Systems and methods for interactive program guides with personal video recording features

The present invention relates to an interactive television program guide (IPG) system and a personal video recorder (PVR) system, and particularly to an enhanced PVR-IPG function.

Today, interactive television systems, such as interactive television program guide systems, are widely available to the general public. An interactive TV program guide system allows users to tune channels to programs, services that allow users to set pair rental locks, and allows users to record programs. It is possible to provide two-way television services such as a service that enables users to set a reminder. Examples of interactive program guide systems are, for example, in Knee et al.'S US Pat. Nos. 5,589,892 and Knudson et al.'S US Pat. Nos. 09/357,941 filed on July 16, 1999. They have been described and these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In recent years, PVRs such as PVRs supplied by companies such as Tivo and ReplayTV have become available. By using these systems and devices, it is possible to provide an interactive television service such as a service for recording a television program on a digital medium such as a hard disk. In one of the known systems, the PVR can use an MPEG encoder to digitize a television broadcast and store this digitized television broadcast on a hard disk drive for later retrieval. In such a system, digitized broadcasts can be converted into analog NTSC signals for display on television.

<p> In traditional PVRs, program buffers are typically used to allow the user to pause, rewind, or play the television broadcast they are watching. A PVR buffer is typically a circular buffer that stores the last "n" minutes of a program that the user has watched. One drawback of this buffering technique is that this buffer allows the user to pause or rewind only for the last "n" minutes of the currently tuned channel (because it was last tuned). ..</p><p> Traditional PVR systems can also provide other features, such as the ability for the user to choose to record television content. In such a system, a live (live) program is usually recorded from the time the user requests recording of the program. One drawback of this system is that some of the previously buffered live shows are usually ignored.</p><p> In such systems, interactive television services are typically provided to the user through a graphics display. One drawback of such systems is that the graphics display may, undesirably, miss the live television content that the user is watching.</p><p> Another drawback of known PVR systems is that they usually do not support pay-per-view television programming. Today, pay-per-view (PPV) television programs are widely available through cable television service providers, but usually PVRs that reserve recordings or provide other types of PVR-related features. Not supported by some.</p><p> Improvements to these IPG and / or PVR systems are desired to simplify the use of such systems while mitigating the above and other drawbacks and providing additional functionality to television viewers. Therefore, a new interactive program guide system and method with personal video recorder function is provided.</p>

<p> According to the principles of the present invention, interactive television applications that provide enhanced PVR-related functionality are realized on television systems.</p><p> An interactive television application that integrates PVR and set-top box program guide functionality, functionality, and information will be realized. For example, an interactive television application that provides PVR functionality, functionality, and information in an interactive television program guide, such as an interactive television program guide that runs on a cable set-top box, is realized. Other configurations that integrate such features may be used.</p><p> This interactive television application is a main menu that includes options for interactive services such as program listing options, video on demand options, pay-per-view (PPV) options, or current weather options. Display the display screen. The main menu display screen includes PVR-related options such as recording options, recording reservation options, and erase priority options.</p><p> When the user selects a recording option, the recording display screen is displayed. This recording display screen contains a list of recordings available from the PVR. The programs included in this recording list are programs recorded manually or automatically by the PVR. The list on this display screen is selectable, which allows the user to access information and / or options associated with the selected list. Other techniques may be provided to access the recording list.</p><p> When the user selects the recording reservation option from the main menu display screen, the recording reservation display screen is displayed. Other techniques may be used to access the recording reservation display screen. The recording reservation display screen includes a list of programs scheduled for recording (for example, scheduled to be recorded by a PVR). The programs on this list are reserved to be recorded automatically or manually. An automatically scheduled or automatically recorded program is a program selected by the Interactive Television Application to be recorded based on some criteria, such as user preferences. A manually recorded or manually reserved program is a program that the user specifically chooses to record. Also, the series recording selected by the user to be recorded can be considered to be manual recording. The list on the recording reservation display screen is selectable, which allows the user to access information and / or options associated with the selected program list. Information about series recording can be accessed through the recording reservation display screen.</p><p> This interactive television application allows users to record single and / or series from program listing screens, browse overlays, flip overlays, video of the program being watched, advertisements, or other suitable location. Can be reserved and canceled. Series recording is used to schedule and record a series of episodes in a program series. The user is given the opportunity to set up a series recording based on the episode type (eg, release, rebroadcast, etc.) and / or channel.</p><p> The interactive television application gives the user the opportunity to set a recording buffer around a program reserved for recording. The user can also select the recording quality of the recording. The interactive television application allows users to schedule recordings from virtually anywhere in the program guide. For example, recording can be reserved from the program listing bar, program information display screen, advertising display screen, or other suitable location in the program guide.</p><p> The interactive television application allows the user to record and schedule recording of PPV programs. The interactive television application can automatically order PPV programs reserved for recording by the user. When the user makes a recording reservation for a PPV program, the user is prompted to purchase the PPV program. The user can select recording setting conditions for PPV programs such as recording quality and recording buffer time.</p><p> The interactive television application provides VCR functionality for viewing recorded programs such as pause, fast forward, rewind, stop, play, and record. When the live content is paused, the interactive television application displays a video of the paused television content and a timer that indicates how far this paused video is behind the live content. To do. Program flow control options such as playback options, rewind options, fast forward options, and recording options are also displayed.</p><p> If desired, the television program may be recorded without including graphics such as interactive television application display screens and overlays as part of the recording. If desired, the television program may be recorded without including the change in volume setting selected by the user during recording.</p><p> The interactive television application can display various PVR-related overlays where appropriate during user interaction. For example, an overlay is displayed when the recording is canceled, when the recording of the program is started, when the recording is completed, or when another event occurs. The user can cancel the recording in progress. For example, the user can cancel the recording by pressing the record button on the remote control or by pressing the remote control button to change the current channel. If desired, the user may not be able to change the current channel unless the user positively approves the cancellation of the recording.</p><p> The interactive television application can provide the user with a reminder that the reserved recording is about to begin. The reminder is displayed at a predetermined time before the start of recording reservation. This reminder includes the title of the program reserved for recording. The user is given the opportunity to approve that the program should be recorded, for example by selecting a particular item in the reminder overlay.</p><p> The interactive television application allows the user to set erasure priority settings for recordings. The user can set the erasure priority setting for a specific program. The user can also set a comprehensive erase priority setting. The interactive television application provides a user-selectable option for editing the order in which individual recordings are erased. The erase priority order is comprehensively set for the recording based on the program type or broadcast type. The erase priority order is set during the series recording. An option to delete the recording after a predetermined period and after watching the program is also available.</p><p> An interactive television application that provides multiple program guides for PVR information and features will be realized. Each program guide corresponds to, for example, different users in the household. Information related to a particular user is displayed and / or updated when the program guide corresponding to that user is accessed. This program guide may be configured to interact differently for each user. The recording list and / or the recording reservation list for a certain user cannot be used by other users who are using their own program guides. To identify the current user, the interactive television application requires the user to log in to their program guide. If desired, the user may be required to log in when attempting to access PVR-related features and / or information. Each user can choose to record a different program using his or her program guide. The PVR records the program based on the user's choice. Recording is performed regardless of which user is currently logged in to the system. Users can delete recordings from their recording list. The interactive television application erases the recording-related information that the user chooses to erase. Deleting information related to a recording deletes the recording from the user's recording list. The interactive television application erases programs from the PVR based on the user's choice. If a recording is associated with one or more users, the interactive television application may delete the recording when all users associated with the recording choose to delete the program.</p><p> PVR users are informed of changes made to the recorded content in the storage device. Notifications are sent to inform the user that a program is about to be recorded or erased. In an environment with multiple program guides, notifications are sent to users involved in the changes being made. This notification gives the user the opportunity to approve or cancel the changes that are about to be made. This notification is sent, for example, through a program guide overlay, via email or using other suitable techniques. The notification can notify the user that a program previously selected by the user to be recorded is about to be recorded. Notifications can automatically notify the user that a program for which recording has been selected (eg, based on user preferences) is about to be recorded. The notification can notify the user that a program is about to be erased based on the erase priority setting selected by the user. The notification can notify the user that a program is about to be recorded based on the auto-erase setting.</p><p> This interactive television application maintains a comprehensive list of programs currently stored on the PVR. This list includes all recorded programs. This list includes programs that have been erased (automatically or manually) but are still available from the PVR's storage media. For example, when erasing a recording, the recorded video may not actually be erased from the PVR, but only specific information about the recording may be erased.</p><p> To avoid re-recording a program, the interactive television application checks the comprehensive list of programs to determine if the program selected for recording is already available from the PVR. This interactive television application does not record programs that are currently on the comprehensive list. The program currently stored on the PVR can be used in place of the selected recording. If desired, the user may be given the opportunity to edit the comprehensive list. The user can also permanently remove the program from the comprehensive list.</p><p> A storage device such as a PVR can be used to present the stored video advertisement to the user. Video advertisements can be presented using full-screen or reduced video. Video advertisements are presented, for example, when the user is interacting with a program guide. A reduced version of the advertisement may be presented on the program guide display screen. When the user selects a reduced video on the program guide display screen, a full screen video of the advertisement may be presented. For example, when a user enters a program guide (for example, when the user selects a guide button on the remote control while watching live TV), the stored video advertisement is displayed. The stored video advertisement may be linked to the live video advertisement presented to the user. The stored video advertisement is presented, for example, after the live video is presented. The stored video advertisement may be presented based on criteria such as user preferences. The current television content may be suspended for the user when the stored video advertisement is displayed. You can also replace the stored video ads with live TV ads.</p><p> Storage devices such as PVRs are used to buffer television content, control the current flow of television content, and provide users with the opportunity to take other actions. A straight buffer is created when the user tunes in to a new channel or program. This straight buffer is used to buffer the program you are currently watching. If desired, a buffer size suitable for holding the rest of the current program may be allocated to that buffer. Each time the user starts watching a new program, the interactive television application creates a new buffer. The buffer space can be allocated by allocating free space available on the storage device, by clearing an existing buffer (eg, the oldest existing buffer), or by part of an existing buffer (eg, the oldest). It can be allocated by clearing the oldest part of the buffer). If necessary, the size of the buffer may be gradually increased as needed.</p><p> If the user leaves a show and returns, the buffer created for that show is buffered before the user changes channels and after the user returns to the show. Can be combined with video. The separate parts of the show before and after the user changed channels are text between these two parts by concatenating these two parts and inserting a blank image between the two parts. Is combined by inserting other content between these two parts, or by a combination of these. If desired, the content inserted between these two parts may have a duration corresponding to the length of the interruption period between these parts. In an environment with multiple tuners, the program buffer can contain video parts that were missed because the user was changing channels. Multiple tuners allow the PVR to buffer different programs in parallel. Also, by using a plurality of tuners, it is possible to record another program while watching one program, or it is possible to record two or more programs at the same time.</p><p> The user can control the flow of the program by using the buffer. The user can rewind the program being played from the program buffer. When rewinding the current program to the beginning of the program, the user can select rewind again to skip to the previous program. If fast forward is used to reach the end of a program, the program may stop playing or the next program may be played from the buffer.</p><p> The buffer for the current program can be used as part of the recording when the user chooses to record the program. The buffered program can be recorded by recording the video of the program currently being broadcast and by preserving the previous portion of the buffered program. The interactive television application can hold a buffer for programs that have ended broadcasting. The user can see the program list currently stored in the program buffer. When the user chooses to record the program, the interactive television application saves the program buffer as a recording. This choice can be made even after the show is over.</p><p> The storage space of the storage device is allocated to buffer programs automatically or manually. The interactive television application automatically allocates all or part of the storage space of the storage device to buffer programs. If desired, the user may be given the opportunity to set the total size used for the buffers, the total number of buffers available at one time, the size of each buffer, and how often the buffers are cleared.</p><p> The interactive television application automatically pauses the television content that the user is watching as the user interacts with the interactive television application. The current television program or commercial that the user is watching is paused when the program guide display screen or stored video advertisement is displayed. The television content remains paused while the user is interacting with the interactive television application or watching a stored video advertisement. When the user exits the interactive television application, the display of this television content is resumed. The display of this television content resumes from where it was paused. If necessary, the user has the opportunity to choose whether the interactive television application should resume from where the television content was automatically paused or from its current location. May be given to.</p><p> Other PVR related features are also provided. The interactive television application displays a recording reservation icon that changes based on the recording reservation status. The interactive television application allows users to create keyword recordings. The interactive television application allows the user to set a recording priority for a program. The recording priority setting is, for example, "not to be missed" priority, "preferably not to be missed" priority, "desirably not to be missed" priority, or "want to record if space is available" priority, etc. Includes any suitable recording priority for. Providing users with three or more different recording priority levels to choose from gives them more flexibility in setting their recording preferences. The interactive television application displays recorded programs in browse overlays, program list display screens, or other list screens. The recorded programs are listed in the periodically scheduled programs.</p><p> This interactive TV application shows how much memory is available on the PVR, how much memory is available at each recording priority level, and when the memory is sufficient based on the current recording settings. Show concretely whether it will disappear.</p><p> Playback control is used to fast forward and rewind programs at different speeds. The range of different speeds includes, for example, the range from different slow motion speeds to different fast forward speeds. The interactive television application allows the user to schedule a recording of a VOD program. This interactive television application proposes a candidate for the time when the VOD program will be recorded. The interactive television application proposes a time to record a VOD program based on the current recording reservation and reminder to avoid duplication of recording. If a VOD or PPV program is marked as copy protected, the interactive television application may limit whether the user can schedule recording for the copy protected program.</p><p> VOD and PPV programs can be priced to have different rates depending on the mode of use. For example, the charge for viewing a certain program, the charge for recording a certain program, and the charge for playing back a certain recording may be different from each other. The interactive television application can also support pay-per-recording (paid recording) and pay-per-play (paid playback) of ordinary content. The interactive television application also pays for the recording space according to the amount of storage space the user is using on the remote server (for example, storing the user's personal video on the remote server). It can also support systems that pay for the amount of storage they have.</p><p> An interactive television application that pushes to locally stored and displayed television advertisements and other content will be realized.</p><p> The interactive television application allows the user to set manual recording by specifying the time, date, channel, and recording time. When the interactive television application identifies data that matches this manual recording, the manual recording is converted to a program-based recording (single recording).</p><p> The interactive television application allows the user to edit a recorded program. Editing features include removing parts from a recording, removing commercials from a recording, combining recorded shows, creating a playback list of recordings, or recorded shows for quick reference. Includes appropriate editing features such as marking positions within.</p>

The principles and advantages of the present invention will become clearer by considering the following detailed description along with the drawings.

An example of the interactive television system according to the present invention is shown in FIG. For convenience, the interactive television system of FIG. 1 may also be described primarily in the context of an interactive television program guide system. See Figure 1 here. System 100, which is an example of an interactive television program guide system, has a main facility 102, a distribution facility 110, and a user device 122. The interactive television program guide system 100 may include a plurality of main equipment 102. However, in order not to overly complicate the figure, only one main equipment 102 is shown in FIG.

The main equipment 102 includes a server 104 that stores and distributes interactive television program guide information from the program guide database 106. The program guide database 106 can store any appropriate program guide information such as TV program list information, service list information, program-related information, pay-per-view order information, or promotion information. The main equipment 102 can distribute this program guide information to the distribution equipment 110 through the communication path 108.

The communication path 108 can be any suitable communication path, such as a satellite link, a cable link, an optical fiber link, a microwave link, a telephone network link, an internet link, or a combination of these links. If it is desired to transmit a video signal (eg, a television program) on the communication path 108 in addition to the data signal, a relatively high bandwidth link such as a satellite link is a relatively low bandwidth link such as a telephone line. More preferred. In order not to overly complicate the figure, only one distribution facility 110 is shown in FIG. It is also possible for multiple distribution facilities to be involved in the execution of a two-way service.

The program guide information or content transmitted by the main facility 102 to the distribution facility 110 is any suitable data such as TV program list data (eg, program time, channel, title, summary, program type, genre, actor, etc.). including.

The promotional information transmitted from the main facility 102 to the distribution facility 110 includes any suitable promotional material such as various promotional banners, promotional advertisements, promotional slogans, or promotional advertisements.

The distribution facility 110 may be any suitable distribution facility that distributes signals to viewers, such as television distribution equipment for television broadcasting, cable system headends, or satellite distribution equipment. The distribution facility 110 distributes the program guide information (or content) to the user device 122 through the communication path 114. The distribution facility 110 includes a server 112 that distributes program guide information. Server 112 can also handle communications that distribute any suitable type of medium, such as television programs and music. The server 112 includes a local database 116 that stores various program guide information. The server 112 includes storage 117 for remotely storing recorded programs. Programs and / or related information can be recorded and / or stored remotely or locally on the user device 122. It can also be used in combination with local and remote storage and / or recording. A client / server-based interactive television program guide system with remote recording capabilities is described, for example, in US Patent Application No. 09 / 332,244 by Ellis et al., Filed June 11, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additional techniques for storing programs and program information are described, for example, in US Patent Application No. 09 / 157,256 by Hassell et al., Filed September 17, 1998. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the server 112 may be capable of providing other interactive services such as quasi-video on demand and video on demand. Server 112 may include one or more computers.

If necessary, a part or all of the information distributed to the distribution facility 110 may be provided by using an information source other than the main facility 102. For example, the distribution facility 110 can receive information from the wide area network 118 (eg, the Internet) through the communication path 120. The communication path 120 may be any suitable link, such as a T1 link, a digital subscriber line (DSL) link, a cable modem link, or an analog modem link.

If necessary, equipment other than the main equipment 102 and the distribution equipment 110 may be used to provide data to the user equipment 122. For example, the user device 122 may receive data directly from the wide area network 118 through the communication path 62. The communication path 62 may be any suitable link, such as a T1 link, a digital subscriber line (DSL) link, a cable modem link, an analog modem link, or a radio frequency link such as radio frequency in a paging system. As another example, a separate facility, such as a satellite broadcasting system (not shown), may transmit data to user equipment 122, which may receive data through a satellite receiving system (not shown).

The communication path 114 is any suitable type of link as long as the distribution facility 110 can thereby distribute program guide information, television programs, and any other suitable information, data, or medium to user equipment 122. It's fine. There may be two or more communication paths 114 that connect each user device 122 to the distribution facility 110. For example, if the distribution facility 110 is a cable headend, the user equipment 122 may receive the information through a cable link and transmit the information to the distribution facility 110 through an appropriate link such as a digital serial link or dial-up modem connection. it can. Each of the communication paths 114 may be unidirectional or bidirectional.

The user device 122 can be configured to send or receive e-mail through the communication path 62, the communication path 114, or the communication path 120. The user device 122 can receive the e-mail transmitted by the distribution facility 110 or other facility.

The interactive television application according to the embodiment disclosed herein can be executed on the user apparatus 122 to provide an interactive service to the user. With interactive services, users can use, for example, by setting a particular channel as a favorite, by changing channels, by ordering a PPV movie, or by selecting a program to record. Alternatively, the recorded program can be played back to interact with the television application.

The interactive television application may be an interactive television program guide application or an interactive personal video recorder application that enables the provision of interactive services to users.

The video handling device 124 is, for example, a video device having an ability to generate or store video such as a video camera or a portable computer. The video handling device 124 may be connected to the user device 122 through a communication connection 126 (for example, a fireline connection or an RS-232 connection), or may be integrated in the user device 122. The interactive television application allows the user to transfer video from the video handling device 124 and store it in the user device 122. The transferred video is stored in, for example, a PVR that is part of the user device 122. The video from the video-handling device 124 is stored in, for example, the user device 122 and is later presented to the user.

The user device 122 may be based on a television platform and / or may be based on a computer platform. For example, the user device 122 may include a user television device (eg, television, PVR, and set-top box) or a user computer device (eg, desktop computer, laptop computer, personal digital). It may include an assistant or other handheld computer device such as a small personal computer device), or it may include other suitable user equipment that performs an interactive television program guide. The user computer device may include a computer-based receiver with an integrated set-top box circuit or personal computer television (PC / TV). If desired, the user television device may include a computer device that receives e-mail.

FIG. 2A shows an example 200 of a user television device based on a set-top box arrangement. The user television device 200 includes a set-top box 202, a recording device 204, a display device 206, and a remote controller 212. FIG. 2A shows that the set-top box 202 is connected to the recording device 204 and that the recording device 204 is connected to the display device 206. These connections may be wired connections or wireless connections. FIG. 2A also shows that the remote control 212 can communicate with the set-top box 202, the recording device 204, and the display device 206 through the wireless link 214. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the set-top box 202, recording device 204, remote control 212, and display device 206 may be interconnected in a manner different from that shown in FIG. 2A. Components may be added or removed. For example, the recording device 204 may be integrated with the set-top box 202 as a single device (see, eg, FIG. 2B).

The set-top box 202 receives signals (eg, audio, video, or interactive television application data, etc.) transmitted by the distribution facility 110 (FIG. 1). The set-top box 202 comprises a storage device (eg, a hard drive) or memory that stores the user's personal preference settings, user-selected reminders, or other information. For convenience, the present invention will be described in the context of a user television device 200 that uses the set-top box 202 as a receiver or tuner. If desired, the user television device 200 may include a plurality of tuners that allow one program to be viewed while another program be recorded at the same time. An example of an interactive television program guide with the ability to view and record simultaneously is described, for example, in US Patent Application No. 09 / 329,850 by Lemmons et al., Filed June 11, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The set-top box 202 is connected to the recording device 204. The recording device 204 has a suitable recording device such as PVR208 or VCR210. The recording device 204 may include one of the PVR 208 and the VCR 210, or both. When the user wants to record a program, the set-top box 202 is manually or automatically tuned to a particular channel and a control signal for recording the program is transmitted to the recording device 204.

The data link 209 connects the PVR 208 and the VCR 210 and is an appropriate data link such as a cable link. The data link 209 can be used to transfer program audio / video signals between the PVR 208 and VCR 210.

The set-top box 202 transmits audio / video signals and signals representing graphics to the display device 206 for presentation to the user. If desired, the set-top box 202 may route the signal through the recording device 204 to the display device 206. If necessary, the set-top box 202, recording device 204, so that the graphics generated by the set-top box 202 and the volume changes made during the recording of the recording device 204 are not saved as part of the recording. It is also possible to set the display device 206. The display device 206 may be a suitable display device, such as, for example, a television, a computer monitor, a computer system with monitors and speakers, or a flat panel display.

The set-top box 202 is arranged so as to have a client / server relationship with the PVR208. In one embodiment of the invention, the set-top box 202 acts as a server and the PVR 208 acts as a client. All information requests received from the remote control 212 or other input device are first routed through the set-top box 202. For example, if a user requests PVR information or PVR recording, the request is first processed by a set-top box 202 capable of communicating with PVR208 to obtain the information or recording. The set-top box 202 transmits an audio / video signal and a signal representing graphics to the display device 206 based on the communication with the PVR 208. Other arrangements can be used to establish communication and operation between the PVR 208 and the set-top box 202. Other arrangements can also be used to establish communication and operation with display device 206.

Personal information for one or more users can be stored in a suitable device such as a set-top box 202, a personal video recorder 208, a server 112 of FIG. 1, or a combination thereof. Personal information includes, for example, user profiles, preferences, viewing history, recording history, and the like. By using personal information, it is possible to automatically record a program that matches the personal information. A program is recorded when the information about the upcoming program matches the user's personal information, such as user preferences, or when the information about the upcoming program matches the stored personal information. An example of an interactive television program guide with personalization capabilities is described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 974,646 by Thomas et al., Filed October 9, 2001. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The user can interact with any of the components of the user television device 200 and can interact with the interactive television application using one or more input devices such as the remote control 212. The remote control 212 has various buttons. The user presses these buttons to interact with some of the interactive television applications, such as interactive television program guides. For convenience, many aspects of the invention are described primarily in the context of an input device that is a remote control. Other suitable input devices such as conventional keyboards, wireless keyboards, touch screen display remotes, handheld computers, mice, trackballs, or touchpads can also be used.

An interactive television application, such as an interactive television program guide application, may run locally on the user device 200, or a client in which a portion of the program guide application runs locally on the user device 200. / May be run using a server architecture or a distribution architecture. An example of a client / server program guide is described, for example, in US Patent Application No. 09 / 374,043 by Ellis et al., Filed August 13, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. If desired, the interactive television application that provides the features and functionality described herein may be partially run on the PVR 208 and / or set-top box 202.

FIG. 2B shows another embodiment of the user television device 9900 in which a personal video recorder is integrated with a set-top box. See FIG. 2B here. User device 9900 includes a PVR integrated set-top box 9902, display device 9904, and remote control 9906. The PVR integrated set-top box 9902 is connected to the display device 9904. If desired, the user television device 9900 may include a recording device such as a VCR located between the set-top box 9902 and the display device 9904. Other arrangements can be used to connect the set-top box 9902, display device 9904, and recording device.

The PVR integrated set-top box 9902 receives the signal transmitted by the distribution facility 110 (Fig. 1). The PVR integrated set-top box 9902 has a storage device or memory that stores information such as the user's personal preference settings, user-selected reminders, recordings, or program information. If desired, a PVR that is part of the set-top box 9902 may be used to store this information. PVR hardware and / or software can be integrated with set-top box hardware and / or software into a set-top box 9902. If the user wants to record a show, this integrated PVR can be used to tune the set-top box 9902 to a particular channel and have the show recorded. If necessary, the user can use an interactive television application to transfer the audio / visual signal recorded by the PVR between the set-top box 9902 and the recording device, which is an external device of the set-top box 9902. You may be able to do it.

The user can interact with the components of the user television device 9900 and can interact with the interactive television application through the wireless link 9910 using one or more input devices such as the remote control 9906.

Figure 2C shows another configuration that provides personal video recorder services. In this arrangement, a remote server provides personal video recorder services. Now refer to Figure 2C. User device 9920 includes a set-top box 9922, display device 9926, and remote control 9936. User device 9920 includes a device that communicates with server 9908, such as a set-top box 9922. Server 9908 is configured to provide personal video recorder services to user equipment 9920. The server 9908 may automatically record the program for, for example, the user device 9920, or may record the program based on the user's choice. The server 9908 plays the recording and displays it on the display device 9926. It is also possible to provide functions related to other PVRs. The server 9908 may be a server located in a distribution facility such as the distribution facility 110 of FIG. 1, or may be located in another suitable location.

If desired, the user device may include a recording device 9924 that includes one or more recording devices such as a personal video recorder 9928 or a video cassette recorder 9930. The recording device 9924 may provide the user with additional recording functions and / or capabilities, if desired. For example, the recording device 9924 may be used to record or transfer a program that is being played from or stored on the server 9908. The set-top box 9922 receives the signal transmitted by the distribution facility 110 (Fig. 1). The set-top box 9922 includes a storage device or memory that stores information such as the user's personal preference settings and the reminder selected by the user. If desired, a server 9908 or recording device 9924 may be used to store this information.

The set-top box 9922 transmits audio / video signals and signals representing graphics to the display device 9926 through the recording device 9924.

The user can interact with any of the components of the user device 9920 and can interact with the interactive television application through the wireless link 9934 using one or more input devices such as the remote control 9936. The remote control 9936 allows you to interact with the server 9908 through the set-top box 9922. An example of these and other options is described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 330,860 by Rudnick et al., Filed June 16, 1998. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 3 shows an example 308 of a remote controller including various function buttons. The remote control 308 has a primary option button 302 that provides the user with access to frequently used actions in interactive television applications. The main option button 302 has a power button 320, a menu button 332, an information button 310, a lock button 322, an end button 324, a music button 314, and an edit button 316. The user can display the menu display screen by using the menu button 332. The user can display the information display screen by using the information button 310. The user can use the lock button 322 to modify access to a particular program, channel, or other television content. The user can use the end button 324 to terminate the program guide or other application. The user can use the music button 314 to listen to the music channel that carries the audio. The user can use the edit button 316 to edit the stored program content, such as removing commercials, partially erasing a program, or executing other editing functions.

The remote controller 308 has an alphanumeric button 304 used for alphanumeric input. The alphanumeric button 304 also has a last button 334. The user can use the last button 334 to return to the last watched channel or the last screen.

The remote control 308 has a task button 306 that provides means for instructing a task to be performed by a user device (eg, user device 200 in FIG. 2A). Task button 306 has any suitable control button, for example, play button 338, pause button 340, stop button 342, rewind button 344, fast forward button 346, record button 336, or "OK" button 312. Including.

The remote control 308 has a control button 388 including a volume (VOL) control button 326, a navigation button 330, and a channel (CH) control button 328. The user can use the navigation button 330 to adjust or move the desired element (eg, cursor, highlight window, etc.) vertically or horizontally within the display screen. For example, if the desired element is a cursor on the display screen of an interactive television application, the navigation button 330 can be used to move the cursor within the display screen. The user can use the OK button 312 in the task button 306 together with the navigation button 330 to make on-screen selections. Here, the buttons on the remote control may be referred to as remote control keys.

The personal video recorder function can be accessed, for example, from the main menu display screen of the interactive television program guide. Figure 4 shows an example 400 of the process of accessing PVR-related functions from the main menu display screen. Now refer to FIG. In step 402, the interactive television application displays the main menu display screen (an example shown in FIG. 5). Step 402 is performed, for example, when the user presses a menu button on the remote control, or when the user takes some other appropriate action. In step 402, the user can use the IPG application to access appropriate screens or options such as a program list display screen, a recording display screen, or a recording reservation display screen from the main menu display screen.

In step 404, the interactive television application displays the program list display screen, for example, when the user selects the program list option displayed on the main menu display screen.

Various types of program list display screens can be displayed. In step 414, the interactive television application displays the hourly program list display screen, for example, when the user selects the hourly program list option. In step 416, the interactive television application displays the channel-specific program list display screen, for example, when the user selects the channel-specific program list option. In step 418, the interactive television application displays the type-specific program list display screen, for example, when the user selects the type-specific program list option. At step 420, the interactive television application displays the search program list display screen, for example, when the search results from a search selected by the user are displayed. Examples of display screens provided under steps 414, 416, 418, and 420 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 13-15.

In step 405, the interactive television application displays the PVR setup display screen, for example, when the user selects the PVR setup option displayed on the main menu display screen. An example of a plurality of steps related to providing step 405 is shown in FIG. In step 406, the interactive television application displays the recording display screen, for example, when the user selects a recording option displayed on the main menu display screen. An example of a plurality of steps related to providing step 406 is shown in FIG. In step 408, the interactive television application displays the recording reservation display screen, for example, when the user selects the recording reservation option displayed on the main menu display screen. An example of a plurality of steps related to providing step 408 is shown in FIG. In step 410, the interactive television application displays the erase priority display screen, for example, when the user selects the erase priority option displayed on the main menu display screen. In step 412, the interactive television application displays the priority level information display screen, for example, when the user selects the priority level information option displayed on the main menu display screen.

FIG. 5 shows an example 500 of the main menu display screen provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 500 includes a selectable advertisement 502, a selectable PPV advertisement 504, and a selectable horizontal bar advertisement 520. In addition, the display screen 500 includes various menu headings such as a program list heading 508, a cable TV showcase 510, and a viewer service heading 512.

The program list heading 508 is a heading for options for displaying a program list, such as hourly option 509, channel option 511, sports option 513, and search option 514. Cable TV Showcase Heading 510 is a heading for options exhibited by cable TV operators, such as PPV Option 516 and VOD Option 517. Viewer Service 512 is an optional heading that provides various interactive services such as PVR services to users. These options include, for example, recording option 518, recording reservation option 524, erase priority option 526, PVR setup option 528, and priority information option 530.

The display screen 500 includes a highlight window 522. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 522 within the display screen 500 using the navigation buttons on the remote control. When the highlight window 522 is located above the item to be selected, the user can select the item on the display screen 500 by pressing a data entry button such as the "OK" button on the remote control.

If desired, the interactive features provided on the display screen 500 may be accessible through other means.

The interactive television application allows users to schedule and set up recordings of PPV and non-PPV programs from appropriate locations such as listing screens, browse overlays, flip overlays, program footage, or advertisements. .. FIG. 6 shows an example 600 of the process of selecting and setting a non-PPV and non-VOD program to be recorded. In step 612, the interactive television application allows the user to select a program to record by selecting the record button for a program. The record button can actually be selected from any suitable thing, such as a display screen, an overlay, or the video the user is watching. This record button is pressed for any program listed in any suitable video or graphic, such as a program listing display screen, browse overlay, flip overlay, grid, or advertisement. The user can select the program to be recorded by pressing the record button while watching the program. The user highlights a program on the overlay or display screen, presses the record button, and selects the program to record. On display screens that do not support highlight windows, the user can simply record or press the "OK" button to select the recording function. For example, you can select information options by moving the highlight window on the program list and pressing the information button on the remote control. In step 618, in response to the user pressing the record button on the remote control for a particular program, the interactive television application reserves a single recording with the default settings for that program.

In step 632, when the user selects an information option for a particular program, the program information display screen is displayed. This program information display screen contains information describing the program. At step 634, the user can access the relevant program guide option through the interactive television application. Related program guide options include appropriate program guide options such as last, watch / remind, lock, and other broadcast times. Examples of these and other options are described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 356,268 by Rudnick et al., Filed July 16, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In step 638, the recording option is displayed on the program information display screen so that the user can select the recording option for the program depicted on the information display screen.

If the user selects the recording option, the interactive television application proceeds to step 606. In step 606, the interactive television application allows the user to set up recording. Step 606 includes steps 646, 648, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, and 657. In step 648, the interactive television application allows the user to select the recording quality used for the recording. For example, the user can select an appropriate recording quality such as low quality, medium quality, or high quality. In steps 652 and 654, the interactive television application allows the user to set the length of the buffer recording before and after the scheduled broadcast time of the program to be recorded, respectively. The length of the buffer recording can be set to any suitable time length, for example 1 minute or 2 minutes. An example of an interactive television program guide with buffer recording settings can be found in US Patent Application No. 09 / 821,005 by Ellis et al., Filed March 29, 2001. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of an interactive television program guide with buffer recording settings is described in US Patent Application No. 08 / 924,239 by Ellis et al., Filed September 5, 1997. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In step 651, the interactive television application allows the user to set a recording priority for a program. Recording priority options are, for example, "can't miss" priority, "if possible" priority, "desired" priority, or "desired" priority. I want to record if space is available (if space) Available) Includes any appropriate recording priority, such as priority. The "not to be missed" priority must be recorded in preference to all other programs being broadcast at the same time, for example, and the recording may be erased to free up space for that program. , Indicates that. The "preferably not missed" priority is, for example, as long as the program does not overlap with the "not missed" program being broadcast at the same time, or as long as the recorded "not missed" program does not have to be deleted. Indicates that it should be recorded if possible. The "desirably not missed" priority is, for example, a program with a "not missed" priority or a program with a "preferably not missed" priority, or a recorded "not missed" priority. Indicates that the user wants to record the program as long as the program or the program with the "preferably not missed" priority does not have to be deleted. The "I want to record if space is available" priority indicates that it should be recorded, for example, if there is space to record and it does not overlap with any of the higher priority programs.

At step 650, the interactive television application allows the user to select a continuous setup option. The series setup option is only available if the selected show is part of a series. In step 646, the interactive television application allows the user to schedule a recording of the currently selected program and select a save option to save the recording settings for use in that recording. In response to the selection of the save option in step 646, the interactive television application sets a reminder for its recording reservation.

At step 656, the interactive television application allows the user to cancel and return to the previous display screen. In step 653, the interactive television application prevents the user from recording the program if the program is not actually one episode (one broadcast) of the series selected for series recording. Options can be selected. In step 655, the interactive television application allows the user to record a specific broadcast episode within the series while continuing to record the other broadcast episodes (episodes) of the series selected for series recording. You can choose an option to prevent it. In step 657, the interactive television application allows the user to choose not to record future broadcast episodes of the series selected for series recording.

If the user selects the series setup option, the interactive television application proceeds to step 608. In step 608, the interactive television application allows the user to set up series recording based on the currently selected program. Series recording allows the user to record a series of episodes as a particular program series. Step 608 includes steps 662, 664, 666, 668, 670, 672, 674, 676, 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, and 688. At step 664, the interactive television application allows the user to select a save option that allows the interactive television application to schedule a series recording and save the series setup settings selected by the user. At step 666, the interactive television application provides episode type options including steps 680, 682, and 684. At step 680, the interactive television application allows the user to choose whether or not to have the interactive television application record a previously watched program. In step 682, the interactive television application allows the user to choose whether or not to have the interactive television application record a repeating series of programs. At step 684, the interactive television application allows the user to choose to record a syndicated episode, a first-run episode, or a syndicated and open episode as a series recording.

In step 668, the interactive television application allows the user to select the maximum number of series episodes to store on the PVR. For example, the user can appropriately select the number of episodes to be stored, such as 1 episode, 2 episodes, 3 episodes, or all episodes. If the user selects a certain number of episodes to save, the interactive television application will previously record new episodes so that the total number of episodes saved is maintained at the number selected by the user. Recorded episodes can be deleted automatically. Previously recorded episodes may be erased based on criteria such as the number of years since they were recorded and the viewing status of one or more users. When the user selects the total number of episodes as all recorded episodes, the programs other than the episodes of the series can be deleted first in order to secure the storage space for recording.

At step 670, the interactive television application allows the user to limit the channels on which the series of programs are recorded. For example, the user may select the appropriate recording channel for the series recording, such as the channel when the current series recording was reserved, all available channels, or the channel selected by the user. it can. At step 672, the interactive television application allows the user to choose to watch a list of episodes or programs of the series. When the user chooses to watch a list of programs in the series, the interactive television application proceeds to step 674 to display the program list.

In step 676, the interactive television application allows the user to limit the days of the week on which the program is recorded. For example, the user may want to record an episode that airs on the same day of the week as the selected episode, or may record an episode that airs on any day of the week, or on multiple days of the week. You may want to record the episode that is being broadcast. At step 678, the interactive television application allows the user to select the time at which the program will be recorded. For example, the user can have the program recorded at any time, such as prime time, midnight, early morning, daytime, or at the same time as the selected episode (ie, the episode with the recording option selected). At step 686, the interactive television application allows the user to exit the series setup display screen and reserve the program as a single recording. In step 688, the interactive television application allows the user to save the settings for series recording as a series reminder without making any recording reservations.

Functions related to PVR can be integrated into any screen that shows information about one or more programs or one or more programs, such as a program list display screen. FIG. 7 shows an example 700 of a program list display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 700 is displayed when the search option is used. The display screen 700 displays a list of program titles presented as list bar 702. The list bar 702 can display a recorded content icon 704 indicating that the recording of the program is currently playable. The recorded content icon 704 allows the user to distinguish between programs that can be played from the PVR and programs that are about to be broadcast. Future programs include VOD programs, PPV programs, television broadcast programs, or other programs available through sources other than PVR.

The list bar 702 can display a recording reservation icon 706 indicating that the program shown therein is scheduled for recording. The recording reservation icon 706 indicates the program, for example, when the user selects a recording option for a specific program, or when the interactive television application reserves the program based on the user profile information. Is displayed for. The list bar 702 should display a cancel recording priority icon 703 indicating that the program has been canceled based on the recording priority in order to resolve the overlapping recording reservations by the interactive television application. Can be done. The priorities will be described in detail with FIG. A content rating icon 708 indicating the rating of the program content can be displayed on the display screen 700.

On the display screen 700, a parental control icon 710 indicating that the program is parental-locked can be displayed. On the display screen 700, the program "Cosby" is parental-locked and reserved for recording. The parental lock icon 710 and the recording reservation icon 706 are both displayed in the "Cosby" list bar. Even when a program is locked, the interactive television application can still record the program. If the user wants to watch a locked program while recording it, the user must enter a parental control code. Parental locks are always compelled for replay. This is because parental control codes are required for playback of any program that has a locked title, rating, or channel. An example of parental control locks and other related options is described in US Patent Application Nos. 09/635, 596 by Herrington et al., Filed August 9, 2000. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The list bar 702 can display a series recording icon 714 indicating that series recording is set for the program. Recording reservations and series recordings may be mixed with other list bars on the display screen 700. If there are multiple recorded or upcoming episodes for a particular program or series listed on display screen 700, only one list bar is displayed on display screen 700 for that program or series. When the program is selected on the display screen 700, the information display screen for the oldest recorded episode of the program is displayed, and the time option is displayed on the information display screen. This time option gives the user access to information about other recorded episodes and upcoming episodes of the show.

With this interactive television application, users can move a highlight window 712 over a list bar, such as the list bar 702 for a specific program, and press the record button on the remote control to record options for a specific program. Can be selected. When the recording option is selected, the interactive television application sets a particular program to be recorded. For example, an interactive television application reserves a single recording for its program using default recording settings. If the user presses the record button twice, the interactive television application reserves a series recording based on the currently highlighted program when the currently highlighted program is part of a series. If the user presses the record button on the remote control three times, the interactive TV application cancels the series recording. If the currently highlighted show isn't part of a series and the record button on the remote is pressed, you can toggle the recording settings for that show.

With this interactive television application, users can select information options for a particular list bar by moving the highlight window 712 over a list bar, such as list bar 702, and pressing the information button on the remote control. can do. The program information display screen 800 of FIG. 8 is displayed when an information option is selected for a particular list bar.

This interactive TV application determines whether the program is a PPV program, whether the program can be played from PVR, whether the program is reserved for recording, and whether the program is currently being broadcast. It is possible to display a program information display screen variously configured for each program based on whether or not there is a program, whether or not the program is a VOD program, and the like. FIG. 8 shows an example 800 of a program information display screen for a non-PPV program provided by an interactive television application. See FIG. 8 here. On the display screen 800, the title display bar 806 and the program video 840 about the program currently being broadcast on the matched channel can be displayed. Display screen 800 includes recording option 830. When recording option 830 is selected, or when the user presses the record button on the remote control, the interactive television application displays the program recording setup display screen 900 shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows an example 900 of a program recording setup display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 900 allows the user to set or modify various recording settings such as single-shot recording reservations and series recording reservations. Save option 902, Quality option 904, Series setup option 910, Front buffer time option 912, Back buffer time option 914, Recording priority option 916, Non-episode option 922, Series recording pause option 924, and Series The stop recording option 926 is provided based on steps 646, 648, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, and 657, which are illustrated in FIG. Other options may be displayed as needed. Series setup option 910, non-episode option 922, series recording pause option 924, and series recording stop option 926 are for programs where the display screen 900 is part of a series or part of a series recording. When it is displayed, it is displayed. When the user selects the save option 902 to schedule recording for the program for which the recording option 830 of FIG. 8 is selected, the default recording setting or the recording setting selected by the user on the display screen 900 is used. Recording is reserved. If necessary, the user may use the application to select a recording option for a program already reserved for recording. In this case, the application can display a screen such as a display screen 900 that allows the user to modify or cancel the recording.

If desired, the user may manually schedule recording by using an interactive television application by specifying a channel, date and time, and recording time. Recordings can be reserved in advance for at least two weeks, for example by entering the channel, date and time, and recording time. When the interactive television application identifies data that matches the manual recording, the manual recording is converted to a program-based recording (single recording).

The interactive television application also stores content related to the program being recorded. Related content may be, for example, program information, Advanced Television Forum (ATVEF) content, Wink content, Advanced Compatible Television (ACTV) streams, or other video, graphics, software, or text content. , And so on. The interactive television application allows the user to record a digital music channel while listening, or to record a digital music channel by manually selecting the date, time, channel, and recording time. Interactive television applications can record music information related to digital music recordings such as titles, tracks, and artists.

Series setup option 910 is only available if the selected show is one episode of a series. The interactive television application does not offer a series setup option for PPV programs, so users cannot set series recording for PPV programs. However, if the PPV program is part of a package (eg, a repeating PPV program), the user can set up series recording for all programs in the package through an interactive television application. To set up series recording for a PPV package, the interactive television application requires the user to purchase the package before setting up series recording. If desired, the package purchase option may be provided to the user as part of the recording setup screen.

The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 918 over quality option 904 and scroll through the quality settings to set the recording quality used for recording. The quality level can be set to an appropriate quality, for example low quality, medium quality, or high quality. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 918 over the front buffer time option 912 or the back buffer time option 914 around the scheduled broadcast time of the program recorded using the remote control navigation buttons. You can set the buffer recording time. The buffer recording time can be set to any suitable time such as no buffer time, 1 minute, or 2 minutes.

The interactive television application allows the user to select the non-episode option 922 by moving the highlight window 918 over the non-episode option 922 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. When the non-episode option 922 is selected, the interactive television application records programs that are episodes of the series, but does not actually record programs that are not episodes of the series. For example, if there is a program with a title that matches that of a series, that program is not actually part of that series and will not be recorded. The interactive television application allows the user to select the series recording pause option 924 by moving the highlight window 918 over the series recording pause option 924 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. .. When the series recording pause option 924 is selected, the interactive television application allows the user to choose not to record this episode of the series, but continue recording other episodes. The interactive television application allows the user to select the series recording stop option 926 by moving the highlight window 918 over the series recording stop option 926 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. When the Stop Series Recording option 926 is selected, the interactive television application cancels future recordings of episodes of the series and cancels the series recording. Save option 902 is used to reserve a recording and save the recording settings selected by the user.

This interactive television application allows the user to select the series setup option 910 by moving the highlight window 918 over the series setup option 910 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. .. The interactive television application displays the series recording setup display screen when the series setup option 910 is selected. The available space indicator 920 is displayed on this screen, which is updated every time the option is changed. Indicator 920 displays or estimates how much recording time is available for future programs. This may be based on the priority of the selected program, if desired. For example, it may be the priority currently specified in recording priority option 916 (eg, "not missed" priority, "preferably not missed" priority, "desirably not missed" priority, "free space". Show how much space is available to record the Friend Window S routing show (such as "priority, if any").

The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 918 over the recording priority option 916 and scroll through the recording priority settings to set the recording priority for the recording. The recording priority can be any of the following, for example, "don't miss" priority, "preferably don't want to miss" priority, "desirably don't want to miss" priority, "want to record if space is available", and so on. It can be set to an appropriate priority. The recording priority option 916 can set the recording priority for the specified recording or series recording.

This interactive television application allows the user to select the series setup option 910 by moving the highlight window 918 over the series setup option 910 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. .. The interactive television application displays the series recording setup display screen when the series setup option 910 is selected. The series setup option is included in the display screen 900 only when the selected program is part of a series. FIG. 10 shows an example 1000 of a series recording setup display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 1000 allows the user to set or modify settings for series recording. Save setup option 1002, episode number option 1004, recording channel option based on steps 664, 668, 670, 672, 676, 678, 680, 682, 684, 686, and 688 shown as an example in Figure 6. 1006, All episode viewing option 1008, Recording date option 1012, Recording time option 1014, Previously watched program recording option 1016, Rebroadcast program recording option 1018, Episode type option 1020, Save as single option 1022, and Reminder Save option 1024, as is provided. Other options may be displayed as needed.

The user can set the series recording by using the display screen 1000. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1010 over the episode number option 1004 and scroll the number to set the number of episodes to be saved as a series recording on the PVR at one time. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1010 over the recording channel option 1006, scroll through the channels using the navigation buttons on the remote control, and select the channel for series recording. The channel selected as the channel for series recording may include, for example, the original channel of the program for which series recording is set, all possible channels, and the channel selected by the user. It may include certain types of channels, such as broadcast channels and premium channels, or it may include any other suitable channel. When all episode viewing option 1008 is selected, for example by moving the highlight window over option 1008 and pressing the "OK" key on the remote control, the interactive television application displays the series recording list display screen. .. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1010 over the recording date option 1012 and scroll using the navigation buttons on the remote control to select the date on which the series of programs will be recorded. The user may select specific dates, all days, or any other suitable combination of days. The interactive TV application allows the user to move the highlight window 1010 over the recording time option 1014 and scroll using the navigation buttons on the remote control to select the time the show will be recorded in the series recording. Wear. The user can select the time to record the program as prime time, midnight, early morning, daytime, the same time as the selected episode, or any other time or combination of times. If the user does not select a time, by default the interactive television application will only record episodes that are being broadcast during the same time as the selected program.

With this interactive television application, the user can move the highlight window 1010 over the recording option 1016 of the previously watched program and scroll between "yes" and "no" to enter the interactive television application. Can choose whether or not to record a previously watched program. The interactive television application keeps a log of all programs watched by a particular user to make this decision. With the interactive TV application, the user moves the highlight window 1010 over the recording option 1018 of the rebroadcast program, scrolls between "yes" and "no", and rebroadcasts to the two-way TV application. You can choose whether or not to record the program. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1010 over the episode type option 1020 and scroll through the episode type settings to select the type of episode to be recorded. The type of episode in a series recording is any suitable type of episode, such as, for example, a syndicated episode, a release episode, or both a syndicate episode and a release episode. The episode type may also be a designation indicating which season the desired episode was initially broadcast.

The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1010 over option 1022 to save as a single shot, exit the display screen 1000, and reserve the program as a mere single shot recording. By switching from this series recording to single-shot recording, the series recording function for this program is canceled. With the interactive TV application, the user moves the highlight window 1010 over option 1024 to save as a reminder, exits the display screen 1000, and saves the set settings as a series reminder without recording reservations. be able to. The user can select the setup save option 1002 and save the settings selected by the user on the display screen 1000.

This interactive television application displays a list of all scheduled programs that are episodes of a series. FIG. 11 shows an example 1100 of a series listing display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 1100 is displayed when the option 1008 for viewing all episodes is selected on the display screen 1000 of FIG. See FIG. 11 here. The display screen 1100 lists all the programs belonging to this series, and includes upcoming programs, recorded programs, or programs reserved for recording, and the like. The programs in the recording reservation list are reserved for recording based on the recording options and series options selected by the user in FIGS. 9 and 10. An example of an interactive television program guide with series recording capabilities is described in US Patent Applications 09/330, 792 by Knudson et al., Filed June 11, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The display screen 1100 displays a list bar, such as bar 1102, that includes the date, time, and channels for recording reservations for episodes of the program series. Icon 1104, included in list bar 1102, indicates that the program is scheduled for recording as a series recording. The display screen 1100 shows the "Erase this episode" option 1108. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1106 over the "Clear This Episode" option 1108 to clear the specific listed episode associated with the "Clear This Episode" option 1108. You can choose. When this selection is made, the recording reservation for that episode is cleared.

In addition, the user can select an individual episode and view the program information screen for that episode. These individual episodes can be removed from the series recording on this screen. The user can also select episodes that are not scheduled for recording and have the interactive television application schedule them as well. The interactive television application also displays on this screen additional information about the highlighted episode or all episodes on the screen. This information is any interesting information, such as a series episode title, episode summary, or guest actor.

FIG. 12 shows an example 1150 of a keyword-based recording display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 1150 allows the user to add and remove keyword recordings. The display screen 1150 displays the search parameter 1152, the keyword option 1154, the keyword list 1156, and the delete option 1160. The interactive television application allows the user to enter keywords in the search parameter 1152 using the alphanumeric buttons on the remote control.

The display screen 1150 allows the user to select the keyword addition option 1154 to set up keyword recording based on the search parameter 1152. When a keyword is added, the interactive television application automatically schedules recordings based on that keyword. The interactive television application allows the user to scroll the keywords in Listing 1156 so that the keywords are located in the highlight window 1158. The keywords are scrolled in Listing 1156 and the highlight window 1158 remains stationary. To delete the current keyword in the highlight window 1158, the user presses the right navigation button on the remote control to position the highlight window 1158 on the delete option 1160, and then the "OK" button on the remote control. Just press. The interactive television application also allows the user to select a keyword from the keyword list and view a list of matching programs from a database of upcoming programs or a database of recorded programs.

FIG. 13 shows an example 230 of a sports list display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 230 is displayed when the sport option 513 of FIG. 5 is selected. The display screen 230 is a display screen for sports program types, but the characteristics described below for the display screen 230 are displayed for all kinds of other program types such as movies, children, comedy, PPV, etc. It also applies to the list display screen that is displayed. If desired, similar screens may be displayed for subcategories of programs such as comedy movies. A list bar, such as a list bar 232, is displayed on the display screen 230. The highlight window 236 is used to make selections on the display screen 230. The list bar 232 displays a recorded content icon 234 indicating that the program shown in the list bar 232 is available from the PVR. On the type list display screen 230, the recorded program is placed before other programs (for example, programs to be broadcast) on the list. If desired, the recorded programs on the list may be sorted first by priority and then by date of recording.

FIG. 14 shows an example 240 of a channel-specific list display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 240 is displayed when the channel option 511 of FIG. 5 is selected. The display screen 240 displays a list of programs on a particular channel. Display screen 240 includes channel change option 242. This channel change option 242 allows the user to scroll through the various channels provided by the user's television service provider to see a list of those channels. The list of recorded programs is for any of the channels included in the channel list available with channel change option 242. This list of recorded programs is positioned as one of the channels between the highest numbered channel and the lowest numbered channel. The display screen 240 lists the recorded programs in a list bar such as the list bar 244. Recorded programs are sorted by priority, then by date and time.

In another embodiment, the recorded program may be listed with a list of channels on which the program was recorded. Recorded programs are listed first, followed by current and future programs. The highlight window 246 is used to make selections on the display screen 240.

FIG. 15 shows an example 250 of a timelist display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 250 is displayed when the hourly option 509 of FIG. 5 is selected. The display screen 250 displays a list of programs that the user can watch at a particular time. Also, recorded programs are included between the highest numbered channel and the lowest numbered channel in this list. The display screen 250 includes a time change option 252. This time change option 252 allows the user to scroll through the hourly list. The display screen 250 includes a list bar for recorded programs such as the list bar 254. The highlight window 259 is used to make selections on the display screen 250. If desired, one or more recorded programs listed may be modified as the user scrolls through various times using the time modification option 252. The display screen 250 also includes a list bar for current or future programs, such as the program list bar 258. As shown on display screen 250, the recorded program is placed between the highest numbered channel and the lowest numbered channel. If desired, channel 0 (zero) may be specified for access to the recorded program listings. For example, if you select channel 0, the interactive television application quickly displays a list of recorded programs on display screen 250. If desired, there may be a quick access option that provides access to a complete list of all recorded shows. If necessary, the hourly display screen may show the program in multiples of 30 minutes, for example in a grid format.

FIG. 16 shows an example 260 of a browse or flip overlay provided by an interactive television application. An example of an interactive television program guide with browse and flip capabilities is described, for example, in US Patent Applications 09/330, 793 by Boyer et al., Filed June 11, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Overlay 260 includes channel change option 262. When the interactive television application is in browse mode, the interactive television application allows the user to scroll through the channels using the channel change option 262. When the channel changes, title 264 changes to the title of the current show on the new channel. The title for the recorded program is displayed when the user changes the channel to the channel specified for the recorded program. Recorded programs are designated between the highest numbered channel and the lowest numbered channel.

When the right or left arrow key on the remote control is pressed, the interactive TV application will display the later or previous program on the currently selected channel when the currently selected channel is a legitimate TV channel. Display the title in title 264. If the right or left arrow key on the remote control is pressed while the title of the recorded program is displayed, the interactive television application displays the title of another recorded program. Recorded program titles are sorted by any suitable criteria, such as priority or date. When the title of the current program on various channels is displayed and the "OK" button on the remote control is pressed, the interactive TV application changes to that channel. When the title of the recorded program is displayed in title 264, when the "OK" button on the remote control is pressed, the interactive TV application plays the recorded program. When the information key on the remote control is pressed, the interactive television application displays an information display screen for the program shown in title 264. The information display screen displays a program currently being broadcast, a future program, or a recorded program.

When this interactive television application is in flip mode, the user can change the current channel displayed and change the title 264 of the current program on that channel in overlay 260 by changing channels. it can. Channels for recorded shows are not available in flip mode. Alternatively, it may be available to watch recorded programs while the channel is in flip mode. The interactive television application starts playing the recorded program when the user flips to the recorded program. If the show was previously partially watched, flipping to a recorded show will cause the interactive television application to start playing the show from where it was most recently watched. Flip mode is available when you are watching a live TV show playing from the buffer for that show. Here, the live TV program refers to a program that is being watched at the same time as being broadcast.

This interactive television application allows the user to set PVR setup options. Figure 17 shows an example 430 of the process used to set the PVR setup options. In step 432, the interactive television application displays the PVR setup display screen. At step 432, the user is provided with PVR setup options including steps 434, 436, 438, 440, 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 466, 468, and 470. ..

In step 434, the interactive television application allows the user to edit the buffer recording time used before and after a program reserved for recording on a particular channel or having a particular program type. If the user chooses to edit the buffer time before and after recording, the interactive television application displays the channel / type time before / after buffer recording time edit display screen in step 460. In step 436, the interactive television application allows the user to set a default recording quality. In step 438, the interactive television application allows the user to edit the recording quality based on the program channel or program type. If the user chooses to edit the recording quality by channel or type, the interactive television application displays the channel / type recording quality editing display screen in step 462. At step 440, the interactive television application allows the user to set the quality of the series recording. In steps 442 and 444, the interactive television application allows the user to set default values for the pre-time buffer recording time and the post-time buffer recording time used for the reserved recording, respectively.

In step 446, the interactive television application allows the user to set a default recording priority for a program. Recording priority options are optional, for example, "not missed" priority, "preferably not missed" priority, "desirably not missed" priority, "want to record if space is available" priority, etc. Is an appropriate priority. In step 448, the interactive television application allows the user to set buffer options. This includes steps 466, 468, and 470. Obviously, in the present disclosure, the term buffer may refer to buffer recording used to record television content before / after a recording reservation to prevent disconnection due to broadcast schedule changes, or for live broadcasts. It may also refer to live TV buffering, which enables features such as TV pauses.

In step 466, the interactive television application allows the user to set the maximum size (or maximum time) used to buffer live television. In step 468, the interactive television application allows the user to set the buffer quality for live television. If desired, the user may be able to select different buffer qualities for each channel, channel type, or program type. At step 470, the interactive television application allows the user to select an option for resolving buffer recording time duplication. If the user chooses to resolve the buffer recording time duplication, the interactive television application displays the buffer time duplication display screen in step 464.

At step 450, the interactive television application provides default series recording options including steps 452, 454, 456, and 458. In step 452, the interactive television application allows the user to, by default, choose whether to have the interactive television application record a program that the user has previously watched. In step 454, the interactive television application allows the user to choose whether to have the interactive television application record a rebroadcast program by default. In step 456, the interactive television application allows the user to select, by default, the channel on which the interactive television application will record the series episode. In step 458, the interactive television application allows the user to select, by default, a syndicated episode, a release episode, or both a syndicate episode and a release episode as a series recording. All options set in this process are stored in memory and used as default when a new recording is reserved. One of these settings may be disabled when recording is reserved. If desired, the individual settings for the PVR defaults may be entered on a per-user basis.

FIG. 18 shows an example 540 of a PVR setup display screen provided by an interactive television application. The PVR setup display screen 540 is displayed when the user selects a specific recording setting or when the user selects a setting for the default recording setting. The display screen 540 allows the user to set various settings for the PVR. If desired, the PVR setup display screen 540 may be displayed to include an option to set a specific recording, without an option to set a system default. Conversely, the PVR setup display screen 540 may be displayed to include an option to set system defaults, without the option to set specific recordings.

The display screen 540 is supplied based on steps 434, 436, 438, 440, 442, 444, 446, 452, 454, 456, 458, 466, 468, and 470 shown as an example in FIG. / Before / After buffer time option 542 by type, Default quality option 544, Quality option 546 by channel / type, Series recording quality option 548, Pre-default buffer time option 550, Post-default buffer time option 552, Recording priority option 554, Previously watched program recording option 556, rebroadcast program recording option 558, series recording channel selection option 560, series recording type option 562, buffer time duplication option 563, live TV buffer size option 570, and Includes live TV buffer quality option 572 ,. Other setup options may be provided, if desired.

With this interactive TV application, the user can move the highlight window 568 over the channel / type front / back buffer time option 542 and press the "OK" button on the remote control to channel / type front / back. You can select buffer time option 542. The interactive television application displays the channel / type front / back buffer time display screen when the channel / type front / back buffer time option 542 is selected. This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 568 over the default quality option 544 and scroll through the quality settings to select the default recording quality. This default recording quality is used for all recordings except for recordings specifically set by the user or unless disabled by options such as options 546 and 548. The display screen 1400 of FIG. 25 is used, for example, to set the recording quality for a specific recording. If desired, the display screen 540 may include an option to set the recording quality for a specific recording.

With this interactive television application, the user can select the channel / type quality option 546 by moving the highlight window 568 over the channel / type quality option 546 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. Can be done. The interactive television application displays the channel / type quality edit display screen when the channel / type quality option 546 is selected.

This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 568 over the series recording quality option 548 to scroll through the default quality settings used for series recording. This interactive television application allows the user to move highlight window 568 over the default pre-buffer time option 550 or the default post-buffer time option 552 and scroll through the available buffer time settings for reserved recordings. The default buffer recording time before and the default buffer recording time after the reserved recording can be set respectively. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 568 over the recording priority option 554 and scroll through the priority settings to set the default recording priority used for recording. Recording priority options are optional, for example, "not missed" priority, "preferably not missed" priority, "desirably not missed" priority, "want to record if space is available" priority, etc. Is an appropriate priority.

If necessary, the recording priority set for a certain program may be converted into the erasing priority for the recording of the program. As an example of this conversion, for example, a program whose recording priority is set to a "never delete" priority will be set to a "never delete" erase priority when the program is recorded. Will be converted. The remaining recording priority options also have a corresponding erase priority option.

With this interactive television application, the user moves the highlight window 568 over the recording option 556 of the previously watched program and scrolls between with / without the user to the interactive television application before. You can set a default value for whether or not to record the program you watched. With this interactive television application, the user moves the highlight window 568 over the rebroadcast program recording option 558 and scrolls between with and without recording the rebroadcast program into the interactive television application. You can set a default value for whether or not to allow it. With this interactive television application, the user can move the highlight window 568 over the series recording channel selection option 560, scroll through the series recording distribution route selection settings, and the channel used as the default to perform series recording. Can be selected. This channel selection may be any suitable channel, for example, only the original channel, all possible channels, or a user-selected channel.

With this interactive television application, the user moves the highlight window 568 over the series recording type option 562, scrolls through the series episode types, and sets which type of episode of the show will be recorded by default. can do. Series recording episode types include, for example, syndicated episodes, release episodes, both syndicate episodes and release episodes, or all seasons, or only the current season. Any suitable episode type, such as episode type. The interactive television application allows the user to select the buffer time duplication option 563 by moving the highlight window 568 over the buffer time duplication option 563 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. The interactive television application displays the buffer time overlap display screen when the buffer time overlap option 563 is selected. Buffer time overlap option 563 is used to resolve buffer recording time overlaps. Save option 564 is used to save any PVR settings selected by the user on the display screen 540. When the cancel option 566 is selected, the interactive television application exits display screen 540 and returns to the previous display screen without saving any user selection.

With this interactive TV application, users can move highlight window 568 over the live TV buffer size option 570 and scroll through the size options for hours of storage space on the PVR. You can set whether to use it for live TV recording. The size of the live TV buffer option 570 includes a time factor and a percentage factor that indicates how much storage space on the PVR is specified to buffer the live TV. With this interactive television application, the user can move the highlight window 568 over the live television buffer quality option 572, scroll through the quality options, and use the live television to buffer the live television. You can set the TV buffer quality.

With this interactive television application, the user moves highlight window 568 over recompression activation option 574 and scrolls between with and without to set whether to activate recompression for recorded programs. can do. When the user selects option 574, the interactive television application recompresses the recorded program by background processing using a more efficient digital video compression technique such as MPEG-4. Recompressing a recording reduces the storage space consumed for that particular recording.

If necessary, the user may use the application to select different buffer sizes for factors such as channel, channel type, or program type. For example, an option to assign different live TV buffer sizes for each channel, different live TV buffers for different program types (eg, program categories or genres such as movies, sports, documentaries, talk shows, or news). Different live TV buffer sizes for different size options, different live TV buffer sizes for different channel types (eg, cable TV channels, network channels, or broadcast channels, etc.) Live different for different factors One or more display screens or overlays may be displayed with options for assigning TV buffer sizes. The interactive television application allows the user to move highlight windows within these display screens or overlays to select default settings for live television buffers (eg, buffer size). Display screens, such as the display screen that sets the default time before / after buffer recording time shown in FIG. 19, can be used to perform these live television buffer settings. The user can access these options through the PVR setup display screen or other suitable means.

If necessary, the user may use the application to select different buffer qualities depending on factors such as channel, channel type, or program type. For example, an option to assign different live TV buffer qualities for each channel, different live tv buffer qualities for different program types (eg, program categories or genres such as movies, sports, documentaries, talk shows, or news). Different options for assigning live TV buffer quality for different live TV buffer qualities for different types of channels (eg, cable TV channels, network channels, or broadcast channels, etc.) Live TV for different factors, etc. One or more display screens or overlays may be displayed with options for assigning buffer quality. The interactive television application allows the user to move highlight windows within these display screens or overlays to select default settings for live television buffers (eg, buffer quality). Display screens, such as the display screen that sets the default recording quality for each content type shown in FIG. 20, can be used to perform these live television buffer settings. The user can access these options through the PVR setup display screen or other suitable means.

FIG. 19 shows an example 720 of channel / type front / back buffer time display screens provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 720 allows the user to set a default buffer recording time before and after a reserved recording of a particular channel program or a particular type of program. An example of an interactive television program guide with the ability to reduce recording disconnects is described, for example, in US Patent Application No. 09/881,005 by Ellis et al., Filed March 29, 2001. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Until the user manually sets the default buffer recording before and after the reserved recording for each channel or program type, the interactive TV application will set the default buffer recording time before and after the program to be recorded. Set the buffer recording time for the program based on the options 550 and 552 of FIG. 18 used. On the display screen 720, the user can set the buffer recording time after the sports program to 15 minutes, for example, in consideration of the tendency that the sports program is broadcast longer than planned.

The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 742 over the pre-buffered recording time option 722 for each channel and scroll through the channels to select the particular channel of interest. You can move the highlight window 742 over the pre-buffer time option 724 and scroll the time to set the pre-program buffer recording time for that channel. This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 742 over the buffer recording time option 726 after time per channel and scroll through the channels to select the channel of interest. You can move the highlight window 742 over the post-buffer time option 728 and scroll the time to set the post-program buffer recording time for that channel.

This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 742 over the pre-buffer recording time option 730 by program type and scroll through the program types to select the specific program type of interest. .. You can move the highlight window 742 over the pre-buffer time option 732 and scroll the time to set the pre-buffer time to be used for programs of a particular program type. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 742 over the post-buffer time option 734 by program type and scroll through the program types to select a particular program type of interest. You can move the highlight window 742 over the post-buffer time option 736 and scroll the time to set the post-buffer time used for all programs of a particular program type. If desired, each of the options 724, 728, 732, and 736 may have a "default" setting. The default settings set the feature to use the relevant default settings selected in options 550 and 552 of Figure 18.

The interactive television application allows the user to define a default pre-buffer time and post-buffer time based on the channel type. This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 742 over the pre-buffer time option 6912 by channel type and scroll through the channel types to select a particular channel type of interest. You can move the highlight window 742 over the pre-buffer time option 6914 and scroll the time to set the default pre-buffer time used for programs on a particular channel type.

This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 742 over the post-buffer time option 6918 by channel type and scroll through the channel types to select the particular channel type of interest. You can move the highlight window 742 over the post-buffer time option 6920 and scroll the time to set the default post-buffer time used for programs on a particular channel type.

The save option 738 allows you to save the settings for the pre-buffer time and post-buffer time selected by the user on the display screen 720. When the cancel option 740 is selected, the interactive television application exits display screen 720 and returns to the previous display screen without saving any user selection.

FIG. 20 shows an example 750 of channel / type recording quality display screens provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 750 allows the user to set a default recording quality for a program or program type on a particular channel. Until the user manually sets the default recording quality for programs on a particular channel or for a particular program type, the interactive television application will use each recording based on option 544 in Figure 18, which is a common default recording quality option. The quality can be set.

This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 764 over channel option 752 and scroll through the channels to select a particular channel of interest. You can move the highlight window 764 over channel quality option 754 and scroll through the recording quality options to select the recording quality for that channel. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 764 over the program type option 756 and scroll through the program types to select a particular program type of interest. You can move the highlight window 764 over the program type quality option 758 and scroll through the recording quality options to set the recording quality for that program type. If necessary, set the default quality for any channel or program type to "default", which is the setting selected in option 544 of FIG. 18 as the default for that type of program or program on that channel. You may. Also, if necessary, the default recording quality for series recording (option 548 in FIG. 18) is also the desired recording using the program type quality option 758 with the program type option 756 set to "series" on the screen 750. It may be set by selecting the quality.

If desired, the interactive television application may allow the user to define a default recording quality based on the channel type. With this interactive television application, users can move the highlight window 764 over the channel type option 6824 and scroll through the channel types (eg sports, movies, four major networks, viewer production, premium, news, etc.). , You can select a specific channel type of interest. You can move the highlight window 764 over the channel type quality option 6826 and scroll through the recording quality options to set the default recording quality used based on the channel type.

The save option 760 allows you to save the recording quality selected by the user. When the cancel option 762 is selected, the interactive television application exits the display screen 750 and returns to the previous display screen without saving any user selection.

FIG. 21 shows an example 770 of a buffer time overlapping display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 770 allows the user to select settings for resolving recording overlap between buffer recordings and programs and between different buffer recordings. The user uses the interactive television application to move the highlight window 772 over the buffer recording priority option 774 and scroll between "yes" and "no" to be lower than the show recorded in the previous and next buffer recordings. You can choose whether or not to give priority. If the user selects "Yes" for option 774, the duplication between the program and the buffer recording is resolved by prioritizing the program.

The interactive television application also allows the user to select option 778 and option 780 to resolve recording overlap between buffers. When the user selects "Yes" for option 778, the interactive television application resolves duplication between buffers based on the recording priority of the reserved recording associated with each buffer.

If the user selects "No" for option 778, option 780 can be used to assign different priorities to the pre- and post-hour buffers. For example, option 780 can be used to assign the post-hour buffer a higher priority than the pre-hour buffer. With save option 784 and cancel option 786, respectively, you can save the settings selected by the user or exit without saving the settings.

FIG. 22 shows an example 870 of a priority level information display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 870 displays the amount of free memory (total time) remaining in the PVR. The display screen 870 also displays a list of how much memory is available for each priority level and shows when the free recording memory is exhausted based on the currently reserved recording.

Display screen 870 includes memory usage information section 872. Memory Usage Information Section 872 shows the total memory space of the PVR, all the used memory, and how much memory is left. The number of valid and remaining hours can be any appropriate estimate or any other appropriate method regarding the recording quality, such as the average recording quality of the current recording, the default recording quality, or the recording quality of future recordings. Based on. The display screen 870 includes a priority level information list 874. Priority level information list 874 makes a list of each priority level, an indicator of how much memory is currently used for each priority level, and free space for new recording reservations with a particular priority. Includes information on when the guide to start erasing the show will start.

It is also possible to provide this interactive television application with a PVR function for PPV programs. FIG. 23 shows an example 1200 of the process used to select and set PPV programs. In step 1216, for example, when the user selects an information option for a particular PPV program, either from the list screen or from anywhere else where the user may be interested in the particular PPV program. , Interactive TV application displays PPV information display screen. The interactive television application provides the relevant program guide option at step 1218. Related program guide options include last, order / view, remind, lock, time, and other suitable program guide options. At step 1224, the interactive television application allows the user to select a recording option to set and / or set PPV recording. You can also set to record PPV programs by using the recording key on the remote controller.

If the PPV program was not previously ordered, the interactive television application will allow the user to go through the ordering process prior to recording reservations. The user can set the recording priority for the PPV program. The recording priority setting process such as step 651 in FIG. 6 is also included in the process 1200. Options or steps related to series recording, such as steps 608, 653, 655, and 657, are also included in process 1200, for example when the scheduled recording PPV program is part of a package. If desired, some series setup options such as release / syndicate may not be offered for PPV packages.

When a user attempts to record a PPV program, the interactive television application requires the user to order the PPV program before reserving the program for recording. If desired, the interactive television application may automatically order the PPV program when the user chooses to record the PPV program. In another embodiment, the interactive television application may automatically display the PPV order screen as part of the recording setup process. Recording is not reserved unless the user completes the order for the desired PPV program. If the PPV program is not an impulse order PPV program (eg, an automatic number identification PPV program), the interactive television application allows the user to schedule a recording before ordering the program.

When the user selects the recording option for the PPV program, the interactive television application proceeds to step 1206. At step 1206, the user is provided with options related to PPV recording. Step 1206 includes steps 1232, 1234, 1236, 1238, 1240, and 1242. In step 1234, the interactive television application allows the user to select a PPV program recording time. For example, the user can select a specific broadcast from the PPV broadcast time list. At step 1236, the interactive television application allows the user to select the recording quality for the PPV program. In steps 1238 and 1240, the interactive television application allows the user to set buffer recording times before and after the scheduled broadcast of the desired PPV program, respectively. In step 1232, the interactive television application allows the user to schedule a recording of a PPV program and select a save option to save the settings selected by the user. In step 1242, the interactive television application allows the user to cancel the recording without reserving it and return to the previous display screen.

FIG. 24 shows an example 1300 of a program information display screen for a PPV program that has not yet been reserved for recording. The display screen 1300 is displayed, for example, by selecting the information button on the remote control when the list bar 702 of the display screen 700 of FIG. 7 is located above the PPV program. See FIG. 24 here. The display screen 1300 includes a title display bar 1306. The display screen 1300 includes program footage 1340 for a program currently being broadcast on the matched channel. The display screen 1300 contains information about the PPV programs listed in the display bar 1306, as well as program guide options related to the PPV programs.

Display screen 1300 includes recording option 1330. When the user selects recording option 1330, the interactive television application displays the PPV recording setup display screen 1400 shown in Figure 25.

See FIG. 25 here. The PPV recording setup display screen 1400 includes a save option 1402, a time selection option 1410, a quality option 1404, a front buffer time option 1412, a back buffer time option 1414, a recording cancel option 1416, and a recording priority option 1420. These options are provided based on steps 1232, 1234, 1236, 1238, 1240, and 1242 shown as examples in FIG. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1418 over the time selection option 1410 to scroll through the scheduled time of a particular PPV program to select a recording time. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1418 over quality option 1404 and scroll through the recording quality settings using the navigation buttons on the remote control to select the quality for the recording. With this two-way television application, the user can move the highlight window 1418 on the front buffer time option 1412 or on the back buffer time option 1414 and use the navigation buttons on the remote control to buffer the front and back buffers used for recording. You can set the time. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1418 over the recording priority option 1420 and set the recording priority for recording using the navigation buttons on the remote control. If you select save option 1402, you can reserve the desired recording and related recording settings. When the cancel option 1416 is selected, the interactive television application exits the current display screen and returns to the previous display screen without reserving the recording of the PPV program. Other suitable options may be provided. If necessary, the user can use this application to make a recording reservation for P. Recording options may be selectable for PV programs. In this case, this application displays a screen such as a display screen 1400. This screen allows the user to modify the recording settings or cancel the recording reservation. In this way, the functionality of PVR can also be provided for PPV programs.

It is also possible to provide this interactive television application with a PVR function for VOD programs. FIG. 26 shows an example 1250 of the process used to select and set the recording of a VOD program. In step 1252, for example, when the user selects an information option for a particular VOD program from the list screen or anywhere else where the user can be interested in the particular VOD program. , Interactive TV application displays VOD information display screen. The interactive television application provides the relevant program guide option in step 1254. Related program guide options include last, order, remind, lock, and other suitable program guide options. At step 1256, the interactive television application allows the user to set and / or set VOD recording by selecting a recording option, a remote control record button, or a live control overlay recording option.

When a user attempts to record a VOD program, the interactive television application requires the user to order the VOD program before reserving the program for recording. If desired, the interactive television application may automatically order the VOD program when the user chooses to record the VOD program. In another embodiment, the interactive television application may automatically display the VOD order screen as part of the recording setup process. Recording will not be set up unless the user completes the order for the VOD show.

When the user selects the recording option for the VOD program, the interactive television application proceeds to step 1258. At step 1258, the user is provided with options related to VOD recording. Step 1258 includes steps 1260, 1262, 1264, 1266, 1268, and 1270. In step 1262, the interactive television application proposes a recording time for a VOD program. The interactive television application proposes a reminder-based time to avoid currently reserved recordings and duplicate recordings. The interactive television application suggests recording times and allows the user to scroll through other possible recording times. In step 1264, the interactive television application allows the user to select the recording quality for the VOD program. In steps 1266 and 1268, the interactive television application allows the user to set buffer recording times before and after recording reservations for VOD programs, respectively. Choosing a pre-buffer time or a post-buffer time for the recording of a VOD program is useful, for example, if the playback of the VOD program is extended beyond the time specified for that program. The playback of the VOD program may be extended beyond the specified time, for example, if an interruption occurs during the transmission of the VOD program. However, the buffer recording time before / after the VOD program is usually not required. At step 1260, the interactive television application allows the user to schedule a recording of a VOD program and select a save option to save the settings selected by the user. The user can set the recording priority for the VOD program. Process 1250 also includes a step of setting the recording priority, such as step 651 in FIG. 6, so that the user can set the recording priority for the VOD program. Other options within Process 600 of FIG. 6 may also be included, if desired. Ste

If a VOD or PPV program is marked as copy-protected, the interactive television application limits the case where the user is allowed to schedule recording for the copyrighted program. If necessary, interactive television applications prohibit the automatic buffering of live footage of copy-protected PPV or VOD programs.

VOD and PPV programs can be priced to have different rates depending on the mode of use. For example, the charge for viewing one program and the charge for recording one program may be different. The program recording fee is displayed when the user selects to record the program. If necessary, there are three different charges for VOD and PPV programs (the first two charges are the same type of charges as the two above, and the third charge is for each recorded recording. Fees) may be attached. The interactive television application can also support pay-per-recording (paid recording) and pay-per-play (paid playback) of ordinary content. The interactive television application also pays for the recording space according to the amount of storage space the user is using on the remote server (for example, storing the user's personal video on the remote server). It can also support systems that pay for the amount of storage they have.

FIG. 27 shows an example 1280 of a program information display screen for a VOD program that has not yet been reserved for recording. The display screen 1280 is displayed, for example, by selecting the information button on the remote control when the list bar 702 of the display screen 700 of FIG. 7 is located above the VOD program. See FIG. 27 here. The display screen 1280 includes a title display bar 1282. The display screen 1280 contains information about the VOD programs listed in the display bar 1282, as well as program guide options related to the VOD programs.

Display screen 1280 includes recording option 1284. When the user selects recording option 1284, the interactive television application displays the VOD recording setup display screen 1350 shown in Figure 28.

See FIG. 28 here. The VOD recording setup display screen 1350 includes save option 1352, recording time proposal option 1362, quality option 1354, front buffer time option 1356, back buffer time option 1358, recording cancel option 1360, and recording priority option 1366. .. These options are provided based on steps 1260, 1262, 1264, 1266, 1268, and 1270 shown as examples in FIG.

As described above, when recording a VOD program, the pre-buffer time option 1356 and the post-buffer time option 1358 are not always necessary and may not be selectable by the user.

The interactive television application proposes a time to record a VOD program based on currently reserved recordings and reminders. The interactive television application also determines when the recording time is available to record the VOD program and creates a list of proposed recording times.

The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1364 over the recording time plan option 1362 and scroll through the time plan using the navigation buttons on the remote control to select the recording time. The proposed time includes the current time to allow immediate VOD program recording. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1364 over quality option 1354 and scroll through the recording quality settings using the navigation buttons on the remote control to select the quality for the recording. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1364 over the recording priority option 1366 and use the navigation buttons on the remote control to set the recording priority for recording. When the save option 1352 is selected, the desired recording is reserved based on the associated recording settings set by the user. When the cancel option 1360 is selected, the interactive television application exits the current display screen and returns to the previous display screen without reserving the recording of the VOD program. Alternatively, if necessary, the cancellation option 1360 may be used to allow the cancellation of the recording reservation of the VOD program. If the user can modify the recording settings or cancel the recording reservation using this application, and if necessary, if the user selects the recording option for the VOD program that has already been reserved for recording, the display screen 1350 will be displayed. May be shown.

While recording a VOD program, this interactive television application allows the user to only control the playback of the VOD program locally using the usual PVR flow control options. For example, the user cannot control playback from the VOD server while recording a VOD program. However, the user can control the playback of the VOD program through the user's local PVR. User playback control over VOD programs is available up to VOD programs recorded by the PVR.

Television content can be recorded, played back, or buffered using a PVR. FIG. 29 shows 1500 as an example of the process required when using PVR. At step 1520, the interactive television application displays a reminder overlay for the recording reservation that is displayed for a short time before the reserved recording. This recording may be reserved by the user or by an interactive television application. The reminder overlay contains one or more options. The user can use this overlay to cancel the recording (if series recording is set, this is just one episode of recording cancellation). The user can also use this overlay to hide the overlay so that it can start recording at a reserved time after watching the current show. The user can also use this overlay to stop watching the current program and start recording the program immediately. In addition, the overlay can be used by the user to tune in to the show and cancel the recording in order to watch the show without saving a duplicate. If the user does nothing, the overlay is removed after a predetermined time, and the interactive television application tunes the channel to the broadcasting channel and starts recording. At step 1510, the interactive television application begins recording the program and displays the recording start overlay.

In step 1512, which follows step 1510, the interactive television application displays live footage of the program being recorded and monitors the user's actions to determine if the user has chosen to cancel the recording. For example, the user can also press the record button on the remote control or press another remote control button to choose to cancel the recording and change the current channel (the channel being recorded) during recording. If the user does not choose to cancel the recording, the interactive television application proceeds to step 1514. Otherwise, step 1516 is performed when the user chooses to cancel the recording. At step 1516, the interactive television application displays a recording cancel overlay. If desired, the user may choose to utilize a recording cancel overlay to confirm that the recording has been cancelled. If the user chooses not to cancel the recording, the interactive television application returns to step 1512. If the user chooses to cancel the recording, the interactive television application proceeds to step 1518. During recording, the user can pause, rewind, fast forward, or perform other playback control operations without affecting the recording of the program. The user can fast forward to the "live" point in time of the program where the new content is currently being recorded. If desired, the user may use the application to view previously recorded programs while recording the current program.

The interactive television application proceeds to step 1518 after step 1514. At step 1514, the interactive television application displays a recording completion overlay with a message indicating that the recording is complete. The user may play back what was recorded, for example, from the recording list display screen (see Figure 36), regardless of whether the recording was completed or partially completed (eg, because the user canceled the recording). it can.

When the recording is canceled or completed, the live TV show is buffered. For example, the tuner used for recording is used to buffer live television programs on the PVR when the recording is canceled or completed. If necessary, the system may use a plurality of tuners so that a plurality of programs can be recorded at the same time, or a user can watch one program while recording one or more programs. In step 1518, the interactive television application displays and buffers live full-screen footage. Also, in step 1518, when the user calls the live control overlay, the interactive television application displays the overlay. This live control overlay is invoked by pressing a particular remote control button, for example, a play button, a rewind button, a pause button, a fast forward button, or a stop button. In addition, a dedicated button for calling this overlay may be used. Live control overlays include appropriate PVR-related task options such as play, pause, rewind, fast forward, and record. This live control overlay will automatically disappear if it has not been used for a given amount of time. The interactive television application remains until the recording option is selected for the live television program, or until step 1520, step 1518.

When the interactive television application displays a reminder / recording overlay for another recording reservation, step 1520 is repeated to initiate process 1500. Step 1510 is repeated to start process 1500, for example when the recording option is selected while the user is watching a live TV show. If necessary, the recording may be performed without displaying any overlay. For example, the set-top box may be turned off when the start of recording is reserved. The application can tune in to the selected program and start recording to local storage without turning on the user device. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a remote server without any notice to the user.

When the PVR starts recording a show, a recording start overlay is displayed. FIG. 30 shows an example 1602 of a recording start overlay provided by an interactive television application. The overlay 1602 is displayed by the interactive television application when it begins recording a program (eg, in step 1510 of FIG. 29). Overlay 1602 indicates that the current program is currently being recorded. Overlay 1602 is displayed on video 1604 about the current program being played in the background. The overlay 1602 disappears from view after a predetermined time or when the user selects the back button on the remote control. The interactive television application records the current program without including the overlay 1602 as part of the recording. If desired, the television program may be recorded without including the display screen and overlay as part of the recording.

In addition, the user can take other actions while watching / recording the program without the interaction reflected in the recording. For example, the user can turn off or change the volume of the recorded program so that the change is not included as part of the audio of the recorded program. When recording a program, the user can pause, rewind, or perform other program flow control options without affecting the recording of that program. During the recording of a new program, the user can view the previously recorded program without affecting the recording of the new program.

FIG. 31 shows an example 1702 of a stop recording overlay provided by an interactive television application. Overlay 1702 is displayed on the current video 1704 when the user attempts to change the current channel while recording the current video 1704 for a program. Overlay 1702 is an example of step 1516 in process 1500 of FIG. If necessary, for example, if the system has multiple tuners, or if the program is recorded on a remote server, the user can use the application to influence the recording in progress. It may be possible to change the channel without.

Overlay 1702 includes a "No" option 1706 and a "Yes" option 1708. The interactive television application allows the user to select the "No" option 1706 or the "Yes" option 1708 using the highlight window 1710. If the No option 1706 is selected, the interactive television application will continue to record and display the current video 1704 for the current program. If the "Yes" option 1708 is selected, the interactive television application will stop recording and the user will be able to change channels. If there is no response to overlay 1702, the interactive television application turns off overlay 1702 and continues recording. If desired, a passive stop recording overlay or a recording cancel overlay may be displayed when the user chooses to cancel the current recording.

FIG. 32 shows an example 1804 of a recording completion overlay provided by an interactive television application. Overlay 1804 is displayed when the scheduled recording is complete. Overlay 1804 includes recording retention option 1806 and recording erasure option 1808. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1810 over the recording retention option 1806 and select that option. The user can select option 1806 to turn off overlay 1804 and keep the recording of the show on the PVR. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 1810 over the recording erase option 1808 and select that option (eg by pressing the "OK" button on the remote control). The user can select option 1808 to erase the overlay 1804 and have the recording of the show erased from the PVR. If there is no action from the user after a certain period of time, the interactive television application automatically selects record retention and removes overlay 1804. Overlay 1804 is displayed on the current video 1802 for a particular program. For example, if the recording or reminder is scheduled immediately after the just completed recording, the overlay 1804 may not be visible if desired.

PVRs can be used to buffer live TV shows and control the flow of live TV shows (eg, pause live shows). FIG. 33 shows an example 1904 of a live control overlay provided by an interactive television application. The overlay 1904 allows the user to control the program flow by pressing a specific remote control button, such as a pause button, a rewind button, or a dedicated button that calls this overlay, or another suitable remote control button. Displayed when the option is called. Overlay 1904 includes options to control the flow of live television programming. Overlay 1904 is provided based on step 1518 of process 1500 in FIG. Overlay 1904 is displayed on the current video 1902 for a particular program. Overlay 1904 includes selectable ads 1906, rewind option 1908, playback option 1910, recording option 1912, pause option 1914, program title 1916, and fast forward option 1918.

When the user selects the rewind option 1908, the interactive television application displays the rewinding buffered video 1902. When the pause option 1914 is selected, the interactive television application displays the buffered footage 1902 of the current program that is paused. When playback option 1910 is selected, the buffered video 1902 resumes playback at normal speed. Overlay 1904 also offers the option to advance video 1902 frame by frame (eg, by repeatedly selecting pause option 1914). When the fast-forward option 1918 is selected, the interactive television application displays the buffered video 1902 of the current program being fast-forwarded. When recording option 1912 is selected, the interactive television application records the current program. The rewind option 1908 and the fast forward option 1918 may be used to fast forward and rewind the program at various speeds. This range of speeds ranges, for example, from different slow motion speeds to different fast forward speeds. Switching between different speeds is done by a continuous selection of the same options (eg, a continuous selection of fast forward option 1908 or a continuous selection of rewind option 1908). To stop the interactive television application from recording the current program or playing back what was recorded, the user presses the stop button on the remote control once or twice to confirm that it is the desired action. You have to press it. If you let the PVR stop recording, the scheduled recording will be cancelled. If desired, stop options may be displayed on overlay 1904 as appropriate.

The stop button on the remote control may also function in the same way as the pause option when the user is watching live TV (ie, the live TV show that is not being recorded is buffered).

The technology for buffering and recording programs will be further described below. When the overlay 1904 is displayed, the user can also control the flow of recordings being played from the PVR. Overlay 1904 may be displayed without recording option 1912 when used to control what has been recorded. See, for example, Figure 39.

FIG. 34 shows an example 2004 of a recording reminder overlay provided by an interactive television application. Overlay 2004 is provided based on step 1520 of process 1500 in Figure 29. Overlay 2004 is displayed on the current video 2002 for a particular program. Overlay 2004 includes Reminder Tab 2008, Reminder Information 2010, Recording Option 2012, Hide Option 2014, Cancel Option 2016, and "Cancel and Watch" Option 2018.

Overlay 2004 is displayed for a predetermined time before the scheduled recording. This predetermined time may be fixed by the application, may be defined by the user on the setup screen, or may be set by the user when the recording is reserved for each recording. .. The reminder tab 2008 may include a list of other reminders for reserved recordings. When recording option 2012 is selected, the interactive television application finishes watching the current program and immediately starts scheduled recording. The interactive TV application turns off the reminder overlay 2004 when Hide Option 2014 is selected and keeps the recording time on time. If desired, after hiding the reminder overlay 2004 using Hide Option 2014, the user may be able to redisplay the reminder overlay 2004 in the application by pressing a button on the remote control. The interactive TV application cancels the recording when the cancel option 2016 is selected. When the Cancel and Watch option 2018 is selected, the interactive television application tunes to the show but cancels the recording so that the user can watch the show but save the duplicate. Not done. In the absence of user action, Overlay 2004 will automatically disappear and the interactive television application will tune in to the channel on which the recording was scheduled and begin recording. Once the scheduled recording has started, the recording start overlay 1602 of FIG. 30 is displayed to indicate that the program is being recorded.

This interactive television application displays a specific program information display screen for a program that can be played from a PVR. FIG. 35 shows an example 2100 of the process used to display the PVR recording information display screen. In step 2110, the interactive television application displays the PVR recording list display screen, and the user can play the recordings listed on this list display screen or select an information option for a particular recording. Can be selected. If desired, the user can view recorded programs from anywhere (eg, program type list display screen, search list display screen, hourly list display screen, channel list display screen, browse overlay, or , Flip overlay, etc.) can be selected to play and view information about it. If the user chooses to play what was recorded, for example by pressing the "OK" or play button on the remote control, the interactive television application proceeds to step 2136. If the user selects the information option for what was recorded, the interactive television application proceeds to step 2120.

At step 2120, the interactive television application allows the user to view information about a particular recording. In step 2122, the interactive television application allows the user to return to the last displayed screen. In step 2124, the interactive television application allows the user to play a recording (eg, a recorded program). When the user chooses to play the recording, the interactive television application plays the recording in step 2136. If necessary, there may be multiple playback options, such as restarting playback from where it last finished playing, or restarting playback from the beginning of the recorded program. At step 2125, the interactive television application causes the user to erase the PVR recording. In step 2126, the interactive television application allows the user to edit the erase priority settings for recordings. If the user chooses to edit the erase priority setting, the interactive television application proceeds to step 2132. In step 2132, the interactive television application displays an erase priority display screen that sets erase priority settings for PVR recordings.

In step 2128, the interactive television application allows the user to modify access to the recording (eg, lock the recording). At step 2130, the user can optionally copy what was recorded to a VCR or other external recording device. The interactive television application displays the VCR setup display screen in step 2134 when the user chooses to copy the PVR recording to the VCR. If desired, in step 2134, the interactive television application may copy the PVR recording to the VCR based on user selection on the VCR setup display screen. If the PVR recording is part of an ongoing series recording, in step 2135, the interactive television application allows the user to modify the series recording settings. If the PVR recording was not recorded as part of a series recording, or is not part of an ongoing series recording, this interactive television application allows the user to make a new recording or a new recording based on that PVR recording. You can schedule a new series recording. The recorded program information display screen also includes a preview option. Select this option to display a partial screen scale version of the program embedded in the program information display screen.

At step 2136, the interactive television application displays a full-screen image of the recording that the user has selected to play. You will also see a PVR control overlay that includes task options related to PVR playback.

FIG. 36 shows an example 2200 of a PVR recording list display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 2200 is displayed when the recording option 518 is selected on the display screen 500 of FIG. The display screen 2200 includes the program title in a list bar such as the list bar 2202. The display screen 2200 includes an erase icon 2206 in the list bar. The erase icon 2206 indicates that the program associated with the icon 2206 will be erased after the time specified in the icon 2206. The erase icon 2206 may be displayed on the display screen 2200 or on another suitable display screen or overlay. If desired, the list bar 2202 is a recorded content icon that clearly indicates that the PVR recording is associated with the program shown in the list bar 2202 (for example, the recorded content icon 704 in Figure 7). ) May be explicitly included.

The user can select to play the recording by moving the highlight window 2212 onto the list bar 2202 and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control or the play button on the remote control. If necessary, the interactive television application plays the recorded program from the beginning or from the current playback location. When the "OK" button on the remote control or the play button on the remote control is selected, the interactive TV application displays a PVR playback video overlay. See, for example, Figure 39.

When the user moves the highlight window 2212 onto a specific recording list and presses the information button on the remote control, the interactive television application displays the recording information display screen.

Recordings such as those shown in list bar 2202 may be automatically recorded as part of a series recording or as a keyword recording. If a particular recording is scheduled for recording by both series recording and keyword recording, the interactive television application saves only one copy of that recording. The recordings on this screen are arranged according to all appropriate criteria. For example, any criterion or combination of criteria such as alphabetical order, recording date order, recording priority order, erasure priority order, viewing state order, whether it was automatically recorded or specified by the user can be considered.

FIG. 37 shows an example 2300 of a recorded program information display screen provided by an interactive television application. The display screen 2300 includes a title display bar 2306 that includes a recorded content icon 2312. The recorded content icon 2312 indicates that the program shown in the title display bar 2306 can be recorded in PVR. Playback counter 2314 indicates to what position the user has watched the program.

The display screen 2300 includes a playback option 2326, an erase option 2328, an erase priority option 2330, a VCR bound option 2334, a series setup option 2336, and a time option 2338. These options are provided based on steps 2124, 2125, 2126, 2130, and 2135 shown as examples in FIG. When playback option 2326 is selected, the interactive television application plays the recording of the program shown in title display bar 2306. If necessary, there may be two or more playback options, such as playing the recorded program from the beginning or playing the recording from the position of the playback counter 2314. When the erase option 2328 is selected, the interactive television application erases the recording of the program and / or erases the information about that particular recording. When the erase priority option 2330 is selected, the interactive television application displays the erase priority display screen and allows the user to set the erase priority setting.

When the VCR bound option 2334 is selected, the interactive television application displays the VCR bound setup display screen, allowing the user to transfer the recorded program from the PVR to the VCR or other device. The VCR bound setup display screen allows the user to set up the transfer of recorded programs from the PVR to the VCR. When the series setup option 2336 is selected, the interactive television application displays the series setup display screen as shown in Figure 10. The user can use the series setup display screen to modify the recording settings for the ongoing series recording corresponding to the selected program, or to use the new series recording if there is no series recording corresponding to the selected program. Can be created. When the time option 2338 is selected, the interactive television application displays a list of other recordings of the show and a list of upcoming episodes of the show. An example of an interactive television program guide with an interactive information display screen can be found in US Patent Application No. 09 / 356,268 by Rudnick et al., Filed on July 16, 1999, described above.

Display screen 2300 includes preview option 2340. When the preview button 2340 is selected, the interactive television application plays a reduced version of the recorded program in the video window 2342. If desired, the application may display a control panel with control keys such as stop, fast forward, pause, rewind, etc., or the user controls the image using keys on the remote control. You may. This control panel is displayed within or on the display screen 2300. If necessary, the current program being played in the video window 2342 may be automatically paused when the recorded program is being previewed.

The interactive television application may also automatically erase programs to manage storage space. Erase priority settings are used to control which recordings are erased by the interactive television application. FIG. 38 shows the erase priority setup display screen 930 provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 930 allows the user to set the erase priority setting for one program. The display screen 930 is displayed when the erase priority option 2330 of FIG. 37 is selected by the user. The display screen 930 includes an erase preference option 932 and an erase order edit option 942.

The interactive television application allows the user to select an erase preference for recordings using the erase preference option 932. The user can scroll through various erase preference settings with option 932. The erasing preference settings that can be set for recording can be settings such as never erasing, setting for recording recorded as a preferable recording, erasing if space is required, erasing when seen, etc. .. If the never erase setting is selected, the interactive television application will not erase the recording unless the user specifically requests it to be erased. When the preferred recording setting is selected, the interactive television application erases the recording without the preferred recording setting before erasing the recording with the preferred recording setting. If the Erase if space is required setting is selected, the interactive television application can erase the program when it needs space to record it. If desired, the interactive television application may first check the priority for the recording and then the number of years since it was recorded when deciding which program to erase. If desired, the program may have two erase priorities. One is used before watching the program, and the other is used after watching the program.

The date program erase option 934 is available when an erase preference other than the "never erase" setting is selected for the current program. Program erasure option 934 by date includes erasure month option 936, erasure date option 938, and erasure year option 940. With the interactive television application, the user moves the highlight window 942 over the erase month option 936, erase date option 938, and erase year option 940, scrolling through the month, day, and year, respectively, to program. You can select the date to delete. When the user selects the erase order edit option 944, the interactive television application displays a list showing the order in which the currently stored recordings are erased. See, for example, the display screen 3600 in Figure 53.

FIG. 39 shows an example 2404 of a PVR playback video overlay displayed on video 2402 of a program being played from a recording on the PVR by an interactive television application. Overlay 2404 is an example of step 2136 of process 2100 in FIG.

Overlay 2404 can be used to control the flow of video 2402. Overlay 2404 includes rewind option 2408, playback option 2410, fast forward option 2412, pause option 2414, stop option 2416, program title 2418, and playback time 2420. The playback time 2420 informs the user of the length of the recording and how much video 2402 has been viewed. The playback video overlay 2404 and the flow control options contained therein are similar to the live control overlay 1904 and the options contained therein in FIG. The stop option 2416 works the same as the pause option while watching live unrecorded TV. During recording of a reserved recording, the stop option 2416 has the ability to cancel the recording reservation.

If desired, an interactive television application allows the user to press a specific remote control button, such as a page-up or page-down button normally included on the remote control, to record or buffer the television. The video 2402 of the program may be skipped forward or backward for a predetermined period of time.

If the user tries to change channels while playing video 2402, an overlay with a message will appear. FIG. 40 shows an example 952 of a message overlay displayed on video 950 of a program being played from a recording on a PVR by an interactive television application. Overlay 952 includes an "OK" option 954 to remove overlay 952. In addition, the overlay 952 is automatically erased by the interactive television application after a predetermined time has elapsed. The message in Overlay 952 indicates that you must press the stop button on the remote control to cancel playback of this video to change channels. If desired, the video 950 may be automatically paused when the user decides to watch another recorded program or switch channels to live television. Video 950 may be paused for later resumption without overlay.

Figure 41 shows an example 960 of a process that includes the steps required to access options in an interactive television application while watching a recording. At step 962, the interactive television application plays the recorded program. In step 964, the interactive television application provides program guide functions such as browsing, menus, guides, or other options, while the user is watching what was recorded. For example, an interactive television application allows a user to press a menu button on a remote control during video playback of a recorded program to display the main menu display screen. If desired, the interactive television application automatically pauses playback of the recording when the user accesses the main menu display screen, or when another display screen or overlay is displayed. May be good.

The user can access or modify the settings for recording a program reserved for recording. FIG. 42 shows an example 2500 of the process showing an example of the steps required to display the information display screen for the program reserved for recording. Step 2502 shows an example of the steps required to enable the user to perform a task with respect to the list on the recording reservation display screen.

In step 2514, the interactive television application is a recording reservation display screen, or a browse overlay, an hourly list display screen, a channel list display screen, a type list display screen, or a search list display screen. Display other graphics, including a list of, etc. The interactive television application allows the user to view information about the list by selecting the information option for the list. Also, in step 2514, the interactive television application allows the user to cancel a recording reservation for a listed program by pressing the record button on the remote control. Then, in step 2522, the recording cancel overlay is displayed. If the show is an episode of a series, a single recording may be converted to a series recording with default settings, if desired, by pressing the record button once. An overlay may be displayed to notify the user of this conversion.

When the user selects an information option, for example using the "OK" button on the remote control or the information button on the remote control, the interactive television application displays an information display screen for the program reserved for recording.

When the information option is selected for a program that is a PPV or VOD program, the interactive television application determines in step 2528 whether the program is currently being recorded. If the program is a PPV or VOD program currently being recorded, the interactive television application proceeds to step 2510. Since the user can also reserve the recording of the VOD program at the current time, the VOD program reserved for recording may be currently being recorded. If the program is a PPV or VOD program that is not currently being recorded, the interactive television application proceeds to step 2508. If the program is neither a PPV program nor a VOD program, the interactive television application proceeds to step 2506.

When a PPV or VOD program is being recorded, step 2510 is performed on that PPV or VOD program. Step 2510 includes steps 2530, 2532, 2536, and 2540 to provide a reserved program information display screen for the currently recording PPV or VOD program. At step 2530, the interactive television application displays the reserved program information display screen. The interactive television application provides the relevant program guide option in step 2532. Relevant program guide options include last, watch, lock, and other suitable program guide options. At step 2536, the interactive television application allows the user to select the stop recording option. When the stop recording button is selected, the interactive television application stops recording the PPV or VOD program and displays a stop recording overlay in step 2540.

Step 2508 includes steps 2542, 2544, 2546, 2550, and 2554 that provide a reserved program information display screen for PPV or VOD programs that are not currently being recorded. In step 2542, the reserved program information display screen for the PPV or VOD program that is not currently being recorded is displayed. The interactive television application provides the relevant program guide option at step 2544. Relevant program guide options include appropriate program guide options such as last and lock. At step 2546, the user can select the order cancellation option with this interactive television application. When the order cancellation option is selected, the interactive television application exits the current scheduled program display screen and displays a recording cancellation overlay in step 2554. If desired, the PPV or VOD program order may be automatically canceled when the user chooses to cancel the PPV or VOD recording reserved in step 2546. At step 2550, the user can choose to edit the recording settings with this interactive television application.

Step 2506 includes steps 2572, 2574, 2578, 2580, 2582, 2586, 2588, and 2590 to provide program information display screens for non-PPV and non-VOD programs scheduled for recording.

In step 2572, the reserved program information display screen for non-PPV and non-VOD programs is displayed. The interactive television application provides the relevant program guide option in step 2574. Relevant program guide options include appropriate program guide options such as watching (if the program is currently on air) and rock at the end. At step 2578, the user can select the stop recording option with this interactive television application. When the stop recording option is selected, the interactive television application determines in step 2586 whether the scheduled recording is currently being recorded. If the program is being recorded, the interactive television application displays an overlay in step 2588 asking if the user wishes to stop recording the program. If the program is not currently being recorded, the interactive television application cancels the recording reservation and displays a recording cancel overlay in step 2590. At step 2580, the user can select and set a series recording. In step 2582, the user can edit the recording settings used for the recording reservation. Step 2582 is the same as step 606 of process 600.

The interactive television application can display a list of reserved recordings as a recording reservation list display screen. FIG. 43 shows an example 2600 of a recording reservation list display screen provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 2600 is displayed when the recording reservation option 524 is selected on the display screen 500 of FIG. The display screen 2600 is an example of step 2514 of process 2500 in FIG.

The display screen 2600 includes a list bar such as the list bar 2602 and a date bar such as the date bar 2604. The display screen 2600 displays a list of titles of programs reserved for recording. The display screen 2600 can use the date bar 2604 to arrange reserved programs based on their scheduled start time and classify the programs according to their scheduled dates. Using the display screen 2600, it is possible to list each program currently reserved for recording. This list includes single recordings as well as recordings that are part of a series recording. Multiple list bars may be used for series recording. If desired, episodes of programs reserved for reminders may also be listed on the display screen 2600.

With this interactive TV application, the user can move the highlight window 2610 on the list bar 2602 and use the appropriate remote control such as the information button on the remote control, the "OK" button on the remote control, or the record button on the remote control. You can select a button to modify the recording / reminder settings for that show. The display screen 2600 includes an episode erase option 2606, an all episode erase option 2608, and a "see other recording reservations" option 2612. The user can use the up / down navigation keys on the remote control to scroll through the recording reservation list and use the left / right navigation keys on the remote control to move between the list and options 2606, 2608, and 2612. .. For example, the interactive television application allows a user to mark a list by moving the highlight window 2610 over the list bar 2602 and pressing a given remote control button. You can then use the left and right navigation keys on the remote control to move the highlight window 2610 over the episode erase option 2606. At this time, by pressing the "OK" button on the remote controller, the marked list is deleted from the display screen 2600, and the recording reservation for the list is cancelled. Further, the episode erasing function may be realized, for example, by pressing the recording key on the remote controller to convert the single-shot recording into a series recording, and then pressing the recording key on the remote controller again to delete the recording reservation. Also, the episode erase option or the series recording erase option may be available from the program information display screen. The user can use this interactive television application to move the highlight window 2610 over the all-episode erase option 2608 (eg, using the left / right arrow buttons) and press the "OK" button on the remote control. You can erase all scheduled episodes. This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 2610 over the "See other recording reservations" option 2612 (eg, using the left / right navigation keys on the remote control). When the user selects the "See other recording reservations" option 2612 in relation to the marked list, the interactive television application displays a list of other recording reservations that match the program name in the marked list. To do. The list of other recordings includes series recordings, keyword-based recordings, or recordings defined using the time and channel during the broadcast. A list of episodes in the series can also be viewed from the "View All Episodes" option 1008 on the Series Recording Setup display screen in Figure 10.

If the reserved recording is a VOD program, the display screen 2600 displays a list for that VOD program in the recording reservation list, similar to a program scheduled regularly at the date and time associated with the recorded VOD program. .. The display screen 2600 allows the user to select a reserved VOD recording. When the reserved VOD recording is selected, the user can view the program information and edit the recording information by using the display screen such as the display screen shown in FIG. 28 by this interactive television application. it can.

FIG. 44 shows an example 2700 of an information display screen for a PPV program currently being recorded. The display screen 2700 is displayed in FIG. 43, or on any other screen accessible to the PPV program, when the user presses the information button on the remote control or the "OK" button on the remote control for the PPV list. Will be done. The display screen 2700 is provided based on step 2510 of process 2500 in FIG.

The display screen 2700 includes a recording stop option 2730 provided under step 2536 shown in FIG. When the user selects the stop recording option 2730, the interactive television application displays the stop recording overlay 1702 in Figure 31.

FIG. 45 shows an example 2800 of an information display screen for a PPV program that is not currently being recorded. The display screen 2800 is displayed when the user presses the information button on the remote controller or the "OK" button on the remote controller for a list of PPV programs that are reserved for recording but have not yet been broadcast. The display screen 2800 is provided based on step 2508 of process 2500 in FIG.

The display screen 2800 includes a recording cancel option 2828, an order cancel option 2830, and an edit option 2832 provided under steps 2546 and 2550 of FIG. When the recording cancel option 2828 is selected, the interactive television application displays the recording cancel overlay 3110 in Figure 48. If the order cancellation option 2830 is selected, the interactive television application cancels the order for this PPV. If desired, the recording may be canceled when the PPV order is cancelled. Editing option 2832 gives the user access to a display screen that allows them to modify already reserved recordings.

When the edit option 2832 is selected, the interactive television application displays the PPV recording setup display screen 2900 of FIG. FIG. 46 shows an example 2900 of a PPV recording setup modified display screen provided by this interactive television application. The display screen 2900 allows the user to edit recording options for a particular recording reservation. The display screen 2900 includes a save option 2910, a time option 2912, a quality option 2916, a pre-buffer time option 2916, a post-buffer time option 2918, and a cancel option 2920. The time change option 2912 allows the user to make a scheduled recording of a PPV program using different broadcasts. These options are provided based on steps 1232, 1234, 1236, 1238, 1240, and 1242 shown as examples in FIG. Select save option 2910 to save the new settings selected by the user. If the changes selected by the user include changes in the time of the PPV program, selecting save option 2910 reserves recording for that new time and orders PPV to be broadcast at that new time. Options 2912, 2914, 2916, 2918, and 2920 work in the same way as options 1410, 1404, 1412, 1414, and 1416 in FIG. If desired, the display screen 1400 of FIG. 25 may be displayed in place of the display screen 2900.

The display screens and optional examples described in the context of PPV programs such as the display screen 2900 of FIG. 46 can also be used for VOD programs.

FIG. 47 shows an example 3000 of the recording reservation program information display screen provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 3000 is displayed in FIG. 43 or on any other screen accessible to the program when the user presses the information button on the remote control against the list of recording reservations for non-PPV and non-VOD programs. .. The display screen 3000 is provided based on step 257 of process 2500 in FIG.

The stop recording option 3030, setup option 3032, and series option 3028 are provided based on steps 2578, 2582, and 2580 shown as an example in FIG. 42. If the program is currently being recorded, the interactive television application displays a stop recording overlay when the stop recording option 3030 is selected. This stop recording overlay asks if the user wants to stop recording the program. When setup option 3032 is selected, the interactive television application displays the program recording display screen 900 of FIG.

FIG. 48 shows an example 3110 of a recording cancel overlay provided by the interactive television application. Overlay 3110 is displayed when the user chooses to cancel the recording reservation. The recording cancel overlay 3110 is displayed on the display screen 3100.

FIG. 49 shows an example 3204 of a live control overlay displayed on a program video provided by the interactive television application. Overlay 3204 is displayed while the buffered video 3202 of a program is playing in the background. Similar to the live control overlay 1904 of FIG. 19, overlay 3204 also includes rewind option 3208, playback option 3210, recording option 3212, pause option 3214, fast forward option 3222, and program title 3216. Overlay 3204 also includes a live television option 3218 and a delay time indicator to live television 3220.

The delay time indicator 3220 to live TV shows how much the buffered video 3202 is behind the live TV. The interactive television application allows the user to select the live television option 3218 to return to the live video currently being broadcast.

The interactive television application allows the user to set the buffer size for pausing live television to the size of live TV buffer option 570 in FIG. If desired, the application may allow the user to set different buffer sizes and recording qualities for each channel, each channel type, and each program type. FIG. 50 shows an example 3304 of a live control overlay including a pause remaining time indicator 3306 displayed on a paused video of a program provided by the interactive television application. Overlay 3304 is displayed on the paused footage 3302 for the current show. Overlay 3304 includes a pause remaining time indicator 3306 that indicates how much time is left in the buffer for pausing live television. If the buffer size is large enough to hold the entire rest of the current program, the pause remaining time indicator 3306 may not be displayed, if desired.

The user can generally set the erasure priority setting for recording. For example, referring here to FIG. 51, an example 3400 of an erase priority setup display screen is displayed by the interactive television application, allowing the user to select an erase priority setting. The display screen 3400 is displayed when the user selects the erase priority option 526 of the main menu display screen 500 of FIG. Alternatively, the display screen 3400 may be accessible from the PVR setup screen 540 of FIG. The display screen 3400 allows the user to set various erase priority settings. The display screen 3400 has a single recording erase priority edit option 3402, a series recording erase priority edit option 3404, a program type erase option 3406, a broadcast type erase option 3408, a channel erase option 3409, a recording end option 3410, and Includes post-view erase option 3414.

This interactive television application allows the user to select the single recording erase priority editing option 3402. When this is selected, the interactive television application displays a single recording erase priority display screen (see FIG. 53). The single recording erase priority display screen allows the user to change the order in which individual recordings are erased.

Managing erasure priority settings for individual recordings that are part of a series recording is a waste of time. Series recording erasure priority order The display screen (see Figure 52) can be used to speed up the process of setting erasure priority for series recordings. The series recording erase priority order display screen is displayed when the series recording erase priority editing option 3404 is selected.

Other types of parameters can also be used to set the erase priority setting. When the user selects the program type erase option 3406, the interactive television application displays the program type erase display screen (see FIG. 54). If the user selects the broadcast type erase option 3408, the interactive television application displays the broadcast type erase display screen (see Figure 55A). If the user selects the channel-specific erasure option 3409, the interactive television application displays the channel-specific erasure display screen (see Figure 55B).

This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 3416 over the recording deadline option 3410 and use the navigation buttons on the remote control to select how long the recording will be stored on the PVR. .. Possible settings for this option include a suitable time, such as never erase, 1 week, or 2 weeks.

This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 3416 over the post-viewing erase option 3414 and use the navigation buttons on the remote control to choose to erase the recording after it has been watched. it can. If you select this option, the recording will be erased immediately after viewing. Alternatively, selecting this option may lower the priority of the watched program so that it is erased in preference to the recording that has not yet been watched.

FIG. 52 shows an example 3500 of a series recording erasure priority display screen provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 3500 is displayed when the series recording erase priority option 3404 of FIG. 51 is selected. Other means may be provided to reach the display screen 3500. Referring now to FIG. 52, the display screen 3500 displays a list bar for recordings such as the list bar 3502, which is displayed as a priority order in which the recording of one series is given a higher ranking than the recording of another series. To do. The list bar is displayed for each scheduled series recording. Keyword-based recordings may also be included on this screen, if desired. The display screen 3500 includes a "move up" option 3508 and a "move down" option 3510. The interactive television application allows the user to change the erase priority for a series using the "Move Up" option 3508 or the "Move Down" option 3510. The interactive television application uses the erase priority order of the display screen 3500 to determine the priority of individual series recordings for all recordings.

In FIGS. 52-55B, the user can use the left / right navigation keys on the remote control to switch between the list and the up / "move down" option up. For example, when the user moves the highlight window onto the desired list, the user can press the left / right navigation keys to access the move up or "move down" option, and the user can access it. , This move up or "move down" option can be selected, for example, by pressing the "OK" key on the remote control. The list before accessing the Move Up or "Move Down" option moves the priority in the Erase Priority List up or down when the user selects the Move Up or "Move Down" option.

Using screens similar to the screens shown in FIGS. 52-55B, relative default recording priorities can be set for series, individual programs, program types, and channel types. If necessary, the recording priority may be converted into an erasing priority after recording the program.

FIG. 53 shows an example 3600 of a single recording erase priority display screen provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 3600 is displayed when the single recording erasure priority editing option 3402 shown in FIG. 51 is selected. Referring here to FIG. 53, the display screen 3600 displays a list bar, such as a list bar 3602, in the order in which the recordings are erased. The recording erasure order may be determined based on the erasure priority setting selected by the user for a particular program (eg, never erase, preferred recording, etc.), or may be comprehensive to the recording by the user. It may be determined based on the erasure priority setting selected for the purpose (for example, erasure priority for series recording, erasure priority for each program type, erasure priority for each broadcast type, etc.). This screen includes a list bar for each reserved single recording. The display screen 3600 includes a "move up" option 3606 and a "move down" option 3608. The interactive television application allows the user to change the order in which the listed recordings are erased using the "Move Up" option 3606 or the "Move Down" option 3608. By moving the position of a recording up or down, the user can manually change the erase priority of that recording for the rest of the recording.

FIG. 54 shows an example 3700 of the erase priority display screen by program type provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 3700 is displayed when the program type erase option 3406 shown in FIG. 51 is selected. Referring here to FIG. 54, the display screen 3700 displays a list bar, such as a list bar 3702. The order of the list bars indicates the different priorities given to each program type when selecting a program to be erased by the interactive television application. As the program type, an appropriate program type such as sports, movies, children's, adults', or comedy can be considered. A list bar is provided for each program type supported by this application. The display screen 3700 includes a "move up" option 3706 and a "move down" option 3708. The interactive television application allows the user to change the erase priority of the program type using the "move up" option 3706 or the "move down" option 3708. The interactive television application uses this erase priority order when specifying the order in which individual recordings are erased.

FIG. 55A shows an example 3800 of broadcast type erase priority display screens provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 3800 is displayed when the broadcast type erase option 3408 shown in FIG. 51 is selected. Referring here to FIG. 55A, the display screen 3800 displays a list / list bar such as a list / bar 3802 that lists the erasure priorities given to the recording based on the broadcast type used for the recording. Appropriate broadcast types such as PPV, VOD, broadcast, cable, and local access can be considered as the type of broadcast. The display screen 3800 includes a "move up" option 3806 and a "move down" option 3808 used to change the erase priority associated with the broadcast type. This erase priority order is also used when selecting the order in which individual recordings are erased.

FIG. 55B shows an example 3810 of a channel-specific erasure priority display screen provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 3810 is displayed when the channel-specific erasure option 3409 in FIG. 51 is selected. Referring here to FIG. 55B, the display screen 3810 displays a list / list bar, such as a list / bar 3812, which lists the erase priorities given to the recording based on the channel on which the program was recorded. The display screen 3800 includes a "move up" option 3816 and a "move down" option 3818 used to change the erase priority for that channel. This erase priority order is also used when selecting the order in which individual recordings are erased.

The interactive television application can also be implemented to push television advertisements and other locally stored and displayed content. FIG. 56 shows an example 9500 of the process required to push a television advertisement and other content to a user device. This interactive television application can store a limited amount of information such as program listing information on a set-top box and / or on a PVR. Now referring to FIG. 56, in step 9502, the interactive television application determines at what time of the day the user does not normally watch television. This may be done by asking the user to specify a time zone during which he or she does not normally watch TV, or by monitoring when the user watches TV. In step 9504, the interactive television application pushes video advertisements (eg, short video advertisements) and other video content (such as edited content) into the user's set-top box. Advertisements and other content are based on user-specified or automatically generated profile information. Content is transferred during times when the user does not normally watch TV. In configurations where the user device has multiple tuners, video content is pushed when the device is not using all the tuners.

If the user attempts to watch television while the interactive television application is pushing content to the user device, the interactive television application proceeds to step 9506. At step 9506, the interactive television application cancels the push of content to the user's local device. At that time, the interactive television application may attempt to resume pushing the content at a time when another user does not normally watch television, or may attempt to resume at the same time of the next day. If desired, content that has been completely or partially downloaded before the interactive television application cancels the push of content may be retained until the next attempt. After the advertisement and other content have been transferred to the user's local device, the user can access these interactive advertisements in step 9508 from virtually anywhere in the interactive television application.

FIG. 57 shows an example 9530 of an online recording scheduled program guide window provided by the interactive television application. An example of an online program guide system is described, for example, in US Patent Application Nos. 08/938 and 028 by Boyer et al., Filed on September 18, 1997. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Window 9530 is an online program guide window for accessing information about scheduled events and other system information about the user's PVR. If desired, online program guides may also be provided over the Internet with the same functionality as the primarily described program guides, which are here, as an example, based on cable television.

Online Recording Reservation Program Guide Window 9530 gives users online access to their recording reservations. Window 9530 includes a menu bar 9532 that contains a menu of features available from the online program guide. The menu bar 9532 has the same function as the main menu display screen 500 of FIG.

In addition, the window 9530 has all the same functionality as the recording reservation display screen 2600 of FIG. The online program guide window 9530 includes a date area 9534, a program listing 9536, and a check box 9538. One check box is displayed for each recording reservation listed in window 9530. The online program guide also includes option buttons 9550 such as information button 9540, record button 9542, series button 9544, episode erase button 9546, and all episode erase button 9548. The option button 9550 performs the same function as the buttons or options on the remote control available for the list on the recording reservation display screen such as the recording reservation display screen 2600 of FIG. This online program guide allows users to select check boxes for recording reservations, such as check box 9538, and select one of multiple option buttons 9550 to perform a particular function. .. This online guide allows the user to select only one recording reservation at a time and select the option button 9550 only for the currently selected recording reservation.

The online program guide records the program on the server, and the user can watch the program after recording through the online program guide. The online program guide allows users to tune in to a program through a tuner card on their personal computer. In addition, the online program guide allows the user to store the program on a hard disk connected to a personal computer. The online program guide can send commands to a user device such as a set-top box or personal video recorder to record a program. The online program guide can send a program recorded on a server or a personal computer to a user device such as a set-top box or a personal video recorder. An example of a remotely accessible interactive program guide is described, for example, in US Patent Application Nos. 09/354, 344 by Ellis et al., Filed July 16, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 58 shows an example 9552 of the process that allows a user to edit a saved program. Examples of the above and other options are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/157, 256 by Rudnick et al., Filed September 17, 1998. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In step 9554, the interactive television application displays a stored program edit display screen, for example, when the user selects an edit button on the remote control or an on-screen edit option in connection with recording. Editing recordings can be selected from virtually anywhere in this interactive television application.

At step 9556, the interactive television application allows the user to remove commercials from the recording. In step 9558, the interactive television application allows the user to combine selected recordings with other recordings. If the user chooses to combine recordings, the interactive television application displays the "Combine with Other Recordings" display screen in step 9560.

At step 9568, the interactive television application allows the user to erase a portion of the selected recording. If the user chooses to erase part of the recording, the interactive television application displays an erase overlay with a time bar indicator on the video in step 9570. Step 9570 includes steps 957, 9574, and 9576. In step 9572, the interactive television application allows the user to place a marker on the time bar indicator. If the user chooses to place one or more markers, the first marker may function as the leading marker and the second marker may act as the terminating marker. In step 9574, the interactive television application allows the user to erase a portion of the recording that is between the leading and ending markers, or before or after a single marker. .. In step 9576, the interactive television application allows the user to clear any marker on the time bar indicator.

In step 9578, the interactive television application allows the user to add selected recordings to a playlist. If the user chooses to add the selected recording to the playlist, the interactive television application displays a playlist display screen in step 9580. Step 9580 includes steps 9582, 9584, 9586, 9588, and 9590. At step 9582, the interactive television application allows the user to mark or unmark recordings that are added to the playlist. At step 9584, the interactive television application allows the user to add more recordings to the playlist. At step 9586, the interactive television application allows the user to create a new playlist. If the user chooses to create a new playlist, the interactive television application displays the "Create New Playlist" overlay in step 9588. At step 9590, the interactive television application allows the user to command a playlist and remove the recording from the playlist.

In step 9592, the interactive television application allows the user to mark a reference position and recall a previously marked reference for the selected recording. If the user chooses to mark a reference position or recall a previously marked reference, the interactive television application displays a position overlay with a time bar indicator in step 9594. .. Step 9594 includes steps 9596, 9598, and 9600. At step 9596, the interactive television application allows the user to place a marker on the time bar indicator. At step 9598, the interactive television application allows the user to skip to the next or previous marker. At step 9600, the interactive television application allows the user to clear all markers of the time bar indicator.

FIG. 59 shows an example 9602 of the "Edit Saved Recording" display screen provided by this interactive television application. The display screen 9602 displays when recording is selected on the recording display screen or other suitable display screen or overlay (here referring to "selected recording") and the edit button on the remote control is selected. Will be done. Alternatively, the display screen 9602 may be displayed, for example, when the edit option shown on the recorded program information screen is selected. The display screen 9602 includes "Remove commercials from recordings" option 9604, "Combine with other recordings" option 9606, "Clear some recordings" option 9608, "Add to playlist" option 9610, and position. Includes mark and call options 9612. These options are provided based on steps 9556, 9558, 9568, 9578, and 9592 shown as an example in Figure 58.

Now referring to Figure 59, this interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 9614 over the "Remove commercials from recordings" option 9604 to remove commercials from selected recordings.be able to. With this interactive television application, the user can move the highlight window 9614 over the "Combine with other recordings" option 9606 and select that option (eg by pressing the "OK" button on the remote control). Can be done. The interactive television application displays the "Combine with Other Recordings" display screen when the "Combine with Other Recordings" option 9606 is selected. This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 9614 over the "Clear Partial Recording" option 9608 and select that option (eg by pressing the "OK" button on the remote control). it can. This interactive television application displays the "Clear Record" display screen when the "Clear Record Part" option 9608 is selected. This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 9614 over the "Add to playlist" option 9610 and select that option (eg by pressing the "OK" button on the remote control). it can. The interactive television application displays the "Add to playlist" display screen when the "Add to playlist" option 9610 is selected. The interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 9614 over the position mark and call option 9612 and select that option (eg by pressing the "OK" button on the remote control). The interactive television application displays the position mark and call display screen when the position mark and call option 9612 is selected. The display screen 9602 also includes information about the selected program, such as title and length. The length displayed will change as the recording is edited.

FIG. 60 shows an example 9616 of a "combined with other recordings" display screen provided by this interactive television application. The display screen 9616 is displayed when the "Combine with other recordings" option 9606 in Figure 59 is selected. With reference to FIG. 60 here, the display screen 9616 can combine the selected recording with other recordings. The display screen 9616 also allows the user to determine in what order the recordings should be combined (eg, whether the position of program A is before or after program B).

The display screen 9616 includes a recording list 9618 that includes a PVR recording list. The display screen 9616 includes a "join back" option 9620 and a "join front" option 9622. The display screen 9616 allows the user to move the highlight window 9632 onto the list bar of recording list 9618 and use the "Join Back" option 9620 or "Combine Before" option for the recordings shown in that list bar. You can select option 9622.

The user can use the left and right navigation keys on the remote control to move the highlight window between List 9618 and Options 9620 and 9622. The user has a specific list (eg Sports Combine the recording of that particular list with the currently selected recording by moving the highlight window 9632 on Center) and adding the currently selected recording before or after the recording of that particular list. be able to. By using the left and right navigation keys on the remote control, the user can access the "join after" option 9620 or the "join before" option 9622 for that particular list. Then press the "OK" key on the remote control to combine the recordings for that particular list with the currently selected recordings. The display screen 9616 also includes information such as the title and length of the currently selected recording. The combined recording may have the name of the originally selected program, or the name of the program selected to combine with the originally selected program, whichever name the user uses. Alternatively, the user may be able to enter a new name for the combination. If necessary, the original recordings after and before the combination may not be erased, either may be erased, or all may be erased.

FIG. 61 shows an example 9636 of the "Clear Part of Recording" overlay displayed on the video 9634 being played from the PVR. Overlay 9636 is displayed when the "Clear Partial Recording" option 9608 in Figure 59 is selected for the selected recording. See FIG. 61 here. Overlay 9636 allows the user to erase part of the recording. Overlay 9636 includes a program counter 9638 and a time bar indicator 9640 that numerically and visually displays the playback position of the selected recording. With this interactive television application, the user can select the fast forward button, rewind button, play button, pause button, front skip button, back skip button, or marker such as marker 9646 or 9648 on the remote control. You can use the appropriate remote control buttons or actions, such as the on-screen option to do any of the above, to move around during recording. The program counter 9638 and the time bar indicator 9640 reflect the user's movements in the selected recording.

The interactive television application allows the user to reach a position in the recording that he or she wants to mark as the beginning of a portion of the recording that he or she wants to erase. When the user reaches the desired position, the interactive television application allows the user to select the "Place Marker" option 9650. When the Place Marker option 9650 is selected, the interactive television application places a leading marker 9466 and a time stamp indicating the exact time position of the leading marker 9646 at the selected position.

This interactive television application fills the playback section 9642 before the leading marker 9646 on the time bar indicator 9640 with a cross-fill pattern. The playback section 9642 is filled with a pattern that indicates the elapsed playback time. Once the leading marker 9466 is in the desired position, the interactive television application will include a time bar indicator that includes a diagonal fill pattern that indicates how much of the program will be erased by the user. Fix 9640. The user then uses any suitable remote control button, such as the fast forward button, play button, pause button, or on-screen option, arrow keys, etc. on the remote control to place the end marker on the user during recording. You can reach the position of. When the Place Marker option 9650 is selected, the interactive television application places a termination marker 9648 at its selected position and a time stamp indicating the exact time position of the termination marker 9648.

When the termination marker 9648 is placed in this way, it defines section 9644 that the user has chosen to remove from the recording. This interactive television application allows the user to select the erase option 9652 and erase section 9644. If the user does not want to erase section 9644, or if the user wants to edit the section to be erased, this interactive television application allows the user to select the "Clear Marker" option 9654. When the Clear Marker option 9654 is selected, the leading and ending markers 9646 and 9648 are cleared from the overlay 9636.

If desired, the user may enter only the first marker to erase all content after the first marker. Similarly, the user may enter only the termination marker to erase all content prior to the termination marker.

The user can create a recording list arranged in a desired order, such as a playlist. FIG. 62 shows an example 9656 of a playlist display screen provided by the interactive television application.

The display screen 9656 allows the user to move the highlight window 9658 over the playlist list bar 9660 to select the playlist to which the recording will be added. The display screen 9656 includes a recording list 9662. The user can move the highlight window 9658 over one of the "Add to playlist" options 9670 placed next to the list of recordings they want to add to the current playlist and press the "OK" button on the remote control. Allows you to add the recording to the current playlist shown in the playlist bar 9660.

The interactive television application allows the user to select the Edit Playlist option 9672 to reorder the recordings in the playlist or delete the recordings from the playlist.

When the Edit Playlist option 9672 is selected, the interactive television application displays the playlist edit display screen (see Figure 63). The interactive television application allows the user to create a new playlist by selecting the Create New Playlist option 9674. When the Create New Playlist option 9674 is selected, the interactive television application displays a new playlist creation overlay (see Figure 64).

FIG. 63 shows an example 9676 of a playlist editing display screen provided by the interactive television application. The display screen 9676 allows the user to change the order of recordings in the playlist and delete the recordings from the playlist. The display screen 9676 includes a playlist recording list 9678, a "move up" option 9680, a "move down" option 9682, an erase option 9684, and a cancel option 9688. The user can press the right or left navigation button on the remote control when the highlight window 9690 is located on a particular list in list 9678, and the options 9680, 9682, and 9648 for that particular list. Can be accessed. This right or left navigation button moves the highlight window 9690 from that particular list to options 9680, 9682, and 9684, and the user selects one of the above options for that list. can do. When the Move Up option 9680 or Move Down 9682 is selected, the recording moves up or down in the playlist. If the erase option 9684 is selected for a particular list, the recording will be removed from the playlist, but the recording itself will not be erased. When the cancel option 9688 is selected, the interactive television application cancels changes to the playlist and exits the display screen 9676.

FIG. 64 displays an example 9702 of a new playlist creation overlay displayed on the playlist display screen 9700 provided by the interactive television application. Overlay 9702 allows the user to create a new playlist and edit the name of that playlist. Overlay 9702 includes playlist name 9704, name editing option 9706, and "OK" option 9708. Overlay 9702 allows the user to select the name editing option 9706 to edit the name of the new playlist. The user can edit the name of the playlist using the alphanumeric keys on the remote control. Once the user is satisfied with the playlist name 9704, the interactive television application allows the user to select the "OK" option 9708.

FIG. 65 shows an example 9804 of the mark and call overlay displayed on the video 9802 of the selected recording being played by the interactive television application from the PVR. Overlay 9804 is displayed when the "Mark Position" option 9612 in Figure 59 is selected for the selected recording. This overlay function is also available from control overlays such as overlay 2404 in FIG. Referring now to FIG. 65, the overlay 9804 allows the user to mark and recall a position in the recording. The overlay 9804 includes a program counter 9806 and a time bar indicator 9808.

The interactive television application allows the user to reach the recording position that he or she wants to mark as a reference point. When the user reaches the desired position, the interactive television application allows the user to select the "Place Marker" option 9812. When the Place Marker option 9812 is selected, the interactive television application places a marker 9810 at that location and a time stamp indicating the exact location of the marker 9810. Overlay 9804 includes a "skip to previous marker" option 9814, a "skip to next marker" option 9816, and a "clear marker" option 9818. This interactive television application allows the user to move the highlight window 9820 over the "skip to previous marker" option 9814 and the "skip to next marker" option 9816. When the "Skip to previous marker" option 9814 is selected, the current playback position indicated by indicator 9808 moves to the previous marker (if any), and the application displays the video corresponding to that position. Play in. When the "Skip to next marker" option 9816 is selected, the current playback position indicated by the indicator 9808 moves to the next marker (if any), and the application displays the video corresponding to that position in the video 9802. Play in. This interactive television application allows the user to select the "Clear Marker" option 9818. When the Clear Markers option 9818 is selected, the interactive television application clears all markers associated with the selected recording. The interactive television application can save all markers that are present when the user exits the overlay 9804 and recall those markers the next time the user accesses this option for that selected recording. If necessary, the user can use individual markers in the program. May be given a name or number so that the marker can be jumped by the name or number. If desired, the markers may be quickly reached using the keys on the remote control (such as page up and page down) while watching the recording, without displaying the overlay. Markers are maintained when recordings are combined, when some of the recordings are erased, and when a playlist is created.

According to this interactive television application, it is possible for a PVR to have multiple user accounts. FIG. 66 shows an example of the steps required to provide multiple program guides to PVR users in the home. Here, referring to FIG. 66, in step 3902, a user device including a PVR is provided in the home. If desired, some of the functions may be provided using devices that do not exist in the user's home. For example, the program may be recorded on a server in the distribution facility. At step 3904, the interactive television application is run on the user device to provide multiple program guides. Each program guide corresponds to one of the members of the household.

In step 3906, the interactive television application associates PVR information specific to individual household members with individual household members. Member-specific PVR information for each household member is associated with that user's program guide. PVR information includes recording settings, user preference information, recording reservation information, recording information, or other PVR-related information. If necessary, steps 3904 and 3906 may be combined. If necessary, the size of the storage space used for settings, user preferences, program information, buffers, stored programs, and other user-specific data is specified for these multiple program guides. May be good. Alternatively, the storage space may not be pre-allocated and may be allocated from among the available memory when each user needs it. In step 3908, the interactive television application allows household members to interact with PVR and / or PVR information using their own program guide. For example, household members can use their program guides to record programs on a PVR, schedule recordings on a PVR, or view or manipulate a list of their PVR recordings.

Step 3908 includes step 3910. In step 3910, the interactive television application displays PVR information associated with a household member when he / she uses his or her program guide. In step 3912, the interactive television application allows the PVR to record or erase programs based on the PVR information associated with its household members. This PVR information is updated when the program is recorded or deleted. In this way, the interactive television application provides a unique program guide for each person in the household.

Household members can start using their program guide by logging in to their program guide. For example, referring here to FIG. 67, the interactive television application displays a user login display screen 4002. The user login display screen 4002 includes option 4004, which allows the user to select a login ID. The user login display screen 4002 also includes a data entry area 4006. Area 4006 is used to enter the personal ID code associated with the login ID. Once a user logs in to access one feature, the user does not need to log in to access another feature. For example, there may be a "change user" or "login" button on the main menu screen, or a key on the remote controller. If desired, the user may be automatically logged out if there is no operation for a predetermined time, or may be automatically logged out when the system is turned off.

When the user selects a specific login ID using option 4004 and enters a valid personal ID code, the personalized main menu display screen 4008 is displayed. The main menu display screen 4008 includes text 4014 indicating the current user and an option to provide interactive services. For example, the main menu display screen 4008 may include a recording option 4010 and a recording reservation option 4012 that the user selects when accessing PVR-related information and features. User preferences and PVR setup options accessed from this main menu screen are specific to the logged-in user.

Users can access their recording reservation list when logged in to their program guide. For example, referring here to FIG. 68, the user login display screen 4102 is displayed, providing an opportunity for the user to log in. In this example, the display screen 4102 shows Tom and Jerry as users.

When the user logs in to his program guide and chooses to access his recording reservation list, the recording reservation display screen 4104 is displayed. As described above, the user can log in by selecting user login and entering a personal ID code. The recording reservation display screen 4104 includes a list 4106 including a list of programs selected as programs to be recorded by Jerry. After Tom logs in to his program guide, Tom's recording reservation list is displayed on the recording reservation display screen 4108 when requested by the user. The recording reservation display screen 4108 includes a list 4110 containing a list of programs selected by Tom as the programs to be recorded. The interactive television application can associate a program to be recorded for each user. For example, as shown, Listing 4110 displayed for Tom is different from Listing 4106 displayed for Jerry.

If desired, the user may be required to log in when the user chooses to access PVR related information and / or features. For example, referring to FIG. 69 here, the main menu display screen 4202 is displayed, for example, when the user presses the main menu button on the remote controller. Access to the main menu display screen 4202 is provided without requiring a user login. From the main menu display screen 4202, the user can also access general program guide functions such as program listings, weather information, and more.

The main menu display screen 4202 includes a recording option 4204 and a recording reservation option 4206. The user login display screen 4208 is displayed when the user selects the recording reservation option 4206 on the main menu display screen 4202. If desired, the user login display screen 4208 may be presented as an overlay. The user login display screen 4208 includes a login ID option 4210 and a data entry area 4212.

When a specific user (Jerry in this example) logs in to his program guide, the personalized recording reservation display screen 4214 is displayed. The recording reservation display screen 4214 includes a list 4216 for Jerry's recording reservation list on January 18, 2002, and a list 4218 for Jerry's recording reservation list on January 20, 2002. The recording reservation display screen 4212 includes a two-way advertisement 4220. An example of an interactive television program guide system with interactive advertising is shown, for example, by Knudson et al., Described below.

The function of managing recordings can be realized in a similar manner. For example, referring to FIG. 70 here, when the user presses the menu button on the remote controller, the main menu display screen 4302 is displayed. The main menu display screen 4302 includes a recording option 4304. The user login display screen 4307 is displayed when the user selects recording option 4304. On the user login display screen 4306, the user selects his or her login ID using option 4308 and enters his or her personal ID code using the data entry area 4310. The personally recorded program display screen 4312 is displayed when a user (Calvin in this example) logs in to the system using the display screen 4307. The recorded program display screen 4312 includes a list 4314 listing the programs recorded for Calvin.

Figure 71 shows an example of the steps required when recording a program in a multiple program guide environment. Now referring to FIG. 71, in step 4402, the user can log in to his program guide. A plurality of program guides, each corresponding to each user, are provided. These plurality of program guides are available through local user devices (eg, user devices used by household members in the home, etc.) as well as using remote devices such as remote servers. The user device or server includes a storage device such as a PVR. The user can log in to the program guide and interact with the storage device. In step 4404, the user currently logged in to his program guide can select a program to be recorded on a storage device (eg, a local recording device or server). At step 4406, the user device records a program based on the program selected as the program to be recorded while the user is in his program guide. The interactive television application, which provides multiple program guides, records programs based on the user's choice, regardless of whether the user is currently logged in to his or her program guide. Therefore, even if a program guide for one user is in use, the program is recorded for another user. In step 4406, the user-specific information about the recording is updated so that the new information is reflected when the user logs in to the system. If multiple users choose to record the same program, the system will only record one copy.

It is also possible by another technology to allow the user to select the program to be recorded in the multi-program guide environment. For example, referring to FIG. 72 here, when a hot water logs in to his program guide and selects access to the program list, the program list display screen 4502 is displayed. If desired, the program listing display screen 4502 contains text indicating the current user (Jerry in this example). The display screen 4502 includes a program list 4510. The current user can select the program to record by moving the highlight window 4504 on the program list, such as the list for program A, and pressing the record key on the remote control. When the user chooses to record program A, icon 4506 is displayed in association with program A. Thus, the icon 4506 indicates that Jerry has selected to record program A and that program A is part of Jerry's recording reservation list.

Another technique for selecting a program to be recorded involves requesting a user ID when the current user attempts to take an action related to recording. For example, referring here to FIG. 73, the program information display screen 4602 is displayed when the user chooses to acquire information about a program. The user can access the information display screen 4602 without logging in to his program guide. The information display screen 4602 includes a recording option 4604 that allows the user to record the current program (eg, using a PVR). Overlay 4606 is displayed when the current user selects recording option 4604. Overlay 4606 is used to log in with ID option 4608, which allows the user to scroll to select their login ID, and a data entry area 4610, which is used to enter a personal identification number (PIN). Includes OK option 4618 and cancel option 4616, which is selected when canceling overlay 4606.

When the current user enters the appropriate information into the overlay 4606, the icon 4612 appears on the information display screen 4602. Icon 4612 indicates that the program has been selected for recording. Here, the information display screen 4602 includes a recording cancel option 4614 that the user selects when canceling the recording reservation. Canceling a recording requires the user to select a login ID and re-enter the PIN.

In a multi-program guide environment, individual users can manually erase recordings. Figure 74 shows an example of the steps required to erase a recording. Referring now to FIG. 74, in step 4702, the interactive television application associates a recording with one or more users. When two or more users choose to record the same program from within their guide, two or more users are associated with that recording. At step 4704, the user associated with the recording can delete the recording from his program guide. At step 4706, the recording is erased when all users associated with the recording choose to erase the recording. Step 4706 includes step 4708. At step 4708, the information that associates the recording with the user is erased when the user chooses to erase the recording. Step 4708 is used to erase the relationship between the user and the program that the user intends to erase (eg, remove the program name of the recording from the user's recording list). Information about a program is deleted, for example, when another user is trying to record the program, without actually erasing the recording itself.

75 and 76 show an example of a sequence of display screens provided based on an example of the steps shown in FIG. 74. Referring here to FIG. 75, when a user attempts to log in to his program guide, the login display screen 4802 is displayed. If desired, the login display screen 4802 may be an overlay. In this example, there are two users shown as Tom and Jerry on the display screen 4802. When Jerry logs in to his program guide using the login display screen 4802 and chooses to access his recording list, the recording display screen 4804 is displayed. The recording display screen 4810 for Tom's recordings is displayed when Tom logs in to his program guide using the login display screen 4802 and chooses to access his recording list. As shown, the recordings included in Listing 4806 of Display Screen 4804 for Jerry are different from the recordings included in Listing 4812 of Display Screen 4810 for Tom, except for one program. Program "Living in "Peace" is listed on both lists 4806 and 4812.

The information display screen 4814, which contains information and options about the program "Living in Peace", is where Jerry moves the highlight window 4808 on the list of the program "Living in Peace" on the recording display screen 4804 and presses the "OK" key on the remote control. Press to display. The information display screen 4814 includes an erase option 4816. The Program Guide allows Jerry to select the erase option 4816 to return to his updated list of programs displayed on the recording display screen 4818. As shown, the list for the show "Living in Peace" is no longer included in Jerry's recording list 4806. The recording display screen 4820 for Tom's recordings is displayed even after the show "Living in Peace" has been selected by Jerry to be erased. The recording display screen 4820 shows the program "Living in". Includes List 4812 of Tom's recordings, which still contains List 4822 about "Peace". In this way, one user can delete a program recording from his guide without changing the program guides of the other users.

FIG. 76 shows an example of a display screen sequence following the sequence shown in FIG. 75. Referring here to FIG. 76, the recording display screen 4918 is a repetition of the recording display screens 4818 and 4820 of FIG. The display screen 4920 for Tom's recordings includes Listing 4926 for the show "Living in Peace." The information display screen 4928, which contains information and options about the program "Living in Peace", is displayed when the current user (Tom) selects Listing 4926. The information display screen 4928 includes an erase option 4930. When the erase option 4930 is selected, the recording and / or information about the program "Living in Peace" is erased. When the erase option 4930 is selected for the program "Living in Peace", the interactive television application displays a recording display screen 4932 indicating that the erased program is no longer in Tom's recording list.

The interactive television application includes the ability to handle differences between the recording settings that two different users choose to record the same program. The interactive television application records the program based on both settings (eg, using the highest setting set by each user). For example, if two users choose different pre / post buffer times, the application will use the longer of the two. If two users choose different recording qualities, the application will choose the highest quality specified. If two users select different recording priorities, the application will use the highest of the specified priorities.

Therefore, a plurality of program guides corresponding to each of a plurality of users who share the same user device are provided.

The notification function is another function provided for the recording act. Figure 77 shows an example of the steps required to provide notifications about upcoming changes to recorded content. In step 5002, the interactive television application allows the user to select a program to record. In step 5004, the user can select the erase priority setting for a particular recording.

In step 5006, the interactive television application automatically selects the program to record or erase. The program to be recorded is automatically selected based on the stored user preferences or other appropriate criteria. The recording is automatically deleted, for example, when a predetermined number of days have passed since it was created or when it has not been viewed for a predetermined period of time.

At step 5008, a notification is sent stating the changes that will be made to the recorded content. For example, the notification states that a particular program is about to be recorded or erased. The changes made will be determined based on steps 5002, 5004, and 5006. Step 5008 includes step 5010. In step 5010, in an environment with multiple program guides, the notification is sent to a specific user associated with the content of the notification. For example, notifications are only sent to users who have selected to record a particular program using their program guide. This can be achieved by sending one notification via email and another notification through a program guide overlay. Other technologies wait for a user to send a notification until they log in to their program guide. At step 5014, the recipient of the notification may cancel or approve the changes indicated in the notification.

In an environment with multiple program guides, each user notified of a change to recorded content can confirm or cancel the change in step 5012. The information associated with each user's program guide reflects whether the user has confirmed or canceled the change. Step 5012 is a substep of step 5014.

FIG. 78 shows an example of a display sequence provided based on an example of the steps shown in FIG. 77. Referring here to FIG. 78, the information display screen 5102 includes information 5104 that describes the upcoming program and related program guide options such as recording option 5106. The upcoming program is, for example, a future program that will be broadcast in about a week. When recording option 5106 is selected, recording can be set for that program. If a recording is set for the program, a notification overlay 5108 will be displayed on the video 5110 or other content for a short time before the program begins broadcasting. Notification overlay 5108 includes text notifying the user that the selected program is about to be recorded. Notification 5108 includes approval option 5112 and cancellation option 5114 so that the user can choose to approve or cancel the recording of the program. Video 5110 is, for example, video of a program that is broadcast for a short time before the broadcast time of the program selected to be recorded.

Notifications can be transmitted using a number of different communication technologies, such as program guide overlays or email messages. Notifications can specify information about specific changes to be made. Figures 79 to 86 are examples of various notification technologies. FIG. 79 shows an example of a notification overlay 5202 displayed on a video or graphic 5404 generated by this interactive television application. The notification overlay 5202 informs the viewer that the program XYZ is about to be recorded and that the program XYZ is a program manually selected to be recorded (ie, the program should be recorded by the user). Includes text 5206 to inform the viewer that it is specifically selected).

FIG. 80 shows a notification overlay 5302 displayed on a video or graphic 5304. Overlay 5302 includes text 5306 informing the viewer that the program XYZ is about to be erased and that the program XYZ is about to be erased based on the erase priority setting. Overlay 5302 includes an erase approval option 5308, which is selected to approve the erase of program XYZ, and an erase cancel option 5310, which cancels the erase of program XYZ when selected.

FIG. 81 shows the same notification overlay 5402 as the notification overlay 5202 of FIG. 79, except that the text information contained in the overlay 5402 is different. The text 5406 in overlay 5406 of FIG. 81 informs that program XYZ is about to be recorded and that program XYZ has been selected to be recorded automatically. This program is automatically selected, for example, based on user preferences. An example of an interactive television program guide system with user preferences is described, for example, in US Patent Application 09/034, 934 by Ellis et al., Filed March 4, 1998. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the program may be selected to be automatically recorded based on the viewing behavior or recording behavior of the monitored user, or may be automatically selected based on other criteria.

FIG. 82 shows the same notification overlay 5502 as the notification overlay 5302 of FIG. 80, except that the text information contained in the overlay 5502 is different. The text 5506 in overlay 5502 of FIG. 82 notifies that program XYZ is about to be erased and that program XYZ has been selected to be automatically erased based on the system's auto erase settings. The automatic erasure setting is, for example, a setting that is not under the control of the user. The auto-erase setting is configured to erase the program, for example, based on the date the program was recorded. Other techniques can also be used. Notifications such as those shown in FIGS. 78-82 are displayed to specific users. In an environment where there are multiple program guides, this is done when the user is logged in to his or her guide at that time. If the user is not currently logged in to his guide, the interactive television application delays sending notifications until the user logs in to his guide. If desired, the interactive television application may avoid such delays by sending an email notification to the user.

Figures 83 to 86 show an example of the e-mail version of the notification shown in FIGS. 79 to 82. FIG. 83 shows an email 5602 that includes recipient information 5604, sender information 5606, subject information field 5610, message area 5608, and reply area 5612. Recipient information 5604 indicates the e-mail address of the recipient of e-mail 5602. This email address may be the representative email address used by a household to receive email notifications about program guide activities, or a particular user in the household may have their program. It may be the email address provided by the user to receive emails about the guide. Caller information 5606 indicates the address of the equipment that sent the e-mail 5602. The subject information field 5610 may inform the user of the general nature of email 5602, or may provide specific information describing the activity being performed. Message area 5608 includes text that informs the recipient that a particular program will be recorded and that the program was manually selected for recording. If desired, the message area 5608 may include a reply area 5612. The reply area 5612 includes two-way email content that allows the recipient to choose to approve or cancel the recording of the program (eg, a link to a particular Internet web page is displayed). If desired, the reply area 5612 may include a description of how the recipient can approve or cancel the indicated activity (eg, email to a specific address to cancel the recording). Inform the recipient that you should send).

FIG. 84 shows an example of an email-based embodiment in which an email 5702 is sent informing the recipient of the email that a particular program will be erased based on the erase priority setting. The content of email 5702 includes a reply area 5704 containing interactive content that the recipient can use to approve or cancel its erasure. Figure 85 uses an email to inform the recipient of an email that a program will be recorded at a certain time and that the program will be automatically selected for recording by email 5802. An example of the present embodiment is shown. Email 5802 includes a reply area 5804 used to reply to email 5802. The reply area 5804 is used to approve or cancel the recording of the program. FIG. 86 shows an example of an e-mail-based embodiment in which an e-mail 5902 is sent informing the recipient of the e-mail that the program will be erased based on the auto-delete setting. Email 5902 includes a two-way reply area that allows the user to approve or cancel the deletion of the program.

In an environment with one or more program guides, this interactive television application maintains a comprehensive list of programs available from the PVR. For example, referring to FIG. 87 here, in step 6002, the comprehensive list of programs stored on the PVR at that time may be generated and stored on the user device, or generated on the remote server. May be memorized. This comprehensive list includes programs contained in one or more recording lists of the user at that time. Recordings, both manually and automatically, are included in this comprehensive list. In step 6004, the programs deleted by the user but still available from the PVR are kept on the comprehensive list. Step 6004 is a substep of step 6002. If desired, programs that have been erased and are no longer available may be included in the list.

In step 6006, the interactive television application does not record a program selected for automatic or manual recording if it is already on the comprehensive list. If desired, the user may be able to edit the list in step 6008. For example, the user may be offered the opportunity to permanently delete a program that contains offensive material. As another example, the user may delete a previously recorded, viewed, and erased program from the list so that another copy of the program is recorded and viewed.

PVR or integrated PVR-IPG can combine content from various platforms. For example, PVRs can store content from television broadcasts, pay-per-view, video-on-demand, Internet, radio, multimedia devices (eg, video, still cameras, etc.), personal computers, and more. it can. This content is collected based on one or more of the same criteria. Viewing can utilize its content through any suitable interactive television application, such as a program guide. An example of an interactive television program guide that summarizes content is described, for example, in US Patent Applications 09/829, 856 by Walker et al., Filed on April 10, 2001. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The PVR can be remotely accessed and / or remotely controlled. The PVR or integrated PVR-IPG can be any wired or wireless network to allow control of the PVR and / or to allow access of content from the PVR from other devices. Through proper connection, it is connected to other devices such as other PVRs (or integrated PVR-IPGs). Other devices include, for example, web phones, personal digital assistance, interactive pagers, ebooks, and the like. An example of an interactive television program guide that provides remote access is described, for example, in US Patent Applications 09/354, 344 by Ellis et al., Filed July 16, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Promotions such as advertisements can be stored on the PVR for presentation to the user. Such memorized advertisements are associated with on-air advertisements viewed by television viewers. For example, referring here to FIG. 88, in step 6102, a live video advertisement (eg, an advertisement broadcast during a break in a local station) is received and / or presented for presentation to the user. Presented to the user. At step 6104, a locally stored advertisement related to the live advertisement is presented to the user. The stored advertisement may be automatically selected and displayed based on the user preference, or may be selected and displayed based on the user's selection. In step 6106, the live video ad that is being presented to the user is replaced with a particular recorded video ad. This recorded video ad is automatically selected and displayed based on user information.

For example, with reference to FIG. 89 here, the video 6204 is used to extend or replace the live video 6202 of a car advertisement. Live footage 6202, including car maker ads, is displayed during a station break. Video 6204 presenting an advertisement for a model of a car manufactured by the manufacturer is displayed to the user from the local PVR after the presentation of video 6202. This stored advertisement is selected and presented based on user preferences. This memorized advertisement is selected from a plurality of different advertisements.

If desired, the user may be able to see the continuation of the live video 6202 of the current advertisement. This interactive television application displays overlay 6206 on live video 6202. This overlay 6206 allows the user to see the current ad continuation. The related ad video 6204, which is a continuation of the current ad, is displayed when the user chooses to see the continuation of the current ad from overlay 6206. Alternatively, the interactive television application may replace the current live ad with a recorded ad video 6204 from a PVR. This recorded ad is related to the current live ad and is selected and displayed based on user information. If desired, the PVR may suspend live television content while video 6204 is being displayed to the user.

The video advertisement stored on the PVR can also be presented to the user when the user enters the program guide. FIG. 90 shows an example of the steps required to display a video ad in a program guide. Referring now to FIG. 90, in step 6302, the video advertisement is stored on a recording device such as a PVR for later presentation in the interactive television application. The video ad may be loaded during off-time when the user device is unlikely to be in use, or may be loaded using other suitable techniques. At step 6304, the advertisement stored in step 6302 is displayed while the user is using the program guide.

FIG. 91 shows an example of two different sequences that present a video ad. Referring here to FIG. 91, the interactive television application displays a program listing display screen 6402 that includes a video advertisement 6404 and an interactive graphic advertisement 6406. Video Advertising 6404 includes a reduced version of the advertising video presented using PVR. Video 6412 is displayed when the user selects video ad 6404. Video 6412 displays the video ad 6404 in full screen.

Interactive Graphic Advertisement 6406 is a graphic generated by the Interactive Television Application to present a particular advertisement. An example of an interactive television program guide that includes interactive graphic advertising is described, for example, in US Patent Application Nos. 09/034, 939 by Knudson et al., Filed March 4, 1998. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. When the user selects the graphic ad 6406, a video 6408 presenting a video ad related to the graphic ad 6406 is displayed. If desired, a "related option" overlay 6410 may be displayed on the video 6408 to allow the user to further interact with the advertisement.

When the user enters the program guide, the stored advertisement is displayed. For example, referring to FIG. 92 here, the video 6504 that presents the advertisement stored on the PVR is displayed when the user viewing the video 6502 presses the guide button on the remote controller. When the advertisement video 6504 is finished, the main menu display screen 6506 is displayed. Text, graphics, bidirectional options, or other video may be added to the video 6504 as needed.

Such video ads are available not only from local PVRs, but also from remote storage devices such as remote storage devices available in client / server based program guide systems. An example of a client / server based program guide system is described, for example, in US Patent Application Nos. 09/332, 244 by Ellis et al., Supra. Remotely stored advertisements are transmitted continuously or in combination thereof as part of the carousel upon request.

Buffer management techniques are implemented for television programs to enhance the interactive services available to users. A buffer management method that creates a new buffer based on the current user behavior is realized. For example, referring to FIG. 93 here, in step 6602, a user device including a PVR is prepared. This PVR is also based on a remote server. In step 6604, when the current user watches a new channel or new program, a new straight buffer is created on the PVR.

When a new buffer is created, the interactive television application allocates a portion of the storage space on the PVR to that buffer. If desired, in step 6606, the interactive television application may assign a buffer size appropriate to hold the size of the program. If desired, the buffer size may be gradually increased to fit the buffered program. In step 6608, the video and / or audio from the currently tuned program or channel is stored in the buffer created when it was first tuned to that channel or program. To be clear and simple, buffered television content is referred to herein primarily as video. The buffered television content can include audio, graphics, data, and other materials as well as video.

Referring here to FIG. 94, the first buffer 6702 is created when the user first tunes to the first channel to view the video 6704 of the first program. The first buffer 6702 is allocated an appropriate size (eg, 50 minutes) to hold the rest of the first program. A second buffer 6706 is created when the user tunes to the second channel to view video 6708 of the second program. The second channel is, for example, tuned after the user has watched the first program for 10 minutes. The shaded area 6710 shown in the first buffer 6702 indicates the portion buffered during the 10 minutes that the first program was viewed. It is assumed that the second program is watched to the end and the user stays on the same channel to watch the next program. The diagonal line 6716 in indicates that the second buffer 6706 holds a portion of the second program viewed by the user. When the video 6714 of the third program starts after the end of the second program, the third buffer 6712 is created. The third buffer 6712 is assigned an appropriate size to hold the length of the third program.

Storage space on the PVR is selected and allocated to the buffer in various ways. For example, referring here to FIG. 95, the interactive television application is prompted in step 6802 to create a new buffer (eg, a straight buffer). In step 6804, storage space that is not allocated to the existing buffer or is allocated to the recording is allocated to create a new buffer. If desired, in step 6806, one or more existing buffers (eg, the oldest existing buffer) may be cleared to make room for new buffers. In step 6808, space from one or more buffers erased is allocated to create a new buffer. Steps 6806 and 6808 may be performed at the same time, as allocating space for the new buffer may clear the existing buffer. If desired, in step 6810, some of the existing buffers (eg, the oldest part of the oldest buffer) may be erased to make room for the new buffer. In step 6812, the space from this erased portion is allocated to the new buffer. Steps 6810 and 6812 are repeated to increase the size of the newly created buffer. For example, in some cases, the new buffer may be initially assigned a fixed length and then increased in length.

If desired, separate buffers for the same program may be combined into one buffer. Figure 96 shows an example of the steps required to combine such buffers. Referring now to FIG. 96, in step 6902, when the user changes the current channel, a new buffer is created. In step 6904, when the separate buffers contain video from the same program, the separate buffers are combined. As another embodiment, the interactive television application does not create a new buffer when the user begins watching a program for which a buffer already exists. The interactive television application simply stores the program in an existing buffer.

FIG. 97 shows an example of a buffering sequence provided based on the steps shown in FIG. Referring here to FIG. 97, when the user changes the current channel to view the video 7004 of the first program on the first channel, the first buffer 7002 is created. When the user changes channels to see the video 7008 on the second channel, a second buffer 7006 is created. Suppose the user watches the first program for 10 minutes and then changes channels. The 10-minute video 7004 buffered by the first buffer 7002 is represented by the shaded area 7010. After watching the video 7008 of the second program to the end, it is assumed that the user returns to the first channel and sees the video 7002 of the first program. The shaded area 7012 of the first buffer 7002 represents the video 7004 of the first program buffered since the user started watching the first program again. In this way, the video that is buffered when the user starts watching the recently watched program again is combined with what was buffered when the user first watched the program. Line 7014 of the first buffer 7002 marks the point where the buffered image of the shaded area 7012 was added to the first buffer 7002. If necessary, the first buffer 7002 includes a gap at line 7014 that corresponds to the length of time the user has been away from the current program.

Buffers for the same program can be combined in various ways. For example, referring here to FIG. 98, in step 7102, the interactive television application buffers separately viewed or combined portions of the same program. For example, two separate parts of a show are buffered when the user changes channels while watching a particular show and then returns to that show. In step 7104, the buffered parts of the program are concatenated. The concatenated buffer does not contain any indicator that there is a break in the buffered video. If desired, in step 7106, the buffered parts may be combined by inserting blank video or other content between these parts. Step 7106 includes step 7108. In step 7108, the interactive television application inserts a blank image, stored advertisement, or other content, which corresponds to the length of the gap in the image of one program, between the separately buffered parts. To do. If desired, short content (such as blank video, text, or graphics) may be inserted between the gaps along with an indication of the length of time the content is displayed.

FIG. 99 shows an example of three video presentation sequences executed based on the steps shown in FIG. 98. Each sequence addresses how buffered footage of non-adjacent parts of the program is presented to the user. The user can rewind the program from the buffer. Video 7202 is presented to the user when the user chooses to play the program after rewinding the program to the first buffered portion of the particular program. When the first buffered part is finished, the blank video 7204 is displayed. In addition, other contents such as advertisements stored on the PVR may be used. Blank footage 7204 is inserted to fill the breaks in the buffer. Video 7206, including the second buffered portion of the program, displays blank video 7204 for a predetermined period of time (eg, equal to the length of the program gap between these two parts).

In the following sequence shown in FIG. 99, the interactive television application displays text 7208 notifying the user of the presence of an interrupted portion of the buffered video portion when the video 7202 of the first buffered portion ends. .. The text 7208 may be presented on a blank image or as part of a graphic. The text 7208 may be displayed for a short period of time, or may be displayed for a period corresponding to a gap between programs. In the final sequence shown in FIG. 99, the video 7210 in the second buffered portion of the program is immediately displayed following the video 7212 in the first buffered portion (eg, these parts are concatenated). ). In this case, both video 7210 and 7212 are displayed without displaying blank video or text that informs the user about the interrupted portion in the buffer.

Gap in the program buffer can be avoided by buffering the programs in parallel. Now referring to FIG. 100, in step 7302, the user can change channels to watch different programs. In step 7304, the programs are buffered in parallel by having multiple tuners buffer the two programs at the same time. Multiple tuners can be implemented as part of the user's local user equipment. If desired, one or more of the tuners may be implemented remotely. In step 7306, the interactive television application can record one program on a storage device (eg, a PVR) while the current user is watching different programs on different channels. When multiple tuners are realized, this simultaneous viewing / recording function will be provided. In addition, these multiple tuners allow the interactive television application to record two programs at the same time. In addition, in this embodiment, the user can watch two or more programs at the same time, for example, by switching channels between two programs and rewinding to see the missed part of the program when changing channels. it can.

FIG. 101 shows an example of a video sequence and buffer management event provided based on the steps shown in FIG. When the user changes channels to watch the video 7404 of the first program being broadcast on the first channel, a first buffer 7402 is created for the first program. When the user changes channels to watch the video 7408 of the second program, a second buffer 7406 is created for the second program. The shaded area 7410 of the first buffer 7402 represents the video 7404 that was buffered before the user changed channels. After watching the second show for 10 minutes, the user changed channel to the first channel, returned to the first show, and pressed the rewind key to rewind the buffered footage of the first show. It shall be. While the user is watching the second channel, a portion of the first program that the user missed is buffered. Use two tuners to buffer both programs. The shaded area 7412 of the first buffer 7402 indicates that the interactive television application continues to buffer the first program after the user's channel change. In this way, when the user returns to the first program and rewinds the first program, the video 7410 including the missed part of the first program is presented to the user.

The user can access the additional buffer content when the current buffer is rewound to the beginning of the buffer. The head of the buffer refers to the earliest recorded content for the show. For example, referring here to FIG. 102, in step 7502, the user can rewind the video of a program using the buffer created for that program. In step 7504, when the user rewinds to the beginning of the buffer, the rewinding may be stopped and the program may be played automatically. In this regard, the user can choose to rewind from the beginning of the current buffer. In response, the interactive television application skips to the end of the previous program and rewinds the previous program from the end of that program. The previous program is a program that the user has previously watched. As another example, the previous program is a program that was previously recorded by the system but has not yet been watched by the user. Alternatively, in step 7508, the interactive television application rewinds the current program to the beginning of the program's buffer and then chooses to rewind again to the beginning of the previous program. You may skip and start playing the program.

When navigating between available programs from the program buffer, this move is based on the chronological order in which the program buffer was created.

FIG. 103 shows an example of a video presentation sequence provided based on the steps shown in FIG. Referring here to FIG. 103, when the user selects rewind of the current program, the video 7602 of the rewinding program is displayed. When the user rewinds the current program to the beginning of the buffer of the current program, the interactive television application stops rewinding and plays the video 7604 of the current program. If the user chooses to rewind from the beginning of the current program or buffer, the interactive television application displays video 7606 of the previous program being rewound. Alternatively, the interactive television application may play the video 7608 of the previous program from the beginning of the buffer of the previous program.

The user can fast forward the buffered program. Now referring to FIG. 104, in step 7702, the user can fast forward the video of the buffered program. In step 7704, the video of the program selected by the user to fast forward is automatically stopped when the end of the program or the end of the buffer of the program is reached. Alternatively, in step 7706, when the end of the program or the end of the buffer of the program is reached by fast-forwarding the program, the interactive television application uses the buffer of the next program to perform the next. Start playing the program. As another alternative, the video of the next program may be fast forwarded when the end of the first program is reached. The fast-forward and rewind techniques described here apply even if the buffer of the previous program, the current program, or the next program does not contain the entire program, but only a part of it. it can.

FIG. 105 shows an example of a bidirectional sequence for presenting a video provided based on the steps of FIG. As illustrated, the video 7802 includes video of the current program being fast forwarded and played back based on the user's choice. The program buffer for the current program is used to present the video 7802. Upon reaching the end of the current program, the interactive television application will stop playing video 7802. When the video 7802 is stopped, the video 7804 from the current channel or the stop frame from the stopped program is displayed. Alternatively, upon reaching the end of the current program, video 7806 may be displayed, including video for the next program. Video 7806 is a video presented from the buffer. Video 7806 is fast-forwarded.

The user can skip forward while watching the buffered program video. For example, referring to FIG. 106 here, in step 7902, the user who is watching the program being played from the program buffer can skip forward to the next program. If the user selects skip forward in step 7904, the interactive television application skips to the beginning of the next program. Similarly, the user can skip backwards between program buffers. Referring here to FIG. 107, video 8002 includes video of that program presented from the program buffer of the current program. When the user selects skip forward, the video 8004 of the next program in the buffer space is displayed beyond the video 8002 of the current program.

The buffered program can be saved as part of the recording. FIG. 108 shows an example of the steps required to record the current program. For example, referring here to FIG. 108, in step 8102, the current program the user is watching is buffered. At step 8104, the user can choose to record the current program. In step 8106, the current program records the video currently being broadcast and the video scheduled to be broadcast for the program, and saves the recorded video of the program available from the buffer as part of the recording. Can be recorded.

FIG. 109 shows an example of an event sequence that records the current program provided based on the steps of FIG. 108. Referring here to FIG. 109, when the user selects to change the channel and leaves the program he was watching on channel 5, video 8202 containing the video of the current program on channel 2 is displayed. To do. If the user changes channel to channel 2, the buffer for that program on channel 5 will survive. Suppose the user decides to return to channel 5 after watching video 8202 for a while. When the user changes channel to channel 5 again, video 8204 is displayed, including the current video of the program on channel 5.

Overlay 8206 is displayed when the user chooses to record the current show on Channel 5. The user can select to record the program by pressing the record key on the remote control while watching the video 8204 of the program on channel 5. Overlay 8206 informs the user that the current program on channel 5 is being recorded and that the recording of this program includes previously viewed parts of that program. In an environment with multiple tuners, the recording can include both previously viewed parts and parts missed by the user (eg, because the user changed channels to watch another program). .. If desired, the information on the overlay 8206 may reflect additional content recorded in an environment with multiple tuners.

The buffered program can be saved as a recording even after the program is over. FIG. 110 shows an example of the steps required to save a buffered program as a recording. Referring here to FIG. 110, the interactive television application retains a buffer of the program after the program ends. At step 8304, the user is given the opportunity to save the program as a recording. At step 8306, the program is saved as a recording from the buffer.

FIG. 111 shows an example of a display screen sequence presented based on the steps shown in FIG. 110. When the user selects the buffer list option from the appropriate display screen of the program guide (eg, the main menu display screen), the program buffer display screen 8402 is displayed. The program buffer display screen 8402 includes a list 8404 showing the programs currently available from the buffer.

When the user selects the documentary list 8406 from the list 8404, the information display screen 8408 is displayed. The information display screen 8408 includes information about the documentary and program-related options such as recording option 8410. When recording option 8410 is selected, the documentary program buffer is saved as a recording. When the user later accesses the currently available recording list, the recording display screen 8416 is displayed. Listing 8412 of the recording display screen 8416 includes a list 8414 of buffered programs (documentaries) that the user has chosen to save as a recording. If desired, Listing 8404 on the Program Buffer Display Screen 8402 may indicate how much a particular program is buffered. If desired, the listing 8404 on the program buffer display screen 8402 may be modified to delete the listing 8406 for a program when the user chooses to record the program from the buffer. The buffer memory is converted to the program recording memory. That is, the program is copied to the program recording memory.

As another example of recording a finished program, this guide may allow the user to rewind or skip backwards to the previous program, as described above. While watching the previous program, the user can press the information key on the remote control to display the program information screen 8408, or press the record key on the remote control to record the program from the buffer.

The size of the storage space used to buffer the program may be set manually or automatically. For example, referring here to FIG. 112, in step 8502, a storage device such as a PVR is prepared as part of the user's local device. In step 8504, part (or all) of the storage space on the storage device is allocated to buffer the television content. Step 8504 can be applied to environments with one tuner or multiple tuners. At step 8504, the size of the buffer space may be set automatically when the system is set by the system operator, or it may be set manually by the user. As an example of automatic setting of the buffer space size, all free storage space for the program buffer may be automatically used. If desired, the minimum size of the buffer space may be allocated automatically, even if it reduces the amount of program that can be recorded.

Referring here to FIG. 113, the buffer setting display screen 8602 is displayed when the user selects a buffer setup option from an appropriate display screen such as the main menu display screen or the PVR setup display screen. The buffer settings display screen 8602 includes a buffer space option 8604. The user can use this option to select the total storage space allocated for buffer creation. The buffer settings display screen 8602 also has a buffer option 8606, which is used to select the maximum number of buffers that are active at the same time, and a buffer size option, which is used to specify a fixed or maximum buffer size. Includes 8608 and option 8610 to select when the buffer is cleared (eg daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). If desired, when space is needed for the new buffer, when it is erased from the old buffer, there may not be an option to choose when the buffer is cleared. The buffer size of each buffer may be set to a fixed size, may be set automatically based on the program size, or may be set using other suitable techniques.

When the user is interacting with the interactive television application, the television content is automatically paused using a recording device such as a PVR. Figure 114 shows an example of the steps required to pause TV content. With reference to FIG. 114 here, in step 8702, television content, such as a program or commercial video, is presented to the user. The television content may be content currently being broadcast, previously recorded content, or content being played from a buffer. At step 8704, the user is given the opportunity to interact with this interactive television application. This interactive television application is, for example, an interactive television application realized on a television system and providing interactive services to users. At step 8706, when the user begins interacting with the interactive television application, the current television content the user is watching is automatically suspended. This current television content may be live television content or other television content such as recorded or VOD programming that the user is watching. The user can start interacting with the interactive television application, for example by pressing a button on the remote control. At step 8708, when the user exits the interactive television application, the television content display resumes. Television content is automatically resumed from where it was paused.

FIGS. 115-120 show an example of video and display screen sequences provided based on the steps shown in FIG. 114. Referring here to FIG. 115, when the user selects the guide button on the remote control to enter the program guide and displays the program list display screen 8804, the video 8802 of the TV program currently being watched by the user is automatically displayed. It will be paused. The program list display screen 8804 includes a scrollable list 8806 to find the list. If necessary, the user may take further action to display another display screen after the program list display screen 8804 is displayed. The video 8808 of the television program that the user was watching before entering the program guide is resumed from where it was paused. When the user exits the program guide, the television program resumes. In this way, using a recording device such as a PVR, the content can be automatically paused when the user is interacting with the interactive television application.

Referring here to FIG. 116, when the user selects a remote control button such as an information button to display the advertisement information display screen 8904, the TV commercial image 8902 currently being viewed by the user is automatically paused. Will be done. The advertising information display screen 8904 contains information about the commercial that the user was watching. The user can interact with the display screen 8904 before returning to the video 8906, and can also use other features of this interactive television application. The video 8906 includes a commercial video that the user was watching when the advertising information display screen 8904 was displayed. Video 8906 resumes playback of the commercial from where the information display screen 8904 is displayed using this interactive television application.

Referring here to FIG. 117, for example, when the user presses the information key on the remote controller while watching the video 9002 of the television commercial, the interactive advertisement display screen 9004 is displayed. The interactive advertising display screen 9004 includes information 9008 related to the television commercial that the user was watching and selectable options associated with the advertisement. The interactive advertisement display screen 9004 continues the reproduction of the television commercial that the user was watching by using the reduced version video 9006 of the commercial. When the user exits the interactive advertising display screen 9004, the video 9010 is displayed and the commercial is restarted in full screen from where the interactive advertising display screen 9004 is displayed. This video may be resumed from an earlier point in time. This is because the user may not pay sufficient attention to the image when interacting with the interactive advertising display screen 9004.

Referring here to FIG. 118, when the user presses a specific remote control button to see which recordings are currently available, the recording display screen 9104 is displayed. Assume that the user chooses to watch the recorded display screen 9104 while watching video 9102 of the current television program. The recording display screen 9104 displays a screen 9104 that may include a measured video 9106 of a program that the user intended to see when the user selected to watch. The recorded display screen 9104 includes a reduced version of the program 9106 that was being watched when the user chose to view the display screen 9104. The recording display screen 9104 includes a listing 9108 showing the recordings currently playable by the user. When the user exits the recording display screen 9108, video 9110 is displayed. Video 9110 is a video of a television program that the user was watching and was paused when the display screen 9104 was displayed. The user can press a key on the remote control to play a television program.

Referring here to FIG. 119, if the user chooses to enter the program guide while watching video 9202 of a television program, the locally stored video commercial video 9204 is displayed. When the user exits the program guide, the video 9206 of the television program is automatically resumed from where the presentation of the video 9202 was stopped by the display of the video 9204. FIG. 120 is a television commercial image in which the image 9302 is automatically paused and later resumed by displaying the image 9306 when the user exits the program guide. An example of the same sequence as the sequence shown in FIG. 119 is shown.

The user can choose to resume the television content from where it was automatically paused or from its current location. For example, referring here to FIG. 121, an overlay or display screen 9402 is displayed requesting whether the television content should be restarted from where the user entered the program guide. The overlay or display screen 9402 includes an approval option 9404 and a cancel option 9406. When the user selects the cancel option 9406, the current location of the television content video 9408 (eg, live television) is displayed. If the approval option 9404 is selected, the television content will resume where the user entered the program guide.

Video or other stored content can also be displayed when the program is paused. For example, referring to FIG. 122 here, it is assumed that the user has selected to pause the video 9420 of the program being presented. When the program is paused, the recorded program or other content 9422 is displayed (eg, from the PVR). Recorded video or other content 9422 is displayed as a full-screen type display. If desired, the recorded content or other content 9426 may be displayed on the paused video 9424 when the user chooses to pause the current program. The recorded content or other content 9426 is displayed, for example, as an overlay. The recorded video may be a video advertisement or other video content. Other content such as still content, animations, still images, etc. can also be displayed.

A user can send a recording, reminder, or recording request to another user (eg, another user in the same household or another user in another household). For example, referring to FIG. 123, when the user chooses to receive information about a program, the information display screen 9440 is displayed. The information display screen may be related to a program to be broadcast, or may be related to a program that has already been broadcast and recorded (at least partially recorded). Information display screen 9440 includes transmission option 9442. When the transmit option 9442 is selected, the transmit display screen 9446 is displayed. The transmit display screen 9446 gives a user the opportunity to send a recording, reminder, or program recording request to another user. The transmit display screen 9446 allows the user to transmit the recording when the information display screen 9440 is displayed for the program having the associated recording. The transmit display screen 9446 allows the user to transmit a reminder or recording request when the information display screen 9446 is displayed for the upcoming program. The transmission display screen 9446 is specifically displayed for a specific program on which the information display screen 9440 is displayed. The transmit display screen 9446 includes a data entry area 9448 in which the user can enter the name or address of the recipient of the recording, reminder, or recording request. The transmit option 9450 is included in the transmit display screen 9446 in which the user chooses to send a recording, reminder, or recording request to a particular user. If desired, the transmit display screen 9446 may include an option that allows the user to select the message transmission technique used (eg, email message).

FIG. 124 shows an email 9460 to a particular user. This e-mail 9460 is an attached recording, a reminder about the upcoming program, or a recording about the upcoming program, depending on whether the program with the subject of the e-mail 9460 is a recording or a program to be broadcast. The request is provided to the user. E-mail 9460 is transmitted using a wide area network such as the Internet. FIG. 125 shows a message list display screen 9462 accessed by the user from within the guide. The message list display screen 9462 provides a list of messages received for the current user. Listing 9462 shows that a recording from sender XYZ was received for the current user. Listing 9466 shows that the current user has received a reminder for a particular program from sender XYZ. Listing 9468 shows that the current user has received a recording request for a particular program from sender XYZ. The current user can select each list to see additional information related to that message. FIG. 126 shows an overlay 9470 displayed to inform the current user about a reminder or recording request sent to the current user. Overlay 9470 includes a related option 9472 that allows the user to take certain actions in connection with the reminder or recording request. Related option 9472 allows the user to select overlay 9470 to record or watch the program on its subject. If desired, the interactive television application may automatically process the content of the message. For example, when a recording is received, it may be added to the list of recordings available to the recipient user. Upon receiving the reminder, the interactive television application may set the reminder locally. Upon receiving a recording request, the interactive television application automatically records the program locally. You may make a reservation. An example of a television messaging system is described, for example, in US Patent Applications 09/356, 245 by McKissick et al., Filed July 16, 1999. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. If desired, a copy protection scheme may be provided to the user with the PVR, as described above. Programs or other content that can be displayed on the user device are copy protected. The copy protection information associated with the program or other content is provided to the user device that supports the copy protection scheme. It is possible to implement a copy protection scheme that uses copy protection information to prevent the user from copying the program or other content without permission. For example, the interactive television application can prevent a program from being recorded on a PVR when the program is copy protected. Recording of a program may be prevented by making the recording unreservable. A graphic (eg, overlay, or display screen) may be displayed to inform the viewer that the particular program or other content selected to be recorded cannot be recorded due to copyright protection. The MPEG-4 standard allows you to send programs with information about copyright protection. Other standards may be used to support such activities. Provided to supporting user equipment. It is possible to implement a copy protection scheme that uses copy protection information to prevent the user from copying the program or other content without permission. For example, the interactive television application can prevent a program from being recorded on a PVR when the program is copy protected. Recording of a program may be prevented by making the recording unreservable. A graphic (eg, overlay, or display screen) may be displayed to inform the viewer that the particular program or other content selected to be recorded cannot be recorded due to copyright protection. The MPEG-4 standard allows you to send programs with information about copyright protection. Other standards may be used to support such activities. Provided to supporting user equipment. It is possible to implement a copy protection scheme that uses copy protection information to prevent the user from copying the program or other content without permission. For example, the interactive television application can prevent a program from being recorded on a PVR when the program is copy protected. Recording of a program may be prevented by making the recording unreservable. A graphic (eg, overlay, or display screen) may be displayed to inform the viewer that the particular program or other content selected to be recorded cannot be recorded due to copyright protection. The MPEG-4 standard allows you to send programs with information about copyright protection. Other standards may be used to support such activities.

As mentioned above, the PVR can automatically record programs based on user preferences. Other inference engines may select programs to record automatically using gun object methods such as user demographics and keyword search (above). An example of an interactive television program guide using demographics is described, for example, in US Patent Application Nos. 09/139, 777 by Knee et al., Filed August 25, 1998. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The program may be automatically recorded based on the keywords entered by the user into the system.

If desired, the viewer may be provided with a duplicate resolution scheme that supports a mechanism for resolving duplicate reservations, as described above. The interactive television application can present options, configuration conditions, or prompts that the user can use to resolve duplicate reservations. Duplications are eliminated by allowing the user to interact with the interactive television application and resolve each duplication as it occurs. The interactive television application may also allow the user to set a duplicate resolution scheme (eg, the interactive television so as to resolve reserved duplicates by prioritizing one type of recording, such as series recording. -Set up the application).

As described above, personal video recorders and other digital recording devices record television programs on digital media such as hard disks. The amount of programs that such a device can store is limited by the capacity of the storage medium. A typical unit would be able to store 30 hours of video programming with maximum level compression.

Today's systems use digital video compression methods such as MPEG-2, which are virtually real-time. When the signal is received, the incoming audio / video program is digitized, compressed, and stored. More efficient compression methods such as MPEG-4 are also available. However, these methods are more computationally intensive. Hardware that is cheap enough to be widely deployed cannot compress video in real time using more efficient compression methods (eg, using the MPEG-4 standard).

Computational tasks associated with digital video recorders are generally not excessive. Processors in such devices typically have spare processor cycles available. These preliminary cycles can be used to more efficiently compress the stored audio / video program.

For example, this system can record programs using the MPEG-2 standard, just like any other existing system. However, in the background, with processor cycles that are not needed to store, manage, and retrieve programs, the processor scans previously stored programs and compresses them into a more efficient format. can do. You can free up storage space for more shows by compressing the show into a more efficient format, such as MPEG-4, and then erasing the less efficient version.

Also, the program may be compressed with a plurality of passes. For example, one pass can reduce audio / video files in one way, and those in another can be further reduced. For example, each path removes certain types of redundancy. When each compression path is complete, the previous version is erased.

Users, network operators, or programmers may be able to set parameters for what types of compression are allowed for general or specific programs. For example, certain "lossy" types of compression can be optional. Also, more lossy types of compression may be reserved, for example, for programs that have been stored for longer periods of time, or for programs that have already been viewed.

The advantage of this technology is that more program time can be stored in the same amount of storage. For example, most or all programs currently in progress are stored in the least efficient format, recently recorded programs are stored in a more efficient format, and programs that are stored for a longer period of time are the most efficient. It may be stored in a format.

Also, more advanced compression standards such as MPEG-4 enable new features. For example, MPEG-4 makes it possible to clearly present objects in a video. Web addresses and commerce applications can be linked to one of these objects. MPEG-4 supports the management of intellectual property. These new features may be limited to programs originally broadcast in the MPEG-4 standard, or may be provided in other formats by converting the received information to MPEG-4.

If desired, a computer-readable medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or optical disk may be used to store machine executable code that implements an interactive television application that provides PVR and / or IPG functionality. If desired, devices such as the devices described in FIGS. 1-2C may be configured to provide the features, options, or techniques described herein as examples.

As such, interactive television systems and methods are provided that provide enhanced PVR and interactive television application capabilities. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention can also be realized by embodiments other than those described. The embodiments described are for illustration purposes only and are not limiting. The present invention is limited only by the following claims.

<figref num="1">It is a figure which shows an example of the interactive television program guide system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2A">It is a figure which shows an example of the user television apparatus which concerns on this invention.</figref><figref num="2B">It is a figure which shows an example of the user apparatus which includes the set-top box which integrated the personal video recorder which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2C">It is a figure which shows an example of the user apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which includes the remote server which stores the recorded content.</figref><figref num="3">It is a figure which shows the remote control which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which includes a plurality of steps which enable access to a PVR-related program guide function from the main menu display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="5">It is a figure which shows an example of the main menu display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which enables selection and setting of the program recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="7">It is a figure which shows an example of the search program list display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="8">It is a figure which shows an example of the program information display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention about a non-PPV and a non-VOD program which a user chose to record.</figref><figref num="9">It is a figure which shows an example of the program recording setup display screen for a non-PPV and non-VOD program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="10">It is a figure which shows an example of the series recording setup display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="11">It is a figure which shows an example of the series recording list display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="12">It is a figure which shows an example of the keyword-based recording display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="13">It is a figure which shows an example of the sports list display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="14">It is a figure which shows an example of the list display screen by channel which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="15">It is a figure which shows an example of the time list display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="16">It is a figure which shows an example of the browse or flip overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displayed on the present image.</figref><figref num="17">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which enables setting of a PVR default setup option which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="18">It is a figure which shows an example of the PVR setup display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="19">It is a figure which shows an example of the back-and-forth buffer time display screen by channel / type which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="20">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording quality display screen by channel / type which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="21">It is a figure which shows an example of the buffer time overlap display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="22">It is a figure which shows an example of the priority level information display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="23">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which enables selection and setting of PPV program recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="24">It is a figure which shows an example of the PPV program-related information display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="25">It is a figure which shows an example of the PPV recording setup display screen for setting the PPV program recording reservation which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="26">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which enables selection and setting of VOD program recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="27">It is a figure which shows an example of the VOD program information display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="28">It is a figure which shows the VOD recording setup display screen for the VOD program recording reservation setting which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="29">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which can be used during program recording.</figref><figref num="30">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording start overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displayed on the present program image.</figref><figref num="31">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording cancellation overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displayed on the present program image.</figref><figref num="32">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording completion overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displayed on the present program image.</figref><figref num="33">It is a figure which shows an example of the live control overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which is displayed on the current program image of a current channel.</figref><figref num="34">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording reminder overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displayed on the present program image.</figref><figref num="35">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which enables the display of the recording information display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="36">It is a figure which shows an example of the PVR recording list display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="37">It is a figure which shows an example of the recorded program information display screen about the specific program recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="38">It is a figure which shows an example of the program erasing priority setup display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="39">It is a figure which shows an example of the PVR reproduction image overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which is displayed on the image of a recorded program.</figref><figref num="40">It is a figure which shows an example of the message overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displayed on a program image.</figref><figref num="41">FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a process according to an embodiment of the invention that allows access to program guide options during playback of a recorded program.</figref><figref num="42">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which enables the display of the recording reservation information display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="43">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording reservation list display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="44">It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the PPV program information about the current PPV program being recorded which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="45">It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the PPV program information about the future PPV program reserved for recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="46">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording setup display screen for changing the PPV recording reservation setting which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="47">It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the program information about the current non-PPV and non-VOD program being recorded which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="48">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording cancel overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displayed on a display screen.</figref><figref num="49">It is a figure which shows an example of the flow control overlay which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which has a live television option displayed on the program image which is playing from PVR.</figref><figref num="50">It is a figure which shows an example of the live control overlay which provided the pause remaining time indicator which is displayed on the paused program image which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="51">It is a figure which shows an example of the erasing priority setup display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="52">It is a figure which shows an example of the series recording erasing priority display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="53">It is a figure which shows an example of the single-shot recording erasing priority display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="54">It is a figure which shows an example of the erase priority display screen by a program type which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="55A">It is a figure which shows an example of the erasing priority display screen by broadcast type which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="55B">It is a figure which shows an example of the erasing priority display screen for each channel which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="56">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which enables a user to push an advertisement video and other contents to a local television apparatus.</figref><figref num="57">It is a figure which shows an example of the online recording reservation program guide window which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="58">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which enables the user editing of a saved program.</figref><figref num="59">It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen for editing the saved recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="60">It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen for combining with another recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="61">It is a figure which shows an example of the recording partial erasure overlay displayed on the image which is reproduced from the PVR which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="62">It is a figure which shows an example of the playlist display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="63">It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen for editing the playlist which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="64">It is a figure which shows an example of the new playlist creation overlay displayed on the example of the playlist display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="65">It is a figure which shows an example of the mark and the call overlay displayed on the video of the selected recording which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="66">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which provides a plurality of program guides which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="67">It is a figure which shows the example of the series of display screens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which are displayed for login to the program guide.</figref><figref num="68">It is a figure which shows the example of the series of display screens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which are displayed to see the recording reservation of a different program guide.</figref><figref num="69">It is a figure which shows the example of the series of display screens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which a user displays to see his / her recording reservation using his / her program guide.</figref><figref num="70">It is a figure which shows the example of the series of display screens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which a user is displayed to see his / her recording list using his / her program guide.</figref><figref num="71">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which records a program based on a user's choice.</figref><figref num="72">It is a figure which shows an example of a series of display screens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which is displayed when a user selects a program to record.</figref><figref num="73">It is a figure which shows the example of the series of display screens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention which is displayed when a user selects a program to record from an information display screen.</figref><figref num="74">It is a figure which shows an example of the process of deleting the recording or the recording-related information which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="75">FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a series of display screens displayed when two different users are accessing their program guide, which is local to the same user device, in one embodiment of the invention.</figref><figref num="76">FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a series of display screens that may be displayed when two different users are accessing their program guide, which is local to the same user device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="77">It is a figure which shows an example of the process of notifying a user of a change in a recorded content in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="78">FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a series of display screens displayed when notifying a user that a program is about to be added to recorded content in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="79">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification overlay which is displayed on the image or graphic in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="80">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification overlay which is displayed on the image or graphic in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="81">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification overlay which is displayed on the image or graphic in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="82">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification overlay which is displayed on the image or graphic in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="83">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification e-mail which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="84">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification e-mail which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="85">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification e-mail which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="86">It is a figure which shows an example of the notification e-mail which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="87">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which generates and uses all the recording list which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="88">It is a figure which shows an example of the process of displaying the stored advertisement image which is related to the live advertisement image in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="89">It is a figure which shows an example of the image display sequence provided based on the example of the process shown in FIG. 88 in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="90">In one embodiment of the present invention, it is a figure which shows an example of the process of displaying the advertisement image stored while using the program guide of a user.</figref><figref num="91">FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a series of events displaying a stored advertising video provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 90 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="92">It is a figure which shows an example of the series of events provided based on the example of the process shown in FIG. 90 in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="93">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which buffers a television content in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="94">FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a series of display screens and an example of a buffer provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 93 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="95">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which allocates space to a new buffer in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="96">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which combined the separate buffers in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="97">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of display screens and an example of a buffer provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 96 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="98">FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process of inserting content between parts of one program buffered separately in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="99">It is a figure which shows an example of the image display sequence provided based on the example of the process shown in FIG. 98 in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="100">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which buffers two programs in parallel in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="101">In one embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of a series of display screens and an example of a buffer provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 100.</figref><figref num="102">It is a figure which shows an example of the rewinding process for moving between buffered contents in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="103">It is a figure which shows an example of the image display sequence provided based on the example of the process shown in FIG. 102 in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="104">It is a figure which shows an example of the fast-forward process for moving between buffered contents in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="105">It is a figure which shows an example of the image display sequence provided based on the example of the process shown in FIG. 104 in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="106">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which uses the skip function in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="107">It is a figure which shows an example of the image display sequence provided based on the example of the process shown in FIG. 106 in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="108">It is a figure which shows an example of the program recording process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="109">FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a series of events provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 108 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="110">In one embodiment of the present invention, it is a figure which shows an example of the process of recording a program after the program ends.</figref><figref num="111">FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a series of displace screens provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 110 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="112">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which allocates a part of the storage space for a program buffer in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="113">It is a figure which shows an example of the buffer setting display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="114">It is a figure which shows an example of the process which automatically pauses a television content in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="115">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of video and / or graphic displays provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 114 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="116">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of video and / or graphic displays provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 114 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="117">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of video and / or graphic displays provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 114 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="118">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of video and / or graphic displays provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 114 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="119">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of video and / or graphic displays provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 114 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="120">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of video and / or graphic displays provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 114 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="121">FIG. 5 shows an example of a series of video and / or graphic displays provided based on an example of the process shown in FIG. 114 in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="122">It is a figure which shows an example of the sequence which displays the recorded video when the current program is paused in one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="123">FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a series of display screens for transmitting a recording, a reminder, or a recording request in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="124">It is a figure which shows an example of the technique which enables the user to receive a recording, a reminder, or a recording request in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="125">It is a figure which shows an example of the technique which enables the user to receive a recording, a reminder, or a recording request in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="126">It is a figure which shows an example of the technique which enables the user to receive a recording, a reminder, or a recording request in one embodiment of the present invention.</figref>

Code description

100 Interactive TV Program Guide System 102 Main Equipment 110 Distribution Equipment 122 User Equipment 106, 116 Database 104, 112 Server 62, 108, 114, 120 Communication Path 117 Storage 118 Wide Area Network 124 Video Handling Equipment