Abstract: Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. The array is arranged as three columns (28) of one-half hour in duration, and twelve rows (30) of program listings. Some of the program listings overlap two or more of the columns (28) because of their length. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10) as the cursor moved from a cell (26) of several hours length to an adjacent cell in the same row. An effective way of taming the motion is to assume that behind every array (24) is an underlying array of regular cells. By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an electronic program guide (EPG) display are provided. The method includes displaying an EPG on a display device, receiving a selection of a particular channel from the displayed EPG, comparing parental rating information of the selected channel with prestored parental rating information, and selectively displaying, in the EPG, program information of the selected channel based on the comparison results The apparatus and method prevent display of any inappropriate channel/program information in the EPG according to a user's set parental rating information.

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

Abstract: A method is described for associating a predefined unique symbol with a type of supplementary content for a program, creating a program schedule that includes a listing for the program, and providing the predefined unique symbol in association with the listing in the program schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and displaying customized electronic programming (EPG) data is described. One embodiment includes a method for generating a customized program listing for a set top box (STB). This method includes the steps of receiving a user preference for operating an EPG; retrieving programming information; sorting the retrieved programming information according to the user preference; formatting the sorted program information according to the user preference; and providing the formatted program information to the STB.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for using a personal digital assistant to browse and select program listings. The method of the present invention involves browsing one or more program listings to select a given program listing. The program listings are presented on the personal digital assistant through the use of a local electronic program guide. Where a program corresponding to the given program listing is not being aired when selected, the given program is marked for a reminder in the local electronic program guide. The reminder in the local electronic program guide is synchronized with a remote electronic program guide running on a remote device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rate at which electronic program guide (EPG) data is scrolled within a video signal corresponding to an EPG display, includes first circuitry for receiving first and second signals, and second circuitry for incrementing and decrementing the scroll rate of EPG data within an output video signal responsive to the first and second signals, respectively. Methods and corresponding software for operating the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The present invention was achieved in order to provide a program list display system for television broadcasting to display an appropriate and useful program list even if unreceived program data is present, comprising a program data receiving device to receive program data of television broadcasts, a program list making device to make a program list based on the program data received by the program data receiving device, and a display driving device to display the program list made by the program list making device on a display, which has an unreceived slot image formation device to form an unreceived slot image in an unreceived program slot which is a display area of the program list corresponding to an unreceived program whose program data has not been received so as to make a program list.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving programs from a plurality of channels, comprising a tuner for tuning to any of the plurality of channels, and an electronic program guide (EPG) for presenting a schedule of the programs. The apparatus comprises virtual channel means for creating a user selectable virtual channel for reproducing selected programs from various genuine channels. The virtual channel means are adapted to control the tuner to tune to a channel currently broadcasting a selected program. When a user selects the virtual channel, the apparatus takes care of automatically switching between the genuine channels broadcasting the programs viewed on the virtual channel. As a consequence, the user can view the desired programs by simply selecting the virtual channel.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method and apparatus for providing a television viewer with relevant program suggestions while the viewer browses an electronic program guide (EPG) (38). The invention uses a viewer profile (44), which may be obtained in accordance with any well-known technique, in conjunction with the viewer's usage of the EPG (38) as a basis for program suggestions. In this way, relevant program suggestions may be provided, and typically displayed within a picture-in-picture window (430) on the screen (400) of a television display apparatus (300).

Abstract: A method and system for personalizing media presentations based on a target duration is disclosed. The process includes assembling content for viewing based upon a specified duration.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient communication of customized messages is described which builds upon existing mechanisms for the transmission and playback of advertising programs and enhances the advertising programs by providing customized components of the program in an efficient manner. This scheme reduces the bandwidth requirements and eases the task of production by the advertising producers of a multiplicity of customized advertising messages, each targeting a separate household or groups of households.

Abstract: Device and method for real time monitoring, and providing of useful program specific information (PSI) of a program received from a digital TV broadcasting system to a watcher, wherein, when broadcasting program PSI is changed, the change of the PSI is detected by monitoring a PMT in a PSIP, and facts of the change or addition of additional functions for a program following the change or addition of the PSI of the digital broadcasting program is reflected and informed to a watcher.

Abstract: As the offer of television programs increases, it is imperative to find means to gain access rapidly to the emissions one prefers. Furthermore, the offer is not addressed always to all users, for example, when it concerns emissions for adults.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which allows viewers to create their own customized lists of preferred video content programs, such as movies, games, TV shows, and so forth. Viewers are permitted to select criteria for grouping various video content programs into manageable sets. Lists of programs are provided in one or more scrollable lists, the scrolling rates of which are programmable. Once grouped, previews for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application allows the viewers to browse the previews at their own rate, skipping forward to the next preview or backward to the previous preview. During this automated browsing, the VOD application enables the viewer to add any of the programs of interest to a customized list. The viewer can retrieve the customized list at any time. If the viewer orders a program from the customized list, the program remains available to the viewer for a rental period (which is adjustable).

Abstract: In a digital television recording method, programs are selected for recording based on analysis of program schedule information, user preferences, and the priority of previously recorded programs if there is insufficient memory.

Abstract: A novel electronic program guide (EPG) based method and system provide viewers/users with an improved program recommendation feature for predicting programs that are likely to be of interest. Either by a user's decision, or default, when a user is presented with recommended programs, the recommended programs are derived from Recommended Program Information generated by the Service Provider. The Recommended Program Information is based upon the User Profile of the user receiving the Recommended Program Information, and the User Profiles of other users serviced by the Service Provider who have similar user characteristics. The User Profiles also contain viewing history information. Therefore, programs are recommended for viewing to a user for which other users with similar characteristics have demonstrated an actual of potential interest.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating programming enhancements for interactive commerce in a television distribution network. The system includes databases containing information on available products, layouts suitable for displaying product information on a television screen, and program schedule information. Computer applications allow a user to select a group of products, select and customize a screen layout, and define a program enhancement associating the products and layout with a particular scheduled program. Each program enhancement created with the system is stored for broadcast to viewers on the network at an appropriate time prior to the scheduled broadcast of the particular program with which it is associated. To conserve system resources, basic screen layouts for the enhancements are stored on viewers' set top boxes, and only information relating to the customized features of the enhancement's appearance, such as color and type style, is broadcast.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method generate customized content for in-route entertainment on a mobile element, such as an aircraft. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a shared program input for receiving a shared program stream, which includes primary entertainment content (e.g., video segments) intended for a plurality of mobile elements; a supplemental content input for receiving customized supplemental content, such as advertising and branding segments; a scheduler providing scheduling information, which indicates insertion points in the shared program stream for customized supplemental input as a function of characteristics of the mobile element; and an output for outputting the shared program stream, the customized supplemental content, and the scheduling information for subsequent generation of an entertainment content stream customized for the mobile element.

Abstract: A system and method to display additional information, such as advertising, associated with a selectable display area displayed within a scene of a video stream are disclosed herein. A video stream having a fixed sequence of scenes having one or more selectable display areas is provided to a display controller. The display controller, in one embodiment, displays the video content having the fixed sequence of scenes, along with the selectable display areas within one or more scenes of the fixed sequence of scenes, on a display device. A viewer can select a selectable display area from the display device to instruct the display controller to perform an action associated with the selected selectable display area. In one embodiment, visual indicators, such as borders around the selectable display areas or icons representing the selectable display areas, are implemented to assist the viewer in identifying the selectable display areas within a displayed scene of the video content.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling program blocking provides advantages over conventional parental controls. According to an exemplary embodiment, a system such as a television signal receiver enables a user to designate a title of a program to be blocked. Program blocking is performed by preventing display of a video portion of the program, and further preventing display of the program title in a given display region, such as an electronic program guide and/or a channel banner. An audio portion of the program may also be blocked. A user may remove the program blocking function by, for example, inputting a predetermined password.

Abstract: An electronic preview guide (EPG) display apparatus for use in a broadcast receiver, for selectively presenting viewers a broadcast schedule. The broadcast schedule is presented in a grid pattern with one or more rows each showing a TV channel number or a TV station name and an array of slots containing preview guide messages of its broadcast schedule extending in the direction of time axis, using a preview guide data broadcast by each broadcast station and a present time. The apparatus includes a display controller for making an EPG slot at the present time or a viewer-designated time wider than other slots within the EPG screen.

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 method and system for adjusting the settings of an information handling system based on the individual user preferences of one or more users is disclosed. An individual user preference profile is retrieved for each identified user of the information handling system. A combined user preference profile is negotiated based on the individual user preference profiles retrieved for each identified user. The settings are then adjusting based on the combined user preference profile. A user interface identifies users of the information handling system. A system controller retrieves an individual user preference profile for each identified user, negotiates a combined user preference profile based on the individual user preference profiles retrieved for each identified user, and adjusts the settings of the information handling system based on the combined user preference profile.

Abstract: A method and system is described for providing a customized media list to a user over a data network. The method comprises providing a personalized data of the user to a computer system, generating a customized media list by the computer system for the user based on the personal data, and providing the customized media list to the user through the computer system where the customized media list represents a customized content and a customized advertising. A system is further disclosed and claimed for providing customized media list to a user over a data network.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The program guide system displays a program guide grid on a user's television equipment. The grid contains rows of television program listings for various channels. Columns in the grid are associated with the scheduled start times of the listed programs. The grid also contains non-program listings. Non-program listings rows contain selectable non-program options, such as options related to weather or sports information. The user can select a given one of the selectable non-program options by positioning a highlight region on one of the options and pressing an appropriate key on a remote control. When the system receives the corresponding command from the remote control, the system displays additional information for the selected non-program option on the user's display screen.

Abstract: A method and system is described for providing a customized media list to a user over a data network. The method comprises providing a personalized data of the user to a computer system, generating a customized media list by the computer system for the user based on the personal data, and providing the customized media list to the user through the computer system where the customized media list represents a customized content and a customized advertising. A system is further disclosed and claimed for providing customized media list to a user over a data network.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for tracking objects in sports programs and for selecting an appropriate camera view. Generally, in response to preferences selected by a user, a particular object in a sporting event is tracked. Not only is the object tracked, but statistical data about the object is compiled and may be displayed, depending on user preferences. Additionally, a user can select particular cameras to view or can select certain portions of the playing field to view.

Abstract: An interactive television system configured to display an animated character which has an appearance indicative of a viewer's interaction and time spent watching a particular television program. In one embodiment, the character is a genie which appears more healthy when the viewer's watching/interaction increases and less healthy when it decreases. Various features of the genie, such as hair color, clothing and name, are viewer-selectable. The genie may prompt the viewer for responses, which responses result in the awarding of points to the genie, which in turn make it appear more healthy or give it certain powers or characteristics. The genie is implemented in an interactive application which is transmitted to a set-top box coupled to the viewer's television. Transmission of related data through a return path to the broadcast station which originated the application enables the viewer to participate in lotteries and other special promotions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing a schedule of channels is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accepting a series of commands to tune a plurality of channels sequentially from an ordered schedule of channels; determining a duration of a time period between each of the series of commands; and prioritizing the schedule of channels according to the duration of the time period during which each channel is tuned. The apparatus comprises a user interface for accepting a series of commands to tune a plurality of channels sequentially from an ordered schedule of channels and a processor, communicatively coupled to a memory, the processor implementing a timer for determining a duration of a time period during which each channel is tuned and prioritizing the schedule of channels according to the duration of the time period during which each channel is tuned.

Abstract: A method, system, and software for improved display of multiple media channels are disclosed herein. A system may be used to select, independent of direct user input, a subset of a plurality of media channels based on a user's viewing pattern. The system can include one or more media sources, a media processing system, and a display device, as well as a method for its use. The media processing system receives a plurality of media channels from the one or more media sources. One or more attributes associated with each media channel are compared with a user's viewing pattern determined independent of direct user input by the media processing system. A surf list is generated from the plurality of media channels, where the surf list includes a subset of the plurality of media channels having one or more attributes that are congruent with the user's viewing pattern. A portion, such as a still image, of each media channel in the surf list is output to an output device, such as a display device or storage device.

Abstract: The present invention is implemented in one embodiment in a tuning decoder device, such as an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) of a digital satellite system. The IRD is coupled to a satellite system, the remote controller and a monitor, such as a TV set. The present invention allows a user to store up to five stations in a JUMP Loop sequence during a single viewing period by depressing a single key in a remote controller.

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

Abstract: Method and arrangements for transmitting and receiving an electronic database, e.g. an electronic television programme guide. The database includes a plurality of programme items. In order to assist the user in retrieving the items of interest, a menu structure is transmitted as well. The menu structure renders it possible to access the database in various ways. Rather than including programme items (such as known form teletext systems), the transmitted menus refer to programme items. Where necessary, references can be made to programme information transmitted by different TV stations.

Abstract: A system and method for making program recommendations to users of a network-based video recording system utilizes expressed preferences as inputs to collaborative filtering and Bayesian predictive algorithms to rate television programs using a graphical rating system. The predictive algorithms are adaptive, improving in accuracy as more programs are rated.

Abstract: A peripheral device that can be configured, for example, in a personal computer (PC) system, between the PC processor and the PC monitor. The peripheral device receives video signals from the PC processor for display on the PC monitor. In addition, the peripheral device receives television (TV) signals from a TV source, for example, via a standard TV connection. The peripheral device combines the video content of the TV signals with the video signals received from the PC processor to generate a combined video signal for display on the PC monitor. The peripheral device supports web-based applications where the web-page layout is received by the PC system via a conventional Internet connection, where the peripheral device overlays the video content of the TV signals over appropriate corresponding windows in the web-page layout. In this way, bandwidth in the PC's Internet connection does not have to be used for streaming media delivery of TV video content.

Abstract: According to the invention a user interface of a consumer electronic apparatus is modified, which can be used for example to update a given basic UI functionality or to temporarily implement isolated, dedicated UI sub-domains. For this purpose side information is received comprising side information components for controlling the user interface and validity information defining the validity start and/or end time of the side information components. The side information components and validity information is stored and the user interface is modified by using said stored side information components. The start time and/or end time of the user interface modification is controlled by means of said stored validity information.

Abstract: A method and a system for a radio listener or a television viewer to retrieve a stored broadcast segment, such a song title or a sound recording, upon receiving a transmitted broadcast segment. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method and system facilitates retrieving a stored broadcast segment associated with a transmitted broadcast segment in response to a user inquiry, wherein the user inquiry references a time and a date of a broadcast and a station identifier of the transmitted broadcast segment. The user initiates the inquiry upon receiving the transmitted broadcast segment that interests the user. The method includes configuring a broadcast segment database with a plurality of stored broadcast segments associated with respective broadcast times, broadcast dates, station identifiers and identification information.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may inform a program guide of the user's interests. Information on the user's interests may be stored in a preference profile. There may be more than one preference profile, each for a different user. Each preference profile contains a number of preference attributes (program titles, genres, viewing times, channels, actors, etc.). A color is associated with each preference attribute. The user is thus able to view the program listing and quickly identify programs of interest by the associated colors in the display.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence applications require use of training sets containing positive and negative examples. Negative examples are chosen using distributions of positive examples with respect to a dominant feature in feature space. Negative examples should share or approximately share, with the positive examples, values of a dominant feature in feature space. This type of training set is illustrated with respect to content recommenders, especially recommenders for television shows.

Abstract: A server for online guide reading of web page contents includes at least a central processing unit, a communication interface for connecting a communication link, a memory having further a digitized article content and a guide reading content, and a guide reading broadcasting mechanism. The article content may be displayed on an article web page window in a container at a user end through the communication interface and communication link for users reading. The guide reading content includes at least a guide reading event trace which may be loaded into the article web page window through the communication link and linked to an intent guide reading web page object in the article web page. When the guide reading event trace is the intent guide reading web page object, required guide reading actions are located in the container or event traces composed of all guide reading event related information triggered in the article web page.

Abstract: A media system including memory to store media information that characterizes the media and a processor configured by the memory to provide a user interface to enable a user to define a media presentation from the media information. The processor is configured by the memory to continually and automatically segue media stream changes among a plurality of the media streams containing the media to present the user defined media presentation.

Abstract: A customized media interface is described for visually presenting a customized media list to a user. The customized media interface consists of displaying a personalized list of content for a specific user or users, and the relative times associated with each content.

Abstract: A system and method for formatting broadcast/Internet contents according to the preferences of the user in terms of content, format, and presentation style, then presented in the time-slot specified by the user is disclosed. The system executes the following steps of: retrieving programs of interest to the user; storing the retrieved contents into a storage device; customizing stored contents according to predetermined criteria; and, displaying the customized contents corresponding to a time selected by a user. The user specifies the format of the whole program in terms of programs of interests, the length of the programs with respect to the whole program, and the presentation style of the whole program.

Abstract: A method to separately assign and modify multiple attributes of information and structure to an individual block or to a larger unitary whole comprised of multiple blocks is disclosed. A number of block instances of a block is determined. Each block instance is associated with one or more structure attributes. A number of data elements is determined. Each data element is associated with one or more information attributes. The data elements are mapped to the block instances. The mapped block instances are displayed contiguously.

Abstract: Information on Demand A broadcast data receiver for the reception of data broadcast from a remote location, processing of the data and generation of video and/or audio therefrom in the form of a television program for viewing. The receiver includes a table, such as an Event Information Table (EIT) which includes one or more strings of data. A user can request to be informed of an occurrence or occurrences of data from one or more of the strings being identified in a user-selected program. The receiver informs the user of an occurrence and/or every occurrence of said data identified in said selected program at the time of said program being broadcast. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user can select to be updated with information relating to the occurrences of data at their convenience by selecting a pre-designated button on the remote control unit.

Abstract: A hierarchical processing apparatus and method for video and audio data for producing, modifying or deleting a playlist formed from information of reproduction times, channels and so forth of programs in the form of video and audio data is disclosed. The hierarchical processing apparatus includes an image of a first hierarchy for displaying a plurality of playlists formed from a plurality of clips which are video and audio data and additional information corresponding to the clips in a list and selecting one of the playlists to determine a playlist of an object of modification or a playlist of an object of deletion, and an image of a second hierarchy for selecting one of the plurality of clips and adding, to the selected clip, corresponding additional information to produce or modify the playlist. The image of the first hierarchy and the image of the second hierarchy allow transition therebetween in a series of operations.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. Program guide display elements are arranged and styled using markup language documents. These markup language documents may also indicate and select program guide functions. The program guide interprets the markup language documents and generates the display screens and program guide functionality without user intervention. The program guide may also be updated by supplying new markup language documents that modify display screens and program guide functionality. The markup language documents may be supplied by a main facility or a television distribution facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for targeted content presentation in a communications network. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for targeting content to users in a communications network; the method comprising the steps of determining targeted user characteristics and presenting content in accordance with said characteristics. In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a method for targeted content presentation in a communications network for regularly scheduled content opportunities, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring the programming stream for opportunities and content descriptors; determining the source for alternate content; matching the opportunity to the available content and the viewer characteristics; presenting In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery engine, a matching engine, a combiner, and a micro decision engine (MDE).

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved method for using key objects obtained from Internet sites to search for and locate television programs. An advantageous embodiment of the improved method of the present invention comprises the steps of: 1) identifying key objects in Internet documents, 2) sending the key objects to a search capable video recorder, 3) conducting a key object search with the search capable video recorder to locate television programs that contain the key objects, 4) providing to a viewer the search results of the key object search that identify television programs that contain the key objects, 5) selecting television programs that contain the key objects in response to a viewer instruction, and 6) recording the television programs that are selected by the viewer from the search results.