JP2002535928A - Video transmission method and video receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The video transmission system (10) allows information related to video transmission to be selected and retrieved without limiting the bandwidth of the system. For example, during one video transmission, the user can tag a predetermined portion of the transmission (26). The tag is configured to allow identification of related information that may be transmitted simultaneously on another video transmission channel. The information can be retrieved from different channels (29) and the user can be notified when the information is received (45) so that the information can be viewed slowly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to video transmission systems, and more particularly to systems useful for computer processor-based video receiving systems.

[0002] Computer systems can be utilized in conjunction with television receivers to provide more advanced functionality to conventional television receivers. Being placed on top of a conventional television receiver, a computer system, sometimes called a set-top box, gives users more functionality and more control over receiving information from broadcasts or other video sources. To receive For example, a number of electronic programming guides (EPGs) can be implemented using set-top boxes associated with television receivers. These systems allow television viewers to select the show they want to watch from a graphical user interface, and that show can be automatically watched, recorded, or specified for later viewing .

[0003] In addition, a number of interactive broadcasting systems are available for transmitting web-type content in connection with television transmission. For example, Intel's Intercast technology uses information related to television programs, for example, in the vertical blanking
g interval). In this way, the television viewer can receive additional information relating to the television program. That information can be stored on the user's associated computer system for subsequent viewing.

One problem with available systems is that the bandwidth is relatively limited. Therefore, for example, the amount of information that can be transmitted during the vertical blanking period is somewhat limited.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a system that allows a user to receive more video information given the available bandwidth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect, a method for receiving a video transmission includes identifying a tag associated with a first video transmission. After selecting the tag, information related to the tag is stored. Scan the second video transmission for information associated with the tag.

[Detailed Description] The video receiving system 10 includes a television receiver 12 and a set-top computer 14.
And a remote control unit (RCU) 16. The RCU 16 includes a set of left, right, up and down arrow keys 18 and a selection key 19, which are used to indicate a pointer “A”,
For example, it can be moved vertically and horizontally on a video display screen attached to the television receiver 12. In this way, the cursor or pointer A can be moved using the arrow buttons 18 and various selections can be made on the associated graphical user interface using the buttons 19. RCU 16 may also include a plurality of keys 20 to allow other user options, such as channel selection. Button 20a allows the user to set tags for implementing the functions described below. Of course, the system shown in FIG. 1 is only one embodiment and should not be taken as a limitation.

[0008] While receiving a video transmission, the user can operate button 20a to set a tag. Initially, a graphical user interface, such as that shown at 22 in FIG. 2, can be displayed in response to operation of button 20a while receiving a video transmission. For example, during a detergent commercial, the user can operate the button 20a and the graphical user interface 22 can be displayed in response. Graphical user interface 22 may be overlaid on an existing display and may be a relatively small box or window that does not severely limit viewing of ongoing transmissions.

[0009] A user may be asked if the user wants additional information about a given brand or generic detergent of a product ("Brand X").
By pressing any "yes" button, the user can select additional information to be downloaded to that user. Otherwise, the return field can be manipulated by moving between items using the arrow keys 18 and the select key 19 as described above. Again, the illustrated graphical user interface is merely an example, and should not be construed as limiting the invention thereto.

Thus, in one embodiment, a user can operate button 20a during a commercial. In response to the user interface 22, the user can display yes, the user wants more information about the particular brand being displayed, and the user wants more information about the generic product. As each of these graphical user interfaces is manipulated to select additional information, tags are set to control the collection of the next information for that user.

FIG. 3 shows software for associating information selected by the user with information that may be provided at a later time, and is called “video tag” software 21. Initially, as shown in block 23, a tag is identified in the ongoing video transmission. When a predetermined segment or portion of the video transmission is selected as a user wishing to receive additional information, a tag is identified. This tag system can be realized, for example, using a script transmitted at the same time as the video.
Next, at block 25, a check is made of the user's selection of the tagged information.

[0012] Upon selection, the tag information is stored (block 27). Next, as shown in block 29, a second video transmission is scanned for information associated with the tag. This scan can be performed at a later time if the information happens to be provided on a different channel. The user can then be notified that the requested information has been obtained. In this way, the user can receive additional information despite bandwidth limitations. This system allows the user's request to be associated with the next transmission, although the information may be provided at a later time.

The software for implementing the tag system is shown in detail in FIG.
It begins by checking if a tag input has occurred, as shown at diamond 26. In the illustrated embodiment, tag entry can be initiated by the user operating button 20a and selecting the "yes" option in conjunction with a graphical user interface such as interface 22 of FIG. Based on the current video transmission being received at that time, the software determines the appropriate identifiers for the ongoing video transmission and stores those identifiers. Thus, the associated identifier indicates what information has been displayed and what the user has selected for further information. These identifiers can be obtained, for example, from information transmitted simultaneously with the television program. For example, the information can be included in a vertical blanking period.

While a user is watching one particular channel of a video television transmission,
Software 21 initiates a scan of another channel, as shown in block 30, which provides additional information pertaining to information on one or more other channels. If the stored identifier matches the identifier associated with the information being downloaded on other channels, as shown at diamond 32, block 34
Prompt can be shown as shown in A match indicates that the information matching the identifier associated with the information desired by the user was actually just received. When a match is detected, a screen display or graphical user interface 44 can be provided, as shown in FIG. Again, the information can be provided as an overlay that does not significantly disturb the viewing of the ongoing video transmission. in this way,
The user is informed that the information is available and can be selected, for example by selecting an item in block 45 and pressing enter key 19.

Referring again to FIG. 4, by matching, information from the other channels is stored, as shown in block 36. Whenever the user wishes, he can view the stored information.

If there is no match, as indicated by diamond 38, the software continues to monitor the other channels until a predetermined time limit has expired. Upon expiration, the identifier (stored in block 28) is deleted (block 40) and block 42
A screen display can be provided as shown in FIG. This screen display can advise the user that the requested information has not been received within a predetermined time period, and therefore the user will not receive that information.

The system 10 allows a user to select the information desired by the user, and that information can be associated with information being downloaded asynchronously on another channel. This provides additional bandwidth for receiving relevant information. Further, a method is provided for linking information desired by a user to information transmitted asynchronously on another channel. That is, the identification system can be used to determine what information the user wants. By scanning the information on the second channel using the same identification system, software 21 can find the relevant information and notify the user when it is received. The additional information may be received sometime after the user has made the first selection that desired the information. Then, when the user is ready to watch it, the information is accessed for viewing on the user's system.

As described above, in FIG. 6, channel 1 may correspond to a channel including program information such as a television program viewed by a user. During a video transmission 46 on channel 1, a plurality of tags X, Y, Z, A, B, C, and D may be associated with segments 50-62 of the video transmission. These segments may correspond to portions of the television program or one or more advertisements that may be provided during the television program. Thus, if the user enters segment 50
If the button 20a is clicked during the period, the identifier X is stored.

The identifier X can be associated with the information on the second channel that provides the video transmission 48 with segments 64 to 72 in FIG. In particular, the information corresponding to identifier X may be in segment 70 of channel 2, which segment is associated with segment 5 associated with identifier X of channel 1.
It is shifted in time from zero. This is not a problem since the identifier X allows that information to be associated and retrieved and stored at a later time.

As described above, channel 2 is an identifier E having no relation to the information of channel 1.
, F and G within the time periods 64, 66 and 68. However, software may place identifier X in period 70 and identifier Y in period 72. Identifiers X and Y are associated with television segments 50 and 52 on channel 1. If the user selects the appropriate tag X or Y while watching channel 1, the information in channel 2 associated with segments 70 and 72 for the user to view can be identified and stored.

The head end or transmitter 108 shown in FIG. 8 can transmit asynchronously to a plurality of receivers 110 using two channels 112 and 114.
That is, the information associated with the same tag can be transmitted later, eg, via any other channel, as described above. Although a single transmitter 108 is illustrated, in some embodiments, each channel may include a separate transmitter.

Returning to FIG. 7, an example of a system that can be used as the processor-based controller 14 is shown. Controller 14 may include a processor 74 connected to an accelerated graphics port (AGP) chipset 76. This chipset 76
Can be connected to a system memory 78 and an accelerated graphics port bus 80. Further, this bus 80 is connected to the graphic accelerator 8
2 and the graphics accelerator 82 can be connected to the television receiver 12.

The accelerated graphics port is available from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California, USA.
ia), released in June 1998 by Accelerated Graphics Port Interface Specification Rev. 2.0.

Although the present invention is illustrated in an embodiment using a set-top computer system, other computer systems or processor-based devices can be utilized to practice the present invention. The system may be a stand-alone unit, or may be incorporated in a device such as a television receiver, cable box or satellite receiver.

The chipset 76 can also be connected to a bus 84 connected to a TV tuner / capture card 86. The TV tuner capture card 86 couples to a television input such as a television antenna 88 or another source of video transmission such as a satellite antenna or cable line.

The bus 84 can be connected to a bridge 90, and the bridge 90 is connected to a hard disk drive 92.
Can be connected to The software 21 can be stored in the hard disk device 92. Software 98 may be a script sent to system 10.

Next, the bridge 90 is connected to a serial output interface (SIO).
t interface) 96 and a basic input / output system (BIOS) 106. Interface 96 may connect to modem 102 and infrared interface (IR) 104. Infrared interface 104 can receive infrared transmissions from remote control 16. The interface 104 is an infrared data association (IrDA).
) Specifications (found at www.irda.org, published on June 23, 1994)
al Interface Link Access Protocol, version 1.0).

Although the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The appended claims, which define the scope of the invention, are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical user interface that can be used with the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of software for realizing the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a more detailed flowchart of software that can be used, for example, to implement the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 illustrates an additional graphical user interface that can be used in connection with the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining video information and associated tags that can be transmitted on two different video transmission channels.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of hardware for realizing the system shown in FIG. 1;

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Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A method for identifying a tag associated with a first video transmission, storing information associated with the tag after selecting the tag, and a second method associated with the information associated with the tag. Scanning the video transmission. A method for receiving a video transmission comprising: 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing information from the second video transmission associated with the tag. 3. The method further comprises: notifying a user when information related to the tag in the second video transmission is stored; and notifying the user when the information from the second video transmission is available for viewing. 3. The method according to claim 2, comprising providing an indication to a user. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an input device and providing a graphical user interface that allows the user to select information that the user wants to receive after receiving input from the input device. 3. The receiving method of video transmission according to item 2. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the user can select at least two different options for information retrieval. 6. The video transmission of claim 2, comprising obtaining the information from the second video transmission at a time that is offset from a time at which the tag was selected during the first video transmission. Receiving method. 7. An input device configured to allow a user to select video content on a first channel, and an input device configured to transmit information related to the selected video content on the first channel. A video scanner configured to scan two channels. 8. The video receiver of claim 7, further comprising a storage device configured to store information from the second channel related to the video content selected on the first channel. . 9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a device configured to notify when information related to the video content selected on the first channel is located on the second channel. Video receiver. 10. The input device is adapted to generate a graphical user interface displayed by the video receiver, the graphical user interface facilitating user selection of video content on the first channel. The video receiver according to claim 7, wherein 11. The video receiver according to claim 10, wherein the input device sets a tag associated with the video content currently displayed on the video receiver. 12. The video receiver according to claim 11, wherein the video scanner is configured to locate information related to the tag on the second channel. 13. The video of claim 12, wherein the video scanner is configured to notify the user when information related to the selected video content is identified using the tag. Receiving machine. 14. A processor-based system for identifying a tag associated with a first video transmission, selecting the tag and storing information associated with the tag, wherein the information associated with the tag is stored. A product comprising a recording medium storing instructions for causing a second video transmission to be scanned for. 15. The product of claim 14, further comprising instructions for causing a processor-based system to store information from the second video transmission associated with the tag. 16. The product of claim 15, further comprising instructions for causing a processor-based system to notify the user when information associated with the tag in the second video transmission has been stored. 17. The product of claim 15, further comprising instructions for the processor-based system to display to the user when the information from the second video transmission is available for viewing by the user. 18. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising instructions for causing the processor-based system to obtain the information from the second video transmission at a time offset from a time at which the tag was identified during the first video transmission. Item 16. The product according to Item 15. 19. A first transmitting device configured to transmit, on a first channel, video information including a segment having a tag associated with at least one of the segments; and A second transmitting device configured to transmit video information including an identifier associated with one of the tags on a second channel. 20. The video transmission system according to claim 19, wherein the first transmission device is further configured to transmit a script including the tag.