MXPA01006929A - Method and interface for incorporating program informationinto an electronic message - Google Patents

Abstract

An interface and a method for incorporating program information into an electronic message are provided. According to the method, a menu of programs is generated by displaying program identifiers on a display device. At least one of the program identifiers representing a program of interest is selected. An electronic message display is generated with program text indicative of that program incorporated into a message portion of the electronic message display. The message portion is sent by electronic message to a recipient, with the program text in the message portion. Preferably, selection of the program text by a recipient of the electronic message causes the respective program to be implemented or causes certain choices on how to implement the program to be presented to the recipient.

Description

METHOD AND INTERFACE TO INCORPORATE INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS WITHIN AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a method and interface for incorporating information about programs into an electronic message, and for receiving that program information by means of an electronic message and / or implementing, based on information about programs. received, a corresponding program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic devices such as televisions and personal computers (PC) require a control system that includes a user interface system. Typically, a user interface provides information to a user, and simplifies the use of the device. An example of a user interface is an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) in a television system. An EPG is an interactive, on-screen visual display feature that visually displays analog information to TV listings found in newspapers or other local print media. In addition, an EPG also includes the information necessary to collate and decode programs. An EPG provides information about each program within the time frames covered by the EPG, which typically varies from the next hour up to seven days. The information contained in an EPG includes programming features such as channel number, program title, start time, end time, elapsed time, time remaining, classification (if available), topic, topic, and a brief description of the program. content of the program. The EPGs are usually configured in a two-dimensional table or grid format, with the time information on one axis, and the channel information on the other axis. Unlike the non-interactive guides that reside in a dedicated channel and simply scroll through the current programming in the other channels, usually showing only the programs that start within the next 2 to 3 hours, the EPGs allow the viewers select any channel at any time, for some period in the future, for example, up to seven days ahead. Other features of the EPG include the ability to highlight individual cells in the grid that contains information about programs. Once it is highlighted, the viewer can perform functions related to that selected program. For example, the viewer can immediately switch to that program if it is being broadcast on the air at that time. Viewers can also schedule a one-touch video cartridge recording (VCR) or similar, if the television is properly configured and connected to a recording device. These EPGs are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,353,121; 5,479,268; and 5,479,266 issued to Young et al., and assigned to StarSight Telecast, Inc. In addition, U.S. Patent Number 5,515,106, issued to Chaney et cetera, and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention, describes in detail a copy that includes the data packet structure needed to implement an exemplary program guide system. The structure of exemplary data packets is designed in such a way that both the information about the channel (eg, channel name, identification letters of a transmitting station, channel number, type, etc.), and the program information ( for example, title, classification, star, etc.), related to a program can be transmitted from a program guide database distributor to a subscriber receiving device, in an efficient manner. User interfaces such as EPGs can be applied to analog and digital television systems, and to other electronic devices such as personal computers. As electronic devices become increasingly complexWith a multitude of features, the need for a robust and user-friendly user interface becomes much more important. For example, separate electronic systems having respective interfaces for controlling characteristics of each system are now being combined in a single system that requires a single user interface. A specific example is the so-called PCTV that includes features of both a personal computer and a television. The user interface system for that device must provide both clear communication of the information related to the computer and the television, and provide simple control of features related to both the computer and the television.

Typically, however, computer-related programs and operations are implemented independently of television programs and operations. For example, when the user chooses to compose, read and / or send an electronic message such as an electronic mail or file, this is done independently of any tuning, recording, and / or reproduction of audio, video, or television programs. In the same way, the programming, tuning, recording and / or reproduction of audio, video or television, are made independently of any information contained in the electronic message. Although programming information can be typed manually in an electronic message, this requires the sender to manually insert, within the electronic message, sufficient tuning information to enable the receiver to receive the target program. Then the receiver must actually read that program information and tune his television, audio recording device, receiver and / or audio recorder, or the like, to the relevant program for the implementation of the program. The term "implementation" includes, for example, _ visually displaying, audibly broadcasting, reproducing, recording, and the like. If the receiver wrongly transcribes or forgets the information in the electronic message, the wrong program can be implemented. In the same way, if the sender of the electronic message mistakenly reads a part of the programming information when typing this information into the electronic message (for example, the incorrect time, the incorrect channel number, etc.), or if the sender you make a typo, then the receiver can implement the wrong program, or you can try to implement the program at the wrong time. This can be especially problematic if the receiver tries to implement the program after it has gone on the air. The broadcaster can also inadvertently leave out an important part of the programming information, such as the broadcast time, the channel, and so on. The potential for errors and poor communication when sending and receiving information about programming, however, is not the only problem associated with these conventional techniques. Another problem is the lack of convenience. It is convenient that the issuer manually type the information about the programming in the electronic message. It is also convenient for the receiver to read the entire compilation of information about the program, and then manually implement the object program. Notably, reading that information can break the receiver's concentration on the subject matter of the writing. In this regard, when information about programming is not concise, it tends to distract the reader. Consequently, there is a need in the art for a convenient way to incorporate programming information into an electronic message from an interactive interface of an audio, video or audiovisual device, without having to manually type all the information about the required programming inside. of the electronic message. There is also a need in a convenient way to implement a program that is referenced 'in an electronic message, without having to manually read or transcribe all the information about the program, which is needed to implement the program.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes at least one of the problems and / or needs mentioned above, by providing a convenient way to incorporate within an electronic message, programming information from an interactive interface of an audio device, video or audiovisual, without having to manually type all the information about programming required within the electronic message. The present invention also provides a convenient way to electronically link information about programs, with the content of an electronic message, when the electronic message is composed or sent, when the electronic message is received, or both when it is sent and when the electronic message is received. Furthermore, the present invention provides a convenient way to implement a program referenced in an electronic message, without having to manually read or transcribe or memorize all the information about the program that is needed to implement the program. Therefore, a method is described, comprising the steps of generating a menu of programs by means of visually displaying program identifiers in a visual display device, selecting at least one of the program identifiers that is associated with a program of interest, generate a visual display of electronic message, with text of the program indicative of the program of interest incorporated within a portion of the message of the visual display of the electronic message, and send the portion of the message, by means of the electronic message, to a receiver, with the text of the program incorporated within the message portion. The present invention also provides an interface for incorporating information about programs into an electronic message. The interface comprises an electronically generated program menu, a program selector, a visual display of electronic messages, and an electronic device adapted to send a message portion of an electronic message. The electronically generated menu includes program identifiers that indicate the different programs. The program selector is adapted to select, from the menu, at least one of the program identifiers, which is indicative of a program of interest. The visual display of electronic messages is generated electronically and is based, at least in part, on the selection of the program identifier (s). The visual display of electronic messages includes text of the program that indicates the program of interest. The program text is included in the message portion of the visual display of electronic messages. The electronic device is adapted to send the message portion by electronic message to a receiver, with the program text incorporated within the message portion. The present invention also provides a system for communicating information about programs by means of electronic messages. The system comprises a receiver of electronic messages and an interface. The electronic message receiver is adapted to receive and display incoming electronic messages visually. The interface is capable of incorporating information about programs into an electronic message, and transmitting program information electronically to the recipient of electronic messages. The interface includes an electronically generated program menu, a program selector, a visual display of electronic messages, and an electronic device. The electronically generated menu includes program identifiers that indicate the different programs. The program selector is adapted to select, from the menu, at least one of the program identifiers, which is indicative of a program of interest. The visual display of electronic messages is generated electronically and is based, at least in part, on the selection of the program identifier (s). The visual display of electronic messages includes text of the program that indicates the program of interest. The program text is included in the message portion of the visual display of electronic messages. The electronic device is adapted to send the message portion by electronic message to a receiver in the electronic message receiver, with the program text incorporated within the message portion. The present invention also provides an electronic message receiver for receiving information about programs by means of electronic messages. The electronic message receiver is adapted to receive and visually display message text and program text, by means of the electronic message, and in addition it is adapted to process information about programs that ~ s - transmit together with the message text and the program text. The receiver of electronic messages comprises a selector adapted to select the program text, in response to the activation of the user, to carry out, based on the information on the program, the implementation of a program represented by the program text. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: Figure 1 shows an example of a television system suitable for processing electronic messages, generating an electronic program guide, and incorporating information about programs within an electronic message, in accordance with the present invention . Figure 2 shows an example of a digital video processing apparatus, suitable for processing electronic messages, generating an electronic program guide, and incorporating information about programs within an electronic message, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for incorporating program guide information into an electronic message, in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention. Figure 4 shows an exemplary EPG menu, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a visual display of electronic messages, in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a visual display of alternative electronic messages, in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a visual display of exemplary electronic messages, which is provided to a receiver, in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The term "program text", as used in this description, encompasses not only letters, words and phrases, but also symbols, icons, and the like Figure 1 shows an example of a television system suitable for processing information on program guides and electronic messages, as well as for electronically linking electronic messages with programming information, and programming information with electronic messages, in accordance with the present invention.The television receiver shown in Figure 1 is capable of processing both analog NTSC television signals and information from the Internet The system shown in Figure 1 has a first input 1100 for receiving the RF IN television signal at RF frequencies, and a second input 1102 for receiving the signal from Baseband television VIDEO IN The RF_IN signal can be supplied from a source such as an antenna or a cable system, while the VIDEO IN signal can be supplied, for example, by means of a video cartridge recorder (VCR). The tuner 1105 and the IF 1130 processor operate in a conventional manner to tune and demodulate a particular television signal that is included in the RF_IN signal. The IF 1130 processor produces the VIDEO baseband video signal, which represents the video program portion of the tuned television signal. The IF 1130 processor also produces a baseband audio signal, which is coupled to an audio processing section (not shown in Figure 1) for further audio processing. Although Figure 1 shows input 1102 as a baseband signal, the television receiver may include a second tuner and IF processor, similar to units 1105 and 1130, to produce a second baseband video signal from either the signal RF_IN, or from a second source of RF signal. The system shown in Figure 1 also includes a main microprocessor (mP) 1110, for controlling the components of the television receiver such as the tuner 1105, the image-in-picture processing unit 1140, the signal processor of video 1155, and the StarSight® 1160 data processing module.

As used herein, the term "microprocessor" means different devices that include, but are not limited to, microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers and controllers. The microprocessor 1110 controls the system by means of sending and receiving both commands and data by means of the serial data bus I2-C BUS, which uses the well-known I2C serial data bus protocol. More specifically, the central processing unit (CPU) 1112 within the mP 1110 executes control programs, contained within the memory, such as the EEPROM 1127 shown in Figure 1, in response to commands provided by the user, for example, by means of the IR remote control 1125 and the IR receiver 1122. For example, the activation of a "CHANNEL UP" feature on the remote control 1125 causes the CPU 1112 to send a "change channel" command together with data from the channel, to the tuner 1105 by means of the I2C BUS. As a result, the tuner 1105 tunes to the next channel in the channel scan list. Other examples of the control programs stored in the EEPROM 1127 are the software to implement the operations shown in Figure 3, in accordance with the present invention, as will be described later. The main microprocessor 1110 also controls the operation of a communications interface unit 1113 to provide the ability to upload and download information to and from the Internet. The communication interface unit 1113 includes, for example, a modem for connecting to an Internet service provider, for example, by means of a telephone line, or by means of a cable television line. The communication capability allows the system shown in Figure 1 to provide electronic message capability, and features related to the Internet such as Web browsing, in addition to receiving television programming. The CPU 1112 controls the functions included inside the mP 1110 by means of the bus 1119 inside the mP 1110. In particular, the CPU 1112 controls the auxiliary data processor 1115 and the visual display display (OSD) processor 1117. The auxiliary data processor 1115 extracts auxiliary data such as StarSight® data from the PIPV video signal. The StarSight® data that provides program guide data information in a known format is typically received only on a particular television channel, and the television receiver has to tune that channel to extract the StarSight® data. To prevent the extraction of StarSight® data from interfering with the normal use of the television receiver, the CPU 1112 initiates the extraction of StarSight® data by tuning the particular channel, only for a period of time when the television receiver is usually It is not in use (by _ejmplo, 2:00 AM). At that time, the CPU 1112 configures the decoder 1115 in such a way that auxiliary data from horizontal line ranges, such as line 16, that are used for the StarSight® data is extracted. The CPU 1112 controls the transfer of the StarSight® data extracted from the decoder 1115 by means of the I2-C BUS to the StarSight® 1160 module. A processor internal to the module formats and stores the data in the memory, inside the module. In response to the visual display of the StarSight® EPG that is being activated (for example, a user activating a particular key on the remote 1125), the CPU 1112 transfers the visual display data of StarSight® EPG formatted from the module StarSight® 1160, via the I2-C BUS, to the OSD processor 1117. The OSD processor 1117 operates in a conventional manner to produce R, G, and B OSD_RGB video signals that, when coupled to a visual display device , will produce a visually displayed image representing visual display information on the screen, such as graphics and / or text comprising an EPG. The OSD processor 1117 also produces the control signal FSW which is intended to control a fast switch to insert the OSD_RGB signals into the video output signal of the system, at the moments when a visual display is to be visually displayed. For example, when a user enables an EPG, for example, by activating a particular switch on the remote control 1125, the CPU 1112 enables the processor 1117. In response, the processor 1117 produces the OSD_RGB signals representing the guide data information of programs, previously extracted and already stored in memory, as described above. Processor 1117 also produces the FSW signal that indicates when the EPG is to be deployed. The video signal processor (VSP) 1155 performs conventional video signal processing functions, such as lumen processing and color intensity. The output signals produced by the VSP 1155 are suitable for coupling to a visual display device, for example, a kinescope or LCD device (not shown in Figure 1), to produce a visually displayed image. The VSP 1155 also includes a fast switch for coupling the signals produced by the OSD processor 1117 to the path of the output video signals, at the moments when graphics and / or text are to be included in the visually displayed image. The control signal FSW, generated by the OSD processor 1117 in the main microprocessor 1110 at times when text and / or graphics are to be displayed visually, controls the fast switch. The input signal for the VSP 1155 is the PIPV signal that the image-in-picture (PIP) processor 1140 takes out. When a user activates the PIP mode, the PIPV signal represents a large image (large pix), inside which a small image is inserted (small pix). When the PIP mode is inactive, the PIPV signal simply represents the large pix, that is, no small pix signal is included in the PIPV signal. The PIP processor 1140 provides the described functionality in a conventional manner, using the features included in the unit 1140, such as a video switch, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), RAM, and the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) For a visual display of EPG, the visual display data included in the visual display of EPG is produced by OSD processor 1117, and is included in the output signal by means of VSP 1155, in response to the FSW signal of the fast switch. When the controller 1110 detects the activation of the visual display of EPG, for example, when a user presses an appropriate key on the remote control 1125, the controller 1110 causes the OSD processor 1117 to produce the visual display of EPG, using information such as data. of the StarSight® 1160 module program guide. The 1110 controller causes the VSP 1155 to combine the data from the EPG visual display of the OSD 1117 processor, and the video image signal, in response to the FSW signal, to produce a visual display that includes the EPG. The EPG can occupy all, or only a portion of the visual display area. When the visual display of EPG is active, the controller 1110 executes a control program stored in the EEPROM 1127. The control program monitors the location of a position indicator, such as a cursor and / or highlight, in the visual display of EPG. A user controls the location of the position-indicator using the direction and selection keys of the remote control 1125. Alternatively, the system may include a mouse (mouse) device. The controller 1110 detects the activation of a selection device, such as pressing the mouse button, and evaluates the information on the current location of the cursor, in conjunction with the EPG data that is being displayed visually, to determine the desired function, by example, tuning in to a particular program. The controller 1110 subsequently triggers the control action associated with the selected feature. The processing and visual display of a program guide according to the present invention can be implemented using a combination of software and hardware. For example, referring to Figure 1, the visual display of an EPG can be implemented by means of the software in memory, such as the EEPROM 1127. The activation of an EPG, for example, by a user who presses a button related to the EPG on the remote control 1125 causes the CPU 1112 to execute the EPG software routine. As part of the generation of a visual display of EPG, the CPU 1112 also accesses the data and graphics of the EPG that could be stored in the module of StarSight 1160, by means of the busbar I2C. under control of the EPG software routine stored in the EEPROM 1127, the CPU 1112 enables the OSD processor 1117 that formats the EPG data in a suitable manner to produce an OSD that represents the EPG data and graphics. The OSD data produced by the OSD processor 1117 is coupled to the video signal processor (VSP) 1155 by means of the signal lines OSD_RGB. A fast switch on the VSP 1155 couples the OSD data of the EPG to the output of the VSP 1155, under the control of the FSW signal. That is, the software routine running CPU 1112 determines when the EPG data will be displayed visually (for example, which portion of the visual display) and sets the FSW signal to the appropriate state, to cause the fast switch match the EPG data to the output.

An exemplary embodiment of the system characteristics shown in Figure 1, which has been described so far, comprises an ST9296 microprocessor produced by SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, to provide the features associated with mP 1110; an image-in-picture processor produced by Mitsubishi, to provide the described basic PIP functionality, associated with the PIP 1140 processor; and a video signal processor LA7612 produced by Sanyo, to provide the functions of the VSP 1155. Figure 2 shows another example of an electronic system suitable for processing program guide information, and electronic messages, as well as for electronically linking electronic messages. to programming information, and programming information to electronic messages, in accordance with the present invention. As described below, the system shown in Figure 2 is an MPEG compatible system for receiving transport streams encoded by MPEG, representing broadcast programs, and also capable of processing Internet information, including electronic messages. The system shown in Figure 2 is only exemplary. The user interface systems can also be applied to other types of digital signal processing devices, including non-MPEG compatible systems, which involve other types of coded data streams. For example, other devices include digital video disc (DVD) systems and MPEG program streams, and systems that combine computer and television functions such as the so-called "PCTV". In addition, although the system described below is described as processing broadcast programs, it is only exemplary. The term "program" is used to represent any form of packaged data such as telephone messages, computer programs, Internet data, audio presentations (for example, from a remote source or from a local source), visual presentations, presentations audiovisuals (for example, from a remote source or from a local source), or other communications, for example. In general, in the video receiver system of Figure 2, the antenna 10 receives a carrier modulated with video data, and the processing unit _de._. entry 15 processes it. The demodulator 20 demodulates the resulting digital output signal, and the decoder 30 decodes it. The transport system 25, which responds to the commands from the remote control unit 125, processes the output of the decoder 30. The system 25 provides compressed data outputs for storage, additional decoding, or communications to other devices.

The video and audio decoders 85 and 80 respectively, decode the compressed data of the system 25, to provide outputs for visual display. The data port 75 provides an interface for the communication of the compressed data from the system 25 to other devices, such as a computer or High Definition Television (HDTV) receiver, for example. The storage device 90 stores the compressed data of the system 25, in the storage medium 105. The device 90, in a reproduction mode, also supports the recovery of the compressed data from the storage medium 105, for processing by the system 25, for decoding, communication to other devices, or storage in a different storage medium (not shown to simplify the drawing). Considering Figure 2 in detail, a carrier modulated with the video data received via the antenna 10, is converted to digital form and processed by the input processor 15. The processor 15 includes the radio frequency (RF) tuner , and the intermediate frequency (IF) mixer, and the amplification stages to down-convert the input video signal to a lower frequency band, suitable for additional processing. The demodulator 20 demodulates the resulting digital output signal, and the decoder 30 decodes it. The transport system 25 further processes the output of the decoder 30. The multiplexer (mux) 37 of the service detector 33 is provided by means of the selector 35, either with the output of the decoder 30, or with the output of the decoder 30 processed additionally by a decoding unit 40. The decoding unit 40 may be, for example, a removable unit such as a smart card, in accordance with ISO 7816 and the standards of the NRSS Committee (stands for National Renewable Safety Standards) (The NRSS removable conditional access system is defined in the EIA Draft Document IS-679, Project PN-3639). The selector 25 detects the presence of an insertable, compatible, decoding card, and provides output from the unit 40 to the mux 37, only if the card is currently being inserted in the video receiving unit. Otherwise, the selector 35 provides the output of the decoder 30 to the mux 37. The presence of the insertable card allows the unit 40 to decode additional premium program channels, for example, and provide additional program services to a viewer. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment the NRSS unit 40 and the smart card unit 130 (the smart card unit 130 is described below) share the same interface of the system 25, so that it can only be inserted at the same time Either an NRSS card or a smart card. However, the interfaces can also be separated to allow parallel operation. The data provided to the mux 37 of the selector 35 is in the form of a transport data stream packaged in accordance with MPEG, as defined in the standards section 2.4 of the MPEG systems, and includes program guidance information and the content of the data of one or more program channels. Individual packages that comprise channels of particular programs, are identified by Packet Identifiers (PIDs). The transport stream contains Program Specific Information (PSI) to be used to identify PIDs, and assemble individual data packets, to retrieve the content of all program channels comprising the packet data stream. The transport system 25, under the control of the system controller 115, acquires and collates the program guide information of the incoming transport stream, the storage device 90 or an Internet service provider, by means of the unit. communication interface 116. Individual packages comprising either the particular program channel content, or the Program Guide Information, are identified by means of their Packet Identifiers (PIDs), contained within each header information. As described above, the description of the program may comprise different descriptive fields of the program such as title, star, classification, etc., related to a program. The user interface incorporated in the video receiver shown in Figure 2 enables the user to activate different features by selecting a desired feature from a screen display (OSD) menu. The OSD menu may include an electronic program guide (EPG) as described above, and other features that are described below. The data representing information, which is displayed visually in the OSD menu, is generated by the system controller 115 in response to stored program guide information, stored graphics information, and / or program and graphics guide information, received by means of the input signal (for example, StarSight data) as described above. The software control program may be stored, for example, in the embedded memory (not shown) of the system controller 115. By using the remote control unit 125 (or other selection element such as a mouse) a user may select from the OSD menu, items such as a program to view it, a program to store it, the type of storage media and the way of storage. The system controller 115 uses the selection information, which is provided by means of the remote unit interface 120, to configure the system 25, to select the programs for visual storage and display, and to generate the appropriate PSI for the device and storage medium selected. The controller 115 configures the elements 45, 47, 50, 55, 65 and 95 of the system 25, by means of establishing control register values inside these elements, by means of a data bus, and by means of selecting trajectories of signals by means of the muxes 37 and 110 with the control signal C. In response to the control signal C, the mux 37 selects either the transport current of the unit 35, or in a reproduction mode, a current data recovered from the storage device 90, by means of the storage interface 95. In normal operation, not reproduction, the data packets comprising the program that the user selected to view, are identified by means of their PIDs, by means of the selection unit 45. If a crypto indicator in the header data of the selected program packages indicates that the packets are cryptographed, the unit 45 provides the packets to the decoder unit. 50. Otherwise, the unit 45 provides non-encrypted packets to the transport decoder 55. Similarly, the data packets comprising the programs that the user selected for storage, are identified by means of their PIDs by the unit. selection 47. The unit 47 provides encrypted packets to the descriptor unit 50, or packets not cryptographed to the mux 110, based on the information of the cryptographic indicator of the packet header. The functions of descriptors 40 and 50 can be implemented in a single removable smart card that is compatible with the NRSS standard. This approach places all the related security functions in a removable unit that can be easily replaced if a service provider decides to change the cryptographic technique, or - allowing the security system to be easily changed, for example, to decode a different service . The units 45 and 47 employ P? D detection filters which compare the PIDs of the incoming packets provided by the mux 37, with the PID values previously loaded in the control registers inside the units 45 and 47, by means of the controller 115. Previously loaded PIDs are used in units 45 and 47 to identify the data packets to be stored, and the data packets to be decoded to be used to provide a video image. The previously loaded PIDs are stored in search tables in units 45 and 47. The PID search tables are mapped by memory to the cryptographic key tables in units 45 and 47, which associate the cryptographic keys with each loaded PID previously. The memory-mapped PID and the cryptographic key search tables allow the units 45 and 47 to compare the cryptographic packages containing a previously loaded PID, with the associated cryptographic keys that allow their descriptography. Non-cryptographic packages do not have associated cryptographic keys. Units 45 and 47 provide both identified packets and their cryptographic keys associated with the descriptor 50. The PID lookup table in unit 45 is also mapped by memory to a destination table that compares packets containing previously loaded PIDs, with locations of corresponding destination buffer zones in the packet buffer zone 60. The cryptographic keys and the location addresses of the destination buffer zone, associated with the program selected by a user to view it or store it, they are previously loaded inside the units 45 and 47, together with the PIDs assigned by the controller 115. The cryptographic keys are generated by the smart card system 130 according to ISO 7816-3, based on the codes extracted from the input data stream. The generation of the cryptographic keys is subjected to the titration of the client determined from the information encoded in the input data stream and / or previously stored in the insertable smart card itself (the International Standards Organization, document ISO 7816- 3 of 1989 defines the interface and signal structures for a smart card system). The packets provided by the units 45 and, 47 to the unit 50 are cryptographed using cryptographic techniques such as the Data Cryptography Standard (DES) defined in Publications 46, 74 and 81 of the Federal Information Standards (FIPS), provided by the National Technical Information Service, Department of Commerce. The unit 50 describes the cryptographic packages using the corresponding cryptographic keys provided by the units 45 and 47, by applying appropriate descriptography techniques for the selected cryptographic algorithm. The descriptographed packets of the unit 50, and the non-cryptographic packets of the unit 45 comprising the program for visual display, are provided to the decoder 55. The descriptographed packets of the unit 50, and the non-encrypted packets of the unit 47 comprising The storage program is provided to the mux 110. The unit 60 contains four buffer zones of accessible packets for the controller 115. One of the buffer zones is allocated to contain the data intended for use by the controller 115. , and the other three buffer zones are allocated to contain packets that are intended for use by the application devices 75, 80, and 85. Access to the packets stored in the four buffer zones within the unit 60 , by means of both the controller 115 and via the application interface 70, is controlled by the memory area control unit. to intermediate 65. Unit 45 provides a destination flag to unit 65 for each packet identified by unit 45 for decoding. The flags indicate the destination locations of the individual unit 60 for the identified packets, and are stored by means of the control unit 65 in an internal memory table. The control unit 65 determines a series of read and write pointers, associated with the packets stored in the buffer zone 60, based on the First-In-Enter-First-In-Exit (FIFO) principle. The write pointers in conjunction with the destination flags allow sequential storage of an identified packet of units 45 or 50, in the next empty location within the appropriate destination buffer zone in unit 60. The pointers of readings allow the sequential reading of the packets of the destination buffer zones of the appropriate unit 60, by means of the controller 115 and the application interface 70. The non-encrypted and descriptographed packages that provide the units 45 and 50 to the decoder 55 they contain a transport header, as defined in section 2.4.3.2 of the standard MPEG systems. The decoder 55 determines, by the transport header, whether the non-cryptographic and descriptographed packages contain an adaptation field (by the standard of the MPEG systems). The adaptation field contains timing information that includes, for example, Program Clock References (PCRs) that allow synchronization and decoding of content packages. After the detection of a timing information packet, which is a packet containing an adaptation field, the decoder 55 signals the controller 115, by means of an interruption mechanism, by means of establishing an interruption of the system, which the package has been received. In addition, the decoder 55 changes the destination flag of the timing packet in the unit 65, and provides the packet to the unit 60. By changing the destination flag of the unit 65, the unit 65 diverts the information packet of timing provided by the decoder 55, to the buffer location of the unit 60 assigned to hold data for use by the controller 115, rather than an application buffer zone location. After receiving the system interrupt established by the decoder 55, the controller 115 reads the timing information and the PCR value and stores them in the internal memory. The PCR values of successive timing information packets are used by the controller 115 to adjust the master clock (27 MHz) of the system 25. The difference between the PCR-based and master clock-based estimates of the time interval between reception of successive timing packets, generated by the controller 115, is used to adjust the master clock of the system 25. The controller 115 accomplishes this by applying the difference of the derived time estimate, to adjust the input control voltage of an oscillator controlled by voltage that is used to generate the master clock. The controller 115 restores the system interruption after storing the timing information in the internal memory. The packets received by the decoder 55 from the units 45 and 50 containing the content of the program, including audio, video, subtitling, and other information, are routed by the unit 65 of the decoder 55 to the buffer areas of the device. designated applications, in the packet buffer zone 60. The application control unit 70 sequentially retrieves the audio, video, subtitling data, and other data from the buffer areas designated in the buffer zone 60, and provides the data to the corresponding application devices 75, 80 and 85. The application devices comprise the audio and video decoders 80 and 85, and the high-speed data port 75. For example, the packet data corresponding to a Compound program guide, generated by the controller 44-5 as described above, can be transported to the video decoder 85 for format them into a suitable video signal for visual display on a monitor (not shown) ^ connected to the video decoder 85. Further, for example, the data port 75 can be used to provide high-speed data such as computer programs, for example, to a computer. Alternatively, port 75 can be used to output data to an HDTV decoder to visually display images corresponding to a selected program or program guide, for example. The unit 45 recognizes the packets containing PSI information as destined for the buffer zone the controller 115 in the unit 60. The PSI packets are directed to this buffer area by means of the unit 65, by means of the units 45. , 50 and 55, in a manner similar to that described for packages containing program content. The controller 115 reads the PSI of the unit 60, and stores it in the internal memory. The controller 115 also generates condensed PSI (CPSI) from the stored PSI, and incorporates the CPSI into a packaged data stream, suitable for storage in a selectable storage medium. The identification and address of the packet is governed by the controller 115, in conjunction with the PID of the unit 45 and of the unit 47, the destination search tables and cryptographic keys and the functions of the control unit 65, in the manner previously described. In addition, the controller 115 is coupled to a communication interface unit 116, which operates in a manner similar to the interface unit 1113 in FIG. 1. That is, the unit 116 provides the capability to upload and download information to and from the Internet. The communication interface unit 116 includes, for example, a modem for connecting to an Internet service provider, for example, by means of a telephone line or by means of a cable television line. The communication capability allows the system shown in Figure 2 to provide electronic message capability and features related to the Internet such as Web browsing, in addition to receiving television programming. Figure 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary program, which, according to the present invention, can be executed by controller 1110 of Figure 1, controller 115 of Figure 2, or any other appropriately programmed control configuration. of an electronic host device. The term "electronic host device" as used herein, is not limited to television receivers or personal computers, but rather encompasses hybrids thereof (eg, PCTVs), cable television converter boxes, program recorders adequately equipped audiovisual devices (eg, video tape recorders), satellite television and / or data signal converters, program guide receiver units, and the like, regardless of whether they are incorporated into a television or computer receiver personal, or externally connected to them.

It will be noted that the exemplary program can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The exemplary program, when executed, facilitates the processing of program guide information and electronic messages, as well as the electronic link of electronic messages to programming information, and the electronic link of programming information to electronic messages. , in accordance with the present invention. A person skilled in the art would readily recognize from the flow chart and the following description, that the exemplary program, when executed by any of the systems illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, or any other properly programmed electronic host device, will provide substantially the same features and advantages in accordance with the present invention. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, the exemplary program will be described below only with respect to the exemplary hardware implementation of an electronic host device shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the microprocessor 1110 is connected to the EEPROM 1127. The exemplary program may be stored in the EEPROM 1127 for execution by the microprocessor 1110. An objective of the exemplary program is to incorporate program information into an electronic message. In accordance with the exemplary program, the microprocessor 1110 initially performs step SI of generating a program menu, by visually displaying the program identifiers in a visual display device associated with the electronic host device. Each of the program identifiers designates one of a plurality of programs that it can implement (e.g., display visually, audibly broadcast, or execute) the electronic host device itself, or that can implement a visual display device, audio equipment, or a computer associated with the electronic host device. Preferably, the generation step SI of the menu is performed in response to the visual display of the StarSight® EPG that is being activated (for example, a user activating a particular key on the remote control 1125). In response to that activation, the CPU 1112 transfers the StarSight® EPG visual display data formatted from the StarSight module © 1160, via the I2C BUS, to the OSD processor 1117. The OSD processor 1117 operates in a conventional manner for producing the video signals R, G, and B OSD_RGB which, when coupled to a visual display device, will produce a visually displayed image that represents visual display information such as graphics and / or text comprising an EPG. This visual display information includes, among other things, the program identifiers mentioned above. This may also include information on features relating to each of the programs represented by the program identifiers. Examples of feature information include program title, program topic, program category, program keywords, program description, program type, program length, program start time, program end time, frequency of repetition, or combinations thereof. The OSD processor 1117 also produces the control signal FSW which is intended to control a fast switch to insert the OSD_RGB signals into the video output signal of the system, at the moments when a visual display is to be visually displayed. For example, when a user enables an EPG by activating a particular switch on the remote control 1125 or otherwise, the CPU 1112 enables the processor 1117. In response, the processor 1117 produces the OSD_RGB signals representing the guidance information of programs, previously extracted and already stored in memory, as described above. Processor 1117 also produces the FSW signal that indicates when the EPG is to be deployed. The video signal processor (VSP) 1155 performs conventional video signal processing functions, such as lumen processing and color intensity. The output signals produced by the VSP 1155 are suitable for coupling to the visual display device, for example, a kinescope or LCD device (not shown in Figure 1), to produce a visually displayed image. The VSP 1155 also includes a fast switch for coupling the signals produced by the OSD processor 1117 to the path of the output video signals, at the moments when graphics and / or text are to be included in the visually displayed image. The control signal FSW, which generates the OSD processor 1117 in the controller 1110 at times when text and / or graphics are to be displayed visually, controls the fast switch. The visual display data included in the visual display of EPG is produced by the OSD 1117 processor, and are included in the output signal by means of the VSP 1155, in response to the FSW signal from the fast switch. When the controller 1110 detects the activation of the visual display of EPG, for example, when a user presses an appropriate key on the remote control 1125, the controller 1110 causes the OSD processor 1117 to produce the visual display of the EPG menu, using the information of programs provided by the StarSight® 1160 module. The 1110 controller causes the VSP 1155 to combine the EPG visual display menu of the OSD 1117 processor, and the video image signal, in response to the FSW signal, to produce a visual display that includes the EPG menu. The EPG menu can occupy all, or only a portion, of the visual display area. An exemplary EPG 400 menu is shown in Figure 4. Menu 400 includes a "grid guide" 400A, which displays a schedule of programs in a time-and-channel format, similar to a TV schedule listed in a newspaper. One dimension (for example, the horizontal dimension) of the "grid guide" 400A shows the information of the hour 401, while the other dimension (for example, the vertical dimension) of the "grid guide" 400A shows information about the hour 401. the channel. When an abbreviated item 430 of the "grid guide" is highlighted, or a cursor is placed thereon, as will be described later herein, the truncated portions of the abbreviated item 430 appear in a "highlighted text" field 440 of the menu 400. In menu 400, a user may select each of the program identifiers (e.g., channel numbers 410-416, channel names of channels 420-426, site ID 470, the Internet identifier 450, the electronic message identifier 460, and the like), to implement the respective programs. In particular, the control program in the EEPROM 1127 causes the controller 1110 to monitor the location of a position indicator, such as a cursor and / or highlight, in the visual display of the EPG menu. A user controls the location of the position indicator using the direction and selection keys of the remote control 1125. Alternatively, the system may include a mouse device, or an appropriate pointer device. The controller 1110 detects the activation of a selection device, such as the pressing of a mouse button, and evaluates the information about the current location of the cursor / highlighting, in conjunction with the EPG menu data that is being displayed visually, to determine the desired function (for example, implementing a particular program). if that activation of the selection device is performed while the cursor and / or the highlight is located in one of the program identifiers, the controller 1110 determines that the corresponding program will be implemented (i.e., it will be displayed visually, audibly broadcast, and / or will execute). The controller 1110 subsequently activates the control action associated with the selected program. If, for example, the identifier of the selected program represents a Web site, the 1110 controller implements a Web browsing program, and accesses the corresponding Web site. When the identifier of the selected program is associated with an audio program, video program, or audiovisual program, the controller 1110 responds by means of tuning the electronic host device or a receiver associated with the appropriate channel, and by means of displaying visually and / or audibly disseminate that program. The highlighting of those programs and the subsequent selection of other function icons in the menu 400, can implement the automatic tuning at a later time to the selected program or the automatic recording of the same by means of the electronic host device, or by means of another device connected to the electronic host device. The selection of the "Internet" identifier 450 causes the controlled 1110 to implement a Web browsing program through an Internet service provider, while the selection of the identifier of "electronic messages" 460 causes the controller 1110 to implement a program of transmission and / or reception of electronic messages through it, or a different Internet service provider. The step SI in Figure 3 and menu 400 in Figure 4 thus provide a generally effective, versatile, and convenient EPG configuration. _ The EPG configuration, however, is made even more convenient and versatile by allowing the incorporation of program information into an electronic message. In accordance with step S2 in Figure 3, the user selects one of the program identifiers (e.g., using remote control 1125 to highlight or place a cursor on one of the program identifiers) when the program associated therewith. It is a program of interest. In Figure 4, the program identifier 430 is highlighted for the television program "Inside World Politics" (as indicated by cross shading). Notably, the non-abbreviated version of the 430 program identifier appears in the "highlighted text" field 440 of the 400 menu. The "Inside -d-- World Policy" program is, therefore, a program of interest to the user . Once the program identifier has been selected, as indicated above, the user is able to implement the "ADD TO THE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE" function. In particular, one of the function icons along the menu button 400 is an "ADD TO MESSAGE ELECTRONIC" icon 490.

This icon 490 can be selected using an appropriate cursor configuration, or otherwise implement the "ADD TO THE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE" function. Alternatively, remote control 1125 may include a dedicated "ADD TO MENSAKE ELECTRONIC" button, which may be activated by the user when a program is highlighted, or alternatively, when it is visually displaying, executing, or otherwise implemented. the program. The activation of that button communicates to the controller 1110 the user's intention to incorporate the program information associated with the highlighted program (ie, the program of interest) into an electronic message. According to another alternative, a keyboard (not shown) can be connected, through a suitable interface, to the controller 1110. The keyboard can have appropriate alphanumeric keys to be used when composing the electronic message, as well as a key or sequence of keys that, when pressed, cause the keyboard to communicate to the controller 1110 the desire of the user to perform a function of "ADD to the ELECTRONIC MESSAGE". In addition, or alternatively, the selection of a program identifier (eg, 430) causes the controller 1110 to visually display a plurality of alternatives to the user as to whether to implement the relevant program, and if so, how. In the alternatives is included the alternative of sending the program guide information associated with the relevant program, by means of the electronic message, to a recipient of the electronic message. Regardless of how the user communicates to the 1110 controller this desire to send program information via the electronic message (either by selecting icons, pressing a button, keyboard input, or the like), the 1110 controller responds, in accordance with the step S3 in Figure 3, by means of generating a visual display of electronic messages with text of the program indicating the program of interest incorporated within a message portion of the visual display of electronic messages. A visual display of exemplary electronic messages 500 is shown in Figure 5. The visual display of exemplary electronic messages 500 includes a RECEIVER 502 frame, a CC 504 frame, a SUBJECT 506 frame, a message portion 508, an "SEND" 510 icon, an "ATTACH" icon 512, and a BOOK icon. OF ADDRESSES 514. The message portion 508 is preferably configured by the controller 1110, to include the program text 516 indicative of the program of interest. In the message portion 508 a cursor 518 also appears. It is understood, however, that the cursor 518 may initially be generated in another one of the positions in the visual display screen 500, such as in the RECEIVER 502 frame. invention is not limited to any particular initial position of the cursor 518. Using the visual display of electronic messages 500 exemplary, a user is able to send (Step S4) an electronic message containing program information, by means of the electronic host device, and the one or more Internet receivers (for example, by inserting the electronic message address of the intended receiver in the RECEIVER 502 box, and the electronic message address of any other recipients in the CC 504 box, and by subsequently selecting the send 510 icon). Since the program text 516 is already included in the message portion 508, the selection of the SEND icon 510 causes the controller 1110 to respond by transmitting the message portion 508, together with the program text 516, and any information of the associated program, by means of the electronic message to all the receivers designated by the address (s) in tables 502, 504. The associated program information may include, for example, the start time of the program, a time of end of the program, duration of the program; a channel through which the program is transmitted, and information of characteristics, and combinations thereof. Examples of feature information include program title, program theme, program category, program keywords, program description, program type (eg, audio, video, audiovisual, computer, Internet, and the like) , and the frequency of repetition of the program (for example, once a week, daily, etc.). This additional program information is preferably automatically incorporated into the electronic message via controller 1110. Although the additional program information is preferably derived from the StarSight Module 1160, it is understood that the present invention is not limited in this respect. . On the contrary, the additional program information may be provided by the EEPROM 1127, by means of the communication interface unit 1113, or the like. Prior to transmission of the electronic message, the driver 1110 preferably allows the user to increase the portion of electronic messages 508 to include the text of the message apart from the text of the program 516. The entry of that message text is made in accordance with the location of the cursor 518. The movement of the cursor 518 to the desired positions, where the additional message text will be entered, and the entry of that message text (for example, the entry of the e-mail addresses, additional message text , on either or both sides of the program text 516, and the selection of the icons 510-514) can be made using a keyboard or other input device dedicated to those functions. Alternatively, that movement of the cursor 518 may be performed using hardware (e.g., remote control 1125) that is used in performing the functions of the electronic host device, which are not related to the electronic message (e.g., program implementation, such how to visually display programs, record programs, and the like). In this regard, the remote control 1125 can be provided with the alphanumeric keys or other element by which the alphanumeric information can be transported to the controller 1110. Additionally, or as an alternative, the visual display of electronic messages 500 can be modified so that include a "virtual" keyboard. A visual display of exemplary electronic messages 600 having that virtual keyboard 620 is shown in Figure 6. The visual display of exemplary electronic messages 600 includes the other features 502-518 of the visual display of electronic messages 500, except that in the visual display of electronic messages 600 those characteristics are designated using the reference numbers 602-618, respectively. Included in the virtual keyboard 620 is a representation of all Arabic numerals and all letters in the alphabet, each of which can be selected using the remote control 1125, a mouse, the movement of the cursor and / or the like. Virtual keyboard 620 preferably includes the BACKSPACE, SPACE, and DELETED icons, the selection of which performs a corresponding function in a manner well known in the art. The user can enter additional message text to the right or to the left of the program text 516,616, by clocking the cursor 518,618 to the location in the 500,600 visual display, where the message text is desired, and by selecting successively the letters and numbers of the virtual keyboard 620, of a physical keyboard, and / or of the remote control 1125. Preferably, as the letters or numbers are selected, and the selections are communicated to the controller 1110, the controller 1110 responds by causing the selected letter or number to reposition ai-cursor 518,618 in the 500,600 visual display, and also causes the cursor 518, 618 change a space to the right in the visual display 500 or 600. When a full line of text is filled in the message portion 508,608, the controller 1110 preferably causes the text to continue on the next line. Similarly, the text existing to the right of the cursor 518 is preferably changed to the right by means of the controller 1110, to accommodate the changed position of the cursor 518.618. Typically it is more convenient or practical to provide the virtual keyboard 620 during the generation of the electronic messages, than it would be to provide an alphabetic keyboard and / or the alphabetical version of the remote control 1125. However, in those situations where that keyboard or version of the remote control 1125 is no less convenient or impractical, it is understood that the controller 1110 can be programmed to allow the entry of the receiving addresses, additional message text, and the like, using that keyboard or version of the remote control 1125. Preferably, the controller 1110 responds to the entry of the message text by visually displaying that text in a color, style, or other manner that clearly distinguishes that text from the program text 516,616. In Figures 5 and 6, the program text 516,616 is underlined to distinguish it from the message text. Controller 1110 is preferably programmed to allow editing of program text 516,616 in the default manner (e.g., program title) of program text 516,616. The editing is preferably provided in the same way as inserting the message text. That is, the cursor 518,618 is placed in the portion of the program text 516,616 to be edited, and appropriate modifications are made. When the entry of the message text, addresses, any attachments, and the like has been completed, the user merely selects the SEND icon to effect the transmission of the resulting electronic message. The controller 1110 responds to the selection of the SEND icon by means of sending the message portion 508.608, by means of the electronic message, to the receiver (s), with the program text 516.616 incorporated within the message portion 508.608. Preferably, the controller 1110 performs this transmission in such a way that the electronic message receiver is able to visually detach the message portion 508.608 and its program text 516.616, such that program text 516.616 can be easily distinguished (eg example, underlined, in a different color, or similar) of any message text. This, in turn, visually informs the recipient that the program text 516,616 is different from the message text, and that it carries additional information and / or capabilities, as will be described later herein. The controller 1110, in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, sends the electronic message via the communication interface 1113 and the Internet. Transmitted together with the program text 516,616 is the program information associated with the program represented by the program text 51 * 6,616. Preferably, this program information includes sufficient information about the program of interest that a receiver is capable of implementing, the program based on that information. The program information is preferably transmitted to the receiver in a transparent manner. That is, the receiver of electronic messages of the receiver is adapted to receive the electronic message, and to visually display the portion of messages 508,608 (including the program text 516,616), without visually displaying the aspects of the program information that do not appear in the program. the program text 516,616. These aspects, instead of being displayed visually, are transmitted by the controller 1110 in a machine-readable form, such as HTML or the like, to enable a program implementation device, associated with the recipient's electronic message receiver., to implement the program of interest based on those aspects of the program information, without having to display them visually. Preferably, the receiver of electronic messages of the receiver automatically stores the program information, creates an electronic link to the program information from the text of the program, and / or implements the program of interest. More specifically, the recipient's electronic message receiver and / or the program implementation device (e.g., a device of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2) tells the user, or otherwise allows him to select the program text 516,616 of the message portion 508.608. In response to that selection, a receiver controller and / or receiver device (e.g., controller 1110) causes the program of interest to be implemented. Preferably, this is done by the controller (e.g., controller 1110) automatically, based on the program information when the program text 516,616 of the received electronic message is selected. Examples of implementation in the context of television and radio programs include automatic tuning to that program, if it is being played on the air at that time, automatic tuning to the program in the future, if it still has to be broadcast and is scheduled for broadcast at a later time (e.g., by setting an appropriate timer or the like), automatic recording of the program, and the like. In the context of Web sites, examples of automatic implementation include establishing a communication link to that particular Web site, or a particular "page" of the Web site. Similarly, in the context of extended program guide information (for example, where extended guidance information provides information about news, sports, traffic, and / or weather), examples of program implementation Automatic includes downloading or tuning to the information in certain channels and / or segments of the extended program guide information. In the same way, the examples of automatic implementation, in the context of computer programs, include the download and / or execution of those computer programs. Alternatively, in response to the selection of program text 516,616, the receiver controller and / or device of the receiver (e.g., controller 1110) causes the user to be visually displayed alternatives selectable by the user, each alternative corresponding to an option particular about how the program of interest will be implemented. Preferably, this is done by the controller (for example, controller 1110) automatically, based on the program information, when program text 516,616 is selected from the received electronic message. As an additional option selectable by the user, the visual display of the alternatives may include an alternative to visually display the transparently transmitted aspects of the program information, in a human readable manner, as opposed to a machine readable manner. Because there may be situations where the program information is to be transmitted to recipients who do not have an electronic program guide, or who do not have a device in accordance with the present invention (for example, a device as shown in FIG. Figures 1 or 2), the controller 1110 preferably includes the program information in the electronic message, such that receiver devices that are not equipped to transparently process the program information, rather visually display the program information together with the program text 516,616. That visual display of the program information may be performed, for example, in parentheses adjacent to the program text. Although this process is preferred to visually display the program information for those situations where the receiver's equipment can not process the program information, it is understood that there may be other situations where that visual display of the otherwise transparent aspects of the program information is desirable. The controller 1110 can be programmed from this table, in accordance with an alternative configuration, to visibly insert the program information in all cases where the program text 516,616 is being transmitted. This would allow the reading of program information by all recipients. In accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention, both the sender and the receiver are subscribers to an electronic program guide (EPG) that has extended guidance information capabilities. Examples include those that provide information regarding news, sports, weather, and / or traffic. The controller of the sender (for example, the controller 1110) is therefore programmed to allow the selection of the user of a program or programs of interest in the information of the extended guide, and the transmission of the electronic message containing the program information and the text of program 516,616, which indicates the extended guide information of the program or selected parts thereof. The text of program 516,616 may comprise, for example, the title of extended program guidance information. The receiver controller (for example, the controller 1110) is also programmed to process the transmitted program information and program text 516,616 in the manner indicated above for other types of programs. That is, the receiver controller may implement, or otherwise cause the extended program guide information to be implemented for the receiver, in response to its commands. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the visual displays of the electronic message 500,600 preferably include the RETURN icons 550,650, each of which can be selected to cause a return of the menu 400.

When the RETURN icon 550,650 is selected, the controller 1110 responds by visually displaying the menu 400 again, and then responding to the selection (s) of any additional program identifiers (eg, channel numbers). 410-416, names of the stations of channels 420-426, identifier of the website 470, identifier of the Internet 450, identifier of electronic messages 460, and the like), by means of restoring the visual display of electronic messages 500,600 both with the text of program 516,616 that appeared in the first occurrence of the visual display of electronic messages 500,600, as with an additional item of program text corresponding to the program that was selected during the return to menu 400. Both items of the program text are associated with their respective items of program information as described above. the resulting configuration conveniently allows the transmission of multiple items of programming information in an electronic message. Conveniently, the above exemplary implementations of the method shown in Figure 3, and the systems associated therewith, provide a convenient and versatile interface capable of incorporating program information into an electronic message. The interface, for example, includes an electronically generated program menu (for example, menu 400 shown in Figure 4). The electronically generated menu includes program identifiers (for example, channel numbers 410-416, station names of channels 420-426, website identifier 470, Internet 450 identifier, electronic message identifier 460, and the like), which indicate the different programs. A program selector adapted to select from the menu at least one of the program identifiers, which is indicative of a program of interest, is also provided. The examples of that selector include the remote control 1125, the virtual keyboard 620, a mouse, and / or any visual display of the cursor and movement device capable of communicating the selection of a user of the menu to the controller 1110. In addition, as indicated above, controller 1110 electronically generates, in the visual display device, a visual display of electronic messages (e.g., visual displays 500 and 600 in Figures 5 and 6). In view of the fact that visual displays of electronic messages 500,600 copies include program text 516,616, those visual displays 500,600 are based, at least partially, on the selection of the user of at least one of the program identifiers. The program text 516,616 included in the 500,600 visual displays is indicative of the program of interest, and is included in the message portion 508,608 of each visual display of electronic messages 500,600. The controller 1110, by virtue of its connection to the communication interface unit 1113, is adapted to send the message portion 508.608, by means of the electronic message, to a receiver. Within the message portion 508,608 of the transmission of the electronic message is the program text 516,616. Since the controller 1110 is programmed, as indicated above, to allow entry of the message text within message portion 508.608, the inventive interface also facilitates the transmission of a message portion 508.608, which includes both message text and program text 516,616. Similarly, since the controller 1110 is programmed to send the program information, associated with the program of interest in the transmission of the electronic message, the exemplary interface of the present invention provides a way to send that program information by means of the Electronic message. The 1110 controller, as indicated above, is able to send the program information in a format that causes the program information to be visibly inserted into the message portion 508,608. Therefore, the receiver can read the program information. The interface of the present invention thus provides a convenient way to send that program information to a receiver, without the sender having to manually type all the program information into the electronic message. Alternatively, however, the interface of the present invention can be adapted through suitable programming or otherwise, to send the program information in a format that causes the message portion 508.608 to be displayed visually to the receiver, with the text of message and program text 516,616 being visible, and without visually displaying certain aspects of program information. Those aspects of the program information that are not displayed visually are transmitted through the interface of the present invention, in a machine-readable format, to enable a program implementation device associated with the electronic message receiver, for implement the program of interest, based on those aspects of the program information. As demonstrated above, the interface of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in connection with an electronic program guide (EPG) which, in turn, is distributed using a distribution protocol. The electronic program guide (EPG) in this respect can constitute all or a portion of the menu 400. Similarly, the interface that is achieved by means of the present invention is particularly well suited, as indicated above, to be used to transmit program information associated with the extended program guide information (e.g., information regarding news, sports, weather, traffic, and the like). When the interface of the present invention is combined with an electronic message receiver, a system for communicating program information by means of the electronic message is provided. The electronic message receiver is adapted to visually receive and display the incoming electronic message, or to cause that incoming electronic message to be displayed visually on an associated visual display device. While conventional electronic message receiving devices may be used to receive the electronic message transmissions and their program text, message text, and associated program information, those conventional devices are typically configured solely to visually display the program information. Conventional devices are generally not configured to receive program information without displaying it visually, nor are they configured to automatically implement the programs represented by program text 516,616. A more preferred embodiment of the present invention therefore includes another electronic host device, which operates as the recipient of electronic messages. The receiving electronic host device is identical to, or similar to the device sending the electronic message (for example, one of the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2), and its controller 1110 is programmed, as indicated above, not only to send the electronic messages, but also to receive, process and display the electronic messages visually. The receiving host device thus has a controller 1110 that is programmed to distinguish between aspects of the program information that are not to be displayed visually, and those that constitute the program text 516,616. Once the controller 1110 recognizes the distinction, the message text and program text 516,616 are visually displayed together, and the program information not visually displayed is stored in a memory device of the controlled 1110. In Figure 7 it is shown an exemplary visual display 700, generated by an electronic message receiver, in accordance with the present invention. In Figure 7, the visual display of electronic messages 700 of the receiver includes two occurrences of program text 702, and some additional message text (text not underlined). The message text was incorporated into the message portion 708 using one of the visual displays of electronic messages 500,600, as described above. The receiver is able to visually distinguish the program text 702 from the message text because only the program text 702 is underlined. The visual display of electronic messages 700 of the receiver also includes user selectable icons 710-732, which represent different electronic message functions that can be performed in a manner well known in the art. Examples of these functions include archiving the electronic message, sending the electronic message, answering the electronic messages, erasing the electronic messages, returning to a previous "Window", moving through an electronic message, reading the electronic message, composing the electronic message, review the messages in a mailbox, file or store the electronic messages, attach files, and exit. Preferably, the controller 1110 is programmed to execute the respective functions, in response to the selection of a corresponding one of the icons 710-732. Preferably, as indicated above, the modality shown in Figure 1 provides a combined electronic message and television receiving device. The combined device has a selector (eg, remote control 1125, numeric keypad, mouse, keyboard or cursor) which can activate the receiver to communicate to the combined host device the selection of the receiver of a title (or other program text 702) of the message portion 708. the device driver 1110 • Host is preferably programmed to respond to that 5 selection, by visually displaying the television program, if the selected program is a television program that is being broadcast at that time, or by setting a timer for the display subsequent visual of the television program, or the program • 10 selected is a television program that is scheduled for broadcast at a later time. Preferably, the version covering the television of the host device shown in Figure 1 is associated with a recording device (not shown), and the selector can be activated to make the recording of the television program when the receiver of the electronic message selects the text of program 702 (for example, the text that says "Inside the World Policy") and chooses to record the television program. As indicated above, the host device is configured to implement an electronic program guide (EPG) having extended guidance information capabilities. The electronic program guide is distributed using a distribution protocol EPG, and preferably includes extended guidance information.

Since the program of interest may be a program contained in the extended guidance information (e.g., information on sports, weather, news, traffic, and the like), the 1110 controller is programmed to respond to the selection of program text 702. associated with it. In Figure 7, for example, the electronic message receiver can select program text 702 for "weather" to access the extended guidance information related to the weather. In particular, access to climate-related information is gained by using the program information that accompanies the text of program 702 in the electronic message. The controller 1110 can be appropriately programmed to perform the automatic implementation of a program based on the program information, when the program text 702 associated with that program is selected. In particular, the controller 1110 responds to that selection by means of tuning to the appropriate channel, communicating with the server of the appropriate remote computer, or connecting to a related website. Alternatively, the controller 1110 can be suitably programmed to respond to the selection of an item of the program text 702, by means of performing the interactive implementation. Under an interactive implementation scheme, the receiver is presented with many alternatives on how, and if the selected program will be implemented. The alternatives are presented in the receiver's visual display device. If the program information associated with the selected program text 702 indicates, for example, that the selected program is a television program, the 1110 controller responds by visually displaying the alternatives of: tuning in to the television program (e.g. using the tuner 1105), record the television program, see more complete information about the selected program (for example, see the program information that is otherwise transparently processed for the receiver), send the program text 702 and the information of the program to another person by means of an electronic message, or to ignore the reference of the emitter to the selected program (for example, to leave of return to the electronic message). Preferably, the device shown in Figure 1 is connected to, or includes a recording device (e.g., a videotape recorder), adapted to record the programs received by the device shown in Figure 1. Using the selector (for example, keyboard, mouse, virtual keyboard, and / or cursor), the receiver selects one of the alternatives displayed visually, and the controller 1110 responds by means of implementing the selected program in the selected manner. Preferably, the controller is programmed to respond to the selection of the "see" option by visually displaying the most complete information (that is, including information that is not yet present in the program text 702), and by presenting to the receiver all the previous exemplary alternatives, except the "see" alternative. In this way, the receiver can choose the way to imply after seeing the most complete information. Similar, different or similar alternatives are generated for the other types of programs. For computer programs, for example, alternatives may include downloading the program, running the program, or seeing more details about the program. Alternatively, controller 1110 can provide a hybrid implementation scheme, whereby automatic implementation is provided for some types of programs, in -where that automatic implementation is more practical or desirable, and interactive implementation for the other types of programs. Although the present invention finds great utility in the field of electronic host devices that are connected to, or defined by a television set, the present invention is not limited to those electronic host devices. The present invention may be implemented, for example, with a computer as the electronic host device, and the program information associated with the program text 516, 616, 702 may include an electronic shortcut to a corresponding computer program. Since EPG visual displays may include program announcements (eg, television program advertisements, Web sites, downloadable computer programs, and the like), the 1110 driver is also preferably programmed in such a manner. that the selection of the advertisement (for example, using one of the selection devices mentioned above) either implicitly the program being advertised, or provides selectable alternatives by the user on how and if to implement the object program. Included in these alternatives is the alternative to send program information associated with the advertisement, or associated with the announced program to another person, by means of an electronic message. The method described above and the systems through which this can be implemented (e.g., the systems shown in Figures 1 and 2) thus provide an electronically generated interface for visually displaying a program guide, and for sending messages that incorporate information from these program guides, without having to manually type in the program guide information. The interface provided by exemplary programs and systems also facilitates the linking of program guide information in an electronic message with the guidance information of a recipient's 5 programs, and the implementation of programs associated therewith. Although each host device (e.g., the devices illustrated in Figures 1 and 2), is preferably programmed, or otherwise adapted to In order to provide all the above features, it is understood that the invention is not limited in this respect. That is, the host device can perform only one or some of the features described above, those host devices, however, falling well within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the preferred embodiments, some components were described as being hardware components, and others were described as software components. Those components, however, can be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments and variations that are shown and described herein are for illustration only, and that those skilled in the art may implement different modifications, without departing from the scope of the present invention. scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (34)

1. A method for incorporating program information into an electronic message, the method comprising the steps of: generating a menu of programs by means of visually displaying program identifiers in a visual display device; select at least one of the identifiers of ^ 10 programs that is associated with a program of interest; generate a visual display of electronic messages with program text indicating the program of interest incorporated in a portion of the message of the visual display of electronic messages; and sending the portion of the message via the electronic message to a recipient, with the program text incorporated within the message portion.

The method of claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises the step of inserting the message text within the message portion, such that that portion of messages includes the message text and the program text.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of sending the message portion by means of the message 25 electronic, includes the step of sending the program information associated with said program of interest to the recipient.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the program information is visibly inserted within the message portion, to allow the reading of that program information by the recipient. The method of claim 3, characterized in that it also comprises the step of visually displaying the message portion to the receiver, with the message text and the program text being visible, and without visually displaying the aspects of that program information, the aspects of the program information being machine-readable to enable a program implementation device associated with the receiver, to implement that program of interest based on said aspects of the program information. The method of claim 5, characterized in that it also comprises the step of selecting the program text of the message portion in said program implementation device, in order to carry out the implementation of the program of interest. The method of claim 6, wherein the program implementation device implements that program of interest automatically, based on the program information, when the program text is selected. The method of claim 3, wherein the menu is an electronic program guide (EPG) that is distributed using an EPG distribution protocol; where the program of interest is a television program that is listed in the electronic program guide; wherein said program text comprises a title associated with the television program; and where the program information includes information selected from the group consisting of: a program start time, an end time of the program, a program duration; a channel through which said television program is transmitted, and combinations thereof. The method of claim 8, characterized in that it also comprises the step of selecting the title of the message portion n a television device associated with the receiver, the television device being programmed to respond to that selection by means of displaying visually the television program, if the television program is broadcasting, by means of establishing a chronometer for the subsequent visual display of the television program, if the television program is scheduled to be broadcast at a later time, and by recording the television program if the receiver chooses to record said television program during the selection step. The method of claim 3, wherein the menu is an electronic program guide (EPG) that is distributed using an EPG distribution protocol, the electronic program guide including extended guide information; wherein the program of interest is a program contained in the extended guidance information; wherein the program text comprises a title associated with the program of interest; and where the program information includes information selected from the group consisting of: a program start time, an end time of the program, a program duration; a channel by means of which the extended guide information of the program is transmitted, and combinations thereof. 11. an interface for incorporating program information into an electronic message, the interface comprising: an electronically generated program menu, the electronically generated menu including program identifiers that indicate those programs; a program selector adapted to select from that menu at least one of the program identifiers, which is indicative of a program of interest; a visual display of electronic messages that is generated electronically, and that is based at least in part on the selection of said at least one program identifier, the visual display of electronic messages including program text indicative of the program of interest, the text of program being included in a message portion of the visual display of electronic messages; and an electronic device adapted to send the message portion, by means of the electronic message, to a receiver, with the program text incorporated within the message portion. The interface of claim 11, wherein the electronic device includes an element for inserting the message text within the message portion, such that the message portion includes the message text and the program text. The interface of claim 11, wherein the electronic device is adapted to send program information associated with the program of interest to the recipient. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the electronic device is adapted to send the program information in a format that causes that program information to be visibly inserted into said portion of messages, to allow the reading of said program information. by the receiver. The interface of claim 13, wherein the electronic device is adapted to send the program information in a format that causes said portion of messages to be visually displayed to the recipient, with the message text and the program text being visible. , and without visually displaying aspects of the program information, those aspects of the program information being readable by machine, to enable a program implementation device, associated with the receiver to implement the program of interest based on the aspects of the program. information ~~ of the program. The interface of claim 13, wherein the menu is an electronic program guide (EPG) that is distributed using an EPG distribution protocol; where the program of interest is a television program that is listed in the electronic program guide; wherein the program text comprises a title associated with the television program; and where the program information includes information selected from the group consisting of: a program start time, an end time of the program, a program duration; a channel by means of which said television program is transmitted, and 7 ~ combinations of the same. 17. A system for communicating information about programs by means of an electronic message, the system comprising: an electronic message receiver, adapted to receive and visually display incoming electronic messages; and an interface capable of incorporating program information into an electronic message, and transmitting that program information electronically to the recipient of electronic messages, the interface comprising: an electronically generated program menu, the electronically generated menu including program identifiers that indicate those programs; a program selector adapted to select from that menu at least one of the program identifiers, which is indicative of a program of interest; a visual display of electronic messages that is generated electronically, and that is based at least in part on the selection of said at least one program identifier, the visual display of electronic messages including program text indicative of the program of interest, the text of program being included in a message portion of the visual display of electronic messages; and 71 an electronic device adapted to send the message portion, by means of the electronic message, to a receiver in the electronic message receiver, with the program text incorporated within the message portion. The system of claim 17, wherein the electronic device includes an element for inserting the message text within the message portion, such that the message portion includes the message text and the program text. The system of claim 17, wherein said electronic device is adapted to send program information associated with the program of interest to the electronic message receiver. The system of claim 19, wherein the electronic device is adapted to send program information to the recipient of electronic messages, in a format that causes that program information to be visibly inserted into the message portion, to allow the reading of that program information by the receiver. The system of claim 19, wherein the electronic device is adapted to send program information to the receiver of electronic messages in a format that causes that portion of messages to visually unfold to the receiver in the receiver. of electronic messages, with the message text and the program text being visible, and without visually displaying aspects of the program information, those aspects of the program information being machine-readable, to enable a program implementation device, associated with the receiver to implement the program of interest based on the aspects of the program information, said program implementation device being incorporated in, or connected to, the recipient of electronic messages. The system of claim 19, wherein the menu is an electronic program guide (EPG) that is distributed using an EPG distribution protocol; where the program of interest is a television program that is listed in the electronic program guide; wherein the program text comprises a title associated with the television program; and where the program information includes information selected from the group consisting of: a program start time, an end time of the program, a program duration; a channel through which said television program is transmitted, and combinations thereof. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the 10 The electronic message receiver is a television device that has electronic message capabilities, the television device having a selector that can activate the receiver to communicate to the television device the receiver's selection of that portion of the message portion, the device of television being programmed to respond to that selection by visually displaying the television program, if the television program is broadcasting, by establishing a timer for the subsequent visual display of the television program, if the television program is scheduled to be broadcast at a later time. The system of claim 23, wherein the television device is associated with a recording device, and wherein the selector can be activated to effect the recording of the television program when the receiver chooses to record said television program. The system of claim 17, wherein the menu is an electronic program guide (EPG) that is distributed using an EPG distribution protocol, the electronic program guide including extended information; wherein the program of interest is a program contained in the extended guidance information; wherein the program text comprises a title associated with the program of interest; and where the program information includes information selected from the group consisting of: a program start time, an end time of the program, a program duration; a channel by means of which the extended guide information of the program is transmitted, and combinations thereof. The system of claim 17, wherein the electronic message receiver includes, or is connected to, a program implementation device adapted to implement that program of interest, the electronic message receiver further comprising a selector adapted to select the text of the program from the message portion, to carry out the implementation of the program of interest through the program implementation device. The system of claim 26, wherein the program implementation device is adapted to implement the program of interest automatically, based on the program information, when the receiver selects the program text by means of the selector. 28. An electronic message receiver for receiving program information by means of electronic messages, the electronic message receiver being adapted to receive and visually display message text and program text, by means of the electronic message, and also being adapted to process information of the program that is transmitted together with the message text and the program text, the receiver of electronic messages comprising a selector adapted to select the program text in response to the activation of the user, to make, based on the information of the program, the implementation of a program represented by the program text. 29. The electronic message receiver of claim 28, wherein the program is a television program; wherein the electronic message receiver is incorporated within, or connected to, a television device; -where the program text comprises a title associated with the television program; and where the program information includes information selected from the group consisting of: a program start time, an end time of the program, a program duration; a channel through which the television program is transmitted, and combinations thereof. 30. The electronic message receiver of claim 29, wherein said selector is adapted to visually display, by means of the television device, alternatives on how to implement the television program in response to the selection of that program text. 31. The electronic message receiver of claim 30, where the alternatives are taken from the group consisting of: displaying the television program visually, recording the television program, visually displaying the program information that has not yet appeared in the program text, and combinations thereof . 32. The electronic message receiver of claim 29, wherein the television device is associated with a recording device, and wherein the selector can be activated to effect the recording of the television program. The electronic message receiver of claim 28, wherein the electronic message receiver is incorporated in, or connected to, a television device having extended guidance information capabilities, and wherein the program is a program contained in the Extended guide information. 34. The electronic message receiver of claim 28, wherein the extended guidance information is selected from the group consisting of: weather information, news information, sports information, and combinations thereof.