ES2355352T3 - METHOD AND APPLIANCE TO PROCESS, STORE AND CONDITIONALLY DISPLAY THE CONTENT OF DIGITAL CHANNELS IN A TELEVISION RECEPTION SYSTEM. - Google Patents

Abstract

Procedure for broadcasting television content and programming guide data, in which the television content is divided into a plurality of television channels, each television channel is constructed from at least one content component and the data of The programming guide includes multiple channel objects, each channel object is associated with one of the television channels, each channel object includes at least one channel definition that defines the content components necessary to construct the television channel associated with that channel object , in which the procedure comprises: providing television content and programming guide data; add conditional logic to channel objects, which includes more than one channel definition, including conditional logic one or more conditions that must be evaluated by a receiver to identify an appropriate channel definition; combine television content and programming guide data in an outflow; and disseminate the outflow to a plurality of receivers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to the processing, storage and / or visualization of digital information and, in particular, to the processing, storage and / or viewing with conditions of digital programming guide objects in a television system of satellite emission based on the evaluation of a logical rule 5 integrated in the digital object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Television programs are distributed to viewers through a variety of broadcasting procedures. These procedures include traditional analog broadcast television (standard of the National Committee of Television Systems or "NTSC"), digital broadcast television (standard of the Advanced Committee of Television Systems or 10 "ATSC") of forthcoming appearance, television by cable (both analog and digital), satellite broadcast (both analog and digital), as well as other procedures. Some wireless television signal distribution systems use one or more geosynchronous satellites to broadcast a broadband television signal to receiving units within a wide geographical area, while other wireless and land-based systems use one or more localized transmitters. within smaller geographical areas to spread the signal to individual receiving units within those geographical areas.

The receiver unit in a satellite system typically includes a satellite dish connected by a cable to an integrated receiver / decoder unit (IRD). The receiving unit receives and processes the transmitted information packets. The satellite dish points to the satellite and the IRD is connected to the user's television in a manner similar to a cable TV decoder. twenty

Along with the audio and video signals associated with television channels, the IRD receives several digital objects, such as text and graphics. These objects can be used by the IRD to provide the user with additional information, such as electronic programming guides, instruction manuals, advertising, etc. The programming guide information includes a set of channel definition parameters that define what portions of the transmitted television content are associated with the various channels, and also typically include programming information for display on television sets. users The programming information informs users about which television programs are being shown now, and which television programs will be shown in the near future. An electronic smart programming guide is disclosed, for example, in WO 99/01984 A1.

Certain digital objects are used only in certain scenarios. For example, the electronic program guide data about a particular premium channel only needs to be displayed if the user is subscribed to that payment channel. Similarly, instructions on the use of an X-brand IRD never need to be displayed by an Y-brand IRD. Consequently, the IRD needs to know what objects to store and what objects to use in what scenarios.

Typically, each IRD is equipped with a conditional access module (CAM). CAM stores a plurality of 35 indicators that represent predefined scenarios (that is, a bit mask). For example, an indicator can indicate whether or not a particular user is subscribed to a particular premium channel. Consequently, digital objects are transmitted with a certain set of indicators and these indicators are compared with a plurality of indicators stored in the CAM to determine whether an object should be discarded or displayed.

However, this procedure has certain disadvantages. Predefined scenarios can be used (that is, before the IRD is sent), since the meaning of each indicator is predefined. The large number of combinations is too complicated to be anticipated in advance (for example, if a particular IRD is of the X mark with at least 512 kilobytes of memory). In addition, certain scenarios are too modern to be anticipated in older units (for example, if a particular IRD is compatible with Java or not). In addition, in receivers that have the ability to modify the control software within the receiver (for example, by means of an update received as part of an emission stream) the characteristics may change over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and a system, as defined in claims 1, 9 and 10, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 50

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed consideration of the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a direct broadcast satellite system;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating more details of the receiving station of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a generic example of an electronic television programming guide;

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for conditionally storing digital objects;

Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for conditionally displaying programming guide objects 5;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a procedure to monitor changes of state in the variables in order to trigger a re-evaluation of the rules;

Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for conditionally composing the content of a channel; 10

Fig. 8 is an example of conditional television channel content that is displayed on the television screen of a user who is not subscribed to the selected channel;

Fig. 9 is an example of conditional television channel content that is displayed on the television screen of a user who is subscribed to the selected channel; Y

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the typical stages of a pay-per-view event. fifteen

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although the following description focuses on the processing, storage and display of digital objects used to compose channel displays and electronic television programming guides in a satellite broadcasting system, people with ordinary knowledge of the subject will readily appreciate that The techniques of the present invention are not limited, at all, to satellite broadcasts or programming guides. On the contrary, any system that can benefit from improved efficiency in memory usage and flexible digital displays can employ the techniques described herein.

In general, television signal distribution systems depend on a cable network or propagation in free space to provide television signals to individual subscribers or users. Cable-based television systems transmit one or more individual television signals or "channels" over a cable, while the 25 free-space propagation systems transmit one or more channels over the air, that is, in a wireless manner . Most large-scale wireless and cable television signal distribution systems broadcast a broadband television signal that has a plurality of individual television signals or modulated channels over one or more carrier frequencies within a frequency band discernible.

Some wireless television signal distribution systems use one or more geosynchronous satellites to broadcast a broadband television signal to receiving units within a large geographical area, while other wireless systems are land based, using one or more transmitters located within smaller geographical areas to broadcast a signal to individual receiving units within those geographical areas.

Typically, satellite systems include a receiver to receive and process transmitted waveforms. A type of receiver is part of a “wireless digital television” system that is used by the DIRECTV® broadcast service. DIRECTV® and similar systems allow consumers to receive a large number of television channels broadcast directly to their homes from one or more geosynchronous satellites.

A block diagram of a transmission and reception system 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1. System 10 includes a transmission station 14, a repeater 16 and a plurality of receiving stations 20. A wireless signal 40 provides the communication medium. between the transmission station 14, the repeater 16 and the receiving station 20. The transmission station 14 includes a programming / data source 24, a video / audio / data coding system 26, an uplink frequency converter 28 , and an uplink satellite antenna 30. Preferably, the repeater 16 is at least one geosynchronous satellite. The receiving station 20 includes a satellite reception antenna 34 which may include a low noise block (LNB) 50, a receiving unit (or IRD) 36 45 connected to the LNB 50, and a television monitor 38 connected to the receiving unit 36.

During operation, the transmission station 14 can receive video and audio programming from a number of sources, including satellites, terrestrial optical fibers, cable or tape. Preferably, the received programming signals, together with data signals, such as electronic programming data and conditional access data, are sent to the video / audio / data coding system 26, where they are digitally encoded and multiplexed into 50 packed data flow, using a series of conventional algorithms, including compression and error correction in convolutional codes. In a conventional manner, the coded data stream is modulated and sent through an uplink frequency converter 28, which converts the coded modulated data stream to a frequency band suitable for satellite reception 16. Preferably, The satellite frequency is the Ku band. Next, the coded, modulated data stream is routed from the uplink frequency converter 28 to an uplink satellite antenna 30, where it is broadcast to the satellite 16. The satellite 16 receives the coded, modulated data stream , in the Ku band and broadcast it down towards an area on Earth that includes the various receiving stations 20. The LNB 50 of the satellite antenna 34 of the receiving station 20 changes the Ku band signal to a signal of the L band, which is transmitted to the receiving unit 36. 5

Fig. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of a part of the receiving unit 36, shown in Fig. 1. The circuitry of the client part of the receiving unit 36 receives the RF signals from the L band from the LNB 50 and converts them back to the original digital data stream. The decoding circuitry receives the original data stream and performs video / audio processing operations, such as demultiplexing and decompression. A microprocessor or CPU 58 controls the overall operation of the receiving unit 36, including the selection of 10 parameters, the configuration and control of the components, the channel selection, and many other functions. The microprocessor 58 controls how digital objects (for example, text, graphics) are processed (for example, stored, displayed).

Preferably, each object includes an object header and an object body. The object header identifies the type of object, the object ID and the version number of the object. The object type identifies the type of the object. The 15 different types of objects are set forth below. The object ID uniquely identifies the particular object from among other objects of the same type. The version number of an object uniquely identifies the object from among other objects of the same type and object ID. The object body may include data to construct a part of a programming guide that is finally displayed on a user's television 38, and is also used for channel definition parameters. twenty

Objects that are used to provide channel definition parameters may include boot objects, channel list objects, channel objects and conditional objects. Other objects, such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) objects are used to provide channel content. Still other additional objects, such as general program objects, programming planning objects and master programming objects are used by the IRD 36 to generate a display of a programming guide on a user's television 38. 25

A boot object identifies the service channel identification number (SCIDs) where all other objects can be found. A boot object is always transmitted on the same channel, which means that each data packet that is part of a boot object is marked with the same SCID number. Boot objects are frequently transmitted to ensure that IRDs 36 that have been turned off, and that are turned on again, quickly receive information indicating the location of the various 30 programming guide objects.

Each boot object includes frequency descriptors that define frequency tables. A frequency table contains frequencies and for each frequency contains a corresponding frequency index. Each frequency table contains frequencies and corresponding frequency indices for a single network. A network is a grouping of all channels from a common source, such as all satellite channels. Other networks include 35 all NTSC channels or all ATSC channels. In this way, each channel frequency is represented by a particular frequency index number.

A channel list object contains a list of all channel objects in a network. For each channel object in the channel object list, the channel list object includes a channel object ID for that channel object. Each channel object is uniquely identified by its channel object ID. 40

Each channel object includes multiple fields or descriptors that provide information about a particular channel. For example, each channel object can include fields for a "name", a "logo indicator" and a "logo index". Each descriptor in a channel object includes a descriptor type ID that indicates the type of the descriptor. For example, descriptor types may include "about" descriptors, "category" descriptors, "reserved" descriptors, and "channel content" descriptors. The descriptor "about" provides a description of the channel. When there is no "about" descriptor, the description is a default message, such as "No information available." The descriptor “category” provides a category classification for the channel. More than one “category” descriptor may appear in the channel object if the channel is included within more than one category. The “reserved” descriptors are reserved for future system improvements.

Each channel object includes a "channel definition" field of variable length. The channel definition field defines the composition of the channel, and is later used by IRDs 36 to reconstruct the components of the channel (for example, audio, video and data). The channel definition field may include a plurality of subfields and conditional logic that preferably consists of multiple "if-then" statements. Other entries may be included in the channel composition table, such as a language preference. The channels may comprise ATSC, NTSC, HTML and / or other content. 55

In addition to defining channels as ATSC channels, NTSC channels, etc., channel content can also be explicitly defined. For channels that are explicitly defined, the following channel definition parameters are preferably used: service type parameter, channel or transponder number parameter and program number or SCID parameter. The service type parameter indicates a type of service, such as an audio type (for example, Dolby Digital AC3), a video type (for example, DAVID), an anal type (for example, NTSC or ATSC) or a type of data (for example, high speed data). The transponder parameter or channel number identifies either an index in a frequency table for a DIRECTV network or a channel number for an ATSC network or an NTSC network. The SCID parameter or program number identifies an SCID for a DIRECTV network or a program number for an ATSC network.

Channel objects can also include a channel content descriptor. Channel content descriptors provide additional channel definitions. Channel content descriptors use conditional logic, such as "if-then" statements, to check various conditions. A set of "if-then" statements can be associated with each channel definition. If the condition or conditions in a statement are satisfied, the definition of channel 10 associated with that "if-then" statement is used to define the content of the channel.

Another type of object is a conditional object. A conditional object contains an object that is preceded by a conditional expression. If the expression is evaluated to “TRUE”, the included object is valid and is processed accordingly. If the expression is evaluated to "FALSE", the included object is ignored. A conditional object can contain multiple conditional expressions, so that it is processed only if all conditional expressions are evaluated to “TRUE”.

Returning to Fig. 2, the illustrated IRD 36 includes a tuner 52, a demodulator 54, an FEC decoder 56, a microcontroller 58, a transport circuit 60, a channel demultiplexer 62, a decryption circuit 64, a access card interface 66, an access card reader 68, a system RAM 70, an audio / video decoder circuit 72 having a random access memory (RAM) 74, an audio decoder 76, a decoder Video 78, a circuit 80 digital to analog audio converter, an 82 NTSC (or different) encoder, output controllers 84, a modem connection 86, a user interface 88 with a front panel, and a power supply 90 , coupled together, as illustrated. A 27 MHz clock signal generator 92 is also provided. The clock generator 92 generates a clock signal that is coupled to the audio / video decoder circuit 72 and that is frequency calibrated by a signal received from the circuit 60 of transport, as shown.

Transport 60 receives the transport stream of digitized data packets containing video, audio, data, programming information and other data. The digital packet information contains identifying headers as part of your header data. Under the control of the microprocessor 58, the channel demultiplexer 62 filters the packets that are not currently of interest, and directs the data packets that are of interest through the decryption circuit 30 64 and, in the case of some packets, also through access control circuits 66, 68 to their appropriate destination downstream. The decryption circuit 64 provides the decryption for the data packets that have been encrypted. Access control circuits 66, 68 provide access control by any conventional means. For example, access control can be achieved by requiring that a data packet has an appropriate authorization code to be passed to decryptor 64 and / or video decoder 35 78. The access card reader 68 can interact with an access card (not shown) that will receive the package authorization code, determine its validity, and generate a code confirming to transport 60 that the data package in question is authorized.

As the program guide data is received and stored in the memory 70, the microprocessor 58 performs several operations on the data in preparation for the display of a programming guide and / or other content 40 on the television 38. These operations include package assembly, object assembly and object processing. During the package assembly operation, the microprocessor 58 examines the stored program guide data and determines the locations of the package boundaries.

During the assembly of the object, the microprocessor 58 combines the packages to create object frames and then combines the object frames to create the programming guide objects. The microprocessor 58 45 examines the checksum transmitted within each object frame, and verifies whether the data in the frame has been received correctly or not. If the object frame has not been received correctly, it is discarded from memory 70. Also during the object assembly stage, IRD 36 discards assembled objects that are of a type of object that IRD 36 does not recognize. To achieve this, each IRD 36 maintains a list of known object types in memory 70. Microprocessor 58 examines the object header of each received object 50 to determine the type of object. Next, the microprocessor 58 compares the object type of each object received with the list of known object types stored in memory 70. If the object type of an object is not in the list of known object types, the object is discarded from memory 70.

During the object processing stage, the objects stored in the guide database are combined to create a digital image of a programming guide. The digital image of the programming guide is later converted to an analog signal that is sent to television 38 to be displayed to a user.

An example of an electronic programming guide is illustrated in Fig. 3. Typically, channels 100 are exposed, for example vertically in numerical order and times 102 are exposed horizontally in chronological order. The frames 104 of the mesh in the body of the programming guide are preferably filled with text and / or graphics representing television programs and / or other schedules available in the associated time in the associated channel. Programming guides can also include category buttons, scroll buttons, jump buttons, etc.

When a conditional object is received and stored in the memory 70, the microprocessor 58 evaluates the conditional expression or expressions contained in the conditional object and processes the data in the conditional object only if the conditional expressions are evaluated to "TRUE". An example of such a conditional expression is "If the receiver model number stored in memory 70 is 999999, then it processes the data on the conditional object." The microprocessor 58 evaluates this expression by comparing the receiver model number stored in the parameter table of memory 70, and processes the data in the conditional object only if the receiver model number is "999999". Similarly, conditional objects may be limited to their use by receivers only in certain area codes or postal codes.

A flowchart of a program that can be implemented by the local receiving unit (IRD) 36 for conditionally storing digital objects is illustrated in Fig. 4. The programmed steps can be performed by a control circuit, such as a microprocessor 58. Once the program has been started (for example, a digital object has been received) the control circuit preferably retrieves an object from a queue of objects stored in the 15 memory 74 (block 110).

The digital objects can be addressed to a particular IRD 36 (for example, by means of a geographical region ID, an IRD number, a CAM number, a customer account number, etc.). Alternatively, digital objects can be directed to a particular IRD 36 by a time space dimension, in which the object is directed to an IRD 36 during the amount of temporary coverage for which an IRD 36 is of interest. 20 Consequently, there can be two dimensions for addressing a digital object (for example, geographical region and time).

Conditional objects (including conditional elements of other digital objects) introduce a third dimension, which is a computational expression that includes one or more variables associated with the status of IRD 36. For example, a variable can include the quantity, type or the hardware and / or software model of the IRD, the 25 CAM settings of the IRD and / or user preferences. The hardware and / or software configuration of the IRD may involve the model of IRD 36, the amount of physical RAM installed in IRD 36, either by the factory or by the user, the amount of RAM available, if the software The IRD supports graphics, HTML, Java and other features, and if there is a graphic or mathematical co-processor.

Upon receipt of a digital object, the control circuit examines the digital object to determine if it is a conditional object 30 (block 112). For example, the header information may be indicative of a predetermined object type. A conditional object is an object packaged in a protocol that contains a rule. If the digital object is not a conditional object, the control circuit examines the digital object to determine if it is a grouping object (block 114). A grouping object is a plurality of integrated objects packaged in a grouping object protocol. 35

If the digital object is a grouping object, it is separated into the individual integrated objects it contains (block 116). This is achieved by removing the packaging according to its predefined protocol. Once the individual objects are separated from each other and from the packaging of the grouping object, each of the individual objects is placed in front of the object queue (block 118) and then the operation is repeated (block 110) . If the digital object is not a grouping object (or a conditional object), it is manipulated in some way consistent with that type of object (for example, it is stored in memory 74) (block 120). Subsequently, the procedure can be repeated (block 110).

If the digital object is a conditional object, it is logically separated into an integrated object and a rule associated with the integrated object (block 122). Subsequently, the rule is evaluated (block 124). Preferably, the rules include a machine-executable language, such as an interpreted programming language or a native machine language. For example, the rules may include logical operators, such as NOT, AND, OR, XOR, etc. In addition, the rules may include mathematical operators, such as PLUS, MINUS, MULTIPLY, DIVIDE, etc. Additionally, the rules may include comparison operators, such as LESS_THAN, GREATER_THAN, EQUAL_TO, etc. Additionally, the rules may include flow control operators, such as FOR, NEXT, UNTIL, etc. In addition, the rules may include higher level operators to check IRD states, such as "If it is HDTV mode", "If aspect ratio is 16x9", "If authorized", "Authorization comparison error" , "Compare IRD manufacturer", "Compare IRD model", "Compare local time", "Compare UTC time", etc. Complex scenarios can be checked. For example, a rule could state "If you are a Sony IRD manufactured before the date 1/1/98 with <1 MB of RAM, then do not save this object."

If the integrated rule is evaluated to “FALSE”, then the object can be discarded to conserve memory 74 55 (block 128), and the procedure can be repeated (block 110). For example, if the integrated object represents a component on a help screen for IRDs 36 manufactured by A, but this IRD 36 was manufactured by B, then a rule could check that condition and discard the object to conserve memory 74. However , if the integrated rule is evaluated to "TRUE", the integrated object is preferably stored by adding it to the front of the queue (block 126).

A flow chart is illustrated in Fig. 5 that can be implemented by the local receiving unit (IRD) 36 to conditionally display or process the programming guide objects. Again, the programmed steps can be performed by a control circuit, such as a microprocessor 58. Once the program has been started (for example, a command is received to display the programming guide) the control circuit preferably retrieves an object. Memory program guide 74 (block 130).

Next, the control circuit examines the programming guide object to determine if this is a conditional object or if it has a conditional element (block 132). As before, the header information may be indicative of a predetermined object type. For example, a header may indicate that a particular object is a conditional object, or a header may indicate that the associated object contains one or more conditional elements. 10 A conditional object is an object packaged in a protocol that contains a logical rule. A conditional element is a part of a digital object in which the object part is packaged in a protocol that contains a logical rule. If the programming guide object is not a conditional object, the control circuit preferably includes it in the default programming guide and / or checks other conditions, such as access privileges (block 134). fifteen

If the digital object contains a conditional object or a conditional element, that object or element is logically separated into an integrated object or element and a rule associated with that integrated object or element (block 136). Subsequently, the rule is evaluated (block 138). As indicated in detail above, the rules preferably comprise a language, such as an interpreted programming language or a native machine language. If the integrated rule is evaluated to “FALSE”, then the object is not displayed or processed in the programming guide at that time. Subsequently, the control circuit waits for a signal for a new evaluation and / or an update of one or more variables included in the rule (block 140) and then reassesses the rule (block 138). For example, the rule could check whether or not the user has permission for a particular movie or sports package, and, if not, stops viewing the program guide data associated with those optional programming packages until the user have permission However, if the integrated rule is evaluated 25 to "TRUE", the integrated programming guide element or object is further processed or displayed in the programming guide (block 134) before exiting the program.

Unlike conditional objects in general, whose rule or rules are evaluated once the object arrives at IRD 36, conditional guidance and channel content rules are evaluated when any variable in the rule is updated, such as It has been indicated above. This includes, but is not limited to, the status of CAM, the validity of video decryption and / or user preference. The CAM status includes regional bit values, subscribed channel packets, etc. The validity of video decryption includes whether the channel can be successfully decrypted by IRD 36, which is a function of the authorized CAM packets, as well as the encryption key used by the sender and / or the restricted regions specified in the encryption procedure User preferences include choices made by the user, such as a list of excluded or favorite channels, genres 35 movie favorites, favorite actors, blocking limit by rating, etc.

When the guide display includes conditional programming objects, the IRD 36 display can include only those channels and programming objects with rules that are evaluated to “TRUE”. After a change in any variable used by these conditional objects in the current guide display, the rules must be reassessed and the viewer must be updated again to reflect only those channels and / or programs 40 that are evaluated to “TRUE "

When a channel with conditional content is actively decoded, the same concept applies. After tuning a channel with conditional content, IRD 36 evaluates the rules for determining the highest priority content with a content rule that is evaluated to “TRUE”. When two or more rules are evaluated to "TRUE", the content that has the highest priority is actually processed. The priority is preferably represented in a simple ordered list, so that the content associated with the first rule that evaluates to "TRUE" is used and the evaluation of the rule can be stopped. Once the variables used in the content rules change, the content rules are reassessed until a rule that is "TRUE" is found. Preferably, only the variables used by the content selected at any time and those of the highest priority content rules are used to trigger a re-evaluation of the content expressions. fifty

A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a procedure for monitoring state changes of variables is illustrated in Fig. 6 in order to trigger such re-evaluation of a rule or rules. First, a list of variables to be monitored is composed (block 142). For example, all variables or all variables of a given type can be listed in a data structure in memory. Subsequently, the list of variables is interrogated to determine if any of the variables have changed state (block 144). In order to make said determination, the current state (block 146) and the previous state (block 148) of each variable are provided to a decision block (block 147). Decision block 147 compares the current (or potentially new) value with the previous (or potentially old) value. If the values are equal, no action is taken and the next variable in the list is interrogated. If the values are different, the new value is stored by block 148 and a signal is emitted to re-evaluate the rule or rules. Subsequently, any update on the conditional object and / or the rules initiates a re-evaluation in block 142.

A flowchart of a program that can be implemented by the local receiving unit (IRD) 36 to conditionally display a content associated with a channel is illustrated in Fig. 7. Again, the programmed steps can be performed by a control circuit, such as a microprocessor 58. Once the program has been started (for example, a command is received to visualize a particular channel) the control circuit preferably retrieves a 5 object of Channel content associated with the current channel from memory 74 (block 150).

Next, the control circuit examines the channel content object to determine if this is a conditional object (block 152). As before, the header information may be indicative of a predetermined object type. For example, a header may indicate that a particular object is a conditional object. If the channel content object is not a conditional object, the control circuit preferably tunes the receiver to a default video and / or audio source by default and / or checks other conditions, such as access privileges and displays a screen of display, for example, a screen display (OSD). The OSD typically comprises a text message (block 154).

If the channel content object is a conditional object, it is logically separated into an integrated object and a rule associated with the integrated object (block 156). Subsequently, the rule is evaluated (block 158). As indicated above, the rules preferably comprise a language, such as an interpreted programming language or a native machine language. Preferably, the rule is configured to check one or more conditions and to trigger an output (for example, a series of sentences of type IF-THEN-ELSE). Accordingly, a display is composed based on the expression or the triggered output expressions (block 160). For example, a particular pay-per-view event can be blocked until the concurrence in the stadium reaches a certain threshold. The rules associated with that channel could display a series of graphs that represent progress towards that threshold, followed by video / audio if the threshold has been passed. Subsequently, the control circuit waits for a signal to reassess the rule, an update of one or more rules and / or an update of one or more variables included in the rule (block 162) and then returns to the block 152.

An application of conditional objects will be exposed with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. For this application, it is assumed that a first user is subscribed to HBO and receives HBO programming on channel 910, and that a second User is not subscribed to HBO. If the first user tunes to channel 910, the HBO programming will be shown to the user. On the contrary, if the second user tunes to channel 910, the user will be shown a screen similar to screen 200 shown in Fig. 8. Screen 200 is a generic screen that is typically stored in IRD 36 and is always shown that the user tunes to a channel that is not part of the user's subscription. Instead of providing generic screens, such as screen 200, conditional channel definitions can be used to provide more elaborate television content that is more focused on individual users and their subscriptions.

Fig. 9 shows an example of a screen generated using a conditional channel definition. Using the previous example, when the second user tunes to channel 910, instead of displaying a “Subscribe, please” message, the user is shown screen 202, which consists of an HBO advertisement, which includes images or videos of movies that are currently showing or that will be shown in the near future. Unlike the generic message on screen 200, the channel content shown on screen 202 is specifically directed to HBO information. Also, the content can be varied according to user subscriptions. For example, if the second user is subscribed to Showtime but not to HBO, the advertising shown to the second user could promote a 40 package offer with a reduced price of HBO and Showtime. In this way, the channel content is conditional and can be varied according to the subscription information.

In addition to varying the channel content based on the subscription information, the channel content may be varied according to the characteristics of the receiver and / or past viewing habits. For example, a web page with advertising and hyperlinks to additional information about HBO could be displayed if the receiver includes the ability to generate web pages. In another example, advertising could be varied based on a user's favorite program types. Other characteristics of the receiver that can be used in the variation of television content include the receiver's model number, the amount of memory available in the receiver, classification restrictions and other content restrictions that have been introduced by a user, display preferences which have been entered by a user (for example, the length of movie titles or the names of the 50 actors, the language in which the text is displayed, etc.) and the geographical location of the recipient.

The conditional content illustrated in Fig. 9 is achieved using the techniques described above. The channel object for channel 910, or the HBO channel, will include multiple channel definitions with conditional logic associated with the channel definitions. When a user tunes to channel 910, microprocessor 58 evaluates the conditional logic associated with the channel definitions for channel 910 and identifies the appropriate channel definition. If conditional logic 55 is based on subscription information (for example, "If the user is not subscribed to HBO, use HBO advertising content" or "If the user is not subscribed to HBO but subscribed to Showtime, use HBO + Showtime package offer advertising content ”), microprocessor 58 examines memory 70, which maintains subscription information, to evaluate conditional expressions. Similarly, if conditional logic is based on characteristics of IRD 36 or past viewing habits, microprocessor 58 60 examines memory 70, which maintains information related to receiver characteristics and past viewing habits. of a client, to evaluate conditional expressions.

In addition to varying the content of the television channel based on the subscription information, the characteristics of the receiver and the viewing habits of the past, the content of the television channels can also be varied over time. For example, suppose that a television broadcasting system uses a commercial offer channel that advertises the various television channel offers for the system. Using the techniques of the present invention, the content of the commercial offer channel can be varied to show the content of multiple channels at different points in time. As a more specific example, the commercial offer channel could display the content of an HBO channel for the first hour, the content of a Showtime channel for a second hour and the content of The Movie Channel for a third hour. In this way, the channel identifier (for example, channel 360) 10 remains the same and the channel definition varies from time to time.

Instead of transmitting the audio and video signals for each of these channels multiple times (for example, one for the particular channel itself and one for the commercial offer channel), the channel parameters for the commercial offer channel are varied. and are matched with those of the HBO channel for the first hour, with those of the Showtime channel during the second hour, etc. Therefore, the audio and video signals for the selected channel are associated with both the channel itself and the commercial offer channel. The channel parameters for the commercial offer channel are varied by using multiple channel definitions and conditional logic. The conditional logic is based on the current time in the location of the IRD 36. As an illustration, the conditional logic would be similar to the following: “If the current time is between 7:00 p.m. and at 8:00 p.m., use the same channel parameters as the HBO channel. ” Similar conditional checks would be used for later times and for other channels. The microprocessor 20 compares the times in the conditional checks with the current local time, and determines which condition is satisfied and, correspondingly, which channel definition to use.

Conditional logic associated with a particular channel definition can include multiple conditional checks. For example, conditional logic may include checks related to a user's current time and subscription information. Then, the channel parameters would be varied to allow multiple 25 kinds of viewers to watch the same channel content for a short period of time, without sending the content multiple times. To illustrate this technique, suppose that HBO offers a program pass, such as a professional boxing match, for commercial users who re-sell the channel's content to others. Residential subscribers to HBO gain access to boxing combat as part of their subscription. Assuming that the channel of commercial users is channel 800, assuming that the HBO channel of residential subscribers is 910, and 30 assuming that the boxing match is scheduled to take place between 7 p.m. and at 10 p.m., the parameters of channel 800 would be changed at 7 p.m. to match those of channel 910. At 10 p.m., the parameters would be changed back to their previous value. Therefore, the channel object associated with channel 800 would include conditional logic that checks if the subscriber is a commercial subscriber and checks if the time is between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. If both checks are met, the parameters for channel 910 are used. If any 35 of the checks are not met, the normal parameters for channel 800 are used.

The pay per view cycle is another example of an application that can make use of the conditional channel techniques of the present invention. The pay-per-view cycle refers to the stages that a particular pay-per-view channel travels at various points in time. Pay-per-view events, such as movies or boxing matches, are typically divided into six stages, although the number of stages can be varied according to the type of pay-per-view event and system implementation. The six stages of a typical pay-per-view event are shown in Fig. 10.

The first stage of a pay-per-view cycle, which is represented by block 230, is a promotion stage. During the promotion stage, highlights of the pay-per-view event are shown. Highlights of pay-per-view events can also be shown on other channels. The promotion stage typically begins several days before the date on which the pay-per-view event is scheduled to begin. 45 During the promotion stage, the pay-per-view event cannot be purchased. All users can see the content of the channel during the promotion stage.

The second stage (block 232) is called the offer. During the offer stage, the same promotional material is shown as in the promotion stage, but users are allowed to purchase the pay-per-view event during the offer stage. The bidding stage typically begins one day before the date on which the 50 vision payment event is scheduled to begin. All users can view the content of the channel during the offer stage.

The third stage (block 234) is called the pre-shared pass. During the pass-through stage, promotional material is displayed again, but the content of the promotional material is typically different from the promotional material shown during the first two stages. The pre-shared pass stage typically begins one hour before the scheduled start time. Users can purchase the pay-per-view event during the pre-shared pass. All 55 users can view the content of the channel during the pre-shared pass stage.

The fourth stage (block 236) is called the initial free period stage. The initial free period marks the start of the pay-per-view event. The initial free period begins when the pay-per-view event begins and typically lasts approximately five minutes. During the initial free period, users can still purchase the pay-per-view event. All users can view the pay-per-view event during the initial free period.

The fifth stage (block 238) is the event stage. During the event stage, only those users who have purchased the pay-per-view event can view the event. Users who have not purchased the event will be shown or a black screen or a promotional screen is coming. During the event stage, the pay-per-view event can still be purchased. The event stage typically lasts from the end of the initial free period to approximately 30 minutes from the start of the event.

The sixth stage (block 240) is the secondary stage of the event. During the secondary stage of the event, only those users who have purchased the pay-per-view event can view the event. Users who have not purchased the event will be shown either a black screen or a promotional screen. During the secondary stage of the event, the pay-per-view event can no longer be purchased. The secondary event stage typically lasts from the end of the event stage until the end of the event. At the end of the event, the cycle begins again and the promotion stage begins for the next pay-per-view event.

A channel object for a pay-per-view channel includes at least one channel definition for each of the six stages shown in Fig. 10. Each of the channel definitions is associated with a conditional check that compares the programmed time of the event with the current time in the receiver (for example, “If the difference between the 15 scheduled time of the event and the current time in the receiver is greater than one day, use the channel definition for the first stage - block 230). For the fifth and sixth stages of the pay-per-view cycle (blocks 238 and 240), the channel object includes two channel definitions for each stage. One channel definition defines the channel content for users who have purchased the event, and the other channel definition defines the channel content for users who have not purchased the event. Then, for the fifth and sixth stages, in addition to using a conditional check to compare the scheduled time of the event with the current time and identify the current stage, another conditional check is used to identify whether or not the user has purchased the event.

When IRD 36 receives a channel object for a pay-per-view channel, IRD 36 stores the channel object in memory 70. Next, the microprocessor 58 can periodically evaluate the conditional checks contained in the pay-per-view channel objects. and identify the appropriate channel definition for the current time. 25 A user buys a particular pay-per-view event using remote control 86. The user's choice is received by IR receiver 84, is transferred to logic circuit 80 and then stored in memory 78. In addition to title of the purchased program, memory 78 may store additional information about the purchased programs, such as the start time and the end time of the event, and the price. Receiver 64 periodically calls transmission station 26 and downloads pay per view purchase information. The information of pay per view purchase is taken through interface 82, which is coupled to a telephone line.

The present invention also provides the transmission, reception and display of conditional messages. Conditional messages are broadcast to all receivers, and only recipients that satisfy certain conditions show the message to users. As with conditional channel content, each receiver evaluates the conditional expressions associated with the messages and identifies the messages that are appropriate to be displayed. The conditional message is superimposed on the content of the channel that is being viewed by a user. Conditional messages are transmitted as a conditional object that includes the message text and conditional logic. Conditional objects that contain conditional messages are stored in memory 70. Conditional logic includes a series of checks that IRDs 36 evaluate to determine if the message is appropriate to be displayed. 40

Conditional logic for a message may include a geographic location check (for example, "If the user is in the 55166 zip code, show the following message"). The geographical location check can be defined by a zone code, a postal code, or a geographical zone can be divided into geographical regions, with a unique code assigned to each region. Each IRD 36 stores data representing the geographic region of that IRD 36 in memory 70. 45

Other examples of conditional messages include billing messages (for example, “Your invoice is pending payment, please call this number 1-800-PAY-BILL to make payment arrangements”), payment per view messages ( for example, "You have bought the Tyson-Holyfield match, which starts in 5 minutes on Channel 320"). For billing messages, memory 70 preferably stores the account status for the user of IRD 36. When IRD 36 receives a conditional object that contains a billing message, microprocessor 58 50 consults the current account statement stored in memory 70 and determines whether the payment has been made or not. If the payment has not been made, microprocessor 58 causes the billing message to be transferred from memory 70 to television 38.

Custom messages can also be directed to users based on their subscriptions. For example, if the content provider is offering a Cinemax and HBO package offer for a special price, an advertising message could be disseminated along with the conditional logic that indicates that the message is addressed to those users who are subscribed only to HBO , or that are subscribed only to Cinemax, and is not aimed at subscribers subscribed to Showtime.

Custom messages can also be based on past viewing habits. For example, a message can be addressed to all users who like romantic comedies (for example, “Buy the premiere of My Best Friend’s Wedding, which begins at 8 p.m. on Channel 310”). The conditional logic associated with said message may include a check that requires IRD 36 to view the user's viewing history. Conditional logic may indicate that the message is appropriate to be displayed only if the user has seen a threshold number of romantic comedies. As an alternative, conditional logic may indicate that the message is appropriate to be shown only if romantic comedies are the type of movie most viewed by the user. When an IRD 36 receives a message that includes conditional logic related to the user's viewing habits of the past, microprocessor 58 examines a historical selection table stored in memory 70.

In summary, people with ordinary knowledge in the field will readily appreciate that a procedure and a system for displaying and storing conditional objects has been provided. Users of the systems that implement the teachings of the present invention can enjoy flexible data visualization and improved memory efficiency.

The above description has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise manner disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the previous teachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention is not limited by this detailed description, but by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1.- Procedure for broadcasting television content and programming guide data, in which the television content is divided into a plurality of television channels, each television channel is constructed from at least one content component and the programming guide data includes multiple channel objects, each channel object is associated with one of the television channels, each channel object includes at least a 5 channel definition that defines the content components necessary to build the associated television channel with that channel object, in which the procedure comprises: provide television content and programming guide data; add conditional logic to channel objects, which includes more than one channel definition, including conditional logic one or more conditions that must be evaluated by a receiver to identify an appropriate 10 channel definition; combine television content and programming guide data in an outflow; Y disseminate the outflow to a plurality of receivers. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the conditions contained in the conditional logic of a channel object is based on the subscription data representing channels to which a user is subscribed. 3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the conditions contained in the conditional logic of a channel object is based on the historical selection data representing programs that a user has previously seen. 4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the conditions in the conditional logic 20 of a channel object is based on the data of the characteristics of the receiver that represent a characteristic of the receivers. 5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the data of the characteristics of the receiver include the geographic location data representing a specific geographical location, and one of the conditions contained in the conditional logic of a channel object is based on the data of geographic location. 25 6. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the data of the characteristics of the receiver include at least one identification code that uniquely identifies a receiver, and one of the conditions contained in the conditional logic of a channel object is based on The identification code. 7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the conditions contained in the conditional logic of a channel object is based both on the current time at the place of the receivers and on the subscription data representing the channels to the channels. that the users of the recipients are subscribed. 8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the conditions contained in the conditional logic of a channel object associated with a pay-per-view television channel is based on the current time in the place of the receivers and the data of pay per view purchase representing pay per view programs that have been commissioned by a user. 35 9.- Procedure for receiving television content and programming guide data that are broadcast from a television broadcasting station, in television content is divided into a plurality of television channels, each television channel is constructed from at least one content component and the program guide data includes multiple channel objects, each channel object is associated with one of the television channels, each channel object includes at least one channel definition that defines the components of 40 content necessary to construct the television channel associated with that channel object, and each channel object with more than one channel definition includes conditional logic that has one or more conditions that must be evaluated to identify an appropriate channel definition, the procedure comprising : receive television content and programming guide data from a receiving station that includes a receiver; Four. Five storing the program guide data in a memory (70); receive a tuning request that selects a television channel; respond to the tuning request by an evaluation of the conditions in the conditional logic of the channel object associated with the selected television channel and identify the appropriate channel definition for that television channel; and 50 generate an output of the selected television channel, including the output the content components defined by the appropriate channel definition identified. 10.- System for receiving television content and programming guide data that is broadcast from a television broadcasting station, in which television content is divided into a plurality of television channels, each television channel is constructed from at least one content component, the program guide data includes multiple channel objects, each channel object is associated with one of the 5 television channels, each channel object includes at least one channel definition that defines the Content components necessary to construct the television channel associated with that channel object, and each channel object with more than one channel definition includes conditional logic that has one or more conditions that must be evaluated to identify an appropriate channel definition, comprising the system: a receiver (36) to receive the television content; 10 a memory (70) for storing the received program guide data; a controller (58) coupled to memory (70), the controller receiving a tuning request that selects a television channel, the controller responding to the tuning request by evaluating the conditions in the conditional logic of the channel object associated with the selected television channel and identifying the appropriate channel definition for that television channel; and 15 display means for generating an output of the selected television channel, including the output the content components defined by the appropriate channel definition identified.