Abstract: A system and method for online ordering of items of real-time availability from vendor inventories in which an online agent ordering server acts as an intermediary between a TV system and an online ordering website. The online agent ordering server stores TV ordering display templates for presenting displays on the TV system of TV ordering forms for respective items, and online ordering templates for formatting online orders that are recognized by the online ordering website. When a viewer inputs a request for a selected item to the TV system, the online agent ordering server provides a corresponding TV ordering form to the TV system for display. Upon the viewer inputting order selection data to the TV ordering form, the online agent ordering server automatically converts the data into an online order for the item that is recognized by the online ordering website.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing differential media time calculation and display are provided. A method includes determining a time of media origination, determining a current time, and calculating a differential media time as a difference between the current time and the time of media origination. The method also includes using the differential media time to determine information update data and outputting the information update data for display.

Abstract: Continuous selection graphs are described. In embodiment(s), a continuous selection graph can be displayed that includes a similarity continuum to indicate media content that is progressively similar. The continuous selection graph can also include an axis of identifying criteria for the media content by which to associate the media content along the similarity continuum. Similar media content that is associated with the identifying criteria can be determined, and selectable indicators of the similar media content can be displayed to indicate a relationship between the identifying criteria and the similar media content along the similarity continuum.

Abstract: A technique for automated analysis of multimedia, such as, for example, a news broadcast. A Broadcast News Editor and Broadcast News Navigator system analyze, select, condense, and then present news summaries. The system enables not only viewing a hierarchical table of contents of the news, but also summaries tailored to individual needs. This is accomplished through story segmentation and proper name extraction which enables the use of common information retrieval methodologies, such as Web browsers. Robust segmentation processing is provided using multistream analysis on imagery, audio, and closed captioned stream cue events according to a finite state model indicative of the presentation class.

Abstract: Outputting a user interface having a list of a plurality of representations of media items on a display of a computing device is presented. In one embodiment, a center locking region (CLR) is defined in the user interface and covers a portion of the plurality of representations, wherein navigation from a first representation within the CLR to a second representation outside the CLR causes a scrolling of the second representation into the CLR on one horizontal side and a scrolling of a third representation within the CLR out of the CLR on the other horizontal side while navigation through a portion of the plurality of representations within the CLR causes no scrolling. In another embodiment, a gap indicating a beginning and an end of the list is displayed and a scrolling occurs when the gap is within the CLR and a horizontal navigation within the CLR is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital television system where access rights to a programme or channel are received analyzed by the decoder in determining whether to permit or prohibit full audio and visual access by the user to that programme or channel when displayed in respective windows of a mosaic formation.

Abstract: A sequence of cards representing filters is displayed along a first axis of a user interface with a single card being displayed in a focus area. The card in the focus area defines a selected object type filter, which is applied to another sequence of available options. The filtered sequence is then displayed along another (perpendicular) axis of the user interface, which only includes options corresponding to the selected option type filter.

Abstract: A set-top box device includes a processor and memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) at a television coupled to the set-top box device. The GUI includes a bread crumb trail having a selectable category. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processor to receive a signal from a remote control device associated with the set-top box device, the television, or a combination thereof, the signal indicating a selection of the selectable category of the bread crumb trail. Further, the memory includes instructions executable by the processor to cause the GUI to display, in response to the signal, a menu including the selectable category and a peer category related to the selectable category. The menu automatically becomes navigable via directional keys at the remote control device when the menu is displayed.

Abstract: A method is provided for registering and displaying digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) channels in a mobile terminal capable of receiving DMB. A selection of DMB mode is detected and electronic program guide (EPG) information is received. The received EPG information is analyzed and the analyzed received EPG information is divided into fixed program channel information and dynamic program channel information. The fixed program channel information is matched with a genre in which a fixed program channel has been registered, and a result of the matching is displayed. The dynamic program channel information is matched with a genre in which a dynamic program channel has been registered and a genre of a program currently being broadcast on the dynamic program channel, and a result of the matching is displayed.

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: A sequence of cards is stored that graphically represents available options within an information system. In addition, supplemental information related to at least one card may be obtained. In response to a single user action, the sequence of cards is successively displayed within a focus area of the user interface. When a card having supplemental information is displayed, the supplemental information is also displayed, either on or near the card. In response to a subsequent user action, the successive display is discontinued to display a particular card representing a selected option.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced navigation of stored digital video content based upon a content-based index. Includes generation and storage of an index, as well as navigation based on the segments defined by the index. An example system is embodied in a digital video recorder that generates an index for locating commercial groups interleaved with program content in a video presentation recorded from a television broadcast. The commercial groups may be viewed without the intervening program content or otherwise navigated based upon information in the index and one or navigation functions. Example user interfaces and several navigation functions are also provided.

Abstract: In a TV displaying thumbnails of videos grouped by genre, genre labels are shown so that a user can conveniently move genre to genre with a single click on a remote control device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for displaying a plurality of objects on a display (105). Each object has at least a first attribute and a second attribute. The method sets a range of first attributes to be displayed. A set of objects is then displayed having the same second attribute on a radial line of an ellipse based on a comparison between the range and the first attribute of the objects. Desirably the method is used for displaying information regarding a plurality of broadcast programs on the display, each broadcast program having attributes comprising at least time of transmission and channel of transmission. In that implementation a display period is set. The method then compares the time of broadcast transmission of one or more programs with the display period and then displays (eg. 600) information regarding a set of programs (602, 604, 606) having the same channel of transmission (eg. 12) on at least one radial line of an ellipse, based on the comparison.

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 or stored video clip 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 facility is provided for recognizing blank and nearly blank images. In various embodiments, the facility receives an indication of an image, creates an analysis image based on the received image by detecting edges, determines an edge ratio for the analysis image, determines whether the edge ratio exceeds a threshold and, when the edge ratio does not exceed the threshold, identifies the received image as a blank image. The facility can include an edge detector component that creates an analysis image based on a selected image by detecting edges in the selected image, a calculator component that calculates an edge ratio for the analysis image, and an analysis component that determines whether the calculated edge ratio exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for providing two modes of operation for a program guide and a video display depending on the position of a highlight or cursor. When the cursor or highlight is moved to a channel name/number grid, the video display will display program content of the program currently being received by the highlighted channel. On the other hand, when the cursor or highlight is moved to a program grid, the content of the video window does not change.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A system, method, and user interface for displaying electronic program guide (EPG) and personal video recorder (PVR) information as navigable three-dimensional images is described. In one embodiment, a three dimensional image is formed in which EPG data is presented on one surface of a three dimensional image and PVR data is presented on at least one other surface of the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A method of scrolling in a graphical user interface includes: receiving a command to scroll a plurality of contents icons displayed in the graphical user interface; and retrieving an appropriate number of additional contents icons from a contents icon database to provide a scrolled display in the graphical user interface, wherein the contents icon database is divided into a plurality of entries, each entry of the plurality of entries including at least data for a contents icon of the plurality of contents icons and a link to a contents file, each entry of the database is configured to be fixed in size so that the data for the contents icon can be quickly accessed, and the contents icon can be scrolled in the graphical user interface at a relatively high speed.

Abstract: Navigation logic and related methods are described for assisting a user in using a remote control (RC) device. The navigation logic determines a current state of a user's interaction with an application, and then determines the keys of the RC device that are relevant to the determined state. The navigation logic then displays a representation of the relevant keys on a user interface presentation of a presentation device. The representation resembles a physical layout of associated physical keys on the RC device. To assist the user in focusing on the relevant keys, the representation de-emphasizes other input mechanisms of the RC device that do not have a bearing on the user's current interaction with the application. One exemplary way of de-emphasizing these other keys is to entirely omit these keys from the representation.

Abstract: A system for preparing data and video sequences to enable a viewer to scroll content in a plurality of directions including a first and second direction, the content including at least one element in motion, the system including a video sequence preparation module to prepare the video sequences including a first and second video sequence, each video sequence including still images, each still image including at least part of the content, at least some of the still images including the at least one element, the video sequences being prepared such that playing the first and second video sequence effects scrolling the content in the first and second direction, respectively, and a switchover determination module to prepare the data including corresponding switchover points in the video sequences for switching between the video sequences and therefore for switching the direction of scrolling by the viewer. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, a reproduction engine for reproducing A/V data stored on an interactive DVD comprises a navigator connected to a temporary data storage unit for loading A/V data from the interactive DVD into a first section of the temporary data storage unit, and for loading enhanced data associated with the A/V data into a second section of the temporary data storage unit; a decoder for decoding the A/V data and the enhanced data loaded into the temporary data storage unit; and a presentation engine for reproducing the decoded A/V data and the enhanced data in accordance with control information stored on the interactive DVD.

Abstract: A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality.

Abstract: In a TV displaying thumbnails of videos grouped by genre, genre labels are shown so that a user can conveniently move genre to genre with a single click on a remote control device.

Abstract: A user interface is presented on a monitor of a media device for providing information about available programs. The user interface includes an array having three columns (channel, current show, and next show) with commonly aligned rows. Each row of the channel column includes an indicator. Each row of the current show column includes a title naming a program currently available on a channel of the media device corresponding to the indicator in a commonly aligned row of the channel column. Each row of the next show column includes a title naming a show available after the current program on the same channel. The currently available program may be displayed on the monitor in response to a viewer selected row, indicator, and/or title in the array.

Abstract: The PIP system enables display of a mosaic of favorite channels in a Picture-in-Picture (PIP) format to a subscriber terminal. Picture-in-Picture support is efficiently provided by sending only I-Frames of the secondary video channel to the end-user. That is, any unnecessary packets (null, B-P frames, audio, etc.) in the secondary video channel are stripped away. This method uses very little bandwidth and is STB agnostic.

Abstract: A system may present video content with a data scroll on a video display device. The data scroll may include data scroll items that are automatically and consecutively presented on the video display device. Each of the data scroll items may include information associated with a particular topic. The system may receive a selection of a softkey corresponding to one of the data scroll items, retrieve, in response to receiving the selection of the softkey, additional content corresponding to the particular topic associated with the one of the data scroll items, and present the additional content on the video display device.

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. The personalized menu comprises links to the alternative video programs.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) having a spotlight effect to focus a user's attention upon a selectable item. The EPG includes a user interface screen for providing a plurality of television programs by time and channel in a grid format. Each television program becomes selectable from the EPG based upon user interaction. The spotlight effect is depicted in association with each television program when it becomes selectable as a result of user interaction. The spotlight effect is defined by non-uniform color which at least partially surrounds and extends from the selectable television program.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to program information display apparatus including a program data receiving unit for receiving program data of digital broadcasting, and a program in-depth information creating unit for extracting in-depth information of a predetermined program from the program data received by the program data receiving unit, and creating program in-depth information thereof. The program information display apparatus is equipped with a program selection input unit for allowing a user to select and display in-depth information of one program when in-depth information of another program is being displayed, and a program in-depth information display changing unit for displaying program in-depth information of a program selected through the program selection input unit when the program is selected.

Abstract: There is provided a digital broadcasting receiver capable of making channel selection without making a user conscious of the difference between a physical channel number and a virtual channel number. A CPU uses an OSD display circuit, for example, to display a menu screen, and causes a user to select either a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is a mode for making channel selection by the physical channel number in which a frequency is assigned to a channel by the physical channel number in accordance with a rule, and a second mode is a mode for making channel selection by the virtual channel number in which a frequency corresponds to a channel on the side of the receiver. The CPU automatically makes, when no channel selection can be made by the entered channel number in the selected mode, an attempt to make channel selection corresponding to the other mode.

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: An electronic program table processing apparatus can obtain the number of receivable channels M and the standard number of channels N displayable on one screen. When EPG display data is generated, the apparatus examines whether or not the number M is smaller than the number N. If so, the apparatus generates the EPG to display the program information for M channels on one screen. If not, the apparatus generates the EPG to display the program information for N channels on one screen.

Abstract: Each transmission received from a video asset owner includes information regarding a video asset that is available for real time distribution during a future time period to third parties. Following a selection from among the video assets, the corresponding video asset owners receive transmissions requesting the selected video assets and one or more initial templates. The video asset owners transmit final templates that conform to the initial templates and contain information descriptive of the video assets. Each final template, and the corresponding video asset, is transmitted to predetermined network resource, such as a headend, at a predetermined time corresponding to the future time period of availability. The predetermined network resource can then distribute video assets to viewers that were requested from the corresponding video storefront by viewers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus and an information providing apparatus. Information for indexes is obtained through a network, and information screens are classified by this information to create a menu screen. In this manner, the present invention can be applied to a set-top box for digital satellite broadcasting, and a desired program and the like can be selected easily and rapidly even in case where a large number of information screens such as programs and the like are provided from a plurality of sources.

Abstract: A program source is linked to event information, which is coupled via a broadcast programming communication system to a number of subscribers. Each of the subscribers to the broadcast communication system has a device for displaying programming information. The subscriber is able to perform a variety of functions to select a program of interest. Subscribers can select, view, and purchase packages or events therein. The subscriber can scroll from event wrapper to event wrapper, within the same product or between products. Furthermore, while in the product scrolling mode the subscriber may interactively purchase a multi-event PPV product by using command buttons on a remote control.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus for incorporating broadcast television into Web pages. Broadcast television can be embedded into Web pages using, for example, a “tv:” attribute in conjunction with common HTML tags. Within the “tv:” attribute, a Web-page author can reference a TV station by channel number, network, or broadcast call letters. HTML documents are parsed to recover both the conventional tags and tags that include TV attributes. The resulting Web pages display the identified broadcast TV in a frame specified by the TV attribute. One embodiment supports the presentation of television in the background of an HTML document. In that embodiment, HTML tags corresponding to overlying HTML content are provided with an attribute that defines a level of transparency from zero to one-hundred percent. The transparency attribute allows content providers to overlay any type of HTML information over a broadcast television show without completely obscuring the underlying show.

Abstract: Methods, systems, techniques, and computer-readable media for device-independent media transactions, such as the transaction, acquisition, presentation, and publication of media, are provided. Example embodiments provide a Device Independent Video Transaction System (“DIVTS”), which enables a user to transact for media such as streamed video on any device that can receive streamed data over a broadband connection and output video data to a display. In one embodiment, the DIVTS comprises a user interface which is based upon a “quilt” metaphor and is configured to present a uniform mechanism for specifying media to be acquired, directing the presentation of acquired media, and initiating transactions related to the specified media. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A sequence of cards is stored that graphically represents available options within an information system. In response to a single user action, the sequence of cards is successively displayed within a focus area of the user interface. In response to a subsequent user action, the successive display is discontinued to display a particular card representing a selected option.

Abstract: In the case when EPG data of multiple channels is displayed on a display, if the data is attempted to be downsized uniformly and displayed, information of each displayed program is displayed smaller. Hence, such information becomes very difficult for humans to see. The present invention provides an EPG display apparatus comprising second storage means of storing three-dimensional EPG data obtained by mapping all or part of two-dimensional EPG data on the side face of a cylinder in a three-dimensional space, and control means of displaying all or part of the three-dimensional EPG data stored in the second storage means on a display having a two-dimensional screen.

Abstract: Each program content has a plurality of program states, such as “already recorded”, “not recorded”, “preset for recording”, “not preset for recording”, and “not received” states. In response to the selection of a related program on a starting-program-related information page, a detailed operation screen for the related program is presented. When the program state of the related program is “already recorded”, reproduction or erasure of the recording is presented on the detailed operation screen as a method of operation. When the program is not preset for recording yet, presetting for recording is presented on the detailed operation screen as a method of operation. Information related to a program that is being watched and listened to can be supplied without making the user less interested in something which the user was attracted to while watching the program, and the user can be smoothly guided to a subsequent preset recording operation.

Abstract: Navigation logic and related methods are described for assisting a user in using a remote control (RC) device. The navigation logic determines a current state of a user's interaction with an application, and then determines the keys of the RC device that are relevant to the determined state. The navigation logic then displays a representation of the relevant keys on a user interface presentation of a presentation device. The representation resembles a physical layout of associated physical keys on the RC device. To assist the user in focusing on the relevant keys, the representation de-emphasizes other input mechanisms of the RC device that do not have a bearing on the user's current interaction with the application. One exemplary way of de-emphasizing these other keys is to entirely omit these keys from the representation.

Abstract: A client terminal providing an on-screen program guide that allows a user to easily navigate through program guide information within a pop-up for different programs on a selected channel. A head end provides program guide information (PGI) to the client terminal. The PGI includes first program data (FPD) associated with a first program and second program data (SPD) associated with a second program. The client terminal includes a terminal controller responsive to an on-screen display control program that causes: the display of channel identifiers, the selection of one of the channel identifiers in response to a first input, and the display of a pop-up for the selected channel identifier. The pop-up displays the FPD associated with the first program in response to the first input. In response to a second input, the pop-up displays the SPD associated with the second program.

Abstract: A sequence of cards is stored that graphically represents available options within an information system. In response to a single user action, the sequence of cards is successively displayed within a focus area of the user interface. In response to a subsequent user action, the successive display is discontinued to display a particular card representing a selected option.

Abstract: The system enables listeners and viewers of a broadcast to access additional information associated with a broadcast. Listeners and viewers utilize a user device to connect to a database containing program descriptions (e.g. audio, text, video or combination thereof) further describing the programming and ancillary information. The database is indexed by the broadcast's program list or schedule thereby allowing a user of the system to search and select a particular program description of interest. Hearing or viewing program descriptions enables users to preview excerpts and review a broadcast before purchasing an item heard or viewed on a broadcast.

Abstract: In a converged computer and television system, the TV network viewed in a TV mode can be changed by entering an alphanumeric channel macro on the computer keyboard.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus has the capability of making a registration for timer-controlled automatic viewing/recording not only in units of programs but also in units of sub-programs. The information processing apparatus includes a display control unit for displaying information on a display on the basis of the program information data such that when a program includes a plurality of sub-programs, sub-program information associated with sub-programs is displayed on the display, a processing unit for performing a specified process on sub-program content data of a sub-program included in the program content data received by the receiving means, and a timer-controlled automatic operation setting unit for specifying a sub-program indicated by the sub-program information displayed on the display and setting a timer-controlled automatic operation for the specified sub-program such that the specified process is to be performed on the specified sub-program at a specified time.

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: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that timely objects from a variety of content classes are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and are tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and provide a gauge of the timeliness or ‘age’ of the object. The tags can be used to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and to identify the most timely objects at any give time.