Method and system for displaying an electronic programme guide

ES 2 313 484 T3

DESCRIPTION

Visual presentation method of an electronic program guide.

Background of the invention

The present invention relates generally to a program listings guide, and more particularly to a system and process for allowing a television viewer to access on-screen television program listings, and other information services, from an easy and convenient way.

The number of television channels available to a user has increased dramatically in the last decade, mainly due to the availability of systems supported by direct broadcast and cable satellites. As the number of programs of potential interest to the viewer has increased, a variety of electronic program guides have been developed to assist the viewer in selecting programs of particular interest. For example, in each of the commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 4,706,121 and 5,353,121, program information processing systems are described that provide the viewer with a convenient way to select programs based on selection criteria supplied by the viewer.

Given the fast-paced lifestyle of today's society, a system that provides other information in addition to the time information of television programs would be very convenient for the busy viewer. Examples of information viewers may want are weather information, financial information, and the like. Consequently, an information system such as a directory with regions reserved for such information would provide a valuable service to the user. Furthermore, those regions could be used for advertising or promotional purposes, which may or may not be interactive, thereby making it possible to provide more services without increasing the cost of the guide.

The invention is defined in the independent claim. Some optional features are defined in the claims subordinate thereto.

The system and method of the present invention provide a program listing guide with regions of information to display additional information. Alternatively, the additional information can be provided by a separate information guide, and a user can "hyper tune" from the program schedule guide to the information guide, and vice versa. The information to be displayed is received by a peripheral device, which can be either a stand-alone device, such as a connection box with an external source, or a web browser box; or be integrated into the user's television, the VCR (Video Recorder), the computer, the satellite IRD (integrated receiver / decoder), the cable box, and the like. In addition, the information can be displayed on a computer screen, on a television screen, or on a television monitor screen.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the program guide interactively displays a guide to program listings and the screen contains additional non-interactive information sections, which can be used to display advertising or promotional messages for products or programs. , in a static way or in the form of a parade and images. Advertising can be for special programming events, such as pay-per-view movies, current or upcoming shows, or merchandise and services or user messages. Promotion information may refer to an individual network / broadcaster, or to a selected program, merchandise, or services.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, both the program guide and the information regions are interactive with the user. In interactive information regions, information can also be displayed in a static way or in the form of a parade of images, and can contain promotional information relating to a current program to be broadcast soon, or advertising information for a product. In addition, if the information region contains advertising information related to a product, the user can click on the information region to view a billboard or to schedule a recording of an informational commercial about the product. The interactive guide to program listings and information regions are often also combined with various other forms of information. Potential sources of additional information include news, sports, and weather information. This additional information may either be available to the user upon request, or it may be continuously displayed within an area of ​​the program guide. In another preferred embodiment, the information is displayed in a separate informational guide.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the program guide is non-interactive, although the information regions containing the advertising and promotional information are interactive, and can be either static or displayed in the form of a parade of images. The user can activate icons or menu items in the information regions, or click on the region itself, to access additional displays of advertising and promotional information. In this embodiment, the user can toggle between displaying the guide in full screen and a window display, partial or reduced size, picture-by-picture (PIP) of the guide, through, for example, a menu in the screen with a cursor or pointer control. This feature allows a user to view a large-scale version of the guide, or to view the guide through a PIP window, at

ES 2 313 484 T3 while also getting a first idea about a currently selected program, through a partial observation of the program. Preferably in that mode, the audio of the program also continues to be presented.

In preferred embodiments, if an information region is interactive and displays information related to a program, the user can click on the information region and direct tuning to the program, if it is currently in progress. Alternatively, the user can program automatic tuning of the program when the program begins to be presented. If the user schedules an "automatic tune", the system can request confirmation from the user just before, or at the time, of tuning to the scheduled program. Alternatively, the system can tune into the program directly. If the program is a pay-per-view program, the system can authorize payment for the program automatically. Preferably, the system will request confirmation from the user before tuning in or authorizing payment for the program. Furthermore, the user can choose to record a current program, or to record a future program. To do this, the user would point to the desired program in the information region, then choose the recording option, and the system would record a current program or ask if it should schedule the recording of a future program.

In another preferred embodiment, the advertising or promotional information may appear only during the times when the user is most likely actually viewing the guide to program listings. The guide may also contain commercial icons, which allow the user to obtain more information about the advertised product or service. Additionally, the information displayed may change as the user moves the cursor from one cell to another in the program guide. Alternatively, the information displayed in the information regions may change after a predetermined number of seconds has elapsed, regardless of user activity. Regions of additional information may be displayed while the user confirms that they want automatic tuning to an upcoming program. Those information regions may contain advertisements for products, programs or services, and may be displayed until the user gives their confirmation.

According to one embodiment, a method of operating an information system is provided, comprising providing an interactive display of a schedule of television programs, and providing an interactive display of the additional information.

Preferably, the additional information comprises a message for at least one user of said information system; or information related to an Internet site. The area for displaying television time information may contain a virtual channel that does not tune to a television program. Additional information may include product advertisements; or the promotion of a television program.

According to another embodiment, an information system is provided comprising a distribution center for compiling data for a data stream, a satellite for broadcasting said data stream, receiving stations for receiving said data stream, and in which said satellite has processing capabilities and compiles the data for said data stream when said satellite is not capable of receiving the data from said distribution center.

The system may further comprise means for presenting a video clip related to a news headline, at the request of the user; either means for presenting a video clip related to a sporting event, at the request of the user, or a plug-in program guide controller module, which determines the extent of the capabilities of the system.

In accordance with another aspect, a method of operating an information system is provided, comprising providing an interactive area for displaying television programming information, and for providing a non-interactive area for displaying the additional information.

In accordance with still another aspect, there is provided a method for operating an information system comprising providing a non-interactive area for displaying television program information, and providing an interactive area for displaying additional information.

A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be reached by referring to the remaining parts of this Specification and the drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a system in which a guide to program listings in accordance with the present invention may be displayed;

FIG. 2 (a) is an illustration of a program listings guide screen in accordance with the present invention, with program information, information icons, and information regions;

Fig. 2 (b) is an illustration of a promotion message screen, presented to the user when the user selects the information region of Fig. 2 (a);

ES 2 313 484 T3

FIG. 3 (a) is an illustration of a program listings guide screen in accordance with the present invention, with program information and information regions;

Fig. 3 (b) is an illustration of a promotion message screen, presented to the user when the user selects the information region of Fig. 3 (a);

Fig. 4 (a) is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the program listings guide screen in accordance with the present invention, with program information and an information region;

Fig. 4 (b) is an illustration of a screen of promotional messages presented to the user when the user selects the information region of Fig. 4 (a);

Fig. 5 (a) is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the program listings guide screen in accordance with the present invention, with program information and an information region;

Fig. 5 (b) is an illustration of a screen of promotional messages presented to the user when the user selects the information region of Fig. 5 (a);

Fig. 6 (a) is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the program listings guide screen in accordance with the present invention, with program information and an information region;

Fig. 6 (b) is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the program listings guide screen that includes virtual channels;

Fig. 6 (c) is an illustration of a screen of submenus presented to the user when the user selects the information region of Fig. 6 (a) or the virtual channel of Fig. 6 (b);

Fig. 6 (d) is an illustration of a data page presented to the user when the user selects one of the options presented on the submenu screen of Fig. (C);

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the program listings guide including regions of information;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the program listings guide screen including information icons;

Fig. 9 (a) is an illustration of one embodiment of the information guide;

Fig. 9 (b) is an illustration of an information guide submenu with news highlights;

Fig. 9 (c) is an illustration of a news information screen;

FIG. 10 (a) is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of an information guide submenu, highlighting sports;

Fig. 10 (b) is an illustration of a sports submenu;

Fig. 10 (c) is an illustration of a sports information screen;

Fig. 11 (a) is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the information screen, with the meteorological information highlighted;

Fig. 11 (b) is an illustration of a meteorological information submenu;

Fig. 11 (c) is an illustration of a weather information screen;

Fig. 11 (d) is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the meteorological information submenu;

Fig. 11 (e) is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of a weather information display; Y

Fig. 12 illustrates the hardware elements of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Description of the preferred embodiment

The present invention provides a scheduling system containing regions of information for displaying information other than the time of television programs. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a television / computer system 100 displaying a program listings guide in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, system 100 includes a distribution center 110 and

ES 2 313 484 T3 multiple reception locations. The distribution center 110 compiles the data for a data stream. In a preferred embodiment, that data stream is broadcast to reception locations 116, 118, 120 and 122; and within the reception locations are located peripheral devices that receive the data stream. Various methods are available for broadcasting the data stream from distribution center 110 to reception locations 116-122. For example, satellite 115 can broadcast that data stream within the vertical blanking interval (VEI) of a television channel (for example, PBS) or a channel dedicated to reception locations 116,118,120 and 122. Alternatively , the data can also be broadcast out of band, that is, using specific mechanisms other than per channel. In another preferred embodiment, the data stream is provided to reception locations 116, 118, 120 and 122, through transmission system 113. Transmission system 113 can be, for example, fiber optic, coaxial cable, telephone line, television broadcast over the air, or similar.

In still another embodiment, the peripheral devices receive the data stream from, for example, a local service provider 140. The service provider 140 receives the data stream from the distribution center 110 on line 117, and broadcasts the stream from data to peripheral reception devices, via satellite 115 (or another satellite), or via lines 119 and 113. Peripheral receiving devices can be televisions 130, televisions 134, VCRs (Video Recorders) 132, VCRs 136, and / or cable, IRD (integrated receiver / encoder) via satellite, web browser, or connection devices with source exterior 138. In still other embodiments, PCTVs or personal computers can be used, or the data stream can be provided to a personal computer for use with the computer and / or with one or more of the aforementioned devices. Consequently, the system is not dependent on the hardware platform, but rather can be a software application that can be downloaded to different systems.

In a preferred embodiment, the information in the data stream includes television schedule information, advertising information, news information, weather information, financial information, Internet address link information, and the like. The information in the data stream may further include messages from the system operator to a specific user, or to subscribers of the system in general. Software applications, which can be downloaded from distribution centers, or located within peripheral devices, use the program information provided in the data stream to generate a program guide. News, weather, financial and other information can be included in the program guide, or a separate information guide can be generated. Advertising information and messages from the system operator to a user are included in the program guide, and may also be included in the information guide. In yet another preferred embodiment, the data that is at the front end and rear end of the data stream can be compressed to send a pager instead of a regular, full screen video display. The buzzer would be in a PIP window, and since the size of the window is small, the quality of the image is sufficient even if it is generated from compressed data.

If the software applications are located within the peripheral devices, they can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as RAM, disk, or other storage device. Where applicable, the computer-readable storage medium may also be a ROM memory. If the program guide is in a grid format, for example, the available channels can be related on the "y" axis, and the various times can be related on the "x" axis. For more information on how the program system displays information, see US Patent No. B1 4,706,121, US Patent No. 5,479,266, and US Patent No. No. 5,479,268. These Patents, like this Application, are assigned to StarSight Telecast, Inc., and are hereby incorporated in their entirety for all purposes by reference.

In another preferred embodiment, satellite 116 has processing capability. Accordingly, in addition to the distribution center 110, the satellite 115 can also compile data for the data stream. This embodiment is very advantageous, as it guarantees a continuous and reliable data transmission in situations where the satellite 115 may not be able to receive the data from the distribution center 110. An example of such situations is during periods of atmospheric or terrestrial interference, which occurs when satellite 115 is on the line between distribution center 110 and the sun. The sun, having immense energy, emits a large amount of noise that therefore interferes with the transmission of data from the distribution center 110 to the satellite 115. Satellite 115, with its own data processor, can continue to transmit data, and therefore ensure continuous and reliable data transfer to the receiving units. This embodiment also ensures continuous and reliable data transmission when distribution center 110 is out of service.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a program listing guide screen in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, the program guide screen 200 has program information, information regions for offering product and program information, and information icons for offering information such as sports, news, and the like. Fig. 2 displays only two information regions, 220 and 250, although guide screen 200 may have multiple information regions. As illustrated in FIG. 2, cell 220 presents a promotion for an NBC network show starring actor Travolta. The program guide screen 200 also contains an advertising space 250. This space can be used to provide additional advertising opportunities, an example of which is advertisements from a system operator. Preferably, the space is used for short advertisements that change periodically, eg with three minute intervals. An example of a suitable advertisement is that of "Enjoy Cokel" ("Enjoy Cokel"). Here, cell 250 displays an advertisement for the RCA. In another embodiment, the information displayed in the information regions may change

ES 2 313 484 T3 changes as the user moves from cell to cell in the program guide. Alternatively, the information can change automatically after a predetermined number of seconds, regardless of user activity. In addition, or as an alternative, there may be commercial icons to allow the user to obtain more information about the advertised product or service.

Information regions 220 and 250 may be color coded or otherwise visually differentiated. They can also be placed in strategic positions within the guide, to better capture the user's attention. As described, when an information region contains program information, such as cell 220, the user can move the cursor to the region (or the cursor can point to the default region) and tune in to the program that is then in progress. If the program is not then in progress, the user can schedule an automatic tune to the program when the program airs. The user can also record a current program or programming, or record a future program. When an information region contains product information, such as cell 250, the user can click on the information region to tune in to an informational commercial about the product. Alternatively, the user can schedule an automatic tune-in to the informational commercial for a later period of time, or schedule a recording of the product informational commercial. In a two-way system, in which there is a reservation channel to transmit information or user requests, the user can also order a product by clicking on an information region and providing the necessary customer information for transmission to a supplier of the product, or the system operator (service provider).

Portion 240 of guide screen 200 contains cells 245. Each cell 245 indicates the channel number corresponding to cell 255 of the program guide that is immediately adjacent to it in the program guide. Instead of or in combination with the channel number, cells 245 may contain the name of the program service. For example, a cell 245 may contain the number of channel 32, the name of the PBS service, or both.

The system operator may charge television program providers an additional time slot fee for favoring and presenting programs in the information regions. In this way, the system operator can provide the guide to the user at a reduced price, while providing more information. To draw the user's attention to such "special" programs, a number of different display arrangements can be used. For example, you can list the program first in the program guide, represented in a different typeface, presented in a different color, provide additional space for a description of the program, or use some other form of graphic stimulus, including that of the animation.

Fig. 2 (b) is an illustration of a promotion message screen 260. The screen 260 is presented to the user when the information region 220 is interactive, and the user clicks on the information region 220. The information screen Promotion 260 may also contain an icon to allow immediate tuning to the program described by the promotion message. In addition, the promotion screen 260 may contain another icon that returns the user to the guide 200. Since the system operator may charge a fee for displaying such promotional information, it may also use it as a source of additional income.

In Fig. 2 (b), part 275 contains the promotion "In the middle of the 70s Disco flash, a young aspiring dancer ....". This promotional material, which in this example will typically be provided by NBC, provides the user with several benefits. First, it allows a program that is not currently represented in the program listings guide to be promoted. Second, part 275 can be used to provide more information about a specific program, such as the actors involved or a brief description of the content of the program, thus possibly gaining a larger audience of viewers or a larger part of the audience. market. Third, by favoring a program through a prominent presentation of the program's features in the program guide, the broadcaster may be able to prevent potential viewers from swelling those of a program that is to continue over time. Startup of the promoted program.

The part 280 of the screen 260 is used to indicate the sponsor of the promotional message presented in the part 275. The indication of the sponsor can be done by calling letters to the station, channel number, name of the station, or logo of the station. broadcaster (for example, NBC's Peacock). It is also possible to remove the part 280, thereby enlarging the part 275. Therefore, additional information can be displayed on the part 275. Since portion 280 of screen 260 displays information regarding a program, the user can click on the information region and direct tuning to the program, if it is then in progress. Alternatively, the user can schedule automatic tuning to the show when the show airs. If the user schedules an automatic tune, the system can request confirmation from the user before tuning into the program, or the system can tune into the program directly. Preferably, the system will request confirmation from the user before tuning into the program. If information is requested from the user, additional information regions may be displayed until the user gives their confirmation. These information regions may include advertising for products or services.

If the promoted program is a pay-per-view program, the system can automatically authorize payment for the program. Preferably, the system will request confirmation from the user before authorizing the payment of the program. The user can also choose to record the promoted program, be it a current program, a future program, or a pay-per-view program. If the user requests the recording of a pay-per-view program, the system can ask for confirmation before authorizing payment for the program. If the user requests

ES 2 313 484 T3 to record a future program, the system may also ask for user confirmation. Additional information regions can also be displayed while the user confirms their recording request.

If advertising or promotional material is displayed in an information region, the user can activate an icon, click the region, or select a menu item to view additional information about the advertised product or service. From these additional information displays, the user can learn more about the product or service, order the product or service, or find out when the product or service can be obtained. Additional displays would, of course, allow the user to return to previous displays after the user has viewed the desired information displays.

The invention may also allow the user to switch between the full screen display and a PIP window display of the guide, through, for example, an on-screen menu with cursor control. This feature would allow a user to view a large-scale version of the guide, or to be able to view the guide while also getting a first idea of ​​a currently selected program, through only partial viewing of the program. In this way, preferably, the audio of the program also continues to be reproduced.

Fig. 3 (a) is an illustration of a screen 300 with the guide to the program listings with program information 320 and interactive information regions 330 and 340. As can be seen, the guide screen 300 does not contain information icons. . Accordingly, more program information can be displayed on the screen, thereby allowing the user to access more on-screen program information. Information region 320, like information region 220, promotes a program. In addition, it provides a brief description of the content of the program, thereby allowing information other than the description of the program to be displayed on the promotional message screen 350 (Fig. 3 (b)). As illustrated in Fig. 3 (b), the message display 350 contains contest information, although other information related to the program may also be displayed on the display 350.

FIG. 4 (a) is an illustration of a program listings guide screen 400. As illustrated, the user can move a cursor through region 410, to move between different days of the week. In Fig. 4 (a), the user has selected Wednesday. Therefore, the program information displayed is for Wednesday, and the times indicated are current time. The system knows the time when the user is watching television, and automatically adjusts the cursor to place it, by default, in a cell that corresponds to the current time.

As illustrated, guide screen 400 has an information region 420, which is providing a program that may be presented soon or is currently being presented. Information region 420 is interactive. Accordingly, if the user clicks on region 420, the user can view the message screen 450 (Fig. 4 (b)), which presents a description of the content of the program. In addition, the message display 450 may also present promotional materials about an upcoming presentation program. In this way, the system operator can indirectly promote multiple shows in region 420. If the show is currently being featured, the user can click icon 460 to tune in to the show. If the program is going to be presented soon, the user can tune in to the channel that corresponds to the program. Alternatively, the user can click on the icon 470, to start recording the program if the program is in progress. Sometimes when the program is due to be presented soon, the system will start recording the program when the program airs.

FIG. 5 (a) is an illustration of a program listing guide screen 500. As illustrated, the guide screen 500 has an information region 520, which is interactive. Information Region 520 is promoting a program that will air in the future. In this case, if the user clicks on region 520, the user can see the message screen 550 (Fig. 5 (b)), which also presents a description of the program content. In another embodiment, the message screen 500 may also contain an icon, which the user can click to view a short preview video. The preview can be presented in a PIP window, and the video data of the preview can be transmitted in a compressed format. As mentioned, the size of the window allows an acceptable video presentation to be generated from compressed data. Message screen 550 also displays promotional materials about an upcoming broadcast program. However, since the show will not air until a later date, the 550 message display has the 560 icon, which, when clicked by the user, will allow the user to schedule an automatic tune to the show when the show go on air. Once the user has programmed an automatic tuning, the system will automatically tune to the program when the program airs. Preferably, user confirmation is required before the system tunes into the program. Alternatively, the user can click icon 570 to schedule a recording of the show. The system will automatically start recording the show when the show airs.

In another embodiment, the system may automatically tune a user to a promoted show when the show airs. This can happen whether or not the user has programmed an automatic tuning with the program. Preferably, the system will ask the user if the user wishes to tune into the program before automatically tuning into the program.

ES 2 313 484 T3

Interactive and non-interactive information screens can both be used to present picture parade messages or static messages. As has been seen, these information screens can be used to promote both programs and products. In addition, the information screens can also be used to send messages to specific users, for example, alerting a user that their account is in debt. This is because each guide system has a unique unit address. Consequently, the system operator can send messages to specific users by sending the messages to the respective addresses of the unit. Of course, the information screens can be used to send messages across the system to all users. For example, information screens can be used to send alerts to all users, for example, about an upcoming disaster. The information screen can also be used to send messages to a specific group of users. For example, the system could send a message to all Magnavox television owners, verifying, for Magnavox television codes, that this information has been entered into the system the first time the user puts the operation on. system. To ensure that messages to users have been read by users, such messages will have a bit attached to them that keeps them on the information screen until the user indicates that they have viewed the message. The user can indicate that they have viewed the message by using a button on a user input device, or by clicking an icon in the guide to delete the message. In this way, even though the message may be sent by the system operator in the morning, the user can still see the message when the user watches TV at the “Prime Time” hour. After deleting the message, the system will post appropriate announcements or promotions for when the message is deleted from the information screen.

FIG. 6 (a) is an illustration of a program listing guide screen 600. As illustrated, the guide screen 600 has an interactive information region 620, which promotes a web site connected to a program. In an alternative embodiment (Fig. 6 (b)), guide screen 600 may include virtual channel 640. A virtual channel is a channel that does not tune in to television programs; instead, the channel can launch an application, connect to an Internet site, connect to an information guide, and the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6 (b), virtual channel 640 contains an Internet address - also called a Uniform Resource Locator (URL); therefore it connects to an Internet site. As illustrated in Fig. 6 (b), region 620 can be used to display promotional materials in this alternate embodiment. If a user selects virtual channel 640 of Fig. 6 (b), or information region 620 of Fig. 6 (a), the user can view submenus screen 650 of Fig. 6 (c).

As illustrated in Fig. 6 (c), the user can choose to connect to the Seinfeld website, the NBC website promoting the Seinfeld show, or the Comedy Network website by doing To do this, click on one of the three website icons 660, 665 and 669, respectively. The system will launch a web browser when the user selects an information region that promotes a web site, or tunes in to a virtual channel that contains a URL. After the user has made his selection, the system will insert the URL corresponding to the selected web site in the web browser, which will begin to access the web and search for the web site selected by the user to connect. tar the user with the web site data page. Therefore, if the user selects one of the icons on the website, the system will connect the user to the website that corresponds to the icon. Fig. 6 (d) is an illustration of a web page 680 presented to the user when the user chooses to connect to the NBC web page. As illustrated, after the user has connected to the page, the user can participate in promotions on the page, exactly as if the user had connected directly to the page through a web browser.

Also shown in Fig. 6 (d) is window 688, which shows the television program the user was watching before the user selected virtual channel 640 from the program guide screen 600 of Fig. 6 (b), or had clicked on the information region 620 of Fig. 6 (a). The user can resume viewing the television program by clicking on window 688. This is designated as a "hyper tune", and the system will return the user to the program the user was watching. While the user is viewing the program, the system preferably presents a network icon that the user can click to hyper-tune to the web page. Alternatively, the system may display the page in a "picture-in-picture" window, such as window 688, while the viewer is watching a program. The user can click on the web page "picture in picture" to hyper tune to the page.

In another preferred embodiment, after the user has selected any of the icons 660, 665 or 669 of Fig. 6 (c), the user can tune in to the program the viewer was watching before accessing the guide. The system will visually present a "search" symbol as it launches a web browser and searches for the web site that the user has requested. After the system has connected to the web site, the system will notify the user that the search has been completed, and will ask if the user wishes to hyper-tune to the web page. In yet another preferred embodiment, the user can click on any of the program titles displayed in the cells of the program guide, and the system will display a list of one or more web sites that are related to the program. The user can select to tune into the program or connect to one of the web sites. In addition, the user can click on an icon or press a remote control button to switch between watching TV and surfing the net.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a program listings guide screen 700 with a non-interactive program portion 705 and interactive information regions 710. Part 705, as illustrated, is a schedule information time slot for current programs. Since the user cannot interact with the

ES 2 313 484 T3 part 705 of guide screen 700, part 705 may be automatically updated over time to show current and future programs. The number of future programs presented can be predetermined. Consequently, the user can see what is currently being shown and which shows will appear until a predetermined amount of time elapses. However, the user cannot obtain further information regarding the programs, or tune in to the part 705 programs, or record the part 705 programs.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, information region 710 contains program promotion information. Since the information region 710 is interactive with the user, the user can click on the information region 710 to obtain more information about the programs presented in the region. The user can also click on the information region 710 to tune in to the program if it is currently being presented, or the user can program an automatic tune in to the program for when it is to be broadcast. When an automatic tuning is programmed, the system may or may not notify the user before automatically tuning to the program, when the program is broadcast. Preferably, the system will request confirmation from the user before automatically tuning into the program. Finally, the user can schedule a recording of a future program, or start recording a program that is currently being broadcast. As seen, if the system requests confirmation from the user, additional information regions can be displayed while the user confirms their request.

The information region 715 can either be a static message area, or it can be an image scrolling message area containing selected news or sports information. For example, the results of the latest games can then be displayed in an image parade through information region 715. Although in the preferred embodiment the type of information presented in the information region 715 is determined by the system operator, it is also possible to allow the user to select the type of information to be presented in the information region 715.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a program guide screen 800. The screen 800 contains a program schedule portion 805 similar in nature to the program guides described above. In addition, the screen 800 contains various information icons 810. The icons 810 can represent local or national weather forecasts, local or national news, sports news, sports scores, financial news, and the like. In response to the user's selection of one of the icons 810, the screen 800 may be replaced with one or more additional information screens. For example, the weather information screen may display current weather conditions, or weather forecasts for a plurality of regions. The sports results information screen may have icons or regions to display each of a plurality of sports. A user can click on individual icons or regions to view another screen dedicated to a single sport, or the sports results information screen can present the results for different sports and sports teams on the same screen. The financial news information screen may also have icons or regions that the user can click on, or to choose other screens dedicated to specific financial markets. Alternatively, the financial news information screen can combine and present financial markets on one screen.

FIG. 9 (a) is an illustration of an information guide screen 900. As illustrated, the information guide screen 900 contains news, weather, sports, and horoscope information, although they may also be displayed. other types of information via the information guide screen 900. As seen, in an alternative embodiment, an information guide may be provided in addition to the program guide. The information guide can be connected to the program guide, or it can be from a separate program. Since the information guide contains news, weather, sports, and other information, it can replace the information icons in the program guide, thereby allowing the program guide screen to present the user with more information about programs. .

In Fig. 9 (a), the user has selected "National News". Fig. 9 (b) is an illustration of a submenu 920 of the information guide screen 900. As can be seen, the submenu 920 further divides the "National News" into the different headlines. In a preferred embodiment, the user can tune in to CNN or another Network News Station, from submenu 920. The system operator may charge a fee for this service, and may allow the user to tune in to one or more Network News Stations, depending on the fee paid by Network News Providers. Accordingly, CNN, for For example, you can pay an extra fee to be the only News Station that the user can connect to from submenu 920. Alternatively, CNN can pay a normal rate, and the user can tune into CNN and other News Stations that have paid the normal rate.

From submenu 920, the user can highlight one of the headlines to select the headline and get the story. In this example, the story according to Fig. 9 (c) is displayed on a news information screen 940. Alternatively, the user can click on a video icon (not shown) on screen 940, to see also a video clip relating to the story. The system can access the video clip through the video network, that is, via cable, direct broadcast satellite, and the like. The video clip could be generated from compressed data, and if so, it can be presented in a PIP banner format. Alternatively, the system can link to, for example, CNN's website, and retrieve an Embedded Audio-Video (AVI) file to present a moving image related to the headline to the user. The video icon may also be available from the submenu screen 920. Therefore, the user can click

ES 2 313 484 T3 the icon to view a video clip of the headlines directly, instead of reading the story. In another preferred embodiment, the system may automatically activate a video clip corresponding to whatever news headline the user has selected, thereby eliminating the need for the user to activate an icon in order to view the video clip.

Fig. 10 (a) is an illustration of an information guide screen 1000 that is similar to information guide screens 900, except that in Fig. 10 (a) the user has selected "Professional Results" , instead of "National News". Fig. 10 (b) is an illustration of a submenu 1020, which further subdivides "Professional Results" into the different result tables. In a preferred embodiment, similar to news submenu 920, the user can tune in to ESPN or another sports station, from sports submenu 1020. The system operator may also charge a fee for this service, and may allow the user to tune in to one or more Sports Stations, depending on the rates paid by the Providers. Accordingly, ESPN may pay, for example, an extraordinary rate to be the only Sports Station that the user can connect to from the 1020 submenu. Alternatively, ESPN can pay a normal rate and the user can tune in with ESPN and with other Sports Stations that have also paid the normal rate.

In the 1020 submenu, the user can highlight one of the result boxes to select the result box and get the results corresponding to the box. In this example, the results have been displayed in accordance with FIG. 10 (c) on a sports information screen 10040. As illustrated on screen 1040, the results are presented in a grid format. Other arrangements can of course be used, as long as the information is presented in a logical way. On the information screen 1040, the user can also click on a video icon (not shown) to further view a video clip relating to the match. As seen, the system can access the video clip via the video network, that is, via cable, direct broadcast satellite, and the like; and that video clip could be generated from compressed data. Alternatively, the system can link to, for example, the NFL website, and retrieve an AVI file, if available, to present the user with moving images relating to the game.

Fig. 11 (a) is an illustration of an information guide screen 1100 that is also similar to the information guide screen 900, except that in Fig. 11 (a) the user has selected "Weather Information" instead of "National News". Fig. 11 (b) is an illustration of a submenu 1120, which further subdivides "Weather Information" into weather forecasts for different geographic regions. The system visually presents different local weather predictions, depending on where the user is. In the example illustrated in Fig. 11 (b), the user is located in California, along the "East Bay"; therefore, the local weather forecasts are for the different cities located in the East Bay. In another embodiment, the user can specify the geographic region. Consequently, the user can also obtain meteorological information for regions other than the one in which the user is located.

In Fig. 11 (b), the user has selected the US weather forecast, and therefore the user can get a presentation of a US 1140 weather information screen (Fig. 11 ( c)), which presents the information in the form of a column. Other display arrangements can also be used, which present the information in a logical way; in addition, the information may be more detailed than that displayed on the information screen 1140. Fig. 11 (d) is an illustration of a submenu 1160 that is similar to submenu 1120, except that in Fig. 11 (d) the user has selected the Berkeley weather forecast instead of the US one. Accordingly, the user is instead presented with a Berkeley weather forecast on an information screen 1180 (Fig. 11 & euro;). Since the weather information is for a local region, it is more detailed and provides the user with more information. As illustrated in Fig. 11 (c), the weather information is presented in the form of a row. Again, other arrangements can also be used to display the meteorological information, as long as the information is organized in a logical manner.

In Fig. 12 the hardware elements of a particular embodiment of the invention have been illustrated. As illustrated, the configuration preferably utilizes a program guide controller 1205 (eg, a data processor), one or more television sources 1210, and a TV or computer monitor 1215. These Systems may also include a 1220 VCR and a 1225 remote control. The program guide system 1205 may be a stand-alone device, or it may be incorporated into another system, such as a television, cable box, computer, PCTV, or VCR. As illustrated, the program guide system 1205 has a unit address 1230 that is unique to each system. Accordingly, system operators can identify system 1205 according to its unique unit address, thereby making it possible for system operators to send messages to specific users.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a plug-in program guide controller module 1240. Module 1240 determines the extent of the capabilities of program guide 1205. Accordingly, only module 1240 may allow program guide 1205 to provide a non-interactive guide, or the guide may have no information icons. When the user wishes to update the program guide 1205, for example by adding interactive capability, information icons, or a more detailed category search, module 1240 can be substituted for a different module that allows for more extension capabilities of the guide. This embodiment has the clear advantage of allowing the system to be significantly altered without requiring major changes to the hardware. Since the user updates the 1240 module to update the guide, the user has no need

ES 2 313 484 T3 from the system operator to provide technical support. In this scenario, the user would simply procure a different module 1240, install the new module in the program guide system 1205, and pay the new rate set by the system operator for the new benefits.

Preferably, the system operates under the control of software applications on renewable computer memory. The memory for software applications can be located in one or more ICs (Printed Circuits), for example, in the plug-in module of the data processor, or in the ROM memory, in the RAM memory, or in the FLASH memory. , or in any combination thereof. Accordingly, the statements and descriptions made herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims that follow.

According to embodiments, a method of arranging and managing information for an on-screen electronic program guide, having a display screen, comprises the steps of: storing television programming information in a database; displaying some of the television schedule information as a plurality of TV program listings in a grid guide format on a first area of ​​the screen; simultaneously displaying additional information other than TV program listings on a second area of ​​the screen, where the second area of ​​the screen is responsive to viewer input; selectively marking the program listings in the first area with a cursor, to select a program listing; and activating the second area to initiate a function related to the additional information displayed in the second area.

Preferably, the TV program listings indicate the program title, time and channel.

Preferably, the step of selectively marking comprises moving a cursor on the screen to highlight the area.

Preferably, the additional information displayed in the second area changes as the cursor is moved from the second area.

Preferably, the additional information is information about at least one TV program scheduled for the future.

Preferably, the future scheduled TV program is a pay-per-view program, and the function is to authorize payment for the pay-per-view program.

Preferably, the function is to store the time and channel of the future scheduled TV program, for later recording or viewing.

Preferably, the function is to establish a link to an Internet web site, and launch an application to display the information related to the information displayed visually in the second area, coming from the Internet web site in the second. screen area.

Preferably, the function is to link to an Internet web site and display the information related to the information displayed in the second area, from the Internet web site, in a fourth area of ​​the screen. .

Preferably, the additional information is information about a TV program that is currently being broadcast.

Preferably, the function is to tune in to a TV program currently being broadcast for your viewing.