Abstract: An electronic program schedule-system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program, a program guide display, and a program guide video window. A viewer may use the program guide video window to browse video of programs shown on the program guide display while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The program guide display may display video on demand (VOD) programs, programs to be broadcast in the future, and programs currently being broadcast on other channels. The viewer may browse through programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to swap audio and video signals back and forth between programs shown in the video window and programs shown on the background screen.

Abstract: A content distribution system composed of a server device for selecting and distributing video scenes according to a user request, and a terminal device for receiving the video scenes from the server device. The server device stores a plurality of content files. Each content file is composed of a plurality of pieces of scene data together with scene additional information regarding playback of each piece of scene data. The server device selects pieces of scene data matching the user request, reads scene additional information from each content file containing the selected pieces of scene data, generates, based on the read scene additional information, selected-scene additional information, and transmits the selected pieces of scene data in association with the generated selected-scene additional information. The terminal device receives and stores the selected pieces of scene data and the selected-scene additional information.

Abstract: A button on a remote control device is associated with a filter for filtering a first stored sequence of cards representing available options. A display unit displays a user interface including a focus area intersected by a first axis. In response to detecting activation of a button on the remote control device indicating a selection of a filter, the first sequence of cards is filtered according to the selected filter to produce a second sequence of cards. The second sequence is then displayed along the first axis, with one card being displayed within the focus area.

Abstract: An ITV system having a plurality of channels is provided. A visual card is created for each channel, each visual card including a graphical representation of the channel. The visual cards may be linked together or grouped in one or more sequences. One or more visual cards from one or more sequences may be displayed across the GUI, with one visual card being displayed within a focus area. In response to a single user action, the visual cards within a particular sequence may be successively displayed within the focus area. When the user sees a visual card representing a desired channel, the user takes some additional action and the successive display of visual cards is discontinued. The visual card representing the desired channel is then displayed in the focus area within the user interface, and may be visually enhanced. Once the successive display of visual cards has been discontinued, the user may select the channel represented by the visual card.

Abstract: A plurality of images are stored, each of which represents the same option at different levels of specificity. A specificity indicator is associated with each image that indicates the level of specificity at which the corresponding option is represented. When a graphical representation of an option is to be displayed, a specificity selector selectively displays the image having the highest level of specificity among the plurality of images that represent the particular option.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a method for operating a decoder. The method comprises receiving, on a first channel, an electronic program guide data stream comprising multiple video streams which have been encoded and multiplexed for transmission on the first channel, each video stream comprising a low resolution version of a high resolution video stream which is being simultaneously received on a separate channel; decoding the electronic program guide data stream into frames, each frame defining a mosaic-style image comprising image areas for images in the electronic program guide data stream corresponding to images from each of the multiple video streams; and displaying each of the frames on a display screen coupled to the decoder.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which utilizes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: The invention relates in general to a television receiver that is capable of displaying two video programs and an electronic program guide (“EPG”) simultaneously. The EPG is displayed in a first portion of a split screen containing a picture-in-picture (PIP) display. Scanning of the electronic program guide causes different video programs to be displayed in the PIP display while the user is still able to watch the original video program on a second split screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of transmitting/receiving additional information. The method includes the steps of transmitting video, audio, trailer, and EPG(program guide) signals respectively having independent PIDs(packet identification numbers), receiving the transmitted signals and extracting the video, audio, EPG, and trailer signals from the received signals, displaying the extracted EPG, and displaying the trailer signal for a selected broadcast program of the EPG. Preferably, the trailer is displayed as a motion picture or still image. Accordingly, when the audience selects a specific program on an EPG screen, the present invention displays a summary or preview of the selected program. Therefore, the transmitting side such as a broadcasting station enables to inform the audiences of the corresponding program of the broadcasting station, and the audiences are helped to select programs through program previews or summaries.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for formulating a program guide screen is disclosed. In various steps, program description information and promotional data is received. The promotional data comprises one or more of the following: a video clip, a video clip with audio accompaniment, an audio clip, an animation, an animation with audio accompaniment, a still image with audio accompaniment, a still image, a plurality of still images, and a plurality of still images with audio accompaniment. A predetermined program is associated with the promotional data and program description information. The guide screen is formulated with the promotional data and program description information.

Abstract: A method for displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer. The method includes displaying one or more data slices representative of broadcast programming to a viewer. In response to input from the viewer, the displayed number of data slices is increased, for example, from one slice to two slices. In browser mode the viewer can scroll through multiple EPG data slices without selecting to view full mode EPG, while in full mode the EPG can expand from a single column of data slices to multiple columns of data slices based upon viewer selections. The EPGs of the present invention can display programming that a viewer is more likely to watch at a particular time than other programming. A data slice representing the predicted programming can be inserted into the EPG so that the viewer can identify programming that is likely to be of interest.

Abstract: A method of visually processing image files in an image editor and an image editor using the same. A plurality of thumbnails of the image files are produced from the content of the image files. These thumbnails are drawn on a file list of the image editor. The file list shows the filenames and the accompanying thumbnails of the image files and the user can make file selections based the visual information. During operation, the image editor continuously detects whether the user has performed the compilation of the image files. When the image files have been edited, the thumbnails displayed on the file list are dynamically updated according to the content of the image files.

Abstract: Methods for slice-based encoding of program guides and user interfaces. The program guides include multiple video streams for picture-in-picture and other applications. A method for encoding the program guide includes encoding a first set of slices for each of a plurality of graphics pages; and encoding a second set of slices for each of a plurality of video streams. The user interfaces are multi-functional and may be used for electronic commerce and other applications. A method of generating the user interface includes encoding a set of slices for each of a plurality of objects, each object being characterized by an identity, at least one attribute, and at least one operation. In one embodiment of this method, the plurality of objects include an electronic commerce object, where the electronic commerce object is attributed with a first hyper text markup language (HTML) page.

Abstract: A user is provided with an interactive program guide identifying future television programs that are scheduled to be broadcast at a later time. After the user selects a future television program, the user is provided with the future television program in advance of its scheduled broadcast time.

Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

Abstract: A system for delivering television services provides enhanced content with broadcast television programming. The enhanced content includes event identifiers to enable an association with the broadcast television programming.

Abstract: A television program selection system and method that utilize key frame images of each program. The key frame images are extracted from the recorded show as the program progresses. This continuum of key frame images provides the viewer with a condensed story line and scope of each program, thus allowing the viewer to make an intelligent choice of the programs that he or she intends to record and/or watch.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to realize a multimedia EPG capable of accepting a program changed in real time, and also capable of realizing higher power of expressions by using a still image and a moving picture.

Abstract: A preview system activated from an on-screen programming guide displays a video preview of a selected particular program on the display screen. The video preview is displayed on less than the full screen so that the video can be highly-compressed to save bandwidth.

Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide. Additionally, a video window is interactive and provides tuning functions.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a television receiver including a display screen capable of, in a television broadcast consisting of a multiplicity of channels, displaying information on programs being broadcast at other channels simultaneously with displaying an on-watching program. A television receiver of the present invention, comprises a screen including a channel name display area, a program schedule display area for displaying information containing a schedule of programs broadcast at channels displayed in the channel name display area, and a television broadcast display area for displaying the television broadcast received, and a display channel selection module for selecting the channel displayed in the channel name display area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining video frame sequences with a video display of an interactive program guide (IPG). The apparatus comprises a plurality of compositors that combine background information, video frame sequences and program guide graphics into a single video frame sequence. The sequence is then digitally encoded to form an MPEG-like bitstream. The same background information and video advertising is composited with a different program guide graphic to form another video sequence that is also encoded. A plurality of such sequences are produced with each sequence having a different program guide graphic. Each sequence is encoded and then multiplexed into a transport stream such that all the encoded sequences are transmitted to a subscriber's terminal using a single transport stream. As such, the subscriber can scroll from one program guide to the next without interruption of the background or video display as the program guide graphic is changed. Each graphic contains a set of programs (e.

Abstract: User interfaces for a number of services offered by an information distribution system. In one method, first (e.g., interactive program guide) and second (e.g., video-on-demand) applications are provided to support a first and second user interfaces for first and second services, respectively. A control mechanism coordinates the passing of control between the applications. A root application supports communication between the first and second applications and a hardware layer. The control mechanism may be implemented with first and second message queues maintained for the first and second applications, respectively. Control may be passed to an application via a (launch) message provided to the associated message queue. Each application is operable in an active or inactive state. Only one application is typically active at any given moment, and this application processes key inputs at the terminal. The transition between the active and inactive states may be based on occurrence of events.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28). The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programs transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen.

Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28). The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programs transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen.

Abstract: The invention to which this application relates is to improvements in electronic programme guides (EPG) which are service provided, in digital broadcast data television systems, to users of the system to indicate to the user the programmes available for selection at the instant of viewing or in the future. The invention provides additional useful and practical information relating to a user selected programme in the form of video and/or audio and/or auxiliary information via an on-screen display.

Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.

Abstract: A method of creating a hybrid file provides at least a first file and a second file, each file having contents in a file type that is different from the file types of all the other files. The method then reads and interprets the at least first and second files, and creates a hybrid file that contains the contents of the at least first and second files, the hybrid file having a hybrid file type that is different from the file types of the at least first and second files.

Abstract: A telecasting service is provided that offers video programs upon viewer demand, and which includes an interactive interface for facilitating viewer selection of video programs. The interactive interface allows the viewer to scan through a list of video programs available on the demand telecasting service. The interactive interface also provides the viewer with still images, full-motion previews, and textual descriptions of the available programs. The demand telecasting service distinguishes subscribers from non-subscribers, and provides an interactive facility for allowing non-subscribers to subscribe to the system.

Abstract: A system interactively controlled by a TV viewer remote superimposes portions of a scroll program guide over a basic programming signal for display on the viewer's display screen. A tuner has an input for receiving TV signals in a plurality of cable channels and an output for passing a signal of any selected one of said channels. A computer has an input for receiving any of a plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote and an output for controlling the tuner to pass the signal of the selected one of the channels in response to one of the plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote. The computer receives and stores a scroll input picture image signal containing local program guide data and generates a scroll output picture image signal consisting of at least a portion of the scroll input picture image signal. A combiner superimposes output picture image signal over the passed signal to provide a display signal for input to the viewer's display screen.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection from a first entertainment selection source. A first area, proximate to the first window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection from a second entertainment selection source. A second area, proximate to the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection.

Abstract: A method of relaying digital video data over a communications medium such as the Internet is provided where accelerated relaying time can be realised. The method involves assembling digital data of one frame representing a scene of a video image plus data of one or more filters and parameters therefor to be applied to the digital data over a plurality of repeated frames of that scene. All that data is relayed to a users personal computer and then an apparent video movie is generated at the personal computer over a plurality of repeated frame images of the one frame by applying the filters thereto. The filters can include PAN ZOOM FADE etc., so that when applied over the plurality of frames each of the same scene, there will be an apparent motion video movie. Many scenes and filters can be employed to enhance the video.

Abstract: According to the invention, channel surfers are aided by summary frames appearing on the screen along with the regular program. These summary frames are embedded in the broadcast and appear in a small window on the screen at some point in the future as the video is broadcast. The summary frames depict key scenes from the past which aid the viewer in quickly ascertaining the current plot or theme of the video program. In an interactive television environment, a short video segment may be associated with each shot such that when the shot is selected, the past video segment is played in a larger window on the screen complete with sound. Once the segment is viewed, the video program is rejoined in progress with the viewer having a better sense of what is going on in the video. Hence, a when a channel surfer arrives at a new channel, rather than only having what is currently playing to catch the eye, summary frames are also available to catch the surfer's attention and aid in understanding the programming.