-hour, in which case the display begins with the particular hour or half-hour. The screen display shown in Fig. 19 also includes a textual description of the current operating moda of the progr3m schedule system, as vell as the graphic AcD 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 sriow by depressing the ENTER key on the remr.te controller 40. If the highlighted show is one that will appear at future time, tha user is again given the option of setting a RFMI'7DEP. message.
70 The triangular icon 65C at the far right of the TV GUIDE
be.r 61 in the display of Fig. 6 identifies a"Channel Lib_ing"
mode in which the program schedule information is categorized ar.d displayed by channel, as shown in Fig. 20. The Ac;;een display shown in Fig. 20 again includes a textur,l mode identifier 201, the graphic PI:D 184, and the window inclv..G:ng the logo icon 182 and alternating time/date display 183. At the head of the program listing is a list of several consecutive channels 202A-202C
begi-ini.^.g with the last channel viewed by the user befora entering the Channel Liating mode. The channel in the middle wir,dow 2023 5 is highlighted and is the channel for which schedule infonaation is displayed. The display identifies those progra,m,s appe3ring on the higalighted channel beginning with the half-hour imnediately 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 1istings by manipulating the cursor to the bottom of the screen and paging the display, as previously described. The user can also change the selected channel by aanipulating the left or right direction arrvs+ keys on the remote controller 40. When the user issues a 15 change-channel command in this manner, the next cor.secut:.ve channel aill be displayed in the highlighted window 2023 in the ch.annel string at the head of the display, _and schedule infcrmation 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 kLighlighted program that =s currently airing, he can do so by siaply depressing the MiTEZ key on the remote controller 40, and if the user wishes to view a program that airs at a future tix-e, the user is again given the option of setting a REKIHDEH message.
25 In each of the FLIP, BROWSE and MENU aodes, a lover case "i' icon appears at a nu3ber of occasions in connection with certain program listings, such as movies, such as the "i" 203 shown in FLg. 20. lLny time this icon appears, the user can view additional programming information, generally comprising a textual 30 description of program content and/or other inrormation related to the program, such as the names of cast members and the like, by depreasi:.q the "i" key 48 on the rzmote controller 40. An example of A display cf such additional information is shown in Fig. 21.
The second horizontal bar 62 appearing on the screen in the XAIN XENU mode srown in Fig. 6 is the "Home Theater" Listing.

It corresponds to Pay-Per-View events or services, specialized programming, and Premium Service programs. When this category is chosen by the user, the television receiver displays -Information as shown in Fig. 15. The first thaater-ticket icon 150 that appears in this Home Theater bar identifies a format in which the Pay-Per-View eve.nts and premium services are displayed, as shown in 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 scree;i display shown in Fig.
22 also includes a video display section 220 in v2-.icr short promotional clips of currant and future events and services can be shown to t*=a user while the user is vicwing the Pay-Per-;tiew scheduling information. The display of Fig. 22 is bit mapped such that the advertising clips may be shown in the lower left quadxant of the screen. The clips may be shown randomly in 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 Wnen a user highlights a Pay-Per-View event or service by manipulating the cursor to the desired event or service using the direction arrow keys on the remot4 controller 40, he can crder the event or service by depressing the MiTER button on the remote controller, thus linking sch2dule, promotional aLnd crderirg functions. T-f the user se:ects a particular Pay-Per-View ever.t or servics in this 3eanner, the progra=,Aing schedule systam will next present to the user a Pay-P=r-View ordering screen suct~. as that shown in Fig. 23. The display includes a figure representing the cost of the event or s -rvice. The display also asks t.`,e user to c-hoose from among a plurality of scheduled airing times 230A-23DC, as well as whether the user would like to see a RZKINDEt message prior to the sta_Tt of the Pay-Per-View event or service. ', s user responds to these incpsiries by using the direction keys on tha remote controller 40 to manipulate the cursor to the proper response and then depressing the ENTER key. After the user has ordered a Pay-Per-View event or service, the program schedule system will present the user with two ordering confirnation submenus, such as shown in Figs. 24 and 24A. In either of these su2m-enus, the user can confirm or cancel the Pay-Per-View event or serviae.
If the user confirms the order, the microcontsoller 16 stores the Pay-Per-View ordering information in a location in memory. Thz ordering information can then be trarsmitted to the cable operator by the microcontroller 7_ either by phona line or on the cable line where the system has 4,:wo-way communication or other such interact=ve capability. Alternatively, a computer at the cable cperator location can interrogate the memory whPare the microccntroller stored the Pay-Per-View ordering information. At the appropria:e time, the cable operator supplies the Pay-Per-Viev event or sarvice and it is received by all users-who have ordered the program. -The second icon 151 in the Pay-Per-View bar of Fig. 15 identifies a specialized broadcast, cable or sateliite progrr.mming service to which the user has access via the electronic program guide. In this mode, the electronic program guidft application softz-are acts to connect ;re user, through an aFprooriate data transmission link, to the programming servl.e, at which point the user interacts vith the service. Alternatively, the electronic program guide provides the navigation software, including the menua and scheduling information, for the particalar programair.g service. 5uch a service could be, for example, Your Choice i I
("YCT'L'") , a service offering rEruns of highly rated broadcast ar.3 cable p rograms, in vhich case the icon may take a form suitable to identify YCI'V. The programming available on YCTV is then supplied to the user via the prograassing guide system.
The last Icon 152 appearing in the Pay-Per-View bar of Fig. 15 identifies a display format which lists all Pramiu=
Services offered by the cable operator, as shown in Fig. 26. In this mode, the user can select for impulse ordering any one of the premiua services by manipula=ing,the cursor using the direction arrow keys on the remote controller and depressing the FNTER key.
Similar to Pay-Per-View ordering, the system will present the user with a series of ordering displays and, if a service is ordered by the user, it will confirm the user's request using another other submenu. If confirmed, t:e microcontroller 16 will store the ordering information or transmit it directly to the cable operator. Once-the order has been confirmed, the microcontrollar can irimediately allow tkte user access to the ordered premii:m service. In this manner, the user can order premium events or services on demand.
if, durir_g r'LIP 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'Long with the graphic overlay, as shown in Pig. 9. This submenu indicates to the user that she does not currer.tly subscribe to the selected service, and then asks the user if she would like to order the'service. if the :.0 user responds affirmatively, the prograa schedule systez takes the user to the ordering submEnu discussed above. In this manner, the user can orc:er premium events or services on impulse.
= The third horizontal bar 63 in the ?iEItU mode shown in Fig. 6 is the "Messages" or "Customer Service" listing. As shown in Fig. 16, the fi:zrt envelope icon 160 represents message information available from the cable operator. when the user selects the message icon, he is presented with a screen display of currently available messages, as shown in Fig. 27. 'i't,e display shown in Fig. 27 includes cable system messages 270 and billing informatioii 271. Zf the user selects the cable system messages option 270, she is prc:sented with a messa3e pertaining tu the local cable operator, such as that shown in Fig. 28. if the user selects the billir.g status option 271 ehoti*n in Fig. 27, she is preserted with a display of L-irrent billing inforration, such as that vho~m in Fig. 29. i::is information may include a history of purchases charged to the user, current balance infcrmation, pending orders, and, an indication of available credit, vhich can be an authorized debit limit previously arranged with the cabla or other operator. Thus, a user could specify only a c_rtain pre-se=
spending limit. Once the amount of charges from pay-per-view events reaches the linit, the microcontroller vould not permit further ordering of events. An alternative messages menu is shown in Fig. 28A.
The next icon 161 in the e-'itstomer Service information bar 63 of Fig. 16 identifies a"Viewer Preference" mode, which allows the user to create or revise a number of program schedule system operating parameters. Once selected, t.*iis 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 aZd/or certain content-specific programming, for'exampla, those shown in Fig. 7.
The first ovtion shown in Fig. 74-s the "Parental"
option 70, which can also be expressed as a"Rey Lock Access' oFtiois. Once this option is initially celected by t-he user, the system displays a "Key Lock Access" submanu such as taat shou-n in Fig. 30.
The Xey Lock Access menu shovn in Fig. 30 allows the user to control access to individual --hannels and progtams or events by requiring the user to enter an access code "key,"
consisting of a user-specified four digit code in the specific embodiment discussed herein, before ordering or viewi::g these pre-selected channels, programs or events. The menu display shown in Fig. 30 shows a serie3 of subject categories that are entries in the vertical 1-axis selectable by t.he user. A particular subject cate;ory is chosen by using the up or dowm direction a_rrow keys on the remote cantriiler 40 to highii?ht the desired entr1.
once the user selects a particular subject category, the left and right arrow keys are used to navigate within the chosen category.
The first subject entry shovn in Fig. 30 is the "Parental Guidance" category 301. Once th= 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 lett-gr rating items in the category. The letter items represent ratings of program 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 EBTEB key will indicate to the microcontroller.3.6 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 display. 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 renote controller 40, images of which are displayed on the screen adjacent the active window as a reminder to the user. In this 20 manner, the user can select 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 'RChange ?Cey 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 F2:TER 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 "OF." wir.dow, ar.d then depressing the EtTER 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 Parerital Guidance category. During operation, the microconLroller checks this field in response to a user c.mmand to 'tune to or order a program, or to display its corresponding schedule information befora carrying out the tuning, ordering or displaying function. If the parental guide iden:ifier in the program schedule 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 matcY.es the key lock access code previousiy entere.d ar.d 3tored 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 information. If the code is r.ot recoanizECi by the system, no further action will be taken and the user's recriest will be denied.
By manipulating the cursor usi-ng the direction arrow keys to highlight the aecor.d entry, "MPILA ratings," 308 the user can also se: a key loc:: access for prograr_s based on their MPAA
rating code, as also shown in Fig. 30.
As with the Parental Guidance category, once t.hz H?AA
rating category has been selected, the user can move horizontally within the category to the active window 306 to select one the five rating codes, i.e., "G" fcr general audiences, "PG" for parental guidance, "PG-13" for suggested parental guidance, no one under 13 adml.tt2G without an adul4, "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 arro;., k--ys until the particular rating code appears in the active window--and then depressin g tha E2?TER kev, the user oets a key lock access for the rating, in which case a kcy icon appears belov the rating code. eh.zd, as with the Parnntal Guidance category, once a key lock access is set, the system will prompt the user to enter the four digit key lock access code anytime a request is zade to tune to, order or display schQdule information for a particular program having a rating code which matches a rating code for which key lock access has been activated.
The Key Lock Access mode also includes a s=nbject 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 MPAA 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 giTER key. Once the Channel Block category 303 has been entered, the user can move horizontally to an active window 307, which in Fig. 30 indicates channel Z. 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 iaode, by depressina the EN'~'ER key, vhich again causes a key icon to appear below the channel number in the active window. The user can move to the prior chan.-iel or to the next channel in sequer_ce 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 the 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 stored access code, the user's instruction is carried out. Otherwise, the user's instruction is ignored.' Thus, the user can control access to the audio and video progran content of any available channel. In this instance, the microcontroller 16 will 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, HPAA and channel criteria, as discussed above, access may be limited on the basis of program title. Fig. 39 shows an altern4tive 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 included, 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 when 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 shown in F g. 40. The Setup screen 260 will automatically appear the first time the electronic program gti:ide is installed and initialized. ?or 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 MAIN h"BNiJ 215.
In the Setup screen 260 of Fig. 40, the user can navigace 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 menu for inputting the lockout code is shown in Fig. 40A. Once enabled, the lockout code must be used to sst or modify locks, to view 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 t~5e local cable company, in case the user forgets the lockout cade 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 Coa.e 255 category can be selected. The left and right direction keys :3B
are then used to navigate inside the selected category.
Clearing a previously set lockout code is acco=plished by moving the selection cursor to the "Clear" entry 256 i.n the Lockout Code category 255 and depressi_-zg the enter key 44 on the remote controller 40. This causes the micrecontroller to clear the lockout code stored in memory, as well as all locks previously set by the user. To change the curre.-it lockout. code, the user navigates to the "Change" entry 257 in the Lockout Code category 255 and depresses the enter key 44 on the remote controller 40.
rne user is then prompted to enter a:few lockcut code, which is subsequently stored in memory by the microcontroller.
To set a lock in either the Mcvie Rating 251 or Parental Guidancr_ 252 category, the user navigates to the selected entry in Fig. 39 by manipulating the selection csrsor using the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote controller -40, and then depresses 'a lockout key on the remote controller, such as the padlock 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 text or the bac;ccroun3 in the selected entry window, or by displaying an appropri3=e icon next to the text in the selected entry window. In Fig. 39, a padlock icon 258 appears in the window of the "PG" entri in the Movie Rating category 251. Toggling tbe lockout key whilt the selection cursor is positioned on a selected entry will alternately enable and disable the loc.kout funct-ion for thF.t entry.
Similarly, to set a loc:c for a particular channe:, ,.l:e user selects the channel using the selection cursor rZd then depresses the lockout key. In Fig. 39, `':e channel "4 X;::tC* e:`..=y in the Channel category 253 has *xen locked, which is indi:- -: by the inverse video and padlock i^cn appea-ring in th= windcw.

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 progzam t:, 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 .semote controller 40. The user also may limit access to the currently 10 tuned program 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 shofm, 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': title list stored in memory aiong with any other titles that previously have been locked out 25 by the user. Individnal items in the lockout title list are displayed 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 an Fig. 40 and then using unc left and right direction keys 43B to scroll through the list one item at a time. In order to save m2mory space, alternatively, the nicrocontroller may ba programmed to set a flag or otherwise mark the particular database record containing the program sche:'sle information for the program that 35 is to be locked out, and to thareafter 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 programmed 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 B22'3WSE mode, or in the various grid and category displays available in the MAIF ?iFNTJ
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, oncs a progr:m is locked, 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 cate;ories, the schedule information database record for each program is provided with a field that corre.,ponds 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 field in the database record in response to a ussr command to tune to or order a program bQfore carrying out the tuning or ordering function. Additionally, the lockout code also hay 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 channel {dentifier 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 television receiver, as shown in Fig. 41. The user vill be prompted to enter the previously set lockout code before the system takes any further action. As an added security neasurs, asterisZ:s 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 will ctirry 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 taken and the user's request vill be denied. In this case, the Lockout Verify screen 300 will remain displayed on the television receiver waiting for a correct code to be entered. T_f no action is taken by the user, the Lockout Verify screen 300 will be removed after a predetermined time-out period, such as one or two minutes.
Similarly, in the case of lockout by title, the microcontroller also could,check the title field _n the schedule inf ormation database record and compare it with the list of proqram titlPs for which the user previously set a lock. If, as described above, the microcontroller does not maintain a list ot the actual titles of programs locked by title, a suitable identifier can t-e sYt in a field in the database record to indicate that a progran has been locked by title when the user first sets the lock, and, thereafter, the microcontroller could check that field in response to a user request to tuns to ::r order a program, or dis+.play schedule information.
An alternative method for effecting lockout involves the use of a pcrtion of the real-time program sicpi ai being received by the television receiver. With this aethod, codes corresponding to a oroqram's rat:ng, parental guidance category, tftle or channel are inserted into and transmitted along with the program signal, such as in the vertichl or horizontal blanking intervals, or on raster scan lines that ara not visible on the televisicn receiver.
:5 When the program signal is received, these codes are stripped from the p_ ogram signal and stored in memory. Methods and apparatus for the insertion transmission and reception of digital code-s carried oa a program signal are known in the art.
After the transmitted codes have been separated from the program signal and stored in memory, the microcontroller can coapare them with the lockout criteria set by the aser in the Lockout screen and take appropriate action, as described above..
The Setup screen 260 shown in Fig. 40 also contains a P.irchase Code category 270, which allows the user to set a numeric i0 purchase code that must be entered before any premium channels or pay-per-view programs can be ordered. The Setup screen 260 s'_:ovr_ in Fig. 40 includes entries for setting a new purchase code and for clearing or changing a previously set password. k;propriate menus for setting, confirming, clearing or changing the p-archase code are shovn in Figs. 403 through 40E. ance_a user sats a p=.srchase code, the microcontroller thereafter will display a Purchase Code Verify screen in response to a user request to tune to or order a premium 'services channel or pay-per-view prograw.
The P=,7rchase Code Verify screen works in a manner similar to the Lcckout Verify screen 300 in that the user is prompted to enter the previously set purchasa code password before the microcontroller will tune to or order the requested pregram. If the correct purchase code is not entered, the microcontroller wi12 ta.ke no further action and the Pur.chase Code Verify screer, vili remain displayed waiting for input of the correct code. if no action is taken within a prcdeternnined time-out period, the F~u.rchase Code Verify screen will be removed.
The next ortion 3howz in Fig. 7 is the Channe2 ?referenc3 or "Pzvor;te Channel" list option 71. By highlighting this icon and depreasir,g the EvTER key on the ter,o;.e controller 40, t.`ie user is presented with a submenu on the screen such as that showr, in Fig. s.
in nor-.~al operation, the progran guide system presents channels to the user in numericn! order in response to an up or de=.rn change-channel cos.mar.d issued by the user using ona cf the direction arrow_keys on the remote controller. The channel number presentation sequence includes all char.nels 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 rewote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4. Each of these keys represents a preferred partiLmalar list of char.nels which a particular user selects and which the microcontroller stores in memory as a "Channel Preference" list, as discnssed in detail below. To activate ona of these pre;erred channel lists, the user depresses the corresponding check-mark icon key, in which case the microcontroller may display t-he chosen ?5 icon on the screen in the graphic overlays and full screen displays to resaind the user that a particular channel praference list is being used by the system. Once a preference list is activated, the system will limit the tuning of the television receivar and the display of schedule information only to those channels that are dezignated in the activated viewer preference liat.
To ravise the content and/or segLential order of the channels in the Channel Preference list, the user enters the MENU
mode of the pLogrsmming guide system. To entAr the MENU mode from the iZZP mode, the user twice depresses the MODE key 38 when using the remote controller : of Fig. 3. To enter the MENU mode when uaing the alternative cmbodiment of the remote controller 40 of Fig. 4, the user simply depresses the MENU icon key 47B.
Nhen first entered, the IdE.*rJ mode has a screen display 3n ,;uch as eho'=m in Fig. 6. To select the submenu for editing the C.hannel Preference list, the user first selects the third horitoZt3l bar 63, which can be titled, for example, "Messages" or Customer Service," by ma:iipulating the cursor using the down direction arrow key, as shoFn in Fig. 7. The screen of Fig. 6A is thereby displayed. The user then selects the second icon 161 appearing in that bar, indicated with a check mark, vhich corresponds to a "Viewer Preference" mode, by highligthting tha icon using the direction arrow keys and again depressing the EN'i'm key..'This action will cauFe 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. a.
If the, user has not already done so, he would then depress the particular check-mark icon key on the remote control'-er 40 of 10 Fig.4 to create or revise the particular channel preference list.
in the Channel Preference menu shown in Fig. 8, a list 8J of all channels available on the particular cable system is disnlayed on the left side of the television receiver screen,-Iab_led "Choicas" in Fig. 8, and the viewer's preferred list 81, 15 designated "Selected" in Fig. 8, :.s displayed on the right s=de.
If a particuiar code, sucr, as an END or "-1" symbol appears in the first (::ppermost) 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 mode of the 20 system.
By selecting channels in sQq~sence from '.:he available list 80 and placing them in the desired order in the proference list 31, the user can select a subset of channels and/or rearranae the default sequence in response to a channel up or channel down 25 coamand from t2he user. This is accompl=shed by highlighting a channel in the available list 80 using the up and down d+rection arrow keys on t2:e remote controller 40 and depressing the M:i'ER
key 44, which stores the entry temporarily in a buffer.
The nicrocontroller 16 stores a list of all channels 30 previously entered in the viewer prefzrence list 81. As a parcicular channel is highlighted by the user when navigating through the available channel list 80 displayed on the left side of the television screen, a windov 84 appears adjacent to the particular channel highlighted by the user. It the partict:lar 35 channel already appears in the viever preference list 31, tha system displays a"LELETE" nessage in the window 84 as a reminder that the channel was previously selected from the available channel list 80 and can only be deleted froa the list 81, which is accomplished by depressing the MZTER key 44. If the particular highlighted channel in the list 80 was not previously selected, the system di$plays a "SELECT" message in the window 84 as a reminder that the particular channel will be selected for addition to the viewer preference list 81 if the user depresses the E1TER
key 44. The micrecontroller 16 inserts a selected chaninel at the bottom of the list 81. In this manner, the user can select cr delete channels from the viewer preference list in any 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 user may also highlight any of these entries and put theW into the viewer preference list 81. If the user does ia.clude a category in his viewer preference list 81, when tha user issues channel up or down commands, the system will display, in sequence, first the user's selected preferred channels in nu3erical order and then all channels having a program whose content corresponds to the selected category or categories at the time.
once the user has revised the channal preference list 81 in the described manner, the microcontroller 16 will follow the stored user-specified channel s3quence in response to a change-channel command mada by the us2r employing one of the direction arrow keys. To activate the viever preference list, the user depresses one of the three check-mark icon keys 48a, 48P or 48C on '~~s top of the remote controller shovn in Fig. 4. The viewer preference list can be used to selectively limit tuning of tY_e .30 television recei-jer or display cf schedule information in any of the operating modes of the electronic program guidc. In the present embodiment, once a preference list is activated, the mystem will limit the tuning o= the television receiver and the display of schedule information in the FLIP, and BROWSE modes, as well as :.n the grid category and channel listings in the liLNU

mode, only to those channels designated in the activated viewer preference list. The tuner can not be tuned to, and no corresponding schedule information can be displayed for, any channel not entered in t1he viewer preference list vhen it is activated. In this regard, it should be noted that setting a key lock access in the Parental Guidance 301, MPAA 308 or Channel Block 303 categories produces a different result than, when using other display criteria, such as the Cha.-inel Preferer.ce 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 the rhannel Block category 303 of the Key Lock Access mode, that ch:n:uzel or its corresponding schedule informatior, 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.ccntroller 40 of Fig. 4. Once deactivated, the system defaults to displaying and tuning all available channels, as well as displaying schedule information for all available channels.
Alternatively, the viewer preference list ei, if activated, can be used to control tuning P-nd display of schedule information only in selected modes, such as only in the FLIP mode, thL:s allowing the user to tune and view correspondir-g schedule information only for those channels entered in the preference list 81 i-n 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 syate2a is in default mode, if a channel appears in the vidver 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 sraphic overlay, as sho=an in Fig. 9. Tiiis siibmenu indicates to t%: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 ordering submenu to confirm the user's request, as with impulse ordering.
The program guide also nay be configured with a Locator scree*- 201, as shown in Fig. 37, which aids the viewer in channel selection and definition of a favorite channel list. The Locator screen 201 displays all available channel nuir,bers grouped according 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 denand, satellite, or other source of program material. Thus, the I,ocatar screen 201 can be used to locata any part..cular channel or service because the groupings provide a guick and efficient method for scrolling t.hrough the list of available char_nels. The cha_*inel nu=bers also siay be grouped according to other criteria-, such as zrcgram category, program content, program rating or other content-based standard, time of availability, numerical order, or othrs logical grouping.
Iz the exr.mple shown in Fig. 37, the user navigates within the Locator scrsen 201 using the direction keys 43A and 43B
on the remote controller 40. The right and left direction keys 43B -move the selection cursor within the category r_vs, vhile ;:he up and down direction keys 43A a_Te used to select a particular catagoz-y. From the Locdtor screen 201, any parti cular channel can ne selacted fcr viewing by positioning the selection :.irsor on the desired channel and depress:ng Either the enter key 44 or ar.
optional tune key (nijt shown) on the remote controller 40.
in addition to aiding in channe1 selecticn, the 34cator screen 201 also provides the user -vith the ability to convenient?y define Savorita channe? lists. To do so, the user first soves the ssl6ction c-.L sor to the desired channel bv using the direc=ion keys 431. and 43B or numer_; digit keys 42 on the remote controller 40, and then depresses a f,,.vorita 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 bean selected as a favorite channel, such 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 "I" can function as the favorite channel key. -Also, if multiple favorite channel lists are being used, the user would depress the appropriate favorite channel key on the remote controller to select a particular 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-rsark favorite channel keys 48A, 48B and 48C, which provide for at least three individual favorite channei lists for th...-ee individual users. Different identification characteristica: could be displayed on the Locator screen 201 to indicate that a particular favorite channel list is selected. For example, the :caa or image used to enable a favorite channel list on the re3ote: controller, such as the check mark key 48A used on the remote controller 40 shown in Fig. 4, could be displayed or, the Locator screen 201, as well as other screens of the program guide, when a favorite channel list is enabled. A.2ternatively, the color of the displayed text or backcrround could be changed to match the color of the selected favorite channel key.
The Locator screen 201 aay re zccessed via several paths. For example, it may be included as a virtual chanr.el that is conveniently positioned in the channel-tuni:.g sequence, such as ?-etween the highest and lowest available channel numbers -- for examp2e, a virtuai channel 0. To the user, such a virtua: channel agpears to be a conventional channel. However, it requires no additional bandwidth as a carrier. For example, it can be digitally produced at the subscriber station or included in an appropriate blar.king interval in existing bandwidth frequencies.
In this manner, the virtual channel is accAssib?e eithsr by entering the corresponding channel number usinq :ae numeric digit keys 42 on the remote controller, or by using the up and down direction keys 43A to wrap around from thc3 highest to the lowest channel number, or vice versa. As shown in Fig. 38, it also v_ay be desirable to provide a suitable identifier, such as an icon or 5 text message 210, in the MAIN KENII display 215, from which the user could access the Locator s^reer, 201 simply by highlighting the identifier 210 with the selection cursor and depressing the enter key 44-on the remote controller 40. Alternatively, the remote controller may be provided with a key correspending to the 10 Locator screen 201 which would cause the nicrocontroller to display the Locator screen 201 when the L?ser depressed it.
In addition to Channel Preferencz or Favorite Channel keys, the remote controller 40 can also be supplied with a nu-mber of user-activated ca.tegorv preference icon keys, e.g., =ovies, 15 sports, or chiidren's program-ing. The system can be adepted to present to the user only those programs meeting particu'_ar preference category when it is activated by the user. As witn 'G'ie Channel' Preference icons, the microcontroller may display the '_con corresponding to the activated preference category to resijtd the 20 user of the currently activated mode of system operatien.
The question mark icon 162 at the far right of the t;,ird borixontal bar in the menu of Fig. 16 idantifies a program guide system "Help" mode in which infcraation explaining the opera_ion of the system is displayed for the user. Again, by mar,ipulatiyg 25 the cursor using the appropriate keys on the remote controller, the user can select this mode. encz selected, the next submenu appearing in the Help mode asks the user to ider.tify the particular portion of the system about which the user would like to view Help insormation.
30 The icons appearir.g in tr*ie last horizontal bar cf the 2ia.^J moc]e ider.tif r=ertain interactive a:,d/o_ other types of info--mation services which the progr::rW.ir.g system, acting as a gateway, makes available to the user as shown in rig. 17. By manipulating the cursor, the user can select any on0 of the 35 identified services, as shown in Figs. 31-35.

For example, if the user initially selects the "XtPRESS"
icon appearing in the last horizontal bar, he is presented with a su..'-ae,.nu such as that shown in Fig. 31. Using the direction arrow and enter keys on the renote cor.troliEr, 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 service and passes control to the particular service application software, as sho-.m in Figs. 32-35. _ 1c Alternatively, the remote controller 40 can be supplied with a plurality of contenL-specific keys corresponding to a plurality of content-specific categories of programmir.g, -2.g., a Sacrts key, News key, Movie key, etc. When the user depresses 3.
contant-specific key, a content-specific mode is initiated. In Fig. 4, the ramote controller is equipped with a Sports key 49.
If the user depresses the Sports key 49, the microcontroller will limit the 3isplay of programs and/or procram schedule information to thdse that are sports-related. iae microcontrolier will block all other rrogra=ing cr schedule information from appearing on the television receiver. The mierocontroiler can be adapted to distinguisa programs and schedule informatlon that are sports--related by examir.i-ig an appropriate code associated with the progra.m or schedule information.
As discussed above, coding can be accomplished using any number of inet2:od_ _ such as by includir:g an appropriate code in the vertical bianking interval of the program signa'_, cr in aa appropriate memory location in the database record of the prcgra.n s_hedule information, or if the sc..,edule information j.s being received on a broadband network, by including it in an appropriate blan3:ing interval. The user activates a eontant-spEcific mode by depressing the appropriate content-specific key in any code of operation of the electronic pro3*3rreing guide, including tce aforede:,cribFd FLIP, BROWSE or MAIN YENU mode:., as well as when no schedule information i' being displayed and only d program signal is visible on the television receiver. Once a content-specitic mode is requested by the user, the mi.crocon:roller immediatsly 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 cantent-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 microcontroller 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 arrow keys on the. remote controller and select it by depressing the ENTER or OK key 44. As an alternative to using a content-specific key on the remote 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 LOCATOR, SETUP or HFIN .NZNU screer.s.
3n addition to blocking all non-selected content-specific programming when a particular content-specific category has been selectea, the micr_=antroller can be -ogrammed to enabla all added-value programming or services t*!at are specially related ti the selected content-specific category. For example, i f 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 prog--ess, team schedules, replays of prior games of the selacted teams or players, ticket or souvenir purchasing, etc. Thus, tze information available from the programming or service can be integrated into the environment of the electronic program guide. Rather than simply passing ccritrol to another service as described above, in this manner the electronic program guide would fune_ion as a system integrator or interface to combine the available added-value information into a packacre within the electronic guide enviranment, thus essentially creating a series of modular electronic program applications corresponding to a variety of available content-specific categories.
The Setup screen shown in rig. 40 also includes a Text Location category 275, which contains the textual entries "Bottom of :.::reen" and "Top of Screen." By ^_avigating to the Text Location category=275 using the up and do=.n direction keys 43A on the remote controller 40, and to either the "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 information .in various operating modes of the electronic prno=ram guide. The Se-_Sp screen of Fig. 40 provides the user with two positicnal choices: the ton or bottcm 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 tY.e -television receiver, or to provide the user with the ability to choose a different position for information displayed different operating modes.
One of the novel features of the disclosed invention is the taxtfit rvr,ta=. The preferred embodi:.er.t of the text fit system includes an interactive co:nFu=a:, program used to edit the program listings data before it iz tr ans-..itted to tha user and stored in memory. The inzeractive syste= operates as follows:
unedited (or prYtially edited) program listings information is loaded into data a processor. The data i.ncludes program titles, program achedule times, duration, categori, as well as additional descriptive information dependent on the type of program. For example, for movies the data inc:udes t: e K2AA rating, year cf the movie, whether it is in black ar:d white, and a list of sta-.-ring actors and actresses.
The data processor extracts on:.f the program title data which includes television program titles as well as movie ti*_les, 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 listings 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 ptocessor 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, the 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 number 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 full 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 embodiment, 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 whether 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 quer=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 Bditor to shorten a title, the data processor compares the title with a stored library of 5 shortened 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 mar.aal 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 constrai.^.ts and grid cell space availability. some may not display the text in proportional fonts dnd some may have other limitations reducing the available spp.ce. Thus, in the preferred embo3iment the interactive progral would request edits for all platforms for which they requir=d at the same time. In additior-25 editing of text may be retp:ired for display modes other than a grid of program listin,s. For example, in the "Listings by Channel" display of rig. 20, prcgrams are listed on an entire, fixed-length li.r.e, but the length of the line may vary from platform to 1i.atform, so that the text fit system may be employed .30 for the purpose of editing listings for the different platforms in this display mode as well. The space ava{lable for ths display of text will also depend on how much space is reserved for icon display. The same process as that shown in fig. 42 would apply, except 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 aodified to provide editing of messages, "i" screen storylines, pay-per-view promotional copy, and Eimilar text messages so t.hat they will fit into t'ae desig-.: ced space available Zor display of the text. In fact, the system may be used to edit any text for display in the disclosed program schedu'Le system.
The computer program for the microcontroller 16 may also include a schadule for the display of varying background views upon which the procjtam 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 stc=aga medium, such aa an optical sLorage device. For example, the micracontroller 16 may be proyranmed 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 accordingly throughout the day to, for example, a blue sky or a nighttime view. It also may vary, e.g., by time of day, day of week, month, year or season. The mood background also could change depending on the particular category of programming that the user is watching or to which selected schcdule information pertains. The mood background also may be adapted to display scenes that reflect the particular viewing area in which the user is situated, like the Rocky Mountains, or Mt.
Rainier, etc. It also may bt possible to display standard scenes, =_icn as an ocean or forest scana. Moreover, the audio background also coul4 he adjusted to relata to the particular mood background then being displayad= In addition, different background views may be used for holidays and spec?rl events, such as Christmas, Fourth of July, Suparbcwl Sunday, etc. The purpose of the background views is to hela ease the monotony of viewing program listings.
The micrccontroller 16 could be adapted autoriatically to coordinate the display 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 menu that lists the mood background options available to the user and allows the iuser to select one or aore by manipulating the selection cltrsor. Access to such a mood option manu could, be achieved by supplying an appropriate identif ier, textual or visual, in an appropriate menu of the system, stich as the LOCATOR or SETUP screen.
Additionally, the electroZic program guide cou~d ~e configured to store a uniqvie digital identifier for each prog-r-all along wi=.h its schedule information 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 cuide could also use the identifier to automatically control operation of the video recorder. The electronic program guide could also ne canfigured to use other stored schedule infcrmation for this purpose.
The form and content of a particular computer proqr3m to implement the invention disclosEd herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of video system proqramning and graphic display. A flow chart showing the operation logic of the system is shown in Fig. 36. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there can be departure from the specific embodiment of the invention described Y:erein without departing from the trti:n sccpe of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (24)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for using an interactive television application to display promotional information for a user on a display on which video for a given television channel is displayed, comprising:
displaying an advertisement that includes video and program listings information corresponding to the given television channel simultaneously with the video for the given television channel using the interactive television application, wherein the program listings information comprises a title of a program.

2. The method of claim I wherein displaying the advertisement and the program listings information comprises displaying an overlay on top of the video for the given television channel, wherein the overlay includes the advertisement and the program listings information.

3. The method of claim I wherein the program listings information comprises program listings information for a single channel.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying a logo for a service provider.

5. The method of claim I wherein:
the user may change the given television channel for which video is displayed using a remote control; and displaying the program listings information comprises displaying program listings information for the given television channel simultaneously with the video for the given television channel as the user changes channels.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the interactive television application is an interactive television program guide.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein at least a substantial portion of the video for the given television channel is displayed on the display simultaneously with the advertisement and the program listings information.

8. The method of claim I wherein the advertisement comprises a reduced video window displaying a video signal.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the video signal comprises a clip of a future program.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the advertisement comprises displaying an advertisement associated with a television program.

11. A method of using an interactive television program guide to display an advertisement, comprising:
providing an interactive television program guide menu;

receiving a user selection of an item displayed in the interactive television program guide menu; and displaying an advertisement that includes video in response to user selection of the displayed item.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the advertisement is related to a television program.

13. A system for using an interactive television application to display an advertisement for a user on a display on which video for a given television channel is displayed, comprising:
means for displaying an advertisement that includes video and program listings information corresponding to the given television channel simultaneously with the video for the given television channel using the interactive television application, wherein the program listings information comprises a title of a program.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the means for displaying the advertisement and the program listings information comprises means for displaying an overlay on top of the video for the given television channel, wherein the overlay includes the advertisement and the program listings information.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein the program listings information comprises program listings information for a single channel.

16. The system of claim 13 further comprising displaying a logo for a service provider.

17. The system of claim 13 wherein:
the user may change the given television channel for which video is displayed using a remote control; and the means for displaying the program listings information comprises means for displaying program listings information for the given television channel simultaneously with the video for the given television channel as the user changes channels.

18. The system of claim 13 wherein the interactive television application is an interactive television program guide.

19. The system of claim 13 wherein at least a substantial portion of the video for the given television channel is displayed on the display simultaneously with the advertisement and the program listings information.

20. The system of claim 13 wherein the advertisement comprises a reduced video window with means for displaying a video signal.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the video signal comprises a clip of a future program.

22. The system of claim 13 wherein the means for displaying the advertisement comprises means for displaying a video advertisement associated with a television program.

23. A system for using an interactive television program guide to display an advertisement, comprising:
means for providing an interactive television program guide menu;
means for receiving a user selection of an item displayed in the interactive television program guide menu; and means for displaying an advertisement that includes video in response to user selection of the displayed item.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the advertisement is related to a television program.