US20140366063A1 - Method and System for Selective Initial Television Channel Display - Google Patents

Method and System for Selective Initial Television Channel Display Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20140366063A1
US20140366063A1 US14/307,585 US201414307585A US2014366063A1 US 20140366063 A1 US20140366063 A1 US 20140366063A1 US 201414307585 A US201414307585 A US 201414307585A US 2014366063 A1 US2014366063 A1 US 2014366063A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
program
initial
programs
service provider
subscriber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/307,585
Inventor
Nathaniel J. Thurston
Devin F. Hosea
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Comcast IP Holdings I LLC
Original Assignee
Comcast IP Holdings I LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Comcast IP Holdings I LLC filed Critical Comcast IP Holdings I LLC
Priority to US14/307,585 priority Critical patent/US20140366063A1/en
Assigned to PREDICTIVE NETWORKS, INC. reassignment PREDICTIVE NETWORKS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HOSEA, DEVIN F., THURSTON, NATHANIEL J.
Assigned to SEDNA PATENT SERVICES, LLC reassignment SEDNA PATENT SERVICES, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PREDICTIVE MEDIA CORPORATION
Assigned to COMCAST IP HOLDINGS I, LLC reassignment COMCAST IP HOLDINGS I, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SEDNA PATENT SERVICES, LLC
Assigned to PREDICTIVE MEDIA CORPORATION reassignment PREDICTIVE MEDIA CORPORATION CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PREDICTIVE NETWORKS, INC.
Publication of US20140366063A1 publication Critical patent/US20140366063A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/262—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists
    • H04N21/26208—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists the scheduling operation being performed under constraints
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/262—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists
    • H04N21/26283—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists for associating distribution time parameters to content, e.g. to generate electronic program guide data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/438—Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving MPEG packets from an IP network
    • H04N21/4383—Accessing a communication channel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/443—OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
    • H04N21/4432—Powering on the client, e.g. bootstrap loading using setup parameters being stored locally or received from the server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • H04N21/4826—End-user interface for program selection using recommendation lists, e.g. of programs or channels sorted out according to their score
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
    • H04N21/654—Transmission by server directed to the client
    • H04N21/6543—Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences

Definitions

  • the present invention broadly related to multiple-subscriber program distribution and display systems, such as those involving cable, satellite and line-of-sight television broadcast deliver methods.
  • Television receivers and television reception systems are typically designed to function in one of two ways when the receiver is turned on for viewing programs: the receiver remains on the same cannel that was being viewed when it was turned off at the end of the previous viewing session; or, the receiver is always re0tunded to the same default channel when it is turned on at the beginning of each new viewing session.
  • This feature is observed whether the television received in a stand-alone device, or whether it is combined with other turning/reception devise or circuits (e.g., set-top boxes) as part of a television broadcast/distribution system using any variety of deliver methods, including, for example, cable, satellite, and lint0fo sight.
  • the default channel may be a channel displaying the general or first screen of the EPG to provide a user/subscriber with information on current and future programs broadcast over the system.
  • the EPG in addition to providing links to the programs available to the subscriber, can also provide additional information about programs, such as the cannels, start and stop times, program lengths, program ratings, program genres, and program descriptions and synopses.
  • the subscriber/user is then free to change channels and view desired programming.
  • the present invention provides a method of setting a subscriber's program reception device to an initial-program.
  • the method at least includes the steps of, via a service provider, broadcasting a plurality of programs for viewing or reproduction, via a receiver, receiving the plurality of programs, at the direction of the service provider, selecting for initial viewing or reproduction on the program reception device, a program chosen by the service provider, and enabling the initial viewing or reproduction by the subscriber, of the program selected.
  • the present invention also provides a program broadcast/distribution system.
  • the system at least includes, a service provider adapted to broadcast a plurality of programs for viewing or reproduction, and a receiver adapted to receive the plurality of programs.
  • the service provider is adapted to select for initial viewing or reproduction on the program reception device, an initial program chosen by the service provider.
  • the receiver is adapted to enable the initial viewing or reproduction by the subscriber, of the initial program selected by the service provider.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the present-inventive program distribution and display system.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart detailing the steps of the algorithm of the present inventive method for initially displaying programs upon power-up of a subscriber's viewing hardware.
  • FIG. 1 A system 100 capable of implementing the present-inventive method for establishing (by the Service Provider) the initial program to which the television receiver will be tuned upon power up, is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the system 100 nominally includes a Service Provider 110 and many set-top boxes 140 serving system subscribers.
  • the set-top boxes 140 can be of the variety found in many cable or satellite television systems, with the ability to both receive and transmit information.
  • the set-top boxes 140 generate the EPGs used by the system, and place the programs received from the Service Provider in a format suitable for display on displays such as the one 150 .
  • the system 100 also includes many program sources, such as the one 170 symbolically representing a content provider.
  • the Initial Program Display Table lists by priority, the programs to be initially displayed. It is possible to operate the present invention with only one initial program selected by the Service Provider. However, a better approach is to include a list of initial programs that are ranked, in case there is difficulty (by the receiver) locating or displaying particular initial programs selected.
  • the Service Provider can by commercial arrangement with content providers and advertisers, decide which program subscribers will initially see when the subscriber turns on his/her television receiver. For example, a content provider might pay the Service Provider a premium to have his/her program available to capture the initial and undivided attention of the subscribers, before the subscribers have had a chance to change channels.
  • the Initial Program Display Table or Tables can include, in addition to the name of each program, a program channel identifier, a program start time, a program end time, a program weight, and a program maximum probability.
  • the program weight and maximum probability are used to establish a hierarchy among programs to be initially displayed, in case a subscriber's set-top box has difficulty tuning to the first choice. The set-top box would then automatically attempt to tune to the highest ranked program according to the table, until one is initially displayed.
  • One Initial Program Display Table can serve all of the subscribers in the system.
  • a separate Initial Program Display Table can be transmitted to designated subscribers who are grouped according to common characteristics or demographics.
  • the general algorithm 200 employed by the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • the algorithm is partially implemented by the Service Provider and partially implemented by the set-top boxes.
  • Step 204 the algorithm 200 determines whether there is to be a change in the Initial Program Display Table. For example, since the last update to the Initial Program Display Table 120 , the Service Provider might have reached a new agreement with a content provider to initially feature the content provider's program with subscribers upon the subscribers turning on their television receivers. If there is to be a change to the Initial Program Display Table, this is accomplished in Step 206 . Otherwise, the algorithm advances to Step 208 , where the Initial Program Display Table is periodically transmitted to subscribers.
  • the set-top box converts the Initial Program Table information into channel information, and then attempts to tune to the highest priority program from the Table (Steps 210 and 212 ). If the subscriber has not turned on the television receiver, the algorithm returns to Step 204 .
  • Step 216 the set-top box attempts to tune to the next highest priority program from the Initial Program Display Table.
  • the Service Provider provides a recommended programs list to the 10 set-top boxes, which list can be displayed via an EPG.
  • the recommended programs list can be constructed according to agreement with content providers, and unbeknownst to users. For example, a content provider wishing to have his or her program widely viewed can through payment and agreement, have his or her program appear first on the recommended programs list of all of the viewers/users serviced by the Service Provider.
  • the Recommended Programs List can automatically appear on the user's display at the beginning of each viewing session. Users would be more likely to at least initially tune-in to the recommended programs.
  • the Service Provider can highly recommend a particular content provider's program to those users who are more likely to have an interest.
  • Step 222 The subscriber then operates the television receiver normally, starting with Step 222 .
  • the algorithm stops at Step 224 .

Abstract

A novel electronic program guide (EPG) based method and system for the distribution and display of programs enables the system service provider to determine which program a subscriber will initially see upon power-up of the subscriber's television receiver. The service provider maintains one or more Initial Program Display Tables that list information about programs to be displayed upon power-up of subscribers' receivers, from highest priority to least priority. The Initial Program Display Table or Tables are periodically transmitted to all of the subscribers and stored by the subscribers' set-top boxes. Upon power-up of a subscriber's receiver, the set-top box will attempt to cause the receiver to immediately display the highest ranked program from the Initial Program Display Table. The service provider controls which programs are displayed upon initial power-up and the ranking of programs in the case where there is difficulty displaying the highest ranked program.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/269,918, filed on Oct. 11, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/339,802, entitled “Method and System for Selective Initial Television Channel Display,” filed Oct. 22, 2001. Each of the above identified applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
    • FIELD
  • The present invention broadly related to multiple-subscriber program distribution and display systems, such as those involving cable, satellite and line-of-sight television broadcast deliver methods.
    • BACKGROUND
  • Television receivers and television reception systems (including those which make use of a set-top box) are typically designed to function in one of two ways when the receiver is turned on for viewing programs: the receiver remains on the same cannel that was being viewed when it was turned off at the end of the previous viewing session; or, the receiver is always re0tunded to the same default channel when it is turned on at the beginning of each new viewing session. This feature is observed whether the television received in a stand-alone device, or whether it is combined with other turning/reception devise or circuits (e.g., set-top boxes) as part of a television broadcast/distribution system using any variety of deliver methods, including, for example, cable, satellite, and lint0fo sight.
  • When the television reception system uses an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) the default channel may be a channel displaying the general or first screen of the EPG to provide a user/subscriber with information on current and future programs broadcast over the system. As is known in the art, the EPG, in addition to providing links to the programs available to the subscriber, can also provide additional information about programs, such as the cannels, start and stop times, program lengths, program ratings, program genres, and program descriptions and synopses.
  • After the television receiver is turned on and maintained on the previously viewed channel or set to the routine default channel, the subscriber/user is then free to change channels and view desired programming.
  • While subscribers in a television broadcast/distribution system may find little or no problems with the aforementioned power-up initial channel settings, this arrangement represents loss of revenue and promotional opportunities for the system service providers. That is, by receivers automatically tuning to the same channel viewed at the end of the previous session, which channel was chosen by the viewer, the service provider does not have the opportunity to more directly influence subscribers' viewing habits during the initial viewing stage. The same drawback is present in systems where the exact same default channel is tuned to when the receiver is turned on, since the service provider might like to have the subscribers' initial attention drawn elsewhere.
    • BRIEF SUMMARY
  • In view of the aforementioned limitations of the prior art, the present invention provides a method of setting a subscriber's program reception device to an initial-program. The method at least includes the steps of, via a service provider, broadcasting a plurality of programs for viewing or reproduction, via a receiver, receiving the plurality of programs, at the direction of the service provider, selecting for initial viewing or reproduction on the program reception device, a program chosen by the service provider, and enabling the initial viewing or reproduction by the subscriber, of the program selected.
  • The present invention also provides a program broadcast/distribution system. The system at least includes, a service provider adapted to broadcast a plurality of programs for viewing or reproduction, and a receiver adapted to receive the plurality of programs. The service provider is adapted to select for initial viewing or reproduction on the program reception device, an initial program chosen by the service provider. The receiver is adapted to enable the initial viewing or reproduction by the subscriber, of the initial program selected by the service provider.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description below, with reference to the following drawing figures, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the present-inventive program distribution and display system; and
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart detailing the steps of the algorithm of the present inventive method for initially displaying programs upon power-up of a subscriber's viewing hardware.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • A system 100 capable of implementing the present-inventive method for establishing (by the Service Provider) the initial program to which the television receiver will be tuned upon power up, is shown in FIG. 1. The system 100 nominally includes a Service Provider 110 and many set-top boxes 140 serving system subscribers. The set-top boxes 140 can be of the variety found in many cable or satellite television systems, with the ability to both receive and transmit information. The set-top boxes 140 generate the EPGs used by the system, and place the programs received from the Service Provider in a format suitable for display on displays such as the one 150.
  • Among the many components of the Service Provider function, are the novel inclusion of an Initial Program Display Table or Tables 120, for storing the initial programs to be displayed upon receiver power-up. And, the system 100 also includes many program sources, such as the one 170 symbolically representing a content provider.
  • The Initial Program Display Table lists by priority, the programs to be initially displayed. It is possible to operate the present invention with only one initial program selected by the Service Provider. However, a better approach is to include a list of initial programs that are ranked, in case there is difficulty (by the receiver) locating or displaying particular initial programs selected.
  • With the aid of the present invention, the Service Provider can by commercial arrangement with content providers and advertisers, decide which program subscribers will initially see when the subscriber turns on his/her television receiver. For example, a content provider might pay the Service Provider a premium to have his/her program available to capture the initial and undivided attention of the subscribers, before the subscribers have had a chance to change channels.
  • The Initial Program Display Table or Tables can include, in addition to the name of each program, a program channel identifier, a program start time, a program end time, a program weight, and a program maximum probability. The program weight and maximum probability are used to establish a hierarchy among programs to be initially displayed, in case a subscriber's set-top box has difficulty tuning to the first choice. The set-top box would then automatically attempt to tune to the highest ranked program according to the table, until one is initially displayed.
  • One Initial Program Display Table can serve all of the subscribers in the system. Alternatively, a separate Initial Program Display Table can be transmitted to designated subscribers who are grouped according to common characteristics or demographics.
  • The general algorithm 200 employed by the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. The algorithm is partially implemented by the Service Provider and partially implemented by the set-top boxes.
  • After the start (Step 202), the algorithm 200 determines whether there is to be a change in the Initial Program Display Table (Step 204). For example, since the last update to the Initial Program Display Table 120, the Service Provider might have reached a new agreement with a content provider to initially feature the content provider's program with subscribers upon the subscribers turning on their television receivers. If there is to be a change to the Initial Program Display Table, this is accomplished in Step 206. Otherwise, the algorithm advances to Step 208, where the Initial Program Display Table is periodically transmitted to subscribers.
  • If a subscriber has turned on his or her television receiver, the set-top box converts the Initial Program Table information into channel information, and then attempts to tune to the highest priority program from the Table (Steps 210 and 212). If the subscriber has not turned on the television receiver, the algorithm returns to Step 204.
  • If the set-top box can successfully tune to the program indicated by the Initial Program Display Table, that program is initially displayed upon power-up of the television receiver (Steps 214 and 218). If not, the set-top box attempts to tune to the next highest priority program from the Initial Program Display Table (Step 216).
  • In Step 220, the Service Provider provides a recommended programs list to the 10 set-top boxes, which list can be displayed via an EPG. The recommended programs list can be constructed according to agreement with content providers, and unbeknownst to users. For example, a content provider wishing to have his or her program widely viewed can through payment and agreement, have his or her program appear first on the recommended programs list of all of the viewers/users serviced by the Service Provider. The Recommended Programs List can automatically appear on the user's display at the beginning of each viewing session. Users would be more likely to at least initially tune-in to the recommended programs. As an additional value-added service, the Service Provider can highly recommend a particular content provider's program to those users who are more likely to have an interest.
  • The subscriber then operates the television receiver normally, starting with Step 222. The algorithm stops at Step 224.
  • Variations and modifications of the present invention are possible, given the above description. However, all variations and modifications which are obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are considered to be within the scope of the protection granted by this Letters Patent.

Claims (1)

What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising:
transmitting content items;
generating data describing a hierarchical ranking of the content items that is configured to be usable by first and second devices to determine channel information for attempting to present one or more of the content items, and is configured to cause the first and second devices to be controlled to:
attempt to present, upon initially being caused to present content, a first content item having a highest ranking within the hierarchical ranking of the content items based on the channel information, and
proceed, if unable to present the first content item, through the hierarchical ranking of the content items in rank order until a second content item within the hierarchical ranking of the content items is presentable; and
transmitting the data describing the hierarchical ranking of the content items to the first and second devices.
US14/307,585 2001-10-22 2014-06-18 Method and System for Selective Initial Television Channel Display Abandoned US20140366063A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/307,585 US20140366063A1 (en) 2001-10-22 2014-06-18 Method and System for Selective Initial Television Channel Display

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US33908201P 2001-10-22 2001-10-22
US10/269,918 US8789104B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2002-10-11 Method and system for selective initial television channel display
US14/307,585 US20140366063A1 (en) 2001-10-22 2014-06-18 Method and System for Selective Initial Television Channel Display

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/269,918 Continuation US8789104B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2002-10-11 Method and system for selective initial television channel display

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140366063A1 true US20140366063A1 (en) 2014-12-11

Family

ID=23327403

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/269,918 Active 2028-05-13 US8789104B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2002-10-11 Method and system for selective initial television channel display
US14/307,585 Abandoned US20140366063A1 (en) 2001-10-22 2014-06-18 Method and System for Selective Initial Television Channel Display

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/269,918 Active 2028-05-13 US8789104B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2002-10-11 Method and system for selective initial television channel display

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US8789104B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2003036948A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111766423A (en) * 2020-09-02 2020-10-13 深圳市鼎阳科技股份有限公司 Signal display method of oscilloscope and oscilloscope

Families Citing this family (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030093815A1 (en) * 2001-11-10 2003-05-15 Morrison Hugh Boyd System and method of assigning a home channel
KR100453039B1 (en) * 2002-01-09 2004-10-15 삼성전자주식회사 Method and apparatus for providing guide information of broadcasting program
US20040003405A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-01 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for personal video recording system menu control
US20040003413A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-01 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for priority sponsorship of multimedia content
US20040003404A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-01 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for personal video recording system advertisements
US20040216158A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2004-10-28 International Business Machines Corporation Preferred entertainment guide
JP4371767B2 (en) * 2003-10-22 2009-11-25 キヤノン株式会社 Content acquisition system and method
KR100631589B1 (en) 2004-06-25 2006-10-09 삼성전자주식회사 How to provide the initial screen of digital television
BRPI0516492A (en) * 2004-10-15 2008-09-09 Opentv Inc speeding channel change
US20070234395A1 (en) * 2004-10-15 2007-10-04 Vincent Dureau Speeding up channel change
US7987482B2 (en) 2004-11-15 2011-07-26 Microsoft Corporation Promoted listings
TW200704183A (en) * 2005-01-27 2007-01-16 Matrix Tv Dynamic mosaic extended electronic programming guide for television program selection and display
EP1703378B1 (en) * 2005-03-15 2019-03-13 Oracle America, Inc. Iterator for accessing an object collection
US8875196B2 (en) 2005-08-13 2014-10-28 Webtuner Corp. System for network and local content access
CN1801678B (en) * 2005-08-24 2010-05-12 华为技术有限公司 Content playing method, system and receiving device in digital broadcast
US20070266403A1 (en) * 2006-05-15 2007-11-15 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, L.P. System and method for personalized video program listing and targeted content advertisement
US20080060012A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Tobias Rydenhag Method and system for dynamic start channel for mobile television
US8239764B2 (en) * 2007-02-27 2012-08-07 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. System and method for selection of content source upon device power-on
CN101451674B (en) * 2007-12-04 2011-01-19 深圳Tcl新技术有限公司 Lighting system and operation mode thereof in video display unit
CN101453620A (en) * 2007-12-04 2009-06-10 深圳Tcl新技术有限公司 Method and electronic device for providing popular program
US20090254940A1 (en) * 2008-04-02 2009-10-08 Echostar Satellite, Llc Systems and methods for directing customers toward helpful information
US9396258B2 (en) * 2009-01-22 2016-07-19 Google Inc. Recommending video programs
KR20110011975A (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-02-09 삼성전자주식회사 Broadcast receiving apparatus and method for displaying the same
KR20110064435A (en) * 2009-12-08 2011-06-15 엘지전자 주식회사 A method of setting initial screen for a network television
WO2011074450A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-23 シャープ株式会社 Broadcast information display device, broadcast information display method, program, and recording medium
CN102065327A (en) * 2010-12-30 2011-05-18 百视通网络电视技术发展有限责任公司 Advertisement cut-in method and system
KR20140033412A (en) 2011-05-17 2014-03-18 웹튜너 코포레이션 System and method for scalable, high accuracy, sensor and id based audience measurement system
JP2014519276A (en) 2011-05-24 2014-08-07 ウエブチユーナー・コーポレイシヨン System and method for increasing the efficiency and speed of analysis report generation in an audience measurement system
JP2014518051A (en) 2011-05-26 2014-07-24 ウエブチユーナー・コーポレイシヨン A highly scalable audience measurement system with client event pre-processing
US8813108B2 (en) * 2011-11-23 2014-08-19 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp Apparatus and method for providing preferred media programming
CN103297848B (en) * 2012-02-22 2016-12-14 华为终端有限公司 The player method of Media Stream and Set Top Box
CN106033465B (en) 2015-03-19 2019-09-17 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 A kind of information-pushing method and device
US20170150231A1 (en) * 2015-11-19 2017-05-25 Echostar Technologies Llc Media content delivery selection
US11297383B1 (en) * 2020-11-20 2022-04-05 International Business Machines Corporation Gap filling using personalized injectable media

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6088722A (en) * 1994-11-29 2000-07-11 Herz; Frederick System and method for scheduling broadcast of and access to video programs and other data using customer profiles
US6317881B1 (en) * 1998-11-04 2001-11-13 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for collecting and providing viewer feedback to a broadcast
US20030066077A1 (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-03 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method and system for viewing multiple programs in the same time slot
US20030093792A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2003-05-15 Labeeb Ismail K. Method and apparatus for delivery of television programs and targeted de-coupled advertising
US20060242665A1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2006-10-26 United Video Properties, Inc. Interactive television program guide systems with initial channel tuning
US7739335B2 (en) * 2000-06-22 2010-06-15 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for providing a customized selection of audio content over the internet

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3038393A1 (en) * 1980-10-10 1982-05-19 Bayer Ag, 5090 Leverkusen LEATHER FIBER AND THEIR PRODUCTION
US4972503A (en) * 1989-08-08 1990-11-20 A. C. Nielsen Company Method and apparatus for determining audience viewing habits by jamming a control signal and identifying the viewers command
ATE183352T1 (en) * 1992-12-09 1999-08-15 Discovery Communicat Inc IMPROVED TOP-UP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
US5534911A (en) * 1994-11-02 1996-07-09 Levitan; Gutman Virtual personal channel in a television system
US5774714A (en) * 1995-03-27 1998-06-30 Hewlett-Packard Company Zone bit recording enhanced video data layout
US5758259A (en) * 1995-08-31 1998-05-26 Microsoft Corporation Automated selective programming guide
US6177931B1 (en) * 1996-12-19 2001-01-23 Index Systems, Inc. Systems and methods for displaying and recording control interface with television programs, video, advertising information and program scheduling information
US5990885A (en) * 1997-07-29 1999-11-23 Network Machines, Inc. Personalized services, including a personal presence, for customers based upon collected personal preferences
US6792616B1 (en) * 1998-05-01 2004-09-14 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. System and method for providing a plurality of programming services in a television system
JP2003519449A (en) * 1999-02-17 2003-06-17 インデックス システムズ インコーポレイテッド System and method for controlling tuning of a reserved channel of a television device
US6449767B1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2002-09-10 Keen Personal Media, Inc. System for displaying an integrated portal screen
US6851090B1 (en) * 2000-10-30 2005-02-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method and apparatus for displaying program recommendations with indication of strength of contribution of significant attributes

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6088722A (en) * 1994-11-29 2000-07-11 Herz; Frederick System and method for scheduling broadcast of and access to video programs and other data using customer profiles
US6317881B1 (en) * 1998-11-04 2001-11-13 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for collecting and providing viewer feedback to a broadcast
US20060242665A1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2006-10-26 United Video Properties, Inc. Interactive television program guide systems with initial channel tuning
US7739335B2 (en) * 2000-06-22 2010-06-15 Sony Corporation Method and apparatus for providing a customized selection of audio content over the internet
US20030093792A1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2003-05-15 Labeeb Ismail K. Method and apparatus for delivery of television programs and targeted de-coupled advertising
US20030066077A1 (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-03 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method and system for viewing multiple programs in the same time slot

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111766423A (en) * 2020-09-02 2020-10-13 深圳市鼎阳科技股份有限公司 Signal display method of oscilloscope and oscilloscope

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2003036948A1 (en) 2003-05-01
US20030084446A1 (en) 2003-05-01
US8789104B2 (en) 2014-07-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8789104B2 (en) Method and system for selective initial television channel display
US6813775B1 (en) Method and apparatus for sharing viewing preferences
EP1486073B1 (en) Method and apparatus for creating a personal commercials channel
US6438752B1 (en) Method and system for selecting television programs based on the past selection history of an identified user
US5828419A (en) Method and apparatus for generating television program guides utilizing icons
US20050055713A1 (en) Apparatus and method for sharing recommended programs using digital set-top boxes
US20110214154A1 (en) Viewing control apparatus and system
US20100235852A1 (en) System and method for identifying content of interest to a user
US20060041904A1 (en) Broadcasting system and control method thereof
KR101253631B1 (en) Method and Terminal for Displaying Broadcasting Programme Guide
US8776127B2 (en) Method of television program suggestion and apparatus therefor
EP0947098B8 (en) System and method for delivering data over a data broadcasting system to specially targeted audiences
EP1041821B1 (en) Method and apparatus for sharing viewing preferences
US20020184639A1 (en) Broadcast data system
EP1423779A1 (en) Method and apparatus for adaptively storing program guide data
EP1423784A1 (en) Method and apparatus for adaptively storing program guide data
WO2007048222A1 (en) Method, system and apparatus for triggering an event action in accordance with viewer preferences
KR100577173B1 (en) Method for displaying Electronic Program Guide
US20230134232A1 (en) Systems and methods for providing image content associated with music channels
JP2002112132A (en) Digital broadcast receiver, and program extraction method in digital broadcasting
JPH10164527A (en) Satellite television receiver and television broadcasting method
EP0934659A1 (en) Method and apparatus for generating television program guides utilizing icons
WO1998038797A1 (en) Method and apparatus for generating television program guides utilizing icons

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SEDNA PATENT SERVICES, LLC, PENNSYLVANIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PREDICTIVE MEDIA CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:033330/0082

Effective date: 20050216

Owner name: PREDICTIVE NETWORKS, INC., MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:THURSTON, NATHANIEL J.;HOSEA, DEVIN F.;REEL/FRAME:033329/0970

Effective date: 20021030

Owner name: COMCAST IP HOLDINGS I, LLC, PENNSYLVANIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SEDNA PATENT SERVICES, LLC;REEL/FRAME:033330/0144

Effective date: 20080913

Owner name: PREDICTIVE MEDIA CORPORATION, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PREDICTIVE NETWORKS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033347/0397

Effective date: 20021030

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION