Television message system

(Background of invention) The present invention relates to a television message system, and more particularly to a technique for assisting the transmission of a message in a television environment that may include an interactive television program guide.

A common aspect of the Internet and other networking environments concerns email messages. A network user or Internet user can send an email message to other users on the network or the Internet. The message is delivered to a server where it is stored until downloaded by a client such as a personal computer. The recipient of the message can access the message from the server at any time and read the message at their convenience.

Television programs are often discussed in email messages. However, in general, there is no easy way for users of traditional e-mail message systems to watch a television program while exchanging messages about the program. 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 households 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 a traditional television set. The TV set generally provides a larger viewing area than the computer monitor, so the user does not have to sit near the TV screen as if the viewing area were a computer monitor. The TV set is also typically placed in a room in the house that is more suitable for watching TV than where the computer is typically placed.

A system that seeks to integrate the Internet aspect with the TV viewing experience California's Palo Alto WebTV Networks, It is available from Inc. The WebTV system allows a television viewer to access the Internet via a WebTV Plus Receiver connected to the viewer's television set. WebTV Plus Receiver allows users to surf the World Wide Web on their televisions by connecting their televisions to a web-based WebTV Network through standard telephone lines. The WebTV system allows the user to view a television program list item and a website related to the television program appearing in the program list item.

The WebTV system also provides a TV crossover link that allows users to access websites related to television programs. The WebTV Plus Receiver detects data such as web links (ie, universal resource locators (URLs)). This data is incorporated into the video broadcast and the user is notified by the TV crossover link watermark on the TV 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 function allows the user to watch the website and the television program at the same time. If the website supports the e-mail function, the user can send an e-mail message via the Internet while watching a TV program. The WebTV system also provides users with an email account for sending and receiving email over the Internet. The user can access a web home page and send and receive e-mail from the web home page.

The interactive television program guide implemented on the set-top box allows the user to view the television program list items 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.

Previously known systems do not provide an integrated system that allows television viewers to watch television programming and exchange messages with other television viewers unrelated to the Internet. Also, previously known systems do not provide television viewers with the opportunity to send messages only to other viewers of the television program or television channel. Traditionally known interactive television program guides do not include the ability for television viewers to exchange messages with each other.

<p num="0009"> Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a television message system that provides a television viewer with an opportunity to watch a television program organization and exchange messages related to the television program organization to other television viewers who do not depend solely on the Internet. To provide.</p><p num="0010"> Another object of the present invention is to provide an interactive television program guide including a message function.</p>

<p num="0011"> (Summary of Invention) These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a television message system that receives television program organization from television distribution equipment such as cable system headends over a communication path, in accordance with the principles of the invention. The television message system allows a user to transmit a message associated with a given television program to a user who is currently watching a given television program.</p><p num="0012"> The message system allows messages to be transmitted between users in the user television equipment device. User TV equipment The device may be connected to a television distribution facility (such as a cable system headend) by coaxial cable or other suitable communication path that carries the television signal. In an exemplary configuration, the system eliminates the need for additional communication paths that are physically separate from the paths that carry television signal broadcasting channels in order to transmit messages.</p><p num="0013"> The television message system of the present invention allows a user to participate in a television program-related contest, promotion, or survey by sending and receiving messages through the television message system while watching a television program. The television messaging system also allows a user to rate a television program and send the rating to a television program entity, such as a TV channel, or, as a recommendation, to other users.</p><p num="0014"> The television message system of the present invention allows a user to compose and send a message to a television program entity such as a program producer or a member of a program performer. In addition, the user sends a message through the television message system to other users (eg, other users of the interactive program guide, Internet users, PC users, etc.) connected to the user's television distribution facility via a communication path. Can be done. The message can be made by the user, or the message can be a standard message, such as a reminder message for watching a particular program. The message can be created on a two-way TV screen or on a display remote control device.</p><p num="0015"> The television messaging system also allows users to purchase gifts for television programming for recipients.</p><p num="0016"> The television message system may be based on an interactive television 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 or 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 television message system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="1B">FIG. 1B is a diagram of a user television equipment 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 a user interface television display screen that provides a list of standard messages or words according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="2A">FIG. 2A is a diagram of a system configuration of a user television equipment device of a plurality of television distribution facilities connected via a television program entity according to the present invention.</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 individual servers via a neighboring network.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a mode in which a plurality of television distribution facilities and user communication device devices according to the present invention can be connected via a communication network.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system comprising a reduced size version of a television program for creating a message and providing the user with an opportunity to transmit the message to a television program entity according to the present invention. is there.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating steps according to an exemplary approach for providing a user with an opportunity to send a message to a television programming entity according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="6A">FIG. 6A is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for inputting user profile information according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="6B">FIG. 6B is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for inputting a user's name and address according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="6C">FIG. 6C is a diagram of an exemplary address book for users according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to evaluate a television program according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process relating to an exemplary approach for providing a user with an opportunity to evaluate a television program according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 9 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to participate in a survey on television program organization according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="10">FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary television display screen for providing a user with an opportunity to participate in a promotion relating to a television program according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 11 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to participate in a television program-related contest according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="12">FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating steps according to an exemplary approach for providing users with an opportunity to participate in a television contest, promotion, or survey according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="13">FIG. 13 is a diagram of an exemplary television display screen for displaying an interactive function available in a television program according to the invention, according to the invention.</figref><figref num="14">FIG. 14 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to transmit a reminder message to another user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 15 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for displaying a reminder message received from another user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="16">FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating steps according to an exemplary approach for providing a user with an opportunity to create a reminder message to be sent to another user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 17 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to transmit a message to another user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="18">FIG. 18 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for displaying a message received by a user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="19">FIG. 19 is a diagram of a display screen of a television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to transmit a message to another user based on the television program-related criteria according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="20">FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a process relating to an exemplary approach for providing a user with an opportunity to send a message to another user, based on the television program-related criteria according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="21">FIG. 21 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to purchase a television program-related gift for another user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="22">FIG. 22 is a diagram of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to purchase a program-related product according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="23">FIG. 23 is a view of a display screen of an exemplary television message system for providing a user with an opportunity to enter identity and address information of a gift recipient according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="24">FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating steps according to an exemplary approach for providing a user with an opportunity to purchase a gift through a television message system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="25">FIG. 25 is a diagram of a display remote controller with a television messaging function according to the present invention.</figref>

(Detailed description of preferred embodiments) An exemplary television message 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 the interactive television program guide. Although the television message function of the present invention may be provided using a television message system without the use of program guides, certain aspects of the invention relate to interactive television program guide system configurations for specificity and clarity. And mainly described.

The information from the database 14 can be transmitted to the television distribution facility 16 via the communication link 18. 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. Some aspects of the invention can be realized using broadcast distribution equipment, or television distribution equipment such as satellite television distribution equipment. To avoid overly complication of the drawings, FIG. 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 equipment 12 to the television distribution equipment 16 includes television program list item data such as program time, channel, title, and description. The information transmitted from the main facility 12 may also include information about a particular television program or two-way message function available on a particular television channel (eg, television program contests, surveys, ratings, promotions, etc.).

If desired, some program guide data and other TV message information may be provided using a data source located in equipment other than main equipment 12. For example, the data associated with the available TV program specific message function (eg, contests, advertisements, surveys, etc.) is separate from the TV program entity associated with the TV channel, or the main equipment 12 and the television distribution equipment 16. Can be provided by the equipment of.

The television distribution facility 16 distributes program guide data and other information to the user television equipment 20 of a plurality of users via the communication path 24. The communication path 24 is preferably bidirectional to support messaging, preferably the television distribution facility 16 provides programming guide information and messages unrelated to the video, as well as programming scheduled to be broadcast, pay program organization, and the like. It has sufficient bandwidth to deliver messages and other video and audio information to the user television device 20. The message supported by the communication path 24 can be text-based or, where wider bandwidth is available, a voice message or a video message. When the television distribution facility 16 is a cable system headend, the communication path 24 may be based on coaxial cable, optical fiber, or the like. If the television distribution facility 16 is a satellite system or a broadcasting system, the one-way path may engage in the transmission of information within the free space. The bidirectional path may have a free space downlink to the home and a telephone line or cable, or a fiber optic return path from the home to the television distribution facility 16.

User television equipment may be based on, for example, set-top boxes or other such devices. For clarity, many aspects of the invention are described in connection with this exemplary configuration, but if desired, any other suitable hardware configuration for the user television device 20 may be used. Can be done.

A plurality of television and audio channels (analog, digital, or both analog and digital) may be provided to the user television equipment device 20 (including, for example, the set-top box 26) via the communication path 24. Each path 24 includes a plurality of conventional analog television channels, and one or more of these channels may be used to support a plurality of digital channels. The bandwidth of each analog channel used to support digital channels can support 10 or more of such digital channels. Bidirectional digital channels typically require more bandwidth than unidirectional digital channels. Such a bidirectional digital channel communicates between the set-top box 26 and a server (for example, a television distribution facility 16) in the form of a message. If the bidirectional communication between the set-top box 26 and the television distribution facility 16 includes 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.

The message may be delivered along the communication path 24 using any number of suitable techniques. For example, text messages can be delivered by out-of-band channels on path 24 using out-of-band modulators. Video or audio messages 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. Any suitable communication protocol can be used for the transmission of messages and the like. For example, the communication can be analog or digital, synchronous or asynchronous, packet-based, Internet Protocol transfer, and the like.

The message can be transmitted using a dedicated digital channel or analog channel as the communication path 24, or at least an allocated portion of the available bandwidth. Such a dedicated channel can be 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 a message between the user television device device 20 and the television distribution facility 16, in the configuration of the system 10, individual telephone lines connected to the user television device 20 to transmit the message. The need for lines (although such telephone lines can be used with certain aspects of the invention if desired) can be eliminated. If desired, television programming can be transmitted to the user television equipment 20 along a single communication path, such as a satellite link from a satellite system, while messages to and from the user are on the telephone or cable. It is delivered via such a second communication path.

The television distribution facility 16 preferably has a server or other suitable computing device or audio or video device (collectively referred to herein as the message device 22) such as an audio voice mail device. Supports the transmission of messages between users. For clarity, certain aspects of the invention are described as being implemented using just one message server, but these aspects of the invention also apply to other types of message devices. It is possible. The message device 22 (eg, a message server) can process a message including text, graphics, video, or audio data. If desired, the bandwidth requirement of the messaging device 22 can be reduced by limiting the message to text, audio, and / or graphics rather than a message containing video. The message device 22 in the television distribution facility 16 may be configured as a client-server configuration in which each of the user television devices 20 (ie, the user television device device 20) functions as a client processor.

Each user has a receiver, which is typically a set-top box, such as the 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 other such television-based platform. The set-top box may include a DOCSIS modem for use in two-way communication to and from the server or television distribution facility. 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, the 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, upon request (using a client-server configuration), or using a combination of these techniques. The message may be delivered to the set-top box 26 in real time or on demand (eg, when the user checks his or her email or message device 22 and requests to see the message). The messaging device can receive messages from the set-top box 26 in real time or on a regular basis.

The main equipment 12 preferably includes a processor for processing an information distribution task. Each set-top box 26 is preferably a television messaging function, or an interactive television program guide application that includes an independent television messaging application located in the set-top box 26 (hereafter collectively referred to as a television messaging set-top box application or simply a set-top box application). Includes a processor to handle the tasks associated with achieving (call). The television distribution facility 16 preferably has one or more processors (eg, a messaging device) for tasks associated with delivering a message and for providing program guide data to a program guide on a set-top box. 22) is included.

Whether some or all of the features of the Program Guide application or the messaging set-top box applications described below can be integrated into the operating system on the set-top box and implemented as a single application on the set-top box. Or it should be understood that it can be done by a server (eg, part of the messaging device 22 or separate from the television distribution equipment). In a client-server architecture, set-top boxes send data or requests to the server. The server can store the data, process the data, return the result of the request to the user television device, and further process, display, or store it. Any of the functions of the set-top box application described below can be realized by using the client-server architecture.

Various mechanisms can be used to launch a television messaging set-top box application from a program guide application on the user's set-top box. One mechanism is to use a hotlink to launch a television messaging set-top box application. The hotlink method is a television messaging set-top with information such as a website address, email address, program title, or other information preselected based on the current content of the program guide or the status of the set-top box 26. Includes calling applications that are not related to program guides, such as box applications. For example, the user is watching a show, watching a show list item, watching a description of a show, or other actions in a show guide related to a given show, channel, channel type, etc. When the user instructs the program guide to start an application that is not related to the program guide, the program guide starts an application that is not related to the program guide and the application that is not related to the program guide. Can be instructed to take actions related to 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 message button, a dedicated shopping button, and similar buttons associated with applications unrelated to other program guides. When the user presses the message button, the program guide launches the TV messaging set-top box application to the TV messaging set-top box application to the program characters, fan clubs, or recipients of other messages associated with the program. Instruct to set the message of. When the user presses the shopping channel button, the program guide launches a shopping application (for example, to purchase a gift for the receiving user) and instructs the program guide to preselect products related to the program. To do. As a further function of the exemplary hotlink system, US Patent Application No. 09 / 346,134 (Attorney Docket) of Ellis et al., Co-filed herein. No. UV-85), the entire application of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Each set-top box 26 is typically connected to any videocassette recorder 28 or other such recording device, whereby selected television programs can be recorded. Each videocassette recorder 28 (or set-top box 26) is connected to a television 30. To record a program, the set-top box 26 tunes to a particular channel and sends control signals to the videocassette recorder 28 (eg, using an infrared transmitter) to record to the videocassette recorder 28 at the appropriate time. Instruct to start and stop.

While using the television messaging system, the television messaging set-top box application on the set-top box 26 may display a message on the television 30. If the television message system includes an interactive television program guide, the interactive television program guide may display program list items on television 30. Program guides with message capabilities can also be used to display messages. Each of the set-top box 26, the videocassette recorder 28, and the television 30 can be operated by one or more user interfaces 32 that may include a remote control, a mouse, a trackball, a microphone, a digital video camera, a 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 message system of the television 40. When the television message system 10 is based on an interactive television program guide, the display screen provided to the television 40 by the set-top box 38 may be on the interactive television program guide display screen. The interactive television program guide display screen displayed, or other program guide display screen provided by the program guide, may include 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 create a message 52 by selecting a character from the displayed alphabet. In particular, the user can select a character from the alphabet key 54 and a space from the space bar 56. The user can select a character that will be highlighted (like letter L58) by pressing the arrow keys and input keys (also called OK or select keys) on the remote control. By pressing the OK key on the remote control, the program guide including the message function or an independent messaging application is instructed to place the selected character immediately next to the cursor 62. The user can select the shift option 51 and put uppercase letters in the message 52. In this way, the user can compose the text of the message.

If desired, as shown in FIG. 1D, 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. The word or message may be predetermined, user-determined, or both. If the user decides, those words or messages may be specifically entered into the list by the user or may be automatically saved by the system based on the message previously sent by the user. The word or message can be selected by pressing the arrow keys on the remote control so that the highlighting area 76 is placed on top of the particular word or message, as in "Message 2" in FIG. 1D. The user can then select the highlighted word or message by pressing the input (or select or OK) key on the remote control.

The system 10 allows the user in the user television device 20 to exchange messages related to the television program while watching television. The user can send a message using the system 10 without making any effort to operate the personal computer and its associated software. In addition, the system 10 allows the user to maintain high video quality and television viewing channel range while exchanging messages with users in similar situations.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the television program entity 80 may include a message server 82 for storing messages transmitted between user television devices 88, 92, and any other such user television device. The television program entity can be a message facility associated with a television channel, which receives and processes messages sent by the user of the user television device device to the television program or channel. User television equipment devices 88 and 92 are connected to television distribution equipment 84 via communication paths 90 and 94, respectively, and television distribution equipment 84 is then connected to television program entity 80 via communication link 86. The communication link 86 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 message may be processed by a server that is not located in the television distribution facility as shown in FIG. 2B. For example, the message may be stored in the server 91 and transmitted between the user television equipment device 97 and the user television equipment 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 reduce the bandwidth required for the communication path 103 of a given number of user television equipment 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 may also route messages between server 91 and 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 message 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, a message is sent from one user TV equipment device 100 associated with the television distribution equipment 104 to another associated with the television distribution equipment using a message server 106 arranged in the television distribution equipment. It can be delivered to the user television equipment device 100 of the above along the communication path 102. The message transmitted between the two or more user television device devices 100 associated with the television distribution facility 104 may be stored in the message server 106 in the television distribution facility 104. The advantage of limiting the operation of the messaging system to individual television distribution facilities is that (for example) individual cable system operators can control their own systems and are in progress between different geographic areas or different time zones. It does not include coordinating the transmission of messages related to television programs. If desired, the message exchanged by the user television device 100 may be stored by the message server 108 connected to the television distribution facility 104 via the communication network 110. The communication network 110 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 message system may also be constructed so that a user located on one or more user television device devices 120 can exchange messages with one or more user television device devices 100. The user television device 120 is associated with a different television distribution facility other than the user television device 100. The user television equipment device 120 is connected to the television distribution facility 116 via the communication path 122. Message server 118 can be used to store messages. The configuration of the message server 118 and the user television device 120 may be based on the client-server configuration. The television distribution facilities 104 and 116 may be connected to each other via the communication network 110. The message transmitted between the user television device 100 and the user television device 120 may be stored in the message server 106, 108, or 118. If desired, any number of television distribution facilities are connected to each other via a communication network 110 or other such communication network, whereby user television devices from these television distribution facilities can exchange messages with each other.

Further, the message may be transmitted between the user television device 100 or 120 and the user communication device 114. The user communication device 114 is connected to the television distribution facilities 104 and 116 via the communication network 110. The user communication device device 114 can be a personal computer capable of transmitting and receiving any number of, for example, messages.

Another aspect of the invention relates to using a television messaging set-top box application to provide a user with an opportunity to send a message related to a television program or television channel that may be transmitted to a particular recipient. Messages transmitted between users of a set-top box application are transmitted from one set-top box and stored in a message server. The receiving user's set-top box can download messages from the message server after logging on to the message server. Once the message is downloaded to the recipient's set-top box, the recipient can view the message using the messaging feature provided by the set-top box application. A message sent in this format can be delayed in the sense that the recipient does not need to receive it immediately after the message is sent. The message can be stored on the message server for a long time until the recipient accesses the message. The message can also be sent by the user of the user television equipment device to a television programming entity such as a television channel using a television messaging set-top box application.

Communication can also be sent between set-top boxes in the form of instantaneous messages. Momentary messages are messages that can only be temporarily stored at the recipient's end. Instantaneous messages can only be seen by the recipient for a limited period of time after the message is cleared from memory. The message is cleared regardless of whether the recipient actually opens the message while it is available. Instantaneous messages are useful for transmitting information that is valid only for a limited period of time. For example, one user may wish to send a message containing the score of a football game to another user in the form of an instant message. This is because the score can change sequentially during the match.

With reference to FIG. 4, the television display screen 130 provides the user with an opportunity to create a human readable message 132 related to television program 148. The display screen 130 of the television message system allows the television program 148 to be simultaneously displayed (eg, in window 146 of the television screen) with the two-way message function shown in FIG. Program 148 has been reduced in size to fit perfectly within window 146. The advertisement 149 can also be displayed on the display screen 130 at the same time. The advertisement may accompany either the display screen or the user interface screen of the present invention.

The set-top box application can automatically display the screen 130 at the appropriate time while the user is watching TV program 148. The set-top box application may also display screen 130 as soon as the user prompts (eg, when the user presses a message button on the remote control). Information indicating that the television program is associated with a message option as shown in FIG. 4 may be provided to the set-top box application using any suitable data distribution technique. For example, TV message information can be obtained on-demand from a server using a set-top box, or on-demand from a main facility using a program guide list item. If desired, the TV message information can be digitally encoded in the band along with the TV program signal of the digital channel. The message information can be decoded by the digital set-top box together with the TV program signal. The TV message information can also be digitally encoded on a digital channel separate from the TV program signal. As another example, TV message information can be stored in a television distribution facility and delivered to a set-top box application by the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of a standard analog television signal. A VBI decoder located in the set-top box can be used to decode the data contained in the VBI of the received television signal. TV message information (eg, research, contests, promotions, product purchases) related to any of the features described herein can be provided to the user using any suitable technique described above.

The decrypted data can then be used by the set-top box application to send a message to the TV programming entity based on the received data to determine if there is an option for the user. The data decrypted by the set-top box is also designed to receive and process which message options are available and the return path or destination address to which the message can be sent (eg, a message from the user). It can indicate the email address of the television program entity). If desired, the TV message information may be provided using an out-of-band data path. Such information may also be provided as a digital data stream along with other streams of digital data (eg, digital data for various television programs).

The screen 130 allows the user to select a human readable message 132 (eg, a text message or a graphic message containing text), a TV channel that broadcasts program 148 by selecting option 134, and option 136. Allows transmission to a television program producer of program 148, or a member of an individual performer of program 148 by selecting an option such as option 138 or option 140. Television channels include networks such as ABC, local affiliates, local broadcasters, pay-per-view channels, and cable channels such as HBO and CNN. When the user of the set-top box application selects one or more desired recipients of the message, the user may select transmission option 142 to send the message.

The television message system then delivers the message to a television programming entity, such as a television messaging facility associated with a television channel. This television programming entity is designed to receive messages from users of user television equipment devices. The television program entity processes the message and responds to the message if necessary. For example, a designed television channel that represents a television programming entity can read and respond to messages sent to the television channel. The television program entity that actually receives the message from the user can also be, for example, the personal email address of a member of the performer or the program producer. The user can cancel the message and return to the full screen view of the current program 148 by selecting option 144.

An exemplary process for sending a message to a television program entity is shown in FIG. In step 170, the set-top box application (ie, an interactive program guide with messaging, or a stand-alone messaging application) that functions on the user television device is the television program entity recipient (eg, television channel, television program producer). , Or members of individual television show performers) to provide users with the opportunity to send messages. The set-top box application can provide the user with an opportunity to indicate that a message is to be sent by showing a two-way screen such as screen 130 (FIG. 4). The two-way screen can be displayed automatically or when the set-top box application is prompted by the user. The two-way screen may provide the user with the opportunity to enter the text of the message and set the intended recipient of the intended message. If desired, the recipient of the message may be preselected if only one person may receive the message. The user can then enter the message information. The message information may include the text of the message and may include a set recipient.

In step 172, the television message system sends the message to a message server associated with the television program entity designed to receive and process messages associated with the television program or television channel. A set-top box application is used to transfer a message to a TV program entity from program guide information obtained from the main facility or from data associated with the TV program guide (eg, data embedded in the VBI of the TV program signal). The necessary information (for example, the recipient's destination address) can be obtained. The destination address can be an email address or other information that identifies where an electronic message can be sent. The destination address can also be stored in the television distribution facility. In this case, the set-top box application can forward the message to the television distribution facility, which in turn can transfer the message to its destination.

The television messaging set-top box application can also offer the user the option of entering profile information data for the user in the user's home. FIG. 6A shows a display screen 420 of an exemplary television messaging system that a television messaging set-top box application may present to a user's television set to enter user profile information. The user's name may be entered in box 422. The user's favorite program can be selected from the pull-down or expanding list 425. When the user selects arrow 426, additional programs in the pull-down list may be displayed on the display screen 420 of the television messaging system. Favorite categories of user programs such as sports programs, movies, news programs, comedies, etc. may also be selected from the pull-down list 432. If the user selects arrow 438, additional program categories may be displayed. The user's favorite channel can be selected from the pull-down list 430. If the user selects arrow 428, additional channels may be displayed on the user's television display screen. Information about the user that is not related to the TV program (eg, birthday, address, age, etc.) may also be entered as part of the user's profile. The user can enter the city and state of residence in areas 441 and 443 of screen 420.

The television display screen 420 can also provide the user with an opportunity to filter the messages sent to the user. The user can block all incoming messages except for other users' messages specified by the user in box 435. Alternatively, the user can specify that only messages from a particular recipient should be blocked. The user can identify these recipients in box 437. The filtering function can be performed by a set-top box or by a messaging device. The set-top box or server checks all incoming messages and does not receive messages from blocked recipients.

When the user finishes entering the user profile information, the OK option 436 can be selected. The data entered is preferably stored in a set-top box, but stored somewhere within the hardware of the user TV equipment device, such as a remote server or a separate storage device connected to the set-top box. May be good. The user may exit the display screen 420 by selecting the cancel option 439. If the user selects the cancel option 439, the user profile information is not saved. Further features of the exemplary system for entering user profile information are described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 034,934 of Ellis et al., Filed June 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated throughout the application. Used as a reference in the book.

Further, the message system can be constructed in the same manner as the ICQ system so that the user can publish his / her profile information, whereby other users can access the user's profile information. ICQ is an internet tool that informs who of the internet users is online at any time and allows the user 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 fellow Internet users, send messages, files, URLs, play games, or simply hang out while surfing the Internet.

Through the messaging system, the user fills out a questionnaire (eg, using display screen 420) that contains information about the user's television program preferences and additional information about the user himself, such as the user's hobbies, that is not related to television. obtain. User profile information can be useful in finding other users who are interested in exchanging messages on a particular topic. User profile information can be stored together on a remote server or set-top box. Users can access public profiles and form "friend lists" or address books for other users with the same interests. The friends list can include user identity information, TV preferences, and other concerns.

The message system may be configured such that the user needs to obtain permission from the second user before the user can obtain the profile information of the second user. For example, the message 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 messaging system adds the second user to his friends list to the first user so that the first user can access the profile information of the second user. Make it possible. In addition, the messaging system can ask if the second user wants to add the first user to his friends list. Users can add more information to their profile based on their knowledge of other users' preferences. The messaging system also allows users to search for other users based on ICQ numbers, email addresses, TV program preferences, and / or other preferences.

FIG. 6B shows a display screen 421 of an exemplary television messaging system that a television messaging set-top box application may present to a user's television set to enter user identity information. The display screen 421 of the television messaging system of FIG. 6B provides the user of the user television equipment with the opportunity to enter the user's name in box 423 and the user's address in box 427. Identity information about the user of the user television equipment device and the user communication equipment device can be entered on the display screen 421. For example, an email address for a user of a user communication device may be entered in box 427. A user of a user television device can have an address that is a unique identity assigned to a particular user that allows the message server to restrict access to messages only to the appropriate recipients. The address for the user of the user television device may be entered in box 427.

If the user selects the OK option 429, the set-top box application stores user identity information (ie, the user's name and address) in a memory device such as the memory 25 of FIG. 1A. User identity information can also be stored on the server instead of a set-top box. If the user selects the cancel option 431, the set-top box application exits the display screen 421 and does not save any information entered in boxes 423 and 427. The user identity entered in the boxes 423 and 427 by the user is the "Hockeyy" in the address book 440 shown in FIG. 6C. The user selects option 433 if he wishes to be added to an identity group represented as one entry in the address book, such as "Fans". The Identity Group feature allows users to edit and group their friends' identity lists that they like to watch the same TV show, channel, or show category. Thus, a user may send a message to everyone in a group by selecting that group in the address book while everyone in that group is watching a television program of interest. Members of an identity group can receive a message in their set-top box and read the message while watching the same television program as the sender of the message.

The user's identity, whose identity information is entered on the display screen 421 of FIG. 6B, can be displayed by the set-top box application in the address book format on the television screen. The television message system display screen shown in FIG. 6C is an example of such an address book. The address book display screen 440 displays a list of identities 442 of a user or group of users. The user may be, for example, an individual such as Mary Smith, or a group of individuals, such as Hockey Fans, as indicated by the name in Listing 442. The individual user may be part of one or more groups in the address book. For example, Mary Smith may appear as an individual in the address book or may be a member of the groups "Seinfeld Fans" and "Movie Lovers". Listing 442 shows the "Hockey Fans", "Members of Hiking" identified by the user. "Club", "Seinfeld Fan Club", or "Movie" It can include groups of individuals who are interested in a particular program, program type, or any other group, such as "Lovers." The group does not have to be associated with television. If desired, the set-top box application presents a pop-up option on the television screen to individuals in the address book list when the user is watching a related television program (eg, "Seinfeld"). You can send a message.

The user may select recipients (s) of messages, recommendations, gifts, reminders, etc. by selecting one or more identities in the list. Option 444 is highlighted to indicate that the user has selected "Seinfeld Fans" as the recipient of the message. The user may select the recipient of the message he / she wants from the names in the list. The user may choose to enter additional identities of other users by selecting option 446 to return the user to the television display screen 421 of FIG. 6B.

If the user selects the recipient of the message (eg, using the arrow keys and pressing enter), the user can then position the highlight area above OK option 448 and press enter. The television message set-top box application can then retrieve the address for each recipient of the message. The television messaging system may then deliver the message to the appropriate messaging device for each recipient. The user may select option 450 to cancel and exit the address book display screen 440.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the television display screen 180 allows the user of the user television device to evaluate the television program that the user is watching. The user may select one of the options 182, 184, 186, and 188 to evaluate the program displayed in window 198. The television program is simultaneously displayed in window 198 to help the user evaluate the program. Advertisement 197 may also be displayed on the screen 180. The user may extend the rating by entering additional text comments in box 190, which may be delivered to the recipient along with the program rating. The user may select the person to whom the program rating is sent. By selecting option 192, the user may send a program rating to a television program entity (or other entity that edits television program data about the television channel), such as a television channel that broadcasts the television program. The evaluation may include a simple score such as "good" or "bad", or may include a sic evaluation.

The user may select option 194 and send the rating to users of other user television equipment as a recommendation to watch or not watch a particular program. The set-top box application then displays a user address book, such as the display screen 440, allowing the user to select the desired recipient of the recommendation. The user may then select transmission option 199 to send the evaluation to the designated recipient. The set-top box application includes the identity of the TV show along with a rating or recommendation message. The television message system may then transfer the rating to the destination address of the television program entity obtained from program guide information or program-related data. The television message system may send recommendations to the messaging device (eg, a server) for access by the recipient user of the user television device. The communication paths of FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, and 3 show the types of communication paths that can be used for these processes. Ratings collected from users by this system can then be sent to set-top box applications for display in a variety of formats. For example, on an interactive TV display screen, 37% of viewers give 4 stars, 46% give 3 stars, 10% give 2 stars, and 7% give 1 star to the program. Can show that.

An exemplary process of sending a television program rating or recommendation to a recipient is shown in FIG. At step 220, the television message set-top box application functioning on the user television device gives the user the opportunity to evaluate the television program. The set-top box application may provide the user with an opportunity to evaluate a program by displaying an interactive television display screen such as the display screen 180 of FIG. If desired, the user may be provided with the opportunity to evaluate the program by pressing a button on the remote control. The user may then enter program rating or recommendation information for the television program according to options or instructions displayed on the user's television.

At step 224, the television message system delivers a rating or recommendation to the destination address or return path. If the address information is unknown, the rating or recommendation may be sent, for example, to a return path that could be a user television distribution facility. If the television distribution facility has sufficient information, the television distribution facility may forward the evaluation or recommendation to the appropriate destination.

The television message system of the present invention may also provide a quick and efficient method of aggregating viewer ratings for television programs. TV program ratings are an estimate of the number of people watching a TV program based on a survey of selected groups of people. In the television message system of the present invention, each set-top box connected to a given television distribution facility may send a message to a television channel or associated entity indicating whether the user is watching the current television program. .. If sampling is taken from a sufficiently large group, ratings can be determined from this data. This system provides TV channels and ratings services with a method of aggregating the latest ratings of TV programs from users who are currently watching the program.

As shown in FIG. 9, the television message display screen 230 may be used to provide the user with an opportunity to participate in a survey on television programming (eg, a particular television program or group of television programs). The television message system display screen 230 may provide the user with an opportunity to enter answers to questions 1 and 2 by selecting one or more options 232a-c and 234a-d, respectively. The set-top box application can obtain survey questions and return paths from program guide information sent from the main equipment. Alternatively, some of this information may be encoded in a television message set-top box application. Advertisement 235 may be displayed on screen 230 along with the survey question.

If desired, the survey question and return path (or destination address) is provided in the VBI signal, or otherwise provided as data associated with the television program, on the digital channel television program signal. Along with it, it can be encoded in-band in digital form. A set-top box application functioning on a user television device then decodes the survey data from the program signal or other associated route and allows the user to access the survey in a bidirectional format for the program list item. It may indicate whether the search options in the menu are available (see, eg, FIG. 13).

The user may answer further sets of survey questions by selecting option 236. The user may submit his or her answer to the survey question by selecting option 238. The television message system may then deliver the survey response as a survey message to a return path or destination address (eg, a television program entity such as a television channel survey center) for processing. The user may cancel and return to the menu or television program by selecting cancellation option 240. If desired, the television message set-top box application may provide the user with an incentive to complete the survey, such as a chance to win a free one-month programming.

As shown in FIG. 10, the television message system display screen 250 may provide the user with an opportunity to participate in a promotion related to television programming. A television channel that broadcasts a television program may offer a lottery for advertising, as shown in FIG. The reduced size image of the television program is displayed in window 256. The advertisement is displayed within the area 255. The user may participate in the lottery by selecting option 252 or may decline by selecting option 254. If the user selects option 252, the television messaging system forwards the promotional message to the return path or destination address of the television programming entity (eg, television channel or related equipment) that processes the promotional, allowing the user to draw. You can participate. The promotional message may include the user's name and address.

The television message system then delivers the message to the television program entity associated with the television channel broadcasting program 256 for processing. The return path or destination address of the television program entity and other promotional information displayed on the screen 250 may be obtained using any suitable technique. The technology includes encoding digital channel TV program signals in a band in digital format, embedding them in a program signal VBI, otherwise providing them as program-related data, or a server or It includes downloading from the main equipment 16 (FIG. 1A) to the set-top box 26. The television message display screen 250 may request the user to enter a name and address, as well as demographic information such as the user's programming preference, if the user decides to participate in the lottery. The television program entity may then send additional promotional information to the user based on the user's interests. A television program entity (eg, a television channel) selects a winner from a pool of users who participate in the lottery. Winners may be announced at the end of the show. This advertising technology allows users of user television equipment devices to simply and easily participate in advertising without leaving their living room at home. Television program promotion increases viewership by encouraging users to watch the program.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, the television message system may provide the user of the user television equipment with an opportunity to participate in a television program contest. The program "Jeopardy for Home Viewers" can be compressed vertically to fit in the upper half of the screen, cut by instructions to overlay in the lower half, or displayed using any suitable configuration. In either case, the user can view at least a portion of the program on the upper portion 411 of the screen 410. The contest user interface 416 is simultaneously displayed in the lower portion of the television display screen 410. This format allows users to watch TV shows and participate in contests at the same time. The user is in the program "Jeopardy for Home" While listening to the question asked in "Viewers", you can enter the answer to the question in box 412. The question may also be displayed in the contest user interface 416 portion of screen 410. If the user is happy with his answer, he may send it as a contest message to the return pass or destination address by selecting option 414 or by pressing enter on the remote control. The return path or destination address of the television program entity that receives the contest answer can be a television program broadcast facility that broadcasts the television program. The advertisement may be displayed in area 415.

Contest questions and other contest information (eg, return paths) can be digitally encoded in-band on a digital channel TV program signal, embedded in the VBI of the TV program signal, or other It can be provided as relevant data or sent from the server to the set-top box via another channel. These configurations allow the set-top box to continuously receive contest information (eg, contest questions) and program signals during the program. The contest information that appears on the interface screen 416 can be updated when it is received by the set-top box. Since the set-top box simultaneously receives TV program signals and contest information about the TV program, the display screen 416 synchronizes with the actions that occur within the program as it unfolds. The winner of the contest will be determined immediately and may be announced during the show. This aspect of the invention allows a television channel to perform interactive television programming for its user.

An exemplary process that allows a user to participate in a contest, promotion or survey is shown in FIG. In step 400, the set-top box application functioning on the user television device provides the user with the opportunity to enter survey, promotion, or contest information. This opportunity may be provided in the form of display screens such as the display screens 230, 250, and 410 of FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, respectively. The user may enter appropriate research, promotion, or contest information according to the on-screen prompts provided on the display screen. At step 402, the television message system delivers survey, promotional, or contest information to the return path or destination address for processing. If desired, step 402 may include sending a message to a television distribution facility using a television messaging system so that the message is sent to an appropriate destination (eg, a television programming entity).

As shown in FIG. 13, the program guide list item that the set-top box receives from the program guide database in the main equipment is an interactive user message function (for example, evaluation, contest, promotion, or survey function) available for which TV program. Can indicate whether it has. The television message system display screen 150 allows the user to view which message features are available for television programs broadcast at a given broadcast time.

The user may enter the airing time in box 164 or otherwise select the airing time of interest. The set-top box application then displays program list items in column 154 for programs scheduled to be broadcast on the channel in column 152 at the time shown in box 164. The message features available for a given program are displayed by the set-top box application in column 156. For example, the program "Where of Fortune" offers a contest in which users can participate. The user may highlight the contest option 162 and enter the Wheel of Fortune contest by pressing enter on his remote control. The I icon in Circle 158 indicates that the channel provides more information about the Wheel of Fortune contest that users may be interested in reading before entering the contest. The set-top box application may provide the user with an opportunity to review this information before entering the contest. In addition, the user is Wheel of By highlighting the Fortune option 155 and pressing enter on the remote control, the program "Where of Fortune" can simply be viewed. The user may scroll up or down to view program list items and message features for additional programs and channels, as indicated by arrow 160. The advertisement may be displayed on the screen 150, similar to the advertisement shown in area 157.

The functionality described with respect to FIG. 13 may be provided for any format of list items. For example, a TV message system may provide a list of all message features of a program being broadcast on a selected TV channel. The TV messaging system also allows users to search for programs by category or alphabet, as well as the list-related message function for each program. If desired, the TV message function may be provided on a program information screen that allows the user to access a plurality of program-related functions, including the message functions described herein.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the ability of television message systems to send reminder messages between users. A reminder message is a message sent from one user to another user, and is a message for reminding another user to watch a specific TV program. The television message system display screen 260 of FIG. 14 is an example of a user interface that allows a user to send a reminder message to another user's set-top box. The user can reach the information screen 260 by selecting a program in the program guide list item and pressing the "information" button on the remote controller. The program guide list item contains information about the programs currently and will be broadcast on all available channels. Information about the program selected in the list item is displayed in the area 262 of the information screen 260. The user may set the reminder to watch the selected program for himself by selecting option 264. The user may send reminders to users of other user television equipment devices by selecting option 266. After the user selects option 266, the pop-up area 276 may appear on the information screen 260. The user may enter the address information of the recipient user into the area 270. The location address may contain a unique code that identifies the user and the message server from which the recipient user can receive the message. The user may also select the recipient's identity from the address book by selecting option 272. You can enter more than one recipient. After the user selects the recipient, the user selects termination option 274. The reminder message is then sent to the recipient (s). The advertisement may also be displayed within area 275.

The reminder message is also available at www. tvguide. com. Can be sent to a user of a user television device from a website that has a program list item, such as, and supports the transmission of reminder messages. An Internet user may select a program from a list item displayed on a website and enter the address of the recipient user. The website sends a reminder message to the recipient via the server.

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the television display screen 280 shows how a reminder message transmitted to one user and received in the set-top box of another user can be displayed. The recipient's set-top box application displays the reminder message for a short time (eg, 10 minutes) before the program associated with the reminder is broadcast, regardless of the time the set-top box receives the reminder message. If desired, the reminder message may be displayed at other times or more than once. For example, a reminder may be displayed if the user first puts on a television set within a 12-hour interval before the program is broadcast. The set-top box application may also display the reminder when the user first turns on the television after the set-top box receives the reminder message. These methods help ensure that the user sees the reminder, even if the user does not watch television for a short time before the program airs.

The exemplary reminder message 282 of FIG. 15 is displayed as a relatively small overlay on the television display screen 280 so as not to interfere with the user's viewing of the program 284 as much as possible. The video of program 284 may instead be reduced so that it is not covered by the reminder message. The reminder message 282 indicates to the user that the program "Oprah" will be broadcast on ABC at 4 pm. The user can accept the reminder message by selecting the OK option 286, in which case the set-top box application tunes to the channel corresponding to the local ABC affiliate.

Reminder messages can also be sent across standard time zones or local broadcast areas. When the set-top box receives a reminder message, it searches the program guide list item to determine when the program will be broadcast in the user's time zone or local area. The set-top box application then displays a reminder message on the TV screen at an appropriate time before the show airs. The user declines the reminder message by selecting the cancel option 288, which causes the message to disappear from the TV screen. The identity of the sender of the reminder message is displayed in area 283. If the set-top box application does not recognize the sender, the sender's address or website may be displayed within area 283. Displaying the sender's identity is useful to allow the user to block the sender's reminder in the future. The advertisement may be displayed in area 285 of the reminder 282, as shown in FIG. If desired, multiple reminder messages may be displayed on one overlay. Overlays can include both user-configured reminders and reminders sent by other users.

The television message system may provide the user with the opportunity to block all future reminder messages from a particular sender or all senders. If the reminder message is displayed to the user, it may include an option to block all future reminder messages from all senders, such as option 287. The reminder message may also include an option, such as option 289, that allows the user to block all future reminder messages from the user who sent the current reminder. The reminder message may further include option 281 to build the message system to block all reminder messages except the reminder from the sender of the current reminder. These blocking features can be achieved by blocking other types of messages received on the set-top box. The filtering and blocking functions described herein may be performed on the recipient's set-top box, remote server, or television distribution facility.

An exemplary process that allows a user of a user television device to send a reminder to another user of the user television device is shown in FIG. At step 290, the set-top box application that works on the user television device provides the user with the opportunity to send a reminder message to the recipient user in the remote set-top box. The set-top box application may provide the user with an opportunity to transmit a reminder using a two-way display screen such as the television message system display screen 260 of FIG. The user may enter reminder information such as the recipient user's address and television program information. At step 294, the television message system may send a reminder to the recipient user's message server for subsequent downloads by the recipient user's user television equipment device.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the transmission and reception of text, audio, or video messages between other users of user television equipment and users of communication equipment (eg, Internet users, personal computer users, etc.). .. Messages are similar to e-mail in that they are stored on a message server and can be downloaded to the recipient's set-top box by a set-top box application at any time. The user television equipment device may communicate with the message server using any suitable network. Such networks include the networks shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, and 3. The message may be sent to the user's Internet service provider mail server for subsequent downloads by the user's computer. The television message system also allows the user to transmit program guide information such as TV program list items, program schedules, and program information as messages to other users.

As shown in FIG. 17, the set-top box application provides a user of a user television device with an opportunity to send a message to another user through a user interface such as the television message system display screen 300. The television message system display screen 300 may be displayed on the television by a set-top box application when requested by the user (eg, when the user presses a message button on the remote control). The television display screen 300 allows the user to compose a message and send it to another user of the user television device or a user of the communication device.

The user may compose the text of the message in box 308 using a wireless keyboard such as that shown in FIG. 1B. If desired, the user can send a text message using a television screen keyboard such as that shown in FIG. 1C, or by selecting from a list of boilerplate messages or words as shown in FIG. 1D, for example. Can be created. The message sent by the user may be related to the television program displayed in window 304. For example, the message "Nice Spray!" Is related to a television program, such as a football game, that the user is watching in window 304. If desired, the user of the user television device may use a set-top box application to send a voice message similar to a voice mail message to another user by speaking to a microphone connected to the set-top box. The user has a camera that can communicate with the set-top box so that the recipient can watch the sender's video recording on their TV, with their own photo or video recording (with or without voice message). It can even be sent through a set-top box application.

The user may enter the recipient's name or address in box 302. In FIG. 17, the name Bob is entered in the box 302. The set-top box application matches the name Bob with the address previously entered by the user in the set-top box application address book. The email address may also be entered in box 302 for the Internet user recipient of the message. The user may specify the message as an instant message by selecting option 303 or as a saved message by selecting option 305. Instant messages are erased from the recipient terminal's memory after a short period of time, but stored messages are stored in the recipient's terminal's memory indefinitely. The messages in box 308 are only appropriate for a short period of time during the show. Therefore, the user may wish to specify it as an instant message.

The user may also send a voice message by selecting option 307 or a video message by selecting option 309. The user may compose a voice message by speaking to a microphone connected to the set-top box or by sending a voice clip from the program. The user may compose a video message by using a video camera, a VCR, or by using a video clip or still video from a TV program. Video can be recorded using a locally stored device (eg, in a set-top box) or on a server. Users may also send video clips from a server-based library. The user may also send program guide information to other users as part or as a whole of the message by selecting option 311. The program guide information can be a short description of the program in window 304, part of a program guide list item, or a TV program or channel schedule. The user may send a message to the recipient by selecting transmission option 306. The user may cancel the message and return to the set-top box application menu or full screen view of the current television program by selecting cancellation option 310. The advertisement may be displayed in the area 301 of the screen 300.

As shown in FIG. 18, if the recipient of the message is a user of the user television device, the recipient's set-top box application will display the message at some point after the set-top box receives the message on the television screen. Can be displayed on. The set-top box application can periodically access all messages directed to the user from the message server and download them to the set-top box. The message server may communicate with the user television equipment device using any suitable configuration. Such configurations include those shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, and 3.

The television display screen 320 is an example of how a message can be displayed. The message is received by the user's set-top box 26 and stored in memory 25 (FIG. 1A). The set-top box application may then display the message on the user television screen (ie, on television 30 in FIG. 1), preferably without interfering with the user's viewing of program 330 as much as possible. However, the message must be large enough for the user to read. In FIG. 18, the set-top box application displays message 324 in a window 322 in the lower left corner of the display screen 320 while the user is watching television program 330.

If desired, the set-top box application displays a small mailbox-like icon in the corner of the TV screen, or turns on the front panel light of the set-top box to receive messages from other users. Can be shown to the user. The user can then access the content of the message by pressing a designated button on the remote control. The message may appear in the corner of the screen or in full screen as shown in FIG. Window 322 displays the content of the message 324 and the sender of the message. If the set-top box application does not recognize the sender, or if the sender's name is not provided as part of the message, the set-top box application may display the sender's path or address instead. Message 324 may include advertisements or other information added by the set-top box application or message server. In FIG. 18, the current score of the NFL match is added to message 324 in area 325. The message 324 may also include a title that may be entered by the sender, or additional advertisements.

Window 322 provides the user with an opportunity to reply to the message by selecting the reply option 326 or to clear the message from the screen by selecting the clear option 328. If the user chooses to reply to the message, the set-top box application allows the user to move to a two-way screen such as screen 300 of FIG. 17 and the user to compose a reply message. The user may block future messages received from the sender by selecting option 321. The sender's address is then stored locally or on the message server to filter out future messages from this address.

As shown in FIG. 19, the television message system allows a user of a user television device to send a message to another user of the user television device selected based on television program-related criteria. A set-top box application may provide the user with an opportunity to select program-related criteria to be used in sending a message to a recipient using a user interface such as the television message system display screen 200. Criteria are interested in other users of user television equipment (option 202), specific programs (eg, current television programs), who are currently watching a particular television program (eg, current television program). With other users (option 204), other users (option 206) who are interested in the same channel (eg, the same channel on which the current TV program is broadcast), or the same program category (eg, current program). It can be another user (option 208) who is interested in (same category). The set-top box application can determine the current program by accessing the memory 25 or the database of program list item information stored in the remote server. The set-top box application also accesses a database (eg, a program list item database stored locally in the set-top box or server) and accesses the current time (eg, the set-top box or server uses a clock). ), And information about the current channel (known from the state of the tuner in the set-top box 26) can be used to determine the current program.

The recipient of the message can be selected in various ways. For example, a set-top box application looks at the names of other users in the address book by selecting option 210 and filters out only those other users who are interested in the same program, channel, etc. To enable. The message may only be sent to other users who have the appropriate interests (determined by the user). If desired, the user address may be provided with information that identifies the interest. In that case, the set-top box application will automatically search for users in the address book that match the current show, current channel, or current show category (options 204, 206, and 208). .. Users who are interested in the program category are the "Movie Lovers" shown in FIG. 6C, or "Monday Night Football". It can be identified in a group stored in an address book, such as "Fans". These address book groups can be selected via option 208. Users who are interested in a particular program can be identified in a group stored in an address book, such as "Seinfeld Fans" shown in FIG. 6C. These groups can be selected with option 204. If desired, the message may be sent with option 210 to a particular person, entity, or group individually selected by the user from their address book, regardless of their interests. In either case, the television message system may send the message to the message server, and the recipient accesses the message.

If desired, the television message system sends a message related to a given program to the current viewer of the given program, the user interested in the program, the user interested in the channel of the program, or It can be delivered to a particular message server, indicating that it was intended to be received by a user interested in the category of the program. The message server may group messages along with other messages related to a given program, channel, or category. The message server then allows any user's set-top box application to access all messages about the program, channel, or category that the set-top box user is interested in or is currently watching. To enable. Any other user who wants to access messages related to a show, channel, or show category can download those messages from the message server to the set-top box, which will be read on the television. obtain.

A user may indicate to his set-top box application that he wants access to a message related to the program he is currently watching, for example by pressing a message button on the remote control. In the program guide, the user is associated with any program of interest by highlighting the program list item for that program in the program guide and pressing the message button on the remote control or by selecting the program guide menu option. You can access the message you want. Set-top box applications can similarly provide users with the opportunity to access messages related to a particular channel or program category. The message may be downloaded from the message server into the set-top box by the set-top box application for viewing by the user. The set-top box application may display the message in a list format according to the sender, the topic of the message, and the like. The user can then select the message he wants to read from the list.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary process of transmitting a message created by a user of a user television device to another user of the user television device selected based on television program-related criteria. At step 340, the television message set-top box application functioning on the user television device provides the user with the opportunity to send a message to another user based on television program-related criteria. A set-top box application may provide this opportunity by displaying a user interface such as the television message system display screen 200. The message transmitted can be, for example, a recommendation to watch a program. The message can be entered into the set-top box application, for example, by using the display screen 180 of FIG. If desired, the message may relate to the context of the input program, for example by using the television message system display screen 300 of FIG. The user may select, for example, the recipient of the message from the options provided by the television message system display screen 200 of FIG. At step 342, the television message system sends a message to the message server for access by the recipient user.

A set-top box application may provide a user with the opportunity to send a gift to another user of the user television device or a user of the communication device (eg, an internet user). As shown in FIG. 21, the television message system display screen 350 is used to allow the user to scroll through the television program list item 352 to discover a particular television program. Program list items are arranged by broadcast time or channel. Program guide list items may include pay-per-view channels such as PPV1 and PPV2. Users may also be offered the option to purchase pay-per-view programs such as "Titinic" on channel PPV1. Option 364 is highlighted to indicate that the user has selected "Titanic".

The television message system display screen 350 may display gift options available for a particular program selected by the user from a program list item. Information about which gift options are available for a particular channel or program is received by the set-top box from the main facility, digitally encoded in-band along with the TV program signal on the digital channel, and the VBI signal. It may be part of the program guide information provided in or otherwise provided as data associated with the television program. If gift options are available for "Titanic," the set-top box application displays gift options such as gift options 354, 356, and 358 available for the program selected by the user. Gift option 354 allows a user to purchase a program product for another user. Gift option 356 allows a user to purchase a pay-per-view program, such as PPV1's "Titanic," for viewing by other users. Gift option 358 allows the user to purchase gift certificates for program products, pay-per-view program viewing coupons, and the like. The user may enter the identity of the recipient of the gift by selecting option 360. Gift information related to TV programs may also be provided for a particular program on the program information screen, which the user can access by highlighting the program in the grid of list items and pressing the "Information" button on the remote control. ..

Gifts can be processed if the user selects the send option 362. Gift information may be sent to a television distribution facility or television programming entity for processing. Gift costs may be deducted from the user's account on the television distribution facility, or other suitable billing mechanism may be used. The recipient of the gift will be informed about the gift by a message received in the recipient's set-top box or by email to an Internet user. Gift items may be sent to the recipient. If the gift is a pay-per-view program, the recipient's pay-per-view account may be exempt from charging the amount of the gift or gift certificate. If the recipient is not a user of the user television device (eg, the recipient is an internet user), the recipient will be informed about the gift and will be able to watch free pay-per-view programming on their television up to the amount of the gift. An access code to allow can be given. If the recipient is a subscriber to the service of the same television distribution facility 16 as the gift giver, the access code may be provided by that television distribution facility and published by the same television distribution facility.

If desired, the television distribution equipment may be networked with each other, so that the gift giver and the recipient may be different subscribers to the television distribution equipment. The TV messaging system can also automatically authenticate a particular gift PPV program without requiring the recipient for an access code. In other embodiments, a local program guide that receives a PPV gift allows the recipient to access the PPV program without charging the gift recipient and without requiring an access code. ..

Next, referring to FIG. 22, the television message system display screen 370 is an example of a user interface that enables a user to purchase a program-related product. The set-top box application may display screen 370 if the user selects a gift option such as gift option 354 (FIG. 21) on screen 350. The screen 370 provides the user with an opportunity to select a program-related product that he / she wants to purchase as a gift to another user. Commodity options 372, 374, 376, and 378 represent items of merchandise related to the program "Titic" that can be purchased by the user. If the user wishes to pay by credit card, the user may enter the credit card number and expiration date in boxes 380 and 382, respectively. If the user wishes to be debited from the TV distribution facility account, payment option 384 may be selected. The advertisement may be displayed in the area 381 of the screen 370.

Next, referring to FIG. 23, the television message system display screen 460 is an example of a user interface that allows the user to enter the identity and address information of the gift recipient. The set-top box application may display screen 460 if the user selects an option such as the "Enter Recipient" option 360 on screen 350 (FIG. 21). Screen 460 provides the user with an opportunity to enter information about the gift recipient, which informs the recipient that the gift has been purchased and allows the recipient to receive the gift. The user may enter the name of the gift recipient in area 462. The user may enter the gift recipient's electronic address (eg, email address) in area 464 if the recipient has an electronic address. If the gift is a tangible item, such as a program product that is physically sent to the recipient, the user may enter the recipient's address (eg, home address, or mailing address) in area 466. The user may enter the television address of the recipient of the gift in area 468. The television address can be the address corresponding to the user television equipment device of the recipient of the gift, which has a message function. Notification that the gift has been purchased may be sent to an electronic address, address, or television address. If desired, the gift recipient may be exempt from paying for pay-per-view program gifts or gift certificates purchased by the user, as the television address may correspond to the gift recipient's television distribution facility.

User An exemplary process that allows a user of a television device to purchase a gift through a television messaging system is shown in FIG. At step 390, the set-top box application provides the user with the opportunity to send a gift to the recipient. A set-top box application may provide this opportunity through a user interface such as the display screen 350 of FIG. Gifts can be associated with television programming, such as program-related products or pay-per-view programming.

After the user selects the gift and the recipient of the gift, the television messaging system sends the gift information to the television distribution facility (or, for example, a remote server or television program entity for the purchase of the program product) in step 392. , Will be deducted from the user's account. The user's account can be a pay-per-view account or another account maintained on a television distribution facility, an account maintained on a television channel, an account maintained by a third party (eg, a bank), or a credit card account such as a Visa account. , Or any suitable account. At step 394, the recipient may be informed that the gift was purchased for him. The recipient may be informed by the sender of the goods, or by a television distribution facility that handles pay-per-view programming for the recipient. The recipient may be informed by an electronic message sent to a message server that stores the message to the recipient.

Many functions of the present invention can be used by a bidirectional display remote controller for both transmission and reception. 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. The user may use button 484 to compose a message to another user. By pressing any of the buttons 484, the selected letter or number appears adjacent to the cursor 491. The user may erase letters or numbers using the backspace button 486 and enter uppercase letters using the shift button 488. The user may enter the recipient's address in area 495 of the display screen 482 and send the message by selecting transmission option 494. The user may use the arrow buttons 498 to navigate between selected areas of the display screen 482. For example, transmission option 494 is highlighted in FIG. Therefore, when the user presses the enter button 490, a message is sent to the recipient. Pressing the down arrow activates the address area 495, and pressing button 484 causes a letter or number to be entered into the area 495.

The user may also view messages sent to him by other users by selecting option 492. Option 492 opens the user's inbox, which allows the user to read the received message directly on the display screen 482. These features give users more privacy when composing messages and reading incoming messages. Therefore, the display remote controller is a bidirectional remote controller for both transmission and reception in which a message is created, transmitted, received, and read by the user. Further features of the exemplary display remote control are described in US Patent Application No. 60 / 138,868 by Herrington et al. This application was filed on June 11, 1999 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The display remote control can also be used for chat between users. Further features of the exemplary television chat system are described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 356,270 by DeWeese et al. This application was filed at the same time as this application (Attorney Docket No. UV-101), which is incorporated herein by reference throughout its text.

The above is merely an example of the principles of the present invention, and a person skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.