Abstract: A voice recognition grammar (“VRG”) tool for facilitating the creation of speech grammars for speech recognition applications is described. The VRG tool 114 uses syntax diagrams to enable a developer to visually build vendor-independent speech recognition grammars. The grammars are built from visual components called blocks, which represent the elements of a grammar. Blocks are connected and assigned values to define a grammar. A grammar is built with the VRG tool within a “Construction Area” by selecting blocks from a “Tool Kit.” Every phrase must start with a start block and be completed with an end block, with the various grammar blocks being connected between them. Once the syntax for the grammar is constructed, using the aforementioned blocks labeled and defined appropriately, a grammar specific to the selected vendor may be generated and is then ready for use by a voice recognition application.

Abstract: The method of linking terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG) comprises the steps of receiving an electronic message, comparing terms in the electronic message to terms in the program information of the EPG, and displaying the electronic message so that any terms in the electronic message which have a match in the program information based on the step of comparing terms, are distinguishable from terms which have no such match. The electronic message interface is adapted to link terms in an electronic message to program information in an electronic program guide (EPG).

Abstract: A smart agent (SA) is provided which resides locally in a local client device and by iterative means integrates the habit, statistics and psycho-demographic information of a user to infer the user's preferences. The SA may also utilize the preferences to filter information delivered to the local device. The invention further discloses a means of collecting, combining, integrating and inferring information from the user to arrive at a psycho-demographic profile of the user, and a means of utilizing such psycho-demographic profile to select or filter information delivered to the user, thereby achieving targeting. The invention also discloses a means of classifying and identifying the information delivered so that it can be matched, filtered or selected.

Abstract: A system for scheduling caching of in-band data operates as part of a computerized system to receive and store data broadcast in-band in a channel at a scheduled time. The scheduled caching system determines the scheduled time and channel for the in-band data broadcast and causes a real-time clock in the computerized system to schedule a subsequent execution of the scheduled caching system at approximately the scheduled time. When the scheduled caching system subsequently executes, the scheduled caching system instructs tuning circuitry in the computerized-system to tune to the scheduled channel, receives the in-band data from the tuning circuitry and stores the in-band data on mass storage for subsequent processing. The scheduled caching system also powers on the tuning circuitry and parses the in-band data from other content broadcast in the channel if necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) from data transmitted to a receiver location. The EPG is generated from the data for display on a screen. The receiver of the data for the programs to be displayed and to which the EPG relates is capable of interrupting the display of the programs and saving the data in a memory for subsequent display at a later time. The present invention ensures that the EPG data is adjusted in accordance with the data held in the memory so as to continue to be synchronized with the programs which can be displayed.

Abstract: A method, system, software and signal wherein a subset of program information for related programs is maintained with program information for a given program. The program information for the given program, including the subset of program information for related programs, can be maintained in an electronic program guide (EPG). A system can use the information in the EPG to schedule and perform program events automatically, or information can be provided to users so that the users can manually schedule or perform program events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of composing a user menu by proving a shortened route to the menu the user selected among a hierarchically structured On Screen Display menu so that the user can find a menu he or she wants more conveniently. The method comprises the steps of deciding whether an item is optionally selected out of the hierarchically structured OSD menu items; deciding whether a user menu registration button for the optionally selected item is pressed; registering the selected menu with the user menu by adding an index to the currently selected item once the user menu registration button is properly pressed; displaying the registered user menu on an OSD menu if a user view menu is established; actuating a corresponding menu item when an optional item is selected among the user menu; and deleting a menu item from the user menu if a deletion button is pressed on an optionally selected item out of the user menu.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for allowing a user to supervise personal exposure to a program exhibited by a consumer electronics device, such as a television system. The consumer electronics device includes “V-chip” circuitry that analyzes a signal and either blocks or passes the signal based on certain content-based criteria. In this connection, a user can program the “V-chip” circuitry with the preset content-based criteria in the form of preset content-based specification sets, which are stored in the consumer electronics device by the manufacturer. The preset content-based specification sets specify either allowable or objectionable content within a program signal received by the consumer electronics device. The “V-chip” circuitry receives a content-based indicator set, which is indicative of the actual content of the program signal. One of the preset content-based specification sets is conveniently selected by a user.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) system employs a preference engine and processing system that learns viewers' television watching preferences by monitoring their viewing patterns. The system operates transparently to build a profile of a viewer's tastes. The profile is used to provide services, for example, recommending or automatically recording television programs the viewer might be interested in watching. To permit the personalization of the preferences database, a user interface is provided to allow the user to simulate various kinds of interaction with the system. This allows the system to build a profile rapidly without requiring a long interaction history to personalize the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting, receiving and displaying electronic program guide data having a number of segments, wherein each segment is associated with a program and wherein some of the segments have a keyword therein includes a receiver having a memory that stores a keyword list containing the keyword or keywords. The receiver receives the program guide data and compares the segments of the program guide data to the keyword list to determine if any keywords are contained in the segments. The receiver displays the keyword on a display screen so that the keyword may be selected by the user.

Abstract: Selecting from currently available television programs or other commercial broadcasts is enabled by clustering the broadcasts on the basis of program categories and by simultaneously displaying video information from all of the broadcasts. The channels through which the commercial broadcasts are received are monitored in order to detect any changes in program categorization. Thus, the clustering of the broadcasts is dynamic with respect to the number of broadcasts in the different clusters. Each broadcast is displayed as a reduced-scale presentation that is based upon the video information specific to the broadcasts. In one embodiment, at least one of the clusters can be split into sub-clusters, such as splitting a movie cluster or a sports cluster on the basis of genres. Optionally, the different reduced-scale presentations are continuously updated, other than during commercial times.

Abstract: Techniques to create, generate, and deliver customized interactive program guide (custom-IPG). In one method, selections indicative of a set of channels to be included in the custom-IPG are received. In response, one or more custom-IPG screens having included therein the set of selected channels are rendered at a head end. The custom-IPG screens can be formed as subsets of the regular IPG screens, or as new screens. The rendered custom-IPG screens are provided from the head end to a set top terminal upon receiving a viewer request for the custom-IPG. Command indicative of a particular location at which to overlay the custom-IPG screens may also be received. In this case, the custom-IPG screens are re-rendered at the indicated location.

Abstract: EPG services are provided, which enables a device such as a computer, a set top box or the like to collect EPG data from multiple EPG data providers or sources. The EPG data is collected at the device by EPG loaders. Each EPG loader collects EPG data from a particular source. The EPG loaders deliver the EPG data to a writer module, which performs scaling and formatting functions to the EPG data The writer module also stores the scaled and formatted EPG data in a database or other storage. Once stored, applications gain access to the EPG data through a control module. The writer module may also be implemented by chaining EPG loaders in a priority scheme. However, EPG loader interaction reduces independence and forces more rigid interface and implementation constraints upon the design of EPG loaders. The control module provides the accessed EPG data to the applications. EPG services function to isolate the operation of the applications from the EPG data sources.

Abstract: A system for searching for programs is provided. The system may provide the user with an opportunity to indicate an interest in a given program. The system may provide the user with an opportunity to request that the system locate programs that are related to the given program in which the user has indicated an interest. The system may locate program listings that are related to the given program. The located program listings may be related to the given program based on attributes of the given program. The system may display a list of located listings and allow the user to select listings from the list. The system may tune to a program selected from the list, may display an information display screen for a program selected from the list, etc. The system may provide the user with an opportunity to configure and save search parameters. The system may sort related program listings based on the attributes of the given program.

Abstract: A method of selecting a portion of a block of data for display based on characteristics of a display device. The method comprises several steps. In the first step, a block of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data is received at a communication device adapted to process this data. Next, an input is received at the communication device regarding an appearance of the display device. The communication device can be a set-top box. The appearance of the display includes, but is not limited to, the resolution, the aspect ratio (AR), and the physical size of the display. Based on these inputs, the communication device next selects a portion, more or fewer columns or rows, of the block of EPG data to be displayed on the display device. The portion of the EPG data selected is formatted and communicated to the display device, e.g. television, for viewing by the user.

Abstract: A method for acquiring and storing schedule event information in an interactive television system. The schedule event information includes events and a start time and date for each of the events. The method includes creating a window defined by a start time and date and an end time and date and receiving the schedule event information at a receiving station. The schedule event information is stored for events having a start time and date within the window. The method further includes automatically moving the window forward relative to the start time and date at a specified interval such that the end time and date of the window are always after a current time and date. A system for acquiring and storing schedule event information is also disclosed.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide media distribution, e.g., in a building automation environment. An exemplary implementation includes reading electronic media content from a media source, converting the electronic media content to a computer-readable data stream including custom data for distributing the electronic media content, and delivering the computer-readable data stream to at least one client in a distributed environment.

Abstract: A channel matrix for use with a television receiver includes rows and columns of channel numbers, each corresponding to one channel in a group of channels. The matrix includes a group selector that is activated to display different groups of channels. The channel matrix is used to tune the television receiver, to perform other functions such as channel locking and favorite channel selection or to display channel status such as including minor channels or having certain V-chip ratings. A desired channel may be selected by navigating a cursor across the rows and columns of the matrix until the desired channel is beneath the cursor and then pressing a selection key. A channel status display, associated with the matrix, displays information about the selected channel or about the channel under the cursor before it is selected. Display enhancements include visual cues such as highlighting, underlining, and displaying of icons; audio cues; and the ability to select an entire group of channels.

Abstract: A preferred entertainment guide with a prioritized list of programs is provided. The preferred entertainment guide receives a program listing and a priority listing of programs that are preferred by the viewer or listener. The preferred entertainment guide searches the program listing for programs that match the priority listing. Matching programs are placed in a results list in priority order. If a program exists in the results list that has a higher priority than the program currently being viewed, then the preferred entertainment may alert the viewer. The viewer may then select a program from the results list.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule and/or listing information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule and/or listing information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule and/or listing information may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule and/or listing information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV.

Abstract: The invention to which this application relates is a television system which allows a visual or other form of indication to be generated to a user of the system that a programme which they select to watch has previously been viewed by them and is therefore a repeat showing of the programme. This prevents the user from having to try and guess whether they have previously viewed the programme before selecting the programme from, for example, an Electronic programme Guide (EPG). The system includes a database in which information for those programmes which are selected by the user to view is input and in which the information is stored for a period of time period thereafter to allow comparison with data for programmes which are subsequently selected to be viewed by the user.

Abstract: Improved approaches for configuration, management and operation of a media delivery system are disclosed. The media delivery system centrally manages and stores media content and also controls the delivery of media content to subscribers. According to one embodiment, a method for providing a program guide to subscribers of the media delivery system is disclosed. The media delivery system delivers programs to the subscribers in accordance with the program guide. The program guide can be customized for subscribers. The customization can be implemented in a variety of ways. One example of customization is to provide the program guide with a time bar.

Abstract: The present invention is described by an electronic program guide with a calendar tool, and a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving the electronic program guide. The apparatus includes a transmission station and a plurality of receiver stations. The transmission station creates program guide data that is in an “object” format. The transmission station combines the program guide objects with digital audio and video television signals, and transmits an output stream to the plurality of receiver stations. Each of the plurality of receiver stations stores electronic program guide objects. Using data from the electronic program guide objects, the plurality of receiver stations generate a listing of television program representations, and a calendar image separate from and adjacent to the plurality of television program representations.

Abstract: This invention provides a program information display control apparatus and method, a remote control device, a program, and a storage medium, which can simultaneously display the contents and detailed information of specific programs that follow predetermined rules such as a time band, genre, and the like. To this end, detailed program information associated with each of programs to be displayed on an EPG is acquired from an antenna (1101) and tuner (1102). The acquired program information is stored in a memory (1150) via a decoder (1103). A viewer designates programs, details of which are to be displayed, using a remote controller (12), and the memory (1150) is searched for detailed program information of a plurality of designated programs. An image controller (1121) simultaneously displays a plurality of pieces of program information associated with these designated programs at their display positions on the EPG displayed on a display unit (1122).

Abstract: Provided is a personal channel service method and apparatus for providing a program preferred by a user in a preferred time duration by extracting the preferred time duration and the preferred program based on usage history of a personal digital recorder (PDR). The personal channel service providing method includes the steps of: a) receiving content description data and instance description data of a program to be broadcasted through a TV network; b) determining the preferred duration and the preferred program in the preferred duration based on usage history of the PDR, and updating the instance description data to include the preferred duration and the preferred program; c) generating an electronic program guide (EPG) for informing the user that the preferred program is outputted on the personal channel in the preferred duration based on the updated instance description data; and d) outputting the EPG to the PDR.

Abstract: A system for providing interactive television program guide features and other features and information related to a specific user interest or programming category in niche hubs is provided. All of the television programming features provided by user television equipment that relate to a specific user interest or programming category may be accessed from the niche hub. For example, a movie lovers niche hub may provide programming features such as television program listings for movies, video-on-demand listings for movies, pay-per-view listings for movies, web site links related to movies, movie-related merchandise, movie news groups, movie chat groups, movie e-mail clubs, movie contests, movie trivia questions, movie actor interviews, movie reviews, movie channel package ordering, etc. The programming features of the niche hubs may be transmitted from a server, database, or other storage facility via a television distribution facility.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for conveying a video message is disclosed. Video data comprising at least image data and associated audio data is captured and a video message structure (401) is created. A link is established between the structure (401) and the video data to create a structured video message. The structured video message is characterized by a video message structure (401) that provides an originator (103), of the message, enhanced manipulation capabilities for the video data by manipulating the structure (401). The structured video message can be conveyed to a recipient for viewing and/or for providing the recipient substantially the same enhanced manipulation capabilities.

Abstract: A device for sending broadcast-program information to a plurality of terminal devices connected via a network so that the plurality of terminal devices display the broadcast-program information on display screens. The device includes an addition unit attaching at least one of a reception setting button and a recording setting button to broadcast-program information which is to be sent to a terminal device, the reception setting button and the recording setting button being used in the terminal device for issuing a request to make settings for automatic receiving and recording, respectively, of a selected broadcast program. The device further includes an execution-information extracting unit obtaining execution information in response to the request, the execution information specifying information necessary for making the settings, and a transmission unit sending the execution information to the terminal device.

Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

Abstract: A module-based ticker for an interactive television system comprises one or more modules of content that the user can select for presentation. Separate modules of the ticker are selected for sports, news, weather, email, traffic, interactive applications, movies, and so forth. A viewer or user can also customize the ticker by choosing the shape, location, size, appearance, and content of the modules. Three-dimensional modules can scroll ticker information on its surfaces by rotating in the ticker. The content from each of the modules concurrently scroll in the ticker, thereby giving somewhat of an appearance of “a ticker having many tickers.” The modules can be “skins” that have preset or customizable layouts, colors, fonts, borders, shapes, etc. An interactive television service provider or other party can build the skins, and then via upload, make the skins accessible to and selectable by viewers for customization and inclusion into their ticker.

Abstract: A content searching/providing system searching a record content from a randomly accessible memory storing contents and providing the record content to a user is provided. The system comprises: a content classification unit classifying the record contents of the memory in accordance with a predetermined rule; a channel assignment unit assigning a virtual channel to each classification; a content arrangement unit arranging the record contents classified into the same classification on the corresponding virtual channels; a user operation receiving unit receiving a user operation for commanding channel selection and content search on a channel; and a content providing unit acquiring a record content from a selected virtual channel in response to the user operation received via the user operation receiving unit and providing the record content.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting multimedia data to a set-top box for distribution to a headend of a cable television. The apparatus includes an input for a signal containing multimedia data. The apparatus has a module for compressing the multimedia data and also a packetizing module. The packetizing module adds a header. Since the headend is the only destination of the multimedia data, a destination address is unnecessary in the header, but the header does include an indicator as to source and an order identifier for each of the packets. The headend can then receive the packets, re-order the packets and decompress the multimedia data. The data may then be processed by a processor at the headend that is assigned at the beginning of an interactive session.

Abstract: A method for assisting a user in selecting a television program for viewing or recording comprising periodically receiving and storing electronic program guide information which includes titles and program descriptions for upcoming television programs; and displaying a list of television programs in a format which includes titles and corresponding program descriptions, so that television programs having the same title may be distinguished by the corresponding program descriptions.

Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying available television programs with an indication of the recommendation score assigned to each program by a television programming recommender, includes a television programming recommender for evaluating each of the programs in an electronic programming guide (EPG) in a conventional manner to identify programs of interest to a particular user. An indication of the numerical recommendation scores associated with each program are also displayed to the user, for example, using program grids listing the available television programs. The numerical recommendation scores can be displayed with each program directly or can be mapped onto a color spectrum or another visual cue, such as a variable size-of-text or rate of blinking, that permits the user to quickly locate programs of interest. Television channels can be sorted in the program grid according to a normalized recommendation score for the time period being examined.

Abstract: A method of organizing programming data includes receiving a data stream including programming guide, which includes information describing aspects of broadcast programming; extracting a plot synopsis data from the programming guide relating to a series-type genre broadcasting program; and storing the plot synopsis data in a memory.

Abstract: A media recommendation system gathers negative user feedback associated with media content. Based on the gathered feedback, the media recommendation system extracts a list of recommended media content from program data describing available media content.

Abstract: A system is described that provides for scrolling among favorite channels with a remote control device, preferably through user interaction with channel keys. Some embodiments also provide for enhanced management of favorite channels.

Abstract: A plurality of programs is displayed on screen in a grid of cells. When program in a particular column of cells is pointed to by a cursor, the programs in neighboring columns are shifted to improve the time-alignment of the programs in the row of the cursor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for channel surfing through multiple sources based on user-definable preferences includes accessing a user-definable preferences list that identifies a plurality of channels from a plurality of different sources. One of the plurality of identified channels is selected for provision to a user.

Abstract: An on-screen program menu that displays available programs sorted, or grouped, by a display order (i.e., a ranking) is provided. Program listings are ranked by the user of a digital video recorder. These rankings are combined with sponsorship rankings to determine the resulting display order. The program listings can correspond to programs available for viewing or recording as well as programs that have already been recorded by the user's digital video recorder. The resulting display orders the programs by their overall rank. Programs are displayed in groups. When an event occurs, the next group of programs is displayed. The digital video recorder keeps track of programs that the user selects from the on-screen menu and sends the information, along with the user's demographic information, back to the DVR service provider. The DVR service provider creates reports for sponsors showing programs that were performed by different groups of people.

Abstract: Various methods and systems can facilitate handing multiple users in the context of electronic program guide systems. Various described embodiments permit the users to be identified to or registered with the system. The system can then establish a ranking or pecking order for the users. The ranking provides a point of reference from which the system can provide services to the users. Various methods and systems can ascertain the particular mix of users or viewers at any one time, and can then provide one or more services as a function of the viewers who are present. Additionally, some embodiments can ascertain when the collection of users has changed and can then offer a modified mix of services that are tailored to the new user collection. Further, some embodiments make use of the concept of personas for individual users. Individual users can have multiple different personas each of which being associated with a different set of preferences for that user.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for generating a personalized menu promoting other video programs available from a video content delivery system is disclosed. The video content delivery system provides a plurality of channels of video content simultaneously. In one step, it is determined that a triggering event has occurred with a video content delivery conduit. First information about one or more users is gathered. The one or more users are associated with an account with the video content delivery system. Alternative video programs are determined and personalized for the one or more users based, at least in part, upon the first information. The context for the triggering event is analyzed to produce second information. A configuration of the personalized menu is determined based, at least in part, upon the second information. The personalized menu is formulated for presentment to the one or more users.

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: The present invention relates to a television receiver capable of receiving at least digital satellite broadcasting such as CS broadcasting. The television receiver according to the present invention comprises first means for displaying a plurality of program guides in a matrix shape on a display device utilizing one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis as a channel number axis and utilizing the other axis as a time axis, and second means for displaying air times for the program guides displayed on the display device in the shape of a bar graph that is long along the time axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for entering user preference for particular program attribute values while a user is browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG). When a program description is highlighted on the EPG, a preference control invokes a preference entry page when activated. The preference entry page contains several program attribute values associated with the highlighted program. A user can enter new preference ratings or modify previously saved preference ratings for one or more program attribute values on the preference entry page. The user is thus provided with the convenience of entering programming preferences at a time when such preferences are fresh on the user's mind.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a system and method for simultaneously displaying advertisements with an electronic program guide (EPG). The system displays television schedule information in rows of schedule information items including the time and channel for at least a portion of the displayed television schedule information items. An advertisement is selected for display from a plurality of advertisements, and the selected advertisement is displayed between two rows of the schedule information items simultaneously with the displayed television schedule information items.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying to a user alternative content of a transmitted television program based on data stored in the user's profile as well as viewing context parameters, such as available viewing time or audience composition. Sources of alternative content to be presented include transmitted alternative program segments as well as media and Internet data input.

Abstract: The ticker for an interactive television system has user-customizable features, including a feature to exclude ticker topics dynamically from the display screen while the ticker is being presented and without the need to navigate to a static preferences screen. This allows the user to view only ticker items of interest. Excluded ticker topics are readily re-included without the use of a static preferences screen. Navigation and scrolling controls are used to customize the ticker presentation for the non-excluded ticker topics. Finer granularity of user customization within a topic itself is provided, including an ability to change modes or add content to a ticker. Implicit profiling is used in one implementation to customize the ticker by collecting viewer behavior data.