CN100442844C - Information system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas (200) for displaying program schedule information (255). In addition, the system also has areas (220) that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas (250) for displaying messages to the user.

Description

Information system

The application is to be on May 2nd, 1997 applying date, and application number is 200410062913.2, and title is divided an application for the patent application of " information system ".

This application is U.S. Provisional Patent Application " advertisement ' hot-zone ' and correlated characteristic " (U.S.'s sequence number 60/016,871, May 3 1996 applying date, inventor Brian Lee Klosterman, transfer StarSight Telecast company) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application " information system " (U.S.'s sequence number 60/032,038, November 26 1996 applying date, inventor Brian LeeKlosterman and Steven Schein transfer StarSight Telecast company) non-provisional application.60/016,871 and 60/032,038 application is all quoted as a reference at this.

The present invention relates generally to the Promgramming guide, and relate more specifically to a kind of system and process that is used to allow the televiewer easily and easily to obtain screen program inventory and other information services on TV.

The obtainable television channel number of user increases significantly in the last decade, mainly is owing to used cable and direct broadcasting satellite system.Along with the increase of the potential programs of interest number of spectators, developed various electronic program guidess, select the program that misses potter to help spectators.For example, the common United States Patent (USP) of transferring the possession of the 4th, 706,121 and 5,353, No. 121 each all described the arrangement information treatment system that a kind of mode of providing convenience to spectators is provided with the choice criteria that provides according to spectators by program.

For the life style that current society acts hurriedly in a messy situation, the system of other information except television program layout is provided, being used for busy spectators will be very easily.The information that spectators need for example is weather forecast, Financial Information etc.Therefore, have the information system resemble the guide in the zone that keeps for this information, will provide valuable service to the user.In addition, these zones can be used as advertisement or propaganda objective, they can be mutual also can be nonreciprocal, thereby can provide more service and not increase the cost of guide.

System and method of the present invention provides a kind of Promgramming guide that has the information area that is used for display additional information.Another program is, additional information can be provided by independent data directory, and the user can be from Promgramming guide " overshoot is humorous " (hypertune) to data directory, and vice versa.Information to be shown is received by ancillary equipment, and ancillary equipment is a separate equipment, such as a top setting box or a web browser, perhaps is integrated in user's the TV, video tape recorder, computer, satellite IRD, cable box etc.In addition, information may be displayed on the computer screen, on the video screen or on the television monitor screen.

In better embodiment of the present invention, program guide interactively display program layout guide, and screen contains additional non-interactive type information area, and these zones can be used for showing with static state or roll mode the advertisement or the promotional messages of product or program.Advertisement can be used for the particular program incident, watches film such as paying, and is current or be about to the program play, perhaps is used for businessman and service organization or user's message.Advertisement information can with single network/broadcasting station, perhaps be used for selected program, businessman or service organization.

In another better embodiment of the present invention, program guide and information area all with user interactions.The interactive information zone also can static state or roll mode display message, and can contain and current or be about to relevant advertisement information or the product advertising information of program play.In addition, if this information area contains the advertising message relevant with product, then the user can click on the information area, watches billboard or the layout business information record relevant with product.This interactive program layout guide and information area can also combine with various other forms of information.Potential source of additional information comprises news, physical culture and weather.This additional information can obtain when the user says the word, and perhaps is presented at continuously in the zone of program guide.In another better embodiment, in independent data directory, show this information.

In another better embodiment, program guide is a nonreciprocal, yet the information area that contains advertisement and advertisement information is mutual, can be static, or roll.Icon or the menu item of user in can the active information zone, perhaps click on area itself is to obtain the additional demonstration of advertisement and advertisement information.In this embodiment, the user can show between guide and picture-in-picture (PIP) window demonstration guide part or that reduce size at full screen switches, and this is for example by utilizing cursor or giving directions device control that on-screen menu is carried out.This feature allows the user to watch the guide of vast scale version, perhaps can watch guide and appreciate current selected performance by partly watching performing simultaneously by pip window.Preferably in this manner, also continue to play the sound of performance.

In better embodiment, if information area is mutual and demonstration and program-associated information, if then current playing this program then the user can click on information area directly be tuned to this program.Another program is that the user can layout automatically tune to this program when program begins to play.If user's layout " automatic tuning ", then system just by layout be tuned to before this program or the affirmation of asking the user at the same time.Another program is, system can be directly be tuned to this program.If program is the program of paying and watching, then system can automatically authorize this pay per view.Best is, system tuning or authorize pay per view before the request user confirm.In addition, the user can select to write down current program or record program in the future.For this reason, the user will light needed program in information area, select the record option then, and system will write down current program or whether inquiry should schedule recordings program in the future.

In another better embodiment, advertisement or advertisement information can be only occur in fact the user more may watch the time durations of Promgramming guide.Guide can also contain commercial icon, and this icon allows the user to obtain with the product of being advertised or serves relevant more information.In addition, shown information can be the user changes during to another unit mobile from a unit of program guide.Another scheme is, the information shown at information area can change through after the predetermined number of seconds, and regardless of user action.Additional information area can be shown when the user confirms that he wishes to automatically tune to the program that is about to broadcast.These information areas can contain product advertising, program or service, and can be shown before the user makes his/her affirmation.

Remainder and accompanying drawing with reference to specification are further understood that essence of the present invention and advantage.

Fig. 1 illustrates a better embodiment that can show according to the system of Promgramming guide of the present invention thereon;

Fig. 2 (a) is the diagram according to Promgramming guide screen of the present invention that has programme information, communication icon and information area;

Fig. 2 (b) is the diagram that is shown to user's promotional messages screen when the user selects the information area of Fig. 2 (a);

Fig. 3 (a) is the diagram according to Promgramming guide screen of the present invention that has programme information and information area;

Fig. 3 (b) is the diagram that is shown to user's promotional messages screen when the user selects the information area of Fig. 3 (a);

Fig. 4 (a) is the diagram according to another execution mode of Promgramming guide screen of the present invention that has programme information and information area;

Fig. 4 (b) is the diagram that is shown to user's promotional messages screen when the user selects the information area of Fig. 4 (a);

Fig. 5 (a) is the diagram according to another execution mode of Promgramming guide screen of the present invention that has programme information and information area;

Fig. 5 (b) is the diagram that is shown to user's promotional messages screen when the user selects the information area of Fig. 5 (a);

Fig. 6 (a) is the diagram according to another execution mode of Promgramming guide screen of the present invention that has programme information and information area;

Fig. 6 (b) is the diagram of another execution mode that comprises the Promgramming guide screen of virtual channel;

Fig. 6 (c) is the diagram that is shown to user's sub-menu screen when the user selects the virtual channel of the information area of Fig. 6 (a) or Fig. 6 (b);

Fig. 6 (d) is the diagram that is shown to the user's data page or leaf when the user selects one of option shown in the sub-menu screen of Fig. 6 (c);

Fig. 7 is the diagram of another kind of execution mode that comprises the Promgramming guide of information area;

Fig. 8 is the diagram of another kind of execution mode that comprises the Promgramming guide screen of communication icon;

Fig. 9 (a) is the diagram of a kind of execution mode of data directory;

Fig. 9 (b) is the diagram of submenu that has the data directory of the news that high brightness shows;

Fig. 9 (c) is the diagram of news information screen;

Figure 10 (a) is the diagram of another kind of execution mode of submenu that has the data directory of the physical culture that high brightness shows;

Figure 10 (b) is the diagram of physical culture submenu;

Figure 10 (c) is the diagram of sport information screen;

Figure 11 (a) is the diagram of another kind of execution mode that has the information screen of the weather that high brightness shows;

Figure 11 (b) is the diagram of weather submenu;

Figure 11 (c) is the diagram of Weather information screen;

Figure 11 (d) is the diagram of the another kind of execution mode of weather submenu;

Figure 11 (e) is the diagram of the another kind of execution mode of Weather information screen; And

Figure 12 illustrates the hardware component of better embodiment of the present invention.

The invention provides a kind of arranging system, it contains the information area that is useful on the information of demonstration except television program layout information this system.Fig. 1 illustrates the better embodiment according to the television/computer system 100 of display program layout guide of the present invention.As shown in the figure, system 100 comprises a Distribution Center 110 and a plurality of receiving position.Distribution Center 110 is the data flow organized data.In a kind of better embodiment, this data flow is broadcast to receiving position 116,118,120 and 122; And the peripheral equipment of locating that is positioned at receiving position receives this data flow.There is several method can be used for from Distribution Center 110 to receiving position 116-122 broadcast data stream.For example, satellite 115 can be broadcasted these data flow to receiving position 116,118,120 and 122 in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of television channel (such as PBS) or with dedicated channel.Other method is, also can be outside band broadcast data, promptly utilize non-channel specific mechanism.In another kind of better embodiment, data flow offers receiving position 116,118,120 and 122 through transmitting system 113.Transmitting system 113 for example can be optical fiber, coaxial cable, telephone wire, aerial television broadcasting or the like.

Still in another execution mode, ancillary equipment is for example from local service provider 140 receiving data streams.Service provider 140 passes through circuits 117 from Distribution Center's 110 receiving data streams, and broadcasts this data flow through satellite 115 (perhaps another satellite) or through circuit 119 and 113 to receiving ancillary equipment.Receiving ancillary equipment can be TV 130, TV 134, video tape recorder 132, video tape recorder 136, and/or cable, satellite IRD, web browser or top setting box 138.Still in another execution mode, can utilize PCTV or personal computer, perhaps data flow can be offered personal computer, so that use with computer and/or one or more the said equipment.Therefore, this system and hardware platform are irrelevant, and it can be the software application that can be downloaded to different system.

In a kind of better embodiment, the information in the data flow comprises TV arrangement information, advertising message, news information, Weather information, Financial Information, IP address link information or the like.Information in the data flow can also comprise the message of general user from Systems Operator to specific user or in the system.Software application can be downloaded from Distribution Center, perhaps is arranged in ancillary equipment, and the arrangement information that these program utilizations are arranged in the data flow produces a layout guide.News, weather, finance and other information can be included in the layout guide, perhaps can produce an independent data directory.Advertising message and the message from Systems Operator to user are included in the layout guide, and also can be included in the data directory.Still in another embodiment, the data of data flow front-end and back-end can be compressed, and show to send a memorandum rather than conventional full screen video.Memorandum will be a pip window, and because window size is little, so image quality is enough, even picture produces from packed data.

If software application is arranged in ancillary equipment, they can be stored in the computer-readable medium, in RAM, disk or other memory devices.But when the time spent, computer-readable medium also can be ROM.If the layout guide is a form, for example, available channel can be listed on " y " axle, and the different moment can be listed on " x " axle.How to show that with arranging system relevant more information sees United States Patent (USP) B14,706,121, United States Patent (USP) 5,479,266 and United States Patent (USP) 5,479,268.These and the similar patent of present patent application are transferred to StarSight Telecast company, and all quote as a reference at this.

In another kind of better embodiment, satellite 115 has disposal ability.Therefore, except Distribution Center 110, satellite 115 can also be the data flow organized data.This execution mode is very favorable, because it guarantees perhaps can not send data continuously and reliably under Distribution Center's 110 reception data conditions at satellite 115.An example of this situation is in the cycle that disturb on atmosphere or ground, and these cycles occur in satellite 115 and Distribution Center 110 and the sun when in alignment.The sun with very big energy is launched many noises, thereby disturbs from Distribution Center 110 to satellite 115 data to send.Satellite 115 utilizes the data processor of himself can continue to send data, thereby guarantees the continuous or reliable data transmission to receiving position.This execution mode also guarantees to send continuously and reliably data when Distribution Center 110 quits work.

Fig. 2 is the diagram according to Promgramming guide screen of the present invention.As shown in the figure, program guide screens 200 has programme information, is used to provide the information area of product and programme information, and the communication icon that information such as resembling physical culture, news is provided.Fig. 2 only illustrates two information areas 220 and 250, though guide screen 200 can have a plurality of information areas.As shown in Figure 2, unit 220 illustrates the propaganda that NBC introduces the Travolta program.Program guide screens 200 also contains an advertising space 250.This space can provide additional advertising opportunity, its advertisement that example is the Systems Operator.Be that this space is used for preferably serve as the short advertisement of change at interval periodically for example with three minutes.The example of suitable first advertisement is " please enjoy Coca-Cola! ".Here unit 250 illustrates the advertisement first of RCA.In another embodiment, the information that is presented at information area can cell by cell move in program guide and changes along with the user.Another program is, information can be through automatically changing after the predetermined number of seconds, and no matter user's action.In addition or as another program is several commercial icons to be arranged, to allow the user to obtain with the product of being advertised or to serve relevant more information.

Information area 220 and 250 can or visually can be distinguished by coloud coding.They also can be placed on the interior key position of guide, to attract user's attention better.As described, when information area contained programme information such as unit 220, the user can move on to cursor this zone (perhaps cursor can point to this zone defaultly), and if current playing this program then be tuned to this program.If this program is not being play, then the user can layout automatically tune to this program when program begins to play.The user can also write down current program or schedule recordings program in future.When information area contains product information such as unit 250, the user can on this information area, click be tuned to the business information relevant with product.Another kind of scheme is, the user can layout automatically tunes to business information in time cycle after a while, perhaps the schedule recordings business information relevant with product.In bilateral system, this system has reverse channel and is used for sending information or request from the user, and the user also can be by clicking on information area and providing necessary customer information to come order products to product supplier or to Systems Operator (service provider).

The part 240 of guide screen 200 contains unit 245.245 indications and program guide unit 255 corresponding channel of each unit, channel in program guide near the program guide unit.In addition, perhaps combine with channel, unit 245 can contain the program service name.For example, unit 245 can contain channel 32, Service name PBS or both and comprises.

The Systems Operator can collect the additional cost of each time slot to television programming provider, so that propagate or introduce program in information area.By this way, the Systems Operator can provide guide that more information is provided simultaneously to the user with the price that reduces.Can use many different display mechanisms to obtain the attention of user to this " especially " program.For example, can at first program be listed in the program guide, show, occur, reserve additional spacer, perhaps have some other forms of figure and strengthen, comprise animation to program specific with different colours with different fonts.

Fig. 2 (b) is the diagram of promotional messages screen 260.Screen 260 shows to the user when information area 220 is clicked on information area 220 for interactive mode and user.Propaganda screen 260 also can contain an icon that allows to be tuned to immediately the described program of promotional messages.In addition, propaganda screen 260 can contain another icon that makes the user return guide 200.Some or all message parts 275 because can collecting certain expense, the Systems Operator show this advertisement information, so also can be used as additional financial resources.

In Fig. 2 (b), part 275 contains a propaganda: " Amid the flash of 70 ' sDisco, an aspiring young dancer... ".This then publicity materials (only as an example) generally provide by NBC, for the user some benefit is arranged.At first, allow current program of not listing in the Promgramming guide of propaganda.Secondly, part 275 can be used for the further information that provides relevant with specific program, such as star or programme content brief introduction, thereby may obtain the bigger viewer or the market share.The 3rd, propagate by the main characteristic of in program guide, utilizing program, account for potential spectators' institute of the program after the program that broadcaster might avoid being propagated begins is free.

The part 280 of screen 260 is used for the sponsor of the shown promotional messages of indicating section 275.Sponsor's sign can be broadcaster's address letter, channel, broadcaster's title or broadcaster's sign (for example, NBC peacock).Also can eliminate part 280, thus enlarged 275.Thereby can be at part 275 display additional informations.Because the part of screen 260 280 shows and program-associated information, thus the user can on information area, click, if current playing this program directly be tuned to this program.Another program is that the user can layout automatically tune to this program when program begins.If user's layout automatic tuning, then system can be tuned to request user's affirmation before this program, perhaps system can be directly be tuned to this program.Be preferably, system be tuned to before this program the request user confirm.If asked user's affirmation, then can make its affirmation up to the user in the display additional information zone.These information areas can comprise the advertisement of product or service.

If the program of being propagated is to pay to watch program, then system can authorize automatically program is paid.Be preferably, system will ask the user to confirm before authorizing pay per view.The user can further select to write down the program of being propagated, and watches program no matter this is current program, in the future program or paying.If the user asks record to be paid and watches program, then system can seek to confirm before authorizing pay per view.If the user asks to write down program in the future, then system also can ask the user to confirm.Can also the display additional information zone when the user confirms his/her record request.

If information area display ads or publicity materials, then the user can activate an icon, clicks on this zone, perhaps selects a menu item, to watch with the product of being advertised or to serve relevant additional information.From these additional informations show, the user can acquisition with product or serve relevant more information, order products or service are perhaps found where to obtain this product or service.The additional demonstration allows the user watching that desired information turns back to previous demonstration after showing certainly.

The present invention can also allow the user to switch between full screen demonstration guide and pip window demonstration guide, and this for example utilizes, and menu carries out on the cursor control flow.This feature will allow the user to watch the guide of vast scale version, perhaps can only have a taste of current selected performance by the topographical view of performance when watching guide.Be preferably in this manner, also play the sound of performance continuously.

Fig. 3 (a) is the diagram that has the Promgramming guide screen 300 in programme information 320 and interactive information zone 330 and 340.As shown in, guide screen 300 does not contain communication icon.Therefore, can on screen, show more arrangement information, thereby allow the every screen of user to obtain more arrangement information.A program is equally propagated in information area 320 image information zones 220.In addition, it provides the brief description to programme content, thereby allows to show on promotional messages screen 350 information (Fig. 3 (b)) except program specific.Shown in Fig. 3 (b), message screen 350 contains competition Information, yet also can show other information relevant with program on screen 350.

Fig. 4 (a) is the diagram of Promgramming guide screen 400.As shown, the user can be on zone 410 moving cursor, with not moving between on the same day in a week.In Fig. 4 (a), the user has selected Wednesday.Therefore, shown arrangement information is for midweek, and the shown time is the current time.System knows when the user televiews, and automatically the cursor of default location is adjusted on the unit corresponding with the current time.

As shown, guide screen 400 has an information area 420, and this zone is being propagated one and is being about to that play or in progress program.Information area 420 is mutual.Therefore, if the user clicks on zone 420, then the user can watch message screen 450 (Fig. 4 (b)), the explanation of message screen 450 display program content.In addition, message screen 450 can also show and the relevant propaganda of program that is about to play.By this way, the Systems Operator can propagate a plurality of programs indirectly on zone 420.If this program is play, then the user can clickable icon 460 be tuned to this program.If this program be about to be play, then the user will be tuned to the corresponding channel of this program.Another kind of scheme is, the user can clickable icon 470, and if program begin to play then start this recording of programs.Under the situation that is about to play at program, system will start this recording of programs when program begins to play.

Fig. 5 (a) is the diagram of Promgramming guide screen 500.As shown, guide screen 500 has an information area 520, and it is mutual.Information area 520 is propagated a program of playing in the future.In this case, if the user clicks on zone 520, then the user can watch message screen 550 (Fig. 5 (b)), the also display program content explanation of this screen.In another embodiment, message screen 500 can also contain an icon, and the user can click this icon and trade-show to watch short video.This trade-showing can show in pip window, and can send the video data of trade-showing with compressed format.As described, window size allows to produce suitable video demonstration from packed data.Message screen 550 also shows and the relevant publicity materials of program that are about to play.Yet,,, when the user clicks, will allow automatic tuning of when program begins to play, arriving this program of user's layout thereon so message screen 550 has icon 560 because after the date subsequently, just play this program.In case user's layout an automatic tuning, system will be when playing programs automatically be tuned to this program.Be preferably, before this program, ask the user to confirm at system tuning.Another kind of scheme is that the user can click with this program of schedule recordings on icon 570.System starts recording of programs when program begins to play automatically.

In another embodiment, system can automatically tune to this program for the user when the program of being propagated begins to play.No matter the user whether layout to the automatic tuning of this program, this all may take place.Be preferably, system before automatically tuning to this program, will inquire the user whether wish be tuned to this program.

Interactive and non-interactive type information screen may be used to display scrolling message or static message.As described, these information screens can be used for program and product are propagated.In addition, information screen also can be used for sending message to the user, for example warns the user that he does not pay the bill.This is because each guide system has a unique unit address.Therefore, the Systems Operator can be by sending message and send message to the specific user to the constituent parts address.Certainly, information screen can be used for the message in all user's transmitting system scopes.For example, information screen can be used for sending such as the warning for urgent disaster to all users.Information screen can also be used for sending message to particular group of users.For example, system can send message to all Magnavox TV user by checking the Magnavox TV code, because when the user sets up erection system first, this information is imported in the system.For the user reads message for the user, this message will have a position that appends on it, and this position remains on the information screen message, indicates him to see message up to the user.The user can remove message by pushing the button on the user input device or indicating him to see message by the icon of clicking on the guide.By this way, even when having placed message by the Systems Operator in the morning, when the user when prime time televiews, the user still can see this message.After having removed message, advertisement or propaganda suitable when removing message will be placed by system on information screen.

Fig. 6 (a) is the diagram of Promgramming guide screen 600.As shown, guide screen 600 has an interactive information zone 620, the web website that this zone propaganda links to each other with a program.In another kind of execution mode (Fig. 6 (b)), guide screen 600 can comprise a virtual channel 640.Virtual channel is the channel of a untuned to TV programme; On the contrary, this channel can start an application program, is connected with internet site, be connected with data directory, or the like.In the example shown in Fig. 6 (b), virtual channel 640 contains an IP address-be also referred to as URL(uniform resource locator) (URL); Therefore it is connected with an internet site.Shown in Fig. 6 (b), zone 620 can be used for showing the publicity materials of this another kind execution mode.If the user has selected the virtual channel 640 of Fig. 6 (b), the perhaps information area 620 of Fig. 6 (a), then the user can see the sub-menu screen 650 of Fig. 6 (c).

Shown in Fig. 6 (c), the user can select to be connected respectively with the NBC webpage or the Comedy web page of Seinfeld webpage, propaganda Seinfeld performance by of clicking in three web website icons 660,665 and 669.When the user has selected the information area that the web website is propagated, perhaps be tuned to when containing the virtual channel of URL, system will start a web browser.After the user had made his/her selection, system will be being inserted in the web browser with the corresponding URL of selected web website, and browser begins to visit web and the selected web website of search subscriber, to connect the user to this web station data page or leaf.Therefore, if the user has selected one in the web website icon, then system will be connected to the user and the corresponding web website of this icon.Fig. 6 (d) is the diagram that is shown to user's web page or leaf 680 when user's selection is connected with the NBC webpage.As shown, after the user was connected to this page or leaf, the user can share the propaganda on this page, just directly was connected to this page or leaf by the web browser as the user.

Fig. 6 (d) further illustrates window 688, and this window is presented at before the user selects virtual channels 640 from the program guide screens 600 of Fig. 6 (b), the TV programme that the user watches before perhaps clicking on the information area 620 of Fig. 6 (a).The user can be by clicking on window 688 to recover to watch this TV programme.This is called " rising tuning ", and system will make the user return the program of watching originally.When the user watched program, system preferably showed a network icon, the user can on this icon, click with super be tuned to the web page or leaf.Another kind of scheme is, system can be when spectators watch program with the such picture-in-picture window display page of window 688.The user can on picture-in-picture web page or leaf, click with super be tuned to this page or leaf.

In another kind of better embodiment, the icon 660,665 or 669 of having selected Fig. 6 (c) the user is after any, the user can be tuned to spectators are watching before obtaining guide program.System will show " search " symbol when starting the web website that a web browser and search subscriber asked.System will notify user search to finish after system has been connected to this web website, and the inquiry user whether wish super be tuned to this web page or leaf.In another better embodiment, the user can click on any program title shown in the program guide unit, and system will show the inventory of one or more web websites relevant with this program.The user can select be tuned to this program or be connected to some web websites.In addition, the user can click on the icon or push remote controller buttons so as to teleview and the browsing web page or leaf between switch.

Fig. 7 is the diagram that has the Promgramming guide screen 700 in nonreciprocal program part 705 and interactive information zone 710,715.Shown part 705 is the Promgramming information of current time sheet.Because the user may not carry out alternately with the part 705 of guide screen 700, so part 705 can be upgraded at any time automatically to show current and program in the future.Shown future, the amount of program can be scheduled to.Therefore, the user can understand currently what is being play, and will begin to play what program after arriving scheduled time amount.Yet perhaps the user does not obtain the more information relevant with program, from part 705 be tuned to program, perhaps from part 705 recorded programs.

As shown in Figure 7, information area 710 contains the program advertisement information.Because information area 710 and user interactions, thus the user can on information area 710, click with obtain with this zone in the shown relevant further information of program.The user can also click on information area 710, if this program current playing be tuned to this program, perhaps the user can layout one when program begins to play to the automatic tuning of this program.When layout during automatic tuning, system can notify or not notify the user automatically tune to this program when program begins to play before.Be preferably, system will ask the affirmation from the user before automatically tuning to this program.At last, the user can layout to recording of programs or begin the program of current broadcast is carried out record in future.As described, if system request from user's affirmation, then confirms that the user his/her when request can the display additional information zone.

Information area 715 can be static also can be the message region of rolling, wherein contain selected news or sport information.For example, up-to-date sports score can roll across information area 715.Though in this better embodiment, the type of shown information is determined by the Systems Operator in the information area 715, also can allow the user to select the type of the information that will in information area 715, show.

Fig. 8 is the diagram of program guide screens 800.Screen 800 contain one in itself with the similar Promgramming part 805 of aforementioned layout guide.In addition, screen 800 contains several communication icon 810.Icon 810 can represent local or domestic weather forecast, this locality or home news, sports news, sports score, money article or the like.In response to the selection of user to an icon 810, screen 800 can be replaced by one or more additional information screens.For example, the Weather information screen can show the current weather situation or the weather forecast in a plurality of areas.The sports score information screen can have (a plurality of) icon or regional to represent each in a plurality of sports items.The user can click on each icon or zone to watch another screen of single sports items special use, and perhaps the sports score information screen can show the different sports items and the score of sports team on identical screen.The money article information screen can have (a plurality of) icon or zone similarly, and the user can click thereon to select other screens of specific financial market special use.Another kind of execution mode is that the money article information screen can make up and show (a plurality of) financial market on a screen.

Fig. 9 (a) is the diagram of data directory screen 900.As shown, data directory screen 900 contains news, weather, physical culture and astrology information, yet also can be shown the information of other types by data directory screen 900.As described, in another embodiment, can the configuration information guide except program guide.Data directory can link to each other with program guide, and perhaps it can be an independent program.Because data directory contains news, weather, physical culture and other information,, thereby allow program guide screens to show more programme information to the user so it can replace the communication icon on the program guide.

In Fig. 9 (a), the user has selected " home news ".Fig. 9 (b) is the diagram of the submenu 920 of data directory screen 900.As shown in the figure, submenu 920 is further divided into different titles with " home news ".In better embodiment, the user can from submenu 920 be tuned to CNN or other Internet news websites.The Systems Operator can collect certain expense to this service, and the expense that can be paid according to Internet news provider allow the user be tuned to one or more Internet news websites.Therefore, for example CNN can pay high cost, and becomes unique news site that the user can be connected to from submenu 920.Another kind of scheme is, CNN can pay regular fee, the user can be tuned to CNN and other paid the news site of regular fee.

In submenu 920, the user can light some titles to select this title and to obtain report.In this embodiment, this report is shown in news information screen 940 according to Fig. 9 (c).Another kind of scheme is, the user can click on the video icon (not shown) on the screen 940 further to watch relevant with this report video segment.System can pass through video network (being cable, direct broadcasting satellite etc.) and obtain video segment.Video segment can generate from packed data, if like this, then can provide with PIP memorandum form.Another kind of scheme is that system can for example be connected to the website of CNN, and obtains staggered (AVI) file of an audio-video so that the animation relevant with title to be provided to the user.Also can in sub-menu screen 920, video icon be set.Therefore the user can click with the video segment of direct viewing title on icon and not read report.In another better embodiment, system can automatically activate the corresponding video segment of having selected with the user of that title, thereby the user needn't activate icon in order to watch video segment.

Figure 10 (a) is and the diagram of data directory screen 900 similar data directory screens 1000, and different is in Figure 10 (a), and the user has selected " professional score " rather than " home news ".Figure 10 (b) is the diagram of submenu 1020, and this submenu is further divided into different score plates with " professional score ".In better embodiment, with news submenu 920 similarly be, the user can from physical culture submenu 1020 be tuned to ESPN or other Sports Sites.The Systems Operator also can collect the charges to this service, and can allow according to the expense of provider's payment the user be tuned to one or more Sports Sites.Therefore, for example ESPN can pay high cost, and becomes unique Sports Sites that the user can be connected to from submenu 1020.Another kind of scheme is, ESPN can pay regular fee, the user can be tuned to ESPN and other paid the Sports Sites of regular fee.

In submenu 1020, the user can light some score plates, selecting a score plate, and obtains the score relevant with this score plate.In this example, in sport information screen 1040, show score according to Figure 10 (c).Shown in screen 1040, show score with table format.Can certainly use other layout, as long as information is logically to show.In information screen 1040, the user also can click on the video icon (not shown), further to watch and the relevant video segment of competing.As described, system can pass through video network (being cable, direct broadcasting satellite or the like) and obtain video segment, and can produce this video segment from packed data.Another kind of scheme is, system can for example be linked to the web website of NFL, and if can then retrieve an avi file, to provide to the user and the relevant animation of competing.

Figure 11 (a) is the diagram of same and data directory screen 900 similar data directory screens 1100, and different is in Figure 11 (a), and the user has selected " weather " rather than " home news ".Figure 11 (b) is the diagram of submenu 1120, and this submenu is further divided into " weather " weather forecast of different geographic regions.System shows different local weather forecasts according to user's place.In the example shown in Figure 11 (b), the user is positioned at California, area, eastern gulf; Therefore local weather forecast is for different Dong Wan cities.In another embodiment, the user can designated geographic area.Therefore, the user can obtain the Weather information in zone except that the user their location equally.

In Figure 11 (b), the user has selected U.S.'s weather forecast, therefore, can show U.S.'s Weather information screen 1140 (Figure 11 (c)) to the user, and this screen is with the mode display message of row.Also can use other demonstrations of display message logically to arrange; What in addition, information also can be than shown in the information screen 1140 is more detailed.Figure 11 (d) is and submenu 1120 similar submenus 1160, and different is in Figure 11 (d), and the user has selected the weather forecast of the Bake profit rather than the U.S..Therefore, in information screen 1180, show the sharp weather forecast (Figure 11 (e)) in Bake to the user.Because Weather information is for regional area,, and provide more information to the user so it is more detailed.Shown in Figure 11 (e), show Weather information in the mode of going.In addition, also can use other layouts that show Weather information, as long as information is logically to organize.

Figure 12 illustrates the hardware component of a specific implementations of the present invention.As shown, this configuration preferably utilizes a program guide controller 1205 (for example, data processor), one or more television source 1210 and TV or computer monitor 1215.These systems also can comprise a video tape recorder 1220 and a remote controller 1225.Program guidance system 1205 can be an independent equipment or can also combine with another system, such as a TV, a cable decoder, a computer, a PCTV or a video tape recorder.As shown, to have one be unique unit address 1230 for each system to program guidance system 1205.Therefore, the Systems Operator can be according to unique unit address recognition system 1205, thereby makes the Systems Operator send message to the specific user.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a plug-in type program guide controller module 1240.Module 1240 is determined the range of the ability of program guide 1205.Module 1240 can only allow program guide 1205 that noninteractive guide is provided like this, and perhaps guide cannot have communication icon.When the user wishes to upgrade program guide 1205, for example increase interaction capabilities, communication icon or more detailed classified search, can replace module 1240 with the disparate modules of authorizing wider guide ability.This execution mode has outstanding advantage: allow remarkable change system under the situation that needn't carry out big hardware change.Because the user upgrades with upgrade instruction to module 1240, so the user does not need the Systems Operator that technical support is provided.In this case, the user only obtains different module 1240, new module is installed in the program guidance system 1205, and payment is the new expense of new benefited setting by the Systems Operator.

Be preferably, carry out work under the control of system's software application in renewable computer storage.The memory of software application can be arranged in one or more IC (integrated circuit), for example is arranged in the plug-in module of data processor, perhaps is arranged in ROM, RAM, flash memory or their any combination.Therefore, disclosure herein and description are to be used for illustrative purposes, rather than limit the scope of the invention, and this scope is set by claims.

Claims (21)

1. one kind for having the method that electronic program guides carries out format and management on the screen of a display screen, may further comprise the steps:

In the first area of screen, show a plurality of television program listings;

In the second area of screen, side by side show additional information except television program listing with program inventory;

Moving cursor comes the program inventory in the highlighted demonstration first area, with to carrying out layout with the corresponding program of the program inventory of highlighted demonstration, so that record or watch; And

Activate second area, to start the relevant function of additional information that shows in a kind of and the second area.

2. according to the process of claim 1 wherein television program listing indication program title, time and channel.

According to the process of claim 1 wherein when cursor when second area moves on to the first area, the additional information that shows in second area changes.

4. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that additional information is and at least one the relevant information of TV programme for layout in the future.

5. according to the method for claim 4, wherein the TV programme for layout in the future is to pay to watch program, and the relevant function of the additional information that shows in described and the second area is to approve paying is watched that program pays.

6. according to the method for claim 4, the function that the additional information that shows in wherein said and the second area is relevant is to storing for the TV Festival object time and the channel of layout in the future, so that write down later on or watch.

According to the process of claim 1 wherein the relevant function of additional information that shows in described and the second area be set up one to internet site link and start an application program so as in the second area of screen, to show with second area in the relevant information of information that shows from internet site.

According to the process of claim 1 wherein the relevant function of additional information that shows in described and the second area be set up one to internet site link and start an application program so as in the 4th zone of screen, to show with second area in the relevant information of information that shows from internet site.

9. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that additional information is and the relevant information of the current TV programme of broadcasting.

10. according to the method for claim 9, the function that the additional information that shows in wherein said and the second area is relevant is to be tuned to the current TV programme of broadcasting so that watch.

11. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that additional information is text, still image or image.

12. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that additional information is advertisement.

13. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that additional information is to go up at least one user's of electronic program guides message for screen.

14. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the second area of screen is arranged among the inventory of first area list of television programmes.

15. position with respect to the top of the first area of screen second area to screen according to the process of claim 1 wherein.

16. position with respect to the second area of specific television program to screen according to the process of claim 1 wherein.

17. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the second area of screen is positioned at the fixed position on the screen.

18. according to the method for claim 1, also be included in and show a plurality of icons of represent different themes in the 3rd zone of screen, these icons can be selected by cursor on the screen.

19., also comprise and select an icon, so that show the information relevant with the theme of selected icon representative according to the method for claim 18.

20. according to the method for claim 4, the function that the additional information that shows in wherein said and the second area is relevant is to show and relevant details of TV programme for layout in the future.

21. an electronic program guidance system comprises:

A display screen;

A microprocessor;

A medium;

Be used for showing the device of a plurality of television program listings in the first area of screen;

Be used for side by side showing the device of the additional information except television program listing in the second area of screen and program inventory;

The program inventory that is used for the highlighted demonstration of moving cursor first area, thereby so that to carrying out the device that layout is write down or watched with the corresponding program of the program inventory of highlighted demonstration; And

Be used for activating the device of second area with the relevant function of the additional information that starts a kind of and second area and show.

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