Interactive television program guide system that serves as a portal
Abstract
This record has no abstract on file.
Term
Term ended
Expired 16 July 2019, 7.2 years ago.
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22 claims: 2 independent, 20 dependent
- 1双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションが、少なくとも部分的にユーザのユーザテレビ機器上でインプリメントされる、双方向テレビ番組ガイドシステムであって、 テレビ番組編成用の双方向構成要素を提供する、番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションをインプリメントする手段と、 テレビ番組編成用の前記双方向構成要素を前記ユーザに提供する場合に、前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションが、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションの番組ガイド機能を用いることを可能にする、アプリケーションプログラムインターフェースを提供する手段と、 前記ユーザが前記双方向構成要素にアクセスすることを所望する場合に、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーション内で、ホットリンクを用いて、前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションを起動する手段であって、前記ホットリンクは、 前記双方向番組ガイドアプリケーションの番組ガイド表示機能によって表示された双方向番組ガイドを用いて選択された番組の内容と関係する情報を前記双方向番組ガイドアプリケーションの番組ガイド表示機能を用いて表示する ように前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションに指令する選択可能なオプションを含む、手段と、 前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションから、前記アプリケーションプログラムインターフェースを呼び出すことにより、前記番組ガイド機能を用いて、テレビ番組編成用の前記双方向構成要素を提供する手段と を含む、システム。
- 2前記起動する手段が、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションで、前記ユーザテレビ機器に画面上のオプションを表示する手段を含む、請求項1に記載のシステム。
- 3前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションによって、ビデオオンデマンド番組項目を、前記ユーザテレビ機器に表示される番組ガイド表示画面の一部として含める手段をさらに含む、請求項2に記載のシステム。
- 4前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションによって、前記ビデオオンデマンド番組項目を、前記ユーザテレビ機器に表示される番組項目のリストにおいて表示する手段をさらに含む、請求項3に記載のシステム。
- 5前記画面上のオプションを表示する前記手段が、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションを用いて、メニューオプションを番組ガイド表示画面上に表示する手段をさらに含む、請求項2に記載のシステム。
- 6前記画面上のオプションを表示する前記手段が、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションで、特定のタイプの内容に向けた番組項目を含む、番組ガイド表示画面に前記画面上のオプションを表示する手段をさらに含む、請求項2に記載のシステム。
- 7前記ホットリンクがウェブブラウザアプリケーションと関係し、 前記システムは、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記ウェブブラウザアプリケーションを起動する手段と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容 と関係する内容のウェブページ を表示する ように、前記ウェブブラウザアプリケーションに指令する手段と を含む、請求項1に記載のシステム。
- 8前記ホットリンクが電子メールアプリケーションと関係し、 前記システムは、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記電子メールアプリケーションを起動する手段と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容 と関係する 電子メールのアドレスを表示する ように、前記電子メールアプリケーションに指令する手段と を含む、請求項1に記載のシステム。
- 9前記ホットリンクがホームショッピングアプリケーションと関係し、 前記システムは、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記ホームショッピングアプリケーションを起動する手段と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容 と関係する製品を 表示する ように、前記ホームショッピングアプリケーションに指令する手段と を含む、請求項1に記載のシステム。
- 10前記ホットリンクがチャットアプリケーションと関係し、 前記システムは、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記チャットアプリケーションを起動する手段と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容と関係するチャットセッションを表示する ように、前記チャットアプリケーションに指令する手段と を含む、請求項1に記載のシステム。
- 11番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーション内容を、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドによって提供される番組ガイド表示画面に組み込む手段をさらに含む、請求項1に記載のシステム。
- 12双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションが、少なくとも部分的にユーザのユーザテレビ機器上でインプリメントされる、双方向テレビ番組ガイドシステムを用いる方法であって、 テレビ番組編成用の双方向構成要素を提供する、番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションをインプリメントする工程と、 テレビ番組編成用の前記双方向構成要素を前記ユーザに提供する場合に、前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションが、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションの番組ガイド機能を用いることを可能にする、アプリケーションプログラムインターフェースを提供する工程と、 前記ユーザが前記双方向構成要素にアクセスすることを所望する場合に、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーション内で、ホットリンクを用いて、前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションを起動する工程であって、前記ホットリンクは、 前記双方向番組ガイドアプリケーションの番組ガイド表示機能によって表示された双方向番組ガイドを用いて選択された番組の内容と関係する情報を前記双方向番組ガイドアプリケーションの番組ガイド表示機能を用いて表示する ように前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションに指令する選択可能なオプションを含む、工程と、 前記番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーションから、前記アプリケーションプログラムインターフェースを呼び出すことにより、前記番組ガイド機能を用いて、テレビ番組編成用の前記双方向構成要素を提供する工程と を包含する、方法。
- 13前記起動する工程が、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションで、前記ユーザテレビ機器に画面上のオプションを表示する工程を包含する、請求項12に記載の方法。
- 14前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションによって、ビデオオンデマンド番組項目を、前記ユーザテレビ機器に表示される番組ガイド表示画面の一部として含める工程をさらに包含する、請求項13に記載の方法。
- 15前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションによって、前記ビデオオンデマンド番組項目を、前記ユーザテレビ機器に表示される番組項目のリストにおいて表示する工程をさらに包含する、請求項14に記載の方法。
- 16前記画面上のオプションを表示する前記工程が、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションを用いて、メニューオプションを番組ガイド表示画面上に表示する工程をさらに包含する、請求項13に記載の方法。
- 17前記画面上のオプションを表示する前記工程が、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドアプリケーションで、特定のタイプの内容に向けた番組項目を含む、番組ガイド表示画面に前記画面上のオプションを表示する工程をさらに包含する、請求項13に記載の方法。
- 18前記ホットリンクがウェブブラウザアプリケーションと関係する方法であって、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記ウェブブラウザアプリケーションを起動する工程と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容 と関係する内容のウェブページ を表示する ように、前記ウェブブラウザアプリケーションに指令する工程と、をさらに包含する、請求項12に記載の方法。
- 19前記ホットリンクが電子メールアプリケーションと関係し、 前記方法は、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記電子メールアプリケーションを起動する工程と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容 と関係する 電子メールのアドレスを表示する ように、前記電子メールアプリケーションに指令する工程と を包含する、請求項12に記載の方法。
- 20前記ホットリンクがホームショッピングアプリケーションと関係し、 前記方法は、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記ホームショッピングアプリケーションを起動する工程と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容 と関係する製品を 表示する ように、前記ホームショッピングアプリケーションに指令する工程と を包含する、請求項12に記載の方法。
- 21前記ホットリンクがチャットアプリケーションと関係し、 前記方法は、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドから前記チャットアプリケーションを起動する工程と、 前記双方向テレビ番組ガイド を用いて選択された番組の内容と関係するチャットセッションを表示するする ように、前記チャットアプリケーションに指令する工程と を包含する、請求項12に記載の方法。
- 22番組ガイドと関係のないアプリケーション内容を、前記双方向テレビ番組ガイドによって提供される番組ガイド表示画面に組み込む工程をさらに包含する、請求項12に記載の方法。
Independent claims22
1 paragraph, as filed
[0001] (Background of invention) The present invention relates to an interactive television program guide system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interactive television program guide system having a program guide application that acts as a portal to other applications. [0002] Interactive television program guides are well known. Such guides, typically implemented on set-top boxes, allow users to watch TV program list items on their home television. A typical program guide allows the user to view information about television programs and television channels, as well as audio programming and audio channels. For example, a program guide may provide information about regular television channels, premium television channels, pay-per-view television channels, and music channels. Various display formats are typically favored. For example, program list items are organized by time, channel, and category (sports, children's, comedy, movies, etc.) (like the systems described in WO-A-96 41478 and WO-A-97 13368). Is done. [0003] Future set-top box systems are video-on-demand, home shopping, internet web browsing, email, banking, enhanced television (two-way programming), data services, and web, which current programming guides rarely or do not offer at all. It may include access to services such as wagering services. [0004] In the systems currently being considered, each of these program guide-unrelated services may be provided as a separate application loaded in the same set-top box as the program guide. A menu structure or other common interface may be provided to allow the user to launch a given one of the applications. However, there is no commonality between the program guide application and the user interfaces provided by applications unrelated to the program guide. This can lead to user confusion. It can be confusing, especially for users who are not familiar with computers. Overlaps between applications cannot be utilized and code and data can be duplicated between applications. [0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program guide in which the interactive television program guide application can function as a portal to other applications. By acting as a portal, program guide applications can ensure a common user interface, eliminate resource contention, and reduce the amount of code and data required by each application. [0006] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a mode that facilitates the use of multiple applications, such as program guide applications and applications unrelated to program guides. [0007] (Gist of the invention) These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing an interactive television program guide system with an interactive television program guide application that acts as a portal for other applications, according to the principles of the invention. Interactive television program guide applications and other applications can be implemented on any suitable platform. One of the suitable platforms is user television equipment that is based on a set-top box or based on a device that incorporates set-top box functionality, such as a state-of-the-art digital television receiver. Other suitable platforms include client-server architectures based on server and user television equipment. Cable system headends, or other servers that may be located at suitable remote locations, work in concert with user television equipment. In such a client-server configuration, interactive program guides and other applications implemented on the platform are not fully implemented on the set-top box, but partially implemented on the user television equipment. Partially implemented on the server. For example, the program guide function related to the display of the menu screen may be implemented in the user television device, and the function related to the maintenance of the program guide database or the video-on-demand function may be implemented on the server. [0008] An application program interface (API) for program guides is provided. The application program interface allows applications unrelated to the program guide to access the program guide function. The API also provides platform resources such as on-screen display resources, remote control key resources, set-top box front panel resources, communication channel resources, and memory function resources (eg, set-tops) by program guides and applications unrelated to program guides. Access to boxes and / or server resources) can be coordinated. The API allows applications unrelated to program guides to take advantage of program guide features such as tuning, viewing restrictions, favorites, user profiles, drawings, highlights, and on-screen navigation, database access, and purchases. To do. This approach ensures that a common user interface is used, resource contention is eliminated, and the amount of code and data required by each application is reduced. [0009] The API helps coordinate the use of applications located remote from the set-top box, such as applications located on cable system headends or Internet servers. The API can also perform authentication functions. This helps ensure that only authenticated applications are provided with access to desired features, such as specific program guide features. Different access rights can be given to different applications. [0010] An application unrelated to a program guide may provide interactive content in the form of interactive components associated with television programming (eg, a given television program, television channel, etc.). For example, an application unrelated to a program may provide interactive sports content for a sports channel and interactive home shopping content for a home shopping channel. Interactive content is a form of suitable interactive content of any type related to a shopping experience, information service, game, or a given television channel, service, program, program type, or program list item. It can be taken. An application unrelated to a program guide that provides bidirectional components for a given channel can be delivered to the user's set-top box along with video and audio programming. The interactive television program guide application makes the user aware of the existence of interactive components. One of the suitable indicators is an icon that can be presented on top of the current TV channel as an overlay. Other suitable indicators are icons or other display elements that may be provided as part of the program guide display screen. [0011] An interactive television program guide application can be used to launch an application unrelated to the program guide. For example, a program guide application may provide an on-screen option to launch an application that is not related to a particular program guide. The user may also activate a dedicated button, such as the "launch" remote control button. [0012] The application and other interactive content may also be incorporated directly into the program list items displayed by the interactive television program guide application. For example, video-on-demand programming can be created to be available to users with video-on-demand applications. The interactive television program guide application may incorporate selectable video-on-demand program list items into the program guide display screen provided by the interactive television program guide application. When the user selects a given video-on-demand program list item, the interactive TV program guide application launches the video-on-demand application to play video for the selected list item or authenticate the delivery of that video. The video-on-demand application can be instructed to start the necessary processing. [0013] Other interactive content such as audio on demand, data from information services, web pages, shopping information, horse racing or other wedging, is also provided as an overlay on certain program guide display screens, such as TV shows. Can be processed by an integrated selectable button. Selectable to allow applications unrelated to the program guide to be called from within the interactive television program guide application and instructed to take actions related to the current television program, program list items, services, etc. The option is called a hot link. Selectable hotlinks related to the currently displayed TV show provide a way to launch the program guide application, while instructing the launched application to take actions related to the current TV show. .. For example, a user may watch a sports program. By selecting the hotlink as the home shopping application, the home shopping application is launched and the home shopping application is instructed to present the sports-related product to the user. [0014] The user can also set an application unrelated to a particular program guide as a favorite. For example, an interactive television program guide application may display these selected favorite applications in a list when directed by the user, or the user navigates within a larger list of applications unrelated to the program guide. In some cases, the highlighting area may be restricted to move only to those favorite applications, or information that designates the applications as favorites may be used. [0015] The user can also set viewing restrictions for applications that are not related to a particular program guide. This allows users to lock applications such as shopping or video on demand. Viewers can unlock such restricted viewing applications by entering a pre-specified user-selected viewing restriction password or by using any other suitable viewing restriction unlocking technique. Can be done. [0016] Users will also be able to set reminders for content related to various applications. For example, the user can set a reminder for a specific promotion segment related to a home shopping application or the like. Reminders can also be set for chat sessions. [0017] An application (eg, a two-way interactive television program guide application) may continue to run in the background while another application (eg, an application unrelated to the program guide) runs in the foreground. Background applications continuously monitor events to determine when events that need immediate attention occur. For example, an interactive TV show guide application runs in the background and either whether the user presses a key on a remote control that requires attention, or a pre-booked show guide feature, such as a preset reminder. Monitor if you need. In such a case, the interactive television program guide application terminates or suspends the operation of the application that is not related to the program guide running in the foreground. If the foreground application is paused, the background application may want the user to resume the paused application, or a detected event (eg, a key pressed by the user, or pre-booked). It may display a message asking the user if an event related to the reminder that was done) should take place. [0018] Further features, properties, and various advantages of the present invention will become apparent with the accompanying drawings and a detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. [0019] (Detailed description of preferred embodiments) An exemplary program guide system 30 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Program guide data such as program list items, program descriptions, and pay-per-view order information can be stored in the program guide database 32 of the main equipment 34. The main facility 34 distributes program guide data to a plurality of television distribution facilities 36 via a communication path such as the communication path 38. The television distribution facility 36 can be a broadcast television facility, a cable system headend, a satellite distribution facility, or other suitable television distribution facility. Figure 1 shows only one television distribution facility 36 to prevent the drawing from becoming too complex. For clarity, the present invention will primarily be described with respect to the use of one such television distribution facility. The communication path 38 can be any suitable communication path such as satellite link, cable, fiber optic link, telephone link, internet and the like. [0020] Each television distribution facility 36 has a plurality of associated users. Each user has a user television device 40 connected to the television distribution facility 36 via one of the communication paths 42. The communication path 42 can be any suitable type of link suitable for supporting television programming and data. For example, if the television distribution facility 36 is a cable system, the communication path 42 can be a cable. The television program organization is distributed to the user television device 40 using the route 42. The television signal delivered to the user television device 40 may be analog, digital, or both. Data such as program guide data is distributed to the user television device 40 using the route 42. Data can be delivered using in-band or out-of-band technology and can use digital or analog technology. Data can be delivered continuously, periodically, or on demand. Route 42 is preferably bidirectional and may favor features such as impulsive pay-per-view purchases from program guides and client-server functionality. If a service other than the program guide service is provided to the user, the data may be provided on a route 42 related to a service unrelated to such a program guide. [0021] [0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the user television device 40 may be an optional video cassette recorder 46 or other recording device such as a digital video disc (DVD) player capable of recording, or a device equipped with a hard disk drive. A set-top box 44 connected to a digital storage device or the like may be provided. The set-top box 44 can receive television program organization and data from the television distribution facility 36 via the communication path 42. Applications unrelated to interactive television program guides and various program guides can be implemented on set-top boxes 44. [0022] The television program organization from the television distribution facility 36, the display screen generated by the application on the set-top box 44, may be provided to the video cassette recorder 46 using, for example, a communication path 48 which may be a cable or wire. Commands may be provided from the set-top box 44 to the videocassette recorder 46 using a communication path 50 that may be an infrared link or other suitable communication path. [0023] The video cassette recorder 46 transmits the TV program organization from the TV distribution facility 36, the display screen generated by the set-top box 44, or the video signal generated by playing the video cassette to the TV 52 via the communication path 54. Can be sent to. The user may watch the television program organization and display screen on the television 52 and may use the television 52 (or auxiliary audio system) to list music channels or other audio programs. [0024] The set-top box 44, video cassette recorder 46, TV 52 is controlled by a remote control 56 or any other suitable user interface such as a mouse, trackball, wireless keyboard, voice recognition system, touchpad, dedicated keys, etc. obtain. If desired, personal computer televisions (PC / TVS) or other types of user television equipment 40 based on state-of-the-art television receivers can be used in place of set-top box-based configurations. However, for clarity, the present invention will be described primarily with set-top box configurations. In addition, a different configuration, such as a configuration in which program list items and other information can be delivered to the user television device 40 using a different route than the communication path 42 without passing through the television distribution facility 36. It can be used to deliver data to the user television device 40. For clarity, the present invention is primarily described with an exemplary data distribution configuration shown in FIG. [0025] The television distribution facility 36 may include a video server 58 to support video-on-demand applications. In such an application, the video stored in the video server 58 may be requested by the user on the user television device 40. The video can then be played back to the user on communication path 42. A separate or integrated server 59 from the server 58 may also be provided when it is desired to implement an application such as a program guide application using a client-server architecture. [0026] Applications such as program guide applications and applications unrelated to program guides can be implemented on any suitable platform. One of the suitable platforms is a user device 40 that can be based on a set-top box, or a device that incorporates set-top box functionality, such as a state-of-the-art digital television receiver. Other suitable platforms include a client-server architecture based on server 59 and user television equipment 40. The server 59 may be located at another location remote from the television distribution facility 36 or the user television equipment 40. The server 59 operates in cooperation with the user television device 40. In a client-server configuration, program guide data can be maintained in the database of server 59 and delivered to user television equipment 40 on demand. The program guide data maintained on the server 59 can be distributed from the program guide database 32 to the server 59 via the communication link 38 for that database. [0027] In a client-server configuration, interactive program guides and other applications implemented on the platform are not fully implemented on the user TV device 40, but are partially implemented on the user TV device 40 and are implemented on the server 59. Partially implemented above. For example, the program guide function related to the display of the menu screen can be implemented on the user TV device 40, while the function related to the maintenance of the program guide database in the TV distribution facility 36 can be implemented using the server 59. , Functions related to the video-on-demand function can be implemented using the server 58. [0028] A web browser application on the set-top box 44 can allow the user to access the Internet 60. The Internet 60 can be accessed directly (eg, via a modem link) or, as shown in FIG. 1, via a television distribution facility 36 (eg, using a cable modem link). Other facilities and services that may be accessed directly or via TV distribution facility 36 include banking services (using banking facility 62), shopping services (using fulfillment facility 64), wedging or games. Services (using game equipment 66), as well as information and other services (using data equipment 68) are included. [0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the program guide application 70 is an associated program guide application program interface (API) 72 that allows the program guide application 70 to act as a portal for applications that are not related to the program guide. Can have. Applications unrelated to program guides include audio on-demand application 74, video-on-demand application 76, home banking application 78, home shopping application 80, enhanced television application 82, internet web browser application 84, data service application 86, and email application. There are 88, and 90 game service applications. A program guide system in which the Program Guide API is used is described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 145,232 by Ellis et al., The entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although described as part of Program Guide Application 70 for illustration purposes, Program Guide API 72 is either part of Program Guide Application 70 or associated with Application 70 but separate from Application 70. Can be considered. The program guide API 72 may be partially implemented on the user television device 40 and partially implemented on a server such as server 59, or it may be implemented on the user television device 40. For clarity, the functionality of the Program Guide API 72 will be described primarily in the context of the configuration in which the Program Guide API 72 is implemented on the user television device 40. [0030] Further, although API 72 is described herein primarily as being associated with a program guide application 70, the principles of the invention also apply to systems in which the application program interface is associated with other applications. For the sake of detail and clarity, the present invention will be described primarily in the context of the Program Guide API. However, this is just an example. [0031] According to the present invention, by using the program guide API 72, it is ensured that all access to the application other than the program guide application is performed through the program guide. This essentially ensures that the user has only one interface to master. Users do not have to try to master multiple user navigation paradigms or become familiar with different data display formats. Users need only be familiar with a single user interface. [0032] The program guide API 72 has a function that enables an application unrelated to the program guide to access the platform resource 92. As platform resources 92, on-screen display functions (colors, fonts, etc.), remote control keys (key assignments, etc.), front panel resources (for example, determine the functions assigned to various dedicated buttons on the user TV device 40). There are communication channel resources (eg, features related to how the set-top box 22 sends and receives data), and server resources. [0033] The program guide API 72 also has a function that allows an application to use the program guide resource 94. Program Guide Resources 94 include tuning (how to change set-top box channels), viewing restrictions (features related to positioning password locks on specific channels or shows), favorites (eg, user-specified). Favorite channels), user profiles (eg favorites and settings profiles for various users of a given set-top box show guide), drawing features, highlighting and on-screen navigation, database access (eg set-tops) A database of program guide information stored in the memory of the box 44 and periodically or continuously supplied with program guide data from the program guide database 32 of the main equipment 34), a purchasing function (for example, an impulse order for a pay-per-view event), There are options on the program guide display screen. [0034] Program Guide API 72 features help coordinate access to Platform Resources 92 and Program Guide Resources 94 for applications that are not related to Program Guides, eliminating resource contention and reducing the amount of code and data required by each application. Can be done. A common user interface across applications is also ensured. As shown in FIG. 3, application number 1 unrelated to the program guide and application number 2 unrelated to the program guide may have an overlap of function 96. The shared code and data represented by overlap 96 typically resides in the memory of the set-top box 44. Overlap 96 represents the overhead savings associated with implementing these features on the set-top box 44. [0035] As an example of using the program guide application 70 to perform an application function unrelated to a specific program guide, there is a function of changing a channel to a channel in which the set-top box 44 is tuned. The steps involved in this process are shown in Figure 4. In step 98, the user is provided with the opportunity to request a channel change by one of the applications unrelated to the program guide. Applications unrelated to the program guide may also initiate channel changes (eg, instruct the tuner to tune to the appropriate channel for data collection). After the user requests a channel change or an application unrelated to the program guide initiates the channel change, the program guide application 70 is used in step 100 to change the channel. As the program guide application 70 changes channels, it ensures that program guide features such as viewing restrictions, favorite channels, and authentication and purchase features are applied consistently. This ensures that a consistent user interface is maintained, as each of these features can operate approximately the same in each of the applications unrelated to Program Guide and in Program Guide Application 70. Useful for. [0036] The program guide system of the present invention uses the program guide application 70 to perform application functions unrelated to a specific program guide to maintain a coherent user interface. Figure 5 shows the steps involved in maintaining a coherent user interface. In step 102, the program guide application 70 provides access to an application unrelated to the program guide. After the user launches an application unrelated to the program guide or somehow calls an application unrelated to the program guide, the program guide application 70 is in step 104 with the program guide application 70 and any program guide. Maintain a coherent user interface while running unrelated applications. [0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the task of maintaining a coherent user interface in step 104 partially includes coordinating access to platform resources in substep 106 and is related to the program guide in substep 108. Partially includes providing access to program guide leases for non-applications. As an example of step 108, the user may need to change the channel of the set-top box 44 using an application unrelated to the program guide. The Program Guide application coordinates access to program guide tuning features that ensure that viewing restrictions, favorite channels, and authentication and purchase features are consistent for all unrelated applications. [0038] Another aspect of the task of maintaining a coherent user interface is to use the Program Guide Application 70 to ensure that all significant access to applications unrelated to the User's Program Guide is made through the Program Guide Application 70. (Step 110). Step 110 may include, for example, only access to applications unrelated to program guides that use program guide resources to a fairly large extent, or at least the operations that may normally be provided by program guide application 70. It has the same operating characteristics as the characteristics. Step 110 also includes a task that provides a particular function of the program guide application 70 that may be nominally provided in an application unrelated to the program guide. [0039] An application unrelated to a typical program guide can be a shopping application. Shopping applications may need to display a list of available products. Accordingly, step 108 includes using a program guide graphics routine that can draw boxes, tables, etc. for the program guide application that displays a list of available products for the shopping application. Since the program guide graphics routine is the same as the program guide graphics routine used by the program guide application, the user can be presented with a coherent user display interface (ie, the list of products in the shopping application program is a program. Looks almost the same as the list of list items in the guide). [0040] To avoid using a program guide-independent application with such an inconsistent user interface, step 110 is to use a program guide-independent application with such an inconsistent user interface. It may include building or using a program guide application 70 to ensure that it cannot be easily accessed by. [0041] Integrating application functions unrelated to the program guide into the program guide application to provide the user with a coherent user interface can be done in various ways. For example, the icon may be provided on a particular program guide display screen that allows the user to launch an application unrelated to the program guide from within the program guide. Applications that are not related to the program guide can also be integrated directly into the program guide. Other program guide features that enhance the coherence of the user interface may include providing hotlinks from within the program guide application to applications unrelated to the program guide. These and other characteristics that enhance coherence and create the impression that users are using one integrated system rather than a collection of separate applications are described in more detail below. [0042] Some programs unrelated to program guides are used to provide bidirectional components associated with program organization to otherwise passive audio or video channels. Applications unrelated to this type of interactive program guide may be delivered to the set-top box 44, along with audio and video programming, delivered by television distribution facility 36. The program guide application 70 provides an icon-like indicator on a particular program guide display screen (which may be a full screen or a partial overlay display) and is bidirectional. It can indicate that the components are available. For example, the icon 112 may be provided adjacent to a particular program list item 114 on the program guide display screen 116 in the program guide application 70, as shown in FIG. Although the program guide display screen 116 is a program list item screen, any suitable program guide display screen may be provided with an icon 112 or any other suitable indicator of bidirectional configuration content. [0043] If desired, the indicator may, by itself, be displayed as an overlay on the program, as shown by icon 118 in FIG. Icon 118 in FIG. 7 appears as an overlay over the shopping channel 120 to indicate that the shopping channel has bidirectional components available. [0044] Indicators, such as the indicators in Figures 6 and 7, make the user aware of the types of bidirectional content available. For example, if the interactive content relates to the purchase of a product, the indicator can be a money or cash register icon. If the interactive content relates to viewing a website, the indicator can be an icon representing the Internet. These indicators are merely examples. If desired, any suitable indicator or icon may be provided to indicate the presence of bidirectional content. [0045] Indicators or other information about which program has a two-way component may be delivered to the program guide application as part of a television program with both components associated. For example, information about the bidirectional components associated with a given program can be provided in the sideband of the channel carrying the program, or in a digital system, as part of a digital stream containing the program. Can be provided. Alternatively, the indicator may be delivered to the program guide application as part of a data stream (eg, a stream of program guide data provided from the main equipment 34 via the television distribution equipment 36 to the set-top box 44). If desired, the indicator may be incorporated into the program guide application before loading the application into the set-top box 44. [0046] FIG. 8 shows a process for informing the user that there is interactive content that the user can view using an indicator in the program guide application. In step 122, various distribution techniques that can be used to provide the indicator to the program guide are shown. After the indicator is provided to the program guide in step 122, the program guide application displays the indicator on another suitable program guide display screen (eg, TV program list item screen), which is generated by the program guide application 70. It is displayed as an overlay directly on the display screen or on the television program in step 124. The program guide also gives the user the opportunity to launch an application associated with the indicator in step 124. [0047] The program guide application may allow the user to activate the bidirectional component by pressing a key on the remote control 56 (FIG. 1). For example, the remote control 56 may have a dedicated "boot" key 128 as shown in FIG. The "launch" key 128, when pressed by the user, causes the program guide application to launch any bidirectional component associated with the current program. If there is an indicator (eg, an icon) associated with a given program or list item when the user presses launch, the program guide calls the bidirectional component associated with that indicator. If there is an interactive component associated with a given program or list item but no icon or other indicator is presented, the program guide may still call the interactive component associated with that given program or list item. .. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the user is watching the video of program 160, the user presses the activation key 128 to provide the program guide with a bidirectional component or a component related to the video of the program (both). It may be instructed to display the orientation component (shown as 162). [0048] Alternatively, when the user tunes to a given program, the program guide may present an on-screen option to launch a bidirectional component (along with any viewable information about that component). This is shown in FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the user tunes to shopping channel 164, which causes the program guide to display a text box 166 instructing the user to press launch to call the home shopping application. When the user presses launch, the program guide launches the home shopping application. As shown in the lower display screen of FIG. 11, the home shopping application may display the home shopping overlay 168 on top of the current channel 164. The overlay 168 may include product details promoted on the shopping channel 164 and a highlighting area 170 that the user can place and choose from a variety of options. The exemplary options shown in overlay 168 are purchase options 172, which allows the user to launch a series of purchase screens, and additional information about the product, such as the product currently being advertised on shopping channel 164. Includes information option 174, which allows you to request (both electronically and in paper). [0049] If desired, after the user requests information on a program or list item, information may be presented to the user notifying that the bidirectional component is viewable. For example, as shown in FIG. 12a, if the user is watching a television program on channel 7, the user may press the information key on the remote control to obtain additional information. When the program guide senses that the information key has been pressed, it may display information about the current program, for example, in an overlay (eg, information window 138). The program guide also provides an on-screen option to activate bidirectional components associated with the current program (eg, on-screen option 140). In the embodiment of FIG. 12a, the interactive content associated with the current channel is provided by the web browser application. When the user presses launch, the program guide launches a web browser application and commands the web browser to search for web page 142. This web page may be associated with the current program (ie, the program that was displayed on channel 7 when the user pressed the information key). [0050] The user may also activate the bidirectional component using an overlay window or other on-screen option area, as shown in Figure 12b. First, the user may be watching a particular television program on television display 143. The user may press the OK key on the remote control control button or other suitable remote control button, or may activate option area 145 using any other suitable technique. The option area 145 may include an option 147 for performing a program guide function (for example, a reminder setting and a viewing restriction setting). Option area 145 may also include options such as options 149 and 151 for invoking bidirectional components. When the user highlights and selects an option, the bidirectional components associated with that option may be activated and instructed to perform functions related to the current television program. For example, if the user chooses to launch web browser option 149, the web browser is launched and instructed to search for web page 153 related to the current program. [0051] If desired, the user may launch the email application by selecting launch email option 151 as described above. The e-mail application can be launched at the preloaded address associated with the current show. A US patent application by McKissick et al., Filing simultaneously with this application, for further features of the exemplary e-mail messaging system.<u style="single"> / , </u>It is described in the number (agent reception number No. UV-128). This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0052] The user may launch the application from an information screen associated with the program or channel or the like. A US patent application by Rudnick et al., Which was filed at the same time as this application, for a system that allows users to launch applications from the information screen.<u style="single"> / , </u>It is described in the number (agent reception number No. UV-113). This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0053] If you want to notify the user that the interactive component is available, the program guide will display an indicator or icon or message (for example, "If you have an interactive TV, press the launch button"). obtain. If there is one indicator (eg, an icon) overlaid on a given show, when the user presses launch, the show guide launches an application that is associated with that icon but not related to the show guide. .. When multiple icons are displayed on a given screen, as in the configuration of FIG. 6, the user (eg, highlighting area 115 such as highlighting area 115 of FIG. 6 or other suitable configuration, etc.) (Using) First, a given program list item can be selected. When using the highlight area, the arrow keys 130 (FIG. 9) can be used to move the highlight area to the desired program list item and then press the activation key. The "OK" key 132 (FIG. 9) can be used to perform a typical program guide function (eg, select a list item when you want to tune to a program with a list item). When you press the launch button 128 (Figure 9) after highlighting a program list item or making a selection in some other way, the program guide is associated with the program guide associated with the icon or other indicator of that list item. Launch no application. FIG. 8 shows the process of invoking an application unrelated to the program guide as step 126. [0054] Applications and other interactive content that are not related to the program guide can be incorporated directly into the program list items provided by the program guide application. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the program guide displays the sports program list item on the display screen (for example, the sports list item display screen 176), the program guide is an option (for example, on the display screen 176). Option 178) can be displayed. This option allows the user to launch a web browser application to browse various sports-related web pages. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 13, both program list items and options that call an application unrelated to the program guide are related to a particular type of content (sports). [0055] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, the program guide displays a program guide display screen 180 that includes various movie program list items 182. Options 184 and 186 that launch applications unrelated to the program guide are embedded directly in the movie program list item 182. The user can choose one of options 184 and 186 to launch the application, or use the arrow keys 130 to position the highlight area 188 or another suitable indicator on the desired entry and OK. By pressing key 132, one of the program list items 182 can be selected and tuned to the channel associated with that list item. Integrating the option to launch an application unrelated to the program guide directly into the program list items provided by the program guide application helps to create a seamless user interface and allows the user to use an application unrelated to the program guide. Promote to do. [0056] Figure 15 shows another approach that integrates options to launch applications that are not related to the program guide using program list items. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the program guide displays options 190 and 192 and is an application unrelated to the program guide (ie, a web browser application) immediately next to the titles 194 and 196 of the associated program list item, respectively. To call. [0057] A video-on-demand application that is substantially independent of the program guide (eg, video-on-demand application 76 in FIG. 2) can provide a number of video-on-demand features. To allow users to quickly access video-on-demand programs from within the program guide, the program guide provided by the program guide can be accessed from within the program list item screen and other program guide display screens to the video-on-demand program. It is necessary to provide access. FIG. 16 shows an exemplary program guide display screen 198 that includes a video-on-demand program list item 200. The user may select a given one of the displayed program list items 200 using the appropriate indicator (eg, highlighting area 202). When a given video-on-demand program list item is selected, the program guide launches the video-on-demand application 76 (Figure 2) and the video-on-demand application 76 launches the video associated with the program list item selected for the user. Instruct to search for and play on-demand programs. The video being played by the user can be delivered from the server 58 to the user television device 40 using any suitable technique. [0058] [0058] Displaying Video-on-Demand Program List Items The program list item data required for the program guide is provided from the program guide database 32 (Fig. 1) or the video-on-demand application 76 (implemented by the video server 58) to the program guide application. Can be done. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the program guide display screen 198 is dedicated to the video-on-demand list item. If desired, the video-on-demand program list item can be integrated into a program guide display screen that includes both a video-on-demand program list item and a program list item other than the video-on-demand program list item, as shown in FIG. 17a. The program guide display screen 204 includes program list items of program list items 206 and 208 that are not video-on-demand channels. The program guide display screen 204 also includes a program list item 210 for video-on-demand programs. The user can scroll up and down through the program list items on screen 204, as indicated by arrow 212. The user may select a given program list item using an indicator (eg, highlighting area 214). When the user presses the OK key 132 (Figure 9), the program guide launches the Video on Demand application 76 (Figure 2) and the movie of the Video on Demand list item selected for the Video on Demand application 76 (Figure 17a). In the case of the embodiment, it is instructed to provide Terminator 2). [0059] As shown in Figure 17b, another suitable format that allows video-on-demand list items to be integrated into the program guide display screen displayed by the interactive television program guide application is a two-dimensional list or grid of program list items ( (Hereinafter collectively referred to as grid) is included. In the embodiment of FIG. 17b, programs 3 and 4 are video-on-demand programs, which can be ordered, for example, by positioning the highlighting area on the desired selection and pressing the "OK" button on the remote control. [0060] The program guide display screen 204 of FIG. 17a includes a program list item belonging to the movie category. A categorical display screen such as screen 204 may be requested from the program guide menu (eg, theme selection menu 216 in FIG. 18). The user may select the desired theme using the highlighting area 218. As shown in Figure 8, some themes may include video-on-demand content. For example, if the video-on-demand option 220 is selected, the program guide is instructed to display the program guide display screen (eg, display screen 198 of FIG. 16). Selecting comedy video-on-demand option 222 from menu 216 directs program guide application 70 to display a similar display screen that contains only comedy-related video-on-demand program list items. Similarly, if the movie video on demand option 224 is selected, the program guide is instructed to display the video on demand program list items associated with the movie. If desired, the thematic video-on-demand options may be integrated into other program guide display screens (eg, display screens used to select various program category selection options). Video-on-demand program list items can be integrated into any suitable program guide display screen, including program list item grids, time and channel based list item screens, and flip and browse views. Various configurations for integrating video-on-demand program list items into the above displays are described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 262,870 by Ellis et al., Filed March 4, 1999. This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0061] Other interactive content can be treated in the same way as video-on-demand content. As shown in FIG. 19a, the program guide application 70 may display an audio on-demand list item 226 (eg, a karaoke list item) on the program guide display screen 228. When a given audio-on-demand program list item is selected, the program guide application 70 is instructed to launch the audio-on-demand application 74 (Fig. 2), and the audio-on-demand application is the audio track of the selected list item. Is instructed to play. As shown in Figure 19b, data services can be treated as well. In the embodiment of FIG. 19b, the program guide may display the stock quote indicator 230 on screen 232 as an overlay that may include television program footage, program list items, and other suitable program guide display screen content. .. [0062] Content from an application unrelated to the program guide can be embedded in a display screen generated by another application unrelated to the program guide, or can be embedded in the program guide display screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, web content may be embedded in a program guide display screen provided by the program guide. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the program guide displays the program guide display screen 380. The program guide display screen 380 includes a program list item 382. The user may use the arrow keys on the remote control to position the highlight area 384. When the user highlights the desired program list item, he or she can press the OK key on the remote control so that the web content provided by the internet application (eg, web browser) is displayed in window 386. [0063] The configuration of FIG. 20 is exemplary. If desired, other program guide display screens may also include embedded content from applications unrelated to the program guide. For example, such contents include a menu screen, a setting screen, a viewing restriction screen, a reminder setting screen, a pay-per-view order screen, a program list item screen (for example, an hourly list item screen, a channel list item screen, and a genre). It can be embedded in another list item screen). Also, content from one application unrelated to the program guide (eg, an Internet browser application) can be embedded in the display screen of another application unrelated to the program guide (eg, the display screen of a home shopping application). [0064] The program guide may also incorporate list items with related web content into the program guide display screen. When such a program list item is selected from the display screen, the program guide application 70 can launch the Internet web browser application 84 (FIG. 2), and the web browser application 84 can search for related web content. Content related to other applications (eg, shopping application 80 (Fig. 2), game service application 90, etc.) can be treated in a similar manner. [0065] As shown in Figure 21a, if there are multiple bidirectional components associated with a given program, when the user presses launch, the program guide will display these bidirectional components in a pop-up menu format or other suitable display. Can be displayed with. In the embodiment of FIG. 21a, when the user presses launch, the program guide displays a pop-up menu 144. The pop-up menu 144 includes a highlighting area 146 that the user can position (by using the remote control 56) on any entry in the pop-up menu 144. When the user selects from the pop-up menu 144, the program guide launches the corresponding application. [0066] If you launch an application that is not related to the program guide using pop-up menu 144 or any other suitable launch configuration, the program guide is associated with the specific content of the program guide to the application that is not related to the called program guide. It may be desired to order an action to be taken or an action related to the state of the set-top box 44. For example, an application unrelated to the called program guide may take some action based on the TV program currently displayed by the set-top box 44 or the program list item or menu item highlighted in the program guide. It may be desired to order. Such interconnections between program guides and applications unrelated to program guides can be achieved using hotlinks. [0067] The hotlinking process is information used by the application (eg, website address, e-mail address, program title, or other information preselected based on the current content of the program guide or the status of the set-top box 44. ) Includes the process of calling an application unrelated to the program guide. For example, the user is watching a program, viewing a program list item, viewing program details, or a given program, program list item, program details, program type (eg, comedy, etc. Sports etc.), Channels, Channel List Items, Channel Details, Channel Types (eg Sports, Comedy, Weather, Pay Per View, Premium, etc.), Program Packages, Package List Items, Package Details, Package Other actions may be taken within the type (time zone package, premium service package, comedy, movie, etc.) or program guide related to such. When the user activates the hotlink, an application unrelated to the associated program guide is launched and the content of the program guide (ie, the action related to the program the user is watching, the program list item, the program details, etc.) You may be instructed to take relevant actions. Examples of how the state of the set-top box affects the type of action taken during the hotlinking process include whether the modem is in use, the keyboard is enabled, and memory is available. If an application unrelated to the program guide requires the use of a modem, the application will not launch without the modem. If an application unrelated to the program guide requires the use of a keyboard (for example, for email or chat), the application will not launch without the keyboard enabled. If an application that is not related to the program guide requires a specific memory resource, that application [0068] Hotlinks can be activated with dedicated buttons, launch buttons, menu options, or any other suitable technique. For example, the remote control 56 may have a dedicated web browser button (eg, an internet button 154 as shown in FIG. 9, a dedicated e-mail button 156, a dedicated shopping button 158, and similar applications associated with other program guide unrelated applications. Can be equipped with a button). When the user presses the Internet button 154 while watching a television program, the program guide may launch a web browser and instruct the web browser to search for web pages related to that program or current channel. When the user presses the e-mail button 156, the program guide launches the e-mail program and tells the e-mail program about the program, fan club, or other message destination related to the program or channel. Instruct to set the e-mail message according to the characteristics. When the user presses the shopping channel button 158, the program guide launches a shopping application and instructs the program guide to preselect products related to the program or channel. [0069] The example of FIG. 21a illustrates the use of a hotlink. When the viewer selects web browser option 148, the program guide may launch a web browser application and instruct the web browser to place a web page related to the currently displayed program. The address of the web page can be incorporated into the database maintained by the program guide on the set-top box 44, can be sent to the program guide along with the program itself, or provided to the program guide by any other suitable technology. Can be done. If the user selects option 150, the program guide may launch the e-mail application 150 and send a message to the e-mail application, for example, to a specific cast member of the current program or a fan club of the current program. Can be ordered to do. If the user selects option 152, the program guide may launch the home shopping application and instruct the home shopping application to preselect or present products related to the current program or channel. [0070] FIG. 21b shows another embodiment. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 21b, the user can initially watch the television program 390. Message 392, which may be displayed, indicates that a hotlink to a chat session associated with the current television program is available. When the user presses launch or otherwise invokes the chat application, the chat application may display the chat session associated with the current television show in display area 394. The video of the current television program may be displayed in window 396. The chat application can be connected to programs, program list items of programs, program details, program types, channels, channel list items, channel details, channel types, and the like. [0071] Figures 22 to 24 show the steps included in the steps using the exemplary hotlink configuration. FIG. 22 shows how hotlinks to applications (eg, web browsers, chat applications, etc.) may be provided. Initially, the user is watching a television program or viewing a list item or detail of a program or channel. Then, in step 234, the program guide may give the user the opportunity to launch an application (eg, a web browser, a chat application, etc.). When the user decides to launch an application, in step 236, the program guide launches the application, while the current program, program list items for a given program, program details for a given program, program type, Program guides may be instructed to perform functions related to channels, channel list items, channel details, or channel types, and so on. For example, if the application is a web browser, the web browser may search for web pages related to the program the user was watching or the program the user was viewing a list item or detail. A program guide application provides a web browser with a web address embedded in the program guide application's database, a web address sent with the program, or a web address provided otherwise. You can order to search the page. If the application is a chat application, the program guide application either starts a chat session on the current program or channel, or starts a chat session related to the selected program list item or channel list item, or is selected. You can instruct the chat application to start a chat session related to the details. In step 238, the application performs functions related to programs, channels, program list items, channel list items, program details, channel details, and the like. Example For example, if the application is a browser, the browser may search for web pages related to the show. If the application is a chat application, the chat application may initiate a chat session on the current program. [0072] Figure 23 shows how hotlinks to email messaging capabilities can be provided. Initially, the user is watching a television program or viewing a list item or detail of the program. Then, in step 240, the program guide may give the user the opportunity to launch an e-mail application. If the user decides to launch the e-mail application, in step 242, the program guide may launch the e-mail application. In step 244, the user is given the opportunity to send an e-mail message to a cast member, fan club, or other destination related to the program the user was watching or the program the user was viewing a list item or detail. Can be. For further features of the exemplary television e-mail messaging system, see US Patent Application No. 1 by McKissick et al.<u style="single"> / , </u>There is a description in the number (agent reception number No. UV-128). Similarly, users may also be given the opportunity to join chat groups related to the current show. For further features of the exemplary television chat system, a US patent application by DeWeese et al., Filing at the same time,<u style="single"> / , </u>There is a description in the number (agent reception number No. UV-101). This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0073] FIG. 24 shows how a hot link to the home shopping feature can be provided. Initially, the user is watching a television program or viewing a list item or detail of the program. Then, in step 246, the program guide may give the user the opportunity to launch a home shopping application. If the user decides to launch the home shopping application, in step 248, the program guide may launch the home shopping application. In step 250, the program guide may automatically select the product (s) available in the home shopping application associated with the program the user was watching or viewing the list item or details. For example, a program guide may display a graphic image of an available product on the user's display screen. In this way, the program guide may present products related to the program the user was watching. [0074] As shown in FIG. 25a, a program guide application may give the user the opportunity to set a particular application as a favorite. For example, the user positions the highlighting area 252 or other suitable indicator on one of the applications 254 and presses the "Favorites" key 256 (Figure 9) or otherwise informs the selection of the highlighting entry. obtain. The program guide may mark the selected application as a favorite with an indicator (eg, favorite indicator 258). In the example shown in FIG. 25a, video on demand, home shopping, and e-mail are set as favorites. Setting a particular application as a favorite increases the ability of the program guide to provide access to your favorite application. For example, the user may instruct the program guide to display a list of the user's favorite applications. Figure 25b shows that only the applications set as favorites are displayed. In addition, when the user is browsing the list of applications with "favorite mode" turned on, can the program guide manipulate the display of the highlight area or other indicators to highlight only the favorite applications? , Or otherwise get the user's attention. When displaying a favorite application, the program guide can generally use any suitable favorite display mode to display the program list items. Deselecting a favorite application can be done by highlighting the application you want to deselect and pressing the favorite key 256 or by using any other suitable deselection technique. [0075] The program guide can lock a specific application by using the viewing restriction function. The user then provides a preselected viewing restriction password (or equivalent viewing restriction authentication technology), unlocks any locked application, and calls the locked application by a program guide or user. Must be possible. The user is given the opportunity to enter a password when attempting to call a locked application. If the password provided is correct, the locked application can be unlocked and called. The user highlights an application in the application list (for example, an application on the program guide display screen as shown in Figure 25a) and presses lock key 260 (Figure 9) or otherwise selects the application. Allows you to lock a given application. In the example of FIG. 25a, the video-on-demand application and the banking application are locked, as indicated by the lock icon 262. The favorite indicator 258 and the lock icon 262 are merely exemplary. Any suitable indicator can be used to mark favorite or locked applications. As shown in FIG. 25c, when the user attempts to call a restricted viewing application, the program guide gives the user the opportunity to enter the restricted viewing password. [0076] The user may also set reminders for content related to applications that are not related to various program guides. For example, an application unrelated to the program guide (eg, a home shopping application) may present the user with a display screen of list items for upcoming events. As shown in Figure 25d, the home shopping application may present screen 330 of list item 332 of upcoming segment. The user may move the highlighting area (eg, highlighting area 328) onto the desired segment and press the appropriate remote control key (eg, OK key) to select that segment. The home shopping application can then prompt the user to ask if they want to set a reminder for the selected segment. If the user gives a positive answer, the home shopping application (or program guide or other suitable system component) may set a reminder for the selected segment. An icon (eg, reminder icon 336) may be displayed near the list item of the segment for which the reminder is set. As the scheduled broadcast time for this segment approaches, a reminder may appear on the user's television that reminds the user that the segment is about to begin. Schedule information for the home shopping segment may be provided as part of a program list item database or as independent data. [0077] If desired, the user may set a reminder for a segment or title for which the broadcast time has not been determined. As the broadcast time of a segment approaches, a reminder that reminds the user of the segment may appear on the user's television. [0078] Reminder settings Content is either content provided by an application (eg, home shopping information displayed by a home shopping application) or content from one application embedded in another application (eg, embedded in a home shopping application). It can be web page) or content that assists the user in searching and using the application (eg, home shopping video segment). [0079] Other applications may also have relevant content for which reminders can be set. For example, the user may set a reminder for a particular content or race (for example, by selecting the desired content or race from a screen containing a list of various content and races by the game service application). As another embodiment, the user may also set a reminder for a particular web event or web-based or cable system chat session. [0080] [0080] The program guide application 70 may allow an application unrelated to the program guide to use the purchase mechanism of the program guide application 70 (eg, an authentication procedure, etc.) that includes the use of a purchase code or purchase password. This may allow parents to control the affordability of their children at home. As shown in FIG. 26, for example, if such a purchasing mechanism is shared between Program Guide application 70 and Video on Demand application 76, it is associated with another feature shared between these applications. In addition to the overlap 266, there is an overlap 264 associated with the shared purchasing feature. Functions related to overlap may include a purchase screen function, a purchase code function, a credit card order function, a delivery address function, a billing address function, and the like. [0081] FIG. 27 shows a process relating to allowing one application (eg, Program Guide Application 70) to run in the background while another application is running in the foreground. In step 268, the background application may confirm the presence or absence of an event that may require immediate attention. For example, a background application may handle a data collection task as indicated by data collection input 270. The background application may also handle tasks related to monitoring user actions (eg, pressing a key on the remote control 56 (FIG. 9) monitored by the background application). When the background application is a program guide application, the monitored key is the guide key 271 used to call and exit the program guide list item screen provided by the program guide application, as shown in user key press input 272. Can include keys such as. Background applications can also monitor user-selected actions. If the background application is a program guide application, such user selection actions are reserved for recording with a program reminder (shown as reminder input 274), a timer (shown as timer input 246), and a VCR. It may include recorded recordings (shown as VCR recordings reserved by user input 278). [0082] If an urgently sensitive event is detected in response to one or other such inputs of inputs 270, 272, 274, 276, or 278, the background application is referred to as the foreground application in step 280. The foreground application can be interrupted by terminating or suspending (or requesting the application itself to terminate or suspend). When the foreground application is suspended, in step 282, the background application may display a message on the display asking whether to take place the detected event or resume operation of the foreground application. [0083] FIG. 28 shows an exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 28, the web browser application is running in the foreground and the program guide with the program reminder is running in the background. As shown on screen 314, the operation of the web browser 316 is suspended immediately before the scheduled broadcast time of the program set as the reminder, and the reminder display 318 may be overlaid on the top of the web browser 316. The reminder display 318 includes information about the program for which the reminder is set (for example, the title of the program). If the user decides to watch the program, the user may select tuning option 320. When tuning option 320 is selected, the system terminates the operation of web browser 316 and tunes to channel 322 of the selected program. If the user decides to ignore the reminder, the user may choose the reminder hiding option 324. When the reminder hiding option 324 is selected, the program guide hides the reminder display 318 and continues in the background. The foreground application (web browser) resumes operation as shown on screen 326. [0084] The program guide application 70 may provide options for various program guide menus, which allows the user to directly launch an application unrelated to the program guide. FIG. 29a shows an exemplary program guide menu 295. Figure 29a shows the program list item option 296 for viewing the program guide display screen, including the program list item (shown as selected by highlighting area 298), and Video on Demand for launching the Video on Demand application. Includes option 300, home shopping option 302 to launch the home shopping application, and e-mail option 304 to launch the e-mail application. The application unrelated to the program guide shown in FIG. 30 is merely an example. If desired, any application unrelated to the appropriate program guide may be launched from the program guide menu screen. [0085] As shown in FIG. 29b, the program guide application 70 may provide a menu setting screen 306. When the user selects option 308, the user is presented with a program guide configuration option that allows the user to customize various features of the program guide. When the user selects one of options 310, an application unrelated to the associated program guide is launched, presenting the user with their own settings screen. For example, if the user selects option 310a (e-mail settings), the associated e-mail application will be launched and the user will proceed to the settings screen 312 inside the e-mail application. The configuration example in Figure 29b is merely exemplary. If desired, it may provide any suitable screen or function to the launched application at launch. [0086] The application program interface may provide authentication features that help manage access to application resources. FIG. 30 shows an exemplary process for coordinating access to resources. In step 342, an application sends a message to the application program interface requesting that the application's resources be registered in the application program interface. In step 344, another application may attempt to access the registered resource. If the registered application does not require authentication, the resources requested in step 346 may be shared. [0087] If desired, the application's request may need to be authenticated and have access to the particular resource checked. As shown in FIG. 31, when an application is requested in step 348, access to resources of another application may be requested. At step 350, the application program interface authenticates the request. This process is performed, for example, by collating and verifying the password provided by the requesting application with a preset password, or by verifying whether the requesting application is included in the list of approved applications. Can be done. Step 350 may also include determining whether the requesting application has sufficient rights to access the requested resource. If the requesting application passes the test of step 350, in step 352, the requesting application can access the desired resources of another application. [0088] The application program interface of the present invention may coordinate the activity of a program guide application resident outside the user's user television equipment and an application unrelated to the program guide. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, an application (eg, home) on server 356 connected to user television equipment 358 via internet 360 or other suitable data network such as internet 360 and television distribution facility 362. Shopping application 354) can be deployed. [0089] Applications can also be deployed on server 364 or other suitable equipment in the television distribution facility. Since the server 364 has less memory size restrictions than the user TV device 358, the amount of applications that can be provided by the server 364 is relatively larger than the amount of applications that can be provided to one user TV device device. For example, two different banking applications may be provided to server 364, giving the user room to choose their preferred application. [0090] Applications can also be placed on other user television devices in the user's home. For example, an application can be placed on a home device connected to a user's user television device using a home communication path (eg, a bus or other path that can form a home network). For example, the program guide application 368 can be provided to the second user television device 370 connected to the user television device 358 by the communication path 372. Applications deployed in home appliances can also connect to user television equipment using communication paths away from the home (eg, remote servers or communication paths that include such). A US patent application by Ellis et al.<u style="single"> / , </u><u style="single"></u>There is a description in the number (agent reception number No. UV-73). This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0091] All applications located outside the user television device 358 interact with the resource and of the resource by means of applications unrelated to the program guide (eg, web browser application 374 and program guide application 376 located on the user television device 358). Can be shared. The application program interface 378 can be useful in coordinating access to various resources in the system. This can be achieved using any suitable communication protocol. For example, an application that is remote from the user television device 358 uses a protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Internet Protocol (IP) to send a message requesting access to resources and such. Can be sent to program interface 378. [0092] As an example of a home configuration in which multiple applications share resources, a configuration in which a first program guide is implemented on a first user television device and a second program guide is implemented on a second user television device. There is. The first and second user television equipment devices can be interconnected using any suitable home network or communication path. The user (eg, parent) may use the first program guide to adjust viewing restriction settings or other program guide settings. The adjusted settings are then used by the second program guide. The application program interface 378, which can be implemented on either the first or second user television equipment device, coordinates access to resources in the system from the first and second program guides. [0093] Another example of a home configuration where multiple applications share resources is to implement a program guide on one user television device and a home shopping application on another user television device. User TV equipment Devices can be interconnected using any suitable home network or communication path. The application program interface 378, which can be implemented on either user television device device, provides access to resources in the system (eg, program guide resources and resources on the user television device device) from the program guide and home shopping applications. To adjust. For example, application program interface 378 may coordinate access to purchase resources for program guides used by home shopping applications. [0094] The above merely illustrates the principles of the present invention, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention. [Simple explanation of drawings] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary interactive television program guide system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how a system may have an interactive television program guide application and an application unrelated to a plurality of program guides according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how two applications according to the invention can have overlap in function. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process included in a channel change using a program guide according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a process included in maintaining a coherent user interface using the program guide application program interface when calling an application unrelated to the program guide with the program guide application according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows. FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen that includes a program list item with an icon indicating the availability of bidirectional components associated with the program list item. [Fig. 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary television screen diagram showing how an icon indicating the availability of an interactive configuration according to the present invention is displayed as an overlay on the image of a particular television channel. Is. FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process included in showing the user that an application unrelated to the program guide is available according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram of an exemplary remote controller used to control a user television device according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a bidirectional component associated with a program according to the present invention can be activated by pressing a dedicated button. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how a user can call an application unrelated to a program guide according to the present invention in response to a prompt on the screen. [Fig. 12a] FIG. 12a shows how, according to the present invention, further information about a given program can be obtained by the user pressing the information key while adjusting to the given program, and after the information is displayed. It is a figure which shows how the user can start an application (for example, a web browser) which is not related to a program guide by pressing a start button. FIG. 12b shows how, according to the invention, a user activates an overlay, including various program guide options and options for launching applications unrelated to the program guide, and can be used. It is a figure which shows. FIG. 13 is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen, including program guide list items for a particular category (sports) and including on-screen hotlinks to a web browser, according to the present invention. .. FIG. 14 is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen, including program guide list items and menu options for launching various program guide-independent applications according to the present invention. [Fig. 15] FIG. 15 allows the user to call a web browser application and instruct the web browser application to search for a particular web page in the grid where the selectable options are related to the adjacent show. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen that includes a grid of program list items provided by a particular grid cell with selectable hotlinks. FIG. 16 is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen, including a video-on-demand program list, according to the present invention. FIG. 17a is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen, including video-on-demand program list items mixed with regular program list items, according to the present invention. FIG. 17b is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen of program list items, including video-on-demand program list items, according to the present invention. [Fig. 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen, including options, that the user may select to view program list items for a particular category or theme. Some of the exemplary programming themes of the display screen of FIG. 18 relate to video-on-demand programming according to the present invention. FIG. 19a is a diagram of an exemplary program guide display screen, including selectable audio-on-demand program list items, according to the present invention. If the user selects one of the list items, the interactive television program guide application will launch an audio-on-demand application according to the invention to play the audio associated with the selected list item. Command. FIG. 19b is a diagram showing a display of a data service such as a stock price indicator that can be provided on a video such as a television program or program list item according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how the contents of the Web according to the present invention are incorporated into a program guide display screen. [Fig. 21a] FIG. 21a illustrates how, according to the present invention, a program guide application can display a list of selectable options for applications unrelated to the available program guides when the user presses launch. is there. FIG. 21b provides a hot link according to the present invention that directs a user viewing a television program to launch a chat application and initiate a chat session related to the television program. It is an exemplary diagram showing how it can be activated (by pressing the activation key). FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an exemplary process included in using a hotlink for an application unrelated to a program guide according to the present invention. FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an exemplary process included in using an e-mail (email) hotlink according to the present invention. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a process included in using the home shopping hotlink according to the present invention. [Fig. 25a] FIG. 25a is an exemplary program guide display screen according to the present invention that provides the user with an opportunity to set an application unrelated to a particular program guide as a favorite, or to set viewing restrictions for a particular application. It is a figure. FIG. 25b is a diagram of an exemplary favorite viewing program guide display screen according to the present invention. FIG. 25c is a diagram of an exemplary video-on-demand purchase authentication screen according to the present invention. FIG. 25d is a diagram of an exemplary home shopping application list item according to the present invention. FIG. 26 shows how the purchase function of an interactive television program guide application according to the present invention is shared between a program guide application and one of the applications unrelated to the program guide application. It is a figure. FIG. 27 is an exemplary flow chart of the steps involved in running an application in the background while another application is running in the foreground, according to the present invention. [Fig. 28] FIG. 28 shows how a program guide reminder overlay according to the present invention is provided on an application unrelated to a running program guide, such as a web browser, to inform the user of the upcoming television program. , Is a diagram of a series of exemplary display screens. FIG. 29a is a diagram of a program guide display screen for a main menu showing how selectable options according to the invention can be provided to applications unrelated to program guides. FIG. 29b is exemplary, including a selectable option according to the invention that allows a user to launch an application unrelated to a program guide and follows the relevant setup screen within such an application. It is a figure which shows the program guide setup screen. FIG. 30 is a flow chart of a process related to application registration having an application program guide interface according to the present invention. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a process included in the authentication of an application and the determination of access rights of an application according to the present invention. [Fig. 32] FIG. 32 shows how an application using the application program guide interface according to the present invention is based on various locations such as a user television device, a second user television device, an internet server, or a server associated with a television distribution facility. It is a figure which shows.
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
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| JP2001517346A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2002514798A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| WO9641478A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Examiner |
| WO9713368A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Examiner |
| JPH1132272A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| WO97013368A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | – |
| WO96041478A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | – |
| JP2001517346A | Cites | Japan | – |
| JP11032272A | Cites | Japan | – |
| JP2002514798A | Cites | Japan | – |
27 members in 11 offices
Priority claims9
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| 9386598 | United States of America | P | |
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| WO1999US16131 | – | – | – |
Members27
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| WO0005889A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU5000299A | Australia | A | |
| BR9912370A | Brazil | A | |
| EP1097586A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| KR20010053570A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| CN1310921A | China | A | |
| TW468343B | Taiwan Province of China | B | |
| AR019458A1 | Argentina | A1 | |
| AU748045B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| JP2002521929A | Japan | A | |
| CA2337464C | Canada | C | |
| EP1330125A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| EP1330125A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| US2005283800A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2268019A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| JP2011041297A | Japan | A | |
| US2011209180A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP4851007B2This record | Japan | B2 | |
| EP2268019A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| JP2014033452A | Japan | A | |
| US8973056B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2015201235A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2015216674A | Japan | A | |
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Numbers
- Publication
- 4851007
- Publication, DOCDB
- 4851007
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP4851007B
- Application
- 2000561771
- Application, DOCDB
- 2000561771
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20000561771
Titles2
- Japanese
- ポータルとして機能を果たす双方向テレビ番組ガイドシステム
- English
- Interactive TV program guide system that functions as a portal
Classification
- CPC, 23
- H04N21/4622
- H04N21/44224
- H04N21/478
- H04N7/163
- H04N7/165
- H04N7/17318
- H04N21/233
- H04N21/2543
- H04N21/25891
- H04N21/4431
- H04N21/4532
- H04N21/454
- H04N21/4751
- H04N21/4753
- H04N21/4755
- H04N21/47805
- H04N21/47815
- H04N21/4782
- H04N21/4786
- H04N21/482
- H04N21/812
- H04N21/8173
- H04N21/84
- IPC, 12
- H04N7 173
- G06F3 048
- H04H20 78
- H04H40 18
- H04H60 72
- H04N5 445
- G06F3 0484
- H04N5 00
- H04N7 025
- H04N7 03
- H04N7 035
- H04N7 16