Abstract: Disclosed are a program retrieval apparatus, a program video processing apparatus and a program which can retrieve a program more accurately. A control section receives an electronic program guide via a tuner or a network interface. As a sequence of characters in the electronic program guide is selected as a keyword through an operational section, the keyword is registered in a memory unit. When receiving an updated electronic program guide, the control section uses the keyword registered in the memory unit and searches programs in the electronic program guide for those programs which match with the keyword. When any program that matches with the keyword is detected, the control section displays a list of all the matched programs on an output section.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for allowing a user to search for specific content across many television channels in order to locate desirable television shows related to the searched content. Multiplexed cable signals flow thorough a logical unit which buffers text associated with the voice stream of each station via the pre-encoded closed-captioning signal or through the real-time voice translation within the logical unit. The user then enters search terms through one of a variety of different input devices. Upon entry of the search terms, the logical unit will compare the entered term with those available keywords stored in each buffer. Lexical parsing associates terms which may differ from plural to singular forms, or in tense. Additionally, synonym comparisons may be made. The logical unit will return a list of matches for the search criteria and allows the user the option of going directly to the television program.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of setting a menu of a TV receiver through a remote control. The present invention carries out a remote control of menu selections such as a PPV reservation, a remind list and the like, which can be selected within a specific satellite receiver using a specific number of the TV receiver or another specific number of a smart card on Internet, thereby enabling to search the detailed APG (advanced program guide) more conveniently as well as the user's information immediately.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for indexing, sorting, and displaying a video database. Hardware and software components, and a novel encoding process are used to provide a searchable video and informational database. Each encoder and the User use specially configured graphical user interfaces to access the system. In the preferred embodiment, component clips of different videotape views of a sporting event are batch encoded and synchronized. Data which remains constant for at least a part of a game is automatically reused. A MasterPlayerId assigned to each player is used to index all video clips and information relating to that player. A rating service provides ratings of individual plays or players. The present invention includes powerful search features that permit a User to search the informational and video database according to numerous predefined and customized criteria. A novel encoding scheme permit the viewing of MPEG format video clips in a form. of slow motion.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system has a program provider which distributes video content programs to multiple subscribers over a distribution network. Each subscriber has a user interface unit which receives the digital video program and converts it for display on a television, monitor, or other display unit. The user interface unit has a processor and memory. An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in the memory and is executable on the processor to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over the interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI.

Abstract: A rating limit is set corresponding to first user input and an exception to the rating limit is set corresponding to a second user input. Information for specifying the rating of a program and for identifying the program is received. The rating is compared with the stored rating limit and it is determined using the information for identifying the program whether an exception from the rating limit for the program has been set. Access to the program is controlled in response to the results of the comparing and checking of the received information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for simply and easily searching for information relating to a broadcasting program desired by a user by providing keywords corresponding to proper information included in detailed information relating to received broadcasting programs. If detailed information relating to the broadcasting programs is received, at least one keyword for each of the broadcasting programs is detected from the received detailed information relating to the broadcasting programs. Then, a broadcasting program desired by a user is searched using the detected keywords. Accordingly, since a user has only to select a keyword to search for information relating to the desired broadcasting program, information searching becomes simplified. In addition, since the user uses keywords provided by a system, the user does not need to know or determine a proper keyword in advance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying broadcast history information of a plurality of episodes of a program on an audio-visual system, which enable a viewer to select a program for which the history information of each episode will be stored. In response to the viewer's selection, the audio-visual system stores the history information for the episodes of the selected program that has been received by the audio-visual system. The audio-visual system can display the history information when the viewer watches the current episode of the program in a future time.

Abstract: A device automatically tunes to a viewer preferred data choice from among a plurality of available data choices. The device receives attribute content for a plurality of available data choices. The device includes a processor configured to enable a viewer to rank attribute preferences, compare the attribute content with the ranked attribute preferences, and automatically present the data choice with attribute content corresponding to the highest ranked attribute preference. The system is applicable to television receivers and radio receivers.

Abstract: A keyword or condition for selecting a program selection is stored in a memory in advance. When receiving a command for displaying a program select screen from a user, a broadcast receiver checks if program information acquired from a broadcast signal contains information that matches the keyword or condition. If a program, which contains information that matches the keyword or condition, is present, the program is indicated in colors, which are different from color assigned to other programs. When the program is selected by operating a cursor, information on the program is presented in the form of highlight displays. When rating information is contained in the program information of the selected program, a warning sound is generated.

Abstract: The invention proposes an interface device with a screen intended to be used with a device for restitution of multi-media content (for example a television) to perform searches on a multi-media content being restored.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fast matching algorithm uses a memory space efficient data structure to accomplish information filtering in a system receiving information, such as a set top box used in conjunction with a television set. The data structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include a node with a plurality of levels of expected values of data fields with an associated index to another node to be used when a matching identification of a particular level is not found. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the nodes in this data structure may include a level field which identifies levels which are valid within the node.

Abstract: A method and a system for displaying program information for a plurality of information sources on an electronic program guide (EPG) is described. A matched program and its respective program source is first determined. This first matched program from the respective program source is then highlighted in the EPG. Additionally, an icon for a respective program source is displayed indicating a future or a previously matched program from the respective program source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a version of an entertainment program based on user preference includes receiving entertainment programing input, identifying multiple available versions of an entertainment program, identifying, for each of the multiple versions, a set of descriptive information regarding the respective version, accessing user preferences, and selecting one of the multiple versions for display based on a comparison of the descriptive information to the user preferences.

Abstract: Search results in a personalized system or a search system are graphically represented by elements having a graphical feature such as size or proximity to the viewer dependent upon a relevance of the represented item(s) to the search criteria. All available items searched are preferably displayed regardless of whether matching the search criteria (with matches distinguished from non-matches), providing the user with context for items determined to have some degree of relevance to the specified criteria. The graphical elements are updated with condition changes such as changes to search query elements or changes to the pool of items available to be searched. Similar or related results may be linked.

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 desired one of templates can be selected easily for generating postcards using the template. Template data sets and an image insertion area quantity database representing the number of image insertion areas in each of the template data sets are stored in a hard disc of an order reception server. The number of image data sets sent from a user terminal is judged and the image insertion area quantity database is referred to. A catalogue image data set is generated in which the templates each having the image insertion areas corresponding to the number of the image data sets are laid out in priority over the other templates, and sent to the user terminal. The user terminal displays a template catalogue image based on the catalogue image data set, and a user selects the desired one of the templates to place an order for the postcards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for displaying an electronic program guide on a screen of a digital television. A hundred of channels are classified by category, and representative functions of the EPG are classified into few categories. When searching the classified channels and programs, a time axis and a channel axis are arrange on the screen by being displayed in a vertical direction of the screen. By storing the searched channel once time in a predetermined device, the stored information can be used when searching the searched channel again.

Abstract: A digital television set can obtain electronic programming guide (EPG) services of various broadcast stations. A remote controller of the digital television set can input a natural language such as Japanese or English, which the human being reads and writes. A search engine searches for program information contained in the EPG services of the various broadcast stations, using, as a search key, the natural language input by the remote controller. As a result of a search operation, one or more program information items are arranged on a display in the order of rate of access, beginning from the highest one, or in the order of airtime.

Abstract: Method and apparatus suitable for use within a television receiver for storing program guide information, wherein a scan list identifies a plurality of channels available for viewing, channels not included within the scan list have corresponding program guide data deleted from a program guide database. The program guide database may be arranged as a plurality of objects including channel objects, schedule objects, and program objects.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a television electronic programming guide (EPG) that allow users to combine multiple search criteria within a single search. The EPG receives a television program search criteria set containing a plurality of search criteria and a specified search time period. The EPG provides a search result set containing television programs that meet the television program search criteria set for the specified search time period. The search time period may be revised such that the search criteria set is automatically applied to the revised search time period. One embodiment provides a search time period button that returns the search to a current time period from a specified future time period.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a television electronic programming guide that allows users to combine multiple search criteria within a single search. The electronic program guide receives a television program search criteria set containing a plurality of search criteria and provides a search result set containing television programs that meet the television program search criteria set. The search criteria in the television program search criteria set may be combined in various ways to form a complex search. For one embodiment the search criteria are combined in a Boolean AND combination. One embodiment of the present invention provides a television electronic programming guide that allows users to dynamically add or remove search criteria from a programming guide search without initiating a new programming guide search. The electronic program guide receives a revision to the television program search criteria set, and revises the search result based upon the revision.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and wireless hand-held computing device for providing personalized, wireless television programming together with program information for programs matching the viewer's preferences. In one embodiment the method includes receiving programming codes in combination with corresponding television programming information and inputting, by a viewer, names of selected programs for viewing. Then, programming software in the wireless hand-held computing device may be used to select, automatically, the programming codes for the selected programs for viewing, to activate the television when the selected programs are broadcast and, where desired, to indicate when at least one television program that matches the viewer's preferences is to be shown.

Abstract: Television programs are represented by program interface objects (PIOs) within an interactive television system. The PIOs provide a visual indicator for quick identification of the represented television program, attributes providing information concerning the represented television program, and actions that may be performed on or in connection with the represented television program. The PIOs may be sorted, filtered, and/or managed based on user-provided criteria. The PIOs may be communicated between a variety of electronic devices and software applications.

Abstract: In an interactive network-based personal video recording system, a user interface is provided that allows viewers to search a database of program guide information according to program title, indexed program attributes such as actor and director, and key workd. Viewer interaction is by way of a remote control unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for searching interactive broadcast data for a string of text. Binary signatures are generated for each text description in the interactive broadcast data. A user-entered text string is also converted to a binary signature. A binary signature is a bit field representation of a block of text. A binary signature may be significantly smaller than the unconverted block of text, yet may still be unique when compared binary signatures of other blocks of text. All binary signatures may be generated using the same hash or digest function. The binary signature of the user-entered text string is compared to the binary signature of each entry in the interactive broadcast data. If the any of the comparisons indicate that the user-entered text string is included in an interactive broadcast data text description, other data associated with the interactive broadcast data may be retrieved.

Abstract: An occurrence description scheme that describes an occurrence of a semantic entity in multimedia content is encoded into a content description for the content. The occurrence description scheme is decoded from the content description and used by an application to search, filter or browse the content when a full structural or semantic description of the content is not required.

Abstract: A program information storing section stores program information including program name, program start time, and channel discriminating information. A program information search section searches the program information stored in the program information storing section according to designated search conditions and produces personalized program information resulting from the search. A program guide display section displays a program guide including a personal channel consisting of the resultant program information. Thus, the receiving apparatus allows users to display their personal channels.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for content-based non-linear control of video data playback. A multimedia database having multimedia data including multimedia content data is searched based on a user query to determine a first set of multimedia data. The multimedia data includes indexes to and condensed representations of corresponding video data stored in a video database. A portion of the first set of multimedia data is displayed at a control device in response to the user query. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for video playback and video data corresponding to the element delivered to a video device for playback. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for additional information and a second set of multimedia data corresponding to the element delivered to the control device.

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

Abstract: A television signal processing device (12) has a receiver for receiving a television signal (F) and an information signal (I) which contains television program information (FPI), for example, title information about future television programs. The television signal processing device (12) can automatically display a display signal (A) which is reproducible on a display screen (3) and which indicates the title of a currently or shortly starting television program and the receiving channel (E) or the television station from which this television program is or will be receivable, when the receiver (4) of the television signal processing device (12) currently receives the television signal (F) from another television station in another receiving channel (E) and when the title of this television program contains at least one given keyword.

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: Disclosed is a system and method of providing a TV program sharing service that enables sharing of a TV program among EPG-based TV sets and/or set top boxes, and thus enables recording of the already broadcast program whenever a user desires to do so. The system includes a TV client for directly uploading a program stored in its own storage device to another TV client, or for directly downloading a program stored in a storage device of another TV client to itself, and a shared program management center for storing record information of the programs stored in the TV clients in its own database, and enabling a mutual transfer of the programs among the TV clients using its database.

Abstract: A video-on-demand system has a video-on-demand server 103, connected to a network 106, for storing a plurality of video content, a set-top box 102, connected to the network 106, for recalling video content stored in the video-on-demand server and viewing the recalled video content, and a TV picture receiving apparatus 101 connected to the set-top box 102, wherein the video-on-demand server 103 having content information 109 indicating characteristic of the plurality of video content stored therein, and a search server 107, connected to the network 106, for searching the content information 109 stored in the video-on-demand server 103, being provided.

Abstract: The method of filtering data concerning an electronic program guide (EPG) in a television receiver having a device for automatically searching television channels includes supplying a list of CNI codes of all or some of the channels received by the television receiver to a memory. The method includes obtaining, from the SUMMARY of the guide, a MODIFIED SUMMARY containing only the information of the SUMMARY concerning all or some of the channels received by the television receiver, and recording only the data blocks of the CONTENTS of the guide in a memory when they correspond to all or some of the channels received by the television receiver.

Abstract: A recording arrangement (1) for receiving and recording a television signal (F) and for receiving an information signal (I) which contains television program information (FPI), for example, title information about future television programs. The recording arrangement (1) has a keyword detector (54) which derives at least one keyword characteristic of the fields of interest of the user from title information of a television program recorded by the recording arrangement (1). A selector (58) selects, from the title information of future television programs, which is contained in the television program information (FPI), the title information containing at least one detected keyword. Selected television programs can be displayed on a display device (3) or can be recorded automatically.

Abstract: In a television system in which at least program title information for programs which are to be transmitted in the future is transmitted in advance to form a channel guide listing, apparatus is provided for searching the listing for specific user-entered information, and upon successful conclusion to the search, the apparatus schedules the tuning of the desired program, or in the alternative, notifies the viewer of the availability of the program by sending an e-mail message to an address provided by the viewer. In those instances where descriptive text accompanies the program listing, apparatus of the invention performs a search of the text for a particular text string which may relate to the title, the star, the director, or the context of the program, among other search criteria.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing timely and efficient scheduled media information of upcoming media activities of public persons to interested individuals over a network, such as the Internet. The present invention allows individuals to request upcoming media activities of public persons via a network and be provided with such information via a search engine having access to at least one media schedule database. The system includes a media schedule database storing scheduled media activities of a plurality of public persons and a database manager for creating and revising records of the media schedule database. The database manager is preferably a computer system having access to the media schedule database for revising, appending, deleting, etc. data stored within the media schedule database and for adding data within the media schedule database.

Abstract: A television system includes a display screen (2) and a broadcast data receiver (4) for receiving digital data via terrestrial, cable or digital means from a broadcaster (6) and generating visual/audio and/or auxiliary data therefrom. The broadcaster (6) and/or broadcast data receiver (4) is provided with memory for storing program information, which can include subtitle and/or closed caption data. The television system is provided with a search tool/facility to allow a user to search the memory by generating a user request for program information. The television system is capable of matching the user request with any corresponding program information in the memory for display on the display screen (2).

Abstract: To allow a user to maximize use of a video and digital multimedia aggregator, a search suggestion engine and corresponding method may be used to provide suggestions of available content. The search suggestion engine starts by constructing a database of metadata elements or word items. The metadata element database may be constructed by using a crawler that periodically or continually crawls a content metadata database and extracts word items from the content metadata database. The word items are then processed according to a number of factors, including part-of-speech, entries in dictionaries and thesaurus and other factors. The thus-processed word items are indexed, and may be provided with a vector value. A subsequent search request submitted by the user may include search criteria that may be provided vector values. A processor within the search suggestion engine compares the vector values to determine if an indexed word item should be considered for retrieving the indexed word item's associated content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television system of the type which includes a display screen, a broadcast data receiver for the reception of video, audio and auxiliary data from a broadcast service provider and the generation of television programmes therefrom for display on the display screen and via speakers. The system allows a user to select a viewing time period in which they wish to watch a programme, typically in its entirety. The system identifies those of the available programmes at the start of the viewing time period which can be watched in their entirety in said period and indicates the same to the user who can then select to watch the same or one of the same. The user can therefore quickly select a television programme for a given period of time thereby greatly reducing the time which may be spent flicking through channels to find a suitable programme.

Abstract: A television system (2) and method of using the same is provided. The television system (2) includes a display screen (6) and a broadcast data receiver (BDR) (4) for receiving data from a broadcaster and generating audio, visual and/or auxiliary data therefrom. At least part of the data relates to television programme and/or channel information. The television system (2) is provided with a search facility, typically in the BDR (4), to search and analyse the programme and/or channel information, relating to a programme and/or channel which is selected for viewing by a user, for pre-determined criteria. The system generates an indication, which in one form can be in the form of a warning, if the pre-determined criteria are detected in the programme and/or channel information.

Abstract: Video/audio information apparatus provides electric program guide information of broadcast media and index information of storage media as an integrated index.

Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: A gaming guide method including providing first gaming guide information from a television network and second gaming guide information from a computer based communication network, and displaying simultaneously at least a portion of the first gaming guide information and at least a portion of the second gaming guide information. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

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: 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: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: In a television system in which at least program title information for programs which are to be transmitted in the future is transmitted in advance to form a channel guide listing, apparatus is provided for searching the listing for specific user-entered information, and upon successful conclusion to the search, the apparatus schedules the tuning of the desired program, or in the alternative, notifies the viewer of the availability of the program. In those instances where descriptive text accompanies the program listing, apparatus of the invention performs a search of the text for a particular text string which may relate to the title, the star, the director, or the context of the program, among other search criteria.