JP2003505945A - Method and apparatus for displaying multimedia information with a broadcast program - Google Patents

Abstract

  (57) [Summary] Supplemental multimedia information based on at least one of content information (i) associated with the broadcast program and profile information (ii) relating to one or more viewers is determined and indicated along with the broadcast program. This supplemental information is retrieved via a network connection established at a remote server or other remote information source, or from memory or other storage at the viewer location. According to the present invention, the characteristics of the supplementary information change according to the content and / or profile information. For example, the supplemental information may include a display edge with text, image, audio or video information shown with the video image associated with the broadcast program. As another example, the supplemental information may include one or more on-screen viewings, such as mixing controls or viewpoint controls, as appropriate for a particular viewer or group of viewers based on the content and / or profile information. Includes operator control indicator. Other types of supplementary information retrieved and shown in accordance with the present invention provide control of the text, image or video display screen shown to the viewer during the channel conversion transition, or other devices associated with the display device or viewer location. Including software programs.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to multimedia signal processing, and more particularly to techniques for displaying video, text or other multimedia information with a broadcast program.

[0002]

[Background technology]

Conventional systems for displaying broadcast programs on televisions, computer monitors, or other types of displays are typically limited to displaying programs such as pre-programmed shows, live broadcasts, and the like. The interaction provided by such systems is also quite limited. For example, many conventional cables T
In the V system, the user may use the remote control to command the system to display the channel number, station identification, program title, program start time, program time or other information related to a given program. I press the button. The information is typically presented in a simple text overlay format and user control is limited by turning the display of the information on or off. Moreover, the information displayed is generally not particularly tailored to the needs of a particular viewer or group of viewers. In other words, all viewers will receive the same display information regardless of the particular individual request. Similar limitations often apply to other types of information to be displayed to the viewer along with the broadcast program, such as, for example, an on-screen electronic programming guide (EPG) or other user interface.

Examples of techniques for altering a broadcast program that enable display of other related information include:
It is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,264,933. In this technique, a logo or other promotional message is inserted as part of the video image display. This technique uses a pattern recognition algorithm that recognizes selected parts of the video image so that the inserted message actually provides a display that appears to be part of the original image.
This advertising message is automatically inserted in the selected part. For example, the advertising logo is
During the broadcast of a tennis match, it may be displayed on part of the court as if it were actually permanently on the tennis court. Another example of a technique for changing a broadcasting program so that related information can be displayed is PCT International Publication WO98 / 56.
174. In this technique, an audio-only broadcast program received by a TV receiver is displayed with pre-programmed on-screen display information, such as charts and text images, to provide additional visual entertainment to the viewer. To be done. A significant drawback of these technologies, like the other prior art mentioned above, is that the degree of interactivity of the viewer is unduly limited, and the information displayed depends on the needs of a particular viewer or group of viewers. Is not to adapt to.

As is apparent from the above, an improved technique for displaying or otherwise showing relevant information along with a broadcast program such that improved interactivity and more appropriately targeted information is provided to the viewer. There is a need for.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is to provide an improved technique for displaying or otherwise displaying relevant information with a broadcast program. In accordance with the present invention, supplemental multimedia information is retrieved and presented with a broadcast program in a video processing system based on at least one of content information (i) related to the broadcast program and profile information (ii) about one or more viewers. . This supplemental information is retrieved from a memory or other storage device, eg, via a network connection established at a remote server or other remote information source, or at the viewer location.

According to one aspect of the invention, the supplemental information includes a display border comprising text, image, audio or video information displayed with the video image associated with the broadcast program. For example, a broadcast program corresponding to a football game includes a display edge with textual information that represents the viewer's preference for a particular team. The information on this display edge can change as the program progresses. For example, including the appropriate cheer when a viewer's favorite team touches down.

According to another feature of the invention, the supplemental information is one or more suitable for a particular viewer or group of viewers based on content and / or profile information, such as for example mixing control or viewpoint control. Includes on-screen viewer control indicator. For example, when the broadcast program is a concert and the profile information indicates that the viewer is a musician, or is otherwise knowledgeable or interested in mixing controls, such controls are shown to the viewer along with the broadcast program. May be.
Similarly, when the profile information indicates that the viewer is a camera enthusiast, otherwise knowledgeable or interested in camera view control, such control may
It may be shown to the viewer along with the broadcast program.

According to another feature of the invention, the supplemental information comprises a text, image or video display screen which is shown to the viewer during the channel change transition. For example, a sequence of images may be shown to a viewer during a channel change transition from a first channel showing a first broadcast program to a second channel showing a second broadcast program. These sequences of images include the attenuated contrast and brightness of the video image from the first program, followed by the attenuated contrast and brightness of the video image from the second program, such that the transition between the programs is soft. The sequence of images is
Instead, it includes textual information about the second program and second channel and supplemental text, images, audio, video information determined according to the viewer's profile information such as time, date, local or national weather, stock quotes, and the like. This supplemental text, image or video information includes a display of at least one supplemental program that may be of interest to the viewer based on the profile information. The viewer, when entering the appropriate selection command, will be able to go directly to the channel showing the supplemental program. The same technology has the appropriate information, as determined by the viewer's profile,
Used to implement the screen saver configuration shown at times when the broadcast program is not displayed on the display device.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the supplemental information may include one or more software programs that provide control of a display device or other device associated with the viewer position. For example, a software program searched for with a particular broadcast program
It controls the audio level, mode or other features of the display device used to display the broadcast program and the stereo, storage or other type of similar feature of the device that is controllable at the viewer position.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a display device for a television, computer or other broadcast program, for example television, radio, cable or satellite broadcast, local compact disc jukebox, audio or video tape library, digital. It can serve as a media portal that provides access to a variety of supplemental information from media such as video discs. By searching and presenting supplemental multimedia information based on program content and / or viewer profile information, the present invention provides viewers with improved interactivity and more appropriately targeted information.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description set forth below.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a video processing system 10 in which the present invention is implemented. The system 10 in this embodiment includes a receiver 12, a processor 14 and a memory 16. Processor 14 and memory 16 communicate with each other via bus 17 even though in other embodiments these and other system components are incorporated into, for example, a single processor. Processor 14
Indicates a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a computer, a circuit card, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), for example, but it may indicate a part or combination of these and other types of processing devices. Memory 16 refers to electronic memory, optical or magnetic disk based memory, tape based memory, but may refer to some or a combination of these and other types of memory.

Broadcast source 20 provides a broadcast signal, such as a video signal containing one or more broadcast programs, to receiver 12 via interface 22. This system 1
0 further includes a number of supplemental information sources 25-i (i = 1, 2 ... N; N ≧ 1),
Each of these sources is accessible via a corresponding interface 26-i. It should be noted that the interfaces 26-i respectively represent different types of interfaces and may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. For example, N different types of interfaces are needed to access N different types of supplemental information sources. As another example, one common interface may be used to access many different information sources.

Information from one or more supplemental information sources 25-i is stored in memory 16 and executed by processor 14 to generate one or more corresponding output video signals. It is processed according to the software program. These signals are combined with the broadcast signal output of the receiver 12 in the signal combiner 27, and the combined signal is supplied to the display device 30. The display device may be, for example, a television display, a computer monitor or other suitable type of display. One or more software programs are also stored in whole or in part on other machine-readable storage media accessible to system 10 on, for example, optical or magnetic disks, tape, or other storage media associated with system storage. To be done. As used herein, the term "memory" is intended to include these and other types of storage media and devices.

The broadcast source 12 is, for example, the Internet or a wide area network (WA).
N), metropolitan networks, local area networks (LANs), television networks, cable system headends, satellite transmissions accessible via global computer communication networks such as cable networks, satellite networks or telephone line networks. Machine, broadcast program server, and some or a combination of these and other types of broadcast sources. Supplementary information source 2
5-i is one or more local or remote storage devices, such as memories based on optical or magnetic disks, servers accessible via the Internet or other type of network, and these and other sources of information. Is a storage position in a part or a combination of. Specific examples of such supplemental information sources include television, radio, cable or satellite, local compact disc jukebox,
Includes audio or video tape libraries, digital video discs, etc.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the characteristics of the corresponding interfaces 22 and 26-i will vary depending on the particular type of source used for any application. For example, interface 26-i is a generic term for a set of network connections, such as TCP / IP connections, used to access one or more remote servers via a disk I / O device in local storage or the Internet. Indicate.

The elements or groups of elements of system 10 represent desktops, laptops or palmtop computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), televisions or set-top boxes, and some or combinations of these and other devices. It should be noted that. It should also be understood that the present invention may be implemented in other types of systems. For example, in another embodiment of the invention, the signal combiner 27 is embedded in the receiver 12 and implemented at least in part in the software executed by the processor 14. As another example, one or more interfaces 26-i may be implemented as part of processor 14, ie, an input / output device associated with processor 14. In addition, as described above, the receiver 12, the processor 14
, Memory 16 and signal combiner 27, one or more elements of the system are AS
It may be embodied as an IC or circuit card that should be built into a television, computer, set top box or other device.

In operation, the broadcast signal from broadcast source 20 is provided to receiver 12. This receiver 12 modulates the input signal in a conventional manner that is suitably configured for display,
Otherwise process. Based on the information in the broadcast signal and / or additional stored preferences or other profile information about one or more viewers associated with system 10, processor 14 may determine from one or more supplemental information sources 25-i. Command the retrieval of supplementary information. This supplementary information is combined with the output of the receiver 12 in the signal combiner 27 and displayed on the display device 30 together with the broadcast signal.

Examples of various types of supplemental information displayed with a broadcast program are described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 2-10. As will be apparent from the description below, the present invention can be utilized as a media portal to provide access to various supplemental information to televisions, computers or other broadcast program presentation devices in video processing systems.

FIG. 2 illustrates a display device 30 that includes a display screen 100 that includes a video image 101 that is displayed with a display edge 102 that has characteristics responsive to broadcast program content and / or viewer profile information. The video image 101 is delivered from the receiver 12 of the system 10 to the display device 30. In accordance with the present invention, the characteristics of display edge 102, such as color, decoration, shape, features, layout, etc., may be associated with information in the broadcast signal and / or additional stored preferences for one or more viewers associated with system 10. It changes according to other profile information.

For example, the color of the display edge 102 may reflect the primary or primary color of the video display 101, and may change as the primary or primary color of the video image 101 gradually changes. As another example, the color or other characteristics of the display edge 102 may be adjusted based on the viewer's preferences, as shown in the stored viewer's profile. Another possibility is for the color or other properties of the display edge 102 to change according to the information of the broadcast signal itself. For example, a content provider may provide an indication on a particular type of display edge broadcast signal to be displayed along with a predetermined portion of the program in the broadcast signal. This feature of the invention allows particular video images or sets of these images to be highlighted in a straightforward manner without the need to include textual information.

FIG. 3 shows a display screen 104 of a display device 30 that includes a video image 101 displayed with a display border 105 that includes textual information that is responsive to broadcast program content and / or viewer profile information. In accordance with the present invention, the textual information shown on display edge 105 varies according to the broadcast signal and / or information in additional stored preferences or other profile information for one or more viewers associated with system 10. The particular textual representation displayed can thereby change as a function of time as the broadcast program progresses. This textual information includes statements regarding the elements of the displayed video image 101, adjusted to the known preferences of one or more viewers.

4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of a display produced according to the techniques of the present invention. In these examples, the information displayed includes video images associated with the broadcast program and supplemental information based on the stored viewer profile information. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the display screen 110 of the display device 30 displays a broadcast program, ie a video image 111 associated with a football match, and a stored view showing that the viewer is a fan of a particular team, the Giants. It includes supplementary information based on the profile information of the person. This viewer profile information may be determined, for example, by detecting a viewer's television program preferences that favor watching a match for the Giants, or by any other suitable technique.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the display screen 120 of the display device 30 displays a particular event, a video image 121 that the Giants touches down, and a viewer profile that indicates that the viewer is a fan of the Giants. Based on this, it includes supplemental information such as information celebrating this touchdown.

6 and 7 illustrate a display including profile-based viewer control according to the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the display screen 13 of the display device 30.
0 contains supplementary information in the form of a set of on-screen mixing controls including a video image 131 associated with the broadcast program, ie a video image of a rock band concert and a singer control 132, a drum control 134 and a guitar control 136. The supplemental information to be displayed is determined based on the viewer's profile information, i.e., the mixing controls 132, 134 and 136 allow the viewer to be a musician,
Otherwise it is displayed with a video image 131 based on instructions in a stored viewer profile that is knowledgeable or interested in such control.

The mixing controls 132, 134 and 136 are adjusted by a viewer input command or the like via a remote control or other type of controller. These controls 132, 134
And 136 are each configured to provide control of characteristics of corresponding musical features of the video image, such as volume, balance, treble, bass and the like. Of course, the particular control provided may change as the broadcast program progresses.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the display screen 140 of the display device 30 displays a video image 141 associated with the broadcast program, ie a video image of a concert of the same rock band or the video described above in connection with FIG. 6, and a zoom control 142 and Includes supplemental information in the form of on-screen viewpoint control sets, including pan / tilt control 144. The supplemental information to be displayed is determined based on the viewer's profile information, that is, the viewpoint controls 142 and 144 indicate that the viewer is a camera enthusiast, or otherwise knowledgeable or interested in such controls. A video image 141 based on the stored viewer profile instructions is also displayed.

Viewpoint controls 142 and 144 provide control of the viewing angle of the camera as shown in video image 141. That is, the adjustments in these controls are
At 1 we make a corresponding change. These changes can be made, for example, by the image magnification calculated by the processor and other known image processing techniques. As in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the viewpoint controls 142 and 144 are adjusted by viewer input commands, etc., via a remote control or other type of control device, and the specific commands supplied are carried by the broadcast program. May change with time.

When a broadcast image is transmitted in high resolution or a different aspect ratio, eg 4: 3 to 16: 9, the viewer has the ability to control which part of the image is seen on the display device 30. It should be noted that it provides.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further feature of the invention in which the video image is weakened in a defined manner during the transition from the display of one broadcast program to the display of another broadcast program. In this example, display screen 150 of display device 30 includes video image 151 associated with a particular broadcast program on the current broadcast channel. The viewer inputs a command to change the current channel to a different channel broadcasting another program, for example via a remote control or other control device. The other channel in this example corresponds to the display screen 160 containing the video image 161.

According to the invention, after initiating a channel change, the transition from the current channel to the next channel is moderated by displaying supplemental information during the transition period. The supplemental information in this example is a display screen 150 '(i) that generally includes a transitional video image 151' that corresponds to video image 151 but has significantly reduced contrast and brightness.
, Then having a display screen 160 '(ii) that generally corresponds to video image 161, but includes a transitional video image 161' with significantly attenuated contrast and brightness.

For example, the contrast and brightness of the transitional video images 151 ′ and 161 ′ will be about 30% of the contrast and brightness of each of the video images 151 and 161, respectively. After initiating the channel change, the transitional video image 151 'is displayed to the viewer,
The transitional video image 161 'is displayed in sequence, followed by the video image 161. Each of the transition images is displayed for a short period of time, for example about a few hundred microseconds. The display of supplemental information during the channel transition provides a visually pleasing transition than the instant Acut typically associated with conventional systems.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of supplemental information displayed during a transition from one program to another according to the present invention. As in the example of FIG. 8, the viewer
For example, via a remote control or other control device, the channel that broadcasts the current channel, i.e. the program containing the screen display 150 with the video image 151, is displayed on the screen with another program, i.e.
Enter a command to change to a different channel that broadcasts the program containing. After this channel change is initiated, the supplemental information is displayed to the viewer at the transition from the current channel to the next channel. This feature is suitable for use in digital television applications because many digital television systems have longer transition periods between channels than analog television systems.

The supplementary information displayed in the channel transition of the embodiment of FIG. 9 is text information,
That is, the first display screen 170 (i) including the identifier of the next channel and the program currently being broadcast on the next channel, supplemental text information about the program of the next channel, ie, the details of the program, the audience rating and the viewing of the program. Followed by a second display screen 172 (ii) containing other textual information of interest to the viewer, such as date, time, temperature, local or national weather forecast, stock quotes, etc., as determined according to the user's profile. After the channel change begins, the transition display screen 170 is displayed to the viewer, which in turn displays the transition display screen 172 and the video image 161.

Each of the transitional display screens 170 and 172 is typically displayed for a short period of time, eg, about a few seconds. The transition from screen 170 to 172 and screen 172 to 160 is initiated by the viewer entering an appropriate command, such as a channel up or down command, rather than a fixed fixed time period. Of course, many different types of information other than that shown in FIG. 9 are also provided during the transition between channels.
In addition, the particular information provided to any viewer will vary according to program content and / or stored viewer preference information.

FIG. 10 illustrates still another embodiment of the supplementary information displayed during the transition between programs according to the present invention. In this example, the supplemental information displayed during the transition includes information about one or more recommended shows, as determined from the stored viewer profile information. As in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the viewer may, for example, via a remote control or other control device, switch to the current channel, ie, the channel that broadcasts the program including the screen display 150 with the video image 151. Command to change to a different channel that broadcasts the program, including the screen display 160 with the video image 161. After this channel change is initiated, the display screen 180 is shown to the viewer.

The display screen 180 contains textual information, the identifier of the next channel and the program currently being broadcast on the next channel. This display screen 180
Also includes supplemental textual information about advising that the particular show the viewer is interested in is on another channel. In this embodiment, for example, based on stored profile information that indicates that the viewer is watching a program titled X-Files, the advice shown on display screen 180 is that the X-Files program now broadcast. In, the viewer indicates that the program can be accessed by entering an OK command or by some other designated button on the remote or other control device. When the viewer enters this OK command, the viewer is presented with a display screen 190 containing the video image associated with the program in the X-file. If the viewer does not enter this command or takes no action for a specified time T, for example 2 seconds, the change of channel is indicated in the program from the next channel, ie the program including the display screen 160 and the video image 161. Proceed as usual.

The present invention includes, at least in part, in the form of one or more software programs that are distributed or retrieved according to a particular broadcast program over any suitable interface, including network connections established over the Internet or other computer network. Will be carried out. For example, a software program delivered or retrieved in this manner controls various parameters of the display device 30, such as volume, bass, treble, etc., in the system 10 of FIG. Used to control various parameters of. Depending on the application, the software program controls a mass storage device that holds supplemental video information, a tuner of a stereo system, a compact disc player or other controllable device. In one possible application, the software program controls a stereo system tuner such that when the concert is broadcast, audio is obtained from a Hi-fi simulcast available from a particular radio station or the audio part of the program. Controls other system parameters that automatically switch to surround sound mode. Many other types of control programs or information are utilized with broadcast programs that employ the techniques of the present invention.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention may utilize other forms of supplemental information with the broadcast program. Moreover, this supplemental information is determined using many different techniques, including algorithm-based techniques. For example, in any embodiment of the present invention, the supplemental information is also in the form of a particular type of viewer interface, as determined with stored profile information relating to the television viewing habits of a particular viewer or group of viewers. Good. In this case, some viewers are presented with some type of interface, while others are based on different styles of interaction they prefer, such as different levels of levels, different charts, icon formats, etc. It may be shown in other types of interfaces.

As another example, the multimedia information may include advertisements targeted to a particular viewer or group of viewers based on the stored profile information. The present invention may be used to enable a viewer to utilize a broadcast display device such as a television or computer, for example to make available an audio or video library stored in an external storage device. . Other exemplary applications are in rewind operations, signal loss conditions, or other situations where a particular broadcast program is not displayed, such as determining and displaying supplemental information based on a suitable profile between programs. Generate a profile-based screen saver for a display device.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. For example, the present invention is intended to show numerous other types of information along with broadcast programs in a variety of different arrangements and configurations, desired types of video processing systems or devices, and numerous applications other than those described herein. Used to carry out. These and numerous other embodiments within the scope of the above claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video processing system embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a program display border responsive to program content and / or viewer profile information in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a program display border responsive to program content and / or viewer profile information in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a program display border responsive to program content and / or viewer profile information in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a program display border responsive to program content and / or viewer profile information in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates different controls provided to a viewer based on program content and / or viewer profile information in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates different controls provided to a viewer based on program content and / or viewer profile information in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an image fading technique implemented during the transition from one program to another according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of information displayed during a transition from one program to another according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of information displayed during a transition from one program to another according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols] 10 video processing system 12 receiver 14 Processor 16 memory 20 Broadcast Source 22 Interface 25-i Information Source 26-i interface 27 Signal combiner 30 display

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Trovat Karen Ai             Netherlands 5656 aer ind             Fenprof Holstraan 6 F-term (reference) 5C025 CA03 CA09 CA12 DA10

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A method of processing information for display with at least one broadcast program, the method comprising: receiving at least a portion of the broadcast program at a viewer location; Determining supplemental information about the broadcast program based at least in part on content information and / or profile information for at least one of the viewers associated with the viewer location; and-displaying the portion of the broadcast program. And presenting said supplemental information. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining step comprises retrieving at least a portion of the supplemental information via a network connection established with a remote information source. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining step includes the step of retrieving at least a portion of the supplemental information from memory at the viewer location. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining step includes the step of generating at least a portion of the supplemental information according to a predetermined algorithm. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristics of the supplemental information change according to the profile information. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information includes at least one of video information, image information, audio information and text information determined at least in part based on the profile information. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information comprises a processor generated display edge that is displayed with a video image associated with the broadcast program. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the processor generated display edges include features selected according to corresponding features of the broadcast program. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information comprises at least one viewer control indicator displayed with a video image associated with the broadcast program. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the viewer control indicator includes at least one of mixing control and viewpoint control. 11. The supplemental information comprises at least one display screen displayed when a channel change transitions from a first channel showing a first broadcast program to a second channel showing a second broadcast program. the method of. 12. The supplemental information comprises a sequence of images including an adjusted version of a video image associated with the first broadcast program followed by an adjusted version of a video image associated with the second broadcast program. Item 11. The method according to Item 11. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjusted version of the video image has a corresponding image with attenuated contrast and brightness. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the supplemental information comprises a sequence of images including at least first and second images having textual information associated with the second broadcast program. 15. The supplemental information is a display of at least one supplemental program likely to be of interest to the viewer based on a first image including at least textual information associated with the second broadcast program and the profile information. The method according to claim 11, comprising: 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information comprises at least one software program associated with the broadcast program. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the software program provides control of at least one of a display device for displaying the broadcast program and an additional controllable device associated with the viewer position. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information comprises at least a portion of a viewer interface that is determined according to profile information that indicates a particular viewer's preferences. 19. A device for processing information presented with at least one broadcast program, said device comprising: a receiver for inputting at least part of said broadcast program; Determining supplemental information about the broadcast program based at least in part on at least one of content information associated with the broadcast program and profile information for at least one of the viewers associated with the viewer location, eg, the supplemental information is the broadcast program. A processor that acts as shown with the display of the portion of. 20. At runtime: receiving at least part of a broadcast program at a viewer location; content information associated with the broadcast program and a profile for at least one of the viewers associated with the viewer location. One or more software programs implementing: determining supplemental information about the broadcast program that is based at least in part on at least one of the information; and-indicating the supplemental information with an indication of the portion of the broadcast program. A product having a machine-readable storage medium including. 21. A method of processing information shown to a viewer associated with a display device, the method comprising: identifying a time when a broadcast program is not displayed on the display device; Determining supplemental information based at least in part on content information related to a displayed broadcast program and / or profile information about the viewer, the viewer during at least a portion of the identified time. Showing the supplementary information. 22. A device for processing information presented to a viewer, the device comprising: a display device showing at least one broadcast program to the viewer; and a broadcast program coupled to the display device, Identifying a time not displayed on the display device, determining supplemental information based at least in part on at least one of content information associated with at least one pre-displayed broadcast program and profile information about the viewer, and the identified time A processor operative to present the supplemental information to the viewer for at least a portion of a time period. 23. At runtime, at least: identifying a time when the broadcast program is not displayed on a display device; and-at least one content information associated with the pre-displayed broadcast program and profile information about the viewer. One or more software programs implementing: determining supplemental information based at least in part on one side; and-showing the supplementary information to the viewer during at least a portion of the identified time period. A product having a machine-readable storage medium including.