Television schedule system and method of operation.

The present invention relates to the field of TV Guide and its working practices. In particular, the invention provides, in one embodiment a method and an apparatus for detecting in a television guide system ago, when a particular shipment is sent.

While the Video entertainment is becoming increasingly sophisticated, consumers are greater opportunities exercised in video entertainment. In addition to conventional broadcast Television programs, a TV now, for example, to cable television programs, digital satellite service programs, Cable stereo broadcasts and conventional Satellite programs Have access. also taking within the various consumers available transmission media the number and variety of programs drastically.

While the Consumers of greater choice benefited, provided the arrangement of the consumers available programs also a certain dilemma. In particular, with increasing Number of consumers available programs Process of choosing which program you should see increasingly cumbersome. For example, a consumer access to more than 100 Cable TV channels have. If a particular consumer access not only to cable channels but also to other programs (such as digital satellite service) has had, the process of selecting a program tremendously.

Accordingly were new and improved methods of providing program guide information designed for display on the TV screen of the consumer. Remarkably, this proved to Star Sight^TM Screen program guide system in the field of on-screen program guide systems as groundbreaking. The Star Sight system provides not only TV Listings before, but also opportunities, as themed search, VCR programming, detailed program information and other functionalities.

In recently Time is proposed an additional functionality in such systems. In such a system, the program guide information is, for example, from different sources, as satellite sources and cable sources to form a unitary program guide combined. A system in accordance with this Invention, for example redundant information from such sources eliminate and provide other functionality.

Important Steps were the Star Sight program guide system made and actually found such a program guide systems a widespread acceptance in the television industry. With the increasing complexity of such Systems is still desired a further functionality.

The <patcit><text>WO 961473A</text></patcit> disclosed a system with alphabetical title lists, and the <patcit><text>EP-A-0721253</text></patcit>, released at 10.7. 1996 discloses a list of multi-channel transmission systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set out in the independent patent claims. Some optional features are set forth in the dependent from these claims. An improved television program guide system is provided with the present invention. According to a embodiment of invention can Numerous occurrences of a single shipment for a user to be identified. For example, nowadays in many digital satellite systems beginning times a particular movie on multiple channels having staggered Be played. The program guide system the present invention allows allows the user to identify a particular mission, and thereafter determine when the identified particular show again is played. The user can thus program to view or Choose easier to record.

Accordingly looks an embodiment the invention provides a method for creating a TV program guide information for one Viewers, which comprises the steps of inputting a schedule guide information in a program guide system; of Receiving the user input to identify a particular Mission in the schedule guide information; and identifying other times at which the particular Broadcast is shown, for the user includes.

On further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present inventions, with reference on the other realized parts of the description and the accompanying drawings will.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> is an overall diagram showing a TV system according to an embodiment of the invention;

<figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> is a typical "grid" guide, which according to a embodiment of the invention is used;

<figref idrefs="S22">3</figref> is one for the user provided Display when the "when-still" feature is used; and

<figref idrefs="S23">4</figref> is an entire flow chart illustrating the operation of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The used present invention TV schedule guide information, which can be obtained from several sources. These sources can a incoming cable line (eg a coaxial cable), satellite broadcasts, a telephone leased line (z. B. a twisted line) and each other medium capable is to send a signal, such as a computer or a modem line, count.

The Invention is illustrated herein primarily with regard to a system wherein broadcasts received by at least two separate sources , as (1) cable and a satellite dish, or (2) two different Satellites, or (3) local cable and digital broadcast sources (digital broadcast sources, DBSs), or (4) a conventional antenna and a satellite dish as a DBS source, or (5) any of the above sources and an internet or other computer source. The multi-source program information be sorted and displayed to the user in an organized manner, like in the <patcit><text>US application Ser. No. 08 / 423.410</text></patcit>, released <patcit><text>US 2004/0031050</text></patcit> on 12. February 2004 described in more detail.

If a user selects a program in a program guide shown, reads the system an associated to this program or this channel source identifier. In the preferred embodiment leads the then system an automatic switching / tuning process by, of the input to the TV (either RF or video) a source means switches. Exemplary source devices include a DBS, a cable box, a TV tuner, an internet access, etc .. The system then switches to the required channel for the desired program. In addition, the source identifier are used to distinguish between different switch devices automatically when unattended VCR programming he wishes is. Further, when a program information from multiple satellite sources received and a desired channel selected is, the present invention in one embodiment, the dish of the customer move automatically so that the customer the desired program from the associated source receives. The present invention switches to the correct channel.

at the creation of a merged TV Guide is a channel card ( "channel map") generated the featured in numerous sources channels identified and identifies their source. For example, created a channel map in the case of DBS / local channel implementations, in both local cable and DBS channels merged. The local channels and the DBS channels be labeled with a source identifier. This merged program guide information is used by the system, to determine when a particular program is to be shown, even if not of the same spring as another For the same program.

If the user / consumer selects a non-DBS channel from the program guide, on the integrated radio receiver decoder unit ( "Integrated receiver decoder unit ", IRD box) for the Satellite the IRD so that he, for example, the local cable the radio receiver coupled. The system then switches the TV tuner or another Switching means to the desired Channel. If later selected a DBS channel is, the system switches the IRD so as to the satellite radio receiver / decoder with the radio receiver coupled. The system then switches the DBS tuner to the selected DBS channel. In the case of, for example, cable and antenna inputs The system switches to the correct video input and switches then the TV tuner to the required Channel for receiving the selected Source. Thus, an automatic access to a multi-source television schedule guide information provided.

Although the present invention herein, especially in regard to a system is illustrated in which the merged program guide on Location of the user is formed, it will be understood that this is only Illustrative purposes only and the merged program guide a remote location, such as on the cable end, can be formed.

<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> illustrated in simplified form, an example of a multi-source television program guide system <figref>10</figref> With multiple sources, either directly or indirectly with a television <figref>12</figref> and or a video recorder <figref>13</figref> are connected. When in<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> shown embodiment operate a multi-source television program and television schedule guide system <figref>10</figref> among the control of a coordinator <figref>14</figref>, TV<figref>12</figref> and video <figref>13</figref> are connected to inputs of the cable box <figref>16</figref> and DBS source <figref>18</figref> either directly, as in <figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> illustrates or a coordinator <figref>14</figref> provided. Other inputs<figref>20</figref> can also for television and / or VCR directly or via the coordinator <figref>14</figref> done. A remote control <figref>22</figref> becomes used by the viewer to adjust the TV and perform other operations. In alternative is embodiments a keyboard, such as a computer keyboard, used for the inputs. The Keyboard can be hard-wired or wireless.

at this embodiment will lead a Cable Box <figref>16</figref> delivered, and DBS via IRD box <figref>18</figref> delivered. antennas <figref>24</figref> can as additional sources for TV program together with the cable box <figref>16</figref>, IRD box <figref>18</figref> and other inputs <figref>20</figref> used will. In a typical embodiment would the antenna <figref>24</figref> and the cable box <figref>16</figref> considered "local" sources, which means that they probably local TV program, such as local Newscasts included. By contrast, DBS sources would not be considered regarded locally because they probably do not contain such local content.

Other inputs <figref>20</figref> several Satellite sources include. When multiple satellite sources available are, the coordinator switches <figref>14</figref> between the satellite resources available order by the satellite dish the user is automatically moved, or it switches between satellite dishes to. To the dish to automatically move followed a memory in the IRD box <figref>18</figref> (or at a different location), the position of the DBS satellite dish in relation to satellite sources, the above the DBS satellite dish are available. The IRD box <figref>18</figref> then automatically positions the DBS satellite dish so, that the desired Satellite source of the IRD box <figref>18</figref> Will be received.

Of the coordinator <figref>14</figref> includes a processor (CPU) <figref>26</figref> and a memory (typically RAM) <figref>28</figref>That as the primary means used to operate the system. In that case, in which the various television signal sources are fed to the coordinator, The coordinator can also elements such as an internal tuner, a Switching means for switching between sources and other Components. When in<figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> shown embodiment is the coordinator with infrared (IR) emitter (s) <figref>30</figref> connected and controls (N). An IR receiver<figref>31</figref> is with the coordinator <figref>14</figref> and receives inputs from the remote control or keyboard <figref>22</figref>To provide the necessary user input to the system. The (the) IR emitters <figref>30</figref> may (can), for example by a hard-wired interface, a bus interface or an RF transmitter be replaced. The (the) IR emitters<figref>30</figref> and / or direct Compounds (eg <figref>31</figref>) Control one or more of IRD boxes <figref>18</figref>. TV <figref>12</figref>, VCR <figref>13</figref>, Cable box <figref>16</figref> and other inputs <figref>20</figref>, The (the) IR emitters <figref>30</figref> act as a remote control device, by remote control signals of the TV <figref>12</figref>, VCR <figref>13</figref>. the cable box <figref>16</figref> emulate and / or other devices. The coordinator<figref>14</figref> can in some embodiments, for example, in cable box <figref>16</figref>, The VCR <figref>13</figref>, on TV <figref>12</figref>. in a satellite-radio receiver or even be placed in the keyboard / computer.

The remote controller <figref>22</figref> is in the hand-held remote control for controlling the coordinator <figref>14</figref>, In the preferred embodiment is the remote <figref>22</figref> provided with an IR transmitter the coordinator of the IR receiver <figref>31</figref> controls. Others, in <figref idrefs="S20">1</figref> Remotes not shown can for manual control of TV <figref>12</figref>, VCR <figref>13</figref>. Cable Box <figref>16</figref>, IRD box <figref>18</figref> and other inputs <figref>20</figref> used , although in a preferred embodiment the coordinator <figref>14</figref> all compel Control functions of the system performs. For example, sends the coordinator <figref>14</figref> by the IR emitter <figref>30</figref> signals made to the volume on TV <figref>12</figref> set while the user the Volume control on the remote control <figref>22</figref> adjusts.

The IRD box <figref>28</figref> receives in one embodiment, TV programs along with other information via a satellite dish <figref>32</figref>, The IRD box <figref>18</figref> and the other sources of television signals each provide program directory information to the system. This program directory information (Or-Leader) can also include a channel map that contains the channel information specify which channels available from this source are. Information associated with the DBS guide and others are in RAM the IRD box receiver kept or the coordinator <figref>14</figref> downloaded. Similarly way can Program guide information through the cable box <figref>16</figref>, Other inputs <figref>20</figref>, antennas <figref>24</figref> and or by any other transmission medium (eg twisted pair telephone leased line) received. Each of these sources may also within the service provider transmitted signal with TV Directory information be provided.

Of the coordinator <figref>14</figref> finds and sorts in the system <figref>10</figref> available Program guide information. Different formats for the TV List Information be used. For example, data packets that a simple header section and an information section having, received and sorted with other, more complex data packet formats are, or may be added to source information a header. In the preferred embodiment takes the coordinator <figref>14</figref> the TV directory information from (the) available Source (s) or a data input line and sorts / mixes it. For example The coordinator can <figref>14</figref> programdirectory information on the vertical blanking interval in a TV channel or a transponder for DBS, or receive the Internet and then the information organized Arrange or perform other operations. For example, the System dual channels eliminate.

at an alternative arrangement is sorting / mixing program directory information at a separate location and then the system <figref>10</figref> for example supplied on a simple satellite channel. Thus, the program directory information, already mixed, sorted, organized, etc., were in a received format, which for a display is ready. This to-immediate-display-ready format can also in a separate data flow via another medium or be provided on a television channel.

<figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> is a simplified example of a screen display of a directory raster leader who from the TV guide information was compiled. This display can on a TV screen, a PC that performs the entire process, or on a television sensor display which was generated by a PC, are presented. In the preferred embodiment generates the coordinator <figref>14</figref>After he collected all the available program guide information and has ranked the in <figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> cited raster guide for display on the TV <figref>12</figref> above example a direct connection (not shown) to the TV <figref>12</figref> or a superimposition on one of the sources such as cable source <figref>16</figref>, In the preferred embodiment shows the user the grid guide <figref>40</figref> at, by a leader Button on the remote control <figref>22</figref> suppressed. The coordinator<figref>14</figref> responds to the original Press down the Guide button, by automatically switches to the channel or device, which (r) the grid guide <figref>40</figref> Has, or by a grid guide superimposed on a current program. If the user selects the grid guide <figref>40</figref> not longer needed, presses the user turn the Guide button (Or an exit button) and coordinator <figref>14</figref> (1) automatically returns to the last viewed by the user Channel or the source back or (2) removes the overlay.

Of the Grid Guide, generally by reference numeral <figref>40</figref> designated looks a list of all channels or a selection of channels <figref>42</figref> together with a description of on these channels at certain times <figref>46</figref> broadcasts available <figref>44</figref> in front. For example, shows the USA Network BATMAN, starting at 2 pm. A SOAP is on NBC from 2 pm to 4 pm shown, followed by messages. The information may, for example, by be sorted and / or filtered a topic (or topics) according to Young et al., <patcit><text>US Pat. No. 4,706,121</text></patcit>,

If multiple sources are used for receiving television channels, coming sometimes to overlap of channels. For example, both cable and DBS the network NBC run, however, the cable NBC on channel 6 and DBS have NBC on channel. 7 Characterized in that it is possible in the grid guide <figref>40</figref> displayed channels to delete to activate and, the user can determine whether he one of NBC channels, both NBC channels or none of the NBC channels wants to show. In an alternative embodiment, the coordinator<figref>14</figref> duplicate automatically detect network names and delete one of the duplicates.

Of the User can use the remote control device to move a cursor or other pointer in the grid guide from position to position to move. The cursor can be displayed, for example, by the display of the specified broadcast in a different color than the rest of the colored broadcasts becomes. When in<figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> illustrated embodiment, the cursor is directed to GONE WITH THE WIND and by hatching indicated. In this particular case show the dual labeling left of the display to that GONE WITH THE WIND been a while is played long. Accordingly, it could be that the user wants to find out if the film THE WIND VERWEHT is shown at other times, so that the user either the future presentation of GONE WITH THE WIND is able to record automatically, automatically to the future presentation can switch from GONE WITH THE WIND, or simply aware is that GONE WITH THE WIND is shown in the future.

Accordingly makes the user has a system input to indicate that the user know want, "when even" the broadcast is shown. This input can for example be done by a competent for Button on the remote control will, or by selecting a program, move the cursor to a "when-still" screen display button <figref>48</figref> and To press an "input" button on the Remote control. Naturally allows an entire keyboard a more versatile operation.

Anyway, examined the coordinator <figref>14</figref> the stored directory information to other occurrences of this particular broadcast from. As used herein used the term "specific mission" in a special Movie or other unique show. In the case of a series broadcast (Eg the COSBY SHOW), the term "specific mission" in a special Section or an episode of the show. In the example in<figref idrefs="S21">2</figref> investigated the system for other Incidents of GONE WITH THE WIND and shows the user whether, when and where GONE WITH THE WIND played again becomes. The particular program can shown on the same video source again be or not. Naturally can "broadcast" (or show) eg also just refer to a radio program and a television broadcast.

<figref idrefs="S22">3</figref> illustrated a potential Result after pressing the "when-still" button, as shown. the movie GONE WITH THE WIND is shown several times in the future. In particular, it is currently shown on HBO1 whose the user is probably aware, when the screen is supplied by a grid guide was that the current time was created. Also shows the same channel this film at 11 pm on the same day. On another channel, HBO2 runs, this film at 11:30 in the evening on the same day. In this illustration, be HBO1 and HBO2 the user via the same source of TV signals delivered (in this case a cable service provider). Accordingly looks one, that the invention is useful even when only a single used service source becomes. The usefulness the invention is enhanced when multiple sources of television signals are provided. In this example, GONE WITH THE WIND is also the next Wednesday at 4 pm shown on the DSS channel, and next Thursday on a conventional Antenna network signal, NBC. Accordingly, the user, when a particular program or show is played at different times, this information using, even if the show about various sources of television signals is transmitted.

Still other sources of the particular show (or information about the Broadcast) can be specified will. For example, shows in<figref idrefs="S22">3</figref> the program guide an "Internet" source on. Switching this source can provide the user a direct internet connection supply that provides, for example, information on the program or show, Download or the whole consignment or show itself. alternative , an advertisement on the availability the show in a video business (Blockbuster) are provided.

After the determining when a program to be played, the User one of several activities make. In a general case, the user will move the cursor Moving down at a certain time of the show, and a "Record" button on the remote control to press. The system is then applied to the video recorder to the designated time the right program switch and record the program. In other embodiments the user will select the program so that it is placed in a "remember" list. When the time for the mission in the "Remember" list comes, will adjust the system either automatically on this mission or prompt the user to determine whether the user is the would have set television on that particular channel. In other cases the user can use the information for this order to remember, that he / she return to that particular time again for TV want.

<figref idrefs="S23">4</figref> is an entire flow chart showing the operation of the invention according to a particular embodiment shows. In most cases in the <figref idrefs="S23">4</figref> operation shown under the direction a software carried out, which, on a RAM, ROM or other computer-readable storage such as the memory <figref>28</figref>is stored. The data can be local, in an external database or in a combination of both be saved. In step<figref>401</figref> the system receives an input that indicating that the user different time points in a given batch would like to say. In step <figref>402</figref> the system searches for other time points the particular mission, beginning with the Present Time. It should be recognized be that the user in a current time display in a guide may or may not, if such an input is made. For example the user can browse a list of action movies, which was created on the basis of a theme-looking, and the cursor have at a time of a particular film, the first in a Week is shown. If the user presses the "when-still" function, the system is at the Most embodiments search for all times of this particular show, starting with the present, not in the time to be in a week becomes. In this way, the user can determine, for example, when a particular movie in the next shown few hours, even though the user his interest particularly has focused on a specific program on the basis of a collection on a date that is in the distance.

at some embodiments Sources are searched in the stored program guide information, to identify other points in time in a given batch. The search can be performed locally or remotely and can on Broadcast identity areas based or it may be a search based on a date, or a combination of both. After the other time points this particular show have been identified, a display in step <figref>404</figref> generated a list of other times the specific mission includes. If none are found, the display can either no such lists contain, or Users indicate specifically that no such lists were found.

After that the user can step in <figref>406</figref> one of a wide variety perform functions. In general, the user can to a time point of the broadcast turn down and press a "Record" button or otherwise the consignment for Select a recording. In other cases the user can easily return to the previous list of the program guide. Again in other cases the user can simply turn down at a time when the show and him for Highlight a future "Remember", which for the user to take when this time the shipment arrives. In yet other cases can save the request and even if no other system Timing of certain consignment moment in the program guide are, to alert the user when timings of the broadcast the program guide added will.