Systems and methods for coordinating interactive and passive advertisement and merchandising opportunities

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing enhanced advertising and merchandising opportunities are described. Advertisements may be provided for passive programming such as television programs, commercials, pay-per-view programs, passive video products, or other suitable passive programming. Interactive advertisements may be provided in interactive applications such as interactive television program guides, web browsers, home shopping applications, operating systems, or other suitable interactive applications.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/170,060, filed Dec. 10, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to passive and interactive advertising and merchandising systems and methods and, more particularly, television products for performing the same.

[0003] Cable, satellite, and broadcast television systems provide viewers with a large number of television channels. Viewers have traditionally consulted printed television program schedules to determine the programs being broadcast at a particular time. More recently, passive and interactive electronic television program guides have been developed that allow television program information to be displayed on a viewer's television. Promotional channels such as barker channels have also been developed that advertise various premium channel and pay-per-view promotions.

[0004] Passive electronic television program guides typically provide a scrolling or paging list of program listings on a dedicated television channel. The TV Guide Channel is a passive program guide in which viewers are presented with promotional videos or trailers in one portion of the screen and program listings in another.

[0005] Interactive television program guides are typically implemented on set-top boxes and allow users to navigate through television program listings using a remote control. In a typical program guide, various groups of television program listings are displayed in predefined or user-selected categories. Program listings are typically displayed in a grid or table. Some interactive guides are client-server based and some others are on-line. In client-server based guides, program guide data is typically provided to the set-top in response to requests from the guide that are processed by a server at a cable system head-end. In on-line guides, users may access a web site with their personal computer or Internet enabled set-top box to obtain program listings and other program related information.

[0006] Another type of program guide is the hybrid passive/interactive television program guide. A hybrid guide may be based on a passive guide channel containing a listings portion over which an interactive guide portion has been overlaid.

[0007] As suggested above, barker channels are typically promotional channels that display full screen promotions of pay-per-view programs. A barker channel may overlay price, ordering, event code, and time information over such promotions and even instruct the user on how to order the promoted pay-per-view program.

[0008] Such systems have been limited in their abilities to integrate sponsorship, advertising, and merchandising opportunities among passive video products such as barker channels, passive guides, and interactive guides.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide enhanced advertising and merchandising opportunities within passive and interactive programming and applications such as, for example, program guides.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This and other objects of the present invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing systems and methods in which passive programming, such as, for example, television programming, pay-per-view programming, commercials, one or more passive video products (e.g., barker channels, passive program guides, or other video products), or any other suitable passive program, and an interactive television program guide, or other interactive software, are provided. The interactive guide, or other interactive software (e.g., a web browser, operating system software, home shopping application, or any other suitable type of software any of which may sometimes be referred to herein as “interactive applications”), may integrate interactive program sponsorship, advertising, merchandising opportunities, or any suitable combination thereof, with the video content of the passive programming. Some features of such a system are described, for example, in Reichardt et al. U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/170,060, filed Dec. 10, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, a main facility (e.g., a satellite uplink facility) may provide data from a data source to any number of distribution facilities (e.g., cable system headends, broadcast distribution facilities, a satellite distribution facilities, or any other suitable distribution facilities). There may be multiple data sources, some of which may be located at different facilities, which provide data to the main facility for localization and distribution. The data transmitted by the main facility to the distribution facilities may include data suitable for the interactive application. For example, the data may include television programming data (e.g., titles, channels, content information, rating information, advertising information, or any other information associated with television programming), and may also include other data for additional services other than television program listings (e.g., weather information, associated Internet web links, computer software, video clips, non-television advertisements etc.). Any suitable combination of programming data and other data may sometimes be referred to herein as “program guide data.”

[0012] The main facility may also provide one or more videos for passive video products to the distribution facilities. The videos may be transmitted in real-time by the main facility to the distribution facilities for real-time distribution to user television equipment of any number of viewers. Alternatively, the main facility may transmit videos to the distribution facilities where the videos may be stored. The distribution facilities may later distribute the videos to the user television equipment of any number of viewers in real-time. This approach may be referred to as a “store-and-forward” video distribution scheme. If desired, a combination of the two approaches may be used. In still another suitable store-and-forward approach, passive guide videos may be provided on storage media (e.g., laser disks, digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), that are provided to the distribution facilities via the mail.

[0013] The distribution facilities may generate and distribute passive video product display screens, such as passive electronic program guide display screens or barker channel display screens, over dedicated television channels. Passive guide channel display screens may contain, for example, television programming data (e.g., program listings), other data, videos, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0014] The distribution facilities may distribute the program guide data for use by an interactive program guide. The interactive program guide may run wholly on a user's television equipment or partially on the television equipment and partially on a program guide server.

[0015] Program sponsorship and interactive advertising between one or more passive video products, or other television programming, may be integrated with interactive advertising within an interactive application such as, for example, interactive television program guide or any other interactive software (e.g., a web browser, operating system software, or any other suitable type of software). The interactive application may include, for example, one or more graphic advertisements. The graphic advertisements may promote any suitable product or service, including, but not limited to, passive programming. When a promotion is aired on the passive video product or other type of television channel, the system may display an interactive advertisement indicating the promotion and, if applicable, its sponsor. In response to a viewer selecting the interactive advertisement, the system may tune the viewer's equipment to the passive video product or other channel.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, passive video products or other television programming may be branded (i.e., have an ad inserted from a source of products or services). In response to a viewer indicating a desire to access interactive content, the system may provide the interactive content with an advertisement for the advertiser associated with the brand.

[0017] The interactive application may be programmed to display a linked interactive advertisement using any suitable synchronization approach. For example, in a timing-based synchronization approach, program guide data may include a schedule (i.e., a timing synch) that indicates to the interactive guide scheduled times for linked interactive advertisements. In another communications-based synchronization approach, a passive video product may include, for example, a flag in its header (e.g., in its vertical blanking interval (VBI)) that alerts the interactive guide (or other hardware or software running in the user's equipment) to find and retrieve interactive content for a particular advertiser. If desired, this communications-based synchronization approach may be combined with the aforementioned timing-based synchronization approach. For example, interactive graphics may be downloaded to the interactive guide at the same time (or substantially the same time) as the promotions are provided to distribution facilities. These and other approaches may facilitate collection of advertisement revenues for time blocks across multiple platforms. For example, time blocks may be sold for time on two products—a passive video product and an interactive program guide. As another example, time blocks may be sold for time on a regular television channel and an interactive program guide.

[0018] Conventional television programming or passive video product promotions may be combined with interactive impulse-purchase features. The purchasing features may be provided by an interactive guide, or may be provided by non-program guide software. For example, a passive video product segment, promotion, or conventional television program may promote or otherwise include information about particular products or services. When interactive content is available for a product or service, an alert icon may be overlaid onto a video signal associated with the segment, promotion, or program to alert a user that interactive content is available.

[0019] When a user selects such an icon, a point-of-purchase window may be displayed in which purchase information for the product or service may be displayed. When a user completes a purchase, a full-screen display of the passive video product or conventional program may be redisplayed. Alternatively, a user may be provided with an opportunity to order other merchandise from, for example, a TV Guide Store.

[0020] Advertiser sponsorship may also be combined with interactive impulse-purchase fulfillment. When a conventional television or passive video product feature or segment is sponsored by a sponsor, an icon may be overlaid on a viewed screen that alerts the user to additional information concerning, for example, the subject of the feature or segment. In response to a user selecting the icon, interactive content, such as, for example, a point-of-purchase window, may be displayed. The products or services offered in the point-of-purchase window may be from the sponsor of the segment or feature, from a featured source, or from any other source.

[0021] Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 2a-2e show illustrative arrangements for the interactive application equipment of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an illustrative schematic block diagram of the user television equipment of FIGS. 2a-2d in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a generalized schematic block diagram of portions of the illustrative user television equipment of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is an illustrative interactive television program guide main menu screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is an illustrative passive guide display screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is an illustrative hybrid guide display screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 is an illustrative information screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 9a-9d show illustrative display screens for combining program sponsorship and interactive advertising in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIGS. 10a-10f show illustrative display screens for combining conventional television programming with interactive impulse-purchase features in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIGS. 11a-11c show illustrative display screens for combining advertiser sponsorship with interactive impulse-purchase fulfillment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in providing selectable options within interactive applications that allow users to access passive video products in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 13 is an illustrative flowchart of steps involved in providing advertisements for passive programming from interactive applications in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in providing advertisements for advertisers during passive programming and from within interactive applications in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in providing advertisements for advertisers within interactive applications based on branded passive programming in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] An illustrative system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of clarity, and not by way of limitation, system 10 is described herein as providing an interactive television program guide. In practice, and as described herein, system 10 may be any suitable system for providing passive programming and interactive applications. For example, data sources 14 may provide data for, for example, home shopping applications, operating system software, or any other application.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, main facility 12 may provide program guide or other application data from data source 14 within main facility 12 to application equipment 17 via communications link 18. There may be multiple data sources 14 but only one has been shown to avoid over complicating FIG. 1. If desired, program guide data sources 14 may also be located at facilities separate from main facility 12, such as at local information services 15, and may provide data to main facility 12 for localization and distribution. Data sources 14 may be any suitable computer or computer based system for obtaining data (e.g., manually from an operator, electronically via a computer network or other connection, or via storage media) and for putting the data into electronic form for distribution by main facility 12. Link 18 may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications link. If desired, one or more data sources 14 may provide data for both a passive and an interactive guide. Alternatively, data may be provided by one or more separate data sources 14 for each guide.

[0039] Local information service 15 may be any suitable facility for obtaining data particular to a localized region and for providing the data to main facility 12 over communications link 41. Local information service 15 may be, for example, a local weather station that measures weather data, a local newspaper that obtains local high school and college sporting information, or any other suitable provider of information. Local information service 15 may be a local business with a computer for providing main facility 12 with, for example, local ski reports, fishing conditions, menus, etc., or any other suitable provider of information. Link 41 may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications link.

[0040] The program guide data transmitted by main facility 12 to application equipment 17 may include television programming data (e.g., program identifiers, times, channels, titles, and descriptions) and other data for services other than television program listings (e.g., help text, pay-per-view information, weather information, sports information, music channel information, associated Internet web links, associated software, etc.). There are preferably numerous pieces or installations of application equipment 17, although only one is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid over-complicating FIG. 1.

[0041] Program guide data may be transmitted by main facility 12 to application equipment 17 using any suitable approach. Data files may, for example, be encapsulated as objects and transmitted using a suitable Internet based addressing scheme and protocol stack (e.g., a stack which uses the user datagram protocol (UDP) and Internet protocol (IP)). Systems in which program guide data is transmitted from a main facility using such protocols are described, for example, in Gollahon et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,624, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0042] Main facility 12 may also provide videos for passive video products to application equipment 17. Videos for the passive video products may be transmitted in real-time by main facility 12 to application equipment 17 for real-time distribution to the user television equipment of any number of users. Alternatively, main facility 12 may transmit or otherwise provide (e.g., on portable storage media) videos to application equipment 17 for storage. Portions of application equipment 17 may later distribute the videos to user television equipment of any number of users in real-time. This approach may be referred to as a “store-and-forward” video distribution scheme. If desired, a combination of the two approaches may be used. Systems in which videos are both distributed directly in real-time and stored-and-forwarded in real-time are described, for example, in Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The application of such an approach in a hybrid guide system is described, for example, in Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/357,941, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0043] Main facility 12 may distribute videos in real-time or for store-and-forwarding by portions of application equipment 17 using any suitable approach. As described, for example, in above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, main facility 12 may schedule videos for distribution according to a promotional philosophy. As taught therein, promotional philosophies are selection algorithms that attempt to maximize the effectiveness of promotions by selecting promotions for distribution during times in which expected audiences will view the promotions. An operator at main facility 12 may, for example, generate one or more promotional philosophy templates that are used by main facility 12 to generate a national playlist of promotional events. The promotional philosophy templates and national playlist may be provided to application equipment 17 as part of the program guide data.

[0044] In approaches where alternative sources of videos are provided by main facility 12 to application equipment 17, such as in the store-and-forward approach described in above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, equipment at application equipment 17 may generate a local playlist of promotional events according to the promotional philosophy templates. If the promotional events scheduled by the national playlist are unavailable or undesirable to the application equipment 17, the local playlist may schedule alternative videos instead of the undesirable ones scheduled by the national playlist. The application equipment 17 may generate program guide display screens with the nationally selected or alternative videos and program guide data according to the local playlist. The display screens are distributed to viewers for viewing on their televisions.

[0045] The videos supplied by main facility 12 may include promotional videos such as short videos (i.e., videos less than three minutes in length), video trailers promoting a television program, or the like. The videos may be supplied by video source 11. Video source 11 may be based, for example, on a library of video clips stored on a video juke box (a multiple-compact disc or digital video disc storage system) or any other suitable combination of hardware and software for storing such videos. Videos may be provided in any suitable format. For example, video signals may be provided in an analog signal format using the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) signal format or in a digital signal format such as a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) format.

[0046] If desired, data source 14 and video source 11 may be combined into a single information source. This information source may provide program guide data, videos, or any suitable combination thereof. The data provided by such an information source may be used by application equipment 17 to provide a passive guide, an interactive guide, or both. The videos may be used for whole screen or partial screen displays.

[0047] Program guide or other application data and videos may be transmitted by transmission system 24 to application equipment 17 via link 18. Transmission system 24 may include any equipment suitable for encoding the program guide data and videos and providing the encoded data and videos to transmitter 111. Transmitter 111 is preferably a digital satellite uplink transmitter, but may be any suitable analog, digital, radio frequency, optical, microwave, terrestrial, or other type of transmitter. Transmission system 24 may encode the data as, for example, component object model (COM) objects that are transmitted using an Internet based addressing scheme and Internet based transport and network protocols such as the user datagram protocol (UDP) and the Internet protocol (IP). Electronic program guide systems that transfer UDP packets and COM objects using a UDP/IP protocol stack are described in above-mentioned Gollahon et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,624, filed Jun. 11, 1999.

[0048] An interactive television program guide or other interactive software (e.g., a web browser, operating system software, or any other suitable software) is implemented on application equipment 17. Various architectures for interactive television program guide systems and various interactive guide features are described, for example, in above-mentioned Knudson et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/357,941, filed Jul. 16, 1999. Five illustrative arrangements for application equipment 17 are shown in FIGS. 2a-2e. As shown in FIGS. 2a-2d, application equipment 17 may include user television equipment 22 and equipment located at distribution facility 16.

[0049] The interactive television program guide or other software may run totally on user television equipment 22 as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2c, or may run partially on user television equipment 22 and partially on distribution facility 16 using a suitable client-server or distributed processing approach as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2d.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2a-2e, distribution facility 16 may be any suitable distribution facility (e.g., a cable system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, a satellite distribution facility, or any other suitable type of distribution facility). As illustrated in FIGS. 2a-2d, distribution facility 16 may have reception system 23 for receiving videos, data, or a suitable combination thereof from transmitter 111 using receiver 27. Receiver 27 is preferably a digital satellite downlink receiver, but may be any suitable analog, digital, radio-frequency, optical, microwave, terrestrial, or other type of receiver.

[0051] Distribution facility 16 may have screen generator 117 for generating passive video product display screens containing videos and data. Screen generator 117 may be implemented using any suitable hardware, software, or combination thereof. Screen generator 117, may be, for example, a Windows NT process running on a personal computer with a Pentium II microprocessor.

[0052] Screen generator 117 may use an object-oriented approach to generate video product display screens. The use of COM objects, for example, may allow changes to be made to the format and functionality of some of the features of system 10 without requiring changes to other system components. Such an approach may allow one main facility 12 to provide and manage a number of different passive guides and other video products from a central location. Screen generators that may be used to create video product display screens using an object-oriented approach are described, for example, in Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,539, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0053] Distribution equipment 21 may distribute passive video product display screens on a dedicated channel and, if desired, television programming on multiple analog or digital channels, to multiple users via communications paths 20. Distribution equipment 21 may include, for example, a cable headend modulator, and any other or additional equipment suitable for transmitting television programming and passive guide display screens over communications paths 20. Alternatively, distribution equipment 21 may include suitable hardware and software for delivering videos in real-time or substantially real-time via the Internet (e.g., using the M-bone). If desired, television programming and video products may be provided over separate communications paths.

[0054] Distribution equipment 21 of FIGS. 2a-2d may also include suitable hardware for providing program guide or other application data to user television equipment 22 over communications path 20. Distribution equipment 21 may include, for example, suitable transmission hardware for distributing program guide data on a television channel sideband, in the vertical blanking interval of a television channel, using an in-band digital signal, using an out-of-band digital signal, or by any other suitable data transmission technique. The data may, for example, be provided over a phone line when communications path 20 include separate paths for data and television signals.

[0055] Communications path 20 may be any communications path or paths suitable for distributing program guide or other application data. Communications path 20 may include, for example, a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a data-over-cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) link, a digital subscriber line (DSL) link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications link. Communications path 20 may allow distribution facility 16 to distribute television programming to user television equipment 22. There are typically multiple pieces of user television equipment 22 and multiple associated communications paths 20, although only one piece of user television equipment 22 and communications path 20 are shown in FIGS. 2a-2d to avoid over complicating the figures. If desired, television programming may be provided over separate communications paths (not shown).

[0056] FIG. 2b shows an illustrative arrangement for application equipment 17 in a client-server based or distributed interactive program guide system. The approach shown in FIG. 2b may also be used to provide other applications. As shown in FIG. 2b, distribution equipment 21 may include application server 25. Application server 25 may be any suitable software, hardware, or combination thereof for providing a client-server based program guide. Application server 25 may, for example, run a suitable database engine (e.g., SQL Server by Microsoft) and provide program guide data, passive guide characteristics, or any suitable combination thereof, in response to queries generated by a program guide client implemented on user television equipment 22. Alternatively, application server 25 may poll the program guide client and provide data when necessary. If desired, application server 25 may be located at main facility 12 or some other location (not shown).

[0057] A program guide or other application client running on user television equipment 22 may retrieve program guide data, passive guide characteristics, or any suitable combination thereof, from application server 25 using any suitable client-server based approach. The program guide client may, for example, pass SQL requests as messages to application server 25. In another suitable approach, the program guide or other application may invoke remote procedures that reside on application server 25 using one or more remote procedure calls. Application server 25 may execute SQL statements for such invoked remote procedures. In still another suitable approach, client objects executed by the program guide may communicate with server objects executed by application server 25 using, for example, an object request broker (ORB). This may involve using, for example, Microsoft's Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) approach.

[0058] In another approach, program guide display pages may be generated at distribution facility 16 using a graphics engine or video production equipment. The display pages are then encoded into an MPEG or other suitable digital format for distribution. The program guide display pages may be decoded by a thin program guide client running on user television equipment 22 to produce program guide display screens seen by the user. Client-server based program guides of this type are described, for example, in Marshall et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/330,501, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0059] The program guide or other application client may communicate with application server 25 over communications path 20 using any suitable network and transport layer protocols, if desired. A protocol stack may be used which includes, for example, Sequenced Packet Exchange/Internetwork Packet Exchange (SPX/IPX) layers, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) layers, AppleTalk Transaction Protocol/Datagram Delivery Protocol (ATP/DDP) layers, or any other suitable network and transport layer protocols. If desired DOCSIS may also be used. A suitable client-server based approach may also be used for providing non-program guide software, if desired.

[0060] FIGS. 2c and 2d show illustrative Internet based systems for providing an interactive television program guide or other interactive application. Distribution facility 16 may, for example, include Internet service system 61. Internet service system 61 may use any suitable combination of hardware and software capable of obtaining or providing program guide or other application data, passive guide characteristics, or any suitable combination thereof, for or to the guide using an Internet based approach (e.g., the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). If desired, Internet service system 61 may be located at a facility that is separate from distribution facility 16.

[0061] If the program guide or other application is implemented on user television equipment 22 of application equipment 17 as shown in FIG. 2c, Internet service system 61 (or other suitable equipment at program guide distribution facility 16 that is connected to Internet service system 61) may provide program guide or other application data, to user television equipment 22 via the Internet, or via distribution equipment 21 using any suitable Internet-based approach (e.g., using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) type link). If the program guide or other application implemented on application equipment 17 is a client-server application as shown in FIG. 2d, application server 25 may obtain program guide or other application data from Internet service system 61. Alternatively, the data may be provided by main facility 12 to distribution facility 16 via the Internet and Internet service system 61. The program guide data may be distributed by distribution equipment 21 to the guide using any suitable distribution scheme.

[0062] In still another embodiment, distribution equipment 21 may include suitable hardware (not shown) on which a first portion or version of the interactive television program guide or other software may be implemented. A second portion or version of the program guide or other software may be implemented on user television equipment 22. The two versions or portions of the interactive program guide or other software may communicate using any suitable peer-to-peer communications scheme (e.g., messaging, remote procedure calls, etc.) and perform interactive program guide or other functions distributively between distribution facility 16 and user television equipment 22.

[0063] Another suitable arrangement in which an on-line program guide or other software may be implemented on application equipment 17 is shown in FIG. 2e. Online program guide systems are described, for example, in Boyer et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/938,028, filed Sep. 18, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The user may have personal computer (PC) 231 on which a program guide client or web browser is implemented. Personal computer 231 may be connected to Internet service system 235 via Internet link 233. Internet service system 235 may use any suitable combination of computer hardware and software capable of providing an on-line program guide or other server application or web site.

[0064] An illustrative arrangement for user television equipment 22 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown, user television equipment 22 may receive video signals and data from distribution facility 16 or application server 25 at input 26. During normal television viewing, a viewer may tune set-top box 28 to a desired television channel. The signal for that television channel may then be provided at video output 30. The signal supplied at output 30 may be a radio-frequency (RF) signal on a predefined channel (e.g., channel 3 or 4), an analog demodulated video signal, a digital signal provided to television 36 on an appropriate digital bus (e.g., a bus using the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard, (not shown)), or any other suitable output. The video signal at output 30 is received by optional secondary storage device 32.

[0065] The interactive television program guide or other software may run on set-top box 28, on television 36 (if television 36 has suitable processing circuitry and memory), on a suitable analog or digital receiver connected to television 36, or on digital storage device 31 if digital storage device 31 has suitable processing circuitry and memory. The interactive television program guide or other software may also run cooperatively on a suitable combination of these devices. Interactive television application systems in which a cooperative interactive television program guide application runs on multiple devices are described, for example, in Ellis U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/186,598, filed Nov. 5, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0066] Secondary storage device 32 can be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device or player (e.g., a videocassette recorder, a digital versatile disc (DVD) player, etc.). Program recording and other features may be controlled by set-top box 28 using control path 34. If secondary storage device 32 is a videocassette recorder, for example, a typical control path 34 involves the use of an infrared transmitter coupled to an infrared receiver in the videocassette recorder that normally accepts commands from a remote control such as remote control 40. Remote control 40 may be used to control set-top box 28, secondary storage device 32, and television 36.

[0067] If desired, a user may record programs, program guide data, passive guide videos, or a combination thereof in digital form on optional digital storage device 31. Digital storage device 31 may be a writeable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device. Interactive television program guide systems that have digital storage devices are described, for example, in Hassell et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/157,256, filed Sep. 17, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0068] Digital storage device 31 can be contained in set-top box 28 or it can be an external device connected to set-top box 28 via an output port and appropriate interface. Digital storage device 31 may, for example, be contained in a local media server. If necessary, processing circuitry in set-top box 28 formats the received video, audio and data signals into a digital file format. Preferably, the file format is an open file format such as the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) MPEG-2 standard or the Moving Joint Photographic Experts Group (MJPEG) standard. The resulting data is streamed to digital storage device 31 via an appropriate bus (e.g., a bus using the Institute Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard), and is stored on digital storage device 31. In another suitable approach, an MPEG-2 data stream or series of files may be received from distribution equipment 21 (FIGS. 2a-2d) and stored.

[0069] Television 36 receives video signals from secondary storage device 32 via communications path 38. The video signals on communications path 38 may be generated by secondary storage device 32 when playing back a prerecorded storage medium (e.g., a videocassette or a recordable digital video disc), may be generated by digital storage device 31 when playing back a pre-recorded digital medium, may be passed through from set-top box 28, may be provided directly to television 36 from set-top box 28 if secondary storage device 32 is not included in user television equipment 22, or may be received directly by television from input 26 when, for example, set-top box 28 is not included in user television equipment 22. During normal television viewing, the video signals provided to television 36 correspond to a desired channel to which a viewer has tuned set-top box 28.

[0070] Set-top box 28 may have memory 44. Memory 44 may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable for storing instructions, data, or a suitable combination thereof for use by the program guide or other application.

[0071] In client-server based approaches, set-top box 28 may have communications device 37 for communicating directly with application server 25 (FIG. 2d) or Internet service system 61 (FIG. 2d) over communications path 20 (FIG. 2d). Communications device 37 may be a modem (e.g., any suitable analog or digital standard, cellular, or cable modem), network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card, Token ring card, etc.), or other suitable communications device. Television 36 may also have such a suitable communications device if desired.

[0072] In an alternative approach, user television equipment 22 (FIG. 2d) may communicate with Internet service system 61 (FIG. 2d) via distribution equipment 21 (FIG. 2d) using our comments path 20 or another suitable communication path.

[0073] A more generalized embodiment of user television equipment 22 of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, program guide data from distribution facility 16 is received by control circuitry 42 of user television equipment 22. The functions of control circuitry 42 may be provided in set-top box 28. Alternatively, these functions may be integrated into an advanced television receiver, personal computer television (PC/TV), personal computer 231 or any other suitable arrangement. If desired, a combination of such arrangements may be used.

[0074] User television equipment 22 may also have secondary storage device 47 and digital storage device 49 for recording programming. Secondary storage device 47 may be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device (e.g., a videocassette recorder, a digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.). Program recording and other features may be controlled by control circuitry 42. Digital storage device 49 may be, for example, a writeable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device.

[0075] User television equipment 22 may also have memory 63. Memory 63 may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM)-, read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable for storing instructions, data, or a suitable combination thereof for use by control circuitry 42.

[0076] User television equipment 22 may also have communications device 51 for communicating with distribution equipment 21 (FIG. 2a), application server 25 (FIG. 2b), or Internet service system 61 (FIGS. 2c-2d) via communications path 20. Communications device 51 may be a modem (e.g., any suitable analog or digital standard, cellular, or cable modem), network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card, Token ring card, etc.), or other suitable communications device.

[0077] A user may control the operation of user television equipment 22 with user input device 46. User input device 46 may be a pointing device, wireless remote control, keyboard, touch-pad, voice recognition system, or any other suitable user input device. To watch television, a user may instruct control circuitry 42 to display a desired television channel on display device 45. Display device 45 may be any suitable television, monitor, or other suitable display device. To access the functions of the program guide or other software, a user may instruct the program guide or other software implemented on application equipment 17 to generate a main menu or other desired display screen for display on display device 45.

[0078] For purposes of clarity, and not by way of limitation, suitable displays for an interactive program guide are now described herein below. These displays and their approaches for providing advertisements and merchandising opportunities are only illustrative and similar displays, display elements, and approaches may be used for other applications. For example, panel advertisements and other display elements may be incorporated into other applications.

[0079] Turning first to FIG. 5, a main menu screen 100 is shown. Main menu screen 100 may be accessed by pressing a “guide” key on remote control 40. As illustrated, screen 100 may include menu 102 of selectable program guide features 106. If desired, program guide features 106 may be organized according to feature type. In menu 102, for example, program guide features 106 have been organized into three columns. The interactive television program guide may generate a display screen for a particular program guide feature when a user selects that feature from menu 102 with, for example, highlight region 120.

[0080] Main menu screen 100 may include one or more selectable advertisements 108. Selectable advertisements 108 may, for example, include text and graphics advertising pay-per-view programs or other programs, channels, or products. When a user selects a selectable advertisement 108 with, for example, highlight region 120, the program guide may display information (e.g., pay-per-view information) or take other actions related to the content of the advertisement. Pure text advertisements may be presented, if desired, as illustrated by selectable advertisement banner 110.

[0081] Main menu screen 100 may also include other screen elements. The brand of the program guide product may be indicated, for example, using a product brand logo graphic such as product brand logo graphic 112. The identity of the television service provider may be presented, for example, using a service provider logo graphic such as service provider logo graphic 114. The logos may be included in the program guide data allowing for on-the-fly configurability of the display screens. Video window 501 may include video from a currently tuned channel.

[0082] The user may access a passive video product from an interactive guide or other software. If desired, the interactive guide or other software may include one or more branded screen elements, such as illustrative branded menu feature 505, to provide the user with an opportunity to access a passive video product. In this example, the user is provided with an opportunity to access the TV Guide Channel, a passive guide, directly from menu 102. In response to the user selecting branded feature 505, the interactive guide or other software may tune the user's equipment (e.g., television 36 or personal computer 231) to the channel on which the passive guide is carried.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative passive guide display screen 601. Display screen 601 includes a half-screen video display area 607, a half-screen listings area 603, and separator bar 605. Separator bar 605 may display the current time and indicate the time slots for which listings are displayed. The program listings may scroll continuously or page periodically to display program listings for additional channels. Program listings may be displayed in subsets according to one or more organization criteria and sorted in various ways.

[0084] Passive guide display screen 601 is only illustrative of one suitable passive video product. Passive video product display screens may include any suitable combination of videos, listings, text, graphics and other content. For example, passive video products may include a near-full-screen video of a promoted program, plus a small text area with ordering details for the promoted program (e.g., a barker channel). Alternatively, they may include a quarter-screen video, accompanied by quarter screen text with ordering or viewing instructions, and a half-screen of scrolling program listings. These examples are merely illustrative, and other passive video product approaches may be used.

[0085] If desired, program listings area 603 may be replaced or overlaid with interactive program listings to provide the user with a hybrid passive/interactive television program guide. The hybrid guide may be generated by the interactive guide using any suitable technique to overlay program listings display areas, text display areas, graphic display areas, video display areas, or interactive feature areas onto the passive guide display screen, or to otherwise replace passive guide content. Interactive feature areas may include any suitable interactive program guide feature and may replace or supplement a passive feature of the passive guide. The interactive guide may also generate the hybrid guide immediately when a user tunes to the passive guide channel. Hybrid passive/interactive television program guides are described, for example, in Reynolds et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/400,391, filed Sep. 21, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. An illustrative hybrid passive/interactive program guide is shown in FIG. 7.

[0086] The interactive guide may, for example, overlay a passive listings display area (e.g., program listings area 603 of FIG. 6) with an interactive listings area in response to a user indicating a desire to select a program listing by, for example, pressing an arrow key on remote control 40. The interactive guide may determine the first program listing displayed and may display the interactive listings starting with that first program listing. The interactive guide may determine the current time slot and channel that are being displayed by the passive guide based, for example, on passive guide characteristics (e.g., currently displayed screen components, size and location of screen components, current listings, etc.) Systems in which passive guide characteristics are used to synchronize passive and interactive program listings are described, for example, in above-mentioned Reynolds et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/400,391, filed Sep. 21, 1999. In still another suitable approach, the interactive guide may determine the type of listings displayed (e.g., whether they are movie listings, spots listings, etc.), and display interactive listings for the same type.

[0087] The interactive guide may indicate to a user that a hybrid guide is active by, for example, displaying a highlight region. FIG. 7 shows an illustrative hybrid guide having interactive grid 701 and highlight region 151. The operation of grid 701 may be similar to full-screen television listings displays as described, for example, in above-mentioned Knudsen et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/357,941, filed Jul. 16, 1999. The user may position highlight region 151 by entering appropriate commands with user input device 46. For example, if user input device 46 has a keypad, the user can position highlight region 151 using “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” using, for example, cursor keys on user input device 46. Alternatively, a touch sensitive screen, trackball, voice commands, or other suitable device may be used to move highlight region 151 or to select program listings without the use of highlight region 151. In still another approach, the user may speak the title of a television program listing into a voice request recognition system which will issue an appropriate command or request to the interactive guide. Any other suitable approach may also be used. In response to the user positioning highlight region 151, the guide may display interactive listings for additional channels (e.g., when the user positions highlight region 151 up or down), or for additional time slots (e.g., when the user positions highlight region 151 left or right).

[0088] The user may indicate a desire to access additional information for a program by, for example, pressing an info key on remote control 40. In response, the interactive guide may display an additional information screen for the currently highlighted program listing. FIG. 8 shows illustrative information screen 801. Information screen 801 may include, for example, an area 805 that displays the title, channel, rating, and air time of the program. Information screen 801 may also include other information, such as a description of the program, in window 803. Video window 811 may display the currently tuned channel. When the user accesses information screen 801 from a hybrid guide or from the passive video product, video window 811 may display the passive video product. Information screen 801 may also provide selectable features 807 for providing users with access to other interactive guide features. Interactive program guide systems in which additional information screens provide users with access to interactive guide features are described, for example, in Rudnick et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,268, filed Jul. 16, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0089] The system may integrate program sponsorship and interactive advertising between conventional programming or one or more video products and interactive software such as an interactive television program guide. The interactive television program guide or other software may include, for example, one or more graphic advertisements, such as selectable graphics 108 (FIG. 5). Selectable graphics 108 may promote any suitable product or service. When a promotion is aired on the passive video product or within other programing, the interactive guide or other software may display an interactive advertisement indicating the promotion and, if applicable, its sponsor. In response to the user selecting the interactive advertisement, the interactive guide may tune the user's equipment to the passive video product or other channel.

[0090] The interactive guide may be programmed to display a linked interactive advertisement using any suitable approach. For example, the program guide data may include a schedule (i.e., a timing synch) that indicates to the interactive guide scheduled times for linked interactive advertisements. In another suitable approach, a passive video product may include, for example, a flag in its header (e.g., in its vertical blanking interval (VBI)) that alerts the interactive guide (or other hardware or software running in the user's equipment) to find and retrieve interactive content for a particular advertiser. If desired, this communications-based synchronization approach may be combined with the aforementioned timing-based synchronization approach. For example, interactive graphics may be downloaded to an interactive guide at the same time (or substantially the same time) that the promotions are provided to distribution facilities within the system. Such an approach may provide the system provider or some other interested entity with an opportunity to collect advertisement revenues for time blocks across multiple platforms. For example, time blocks may be sold for time on two products—a passive video product and an interactive program guide.

[0091] In one suitable approach, the interactive guide may be provided with playlists that schedule the passive guide promotions, and with passive guide characteristics. Passive guide characteristics include information that indicates what content is displayed by the passive video product, as well as how the content is being displayed. Systems in which playlists and passive video product characteristics are provided to an interactive guide to integrate passive video product and interactive guide content and functionality are described, for example, in above-mentioned Reynolds et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/400,391, filed Sep. 21, 1999.

[0092] Screen generator 117 (FIGS. 2a-2d) may track passive guide characteristics such as the currently displayed screen components of the passive video product display screen (e.g., videos, program listings grid, etc.), the size and location of the components, the listings that are being displayed, the period with which listings are paged or the speed with which listings are scrolled, which program segment is currently active in the video portion of the passive video product, the content of the videos (e.g., programs or products that are promoted by a video), the channel and call letters of the passive video product, a source identifier or other identifier of the passive video product, or any other suitable information. If desired, local or national playlists may also be provided to the interactive guide as part of the passive video product characteristics. The passive video product characteristics may be provided to distribution equipment 21 or application server 25 for use by the interactive television program guide. The passive video product characteristics may be provided to the guide or a guide client periodically, continuously, on-demand, or with any other suitable frequency based on the system architecture underlying the guide.

[0093] Comparing FIGS. 9a-9d illustrates how combining program sponsorship and interactive advertising between a passive guide and an interactive television program guide may be performed. In FIG. 9a, selectable advertisement graphic 108 of main menu screen 100 includes an advertisement for Faith Hill on Insider. The segment is sponsored by Miller Lite. This graphic is displayed in the interactive guide when the passive guide provides the sponsored segment. In response to the user selecting advertisement graphic 108, the interactive guide may tune the user's television or personal computer to the passive guide channel, where the sponsor identifier may appear on the video (FIG. 9b). In this example, the identifier may appear at the beginning of the segment. The segment may then air (FIG. 9c), and be followed by or interrupted by an advertisement for the sponsor (FIG. 9d). This approach may allow the provider of the interactive software (e.g., the interactive guide) and the passive video product (e.g., the passive guide) to sell time-blocks across multiple platforms. If desired, selectable advertisement graphic 108 may be provided by non-program guide software (e.g., a web browser, computer operating system, etc.).

[0094] Conventional television programming or passive video product promotions may be combined with interactive impulse-purchase features. The purchasing features may be provided by an interactive guide or by non-program guide software. For example, a passive video product segment or promotion (or a conventional television program) may promote or otherwise include information about particular products or services. When interactive content is available for the product or service, the interactive guide may overlay an alert icon onto the video signal to alert the user that interactive content is available. The interactive guide or other software may determine that there is related interactive content using any suitable approach. The programming may, for example, include a suitable header in its vertical blanking interval (VBI). Alternatively, the interactive software may be provided with characteristics of the programming and, if applicable, a playlist for the channel. Any other suitable approach may be used.

[0095] When the user selects such an icon, an interactive guide or other software may display a point-of-purchase window in which purchase information for the product or service is displayed. When the user completes the purchase, the guide or other software may return to full-screen display of the passive video product or conventional program. Alternatively, the user may be provided with an opportunity to order other merchandise from, for example, a TV Guide Store.

[0096] Comparing FIGS. 10a-10f illustrates how conventional television programming or passive video product promotions may be combined with interactive impulse-purchase features. As shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, a passive video product channel includes a TV Music News segment. At some point in the segment, interactive content related to the content of the segment may be available. In this example, there may be interactive content available for 'N Sync (FIG. 10c). The interactive software may display an icon, such as alert icon 1000. In response to the user selecting alert icon 1000, the interactive software may display an interactive window. In this example, the additional information may be available merchandise (the Star Profile CD), and a point-of-purchase window 1010 may be displayed (FIG. 10d). If desired, the passive programming may be resized (as shown), and additional advertisements or other graphics may be displayed.

[0097] The user may return to full-screen video if the user does not want to order the original product or any additional products. If the user indicates a desire to order the product by, for example, selecting “Yes”, the interactive software may prompt the user to add the product to a shopping cart (e.g., by selecting “No” in FIG. 10e). If desired, a suitable one-click ordering approach may be used. If the user wants to order additional products (e.g., by selecting “Yes” in FIG. 10e), the interactive software may provide the user with access to a virtual store. The store may be provided via the Internet, a private network, programmed into the interactive software, or provided using any other suitable approach. FIG. 10f shows an illustrative virtual store display screen 1030. The store may display related items for sale (e.g., other CDs by 'N Sync, other CDs by similar artists, other CDs, for the same record label, etc.) that the user may select and purchase. The store may also provide options that the user may select to view other available products.

[0098] The system may combine advertiser sponsorship with interactive impulse-purchase fulfillment. When a passive video product feature or segment is sponsored by a particular sponsor, the system may overlay an icon that alerts the user to additional information concerning, for example, the subject of the feature or segment. In response to a user selecting the icon, the system may display interactive content such as, for example, a point-of-purchase window. The products or services offered in the point-of-purchase window may be from the sponsor of the segment or feature, from a featured source, or from some other source.

[0099] Comparing FIGS. 11a-11c illustrates how advertiser sponsorship may be combined with interactive impulse-purchase fulfillment. A passive video product segment may be sponsored, for example, by DiGiorno and feature an interview with Papa John's Pizza (FIG. 11a).

[0100] If interactive content is available for the segment, interactive software may display an alert icon 1100 (FIG. 11b). In response to a user selecting alert icon 1100, the interactive software may display the interactive content. In this example, the interactive content may be a recipe for Papa John's Pizza (FIG. 11c). Point-of-purchase window 1120 may be displayed to allow the user to order products associated with the interactive content, in this example, ingredients for the recipe. Window 1120 may include an advertisement for the provider of the ingredients, in this example, Peapod Grocery Delivery Service. This approach may provide for a three-way sale of advertisements. DiGiorno, Papa John's, and Pea Pod may each advertise in connection with impulse-purchase fulfillment. Moreover, as in this example, the advertisers may be selected to be complimentary to one another and may interact synergistically, thereby enhancing the advertising value of the individual advertisements.

[0101] If desired, integrating conventional television advertising or sponsorship, interactive advertising, and impulse-purchase fulfillment may be performed using Intent-based technologies. Conventional television programing and passive video products may be augmented or otherwise coordinated with an interactive guide or other software using markup language documents, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) documents. Systems in which passive video products and interactive guide content and functionality are augmented and coordinated using Intent-delivered data are described, for example, in Allison et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/368,825, filed Aug. 5, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0102] FIGS. 12-15 are flowcharts of illustrative steps involved in providing features of one embodiment of the present invention. In practice, the steps shown in FIGS. 12-15 may be performed in any suitable order, some may be deleted, and others added. Some of the steps shown in FIGS. 12-15 involve providing users with opportunities to interact with the system, performing various processes, or providing various displays. These and other steps may be performed by, for example, a client application that is programmed to generate or download screens suitable to provide such opportunities, an Internet browser that downloads suitable pages to provide such opportunities, peer applications, or using any other suitable approach. In non-on-line arrangements, processing for these operations may be performed by a client, a server, or distributed among peer applications, depending on the chosen system implementation and the processing requirements of such operations. In on-line arrangements, such processing may be performed by user television equipment 22, personal computer 231, or Internet service systems 61 and 235, depending on, for example, the processing and storage capabilities of user television equipment 22 or personal computer 231, the chosen implementation for the interactive applications, the processing requirements of such operations, or other factors. For purpose of clarity, the following discussion will describe the steps shown in FIGS. 12-15 as being performed by “the system,” which is intended to include any suitable system, such as, for example, any non-on-line or on-line arrangement suitable for performing the steps.

[0103] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in providing selectable options within interactive applications that allow users to access passive video products (e.g., a barker channel, passive guide, or other passive video product). At step 1200, the system may provide an interactive menu of options such as, for example, an interactive program guide, home shopping, or other menu. The interactive menu may include a selectable option for the passive video product (step 1210). The option may be branded to indicate the name or source of the passive video product (e.g., branded “The TV Guide Channel” as shown in FIG. 5).

[0104] At step 1220, the system may provide the passive video product to a user in response to the user selecting the option. Providing the passive video product may be accomplished using any suitable approach. For example, the system may tune the user's television equipment to a digital or analog television channel carrying the passive video product. In another suitable approach, for example, the system may access an Internet site that provides a real-time passive video product (i.e., a passive product that is not provided on-demand, as opposed to other types of content on the Internet).

[0105] At step 1230, the system may provide interactive content with the passive video product. The system may, for example, provide an alert icon. In response to the user selecting the alert icon or otherwise indicating a desire to access interactive content, the system may provide the user with a merchandising opportunity to, for example, purchase products related to what is showing in the passive video product (step 1240)., In another approach, the system may provide additional information for the passive video product such as, for example, descriptions, reviews, or any other suitable information (step 1250). The interactive content provided at step 1230 may include, for example, interactive television program listings. In one suitable approach, the system may overlay interactive program listings over a passive program guide to provide a hybrid guide. The system may provide additional information for a selected listing (step 1250).

[0106] FIG. 13 is an illustrative flowchart of steps involved in providing advertisements for passive programming from interactive applications. At step 1300, the system may retrieve advertisements for passive programming. The passive programming may be any suitable passive programming such as, for example, television programs, pay-per-view programs, commercials, segments within passive video products, or any other suitable passive programming. The advertisements may include any suitable content such as, for example, text, graphics, audio, video, animations, other suitable content, or any suitable content thereof. The advertisements may be branded—i.e., they may include brands or logos for sponsors. For example, the advertisement for the Insider segment, as shown in FIG. 9a, is branded by Miller Lite. The system may retrieve advertisements using any suitable approach. For example, the system may retrieve advertisements according to a schedule (step 1310), according to a real-time flag (step 1320), using a combination of these approaches, or any other suitable approach, from local memory or from a remote server.

[0107] At step 1330, the system provides retrieved advertisements within an interactive application. The interactive application may be any suitable interactive application such as, for example, an interactive program guide, a home shopping application, operating system software, a web browser, or any other suitable interactive application. The advertisement may be provided as, for example, a panel advertisement, a banner advertisement, a full-screen advertisement, or using any other suitable format. The system provides the advertised passive programming at step 1340. Providing the advertised passive programming may be accomplished using any suitable approach. For example, the system may tune the user's television equipment to a television channel carrying the passive programming. In another suitable approach, for example, the system may access an Internet site that provides the passive programming in real time.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in providing advertisements for advertisers during passive programming and from within interactive applications. At step 1400, the system may allocate advertisement time for an advertiser on at least one interactive product (e.g., interactive television program guide, operating system, web browser, home banking application, or other suitable interactive application) and at least one passive program (e.g., television program, pay-per-view program, movie, passive guide channel or barker channel segment, or other suitable programming). At step 1410, the system may provide an advertisement for the advertiser simultaneously on the interactive product and during the passive program. This may allow the system provider to sell advertisers advertisement time across multiple platforms or products. The advertiser may brand the program and the advertisement within the interactive application.

[0109] At step 1420, the system may provide the user with an opportunity to select the advertisement in the interactive product. At step 1430, the system provides the advertised passive program in response to the user selecting the advertisement in the interactive application. The system may provide the advertised passive program using any suitable approach. For example, the system may tune the user's television equipment to a television channel carrying the passive programming. In another suitable approach, for example, the system may access an Internet site that provides the passive programming in real time.

[0110] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in providing advertisements for advertisers within interactive applications based on branded passive programming. The steps shown in FIG. 15 provide for advertisements within interactive applications based on the branding of passive programming. At step 1500, the system may retrieve advertisements. The advertisements may include any suitable content such as, for example, text, graphics, audio, video, animations, other suitable content, or any suitable combination thereof. The advertisements may be retrieved using any suitable approach. For example, the system may retrieve advertisements according to a schedule (step 1510), according to a real-time flag (step 1520), using a combination of these approaches, or any other suitable approach, from local memory or a remote server.

[0111] At step 1530, the system may provide passive programming branded with an advertiser's brand. The programming may be branded by the source of the programming, main facility 12, distribution facility 16, Internet service system 235, or at any other suitable facility. At step 1540, the system may provide a user with an opportunity to access interactive information provided from an interactive application such as, for example, an interactive television program guide, a web browser, an operating system, a home shopping application, or other suitable interactive application. The system may, for example, provide a selectable or non-selectable icon that indicates the availability of interactive information associated with the programming. In addition to the interactive information, the interactive application may provide an advertisement for the advertiser associated with the brand on the branded passive programming (step 1550).

[0112] Thus, systems and methods for coordinating interactive and passive advertisements and merchandising opportunities are provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A method for providing access to a passive video product from an interactive application comprising:

providing a branded selectable option within an interactive application display; and

providing a passive video product associated with the brand in response to a user selecting the option from the interactive application display.

2. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising providing interactive content with the passive video product.

3. The method defined in claim 2 wherein:

the interactive content comprises an alert icon; and

the method further comprises providing a merchandising opportunity to the user in response to the user selecting the alert icon.

4. The method defined in claim 3 wherein the alert icon is overlaid onto the passive video product.

5. The method defined in claim 2 wherein:

the interactive content comprises a television program listing; and

the method further comprises providing additional information for the television program listing in response to the user selecting the television program listing.

6. The method defined in claim 1 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

the branded selectable option is a branded selectable menu option of the interactive television program guide.

7. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the interactive application is a web browser.

8. The method defined in claim 1 wherein providing the passive video product comprises tuning equipment associated with the user to a television channel.

9. A method for providing advertisements for passive programming within an interactive application implemented at least in part on user equipment comprising:

providing an advertisement for passive programming in an interactive application display; and

providing the advertised passive programming on the user equipment in response to the user selecting the advertisement from the interactive application display.

10. The method defined in claim 9 wherein the passive programming is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

11. The method defined in claim 9 further comprising retrieving the advertisement associated with the passive programming.

12. The method defined in claim 11 wherein retrieving an advertisement comprises retrieving an advertisement according to a schedule.

13. The method defined in claim 11 wherein retrieving an advertisement comprises retrieving an advertisement according to a real-time flag.

14. The method defined in claim 9 wherein the advertisement is branded.

15. The method defined in claim 9 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

16. The method defined in claim 9 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

providing the advertisement in the interactive application display comprises providing the advertisement as a panel advertisement in the interactive television program guide.

17. The method defined in claim 9 wherein providing the advertised passive programming comprises tuning the user equipment to a channel on which the programming is provided.

18. A method for providing advertisements within an interactive application implemented at least in part on user equipment comprising:

providing branded passive programming to the user equipment;

providing a user associated with the user equipment with an opportunity to indicate a desire to access additional information associated with the branded passive programming; and

providing an interactive display on the user equipment in response to the user indicating a desire to access the additional information, wherein the display comprises an advertisement for an advertiser associated with the brand of the branded passive programming.

19. The method defined in claim 18 wherein the passive programming is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

20. The method defined in claim 18 further comprising retrieving the advertisement.

21. The method defined in claim 20 wherein retrieving an advertisement comprises retrieving an advertisement according to a schedule.

22. The method defined in claim 20 wherein retrieving an advertisement comprises retrieving an advertisement according to a real-time flag.

23. The method defined in claim 18 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

24. The method defined in claim 18 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

providing the interactive display comprises providing the advertisement as a panel advertisement in an interactive television program guide display.

25. A method for providing advertisement space to advertisers across television-related products comprising:

allocating advertisement time for an advertiser on an interactive application and during a passive program; and

providing an advertisement for the advertiser within a display for the interactive product and with the passive program, during the allocated advertisement time.

26. The method defined in claim 25 further comprising:

providing a user with an opportunity to select the advertisement in the interactive application; and

providing the passive program in response to the user selecting the advertisement in the interactive application.

27. The method defined in claim 25 wherein the passive program is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

28. The method defined in claim 25 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

29. A system for providing access to a passive video product from an interactive application comprising:

means for providing a branded selectable option within an interactive application display; and

means for providing a passive video product associated with the brand in response to a user selecting the option from the interactive application display.

30. The system defined in claim 29 further comprising means for providing interactive content with the passive video product.

31. The system defined in claim 30 wherein:

the interactive content comprises an alert icon; and

the system further comprises means for providing a merchandising opportunity to the user in response to the user selecting the alert icon.

32. The system defined in claim 31 wherein the alert icon is overlaid onto the passive video product.

33. The system defined in claim 30 wherein:

the interactive content comprises a television program listing; and

the system further comprises means for providing additional information for the television program listing in response to the user selecting the television program listing.

34. The system defined in claim 20 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

the branded selectable option is a branded selectable menu option of the interactive television program guide.

35. The system defined in claim 20 wherein the interactive application is a web browser.

36. The system defined in claim 20 wherein the means for providing the passive video product comprises means for tuning equipment associated with the user to a television channel.

37. A system for providing advertisements for passive programming within an interactive application implemented at least in part on user equipment comprising:

means for providing an advertisement for passive programming in an interactive application display; and

means for providing the advertised passive programming on the user equipment in response to the user selecting the advertisement from the interactive application display.

38. The system defined in claim 37 wherein the passive program is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

39. The system defined in claim 37 further comprising means for retrieving the advertisement.

40. The system defined in claim 39 wherein the means for retrieving the advertisement comprises means for retrieving an advertisement according to a schedule.

41. The system defined in claim 39 wherein the means for retrieving the advertisement comprises means for retrieving an advertisement according to a real-time flag.

42. The system defined in claim 37 wherein the advertisement is branded.

43. The system defined in claim 37 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

44. The system defined in claim 9 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

the means for providing the advertisement in the interactive application display comprises means for providing the advertisement as a panel advertisement in the interactive television program guide.

45. The system defined in claim 37 wherein the means for providing the advertised programming comprises means for tuning the user equipment to a channel on which the advertised programming is provided.

46. A system for providing advertisements within an interactive application running at least in part on user equipment comprising:

means for providing branded passive programming to the user equipment;

means for providing a user associated with the user equipment with an opportunity to indicate a desire to access additional information associated with the branded passive programming; and

means for providing an interactive display on the user equipment in response to the user indicating a desire to access the additional information, wherein the display comprises an advertisement for an advertiser associated with the brand of the branded passive programming.

47. The system defined in claim 46 wherein the passive programming is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

48. The system defined in claim 46 further comprising means for retrieving the advertisement.

49. The system defined in claim 48 wherein the means for retrieving an advertisement comprises retrieving an advertisement according to a schedule.

50. The system defined in claim 48 wherein the means for retrieving an advertisement comprises retrieving an advertisement according to a real-time flag.

51. The system defined in claim 46 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

52. The system defined in claim 46 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

the means for providing the interactive display comprises means for providing the advertisement as a panel advertisement in an interactive television program guide display.

53. A system for providing advertisement space to advertisers across television related-products comprising:

means for allocating advertisement time for an advertiser on an interactive application and during a passive program; and

means for providing an advertisement for the advertiser within a display for the interactive product and with the passive program, during the allocated advertisement time.

54. The system defined in claim 53 further comprising:

means for providing a user with an opportunity to select the advertisement in the interactive application; and

means for providing the passive program in response to the user selecting the advertisement in the interactive application.

55. The system defined in claim 53 wherein the passive program is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

56. The system defined in claim 53 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

57. A system for providing access to a passive video product from an interactive application comprising:

user equipment on which an interactive application is at least partly implemented, wherein the interactive application is configured to:

provide a display on the user equipment, wherein the display comprises a branded selectable option; and

provide a passive video product associated with the branded selectable option on the user equipment in response to a user selecting the option.

58. The system defined in claim 57 wherein the interactive application is further configured to provide interactive content with the passive video product.

59. The system defined in claim 58 wherein:

the interactive content comprises an alert icon; and

wherein the interactive application is further configured to provide a merchandising opportunity to the user in response to the user selecting the alert icon.

60. The system defined in claim 59 wherein the alert icon is overlaid onto the passive video product.

61. The system defined in claim 58 wherein:

the interactive content comprises a television program listing; and

wherein the interactive application is further configured to provide additional information for the television program listing in response to the user selecting the television program listing.

62. The system defined in claim 57 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

the branded selectable option is a branded selectable menu option of the interactive television program guide.

63. The system defined in claim 57 wherein the interactive application is a web browser.

64. The system defined in claim 57 wherein the interactive application is configured to provide the passive programming by tuning the user equipment to a television channel on which the passive programming is provided.

65. A system for providing advertisements for passive programming within an interactive application comprising:

user equipment on which an interactive application is at least partly implemented, wherein the interactive application is configured to:

provide a display on the user equipment, wherein the display comprises an advertisement for passive programming; and

provide the passive programming in response to the user selecting the advertisement.

66. The system defined in claim 65 wherein the passive program is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

67. The system defined in claim 65 wherein the interactive application is further configured to retrieve the advertisement.

68. The system defined in claim 65 wherein the interactive application is further configured to retrieve the advertisement according to a schedule.

69. The system defined in claim 65 wherein the interactive application is further configured to retrieve the advertisement according to a real-time flag.

70. The system defined in claim 65 wherein the advertisement is branded.

71. The system defined in claim 65 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

72. The system defined in claim 65 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

the interactive television program guide is configured to provide the advertisement as a panel advertisement.

73. The system defined in claim 65 wherein the interactive application is configured to provide the passive programming by tuning the user equipment to a television channel on which the passive programming is provided.

74. A system for providing advertisements within an interactive application comprising:

user equipment on which an interactive application is at least partly implemented, wherein the interactive application is configured to:

provide a display on the user equipment, wherein the display comprises branded passive programming;

provide a user with an opportunity to indicate a desire to access additional information associated with the branded passive programming; and

provide a display in response to the user indicating a desire to access the additional information, wherein the display comprises an advertisement for an advertiser associated with the brand of the branded passive programming.

75. The system defined in claim 73 wherein the passive programming is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

76. The system defined in claim 73 wherein the interactive application is further configured to retrieve the advertisement.

77. The system defined in claim 73 wherein the interactive application is further configured to retrieve the advertisement according to a schedule.

78. The system defined in claim 73 wherein the interactive application is further configured to retrieve the advertisement according to a real-time flag.

79. The system defined in claim 73 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.

80. The system defined in claim 73 wherein:

the interactive application is an interactive television program guide; and

the interactive television program guide is configured to provide the advertisement as a panel advertisement.

81. A system for providing advertisement time to advertisers across television related products comprising:

a distribution facility configured to provide passive programming having an advertisement for an advertiser during a given time block; and

user equipment on which an interactive application is at least partly implemented, wherein the interactive application is configured to provide a display comprising an advertisement for the advertiser during the give time block.

82. The system defined in claim 81 wherein the interactive application is further configured to:

provide a user with an opportunity to select the advertisement in the display provided by the interactive application; and

provide the passive programming in response to the user selecting the advertisement in the interactive application.

83. The system defined in claim 81 wherein the passive programming is a television program, a commercial, a pay-per-view program, or a passive video product segment.

84. The system defined in claim 81 wherein the interactive application is an interactive television program guide, an operating system, a home shopping application, or a web browser.