Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N7/00—Television systems
  • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
  • H04N21/254—Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server
  • H04N21/2542—Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server for selling goods, e.g. TV shopping
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
  • H04N21/239—Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. prioritizing client content requests
  • H04N21/2393—Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. prioritizing client content requests involving handling client requests
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
  • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
  • H04N21/4227—Providing Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/47—End-user applications
  • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
  • H04N21/4722—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting additional data associated with the content
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/47—End-user applications
  • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
  • H04N21/47815—Electronic shopping
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
  • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
  • H04N21/6156—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
  • H04N21/6187—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via a telephone network, e.g. POTS
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
  • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
  • H04N21/658—Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04N21/6581—Reference data, e.g. a movie identifier for ordering a movie or a product identifier in a home shopping application
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
  • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N21/812—Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N7/00—Television systems
  • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
  • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications

Definitions

• the present application relates to an interactive television system.
• the application additionally relates to a call management system that uses a display screen, typically on a television, and a telephone.
• EPG electronic programme guides
• EPG systems such as GuidePlus GoldTM marketed by Gemstar Development Corporation in the United States, download TV listing information from broadcasters and display them interactively according to viewers' individual needs.
• the availability of these systems has greatly improved the ability of television viewers to find and record television programs of interest.
• viewers interact with the EPG system by keying instructions into a handheld, infra-red (IR) remote control unit (IR remote).
• IR remote infra-red
• PSTN public switched telephone network
• WO 96/13933 discloses an apparatus that combines the functionality of a cordless telephone handset and a remote control unit for appliances such as a television or a video recorder.
• WO 97/31480 describes a system in which a two-way communication link is provided between a television and a service provider via a cordless telephone base unit.
• An object of the present invention is to provide an interactive television system that improves the functionality of the known systems described above.
• Another object of the invention is to provide an interactive call management system that overcomes some of the disadvantages associated with telephones and in particular cordless telephones.
• a system comprising a handset that is operable to establish an audio telephonic link, a display separate from the handset, a communication link between the handset and the display, and means for presenting an offer of information from a service provider on the display, wherein the handset comprises means for interactively requesting the information offered, whereupon making that request an audio telephonic link is automatically established between the handset and the service provider.
• the means for presenting an offer of information from a service provider on the display may present an advert or cue or icon, which may be part of an EPG or presented simultaneously with a real time broadcast.
• the advert may be presented as a panel in a portion of the EPG TV display.
• ad panel is downloaded with the broadcast EPG data. Updated ad-panels or icons may be downloaded separately from the EPG.
• Ad panels and/or cues and/or icons may be pre-loaded from a broadcast into memory and triggered for display at a particular time or downloaded to the user in a real time broadcast.
• a telephone number is downloaded with the advert panel, which telephone number is dialled automatically when a user requests information, thereby to establish a telephone link between the handset and the service provider.
• a telephonic advert panel is advantageous because it allows a user to set up automatically a direct telephone voice call to a predefined number.
• the user may be given the option to make a voice call to a number specified by the advertiser.
• the display screen may be that of a television or computer or any other appliance.
• the communication link between the handset and the display, and the means for presenting an offer of information from a service provider may be provided in a control module that may be a discrete unit or provided in an appliance such as a television or some other television accessory.
• the control module may include a cradle that is connected to a power supply and is adapted to receive the handset, so that the handset can be re-charged.
• the telephone link may be set up from the control module over a command channel to the remote handset 18, which causes the relevant telephone number to be dialled.
• the handset is preferably a wireless handset.
• the handset has the functionality of a cordless telephone.
• the handset is operable to control the functionality of the display and/or any other appliance that is connected thereto.
• the telephone link may be established over the public switched network (PSTN).
• PSTN public switched network
• the handset may be in communication with a base unit that is connected to the PSTN, preferably wireless communication.
• an interactive call management system comprising a handset that is operable to establish an audio telephonic link, a display separate from the handset, a communication link between the handset and the display, and means for presenting information relating to telephone services on the display, wherein the handset comprises means for interactively entering requests for information on the screen.
• the display may be the screen of a television or computer or any other appliance.
• the handset is preferably adapted to control the television or other appliance.
• the means for presenting information may be adapted to present a personal telephone directory or phonebook.
• a memory may be provided for storing lists of telephone numbers. The list may be arranged by the user in order to provide a personalised or customised list.
• a cursor or marker may be provided that can be moved about the display using the handset. When the list is presented on the display, a particular number can be selected for dialling by marking it with the cursor or marker and then pressing an appropriate button on the handset to cause automatic dialling of the number.
• the directory may comprise a list of service providers that have advertised on the display.
• Means may be provided for receiving and interpreting signals sent to the handset, in order to provide the names and numbers of incoming callers on the display, which are typically captured using a calling line identification (CLI) feature.
• CLI calling line identification
• a voice message may be taken, and then played back.
• the number of the incoming caller may be annotated with a name and added to the list that can be presented on the display. Names may be highlighted on the list and dialled when selected from the TV screen.
• Means may be provided for implementing an electronic program guide and/or another graphical user interface for presentation to the viewer, wherein the user interacts with the call management system through the graphical user interface.
• the communication link between the handset and the display, and the means for presenting an offer of information from a service provider on the display screen may be provided via a control module that is separate from other components of the system or in a television or some other television accessory.
• the handset is preferably wireless.
• the handset has the functionality of a cordless telephone.
• the handset is operable to control the functionality of the display and/or any other appliance that is connected thereto.
• the telephone link may be established over the public switched network
• the handset may be operable to communicate with a base unit that is connected to the PSTN, preferably via a wireless communication link.
• a telephone handset comprising an input for exchanging control and data signals with an external device and means for connecting the external device to a telephone network.
• An advantage of this is that it allow s bi-directional communication between the external device and the telephone network via the handset, which in effect acts as a data conduit.
• the handset is wireless.
• the handset may be adapted to function as a remote control for a television or a television accessory, such as a video recorder or a set top box.
• the external device may be a portable computer and the handset may be operable to act as a portable modem.
• Figure 1 is diagrammatic representation of a first interactive telephone/television system
• Figure 2 is diagrammatic representation of a second interactive telephone/television system
• Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a control module of the system of Figure l;
• Figure 4 is a front view of a handset
• FIG 5 is a view of the key layout of the handset of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is an example of an electronic program guide (EPG);
• EPG electronic program guide
• Figure 7 is an example of an EPG with a phonebook feature
• Figure 8 is an example of a television screen on which is shown a broadcast program and additionally a caption indicating the name and number of an incoming telephone call
• Figure 9 is an example of an EPG with advanced telephone features.
• FIG. 1 shows television system that includes a control module 10 that is connected to a television 12 via a SCART cable 14 and is able to communicate with the television 12 via both the SCART cable and a ⁇ ireless communication link 15, typically an IR link. Also able to communicate ⁇ vith the control module 10 via a wireless link are a video recorder 16 and a remote handset 18.
• a wireless communication link typically an IR or RF link
• a base unit 20 of a cordless telephone Connected to the remote handset 18 via a wireless communication link, typically an IR or RF link, is a base unit 20 of a cordless telephone, which is in turn connected via a wireless link to a cordless telephone handset 22.
• Communication between the remote handset 18 and the control module 10 is bi- directional, as is communication between the handset 18 and the base unit 20, thereby allowing the provision of interactive services.
• Figure 2 shows an arrangement that is similar to that of Figure 1, except in this case the control module 10 is provided in the television set 12, rather than being a discrete device.
• the control module 10 could, however, be provided in the VCR 16 or any other external device, such as a set top box. In any case, the control module 10 acts as the central controller of the overall system and the interaction between the module 10 and the remote handset 18 is the same.
• the control module 10 of Figure 1 is connected to external devices, such as the TV 12, and input video devices, such as the VCR 16 or pay-TV decoder, via a SCART IN 24 socket, as shown in Figure 3.
• Video and sound are output from the control module 10 to the television 12 via a SCART OUT socket 26.
• Broadcast data is received via the RF IN socket 28.
• an IR transceiver 30 is provided for sending and receiving commands from the remote handset 18. All commands and data from the remote handset 18 are received in an infra red data link protocol (such as IrDa).
• control module 10 includes a central processor 34 that stores and runs software for implementing an electronic program guide (EPG) and other graphical user interface (GUI) facilities, such as call management facilities for the user's telephone, for display on the television screen.
• EPG electronic program guide
• GUI graphical user interface
• Connected to the central processor 34 is a programmable tuner 36 that is operable to receive information for the EPG, w hich information is broadcast periodically, typically in the vertical blanking interval (VBI).
• VBI vertical blanking interval
• the programmable tuner 36 Connected to the programmable tuner 36 is a picture in picture or picture in guide circuit 38.
• the programmable tuner 36 can optionally be tuned to the channel to which the television 12 was tuned when the EPG was called up to the screen.
• the signal from the programmable tuner 36 is then passed through the picture in guide/picture circuit 38 and combined with the EPG graphics signal from the EPG on-screen-display generator (OSD) 38B via video sw itch 38A.
• OSD EPG on-screen-display generator
• the programmable tuner 36 and circuit 38 could be used to present a reduced size image of a currently broadcast program over a portion of a normal sized image of a different currently broadcast program.
• control module 10 In addition to providing control facilities for the television 12, the control module 10 also controls the ⁇ ideo recorder 16. In order to facilitate unattended recording, a program deliver control (PDC) or VPS or WST decoder is connected to the central processor 34. This allows the s ⁇ stem to monitor when a program is about to be broadcast, prepare the video recorder 16 and then switch it on when the program begins.
• PDC program deliver control
• VPS VPS
• WST decoder is connected to the central processor 34. This allows the s ⁇ stem to monitor when a program is about to be broadcast, prepare the video recorder 16 and then switch it on when the program begins.
• central processor 34 and associated non-volatile memory includes computer software for controlling a universal remote control emulation process for converting command signals from the remote handset 18 via IR diode 30 and IR transceiver 32 to signals that are recognisable by each of the various appliances. In this way, only a single remote control 18 is needed. This simplifies use of the system for the user.
• the control module 10 is powered up 24 hours per day to support instant emulation of all television 12, video recorder 16 and set top box control commands received from the handset 18 and to allow detection of PDC and VPS labels.
• control unit 10 and the handset 18 are operable to communicate with the base unit 20.
• This is typically a cordless telephone base, which is operable to establish a telephone link via the PSTN.
• the handset 18 is the interface for the user between both the control module 10 and the base unit 20.
• the remote handset 18 has the functionality of a cordless telephone, in that telephone calls received at the base unit 20 are forwarded via a wireless connection to the handset 18. How ever, it additionally comprises an IR transceiver to allow two way communication with the control module 10.
• the handset 18 includes the following: a. Telephone microphone and ear-piece; b. A character alphanumeric LCD display; c. Batteries; d. Bi-directional IrDA transceiv er; e. Error corrected data transfer with control module at rates up to 38kbit s; f. DECT 1.9GHz data and telephone transceiver for data and voice communication with the base unit of the cordless telephone; g. A key pad 44.
• the keypad 44 is similar to a cordless telephone keypad, but the buttons 45 are mapped to allow easy control of the television 12, including EPG and teletext, and video recorder 16.
• Figures 4 and 5 show an example of the layout of the keypad 44, which has five rows of three buttons.
• Mode 1 sets the handset 18 to act as if it were a standard cordless telephone.
• Mode 2 allows the user to interface with the control module 10 and can activate electronic program guide facilities.
• Mode 3 allows the user to swap the television 12 between video and teletext modes of operation.
• Mode 4 allows control of the video recorder 16 from a pop-up. virtual keypad that is displayed on the television screen by the central processor 34.
• various other modes could be provided in order to allow the remote handset 18 to control other external devices.
• Pressing the mode button causes the device name to toggle in the handset display. When the name of the desired device appears, the user is then able to select that device by, for example, clicking on an "ok" button.
• control of the appliances connected to the control module 10, such as the television 12 or the video recorder 16 is via a virtual keypad that is generated by the central processor and displayed on the television screen.
• a cursor or marker that can be moved to the desired position on the virtual keypad using the CursorUp. CursorDown,
• CursorLeft and CursorRight buttons on the remote handset keypad 44 Once the cursor is positioned at the required position, the function highlighted can be selected by pressing the button marked "OK".
• the ability to communicate with an external device via the IR link 15 means that the handset 18 could be used to provide a link between a telephone or communication network, such as the PSTN, and other appliances, provided those appliances are fitted with compatible interfaces.
• the handset may act as a portable modem interface between a portable computer with an IR port and a telephone network.
• the handset 18 would be operable to receive control signals from the portable computer, generate and send suitable signals to the base unit 20 to connect to the PSTN, thereby establishing a link between the portable computer and the PSTN via the handset 18.
• the handset would have to include an analogue modem for converting the signals received from the portable computer to a format that is suitable for receipt by the base unit 20.
• control module 10 is operable to receive and interpret signals sent therefrom. This is useful because the base unit 20 is able to provide the control module 10 with, for example, the numbers of incoming callers. This can be done if the base unit 20 supports a facility such as Calling Line Identification (CLI) where, when it is on-hook immediately prior to the ringing component of an incoming call, it decodes the PSTN Calling Line ID signal (such as, for example, specified by BT in the
• the Calling Line ID is transmitted by the base unit 20 to the control module 10 and/or the remote handset 18. which are is able to display this information.
• a voice message may be taken, and then played back (with the television sound muted) through either the television's 12 speakers or the remote handset ' s ear-piece.
• control module 10 is arranged to implement an EPG 50, an example of which is shown in Figure 6.
• EPG 50 an example of which is shown in Figure 6.
• This has a grid with time 52 along the horizontal axis and channel 54 on the vertical axis.
• Program titles 56 are provided in cells 58 that are located within the grid so that a viewer can tell at a glance on which channel a program is to be broadcast and at what time.
• telephonic ad panel 60 that is operable to allow a user to automatically set up a direct telephone voice call to a predefined number downloaded with the ad- panel.
• soft action keys are displayed at the top of EPG to give the user the option to make a voice call to a number specified (but not necessarily displayed) by the advertiser. Users may flag a logical interest response to an ad panel by selecting and pressing the corresponding soft action key (eg "OK" or colour buttons) on the remote handset 18.
• the telephone link is set up by sending a command signal from the control module 10, in response to a selection by the viewer, to the remote handset 18, over the IR link, where the relevant telephone number is dialled.
• a signal is then sent via the base unit 20 to connect the user ' s handset 18 to the PSTN or whichever telephone network is being used.
• the user is then able to communicate orally with the service provider using the remote handset 18.
• the above processes are determined by a software script (Java) that is embedded within the downloaded ad panel 60 data and executed by microcontroller 34.
• call response ad-panels 60 can be controlled to appear at random during time window periods downloaded with the ad-panel.
• icons or cues could be presented to the user, either with the EPG or with a real time broadcast. As before, selection of the icons or cues automatically cause a telephonic link to be established between the user's handset 18 and the service provider.
• the EPG implemented by processor 34 can be extended to provide a call management system to allow the user to readily access and use common telco provided services, typically including:
• Caller display facilities in which the number and name of the present caller is displayed on the screen, by for example matching the number of the caller against numbers associated with names stored in memory;
• the EPG may be adapted to present telephone directory information, such as yellow pages information or a personalised list of telephone numbers that can be arranged by the user.
• the EPG has a "telephone” option 60 that can be selected.
• Figure 7 shows an example of a page within the call management system of an EPG.
• the "telephone” option 60 is highlighted, as indicated by the arrows 62.
• a further option "phonebook” 64 is selected.
• This causes a personalised list 66 of the uesr's telephone contacts 68 to be displayed.
• the list 66 presented to the user includes the names of the telephone contacts, not the numbers. However, stored in memory are the appropriate telephone numbers associated with each entry of the list.
• a cursor or marker is provided that can be moved about the display using the remote handset 18. For example, in Figure 7, the cursor is positioned so as to highlight the name "Gunda Niemann”.
• a particular number can be selected for dialling by marking it with the cursor or marker and then pressing an appropriate button on the handset 18.
• This action causes a command signal to be sent to the control module 10, which in turn generates a control signal that causes automatic dialling of the number.
• a telephone link can be established using the EPG call management system, without the user having to type in the desired telephone number.
• control commands for the call management system are entered using the remote handset 18, which also acts as a data link interface between the control module 10 and the base unit 20 of the cordless telephone.
• the call management system is operable to receive, store, playback and display details of incoming calls.
• a signal indicative of that is sent from the remote handset 18 to the control unit 10.
• the processor 34 may be able to identif - the number of the caller from the information received. In such cases, the processor then checks its internal memory to determine if the number of the incoming call is included in the user's personalised list 66. If it is. the caller ' s name is identified and both the name and number are presented on the screen of the user ' s television, as shown in Figure 8, simultaneously w ith the currently viewed television program. If the caller's name is not identified from the personlaised list 66, only the number itself is shown on screen. M n mm . O 01/17254
• the control unit 10 is further adapted so that a user can manually press a button to capture the number of an incoming caller. If this is done, the telephone number is stored in memory. This number may then be annotated with a name and added to the user's personalised list 66, which can be displayed on the screen as and when desired.
• the handset is adapted to recognise certain key stokes as being the entry of text. For example, alphabet characters may be entered by repeat presses to cycle to desired character and case (eg "m” by pressing "6" quickly twice, ** M” by pressing "6” three times - in the sequence "6mMnNoO").
• the list may be annotated with the caller's address and other relevant details.
• buttons 70 and 72 which indicate the button on the handset that should be pressed in order to either take the call 70 or alternatively record a message 72. If the user opts to take the call, the handset is switched into telephone mode and the user is able to converse with the caller. If the user opts to store the message, the caller is connected to a message recording facility and a message is recorded. Voice messages together with their Calling IDs (caller's telephone number) are received and stored within non- volatile memory in either the control module 10, remote handset 18, television 12 or base unit 20.
• the EPG is adapted to include a "message' " option 74. as shown in Figure 9.
• the EPG software in processor 34 When this is selected, the EPG software in processor 34 generates a user scrollable list of bars 76 to denote telephone messages that have been received. Each bar 76 corresponds to a received message, with its width denoting the message's duration.
• the displayed message is labelled with the caller's name. Otherwise the caller's telephone number is displayed, which number can be stored and annotated with a name and related information for inclusion in the phonebook previously mentioned.
• infomration associated with the message 78 (eg time/date of message, caller's number) is displayed in a static information box. Also displayed is a "fuel gauge" showing total message time used and remaining.
• Various actions can then be initiated, eg delete and call-back, by pressing the appropriate action key displayed on the EPG in Figure 9.
• Selection of the call back options causes the control unit 10 to send a signal to cause the handset 18 to dial the appropriate number.
• the control module 10 may contain a hypertext web browser and e-mail client software. In this way, e-mail can be sent from the TV via the base unit.
• the control module may support "telephonic" hypertext links. Clicking on a telephonic link within a web page or e-mail causes the control module 10 to command the remote handset 18 to dial a telephone number. In the same way as for telephonic response ad-panels, clicking on a link initiates execution by microcontroller 34 of a dow nloaded software script that contains reference to the telephone number to be dialled.
• command signals are sent from the control unit 10 to the handset 18. where a telephone number is dialled and an appropriate signal is sent to the base unit 20.
• control unit 10 could be adapted by, for example, including a DTMF dialler to generate and send signals directly to the base unit 20.
• the module could equally be used to control many other appliances such as, for example, a satellite or cable decoder, a DVD player and any video time shift and display device.
• Integration of television and video recorder remote control functions with a cordless telephone handset to form an integrated remote handset as described above allows a user to interact with an EPG and improv es the functionality of the overall system. This is advantageous.
• integration of a telephone handset into a remote control and the provision of an EPG as interface for the user provide a call management system that can be readily operated.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Marketing (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
• Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
• Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=10860007

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (9)

Family Cites Families (3)

• 1999
  • 1999-08-27 GB GBGB9920452.1A patent/GB9920452D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2000
  • 2000-08-29 WO PCT/GB2000/003323 patent/WO2001017254A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2000-08-29 JP JP2001521068A patent/JP2003508977A/ja active Pending
  • 2000-08-29 AU AU68546/00A patent/AU6854600A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-08-29 MX MXPA02002103A patent/MXPA02002103A/es unknown
  • 2000-08-29 BR BR0013649-2A patent/BR0013649A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2000-08-29 EP EP00956677A patent/EP1219113A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2000-08-29 CA CA002383055A patent/CA2383055A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-08-29 KR KR1020027002593A patent/KR20020039666A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2000-08-29 CN CN00813752A patent/CN1377557A/zh active Pending

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events