Abstract: An improved television control system includes a tuner (15), a memory (13), a keyboard (14) and a controller (11). The tuner (15) selects one channel from a multi-channel television signal based upon a channel selection input. The multi-channel television signal carries the signals for a set of received television channels. The memory (13) contains a favorite channel list that includes a list of channel identifiers, each channel identifier corresponding to one of a subset of the set of channels received by the tuner (15). The keyboard (14) includes a favorite channel button (16) and a favorite program button (16) as well as a numeric keypad (30) and channel up/down keys (28).

Abstract: An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is reproduced simultaneously with the display of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, the sound bite is embedded in a television signal that contains audio component and a video component. The television signal is transmitted to a plurality of television receivers and intercepted at one of the receivers. The video component is displayed on a monitor and the audio component is reproduced. On command the sound bite is reproduced instead of the audio component. An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is also reproduced simultaneously with the display of a program listing of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, when the program listing is marked with an on-screen cursor, the sound bite is reproduced.

Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The compressed code indications associated with each television program can be printed in a television program calendar in advance. The user would use the remote control or controls on the video device to enter the code that signifies the program to be recorded. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a remote control, video cassette recorder, television or other video device to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The channel, date, time and length information is used to select channels, start recording, and stop recording at the appropriate time. A local channel map is stored so that the channel information from the compressed codes can be utilized to tune the correct channel even though channel numbers in different localities may be different. The remote may be a universal remote control capable of selecting between various stored infrared code protocols for commanding different brands and model of video devices.

Abstract: A system for communicating information from a television viewer to a central site includes a remote control unit for sending command signals from the viewer to a television or video cassette recorder (VCR). Circuitry integral with the television or VCR accepts the command signals from the remote control unit and interprets the signals to form a viewer command, such as a purchase command, to be communicated to the central site. The circuitry automatically sends dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) tone signals representing the command over a radio frequency (RF) link to a cordless telephone base unit, which is connected to the central site by a public switched telephone network. The cordless telephone base unit initiates a telephone call to the central site and communicates the DTMF tone signals received from the DTMF circuitry in the television or VCR to the central site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program.

Abstract: A method of handwriting recognition encourages the entry of an entire word, and presents the “most likely” word or words. A “look-ahead” mode of operation is implemented, wherein most probable word or words corresponding to the entered letters are identified in a dictionary; and presented to the user in such a way that the user may discontinue the entry of further letters if one the words identified in the dictionary matches the desired word. The determination of the most likely word or words may be based on a combination of one or more criteria, including the characters themselves, the length of the word, the relative placement of the recognized characters within the word, and so forth. The result may also be presented in various ways singly or in combination according to the invention. In addition to a presentation of the highest probable word, the ‘n’ highest probable words may be presented.

Abstract: An indexing scheme is created which correlates text to audio in a manner which allows the reader of an electronic book, magazine or other form of reading system may switch from reading text to listening to an audio version of the text in a seamless manner. A first index is generated prior to the storage of a text database. Preferably, this index attaches codes to words, sentences, and perhaps larger text segments such as paragraphs, pages, or chapters. A second index is created at the time of creation of the audio content. Again, codes are preferably created with respect to words and larger segments such as sentences, paragraphs, pages or chapters. The two indexes are synchronized as the material is presented to the user. Given that both the text and audio are preferably indexed in terms of words and larger portions of the material, differences between the recorded audio portion and the corresponding text are accommodated by finding the best match at the finest resolution.

Abstract: User interactions with a media distribution system such as cable television are monitored and used to infer programming or commercial preferences, preferably without the user being aware that their interactions are being monitored or used for such purposes. Various user interactions may be recovered in this way, including changes in channel selections, as well as the amount of time a viewer spends, or does not spend, on a particular program or commercial. Information can also be gathered as to when a viewer changes the channel relative to selecting that program, which might be indicative of when that individual has “lost interest” in the program or a commercial message. If the user is interacting with an on-screen program guide, or schedule guide, or other type of menu, information is gathered regarding the interaction such as which entries are selected for further information, which entries are selected for immediate viewing, which entries are selected for future recording.

Abstract: A system for communicating information from a television viewer to a central site includes a remote control unit for sending command signals from the viewer to a television or video cassette recorder (VCR) Circuitry integral with the television or VCR accepts the command signals from the remote control unit and interprets the signals to form a viewer command, such as a purchase command, to be communicated to the central site. The circuitry automatically sends dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) tone signals representing the command over a radio frequency (RF) link to a cordless telephone base unit, which is connected to the central site by a public switched telephone network. The cordless telephone base unit initiates a telephone call to the central site and communicates the DTMF tone signals received from the DTMF circuitry in the television or VCR to the central site.

Abstract: An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is reproduced simultaneously with the display of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, the sound bite is embedded in a television signal that contains audio component and a video component. The television signal is transmitted to a plurality of television receivers and intercepted at one of the receivers. The video component is displayed on a monitor and the audio component is reproduced. On command the sound bite is reproduced instead of the audio component. An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is also reproduced simultaneously with the display of a program listing of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, when the program listing is marked with an on-screen cursor, the sound bite is reproduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing voice titles for recorded programs includes a recorder (11,19) for recording on a sequential recording medium, which has an audio recording portion (242) and a control recording portion (246). A control input (222) is provided for indicating a start of a voice title and the start indicator (252) is recorded on the control recording portion of the sequential medium. A microphone (264) or other device is provided for entering a voice title and for recording the entered voice title onto the audio recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded indication of the start of the voice title in the control recording portion. A control input (222) is provided for indicating an end of the voice title and the end indicator (254) is recorded onto the control recording portion of the sequential medium sequentially following the recorded voice title in the audio recording portion.

Abstract: Operation of a video cassette player is facilitated by providing a VBI decoder which decodes information, such as title, channel, date, time and length of broadcast programs and utilizing the information in providing directory of the programs as well as control of the VCR. The video cassette player is also provided with a VBI encoder for inserting control as well as directory information into the tape, either in the VBI portions of the video track or in the control track.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a television guide. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a device for comparing a current time with at least one stored time period for extracting television guide data to determine if the current time is within the stored time period, a device for switching a signal output from a first television signal source to a second television signal source, if television guide data is not contained in the signal output from the first television signal source when the current time is within the stored time period, a device for extracting the television guide data from the signal output when the current time is within the stored time period, and a memory for storing the extracted television guide data.

Abstract: In an electronic-book or general-purpose computing environment, such data are downloaded as may be needed to locally conduct e-commerce transactions. The information needed to complete the transactions is then automatically forwarded to a central server or other remote location(s) for final steps of sale or other fulfillment. The downloading and forwarding may be done automatically, by downloading certain catalog information upon connection, and automatically forwarding certain response information upon detecting the existence of a response. Alternatively, the downloading and forwarding may be accomplished the next time communication is established, or selectively (as selected by the user after establishing communication), or by a prompt and response; that is, by prompting the consumer to approve sending of the response to the server.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a television guide. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a device for comparing a current time with at least one stored time period for extracting television guide data to determine if the current time is within the stored time period, a device for switching a signal output from a first television signal source to a second television signal source, if television guide data is not contained in the signal output from the first television signal source when the current time is within the stored time period, a device for extracting the television guide data from the signal output when the current time is within the stored time period, and a memory for storing the extracted television guide data.

Abstract: Literary material for value is downloaded into an eBook or other electronic device. The method of the invention includes the steps of user-selecting a potion of the material for special treatment, discarding the remaining material, and keeping track the portion retained relative to the discarded material. The non-selected material may be discarded by purging or otherwise transferring the material without leaving a copy in the device. The step of keeping track of the portion retained may be used for billing purposes, and the user may be alerted in advance as to the anticipated charge, amount “copied,” copyright owner, and other characteristics. The billing may be based upon time of use or quantity of the retained material. According to a different embodiment of the invention, a geographic code may stored which reflects such geographic regions that the device is “attached” to.

Abstract: Digital compressed codes, associated with advertisements enable a user to selectively record additional information, which would be broadcast on a television channel at a later time. The advertisement could be print advertisement or broadcast advertisement on television or radio. The user enters the digital code (I code) associated with an advertisement into a unit with a decoding means which automatically converts the code into CTL (channel, time and length). The unit within a twenty four hour period activates a VCR to record information on the television channel at the right time for the proper length of time. The decoded channel, time and length information can be communicated directly to a VCR and used by the VCR directly to automatically activate the VCR to record a given television information broadcast corresponding to the communicated channel, time and length.

Abstract: A system facilitates the automatic video recording of events which include a moving target. The invention is applicable to all types of videos, but sporting videos are particularly appropriate, where the moving target might be a ball, player, or other target. Broadly, the invention deploys at least two cameras, one (master camera) operating in wide-angle mode to cover a large field of view or the entire scene. At least one second camera operates in a pan/tilt/zoom-in mode relative to the master. A computer analyzes the video input from the first camera and “tracks” the target, preferably using image recognition. The coordinates of the tracked target are transmitted to the second computer to control the second camera(s) to record the event at close-up angles.