ES2428739T3 - Method and system of guide of schedules of programs of electronic television improved - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for examining television programs, the method characterized by comprising: tuning a tuner (28) to a first channel corresponding to a currently broadcast first television program and displaying the video of the first channel in a video window along with program information corresponding to the first television program when a user navigates to information corresponding to the first television program, in which the video window is smaller than the display screen; and tuning the tuner (28) to a second channel corresponding to a currently broadcast second television program and displaying in the video window the video of the second channel instead of the displayed video of the first channel when the user navigates to the program information corresponding to the second television program that is different from the program information corresponding to the first television program; wherein the video window and program information are displayed in a graphical overlay superimposed on a program in a third channel displayed on the display screen, wherein the third channel remains on the display screen when the user navigates to the program information corresponding to the first television program and the program information corresponding to the second television program.

Description

Method and system of guide of schedules of programs of electronic television improved

Background of the invention

This invention relates to an electronic program schedule system, which provides a user with schedule information for broadcast or cable broadcast programs viewed by the user on a television receiver. More particularly, it refers to an improved electronic program guide that provides the user with a more powerful and comfortable operating environment, while at the same time, the efficiency of user navigation through the guide is increased.

Electronic program guides for television systems are known in the art. For example, an earlier system used an electronic character generator to visually present textual schedule information on the full screen of a television receiver. Other previous systems presented program schedules information stored electronically to a user for viewing while allowing the user to select visual presentation formats. Still other systems used a data processor to enter user selection criteria, then stored only program schedule information that met these criteria, and subsequently used the stored information to automatically tune into a programmable tuner or activate a recording device in the timing of the broadcast of the selected television programs. Such earlier systems are generally discussed in "Stay Tuned for Smart TV," published in the November 1990 issue of Popular Science.

Together, the above electronic program systems can be difficult to implement and cumbersome to use. Nor do they provide visualization capabilities that address in a more realistic way the viewing habits of the users of these electronic program systems. In addition, many of these systems are complex in their design and are expensive to implement. Ease of use and economy are of primary interest to distributors and viewers of television programs since they contemplate drastic increases in the number and nature of program networks and other television-based services. Likewise, as the number of television channels available to a user increases dramatically with the arrival of new cable and satellite-based technologies, the usefulness of these previous systems decreases substantially.

These prior art systems also do not provide the user with sufficient information, for example prices and the like, about pay-per-view events, premium services or other package programming to which the user does not subscribe, nor provide the user with the ability to Automatically buy such programming on demand or on impulse. In addition, these prior art systems are deficient because they do not provide an effective and automatic method for updating or replacing application software programs that implement electronic guidance on user sites, based instead on manual or other cumbersome forms of revision or replacement or on hardware-based systems that cannot be updated without physical replacement of integrated circuits and / or other parts.

These previous electronic guidance systems also do not have the ability to link the user to other applications or to information systems that are not part of the application or electronic program guide data.

These previous electronic guidance systems also do not provide video promotion of television programs or services that are functionally linked and presented visually in an integrated manner. Program promotion is an important element of the effective marketing of television programming. The promotion of pay-per-view payment programs (ie, "on demand") and other services of unregulated programs is particularly important for cable television operators following repeated regulation by the federal government. The current method to promote such programming using video is through dedicated promotional channels that use continuous full-screen advances (ie, trailers) that may or may not be accompanied by pricing and request information. Recently, such promotional videos have been shown on split screens in which part of the screen shows general schedule information for a period of time that corresponds approximately to the period of time during which the general program being promoted is shown. Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic program guide that can provide an improved visual presentation and link of video promotions with program schedule information and request processing functions.

The previous electronic program guides also do not provide the user with a simple and effective method to control access to individual channels and individual programs. The number of scenes for adults that involve sex and violence has steadily increased over the past 40 years. The question of how this affects children or other spectators has attracted national attention. Providing a parent with the ability to block a channel is a well-known and widespread feature of certain television receivers and cable converter modules. Despite this availability, the feature is hardly used by parents. The

Main impediments to its effective use are the cumbersome ways in which it is generally implemented, as well as the requirement that entire channels be blocked in order to block access to any unacceptable programming. A parental channel-oriented lock is unfair to other programmers in the blocked channel, who, for example, offer adult-oriented programming at night and youth-oriented programming the next morning, and uncomfortable for viewers who wish to access such programs. Therefore, there is a particular need for a system that provides password control to individual programs and channels using an uncomplicated and flexible on-screen user interface.

The previous electronic program guides are also deficient because they do not provide the user with the ability to view a current billing status on request and, therefore, there is a need for a system that can provide the user with current billing information at the user's request.

An additional problem with previous program guides is that when schedule information is presented visually in grid format, that is, columns representing time slots and rows representing channels, program titles are generally cut wide so that they fit in the grid cells. The width of a grid cell varies with the duration of the program. Since a 30-minute program is allocated only a small amount of space for the title and program description, the titles and / or descriptions for half-hour and even a full-hour programs must often be cut to fit in the allocated space Some systems simply cut the description of a program without abbreviating it in any way, so that the user cannot determine the content of the program. For example, a visual presentation of a recent television program included the following text in a grid cell: "Baseball: Yankees v.". Although some systems partially alleviate this problem by providing two lines of text in each grid cell, this solution is not ideal because program descriptions can still be cut.

A similar problem arises since the time slots change, either automatically or in response to a user control order. Normally 90 minutes of schedule information are presented visually once and the 90 minute window can be scrolled in 30 minute increments. In the case where a 30-minute offset causes a 30-minute size grid cell to visually present, for example, a two-hour movie, it is likely that the full movie title does not fit in the cell. Therefore, in this situation the title cut is also required. In this case, while two lines of text may be desirable to fit the title in the 30-minute cell, the 60 and 90-minute cells may require only one line of text to visually present the title.

The previous electronic program guides also lack a method to create a viewing itinerary electronically while still watching a program currently appearing on the television receiver. In addition, these previous program guides leave a lot to guess the user while browsing through a sequence of channels. When you take a look at channels to know the program that is being presented visually at that time on any channel, commonly called “zapping”, the user needs to guess what program is currently being broadcast from the video the user is in while zapea Since a large part, in some cases, up to 30% of the programming that appears on any given channel at any given time is advertisements or other advertising programming, the user is not provided with any clue as to which program is appearing in a channel selected at a given time and therefore must wait until the announcement or advertising ends before determining the program that appears at that time on the selected channel. Therefore, there is a need for a program guide that visually presents current program schedule information for each channel when the user zaps between the available channels.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplified electronic program schedule system that can be more easily implemented, and that is attractive and effective in operation. There is also a need to provide the user with an electronic program schedule system that visually presents both broadcasting programs and electronic schedule information in a manner not previously available with other electronic program schedule systems, particularly those using a remote control .

For example, there is a particular need for a flexible program schedule system that allows a user to watch selected broadcast programs on a part of the television receiver's screen while simultaneously viewing program schedule information for other channels and / or services in another part of the screen. There is also a need for a program schedule system of this type that allows the user to select from a plurality of selectable visual presentation formats to display program schedule information. It is also preferred to have a system that indicates to the user the keys on the remote control that are active in any particular mode of operation. There is also a need for such a system that provides a user with the ability to set a programmable reminder to view a program whose broadcast is planned at a future time.

There is also a need for an electronic guidance system that provides the user with comprehensive information about pay-per-view events, premium services or other package programming to which the user does not usually subscribe, and that provides the user with the ability to purchase automatically such programming on demand or on impulse. There is also a need for an electronic guide system that provides a reliable and efficient method to update or replace the application software that implements the electronic guide on user sites.

There is also a need for an electronic program guide that functions as a structure or window to provide the user with the ability to access other applications or information systems that are not part of the application or electronic program guide data.

Therefore, an object is to provide a system that allows the user to watch a broadcasting program while, at the same time, interactively viewing program schedule information for other programs.

Another object is to provide the user with the ability to select from a plurality of visual presentation formats for program schedule information.

Still another object of the present invention is to indicate to the user of the program schedule system the keys on the remote control active in the particular mode of operation of the system at the time of use.

Still an additional object is to provide the user of the electronic program schedule system with the ability to set programmable reminder messages for any future program.

Still an additional object is to provide the system user with comprehensive information about pay-per-view events, premium services or other package programming to which the user does not subscribe and the ability to automatically purchase such programming on demand or on impulse.

Another object is to provide an electronic guidance system that provides a reliable and effective method to update

or replay the application software programs that implement the electronic guide on user sites.

Yet another object of the electronic program guide is to function as a structure or window to provide the user with the ability to access other applications or information systems that are not part of the application.

or electronic program guide data.

Still another object of the electronic program guide is to provide a system whereby the video promotion of television programs and services are functionally linked and presented visually in an integrated manner to facilitate the marketing and sale of such programs and services. .

Still an additional object is to provide a password control to access programs, as well as individual channels using an uncomplicated and flexible, interactive and protected on-screen interface.

Another object is to provide the user with current programming information for all programs while the user zaps between the available channels.

Still an additional object is to provide a system in which the user can access their current billing information upon request.

Another object is to provide a system that overlays television program listings against variable background views.

Still another object is to provide an improved visual presentation of text in the grid cells comprising a page of television program listings.

These and other objects are achieved by an electronic program schedule system that includes a receiver to receive a broadcast, satellite or cable television program for a plurality of television channels and a tuner to tune to a television receiver. in a channel selected from the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory information of television program schedules for a plurality of television programs that appear in the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote control, is used by a viewer to choose user control orders and transmit signals in response to the data processor that receives the signals in response to user control orders. A television receiver is used to visually present television programs and television program schedules and other information. A video presentation generator receives video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information from memory and visually presents a portion of the schedule schedule information in relation to overlay with a television program that appears in a television channel in at least one mode of operation of the television programming guide. The data processor controls the visual video presentation generator with video control orders, issued in response to the user control orders, to visually present program schedule information for any chosen channel of the plurality of television programs in Overlay relationship with at least one television program that appears at that time on any channel chosen from the plurality of channels on the television receiver.

Document US 5 223 924 discusses a system that allows a user to examine program information records by entering the desired start time and channel. The programming information data can then be presented visually, including the title and start time of the program and a logo or graphic illustration.

US 5,251,034 discloses a PIP controller to select a different channel on a PIP screen while watching television.

The present invention is set forth in independent claims 1 and 4. Optional embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the preferred embodiment of the invention herein.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of program and schedule information by means of the video overlay device used in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 represents a remote control that can be used in connection with the preferred embodiment of the electronic program guide system of the present application.

Figure 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the remote control shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows an overlay that appears on a television screen in an operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6A is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 depicts a viewer preference menu that appears on a television screen in an aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a preferred channel selection submenu.

Figure 9 shows a pulse request menu that appears on a television screen in one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a submenu of premium services that appears in an operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a graphic overlay that appears on a television screen in an EXAMINARY mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a graphic overlay that appears on a television screen in an EXAMINARY mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention having information that is different from that shown in Figure 11.

Figure 12A shows a graphic overlay that appears on a television screen in an EXAMINARY mode of operation in the present invention that visually presents schedule information for a

time and channel other than what is shown in figure 11.

Figure 13 shows a graphic overlay that appears in a REMINDER mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 shows yet another graphic overlay that appears in an operating mode

REMINDER of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is still another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation

of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is still another menu that appears on a television screen in a MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 shows a grid list of schedule information presented visually in a mode of

Operation All listings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows schedule information presented visually in a mode of operation Listed by category of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 shows schedule information presented visually in an operating mode Listed by

channel of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 shows information presented visually in response to a user's request for complementary programming information. Figure 22 shows programming, application and promotional information on video presented visually in

a pay-per-view mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 shows a request submenu used together with the mode of operation shown in Figure 22. Figure 24 shows yet another application submenu used together with the mode of operation shown in the

figure 22.

Figure 24A shows yet another application submenu used in conjunction with the mode of operation shown in Figure 22. Figure 25 shows another grid list of time information displayed visually in a mode of operation.

Operation All listings of the present invention.

Figure 26 shows a submenu of premium services that appears in an operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 shows a Messages menu that appears in an operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the

present invention Figure 28 shows example messages used in connection with the menu of Figure 27. Figure 28A is an alternative message menu. Figure 29 shows billing information used in connection with the menu of Figure 27. Figure 30 shows a Key Lock Access menu that appears during an operating mode of the

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 31 shows a menu that appears in connection with an interactive television operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 shows information that appears in a Look at quote menu in connection with the interactive television operating mode shown in figure 31.

Figure 33 shows other information that appears in connection with the interactive television operating mode shown in Figure 31.

Figure 34 is a menu showing information that appears in a visual news presentation in the interactive television operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 35 is a menu showing information that appears in a visual display of sports in the interactive television operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 36 is a flow chart showing the operating logic required for the implementation of a computer program for the electronic program guide.

Figure 37 is a menu that shows a Locator screen for locating channel numbers and defining lists of favorite channels.

Figure 38 is an alternative menu that can be used in a MENU mode of operation of the electronic program guide.

Figures 38A and 38B show, respectively, an alternative main menu screen and a time list screen accessible from the alternative main menu.

Figure 39 is a blocking menu that can alternatively be used to allow or prohibit access to certain programs.

Figure 40 is a Configuration menu that can be used to set text location and a purchase code for premium programming and pay per view.

Figure 40A shows an example menu for entering a lock code.

Figures 40B to 40E show, respectively, exemplary menus for entering, confirming, deleting or changing a purchase code.

Figure 41 is a Verify Lock menu that is used in connection with the Lock menu of Figure 39.

Figure 42 is a flowchart showing the operation of the preferred embodiment of the text wrapping system of the invention herein.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

System configuration

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing various components of the electronic program schedule system generally designated as 10. Physically, these system components may be located in a user decoder cable converter module or other processing and receiving device. signal, such as a satellite receiver. Alternatively, the components may be mounted in a separate housing, or be included as part of a television receiver, VCR, personal computer or media player; or reside as a distributed application in a broadband network architecture.

An input signal 11 is connected to a receiver 12, which receives a data stream transmitted from a data provider. The data flow may contain, for example, information about programs or services available in a particular, geographic or other market. The input signal 11 may originate, for example, as part of a conventional broadcast, satellite or cable transmission or other form of data transmission. The data provider is a program information provider, the satellite uplink manager, a local cable operator or a combination of these sources, and the data flow contains information from

40 program schedules for all television programs and other services available in the geographic operator market.

The data flow can then be modulated and transmitted on the cable line in any number of ways, including as part of a dedicated channel transmission operating at a frequency of, for example, 75 MHz. Those skilled in the art will understand that they can numerous other transmission schemes are used to transmit the data flow, such as embedding them in the vertical erase interval of a transmission signal of

Program. As will be discussed in greater detail below in accordance with the present invention, the transmitted data stream may additionally contain application software for implementing or updating the electronic program guide at the user site.

The schedule data of the transmitted programs or the application software is received by the receiver 12 on a signal input line 11. The received signal is passed from the receiver to a data demodulator 13, such as a QPSK demodulator or an Info-cipher GI 1000R, which demodulates the transmission and passes it to an intermediate memory 15.

A microcontroller 16, such as an M68000EC, receives data passed to the buffer 15. A boot operation software, which can be used to capture electronic program guide application software updates, is stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 17. Microcontroller 16 uses the program schedule information received to construct a program. database by storing data in properly organized records in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 18. The stored time information can be updated periodically, such as every hour, every day or every week, or at any time when Schedule changes or other factors justify an update. The system also includes a system clock 19.

Alternatively, program schedule information may be provided on a ROM, a disk or other non-volatile memory, or it could be downloaded to a storage disk or other data storage device. The invention herein does not address the particular method of transmitting or receiving the schedule information.

If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the data received as application software that controls the program schedule system, as opposed to program schedule information, it stores it in non-volatile memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) 20 or a static RAM (SRAM) backed by battery. This configuration allows you to download revised or replacement versions of the application software directly from the software developer to the user site through the cable or other transmission system.

In the case where an EEPROM is used, the revised or replacement versions of the application software downloaded from the developer are first stored in DRAM 18 by the microcontroller 16, under the direction of the download operation software stored in the ROM 17. The stored application software can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verification routine.

Once the accuracy of the application software has been verified, the microcontroller 16 starts a routine to reprogram the EEPROM 20, in which the application software is stored permanently. The microcontroller 16 will issue appropriate control commands to a reprogramming circuit 21, which is adapted to supply the appropriate logic and program voltage control signals 22 required to erase and write to the EEPROM. It supplies this program voltage, Vprog, as well as any other required control signal, such as read and write enablement, to the EEPROM 20 in order of the microcontroller 16. Once the EEPROM 20 is electrically erased, the microcontroller 16 initiates the transfer of the New application software from DRAM 18 to EEPROM 20 for storage.

When a battery-backed SRAM is used as non-volatile memory, the microcontroller stores the revised or replacement version of the application software downloaded from the developer directly into the SRAM, again under the direction of the download operation software stored in the ROM. The stored application software can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verification routine.

When power is first applied to system 10, the boot operation software verifies that the program guide application software is resident in memory. If you are not a resident, the boot operation software expects a download of the software. Once the application software is resident, the microcontroller 16 executes the application programming software from a dedicated part of the DRAM 18. Alternatively, the application software can be run directly from the non-volatile memory 20. Under the control of the program guide application software, microcontroller 16 first verifies that program schedule information is resident in DRAM 18. If it is not resident, the microcontroller expects a download of program schedule information. , as previously commented. Alternatively, if the application program is resident in memory, but the database records containing the program schedule information data are not yet available, the application software may be configured to perform other tasks, such how to allow the user to perform functions that do not require program schedule information data, as well as visually present an appropriate message indicating that the database data is not yet available.

When the schedule system is functioning, as discussed in greater detail below in this document, the microcontroller 16 takes the schedule information stored in the DRAM 18 and, together with other types of downloaded data such as maps of bits stored for display configuration and visual presentations of logos and graphic symbols stored in non-volatile memory 20 or, alternatively, in DRAM 18, supplies it to a video visual presentation generator (VDG) 23, which in the This embodiment can be a commercially available VGA type graphics card, such as a Rocgen card manufactured by Roctec. The VDG includes a conventional RGB video generator 24, which takes the digital program schedule information sent by the microcontroller 16 and converts it into an RGB format according to the bitmap for the particular on-screen visual presentation that is presented to the user in the television receiver 27. The configuration of each screen is shown and discussed in more detail in the System Operation section below.

The VDG also includes a video overlay device 25, which accepts RGB video input, as well as an input from the conventional television tuner 28, such as a conventional tuner manufactured by General Instrument or a Jerrold DPBB tuner, which supplies a program signal in a conventional NTSC video format. The overlay device 25 converts and combines the RGB signal with the signal from tuner 28, and produces a composite NTSC output signal that contains both the program signal and the program schedule information, as shown in the figure 2. This composite video signal is supplied to a modulator 26, shown in Figure 1, which may be a modulator as available from Radio Shack, and then to the television receiver 27, which the user remains tuned to in the channel modulated, for example, channel 3 or 4. The composite video signal can also be supplied directly to the television receiver 27 or to another receiving device from the VDG through a video port 25A in the VDG.

All system components identified in connection with Figure 1 can be implemented on a preferred platform by, for example, an IBM personal computer equipped with a transmission link and a video graphic card, such as those manufactured by Roctec. Other platforms, such as a cable converter module equipped with a microprocessor and memory, or a broadband network could also be used. Examples of the particular components are as follows; Microcontroller - Motorola part number MC68331-16; ROM - Texas Instruments part number TMS27PC512; DRAM - Texas Instruments part number TM4256; REPROM - Intel part number 2SF001BX-T. In any case, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particular details of the hardware components and data storage will depend on the particular implementation of the system, and are not the object of the present invention.

As discussed in detail below, the user can navigate through the program schedule system with a remote control, such as the one shown in Figure 3, which operates according to conventional principles of remote control transmitter-receiver logic , such as by infrared or other signaling or other suitable user interface. The remote control 31 communicates with the microcontroller 16 through the remote control receiver 29, as shown in Figure 1, which can be an IR receiver of Silent Partner and that receives signals transmitted by the remote control 31 a distance and supplies the microcontroller 16 with a corresponding digital signal indicating the key pressed by the user.

A remote control suitable for the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, which may be a remote control manufactured by universal Electronics or Presentation Electronics' Silent Partner, may include a power switch 32, volume controls 33 and of silence 34, a key 35 ENTER, keys 36 of digits 09, four keys 37A and 37B of arrow keys, a key 38 MODE and a key 39 of information that is designated with a lowercase "i". The power keys 32, volume 33 and mute 34 function in the same manner as conventional remote controls normally used with current television receivers. The numeric digit keys 36 also function in much the same way as conventional remote controls. Following is a brief description of the remaining keys.

The MODE key 38 takes the user through various layers of the electronic program schedule system 10 and generally allows the user to return to a previous screen when in a submenu. The up / down arrow keys 37A allow a user to navigate through the different TV program channels when the program schedule system is in a CHANGE or EXAMINE mode, as will be fully described below, and They also allow the user to navigate through the highlighted bars displayed visually on the TV screen when in a MENU mode. The left / right arrow keys 37B allow the user to navigate through selected periods of time when the program schedule system is in the EXAM mode, as will also be described below. They also allow the user to navigate through content categories while in the “categories” submenu of the MENU mode, as well as navigate through periods of time when the program schedule system is in a pay per view request mode and, in general, navigate in a left or right direction to select various icons and other objects. The information key 39, or "i", allows the user to view a complementary program and other information during the various modes of the program schedule system. The ENTER key 35 fulfills and enters an order once the user has made a selection from the remote control keys. The function and operation of these keys will be more

evident in the detailed commentary of the CHANGE, EXAMINE and MENU modes below.

A second embodiment of the remote control 40 is shown in Figure 4. This embodiment of the remote control also includes a power key 41, numeric digit keys 42, 43A and 43B arrow keys, information key 48, key 44 ENTER or SELECT or “OK”, volume control 45, lock key 45A, mute keys 46 and help key 48A. It also includes pound sterling and star keys.

This embodiment of the remote control also includes several icon keys 47A and 47B, which correspond to different submenus or modes of the program schedule system. Icons 47A and 47B can also be displayed visually on the TV screen when the program schedule system is working. The icon keys essentially replace the key 38 MODE used in the realization of the remote control shown in figure 3. By using these keys, the user can move from one mode to another by simply pressing the icon key corresponding to the mode of desired operation of the program schedule system. In the embodiment of Figure 4, icons 47A and 47B are shown as graphic symbols located directly above a corresponding color-coded key. Alternatively, the color-coded keys could be removed and the keys could be formed with the image of the icon itself.

The realization of the remote control shown in Figure 4 also includes three favorite channel 48A, 48B and 48C keys or color-coded viewer preferences, which are located directly above the icon key. Each of these keys indicates to the program schedule system a different list of “Favorite channel” or “Channel preferences” created by the user, which is a list of a specific subset of channels for a particular user, arranged in the sequential order that the user wishes to see during the operation of the program schedule system. The creation of the “Favorite channel” or “Channel preferences” list is discussed in the next section. Therefore, the system provides at least three subsets of individual channels for three individual users.

The remote control of Figure 4 can also be equipped with a "HELP" button 48A, which, when pressed, causes the microcontroller 16 to retrieve instruction messages previously collected from memory and causes them to be displayed visually on the receiver 27 of TV. These messages offer help to the user in the form of instructions that guide the user through the operation of the various operating modes of the electronic television program guide. They can be text messages, or instructional video images,

or audio programs, which depend on the storage capacity of the system or any combination thereof. In addition, these help messages can be created so that they respond to the context, that is, the messages presented visually depend entirely on the precise point in the operation of the electronic program guide at which the user presses the help button 48A. For example, information could be provided for the operation of the remote control, for the operation of the CHANGE or EXAMINE mode (discussed below) or any other mode of operation of the guide, to make impulse requests, to establish a lock, etc. In order to accomplish this, each point of the guide operation could be encoded so that the microprocessor can follow the point of the current operation, for example, by temporarily storing the code that reflects the point of the present operation while the user handles the guide. When the user presses the help button 48A, the microcontroller 16 will retrieve an appropriate set of messages based on the code of the currently stored operating point. Additionally, key 39 i could be used to perform the function of the help key.

Additionally, each of the functions of the remote controls can also be integrated into a numeric keypad in the cable module or other user hardware.

System operation

In operation, the electronic program schedule system of the present invention functions as follows.

CHANGE mode

When the user is watching a particular program channel on the television receiver, the program schedule system is set to CHANGE mode by default, shown in Figure 5. In this mode, a graphic overlay 51 containing programming information for the channel currently tuned in the tuner, it is superimposed in relation to an overlay with a program signal 55 received on the screen of the television receiver 27 whenever the viewer changes the program channel, for example, using the up / down direction arrows on the remote The video overlay device 25, as shown in Figure 1, combines the computer generated RGB-overlay video information with the NTSC format program signal of the tuner 28, and supplies a format output signal NTSC, which includes the tuner program signals and the schedule overlay information for display on television receiver 27.

The programming information contained in the graphic overlay 51 is supplied to the RGB video generator by the microcontroller. In CHANGE mode, the microcontroller first searches the program schedule database in, for example, DRAM 18 to retrieve the programming information for the currently tuned channel 52 corresponding to the current time; that is, the time at which the user has just turned on the television receiver to watch it. The microcontroller 16 then supplies the current channel and the program information to the RGB video generator 24 which converts the digital data information to the RGB format and supplies it to the video overlay device 25.

In normal operation, the microcontroller 16 by default presents visually all the channels offered by the cable company prioritized in numerical order, which is determined by the position of the broadcasting channel in the radio spectrum or by marketing criteria of operators of local cable. Using a submenu "Channel preferences" or an alternative "Locator" screen, both of which are discussed below, the user can review the content and / or sequential order of the channels presented to the television receiver 27.

In general, if the user does not issue a change channel instruction, or other order, from the remote control 40 within a predetermined time interval while in the CHANGE mode, the microcontroller 16 instructs the VDG 23 to remove the overlay 51 of the television receiver, thus presenting only a program signal 55 to the television receiver 27 for display. The duration of the predetermined time interval is such that it allows the user sufficient time to read the programming information contained in the overlay. The duration of the predetermined time interval during which the graphic overlay 51 appears is stored in a location in the non-volatile memory 20 to which the microcontroller 16 can be directed. The user can change the duration of the time interval, by first entering a Viewer Preferences mode, and then selecting an "overlay interval" entry. The microcontroller 16 then causes a user warning to be displayed visually on the screen which, for example, asks the user to select an appropriate period of time for the visual display in the graphic overlay on the screen. Using the number keys, the user can enter an appropriate response, for example, a period of between 5 and 60 seconds, and then press ENTER. The new interval period is then read and stored by the microcontroller 16 in the memory overlap time slot location.

If the user issues an order to change the channel from the remote control 40 before or after the predetermined overlay period has elapsed, either by using the up / down direction arrows 43A, or by entering a desired channel number using the numeric keys 42 and then pressing the ENTER key 44, the microcontroller 16 will cause the tuner 28 to tune to the desired channel, or the channel immediately preceding or following the current channel when using arrow 43A up or down or the specific channel entered on the numeric keypad by the user, and will also search and make the current program information for that channel displayed immediately immediately. Therefore, when the user switches between channels, the program schedule information for any chosen channel automatically appears in the graphic overlay 51 while the actual program 55 that appears in the selected channel at the particular time occupies the rest of the screen.

The system can also be configured to issue an error message, such as an audible beep or visually presented text that indicates an invalid key activation, if the user presses the arrow keys either left or right while in the mode CHANGE.

EXAMINE mode

To start the EXAMINATE mode, the user presses the MODE switch once while in CHANGE mode when using the first embodiment of the remote control 31 shown in figure 3. When using the second embodiment of the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, the user will press the button below the icon 47A EXAMINE.

In the EXAMINATE mode, the user is provided the ability to explore through program schedule information for any channel, including, but not limited to, the channel being watched, while at the same time continuing to watch the TV program previously selected. As shown in Figure 11, in this mode the graphic overlay information that appears in the CHANGE mode is replaced by programming information for the channel being examined, which may or may not be the channel currently being viewed by the user. . After the user issues the command from the remote control 40 to enter the EXAM mode, a graphic overlay 111 is generated, as in the CHANGE mode, with program schedule information for the currently tuned channel 112 and an indicator 113 EXAMINE textually to remind the user of the currently active mode, as shown in Figure 11.

If the user presses the direction arrow either up or down on the remote control 40 while in the EXAM mode, program schedule information is displayed visually for the previous or next channel in part 111 of graphic overlay of television receiver screen 27,

while the tuner remains tuned to the channel program that appeared on the television receiver at the time the user entered the EXAM mode, as shown in figure 12, and continues to appear that way. Each time the up or down arrow key is pressed successively, it produces corresponding program schedule information for the selected channel. The graphic overlay can also include a small video window to show the actual video signal of a currently broadcast program or a clip of a future program that corresponds to the schedule information that appears at that time in the EXAMINARY overlay. In this way, the user can simultaneously explore program schedule information for all channels while continuing to watch at least one selected program on the television receiver. With the arrival of sophisticated television receivers, it may also be possible to visually present multiple broadcasting programs simultaneously on a single screen for viewing, or split the screen to show, for example, broadcasting programs in combination with advertisements. The EXAMINATE feature could be used in any of these situations.

If, at any time during the exploration of the program schedule information in the EXAMINE mode, the user wishes to tune the television receiver 27 of the program channel currently being viewed to the program channel indicated in the schedule information in the overlay graphically, simply press the button 44 ENTER and the tuner 28 will tune to that channel. If the user does not wish to watch another channel and wishes to exit the EXAMINE mode, thus eliminating the graphic overlay 111 with the program schedule information, he must press the MODE key twice in the first embodiment of the remote control 31. The first time the MODE key is pressed, the user is taken to the MENU mode, discussed above, and the second time it is pressed, the user will be taken to CHANGE mode. Once in CHANGE mode, the graphic overlay will be removed after the duration of the waiting interval. In the second embodiment of the remote control shown in Figure 4, the user switches the EXAMINATE icon key to deactivate the EXAMINATE mode.

When the user enters the EXAMINATE mode for the first time and begins to explore the channel, the schedule information that appears in the overlay part 111 describes the programs currently playing on any particular channel. In order to display programming information, for earlier or later hours, the user uses the left and right direction arrows 43B. As a consequence, the system will visually present information on future program schedules for the particular channel previously selected by the up and down direction arrows, regardless of whether it is the channel currently being watched or any other available channel. The schedule information presented includes the name of the program and the start / end time of the program. The present embodiment of the system, in order to conserve memory, will not allow the user to display programming information for an hour before the current time. The system could easily be modified to provide such information if adequate memory is made available. It may be desired, for example, to allow a user to display time information for an earlier time to find a particular show and then allow the user to order the microcontroller to find and visually present future broadcast dates of the show, or the microcontroller could simply do this automatically.

When program schedule information for a future time is displayed in the EXAM mode, the broadcast time 121 displayed visually of the particular show 122 is highlighted, as well as the channel number and the service indicator 123, as shown in the Figure 12A Such highlighted information reminds the user that they are viewing program schedule information for a future time. In addition, when program schedule information is displayed for a future time on any particular channel in the EXAM mode, pressing the direction arrow key up channel on the remote control 40 causes the schedule schedule information to appear for the next channel, which corresponds in time to the future time it was watching before the user pressed the key up. The channel down arrow key 43B operates identically in this mode.

If while displaying program schedule information for a future time in the EXAMINATE mode, the user presses the ENTER key on the remote control, the microcontroller 16 will indicate to the VDG 23 that it visually presents a message 130 of overlay REMINDER that, such as shown in Figure 13, it is presented visually as a second overlay 131 that appears above the overlay 132 EXAMINE. Message 130 REMINDER asks the user if the system should remind the user, at a predetermined time before the start of the selected program, that he would like to see the selected program, as shown in Figure 13. If the user responds in the affirmative, the Microcontroller 16 stores reminder data consisting of at least the channel, time and day of the selected program in a reminder buffer, which contains similar schedule information for all programs for which the user has set a reminder. At a predetermined time before the start time of the selected program, for example, five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will retrieve schedule information, which includes title and service, based on the reminder data, and will instruct the VDG 23 to visually present a REMINDER overlay message 140 on television receiver 27, as shown in Figure 14, to remind the user who previously set a reminder to watch the selected program. Message 140 REMINDER contains the channel, service and start time. It also visually presents the number of minutes

before the broadcast time of the particular show and updates the visual presentation every minute until the broadcast time. Message 140 REMINDER also visually presents a "TUNE" query, which asks the user if he would like to tune to the selected program. When the user sets multiple reminders, the reminder overlays are stacked, for example in ascending order according to the time at which each reminder is scheduled to be displayed visually, and the following reminder message will appear on the television receiver after the user takes appropriate action to eliminate the reminder message that is being presented visually at that time. Message 140 REMINDER could also be adapted to allow the user to visually present or modify a list of all reminders previously set by the user. As with the overlay visual presentation time period in CHANGE mode, the user can modify the time period before a selected program in which the REMINDER message appears by entering the Viewer Preferences mode and reviewing the entry of weather.

MENU mode

By using the remote control 31 shown in Figure 3, the user can enter the MENU mode from the EXAMINATE mode or from the CHANGE mode by switching the 38 MODE button once or twice, respectively. When using the remote control 40 of Figure 4, the user will simply press the key 47B corresponding to the MENU icon.

Referring to Figure 6, in the MENU mode, the system visually presents a plurality of menu items and icons, which correspond to and allow the user to select different visual presentation formats for program schedule information, message panels of local cable system and other online information services. The MENU screen shown in Figure 6 is a full screen display. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, there are four horizontally selectable horizontal bars 61-64, which can be accessed using the up and down direction arrows 43A on the remote control 31 or 40. At the left end of each bar, an identification icon 61A-64A is presented visually, which identifies the information contained in that bar. In the embodiment of figure 6, the icon 61A "TV GUIDE" on the first bar corresponds to program schedule information of the TV Guide® magazine, icon 62A "NOW ON EXHIBITION" on the second bar 62 corresponds to events of pay-per-view and premium service, the 63A “KSO logo” icon in the third bar 63 corresponds to local cable company or Customer Service information messages and the circular icon 64A in the fourth bar 64 corresponds to others interactive services available to the user, or in the case of broadband networks, other areas, for example, purchases from home, use of banking or telephone services. As also shown in Figures 6 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of its content.

When the user enters the MENU mode for the first time, the system selects the program schedule bar by default. When a particular bar is selected, the textual description is deleted and a plurality of identification icons or windows are presented visually adjacent to the identification icon. In Figure 6, the program schedule bar 61 is selected. Using the up or down arrow key on the remote control 40, the user selects a vertically adjacent bar. Figures 15-17 show, respectively, a selection of bar 62 Pay per view, bar 63 Customer Service or Messages and bar 64 of interactive TV services.

An alternative 215 MAIN MENU screen is shown in Figure 38. Certain selection screens accessible from the menu shown in Figure 38 are shown in Figures 38A and 38B. It has three horizontally selectable bars: program schedules 205, Cinema 206 at home and Customer Service 207. The 215 MAIN MENU screen also contains an additional “Locator” identifier, described below.

Once a particular bar has been selected in the MENU screen, the user can select a particular icon from the plurality of icons 65A-65C displayed visually, horizontally selectable using the left or right arrow and the ENTER key on the command 40 from distance. Each icon contains a graphic symbol that appears in a background window of a particular color. When a particular icon is selected, it scrolls from its background window and changes the color of the window. In Figure 6, the grid icon 65A immediately adjacent to the "TV GUIDE" icon on the first bar 61 is selected.

The function corresponding to the selectable entries on the MAIN MENU screen will now be discussed with reference to figure 6. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same functionality is valid in the categories shown in the MAIN MENU 215 shown in figure 38.

In the top vertically selectable horizontal bar 61, the first grid icon 65A represents a "All listings" mode in which program schedule information is displayed visually in a grid listing, such as that shown in Figure 18. Alternatively, a visual presentation could be used as a grid of a single column, as shown in Figure 25. In this format, the vertical axis identifies channel number and service while the horizontal x-axis identifies the time. The visual on-screen presentation of the

Figure 18 also contains in the upper left corner a mode identifier 180, in this case the annotation "All listings", to remind the user of the current system operation mode. Directly behind the visual display so there is a highlighted visual display 181 of the channel the user was watching before entering the MENU mode. In the upper right corner, a logo icon 182 appears in a window directly above a date / time identifier 183, which visually presents the current date and time.

In the center of the visual on-screen display shown in Figure 18 is a graphic display 184 of active active keys (AKD) that indicates to the user the keys on the remote control that are active for that particular mode of the visual display system. Program guide For example, in the visual on-screen presentation of Figure 18, the cursor can only move up, down or right. If the user presses the left arrow key on the remote control at that point, the system will not perform any function since the cursor cannot move to the left. Therefore, the left arrow key is not active so that its image is not displayed visually on the AKD 184. Similarly, since the system will only respond to a press of the up, down or right arrow keys and the ENTER key, are the only key images presented visually in the graphic AKD 184. The MODE key, although not displayed visually, is always active to change from one mode to another. When the user first enters the All listings guide, the hourly list starts by default half an hour immediately before the current time unless the current time is at the hour or half an hour, in which case the presentation Visual begins with the particular hour or half hour, and the channel list begins on the last channel the user was watching before entering the MENU mode. For example, in Figure 18, the current time is presented visually as 7:13 p.m., the hourly list starts at 7:00 p.m. and the channel list starts with channel 4.

In All Listings mode, a mobile highlighting cursor 185 is used to indicate the currently selected program to the user. The user manipulates the movement of the cursor using the arrow keys on the remote control 40. In addition, all visual display of the information turns the page up if the cursor is placed at the bottom of the screen and the down arrow is pressed, and similarly turns the page to the left if the cursor is on right end of the visual presentation and the right direction arrow is pressed. In this way, the user can navigate through all program schedules.

The folder icon 65B immediately to the right of the All Listings icon in the upper horizontal bar 61 of Figure 6 identifies a “List by categories” mode in which program schedule information is visually presented and classified by the content of program, as shown in figure 19. The particular listing shown in figure 19 includes the categories of Movies, Sports, News and Children 190A-190D. The database record stored for each listing contains a specific content identifier so that the microcontroller can search the database and classify the information by content in order to present it visually in the List by category mode. As shown in Figure 19, the user can manipulate the cursor to the left or right to highlight any of the categories that appear in the header of the list. In figure 19, category 190A “Movies” is selected. As shown, the user is provided with a visual presentation of all films, prioritized by hour and then alphabetically by show title, beginning with the half hour immediately preceding the current time unless the current time is at the time or half an hour, in which case the visual presentation begins with the particular hour or half hour. The visual display on screen shown in Figure 19 also includes a textual description of the current operating mode of the program schedule system, as well as the graphic AKD 184, similar to that used in connection with the All listings mode.

As with the All Listings mode, if the user highlights a show that is currently broadcasting, he can immediately tune into that show by pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40. If the highlighted show is one that will appear at a future time, the user is again provided with the option to set a REMINDER message.

The triangular icon 65C in the bar on the right-hand side of the bar 61 TV GUIDE in the visual presentation of figure 6 identifies a “Channel list” mode in which the program schedule information is classified and presented visually by channel , as shown in Figure 20. The visual display on screen shown in Figure 20 again includes a textual identifier 201, the graphic AKD 184 and the window that includes the logo icon 182 and the visual presentation 183 of alternating time / date. In the program listing header there is a list of several consecutive 202A-202C channels that begin with the last channel viewed by the user before entering Channel List mode. The channel in the intermediate window 202B is highlighted and is the channel for which time information is presented visually. The visual presentation identifies the programs that appear on the highlighted channel that begin with the half hour immediately before the current time unless the current time is at the hour or half an hour, in which case the visual presentation begins at the hour or half an hour. The user can also visually present future listings by manipulating the cursor towards the bottom of the screen and turning the visual presentation page, as previously described. The user can also change the selected channel by manipulating the left arrow keys or

right on the remote control 40. When the user issues a channel change order in this way, the next consecutive channel will be presented visually in window 202B highlighted in the series of channels in the header of the visual presentation and time information will be presented visually for the channel that ends of being selected on television receiver 27.

As with other modes, if a user wishes to tune to a highlighted program that is currently broadcasting, they can do so by simply pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40, and if the user wishes to watch a program that is broadcasting at a future time, again provides the user with the option to set a REMINDER message.

In each of the CHANGE, EXAMINE AND MENU modes, a lowercase “i” icon appears repeatedly in connection with certain program listings, such as movies, such as “i” 203 shown in the figure

20. Each time this icon appears, the user can display additional programming information, which generally comprises a textual description of the program content and / or other information related to the program, such as the names of the cast members and the like, by pressing key 48 "i" on the remote control 40. An example of a visual presentation of such additional information is shown in Figure 21.

The second horizontal bar 62 that appears on the screen in the MAIN MENU mode shown in Figure 6 is the “Home Theater” listing. Corresponds to events or Pay-per-view services, specialized programming and Premium service programs. When the user chooses this category, the television receiver visually presents information as shown in Figure 15. The first theater entry icon 150 that appears in this Home Theater bar identifies a format in which events and services Pay per view and premium are presented visually, as shown in Figure 22. As with other modes, the user can manipulate the cursor to highlight and select any particular show. In addition, the user can obtain additional information about the event or Pay-per-view service by pressing key 48 "i" on the remote control 40. The on-screen visual presentation of the Pay-per-View menu shown in Figure 22 also includes a section 220 of visual video presentation in which short promotional clips of current and future events and services can be displayed to the user while the user is viewing the information Pay per view schedules. The visual presentation of Figure 22 is a mapped bit so that the ad clips can be displayed in the lower left quadrant of the screen. The clips can be displayed randomly in section 120 of visual video presentation or, alternatively, the clip shown could correspond to the particular selected entry in the event list, and will change automatically while the user navigates through the list.

When a user highlights a Pay Per View event or service by manipulating the cursor to the desired event or service using the arrow keys on the remote control 40, he can request the event or service by pressing the ENTER button on the remote control, linking time, promotion and application functions. If the user selects a particular Pay-per-view event or service in this way, the schedule schedule system will then present to the user a Pay per view request screen such as the one shown in Figure 23. The visual presentation includes a figure which represents the cost of the event or service. The visual presentation also asks the user to choose from a plurality of planned 230A-230C broadcast hours, and also asks if the user would like to see a REMINDER message before the start of the event or Pay Per View service. The user answers these questions using the arrow keys on the remote control 40 to manipulate the cursor to the appropriate answer and then pressing the ENTER key. After the user has requested a Pay-per-View event or service, the program schedule system will present to the user two request confirmation submenus, such as those shown in Figures 24 and 24A. In any of these submenus, the user can confirm or cancel the event or Pay per view service.

If the user confirms the request, the microcontroller 16 stores the Pay Per View request information in a memory location. The request information can then be transmitted to enable the operator by means of microcontroller 16 or by telephone line or on the cable line when the system has bidirectional communication or other interactive capability of this type. Alternatively, a computer at the location of the cable operator may interrogate the memory in which the microcontroller stored the Pay Per View request information. At the appropriate time, the cable operator supplies the event or Pay-per-view service and is received by all users who have requested the program.

The second icon 151 in the Pay-per-View bar of Figure 15 identifies a specialized broadcasting, cable or satellite programming service to which the user has access through the electronic program guide in this mode, the software Electronic program guide application acts to connect the user, through an appropriate data transmission link, to the programming service, at which point the user interacts with the service. Alternatively, the electronic program guide provides navigation software, which includes menus and schedule information, for the particular programming service. A service of this type could be, for example, Your Choice TV (“YCTV”), a service that offers repeated passes of cable and broadcasting programs very well valued, in which case the icon can adopt an appropriate way to identify YCTV . The programming available on YCTV is then supplied to the user through the

Program guide system.

The last icon 152 that appears in the Pay Per View bar of Figure 15 identifies a visual presentation format that includes all the Premium Services offered by the cable operator, as shown in the figure

26. In this mode, the user can select for impulse request any of the premium services by manipulating the cursor using the arrow keys on the remote control and pressing the ENTER key. Similar to the Pay Per View request, the system will present the user with a series of visual request submissions and, if the user requests a service, the user will confirm the user's request using another submenu. If confirmed, microcontroller 16 will store the request information or transmit it directly to the cable operator. Once the order has been confirmed, the microcontroller can immediately allow the user to access the requested Premium service. In this way, the user can request premium events or services on demand.

If, during CHANGE or EXAMINATE modes, a user watches a channel or displays time information for a service to which the user is not subscribed, the microcontroller 16 causes a request submenu to appear instead of visually presenting a program signal together with the graphic overlay, as shown in figure 9. This submenu indicates to the user that he is not currently subscribed to the selected service, and then asks the user if he would like to request the service. If the user answers affirmatively, the program schedule system takes the user to the request submenu discussed above. In this way, the user can request premium events or services on impulse.

The third horizontal bar 63 in the MENU mode shown in Figure 6 is the "Messages" or "Customer Service" listing. As shown in Figure 16, the first envelope icon 160 represents message information available from the cable operator. When the user selects the message icon, he is presented with a visual display of currently available messages, as shown in Figure 27. The visual presentation shown in Figure 27 includes a cable system, messages 270 and information 271 billing. If the user selects the message option 270 of the cable system, he is presented with a message belonging to the local cable operator, such as that shown in Figure 28. If the user selects the option 271 of the billing status shown in the Figure 27, you are presented with a visual presentation of current billing information, such as that shown in Figure 29. This information may include a history of purchases charged to the user, current balance information, pending requests and an indication of available credit, which may be an authorized debit limit previously agreed with the cable operator or another. Therefore, a user could specify only a certain predetermined expense limit. Once the amount of fees for pay-per-view events reaches the limit, the microcontroller will not allow more events to be requested. An alternative message menu is shown in Figure 28A.

The following icon 161 in the customer service information bar 63 of Figure 16 identifies a "Viewer Preferences" mode, which allows the user to create or review various operating parameters of the program schedule system. Once selected, this visual presentation presents the user with several preference options regarding certain operating parameters of the program schedule system, as well as the display of certain channels and / or certain specific content programming, for example, the one shown in Figure 7

The first option shown in Figure 7 is option 70 “Parental”, which can also be expressed as “Key lock access” option. Once the user initially selects this option, the system visually presents a submenu "Access to key lock" as shown in Figure 30.

The Key Lock Access menu shown in Figure 30 allows the user to control access to individual channels and programs or events by requiring the user to enter a “password” of the access code, which consists of a four-digit code specified by the user in the specific embodiment mentioned in this document, before requesting or viewing these preselected channels, programs or events. The visual menu presentation shown in Figure 30 shows a series of subject categories that are user-selectable axis and vertical entries. A particular topic category is chosen using the up or down arrow keys on the remote control 40 to highlight the desired entry. Once the user has selected a particular topic category, the left and right arrow keys are used to navigate within a chosen category.

The first topic entry shown in Figure 30 is category 301 of “Parental guidance”. Once the user has selected this category by manipulating the cursor to highlight the entry, the cursor can then move horizontally to an active window 302 that visually presents and selects one of the five sort items by letter in the category. Letter items represent classifications of program content as follows: "V" for violence, "N" for nudity, "L" for inappropriate language, "AS" for adult scenes and "PD" for parental discretion. Once the user has selected a particular item, such as "L", by moving to the active window 302 using the right arrow key, pressing the ENTER key will indicate to the microcontroller 16 that an access has been selected. key lock for classified programs

with an “L” rating for inappropriate violent or explicit language. The system indicates an activation of a key lock access by visually presenting a key icon directly below the visual display of category “L”. Once a password lock access is established, it can be deactivated by selecting the letter of the category and then pressing the ENTER key. This action causes the key icon to disappear. The user can change the classification category in the active window 302 using the left or right arrow keys on the remote control 40, whose images are displayed visually on the screen adjacent to the active window as a reminder to the user. In this way, the user can select other classification categories to establish a key lock access for any of the program content identifiers that appear in the Parental Guide category.

The password lock access code itself consists of a four-digit code, which the user can enter and modify at any time. To do this, the user highlights the fourth vertically selectable entry 304 "Change password lock code", manipulating the cursor to highlight it using the arrow keys on the remote control. Once highlighted, the user enters a new four-digit code or reviews the existing code at that time and press the ENTER key. The microcontroller 16 then identifies the new four-digit password lock access code and stores it in memory. The user can delete the password lock code, as well as all other previously activated keys, by moving to the last entry 305 in Figure 30, "Remove password lock code and all keys", which highlights the "OK" window, and then pressing the ENTER key. This action removes and deactivates all previously set keys, as well as the password lock code.

The schedule information database record for each program contains a field that corresponds to the program content identifiers in the parental guidance category. During operation, the microcontroller reviews this field in response to a user order to tune in or request a program, or visually present its corresponding schedule information before performing the function of tuning, request or visual presentation. If the parental guidance identifier in the program schedule information database record matches any of the activated parental guidance identifiers shown in Figure 30, the user will be asked to enter the lock access code by password of four digits before the system takes any additional action. If the code entered matches the code lock access code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will carry out the user's request to tune the program, request it or visually present its corresponding schedule information . If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action will be taken and the user's request will be denied.

By manipulating the cursor using the arrow keys to highlight the second entry 308, "MPAA ratings", the user can also set a key lock access for programs based on their MPAA rating code, as also shown in figure 30.

As with the Parental Guide category, once the MPAA classification category has been selected, the user can move horizontally within the category to the active window 306 to select one of the five classification codes, that is, “ G "for all audiences," PG "for parental guidance," PG-13 "for recommended parental guidance, children under 13 are not allowed if they are not accompanied by an adult," R "for restricted and" X "for classification X. As with the Parental guidance category, when selecting a particular classification, using the left or right arrow keys until the particular classification code appears in the active window, and then pressing the ENTER key, the user sets a key lock access for classification, in which case a key icon appears below the classification code. Likewise, as with the Parental guidance category, once a password lock access is established, the system will ask the user to enter the four-digit password lock access code each time a request is made to tune , visually request or present schedule information for a particular program that has a classification code that matches a classification code for which a password lock access has been activated.

The Key Lock Access mode also includes a topic category 303 to control access to channels, which can be titled, for example, as "Channel Lock" or "Channel Control." As with the Parental Guide 301 and MPAA 308 categories, the user navigates to category 303 Channel Lock by manipulating the cursor using the arrow keys on the remote control and pressing the ENTER key. Once category 303 Channel blocking has been entered, the user can move horizontally towards an active window 307, which in figure 30 indicates channel 2. Once the user has highlighted this window by manipulating the cursor using the keys of direction arrows on the remote control 40, a key lock access can be set for the channel that appears in the active window. This is done, as with the other subject categories in Key Access mode, by pressing the ENTER key, which again causes a key icon to appear below the channel number in the active window. The user can move to the previous channel or to the next channel in sequence by pressing the direction arrow key either left or right on the remote control 40. In this way, the user can activate a key lock access for any available channel.

As with the Parental Guide 301 and MPAA 308 categories, once a key lock access is established for a particular channel, the system will ask the user to enter the password lock access code before carrying out a instruction to tune in or request that channel. If the key-locked access code entered matches the previously stored access code, the user's instruction is carried out. Otherwise, the user's instruction is ignored. Therefore, the user can control access to the content of audio and video programs of any available channel. In this example, microcontroller 16 will not allow audio or video program signals to pass to the VDG, but will allow schedule information to appear for the channel.

An alternative method of blocking programs is carried out using a "Blocking" screen, as shown in Figure 39. In addition to limiting access to programs based on the Parental Guide, MPAA and channel criteria, As previously mentioned, access can be limited based on the program title. Figure 39 shows an alternative block screen 250 that can be used to allow or limit access to programs based on program title, in addition to the criteria mentioned above. Other parameters may also be included, such as time of day, day of the week, credit limit and content category (for example, talk show).

To enter the Lock screen 250 shown in Figure 39, the user must enter a multi-digit lock code using the numeric digit keys 42 and the key 44 enter the remote control 40. The lock code is initially set when the system is used or installed for the first time. To set a lock code for the first time, the user accesses a 260 Configuration screen, as shown in Figure 40. The 260 Configuration screen will appear automatically the first time the electronic program guide is installed and initialized. For access during normal operation of the electronic program guide, an appropriate access path can be provided to the 260 Configuration screen, such as an appropriate icon in the MAIN MENU 215.

On screen 260 Configuration of Figure 40, the user can navigate to category 265 lock code and set a new lock code using the appropriate navigation and selection keys on the remote control 40. A suitable menu for entering the lock code is shown in Figure 40A. Once enabled, the lock code should be used to set or modify locks, to watch a previously locked program, or to remove or change the lock code. The memory location of the stored lock code must also be accessible remotely, such as by the local cable company, in case the user forgets the lock code and needs to be deleted.

Once the lock code is entered and the screen 250 of Figure 39 is displayed visually, the navigation within the screen is controlled by the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40. Using the up and down arrow keys 43A to move the selection cursor, either Movie Sort 351, Parental Guide 252, Channel 253, Program 254 blocked or category 255 Lock code can be selected. Then the left and right arrow keys 43B are used to navigate within the selected category.

It is possible to eliminate a previously established lock code by moving the selection cursor at entry 256 "Delete" in category 255 Lock code and pressing key 44 to enter remote control 40. This causes the microcontroller to delete the lock code stored in memory, as well as all the locks previously set by the user. To change the current lock code, the user navigates to entry 257 "Change" in category 255 Lock code and presses key 44 to enter remote control 40. The user is then asked to enter a new lock code, which the microcontroller subsequently stores in memory.

To set a lock in the category either Movie Classification 251 or Parental Guide 252, the user navigates to the entry selected in Figure 39 by manipulating the selection cursor using the direction keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40, and then press a lock key on the remote control, such as padlock key 45A shown in figure 4. The microcontroller will appropriately modify the visual display to indicate that a lock has been established, for example, by changing the color of the text or the background in the selected input window, or visually presenting an appropriate icon next to the text in the selected input window. Figure 39 shows a lock icon 258 in the “PG” entry window in category 251 Movie rating. Switching the lock key while the selection cursor is located on a selected input will alternatively enable and disable the lock function for that input.

Similarly, to set a lock for a particular channel, the user selects the channel using the selection cursor and then presses the lock key. In figure 39, the channel entry “4 KCNC” in channel category 253 has been blocked, which is indicated by the lock and reverse video icon that appears in the window.

You can also set program blocks by title, which can be done in several ways. By

For example, when the CHANGE or EXAMINE mode described above in the electronic program guide is enabled, thereby causing the title of a program to be displayed visually together with other program schedule information in a window superimposed on the actual program signal which is received at that time, the user can limit access to the program corresponding to the program information presented visually by pressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40. The user can also limit access to the currently tuned program by pressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40 while watching the program, regardless of whether the CHANGE or EXAMINATE modes are enabled. In this example, the microcontroller first removes the program signal from the visual presentation and then accesses the schedule information database record for the program that appears at that time and establishes an appropriate label to indicate that the program is It has locked. In addition, when program schedule information is displayed in the grid or category listings, as discussed above and shown for example in Figures 18-20, the user can also label a program for blocking by highlighting it with the cursor selection and then pressing the lock button 45A on the remote control 40.

In each of these examples, the microcontroller then stores the program title in a list of blocking titles stored in the memory along with any other titles that the user has previously blocked. The individual items in the list of blocking titles are displayed visually in alphabetical order in window 259 "Program blocked" shown in Figure 39, and the user can scroll through the list by placing the selection cursor in window 259 Program locked using the up and down arrow keys 43A on the remote control in figure 40 and then using the left and right arrow keys 43B to scroll through the list one item at a time. In order to save memory space, the microcontroller can alternatively be programmed to establish a label or otherwise mark the particular database record containing the program schedule information for the program to be blocked, and to access later to the database to retrieve the title information when it is to be presented visually, such as when the viewer is reviewing the list of blocking titles in the window 259 Blocked program.

Once an individual title has been locked, the microcontroller can optionally be programmed to visually present an appropriate lock icon, such as a padlock, provided that program schedule information for the blocked program must be presented visually, such as overlapping CHANGE or EXAMINE mode window, or in the various visual grid presentations and categories available in the visual presentations MAIN MENU. The system can also visually present an appropriate text message if someone attempts to access the program signal of a previously blocked program. Naturally, once a program is blocked, in all examples the microcontroller prevents access to the actual program signal (including both the audio and video parts of the program signal) until an appropriate code is entered or remove the lock.

Several methods can be used to block programs at the time of broadcast. For example, in the case of the categories Movie classification, Parental guidance and Channel, the schedule information database record for each program is provided with a field corresponding to the classification, the program content identifier or the channel that appears, respectively, in category 251 Movie Classification, Parental Guide 256 and Channel 253 of Screen 250 Lock shown in Figure 39.

During operation, the microcontroller checks the appropriate field in the database register in response to a user order to tune into, or request, a program before performing the tuning or request function. Additionally, the lock code can also be used to restrict access to program schedule information. In this example, the microcontroller would also check the appropriate field in the schedule information database record before visually presenting schedule information for a program.

If the movie classification identifier, parental guide or channel in the program schedule information database register matches any one of the blocking entries indicated on the screen 250 Lock, a screen 300 Lock verification is displayed visually in relation to overlap with the video signal that is currently being displayed visually on the television receiver, as shown in figure 41. The user will be asked to enter the previously established lock code before the system adopts any additional action As an additional security measure, asterisks will be presented visually when the user enters the lock code. If the code entered matches the lock code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will carry out the user's request to tune in, or request, the program, or visually present its corresponding schedule information . If the system does not recognize the code, no further action will be taken and the user's request will be denied. In this case, the Lock Verification screen 300 will remain visually displayed on the television receiver waiting for a correct code to be entered. If the user does not take any action, screen 300 Lock Verification will be removed after a predetermined waiting period, such as one or two minutes.

Similarly, in the case of title blocking, the microcontroller could also check the title field

in the schedule information database record and compare it with the list of program titles for which the user previously established a lock. If, as described above, the microcontroller does not maintain a list of the actual titles of programs blocked by title, a suitable identifier can be established in a field in the database record to indicate that a program has been blocked by title when The user establishes the blockage first, and then the microcontroller could check that field in response to a user request to tune into, or request, a program, or visually present schedule information.

An alternative method of blocking involves the use of a part of the real-time program signal received by the television receiver. With this method, codes that correspond to a program classification, parental guidance category, title or channel are inserted into, and transmitted along with, the program signal, such as in the vertical or horizontal erase intervals, or in frame scan lines that are not visible on the television receiver. When the program signal is received, these codes are removed from the program signal and stored in memory. The methods and apparatus for receiving and transmitting digital code insertion carried in a program signal are known in the art.

After the transmitted codes have been separated from the program signal and stored in memory, the microcontroller can compare them with the blocking criteria set by the user on the Lock screen and take appropriate action, as described above.

The configuration screen 260 shown in Figure 40 also contains a category 270 Purchase Code that allows the user to establish a numerical purchase code that must be entered before any premium channels or pay-per-view programs can be requested. The 260 Configuration screen shown in Figure 40 includes entries to establish a new purchase code and to delete or change a previously established password. Appropriate menus for setting, confirming, deleting or changing the purchase code are shown in Figures 40B to 40E. Once a user establishes a purchase code, the microcontroller will then visually present a Purchase Code Verification screen in response to a user request to tune in, or request, order a premium service channel or a pay-per-view program. . The Purchase Code Verification screen works in a manner similar to the 300 Verification Lock screen because the user is asked to center the previously established purchase code password before the microcontroller tunes in, or requests, the requested program. If the correct purchase code is not entered, the microcontroller will not take any additional action and the Purchase Code Verification screen will remain visually displayed waiting for the correct code to be entered. If no action is taken within a predetermined waiting period, the Purchase Code Verification screen will be removed.

The next option shown in Figure 7 is option 71 Channel preferences or “Favorite channels” list. Highlighting this icon and pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40, the user is presented with a submenu on the screen as shown in figure 8.

In normal operation, the program guide system presents channels to the user in numerical order in response to a change order of the up or down channel issued by the user using one of the arrow keys on the remote control. The channel number presentation sequence includes all channels offered by the cable company in the order in which the operator modulates them on the channel.

The program guide system also provides the ability to select from several user-defined channel presentation sequences, which are activated using one of the three keys 48A, 48B or 48C of "check mark" icons on the command 40 remotely shown in Figure 4. Each of these keys represents a particular preferred list of channels that a particular user selects and that the microcontroller stores in memory as a "Channel preferences" list, as discussed in detail below. To activate one of these preferred channel lists, the user presses the corresponding check mark icon key, in which case the microcontroller can visually present the chosen icon on the screen in graphic overlays and full screen visual displays to remind the user that the system is using a particular channel preferences list. Once a list of preferences is activated, the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and the visual presentation of the schedule information only to those channels that are designated in the list of activated viewer preferences.

To check the content and / or sequential order of the channels in the Channel Preferences list, the user enters the MENU mode of the programming guide system. To enter the MENU mode from the CHANGE mode, the user presses the 38 MODE key twice when using the remote control 31 of figure 3. To enter the MENU mode when using the alternative embodiment of the remote control 40 of the Figure 4, the user simply presses the 47B key of the MENU icon.

When you enter for the first time, the MENU mode has a visual display on screen as shown in figure 6. To select the submenu to edit the Channel Preferences list, the user first selects the third horizontal bar 63, which it can be titled, for example, as "Messages" or "Customer Service",

by manipulating the cursor using the down arrow key, as shown in figure 7. Thus, the screen of figure 6A is displayed visually. Then the user selects the second icon 161 that appears on that bar, indicated by a check mark, which corresponds to a "Viewer Preferences" mode, highlighting the icon using the arrow keys and pressing the ENTER key again. This action will cause the microcontroller 16 to visually present a Viewer Preferences submenu such as that shown in Figure 7. By selecting the entry 71 channel preferences or "Favorite Channel", the user enters the Channel Preferences submenu, shown in the figure 8. If the user has not already done so, then press the particular check mark icon key on the remote control 40 in Figure 4 to create

or check the list of preferences of particular channel.

In the channel preference menu shown in Figure 8, a list 80 of all available channels in the particular cable system is displayed visually on the left side of the television receiver screen, labeled "Elections" in Figure 8 , and the viewer's preferred list 81, designated "Selected" in Figure 8, is presented visually on the right side. If a particular code, such as a FIN or “-1” symbol appears in the first position 82 (top) of the list 81 Viewer preferences, the system visually presents information for all channels in numerical order in all modes of operation . This is the system default mode.

By selecting channels in sequence from the available list 80 and placing them in the desired order in the preference list 81, the user can select a subset of channels and / or reorder the default sequence in response to an order to upload or download user channel This is accomplished by highlighting a channel in the available list 80 using the up and down arrow keys on the remote control 40 and pressing the ENTER key 44, which stores the input temporarily in a buffer.

The microcontroller 16 stores a list of all channels previously entered in the viewer preference list 81. As the user highlights a particular channel by browsing through the list of available channels 80 displayed visually on the left side of the television screen, a window 84 appears adjacent to the particular channel highlighted by the user. If the particular channel already appears in the list 81 of viewer preferences, the system visually displays a “DELETE” message in window 84 as a reminder that the channel was previously selected from the list 80 of available channels and can only be deleted from list 81, which is achieved by pressing the 44 key ENTER. If the particular highlighted channel in list 80 was not previously selected, the system visually presents a “SELECT” message in window 84 as a reminder that the particular channel will be selected for addition to the viewer list 81 of preferences if the user presses the key 44 ENTER. The microcontroller 16 inserts a selected channel at the end of the list 81. In this way, the user can select or delete channels from the viewer preference list in any desired order.

The list 80 of available channels can also be provided with entries 83 of categories, such as movies, news, sports or children's programs. The user can also highlight any of these entries and put them on the 81 list of viewer preferences. If the user does not include a category in his 81 list of viewer preferences, when the user issues orders to raise or lower the channel, the system will visually display, in sequence, first the preferred channels selected from the user in numerical order and then all the channels that have a program whose content corresponds to the category or categories selected at that time.

Once the user has reviewed the channel preference list 81 in the manner described, the microcontroller 16 will follow the sequence of channels specified by the user stored in response to an order to change the channel made by the user using one of the arrow keys To activate the viewer preference list, the user presses one of the three keys 48A, 48B or 48C of checkmark icons on the top of the remote control shown in Figure 4. The viewer preference list can be used to selectively limit the tuning of the television receiver or visually present schedule information in any of the operating modes of the electronic program guide. In the present embodiment, once a list of preferences is activated, the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and the visual presentation of schedule information in the CHANGE and EXAMINE modes, as well as in the grid category and channel listings in MENU mode, only to those channels designated in the list of activated viewer preferences. The tuner cannot tune in, and corresponding time information cannot be presented visually for any channel not entered in the viewer preference list when it is active. In this regard, it should be noted that establishing a key lock access in the categories Parental Guide 301, MPAA 308 or Channel Lock 303 produces a different result than when other visual presentation criteria are used, such as the Channel Preferences list. Preferred channels discussed above. Therefore, while a key-lock access will prevent audio and video program information from being presented visually or requested, but not schedule information in the absence of an authorization code entry, if a particular channel is included in the Channel Preferences list and you also have a key-locked access activated in category 303 Channel Lock of the Key-Lock Access mode, that channel or its corresponding schedule information will not be displayed visually on any

moment.

To deactivate a list of previously selected viewer preferences, the user switches the appropriate check mark icon key on the remote control of Figure 4. Once deactivated, the system changes by default to visually display and tune all available channels, as well as to visually present schedule information for all available channels.

Alternatively, the viewer preference list 81, if activated, can be used to control the tuning and visual display of schedule information only in selected modes, such as only in CHANGE mode, thus allowing the user to tune in and view information. corresponding schedules only for those channels entered in list 81 of preferences in CHANGE mode, while viewing all channels and corresponding schedule information in all other modes.

In this last configuration, as well as in the example in which no list of channel preferences is activated and the system is in the default mode, if a channel appears in the list 81 of viewer preferences corresponding to a service that the user is not subscribed, the microcontroller 16 causes a request submenu to appear instead of visually presenting a program signal along with the graphic overlay, as shown in Figure 9. This submenu indicates to the user that it is not subscribed currently to the selected service, and then ask the user if he would like to request the service. If the user responds in the affirmative, the program schedule system takes the user to another request submenu to confirm the user's request, such as with an impulse request.

The program guide can also be configured with a Locator screen 201, as shown in Figure 37, which assists the viewer in selecting channels and defining a list of favorite channels. Screen 201 Locator visually displays all available channel numbers grouped according to the source of the program information that appears on any particular channel at any particular time, for example, broadcasting, cable broadcast, pay per view, video almost on demand, satellite or other source of program material. Therefore, the Locator screen 101 can be used to locate any particular channel or service because the clusters provide a fast and efficient method of scrolling through the list of available channels. Channel numbers can also be grouped according to other criteria, such as program category, program content, program classification or other standard based on content, availability time, numerical order or other logical grouping.

In the example shown in Figure 37, the user navigates into the Locator screen 201 using the address keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40. The right and left arrow keys 43B move the selection cursor within the category rows, while the up and down arrow keys 43A are used to select a particular category. From the screen 201 Locator, any particular channel can be selected for viewing by placing the selection cursor on the desired channel and pressing either the 44 key or an optional tuning key (not shown) on the remote control 40 .

In addition to assisting in the choice of channels, the 201 Locator screen also provides the user with the ability to conveniently define lists of favorite channels. To do this, the user first moves the selection cursor to the desired channel using the address keys 43A and 43B or numeric digit keys 42 on the remote control 40, and then presses a favorite channel key 46A provided on the remote control 40 at a distance, which causes the visual presentation to change in some way or feature as an indication that the channel has been selected as a favorite channel, such as changing the color of the channel identification text or the text background, visually presenting a appropriate icon or by the same or other appropriate identification scheme. In the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, the "#" pad key can function as a favorite channel key.

In addition, if multiple favorite channel lists are being used, the user would press the appropriate favorite channel key on the remote control to select a particular list before pressing the favorite channel key. For example, as discussed above, the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4 has three color-coded checkmark favorite channel 48A, 48B and 48C keys, which provide at least three lists of individual favorite channels for Three individual users. Different identification features could be displayed visually on the 201 Locator screen to indicate that a particular favorite channel list is selected. For example, the icon or image used to enable a list of favorite channels on the remote control, such as the check mark key 48A used on the remote control 40 shown in Figure 4, could be displayed visually on the screen 201 Locator, as well as other screens in the program guide, when a list of favorite channels is enabled. Alternatively, the color of the text or background presented visually could be changed to match the color of the selected favorite channel key.

Screen 201 Locator can be accessed through several paths. For example, it can be included as a virtual channel that is conveniently located in the channel tuning sequence, such as between the highest and lowest available channel numbers, for example, a virtual channel 0. For the user, a channel

Virtual of this type can be a conventional channel. However, it does not require any additional bandwidth as support. For example, it can be produced digitally at the subscriber station or included in an appropriate erase interval at existing bandwidth frequencies. In this way, the virtual channel is accessible either by entering the corresponding channel number using the numeric digit keys 42 on the remote control, or by using the up and down arrow keys 43A to return from the highest channel number to the lower, or vice versa. As shown in Figure 38, it may also be desirable to provide a suitable identifier, such as a text icon or message 210, in the visual display 215 MAIN MENU, from which the user could access the screen 201 Locator simply by highlighting the identifier 210 with the selection cursor and pressing the key 44 enter the remote control 40. Alternatively, the remote control may be provided with a key corresponding to the screen 201 Locator that would cause the microcontroller to visually display the screen 201 Locator when the user pressed it.

In addition to the Channel preferences or Favorite channel keys, several user-activated category preference icon keys, for example, movies, sports or children's programming, can also be provided to the remote control 40. The system may be adapted to present to the user only those programs that meet a particular preference category when activated by the user. As with the Channel Preferences icons, the microcontroller can visually present the icon that corresponds to the activated preference category to remind the user of the operating mode of the currently activated system.

The question mark icon 162 to the right of the third horizontal bar in the menu of Figure 16 identifies a "Help" mode of the program guide system in which information is presented visually explaining the operation of the system for Username. Again, by manipulating the cursor using the appropriate keys on the remote control, the user can select this mode. Once selected, the next submenu that appears in the Help mode asks the user to identify the particular part of the system about which the user would like to see Help information.

The icons that appear in the last horizontal bar of the MENU mode identify certain interactive or other information services that the programming system, acting as a gateway, makes available to the user as shown in figure 17. Manipulating the cursor, The user can select any one of the identified services, as shown in Figures 31-35.

For example, if the user initially selects the “X * PRESS” icon that appears on the last horizontal bar, a submenu is presented as shown in figure 31. Using the enter and arrow keys on the remote control distance, the user selects one of the three entries that appear in the visual presentation of the figure

31. Once a particular entry is selected, the electronic program guide connects the user to the selected service and passes the control to the particular service application software, as shown in Figures 32-35.

Alternatively, a plurality of specific content keys corresponding to a plurality of specific content programming categories can be supplied to the remote control 40, for example, a Sports key, News key, Movie key, etc. When the user presses a specific content key, a specific content mode is started. In Figure 4, the remote control is equipped with a Sports button 49. If the user presses the Sports button 49, the microcontroller will limit the visual presentation of programs and / or program schedule information to those related to the sport. The microcontroller will block any other programming or schedule information so that it does not appear on the television receiver. The microcontroller may be adapted to distinguish programs and schedule information that is related to sports by examining an appropriate code associated with the schedule or schedule information.

As discussed above, coding can be achieved using any number of methods, such as including an appropriate code in the vertical erase interval of the program signal, or in an appropriate memory location in the database register of the program. program schedule information, or if schedule information is being received on a broadband network, including it in an appropriate erase interval. The user activates a specific content mode by pressing the appropriate specific content key in any operating mode of the electronic programming guide, including the CHANGE, EXAMINATE or MAIN MENU modes described above, as well as when schedule information is not being presented visually and only a program signal is visible on the television receiver, once the user requests a specific content mode, the microcontroller immediately and directly enables the programming criteria of specific content, and keeps them for all the operating modes of the guide until they are disabled, which can be achieved, for example, by switching the Sports key 49.

Instead of a dedicated specific content key, such as a Sports key 49, the system can be configured with a single generic specific content key, which, when activated, would cause the microcontroller to visually present a specific content menu that Contains a list of all specific content categories available to the user. Then the user could highlight a category

particular by manipulating the cursor of choice using the arrow keys on the remote control and select it by pressing the key 44 ENTER or OK. As an alternative to using a specific content key on the remote control, access to the specific content menu can be made by providing an appropriate identifier on another menu screen of the electronic guide, such as on the LOCATOR, CONFIGURATION or MAIN MENU screens.

In addition to blocking all specific content programming not selected when a particular specific content category has been selected, the microcontroller may be programmed to enable all programming or value-added services that are especially related to the specific content category selected. For example, if the user activates a specific Sports content mode, the microcontroller, in addition to allowing only a sports schedule or schedule information related to the sports schedule to be presented visually, will proactively search and enable all services of added value related to sports, such as curiosities or related video games, updated scores while there is an ongoing game, team schedules, repetitions of previous matches of the selected teams or players, purchase of tickets or souvenirs, etc. Therefore, the available information of the programming or service can be integrated into the electronic program guide environment. Instead of simply passing control to another service as described above, in this way the electronic program guide would function as a system or interface integrator to combine the added value information available in a package within the electronic guide environment, by both essentially creating a series of modular electronic program applications that correspond to a variety of specific content categories available.

The Configuration screen shown in Figure 40 also includes a category 275 Text Location, which contains the textual entries “Bottom of screen” and “Top of screen”. Navigating to category 275 Location of text using the up and down arrow keys 43A on the remote control 40, and the entries either "Top" or "Bottom" in that category using the left arrow keys 43B and right on the remote control, and then pressing the enter or select key 44, the user can control the position of the overlay windows used to visually present information in various operating modes of the electronic program guide. The Configuration screen in Figure 40 provides the user with two position choices: the top and bottom of the screen. Depending on the operating modes of the program guide, it may be desired to provide the user with more position choices in the television receiver's viewing area, or to provide the user with the ability to choose a different position for visually presented information of operating modes. different.

One of the novel features of the invention disclosed is the text wrapping system. The preferred embodiment of the text wrapping system includes an interactive computer program used to edit program listing data before it is transmitted to the user and stored in memory. The interactive system works as follows: information from unedited (or partially edited) program listings is loaded into a data processor. The data includes program titles, hours of program schedules, duration, category, as well as additional descriptive information depending on the type of program. For example, for movies the data includes the MPAA classification, year of the movie, if it is in black and white and a list of main actors and actresses.

The data processor extracts only the program title data that includes television program titles as well as movie titles, sporting events and titles for other special events. Based on the duration of the program, the data processor first analyzes the listing data to determine which grid size listings are required for each title. Therefore, a two-hour movie may require that four different edited titles be adjusted in each of the four grid cells of different sizes (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes). Then the data processor determines how much space is required to visually present the title based on its character length. If the title is to be presented visually in the program schedule grid using a typeface and character spacing on a proportional basis, the data processor can also be responsible for these factors when determining the space required to visually present a title. The determination would then be based on the number of pixels required for the particular combination of characters in the title. The amount of space available for the visual presentation of a title depends on the size of the grid cell and the space required for the visual presentation of icons, when activated.

If the data processor determines that a complete title requires too much space to fit in one or more grid cells, then the title is presented to the editor using a suitable visual display device connected to the data processor, such as a CRT. The editor is then asked to alter the title so that it fits in the allocated space. If the title must be edited for more than one cell size, the editor is asked to edit each one separately. In the preferred embodiment of the interactive program, the editor is shown in real time if the edited title fits in the designated grid cell.

In the preferred embodiment, two lines of text are visually presented in each grid cell of the listings

of programs. The title, as it is edited, appears on the first line and, if necessary, continues on the second line. The decision to return to the second line is based on whether there are natural breaks in the title such as spaces between words, commas, periods, hyphens, etc. These are conventional techniques used in text processing software routines. The editor is also asked to edit a title in the situation in which the full title will fit on the two assigned lines, but a script is required because there are no natural breaks in the title.

Before asking the publisher to shorten a title, the data processor compares the title with a stored library of shortened titles to determine if the title had been previously shortened while editing another database of listings. Each time an editor makes changes to a title, the shortened title is added to the library. It is clear that this process of building a library of shortened titles greatly reduces the required manual input.

A flow chart illustrating the process by which the text wrapping system works is shown in Figure 42. The diagram illustrates the operation of editing a list for visual presentation in a grid of programs for a single platform, but the operation is the same for all platforms.

Text editing may be necessary in other situations where multiple size grid cells are used for visual presentation of the same title. For example, the program guide disclosed may be run on several different platforms, each having different limitations and availability of grid cell space. Some may not visually present the text in proportional fonts and some may have other limitations that reduce the available space. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment the interactive program would require editions for all the platforms that were required at the same time. In addition, it may be necessary to edit text for visual presentation modes other than a grid of program listings. For example, in the visual display "Listed by channel" in Figure 20, the programs are listed on a whole line of fixed length, but the length of the line may vary from platform to platform, so that the system for adjusting the Text can also be used in order to edit listings for different platforms in this visual presentation mode. The space available for the visual presentation of text will also depend on how much space is reserved for the visual presentation of icons. The same process as the one shown in Figure 42 would be valid, except that there would be no need to determine what grid sizes are needed because a fixed length line is used for a visual presentation instead of multi-size grid cells.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the text wrapping system disclosed has applications beyond the title edition itself. The system can be easily modified to provide message editing, "i" screen arguments, promotional pay-per-view copy and similar text messages so that they will fit in the designated space available for visual presentation of the text. In fact, the system can be used to edit any text for visual presentation in the program schedule system disclosed.

The computer program for the microcontroller 16 may also include a schedule for the visual presentation of variable background views on which the program schedule information overlaps either partially or in a full screen visual presentation. Background views can be stored as bitmaps in memory or other storage media, such as an optical storage device. For example, microcontroller 16 may be programmed to issue an order to the VDG every morning at 6:00 a.m. to visually present a sunrise in the background. Then the background can be changed correspondingly throughout the day to, for example, a blue sky or a night view. It can also vary, for example, by time of day, day of the week, month, year or season. The mood background may also change depending on the particular programming category that the user is watching or to what selected schedule information it belongs. The mood background may also be adapted to visually present scenes that reflect the particular viewing area in which the user is located, such as the Rocky Mountains or Mount Rainier, etc. It may also be possible to visually present conventional scenes, such as an ocean or forest scene. In addition, the audio background could also be adjusted to relate to the particular mood state background that is visually appearing at that time. In addition, different background views can be used for holidays and special events, such as Christmas, July 4, Superbowl Sunday, etc. The purpose of background views is to help ease the monotony of viewing program listings. The microcontroller 16 could be automatically adapted to coordinate the visual presentation of the mood background. The user could also be given the ability to choose between various visual mood background visualizations by adapting the microcontroller to visually present an appropriate mood status menu that lists the mood background options available to the user and Allows the user to select one or more by manipulating the selection cursor. Access to a mood status option menu of this type could be achieved by providing an appropriate identifier, textual or visual, in an appropriate system menu, such as the LOCATOR or CONFIGURATION screen.

Additionally, the electronic program guide could be configured to store a unique digital identifier for each program along with its schedule information and then use the identifier, for example transmitting it, to indicate a recording or storage device, such as a video recorder. , which the user wishes to record the program. The program guide could also use the identifier to automatically control the operation of the video recorder. The electronic program guide could also be configured to use other stored time information for this purpose.

The form and content of a particular computer program to implement the invention disclosed in the

This document will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art of video system programming and graphic visual presentation. A flow chart showing the logical operation of the system is shown in Figure 36. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that there may be a departure from the specific embodiment of the invention described herein without departing from the true scope of the claims appended thereto.

Claims (9)

1. Method for examining television programs, the method being characterized in that it comprises: tune a tuner (28) on a first channel corresponding to a first television program currently broadcast and visually display the video of the first channel in a video window together with program information corresponding to the first television program when a user navigates to the information corresponding to the first television program, in which the video window is smaller than the display screen; Y tune the tuner (28) on a second channel corresponding to a second television program currently broadcast and visually display the video of the second channel visually in the video window instead of the video presented visually of the first channel when the user navigates to the information of program corresponding to the second television program that is different from the program information corresponding to the first television program; in which the video window and the program information are presented visually in a graphic overlay superimposed on a program in a third channel presented visually on the display screen, in which the third channel remains on the display screen when the user browse to the program information corresponding to the first television program and the program information corresponding to the second television program. 2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising: visually presenting in a first part of a visual presentation at least a part of television program schedule information, said television program schedule information comprising television program listings; receive orders from a user to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify television programs; in which the first and second channels correspond to television programs identified by the user in the television program schedule information in response to receiving user orders to explore the television program schedule information to identify television programs ; Y in which the video window visually presents the scaled video of the channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in response to receiving user orders to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify programs of TV. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the program is presented visually by an interactive television program guide system, the interactive television program guide system comprising a receiving device (27), a visual presentation and some interactive program guide means, comprising the method: receive, the receiving device, data stream that includes video and schedule information of television programs; make, the interactive program guide means, that the visual presentation visually presents at least a portion of television program schedule information and a video window; receive, the interactive program guide means, orders from a user to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify television programs; whereby the interactive program guide means tune the tuner (28) on the channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in the television program schedule information in response to receiving user orders to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify television programs; Y do, the interactive program guide means, that the visual presentation synchronize a visual video presentation in the video window of the channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in response to receiving user orders to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify television programs. 4. Interactive television program guide system, the system being characterized in that it comprises: means for tuning a tuner (28) on a first channel corresponding to a first television program currently broadcast and visually presenting the video of the first channel in a video window together with program information corresponding to the first television program when a user browse to the information corresponding to the first television program, in which the video window is smaller than the display screen; Y means for tuning the tuner (28) on a second channel corresponding to a second television program currently broadcast and visually presenting the video of the second channel visually in the video window instead of the video presented visually of the first channel when the user navigates to the program information corresponding to the second television program that is different from the program information corresponding to the first television program; in which the video window and the program information are presented visually in a graphic overlay superimposed on a program in a third channel presented visually on the display screen, in which the third channel remains on the display screen when the user browse to the program information corresponding to the first television program and the program information corresponding to the second television program. 5. Interactive television program guide system according to claim 4, further comprising: means for visually presenting in a first part of a visual presentation at least a part of television program schedule information, said television program schedule information comprising television program listings; means for receiving orders from a user to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify television programs; in which the first and second channels correspond to television programs identified by the user in the television program schedule information in response to receiving user orders to explore the television program schedule information to identify television programs ; Y in which the video window visually presents the scaled video of the channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in response to receiving user orders to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify programs of TV. 6. The interactive television program guide system according to claim 4, further comprising: means for making a visual presentation visually present at least a portion of television program schedule information and a video window; means for receiving orders from a user to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify television programs; means for tuning a tuner in the channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in the television program schedule information in response to the reception of user orders to explore the television program schedule information to identify programs of TV; Y means for synchronizing the visual presentation of video in the video window of the channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in response to receiving user orders to explore the schedule information of television programs to identify programs of television.

7.

Interactive television program guide system according to claim 4, wherein a combined visual presentation of television programs and television program listings is presented visually on the display screen, in which the first list of television programs corresponds at a first time interval during which the first television program is broadcast, and in which the second list of television programs corresponds to a second time interval during which the second television program is broadcast.

8.

An interactive television program guide system according to claim 5, wherein a combined visual presentation of television and video program schedule information corresponding to television programs identified in the television program schedule information is presented visually in the

display screen, also comprising the system: means for tuning a tuner (28) into channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in the television program schedule information in response to the reception of user orders to explore the television program schedule information for identify television programs; 5 in which the television programs identified correspond to time intervals during which the respective television programs are broadcast; Y means for visually presenting in a second part of the display screen, a video window that visually presents the scaled video of the channels corresponding to the television programs identified by the user in response to the reception of user orders for explore the information of 10 schedules of television programs to identify television programs. 9. The interactive television program guide system according to claim 6, wherein said visual presentation is a visual presentation of interactive television program guide and wherein the television programs identified correspond to time intervals during which they broadcast the respective television programs identified.