MXPA97003047A - System and method for verification of data deguia detelevision electroni program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data verification system for automatically verifying the integrity of a program schedule information database, for an electronic television program guide, comprising: a storage medium for storing a database of schedules of television programs, the database comprising a plurality of data fields for a plurality of television stations, a means for selecting a station of the plurality of stations, for verification of one or more of the data fields for the selected station, a means for selecting a time scale for the verification of one or more data fields, a data processing means for automatically analyzing the data fields for the selected station in the base of data, for at least one of the gaps of schedules and joins of schedules in the schedule data for the station; edit medium to edit the data fields for the selected station in the dat database

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERIFICATION OF DATA OF PROGRAM GUIDE DF TELEVISION ELECTRONICS ANTECEDFNTFS DF THE INVENTION This invention refers to a guide system of protrusion to the tronic C'EPG ") that provides -i the tisn- Possible information on timetables for radio stations or broadcasts available for viewing on a video screen. AS specifically refers to a system and a method for verifying ERG data before transmission to a network. several remote locations = such as cable system radio frequency sec- tions or television viewing sites The electronic program files for the television system are well known in the art, especially with regard to the cable television systems. By jemp3 »-.-., an electronic program of the electronic program guide uses a dedicated cable television channel to broadcast information about program schedules with only information, the discharge of the system is that it is relatively low} deploy it because it is centrally displayed in the radio frequency section of the cable. There is no need for an additional electronic program or i - if .1 vo in the viewer 's location because all the control of the view is maintained in the cable radio frequency section. This information is then emitted with only one dedicated cable channel. The viewer simply tunes the television tuner to the converter box well > : 1e cable in the channel in which the schedule information is modulated and see the program listings. Typically, these program guides (..san a visual 3? - - ac ion of vertical display of television listings or a fi xed display that change periodically.Some »-systems use a partial screen of i? Stad» -js with additional information on the rest of the screen such as ads for movies on pay channels, pay-per-view event (PPV) programs, time as well as information on the weather, and other commercial information. systems generally incorporate a grid or mat to present the information about program schedules, with a different row for each channel and columns that represent different schedules, and interactive program guides are also known. to the user to select the program listings to be displayed based on the user's selection criteria and to display l: r> sl es on the television receiver in a desired format. Interactive guides are more versatile than the dedicated channel guides because they operate under the control of the user. However, they are more expensive to implement because they require memory and processor capacity at each user site. The present invention can be used with either a program channel in a dedicated channel or interactive guides because it operates on the > 1ato program listing common to both types of guides. Modern cable systems include more than 1 channel. Therefore, both for EPGS per channel "dedicated or interactive program, large amounts of data," they require to provide a complete list of program schedule information, a problem common to both types of system e. Frequently, mistakes in the data should be made, errors can occur for a number of reasons: First, it is common that a comp-eta database should be compiled from the program files from several different sources.Most of the more data are available on a nationwide basis, including network timetables (both radio broadcasted by cable), pay-per-view programming listings, as well as ion ion programming. i) Some data, however, should be obtained locally, including locally created programs, local maps for indi cable systems, and quotation of 3rd pay-per-view programs. The fact that there is no single entity responsible for the compilation of the entire listings database increases the risk of errors. For example, it may be necessary to convert part of the data to a signature or phrase before it can be used in the pro rata guide. Second, the data item in the lists contains a large amount of data. Electronic program guides, of the type of dedicated channel or of the interactive type, include a database that includes information on program listings for the various stations and can be read on a per-event basis. The data of the 3 istes can be arranged in weekly blues or other periods of time. Consider, for example, a system with> eighty • BO) channels, each broadcasting 2 hours at >I laughed. We will consider a daily average of 4 hours of two-hour programs, 5 hours of one-hour programs and the rest of half-hour programs. 37 different programs per channel are broadcast daily. Therefore, a one-week database comprises an average of information for 37; < SO x 1 ~ - 20,720 programs. Even though many programs are repeated daily, it is clear that even the week-long program listings for the average cable system is a very large amount of data. Also, while many > ie the data can be compiled in advance, it is necessary to add a substantial number of listings, and schedule changes, shortly before the transmission of the data to the various cable systems.

The volume of data makes it difficult to manually secure your confidence there, and requires a large amount of time. Finally, certain programs, specifically sports events, are not scheduled so far in advance or with other programs. For example, even if a period of time can be set aside for a game of b i ball, it is not known until a week or less before the scheduled game, the specific game to be broadcast. It exists by »-: ort-»? guide the need to identify efficiently and quickly entries in a database of listings that require editing in one way or another, either to add form or form or to go erors. A database listing the program with incorrect listings or incomplete information is of little use. Therefore, there is a need to ensure the reliability of the systems by cable and, ultimately, the te3 specifiers. However, due to the large amount of data, the need for an automated procedure for the verification of data to reduce the number of required manuel hours is required. Therefore there is a need for an automated system and a method for reviewing the EPG data and for pointing out any error. Furthermore, there is a need to provide a list of such errors to a database editor to allow the editor to take the necessary corrective action. In addition, it may be required to generate different data for a different system because, for example, ca > : the system by crable can have a pr »jyrama? n local or different programs of different countries or different schedules. A complicating factor is the need for a database of program listings compatible with several different platforms. Different cable systems may have different equipment configurations in the cable system radio frequency section and different converter boxes in the ion locations > ie the viewers. For example, EPGs typically present program listings in grid format with columns representing different periods of i mpo and rows representing different channels. The converters in the »ras3 vary in their capabilities to visualize them. Some can visualize texts using a proportional type of printing while others use a standard type of printing. In addition, some are configured to display symbols in the cells of the grid as well as text, which decreases the space available to view the text. Therefore, the database must be configured in such a way that it accommodates the various capacities of the conversions in the 3rd house. One way to achieve this is by editing the text - program titles, copy, station identi ication, and any other text included in the EPG - to abbreviate the text that does not fit into a particular grid cell. A system to help this process of "text adaptation" is described? in the co-pending application with serial number 08 / 247,059. Therefore, when verifying data before transmission to a cable system, it is necessary to specify the platform on which the EPG operates to determine if the listings are adequately edited for the particular platform. The system and method of the present invention provide an automated review of the data of the program listings in the database. The presented invention solves these and other problems in the EPG systems of the prior art by providing a system and method for the verification of the EPG data before it is transmitted to a cable television system or else another type to be paid ( or before the transmission to the viewers). Prior to processing by the data verification system of the present invention, the data of the television program schedule listings may be subjected to an initial processing in the following manner. First, data is collected from various information providers and reviewed for high-level errors. Afterwards, it may be required to normalize the data in a structure and database format of EPG ».ie such that it is possible that the information collected >;: ie multiple sources use different formats and syntax. Finally, the data can be processed with a system »ie adaptation of text to determine if a title on the base d > = »Data requires editing to fit within a grid cell of a predetermined size pa to any of the various platforms on which the EPG will operate. Alternatively, the text matching process can be incorporated as a part of the list-to-date verification process so that? The text requires reliable editing to fit within a particular grid cell size identified and presented to the user for editing and is still included in a library as well as a referenced text reference table. At this time, the list check list and the procedure > The present invention operates on the data to review errors regarding the data. Specifically1, they review these missing ions, gaps in schedules, junctures of time, missing titles, missing copies, missing fields (ie program time, period of time, type of program), missing grade from the film, missing origin »-Jel program, missing price of PPV, event PPV in station no PP f, event no PPV in a station PPV1, inappropriate language, long titles, long copy, and errors and histories. E3 term "long" chrome used here refers to a text that is too long to fit in the grid space allocated in the program guide. The errors are automatically written to two output files and separate files are used for c-a »-ia une-» of the previous parameters. The database can also be processed by additional steps such as bit editing system ios > : ee program for ea, b »:? rrar or mod? f?»: ar individual program listings and a »channel map editing system to create, delete or modify individual channel maps, containing information for identify the "stations carried by a cable system as well as the times to the year of each e > ~ ion. Program listings can be searched using the title > - the program, the program identification number (PTN), n well the name of the station. It is preferable to perform these editing steps before listing verification and text adaptation to ensure that all 3 data in the data file has been processed by the latter. At the outset, the list viewing process can be applied again if editing takes place after the initial verification of the data. Finally, the extraction process is performed against the database to create data files containing specific data for the cable system based on the specified data range and channel map. Data files can be in ASCII or tight binary files readable by the cable system to which they are intended. Finally, the data will proceed in accordance with p} t specific form and are transmitted to the designated cable system. The cable system used here is not limited to standard drinking television systems, but includes direct broadcast television systems, a3 air television system, and other television broadcasting systems. mg branch of television including central control < - > on the distribution of television signals by vain stations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a supply system of EPG which invests the data verification system of the present invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart q and illustrates the overall operation of the system > : ie verification of data of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the check or d > 3 time slots and splices of a fashion linked to the data verification system of the present invention. or Figure 4 is an illustration of a user interface for establishing the parameters of a modality of the data veri fication system of the present invention. Figure 5 is an illustration of a post-navigation menu of a mode of the data verification system of the present invention. Figure 6 is an illustration of the correction editor characteristic of a > _the data verification system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY SYSTEM CONFIGURATION Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the general configuration of a mode of a delivery system > -Je electronic program guide. The information for the database may originate from different providers of information. For example, a source »can provide all the l» sta »: i > 33 nationals that can include network timetables (both r-sdio diffusion as per calile), and programming schedules, regional or, alternatively, there can be multiple sources »ie t l informs»., Ton. A second unique source (or combination of two sources) can provide information on local listings that includes schedules for local programs, maps and maps for = -? individual per cable, as well as information on shared channels (single cable channels that carry different programming during several parts »: .day). A third information provider (or several providers) can provide all the information on pay-per-view lists. It can and is the case in which. These categories of information about program hours are provided from multiple sources. Obviously, it is also possible that all the information is gathered and provided by a single source or that splice information can be gathered from multiple sources. In addition, there may be other information providers, such as ticket sellers who provide ticket information. Due to the fact that it is probable that the database of the lists will conform to information coming from several different sources that may or may not provide the data in the desired format, it may be necessary to perform a format conversion and syntax verification in the data received before loading it in the database. This step is necessary to ensure that the data is in a uniform format in the database for further processing. A second function that can be performed in the days is the pre-emption edition. An example of such an edition is the processing of the data by the text adaptation system presented in the co-pending application Na. of series 247, 059. The text adaptation processing in fact expands the database to include multiple values for text fields for individual texts to accommodate different EPG formats. For example, variable amounts of space are allocated for program types for different platforms. In addition, within the my platform, se1 multiple versions of a title may be required to fit within grid cells of, for example, a two-hour program of 30, 60, 9 and 120 minutes. The text matching system determines whether a edited version of a title is required to fit within the space for a specific platform and a specific reticulated grid. The database < it is then edited to include an abbreviated version of the title as well as the full title for the title. It is also possible that a part of the data already contains multiple versions of titles. In some cases, it may be desirable to incorporate the text matching process in the verification utility by using the verification utility to first identify listings that require processing with the system.; .ie adapt text and then apply the system of adaptation > He text in these idenified listings. According to the particular implementation of the EPG supply system, it may be desirable or necessary to carry out a processing of the data. After the foreseeing processing steps, the database of the lists is assembled and processed by means of a data vetification system. As shown in figure 3a, the data verification system operates on the basis of the data of the lists and generates error reports for the errors found here. Program listings and channel map editing systems are used to make changes to the data on the basis of »listings data. The data verification system operates on user control to determine which data fields should be reviewed. Al ernativamente, the system operates in a fully automatic way to review all data fields. A expensive face to a profitable fashion} The nature of the present invention is the creation of reports for each type of error. The report allows the editor to reconcile any missing or conflicting information on the basis of information to the information provider. Reports can be generated electronically and then viewed on a computer, stored in electronic format, or printed in the form of durable copies. The utility operates on the database of the program listings information for a period of time that the user can define, such as the week. For each verification utility, stations can be selected individually, by channel map, platform type, multiple system operator ("MSO"), or arbitrary grouping. Each of the processing op- tions associated with the system is discussed below. The operation of the various options is presented under the section entitled "System Operation". 1. Missing ions To determine if there are missing stations in the database, the database of the lists (or any subset thereof) is checked against a second database that includes a list of all stations that should be included in the database of the lists to subc.on together, such as a file listing stations for a specific site-cable. The verification utility of these missing ions then provides a file with a list of the missing ions. 2. Gaps in schedules and splices It is important to ensure that there is no gap in the program schedules. An indication of the daily periods per year for each station is included in the database. The database is then reviewed to determine if, for a specific station, there are gaps between the completion time of a program and the start time of the next program. The completion times for listings are calculated by adding the program time (total time to the beginning of the following list) to the initial time. The system provides the flexibility to be able to specify any time range to check gaps and splices. If the beginning of the range > The time for a channel does not coincide with the principle of a program, the system will revise -5 »the" intersection list ", that is, the list that starts before and what? ends after the beginning of the specified time range, the gaps in schedules are written to a file that includes the date, station, start time, and end time > The gap or other information sufficient to uniquely identify the gap in the schedule. This option also connects similarly. If the listing data indicates that a program on a specific channel will start before the% ua \ a of the start time plus the presentation type of the previous program, the list is signaled with a program splice error. 3. Missing titles The database of the lists is reviewed to detect missing titles + it is for program events, it is to go, when the list has no title field. Listings with missing titles are written in a file that includes the file, station, and t? »-? Mpo of the start of the list. 4. Missing copy Certain program listings include additional descriptive information in addition to the program title, which is known as a "copy." These include movies, sporting events in vi or as pay-per-view programs. Additional information may also be provided for other programs as well as determined by the operating rules for the EPG. The third copy option checks these listings for missing copies and writes such lists in a file with enough context data to identify the program, such as program date, season, start time, and title. 5. Missing Fields This option reviews the database listings to ensure that all required fields for each type of program are present. For example, in accordance with the operating rules of the EPG as defined by the EPG provider, the schedule information in the ». ~ as > : > of premium movies and pay per event must include a MPAA rating because this parameter can be used by specific tellers to exclude certain movies. Therefore, the option of missing fields reviews that the MPAA classification, as well as the other fields dictated by the operational rules, are in the base > r-e data for l »-s premium and pay-per-view listings. In the case of PPV events, the operation rules may also dictate that the schedule information include price information, a te number} é phone to request the event, and promotional copy used to announce the event. The option of missing fields would then review those »_: amps as well as designated programs or PPV events. Similarly, the operation rules may dictate different required fields for other types of 3 istes. The 3 ists with missing fields are written in a file that includes the date, station, and start time >program path, as well as an identification of the missing field. 6. C3 if f irac on of missing movies The base of the listings data includes the movies' s scripts according to MPAA for movies that are presented in pay-per-view and premium cost. Such films with missing classifications are written in a file that includes the date, season, start time, and title of the film. 7. T í tu 1os 1a rgos A part d- = > the data or the data in the Liase data may have already been processed »: on the system of adaptation of the test to provide multiple titles that must fit in the cells of the grid. The option of long titles allows the user to carry out a sdinonal review to detect any title that does not fit within the maximum allowable space for each of the platforms and also identifies the entries not yet processed with the adaptation system. of text. Any title of this type found is written in a file that includes the pla af fi rma, f cha, this ion, start time and title of the listings. This option can be selected for any of the platforms where the EPG operates. Titles can then be processed using text matching and the verification system applied again in the database. 8. Long line This option is similar to the rga copy option and searches the listing database for the copy for movies, live sporting events, pay-per-view programs, and any other entry with a copy that does not fit. in the space available for the. selected platforms. The lists of this t i pa found are written in a file that includes the platform, date, season, time of beginning, and title of the listings. 9. Editorial errors The database is intended to detect editorial errors that may include, inter alia, duplicate titles or years in the copying of a film, cross-references with other days, and expressions such as "at the moment of the impression. " The editorial errors are written in a file that includes the date, station, start time, and description of the error found for each listing. Obviously, these particular errors represent only a particular modality of the system designed to detect the most common types of errors - the utility can be easily modified to detect any editorial error. 10. Lengu je This option searches the listings database to detect inappropriate language in titles, c »- > p? a, and mensa j »-. s. The database of books -.-. it is checked against a language dictionary that includes all the language coníiidendo inaprapiads. Listings with such a language are written in a file and include the date, station, start time, and the metaphorical language found. 11. Other verification options The above options for verifying data in the base > .ie listings data are xh usives. The verification system can be easily confi rmed to check any field in the database. Some of the other fields that can be reviewed are the following. Missing program, missing time, missing time, missing merge time, missing progrim source, pay per event in a non-pay-per-event station, non-pay per event event in a pay station per eventea, and missing price or missing promotional copy for pay-per-event events. The type of program refers to the type of broadcast, that is, broadcasting, pay per event, close video on request ("NVOD"), etc. The allocated time of a program is the total time from the beginning of a program to the start of the next program, including ti mpo for commercial announcements, and the program execution time is the real execution time of the program in yes. The time allotted for a program must exceed (though it is only slightly less than) its execution time, which is o- to the possible 'option of verification. F. The program source indicates the 3rd program source. F 1 type of program and the type .ie station are used to re fi ne if a payment event p >;: r > The event is scheduled at a station that does not pay for an event and if an event that is not pay per event is scheduled at a pay-per-event station. Be aware on the part of experts in the field that the written information in the appropriate file when an error is detected, omission is not a critical factor. provide a sufficient amount of information to uniquely identify the list with faults for purposes. The system of data verification may also have a specific nature with a specific nature. ica of error navigation as follows: After the processing of the database or of a designated subset of the same and the generation of the various error reports, the system can be configured to return to the 3rd base parts of data identified with or containing errors, recover the appropriate database entries, and present them to the user for correction, after correcting the errors, the database can be processed with the verification utility. e data to review the errors. In this way, an interative process can be used to correct and verify all the data in the 3rd data base. SYSTEM 0PEPAC30N The data verification utility operates as or is shown in the flow diagram of figure 7. First, the user is asked to specify the platform or the platforms and maps of? «Ranales for which the props must be executed. Al ernatively, with a database such as that described in Tables 1 and 2, the user only requires to specify the cable group, systems. or radio frequency section. The verification system can then extract from the database the appropriate plan (s) and the map (s) of appropriate channels. Then, the desired verification options are chosen. Alternatively, the user can choose the activation of all the verification options. Depending on the options selected, the user may be asked to provide the appropriate information. If you select the option "Chect 'Lengty Titles" -revise long titles) or "Check lengthy Copy" (check long copy), the user must register the path and the file name for a video library file of type of printing to determine the type of printing suitable for empl to present the text. If the selection of a platform determines only the type of printing, this step can be eliminated since the file can be selected automatically. The specific type of printing used affects the space required to present the product. And, of course, the user can have a list of possible files and requires only selecting a file from the list presented. If the "Che k Missmg Stations" option is selected, the user must register a master list of all the presentations that appear in the list database to a subset of these ions that represent the list for a specific system by cable. This information can be found in a station listings file. If the "Checl-language" option is selected, the user registers a 3> dictionary file. r? nguage > which contains a bibl? er > tee: a words inaprop ladas. Fi na luient, the user is asked to register a guide and file name for exit verification reports. Obviously, a path and a default file number can be used. Separate verification checks are generated for each selected caption. The user can also choose to combine selected reports in a single report. Alternatively, to minimize the amount of user interaction required, the data link can be configured to define all the necessary parameters in such a way that the user only needs to select the cable system and the verification options. . For each cable system (a bi n gi up of rabies or radio frequency section), the data base-1 contains a Table with the appropriate form (s) -a) and a table listing all the types of printing available for s? Use with the platforms such that the user does not have to name the print type library file. Similarly, the language dictionary file can be defined by choosing the platform, eliminating the need for the user to define the file. After the registration of all the information requested, the verification utility of >It presents the selected options and the parameters registered by the user for confirmation by the user. The process of data verification starts later. After processing, the system presents the user with a summary report showing the cumulative total errors located for each of the selected opions. In addition, output reports are generated for each of the selected options, including all the lists in entries- »with the error or the indicated. Table 1 is an alphabetical list »of all the fields? of data in a modality of a database relates} for television program listings. The table presents the -forma, or, size, and range of data for each field. Not all data fields are used for all database entries. For example, fields such as actorjiartte (actor name), mpaa_rat? Ng (paa cl), mpaa_ra__descr i pt ion (ra> description of mpaa), mpaa_reason (mpaa ratio), mpaa_reasart_code (code of »reason of mpaa), star__rat? rg (lasifica in by star), and year will usually be used only for movies. People with certain knowledge in the field will recognize that the presented data verification utility can be designed to operate with any database configuration. Table 2 illustrates the structure of the database related! of Figure 1 showing how the various fields of the database are organized as well as the primary keys < pl) and foreign keys. The font in bold indicates the name of a table in the database and the entries listed below are the fields that make up the table. TABLE 1 Element Definition Referenced by actor_name = \ actor name \ Movie__Credi ts type VARCHAR2 (64) ava i lable_urtt i 1 = \ date,. Scheeiule time program endings YCTV \ type DATE barker_descript ion = \ text describing Barker_Type "b rker__type" \ type VARCHAR2 (32) barker_type: = \ device video Barker_Type barker \ I. nstance__Ti e type NUMBER (4,0) Ch nneljlap range (0 ... 5) bilí ing = \ c the if icac ion of Mov ing__Cred i ts actor credit \ te lear NUMBER (2,0) category = \ category Category \ Program lear lear VARCHAR2 (16) unique = \ channel number Channel_Map section of Instance__Ti e rad isfrecusnc type NUMBER (7,0) range (0 ... 9,999,999) Channel_Map_PPV chafine1__1abe 1 = \ station label Channel__Map of parallel channel \ type VARCHAR2 (16) Instance_Time Channel_Map_PPV charae ter - \ carac: ter ASCII of 8 Pi el_Map bit ios \ type NUMBER (3, 0) range (0 ... 255) characters_f ield_width ~ \ field width of Platform_Field platform (characters) \ type NUMBER (4,) range ( 1 .... 9,999) »loseci_capt ion = subtitle indicator Schedule key to type NUMBER (5, 0) (DE B00LE) range (YES) I NO) color_clasß = color status of the Color Class type keys to type VARCHAR2 (16) Schedule CBW range) | 'Color' 1 'Elevated color') camp ny_address \ company address Cable cable_Campany \ type VARCHAR2 (51.2) ceampany_id \ identif icator > Company Cable_Company cable system \ type NUMBER (8,) Company__Contac t range (1 ... 99,999,999) MSQ_Ccamp ny comp ny_logo \ company logo Cable__Company cable \ type VARCHAR2 (512) comp ny__n e \ descr ipe i ón 1a Cable__Company cable company \ type VARCHAR2 (512) campany_p? - ner \ company name Cab le_Company by cable \ type VARCHAR2 (128) contact em il \ mail address MSO Contact electronic contact \ type VARCHAR2 ( 64) Company_Conta t optact fax \ MSO Contact fax number contact \ type VARCHAR2 (16) Compan _Contact contact yam \ contact name \ MS0_Cantact type VARCHAR2 (64) Company_Contact contac t_phane = \ n? - phone number of MSO__Cantac t contact \ type VARCHAR2 (16) Company_Contact day = day of the week code Day type CHAR Channel__Map range CH '\' M '|' T '|' W '| 'H' | 'F' / 'S') Channe1_Map_PP day_descript ion ~ desc: ription of day of the week \ r ngo ('Sunday' j (Sunday 'Monday' | Monday 'Tuesday') Tuesday 'edneseiay' | Wednesday 'Th? Rsday 'Thursday' Friday 'I Friday' Saturda ') Sat) dayl ight_savings_time = \ time indicator Time savings headend \ r key NUMBER (5,) (B00LEAN0) range (YES I NO) do_textfit = ^ perform text adaptation in text ascac: iado \ type NUMBER (5, 0) F.ield_Jype 50 end_Ti e end of broadcast Channel__Type of station channel \ type DATE event_datet ime = \ date and time stamp Scheclule EST of event issued \ Schedule__Text type DATE eventjarice - of the event issued Schedule for the telespectadcar \ type NUMBER (7, 2) Ch nnel_M p_PPV range (0.00 ... 99,999.99) field_descript ion = \ describe: ion > type Fiel.d_Type field \ type VARCHAR2 (32) 1 TVS title (title TVS) 2 Ext title (title Ext) 3 To ti title (title To you) 4 Grid title (title »of a grid) 5 Short copy (copy short) 6 Long copy (long copy) 7 Pramo copy (promo copy) 8 Originate (origin) 9 Suideline (1 inefficient) 100 30 minutes TVT title 101 60 minute TC6 title 102 90 minute TVG title 103 title TVG 120 minutes 20 title Ext 30 inutes 201 title Ext »60 minutes 202 title Ext 90 minutes 203 title Ext 120 minutes fiel.d_l inesr. = X number of lines of Pl tform_Field screen field \ type NUMBER (2, 0) range (1 99) f ie1d_source_type = \ source of a value Adapted text Platform_Field \ type NUMBER (3, 0) P3. tform__V lue field__type = \ field type named Field_Type on platform \ type NUMBER (3, 0) Pl tform_Va lue P 1 t form_Fie1d Program_Map Schedu.le_Text font__type = \ type of printer used Font_Type on platform \ type NUMBER (4, 0) Cha rarter_Pa i r_Kern.i ng rank (1 9,999) Platfarm_Field group_deßcr iption - • \ group identifier Groups of radiophysical groups \ type VARCHAR2 (128) graup_id = udentif icator of group Grsups of the system 1 or »g ico \ teclear NUMBER (8, O) Groups "Sys em range (1 99,999,999) only guidel ine_wei ht = level of recommendation Scheeiule of television guide \ type NUMBER (2, 0) range (0 .... 4) headep» d_id = \ Identify the Headend section white radio frequency \ type VARCHAR2 (32) Unique System_Headend Map__Time instance_en »d__datet ime - end of Inßtance_Time scheduled event \ type DATE i nstance_end_da tet i me = \ date / start time of? rtstar.ce_Time event p rog radiado \ type DATE kerning__v lue = of spacing of Character_Pair_ the characters (pixels) \ Kerning type NUMBER (2, 0) r ngo (1 .... 99)! aßt_verify_time and time of the last Log_Contral check \ type DATE! .eft__char - Left character of character Pair_ of spacing \ Pair_Kerning type NUMBER (3, 0) range (0 .... 255) 1 i e_indicator = of program program emission (in vi logue) »type NUMBER (5 , 0) range (YES NO) load_date of LogjContral process last lear DATE load_end_t ime - end of process Log_Coptrol of last load. type DATE. load_start_ ime = ^ start time of Log__Can role process of the last key DATE log_f i le__drive - • if icación of unit Log_Conttal of log file \ tec lear VACHAR2 (128) log __? d - \? dent if icador of file l .ag_C »: record control control \ NUMBER < "2, 0) rank (1) unique log_f i le_seqno sequence of the Log_Cont ol ú 111 mo a rch i see of reg is í r \ te lear NUMBER (2, 0) long_stat? On_? D = long of identifies Station give station \ type VAPCHAR2 (64) loncj_sta i ean_na e = station (form Long station V type VAPCHAP (512) map_end_? e = block start time Map__T? channel year \ lear DATE map_st rt__t? e - end of block Map__T? me of channel map V type DATE map_t? me_? d - of bl caque Map_7? e of channel map \ Sn5 anc: e? T? e tec lear VARCHAR2 (48) Ch nnet_Map um Channel_Map_PPV mpaa__ratipg - \ character of MPAA_Ra ing MPAA classification \ Movie you learn CHAR range ('N' | 'G' | 'P' / '3' \ 'R' J '7') mpaa_rating_code = tec 1 er code CHAR (10) mpaa_ra_descript ion = ^ description of MPAA__Ra in »: code MPAA \ type VARCHAR2 (128) rank ('NR Not classified' j '8 general public' J 'PG parental supervision' I 'PG-13 -' supervisory parent (part of the subject is not; suitable for children under 13) '| 'R - rest r i pg i r' \ 'NC-17 - children under 1.7 years are not allowed') | mpaa_reason - MPAA_Remember MPAA description \ type VARCHAR2 (64) Movie MPAA Reason range 'adult themes' I' if adult ratings' I 's i tuac ions i < ua 1es' | 'strong language' | 'I' nudity 'I' nudity '| 'partial nude') m a_reasan__cade of MPAA_Reason rating MPA classification? \ rclear CHAR ('T' | 'A' | 'S' J • L '1' V '|' N 'I' P '|? t? so_addres3 = \ d? recc ?? p »from MSO owner Eternally typing VARCHAR1 í? l2) mso_? d ~ \? dent proprietary MSO \ MSQ_C »-antact type NUMBER (8,0) MSO Company rank (1 ... 99, 999, 999) owner» of mytisystem \ type VARCHAR2 .512) so_name - description of MSO prcap letapo of mu111 if you are to type VAPCHAP2 (512) mso_o? -? ner of owner MSO of mu11 isystem \ type VARCHAR2 (128) ons »: rreen_te t_id a de Edi ted_St t ion P3. fOrm _? ta t ion type NLIMBER Text_Catalog (text__i>: i) orig inal_air_date ~ \ first broadcast of Schedule event YCTvA range (SYSTEM_ IN_DATE ... SYSTEM_MAX_DATE) pin - Nidenti f icator of Program prca TV guide branch \ type CHAR (20) form to pppppppp -ssssssss. XX where (XX is MV = film) SR = series I MS ~ miscellaneous | SM = master series (for exclusion) I UN = unknown (unassigned)) pixel_map icador of V l id_Pi xel_Map pixel set of Font_Type character \ Pixel_Map type NUMBER (2,0) range (1 ... 99) pixel_width = anchu .ra of character Pixel_Map (pi xels) \ type NUMBER (2,0) range (1 ... 99) pixels__f ield_width of Platf field »rarm__Field platform (pixeis) \ tecle r NUMBER (4,0) range (1. .. 9,999) platform_te; < t__id = \ identification of Platform Valué catalog > S >text -rhedule_Text field of p 1 taform \ Text Oataleag (text__id) platform_id = \ platform of presentation Platform Platform »of Platform Field white \ Platform Station type VARCHAR2 (16) Pla form Valué rank Platform_Stat ion ('Visual catalyst' System 'ESP 8600 '|' ESP SA Grid '|' ESP Turbo '|' Starnet Pass i ve ') prev ie - »._ end_affset of Schedule end time of Chapel_Map_PPV window of advance of payment by event \ key in DATE previet-j_start__offset ion of Schedule time start Channel__Map_PPV pay-per-view advance window \ type DATE pr int__run_t ime = ^ exclusion time Actual issued event schedule \ type NUMBER (7,0) range (0 ... 9,999,999) where (0 s ~ time of e jecuc: cont on n o ng) pragram__id = \ identifier of program program \ Mavie type NUMBER Mov ie_Cred is unique Mov ie MPAA_Reas > -r > n Program__Map Schedule program_text__ici =: \ idendi f icator of Pragram_Map Platform V event text when you type NUMBER Schedule__Te t Text_Catalog (textid) p rogram_type = \ event type Program Type emi t gone Schedule type VARCHAR2 < 8) r ngo ('other' | 'PP' I 'YCTV I' NVOD '| purchaße__cal l_phone -? Phone number Purchase call schedule Ch nnel_Map PPV pay per event \ type VARCHAR2 (16) purchase_end_of fset of Schedule time end of Chann 1_Map PPV pay-per-view purchase window \ type NUMBER (4,0) purchase__start_offset of Schedule start time »of Cha nne1_Map_PP pay-per-view purchase window \ type NUMBER (4,0) right_char = Vra raeter Ch racter__Pa i r_K.erning space pair right \ key type NUMBEP -3,0> rank (... 255) role ñame =? .Q.? Bre 3 actor Movie Credit in the prs »3 ama \ teclear VARCHAP2 (64) se rch ype = \ - 1 po search Wordlist of pal bra word or not \ te lear NUMBER .2,0) *? range (0 ll) series id = \ identifier of Schedule program series ^ type NUMBER (7,0) range (1 ... 9,999,999) seqno = \ sequence number Day to keep burning \ Mavie MPAA_Reason type NUMBER ¡" 2.0) range (1 ... 99) slot run time - \ t execution time Shedule of issued event \ (my ñutos) type NUMBER (7,) range (0 ... 9,999,999) where »<; 0 Í = time of ecu ctu nt i nua) star__rating = of Movie quality of TV guide film \ type NUMBER (2,0) r ngo (0 ... 5) start_time start »of Channel_Map (-ranal of station of Ch nnel__Map PPV em is i ón \ type DATE stat ion_descri.pt ion = and typing of type Stat station ion_Type \ type VARCHAR2 (32) rangca ('Emi go' I 'Cable' I 'Premium' I 'Selected fun '/' PP '1' Home successes' I 'YCT') call station_id Station station of ed__Statican type VARCHAR2 (1.6) Go.stance_Time only P 1 at form Sta ti on on Schedule Cha rebñe l _Map Channel_Map PPV Schedu! E__Tex t stat ion_p ior iy = \ priority of Channel_Map resolution of Ir? st nce__Ti e schedule conflict \ Channel__Map PP ^ 'type NUMBER (2,0) range (1 ... 5) st t ion_type Stat class ior .__? ype station \ Station type NUMBEP. (2,0) range (10 ... 99) system__descri t ion = \ description system System ion \ type VARCHAR2 (64) system__id = \ (Identifier of System System \ Groups System type NUMBEP. (8.0) System Headend rank (1 ... 99,999,999) unique text of characters Text_Catalog of catalog text) type VARCHAR2 (512) text_id = \ Identifier of Text__Catalog text of cat > _ago \ type NUMBER t imezane = \ temp zone l of T i me z one event and itid ^ Headend type CHART (3) range ('ET' J 'CT' / 'T' | 'PT' / 'AT' | ' HAT '/' LT '|' ST ') touched • - ^ date impede and Text_Catalog last text time \ type DATE tz_desc ri pt i can = ^ zone description Timezone temporary \ type VARCHAR2 (64) type VARCHAR2 (50) uniC? e r = Presentation width Movie of the cell \ key NUMBER (4,0) range (0 ... 9,999) TABLE 2 Tab l Attribute key / Foreign key table Barker_Type pk == barker_type bar er_type barker_descr ip ian Cab le_Compar.y pk = company__id compapy_id company_na e ccampany_awner campany__address 10 campany_logo Categary pk = category tegory Channel_Map 15 pk = map_time_id + channel_number + channel_label + channeljar ior i ty + dy? O + start_time ap "t ime? _id Map_Ti e channel_number channe1 __1 atae 1 station_ ariori ty -b day Day st rt__t ime end_time statisn__id Station barker_type Ba rker_Type Ch npel_Map PPV pk = map_t ime__i »d + channel_number + channel__label + stat ion__pr iori ty + day + start_time map_time_id Map_Time channel_number channel _label statiop_prisrity day Day s art_t ie pu rchase__s tar t_of f se t purchase__epcl_of f set purchase__ca 1 l__phone p revi ew_s trt __o ff se tp re iew_ end_of f set event_j-arice Cha rae ter_Pa i rjíerni ng pk - fortt__type + left__char + right__char fo t_type Font__Type left_char igh _char kerning__va lue Colar Class pk = c: olor_class color class Comp ny_Contact pk = company_id + contac t_name c: amp ny_id Cab 1e_J -.on.pany ccantac t__name contac.t_phone contac t_f contac: t_ema i 1 Day pk = day day day_descript ion seq a E? dited Statian pk -: pl tform_id + station id platform_id Platform st t ion__id St onscreen text ie i Tex t__Ca t 1og (te t id) Field_Type pk = field__type f ieid__type field__descr ifat ion »d _tex t f i t Fon __Type pk = font__t ype fon __type pi xel_ma V l. id__Pi el__Map Groups pk = group__id group__id group__desc r ipt i on Graups System pk - group_id + system_id group__id Groups system_id System Headend pk = headend__id headend id 4 * t ime zone Time zone day 3. ight_sav i ngs__t ime Inst rice Time pk = map_time__id + channel .__ nu.nber + chanpe l __label + sta t ion__prior i ty -i ns tance sta rt d a t e t i me map_time_id Map__Time channe 1 _nu.mber ch nnel. __1 abel sta ti on_p ri i ty i nstance__st _dateti me i nstance_end__da tet ime ßtation__id Station b rker_tupe Log_Control pk = lcag__id log_id load__date load__start__t ime 1oad_end_t ime log_f i le__seqno 1 og__f i 1 e_d ri ve Map _T ime pk = map__ i e__id map__t ime__id heaciend_i He end map_s ta r t___t i me mp _e ncí __t i me Movie pk = program_id pro ram__id Program mpaa__rating MPAA_Rating yea start_rating Mo vie C red its pk = •• progra __id + bil I i nej program_id Movie bilí i ng actor_n e role_na e Meav ie MPAA_Re are pk = program_id -i- mppa _rea on pro r m___id Mo ie mpaa__reason MPAA__Reason is not MPAA_Ratmg pi ~ mp a_ra 1 ng mpaa_r i ng mpa a __ a 1 ng__codf- > mpaa_ra_descr ipt i can MPAA Pe on pl- ~ mppa__reason mpaa_re on mpaa__reas > on_c ocle MSO l- - má d mso_? d mso__na? tte mso_ot- / ner msa_address mso_3 ogo MSO__Co? np ny p. - so __? d + compan _? d l.tí-0__l d MSO campaign ny__? d Ca b 1 e__Coma ny MSO Coritac t pl - so id • + count, t ñame mso_i »:: l MSO contact_name contact_jahane contac t__fa contac: t_ema i 3. P i el_Map pk = pi el_map + cha rae er pi el _ma p V lid__P i xe1 __Map rae ter pi xel _? - idth Pl tfarm pk = p atform_i d pl tform_id do__textfi Pl tform Field pk = platform__id + field__type platform_id Pl tform field_type) Field__Type c: haracters__f ield_jwidth pi xel.s__field_t-.idth f ield_l i nes f ield__so? rce_type Field__Type (field_type) font_type Fong_Type Platform Statian pk = platform_i »d + statian_id platfearm__id Platform stat ion__id Statian onscreen text id Te t_Ca alog (text id) Platform V lué pk ~ platform__id + field__type + pro a __text_id platform_id Platform f ield__type Field__Type program__te t__id Te t_Ca a 1og (text_id) p 1a t form_te? t__id Te t__Cat lag (text id) f ie1d_source__type Fiel.d__Type (f i ld__type) Program pk - pro ram_id pragrann__id pin 1 i ve in ica tor ca. tegory C egory Program_Map pk = program__ici + field_type prcagr __id Pro ram f ieid__type Field__Type p r og r a m__t e x t __ i d Te t_Catalog (text id) P rog ram__Type pk = •• prOgram_type pragrarn__type Schedule pk = station_id + event__datet i e station_id Station and ent__da eti e series__id program_id Program c losed__ca t ion cealor__c3. ss Colear Class s 1ot_run__t ime pri nt__run_t i me event__price purehase_st rt__of fset purchase__end_of fset purchase_ca 1 l_phone p rev iew_sta rt_of fset prev iet -.__ end_ ffset or ii na 1__a i r__date ava ilb! .e__unt i 1 guide1 i ne_we igh t program__t pe P reag ram_Type Schedule Te t pk = station__id + ever? T__da tetime + fieid_type st tion_id St ion event__da tetime f ield_type Field__Type progra __te t_id Te t Cat log (text- id) fk = ßtation_id Schedule + event_datet ime Stat ion pk = station_id st ion_id stati on__t ype Station__Type lcang__stat ion__na e Stat.ion_Type pk = stat ion__type stat ion_type st t ion__descr it ion System pk =: ß system__id system_id system_ciesc ript ion platf arm__.id Platform System Headend pk = system__id + headend i »d system__id System heaciend id Headend Text_Ca alog pk = text_id text_id text touched Ti e zone pk = ie zone ti me zone t z__desc ripti can Go 1 id__P i xe1 __Map pk = pi el__map pi xel_map Wordl ist p = wcard word - »earchtype EATATIONS As shown in the figure 2, to review missing stations, the user must 'designate a file' of the station list. The station listing file may contain all the stations in the database, a subset of stations representing the stations in a specific cable system, any group of stations defined by the user, or a single station. In addition, the station listings file contains a field of "data for each station indicating daily air times for this station. The listing database (that is, the station__id field) is then searched against this file to determine if each station in the station listings file is included in the database. If missing stations are found, the total number of missing stations is incremented and presented and the number of the missing station is written in a one-way file. HOLES AND JOINTS OF HOURS The option hollows and splices of schedule operates as shown in figure 3. The flow diagram shows the operation for a unite station but the operation is the same for each station in a file of station listings- » . First, a time range is selected to make gaps and splices. The system then checks the database to determine if the beginning of the time range matches the start of a program and begins the process can be listed. If the beginning of the time range intersects a program that is already being presented, the system starts the process with this list. The start time (start__time) for the first list to be reviewed is; retrieve after the database. If there are no gaps or splices in the schedule, the start time of the next list should be the start time of the previous list plus the assigned execution time (slat_run__t ime) of the previous list. Each list is then reviewed successively in accordance with the following equations used to determine if there is a gap ca a holes Tn + 1 = Tn • + RTn (the schedule is correct) Tn + 1 > Tn + RTn (hollow in the schedule) Tn + 1 < Tn + RTn (splice in the schedule) where Tn represents the initial time and RTn the assigned execution time for the nth list in the base > of data-". The entry in the database is checked independently of the other entries in such a way that a gap or a time splice for a specific pair of programs will affect all subsequent listings in the database. For stations that do not broadcast 24 hours a day, a placeholder is inserted outside the ai e into the database and treated as a schedule. For some television stations, especially premium stations, it can allow a small gap or a splice (ie, 5 minutes) in the programs. For example, in a premium movie channel, a movie can start approximately 5 minutes after the allotted time so that if the previous movie is played for 3 minutes at the same time, there is no real splice. Similarly, a movie with a run time of, say, 87 minutes will end before the start of the next assigned time. However, it is frequent in the case of the premium stations to fill this apparent gap with advertisements or other promotional material. If appropriate, the equations can be modified as follows to reflect the fact that such small holes and splices are permissible: Tn + 1 = (Tn - »• RTn) - + / - 5 minutes (correct time) Tn + 1 > Tn + RTn + 5 minutes (hollow in the schedule) Tn + 1 < Tn + RTn - 5 minutes (splicing in the schedule) Titles, copies, fields and missing classifications of the film The utilities for missing titles, missing copies, fal champs and missing film classifications operate in the following way. For each of these captions, the lists are reviewed to determine the missing information through the search in the field or the designated fields. For the missing titles, all titles; Different for a program can be revised, including the full title (TVG) and the various short versions (it is from »:: go, for reticulated frames of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes). For the missing copy option, you can review the long copy, short copy, and promotion copy fields. In the database described in Tables 1 and 2, all the textual data (including program, copy, and originator titles) for a program are stored in a Text_Catalog table, indexed using a text__id. The text_id ße is obtained from another table, such as Program__Map, which consists of a set of indicators in the Te t__Cat log. The Program__Map table is? Indexed using the pragram_id and field__type. There is a text indicator for entering one of the different types of chronic compliance field indicated in the ield_description in Table 1. Using a program program, all text data associated with a program can be retrieved. Regarding the lack of film classification operation, the field MPAA__rat i ng is revised. Regarding the option of missing fields, all the campers that should be present for a specific list (of confcarmida »d with the rules of operation of the EPT) are) reviewed. When you find any of the previous missing fields, the. appropriate counting and it is presented. In addition, the date, start time, station identification, and title (for missing copy and missing MPAA classifications) are written in the appropriate report of verification of leave. The copy option examines the missing copy of all listings that "should include copying, such as movies," live sporting events, and event payment programs. The caption of missing movie classifications reviews all the channels; premium and pay-per-view events in terms of movie ratings since only these channels will broadcast non-edited movies. Obviously, it is also possible to generate a single exit verification distribution that includes all the lists with missing information. Accordingly, a single file can be generated where a list of all - »lists with missing titles, copies and / or film classifications is presented. Long titles and long copy The operation of the long title options »and long copy is as follows. Based on the platform or the platforms selected (ß) by the user (champion Platform__id), the system reviews a table in the database that indicates the various formats-, different from 'visu li -rae i? N for erada listing. For example, if the platform supports both an interactive EPG and a channel guide type, each with different i.-raer ion characteristics, the table will indicate which each should be included in the database. Therefore, for a movie of these hours, the system will check if there are titles for each list marked as 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes to adapt them in the "grid lines of different sizes for each of the two types of grid. EPGs. If one of the required titles is missing, the system will write enough information for the exit report to identify the missing title. In addition, the system reviews the various versions of the titles in the database to ensure that each one fits in the space indicated for the specific platform. The space required to visualize the lists is determined by consulting the table that lists the types of printing for the platform and calculates the required space based on the printing type and the spacing of the characters. table »~ haraeter_pa? r_J < ern? ng shown in figure 2 returns the value of spaced pat pairs of spaced characters that is used to determine the actual space required for 3 to present a pair of; characters. To avoid calculating the space required to present an entire word each time the word is found in the database, a reference table can be constructed that includes, for each different type of printing, the space required to present a word. , taking into account the spacing of the character pairs. In this way, the query table is consulted before »actually calculating the required space. If the word is found in the query table, it is necessary to calculate the space requirement. If this is not the case, after calculating the space required, the word is accrued to the reference table for future reference. Alternatively, to avoid re-calculation of if a specific title fits into a particular presentation for a specific platform, an appropriate label is applied to each title previously suitable for text. Then, when the verification process is run, to determine if all the appropriate titles for textea are present, the system reviews the presence of titles previously marked for the specific platform. In the case of a long copy, there is a list that, in accordance with the operating rules of the EPG, should include a copy, it is revised. Based on the selected platform, the system consults a table in the database that indicates the space available for the copy. A long copy is reviewed after the same way as long titles. If the space required to present the title or copy exceeds the available space, the count is increased and presented and the platform, start time, station identification and title or long copy are written in the appropriate report > check. Erroreß editorials The above options review fields where data is totally missing and fields that include 'data that exceed the designated space where they should fit. However, they do not detect errors in the same data. The option of editorial errors complements these »captions by reviewing specific errors in the data fields. This option searches the listings to determine the most common types of errors found in the database. These errors include duplicate titles and movie years, references, crossed with other days of the programming week (in the case of programs that are repeated daily), and expressions co or "at the time of printing" (often used when, at the time of compiling the base of data, does not know certain information about a program). For each editorial error of this type located, the canteo is increased and the count is presented, and the date, time, station identification, and type of error are written in the output check file. The above editorial errors are only some of the errors that can occur in the database. If ad types are detected: errors can also be reviewed through the editorial error option. Language appropriate The inappropriate language option is similar to the option of editorial errors insofar as they check the list database to detect certain words and expressions that are not appropriate for an EPG. All these words and expressions are included in the language dictionary file. The database is then made to detect series of characters that fit these words and expressions. If correspondences are found, the canteo is incremented by one and presented and the date, start time, ident i f i »rraer ion >are written; station, and inappropriate language found in the output file. The inappropriate language utility can be configured to review all the data fields containing 'textual data. Alternatively, only certain text fields can be designed to correspond to the appropriate language file. Other verification options The operation of the other verification options is similar to the operation of the; options listed above. The type of program that is missing, in the assigned time, the execution time, the program origin, the pay-per-event price and the promotional copy of the event-by-event can be implemented in the same way as the other missing field options. The pay-per-event event options are implemented in a pay-per-event and event of non-payment event in a pay-per-view station by comparing the fields pragram__type and stat i on__type for a program. System implementation It will be recognized by experts in the field that the system can be implemented in any of the various digital platforms. In one modality, a personal computer system can be employed, tacked to 486. Alternatively, due to the large amount of data to be processed, a more powerful workstation computer can be used. A mass storage device such as an optical disk, a hard disk drive, or a magnetic tape is used to store the database. The data verification utility can receive on the computer that includes a presentation device and a keyboard for the input of user commands. In one modality, the utility is implemented in a Microsoft wiNdows environment for the greatest ease of the user. Figure 4 shows a check display screen to select the various verification options. At the top of the screen 10, the user selects whether the verification is executed in a group of wired systems, a single cable system, or a single radio frequency section. Also in the upper part of screen 1.0, the user selects the start times and from? end in which the data verification is executed. At the bottom of the screen 20, they select the various :, verification options. Alternatively, all laß tests can be selected using a unique beatón. After executing the verification, the user is presented with a correction menu 30 »which appears in figure 5. The correction menu allows the user to correct the errors by type of error. When selecting? N type of error for s ?. correction, the user is presented with the correction editor screen shown in figure 6. The correction edit screen presents the values of the various fields for the program listing that contains such an error. so that the user can make the appropriate changes. Once the data has been processed by means of the data verification utility and once the additions, changes and editions to the list database have been made, the data for a specific cable system is extracted and prepared for transmission to the system by > -rab3.e. At this stage, the data corresponding to a specific channel map are extracted from the database; and they are converted into the ASCII format or into a binary-readable format readable by the system. The data file can be transmi to the system by cable pot1 anyone > of medium routes such as, for example, by satellite, telephone line, portable means of storage, or broadcast. In an alternative modality, the data verification utility may receive in each of the radiofrequency sections of the cable system. In this way, the individual data file of the cable system will be < It comes from the database of program listings and is transmi to the cable system. The various revision options associated with the utility may then be executed in the radio frequency section of the cable system before the transmission of the EPG data to the individual viewers. Therefore, only the data for stations carried by the specific cable system are checked. The advantage of this arrangement is that it provides the CIE publishing capabilities listed in each system so that errors that are not detected by the EPG provider can be corrected and last-minute changes can be reflected in the data provided to the specifics. tadoreß "The code >; d? go for a program > of specific computation to implement the invention presented here will be readily apparent to the experts in the 3rd subject of the programming of .9 video systems and graphical presentation based on the de scription contained here and to the attached appendix. It will also be observed by those skilled in the art that there may be modifications to the specific embodiment of the present invention described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (40)

1. CLAIMS 1. A data verification system for an electronic television program guide, which comprises a storage device for storing a database of television program schedule listings, a data processing device for analyzing said database. data during at least one of the; the following: hollows and hollows for 3 months, an editing device for editing said database, and a transmission device for transmitting said edited database to a plurality of remote locations.
2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said database to detect missing stations.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said database-, to detect at least one of the following: missing titles, missing copy, and fal fields before.
4. 4. The rei indication system 1, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said data base to detect at least one of the following: long titles or long copies.
5. 5. The system of the re vindication 1, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said data base to detect errors editcari.es.
6. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said database to detect inappropriate language.
7. 7. The rei indication system 1, wherein said remission device transmits said database to a plurality of wired systems.
8. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said transmission device transmits said database to a plurality of viewers.
9. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said database comprises programmable times and execution times for a plurality of television programs and said data processing device determines whether any of the following inequalities are met: Tn + 1 > Tn + RTp Tn + 1 < Tn + RTn where Tn refers to the programmed time and RTn to the execution time for the n th list in the database, and Tn + 1 refers to the time programmed for the n + lavo list in the database.
10. 10. A data verification system for an electronic television program guide comprising: storage devices for storing a database of television program schedule listings, "7 - ^ - said database comprises listings of program schedules for a plurality of television stations, a processing device for analyzing said database to detect missing stations, an editing device for editing said database, and a transmission device for transmitting said edited data base to a plurality of remote locations.
11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said database for at least one of the following readings: missing tickets, missing copy, and missing fields.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said "data processing" further analyzes said database "for at least one of the following: long titles and long copies. 1.3.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said database to detect editorial errors.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein said data processing device further analyzes said database to detect inappropriate language.
15. 15. A data verification system for an electronic television program guide, comprising: storage device for storing a television program schedule listing database, said database comprising program title for a plurality of television programs, data processing device for analogous database to detect missing titles, editing device for editing >d? cha database, and transmission device to transmit said edited database to a plurality of remote locations.
16. 16. The system of the induration 15, where said data processing device further analyzes said database to detect when one of the following gaps in the schedule and holes in the schedule.
17. 17. The rei indication system 15, where said data processing device further analyzes d? »- has a database to detect these missing ions.
18. 18. The rei indication system 15, wherein said data processing device further analyzes this database to detect editorial errors.
19. 19. The rei indication system 1, wherein said data processing device lists the start time and the end time of dichcas hollows and / or junctions of hor rios.
20. 20. The system of claim 10, wherein said data processing device lists the missing stations. 2t.
21. In an electronic program guide system for television programs, a system for verifying the contents contained in a database of television program schedule information, comprising: a storage device for storing a database of television programs; information about television program schedule, a data processor to locate gaps in said program schedule information, and a device to view its 11 act to present information that identifies said gaps.
22. 22. The rei indication system 21, where said data processor locates the splices; of schedules in said data rate and said device of v i sual i -: ac i ón presents information that identifies such time splices.
23. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein said data processor identifies the missing stations in said database and said visual display device has certain fate stations. 2 .
24. The rei indication system 21, where said data processor locates the missing titles in said database and said isu l i-ration device presents the information that identifies the uta ictions of said missing titles.
25. 25. The system of claim 21, wherein said data processor locates fal fields before said database and said video device 11 a io presents the information q and identifies the locations > i > 3 said- fields f l antos.
26. 26. In an electronic program system for programming, television, a system for verifying the data contained in a database of information on television program schedules, which comprises: a storage device for storing a data database of television program schedules, a data processor for identifying missing stations in said program schedule information, and a device for viewing said stations fl antea.
27. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein said cyan processor locates the missing sites in said database and said display device displays 13 information identifying the locations of said missing titles.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein said data processor locates missing fields in said database and said visualization device presents information identifying the locations of said missing fields.
29. The system of claim 21, comprising in addition, a device for transmitting said datcat database to a plurality of remote locations
30. 30. The relay indication system 29, wherein said plurality of remote locations comprises cable systems
31. 31. A process for verifying data in an electronic guide television program, which comprises: supplying a data base of l? s.ts »two of television program to a data processor, said base of data includes program titles, program start times, and program execution times, analyze said database for at least one of the following: time slots and time splices, list said time slots and / or time splices, and edit said b-tse »of data to correct said gaps and / or splices.
32. 32. The compliance process can be found in claim 31, wherein said database is analyzed in addition to detecting these missing ones.
33. 33. The process of claim 31, wherein said data processor analyzes said data base to determine at least one of the following: missing titles, missing copy, and missing fields.
34. 34. The process of the re-indication 31, where said data processing analyzes this data base additionally to detect at least one of the following: long titles and long copy.
35. 35. The process according to claim 31, wherein said data processor analisysionally analyzes said database to detect editorial errors.
36. 36. The process of claim 3, wherein said data processor analyzes said base and gt.; data to detect inappropriate leng?
37. 37. The process of claim 31, which additionally comprises transmitting said database to a plurality of cable systems.
38. 38. The process according to the rei indication 31, which further comprises the transmission of said data base to a plurality of viewers.
39. 39. The process of claim 31, wherein said database comprises programmed times and echo times for a plurality of television branches and said data processor determines whether any of the following inequalities are met: Tp +1 Tn + RTn Tn + 1 < Tn + PTn where Tn refers to the programmed time and RTn to the execution time for the n th listed in the data bank, and Tn + 1 refers to the time programmed for n + 1 th listed in the database.
40. 40. A process for providing an electronic television program guide to a plurality of remote locations, comprising: receiving listings of television programs from a plurality of information providers, formatting said program listings, providing said lists of programs formatted to a data base of program schedule information, analyzing said formatted listings to locate missing stations, missing titles, time slots, and time splices, store information identifying those false stations, missing titles, time slots , and located time splices, edit said program listings formatted in response to said stored information, extract a part of said program listings edited and formatted from said "database, and transmit said extracted part to a remote location.