Abstract: In an audio/visual (AV) system, a method for navigation of menu options available to a user involves entering a graphical user interface (GUI) in a menu system that is displayed on a video display; generating a signal for displaying a first navigable list of menu options on the video display, the first navigable list of menu options having a plurality of fields arranged in a first linear configuration that overlays AV content currently playing on the display with one of the menu options shown at a location of the video display that is highlighted; and responsive to a navigation command from a remote controller, moving the first navigable list of menu options of the GUI to cause another field of the plurality of fields to move to the location that is highlighted, to highlight the another field while continuing to display the AV content currently playing on the video display.

Abstract: A tangible computer readable storage medium storing instructions which when executed on a programmed processor carry out a process for navigation of menu options available to a user of an audio/visual (AV) system has instructions that enter a graphical user interface (GUI) in a menu system that is displayed on a video display; instructions that generate a signal for displaying a first navigable list of menu options on the video display, the first navigable list of menu options having a plurality of fields arranged in a first linear configuration that overlays the AV content currently playing on the video display with one of the menu options shown at a location of the video display that is highlighted; and instructions responsive to a navigation command from a remote controller, that move the first navigable list of menu options of the GUI to cause another field of the plurality of fields to move to the location that is highlighted, and thus highlight the another field while continuing to display the AV conten

Abstract: Electronic coupons are provided for items comprising products and services. The coupon information is received along with broadcasts of associated television programs. Selected coupon modes alert a viewer when coupon information is available for an item. The viewer alert comprises displayed marks superimposed over the broadcast of the television program. The displayed marks comprise indicators for each item for which coupon data is available, and the indicators may be representative of the items to which the indicators correspond. The coupon information for a particular item is selected when the viewer selects the indicator corresponding to the item in which the viewer is interested. Upon selection, the coupon information is displayed along with the broadcast of the currently selected television program. Coupon information may be selected for storage on a removable recording medium along with data corresponding to the television program with which the coupon information is associated.

Abstract: Electronic coupons are provided for items comprising products and services. The coupon information is received along with broadcasts of associated television programs. Selected coupon modes alert a viewer when coupon information is available for an item. The viewer alert comprises displayed marks superimposed over the broadcast of the television program. The displayed marks comprise indicators for each item for which coupon data is available, and the indicators may be representative of the items to which the indicators correspond. The coupon information for a particular item is selected when the viewer selects the indicator corresponding to the item in which the viewer is interested. Upon selection, the coupon information is displayed along with the broadcast of the currently selected television program. Coupon information may be selected for storage on a removable recording medium along with data corresponding to the television program with which the coupon information is associated.

Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.

Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus computer program, and storage medium for storing the computer program for downloading a data program to a computing device are provided. The method comprises the steps of designating a data program; receiving the designated program at a set top box; and transferring the received data program from the set top box to the computing device.

Abstract: A format to be used with the MPEG-4 standard alters the way video content is displayed on a screen based on whether the content is played in a normal playback mode or a fast playback mode by “watermarking” different or additional visual content onto the original video data stream. Metadata is included in the format to instruct a server to change the video display during fast playback by, for example, adding advertising information, closed captioning, scene summaries, help data, or station identification to the original image, either in a separate section of the screen or superimposed on the original image.

Abstract: The efficient and intuitive presentation, navigation, and selection of AV information in a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display apparatus of an AV system. Related AV information is organized as items within lists that correspond to various navigable fields of a status bar of the GUI during the GUI interactive mode. A highlighted navigable field of the status bar displays its list of related AV information and the items of the list are scrolled through the navigable field by a user causing a scrolling cylinder of a navigation and selection device to move in a scroll. A different field of the status bar may be selected by the user moving the scrolling cylinder in a lateral movement. Activation of the selection mechanism of the navigation and selection device will cause an AV device to be controlled in accordance with the currently displayed AV options.

Abstract: A format to be used with the MPEG-4 standard alters the way video content is displayed on a screen based on whether the content is played in a normal playback mode or a fast playback mode by “watermarking” different or additional visual content onto the original video data stream. Metadata is included in the format to instruct a server to change the video display during fast playback by, for example, adding advertising information, closed captioning, scene summaries, help data, or station identification to the original image, either in a separate section of the screen or superimposed on the original image.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting a viewer of a broadcast of a program. In one embodiment, prior to broadcast, a signal is received indicating viewer interest in the program. The system retrieves program information for the program of interest and stores the program information in a calendar at the day/time of broadcast. Approximately when the day/time of broadcast occurs, the system issues a notification to the viewer of the occurrence of the broadcast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting font size in an electronic program guide display are provided. A multiple channel broadcasting system generates an electronic program guide identifying channels and corresponding programs in a broadcasting system. The broadcast system determines a number of characters to be displayed in an area of an electronic program guide. The broadcast system determines a number of display pixels available for display of the characters. The broadcast system adjusts the font size of the characters to display the number of characters within the number of pixels available.

Abstract: A television set-top box used as a point of sale terminal at a retail establishment such as a department store or kiosk. The television set-top box may include a swipe card reader and is coupled to a television display, an input device and a printer. The customer accesses a catalog database of merchandise and inventory using a user interface to point of sale software. The customer may also enter an order using order entry software forming a part of the point of sale software. The catalog database is situated on a disc drive within the set-top box and can be updated from a catalog server as required to maintain accurate inventory and merchandise information in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the set-top box operates in a client mode to access information from the catalog server.

Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to increase effective data connection bandwidth by splitting/allocating data streams seamlessly and simultaneously across multiple connections. The apparatus providing for multi-tasking and switching of data between a plurality of bi-directional and/or download-only bandwidth channels for use by a plurality of end-user devices. The apparatus having decision-making means for allocating the various bandwidth channels to the appropriate data transfer tasks thereby maximizing the use of all available channels. This improves over the current prevailing scenario whereby each device has a single dedicated connection.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for enabling a user to download information displayed on a display screen of a television receiver. The system includes a device coupled to said television receiver to access information to be displayed on the display screen and a portable data device adapted to download the information from the device. The device includes a set-top box and the portable data device may be a smart card which may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip having information stored therein. The set-top box includes a back-channel for outputting information and the portable data device is coupled to the device by way of a smart card reader. The portable data device includes a display, a processor, a memory, navigation buttons and a remind button. The portable data device may communicate to the device using the ISO7816 Protocol, USB Protocol, a Serial Parallel Interface, Sony Memory Stick Protocol, etc.

Abstract: An adaptive user interface and method thereof for simplifying the use of new electronic devices, such as set top boxes, by adapting the user interface on the basis of usage history. The adaptive user interface monitors input commands to the user interface and tracks usage statistics for use in determining whether to add or remove features from the interface. A ramp-up embodiment of the invention automatically adds user interface features as the user becomes more proficient with a device. A ramp-down embodiment of the invention automatically removes seldom used interface features. By tracking users' actions, the user interface can more accurately be modified to fit actual use habits of each user, rather than relying on user perception of what functionality is used.

Abstract: A kiosk that can be placed at any convenient location for providing a user with the ability to upload information stored in portable compact memory storage media and to forward the information to a network destination thereby freeing the portable compact memory storage media for storing additional information.

Abstract: A set top box includes a designation function that provides a user with the ability to designate and store music video clips that the user is currently viewing while watching a video music channel. The user can instantly select a viewed video for storage in its entirety even after it has begun. The videos may be stored on a hard disk drive of the set top box, and may be indexed or organized by titles, artists, genre, or the like. Additionally, a user may be listening to an audio program on an audio cable channel, a radio channel, a digital or analog stereo (e.g., playback from a CD), and upon selection of a particular song, a corresponding video is downloaded to the user's designated set top box.