Systems and methods for providing media guidance application functionality using a wireless communications device.

I KNOW

<img file="MX352002B_D0001.tif" />

IMPI

INAHVA · 'Λ sH me -' My P'M »&lt;-h'U

PATENT TITLE No. 352002

Holders): ROVI GUIDES, INC.

Addres s: 2830 de la Cruz Boulevard, Santa Clara, California, 95050, USA

D nomination: SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO PROVIDE AN APPLICATION FUNCTIONALITY FOR MEDIA GUIDES USING A DEVICE OF

COMMUNICATIONS

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Classification:

CIP: Al j.

CPC: jH04 ^ 2W56; H04N21 / 4126; H04Ñ2l / l8jA? H04N21 / 42209

LUMP; JERRY SO; * NG; DAVID CHUNG; JASON

TSUt ^Λ“

Inventor (s)

<img file="MX352002B_D0003.tif" />

to the:

Tifa

Departmentals and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of the 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

Number;

MX / a / 201g / 011053

Number:

Í69&gt; 72

Validity: Date of Venue Date of EÍcp ft years

The reference patent s »In accordance with the article from the filing date Who subscribes to this title lo (Official Gazette of the Federation (01/25/2006, 05/06 /? 009.06 / 01/2010, Regulation of the Mexican Institute o f Articles 1, 3^or, 4^or, 5 “fraction V subsection a), 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, Deputy Generals, Coordinator, Industrial Division Directors, or non-extendable, counted to Woerechos.

the Industrial Property Law 1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, MQPCiso a), 4th and 12 ”sections I and III of 07/15/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07 2007); Exican of Industrial Property (DOF agreement that delegates powers to the Directors, Divisional Deputy Directors, Itrial Coordinators. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004,

This document is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and section III, 2 section V. 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Payment and Electronic Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Original string:

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES) 00001000000403252793 | Administration Service

Tax | 1695 || MX / 2017/90058 | MX / a / 2016/011053 | Normal patent title with divisional PCT | 1223 | GAGV | Page (s) 2 | XSo9DzqUxQb / 3yFryJhw5502nE8 =

Digital stamp.

PNN + inyT8UEi3DjFBrMwaclQC2Y51¡l7bvA8IXmJwJzQB1d8TGISUZr / mdwlS // L / iex2ZgmBBQv / SYEmlN8OqTYRh XShMtqAdiBiaWLR23ALVaMYSG43mCMI0qzM¡ARMcywoB2jdgZ28cBDghZBdnniY6dzel8h26jEQDkxxXgMIS8uEnFx 5XiLU4o5mcOf5wuZHSC0w7nlu9vmL3 + EvQyFEe2ysLx6Bx623WEilclOJMPj4dRVB9HeaCJEIu1pc4cd7g6hpwfeSz

UrkMGyg7jdAqyLpwROBblPbog9PBfvUZoSW5b006ZsYxRk9otlO / SArfdbFS8yT5TOolUCnA == * Additional information on the back

Arenal No. 550, Floor 1, Puebio Santa Maiía Tepepan, Xochimtlco. 16020, Mexico City (55) 53340700 w / w gob.mx/impi lilllllllllllllli

MX / 2017/90058

C ncontinued Priority

Country:

US

Date:

January 2010

Num r: 12 / 652,571

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<img file="MX352002B_D0006.tif" />

, IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE Innoustiual CURRENCY

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO PROVIDE APPLICATION FUNCTIONALITY FOR MEDIA GUIDES USING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE 5 REFERENCE WITH RELATED REQUESTS

This application claims the benefit of United States Utility Application Nos. 12 / 652,569, 12 / 652,571 and 12 / 652,572 filed on January 5, 2010, the descriptions thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems for the application for interactive media guides, and more particularly, to systems for interactive applications, and more particularly, to application systems for interactive media guides, in which media guide application functionality can be provided by a wireless communications device or coordinated between a wireless communications device and one or more devices on a user's computer.

<img file="MX352002B_D0007.tif" />

IMPI (NST1TVTO MEXICANO DF THE PROPERTY 'NnuSTRJAL

Interactive applications are typically implemented, at least in part, on a user's computer (eg, a set-top box). Examples of interactive applications include interactive programming guides, email, home shopping, gambling and other e-commerce applications, financial applications, Web browsers, games, and other applications based on the user's computer. Running these 10 applications on the user's computer typically prevents other users from viewing the media content on that user's computer. Furthermore, running these applications on a fixed platform on the user's equipment may prevent users 15 from accessing the functions of those applications when they are away from the fixed platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, an interactive application system is provided that includes a wireless communication device with a display.

The wireless communications device 25 can be any communications device

<img file="MX352002B_D0008.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPHDW INDUSTRIAL suitable wireless devices, such as a remote touch screen, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone) or other wireless communications device.

The wireless communications device may provide a user with access to interactive application functionality remotely or while viewing media content.

For clarity, the present invention will be illustrated in relation to a system in which an application for interactive media guides is implemented on the user's equipment and the wireless communications device. The user's equipment may include one or more than a television set, a cable box, a DVD player / recorder, a Blu-ray player / recorder, a DVR, a media server, a security camera, a GPS navigation unit. , etc. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may include a touch screen LCD or OLED screen, and one or more communication interfaces for communicating with the user's equipment. Communication interfaces

<img file="MX352002B_D0009.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL may include an infrared interface, Bluetoothi ​​Wi-Fi, or any other suitable interface.

The wireless communications device can; support many of the features of interactive program guides without interrupting content to be presented on the user's equipment (eg, a television). For example, the wireless communications device may display the available video-on-demand listings for a channel while the user's equipment (eg, a television) displays the non-on-demand video listings. Additionally, when a user selects a schedule listing from the schedule listing grid (see, for example, FIG. 9), the annotations section of the I guide may be unable to display the full contents of the annotation or the schedule. description of programs. The wireless communications device can then receive and display the full annotation or description, which can include rich graphics, video, and / or advertisements, in a more comprehensive manner. Additionally, the wireless communications device can receive and display the content that will be displayed in the video regifen of the application for media guides.

<img file="MX352002B_D0010.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL interactive (see FIG. 9) while the!

user browses programming listings, for example on TV.

In some embodiments, the wireless communications device may provide access to alternate language subtitles or dubbing. In one embodiment, when watching an English movie on a television, a Chinese dubbing may be simultaneously playing on the wireless communications device.

In one embodiment, the wireless communications device can continuously stream the Chinese dub from a media content source (see FIG. 12) via the Internet.

In another mode, the television can show a program with subtitles in one language, for example, English, while the same program can! be simultaneously displaying on the wireless communications device with 20 subtitles, for example, in Chinese.

In some embodiments, the wireless communications device can synchronize or communicate with various devices and applications. For example, a user can use the wireless communications device 25 to write

<img file="MX352002B_D0011.tif" />

IMPI INSTITUTE mW'CaNO db INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY directions, searching for locations, etc. from inside the house instead of having to type in a GPS navigation unit. The wireless communications device can then transfer the entered information to the GPS navigation unit via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

In another embodiment, the wireless communications device may implement a surf guide application while the user is watching a program broadcast on the user's equipment, eg, the television. The surf guide application running on the wireless communications device can obtain screen samples of programs being played on other channels, and display the screen samples on the wireless communications device (see, FIG. 12). Screen samples can be downloaded by the surf guide application from a server that can be located at a media content source or a media guide data source (see FIG. 12). The server can be configured to periodically capture screen samples from various channels and store them in a database. When the user selects a screen sample, the

<img file="MX352002B_D0012.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA M? F! AGED INDUSTRIAL corresponding program can be displayed in a preview area on the wireless communications device. The program can be transferred contiguously from the server where 5 m's were downloaded.^EUscreen stras. Alternatively, or in addition, the preview area can display a description of the program, which can also be downloaded from the server. If the user wants to watch the selected program, for example on a television, the user can touch a button on the screen. By touching the button on the screen, the surf guide application can exchange one or more application communications with the main guide that relays to the main guide that the user has indicated their desire to tune into a particular channel. The main guide may cause the deco &lt;jlif icator to tune to the indicated channel. In another suitable method, the wireless communications device may communicate directly with the set-top box and instruct the set-top box to tune to the indicated channel.

In still another embodiment, the media content can be transferred between a home screen of the user's equipment (eg, a television) and the communications device.

<img file="MX352002B_D0013.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL wireless. For example, while watching an i _ program on the user's computer (for example, the television), the user may have to leave the room (for example, to use the bathroom), which 5 may result in the user miss part of the program. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device may be configured to automatically start the display of content being displayed on the main screen 10, eg, a television, when the wireless communications device is out of range, eg, the television. or the decoder. Upon detecting that it is out of range, the wireless communications device 15 can then switch to a longer range link, such as Wi-Fi and continuously transfer the content from, for example, the set-top box over the Wi-Fi link and display it. on the wireless communications device. The content can be streamed directly from the user's equipment or it can be received from another source such as a media content source. In one embodiment, the wireless communications device can be configured to automatically display not only

<img file="MX352002B_D0014.tif" />

IMPI INSTITUTO MEXICANO DB LA FROPIBDA »INDUSTRIAL videp, but also anything that is being shown on the television when the wireless» communications device is out of range.

For example, if the user is browsing programming listings, and leaves the room, the wireless communications device can automatically display the schedule listings that were displayed on the television. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device may also automatically adjust its screen resolution so as not to distort what it is displaying (for example, display text that is legible). In one embodiment, the wireless communications device may be configured to allow the user to manually transfer the television screen to the wireless communications device. Consequently, the user can select manually (for example, by touching a button on the wireless communications device's screen, or by shaking the wireless communications device) to initiate the continuous transfer of the content that is being displayed on the screen. the user's equipment to the wireless communications device.

<img file="MX352002B_D0015.tif" />

IMPI MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL MONEY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numbers refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows illustrative indication screens in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram of an illustrative interactive media system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

! FIG. 3 shows an illustrative setup screen in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative screen of the application for surf guides in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a simplified diagram of an illustrative interactive media system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative video streaming process to the wireless communication device of FIG. 1;

<img file="MX352002B_D0016.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FIG. 7 shows a process of continuous transfer of listings from the programming guide to the wireless communications device of FIG. 1;

i FIG. 8 shows a simplified diagram of an illustrative interactive media system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative prompt screen using a grid format that can be used to provide guidance for various types of media in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative prompt screen using a tile that can be used to provide guidance for various types of media in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a device in the!

illustrative user equipment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a simplified diagram of an illustrative interactive media system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of the wireless communication device of FIG.

<img file="MX352002B_D0017.tif" />

Mexican IMPI msrrnjTo DE LA FMONEDAD industrial

12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of the user's equipment of FIG. 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative remote display in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows an illustrative remote display 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in providing the interactive media guide and other application functions with the wireless communications device of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in the coordination functions between the primary applications running within the user equipment of FIG. 12 and the secondary applications running on the wireless communications device of FIG. 12 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

<img file="MX352002B_D0018.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO BE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in providing the captions in the wireless communications device of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

: FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in providing access to images from other channels in the wireless communications device of FIG. 12 of 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention; Y ; FIG. 21 is a flow chart of the steps! illustrative examples involved for automatically streaming content to the wireless communications device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A wireless communications device may provide functionality for media guides, such as a PDA, a smart phone, a portable video player, a portable music player, a portable game machine, or other wireless device. The functionality for media guides can be coordinated between the wireless communications device and

<img file="MX352002B_D0019.tif" />

IMPI INSTITUTO Mexicano heard LA FROFIEDAD industrial one or more devices on the user's computer, such as a television, a decoder, a DVD player / recorder, a Blu-ray player / recorder, a DVR, a 5 multimedia server, a security camera, a GPS navigation unit, etc. The provision of an application for media guides in a wireless communications device is discussed in greater detail in, for example, Chiu et al., United States Patent Application No. 12 / 495,522, filed June 30, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, i

In some embodiments, the wireless communications device 406 can be used to provide enhanced display options, such as multiple language support. An example of the type of media guide functionality that can be provided in the wireless communications device 406 is to provide 20 subtitles and audio dubs in one or more languages ​​in the wireless communications device 406. For example, on user equipment 402 (eg, a television) a program with subtitles may be displayed in one language, eg, English, 25 while the same program may be displayed.

<img file="MX352002B_D0020.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY simultaneously displaying on the wireless communications device 406 with subtitles in another language, for example, Chinese. FIG. 2 shows illustrative screens of user equipment 402 (eg, television) and wireless communication device 406. As shown in F1G. 1, the user's equipment 402 displays a program while the English subtitles 218 are being displayed, and the wireless communications device 406 displays the same program as it appears on the user's equipment 402, but with the Chinese subtitles 220. The video corresponding to the program or movie can be continuously transferred to the wireless communication device 406 of the user's equine 402 via the communication path 424 (eg, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). ) In one embodiment, in addition to captions, wireless communications device 406 may also provide access to audio dubbing. For example, when viewing an English movie on user equipment 402 (eg, a television), a Chinese dubbing of the movie can be played on wireless communications device 406. In this way, the user can watch the movie on TV, but

<img file="MX352002B_D0021.tif" />

listening to the corresponding Chinese audio on the wireless communications device 406. The audio can be played on a speaker included in the wireless communications device 406 or it can be played through a pair of headphones connected to the wireless communications device 406.

FIG. 2 shows a generalized embodiment of an interactive application system according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specific implementations of the devices shown in FIG. 2 are discussed below in connection with Figs. 11-14. In order to provide media guide functionality in wireless communications device 406, wireless communications device 406 may communicate with user equipment 402 and user computer equipment 404 via communication path 424. The communication path 424 may be a wireless link such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. The communications path 424 can allow the transfer of data such as audio, video, text, etc. between wireless communications device 406 and user equipment 402 and user computer equipment

<img file="MX352002B_D0022.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO BE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL user 404. In the case of a Bluetooth link, the i wireless communications device 406 can communicate directly with the user's computer 402 and the user's computer 404. 'i In the case of On a Wi-Fi link, wireless communications device 406 can communicate with ¢ 1 user equipment 402 and user computer equipment 404 through, for example, a wireless router 426.

; In one embodiment, subtitles and / or audio dubbing can be continuously transferred from user equipment 402 (eg, set-top box) to wireless communication device 406 via communication path 424. Alternatively, subtitles and / or ^ 1 audio dubbing can be obtained by wireless communications device 406 from a media provider (e.g., media content source 416 (FIG. 12)) via the Internet.

The user can turn the subtitles and audio dubbing on or off, and can also select a language for the subtitles and the

I audio dubbing using a wireless communication device 406. FIG. 3 describes

<img file="MX352002B_D0023.tif" />

IMPI Mexican institute DE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL an illustrative configuration screen 350 that can be used by a user to enable or disable subtitles and audio dubbing for the wireless communications device. In addition, the setup screen 350 can be used to select a language for subtitles and audio dubbing. In an illustrative embodiment, if the subtitles are not available in the language that the user chooses, the wireless communications device 406 may obtain a translation of the subtitles in the language chosen by the user. For example, the wireless communications device 406 can obtain subtitles from the user's computer 402 in a language that is available (for example, English) and use a web service such as the babblefish translator.^MR or Google^MR to get a translation of the subtitles in the language chosen by the user.

In addition to closed captioning and audio dubbing, wireless communications device 406 and / or user equipment 402 (eg, a television) may display other supplemental content related to a show or movie, while the show or movie is displayed on user equipment 402. For example,

<img file="MX352002B_D0024.tif" />

IMPI Mexican institute OF industrial property when a user is watching a movie on the · computer; From user 402, wireless communications device 406 may display supplemental content such as, for example, director's comments, actor's comments, reviews, and the like. Alternatively, the film can be continuously transferred to wireless communications device 406, while supplemental content is displayed on user equipment 401 (eg, a television). The supplemental content may be provided on, for example, a DVD or Blu-ray disc, or alternatively, it may be obtained via the wireless communications device 406 from the media content source 416 or from a third party via the Internet. When supplemental content is provided on a DVD or Blu-ray disc, user equipment 402 can continuously transfer or stream the content to wireless communications device 406 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. ' In another example, supplemental content related to sports events, contests, or programs such as a poker tournament may be displayed on the wireless communications device 406. For example, while a

<img file="MX352002B_D0025.tif" />

IMPI

MIXICAN INSTITUTE

D € LA FROHEDAD INDUSTRIAL user is watching a poker tournament — on the computer¹- From the user 402, the wireless communications device can display the players' cards, or during a baseball game, the wireless communications device 406 can display the score and other statistics. This supplemental content can be obtained by wireless communications device 406 from, for example, user equipment 402, media content provider 416, or from a third party via the Internet.

Another example of media guide functionality that may be provided in wireless communications device 406 is to provide an interactive media guide application that provides media guide through an interface that allows users to efficiently navigate selections. media and easily identify the media. An example of this application is referred to herein as a surf guide application. FIG. 4 show one; Application illustrative prompt screen for surfing guides in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The surf guide app shown in FIG. 4, allows

<img file="MX352002B_D0026.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

M THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRIAL a user will navigate, via wireless communications device 406, through screen displays of programs being played on other channels while watching a program on user equipment 402 (eg, a television). For example, while the user is watching a broadcast program on user equipment 402, the surf guide application may obtain screen samples of programs that are playing on other channels, and display the screen samples on wireless communications device 406 as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the screen samples 1202 can be displayed along the bottom of the display area, while a preview area 1206 can be displayed along the top.

Screen samples 1202 can be downloaded by the surf guide application via wireless communications device 406 from channel capture device 502. The EIG. 5 describes a generalized embodiment of a communication system 500 for providing the application for surf guides on the wireless communication device 406 in accordance with a

<img file="MX352002B_D0027.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL mode of the present invention. euinu — S'er Tntié'B'tYa— in FIG. 5, the device of. Wireless communications 406 can communicate with user equipment 402 via communications path 424 (eg, a Wi-Fi link) via a wireless router 426. Channel capture device 502 may be a server that can be configured to periodically capture screen samples of programs that are played on various broadcast channels and store them in a database. Channel capture device 502 may include a tuner (not shown) for receiving DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) transmissions of 15 various channels, and may periodically capture and store images of the different channels. Wireless communications device 406 may connect to channel capture device 502 via the Internet using, for example, a Wi-Fi link in a home network. When the user selects a screen sample 1202, (for

I example, by tapping on the screen sample) the corresponding program can be displayed in the area of; preview 1206. The program can be continuously transferred from a device to 25

<img file="MX352002B_D0028.tif" />

IMPI instituto MEXICANO DE la monedad industrial capture from channels 502 or from a media provider (for example, media content source 416). Alternatively, the preview area 1206 may display the selected screen sample, or display a description of the program, which can also be downloaded from the channel capture device 502 or a media provider (e.g., the content source media 416).

In addition to the screen samples, the application for surf guides can also get others; images related to the program, such as covers, posters, etc. These images can be displayed on wireless communication device 406 in a similar manner to screen displays 1202 as shown in FIG. Four. These images can also be downloaded from the channel capture device 502 which can obtain and store the images in a database. Alternatively, the images can be obtained from either a media content provider or from a third-party server.

If the user wishes to watch the selected program on user equipment 402, for example a television, the user can touch the watch button 1204. By touching the watch button 1204, the ri c'L'w

IMPI

INSTmnV · MEXICAN INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX352002B_D0029.tif" />

wireless communications device 406 ή can communicate directly with user equipment 402, using, for example, an IR or Bluetooth link, and instruct user equipment 402 (eg, set-top box) to tune to the indicated channel . In another suitable method, the surf guide application may exchange one or more application communications with the media guide application running on user equipment 402 (eg, a set-top box) indicating to the guide application means that the user has indicated a desire to tune into a particular channel. The media guide application can then cause user equipment 15 402 (eg, a set-top box) to tune to the indicated channel.

The user may wish to easily transfer the playback of the media content or applications between the wireless communication device 406 and the user's equipment 402. In some embodiments, various features found in modern smartphones can be used to enhance the functionality for media guides provided in the wireless communications device 406 and allow the

<img file="MX352002B_D0030.tif" />

IMPI

ΙΝίΤΠνΤΟ MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL user transfer content between δΓ 'CLlSpóSlt 1VÓ — CTS— wireless communications 406 and the user's equipment 402. For example, various modern smartphones and portable 5-media players! they include accelerometers and / or gyros to allow a user to provide input to the agitaf, or to rotate the device. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, a user may shake the wireless communications device 406 a predetermined number of times (eg, twice) to enable streaming video that is being displayed on the user's equipment 402 (eg, a television) to the device. of 15 wireless communications 406. User equipment 402, such as a set-top box or media server, can continuously transfer video from wireless communications device 406 via wireless router 426 through communications path 424. As shown in Figure 6, the The user can then view the program on the wireless communications device 406.

In some embodiments, shaking the wireless communications device 406 (for example, three

<img file="MX352002B_D0031.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL times) *, you can enable streaming video from wireless communications device 406 to user equipment 402 (for example, set-top box). For example, if the user has downloaded a movie or TV show to the wireless communications device 406 from a content provider, and prefers to view it on a larger screen (for example, a television), the user can simply shake the device. 406 wireless communications, while the movie or TV show is playing, and the movie or TV program will be continuously transferred from wireless communications device 406 to user equipment 402 via wireless router 426 via communications path 424.

; In addition to enabling streaming of video to / from wireless communications device 406 through communications path 424, the shake function can be

<td>Apply</td><td>to</td><td>various</td><td>scenarios</td><td>different.</td><td>For</td>

<td>example,</td><td>Yes</td><td colspan="2">the user is</td><td>browsing</td><td>the</td>

<td>listings</td><td>of</td><td>guide in</td><td>the team</td><td>of the user,</td><td>(for</td>

<td>example,</td><td>a</td><td>television)</td><td colspan="2">, user can shake</td><td>the</td>

wireless communications device 406 for

<img file="MX352002B_D0032.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

DE LA MOHEPAD INDUSTRIAL enable navigation of the guide lists on the wireless communications device 406. The user equipment 402 (eg, a decoder), can continuously transfer or transmit the guide lists to the wireless communications device 406 via wireless router 426 through communication path 424. The user can then navigate P^or the directory listings on the wireless communications device 406.

Although the above modalities have been described using a shaking gesture, a must have! Note that any other suitable gesture can be used. For example, swiping across the touch screen of the wireless communications device 406, or a pointing gesture made using the wireless communications device 406, and so on. can be used to initiate content transfer between user equipment 402 and wireless communications device 406. Additionally, gestures can be used to initiate or stop content transfer not only from user equipment 402 to device 406 wireless communications but also for

<img file="MX352002B_D0033.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Μ LA MONEDAD INOUSTWAL start or stop the transfer of content from »wireless communications device 406 to user equipment 402. In addition, content can be transferred to wireless communications device 406 or user equipment 402 from a third party . For example, if the user is watching a video, on the user's computer 402 from a service such as YouTube^MR or Hulu^MR, the user can perform one of the gestures described above (eg, shake, or swipe, etc.) to initiate streaming video to wireless communications device 406 directly from YouTube.^MR, Hulu^MR, etc. Similarly, if the user is watching a video from YouTube^I or Hulu^MR on wireless communications device 406, the user can perform one of the gestures (shake, swipe, etc.) to initiate streaming video to user equipment 402 directly from YouTube^MR or Hulu^MR. .

In some embodiments, content transfer between user equipment 402 and wireless communications device 406 (and a third party, for example, YouTube^MR, Hulu^MR, etc.) can be performed automatically. For example, while

<img file="MX352002B_D0034.tif" />

IMPI Mexican Institute of Morito AD INPUSTIUAL is watching a program on the user's computer 402 (for example, a television), the user may have to leave the room (for example, to use the bathroom), which can cause the user lose part of the program. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device 406 may be configured to automatically initiate the display of content being displayed on the television when the wireless communications device 406 is out of range of the user equipment 402 (eg, a television). . Whether or not the wireless communications device 406 is out of range can be determined using a short-range link such as infrared or Bluetooth. For example, if the user leaves the room with the wireless communications device 406, the infrared (which requires a line of sight) or Bluetooth link between the wireless communications device 406 and the user equipment 402 will likely be interrupted. When the short-range link (eg, IR or Bluetooth) is detected to be severed, the wireless communications device 406 can determine that it is out of range. The communications device

<img file="MX352002B_D0035.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO PE LA MONEDAD industrial wireless 406 can use a longer range link (for example, Wi-Fi, a cellular link, etc.) to continuously transfer the content of the user's equipment 402 via the wireless router 426, and visualize it in the wireless communications device 406. The longest range link can! establish on the determination that the short-range link is cut or may have been established previously.

In one embodiment, whether or not wireless communications device 406 is out of range of user equipment 402 can be determined using a microphone (not shown) included in wireless communications device 406. For example, the microphone may be used to listen to audio playback on user equipment 402. If the volume of the audio is drastically reduced (for example, more than 80%), the wireless communications device 406 may determine that it is out of range of the user equipment 4 02, and therefore may switch to a link of long-range (eg, Wi-Fi) to initiate streaming of content from user equipment 402. Alternatively, the long-range link (eg, Wi-Fi, link

<img file="MX352002B_D0036.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTE MiXICANO

M LA PtOFltTY fN »USTMAL celluláir, etc.) can be used to determine if the wireless communications device 406 is out of range. For example, the long link; Scope can be used to detect movement, or detect position (eg using signal strength, triangulation, etc.).

ί In one embodiment, the wireless communication device 406 can be configured 'i;

to automatically display not only video, but also anything that is being displayed on the user's equine 402 when the wireless communications device 406 is out of reach. For example, if the user is browsing the schedule listings, and leaves the room, the wireless communications device 406 may automatically display the schedule listings that are displayed on the user's equipment 402. In some embodiments, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) 'may also automatically adjust its screen resolution so as not to distort what is being displayed (for example, display the text in such a way that it is readable). In another embodiment, the communications device

<img file="MX352002B_D0037.tif" />

Wireless devices 406 can be configured ™ to allow the user to manually select when to display what is being displayed on user equipment 402, regardless of whether or not the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) is out of range. For example, although a user may move away from user equipment 402, wireless communications device 406 may still be within range of user equipment 402. Consequently, the user can select manually (for example, touching a button, on the screen of the wireless communications device, or by shaking the wireless communications device) to initiate the continuous transfer of the content that is being displayed on the user's computer. 402 for wireless communications device 406.

When the wireless communications device 406 is back within range of the user equipment 402, it can automatically instruct the user equipment 402 to begin displaying the content that is being displayed on the wireless communications device 406. If the wireless communications device 406 was previously receiving content from a

<img file="MX352002B_D0038.tif" />

IMPI

ΙΝΠΤΓυΤΟ MEXICANO D £ LA MOMBDAD INDUSTRIAL third party (for example, YouTube^MR, Hulu^MR, etc.), the wireless communications device may automatically instruct the user equipment 402 to begin continuous transfer of the third party's content.

In some embodiments, the wireless communications device 406 can be configured to communicate with other network-enabled devices such as Digital Living Network Alliance compliant devices.^YE (DLNA). FIG. 8 1 describes an illustrative communication system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. User equipment 402 may include one or more DLNA compliant devices, such as camera 802 (eg, security camera, baby surveillance camera, etc.) and GPS navigation unit 804. wireless communications 406 (FIG. 12) can be wirelessly connected to camera 802 via communications path 424, and when the camera detects motion, wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can interrupt content being displayed on wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12), if any, and automatically start the display

<img file="MX352002B_D0039.tif" />

of a video feed from the camera. Video feed from the camera can be continuously transferred to wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) through communications path 424. Alternatively, video feed can also be displayed on user equipment 402 (eg , a TV). Additionally, the user can manually select to view the camera's video feed. In an illustrative embodiment, a camera placed in an oven or on top of a stove can be used to monitor the state of food being cooked. The user can view a video feed from the camera of the wireless communications device 406 to monitor the food being cooked while watching a program on the user equipment 402. Additionally, depending on the range and strength of the signal between the camera and the wireless communications device 406, the user may be able to carry the wireless communications device 406 outside the home, without losing the ability to view the video feed. coming from the camera. As another example, the communications device

<img file="MX352002B_D0040.tif" />

IMPI (ΝΓΠΤυΤΟ MEXICAN INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY Wireless 406 (FIG. 12) can be used to ULili! ¿5T — to monitor the temperature of a turkey that is being cooked by communicating with a DLNA-enabled thermometer.

In addition, the wireless communications device 406 may also include a built-in camera that can be used as a web camera. For example, a user can use wireless communications device 406 to have! a video chat with another user. The wireless communications device 406 may use a Wi-Fi link to transmit and receive video and audio to and from the other user via the Internet. Additionally, the wireless communications device 406 may also include an integrated microphone (not shown). A user can use the microphone to communicate with other users via User Equipment 402 or the equipment at the&gt;

user's computer 404. For example, if the user wishes to communicate with another user who is using a computer in a different room, the wireless communications device 406 may establish a Wi-Fi connection with the computer. The connection can be used by wireless communication device 406

<img file="MX352002B_D0041.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO M LA noFlEDAB INDUSTRIAL to transmit the received audio via the integrated microphone to the computer. Similarly, the wireless communications device 406 can receive audio from the computer via the Wi-Fi link.

• In some modes, the wireless communications device can synchronize or communicate with other different devices and applications. For example, a user may use a wireless communications device 406 to enter addresses, search for locations, etc. instead of having to type in the GPS navigation unit 804 which may be a handheld unit or part of a navigation system in a computer. car. The information entered can be stored in the wireless communications device 406 until the wireless communications device 406 (FIG ^ 12) is within range of the GPS navigation unit. The wireless communications device 406 can then transfer the information entered to the GPS navigation unit through the communications path 424 (eg, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

The interactive media guide applications discussed above can adopt

<img file="MX352002B_D0042.tif" />

ΙΜ.ΡΙ

INSTITUTO MEXICANO t&gt; £ INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY various forms depending on the means for which they provide the guide. A typical type of media guide application is an interactive television program guide. Interactive television programming guides (sometimes referred to as electronic program guides) are well-known guide applications that, among i other things, allow users to navigate and locate many types of media content 10 including conventional programming. television (provided by traditional broadcasting, cable, satellite, Internet, or other media), as well as pay-per-view programs, programs on demand (comb in video-on-demand (VOD) systems), Internet content (e.g. streaming media, downloadable media,

Webdasts, etc.), and other types of media or video content. The guide apps also enable users to browse and locate 20 content related to video content including, for example, video clips, articles, announcements, chat sessions, games, etc. Guide apps also allow users to browse and locate media content.

The term multimedia is defined herein as

<img file="MX352002B_D0043.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MIXlCANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL media and content that use at Tríenos two different forms of content, such as text, audio, still images, animations, video, and forms of interactivity content. The multimedia content 5 can be recorded and reproduced, displayed or accessed by information content processing devices, such as computerized and electronic devices, although it can also be part of a live performance. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention discussed in relation to media content are also applicable to other types of content, such as video, audio and / or multimedia.

With the advent of the Internet, 15 mobile computing, and high-speed wireless networks, users have access to media on personal computers (PCs) and other devices that they traditionally did not have, such as laptops, personal digital assistants ( PDAs), cell phones, or other mobile devices. In these devices, users can navigate and locate between the same media available through a television. Therefore, in these devices the media guide is also necessary. The guide provided

<img file="MX352002B_D0044.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY can be for media content available only through a television, for media content available only through one or more of these devices, or for media content available both through a television as for one or more of these devices. Media guide applications can be provided as online applications (ie, they can be provided on a website), or as separate applications or clients on such portable devices; such as PDAs, cell phones or other mobile devices. The various devices and platforms that media guide applications can implement are described in more detail below.

One of the functions of the media guide application is to provide media listings and media information to users. FIGS. 9-10 show illustrative indication screens 20 that can be used for media guides, and in particular, media listings. The prompt screens shown in FIGS. 9-10 can be implemented on any suitable device or platform. While the screens in FIGS.

9-10: illustrated as prompts screens

<img file="MX352002B_D0045.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DI (A INDUSTRIAL CURRENCY totals, can also be fully or partially overlaid through the media content to be displayed. A user can indicate a desire to access media information by selecting a selectable option provided on a prompts screen (for example, a menu option, a listing option, an icon, a hyperlink, etc.) or pressing a dedicated button (eg GUIDE button) on a remote control or other interface or || user input device. In response to the user prompt, the media guide application may provide a prompt screen with the media information organized in one of several ways, such as by time and channel on a grid, by time, by channel, by media type, by category (for example, movies, sports, news, kids, or other programming categories), or other predefined, user-defined, or other organizational criteria.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative grid programming listings screen 100 arranged by time and channel, which also allows access to different types of media content on a single screen. Screen 100 may include grid 102 with: (1) a column of identifiers

<img file="MX352002B_D0046.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF U INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

104 of channels / media type, where each channel / media type identifier (which is a cell! in the column) identifies a different channel or available media types; and (2) a row of 5 time identifiers 106, where each time identifier (which is a cell in the row) identifies a block of schedule time. Grid 102 also includes schedule listing cells, such as schedule listing 10 108, where each listing provides the title of the program provided on the associated channel and time of the listing. With a user input device, a user can select the schedule listings by moving the highlighted region 402. Information related to the schedule listing selected by highlighted region 402 may be provided in schedule information region 112. Region 112 may include, for example, the title of the program, the description of the program, the time the program is provided (if appropriate), the channel on which the program is presented (if appropriate). ), the audience of the program, and other desired information.

<img file="MX352002B_D0047.tif" />

IMPI l »« mvro MEXICAN “delamomedad (NDUSTR1AL

In addition to providing access to linear programming provided according to a schedule, the Media Guide application also provides access to non-linear programming that is not provided according to a schedule. Non-linear programming can include content from different media sources including on-demand media content (e.g. VOD), Internet content (e.g. streaming media, downloadable media, etc.), content from locally stored media (for example, video content stored on a digital video recorder (DVR), digital video disc (DVD), video cassette, compact disc (CD), etc.), or other media content insensitive to the time. On-demand content can include both movies and original media content provided by a specific media provider (for example, HBO On Demand provided by The Sopranos and Curb Your Enthusiasm). HBO ON DEMAND is a service mark owned by Time Warner Company LP et al. and THE SOPRANOS and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM are registered trademarks owned by Home Box Office, Inc. Internet content may include web events, such as a chat session

<img file="MX352002B_D0048.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL or Webjcast, or content available upon request as streaming media or downloadable media through an Internet website or other Internet access (eg, FTP).

Grid 102 can provide listings for non-linear programming including on-demand listing 114, recorded media listing 116, and Internet content listing 118. A screen that combines listings for content from 10 different types of media sources some It is sometimes referred to as a mixed media screen. The various permutations of the types of listings that can be displayed that are different from screen 100 can be based on user selection or application definition for guides (for example, a screen of recorded and transmitted listings on-demand and transmitted listings only, etc.) As illustrated, listings 114, i 116 and 118 are shown as the duration of the 20 total time block displayed on grid 102 for! indicate that the selection of these listings can provide access to a screen dedicated to the on-demand listings, the recorded listings, or the Internet listings, respectively. In 25 other modalities, the listings for these types of media

<img file="MX352002B_D0049.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL can be included directly in grid 102. Additional listings can be displayed in response to the user's selection of one of the navigation icons 120. (Pressing an arrow key on a user input device can affect the screen in a similar way as the selection of the navigation icons 120.) The screen 100 can also include the video region 122, advertising 124, and a region of options 126. Video region 122 may allow the user to view and / or preview programs that are currently available, will be available, or were available to the user. The content of the »video region 122 may correspond to, or be independent of, one of the listings shown in grid 102. Grid displays that include a video region are sometimes referred to as picture-in-guide displays ( PIG). The PIG screens and their functionalities are described in greater detail in 20 Satterfield et al. United States Patent No.

6,564,378, issued May 13, 2003 and Yuen et al. United States Patent No. 6,239,794, issued May 29, 2001, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. PIG screens can be included

<img file="MX352002B_D0050.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO OE U FROEIEDAD INDUSTRIAL on other display screens n "UU 'dyiluacl unes— for media guides of the present invention.

Advertising 124 can provide an advertisement for media content that, depending on a viewer's access rights (for example, for programming subscription), is currently available to watch, will be available to watch in the future, or will never be. available to view, and may or may not correspond to one or more of the media listings on grid 102. The advertisement 124 can also be for products or services related or unrelated to the media content displayed on the grid 102. The advertisement 124 can be selected and provide additional information about the content of pedios, provide the information about a product or a service , enable the purchase of media content, a product, or a service, provide media content that is related to advertising, etc. Advertising 124 may be targeted based on user pro fi le / preferences, monitored user activity, type of display provided, or other appropriate targeted advertising bases.

<img file="MX352002B_D0051.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL CURRENCY

While the advertisement 124 is displayed as rectangular or header form, the advertisements can be provided in any suitable size, shape and location on an application screen for guidance. For example, the advertisement 124 can be provided as a rectangular shape that is horizontally adjacent to the grid 102. This is sometimes referred to as a panel advertisement. Additionally, advertisements can be overlaid on top of media content or an application screen for guides, or embedded in a screen. Ads can also include text, images, rotating images, video clips, or other types of media content. Ads can be stored on the user's computer with the guidebook application, in a database connected to the user's computer, at a remote location (including servers for streaming media), or on other storage media or a combination. of these locations. The provision of advertisements in an application for media guides is discussed in greater detail in, for example, Knudson et al., US Patent Application

10 / 347,673, filed January 17, 2003, Ward, III et al. United States Patent No. 6,756,997,

<img file="MX352002B_D0052.tif" />

IMPI Mexican iwmvro

M LA PtOMBDAD

INDUSTRIAL issued June 29, 2004, and üchéin ét alT United States Patent No. 6,388,714, issued May 14, 2002, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. It will be appreciated that the advertisements may be included in other prompt screens of the media guide application of the present invention.

Options region 126 may allow the user to access different types of media content, media guide application screens, and / or the functions of media guide applications. The opcioii.es region 126 can be part of screen 100 (and other prompt screens of the present invention), or can be invoked by a user by selecting an on-screen option or by pressing a dedicated or assignable button on a screen. user input device. Selectable options within option region 126 may relate to functions related to programming listings on grid 102 or may include options available from a main menu screen. Features related to programming listings may include searching for other broadcast times or ways to receive a

<img file="MX352002B_D0053.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO BE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL program, recording a program, allowing serial recording of a program, setting a program and / or channel as a favorite, buying a program, or other functions. The options available from a main menu screen can include search options, VOD options, parental control options, access to various types of listing screens, subscribe to a high-quality service, edit a user profile, access a navigation overlay, or other options.

. The application for media guides can be customized based on one of the user's preferences. A custom media guide app allows a user to customize screens and functions to create a personalized media guide app experience. This personalized experience can be created by allowing a user to enter these customizations and / or by using the media guide application that monitors user activity to determine various user preferences. Users can access their personalized guide app by registering or otherwise identifying with the app to

<img file="MX352002B_D0054.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY guides. The customization of the application for media guides can be done according to a user profile. Customizations may include varying presentation schemes (for example, screen color scheme, text font size, etc.), aspects of listings for displayed media content (for example, HDTV programming only, broadcast channels user-specified based on favorite channel selections, channel screen reordering, recommended media content, etc.), desired recording functions (for example, recording (s) in series for private users, recording quality, etc.), parental control settings, and other desired customizations.

The Media Guides application can allow a user to provide the user's profile information, or it can automatically collect the user's profile information. The media guide application may, for example, monitor the media the user has access to and / or other interactions the user may have with the guide application. Additionally, the application for media guides can obtain all or part of

<img file="MX352002B_D0055.tif" />

IMPI INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL the other user profiles that are connected with a particular user (for example, from other sites; web on the Internet, the user has access, such as www.tvguide.com, from other applications for media guides to which the user has access, from other interactive applications to which the user has access, from a portable device user, etc.), and / or obtain the information about the user from other sources that may have access to the application for media guides. As a result, a user can be provided with a unified guide app experience across different user devices. This type of user experience is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 12. The functions of the Application for Custom Additional Media Guides are described in greater detail in Ellié et al-, US Patent Application 11 / 179,410, filed July 11, 2005,

Boyer et al., United States Patent Application No. 09 / 437,304, filed November 9, 1999, and Ellis et al., United States Patent Application 10 / 105,128, filed November 21, 1999.

<img file="MX352002B_D0056.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

Say THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL February 2002, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In FIG. 10 shows another screen arrangement for providing media guides. The video mosaic display 200 includes selectable options 202 for information on media content organized based on media type, genre, and / or other organizational criteria. On screen 200, television listings option 204 is selected, thereby providing listings 206, 208, 210, and 212 as the broadcast programming listings. Unlike the listings in FIG. 9, the listings on screen 200 are not limited to plain text (eg, the title of the program) and icons to describe the media. Instead, on screen 200 the listings may provide graphic images including a cover, still images from the media content, previews of 20 video clips, live video from the media content, or other types of media that indicate to a user the media content to be described by the listing. Each of the graphic listings may also be accompanied by text 25 to provide additional information about the

<img file="MX352002B_D0057.tif" />

IMPI muucano institute

OF THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRIAL media content associated with the listing. For example, listing 208 may include more than one portion, including media portion 214 and text portion 216. Media portion 214 and / or text portion 216 can be selected to view the video in full screen. or to view the programming listings related to the video displayed on the media portion 214 (eg, to view the listings for the channel displaying the video).

The listings on the 200 screen are of different sizes (that is, listing 206 is larger than the other listings 208, 210, and 212), although if desired, all listings can be the same size. The listings can be of different sizes or they can be graphically accented to indicate the degrees of interest to the user or to emphasize certain content, as desired by the media provider or based on the preferences of the user. Various systems and methods for graphically accentuating media listings are discussed, for example, in Yates, US Patent Application 11 / 324,202, filed December 29, 2005, which is incorporated by reference 25 herein in its whole.

<img file="MX352002B_D0058.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

Users can access media content and the media guide application from one or more devices on the user computer. FIG. 11 shows a generalized embodiment of device 300 on illustrative user equipment. Together with FIG. 12 more device-specific implementations on the user's computer are discussed below. Device 300 on user equipment can receive media content and data via input / output path 302 (hereinafter I / O). I / O path 302 may provide media content (e.g., broadcast schedule, on-demand schedule, Internet content, and other video or audio) and data to control circuitry 304, including processing 306 and storage 308 circuitry. Control circuitry 304 can be used to send and receive commands, requests, and other suitable data using I / O path 302. I / O path 302 can connect control circuitry 304 (and specifically processing circuitry 306). ) to uxla or more communication paths (described later). I / O functions can be provided by one or more of these paths

<img file="MX352002B_D0059.tif" />

of communications, although they are shown as a single path in FIG. 11 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing.

Control circuitry 304 may be based on any suitable processing circuitry 306, such as processing circuitry based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, and the like. In some embodiments, control circuitry 304 executes instructions for a media guide application stored in memory (ie, storage 308). In client-server based modes, control circuitry 304 may include communication circuitry suitable for communicating with a directory application server or other networks or servers. The communications circuitry may include a cable modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, a telephone modem, or a wireless modem for communications with other equipment. These communications may involve the Internet or any other suitable communication networks or paths (described in greater detail

<img file="MX352002B_D0060.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL together with FIG. 12). In addition, the communications circuitry may include circuitry (for example, Bluetooth) that enables homologous communication of devices on the user's equipment, or communication of devices on the user's equipment at remote locations with each other (that is described in more detail later).

A memory (for example, a random access memory, a read-only memory, or any suitable memory), hard drives, optical drives, or any other suitable fixed or removable storage devices (for example, a DVD burner, a CD recorder, a video cassette recorder, or other suitable recording device) may be provided as the storage 308 that is part of the control circuitry 304. Storage 308 may include one or more of the above types of storage devices. For example, the device in the user's computer 300 may include a hard drive for a DVR (sometimes referred to as a personal video recorder, or PVR) and a DVD recorder as a secondary storage device. Storage 308 can be used to store various types of

<img file="MX352002B_D0061.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DB LA MONEDAD moumiAL means described herein and the application data for guides, including programming information, settings for the guide application, user preferences or profile information, or other data used in the operation of the application for guides. Non-volatile memory can also be used (for example, to launch a bootstrap and other instructions).

Control circuitry 304 may include circuitry for video generation and tuning circuitry, such as one or more analog tuners, one or more MPEG-2 decoders or other digital decoding circuitry, high definition tuners, or any other. suitable tuning or video circuits or combinations of these circuits. Encoding circuitry may also be provided (eg, to convert analog, digital, over-the-air signals to MPEG signals for storage). Control circuitry 304 may also include gearbox circuitry to upconvert and downconvert the media to the user's equipment preferred output forrtiate.

300, Circuitry 304 may also include a

<img file="MX352002B_D0062.tif" />

digital-to-analog converter circuitry and analog-to-digital converter circuitry for converting between digital and analog signals. The tuning and encoding circuitry can be used by the user's equipment to receive and display, reproduce, or record media content. Tuning and encoding circuitry can also be used to receive guide data. The circuitry described herein, including for example, tuning, video generation, encoding, decoding, demultiplier, and analog / digital circuitry, can be implemented using software running on one or more processors. for general or specialized use. Multiple tuners can be provided to handle simultaneous tuning functions (for example, viewing and recording functions, Picture-in-Picture (PIP) functions, multi-tuner recording, etc.) If a 308 storage is provided as a separate device from the user equipment 300, tuning and encoding circuitry (including multiple tuners) may be associated with storage 308.

<img file="MX352002B_D0063.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRY!

A user can control the control circuitry 304 using a user input interface 310. The user input interface 310 can be any suitable user interface, such as a remote control, mouse, trackball, numeric keypad, keyboard. , touch screen, touch tablet, pen input, joystick, speech recognition interface, or other user input interfaces. The display 312 may be provided as a standalone device or integrated with other elements of the device 300 on the user's equipment. The screen 312 may be one or more of a monitor, a television, a liquid crystal display (LCD) for a mobile device, or any other equipment suitable for displaying visual images. In some embodiments, display 312 may be HDTV compatible. Speakers 314 may be provided integrated with other elements of the device in the user equipment 20 300 or they may be stand-alone units. The audio component of videos and other media content displayed on the 312 screen can be played^to through the speakers 314. In some modes, the audio can be distributed to a

IMPI Mexican institute

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX352002B_D0064.tif" />

receiver (not shown), which processes and sends audio via speakers 314.

'The guide application can be implemented using any suitable architecture. For example, it may be a standalone application fully implemented on device 300 on the user's computer. In this procedure, application instructions are stored locally, and data for application use is downloaded on a periodic basis (for example, from the VBI of a television channel, from an out-of-band feed, or using another proper procedure). In another embodiment, the media guide application is a client-server based application. Data for use by a thin or thick client deployed to device 300 on the user's computer is retrieved on demand by sending requests to a remote server to device 300 on the user's computer. In an example of a client-server based guide application, control circuitry 304 runs in a web browser that interprets web pages provided by a remote server.

<img file="MX352002B_D0065.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

In still other embodiments, the media guide application is downloaded and interpreted or otherwise executed by an interpreter or virtual machine (executed by control circuitry 304). In some embodiments, the guide application may be encoded in ETV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF), received by control circuitry 304, as part of a proper feed, and interpreted by a user agent running on the circuitry. control 304. For example, the application for guides can be an EBIF artifact. In other embodiments, the guide application may be defined by a series of Java-based files that are received and executed by a local virtual machine or other suitable custom software executed by control circuitry 304. In some of these modalities (for example, those that employ MPEG-2 or other schemes for encoding digital media), the application for guides, for example, can be encoded and transmitted in a carousel of MPEG-2 objects with the packets of MPEG audio and video of a program.

Device 300 in the user equipment of FIG. 11 can be implemented in the system 400 of FIG. 12 such as user equipment 402, the

<img file="MX352002B_D0066.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF FROFY

INDUSTRIAL equipment on the user's computer 404 or any other type of user equipment suitable for accessing media, such as a non-portable gaming machine. For simplicity, these devices may be referred to collectively herein as user equipment or devices on user equipment. Devices on the user's computer, in which a media guide application is implemented, can function as a standalone device or can be part of a network of devices. The different network configurations of the devices can be implemented and discussed in more detail later.

User equipment 402 may include a cable box, an integrated receiver decoder (IRD) for managing satellite television, a television setting, a digital storage device, a DVD player / recorder, a Blu-ray player / recorder. , a video cassette recorder (VCR), a local media server, a web camera, one or more security cameras, which may include one or more baby surveillance cameras, a GPS navigation unit, a network-enabled thermometer, or other user equipment. The GPS navigation unit can

<img file="MX352002B_D0067.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO OE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL be a stand-alone portable navigation unit, or alternatively, it can be a part of the navigation unit of a car navigation system. Additionally, any of the devices included in user equipment 402 may be network-enabled and may communicate over a network using, for example, a Wi-Fi link. For example, the devices included in the user's equipment 402 10 may be compatible with the Digital Living Network

Alliaiice^YE (DLNA). In some embodiments, devices included in user equipment 402 may additionally have the ability to communicate over a short-range link, such as Bluetooth or IR. One or more of these devices can be integrated into a single device, if desired. User computer equipment 404 may include a PC, laptop, tablet, WebTV case, personal computer television (PC / TV), PC media server, PC media center, or other equipment. on the user's computer. WEBTV is a trademark owned by Microsoft Corp. Wireless communications device 406 may include PDAs, a mobile phone (eg, a

<img file="MX352002B_D0068.tif" />

IMPI rwrnvro mwcano H THE CURRENCY industry i smart phone with a touch screen inteTf az .......), portable video player, portable music player, portable game machine, or other wireless devices. Wireless communication device 406 may function as a remote controller for user equipment 402 and user computer equipment 404.

It should be noted that with the arrival of the 10 television tuner cards for PCs, WebTVj and the integration of video in other devices in the user's equipment, the lines have been blurred when trying to classify a device as one of the previous devices. In fact, each user equipment 402, equipment 404 on the user's computer, and wireless communications device 406 can utilize at least some of the system functions described above in conjunction with FIG. 11 and, as a result, 20 include flexibility regarding the type of media content available on the device. For example, the user's computer 402 may be Internet-enabled to allow access to Internet content, while the user's computer 404 may include a

<img file="MX352002B_D0069.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

PE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY tuner that allows access to television programming. The media guide application may also have the same layout on the various different types of user equipment or it can be adapted to the screen capabilities of the user equipment. For example, on the user's computer equipment, the guide application can be provided as a website accessed through a web browser. In another example, the application for guides can be shortened for wireless communication devices.

In system 400, there is typically more than one of each type of device on the user equipment although only one of each is shown in FIG. 12 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing.

In addition, each user can use more than one type of device on the user's computer (for example, a user can have a television and a computer), and also more than one of each type of device on the user's computer (for For example, a user may have a PDA and a mobile phone and / or multiple television sets).

The user can also configure various settings to keep the application's settings for media guides consistent across the

<img file="MX352002B_D0070.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY devices at home and remote devices. The settings include those described herein, as well as the favorite channel and shows, the programming preferences that the guide application uses to make programming recommendations, the display preferences, and other desirable guide settings. For example, if a user sets a channel as a favorite, for example, the website www.tvguide.com on his personal computer in his office, the same channel could appear as a favorite on the devices in the user's home (for example , the user's equipment and the equipment on the user's computer) as well as the user's mobile devices, if desired. Therefore, changes made to one device on the user's computer can change the experience of the guide on another device on the user's computer, regardless of whether they are the same or different type of device on the user's computer. Additionally, changes made can be based on settings entered by a user, as well as user activity monitored by the guide app.

Devices on the user's equipment can be coupled to the 414 communication network. A

<img file="MX352002B_D0071.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY know; the user's equipment 402, the ^ ToT ^ equipment on the user's computer, and the wireless communication device 406 are coupled to the communication network 414 via communication paths 408, 410, and 412, respectively. Communications network 414 may be one or more networks including the Internet, a mobile phone network, a mobile device network (eg, Blackjoerry), a cable network, a public switched telephone network, or other types of communications network or combinations of communications networks. BLACKBERRY is a service mark owned by Research In Motion Limited Corp. Paths 408, 410, and 412 may separately or jointly include one or more communications paths, such as, a satellite path, a fiber optic path, a cable path, a path that supports Internet communications (e.g. , IPTV), 20 free space connections (for example, for streaming or other wireless signals), or any other suitable wired or wireless communications path or a combination of these paths. Path 412 is drawn with 25 dotted lines to indicate that in mode

<img file="MX352002B_D0072.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO • E THE illustrative INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY shown in FIG. 12 is a wireless path and paths 408 and 410 are drawn as solid lines to indicate that they are wired paths (although these paths 5 can be wireless paths, if desired).

Communications with devices on user equipment can be provided over one or more of these communications paths, although they will be shown as a single path in FIG. 12 to 10 avoid overcomplicating the drawing.

Devices in user equipment can communicate directly with each other via communication paths, such as those described above in conjunction with paths 15, 408, 410, and 412, as well as other short-range point-to-point communication paths, such as USB cables, IEEE 1394 cables, wireless paths (e.g. Bluetooth, infrared,

IEEE 802-llx, etc.), or other short-range communication via wired or wireless paths.

BLUETOOTH is a certification mark owned by the Bluetooth SIG, INC. For example, wireless communications device 406 can transmit and receive remote control commands to and from user equipment 402 via infrared. The

<img file="MX352002B_D0073.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL devices on the user's computer can also communicate with each other directly through an indirect path via the 414 communications network.

System 400 includes source 416 for media content and data source 418 for the media guide coupled to communication network 414 via communication paths 420 and 422, respectively. Paths 420 and 422 can include any of the communication paths described above along with paths 408, 410, and 412. Communications with media content source 416 and media guide data source 418 may be exchanged over one or more communication paths, although they are shown as a single path in FIG. 12 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. Furthermore, there may be more than one of each of the media content source 416 and the media guide data source 418, although only one of each is shown in FIG. 12 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. (The different types of each of these sources will be discussed later.) If desired, source 416 for media content and data source 418 for guide

<img file="MX352002B_D0074.tif" />

IMPI INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL media can be integrated as a single source device ^ Although communications between sources 416 and 418 with devices 402, 404, and 406 on the user's computer are displayed over the 5 communications network 414, in some modes, sources 416 and 418 can communicate directly with iQs devices 402, 404, and 406 at the user equipment via communications paths (not shown) such as those described above along with paths 408, 410, and 412.:

The media content source 416 may include one or more types of media distribution equipment including a television distribution facility, cable system antenna header, satellite distribution facility, programming sources (eg, television broadcasters, such as NBC, ABC, HBO, etc.), facilities and / or intermediate servers for distribution, Internet providers, on-demand media servers, and other providers of media content. NBC is a trademark owned by National Broadcasting Company, Inc., ABC is a trademark owned by ABC, INC., And HBO is a trademark owned by Home Box Office, Inc.

<img file="MX352002B_D0075.tif" />

ΊΟ

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OR £ THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY source 416 of the media content may be the author of the media content (for example, a television broadcaster, a Webcast provider, etc.) or it may not be the author of the 5 media content (for example , a provider of on-demand media content, an Internet provider of video content of streamed programs for download, etc.). The source 416 of the media content may include cable sources, satellite providers 10, on-demand providers,

Internet, or other providers of media content. The media content source 416 may also include a remote media server used to store different types of media content (including video content selected by a user), at a remote location from any of the devices on the device's equipment. Username. Systems and methods for remotely storing media content, and providing remotely stored media content to user equipment are discussed in greater detail in conjunction with Ellis et al., US Patent Application No. 09 / 332,244, filed June 11, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference 25 in its entirety.

<img file="MX352002B_D0076.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

The media guide data source 418 may provide the media guide data, such as media listings, media-related information (eg, broadcast times, broadcast channels, media titles, media descriptions , audience ratings information (e.g. parental control ratings, critics ratings, etc.), gender or category information, actor information, logo data for broadcaster or vendor logos, etc.), media format (for example, standard definition, high definition, etc.), advertising information (for example, text, images, media clips, etc.), information on request, and any other type of guide data that is useful for a user to navigate and locate the desired media selections.

The application data for media guides can be provided to the devices on the user's computer using any suitable procedure. In some embodiments, the guide application may be a stand-alone interactive television program guide that receives the program guide data via a

<img file="MX352002B_D0077.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

INDUSTRIAL NOTICE data feed (for example, a continuous feed, a filtered feed, or data in the vertical blanking interval of a channel).

Schedule schedule data and other guide data can be provided to user equipment in a television channel sideband, in the vertical blanking interval of a television channel, using an in-band digital signal, using an out-of-band digital signal, or by any other suitable technique for data transmission. Program schedule data and other guide data can be provided to user equipment on multiple analog or digital television channels. Schedule schedule data and other guide data can be provided to user equipment at any suitable frequency (e.g., continuously, daily, a user-specified period of time, a system-specified period of time, in response to a request from the user's equipment, etc.). In some procedures, the directory data from the media directory data source 418 can be provided to the user's equipment using a client-server procedure. For example, a

<img file="MX352002B_D0078.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL client of the application for guides φΓέ resljde en éT * user's computer can initiate sessions with source 418 to obtain guide data when necessary. Media guide data source 418 may provide devices 402, 404, and 406 on the user's equipment to the media guide application itself or software updates for the media guide application.

Media guide apps, for example, can be standalone apps'! il implemented in the devices on the user's computer. In other embodiments, the media guide applications may be client-server applications where only the client resides on the user's computer device. For example, media guide applications can be implemented partially as a client application on the control circuitry 304 of device 300 on the user's equipment and partially on a remote server as a server application (e.g., the source of data 418 of the media guide). The application screens for guides can be generated by the media guide data source 418 and transmitted to devices on the user's equipment. The fountain

<img file="MX352002B_D0079.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTE «« 'Yes.'íS

FROM INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY data 418 from the media guide ΐ can also transmit the data for storage on the user's computer, which then generates the guide application screens based on the instructions 5 processed by the circuitry of control.

The media guide system 400 is intended to illustrate various procedures, or network configurations, by which devices on user equipment and media guide and content data sources 10 can communicate with each other in order to access the media and provide the media guide. The present invention can be applied in any one or a subset of these methods, or in a system that employs other methods to supply media and provide the media guides. The following three procedures provide specific illustrations of the generalized Fip example. 12.

In one method, devices on the user's equipment can communicate with each other within a home network. Devices on the user equipment can communicate with each other directly via the short-range point-to-point communication schemes described above,

<img file="MX352002B_D0080.tif" />

IMPI INSTTrVT · MEXICAN • E LA EMNEOA »INDUSTRIAL via indirect paths through a hub, router, or other similar device provided in a home network, or via the 414 communications network. Each of the multiple individuals in a single home can operate different devices on the user's home network computer. As a result, it may be convenient for the various information or settings of the media guides to be communicated between the different devices on the user's equipment. For example, it may be convenient for users to keep the application settings for media guides consistent across different devices on the User's computer within a home network, as discussed in greater detail in Ellis et al., Patent application US 11 / 179,410, filed July 11, 2005. Different types of devices on the user's computer in a home network can also communicate with each other to stream media content. For example, a user can stream media content from equipment on the user's computer to a portable video player or a portable music player.

<img file="MX352002B_D0081.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

INDUSTRIAL

In a second procedure luu users can; have multiple types of user equipment through which they access the media content and obtain the media guide. For example, some users may have home networks that are accessed through home and mobile devices. Users can control home devices via a media guide application implemented on a remote device (eg, wireless communications device 406). For example, users can access an application for online media guides on a website via a personal computer in their office, or a mobile device such as a PDA or a web-enabled mobile phone. The user can configure various settings (for example, recordings, reminders, or other settings) in the online guide application to control the user's home equipment. The online guide can control the user's computer directly, or by communicating with a media guide application on the user's home computer. Various systems and methods for device communication on the user's computer, where the devices on the user's computer are located

<img file="MX352002B_D0082.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITVT · MEXICANO • elamiohebad inbustmal in remote locations from each other, are discussed, for example, in Ellis et al., United States patent application 10 / 927,814, filed on August 26, 2004, which is incorporated by reference in this in its entirety.

In a third method, users of the devices on the user's equipment inside and outside of a home can use their media guide application to communicate directly with source 416 for media content to access media content. Specifically, within a qasa, users of the user's equipment 404 and equipment 406 on the user's computer can access the media guide application to navigate and locate among desirable media contents. Users can also access the media guide application outside the home using wireless communication devices 406 to navigate and locate among desirable media content.

It will be appreciated that while the analysis of media content has focused on video content, the principles of media guides can be applied to other types of media content, such as music, images, etc.

<img file="MX352002B_D0083.tif" />

Mexican IMPI tNrrrruTO OF INDUSTRIAL RONEWAL

As used herein, a primary application is intended to mean an interactive application that runs on user equipment 402 and / or equipment 404 on the user's computer. A primary application may be a server application that provides the application data to communications device 406 in response to one or more application communications, or it may be a version of an application that works in cooperation with a version of the application that is runs on wireless communications device 406. As used herein, a secondary application is intended to imply an interactive application that runs on wireless communications device 406. A secondary application may include a client application that obtains the data from a primary application, or it may be a version of an interactive application that runs in cooperation with a primary application and that obtains the application data from source 416 of the media content. or data source 418 of the media guide.

Primary and secondary applications can communicate by exchanging one or more

<img file="MX352002B_D0084.tif" />

application communications. The application communications may include any suitable client-server or host communications structure for exchanging interactive application data or other data (such as digital frames and display prompts via wireless communications device 406) between the primary applications and secondary via communication path 424 or via communication network 414 through communication paths 412 and 408. The communication path 424 may be an infrared link, a Wi-Fi link, a Bluetooth link, a combination of these links, or any other suitable wireless communication link. Application communications may include, for example, remote procedure calls, commands, messages, or requests.

Application communications can also involve complex communications between application frameworks running on wireless communications device 406 and user equipment 402 and / or equipment 404 at user computer. Application communications, for example, can be object-based.

<img file="MX352002B_D0085.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO N1XICANO M LA nOHIDAO INDUSTRIAL

Objects that run on primary and secondary guides, for example, can be communicated using an Object Request Broker (ORB). Interactive application data, for example, can be encapsulated like the objects of a Component Object Model (COM) and persists for a flow that is transmitted through the communications path 424 and / or the communications network 414.

The application communications may also include, for example, HTML-formatted bookmark language documents (eg, Web pages), which are exchanged between the wireless communications device 406 and an Internet service system.

User equipment 402 (and equipment 404 on the user's computer) and wireless communication device 406 can communicate via communication path 424. There can only be a single communication path 20 424, such as when the Wireless communications device 406 obtains application data exclusively from user equipment 402. Communications path 424 may be a direct link between wireless communications device 406 and user equipment 402 and the

<img file="MX352002B_D0086.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

K LA coin

INDUSTRIAL equipment on the user's computer 404, such as, for example, Bluetooth or infrared. Alternatively, when Wi-Fi is being used as a communication path 424, the communication path 424 can be routed through, for example, a wireless router (not shown) included in a home network. To avoid complicating the drawing, only the 424 direct communications paths are shown.

Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communications device 406 may obtain the application data and media content directly from the media content source 416 or the media guide data source 418 via, for example, the communications network 414. .

Various different media and schemes can be used in different communication paths 424 where there are multiple communication paths 424. In the home, for example, the communication path 424 may include an RF, Wi-Fi, infrared or Bluetooth link in rather than a more complicated link that is better suited for transmitting data over wider geographic areas. It may also be more suitable, for example, than when the

IMPI ^^

two mexican institute

DE LA CURRENCY industrial ^ e.TL— wireless communications 4 0T “SI ^ wnTüH Directly with media content source 416 or media guide data source 418, communications path 424 may be a more suitable link for communication. transmission of data over wider geographic areas, such as for example an Internet link.

; Wireless communications device 406 and user equipment 402 may communicate using any suitable network and transport layer protocols. They can communicate, for example, using a protocol stack that includes Sequenced Packet Exchange / Intra-network Packet Exchange (SPX / IPX) layers,

Transmission / Internet Protocols (TCP / IP), AppleTalk Transaction Protocol layers / Datagram Delivery Protocol (ATP / DDP), a Wireless Access Protocols (WAP) layer, or any other suitable network or network layer protocols. transport. Wireless communications device 406 and user equipment 402 can also be part of a home network using, for example, the Jini networking protocol by Sun Microsystems. Network protocols and the

<img file="MX352002B_D0087.tif" />

IMPI ηβτπντο MEXICAN

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL transport can be omitted from si-et-ema — s ± '' 'se' ”desired. In various embodiments, the wireless communications device 406 and the user equipment 402 can be DLNA and UVNP compliant devices.

Application data can be distributed by media guide data source 418 to user equipment 402 exclusively, to user equipment 402 and wireless communications device 406 together, or only to wireless communications device 406, using any suitable scheme. For example, the application data can be provided in a continuous stream or it can be transmitted in a suitable time interval (eg, once per hour). If transmitted continuously, it may not be necessary to store the data locally on user equipment 402 or wireless communications device 406. Rather, user equipment 402 or wireless communications device 406 may extract the data on the fly. as necessary. If desired, the media content source 4 16 or the media guide data source 418 may poll user equipment 402 or the recording device.

<img file="MX352002B_D0088.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

Say THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRIAL wireless communications 406 periodically for certain information (for example, account information for payment programs or information related to programs that have been purchased and viewed using locally generated authorization techniques). Application data can also be provided using a suitable client-server procedure or over the Internet.

In various embodiments, a primary application can run entirely on user equipment 402 and / or equipment 404 on the user's computer. A secondary application running on wireless communications device 406 may obtain application data via user equipment 402 and / or equipment 404 on the user's computer. The secondary application may obtain the application data from a primary application acting as a server via the application communications sent to the user equipment 402 or to the equipment 404 at the user computer via the communication path 424. In another suitable procedure, Secondary application can get the application data directly from user computer 402 or computer 404 on the

<img file="MX352002B_D0089.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRIAL user's computer without involving it as a primary application.

User equipment 402, for example, may receive application data as part of a continuous stream of data, periodically, or in response to polling requests from data source 416 for media content or data source 418. of the media guide. In these procedures, the application data can be provided automatically to the wireless communications device 406 without requiring the secondary application to request it from the primary application.

In still another suitable method, application data can be stored by user equipment 402 and sent to wireless communications device 406. This procedure may be convenient when, for example, data transfer rates between distribution facility 104 and user equipment 402, and between user equipment 402 and wireless communication device 406 are the same.

In FIG. 13 shows an illustrative arrangement for the wireless communications device 406. The communications device

<img file="MX352002B_D0090.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL Wireless 406 can be any PDA, mobile phone, portable video player, portable music player, portable game machine or other suitable wireless portable device. The functionality that the wireless communications device 406 can provide to the user may vary depending on its processing circuitry, communications circuitry, and memory. The portable applications device 406 may be a Java-based or Windows CE compliant smartphone or PDA style portable device, or it may be enabled by any other suitable system operating software for wireless communication devices. Wireless communications device 406 may include user interface 52, processing circuitry 54, storage 56, and communications device 58.

User interface 52 may be any suitable input or output device or system, and may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch screen, speech synthesis and recognition circuitry, microphone, speaker, and manual or manual buttons. keys, keyboard or any other suitable hardware and software for input or output of the

<img file="MX352002B_D0091.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL user. User interface 52 preferably includes a touch screen or keyboard. A touch-sensitive screen can simplify navigation within various types of interactive television applications. In some embodiments, a touch-sensitive screen of the wireless communications device 406 need only display those buttons or controls that apply to the specific screen that the user is viewing or the specific task that the user is performing. In addition, an interface displayed on a touch screen can be changed to suit the type of data entry that the user will perform in the television application. For example, a keyboard can be displayed to provide the user with the ability to enter one or more characters, or a numeric keyboard can be displayed to simplify numeric entries. User interface 52 may also include suitable handwriting recognition software to run on a wireless communication device.

In still another suitable method, the wireless communication device 406 may have a combination of pushbuttons and displays. The

<img file="MX352002B_D0092.tif" />

IMPI ηΜΑΠΤυΤΟ MEXICANO ΐΛ LA CURRENCY industrial screens can mark each pushbutton with text or graphics to indicate to the user the function associated with a pushbutton. When the user has access to different interactive applications, the screens 5 may change based on the application accessed.

When, for example, you have access to an interactive betting application, you can read bet and info on two screens. When the user 10 switches the applications to, for example, an interactive programming guide, the same screens can read advance channel and return channel. For each Application, pressing a specific button results in the performance of the indicated function. Control codes can be downloaded from, for example, user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) via a Bluetooth, infrared, Wi-Fi, or other wireless link to wireless communications device 406 to indicate to wireless communications device 406 the appropriate brands and functions for each pushbutton.

Processing circuitry 54 may include any suitable processor, such as an Intel Pentium®, AMD, or other microprocessor. The communications device

<img file="MX352002B_D0093.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL wireless 4 06 can also --- • '• command storage 56. Storage 56 can be any memory or other suitable storage device, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk drive or other suitable storage for a wireless communications device. Processing circuitry 54 may also include circuitry suitable for displaying video. A video signal can be transferred continuously, for example, as an MPEG-2 data stream to the wireless communications device 406 over a link.

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Wireless communications device 406 may also include communications device 58. Communications device 58 can be any device suitable for supporting communications between wireless communications device 406 and user equipment 402 over communications path 424 (FIG. 12) and between the device.

<td>wireless communications</td><td> 406</td><td>(FIG.</td><td> 12)</td><td>Y</td><td>the</td>

<td colspan="2">416 source of media content</td><td>(FIG.</td><td> 12)</td><td>Y</td><td>the</td>

<td>guide data source 418</td><td colspan="2">media</td><td>(FIG.</td><td> 12)</td><td>to</td>

via communications path 412 (FIG.

<img file="MX352002B_D0094.tif" />

IMPI MEXICAN INSTITUTE of industrial propriety

12). The communication device ST ^ can be, for example, a communications port (for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a universal serial bus (USB), etc.), a modem (for example, 5 any modem suitable analog or digital standard, or cellular modem), a network interface card (for example, an Ethernet card, a token-passing ring card, etc.), a wireless transceiver (for example, a 10 analog or digital infrared, radio, cellular, or other suitable), or other communication device suitable for a wireless communication device. In particular, the communications device 58 may be a radiolocation frequency transceiver. If desired, the wireless communication device 406 can include multiple communication devices 58. One communication device 58 can be used to communicate through communication path 412, and another can be used to communicate through communication path 424. Each communication device 58 can be for a different type of communication path. communications. For example, a 25 communications device 58 can be used

<img file="MX352002B_D0095.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Oí LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL to download data from applications — or otherwise to exchange access communications, and the other communications device, such as an infrared emitter, can be used to control user equipment 402 and other home entertainment equipment using infrared controls. A radiolocation frequency transmitter can be used, for example, to upload device type information and download infrared codes. When used in this way, the keys can be displayed in ex. wireless communications device 406, and the user can touch keys on the screen to generate commands. Keys can be context sensitive, where only the keys of interest are displayed at any time.

In operation, the wireless communications device 406 can obtain user commands from the user interface 52, process the commands using the processing circuitry 54, and send a suitable prompt screen to the user at the user interface 52. When a user indicates a desire to access a role of the child application that the application requires to obtain

<img file="MX352002B_D0096.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL the application data, the ¹ KirculLéila ---- processing 54 can instruct the communications device 58 to initiate a session with the user equipment 402 (FIG. 12), the media content 5 source 416 (FIG. 12) or the data source 418 of the media guide (FIG. 12).

The wireless communications device 406 can be configured to display, for example, a main menu, which can include interactive advertisements. One of the items on the menu can be an interactive program guide. Guides function selection may present a main menu of guides, a schedule listings screen, or any other suitable 15 guide screen. When a user selects a listing, the device can display a description of a program associated with the listing. The announcements can be related to programming, in which case selecting them can present more information about a program, allow reminders to be set, or any other suitable function. Ads for other products can allow a user to get more information or purchase a product.

<img file="MX352002B_D0097.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

In FIG. 14 shows an illustrative arrangement for user equipment 402 (FIG. 12). User equipment 402 (FIG. 12) may receive an analog or digital video stream from source 416 for media content at input 26. Data from source 416 for media content can also be receive at entrance 26. During normal television viewing, the user can tune the user's equipment (eg, set-top box 28) to a desired television channel (analog or digital). The signal for that TV channel can then be provided on video output 30. The signal supplied at the output 30 is typically either a radio frequency (RF) signal on a predefined channel (eg channel 3 or 4), or a demodulated analog video signal, although it can also be a digital signal provided. to the television 36 on a suitable digital bus (not shown). The video signal at the output 30 can be received by the optional secondary storage device 32.

A primary application or a client of the primary application may run on set-top box 28, on television 36, on the

<img file="MX352002B_D0098.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL digital storage device 31 'option (if the television 36 or the optional digital storage device 31 has the appropriate memory and processing circuitry), or on a suitable analog or digital 5 receiver connected to the television 36. The interactive television application can also be used. it can run on both TV 36 and set-top box 28 together. Interactive television application systems in which an application for cooperative interactive television programming guides runs on multiple devices are described, for example, in Ellis U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 186,598, filed on November 5, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Secondary storage device 32 may be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device 20 or Player (e.g., a video cassette recorder, a digital versatile disc (DVD) player, etc.) The recording of programs and other functions can be controlled by decoder 28 using a control link 34.

If the secondary storage device 32 is

<img file="MX352002B_D0099.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL a video cassette recorder, for example, a typical control link 34 involves the use of an infrared transmitter coupled to the infrared receiver on the video cassette recorder that normally accepts commands from a remote control.

Wireless communications device 406 can be used to control set-top box 28, secondary storage device 32, and television 36. Wireless communications device 406, for example, can have different modes of operation to function as an interface to, applications and to control user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) similar to a remote control. Wireless communications device 406 can be programmed based on, for example, the devices in media system 400 (FIG. 12). The user, for example, can select device types from a suitable configuration screen. In another suitable procedure, wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can download the configuration information from an application (for example, an interactive application for media guides) running on the user's computer 402.

<img file="MX352002B_D0100.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

If desired, the user can record programs, application data, or a suitable combination thereof in digital form on the optional digital storage device 31. The user can also download software to digital storage device 31 from the Internet or some other medium. The digital storage device 31 can be a recordable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of using DVD recordable discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a digital disk or tape drive), or any other digital storage device. Interactive television application systems in which program guides have digital storage devices are described, for example, in Hassell et al., US Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 157,256, filed September 17. 1998, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The digital storage device 31 may be contained in a decoder 28 or it may be an external device connected to a decoder 28 via an output port one.

<img file="MX352002B_D0101.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

D £ THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRIAL proper interface. If necessary, the processing circuitry in decoder 28 formats the received video, audio, and data signals in a digital file format. Preferably, the file format is an open file format, such as the Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) MPEG-2 standard or the Moving Joint Photographic Experts Group (MJPEG) standard. The resulting data can be continuously transferred to a digital storage device 31 via a suitable bus (for example, a digital bus), and can be stored in the digital storage device 31. In another suitable method, a stream of MPEG-2 data or a series of files from source 416 for media content (FIG. 12) and stored in digital storage device 31. For example, user-recorded program files can be stored using a remote media server on media content source 416 (FIG. 12). These digital files can be played for the user whenever they want.

The television 36 can receive video signals from the secondary storage device 32 via the communications path.

<img file="MX352002B_D0102.tif" />

IMPI Mexican institute BE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL

38. The video signals in the ~ⁿCommunication data 38 can either be generated by a secondary storage device 32 when they are playing a prerecorded storage medium (for example, a rewritable video cassette or digital video disc), by digital storage device 31 when you are playing a prerecorded digital video (for example, a video for a program that was recorded by the user on a remote media server or at the user's home), can be passed through set-top box 28, can be provided directly to television 36 via set-top box 28 if a secondary storage device 32 is not included with user equipment 402, or can be received directly by television 36. During playback Normal television viewing, the video signals provided to the television 36 correspond to the desired channel for which the user had tuned in with the decoder 28. Video signals can also be provided to television 36 by decoder 28 when decoder 28 is used to reproduce information stored on digital storage device 31, or when decoder 28 is used.

<img file="MX352002B_D0103.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO M LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL to decode a digital video stream, or digital files transmitted from the television distribution facility 29.

Decoder 28 may include communications device 37 to communicate directly with source 416 for media content (FIG. 12) and data source 418 for media guide (FIG. 12) via communications path 408 , or with wireless communications device 406 via communications path 424 (FIG. 12). The communications device 37 may be, for example, a communications port (for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, etc.), a modem (for example, any modem appropriate analog or digital standard, or cellular modem), a network interface card (for example, an Ethernet card, a token-passing ring card, etc.), a wireless transceiver (for example, a wireless transceiver). infrared, radio, cellular, Bluetooth, or other suitable analog or digital), or other suitable communications device. The television 36 may also have this suitable communication device 25 if desired. In particular, the device

<img file="MX352002B_D0104.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF UA PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

100 The communications device 37 can be a 900 MHz or radiolocation frequency transceiver. If desired, the decoder 28 can have multiple communications devices 37. A single communications device 37 can be used to communicate with the distribution facility 104, and another can be used to communicate with the wireless communications device 406.

The primary and secondary applications 10 may include any suitable applications, including, without limitation, an interactive program guide application, a home shopping application, a web browser, a to-do list, a gambling application, or 15 any other application. For clarity, the present invention will be illustrated in conjunction with a system in which an interactive program guide application is implemented on user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) and wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). In an arrangement suitable for this system, the program guide data is distributed from data source 418 of the media guide (FIG. 12) to an interactive program guide application implemented on user equipment 402 (FIG. 12). In other

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL appropriately arranged, the application for interactive programming guides can be implemented using a client-server architecture in which the primary processing capacity for the application is provided by a server located in, for example, the media guide data source 418, and user equipment 402 acts as a client processor. In yet another alternative arrangement, the interactive program guide application 10 may obtain the program guide data from the Internet.

Interactive programming guides typically limit a user's ability to select interactive objects on a screen by requiring that the objects be selected by placing a highlighted region or cursor over the objects. When, for example, a user is within a column of schedule listings, the user may not put an arrow above or below the column to select an interactive target. In addition, the user may be required to perform various keystrokes to navigate from one object to another. On the touch screen of the wireless communications device 406, however, you can select

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IMPI ΐΝίπτυτο Mexicano DE LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL any area, thereby providing the user with a greater ability to access interactive objects. Wireless communications device 406, for example, may display a template menu after a menu displayed on user equipment 402 (FIG. 4) via an interactive application. The user can select a particular menu option with a single action without having to perform, as with a regular remote control, multiple keystrokes for placement in a highlighted region.

The wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 4) can include many of the functions of interactive programming guides, such as listings by time, by channel, by category, favorite channels, or any other features of the guide. This can allow the user to set reminders and have them appear on the device, both with an audio alert and a display. Via a page turn, for example, the device can be used to set reminders or schedule recordings remotely.

Wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can be used for data collection. For example, it could be used to send

<img file="MX352002B_D0107.tif" />

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY polls. It can also be used to collect audience rating information. For example, it can be used to distribute electronic coupons with a suitable device at the point of purchase.

The secondary program guide application running on the 406 wireless communications device can provide a user with the ability to coordinate the functions of the primary guide with the functions of the secondary guide, thus expanding the interactivity of the primary and secondary guides. .

The touch-sensitive screen of the wireless communications device 406 becomes an integral part of the on-screen guide. Complimentary interactivity between the primary and secondary guides can be provided for various program guide functions, while still watching TV. For example, browsing through channels and schedules, accessing programming information, ordering pay-per-view programs, setting reminders, and viewing programs can all be performed by the user with the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) without interrupting the content to be displayed on the television 36.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

In addition, when a user is browsing the programming guide listings displayed on user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) (for example, television 28), and selects a schedule listing 108 (FIG. 9), the Wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) may display information screen 801 which may include rich graphics, video, and / or advertisements. Information displayed on information screen 801 can be transferred to wireless communication device 406 (FIG. 12) from, for example, set-top box 28 (FIG. 14) via communication path 424 (FIG. 12). Additionally, in various embodiments, while a user browses the programming guide listings displayed on user equipment 402 (FIG * 12) (eg, television 28 (FIG. 14)) as shown in FIG. . 9, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can display the video being displayed in the yideo region 122 (FIG. 9). Video can be continuously transferred from user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) (eg, set-top box 28 (FIG. 14)) to wireless communications device 406 (FIG.

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12) through communications path 424 (FIG. 12).

The secondary guide may provide a user with a possibility to navigate within the primary guide and access the functions of the primary guide using the wireless communications device 406. FIG. 15 shows an illustrative remote display 1000 including, for example, the 707 logo, the selectable advertisements

705, real time 711 and real channel 713. When a user selects logo 707 from within remote screen 1000, the secondary guide can instruct the primary guide to display a screen of programming listings on the television 36 . The controls on the remote screen 1000 can be based on and displayed according to the screen displayed by a primary guide or other application, the option highlighted on a particular primary application screen, the content or type of information displayed on a primary application screen , or any other suitable function, group of functions or content.

The user can navigate and control a primary guide, for example, by touching the arrows 1003. Navigation within a display of directions for

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL the programming guide using the wireless communications device 406 can be done within any screen of indications of the primary guide. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the user can navigate and control a primary guide by using a trackball on screen 1102 as shown in FIG. 16. The trackball 1102 can be rotated horizontally and vertically and the user can touch the trackball 1102 to select objects or buttons within the primary guide. User equipment 402 (FIG. 12), eg, a television, may display corresponding actions on the primary guide prompt screen when the user moves trackball 1102. Various graphical interfaces for an interactive media guide application that can be navigated and controlled using the trackball on the screen shown in FIG. 16 are discussed, for example, in Woods, et al., US Patent Application No. 12 / 571,069, filed September 30, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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The secondary programming guide may provide a user with a possibility to navigate within the primary programming guide in other ways. The secondary guide can provide a user with a possibility to set channels as favorites in the secondary guide, the primary guide, or both. The user, for example, can navigate between the lists set as favorites by touching FAV 1007. Alternatively, the secondary guide can reorder the schedule listings with the favorite channels in the most prominent or convenient position as shown on the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) or user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) .

The user can go back to a previous display screen of the primary guide, for example, by touching LAST 1009. The user can return to the main menu screen 100 of the primary guide, for example, by touching MENU 1011. The user can return to watch TV, for example, by touching EXIT 709. A user may indicate a desire to view the programming information for a particular listing, for example, by hovering over the highlighted region 150 above the listing and touching INFO 1013. Other controls

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Illustrative INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL, which may be displayed by secondary guidance on wireless communications device 406 when a user highlights a programming listing within a listing screen or other prompts screen, may include controls for: set a reminder, block a show, order the show if it is pay-per-view, view other program air times, or order merchandise related to the show such as a soundtrack CD, a videotape of the show, or an ornament that bears the brand of the program.

In some embodiments, the video displays can also be continuously transferred to the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) as a user navigates through the programming listings using the primary guide. In this procedure, the video screen can include the video for a program that has its listing displayed and that is being broadcast at the time of browsing. If system resources do not allow for continuous video transfer, still images can be transmitted from user computer 402 (FIG. 12) to wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) for transmission.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE 'INDUSTRIAL OPIETY show instead. In another suitable procedure, highly compressed videos can be used to account for bandwidth limitations. Using highly compressed video may also be convenient when, for example, the screen resolution of the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) might not support high resolution video.

Additionally, in various embodiments, the user can watch one program on user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) while watching a different program on wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). For example, one program can be continuously transferred from a media server to wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12), while a different program can be provided via set-top box 28 to television 36 (FIG. 14).

Additionally, set-top box 28 can include multiple tuners, and one tuner can be used to receive one program, and another tuner can be used to receive a second program. Accordingly, the user can watch one program on the television 36 (FIG. 14), and the second program can be continuously transferred.

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IMPI INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL using the Wi-Fi link to the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). Wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can be used to set priorities 5 for multiple tuners in the event of a conflict. For example, if the user is watching different programs on television 36 (FIG. 14) and wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12), and one of the tuners is programmed to record a program, the user can allow the recording and stop the streaming to the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, the user can override the scheduled recording (eg, lower the priority of the recording) to be able to continue streaming to the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12).

The wireless communications device 20 406 (FIG. 12) may provide the user with an option to change the programs that are being displayed on the corresponding screens. For example, during a commercial in the program being shown on the television 36, the user can touch a button on the communications device.

<img file="MX352002B_D0115.tif" />

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL 406 (FIG. 12) to change the programs that are being shown on the television 36 (FIG. 14) and the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). At the end of the commercial, the user can touch the button again to switch to the programs being shown on television 36 and wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12).

FIGS. 17-21 are flow charts of the illustrative steps involved in providing the independent and coordinated application functions in the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). The steps shown in FIGS. 17-21 are illustrative and in practice can be done in any suitable order. FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in providing the interactive television functions and other application functions of the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). At step 1300, application data, such as interactive television application data or data for other applications, is provided to wireless communications device 406. The data can be provided directly from the

<img file="MX352002B_D0116.tif" />

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO t&gt; E LA B «¡g * O industrial

112 data source 418 from media guide (FIG. 12) to wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12), data source 418 from media guide (FIG. 12) to wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) via user equipment 402 (FIG. 12), or directly from user equipment 402 (ie, data originating from, user equipment 402). The interactive television application data may include any data suitable for interactive media guidance or other applications. Applications for interactive media guides may include, for example, applications that provide the information related to programming or that provide the interactive functions associated with programming, such as, for example, interactive television programming guides, applications of shopping from home, email, gambling and financial trading applications. As illustrative examples, home shopping applications and financial trading applications can be interactive applications when the functions of these applications are provided via the user's equipment. The functions of these applications are

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OF THE PROPERTY “industrial can provide with programming related to l¿s functions. A home shopping application / for example, can provide shopping possibilities for the products and services contained in a home television shopping channel.

Wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) may receive application data (step 1310) and provide a user with a possibility to access the application for media guides with wireless communications device 406 (step 1320). The interactive media guide application can be run as a standalone application, such as a client requesting data from a server (for example, a server at data source 418 of the media guide or user equipment 402), or in cooperation with a primary application running on user machine 402. In step 1330, the wireless communication device 406 may provide the user with a possibility to access other applications such as, for example, PDA-like functions. For example, it may support email, a calendar, a contact list, web browsing, a calculator, etc; It can support data services, such as

<img file="MX352002B_D0118.tif" />

114

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL news, weather, sports, traffic, or any other appropriate data service. These applications can also be provided as standalone or server applications that run on your computer; 402 and accessible by wireless communications device 406. With appropriate hardware resources, the secondary programming guide can include advanced communication features. For example, it could allow a user to remotely monitor home equipment - check if the system is on, what channel it is on, etc. i It could also allow a user to listen to the audio from a selected TV channel, or offer audio channels.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in coordinating functions between the primary applications running on user equipment 402 and secondary applications running on wireless communications device 406. At step 1400, the source 416 Media Content or 418 Media Guide data source provides the application data to a primary application running on the computer's computer.

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IMPI | Ν «ΠΤυΤΟ MEXICAN ^W OF THE INDUSTRIAL CURRENCY user 402. The pritraTTa application may be an interactive media guide application. At step 1410, the primary application provides the application data to a secondary application running on the wireless communications device 406, using, for example, one or more communications paths (FIG. 12). In step 1920, the secondary application running on the wireless communications device 406 provides a screen of interface controls that coordinate with the functions of the primary application. For example, interface controls can correspond to navigation functions of the primary application. The illustrative remote display 1000 of FIG. 15, for example, includes navigation arrows 1003 to correspond to the navigation functions of an interactive programming guide running on user equipment 402. The user interface also includes controls for interactive guide functions, such as as favorites, latest, more information, and menu. In a home shopping app, for example, the user interface controls may include similar navigation controls, and may include other

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL controls for home shopping functions such as shopping, information, placing items on wish lists, or any other appropriate home shopping function. In a home equity trading application, for example, the user interface controls may include similar navigation controls, and may include other controls for functions such as buying shares, selling shares, 10 more information, or any other suitable function.

In a web browsing application, for example, similar navigation controls and other controls can be provided, for example, to go back, fast forward, home, bookmark or any other suitable function. In a betting application, for example, user interface controls may be provided for betting, providing additional information regarding betting opportunities, or any other suitable function.

The interface controls can be coordinated with the functions of the secondary application using the data provided by the primary application. In this way, the controls in the user interface can be configured

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL dynamically based on the primary application. If desired, a library of standard controls can be stored by wireless communications device 406 such that the user is provided with a consistent interface across primary applications. If desired, controls that are specialized for particular primary applications can be downloaded.

Another example of coordinating the interface controls with the functions of a primary application is to provide the content of the primary application on the wireless communications device 406. In an interactive program guide application, for example, the wireless communications device 406 may displaying television programming when, for example, the user browses listings while watching a program on the user's computer 402.

In step 1430, the secondary application controls the functionality of the primary application based on user controls selected by the user as indicated on the wireless communications device 406. This can be accomplished, for example, by exchanging a or more access communications with the primary application.

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In a home shopping application, for example, the primary application may initiate a purchase sequence in response to a user selecting a purchase control on wireless communications device 406. In a stock trading application, for example , the primary application may sell shares in response to a user selecting a sales control on the wireless communications device 406. In a web browser, for example, the system may return to a previously accessed web page in response to a user selecting a return control.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in providing captions and / or dubbing in wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). At step 1502, user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) (eg, television 36 (FIG. 14)) may display a user-selected program. The program can be from a user-selected channel or it can be, for example, a movie being played from a DVD. At step 1504, if the user requests to play the program on wireless communications device 406 (FIG.

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12), the user may be further asked whether or not he wants to display the subtitles and / or play a dubbing (step 1506). The user can request to play the program on the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12), and request to play the program with subtitles and / or a dub just by touching a button on the screen being displayed on the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). If the user does not request to play the program on the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12), the program can continue to be played on the user equipment 402 (FIG. 12). or listen to a dub along with the program, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) may obtain the program at step 1508 and display the program on the wireless communications device 406 (FIG.

12) at step 1510. The program can be transferred continuously from user equipment 402 (FIG. 12), for example, set-top box 28 (FIG. 14) via communication path 424 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, if user equipment 402 (FIG.

12) you are showing a show from a service such as YouTube^MR, or Hulu^MR, the device

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IMPI ηβητυτο Mexican INDUSTRIAL CURRENCY wireless communications 406 (FIG. 12) can continuously transfer the program directly from the service.

If the user requests to display the subtitles and / or to play a dubbing along with the program, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can obtain the program from the user's equipment 402 (FIG. 12) or from a service (for example, YouTube^MR, Hulu^MR, etc.) in step 1512. Additionally, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can also obtain the subtitles and / or dubbing in step 1514. The subtitles and / or dubbing can be obtained from the device's equipment. user 402 (FIG. 12) via communication path 424 (FIG. 12) or can be obtained from ΙΑ media content source 416 (FIG. 12) via communication path 412 (FIG. 12). At step 1516, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) may display the program along with the received captions and / or dubbing. In one embodiment, the user may wish to view captions and / or listen to dubbing on wireless communications device 406 without viewing the program on wireless communications device 406, as shown in step 1518.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

M THE PROPERTY

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121

If so, the wireless communications device 406 may obtain the subtitles and / or dubbing in step 1520, and may display the subtitles and / or reproduce the dubbing from the wireless communications device 406 in step 1522.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in displaying, on wireless communications device 406, screen samples of the surf guide application shown in FIG. 12. At step 1602, user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) may display a program from a particular channel selected by the user. While the user is watching the program on user equipment 402, the user may wish to see what programs are playing on other channels. The user can then access the surf guide application on wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). The wireless communications device

406 (FIG. 12) you can then get screen samples from other channels in step 1604 and display the screen samples as shown in FIG. 12 at step 1606. Screen samples can be obtained from a server at media content source 416 (FIG. 12), which

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-sS can be configured to periodically capture screen samples from broadcast channels and store them in a database that can be accessed via the Internet. Wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can connect to the server using, for example, a Wi-Fi link in the user's home network. The user can select a screen sample by touching it. Once selected, the wireless communications device 406 may display the screen display in greater detail in the preview area 1206 (FIG. 12), or it may display the program in the preview area 1206 (FIG. 12). The program can be transferred continuously from the server via communication path 412 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, or in addition, the preview area 1206 may display a description of the program, which can also be downloaded from the server. If the user wishes to watch that program, the user can touch the watch button 1204 (FIG. 12).

By clicking the watch button 1204 (FIG. 12), the surf guide application may, at step 1608, exchange one or more application communications with the primary guide via communications path 424 (FIG. 12) indicating to the guide

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SAY THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRIAL

123 primary that the user has indicated a desire to tune into a particular channel. The primary guide may cause user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) to tune to the indicated channel. In another suitable method, the wireless communication device 406 (FIG. 12) can communicate directly with the user's equipment 402 (FIG. 12), using, for example, an IR or Bluetooth link, and give instructions to the user's equipment. 10 402 (FIG. 12) to tune to the indicated channel. At step 1610, the selected channel can be displayed on user equipment 402 (FIG. 12).

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of the illustrative steps involved in automatically streaming content to wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). At step 1702, user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) can display content on user equipment 402 (FIG. 12). The content may be a program, advertisement, or movie or it may be a program guide screen (eg, listing grid as shown in FIG. 9). At step 1704, wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can determine if it is out of range of user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) (by

124

<img file="MX352002B_D0128.tif" />

For example, the television 36 (FIG. 14) or the decoder 28 (FlG. 14)). If not, the user's computer

402 (FIG. 12) you can continue to display the content. Whether or not wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) is out of range of user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) can be determined using a short-range link such as infrared or Bluetooth. For example, if the user leaves the room with wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12), the infrared link (which requires line of sight) or the Bluetooth link between wireless communication device 406 (FIG. 12) and user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) will likely be broken. Alternatively, whether or not wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) is out of range of user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) can be determined by detecting the location of wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) using, for example, RFID or GPS.

Therefore, if it is determined that the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) is out of range of the user equipment 402 (FIG. 12), the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) may, in step 1706,

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OF INDUSTRIAL CURRENCY switch to a higher-range link such as Wi-Fi. At step 1708, wireless communication device 406 (FIG. 12) can continuously transfer content from user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) through communication path 424 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, if user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) was initially receiving content from a service such as YouTube, or Hulu, the wireless communications device can continuously transfer the content directly from the service using the link with the longest range. At step 1710, wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can display content on wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12). If the user returns to the room, or if the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) is within range of the user equipment 402 (FIG. 12), the wireless communications device may terminate the longer-range link (for example, Wi-Fi) between the wireless communications device 406 (FIG.

12) and user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) and re-establish a connection using the short-range link (eg, infrared or Bluetooth).

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-i -&gt; / - MEXICAN INSTITUTE

6 OF THE CURRENCY

INDUSTRIAL

Additionally, when wireless communications device 406 is back within range of user equipment 402, it can automatically instruct user equipment 402 to begin displaying the content that is being displayed on wireless communications device 406. If device wireless communications network 406 was previously receiving content from a third party (for example, YouTube^MR, Hulu^MR, etc.), the wireless communications device may automatically instruct user equipment 402 to begin streaming content from the third party.

In one embodiment, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can be configured to automatically display not only video, but also anything that is being displayed on the user equipment 402 (FIG. 12) when the communications device wireless 406 (FIG. 12) is out of range. For example, if the user is browsing the schedule listings, and leaves the room, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) can automatically display the schedule listings

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO BE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL that are being displayed on the user's computer 402 (FIG. 12). In some embodiments, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) may also automatically adjust the screen resolution so that what is being displayed is not distorted (eg, display the text so that it is readable). In one embodiment, the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) may be configured to allow the user to manually select when to display what is being displayed on user equipment 402 (FIG. 12), regardless of whether wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 12) is out of range or out of range. do not. For example, although a user 15 may walk away from the television 36 (FIG. 14) or the set-top box 28 (FIG. 14), the wireless communications device 406 (FIG. 14) may still be within range of the television 36 (FIG.

14) or decoder 28 (FIG. 14). Accordingly, the user can manually select (eg, by touching a button on the wireless communication device screen) to initiate streaming of content from set-top box 28 (FIG. 14).

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DELA INDUSTRIAL CURRENCY

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The modalities described above of lai! The present invention is presented for the purpose of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.