MX2008009964A - Interactive mosaic channel video stream with additional programming sources - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive matrixed video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. An interactive matrixed video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box, wherein statistical data is displayed within at least one of the group comprising the plurality of video cells and the text box, the statistical data generated from outside of the interactive matrixed video channel.

Description

INTERACTIVE MOSAIC CHANNEL VIDEO CURRENT WITH ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING SOURCES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to satellite video systems, and particularly, to a method, an apparatus, and a manufacturing article for interactive mosaic channel video streams with nested menu features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Satellite broadcasting of communication signals has become common. The satellite distribution of commercial signals for use in television programming currently uses multiple power horns in a single External Unit (ODU) that provide signals to up to eight IRDs in separate cables of a multiswitch. FIGURE 1 illustrates a typical satellite television installation of the related art. The system 100 uses signals sent from satellite A 102 (SatA), satellite B 104 (SatB), and satellite C 106 (SatC) which are broadcast directly to an External Unit 108 (ODU) which is typically connected to the outside of a house 110. The ODU 108 receives these signals and sends the received signals to the IRD 112, which decodes the signals and separates the signals into display channels, which are then passed to the monitor 114 to be observed by a user. There may be more than one satellite transmitting from each orbital location and additional orbital locations without departing from the scope of the present invention. The uplink satellite signals 116 are transmitted by one or more uplink facilities 118 to the satellites 102-106 which are typically in the geosynchronous orbit. The satellites 102-106 amplify and redifuse the uplink signals 116, via transponders located on the satellite, as downlink signals 120. Depending on the antenna design of the satellites 102-106, the downlink signals 120 are directed to the geographic areas for reception by the ODU 108. Alternatively, the uplink facilities 118 can send signals via the cable 122 in conjunction with the uplink signals 116 or in place of uplink signals 116 to IRD 112, for display on monitor 114. Each satellite 102-106 broadcasts downlink signals 120 at typically thirty-two (32) different frequencies, which are authorized for several users for broadcast programming, which may be audio, video, or data signals, or any combination. These signals are typically established in the frequency band Ku, that is, 11-18 GHz, or in the frequency band Ka, that is, 18-40 GHz, but typically 20-30 GHz. As the satellites 102-106 diffuse Additional services and additional channels to viewers, viewers will want and expect to see programming on the monitor 114 that relates to their specific needs and wishes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To minimize limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding of the present specification, the present invention describes an interactive mosaic channel video with nested menu features. The present invention combines several "display channels" and a separate channel, and provides a nested interactive feature that allows additional information to be presented with the user's interaction with the channel or system. The matrix can be changed from a given number of array cells to a larger or smaller number of array cells during the broadcast. In addition, the mosaic channel may include a propagator on the screen to provide other information that may or may not relate to one or more of the matrix cells, as well as possibly relate to the poster channel. There may also be a portion of subtitles in the selected portion of the screen, either the poster channel or one. selected cell of the matrix. The present invention comprises an interactive matrix video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time. An interactive matrix video channel according to the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells having at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box, wherein statistical data are displayed within at least one of the group containing the plurality of video cells and the text box, the statistical data generated from outside the interactive matrix video channel. The present invention also includes a control bar, a command displayed in the control bar that selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, the selection of a video cell of the plurality of video cells creates a new condition that is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises information related to the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor, a poster cell that presents additional audio and video information can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, gender is a specific event, and the specific event is selected from the group of a group comprising the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a National League games program of American Football. Other additional features and advantages are inherent in the system described or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES With reference now to the Figures in which similar reference numbers represent corresponding parts therethrough: FIGURE 1 illustrates a typical installation of satellite television of the related art; FIGURE 2A illustrates a typical six cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention; FIGURE 2B illustrates a remote control used in the present invention; FIGURE 3 illustrates another six cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention; FIGURE 4 illustrates a monitor display of a typical six-cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention; FIGURE 5 illustrates a typical monitor display after the selection of a specific video cell according to the present invention; FIGURE 6, FIGURE 7, and FIGURE 8 illustrate typical monitor displays after the selection of an icon on the screen according to the present invention; and FIGURE 9 illustrates typical sources of programming and sources that are used within the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, reference is made to the appended figures that are part of it, and which show, by way of illustration, various embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Description The present invention is an interactive television channel that allows a viewer to view a video stream and select an audio and / or video specific to the video stream based on the individual wishes of a viewer. The video stream is typically distributed to the monitor 114 of a user by the system 100, but could be done using cable or other terrestrial techniques. When a viewer watches a specific program on a monitor 114, he is looking at a "viewing channel" comprising video and audio information that is routed on a specific "channel" to the monitor 114. For example, when a viewer wants to watch the FOX affiliate local station, knows that the station is associated with a specific channel number on its monitor 114 or IRD 112, for example, channel 11. When it programs or otherwise instructs the monitor 114 or IRD 112 to tune the channel 11, the monitor 114 or IRD 112 manipulates the electronics to capture and display the video information associated with that command from the downlink 120 of the satellite, or from another source such as a cable input 122 coaxial (cable TV) or terrestrial broadcast frequencies to present that information on the monitor 114. The information of the "display channel" is typically the information that is presented when a viewer selects a given "channel" on the monitor 114 or IRD 112. The present invention provides additional display channels that they comprise multiple video feeds that can normally be presented to a viewer in separate viewing channels, as well as presenting the unique video information that is associated with one or more of the video streams that provide the additional information to the viewer. The present invention also allows a viewer to select several video and audio presentation portions based on the commands sent by the viewer, typically by remote control, to select the desired video and audio that is presented. This presentation is typically referred to as an "interactive channel," an "interactive matrix channel," or an "interactive tile channel" therein.

Within the interactive mosaic channel, the viewer is provided with various options of other viewing channels to view, either simultaneously as in a matrix display, or the viewer can choose one of the matrix display channels directly from the interactive tile channel . There may be more than one interactive channel as described above, and, as such, each of the interactive channels may have a thematic center, genre, or theme. For example, interactive channels may comprise a group of related channels, such as a group of viewing channels that provide news programming, a second group of viewing channels that provide sports programming, a group of channels that provide programming for children. , a group of channels that provide home shopping programming, or a group of channels that are selected by the user. Other groups can be presented, for example, all the affiliated channels of the local network, special groups such as a group of channels that provide specific programming of foreign language, preview channels of payment by event, programming for adults, etc. The present invention is not limited based on the array of matrix channels for understanding the interactive tile channel.

The interactive tiling channel can be reached in a manner similar to the other display channels available for viewing on the monitor 114; the interactive tiling channel can be selected from the programming guide, the interactive tiling channel number can be entered directly into the remote control, or the interactive tiling channel can be found when the user is "navigating the channels" or using the button "next channel higher or lower" on the remote control or directly on monitor 114 or IRD 112.

Interactive Mosaic Channel Visualization Diagram FIGURE 2A illustrates a typical matrix with a generic video feed according to the present invention. The interactive tile channel 200 is shown as being displayed on the monitor 114. Within the interactive tile channel 200, there is a number of video cells 202A-202F and a text box 204, also referred to as Screen Display 204 (OSD) ). Optionally, the interactive tile channel 200 further comprises a separate video cell 206, also called "poster cell" 206, a video 208 in the background, and a control bar 210. The number of video cells 202A-F can change based on the number of desired video cells 200A-F. As the number of video cells 202A-F increases, of course, there must be a reduction in the size of the video cells 202A-F to ensure that the video cells are differentiated on the monitor 114. As the number of cells decreases 202A-F of video, the size of the video cells 202A-F may increase, since there is more space available on the monitor 114 to display the video cells 202A-F. In addition, the placement of the video cells 200A-F, the poster cell 206, the text box 204, and the blinking indicator 210 are not limited to the positions on the monitor 114 as shown in FIGURE 2A. These elements can be displayed anywhere on the monitor 114 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Since there are multiple video feeds and the video cell 202A-F and the poster cell 206 that are presented, each video cell 202A-F and the poster cell 206, as well as video 208 in the background and possibly the indicator intermittent 210 dynamic, have associated portions of audio that can be reproduced. The presentation of more than one audio stream can be confusing; as such, it is typical that only one audio stream of information is presented at a given time. However, each of the video feeds also may have subtitled information associated with them, and the selection of a subtitled presentation, instead of an audio presentation, may be performed as described herein.

Video Cells The 200A-F video cells each contain a separate display channel of programming. So for example, in an interactive mosaic channel that focuses on news programming, cell 1 could contain the video programming associated with the Fox News Channel visualization channel, cell 2 could contain the programming of video associated with the CNN display channel, cell 3 could contain the video schedule associated with the Headline News news viewing channel, cell 4 could contain the video schedule associated with the MSNBC display channel, the cell 5 could contain the video programming associated with the Channel of Time display channel, and cell 6 could contain the video programming associated with the C-SPAN display channel. The placement and content of video programming for each 200A-F video cell may depend on a variety of factors, such as the percentages of Nielsen viewers for a channel Given, if a given channel is available in a programming package of a specific viewer, the display channel number (from the lowest to the highest or the highest to the lowest) or can be decided or changed based on the programming that it is present in one or more of the display channels available for the interactive tiling channel. For example, and not by limitation, an important vote on the floor of the Senate may take place, and a decision may be made to change the placement of the C-SPAN from the 200F video cell to the 200A video cell for a period of time . Changes in the presentation for interactive tile channel 200 are discussed in the following. Within each of the video cells 202A-F is a channel identification frame 212 (ID). Typically, channel ID box 212 indicates to the viewer the nickname or name that is associated with the video feed shown in that respective video cell 200A-F, and the display channel number associated with the video feed. video shown in that respective 200A-F video cell. For example and not by limitation, in video cell 202A, which as described above, is showing the video feed for ESPN, channel ID box 212 may indicate "ESPN" as well as, optionally, a channel number, for example, "206" to indicate to the viewer that the video feed shown in the video cell 202A is that of ESPN, and that the viewer is accustomed to watching this full screen video programming 114 on the viewing channel 206 . Other information may also appear in channel ID box 212, such as an indication that the video feed that is being presented in the associated video cell 202A-F is a "user preferred" channel, box 212 of Channel ID may be presented in a different color or video texture to indicate that the video feed that is being presented in the associated video cell 202A-F is a channel that displays programming that adults may wish to prevent their children from seeing or It has subtitles available, etc. Many possibilities are available within the scope of the present invention to present various types of video information within channel ID box 212 for selection and viewing benefit. Channel ID box 212 may also appear without a video cell 202A-F for those video feeds that have channels blocked by parental control, or otherwise not available to a specific viewer due to the viewer's programming package or for other reasons.

Text Box Text box 204 contains textual information that is useful to the viewer, and this information may change depending on the viewer's selection of interactive services as described herein. For example, the text box 204 may contain a generic statement about the genre of the interactive tile channel 200, or statements directed to a selected video cell 202A-F or information related to the channel ID box 212 to describe a channel. user the meaning of the information presented in the channel ID box 212 or other information related to the video cell 202A-F and the channel ID box 212. The text box can also be displayed to present additional information to the viewer that not everything fits into text box 204 at any given time. There may also be default text associated with each interactive tile channel 200, and, depending on the capabilities of the IRD 112, each time the interactive tile channel 200 is tuned, a descriptive text will be displayed by default in text box 204 .

Poster Cell Poster cell 206 is a presentation of video data that can be related to video cells 202A-F that are present in interactive tile channel 200. For those interactive tile channels 200 having the optional poster cell 206, the poster cell 206 may use audio or video signals to direct the user to one of the video cells 202A-F for more information on a given subject, or to provide a description of the information presented within the video cells 202A-F. For example, the audio and video associated with the poster cell 206 in a news format may be a series of levels that are being covered in more depth in the display channels that are displayed in the video cells 202A-F, and the audio and video of the poster cell 206 may then instruct the viewer to tune the IRD 112 or the monitor 114 to a specific video cell 202A-F for more information on that subject. Poster cell 206 may also be used to provide a description of the news levels, either those presented in video cells 202A-F or other news interest levels, without directing the viewer to one of the video presentations. which are discussed in the video feeds shown in cells 202A-F of video . The poster cell 206 can present the audio and video information that is not available in any other display channel that is accessible to the IRD 112 or the monitor 114, except within the poster cell 206 of the interactive tile channel 200. When the poster cell 206 presents audio and video information that is not present in any other display channel accessible to the IRD 112 or the monitor 114, then the poster cell 206 does not have an associated channel ID box 212.

Background Video The vide, or 208 in the background is typically a scenario for the interactive mosaic channel 200. The video 208 in the background can be related to the genre of the interactive tile channel 200; for example, in a news environment, video 208 in the background can be related to a main level of news, the building of the stock exchange, a prominent building of the government, etc. Video 208 in the background can be changed or it can be a dynamic video depending on the preferences of the editorial team's preferences or the preferences of the viewer. In addition, video 208 in the background may be a logo or other indicator of the source of the interactive mosaic channel 200, such as DIRECTV.

Channel Nickname Interactive tile channel 200 may also comprise a channel nickname 218, which indicates the name of interactive tile channel to a viewer. For example, as indicated in FIGURE 2A, Interactive Mosaic Channel 200 has a nickname 218 of the "Sports Mix" channel but this may also be a coverage related to events for specific events such as the Olympic Games, the National League of American Football, or other nicknames 218 of gender.

Interactive Features FIGURE 2B illustrates a remote control used in the present invention. Typically, IRD 112 and monitor 114 are controlled by a remote control device 224, which allows viewers a convenient way to control audio volume, channel selection, and other viewing features and features from a distance away. of the IRD 112 and / or the monitor 114. Each video cell 202A-F has an associated channel ID frame 212, and one of the video cells, the cell 202D, has a cursor 220 surrounding that specific video cell 202 and, optionally, channel ID box 212. This indicates that the video cell 202 specifies and the channel ID 212 have been selected by the viewer. The cursor 220 is typically controlled by the buttons 226-232, but can be controlled by other buttons on the remote control 224 if desired. By selecting a given video cell 202A-F, the viewer is selecting a specific characteristic associated with that given video cell 202A-F, or the associated video feed used to generate that video cell 202A-F. In most cases, when the viewer selects a given video cell 202, the portion of audio associated with the selected video cell 202 will be presented to the viewer, rather than the audio portion associated with the poster cell 206 or a generic audio signal that is associated with the interactive tile channel 200. In addition, the selection of a video cell 202A-F given with the cursor 220 can also select a subtitled data stream associated with the selected video cell 202, depending on the availability of such data stream and / or other settings that a viewer has selected. The cursor 220 can be moved to any of the video cells 202A-F, and optionally, can be moved to select the frame 204 of text or control bar 210. When the cursor 220 is moved to a given video cell 202A-F by buttons 226-232, the text box 204 may also experience a change in information. Typically, when the video cell 202A-F is selected by the viewer, indicated by the presence of the cursor 220, the text box 204 will present the information in the Advanced Programming Guide (APG) that is associated with the selected display channel. by the cursor 220. The APG typically includes information about the show or "show" that is currently being presented by the display channel shown in video cell 202A-F, as well as the time when the show and the show are aired. next show that airs on that viewing channel. Other information, in the APG or external to the APG, may also be displayed in the text box 204 when the cursor is moved to a given video cell 202A-F. As such, the viewer can "interact" with the interactive tile channel 200 and decide which audio track to listen to, discover a dialogue line of each of the shows that are presented in the various video cells 202, discover what will be in the air afterwards in the various visualization channels that are presented in video cells 202, or listen to the audio generic of the poster cell 206 or associated with the same interactive tile channel 200 while the video presentations are viewed variably in the video cells 202. If a specific video cell 202 presents the video information that is of interest to a viewer, then the viewer can move the cursor 220, by a remote control command, to a given video cell 202, and listen to the audio associated with it. that video cell 202 and discover more about that viewing channel in text box 204. If the viewer decides that the selected video cell 202 is of much interest, the viewer can then tune directly to the selected video cell 202, that is, it directly tunes that visualization channel that is providing the video and audio used to create the video cell 202, by pressing a single button on the remote control (typically the "select" button on a DIRECTV remote control) . This will tune the IRD 112 or monitor 114 into that viewing channel, which will then be displayed on the full screen to the viewer as in a normal television monitor 114 display format. Poster cell 206, since it typically contains audio and video information that is not found on any display channel other than of the interactive tile channel 200, typically can not be selected for full-screen viewing by the viewer on the monitor 11. However, the poster cell 206 can be selected for the display of the entire monitor 114, or at least a sufficient portion of the monitor 114 to allow changes in the video cells 202 as described in the following, to allow changes in the channel 200 of interactive mosaic in almost real time.

Control Bar Control Bar 210 (also called Attraction Icon or Attraction Icon Bar). The control bar 210 allows instant on-screen access to various data sources that allow the viewer to access the data related to what is being displayed in the video cells 202A-F. Those IRD 112 that have interactive capabilities have special buttons that correspond to the icons that appear in the control bar 210. Each icon / button directs the viewer to a different screen, such as the medal count, the North American team, Olympic TV coverage, event results, performance of individual athlete or team, etc. Each screen may have sub-screens that additionally allow related data to be viewed or analyzed by the other viewer For example, and not by limitation, one of the buttons of the remote control 224, for example, the button "red" 234, indicated by the text and / or graphic 214, can take the viewer to the Countdown of Medals page, where Viewers can access the list of pages or the other audio / video presentation list of a last-minute medal count for each country that is participating, or at least each country that has won a medal. When a viewer fully displays the list, the cursor will highlight an individual country, and, when that country is selected, a subpage will appear on monitor 114, which lists the events of the medal winners for the selected country. Similarly, a "results" page can be accessed by pressing a different button on remote control 224, for example, button 236"green", where viewers can have access to last-minute counts of current events, as well as finished events. This list can be classified by day, where the current day can be the default page, but viewers can go back in time to see previous days if they wish. In addition, a viewer can click on an "events" icon which can be accessed from the Control Bar or from the Results page allows access to a program of all Olympic events, the program can be searched by day or by event. Thus, if a viewer is interested in all small sled (or sled) events, a viewer can search for these events, find which channels are showing these events, and use the other features of IRD 112 to provide reminders to the viewer that these events are in progress, automatically tune these events if the viewer is watching another channel when these events are showing, or record these events to observe them at a more convenient time. The events page can also indicate if the event has already happened, in this case, the events page can show a list of results, or in the future, in which case, the day and time for the occurrence of the event and / or the programming can be displayed to the viewer. A TV show of the event can also be accessed by pressing another button on remote control 224, for example, button 238"blue", indicated by graphic 216, which provides viewers with a televised program of events presented. This can also be searched by day, by the network, or by specific event. In addition, another button on the remote control 224, for example, the "yellow" button 240, indicated by the graphic 222, may carry the selected video cell 202A-F, to a full-screen position, or to another position such as an envelope-L position, by pressing the indicated button on the remote control. When a viewer arrives at a given interactive tile channel 200, the position of the cursor 220 may bypass the poster cell 206, a given video cell 202A-F, the text frame 204, or by default not be present in any way . The viewer may have to press a button on the remote control to activate the cursor 220. Typically, a viewer moves the cursor 220 using the up / down / left / right keys on a remote control associated with the IRD 112, although other methods they can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, if the IRD 112 is not enabled for any or sufficient interactive services, the functions of the cursor 220 and the buttons 234-240 can be disabled, either completely or partially, depending on the capabilities of the IRD 112. Other buttons other than the buttons 226-240 shown can be used to perform similar functions or interactions with the IRD 112 and / or the monitor 114 without departing from the scope of the present invention. There may also be the ability to record the interactive tile channel 200 which will allow a viewer to record what would be several channels of display as a single display channel, ie, the engraved interactive mosaic channel 200. However, a recorded version of the interactive tile channel 200 may act differently than a live feed interactive tile channel 200, because the functions of the cursor 220 may no longer be consistent with a recorded version of that information. video. For example, the selection of a video cell 202A-F, in live feed version, would tune the IRD 112 to the channel number associated with that video cell 202. When it is a recorded version, the selection of that video cell can not tune the IRD 112 to the channel number, but it can probably present that video information recorded in a full monitor format 114, with possible degradation of image quality. The ability to store interactive tile channel 200 may also be selectively disabled if desired.

Specific Characteristics of Event Mixing Channel FIGURE 3 illustrates another six-cell matrix with a generic video feed according to the present invention. During certain times of the year, or, in the case of the Olympics or other special events, a given channel of mosaic 200 can be scheduled to offer presentations or of features that differ from other video presentations of channel 200 of mosaic. For example, during the coverage of the Olympic Games, a 200-channel Sport Mix tile can offer special Olympics features, which include previews of events and crucial interviews with top athletes in the United States, anyone in cell 206 of the poster or in one or more of the 200A-F video cells. In addition, the IRDs 112 that also include DVR capabilities can opt to be included to receive a more in-depth coverage of Olympic features, which include advancements of events and crucial interviews with major US Olympic prospects, as well as personal interviews. Many of these audio / video presentations can be exclusive to the mosaic channel 200, and, as such, provide unique programming within the system 100 that is not available on broadcast television. By tuning into such a tiling channel 200, viewers can quickly see and navigate throughout the special event, for example, Olympic Games, coverage from a "local" channel on their television. In addition, there may be additional programming, for example, Olympics Culminating Moments packages, previews and highlights of the day's highlights, and the summary It shows specific events such as figure skating, which can be presented on channel 200 of mosaic. Poster cell 206 can air Olympic Preliminary Progress Segments, typically with a run time of two minutes per segment, with a number of segments running in a program. These segments can be interleaved with another poster cell 206 and video clips to create a custom poster cell 206 that changes when the events that are about to be displayed in other video cells 202A-F are about to be placed at the air. For example, and not by limitation, poster cell 206 can run a segment on a leading North American figure skating prospect, and a video segment on all major figure skating participants from around the world, which will subsequently compete on the same afternoon, such programming will be observed in one of the video cells 202A-F. After the competition is over, the poster cell 206 can probably run a different segment on a different sport, or run a pack of highlights on the figure skating competition, rather than a previous preview of the competition after it finishes. the competition Network Coverage During non-network coverage of the Olympics, when other non-broadcast networks are offering Olympic coverage, the other networks are placed in the 202A-F video cells of channel 200 of mosaic. Thus, for example, cell 202E, which in ordinary form can be the Golf Channel, can be replaced with USA Network during the USA Network Olympic Coverage. However, when there is a network coverage (NBC) of the Olympics, instead of displaying the network coverage in cell 202 A, a video fragment of previous advances for network coverage can be executed in video cell 202A of the 200 mixing channel. If desired, the poster cell may be removed or obscured during the Olympics network coverage. If cell 202A is selected when the repetitive sequence is being executed, the IRD 112 is tuned to the affiliate channel of the local network that is running the Olympics. When the repetitive video stream is running in video cell 202A, the description of the program that is in text box 208 is updated from a source outside the Automated Programming Guide, typically from a local affiliate, or an affiliate of the east coast or an affiliate of the west coast of the network that puts the event on the air. Cell 202A of video that is showing the repetitive sequence can also receive a nickname or title in the ID box 212 differently from the other video cells that are showing the channel number. For example, and not by limitation, the nickname in ID frame 212 associated with video cell 202A may change to "NBC Olympics" instead of "NBC" in video cell 202A, as shown in FIGURE 3 .

Channel Tuning Behavior When cell 202A is executing the repetitive sequence of advance video of the Olympiad, and cell 202A is selected by a user, IRD 112, by software and / or hardware, 1 is tuned to the affiliate of local broadcasting because the appropriate affiliated local station number has been programmed in IRD 112 during the establishment of the mixing channel. Depending on the viewer's time zone, direct tuning to the local network affiliate may or may not result in viewing of Olympic coverage. For example, and not by limitation, coverage of the Olympic event may occur between 8 and 11 p.m. regardless of what time zone a viewer is in. So, if it's 9 p.m. in the Eastern time zone, all the mixing channels will have the execution of the repetitive video sequence to show previous progress of the upcoming events of today that are running in cell 1, but when a viewer in the pacific time zone attempts direct tuning in their local affiliate, it will not show Olympic coverage; will show any program that is currently displayed in the local affiliate of the Pacific Time Zone. As such, the present invention allows a single mixing channel to be programmed differently based on the time zone. The present invention also comprises an interactive application that allows for last-minute features such as medal counting, updates on the North American Team, and all television programming for the Olympics.

Monitor Visualizations FIGURE 4 illustrates a monitor display of a typical six cell array with a generic video feed according to the present invention. FIGURE 4 shows a typical display 400 of a mosaic channel 200, with the cursor 220 in the video cell 202A. FIGURE 5 illustrates a typical monitor display after the selection of a specific video cell according to the present invention. As described with respect to FIGURE 3, when the video cell 202A is selected by the viewer (by the cursor 220) while the repetitive Olympic video sequence is being played, the IRD 112 is able to tune directly to the local broadcasting affiliate. However, instead of assuming what the case is, given the difference in time zone, it may result in viewing something different from the Olympic coverage. Text box 204 may indicate that other programming is available in the network affiliate, and, as such, question 500 allows a user to continue in direct tuning in the network affiliate or cancels the request. FIGURE 6, FIGURE 7, and FIGURE 8 illustrate typical displays on the monitor after the selection of an icon on the screen according to the present invention. As described with respect to FIGURE 2A, when the graph 214 is selected, or, alternatively, when a specific button is selected on the remote control of the IRD 112, the monitor 114 displays a secondary display 600, comprising additional data that is relate to one or more video cells 202A-F of channel 200 of mosaic. For example, as shown in FIGURE 6, a count of medals by country is available for viewers within the system 100 to allow them to see what countries have won which types of medals, which country is in the lead in terms of medals won, etc. The cursor 220 can be used to highlight a specific country, and another screen is displayed, which indicates which events won which country, which athletes, winning time for a given event, etc. In addition, the drop-down bar 602, which can be operated by the channel arrows or other buttons on the remote control for IRD 112, can display all the inputs, for example, countries, which are part of the secondary screen 600. FIGURE 7 illustrates the secondary display 700, which provides a focus on a specific equipment, for example, the North American Team, which is competing in the event. Characteristics about individual athletes, the in-depth coverage of the team as a whole or segments of the team, for example, alpine skiing, figure skating, jockey, etc., can be selected on the secondary screens by cursor 702 to provide more in-depth coverage for each of the topics presented. FIGURE 8 illustrates the secondary screen 800, which is the television coverage for the event. A cursor 802 is used to select individual television coverage, and text box 804 is used to describe the scheduled programming for the event outstanding. Several days of programming can be seen for the coverage of the event, instead of viewing all the channels through the APG, each channel 200 of mosaic can have a television guide to indicate to the viewers the current and next programming options by the channel 200 mosaic, or per event, for example, Olympic coverage. Text box 804 provides an in-depth report of the selected program. Although this may come from the APG, such a report may also come from outside the APG system, and typically includes information specific to the events shown in that program. For example, and not by limitation, text box 804 for an alpine skiing event may have information about favorites in the event, past winners, skiers to watch, or other additional information, which is not typically present in the APG information. . In addition, external reports can provide more timely updates to the event schedule as the previous portions of the event are completed, for example the compulsory programs in figure skating, jockey play, etc.

Programming and Data Sources FIGURE 9 illustrates typical sources of programming and data that are used within the present invention. Typically, before the uplink facility 118 generates the uplink signal 116, the input head 900 receives the inputs from various sources, comprising statistical data 902, live programming 904, network programming 906, programming 908 produced by the provider, 910 repetitive sequences of special video programs, and 912 data service entries. Statistical data 902 can be displayed anywhere on monitor 114 based on the wishes of the program director and / or other personnel. Each of the sources 902-912 is used in various ways to create the interactive matrix channel 200. For example, and not by limitation, statistical data 902 can be generated by staff in a broadcast facility that receives the raw video feeds of a given event such as the Olympics. The raw video feed may or may not be used to generate the live programming 904, the network programming 906, or any other source used by the uplink facility 118. When an event ends, and the results are concluded, an operator can enter the winners and times into a database which is then loaded onto the 102-106 satellites through the uplink signal 116, which allows access to those portions of secondary screens shown in FIGURE 6, FIGURE 7, and FIGURE 8 that require updating. Thus, when a given athlete receives a medal in an event, not only the entry of the athlete's country of origin is updated with an additional medal as shown in FIGURE 6, but the nested pages for that country are updated with the name of the athlete. athlete, event, winning time if applicable, and other statistical data associated with that medal win. In addition, FIGURE 7 can be updated as well as the nested pages associated with FIGURE 7, as a more in-depth report. Even if the athlete did not win, but perhaps did something more meaningful, that data can be sent to the appropriate nested page or homepage that is accessible through the interactive matrix 200 channel. Other individualized sources, eg, statistical data 902, programming 908 produced by provider, repetitive sequences 910 of the special video program, and data service entries 912 can be used to complete tables 204, 702, and 804 of text, as well as as other portions of the interactive matrix channel 200, as desired by the service provider.

Conclusion The present invention comprises an interactive matrix video channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time. An interactive matrix video channel according to the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, and a control bar; wherein a command displayed in the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds. Such a channel also includes a control bar, a command displayed in the control bar that selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of feeds. of individual video, a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, the selection of a video cell of the plurality of video cells creates a new condition that is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises information related to the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor, a poster cell that presents additional audio and video information can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, the genre is a specific event, and the specific event is selected from the group of a group comprising the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League. A system for providing at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time according to the present invention comprises at least one uplink facility; at least one satellite, which receives at least one uplink signal from at least one uplink facility; at least one receiver, which receives at least one downlink signal from at least one satellite, at least one downlink signal related to at least one uplink signal, at least one receiver coupled to the video monitor, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells displaying at least the video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box, displayed on the video monitor; where the statistical data are displayed on the video monitor, the statistical data generated from outside the interactive matrix video channel. Such a system also optionally comprises statistical data that is displayed within at least one group comprising the plurality of video cells, and the text box, a control bar, displayed on the video monitor, a command displayed on the bar of control selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, wherein the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, and the selection of a video cell of the plurality of video cells creates a new condition that is displayed on the monitor, the new condition comprises information related to the selected video cell, a poster cell which presents additional audio and video information that can be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender, gender it is a specific event, and the specific event is selected from the group of a group that includes the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a games program of the National Football League.

Another system for displaying at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time according to the present invention comprises a transmitter, the transmitter transmits the channel interactive matrix, and a receiver coupled to the video monitor and receiving the interactive matrix channel transmitted from the transmitter, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells presenting at least the video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box, displayed on the video monitor, where the statistical data is displayed on the video monitor, the statistical data generated from outside the interactive matrix video channel. The above description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact described form. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the previous teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention is not limited by this detailed description.

Claims (20)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property.
2. CLAIMS 1. An interactive matrix channel presented on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given moment, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of video cells that present at least video information, each cell of video associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box; wherein statistical data are displayed within at least one of the group containing the plurality of video cells and the text box, the statistical data generated from outside the interactive matrix video channel. 2. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a control bar displayed on the monitor.
3. 3. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 2, characterized in that a command displayed in the control bar selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds.
4. 4. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 3, further characterized in that it comprises a cursor, wherein, when the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, the selection of a video cell of the plurality of cells of video creates a new condition that is displayed on the monitor.
5. 5. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 4, characterized in that the new condition comprises information related to the selected video cell that is presented by the monitor.
6. 6. The interactive matrix video channel according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a poster cell that presents additional video and audio information that can be selected by the cursor.
7. 7. The interactive matrix channel according to claim 6, characterized in that the plurality of video cells is grouped by gender.
8. 8. The interactive matrix channel according to claim 7, characterized in that the genre is a specific event.
9. 9. The interactive matrix channel according to claim 8, characterized in that the specific event is selected from the group comprising the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League. A system for providing at least one interactive matrix video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time, characterized in that it comprises: at least one uplink facility; at least one satellite, which receives at least one uplink signal from at least one uplink facility; at least one receiver, which receives at least one downlink signal from at least one satellite, at least one downlink signal related to at least one uplink signal, at least one receiver coupled to the video monitor, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells presenting at least the video information, each video cell related to one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box, displayed on the video monitor; where the statistical data are displayed on the video monitor, the statistical data generated from outside the interactive matrix video channel. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the statistical data is displayed within at least one group comprising the plurality of video cells and the text box. 12. The system according to claim 11, further characterized by comprising a control bar, displayed on the video monitor. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that a command displayed in the control bar selects a screen for viewing on the monitor, the screen comprises information related to at least one of the video cells associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds. The system according to claim 13, further characterized in that it comprises a cursor, wherein the cursor selects one of the plurality of video cells, the selection of a video cell of the plurality of video cells creates a new condition that is displayed on the monitor. 15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the new condition comprises information related to the selected video cell. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that a poster cell presenting additional audio and video information can be selected by the cursor. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the plurality of video cells are grouped by gender. 18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the genus is a specific event. 19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that the specific event is selected from the group of a group comprising the Olympic Games, an NCAA basketball tournament, and a game program of the National Football League. 20. A system for deploying at least one interactive matrix video channel deployed in a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds that are presented at a given time, characterized in that it comprises: a transmitter, the transmitter transmits the interactive matrix channel, and a receiver coupled to the video monitor and that receives the interactive matrix channel transmitted from the transmitter, wherein the monitor displays a plurality of video cells displaying at least the video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, and a text box, displayed in the video monitor, where the statistical data are displayed on the video monitor, the statistical data generated from outside the interactive matrix video channel.