WO2000049801A1 - System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising - Google Patents
System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising Download PDFInfo
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- WO2000049801A1 WO2000049801A1 PCT/US2000/004375 US0004375W WO0049801A1 WO 2000049801 A1 WO2000049801 A1 WO 2000049801A1 US 0004375 W US0004375 W US 0004375W WO 0049801 A1 WO0049801 A1 WO 0049801A1
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- 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
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- 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
- H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
- H04N21/235—Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
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- 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
- H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
- H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
- H04N21/25883—Management of end-user data being end-user demographical data, e.g. age, family status or address
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- H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
- H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
- H04N21/25891—Management of end-user data being end-user preferences
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- 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
- H04N21/435—Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
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- 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
- H04N21/442—Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed, the storage space available from the internal hard disk
- H04N21/44213—Monitoring of end-user related data
- H04N21/44222—Analytics of user selections, e.g. selection of programs or purchase activity
- H04N21/44224—Monitoring of user activity on external systems, e.g. Internet browsing
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- H04N21/454—Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
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- H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
- H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
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- H04N21/466—Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
- H04N21/4667—Processing of monitored end-user data, e.g. trend analysis based on the log file of viewer selections
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- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
- H04N21/812—Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
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- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/83—Generation or processing of protective or descriptive data associated with content; Content structuring
- H04N21/84—Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
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- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
- H04N21/42676—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for modulating an analogue carrier signal to encode digital information or demodulating it to decode digital information, e.g. ADSL or cable modem
Definitions
- This invention relates to targeting information to consumers and more particularly, to automatically, using statistical methods and psycho-demographic data generate a user profile to be used for targeting information to the consumer represented by the user profile.
- Targeting generally refers to the ability to delivering audio, video, textual or other information of interest to the recipient. For example, delivering a sporting program or a sports-related advertisement to a sports fan through a television receiver, an Internet terminal or other video or audio devices. Targeting is of increasing important due to the increase in content and cost of content, and the increasing need to maximize impact of any information delivered on the recipient.
- Targeting also helps to avert certain negative reaction to advertising material. Recipients of advertising tend to react negatively to advertising material they have no interest in, and welcome those which they are interested in. Delivering target advertising not only enhances impact, but reduces the risk of negative reaction.
- Multiple advertising "windows" in the EPG are disclosed in U.S. Application No. 09/120,488 These ad windows are referred to as “panel ads.”
- panel ads Also disclosed in that application are "channel ads” which are advertisements, typically, although not necessarily, for future-scheduled television programs.
- the ad windows and channel ads as described in U.S. Application No. 09/120,488 are displayed when the television viewer enters the EPG mode and views the EPG displayed on the viewer's television monitor.
- U.S. Application No. 09/120,488 are systems and methods for collecting viewer information and for developing viewer profiles.
- U.S. Application No. 09/120,488 further discloses using viewer profile information to customize advertising displayed by the EPG.
- a form of smart agent which resides locally in a local client device and by iterative means integrates the habit, statistics and psycho-demographic information of a user to infer the user's preferences and accordingly determine a user profile.
- the SA may also utilize the user profile to filter information delivered to the local device.
- the invention further discloses a means of collecting, combining, integrating and inferring information from the user to arrive at a psycho-demographic profile of the user, and a means of utilizing such psycho-demographic profile to select or filter information delivered to the user, thereby achieving targeting.
- the invention also discloses a means of classifying and identifying the information delivered so that it can be matched, filtered or selected.
- the present invention contemplates the information collection process to be automatic, and therefore the process does not incur cost or require effort.
- the invention also contemplates that the information as well as the conclusion reside in a device local to the user (unless otherwise decided by the user) so that the privacy concern is eliminated.
- the user profile file may be a secured file stored in the local device.
- content and advertisements are targeted to a user connected to Internet through an Internet terminal, such as a television receiver, a computer, a wireless electronic device, and the like.
- an Internet terminal such as a television receiver, a computer, a wireless electronic device, and the like.
- Use of the Internet such as types of websites visited (and how often), types of contents downloaded, products purchased, and the like, is monitored and the monitored data is iteratively integrated with statistical data and psycho-demographic profile of the Internet user to develop a user profile based on the user's selections, statistical data and psycho-demographic information.
- Content or advertisements are transmitted to the user based on the user profile using e-mail, JavaTM applets, push technologies, or other types of selective transmission means.
- content and advertisements are targeted to television viewers that have a television receiver and a television screen.
- An electronic programming guide (EPG) is displayed on the television screen.
- EPG electronic programming guide
- Use of the receiver and/or the EPG is monitored and the monitored data is iteratively integrated with statistical data and psycho- demographic profile of the television viewer to develop a viewer profile based on the viewer selections, statistical data and psycho-demographic information.
- a plurality of advertisements are transmitted to the receiver. Fewer than all the transmitted advertisements are selectively displayed on the screen to match based on the viewer profile.
- the stored advertisements are displayed on the screen simultaneously with the EPG.
- the present invention provides systems and methods by which the presentation of the EPG, including but not limited to such features as advertising and the display format of the EPG itself, can be tailored according to each particular viewer's profile.
- Viewer profile matching criteria is also identified at the EPG provider level. The purpose of identifying viewer profile matching criteria is so that information can be targeted to viewer's with a particular profile or with a profile that fits within a larger profile.
- the present invention stores at least a core operating system that is capable of processing many different types of data, including instructions, called "packets.”
- the data and instruction packets are usable by the EPG system to tailor everything from setup to display according to the particular viewer's profile.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. IB is a schematic block diagram of a television transmitter for practicing the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates advertisements telecast by the transmitter of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a television receiver for practicing the invention
- FIG. 4 illustrates a typical EPG screen on a televison monitor at the receiver of FIG. 3;
- FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate the organization of a typical EPG data base
- FIG. 9 illustrates an interactive television schedule system incorporating a cable system
- FIG. 10 illustrates an arrangement for providing schedule information to a television system
- FIG. 1 1 illustrates a system and method for accessing information at a network file server
- FIG. 12 illustrates a system and method for user interaction with advertisers and program sponsors
- FIG. 13 illustrates a display including an exemplary graphical icon identifying that a data address site is available with the displayed television program; and
- FIG. 14 illustrates a display of Internet data simultaneous with a television program display according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 1 A is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. A shown in block
- viewing habits or Internet site visits of a user is collected by a local electronic unit such as a television receiver, a set top box, a PC/TV, or the like, containing an EPG. Based on statistical methods a psychological profile of the user is constructed.
- the collected data is integrated in block 3 with statistical data of block 4 and psycho-demographic data of block 5 to infer the user profile, as shown in block 6.
- This psychological profile is comprised of a number of relevant character traits or "elements", for example, whether or not a person is a "football fan", defined, for example, as one who would definitely enjoy watching or reading about football games. Since the information collected is largely inferential and not definitive, it is not possible to answer a definite Yes or No, but rather, a probability that the answer is Yes.
- the probability model is better capable of handling the three inherent uncertainties in any such information collection process: (a) uncertainty in the definition, (b) uncertainty in the quality of information, and (c) sampling uncertainties.
- This probability information may be combined with certain deterministic information such as the zip code of the user. However, the inference of this geographic information (whether it is an affluent neighborhood or not, for example), would be probabilistic in nature.
- the PBPP profile can be used to select the type of information (such as the type of advertising, or the type of video programming) to be provided or suggested to the user. Through the use of the PBPP, the likelihood of providing information of interest to the user is increased ("targeting").
- this profile can be constructed with a simple set of rules and therefore can reside in the local unit (such as the television containing an EPG) without centralized processing or control, and unless the user expressly agrees to, it is not transmitted to any central processing units, it can be made to fully comply with any privacy requirements prohibiting central data mining.
- Local, client-server, or ful 1 central processing configurations are all possible.
- the collection of viewing habit and Internet site visits is achieved by a click stream recorder which records the programs viewed (or website visited) and the duration of viewing of each program (website). This information is stored in a memory for a certain time duration, and at the same time, used to repeatedly reinforce a probability-based psychological profile of the viewer. The raw information is then erased on a periodic basis, but when expressly agreed to by the user, may be transmitted back to a central processing unit.
- Additional information that may be available for the construction of a PBPP include geographic, information such as zip code (needed to establish channel line up and therefore available), information on the cost of the television or computer such as specific model information (available), information on gender and age (optional), number of members in the household (optional) and any other relevant information.
- the PBPP may be used to filter the information to be targeted to the user.
- other information including user-controlled information
- the unit used by the user will have access to more information that will be provided to the user.
- Filter Execution is a process whereby the PBPP and other information will be used to determine the specific information actually to be provided to the user. This is achieved generally by a probabilistic matched filter process whereby the "highest matched" set of information is passed through (the set of information with the highest “score” in a pre-defined formula encompassing the user characteristic (PBPP and other information) and the information characteristic
- filtering methods may include absolute prohibitive filters (no information of a certain sort will be passed through), absolute selective filters (all information of a certain sort will be passed through), balancing filters (information of different categories should be presented in a "mix" consistent with the user PBPP), and the like.
- the following is an illustration of a simple PBPP directed to a television viewer. It is customary for most television program provider (including networks, cable service providers, syndicators, etc.) to have a target viewer profile for each program aired (which includes gender, age, income level, educational and ethnic background, and general interest; for example, a sports talk show may target male; 35-40, medium income, high school graduate, white, sports fan as the primary target group, and male, 12-18, low income, high school student, all races, sports fan as the secondary target group etc.). Due to the need of the industry, a show is almost always associated with such a viewer profile for each unique characteristic segment.
- the PBPP is comprised of a set of "elements". An example of an element is the gender.
- a desirable, but not required, characteristic of the elements of the PBPP is that their partitions do not overlap. In mathematical terms, it is preferred for the elements to be spanned by subsets which are non- overlapping. This characteristic makes it easier to extract information from the PBPP, or to combine the PBPP with other characteristics to provide additional information. All of the examples above are such non-overlapping subsets. Some relevant elements, however, are much more difficult to be non-overlapping. For example, the element of show preferences is not easily ordered and cannot be spanned by non-overlapping subsets. The fact that one person is a sports fan does not mean he or she is not also a romantic movie viewer.
- a simple way of partitioning is to break the show preference element into a number of sub-elements, each having non-overlapping spanning subsets. For example, instead of having show preference as an element, it is broken down to "Sport Preference" which has the subset Yes or No.
- the following is an example of a PBPP for a person.
- Ei (x) is the ith “element” of the character trait of a real person X
- p[Ei (X)] is the probability that the Approximate Person X having a specific character trait.
- Ei may be a binary element (either Yes or No), or a multiple-outcome-element (such as age bracket) However, all multiple outcome elements can be converted into a number of binary elements.
- the age bracket may be converted into a series of elements: Under 12- Yes or No; between 12 and 17- Yes or No, etc. Examples of Ei and their values include:
- the PBPP of a person can therefore be built up by integrating information which provide inference on the character element of a person.
- the method of construction has the following properties: (a) it can handle incomplete information - information which merely shed light on one, but not all of the elements, a simple approach is to assign a probability of 50% to all elements which the information does not shed light on: (b) it is cumulative, that is, information received are integrated in a cumulative fashion, and unless otherwise required, the raw data can be discarded after integration, (c) it is weighted, that is, various rules can be assigned to give weight to a given piece of information relative to another to reflect its impact, (d) it is adaptive meaning such rules, and other rules of integration, can change along the process. There may be other properties which are described in context below.
- To construct the PBPP for Person X the viewing habit of X is recorded. Suppose X views a Super Bowl game. Further suppose that ' Super Bowl has the following view statistics:
- Ei,j is the j th event of the i th element, for example, the j th show viewed, providing information on the i th element, say, Gender; tj is the duration for which the "scoring" show is being watched, and ⁇ j is a weighting function which can range from 0 to 1 in order to give weight or take away weight for a given show.
- the PBPP of Person X is defined as a running average of the "scores" he or she receives, time weighted by the duration a show is being viewed, (and/or additionally weighted for consistency and other reasons). As the number of shows increase, more statistics is contained in the PBPP. The PBPP will become the "virtual personality" of Person X for the purpose of this concept.
- the invention is not confined to the specific structure of PBPP.
- the invention minimizes storage space by transforming viewing characteristics from raw data to PBPP in an "on the fly" mode.
- the invention encompasses the possibility that the PBPP may be changed, expanded, contracted, split, mapped or transformed into a new structure, when it is so determined that a new structure is more applicable.
- An example of the "splitting" of the PBPP to pursue a possibility that there are more than one viewer in a home is given below.
- the following concept can be used to help determine whether this is the case, and if so, the PBPP of each person.
- the general notion is to look for inconsistencies that suggests the existence of more than one PBPP. Certain shows carry a strong characteristic, and are not likely to viewed if another different show is being viewed. For example, it is unlikely that a Boxing Match is watched by the same person as watching a Disney movie (not impossible, but unlikely). When such unlikely event is encountered, the possibility of a second person in the TV household exists. In this case, a two new PBPP will be created.
- the second PBPP is created by copying of the original PBPP, now assigned with new labels.
- PBPP which is an overall average
- PBPP1 which is the first individual with dominant viewing time Ti
- Tj PBPP
- This information is used to help decide how to deliver customized data for individual 1 and individual 2 respectively.
- the triggering of multiple PBPP functions may be through user-provided information (through questionnaire or the use of more than one name in purchases, etc.). In a situation of limited choices, a person's selection may be strongly influenced by the existence or non-existence of other choices.
- the PBPP may be integrated with external data when the latter becomes available.
- Deterministic data may be in the form of (a) user provided information (user declares his or her gender, age, income bracket, show preference etc.), (b) feed-back information (user makes purchases, votes, etc.), (c) inherent information (cost of unit, place of purchase - if known, geographic location - through zip code etc.), (d) and any other types of information that may be primary, secondary, through inference, as results of further research and development, or others.
- the information is deterministic, when used to infer a character trait, it becomes probabilistic. Generally, but not always, the weight given to such information depends on its individual relevance and reliability.
- Certain external deterministic data may be given special treatment, such as the information that there are two or more users of the unit. This information is used to determine the number of PBPP functions that should be used for the unit.
- PBPP ⁇ j ⁇ PBPPj (auto) + ⁇ j PBPPj (user-provided) ⁇
- PBPPj (auto) is the j th characteristic information (e.g., whether a person likes sports) developed by the statistical compilation of the viewing habit as described above
- PBPPj is the same information as provided by the user (e.g. "I do not like sports" even though he or she watches sports quite often)
- ⁇ j is a weighting function
- First rule may be an external command in which the user selects full control. In which case ⁇ j is set to be very large. In this case, PBPP (auto) continues to be preserved because if the user one day de-selects control, ⁇ j will be set to very small and PBPP (auto) will take over.
- Second rule may be through comparison and confirmation of his self- provided information with the auto information, etc.
- filter execution may be integrated with user selection within a certain time duration before the execution event.
- the filter will switch to the Sports Fan profile if (a) the television has been tuned more to sporting events than romantic movies during a period before the access of the guide, (b) sporting events have been selected and dwelled upon longer than romantic movies, or (c) a weighted average of (a) and (b) indicates that the viewer is more likely to be a Sports Fan than a Romantic Movie Fan.
- the concept of Limited Selection Inference may be applied.
- coded advertising messages or graphics for display in panel advertisements or banner advertisements in the body of an EPG are created at a television broadcast transmitter, the headend of a cable network, or other television signal source.
- the codes identify the types or class of advertisements, e.g., sports equipment, clothing, automobiles, restaurants, etc.
- the advertisements are telecast with the television signal to user terminals that have television receivers, i.e., cable converters, VCRs, and television receivers.
- a broadcast television transmitter has a video source 10 that is coupled by a data inserter 12 to a radio frequency modulator (RF MOD) 14.
- RF MOD radio frequency modulator
- a source 16 of advertisements in digital form is fed to data inserter 12 to embed the advertisements in a baseband television signal from source 10.
- the advertisements are preferably embedded in its VBI. If the television signal is digital, the advertisements are preferably embedded in its digital video stream in packet form.
- RF MOD 14 up-converts the television signal and feeds the resulting RF signal to an antenna 16, which broadcasts the television signal to a plurality of television receivers.
- the advertisements could be inserted into the television signal of one or more channels at the headend of a cable or satellite system.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the advertisements embedded in the television signal as a function of time from left to right. Advertisements Al, A2, A3, ..., An-1, An are repeatedly transmitted, separated by intervals P in carousel fashion. The intervals P could range from zero to 24 hours.
- one of the plurality of receivers has an antenna 20 for intercepting the television signal with embedded advertisements.
- Antenna 20 is coupled by a radio frequency (RF) section 22 to a tuner 24, which selects the channel for reception.
- Tuner 24 is coupled by a demodulator (DEMOD) 26 to a data decoder 28, which recovers the advertisements from the television signal. If the television signal is analog, decoder 28 would conventionally be a VBI decoder.
- the recovered advertisements with their codes are transmitted to a microprocessor 30 on a bus 32.
- Commands are coupled by bus 32 from microprocessor 30 to tuner 24 to change channels at the desired times.
- the television signal is fed through decoder 28 to a video processor 34.
- Video processor 34 drives a television monitor 36.
- the images displayed on the screen of monitor 36, which are described below, are composed in video processor 34.
- An advertisement memory 38, a profile memory 40, and an EPG data base memory 42 are coupled by bus 32 to microprocessor 30 for bilateral data exchange.
- FIG. 4 a typical EPG screen 50 generated by video processor 34 under control of microprocessor 30 is shown. Screen 50 is divided into a number of different display areas. A real time video area 52, a panel ad area 54, and a panel ad area 56 are arranged along the left side of screen 50. Video area 52 is typically produced by a PIP chip. A banner area 58 lies at the top of screen 10 adjacent to area 52.
- a program listing area 60 occupies the bottom two thirds of screen 50 to the right of areas 52, 54, and 56. Above area 60 lies a horizontally extending menu bar area 62 by which the viewer can select among a number of different functions. Between banner area 58 and menu bar area 62 lies a detail area 64.
- EPG screen 50 is described in PCT International Application WO 99/04561 , published on January 28, 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated fully herein by reference.
- the EPG data base for generating the program listings displayed on screen 50 is stored in memory 42.
- This data base is updated regularly, in well known fashion, for example by new EPG data downloaded in the VBI of the television signal under the control of microprocessor 30.
- Microprocessor 30 could set tuner 24 to the channel that carries the EPG data base at a predetermined time and then coordinate the storage of the data in memory 42.
- FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary program schedule memory data base.
- Static area 70 contains among other items a pre-established time list. This structure will be described in greater detail below.
- Dynamic area 71 is used to store television program schedule data. This data takes the form of show information packages (SIPs) and extended theme show list entries. These structures are also described more fully below.
- SIPs show information packages
- extended theme show list entries These structures are also described more fully below.
- a download packet contains television program schedule information along with routing data that enables the system to determine how to store the information in memory.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary download packet.
- the packet begins with a packet header containing packet ID number 72 used to distinguish this packet from other packets.
- the packet header also contains number of bytes 73 and number of blocks 74. These values are used to determine the size of the packet.
- the packet header is followed by the show information package (SIP) header.
- SIP show information package
- the SIP header contains: guide number 75 used to determine the internal channel number of the data in the show information package; channel ID 76 used to determine the source of the data in the show information package; and time slot 77 used to designate the time and day of the data in the show information package.
- a show information package 78 follows the SIP header.
- the system microprocessor Upon receipt, the system microprocessor extracts a show information package from the download packet and temporarily stores it in program schedule memory.
- the show information package contains a date field that is used to determine if the data is for the current day(today) or the next day (tomorrow). If the package falls within this two day window the system determines if the data is duplicate of existing data.
- the show information package contains a version number used to determine if the data is new or if it already exists in memory. If the data is new then it is stored and the address of the show information package is placed in the appropriate pointer in the pre-established time list. The pre-established time list will be explained more fully below.
- the extended theme show list is described more fully below. If the show information package is outside of the current two-day window and does not contain theme information, or if the show information package is duplicative of one that is already stored the entire show information package is discarded.
- Data in the program schedule memory is stored in data structures that enable the system to interpret the data. Several of the data structures are of fixed length and reside in the static area 70. Other data structures are of variable length and reside in the dynamic area 71.
- the fixed data structures include: the pre-established time list, the channel map, the control array, the call letter map, the memory map and the record queue.
- the variable data structures include: show information packages and extended theme show lists.
- the pre-established time list is used to locate television program information for each channel in the system.
- the pre-established time list only references program information that will be broadcast on the current day (today) or on the next day (tomorrow).
- the pre-established time list references data through the use of pointers which are pieces of data that contain addresses of desired data items.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the pre-established time list.
- the pre-established time list contains a set of twelve pointers 41 for each channel in the system. Each pointer corresponds to a show information package that contains data for a four hour block of television programming. For example, in FIG. 7, the pointer El corresponds to program data from four p.m. to eight p.m. Twelve pointers represent 24 hours of programming information for the current day and 24 hours of program information for the next day.
- pointers A2 through L2 are used to represent the program data associated with the second channel in the system.
- Each pointer contains an address of a show information package of variable length containing actual television program data.
- microprocessor 30 first looks in the pre-established time list to secure the pointer, then uses the address found in that location to determine where the data is actually stored. For example, if data for the second channel in the system is needed for a television program between eight p.m. and twelve midnight the system will use the address in pointer F2 to determine the location of the show information package containing the data.
- Show information packages are variable length data structures that contain actual television program schedule data. Each show information package contains data for a four hour block of television programming for a specific channel. The show information package length is variable because the number of shows in each four hour block will depend on the durations of the individual shows.
- FIG. 8 depicts a show information package.
- a show information package contains the following: amount of memory - used to determine how much space was used to store the show information package and therefore, how much space is freed up after the show information package is no longer needed; control date - used to determine whether the data in a specific show information package is for the current day, the next day, or outside of the current two-day window; and version number used to specify the specific version of the program data.
- the following fields are present in the show information package: multiple show flag field - used to determine if this show is the last show within the package, or if there are other shows following to be processed; start time field - an offset from the start time of the four-hour block, this offset is added to the time of the four-hour block to determine the start time of the show; duration field - specifies the air time for the particular show; theme field - contains information on the type of show; for example, the show may be a sporting event, a news program, or a movie; CC field determines whether or not the show is closed captioned; stereo field - determines whether or not the show is broadcast in stereo; add-ons field - is a field left for expansion, this field will contain more information about the show as that information becomes standard in the art.
- fields representing program title, primary description - a short description of the program, secondary description - a longer description of the program and VCR+ PLUSCODE are fields representing program title, primary description - a short description of the program, secondary description - a longer description of the program and VCR+ PLUSCODE.
- Each of these items are represented by two fields, one containing the length of a specific item, such as title length, and one containing the item itself, such as title.
- a show information package may contain information for one or more shows depending on how many shows are broadcast within the four hour block. The presence of multiple shows is represented by 81 and 82.
- a show information package is structured so as to provide several unique features for storing data.
- the title length, primary description length, secondary description length and VCR+ PLUSCODE length fields can be expanded for values that are beyond the maximum value that can be stored within one byte. For example, referring to FIG. 8, if the secondary description length is greater than the maximum value that can be stored within one byte, the length byte is set to the maximum value. The system then assumes that the following byte is also a length byte and adds the two values to determine the length of the secondary description. In this way, a show information package can dynamically allocate space to accommodate longer descriptions or longer titles.
- the end-of-show field allows for the inclusion of data in the show information package that is not read by the current version of the system.
- FIG. 8 following the VCR+ PLUSCODE field, there are two fields of unspecified data. This is data which may be read by future versions of the system but is currently not processed by the current system.
- the system When processing show information package data the system will discard this data until it reads an end-of-show field. The system will not begin processing data for a new show until an end-of-show field is found. This feature allows the system to access the same data as a potential future version which may incorporate more data.
- the usage of the user terminal i.e. which programs are watched, how often, and for how long, or the usage of the EPG, i.e., which programs are selected for scheduling to record, to watch or to display more details, or which programs are highlighted with the cursor and how often, is monitored and processed by microprocessor 30 as part of creating the viewer profile as described above.
- this profile is maintained, i.e., stored, in memory 40 as a secure file at each user terminal to preserve viewer privacy.
- unauthorized parties do not have access to the profile.
- the viewer profile cannot be uploaded to another location such as a service center, a headend, or an Internet website.
- the privacy-sensitive part e.g., the user name and other information
- the privacy-sensitive part e.g., the user name and other information
- the EPG data base combined with other information and statistical data may also be used to generate the viewer profile at the viewer terminal as described above. As a result, the privacy of the data about viewer watching habits is not compromised by sending it to a remote location.
- the microprocessor could monitor the setting of tuner 24 and keep a log of the time, day, and duration that the tuner is set at each channel and program category designators could be stored in the EPG data base as part of the information about each program.
- the actual programs or program titles or program category designators could be identified from the time, day, and duration of the tuner by use of the EPG data base resident in the user terminal.
- Each time tuner 24 is reset, the channel and time could be used by microprocessor 30 to access the show information package (SIP) for the program being telecast on the channel at that time via the time-channel table and the corresponding pointer.
- SIP show information package
- the category of the program used to generate the category program guides could be recovered from the SIP by microprocessor 30 for use in formulating the viewer profile.
- memory 40 can tally all the viewing time of the categories in this way to be used in determining the viewer profile.
- specially tailored program categories different from those used to generate the category program guides could be stored in the SIPs and be used in combination with statistical data and psycho-demographic information to determine viewer profile, as described above.
- microprocessor 30 is programmed to obtain the pointer to the desired SIP from the pre-established time list based on time as read from a real time clock and channel as read from the tuner. Microprocessor 30 then reads the category from the SIP for the time and channel. Instead of monitoring tuner 24, the program categories could be transmitted in the VBI of each program itself in real time much as XDS or parental control ratings. However, this requires the cooperation of the television signal provider to accomplish.
- the profile determined at a user terminal is correlated with the transmitted advertisement codes in headers HI, H2, H3, ..., Hn-1, Hn, so microprocessor 30 can earmark the transmitted advertisements Al, A2, A3, ..., An-1, An-2 that would be of greatest interest to a person represented by the profile file based on statistical data and psycho-demographic information.
- More sophisticated correlation schemes such as that disclosed in application No. 60/110,301 could also be employed to correlate the targeted information to the user profile. To conserve local memory space, part of the processing could be performed at a central location, if privacy is not a concern.
- advertisement targeting As an advertisement is received at a user terminal, its code is compared with the user profile. (In the simple correlation scheme described above, the advertisement code is directly compared with the code or codes of the profile.) If a match is detected, the advertisement is stored in memory 38 for later display in area 54 and/or 56 of the television screen in the EPG (FIG. 4). If the code of the advertisement indicates that the advertisement is not of interest, the advertisement is not stored in memory 38. This conserves memory space in the user terminal. Preferably, a number of advertisements so pinpointed to the user's interest, as reflected by the profile, are stored and and accessed in rotation for display in the EPG according to a prescribed schedule as described in application No.
- the video in the example may be any type of information
- the guide may be any list or category of information
- the advertising may be any form of promotion that may involve video and audio information as well as text and graphics.
- the invention is not limited to any particular hardware configuration and will have increased utility as new combinations of computers, television systems, communication devices, and the like are developed.
- the present invention develops viewer profile matching criteria from a database of demographic and/or psycho-demographic information associated with each of certain television programs that will be delivered to the viewer.
- a database of demographic and/or psycho-demographic information can be developed by the EPG provider from information provided by individual program producers or other such sources.
- a psycho- demographic database is purchased from a third party.
- such a psycho- demographic database is created using any number of different sources of relevant informatio as described above.
- the present invention uses the information from the psycho-demographic database to provide supplemental information for each program for which such psycho-demographic information is available.
- an EPG refers to an EPG system including but not limited to a microprocessor that is programmed to operate in a manner described herein.
- the supplemental psycho-demographic information is transmitted over the communication stream between the EPG provider and the viewer's EPG, as with, for instance, the vertical blanking interval ("VBI") of the program as the program is being transmitted.
- VBI vertical blanking interval
- the supplemental psycho-demographic information for each program is transmitted over the communication stream as part of the information for each program that is communicated to describe the television program listing information from which the EPG on-screen guide is prepared.
- the EPG provides at least a core operating system stored in the memory of the individual television viewer's television system.
- the EPG at the viewer's television receives and stores the supplemental program-level psycho-demographic information concerning certain television programs in the memory of the individual television viewer' s television system.
- the EPG creates matching criteria for the received program-level psycho-demographic information (which will be referred to as matching criteria "buckets").
- the EPG collects information concerning the viewer's television watching habits and EPG operating habits.
- the collection of "bucket” statistics and the information collected by the EPG concerning the viewer's television watching habits and EPG operating habits is referred to as the "viewer profile”.
- psycho-demographic information can also be collected by the EPG in a database at a channel and/or network level. For instance, certain psycho-demographic information can be associated with viewers who watch a particular channel/ network, e.g., MTV. As another example, certain psycho-demographic information can be associated with viewers who watch ESPN. As with the program-level supplemental psycho-demographic information, the present invention provides for a database of channel/network-level supplemental psycho-demographic information. The present invention further provides that such information is delivered to the viewer's television system as packets of information, and/or included in channel/network-level packets as supplemental channel/network information.
- the data and instruction packets of information can be delivered to the viewer's television in a number of ways, including but not limited to: data transmitted through the Vertical Blanking
- VBI Video Interval
- VBI Vertical Blanking Interval
- bandwidth subchannels can be used to communicate information simultaneously with the transmission of the real time video and audio being delivered to the television.
- computer networks such as the Internet can be used to communicate information simultaneously with the transmission of the real time video and audio being delivered to the television.
- present invention applies equally to all methods of communication with a television and is not in any way limited to communication through the VBI.
- the present invention may be implemented on a personal computer, a PCTV, a television connected to a set-top box, a television including a microprocessor, or other such devices.
- the invention is not limited to any particular hardware configuration or to any particular television system and will have increased utility as new combinations of computers and television systems are developed.
- the invention is not limited to conventional analog television, and applies equally to digital television and computer configurations.
- the EPG at the viewer's television receives and stores the supplemental psycho-demographic information concerning certain television channels and/or networks in the memory of the individual television viewer's television system.
- the EPG creates matching criteria for the received psycho-demographic channel, and/or network information.
- channel and/or network information will be collected in what is referred to as channel and/or network matching criteria "buckets".
- the present invention uses the above-mentioned program-level and/or channel/network- level psycho-demographic information to target features of television programming and EPG display and operation, such as, for instance, advertising.
- the EPG checks whether any supplemental program-level psycho-demographic information is available for the particular program being viewed. Similarly, the EPG checks whether any supplemental channel/network-level psycho- demographic information is available for the particular channel being tuned. In one embodiment, if program-level and/or channel/network-level psycho-demographic information for the particular program and/or channel being tuned is available, the EPG uses the information to update the matching criteria "buckets." For example, if the program tuned by the viewer is a football game, the EPG checks to see if there is any program-level and/or channel/network-level psycho-demographic information for that program. In our example, the football game is designated as, among other things, e.g.
- the EPG looks to see if there is a "football watcher” bucket. If no "football watcher” bucket exists, the EPG creates one. Once the "football watcher” bucket is created, or, if such a bucket already exists, the EPG increments the contents of the bucket.
- bucket identification used herein, such as the "football watcher” bucket described above, are meant as examples and are in no way a limitation of the invention. According to the invention, many different types and levels of buckets can be identified and used depending upon the targeting needs.
- the EPG updates one or more buckets for each viewer impression. That is, for example, the EPG can update a detailed "bucket,” e.g., "football watcher” and a higher level “bucket,” e.g., “sports watcher,” when a viewer watches a football game.
- "bucket" updates are not made unless the viewer continues to watch a particular program for a certain period of time.
- the EPG will use the program-level and/or channel/network-level psycho-demographic information associated with the particular program and/or channel/network being tuned in order to update corresponding buckets.
- the EPG will not attempt to locate the supplemental program-level and/or channel/network-level psycho-demographic information associated with the particular program and/or channel being tuned; nor will the EPG attempt to update any match-criteria buckets.
- the EPG analyzes the statistics collected in the buckets before displaying advertisements.
- an advertising-capable EPG displays advertisements in different ways, including Panel Ad Windows, and Channel Ads.
- particular advertisements delivered by the head-end to the viewer will carry program-level and/or channel/network- level psycho-demographic information for matching purposes.
- the present invention analyzes the statistics collected in the buckets in the memory of the television system. The EPG looks for a match between, or a close fit with, the program-level and/or channel/network-level psycho-demographic information associated with a particular advertisement and the psycho-demographic profile of the viewer as contained in the match-criteria buckets.
- the way in which the EPG looks for a match/fit is determined by instructions carried in a data instruction packet transmitted to the EPG.
- the data instruction packet precedes the advertisement, is related to, or is attached to the advertisement.
- an advertisement for a famous beer brand is delivered to the viewer's television.
- the advertisement carries supplemental information that indicates that the advertisement is targeted for, among other criteria, "football watchers.”
- the EPG compares the advertisement supplemental information with the contents of the buckets that have been created and collected for the viewer.
- the EPG has previously created and incremented the "football watcher" bucket because the viewer had previously watched a football game. Therefore, in our example, the EPG encounters a "football watcher" bucket during its search of the viewer's match criteria buckets. Accordingly, the EPG selects the advertisement for display.
- the advertisement would not be selected for storage in memory at the viewer's television system.
- every advertisement delivered to the viewer's television system is stored in memory; the comparison of matching criteria with matching criteria buckets is done, each time the EPG must display and/or change the display of advertisements. The comparison is performed, e.g., each time the viewer enters the EPG mode. The comparison is performed, e.g., each time the EPG is ready to rotate a new advertisement to a particular advertising display area on the viewer's display device.
- the collection of information in the match-criteria buckets is only stored for the duration of time that the television is turned on.
- This particular embodiment works under the theory that the television system serves a family of viewers, each viewer having a possibly different psycho-demographic profile.
- the system does not accumulate match-criteria information from one viewing session to another because a "family" profile would result in an amalgam of different viewers' profiles. In this particular embodiment, such an amalgam of profiles would not serve advertising targeting.
- information is collected into different buckets according to the time of day. For example, morning television viewing would result in updates to "morning buckets”; afternoon television viewing would result in updates to "afternoon buckets”; evening television viewing would result in updates to "evening buckets.”
- the bucket time designations described above are intended as exemplary, and are not in any way a limitation of the invention. Bucket time designations will be defined for the system according to market targeting needs. According to the invention, this embodiment develops profiles for different viewers. That is, the "afternoon buckets" accumulate profile information for children watching cartoons; the "evening buckets" capture adult viewing information; etc.
- another way in which the invention develops different profiles for different viewers is to use parental control codes and/or V-chip ratings to distinguish between multiple viewers in a household. For instance, a session wherein a TV-Y program is watched indicates that children are watching; watching a TV-M rated program indicates that adults are watching. Accordingly, information can be collected for the individual/group of individuals using the parental control codes and/or V-chip ratings to distinguish the different viewers. Advertising is then targeted by first analyzing the parental control codes and/or V-chip ratings of the show being watched to distinguish the particular current viewer. The microprocessor is programmed to recognize the individual/group of viewer(s) and then match the type of advertising most appropriate for that viewer.
- the EPG uses the information to select advertisements to be displayed the next time that the viewer enters the EPG.
- the EPG system installed in the television system purchased by the viewer comprises, at least, a core EPG system capable of decoding, installing, and executing a complex set of data-types, including data "instruction" packets provided as input to the core EPG system.
- a core EPG system capable of decoding, installing, and executing a complex set of data-types, including data "instruction" packets provided as input to the core EPG system.
- an initial set of data "instruction" packets is provided with the television system purchased by the viewer so that when the viewer first turns on the television, the EPG is fully operational, and provides complete display capabilities, including an initial set of advertisements.
- input data instruction "packets" are subsequently transmitted to each receiving-capable EPG-equipped television system.
- the core EPG system decodes each data instruction packet and uses the instructions to operate in a certain manner.
- a particular advertisement data packet carries, or is preceded by, an instruction packet that specifies instructions with which the system analyzes the viewer profile collected by the EPG system ("match-criteria profile").
- a match-criteria profile is comprised of one or more match criteria. Multiple match-criteria profiles are processed separately.
- match-criteria profile is comprised of one or more match criteria. Multiple match-criteria profiles are processed separately.
- two match-criteria profile groups would be associated with the particular advertisement.
- the packet would contain the information and instructions necessary for the EPG-equipped television system to identify that both groups are targeted.
- the EPG would try to match the first advertisement profile group with the match-criteria collected by the EPG, which in our example, is male, ages 17-25. If there is no match, the EPG would try to match the second advertisement profile group with the match-criteria collected by the EPG, which in our example, is female, ages 17-25. If there is a match, the advertisement would be displayed in an appropriate portion of the EPG display screen. If there is no match, the advertisement would not be displayed. In one embodiment, if there is no match between the advertisement and the EPG-collected viewer profile information, then the. advertisement is not selected from the VBI, or from the communication stream, and is not stored in the television EPG memory.
- the present invention is not limited to displaying advertisements when the viewer is in the EPG mode. That is, the present invention applies as well to determining which of several advertisements should be displayed to the viewer while the viewer is watching real-time television.
- International Application No. PCT/US98/ 17980 is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully stated here.
- International Application No. PCT/US98/17980 discloses systems and methods for replacing and/or overlaying audio and/or video television signals tuned by a television.
- One aspect of the disclosure of International Application No. PCT US98/17980 is the capability to switch the channel from which the television is tuned at the point where an advertisement is delivered to the television to another channel, displaying another advertisement.
- the present invention provides for supplementing information about the advertisements available for display during real-time television viewing with the above-described program-level and channel/network-level psycho-demographic information.
- the present invention uses the real-time advertising program-level and channel/network-level psycho-demographic information to compare with the program-level and channel/network-level psycho-demographic information collected by the EPG.
- the present invention determines whether one advertisement is more appropriate for display to the viewer based on the matching analysis. If one advertisement is a match or a close fit, the advertisement is displayed by tuning the television to the appropriate channel at the appropriate time. At the conclusion of the advertisement, the television is tuned to the channel to which the viewer was tuned before the advertisement began.
- Data instruction packets to drive the EPG is not limited to tailoring advertisements for viewers.
- Data instruction packets can be used to tailor any and all aspects of the EPG and television viewing.
- the display format of the EPG in the EPG mode can be targeted based upon viewer profile information.
- the color scheme can be implemented by sending over the communication stream, e.g., the VBI, the color scheme in data packets associated with instruction packets that instruct the EPG to select and implement the particular color scheme for viewer's that watch "sports.”
- the instruction packet contains logical and relational operators as well as data.
- the EPG is programmed to recognize each component of the instruction packet, and to execute the instruction(s) contained therein.
- Data instruction packets sometimes referred to as "envelopes," can instruct the EPG to execute the instruction on a one-time basis, for only a single day, for a week, for a month, on some periodic basis, on a continuing basis, or other scheduling basis.
- the instruction is not saved in the memory of the EPG.
- Data instruction packets can be used to instruct the EPG of a single viewer to display a particular message. For instance, a viewer can request that a "Happy Birthday! message be delivered to a second viewer and that the message be displayed for the entire day of the second viewer's birthday.
- the "Happy Birthday” message is constructed and is transmitted in the communication stream, e.g., the VBI.
- Preceding, related to, or attached to the "Happy Birthday” message is an instruction packet that instructs all EPG's to select, store and display the "Happy Birthday” message on the designated date if and only if the viewer's television device ID is equal to the designated number, or according to a name match, or according to a name and birthday match.
- Name, birth date, and other personal information can be collected from viewer's from completion of registration cards or other such procedures.
- Data instruction packets can be used to target information on a geographic basis and or on any other factor that is known to the EPG or which can be deduced and/or approximated by the EPG.
- the Internet has recently been popularized by the rapid success of the World Wide Web
- WWW Web
- the Web links together a variety of computers from around the world and various topics in a non-sequential web of associations which permit a user to browse from one topic to another, regardless of the format and order of topics. Users access and browse the Web using a web browser that generally resides and is executed on the user's computer.
- Commercially available web browsers such as Netscape's NavigatorTM and Microsoft Internet
- Websites are locations on server computers that are accessible through Internet. A variety of information, such as hyper media contents and databases can be stored on a website and be access by users with computers connected to the Internet.
- websites need a server (a host computer) and server software that runs on the Server.
- the host computer manages the communication protocols and houses the pages and related software required to create a website on the Internet. Host computers spread throughout the Internet can house different websites.
- the Internet works based on a client/server model.
- a client computer communicates with a server computer on which information resides and the client computer depends on the server to deliver requested information and services. These services may involve searching for information and sending it back to the client, such as when a database on the Web is queried. Other examples of these services are delivering web pages through a website, and handling incoming and outgoing e-mail.
- the client is a personal computer (PC) user using a browser to connect to and search the servers, however, the present invention may also be implemented on a PCTV, a set top box, a television including special hardware, or the like.
- the servers are usually more powerful computers that house the data and databases.
- agents are programs that perform users' searches and bidding automatically. Agents can find the latest news and download it to the user computer; they can automatically monitor Internet traffic and report on its total usage; they can find the best deal on the a mechanize that a user wants to buy; they can perform important Web maintenance tasks; and the like. These agents are software programs that are invisible to the user. The user determines the task to be done by the agent and behind the scenes the agent automatically goes off and performs that task. A variety of different languages can be used to write agent programs.
- a simple Internet agent is one that gathers news from a variety of sources while the user is not using a computer or while the user is using the computer for another task.
- a news agent can work in several ways.
- the user fills out a form saying what kind of news the user is interested in and on what schedule the user wants the news delivered. Based on that information, at pre-set intervals, the news agent dials into news sites around the Internet and downloads news stories to the user's computer where the user can read them as HTML pages.
- a smart agent residing locally in a local client device iterative integrates the habit, statistical data and psycho-demographic information of an Internet user to infer the user's profile.
- the smart agent may also utilize the preference to filter information delivered to the local device. Specifically, the agent collects, combines, integrates and infers information from the user to arrive at a psycho-demographic profile of the user and utilizes such psycho-demographic profile to select or filter information delivered to the user, thereby achieving targeting.
- the agent is also capable of classifying and identifying the information delivered so that the information can be matched, filtered or selected easily.
- the agent is a software program designed to collect information such as the types and frequency of websites visited and the information retrieved by the user.
- the software program then combines the collected information with statistical data and psycho-demographic information to arrive at a psycho-demographic profile of the user.
- the agent may also search the Internet for information of interest to the user based on the user's profile on websites, public Usenet Newsgroups, and the like.
- the data retrieved by the software applet may be entered into an algorithm that produces a sorted list based on the user profile.
- the software program is written in the JavaTM programming language.
- the software applet may also be written using ActiveXTM, or other known Internet programming technologies.
- the system uses tables and records to store and organize data for construction of the user profile.
- the system organizes the tables and records into a database stored in the local device.
- the database may be structured as a relational database, tabular database, hierarchical database, object-oriented database, and the like.
- the layout and information contained in the various tables may vary based on the type of data being utilized.
- the user record includes the user's preference and psycho-demographic information, as well as a history of user interactions with the Internet and various websites.
- the user record also includes the user's information including the user's name, gender, age group, income level, e-mail address, and the like.
- the user record may also include a user rating table field with an index to a user's rating table.
- the user's rating table includes a list of subject matters, product types, brand names, and the like.
- Each entry further includes a user rating given to the particular entry.
- the user rating indicates a user's rating of the brand as "yes,” “no,””like,” “dislike,””don't care,” or “don't know.” Users may indicate their preferences or indifference for an entry by selecting a button adjacent to the entry corresponding to the above-mentioned ratings.
- the agent uses the entry rating information, in combination with other data to arrive at a user profile, as described above.
- the system can filter information or retrieve information from Internet according to the user's profile.
- the information includes promotional information, advertisement, or any other information related to a particular subject matter.
- a channel generally refers to an area of interest that a site publisher builds, which can include HTML pages, JavaTM applets, ActiveXTM components, multimedia objects, and other information packaged together to deliver customized information to users via push technology.
- the subscribed sites and the information they contain are sent to the users automatically at specified intervals.
- Receiving these channels requires either special client software or a push-enabled browser.
- push technology is built into browers such as Netscape CommunicatorTM and Microsoft Internet ExplorerTM.
- Push client software is also available from other companies.
- FIGs. 9 and 10 illustrate an interactive television schedule system 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention which can access television schedule information from the Internet, and provide user access to the Internet. Access to the Internet may be provided in this embodiment without tying up any phone lines, and without the need for a personal computer.
- An interactive television system including access to Internet and advertisers, and contextual searching of the Internet is described in U.S. Patent Application No.
- the interactive television schedule system includes a cable system 310 coupled to a television system 320.
- Cable system 310 generally includes a processor 312, and a memory 314.
- Television system 320 includes a television 322 and a user interface device 340.
- Television system 320 may also include a VCRs coupled to television 322.
- memory 314 of cable system 310 stores software 316 for receiving, organizing, and displaying schedule data and other data.
- data for the basic schedule information, data related to the user profile, and other related data are also stored in memory 314.
- a portion of this data is received via a cable modem 318, which may access the data from the Internet.
- Other portion of data is generated by the processor 312.
- the software 316 then utilizes the data received from cable modem 318 to generate a television schedule guide. The user can access this generated television schedule guide when desired.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an arrangement for providing television schedule information from cable system 310 to a television for display.
- cable modem 318 provides access to a database, which may be on-line; the database contains the television schedule information, and the information is transmitted to the television.
- Software 316 stored in memory 314 is used to search for and provide the information, along with providing several other features including determination of user profile according to the present invention.
- the data may be stored in memory 314 within cable system 310, or within a database 348 within television 322.
- a controller 352 is used to obtain the data from memory 314 or from database 348 to display it on television 322. From the television schedule guide, the user can further utilize user interface 340 to press a "Services" button.
- This Services button can be located on the user interface or within the television schedule guide display.
- the Services button is given choices such as News, Weather, Sports, Scores, Financial Data, Local Traffic, Network, etc. based on the user preferences determined by the user profile.
- the user can then select an area or a title, and the associated information from the database is provided.
- the user can further access the Internet by choosing Network from the guide using the user interface.
- Cable modem 318 accesses the Internet, and once connection is made, the user has two-way communication with on-line service providers. The user can then access the different on-line services. For example, a user viewing a sporting event may press the Services button, and a different menu based on the user profile will appear with the following choices: (1) Sports Scores, (2) Current Game Statistics, (3) Current Player Statistics, and (4) Associated Products based on the user profile. If the user selects (4) Associated Products, the software, will notify the cable modem and instruct the cable modem to establish connection with an on-line service provider.
- FIG. 1 1 illustrates a system and method for accessing television schedule information from one or more servers 350 on a computer network 360, such as the Internet or the World Wide Web.
- the television information guide may be accessed and viewed through a computer system, a television system, a PCTV, or a simple display coupled to a communication link, such as a telephone line or the like.
- a PCTV 362 is illustrated with a user input device 364, such as a remote control, keyboard, mouse or the like, and a communication device 366 for accessing computer network 360.
- Communication device 366 may include a wide variety of data lines, such as telephone lines, cable modems, satellite links, and the like.
- the computer network 360 includes a plurality of servers 350 and a database 370.
- the database 370 includes television schedule information, which may be retrieved and viewed on PCTV 362.
- Servers 350 represent file servers having files, databases or the like.
- the computer network is the World Wide Web and each server 350 is set up as a network file server addressable by a unique address.
- the servers 350 may be configured to follow a common network protocol such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and the Internet Protocol (IP) (commonly referred to collectively as TCP/IP), and may be assigned a unique IP address or Internet domain name.
- TCP Transmission Control Protocol
- IP Internet Protocol
- the servers may be assigned the domain name "guide.com.”
- the servers 350 may also have some form of server software installed to permit the system to function as an Internet graphics server.
- the servers 350 may be configured with HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) server software to permit the system to function as an Internet Web server.
- HTTP HyperText Transport Protocol
- PCTV 362 may access servers 350 via the Web using Web compatible software by indicating the system's uniform resource locator address: "HTTP://www.guide.com".
- the television schedule guide (not shown) is stored as one or more files (e.g., a websites or Internet broadcast transmitters) on one of the servers 350, which can be accessed by any viewer having access to the Web.
- the television schedule guide or website may be configured for viewing and interacting with television information directly on-line, or it may be configured for downloading the information into a computer hard drive or other suitable processor.
- the guide provides listings information for all channels in the viewer's local cable lineup.
- the guide is capable of creating personalized TV listings with search and sort features that allow the viewer to call up favorite programming choices based on categories, such as channel, day, actor, movie genre or other desired categories.
- the guide may also include other information about programs, such as ratings, stars, type of movie (e.g., suspense, comedy, drama, western, musical, children, biography, horror, etc.). This information may be provided on the actual website and/or Internet broadcast transmitter, or the website and/or Internet broadcast transmitter may provide means for linking the viewer with other websites and/or Internet broadcast transmitter to provide more information on certain topics and categories.
- the system includes a search engine that allows the viewer to search for particular types of programs that will be broadcast within a certain period of time.
- the search engine may include categories such as title, description, category, dates, day parts, channels, actor/actresses, directors, etc.
- the viewer may obtain more information on the programs within each category.
- the guide could provide information on movies in many categories, including theatrical, made-for-TV movies, Spanish, French, etc.
- the guide is capable of informing the user what Clint Eastwood movies are on this week, how many StarTrek episodes this weekend, or whether a favorite basketball team is on TV this Saturday.
- the on-line viewers may customize their own listings by title, year, actors, director, run themes, critical star rating, MPAA, warning lines, video laser disc, full descriptions, genre, and holidays with themes.
- the guide could provide information on shows and series, including network shows, first run,
- the system includes a variety of files on the same or different network servers that allow the user to interact with other users, program sponsors, advertisers, etc.
- the system may have a website that allows viewers to chat about certain programs (each program itself may have its own website).
- the system may include a "virtual agent" that searches existing websites and/or Internet broadcast transmitter on the Internet and points to websites and/or internet broadcast transmitters that may interest the viewer based on the automatically generated user profile.
- the virtual agent also learns from the user choices to customize the television guide.
- FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a system and method according to the present invention for linking television viewers with broadcasters and advertisers during the broadcast of a commercial or program.
- system 400 includes a viewer interface 402, such as a television, computer, PCTV or a television coupled to a computer system.
- a data line 404 such as a cable modem, telephone line or other communication link, couples the PCTV 402 with a remote database, network server or on-line-service, such as the Internet 406.
- a television guide database 408 is also coupled to the Internet 406 for providing the television schedule information to PCTV 402. This information may be downloaded, to PCTV 402, or it may be configured for viewing only while the viewer is actually connected to database 408. Alternatively, the television guide may be drawn locally from a processor within PCTV.
- a commercial provider 410 e.g.,
- CokeTM and/or a television station broadcaster 412 (e.g., ABC) also have databases coupled to PCTV 402 through Internet 406.
- a television station broadcaster 412 e.g., ABC
- PCTV 402 may include a memory and a processor with appropriate software (not shown) for searching and retrieving information including promotional information and advertisements from databases on the Internet 406 based on user profile. Alternatively, this function may be provided through Internet 406, television guide database 408 or through the commercial provider 410 or broadcaster 412. The software may also selectively filter the information directed to the viewer based on the user profile to achieve targeting. In this embodiment, PCTV may access, download, and/or automatically upgrade an application or applet (e.g., a JavaTM applet) having the appropriate software to run the television schedule guide on a display, e.g., a computer monitor, television display or other user interface.
- an application or applet e.g., a JavaTM applet
- the viewer is watching a sports event, such as a football game.
- One or more icons or other visual indicators are located on the television screen in a convenient location, such as the top, right corner.
- One of these icons may be an icon that represents the television schedule guide. The viewer can move a cursor or other visual indicator to the television guide icon and click thereon to open up the television guide as discussed in detail below.
- Another icon may be provided, for example, by a commercial sponsor targeting the particular viewer based on the user profile.
- this icon allows the viewer to link with a database provided by the commercial sponsor, or to a portion of the television schedule guide database that allows the viewer to purchase an advertised product, make a monetary contribution, respond to a survey, answer a question, or participating in contests with other viewers, for example.
- This type of advertising allows the advertiser to directly target a particular viewer or particular program and it allows the viewer to directly purchase the advertised product during the advertisement.
- the television network that is broadcasting the program may provide an icon that allows the viewer to access a database 412 providing more information about the football game, previews of upcoming related programs, such as another football game later on in the week, or other products and services based on the user profile.
- a graphical icon 95 appears on the screen of television 322 when the television program is displayed full screen, i.e., in a television mode, to inform the viewer that
- Icon 95 can appear for a limited time period after the television program is first displayed or for the entire time period of the program. If the viewer wishes to access an Internet site in connection with the television program, the viewer presses a button on a remote controller, which introduces an Internet mode of operation described below.
- Microprocessor 312 is programmed to carry out this operation. By repeatedly pressing the button, the viewer can toggle back and forth between the television mode and the Internet mode.
- the Internet site information is placed in a picture-in-picture ("PIP") window on the television screen such that the Internet site information may be viewed simultaneously with the television program.
- PIP picture-in-picture
- the television signal may be placed in a PIP window on the television screen as shown in FIG.14.
- the Internet site information occupies the majority of the television screen, and the television program is displayed in a PIP window. In this manner, the television video signal may be viewed simultaneously with the Internet information, and thus supplement the information provided to the viewer.
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- Computer Graphics (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
- Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)
- Testing, Inspecting, Measuring Of Stereoscopic Televisions And Televisions (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (9)
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CA002363501A CA2363501C (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising |
MXPA01008377A MXPA01008377A (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising. |
BR0009133-2A BR0009133A (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method for modeling television and / or electronic program guide characteristics |
ES00914651T ES2397354T3 (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method to adapt features of television and / or electronic programming guide, such as advertising |
KR1020017010503A KR20010102248A (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising |
EP00914651A EP1157547B1 (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising |
AU36012/00A AU752381B2 (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising |
JP2000600424A JP2002537732A (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2000-02-17 | System and method for coordinating television and / or electronic program guide functions such as advertising |
HK02106201.0A HK1045040A1 (en) | 1999-02-17 | 2002-08-23 | System and method for tailoring television and/or electronic program guide features, such as advertising |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1157547B1 (en) | 2012-10-17 |
ES2397354T3 (en) | 2013-03-06 |
CA2363501A1 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
EP1157547A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 |
BR0009133A (en) | 2002-02-05 |
WO2000049801A9 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
MXPA01008377A (en) | 2003-01-28 |
CA2363501C (en) | 2005-01-04 |
CN1344465A (en) | 2002-04-10 |
AU3601200A (en) | 2000-09-04 |
AU752381B2 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
JP2002537732A (en) | 2002-11-05 |
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