CN1240324A - Reminder system for broadcast and non-broadcast events based on broadcast interactive applications - Google Patents
Reminder system for broadcast and non-broadcast events based on broadcast interactive applications Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN1240324A CN1240324A CN 99107628 CN99107628A CN1240324A CN 1240324 A CN1240324 A CN 1240324A CN 99107628 CN99107628 CN 99107628 CN 99107628 A CN99107628 A CN 99107628A CN 1240324 A CN1240324 A CN 1240324A
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- prompting
- broadcast
- data
- broadcast program
- incident
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Images
Landscapes
- Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A system and method provide a generalized reminder system in an interactive broadcast environment, that enables a viewer to quickly establish reminders for both broadcast events and non-broadcast events, and have such reminders displayed at an appropriate future time. The system includes a broadcast system and interactive applications. The interactive applications include reminder interactive applications which have reminder data which describe a future time. The broadcast programs and reminder interactive applications are received in broadcast receiver which displays the programs. A viewer viewing a program signals the broadcast receiver to establish a reminder for an event related to the program. The broadcast receiver stores the reminder data from the reminder interactive application, and initiates a timer. When the timer expires, the broadcast receiver displays the event description for the reminder. Reminders may be established and displayed for both broadcast events and non-broadcasts events.
Description
The application relates to the theme of the U.S. Patent No. 5689799 of mandate on November 18th, 1997, name is called ＂ and is used to confidential information to select the method and apparatus ＂ of route, with following application: submit to April 26 nineteen ninety-five, application serial 08/429064, title " for being used for determining the method and apparatus of broadcaster's information ", and submit to April 26 nineteen ninety-five, application serial 08/429107, name be called the interactive information system ＂ of the small-sized figure of ＂.Top patent and application have identical assignee with the present invention, all quote for reference together here.
The present invention relates generally to interactive broadcast system, relate to especially and be used to set up and transmit the apparatus and method of reminding relevant broadcasting of spectators and non-broadcast event.
Interactive broadcast system such as interactive television provides the impression of watching of enhancing to spectators, typically allows spectators to participate in the interactivity relevant with independent TV programme or ad content.Interactivity is typically by offering spectators' broadcasting receiver (for example television receiver, perhaps set top box) from main frame such as the cable system front end broadcasting at center.Viewer response connects to transmit back by Return Channel communication link such as phone from this broadcasting receiver gives the cable system front end.The cable system front end can be broadcasted the content of the specific spectators' of giving response in this way.Yet, in this solution, in cable system front-end control and all interactivity of generation, spectators' input that broadcasting receiver only is used to show this interactivity usually and receives.
The array that utilizes huge broadcasting to provide, spectators may like being useful on and reminding them to watch the device of performance of specific broadcast event such as TV or film backward.Preferably spectators can easily and under promoting set up such prompting, need not trouble or based on the programming of pattern.In addition, the usually broadcast related non-broadcast event information of advertisement, such as: at the upcoming cheap selling of department store, provide the extra charge shopping approach service that bought item and binding hours are subscribed to be provided in a shopping approach that is different from the shopping approach that spectators watch in shopping approach binding hours.
Some interactive cable systems provide sets up the restraint device of reminding.For example, people's such as Lawler U.S. Patent No. 5699107 discloses one and selects guide at the screen program, shows the information of relevant following broadcast program and utilizes its spectators can programme reminding data so that watch broadcasting in some future of some time.This reminding data sends the cable system front end that it is stored and monitors to from broadcasting receiver.In this fixed time, the cable system front end transmits the broadcasting receiver that message is given these spectators with prompting, so that watch this broadcasting.Yet because this system is according to the selection of selecting the broadcast item of guide from program, it can not be used to set up the prompting of non-broadcast related incident.Further, this method requires spectators to start program guide, and the program of a requirement is looked back it and this prompting is set.Because spectators must use program guide in this mode that is used for any prompting, so this method do not allow spectators at any time to set up immediately according to her current broadcast program of watching to remind, and needn't activate Programming Guide separately.For example, if spectators see the advertisement of a TV programme of next week broadcasting, she must activate this program guide, and the time slot that requires in next week by its search requires the inventory of program and selects this program so that set up this reminding data.The program of broadcasting that this process has hindered spectators to watch.Really, if this advertisement finishes before spectators programming, she may miss the part of the TV programme that she is seeing.At last, this type systematic is at this reminding data of cable system front-end stores with make the cable system front end be in charge of hundreds of perhaps thousands of spectators' reminding data.This method is very inefficient, but causes conventional broadcasting receiver can not store and monitor effectively reminding data.
The present invention allows to be used to broadcast the restriction that overcomes conventional system with the foundation of the prompting of non-broadcast event and the vague generalization system and method for communicating by letter by providing.The present invention further allows spectators need not set up a prompting immediately by the program guide of complexity according to current broadcast item of watching.And spectators can set up the prompting that relates to following broadcast event or the non-broadcast event in future.For example, utilize the present invention, when watching the advertisement that began at a tame department store cheap selling in three days, spectators can be provided with the prompting for that cheap selling; When spectators used their television set in three day time, the prompting that has begun cheap selling was shown to this spectators.This reminding data preferably is stored in these spectators' broadcasting receiver in this locality, therefore eliminate the burden of broadcaster or cable system front end, so that management is for the thousands of spectators' of possibility prompting.
System according to the present invention comprises a broadcast system, and the broadcast interaction formula that its broadcasting is relevant with broadcast program is used, and comprises TV programme and commercial advertisement.Interactive application comprises the prompting interactive application, is used to set up relevant broadcast event such as upcoming TV programme and non-broadcast event such as retail incident, the prompting of the commercial advertisement of relevant broadcast program such as retail incident.This system comprises a broadcasting receiver, receives broadcast program and relevant interactive application, the prompting interactive application that broadcast program is relevant with execution.When spectators watched broadcast program, she may indicate broadcasting receiver to set up reminding data about this broadcast event or the non-broadcast event relevant with this broadcast event.The execution of reminder application receives this reminding data and stores it in this memory, and begins the remaining time of this reminding data of timer countdown based on reminding data.Broadcasting receiver may be stored a plurality of different timers for different promptings.This reminding data preferably is defined in to be reminded in the interactive application, so that user's low volume data of must programming as far as possible.For example, the prompting interactive application may comprise date, time and the description of the incident that is used for the requirement prompting.In this mode, remind interactive application, and need in the program guide of complexity, not select dedicated program that this reminding data is set when the user is seeing only to need when the user is watching broadcast program to activate.
During watching afterwards, when timer expiration, broadcasting receiver shows at display such as spectators' television set display alarm, and the descriptor of this prompting is provided, as the date of this broadcasting or non-broadcast event, and time and description.
The method according to this invention comprises the reception broadcast data of at least one broadcast program and the prompting interactive application relevant with broadcast program, receive user's input so that set up prompting for the incident relevant with this broadcast program, carry out this prompting interactive application so that in broadcasting receiver, set up the reminding data that is used for this incident, in broadcasting receiver, set up a timer based on this reminding data, with when display expires, provide the demonstration of prompting from reminding data.
Fig. 1 is the example according to system of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is the example of broadcasting receiver.
Fig. 3 is the flow chart that is used to carry out the method for interactive application.
Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the method according to this invention.
Fig. 5 is an example that is used to set up the user interface of event notification.
Fig. 6 is the example that the prompting of broadcast event shows.
Fig. 7 is the example that is used for the prompting affirmation demonstration of non-broadcast event.
Referring now to Fig. 1,, shows a example according to system of the present invention.Should be appreciated that the system shown in Fig. 1 can integrate with big, more complicated system, characteristic of the present invention and benefit also are provided simultaneously.Usually, system 100 comprises 114, one broadcasting servers of a broadcaster, 110, one data insertions unit 116 and at least one broadcasting receiver (＂ BR ＂) 120.
Broadcaster:
Usually, broadcaster 114 is with broadcasting and broadcast event or the relevant program of non-broadcast event.The program relevant with broadcast event comprises the advertisement of future television program, film, pay-per-view TV event, the program that special edition or the like and themselves are watched.For example, the episode of TV programme episode by its characteristic weekly and next week is relevant weekly.The program relevant with non-broadcast event comprises the advertisement of incident, as the retail incident, and concert, meeting, agreement is prenoticed program of the non-broadcast event of spectators or the like.For example, a relevant program of the advertisement right and wrong broadcast event of department store's cheap selling.
Broadcasting server:
In one embodiment of the invention, the interactive application that is stored in the database 112 is described by a small-sized communication protocol.Small-sized agreement is the small-sized collection that is used among system unit with effective and efficient manner broadcast message and order, therefore allows to use the low bandwidth transmission such as vertical blanking interval (＂ VBI ＂).Though preferred embodiment of the present invention is used the small-sized agreement of describing here, interactive application can for example comprise the JAVA language of hypertext markup language (＂ HTML ＂) or SUN MICROSYSTEMS Co., Ltd with other protocol description.Be suitable for interactive application and comprise the support definition, the detailed U.S. Patent No. 5 that is described in mandate on November 18 nineteen ninety-five of a small-sized agreement of script and order, 689,799, name is called among the method and apparatus ＂ of information that ＂ transmits secret and narrates, and therefore quotes here together.Interactive application itself is a software product, comprises executable code and data, the operation of configuration and control broadcasting receiver 120, as be further described below.
In one embodiment, interactive application data storehouse 112 comprises the prompting interactive application, and its is provided with and sets up the prompting that is used to broadcast with non-broadcast event.In one embodiment, the prompting interactive application comprises affirmation or leaves out the form of the prompting of an incident, shows the form of the prompting of an incident, shows and manage the data of the details of the script of this form and the prompting that definition offers spectators.Event description comprises: if spectators ask like this, configuration broadcast receiver 120 is own so that develop and manage this prompting Useful Information and describe the incident Useful Information that foundation is reminded to spectators.In a preferred embodiment, event description comprises:
Incident title: title or other identifying information that data provide spectators to discern incident.The incident title also may comprise the unique recognition data that is only used by broadcasting receiver 120 identification event descriptions.
Event date/time: the date of the prompting that data definition is shown and/or time.
Event channel: be used for broadcast event, data definition network and/or the channel of this broadcast event occurs.It is useful that these data allow the automatically tuning specified channel of broadcasting receiver 120, so that spectators may watch this broadcast event immediately.
Reminding data: the time when data definition is given spectators' display alarm.
A plurality of broadcasting servers 110 can be arranged, each broadcasting server 110 services specific geographic area, broadcaster group or user's group.In one embodiment, each broadcasting server 110 is by a unique server identification sign indicating number identification.
Usually, broadcasting server 110 determine which interactive application should a specific time at a specific channel broadcasting, from database 112 retrievals corresponding to this specific channel and the interactive application of time with prepare the interactive application that is used to broadcast.
In order to determine which interactive application in each time broadcasting, channel or the like is broadcasted, and broadcasting server 110 receives the playlist 113 by the program of broadcaster 114 broadcasting.In one embodiment, prepare this playlist 113 in advance and be identified in the program of specific time by broadcaster 114 broadcasting.In another embodiment, broadcasting server 110 receives playlist 113 in real time, discerns current program by broadcaster 114 broadcasting, changes update playing table 113 according to broadcasting.In any embodiment, playlist 113 comprises the enough information of discerning each program, its start and end time, channel and network allocation or broadcaster identification code.Broadcasting server 110 uses this information to follow the interactive application of the correspondence of this program from database 112 identifications and retrieval.
For example, broadcaster 114 may be broadcasted the broadcast event in a future such as the advertisement of special edition film bulletin.Broadcaster 114 may define the prompting interactive application of broadcasting with advertisement.This reminds interactive application to be stored in the interactive application data storehouse 112 with the information of this advertisement of identification, and if necessary, stores with broadcaster identification code and airtime.When broadcasting server 110 receptions comprise the playlist 113 of discerning the information that is used for this advertisement, interactive application is reminded in its retrieval, for example by coupling broadcaster identification code, be used for the channel allocation of this advertisement and have corresponding to airtime in the information in interactive application data storehouse 112.
If necessary, broadcasting server 110 forms retrieval interactive application, otherwise prepare it is inserted broadcast singal.The playlist 113 that use is received from broadcaster 114, broadcasting server 110 are transmitted interactive application 115 and are served as a fill-in according to inserting unit (＂ DIU ＂) 116, and interactive application 115 is integrated with and the simultaneous broadcast data 117 of this programming.
Data are inserted the unit:
DIU116 receives interactive application 115 and broadcast singal from broadcasting server 110, perhaps presents, and transmits the program of corresponding interactive application 115.Broadcast feed can be received from broadcaster 114.Perhaps, in this case, broadcaster is not from third party such as network, and cable system operator or local television provide this to present.Present and as the form of broadcast data 117 with its transmission by broadcaster in order to be suitable for inserting for DIU116 conversion interactive application 115.DIU116 may receive from a plurality of broadcasters and present and can insert interactive application separately and go into each and present.Similarly, DIU116 can side by side go into a plurality of channels from interactive application of separating of same or different broadcaster 114 insertions.
D1U116 inserts the broadcast data 117 and the broadcast program that comprise interactive application and arrives this broadcast medium.Broadcast medium is the frequency spectrum that is used to transmit interactive application 115.In one embodiment, broadcast medium is a standard analog TV signal that meets television standard committee (the ＂ NTSC ＂) standard of country, and VBI is used for the transmission as the application of broadcast interaction formula.This transmission is the specific part that transmits the broadcast medium of interactive application 115.In another embodiment, this broadcast medium is that a standard MPEG2 digital video MPEG2 multiplexed and in this is multiplexed who comprises one or more MPEG2 Video service flows (perhaps stream) substantially as a transmission.
In one embodiment, DIU116 uses conventional method to insert the data of defining interactive application in the VBI of broadcast feed.North American broadcast teletext standard (EIA-506) is defined in method and the agreement that transmits data in the delegation of VBI or the multirow.Yet available various other transfer mechanisms comprise respectively the transfer mechanism from television program broadcasting interactive application 115.Such transfer mechanism comprises the outer transmitter of band, and it partly transmits interactive application 115 and conventional frequency modulation (＂ FM ＂) radio transmitter in the not use of television spectrum, and it is in the outside interactive application 115 that transmits of television spectrum.In another embodiment, DIU uses conventional method to insert data to the basic stream in MPEG2 is multiplexed.
In one embodiment, error check or error recovery sign indicating number such as Hamming code are inserted into these data.In one embodiment, DIU116 translates this data literary composition Hamming code, and in another embodiment, is encoded from the data that broadcasting server 110 receives by DIU116.
Transmitter:
DIU116 is connected to transmitter 118, is used to transmit comprise the broadcast feed of inserting interactive application.In one embodiment, transmitter 118 is to transmit this to present satellite uplink to local up-link receiver, and local then up-link receiver distributes this to present to BR120 through cable system.In another embodiment, transmitter 118 is cable system system front end amplifiers of a routine.In other embodiments, transmitter 118 is television broadcasting transmitter or high definition television digital transmitters of a routine.
In another embodiment, before this program of broadcasting, DIU116 inserts interactive application 115 to this program.For example, DIU116 may insert the source copy of interactive application to TV commercials.Correspondingly, when broadcasting whenever this advertising programme, all the broadcast interaction formula is used.In this embodiment, broadcasting server 110 does not need the timetable listed in retrieval that synchronizing interactive uses and the playlist.
No matter transfer approach and insertion time, comprise of the BR120 reception of the broadcast data 117 of interactive application by the user.Though single BR120 only is shown in Fig. 1, self-evident in typical embodiment, have to receive broadcast data 117 and as the hundreds of or thousands of BR120 of the response described here.Especially, each broadcasting receiver 120 may individually be provided with and set up according to their relative users being used to of requiring and broadcast prompting with non-broadcast event.In typical embodiment, BR120 is a television set set top box that receives data 117 through coaxial cable system.In addition, BR120 can be integrated into this television set.And, can also use other broadcasting receiver, comprise the NTSC broadcasting receiver, high definition television digital receiver, video Cassette recorder equipped or FM radio receiver.
Broadcasting receiver:
Fig. 2 illustrates the embodiment of BR120 according to an embodiment of the invention.In one embodiment, BR120 is general instrument CFT-2200 CATV top set decoder.BR120 comprises a tuner 202 that is used for receiving from transmitter 118 broadcast data 117.In one embodiment, tuner 202 is cable television tuners of a routine.In other embodiments, tuner is a television broadcasting tuner, a FM radio tuner, the tuner of a digital tuner or other form.Embodiment shown in Fig. 2 represents a display 218, typically a television set in BR120.As mentioning in the above, display 218 also may be placed on the BR120 outside.
BR120 also comprises a data extractor 206 that connects top tuner 202, is used for extracting interactive application from broadcast data 117.In one embodiment, data extractor 206 is interior data extraction circuits of VBI band of a routine.In another embodiment, data extractor 206 is modulator-demodulators of a routine.Data extractor 206 provides a serial bit stream of the interactive application that comprises extraction on bus 208.Bus 208 is connected to microprocessor 210, and microprocessor 210 is stored the interactive application of extraction to first memory device 212 according to the program indication in second storage device stored through bus 208.In one embodiment, the error code information that microprocessor 210 uses from the data of extracting is so that check or the mistake of correction in the interactive application of decoding.In one embodiment, first memory device 212 is random access memory (＂ RAM ＂) of a routine, and second memory device 214 is read-only memorys (＂ ROM ＂) of a routine.The 3rd memory device 213 can be RAM or flash memory, is connected to microprocessor 210, so that the storage reminding data.An advantage of flash memory is that the software or the data that reside among the BR120 can change by receiving interactive application.
In one embodiment, BR120 also use data extractor 206 from broadcast data 117 extraction time signal.Base as Greenwich mean time of coordinating (＂ UTC ＂) or user's local zone time indication present time when this time signal is used a standard.In another embodiment, BR120 has or a real-time clock of the time signal that is provided with by the user or receive.Howsoever, the best access present time of BR120 correspondingly can indicate and timing function execution date.
As be described below, microprocessor 210 uses the interactive application that is stored in the program in second memory device 214 and is stored in first memory device 212 to carry out interactive application and an output is provided.Be stored in program in second memory device 214 and preferably be used to carry out script by each, the execution engine 217 of the interactive application of formal definition and sign indicating number and graphic resource definition.First-selected execution engine is the Wink engine that the Wink communication common carrier by California Alameda provides.Broadcasting receiver 120 comprise as these execution engine 217 parts or also be stored in local operation system 219 among the second memory device t14, can be used as background process operation so that from the timer function of an input value countdown, perhaps equivalence standard regularly.
The output of carrying out interactive application for example can provide the form that information or menu are given the television set spectators or be used to receive spectators' input, perhaps it may be a response, noiseless or opposite, comprise BR120 or television set and use data or indication spectators to select.For the purposes of the present invention, this form can be to reset or leave out the form of a prompting, perhaps reminds the spectators of upcoming broadcasting or non-broadcast event.For this purpose, BR120 preferably includes and is connected to bus 208 and by being stored in the interactive application 115 in first memory device 212 and being stored in a graphics overlay maker 216 of the program driven in second memory device 214.Graphics overlay maker 216 response interactive application 115 generate the demonstration of a figure.The demonstration of this figure is displayed on the display 218, is connected to the television set of BR120 typically.Certainly, when carrying out interactive application dumbly, graphics overlay maker 216 does not typically use.
In one embodiment, the broadcast singal that graphics overlay maker 216 also receives corresponding to broadcast program from tuner 202, allow to show simultaneously interactive application 115 broadcast programs and graphical appearance, if any, for example, the input data are a display format, so that be provided with or leave out a prompting.In one embodiment, microprocessor 210 also is connected to user's input decoder 222, and the latter is connected to user's input receiver 224, allows this user to communicate by letter with microprocessor 210, so that response interactive application 115.In one embodiment, user's input decoder 222 is ultrared remote control decoder of a routine.User's input receiver 224 is the infrared receiver 224 of a routine preferably, utilizes this receiver 224, the remote control equipment that the user can use conventional hand to take.The remote control key of being pressed by the user is translated into the infrared signal of coding, and infrared signal is received by user's input receiver 224, by 222 decodings of user's input decoder, and sends to microprocessor 210, allows the user to communicate by letter with interactive application 115.
In one embodiment, BR120 is a cable system television set top box decoder that is connected to cable system through the broadband coaxial cable.In this embodiment, line driver 230 is RF modulator-demodulators, can send response to the cable system system front end through coaxial cable system, typically uses the outer part of band of radio spectrum, and communication port 232 is standard radio frequency taps.In another embodiment, BR120 is a television set, VCR or set top box, and wherein line driver 230 is that a standard telephone modem and communication port 232 are standard RJ-11 sockets.
Interactive application is carried out:
Fig. 3 is that an explanation preferred embodiment according to the present invention uses small-sized information protocol to receive and carry out the flow chart of the step of interactive application.That BR120 receives the decode is 310 that prepared by broadcasting server 110, application header record that inserted by DIU116 and that transmitted by transmitter 118.Use header record and describe the information of following and comprise the interactive application identification code.
The prompting function of interactive application is according to definition, and originally and command description, they can be with any sequential encoding and broadcasting.This definition receives the decode 312 with order by BR120 originally, and when carrying out 314 prompting interactive application, defines the response parameter of this prompting and use.
The prompting interactive application of some or all receptions can store 312 in BR120.In one embodiment, interactive application is repeatedly broadcasted, allow at any time BR120 be tuned to a program receive whole interactive application.The interactive application that the renewal of any requirement stores can be received and decode 316.If have other or redetermination more, originally or order, they can be sent out, and finish 318 up to this application.In one embodiment, a termination order can be broadcasted so that stop 320 interactive application from prompting.
New interactive application can at any time send, and comprises that original application is provided with one and reminds or transmit a response.For example, the new interactive application of corresponding advertising programme may interrupt the original application of corresponding news program, and when the former stopped, the latter uses can resume operations.Part as this function, ending utility command is in one embodiment sent by new application, so that end the operation of original application and restart utility command and can use by any and send, so that stop new application and restart the operation of original application.
Remind the operation of interactive application:
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is included in the prompting interactive application of carrying out among the BR120, sets up and be provided with the prompting of broadcasting and non-broadcast event.
Referring now to Fig. 4,, represents the state diagram of prompting interactive application operation broadcasting receiver 120 used according to the invention.These characteristics are to be realized by the execution engine of being carried out by processor 210 217.Suppose that broadcasting receiver 120 is tuned to some channels, broadcast data is just broadcasted on this channel.Carrying out engine 217 constantly scans 400 broadcast datas of receiving from transmitter 118 and extracts any prompting interactive application 115 that is included in this broadcast data.These steps are the step 310-312 according to Fig. 3.Remind interactive application 115 to be stored in first memory device 212, should carry out engine 217 when allowing the order from this user and carry out it.Broadcasting receiver 120 shows this broadcast program at display device 218 on as video screen, so that watch with normal mode.
Present prompting interactive application 115 at this, this broadcast program has usually notifies this subscriber-related content that relates to some incidents of broadcast program.For example, broadcast program can be the commercial advertisement of the broadcast event in future on identical or other channel, such as: the pay-per-view TV programme.Perhaps this broadcast program can be the commercial advertisement of non-broadcast event, such as: the cheap selling in a local retail shop, make arrangements for a concert, the relevant data independence of incident like this with this broadcaster broadcasts appears in the incident of an auction or any other type, these incidents.
When spectators watched broadcast program, she may determine to be provided with a prompting, so that remind her relevant incident.Activate 401 buttons in order to do her like this at input equipment, such as: signal of its transmission of remote control unit is to broadcasting receiver 120.Broadcasting receiver 120 receives this user input signal and carries out the 402 prompting interactive application 115 that are stored in the memory device 212 through user's input receiver 224.At another one embodiment, the flash of light icon is presented in the display 218 at first, notifies spectators to have interactive application 115; Therefore these spectators activating interactive application 115 as requested.
Remind interactive application 115 to use the event description data of its inside definition to set up one and remind the affirmation form, it shows that having spectators confirms that she will be provided with the prompting of incident.Utilize graphics overlay maker 216 to generate these demonstrations and in display device 218 outputs.
Fig. 5 illustrates a simple affirmation form 500 of reminding.In this example, be included in the event description of reminding in the interactive application 115 502 and comprise incident title ＂ It ' s a Wonderful Life ＂, date: at 3, afternoon of 98 on March 8:00 and a channel.By on user input device, selecting suitable button user to respond this form 500, the ＂ of the ＂ ＂ that is or the ＂ input ＂ push button exciting correspondence ＂ form button 504 that is for example, perhaps ＂ does not have ＂ or ＂ to leave out the ＂ button, does not have ＂ form button 504 so that activate ＂.
If user's input validation 403 should be reminded, then broadcasting receiver 120 stores 404 from the reminding data of reminding interactive application 115 in memory 213, and sets up timer according to this reminding data.Usually reminding data comprises the data and the event description of time in a future of the prompting that is used for determining showing this incident, for example as shown in FIG. 5.Be used for determining that the data of following time can be the real times that requirement is reminded, perhaps up to many times of future time, perhaps other variation.Under any circumstance broadcasting receiver 120 is based upon the timer of this future time expiration.Future time needs not be the real time that incident occurs, but preferably allow spectators to take to want to watch or participate in the event time of action whatsoever of incident before a period of time.For example, for the broadcast event that is about to broadcasting such as TV programme, future time can be before this event time 1-5 minute.For non-broadcast event, set up such as the cheap selling retail, future time can be a several hrs, perhaps time of non-broadcast event with a few days ago.
The present invention also allows to provide a plurality of promptings of a given incident to spectators.This allows broadcasting receiver 120 to notify spectators several times before incident occurs.For example, for a broadcast event, remind 1 day, 1 hour and 1 minute before broadcast event can be defined in this reminding data and show at suitable date and time.For non-broadcast event, reminded 3,2 and 1 days before this incident can be defined in this reminding data similarly.
Timer can be a built-in function of carrying out engine 217, and perhaps it may be the part of the fundamental operation system of this broadcasting receiver 120 of control.Under any situation, carry out the data that engine 217 keeps related each timer and specific reminding data, therefore allow execution engine 217 to manage a plurality of timers that are used for a plurality of promptings immediately.In first realizes, to carry out this timer that engine 217 is in charge of and timer is carried out in the backstage and handle other function simultaneously as carrying out other interactive application, the display routine data receive the user and import or the like and to manage.In the latter realizes, this timer of operating system management and notice execution engine 217 when timer expiration.Can use any or similarly realize, because the characteristic how timer is realized is not a content of the present invention.
After setting up 404 timers, its operation is till its expiration 411.When timer expiration 411, carry out engine 217 and obtain the event description relevant with this timer from memory 213, remind display format so that set up 406 1, this form is used as the prompting to spectators.This form can be that the prompting of an internal reservoir shows interactive application, and its presented event is described, and perhaps it may constitute with inner engine function from the graphic primitive that execution engine 217 can be used.Should note, in most of the cases, the prompting interactive application 115 that is used to set up prompting at first no longer exists, and is not useable for carrying out, for this reason, any is carried out engine 217 promptings demonstration interactive application or a residence own and is used to display alarm display format.
Prompting display format with event description is shown to spectators, perhaps in a preset time quantity (413), perhaps preferably confirms 417 these demonstrations or leaves out till 415 up to spectators.Broadcasting receiver 120 receives spectators' input, advances if any and correspondingly.
Fig. 6 explanation is used for the prompting display format 600 of the example of a broadcast event, and here the pay-per-view incident requires spectators to confirm 604.Spectators may confirm (＂ that ＂ is) or leave out (＂ denys ＂) this prompting.In this example, if spectators confirm 417 these promptings, then broadcasting receiver 120 uses the information automatically tuning 410 in event description to arrive the channel relevant with broadcast event.Further, because this is a pay-per-view incident, carry out engine 217 and automatically begin necessary function and buy the pay-per-view incident, such as being used to keep accounts the necessary spectators' charge information of memory 213 storages of broadcast system of purpose being used for uploading to.The mechanism that is used to buy the pay-per-view incident is that those skilled in the art are well-known.For the broadcast event that does not require purchase, carry out engine 217 only need be tuned to for the channel of broadcast event definition.If spectators leave out 415 these promptings (being that ＂ denys ＂), then carry out engine 217 and do not take further action and untuned to arrive the channel of this broadcast event.
The prompting of non-broadcast event is similar to the prompting of broadcast event.Fig. 7 illustrates the prompting affirmation form of an example of non-broadcast event, in local retail shop cheap selling is arranged in this example.This form 700 side by side shows 406 with the demonstration of commercial advertisement.Be stored in the date data that event description 702 in the memory 213 comprises that incident title ＂ Macy shop cheap selling ＂ and incident after Thanksgiving Day begin here.For a plurality of promptings, reminding data may comprise time alarm 3,2 and 1 day data, perhaps other desirable timetable that the incident of being arranged on is following before.Again, user or can confirm or leave out this prompting.Be similar in the form shown in Fig. 6 for the non-prompting display format of broadcasting incident but have a suitable content.The prompting display format of non-broadcast event is shown to this spectators, perhaps in the time (413) of predetermined quantity, perhaps preferably confirms 417 these demonstrations or leaves out till 415 up to spectators.If overtime 413, then BR120 returns scanning 400 Next interactive application.
Have among the embodiment of a plurality of promptings a given incident, a series of promptings comprise many nonterminals promptings, follow a last terminal and remind, in this embodiment, remind demonstration 406 to give spectators and confirm after 418 at each nonterminal, carry out engine 217 replacements 408 timers.In this way, remind sequence suitably to be shown to spectators.Each such prompting may have its event description, so that the processing in logic that provides spectators to import.For example, the nonterminal prompting may allow spectators to confirm next prompting or leave out this sequence and remind.In latter instance, execution engine 217 is removed the reminding data from this prompting of memory 213.If spectators do not leave out or confirm this prompting before overtime 421, the 408 next timers of reminding are set automatically then.
In a word, the invention provides a system, method and based on the product of each software is so that allow to use interactive broadcast system to set up prompting for broadcasting and non-broadcast event.Because set up this prompting in the broadcast program of incident of watching the future that relates to requirement or prompting, spectators needn't insert and cut off program guide separately and set up prompting.In addition, this allows spectators that the prompting of non-broadcast event is set, and individual non-broadcast event does not appear in the conventional program guide.
Claims (10)
1. the method for computer realization operation broadcasting receiver, the prompting that is used to set up the incident that relates to broadcast program, this broadcasting receiver comprises a local storage, this method comprises:
Reception comprises the broadcast data of at least one broadcast program and the reminding data that separate relevant with this broadcast program;
Show this broadcast program;
With this broadcast program of demonstration, side by side receive user's input, so that set up a prompting that relates to this broadcast program incident;
In local storage, store the reminding data of this incident, comprise the data of the time in the future that is used for definite this prompting of demonstration, the description of incident; And
The response time in the future, show the prompting that comprises this event description on the display device of this broadcasting receiver being connected to.
2. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that an incident is that a non-broadcast event and this broadcast program are prenoticing of an advertisement or this non-broadcast event.
3. according to the process of claim 1 wherein this broadcasting receiver at the humorous broadcast program of a plurality of channel-up, this method further comprises:
Receiving the broadcast program of indicating a broadcasting that on second channel, once occurred on first channel in the time in future; With
Receive user's input, the prompting of setting up the incident that relates to this broadcast program is included in and receives user's input when being tuned at first channel, so that be based upon the prompting of the broadcast event that occurs at future time on second channel.
4. according to the method for claim 1, further comprise: set up a timer in this broadcasting receiver, this timer expires at future time, shows this prompting.
5. according to the method for claim 1, further comprise:
Be tuned to first channel and show first broadcast program at first channel;
Be presented at the prompting of second broadcast program of second channel appearance that is different from first channel; With
Be tuned to second channel and show second broadcast program.
6. according to the method for claim 5, further comprise:
The data of second broadcast program are bought in the storage indication.
7. the method for a computer realization operation broadcasting receiver is used to set up the prompting that relates to the broadcast program incident, and this broadcasting receiver comprises a local storage, and this method comprises:
Reception comprises the broadcast data of at least one broadcast program and the prompting interactive application relevant with this broadcast program;
Show this broadcast program;
With this broadcast program of demonstration, side by side receive and activate this prompting interactive application, import so that set up a user of the prompting that relates to this broadcast program incident;
The reminding data of storage incident in local storage, this reminding data comprises the data of the time in the future that is used for definite this prompting of demonstration and event description;
Remain on a timer of future time expiration; With
Respond this timer expiration, show the prompting that comprises event description.
8. according to the method for claim 7, further comprise:
Prompting form of storage in local storage;
The prompting that comprises this event description with demonstration further comprises:
Make up the description of this prompting form and this incident, set up this prompting.
9. device of setting up and transmitting the prompting that relates to the broadcast program incident, this device comprises:
A tuner receives the reminding data of the broadcast data comprise at least one broadcast program and the incident relevant with this broadcast program, and this reminding data comprises the data and the event description of time in the future of the prompting that is used for definite presented event;
Be connected to a memory of this tuner, response request is set up user's input of the prompting of incident, receives and store this reminding data;
Be connected to a timer of this memory, this timer expires at future time; With
Be connected to a processor of this memory and this timer, receive event description and from this timer overdue signal instruction time, and generate this prompting from this reminding data, this prompting comprises event description, the prompting that this processor output shows at display device.
10. according to the system of claim 9, wherein:
This broadcast data comprises an executable prompting interactive application that comprises this reminding data;
This processor is carried out this prompting interactive application, so that user's input of event notification is set up in the request that receives, storage package is contained in the reminding data in this prompting interactive application in this memory, and develops and manages this timer in the future time expiration.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN 99107628 CN1240324A (en) | 1998-04-30 | 1999-04-29 | Reminder system for broadcast and non-broadcast events based on broadcast interactive applications |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/071,373 | 1998-04-30 | ||
| CN 99107628 CN1240324A (en) | 1998-04-30 | 1999-04-29 | Reminder system for broadcast and non-broadcast events based on broadcast interactive applications |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1240324A true CN1240324A (en) | 2000-01-05 |
Family
ID=5272849
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN 99107628 Pending CN1240324A (en) | 1998-04-30 | 1999-04-29 | Reminder system for broadcast and non-broadcast events based on broadcast interactive applications |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN1240324A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN1960223B (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2010-09-29 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Method for implementing multimedia broadcasting notification |
-
1999
- 1999-04-29 CN CN 99107628 patent/CN1240324A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN1960223B (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2010-09-29 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Method for implementing multimedia broadcasting notification |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6725461B1 (en) | Reminder system for broadcast and non-broadcast events based on broadcast interactive applications | |
| US6530084B1 (en) | Automated control of interactive application execution using defined time periods | |
| US5995092A (en) | Television system and method for subscription of information services | |
| JP4324322B2 (en) | Television signal replacement system and method | |
| EP0838951B1 (en) | Program information broadcasting system broadcasting device, and receiving terminal unit | |
| CN1132428C (en) | Subscription TV with VBI packet data | |
| TW310519B (en) | ||
| US6490728B1 (en) | Channel information transmitting method and receiving apparatus | |
| JP2000076185A (en) | Answer capacity management of interactive broadcasting system by periodic reconstitution of answer priority | |
| CN1115948A (en) | Bi-directional broadcasting system | |
| CN1585479A (en) | Program guide system with video-on-demand browsing | |
| GB2309134A (en) | Information inclusion in television broadcasting | |
| WO2006035450A1 (en) | Systems and methods for soliciting feedback using print-augmented broadcast signal | |
| JPH10276161A (en) | Digital broadcast system | |
| JPH0772276A (en) | Programming method of recorder and programming device | |
| JP3568352B2 (en) | Digital broadcasting system | |
| CN1240324A (en) | Reminder system for broadcast and non-broadcast events based on broadcast interactive applications | |
| US20070016935A1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for transmitting and receiving television signals | |
| JPH08279797A (en) | Calling method for information of radio and television programs on the air | |
| CN1241093A (en) | Configurable monitoring of program viewership and usage of interactive applications | |
| WO2006114797A1 (en) | Systems and methods for providing summaries on segments of broadcast program not rendered to audience | |
| US20030121039A1 (en) | Television system | |
| WO2010035406A1 (en) | Program receiving apparatus, program transmitting/receiving system, program receiving method, program, and recording medium | |
| JPH0564193A (en) | Timer setting device for catv system | |
| JPH1098700A (en) | Method and device for transmitting/receiving broadcast program information |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C02 | Deemed withdrawal of patent application after publication (patent law 2001) | ||
| WD01 | Invention patent application deemed withdrawn after publication | ||
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HK Ref legal event code: WD Ref document number: 1024802 Country of ref document: HK |