Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one aspect, a device tuned to a channel for a period of time communicates a request for a portion of a program transmitted prior to the period of time. The device may generate a prompt seeking approval to make the request. A controller receiving the request may cause the portion to be provided from storage in response to the request. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which a device is tuned to a channel and provide a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically scanning channels of a television operable for displaying channels of a channel lineup one at a time includes a television input device. The television input device is operable for being controlled by a viewer to enable the viewer to control the television to change the channels being displayed by the television. The television input device is operable with the television to automatically change the channels being displayed by the television such that each channel in the channel lineup is displayed one at a time by the television for a channel display time period until the viewer controls the television input device to stop the television from changing the channels.

Abstract: A remote control, particularly for a home entertainment system, includes a display screen generating a query regarding the status of the components. The status may include whether the component is on or off or whether media is in a media player. The remote control receives user input indicating the status of the components in response to the query from the remote control. The remote control further includes a transmitter for generating the control signal to the component based upon the indication of the component status from the user.

Abstract: In a system for broadcasting video programs to a user including a display, a system and method for providing program information or a copy of at least a portion of a program to the user. In one embodiment, a controller receives an input signal representing a request for summary information concerning a program, the program having a beginning and the input signal generated at a time during the broadcast. The controller provides via the display a summary of the program from the program beginning to the input signal time in response to the input signal. A controller may alternatively monitor a period of time during which the display is tuned to a broadcast of a program, the period starting during the broadcast. The controller is used to provide via the display a copy of at least a portion of the program when the period exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: An automated system and method for call handling includes a signal generator such as an Intelligent Services Peripheral (ISP) for generating a call handling request signal representing selected parameters of a call. The signal is directed for receipt by an Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) or other suitable AIN component which is provided in communication with or includes storage means for storing (a) a unique Service Number for each of a plurality of subscriber calling numbers, and (b) a corresponding Service Profile (call forwarding profile). Each call forwarding profile comprises a plurality of Destination Numbers each assigned a calling day, a calling time and a calling priority designation. The call handling request signal is processed at the ISCP to generate (a) a list of Destination Numbers to route the call to, and (b) a corresponding routing order for the day and time the call is placed.

Abstract: A call screening service and system are disclosed for a telephone switching network. The call screening service provides a service subscriber with a number of call screening features that are subscriber setable via an automated call screening configuration subsystem internal to the telephone switching network. In particular, the call screening service allows the subscriber to set multiple call screening service activation schedules as well as to set both call screening activation and deactivation timers for immediately activating and deactivating the call screening service, respectively. An important aspect of the present invention allows the subscriber to deactivate the call screening service for a time and at the expiration of this time, the call screening service automatically reverts to using any schedules the subscriber has set for activating the call screening service.

Abstract: A remote access call forwarding method and system adapted for an Advanced Intelligent Network to forward a call incoming to a subscriber's telephone number in response to a routing destination number if the routing destination number does not correspond to a blocked destination identifier retrieved from a database. Further, a search to a subscriber profile unique to each subscriber is provided, the subscriber profile containing valid routing destination numbers previously validated to which the calls incoming to the subscriber have previously been forwarded. Thus, calls are forwarded in response to the routing destination number when the routing destination number matches a valid destination number found in the subscriber profile.