Television chat system

(Background of invention) The present invention relates to a television chat system, and more particularly to a technique for supporting chat communication in a television environment, which may include an interactive television program guide.

One aspect of the popularity of the Internet is with online chat services. Users of such services can join chat groups to discuss any of the various topics. Chat participants are linked to each other via the Internet. Chat participants can see other participants' comments in real time as they type comments using their computer.

TV shows are often discussed in chat groups. However, in general, there is no easy way for users of traditional chat services to watch a TV show while participating in a chat about the show. The user may place the television in the same room as the room in which the user's personal computer is located, but such a configuration makes it difficult to watch. Many more families have TVs in their living rooms, but they are reluctant to put their own computers in the living room.

Although personal computers may be provided with tuner cards that allow television signals to be displayed on a computer monitor, many television viewers prefer to watch television on traditional television. Televisions generally provide a larger viewing area than computer monitors, so users do not have to sit close to the television screen as they do with computer monitors. The television is also typically placed in a room in the house that is more suitable for watching television than where the computer is typically located.

A system that seeks to integrate the Internet landscape with the television viewing experience is available from Palo Alto's WebTV Networks, Inc. in California. The WebTV system allows TV viewers to access the Internet via a WebTV with a receiver connected to the viewer's TV set. WebTV with a receiver allows a user to surf the World Wide Web on a user's television by connecting the user's television to a web-based WebTV Network through a standard telephone line. The WebTV system allows the user to view a television program list item and the websites associated with the television program appearing within that program list item.

The WebTV system also provides a TV crossover link that allows users to access websites related to TV programs. A WebTV with a receiver detects data such as web links (ie, universal resource locators (URLs)). This data is incorporated into the video broadcast and notifies the user with a TV crossover link watermark on the user's television screen. TV crossover links allow users to link over the Internet to websites related to the TV program they are watching. The WebPIP picture-in-picture feature allows users to watch the website and television programs at the same time. If the website supports the chat function, users can participate in online chat via the Internet while watching TV programs. However, there is no WebTV system that guarantees that participants in this type of web-based chat are watching the same TV show as the user. .. Therefore, the concentration on the chat is greatly reduced as compared with the case where all the participants of the chat are actively watching the same TV program.

During a particular TV show, the MTV TV channel displays a scrolling chat message overlay over the current MTV TV show. Users can link to chats displayed over the Internet, but only users who have their TV set in the same room as their personal computer can join the chat. Moreover, all viewers of a television show must watch the chat, even if they are not interested in attending. Since the system can only accommodate one chat group, it can be difficult or impossible to continue a particular chat topic of interest if there are more than a few viewers who want to chat.

The interactive television program guide realized in the set-top box allows the user to watch the television program list item on the user's television. Such program guides allow users to view television program list items in different display formats and perform various other functions. For example, the user can instruct the program guide to display the current program list items in a channel-ordered grid. The user can also use the program guide to search for programs in the desired programming category (eg, sports, movies, news, etc.). If desired, the program guide can be used to order pay-per-view programming. However, the interactive program guide could not provide the function related to chat.

Therefore, previously known systems generally do not provide television viewers with the opportunity to participate in real-time chat communication with other television viewers without relying solely on the Internet. Also, previously known systems do not provide television viewers with the opportunity to join a chat group consisting solely of other viewers of a television program or television channel. Previously known interactive television program guides do not support chat functionality.

<p num="0010"> (Gist of the invention) An object of the present invention is to provide a video chat system that does not rely solely on the Internet to form a chat connection and allows users watching a television program or channel to participate in real-time chat communication with each other. That is.</p><p num="0011"> It is also an object of the present invention to provide an interactive television program guide system that supports chat.</p><p num="0012"> These and other objects of the present invention provide a television chat system in which a television viewer can participate in real-time communication in a chat group including other television viewers while watching television, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Achieved by Users of the TV chat system can participate in real-time communication with other users who are currently watching the same TV show or TV channel.</p><p num="0013"> The system allows real-time communication in a chat group to be transmitted through a server between users in front of a user television device. For example, a cable system headend with a server can carry such communications over a coaxial cable or other such communication path that also carries television signals. Therefore, the system can eliminate the need for a further communication path that is separate from the path that carries the television signal broadcast channel for the transmission of chat communication.</p><p num="0014"> The television chat system of the present invention allows a user to join a chat group associated with a television program, television channel, or category of television that the user may be interested in. Real-time communication can be text message, voice communication, or video communication.</p><p num="0015"> The TV chat system also allows a user to send a chat request requesting that another user join a chat group associated with a TV show or TV channel. Chat requests can be automatically displayed on the recipient's television screen or accessed at the recipient's request. The system also allows users to set up chat groups that TV viewers are allowed to join.</p><p num="0016"> The TV chat system may be based on an interactive TV program guide implemented on a set-top box. If desired, the system is on other suitable user television equipment such as satellite receivers, state-of-the-art television receivers (eg, high-definition televisions, ie HDTV receivers), televisions integrated with set-top box circuits. Can be realized with.</p><p num="0017"> Further features, properties, and various advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below.</p>

<figref num="1A">FIG. 1A is a diagram of a TV chat system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="1B">FIG. 1B is a diagram of a user television device having a user interface based on a wireless keyboard according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="1C">FIG. 1C is a diagram of a television screen keyboard user interface according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="1D">FIG. 1D is a diagram of an exemplary display screen containing a list of standard messages or words according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="2A">FIG. 2A is a system diagram according to the present invention showing a mode in which a plurality of television distribution facilities can be connected via a communication network.</figref><figref num="2B">FIG. 2B is a system diagram according to the present invention showing how a plurality of user television equipment devices can be connected to a television distribution facility and another server via a neighboring network.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system configuration in which a plurality of television distribution facilities are connected via a television channel chat facility according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen for inputting family user profile information according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen according to the present invention in which the user can select a user profile.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen for inputting user information other than the family according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 is a diagram of an exemplary program guide address book for non-family users according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for creating user identification information according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 9 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen including a video of a television program and a chat group display area associated with the program according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="10">FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary system for transmitting real-time voice chat communication to a user television device according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary television display screen for displaying video images of chat group participants according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="12">FIG. 12 is a diagram of an exemplary system for transmitting video chat images according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="13">FIG. 13 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen that allows a user to join a chat group according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="14">FIG. 14 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen that allows the user to select a chat group option according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="15A">FIG. 15A is an exemplary display screen diagram that allows the user to select chat group options related to the current television program, according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="15B">FIG. 15B is a diagram of an exemplary interactive television program guide display screen that allows the user to select a scheduled chat group from a list for setting participation, recording, or reminders according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="16">FIG. 16 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen including a plurality of chat groups along with a television program according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 17 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen that allows a user to join a chat group associated with a current television program, according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="18A">FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing a process according to the present invention relating to an approach for providing a user with an opportunity to join a chat group.</figref><figref num="18B">FIG. 18B is a flow chart illustrating steps according to the present invention relating to an approach for providing a user with an opportunity to join a chat group between users on another user television device.</figref><figref num="18C">FIG. 18C is a flow chart showing a process according to the present invention relating to an approach for providing a user watching a television program with an opportunity to join a chat group only between users watching the television program.</figref><figref num="19">FIG. 19 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen that allows a user to send a chat request to another user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="20">FIG. 20 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen for displaying a chat request according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="21">FIG. 21 is a diagram of an exemplary display screen for displaying chat requests and allowing users to join chat groups and / or tune in to related channels, according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="22">FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process according to the present invention relating to an approach for delivering a chat request and supporting a chat group including the user and other users.</figref><figref num="23">FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a process related to the approach for establishing a chat group including the corresponding user and other users according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="24">FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a process according to the present invention relating to an approach for bringing a user into a chat group in response to a chat request.</figref><figref num="25">FIG. 25 is a diagram of an exemplary two-way display remote control device for sending and receiving chat messages and chat requests within a chat group according to the present invention.</figref>

(Detailed description of preferred embodiments) An exemplary TV chat system 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A. The main equipment 12 may include a program guide database 14 that stores program guide information such as TV program guide list item data and pay-per-view order information. If desired, the database 14 allows the system 10 to assist in interactive television program guides. Although the television chat function of the present invention may be provided using a television chat system without the use of program guides, certain aspects of the invention relate to interactive television program guide system configurations for identification and clarity. Mainly described. Information from database 14 is provided via communication link 18. It can be transmitted to the Levi distribution facility 16. The link 18 can be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a fiber optic link, a cable link, a microwave link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communication path.

The television distribution facility 16 is a facility for distributing a television signal to a user, such as a cable system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, or a satellite television distribution facility. To avoid overly complex drawings, Figure 1A shows only one television distribution facility 16. However, in general, the main equipment 12 distributes information to a plurality of television distribution equipments.

The program guide information transmitted by the main facility 12 to the TV distribution facility 16 includes TV program list item data such as program time, channel, title, and description. The information transmitted from the main equipment 12 may also include information about a particular television program or chat group available on a particular television channel.

If desired, some program guide data and other information may be provided using data sources located in equipment other than main equipment 12. For example, data related to available program-specific chat groups may be provided by a television channel chat facility or other facility apart from the main facility 12 and the television distribution facility 16.

The television distribution facility 16 distributes program guide data and other information to the user television devices 20 of a plurality of users via the communication path 24. The communication path 24 is preferably such that the television distribution facility 16 provides non-video program guide information and communications, as well as scheduled broadcast television program organization, pay program organization, real-time communication, chat requests, and other video and audio information. It has a sufficient bandwidth that can be distributed to the user television device 20. The real-time communication supported by the communication path 24 may be text-based or, where wider bandwidth is available, voice or video communication.

Multiple television and audio channels (analog, digital, or both analog and digital) may be provided to the set-top box 26 via a communication path 24. If each path 24 includes a plurality of conventional analog television channels, one or more of these channels may be used to support the plurality of digital channels. The bandwidth of each analog channel used to support digital channels can support more than 10 of these digital channels. Bidirectional digital channels require more bandwidth than unidirectional digital channels. Such a two-way digital channel can support two-way real-time communication between the set-top box 26 and the television distribution facility 16. If the bidirectional communication between the set-top box 26 and the television distribution facility 16 contains only text signals or only audio signals, the bandwidth required to support such bidirectional communication includes video. It can be substantially narrower than the bandwidth required to support two-way communication.

Real-time communication and chat requests can be delivered along the communication path 24 using any number of suitable techniques. For example, textual chat communications and chat requests can be delivered by out-of-band channels on path 24 using out-of-band modulators. Video or voice chat communication can be transmitted more efficiently using one or more digital channels on path 24. Such digital channels can also be used to deliver text and graphics.

Real-time communication and chat requests can be transmitted using a dedicated digital channel or analog channel in the communication path 24. Such a dedicated channel is separate from the channel used to transmit the television program broadcast signal to the user television equipment.

Since the communication path 24 supports the transmission of real-time communication and chat request between the user TV device 20 and the TV distribution facility 16, in the configuration of the system 10, the communication path 24 is connected to the user TV device 20 to transmit the real-time communication. There is no need for another telephone line (although such a telephone line can be used with certain aspects of the invention if desired). If desired, television programming can be transmitted to the user television equipment 20 along one communication path, such as a cable link to the cable headend, while real-time communication is a second, such as a satellite link. It is transmitted between the user TV devices 20 along the communication path.

Each television distribution facility 16 may deliver real-time communication and chat requests between at least the user television device devices associated with the television distribution facility. The TV distribution facility can establish a forum for real-time communication called a TV chat group by using a chat device 22 such as a chat server. A television chat group (sometimes referred to simply as a chat group herein) is an electronic forum in which a group of users participates in real-time discussions via their own user television equipment. Real-time communication, such as chat messages, is sent and received between chat group participants.

The television distribution facility 16 preferably has a server or other suitable computing device or audio device or video device (collectively referred to herein as chat device 22) for chat requests between users. Support real-time communication and transmission. For clarity, certain aspects of the invention are described as being implemented using just one chat server. However, if desired, these features also typically use chat devices (ie, voice bridges, video bridges, etc.) such as devices based on voice and video conferencing equipment, or other suitable. It is realized by using a computer device or a chat device based on a combination thereof. The chat device 22 (eg, chat server) can process real-time communication and chat requests, including text, graphics, video, or audio data. If desired, the bandwidth requirement of the chat device 22 can be reduced by limiting the communication to text and audio or text only, rather than communication involving video. The chat device 22 in the TV distribution facility 16 may be configured as a client-server configuration in which each of the user TV devices 20 functions as a client processor.

Each user has a receiver, which is typically a set-top box, such as set-top box 26, but other suitable televisions that incorporate circuits similar to the set-top box circuit. It may be a device. For example, the user television device 20 may be based on a state-of-the-art television receiver, such as a high definition television (HDTV) receiver, or a platform based on such television. The set-top box may include a DOCSIS modem for use in two-way communication to and from the server or television distribution facility. As described herein, the user television device 20 does not include devices based on personal computers. For clarity, the present invention is primarily described in the context of a user television device 20 based on a set-top box 26. As shown in FIG. 1A, each set-top box 26 may have a memory 25. For example, memory 25 can be used to store a database of program list item data.

Program guide information may be delivered to the set-top box 26 continuously (in real time), periodically, on request (using a client-server configuration), or using a combination of these techniques. Real-time communication and chat requests can be delivered to the set-top box 26 in real time. TV distribution equipment 16 is also set You can receive real-time communication or chat requests from the box 26 in real time or on a regular basis. The main equipment 12 preferably includes a processor that handles information distribution tasks. Each set-top box 26 is preferably a task related to implementing an interactive television program guide application (sometimes referred to hereafter referred to as a program guide) that includes chat functionality, or an independent chat application on the set-top box 26. Includes a processor to handle. The television distribution facility 16 preferably handles one or more tasks associated with delivering real-time communication and chat requests, and providing program guide data to program guides on a set-top box. Includes a processor (eg, in chat device 22).

Whether some or all of the features of the program guide application or the chat set-top box application described below can be incorporated into the operating system on the set-top box and implemented as a single application on the set-top box. Alternatively, it can be performed by a chat device operating in the television distribution facility or a chat device separate from the television distribution facility (eg, a server, video bridge, or voice bridge). In a client-server architecture, set-top boxes send data or requests to the server for processing. The server can store the data and reply to the set-top box for further processing, display, or storage of the result of the request. Any of the functions of the set-top box application described below can be realized by the client-server architecture.

Various mechanisms can be used to launch the chat application from the program guide application on the user's set-top box. One mechanism is to use a hotlink to launch an application. The hotlink method is a chat with information such as a website address, email address, program title, chat group, or other information preselected based on the current content of the program guide or the status of the set-top box 26. Includes calling an application that has nothing to do with the program guide, such as an application. For example, a user is watching a show, watching a show list item, watching a description of a show, or taking other actions in a show guide regarding a given show, channel, channel type, etc. If the user instructs the program guide to launch an application that is not related to the program guide, the program guide launches an application that is not related to the program guide and is located in the application that is not related to the program guide. You can instruct them to take action on a given program, channel, channel type, etc.

Hotlinks can be activated by dedicated buttons, launch buttons, menu options, or any other suitable technique. For example, the remote control may be provided with a dedicated chat button and similar buttons associated with applications unrelated to other program guides. When the user presses the chat button, the program guide launches the chat application and tells the chat application to set up a chat group that includes other users or characters in the show, or puts the user in an existing chat group. Instruct them to participate. A further function of the exemplary hotlink system is described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 346,134 (Attorney Docket No. UV-85) by Ellis et al., Which was filed concurrently with this specification. Incorporated herein as a reference.

Each set-top box 26 is typically connected to an optional videocassette recorder (VCR) 28 or other storage device at home or in remote locations, thereby selecting TV shows and / or chat. The session can be recorded. A user has one or more related chat sessions in a set-top box application When indicated to record a TV program that it has, the application can record a chat session along with the audio and video of the program. If the user plays the program, the user may not be able to participate in the chat session live, but may have access to the chat session for viewing. The chat system can be constructed to play the chat session in the format of the user's choice. For example, the chat session may be played as an overlay on top of the show, or the show and chat session may be displayed simultaneously as a reduced size window on the TV screen. The user can also instruct the set-top box application to record the chat session by the set-top box application itself without recording the program at any time. The chat session (whether text, audio, video, or a combination thereof) can be stored and viewed later. Programs and chat sessions can also be recorded, for example, on DVD devices, hard disks in set-top boxes, remote servers.

Each videocassette recorder 28 (or set-top box 26) is connected to a television 30. Further features of the program recording system include US Patent Application No. 09 / 332,244 by Ellis et al. Filed on June 11, 1999, and US Patent Application No. 09 / by Hassell et al. Filed on June 17, 1998. It is described in Nos. 157,256 and the entire of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. To record a program, the set-top box 26 tunes to a specific channel, sends control signals to the videocassette recorder 28 (eg, using an infrared transmitter), and records to the videocassette recorder 28 at the right time. Instruct to start and stop.

While using the TV chat system, the set-top box 26 displays real-time communication and chat requests on the TV 30. If the television chat system includes an interactive television program guide, the interactive television program guide may display program list items on television 30. Program guides can also be used to display real-time communication and chat requests. Each of the set-top box 26, videocassette recorder 28, and television 30 can be operated by one or more user interfaces 32, which may include a remote control, mouse, trackball, microphone, digital video camera, dedicated button set, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the user interface 32 may include a wireless keyboard 34 that transmits a signal 36 (eg, an infrared signal) to a set-top box 38 connected to a television 40. When the user's input is input by the wireless keyboard 34, the input may be displayed as part of the display screen of the television 40. If the television chat system 10 is based on an interactive television program guide, the display screen provided to the television 40 by the set-top box 38 can be, for example, on an interactive television program guide display screen that includes program list items.

The user interface 32 may also be based on the television screen keyboard 50 as shown in FIG. 1C. The user can compose message 52 by selecting a character from the displayed alphabet. In particular, the user can select letters from the alphabet key 54 and spaces from the space bar 56. The user can select a character to be highlighted (like the character L58) by pressing the arrow keys and the input (or OK or select) keys on the remote control. By pressing the input key on the remote control, the program guide including the chat function or an independent chat application is instructed to place the selected character immediately next to the cursor 62. The user can select shift option 51 and put uppercase letters in message 52. In this way, the user can compose the text of the chat message.

If desired, the user can compose a message by selecting from a list of standard messages 70 and words 72 displayed on a display screen, such as display screen 75, as shown in FIG. 1D. A word or message can be selected by pressing the arrow keys on the remote control to place the highlighting area 76 above a particular word or message, as in message 2 in Figure 1D. The user can then select the highlighted word or message by pressing the input (or select or OK) key on the remote control.

System 10 allows a user in front of a user television device 20 to have a real-time chat associated with a television program while watching television, without the expense and complexity of learning to operate a personal computer and associated software. You can participate in the communication. In addition, System 10 allows users to maintain high video quality and TV viewing channel range while participating in real-time discussions with users in similar situations.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a real-time communication and chat request has a communication path 24 from one user television device device 20 associated with a given television distribution facility 16 to another user television device device 20 associated with that facility. It can be delivered using the chat server located in the facility along the above. For example, real-time communication and chat requests transmitted between two or more user television device devices 20 associated with television distribution facility 16 in FIG. 2A may be processed by chat server 90 at television distribution facility 16. The advantage of limiting the operation of chat systems to individual television distribution facilities is that (for example) allows individual cable system operators to control those systems and coordinate chat between areas or different time zones. It does not include that. However, if desired, the real-time communication and chat requests made by the user television device 20 may be processed by the chat server 88 connected to the television distribution facility 16 via the communication network 86. The communication network 86 can be any suitable communication network such as the Internet, public or personal telephone networks, networks including satellite or wireless links, cable networks and the like.

The chat system may also be constructed to allow users in front of one or more user television devices 84 to participate in real-time discussions or to make chat requests with one or more user television devices 20. Therefore, the user television device 84 is associated with a different television distribution facility other than the user television device 20. The user television device device 84 is connected to the television distribution facility 80 via the communication path 82. The chat server 92 is used to process real-time communication and chat requests for the user television device device 84. The configuration of the server 92 and the user television device 84 may be based on the client-server configuration. The television distribution facilities 80 and 16 are connected to each other via the communication network 86. Real-time communication and chat requests transmitted between the user television device 20 and the user television device 84 may be processed by the chat server 88, 90 or 92. If desired, many television distribution facilities may both be connected via a communication network 86 or other such communication networks from these television distribution facilities to allow user television devices to participate in real-time communication with each other. ..

Real-time communication and chat requests may be processed by a server that is not located in the television distribution facility as shown in FIG. 2B. For example, real-time communication and chat requests may be transmitted between the user television device device 97 and the user television device device 98 via neighboring nodes 95 and 96. The user TV device device 97 is connected to the neighboring node 95 via the communication path 99, and the user TV device device 98 is connected to the neighboring node 96 via the communication path 101. Neighboring nodes 95 and 96 are a given number of units. -Reduce the bandwidth required for the communication path 103 of the TV device devices 97 and 98. Neighboring nodes 95 and 96 route television programming from television distribution equipment 93 to user television equipment 97 and 98. Neighboring nodes 95 and 96 also route chat requests, real-time communication, chat group information, etc. between the server 91 and the user television devices 97 and 98. Neighboring nodes 95 and 96 can also route requests from user television devices 97 and 98 to server 91 to perform many of the chat system functions described herein. The response from the server 91 is routed back to the appropriate user TV device device via the neighboring node.

As shown in FIG. 3, the television channel chat facility 100 associated with a particular television channel makes real-time communication and chat requests transmitted between user television devices 106, 108 and other such user television devices. A chat server 102 can be provided for processing. The user television equipment devices 106 and 108 are connected to the television distribution facility 104 via the communication paths 110 and 112, and the television distribution facility 104 is then connected to the television channel chat facility 100 via the communication path 114.

If desired, a user in front of a particular user television device may enter profile data that creates personal information for a particular individual. The individual may be the user himself or someone in a family other than himself. FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen 120 that may be provided by an interactive television program guide with a chat function or another chat application. The display screen 120 provides the user with an opportunity to enter profile data information about a particular individual in the family. User profile data may include a username that may be entered in box 121. User profile data may also include a user's favorite program that can be entered in box 122 (either directly or by selecting from a menu or other suitable list of programs). The user's favorite programs associated with that user's profile can be the same favorite TV programs or parts thereof stored in the program guide database. If desired, the favorite program in the user profile may be different from the favorite TV program in the program guide database. The user can also select option 124 to enter more favorite programs (eg, by providing additional boxes 122).

The user profile screen 120 can also offer the user an option to enter a favorite TV channel, such as ABC-W in box 126. Television channels include television networks such as ABC, local affiliates, local broadcasters, pay-per-view channels, and cable channels such as HBO and CNN. The user may select option 130 so that additional favorite channels can appear on the user profile screen 120. The user profile screen can also present the user with options for entering into favorite categories of programs such as sports programs, movies, news segments, comedies and the like. In box 132 of FIG. 4, the user has entered "movie" as a favorite category. The user may select option 136 in order to be able to enter additional categories on the user profile screen 120. If desired, the program guide (or independent chat application) presents the user with an optional unique user identification code (shown in box 138) to receive real-time communication or chat requests from outside. It can help the system distinguish between users in the same user TV equipment device and other users. In this way, real-time communication and chat requests can be directed to a particular user. The user can also enter his nickname in box 133. Nicknames are anonymous or creative pen names for chat topics in chat groups. Can be used as. Alternatively, the screen 120 may provide the user with an opportunity to enter an icon that identifies the user in the chat room rather than a nickname.

When the user finishes entering their profile data, the user may select the exit option 140 or press a remote control key (eg, exit key). Once the user enters profile data, that data is stored for later retrieval. The user profile data may be stored somewhere in the user television device 20 such as a set-top box on the server described above or a separate storage device connected to the set-top box. Further features of the exemplary system for entering user profile information are described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 034,934 by Ellis et al., Filed March 4, 1998, the entire application herein. It will be used as a reference.

When the user is watching TV, a program guide with a chat function or a separate chat application (collectively referred to as the set-top box application) allows the user to use one of the previously entered user profile identification information. You can identify yourself by selecting one or by adding new user profile identification information. The display screen 150 of FIG. 5 is an exemplary display screen that can be used to show the entire family of user identification information of the entire family established using the set-top box application.

The set-top box application may provide a display screen, such as the display screen 150 of FIG. 5, whenever the user turns on the set-top box 26, or whenever the user indicates that he or she identifies himself or herself. it can. For example, if mom is watching TV, select box 152. The set-top box then accesses mom's profile data. If desired, the user identification information may be set under password control. If a new family member is watching TV, the user can click box 154 to add new user profile identification information. The set-top box application then provides a display screen 120 (Figure 4) that allows the user to enter their own profile data. If the user does not want to identify himself or enter a new user profile, the user can select the cancel option 156 to cancel the display of the display screen 150. If the set-top box application includes a program guide, the user profile can be used for both chat-related and program guide functions.

The program guide can also offer the user the option of entering identification information data about the user of another user television device. The user of the other user television device can be the recipient of a real-time communication or chat request sent by a family user. Recipients of these real-time communications or chat requests are referred to as non-family users. Non-family users may send real-time communication and chat requests received by family users.

FIG. 6 shows a display screen 160 that a set-top box application can present on a user's television when the user indicates that he / she inputs identification information data about a user other than his / her family. The names of non-family users can be entered in box 162, and the addresses of non-family users can be entered in box 164. A user's address is a unique identifier assigned to a particular user that allows the chat server to send real-time communications and chat requests to the appropriate recipients.

Family users can enter their favorite programs, channels, and program categories for non-family users on the television display screen 160. Family users are preferred by non-family users You can determine the answer by chatting with that person in the chat group. A non-family user's favorite program may be entered in box 166, and if the user selects the other option 168, an additional empty box for entering more favorite programs is displayed on the television display screen 160. Favorite channels of non-family users can be entered in box 170, such as channel 2. The user may select option 174 so that more channels can be entered on the television display screen 160. Favorite program categories of non-family users (eg, sports programs, movies, news segments, comedies, etc.) can also be entered within the television display screen 160. The user can enter a favorite program category such as a comedy in box 172. The user may select other option 176 to allow further program categories to be entered. The non-family user preference information entered on display screen 160 is useful for sending chat requests to other users who may be interested in chatting about the same program, channel, or program category as the family user. obtain.

Users can also enter user information that is not relevant to television programming, such as the birthdays of non-family users, cities and states in which they live, favorite actors, and favorite hobbies. On screen 160, the user can enter the birthdays of non-family users in areas 161, 163 and 165. The user can select option 178 to indicate that the information of the non-family user is currently being added to the existing identity or a new subgroup of identity. The identification information subgroup appears as an identification information group on the address book screen (eg, a member of the hiking club in the display screen 180 of FIG. 7). If desired, the set-top box application can automatically group individuals together as a group in the address book based on the individual's viewing preferences. When the user finishes entering information for a non-family user, the exit option 179 may be selected. Data for non-family users can be stored somewhere in the user television equipment 20 such as a set-top box on the server or a separate storage device connected to the set-top box. Furthermore, it should be understood that the user profile of a chat system as described above can incorporate information from family members and non-family users into a single identifying piece of information (eg, a couple).

In addition, the chat system can be constructed in the same way as an ICQ system so that users can publish their profile information, which can be accessed by other users. ICQ is an internet tool that lets you know who an internet user is online at any time and allows you to contact any user who is online at will. ICQ can search for individuals online and alert users when they log on. ICQ allows users to chat with the same internet user, send messages, files, URLs, play games, or simply hang out while surfing the internet.

Through the chat system, the user fills out a questionnaire (eg, using display screen 120) that contains information about the user's TV program preferences and additional information about the user, such as the user's hobbies, that is not related to the user. obtain. User profile information can be useful in forming chat groups between users. User profile information can be stored together on a remote server or set-top box. Users may access published profiles and form a "friends list" or address book for other users with the same interests. The friends list can include user identification information, TV preferences, and other interests.

The chat system may be configured so that the user must obtain permission from the second user before the user can add the second user to his or her friends list. For example, chat The system can send a message to the second user indicating that the first user has requested the profile information of the second user. When the second user receives the request, the chat system gives the first user a friend of the user so that the first user can access the profile information of the second user and start a chat session with that user. Allows you to add a second user to the list. In addition, the chat system can ask if the second user wants to add the first user to their friends list. Users can add more information to their profile based on their knowledge of other users' preferences (eg, in the display screen 160). The chat system also allows users to search for chat friends based on user ID number, email address, TV show preferences, and / or other preferences.

Identification information consisting of the entered non-family user's name, address, and other corresponding information may be displayed by the set-top box application in address book format on the user's television screen. Figure 7 shows an example of the address book display screen 180. The address book display screen 180 shows a list of identification information 182 for non-family users or subgroups of non-family users. Non-family users can be individuals like Mary Smith, or groups of individuals like the Jones family, as indicated by the names in Listing 182. Individual users can be part of one or more groups in the address book. For example, Mary Smith can appear in the address book as an individual and be part of a group of "Seinfeld fan clubs" and "movie lovers."

The user can submit a chat request by selecting one or more identifications in the list. The list is identified by a particular show, show type, chat group, or user such as "Jones House", "Hiking Club Member", "Seinfeld Fan Club", "Movie Lovers", or "Dallas Cowboy Chat". It may include a group of individuals who are interested in any other group that has done so. The group does not have to be related to TV. If desired, the set-top box application has a pop option on the TV screen to send a chat request to an individual in the list in the address book when the user is watching a related TV show (eg Seinfeld). Can be presented.

Option 184 is highlighted to indicate that the user has selected "Friends to watch News at 6". This can be a group of users' friends who enjoy watching the show "News at 6" and may want to join a chat group with the user. The user can select as many chat request recipients as the user wants by selecting a name from the list. By selecting option 186, which directs the user to the television display screen 160 of FIG. 6, the user may decide to enter additional identification information for non-family users. When the user selects the recipient of the chat request, the user can select the termination option 188. The set-top box application then retrieves the address for each recipient of the chat request and delivers the chat request to each of the recipients. The user can select the cancel option 189 to exit the address book display screen 180.

Figure 8 shows an exemplary process for creating identification information for family and non-family users that has been described with respect to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7. In step 190, the set-top box application (ie, a program guide with a chat function or an independent chat application) identifies information about family users or non-family users, for example by displaying a television user interface screen 120 or 160, respectively. Provide users with the opportunity to enter data. The user then has a TV user interface Enter the data called by the screen. Upon termination of the user, the set-top box application creates an identity data structure containing information entered for a particular family user or non-family user in step 192. The set-top box application then adds its data structure to the appropriate group in step 194. The group to which the data structure is attached can be a group of family users, an address book of non-family users, or a subgroup of non-family users within the address book. Steps 190, 192, and 194 of FIG. 8 can be performed by a set-top box application implemented on a user television device, but these steps are also at least partially performed by a chat server using a client-server architecture. It can be realized. For example, the data entered on screens 120 and 160 can be sent to the server by the set-top box for processing.

A user can use a set-top box application to send real-time communication to and receive from other users in a forum called a chat group. All users in the chat group can send and receive real-time communication from all other participants. Real-time communication within a chat group can be message or text, voice, video, or other communication in HTML. The user enters the URL of the web page as part of a chat message within the chat group, for example using HTML, which allows other users within the chat group to easily link to the web page. Text has the advantage of low bandwidth requirements. Voice may be desirable for users who prefer immediacy by voice communication, but may not be desirable for users who prefer textual anonymity. Video is the same as audio from this point of view. The choice of whether to support text, audio, or video in a particular chat system depends on a variety of factors, as described above. In addition, chat groups can be configured as mixed media chats to accept text, audio, video, and HTML input from different users. For example, in a chat group containing three users, it is possible for one user to enter voice communication, another user to enter text and HTML communication, and another user to enter video communication. .. Real-time communication in mixed media chat can be received in transmitted or other form (eg, text-to-voice conversion for the blind). According to aspects of the invention, it is applicable to all of these configurations, but for clarity, the invention describes chat primarily on the basis of text.

Real-time communication is transmitted over the communication paths shown and described with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3. A chat group in which a real-time message document is typed by a participant and transmitted in the form of a text message to all other participants in the chat group is called a chat room.

FIG. 9 is an example of how real-time communication can be displayed by a set-top box application in the form of a text message in a chat room. The television program 202 may be displayed in the area 203 of the display screen 200, while the chat room area 206 may be simultaneously displayed in the area below the display screen 200. Advertisement 201 may also be displayed simultaneously in area 205 of display screen 200. The advertisement may be accompanied by either a display screen or a user interface screen according to the present invention. This configuration is merely an example. Chat messages and television programming can be displayed simultaneously using any suitable configuration. For example, the chat room area 206 may be displayed as an opaque or translucent overlay of television program 202. Participants in the chat room send a chat message that appears in area 206. Chat participants can send HTML chat messages such as URLs for websites.

On display screen 200, chat topic 204 may be associated with television program 202, as the content of messages 208 and 210 represents. The user can enter a message using keyboard 34 (FIG. 1B) and then display the message in the chat room at cursor 212. The user's chat message may be sent to the chat server when the user presses the "send" button, or any other appropriate button on the remote control or keyboard. If desired, the chat system may be constructed to be sent to other participants in the chat group one after another as the user types characters. This feature allows the mistakes made by a user to be seen by other users in the chat group. If desired, the set-top box application can send real-time communication to the chat room to the user using a two-way television display screen such as keyboard screen 50 (Figure 1C) or display screen 75 (Figure 1D). Can be made possible.

Chat systems can be constructed to allow users to add other users in a chat group to their friends list or address book by selecting a user's nickname (or icon) in the chat group. For example, a set-top box application may recognize commands such as "Add Sally" that indicate that the user wants to add Sally to their friends list. The chat system requires a first user to get permission from the second user before the first user can add the second user to his friends list.

In addition, chat systems can be constructed to allow users to block chat messages from specific users who do not want to communicate within the chat group. For example, a set-top box application may recognize a command that the user has typed next to cursor 212, such as "block Joe", which indicates that the user wants to block Joe's chat messages in the future. The user can type a command such as "Do not block Joe" to start receiving Joe's chat message again. Other protections can be built into the chat system to protect the child from obscene expressions. For example, a chat system can be constructed to block certain profanity within a chat group. As another example, it may allow parents to block certain offensive chat groups so that their children cannot join the chat group.

The divided nature of the screen 200 allows a user to watch a television program and transmit real-time communication to other users who are watching the same program at the same time at the same time. In this way, chat room 206 directly responds to actions in progress within program 202 in that when program content unfolds on the user's television screen, the user can send and receive comments about the program content. It is linked. The chat room can end at the end of the program or continue after the program ends until all users leave the chat room.

Real-time communication can be stored in a chat server (eg, located in a television distribution facility). The communication paths shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3 can be used to route real-time communication to user television equipment connected to different television distribution facilities. Therefore, according to the real-time communication system of the present invention, real-time communication can be transmitted between users of a user television device connected via many television distribution facilities such as the network of FIG. 2A.

If desired, all chat participants can use a simpler system configuration linked to a common chat server and one associated television distribution facility. This configuration has the advantage of being more limited, but easier to implement, than a further interconnected configuration that includes multiple television distribution facilities. This is the only time This is because only the intervening zone exists and all potential participants access the same programming. Chat groups maintained by a chat server associated with a particular television distribution facility may also be restricted to users connected to that particular television distribution facility in order to limit the size of the chat group. If desired, the chat group is a user at a particular time zone to ensure that all users who join the chat group can watch the TV program that is the topic of the chat group at the same time. Can be limited to these television distribution facilities that broadcast to. In addition, chat groups can be limited to television distribution facilities that broadcast only to users in a particular local area. This may be desirable, for example, if the subject of the chat group is a local news segment or a local television channel.

Another possible configuration is that the chat session can be recorded while the TV show is broadcast in one time zone and played while the program is later broadcast in another time zone. .. This allows users in the latter time zone to see comments previously entered by users in other time zones while comments from users in the current time zone are being entered. Chat messages from the second time zone can be recorded and later played back along with chat messages from the first time zone in the third time zone. However, if the program is not broadcast at the same time in multiple time zones, or if the user does not join the chat group before and / or after the program is broadcast in the third area, the user It is not possible to communicate with the user in real time from other time zones using this system.

Another aspect of the invention relates to using a set-top box application that supports real-time voice communication. Real-time voice communication can be linked to a particular television program. For example, a television talk show can have live Q &amp; A sessions with various users watching the talk show. Users may be given the opportunity to join a voice chat group. A user-selected group can then join the voice chat group. Participants in the voice chat group will be given the opportunity to ask or comment on various issues discussed during the talk show. Voice chat participants may also be able to send questions in text format and send responses in text format, as in a chat room. Specific questions from user participants in the chat can be discussed live on the TV show. A voice chat participant can also send a live video image (eg, with the participant's own video image) as in a video chat (detailed below). The video image of a user participant may be broadcast live on the TV program, with the user's questions or comments being discussed on the TV program.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a voice chat system, in which real-time voice communication can be transmitted between different user television device devices 226 via the television distribution facility 220. The user television device device 226 is connected to the television distribution facility 220 via the communication path 224. Real-time voice communication is transmitted over communication path 224 and processed by chat server 222 or a suitable conference call device. The chat server 222 may be located in the television distribution facility 220 or may be separate from the TDF 220, as shown in FIG. The voice chat system is built to remove audio from the current TV program in the sender user's voice chat message so that the recipient user does not hear the TV program voice along with the sender's voice message. obtain. This procedure can be done at the end of the microphone using signal subtraction, which compares the microphone input to the TV program audio and only the user input is sent to the chat server.

Real-time voice communication is also a user television device connected to different television distribution equipment using a communication network such as the communication networks shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3. Can be transmitted between devices. Real-time voice communication can be transmitted from the user TV device device 226 to the TV channel chat facility along a communication network such as the communication network shown in FIG. You can join the chat group. The caretaker can determine who in the chat group can speak at a given and appropriate time. Text-based chats or video chats can also have a caretaker, but this is less desirable for text-based chat groups with a small number of participants. If desired, the chat group can only be constructed to allow participants to send the chat message when it is their turn. The determination of who is allowed to send a chat message at any given time can be determined automatically.

The television distribution facility can provide the telephone service via the same communication line as the television service is provided. This type of television distribution facility is called the Central Office (CO) for telephone systems. Voice chat can be set up using the telephone equipment of the system. This brings the advantage of telephone equipment that many cable systems build on broadband cable networks. Television channels and telephone services can be transmitted along the same cable line, but the information on each route is logically distinguishable.

Each user television device device 226 of FIG. 10 includes a set-top box 228 that receives real-time voice communication from the chat server 222, and a television 230 for watching programs. Real-time voice communication can be transmitted by the user by speaking to the microphone 232. The user's voice is converted into a signal that can be received by the set-top box 228. The set-top box 228 transmits the user's voice signal to the chat server 222. Other suitable devices such as chat server 222 or voice bridges (ie, conference call devices) deliver the user's voice signal to other users who are participants in the same voice chat group. Real-time communication can then be heard by the user through speakers 234 connected to the television 230 or set-top box 228, or speakers 234 that are part of the television 230.

The real-time audio communication system of the present invention allows users watching a particular television program to talk to each other while watching the program. The system also allows the user to talk to a chat facilitator located in a television channel chat facility or television distribution facility. The system also allows the user to talk to the personality of the television program while the personality is appearing on the television program. In these latter two examples, voice chat communication involves connecting the user to a television channel chat facility or distribution facility. In this case, the chat caretaker or television show personality is located along a communication path such as the communication path shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3.

The video chat image can also be transmitted by the chat system as in real-time communication, if desired. Video chat communications can include audio or be silent (eg, if participants use sign language or body language, or have attached chat text). The video can also include an attached text communication. FIG. 11 shows an example of a mode in which live video images of various users of a chat group can be displayed on the display screens 240 of the display areas 241 to 245. Video chat topics may be shown in display area 246. This feature of the present invention allows the user to see images of other users in the chat group that the user is talking to. If desired, the user can view video images of participants in multiple chat groups. For example, display areas 241, 242, and 243 refer to one chat group. Display areas 244 and 245 may include video images of participants in other chat groups, although video images of participants may be included. A set-top box application may provide the user with the opportunity to choose from which chat group the user wants to receive the communication. This allows the user to watch video from more than one chat group while listening to a television program or real-time audio communication in one of the chat groups the user desires.

Video chat participants can communicate with each other in real time through visual images and signals. For example, the user has the advantage of being able to see the reaction of the other user to the comments made during the chat by looking at the facial expressions and body language of the other user. A video image of the chat caretaker or personality of the television show may be provided in one of the display areas 241-245. If desired, the television program may be displayed in one of the display areas 241-245. When using this type of configuration, chat group topics can relate to the actions of the television show or the issues discussed in the television show.

FIG. 12 is an example of the user television device 250 that realizes the video image function of the present invention. A signal containing video images from other users joining the chat group may be received by the set-top box 252 from the chat device (eg, video bridge). The set-top box application displays an image on TV 254. The signal may include voice communication. An image of each user can be obtained using a video camera such as the video camera 256 connected to the set-top box 252. The set-top box application transmits a signal containing the user's image to the chat device associated with the user television device and other than the chat group via a communication network such as the communication network shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3. Can be redistributed to participants in.

The user can obtain and transmit a video image of any person or object for transmission to other participants in the chat group. The user can communicate through the video image. For example, the user may display the text of the message in front of the video camera 256 so that the other user can read it on the television screen of the other user. One chat group can be audio, video, text, HTML, or any other means of communication.

Chat devices that coordinate video or voice chat may enable message transmission between users using one of the currently available technologies for handling video or conference calls. For example, a chat system can be implemented by a chat server to continuously route real-time communication from one participant in a chat group to other participants in that chat group. If desired, the creator of a message, such as a text message, may be presented with all messages from each participant in the chat group, including their own. .. For voice chat, there is generally no need to redistribute the message to the message author. This is because the user does not want the user to hear his or her voice repeated. Therefore, the voice chat system can guarantee that the sender of the real-time communication does not receive its own communication. In video chat, the chat system can only be constructed, for example, to display an image of the person currently speaking on a television screen.

If the user indicates a request to join a particular chat group, the chat system may allow the user to join the chat group. The user's request may be determined through a display screen provided by a set-top box application, such as the display screen 270 of FIG. The television program 271 is overlaid by the interface area 274 so that only the upper area 272 of the program 271 is visible. User interface Region 274 provides the user with an opportunity to indicate a request to join a chat group by selecting the "Yes" option 276. User interface 274 also prevents users from joining the chat group by selecting the "No" option 278. If the No option 278 is selected, the user interface screen 274 disappears. The user interface screen 274 may or may be automatically displayed by the set-top box application whenever a chat group associated with the television program the user is watching is available or becomes available to the user. Can be displayed based on a previously set reminder. Advertisement 275 may also be displayed on interface screen 274. If desired, the user can select a chat option from the program guide display screen, press a dedicated chat button on the remote control, or use any other user interface that indicates a request to join the chat. The interface screen 274 may be displayed. Alternatively, this screen can be skipped and if the user selects a chat option, the user can go directly to the chat group. The chat group can continue after program 271 ends.

With reference to FIG. 14, the set-top box application can provide the user with the opportunity to join one or more chat groups of the user's choice. The chat group option provided by the set-top box application can be a chat group for the channel that the user is tuned to when the particular TV show or that chat group option is first displayed.

Information about real-time communication, such as the list items of chat groups available on a particular television program or channel, may be provided to the set-top box application using any suitable data distribution technology. For example, information about scheduled chat groups can be obtained on demand from servers using set-top boxes or from main equipment using program guide list items. If desired, information about available chat groups can be digitally encoded in-band along with the television program signals on the digital channels. The chat information can be encoded by a digital set-top box along with the TV program signal. As another example, the information supported by the chat group can be stored in the television distribution facility and distributed to the set-top box application via the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the standard analog television signal. A VBI decoder located in a set-top box can be used to composite the data contained in the VBI of the received television signal.

The decrypted data can then be used by a set-top box application to determine if there is any chat group available for a program or channel based on the received data. If desired, information about real-time communication, such as available chat groups, can be provided using out-of-band data paths. Such information can also be provided as a digital data stream, which accompanies other digital data streams (such as digital data for various television programs).

The display screen 280 is an example of an optional screen that a set-top box application may display to provide the user with the opportunity to join various chat groups related to the program or channel being watched. The user has a 3-channel daytime melody "Days" When viewing of Our Lives, the user can select a daytime chat group by selecting option 282, a 3-channel chat group by selecting option 284, or a "Days of Our" by selecting option 288. Opportunities to join the "Lives" chat group may be offered. Users can join multiple chat groups. Multiple chat groups can be remote controlled Or it can be selected using a wireless keyboard. The chat system allows users to join all of the selected chat groups. Users may also be offered the opportunity to create a new chat group by selecting option 286. The user can search for other chat groups by selecting option 290. The user can set a reminder for himself to join the scheduled chat group by selecting option 281. When option 281 is selected, the chat system can set a reminder for the previously selected chat group or provide the user with a list of chat groups to choose from. If the user does not want to join the chat group, the user may select the Exit option 292 to exit the display screen 280 in the set-top box.

Figure 15A shows another example of how a user can be presented with the opportunity to join various chat groups associated with a particular television program. A reduced-size version of a television program, such as "6 o'clock news," is displayed on part 310 of the display screen 300 at the same time as the user interface area 312 at the bottom of the display screen 300. Also, the advertisement 311 may be displayed on the screen 300 together with the user interface 312. The user interface area 312 allows users to join a chat group about the news segment reported in "6 o'clock news". The user can press any number of chat groups (1), (2), (3) and (4) (corresponding to options 302, 304, 306 and 308 respectively) by pressing the appropriate number on their remote control. You can join one or more chat groups. If the user does not want to join the chat group, the user presses (5) (corresponding to the "Exit" option 314) to exit the display screen 300 and all of the program guide menu or "6 o'clock news". You can return to the display screen. The display screen 300 may be automatically displayed by the set-top box application at the user's request or at the appropriate time during a television program. The chat group can continue after the show is over, allowing participants to continue discussing the issue. When all participants are finished, the chat group is closed.

The television display screen 500 of FIG. 15B is an interactive television program guide display screen, which provides the user with the opportunity to view upcoming chat groups for the television programs listed in the program guide. The user can operate the arrow option 508 to scroll to the appropriate time frame 506. The TV program is displayed in column 502 and the corresponding chat group is displayed in column 504. The user may select a chat group by placing a highlighting area 509 on the chat group. The user may then set a reminder to join the selected chat group by selecting option 505. The user can join the selected chat group by selecting option 503. The user can also select option 501 to record a chat session for the selected chat group. The user can watch more programs and chat groups by manipulating the arrow 510.

The television display screen 295 of FIG. 16 shows how a set-top box application allows a user to join a plurality of chat groups at the same time. A TV program called a "news program" is displayed in the upper left quarter of the TV display screen 295. Users can watch "news programs" and join three different chat groups that appear in quarters 316, 317, and 318 at the same time. Real-time text communication from the two chat rooms is displayed in the upper right quarter 316 and the lower left quarter 317. Each chat topic concerns issues discussed in the "news program." A quarter of the 316 chat room topics are Clinton's impeachment. A quarter of the 317 chat room topics are Lewinsky's testimony. Third video The footage of the participants in the group is displayed in a quarter of 318. Voice messages to and from participants in video chat rooms can be sent and received as well. If multiple chat rooms in which the user participates use voice, the set-top box application allows the user to toggle between different groups, which activates the voice component of only one group at a time. ..

FIG. 17 shows another example of a display screen that provides the user with the opportunity to join a chat group related to a television program. "New Monica" is displayed on the display screen 320 in Fig. 17. The Lewinsky segment 321 is overlaid by the display 324 so that only the upper portion 322 of the program 322 is visible. When segment 321 of the TV show "New Monica Lewinsky" starts, the set-top box application automatically prompts the user to join the "Monica Lewinsky" chat group by displaying the message shown on display 324. .. A "Monica Lewinsky" chat group can be a chat group of users who are watching the show and who want to discuss issues between Monica Lewinsky presented in the show. The user presses the "chat" button on his remote control and "Monica" You can join the Lewinsky chat group or press Cancel on your remote to clear the message on display 324 and return to normal TV viewing. Chat servers can be built to support the "Monica Lewinsky" chat group only during news programs or talk shows. Alternatively, the chat group can continue after the show ends, allowing participants to continue discussing the issue. Both the "Monica Lewinsky" chat group and the other exemplary chat groups mentioned herein are text chat groups, voice chat groups, video chat groups (silent or with voice), or such chats. It can be a combination of groups.

User An exemplary process that allows a user of a television device to join a chat group is shown in Figure 18A. In step 340, the set-top box application implemented on the user's television equipment provides the user with an opportunity to indicate a request to join a real-time chat group. The opportunity is automatically (eg, at a specific time during a television show) or in response to a user prompt (eg, the user selects an option on the screen, or watches a chat group available to the user. (Select an option in the program guide menu that indicates what you want to do) can be provided. A real-time chat group can be a form of document communication, voice communication, or video (voiced or silent) communication, or an appropriate combination of such communications.

Opportunities to indicate a request for a user to join a chat group are, for example, display screens such as display screens 270, 280, 300, 500, or 320 in FIGS. 13, 14, 15A, 15B, or 17, respectively, or any other. Can be provided using such a suitable display screen. Set-top box applications can also provide users with the opportunity to indicate a request to join a chat group that can respond to signals from another type of user interface mechanism (eg, with a dedicated chat button on the remote control).

The chat group in which the user participates may be determined by the user or by the program guide. The user may be offered the opportunity to select a chat group from the list of available chat groups provided for a given grouping or for the display screens 280, 300, 500 of FIGS. 14, 15A and 15B, respectively. Option 290 in Figure 14 provides the user with an opportunity to search for more chat groups and selects chat groups based on the search results. Based on the chat topic, or typing the name of the chat group, and other information needed to identify the chat group. May be offered the opportunity to search for chat groups. If desired, the chat system can automatically determine which chat group the user should join. For example, the display screen 320 of FIG. 17 can provide the user with an opportunity to indicate a request to join an available chat group for the program being watched. If desired, information about the chat group to which the user should join may be obtained, for example, based on the number of participants in the current group. The number of participants in a group can be limited (eg, up to 20 participants). Information about available chat groups can be stored on television distribution facilities or chat servers. If a user instructs a given set-top box application to join the user to a chat group, the set-top box may notify the server and then join the user to the next available group. The information identifying the available chat groups is provided to the set-top box application along with the television program broadcast signal and can be decrypted by the set-top box application of the user television device.

When the user indicates a request to join the chat group, in step 342, the chat system assists the chat group by having the user join the chat group and delivering real-time communication to the users of the chat group. For example, a set-top box application connects to a chat device that maintains real-time communication of the chat group, and then invites the user to join the chat group. When a user joins a chat group, the chat group is assisted by a chat device (eg, a chat server), which allows the user to send and receive real-time communication to and from other participants in the chat group. In step 342, it may be performed by a chat device in the television distribution facility, a TV channel chat facility, or a chat device in a separate chat device. If desired, equipment such as television distribution equipment or other well-positioned audio or video bridges may be used in forming and supporting chat groups.

FIG. 18B illustrates an exemplary process for allowing a user of a user television device to join a chat group restricted to users located on the user television device. In step 344, the set-top box application implemented on the user's television equipment provides the user with an opportunity to indicate a request to join a chat group. The function of this step is the same as that described above for step 340 in FIG. 18A.

When the user indicates a request to join the chat group, in step 346, the chat system causes the user to join the chat group and delivers real-time communication only between the users of the chat group consisting of the users located on the user TV device device. Support chat groups by. A set-top box application is shown on the chat device to allow the user to join the chat group. The chat device then supports the chat group by delivering real-time communication. Entry into the chat group is restricted to users located on the user TV device. Entry is restricted to users of the user TV device device connected to one particular TV distribution facility, or users of the user TV device device connected to one of the limited number of TV distribution facilities. obtain.

The chat device can monitor requests to enter the chat group and thus ensure that all participants in the chat group are located on the user television device, in contrast, for example on a personal computer. For example, a chat device may store an entry code by a television distribution facility and limit access to the chat group to the user television device device only. Each television distribution facility transmits an entry code along with a request from one of the user television device devices to the chat device, which allows the user to join the chat group. Entry valid from TV distribution equipment Only requests to join the chat group that presents the mode are recognized. If desired, access to the TV chat group can be restricted to the user TV device device by making the chat group unavailable on the Internet.

See FIG. 18C to illustrate an exemplary process that allows a user of a user television device to join a chat group about the television program the user is watching. In step 348, the set-top box application implemented on the user's television equipment provides the user watching a particular television program with the opportunity to join a chat group associated with that program. The television display screen 300 of FIG. 15A and the television display screen 320 of FIG. 17 may allow a set-top box application to provide a user with an opportunity to join a chat group associated with a particular television program while watching the program. This is an example of the method. Opportunities to join a chat group can be provided automatically during a television show or by a set-top box application as soon as there is a prompt from the user (eg, by pressing a button on the remote control).

When a user indicates a request to join a chat group, in step 350 the chat system causes the user to join the chat group and chats by delivering real-time communication only between users of the chat group watching the same TV program. Support the group. The set-top box application is shown on the chat device to involve the user in the chat group. The chat device then supports the chat group by delivering real-time communication between the users of the chat group who are watching the program. Each set-top box application ensures that users will not be offered the opportunity to join a chat group if they do not tune in to the channel on which the TV show is broadcasting. If desired, the user may have the option to join the chat group associated with the show at any time, but the set-top box application will prompt the user to join the chat group associated with the show. Match with TV programs.

Another aspect of the invention includes providing a user with an opportunity to send a chat request to another user who may be interested in joining a chat group. A chat request is a request for another user (for example, a TV set-top box application or an interactive TV program guide) to join a chat group. FIG. 19 shows an exemplary chat request display screen 360 that can be used to provide a user with an opportunity to select a group of other users who may be interested in joining a chat group from the list.

The user can select option 362 to send a chat request to all other users who are currently watching the same television program that the user has matched. The chat system then delivers the chat request to the recipient via the communication path and communication network shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B or 3. The chat device may deliver all chat requests received by the chat device to the user associated with the television distribution facility to each set of user television equipment connected to the television distribution facility. Chat requests can then be filtered by the set-top box application on the recipient's user television device. The set-top box application can only display the chat request on the recipient's TV screen when the recipient user is watching a TV show related to the chat request. Users can also block all incoming chat requests, or chat requests sent by a particular individual, with their set-top boxes. If desired, set-top boxes can only be constructed to notify the user of a chat request sent by a particular individual. In addition, users can use their own set-top box applications to program specific programs. It can also indicate that it only wants to receive chat requests related to, channel, or program categories. The set-top box application can then only display incoming chat requests on the TV based on the user's preferred preferences.

If desired, any user who may receive a chat request can view all of the available chat requests associated with a given television program. The display screen 380 of FIG. 20 is an example of a menu format that can be used to present to a user who is a recipient an opportunity to receive a chat request related to a current television program (option 382). The chat request displayed on the display screen 380 may also be associated with a television program unrelated to the current television program selected from any category of program list items, channels, programs. This information may also be displayed as part of option 382. Incoming chat requests can be listed as part of display screen 380. The recipient user can receive the chat request and join the corresponding chat group by selecting one of the chat request options 384, 386, or 388. In the example of FIG. 20, the user who is the recipient can join the chat group by entering the desired number of chat requests on the remote control. The user may also have the ability to block all incoming chat requests for a period of time or endlessly by selecting option 381. This feature allows users to maintain their privacy. The user can block incoming chat requests from a particular individual by entering the name or address of the particular individual in area 383. The user can also program the chat system, allowing only chat requests from specific individuals received by the user's set-top box. The user can enter the names or addresses of these individuals in area 390. The user can refuse to join any of the chat groups requested by the user by pressing the "Cancel" button on the remote control.

Revisiting Figure 19, a user who wants to send a chat request can make a chat request to other users who are interested in the particular television show that the sender user is matching by selecting option 364. You can decide to send. Option 364 is highlighted to indicate that the sender user has selected it. The sender user can select option 364 using the arrow keys on his remote control. The user can then press the "OK" button on the remote control to enter his or her selection. The sender user can select option 366 to send a chat request to other users who are interested in the channel broadcasting the current program. The sender user can also select option 368 to send a chat request to other users who are interested in a program category that matches the program category the user is currently watching.

The chat request can be sent to a chat device (eg, a server) that transmits the chat request to the appropriate recipients. For example, a chat request may be sent to a user who has indicated to a chat device or television distribution facility that the user is interested in receiving a chat request for a particular program, channel, or program category. If desired, set-top box applications can help with the filtering process used to ensure that chat requests are delivered only to the appropriate users. For example, if a chat request is delivered to all users who are tuned to channel 4, the chat server of the TV distribution facility is limited to the set-top box viewers whose request is currently tuned to channel 4. With the information provided, chat requests can be delivered to all users. Each user who is the recipient Each set-top box application determines if the user is tuned to 4 channels. If the set-top box is not tuned to channel 4, chat requests will not be displayed. Some filtering operations can be done at the end of the server.

If desired, the user can specify a particular chat preference for the chat device. For example, the user can condition that the user wants to receive chat requests related to a particular program, channel, or program category. Users can also condition that they want their set-top boxes to block all incoming chat requests or chat requests sent by a particular individual. The user can even condition that the user wants to receive only chat requests sent by a particular individual. This information may then be transmitted to a chat device, television distribution facility, or television channel chat facility. This is because profile data about family user preferences entered through a display screen provided by a set-top box application such as display screen 120 in Figure 4 can be sent to the chat device associated with the family. The information can be used to filter chat requests related to the TV show, channel, or TV show category that the user is interested in. With this configuration, only filtered chat requests are sent by the chat device to the recipient user.

The chat system allows a user to send a chat request only to non-family users who are identified as interested in the program, channel, or program category associated with the chat request in the user's personal address book. The chat system can filter and extract only the programs, channels, or other users in the address book whose preferences match the program category and preferences associated with the chat request. Other user preferences may be stored in the address book along with the user's name and address. A user interface, such as the display screen 160 of FIG. 6, may be provided by a set-top box application for entering such user preference information.

The user can select another user's name from his address book by selecting option 370. In this case, the chat request may only be sent to specific people that the user personally selects from his address book. Such a chat request may be automatically displayed on the television screen of the user who received the chat request as soon as the chat request is received. If desired, the chat system can only be constructed to have the ability to send chat requests to people in the user's friends list or address book. In addition, chat chat systems can be constructed such that users only receive chat requests from people in their friends list or address book. The function of the filtering operation described with respect to the video chat system of the present invention may be performed in a server, a receiver set-top box, or a sender set-top box.

The display screen 360 also presents option 372, which allows the user to send a chat request to a list of individuals who may wish to join the chat group associated with the current show. For example, an individual on the list could be a regular participant in a chat group related to a weekly comedy. The list may be created by the user as he determines the weekly participant identification information.

As shown in FIG. 21, the display screen 400 can be used to display the chat request 410 in the lower portion of the television screen of the recipient user. Chat request 410 Overlays the TV program the user is watching. Chat request 410 can be translucent to minimize interference with the user's viewing of the program. The show is still uncovered in the upper part 408. Chat request 410 indicates the name of the chat group that the recipient of the request is asking to join, and the name of the sender of the chat request. Recipients of the chat request can join the chat group by receiving the chat request and selecting option 402. Recipients of chat requests can tune to the channel on which the program is broadcast by selecting option 404. The recipient of the chat request can reject the chat request by selecting option 406. The recipient may be able to block further requests from the recipient or proceed to "private" (ie, do not allow chat requests from anyone until further notice). to enable.

Figure 22 shows an exemplary process that allows a user located on a user television device to establish a chat group between himself and another user. In step 420, the set-top box application implemented on the user's television equipment provides the user with the opportunity to set up a chat group with another user. This opportunity may be provided by the set-top box with any suitable user interface. The display screen 360 of FIG. 19 is an example of a user interface that provides a user with an opportunity to set up a chat group with another user by sending a chat request to another user. If desired, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve the features of step 420.

Following step 420, the user can enter the chat configuration information. The chat setting information includes, for example, the identification information of the recipient who intends to make a chat request, the name of the chat group, the identification information of the chat server that supports the chat group, the TV program associated with the chat group, and the program being broadcast. Can include channels. If desired, at least some of this information can be automatically inserted by the set-top box application. For example, the set-top box application knows the channel to which the sender user's set-top box is tuned, so the set-top box application can automatically add this information to the chat request. The set-top box application also accesses a database (eg, a database of program list items stored locally on the set-top box or server) and uses information about the current time (eg, the set-top box or server clocks). It is possible to determine which program the user who is the sender is watching by (access using). If desired, some of this type of information may be added to the chat request by the chat device or chat server. For example, a set-top box application could provide the chat server with information about which channel the sender user is currently tuned to, and then the chat server could tell which show is currently being watched (to the television distribution facility). It can be determined (from the stored program list item information), and this information can be added to the chat request.

In step 424, the chat system delivers the chat request to other users who may be interested in joining the chat group. The actual recipient of a chat request may be determined by the chat server, user television equipment, television distribution equipment, television channel chat equipment, or a combination thereof. If desired, chat requests delivered (for example, if the recipient tells his set-top box application not to accept such requests) can be blocked by the recipient's set-top box. it can.

In step 426, the chat system is launched from each user in the chat group. By delivering real-time communication to other users in the chat group, it assists the chat group with the user and other users who have decided to join the chat group. Chat groups can be assisted by chat devices such as chat servers. Other users may be notified about the chat group and may be given the opportunity to join the chat group when the chat request appears on the television screens shown and described with respect to FIGS. 20 and 21. The group of other users who decide to join the chat group can be the one who received the chat request or the one who previously indicated the request to join the chat group.

An exemplary process for establishing a chat group with a user and other users is shown in Figure 23. In step 430, the set-top box application implemented on the user television device provides the user with an opportunity to indicate a request to establish a chat group with another user or to indicate a request to join an existing chat group. Option 286 on the television display screen 280 of FIG. 14 is an example of how a set-top box application can provide the user with an opportunity to indicate a request to create a new chat group. The user interface area 274 of FIG. 13 is an example of how a set-top box application can provide a user with an opportunity to indicate a request to join an existing chat group or a chat group to be formed. Following step 430, for example, by selecting option 276 in FIG. 13 or by selecting option 286 in FIG. 14, the user may request to establish a chat group, or an existing chat group or be formed. Indicates a request to join the chat group. The user can also enter chat configuration information such as the name of the chat group.

In step 434, the chat system establishes a chat group in which the user and other users who have decided to join are joined. The chat group can be, for example, a new chat group created on a chat server, and the user can join the new chat group. The chat group may also be an existing chat group in which the user is participating.

For new chat groups, new chat groups are created on the chat server or using other suitable equipment such as audio or video bridges. The user then joins the chat group. Other users who decide to join will also join the new chat group once it has been created. All users can then send and receive real-time communication from other participants in the chat group. Step 434 may be performed by a chat device (eg, a server or audio bridge or video bridge), a set-top box application on a user television device, or a combination of both.

The user can then access the list of currently available chat groups associated with the TV program or channel directly from the TV distribution facility, from the TV channel chat facility, or from the chat device (eg, the server) through the set-top box application. The chat system may involve the user in one or more chat groups selected through a process such as the process described in relation to FIGS. 18A and 23.

Figure 24 shows an exemplary process for joining a user to a chat group in response to a chat request. In step 440, the user's television device set-top box application displays a chat request that invites the user to join a chat group. In step 442, the set-top box application provides the user with an opportunity to indicate a request to join a chat group. Display screen 380 in Figure 20 And the display screen 400 of FIG. 21 is an example of how the set-top box can display a chat request and provide the user with an opportunity to join a chat group in response to the chat request.

Following step 442, if the user decides to join the chat group linked to the chat request, the chat system causes the user to join the chat group in step 446. For example, if a chat group is running on a chat server, the user will be linked to the chat group on that server. When a chat group is implemented using a conference call device or a video conferencing device, the user links with the chat group by connecting the user to the group using the conference call device or the video conferencing device. The chat group information required to connect the user to the chat group may be provided to the chat device along with the chat request. After the user joins the chat group, the user can send and receive real-time communication from other participants in the chat group.

In step 448, the set-top box application provides the user with the opportunity to tune in to the television program that is the subject of the chat. Option 404 in FIG. 21 is an example of how the user can be provided with the opportunity to tune in to the television program that is the subject of the chat. When the user selects this option, the set-top box automatically tunes to the TV channel that is broadcasting the TV show that is the subject of the chat. Information about which channel is broadcasting the program associated with the chat request may be provided to the user's set-top box along with the chat request. This feature allows users to join a chat group and at the same time watch the television program that is the subject of the chat. Step 448 is optional and may be omitted if desired.

Many of the features of the present invention can be used with a two-way display remote controller. An example of the display remote controller is shown in FIG. The display remote control 480 includes a display screen 482 which can be any suitable type of display screen. A user may compose a chat message to another user in a chat room using button 484. When you press any button on button 484, the selected letter or number appears at the same time next to input area 483 and cursor 491. The user can erase letters or numbers by pressing the backspace button 486 and can enter uppercase letters by pressing the shift button 488. The user can use the arrow button 498 to move the cursor within the display area 483 of the display screen 482. The user can use an icon such as a smiley mark on the display screen 482 to represent himself. The display remote control may also have a touch screen. Some or all of the keys (eg alphabetic keys) can be presented on the display instead of using regular keys.

The display remote provides additional privacy to the user when sending and receiving messages in a chat group. The display remote control can also be used to send and receive chat requests. Thus, the display remote control is a two-way remote control in that the user can compose, send, receive, and read the message. Further features of the exemplary display remote control are described in Herrington et al., US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 138,868, filed June 11, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. To do. The display remote control can also be used to send messages between users. Further features of the exemplary television message system are described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 356,245 (Attorney Docket No. UV-128) by McKissick et al., Which was filed simultaneously with this application, and the entire application is described herein. Used as a reference in the book.

The above description is merely an example of the principles of the present invention and deviates from the scope and intent of the present invention. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without this.