Electronic system of informing about the content of tv hour and method using virtual channels

The invention relates to a method and system for displaying information to a user, which displays information on a screen according to items of an electronic television program schedule.

The electronic television program schedule system provides the user with information on the broadcast schedule of programs broadcast by stations both by radio and via cables, viewed by the user through the television set. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronic program guide that provides a user with the ability to order products and services remotely from where they are, simply by pressing a button on a remote control device.

Electronic program guides for television systems are known in the art. For example, one existing system uses an electronic character generator to display text TV program information on the full screen of a television with selectable display formats. Another existing system uses a data processor to input user-selected selection criteria, then stores only the TV program data that meets these criteria, and then uses the stored data to automatically tune a programmable receiver head or start a recording device during broadcast. selected TV programs. Such known systems are generally discussed in the article "Stay Tuned for Smart TV" in the November 1990 issue of Popular Science.

Another type of television system is described in EP 0 624 039 A2, which relates to a hardware system used to provide integrated television services.

In summary, the hitherto known electronic program systems are not suited to the browsing habits of the user of such program systems. Moreover, many of these systems are complex to construct and costly to implement. Ease of use and economy are key features by interested television program distributors and viewers due to the exponential growth in the number and nature of television networks and other television-based services. As the number of television channels available to the user grows rapidly with the implementation of new satellite and cable technologies, the use of these known systems is significantly diminishing.

For example, WO 94/21085 describes a television system which allows the user to automatically select a television program on a particular subject,

180 243, but the user is not able to select a specific TV program if more than one program is available.

Neither do these known systems provide the user with sufficient information, for example regarding pricing and the like, about one-time billable program points, additional services and other bundled program packages that the user does not wish to order, nor do they provide the user with the possibility to automatically acquire such programs on demand or impulse . Moreover, these known systems do not provide an efficient and automatic method of updating and replacing application software implementing a user-side guide, referring instead to manuals or other inconvenient forms of hardware chip revision or replacement that cannot be upgraded without physically replacing the chips and / or other. parts.

None of these known electronic guide systems have the ability to connect the user to other applications or information systems that are not part of the program or data, electronic program guides.

Previous program guide systems do not promote the promotion of functionally connected and visually displayed video programs and television services in an integrated manner. Program promotion is an important part of successful television program marketing. Promotion of a one-time payment (ie "a la carte") of programs and other non-standard programming services is particularly important for cable TV operators in the light of top-down regulations of the federal government. Currently, the promotion of TV service programs is possible thanks to dedicated advertising programs that use full-screen commercials, which may or may not be accompanied by information on prices and ordering methods. More recently, such promotional videos have been shown on split screens, with a portion of the screen showing general information about a television program over a period approximately corresponding to the time allocation over which the promoted television program will be broadcast. Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic program guide that can provide an improved form of display, and to combine video promotion with information about a television program as well as other program ordering functions.

Known electronic program guides do not provide the user with a simple and effective method of controlling access to individual channels and individual programs. The number of scenes intended only for adult audiences, including scenes of sex and violence, has steadily increased over the past 40 years. Public attention is focused on the problem of how this affects children and other viewers. The ability for parents to block a specific channel is known and widespread in certain types of TV sets and cable TV converters. Despite this availability, this property is seldom used by parents. The main obstacles to its effective use are the usually cumbersome implementation methods, as well as the requirement to block to block access to objectionable whole channel programs. The channel-oriented parental lock is detrimental to other broadcasters of programs on the blocked channel, who, for example, offer adult programs in the evening and youth programs the next morning, and inconvenient for viewers who want to access such programs. Thus, there is a particular need to have a system that provides password control of individual programs and channels using a flexible and uncomplicated on-screen user interface.

Known electronic program guides do not provide the user with the ability to view the current balance of the account upon request, and therefore there is a need for a system that can provide the user with updated billing information upon request.

An additional problem with known program guides is that when displaying television program information in the form of a grid, i.e. with columns representing time periods and rows representing channels, the program titles are usually truncated in width to fit the grid cells. Cell width changes

180 243 with the duration of the program. Since a minute program is allocated only a small amount of space for the title and description of the program, titles and / or descriptions for half-hour and even hourly programs often have to be truncated in order to fit them in the allocated space. On some systems, the program description is simply truncated without the summary in any way, so that the user is unable to determine the nature of the program. For example, the information displayed so far about a television program has contained in a cell the "Baseball: Yankees vs." lattice. Although some systems have partially circumvented this problem by introducing two lines of text in each grid cell, this solution is not ideal as program descriptions may still be truncated.

A similar problem arises when the time intervals change, either automatically or in response to a user control command. Typically, 90 minutes of timetable information is displayed together and the 90-minute window is moved in 30-minute increments. In the event that a 30-minute swipe displays a 30-minute cell, such as a two-hour movie, it is likely that the full title of the movie will not fit into the cell. Therefore, in this situation also the title truncation is needed. In this case, although two lines may be desired to fit the title into a 30-minute cell, the 60- and 90-minute cells may require only one line of text to display the title.

Known electronic program guides lack a way of creating an electronically edited program queue while continuously watching the program currently appearing on the television receiver. Moreover, these known program guides require more intuitive work from the user when navigating through the channel sequence. In a cursory scan of channels to check what program is being displayed on some channel, usually referred to as "channeling", the user has to guess which program is actually broadcasting the vision found during channelspeeding. Since many - in some cases up to 30% - - programs appearing on any given channel, at any time being advertising or other commercial programs, the user has no trace of which program is currently on the selected channel, thus, it has to wait until the end of the advertisement or commercial program, before knowing about the program appearing on the screen. Thus, there is a need for a programming guide displaying the current program information for each channel as the user scrolls through the available channels. .

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplified electronic program schedule information system that is easier to implement, and yet attractive and efficient to operate. There is also a need to provide the user of an electronic program guide system displaying both broadcast television programs and electronic program schedule information in a manner heretofore unattainable in other electronic program guides, especially those using remote control.

For example, there is a particular need for a flexible schedule information system that allows a user to view a selected broadcast television program on a portion of the television screen while viewing the television program information of another channel and / or services on another portion of the screen. There is also a need for a program guide system that allows the user to select from any variety of television program information formats. It is also advantageous to have a system indicating to the user which buttons on the remote controller are active in a given operating mode. There is also a need for a system that enables the user to set up a programmable signal reminding them to watch a program to be broadcast in the future.

There is also a need for an electronic system that gives the user comprehensive information about program points payable once, additional services and others

180 243 program packages which the user would not normally order and which enables the user to automatically order such programs on demand or pulse. There is also a need for an electronic system that provides an efficient and automatic method of updating and replacing application software that uses the electronic program guide on the user's side.

There is also a need for an electronic TV program schedule guide that acts as a shell or window giving the user the ability to access other applications or information systems that are not part of the electronic program guide software or data.

There is also a need for an electronic program guide that provides the user with a simple interface for accessing other services provided by various program sources, such as, for example, near-to-order video, digital music services, electronic game programs, and news and live information services.

A method of displaying information to a user by means of a television system equipped with a television monitor, in which the information displayed on the monitor is processed by a data processor, and the information displayed on the monitor is generated by a video signal generator in response to data processor control signals, in addition, the system introduces a television program to be displayed on a television monitor using a set of television channels, the user commands to change television channels being issued to the data processor by means of a remote controller, according to the invention being characterized by virtual channel information is displayed on the TV monitor in response to one of the remote controller commands, wherein the set of service channels is identified with the virtual channel information.

Preferably, each virtual channel also lists the program or information currently delivered on each of the service channels in the set of identified service channels.

The service is selected from the group consisting of video programs, audio programs, near-to-order television, television-to-order, electronic game programs or current information. Service channels have numbers assigned to TV channel numbers. Each virtual channel is selected by issuing a control command by the user and tuning the TV monitor to the TV channel associated with one service channel from among the identified service channels on which the service is provided.

Preferably, the user is allowed to select each television channel from among the identified service channels. Tuning to the service channel the user-selected channel in response to the user control command to tune to the selected channel. During the selection step, a moving cursor is used. The service is selected from the group consisting of video programs, audio programs, near-to-order television, television-to-order, electronic game programs or current information.

Preferably, the program or information currently provided by the selected channel is updated while it remains tuned to the virtual channel. The program or information includes video and / or text data. The updated program or information is shown as partially overlaying the virtual channel.

Preferably, a window in part of the virtual channel is used as the display unit. An audio program or audio information is used as the program or information.

Preferably, the program or information scheduled to be delivered on each of the service channels is specified from among the identified service channels displayed on the virtual channel for a period of time other than the current time period in response to a user's time-control command.

It is preferred that a music service is used as the service and the service channels are music channels.

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A system for displaying information to a user, provided with a television monitor, a data processor processing the information displayed on the monitor, and a video signal generator producing information displayed on the monitor in response to commands from the data processor, the system allowing the introduction of a television program to be displayed on a television monitor using collection of television channels, and the user may change television channels by issuing channel change commands to the data processor with the remote controller, the invention is characterized in that the television signal processor and generator are adapted to display virtual channel information on the television monitor in response to one of the remote controller channel change commands, which virtual channel information identifies the set of service channels.

Preferably, the television monitor, data processor, and video generator are adapted to produce and display each virtual channel, each virtual channel being a channel detailing the program or information currently provided to each of the identified service channels.

The remote controller is adapted to select a service from the group of services including video programs, audio programs, near-to-order TV, TV-to-order, electronic game programs or real-time information.

It is preferred that the data processor is adapted to assign television channel numbers to service channels. Each of the virtual channels is selected by issuing a user control command using the remote controller to tune the TV monitor to the TV channel associated with the service channel from among the identified service channels for which the service is provided.

The system preferably is further equipped with hardware having a selection means that allows the user to select a service channel from among the identified service channels. The data processor is adapted to control the tuning of the television monitor to the service channel selected by the user selection means in response to the user control command. The selection unit is provided with a movable cursor displayed on the television monitor screen controlled by a remote controller. The hardware is provided with a means of selecting a service from the group of services including video programs, audio programs, near-to-order TV, TV-to-order, electronic game programs or up-to-date information. Each virtual channel further comprises hardware updating the program or information currently provided on the selected channel while the television monitor remains tuned to the virtual channel. The television monitor is arranged to display a program or information, which program or information comprises video or text data. The television monitor is further adapted to display an updated program or information partially superimposed on a virtual channel. The hardware for updating a program or information has a window in part of the virtual channel. A program or information is an audio program or information.

Preferably, the data processor is arranged to control the video signal generator to trigger on each virtual channel a program specification or information scheduled to be delivered on each of the service channels from among the identified service channels for a period of time other than the current time period in response to a time-control command. user.

Preferably, the service offered is a music service and the service channels displayed on the television monitor are music channels.

The method and system of the invention allow the user to watch broadcast television programs simultaneously while interactively viewing the guide of other programs.

The invention allows the user to select from a variety of any formats for presenting program information.

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According to the invention, it is possible to indicate to the user of the system a program guide, in the course of his use, those buttons on the remote controller that are active in a particular operating mode of the system.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide the user of the program guide with the ability to set programmable reminder information for any future programs.

It is possible to equip the user of the system with full information about the program points of the type you pay by watching, special services or program packages that the user does not usually order, and the possibility to automatically order such programs on demand or impulse.

The invention enables an electronic program guide system to provide an efficient and automatic method for updating and replacing software that uses the electronic program guide on the user's side.

According to the invention, it is possible to operate the electronic program guide as a shell or program window giving the user access to other applications or information systems that are not part of the application or electronic program guide data.

The invention allows the introduction of a system that combines video promotion of television programs and services and presents them visually in an integrated form, facilitating the marketing and sale of such programs and services.

The invention provides password access control to individual programs as well as channels using a secure interactive flexible and uncomplicated screen interface.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide the user with real-time information on all programs as the user scrolls through the available channels.

The invention provides a system in which the user can access up-to-date information about his account upon request, and a system that superimposes a program list on a changing background viewed.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide an improved grid cell text display system including a television program listing page.

The invention provides the possibility of developing an electronic program guide using virtual channels to simplify the interface for accessing various digitally distributed services.

The subject matter of the invention, in an exemplary embodiment, is reproduced in the drawing in which Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the various components of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of a program and program schedule information by a video overlay device used in a preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 3 - a remote control transmitter that can be used in conjunction with a preferred embodiment of an electronic program guide system made in accordance with the present invention, Fig. 4 - an alternative embodiment of a remote control transmitter shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 - overlay appearing on the screen in one of the operating modes of the preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 6 a menu appearing on the TV screen in the MENU mode of the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6A - another menu appearing on the TV screen in the MENU mode of the invention in the preferred embodiment, Fig. 7 - Viewer Preference menu appearing on the TV screen in one form of a preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 8 - Favorite Channels Selection menu, fig. 9 - the customer impulse menu that appears on the television screen in one form of the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 10 - the Special Services submenu appearing in one of the operating modes of the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 11 - graphical overlay appearing on the television screen in the INVIEW mode of a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 12 a graphical overlay appearing on the television screen in the INSPECTION mode of operation.

180 243 of the preferred embodiment of the invention, with different information than shown in Fig. 11, Fig. 12A - Graphical overlay appearing on the TV screen in the OVERVIEW mode of the invention when displaying TV program schedule information for time and channel other than shown in Fig. 11, Fig. 13 - a graphical overlay appearing in the operating mode. RECALL in a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 14 - another graphical overlay appearing in the mode of operation RECALL in the preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 15 - another menu appearing in the mode of operation MENU in the preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 16 - another menu appearing in the mode of MENU in the preferred embodiment Fig. 17, another menu that appears in the MENU operating mode in a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 18 - a grid with TV program schedule lists in the All Lists mode in a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 19 - program schedule information displayed in the Lists mode for Categories in a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 20 - program schedule information displayed in the Lists mode Channels in the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 21, plan information displayed in response to a user request for additional program information, Fig. 22 - program information, ordering and promotional information displayed in the Pay-To-Watch mode of operation in a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 23 - Ordering submenu used in conjunction with the operating mode shown in Fig. 22, Fig. 24 - another ordering submenu used in conjunction with the operation mode shown in Fig. 22, Fig. 24A - another ordering submenu used in conjunction with the operation mode shown in Fig. 22, Fig. 24A. 25 - another grid with TV schedule lists shown in the All Listings mode of operation, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 26 - Special Services submenu appearing in one of the operating modes, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 27 - Messages submenu that appears in one of the modes of operation, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 28 - exemplary messages used in connection with the menu of Fig. 27, Fig. Fig. 28A - alternative Messages menu, Fig. 29 - Account information used in conjunction with the menu and Fig. 27, Fig. 30 - Access Lock Key menu appearing in one of the operating modes, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 31 menu appearing in conjunction with the Interactive Television operating mode, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 32 - information appearing in the Viewership Control menu in relation to the Interactive Television operating mode shown in Fig. 31, Fig. 33 - Other information appearing in relation to the Interactive Television operating mode of a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 34 - information menu appearing on the news display in the Interactive Television operating mode, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, fig. 35 - menu with information displayed on the sport screen in the Interactive Television operating mode, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figs. 36A-D show a flowchart showing the logical structure needed to implement a computer program for an electronic program guide, Fig. 37 - menu showing the Locator screen for locating channel numbers and determining a favorite channel list, Fig. 38 - alternate menu that can be used in the electronic program guide MENU operating mode, Fig. 38A and 38B - alternate main menu screen and time-ranked listing screen, respectively, accessible from the main menu, Fig. 39 - Block menu that can be used to allowing or blocking access to certain programs, fig. 40 - Settings menu that can be used to set the position of the text and ordering code for special and individually ordered programs (Pay and Watch), fig. 40A - exemplary menu for entering the blocking code, fig. 40B to 40E respectively, an exemplary menu for entering, confirming 41, the Lockout Check menu, used in conjunction with the Lockout menu in Fig. 39, Fig. 41. 42 - a flowchart showing the operation of the preferred embodiment of the text matching circuit, Figs. 43A-E - one embodiment of a series of virtual channel display screens for DMX (digital music service) channel 40,

180 Fig. 243 l and Fig. 44 - embodiment of the virtual display screen for DMX channel 40 including LISTEN function, Fig. 45 - virtual channel display screen option for DMX channel 40, including LISTEN function and the SKIP FORWARD function, Fig. 46 - preferred example perform the SKIP FORWARD image displayed on the TV screen for the DMX service of the virtual channel, and fig. 47 depicts an embodiment of a push image displayed on a television screen for a virtual channel DMX service.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing various electronic components. of a television program schedule system, generally indicated at 10. Physically, the system components may be located in the user's cable television terminal box or other signal receiving or signal processing device, such as a satellite television receiver. These components may also be installed in a separate housing or incorporated as part of a television set, VCR, personal computer or media player, or may be an application distributed in a wide area network architecture.

The input signal on input line 11 is routed to a receiver 12 which receives the transmitted data stream from a data provider. For example, a data stream may contain information about programs or services available in a particular market, geographic, or otherwise. The input signal may, for example, be part of a standard terrestrial, cable, or satellite broadcast, or some other form of data transmission such as a video signal. The data provider is a program information provider, satellite manager, local cable operator, or a combination of these sources, and the data stream includes TV program schedule information for all TV programs and other services available in the operator's geographic market.

The data stream can be modulated and then transmitted over the cable line in many different ways as part of a specific transmission channel operating at a frequency of, for example, 75 MHz. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that many other transmission schemes may be used to convey the data stream, for example by incorporating into the vertical blanking period of the broadcast TV signal. As will be discussed, in accordance with the present invention, the transmitted data stream may further include application software for implementing or updating the electronic program guide on the user side.

The data or application software relating to the broadcast schedule is received by the receiver 12 from the input line 11 of the input signal. The received signal is passed from the receiver to a data demodulator 13, for example a QPSK demodulator or GI Info-Cipher 1000R, which demodulates the transmission and forwards it to a buffer 15.

The data transferred to the buffer 15 is taken over by the microcontroller 16, for example the M68000EC. The self-loading operating software that can be used to capture software updates for the electronic program guide is stored in the ROM 17. The microcontroller 16 uses the received program schedule information to build a database by storing the data in properly organized records in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) in the memory unit 18. The stored TV schedule information may be updated periodically, such as hourly, daily, or weekly, or whenever there are changes to the program schedule or other factors to upgrade. The system also includes a 19 system clock.

Alternatively, the program schedule information can be provided in a ROM, disk or other non-volatile memory, or it can be transferred to a memory disk or other data storage device. The particular way of transmitting and receiving information about a television program is not the subject of the invention.

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If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the received data as software that can control a program guide system, such as program schedule information, it stores it in a non-volatile memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable permanent memory EEPROM 20 or a battery buffered static random access memory SRAM. . This configuration enables the revision or upgrade of the application software version to be transferred directly from the developer to the user's site via a cable or other transmission system.

When EEPROM is used, a correction or a new version of the software is transferred from the manufacturer, it is first placed in the dynamic memory DRAM 18 by the microcontroller 16 under the control of the program carrying out the transfer stored in the ROM 17 permanent memory. The stored application software can then be checked for correctness. , for example by analyzing checksums, or using some other verification procedure.

After checking the programming correctness, the microcontroller 16 starts the procedure of reprogramming the EEPROM memory 20, in which the application software is permanently saved. The microcontroller 16 issues the appropriate control commands to the reprogramming circuit 21, which is adapted to provide the appropriate supply voltage and logic control signals 22 needed to erase and write the EEPROM. This gives the programming voltage Vprog, as well as any other necessary control signals, such as a read or write enable signal, to the EEPROM 20 on command from the microcontroller 16. After the EEPROM 20 is electrically erased, the microcontroller 16 initiates the new firmware transfer from memory DRAM 18 to EEPROM 20 for storage.

When a battery-buffered SRAM is used as non-volatile memory, the microcontroller saves the revised or updated version of the software passed from the developer directly to the SRAM. The saved software can then be validated, for example by analyzing checksums or using some other verification procedure.

Upon first powering up of the system 10, the self-loading operating software checks whether program guide software is resident in memory. If not, the self-loading operating software is waiting for the software to load. If resident application software exists, the microcontroller 16 executes the software from the dedicated dynamic memory portion of DRAM 18. Alternatively, the software may be executed directly from the EEPROM 20. Under the control of the television program guide software, the microcontroller 16 first checks to see if the program guide software resides in DRAM 18. If not, the microcontroller waits for the information software to be loaded as discussed above. Conversely, if the application program is already resident in memory, but the database records containing the schedule information of the television program are not yet available, the application software may be configured to perform other tasks, such as allowing the user to perform functions that do not require the program guide information data as well as displaying an appropriate message on the screen indicating that the database is not yet available.

The operation of the Program Guide system will now be discussed. The microcontroller 16 retrieves the program schedule information stored in the DRAM 18 in association with other types of transferred data, such as stored bitmaps for screen configuration and display images of graphic symbols or callsigns stored in EEPROM 20 or alternatively in memory DRAM 18, feeds it to a video signal generator 23, which in the present embodiment may be a commercially available VGA graphics card, for example with the Rocgen card from Roctec. The VDG generator contains a standard RGB 24 video signal generator that retrieves digital information about the TV program schedule sent by the micro

180 243 controller 16 and converts it to RGB format according to the bitmap for the specific image presented to the user on the television screen 27.

Video signal generator VDG 23 also includes an overlay device 25 that accepts an RGB output signal as well as a signal input from a conventional television head, such as manufactured by General Instrument or a Jerrold DOBB head that provides the program signal in standard NTSC video format. An overlay device 25 processes and combines the RGB signal with the signal from tuner 28 and produces a composite NTSC output signal containing both the program signal and program schedule information as shown in Fig. 2. This composite signal is fed to a modulator 26 shown in FIG. fig. 1, which may be a modulator available from Radio Shack, and then to a television 27 that the user has tuned to a modulated channel, for example channel 3 or 4. The composite video signal may also be fed directly to a television 27 or other receiving device from VDG via 25A video port to VDG.

The system components mentioned in connection with Fig. 1 may be implemented in a preferred platform, such as an IBM personal computer equipped with a transmission link and a graphics card, such as those manufactured by Roctec. Other platforms could also be used, for example a cable TV converter box equipped with a microprocessor and memory, or a distributed network. Of course, the specific details of the hardware and data storage components are a function of specific system implementations, and are not the subject of the invention.

As described below, the user navigates the program guide system with a remote controller, for example as shown in Fig. 3, which operates based on conventional receiver-receiver logic for a remote control, for example for infrared transmission, or other suitable user interface. . Remote controller 31 communicates with microcontroller 16 via remote control receiver 29 shown in FIG. 1, which may be a Silent Partner IR receiver, and which receives signals transmitted by the remote controller transmitter 31, transmits to the microcontroller 16 a corresponding digital signal indicating the key pressed by the user.

A remote controller transmitter 31 suitable for the purposes of the present invention, for example, is shown in Fig. 3, which may include a power switch 32, volume 33 and mute controls 34, an ENTER key 35, number keys 0-9 36, four direction keys 37A and 37B with arrows, a MODE key 38 and an info key 39 denoted by a lower case "i". The power 32, volume and mute buttons work in the same way as on conventional remote controls. Below is a brief description of the other keys.

The MODE 38 key takes the user through the various layers of the electronic program guide system 10 and typically allows the user to return to the previous screen when in a submenu. The up and down arrow keys 37A allow the user to navigate through different TV program channels when the system is in the SKIP or BROWSE mode of operation, and also allow the user to navigate through selected periods of time when the TV program scheduling system is in the BROWSE mode. In addition, they allow the user to navigate across thematic categories in the Sub-menu Categories of the Operating Mode menu, as well as to navigate across time periods when the TV scheduling system is in Pay-Per-View mode, and generally to navigate left or right to select different icons. and other facilities. An information key or "i" key 39 provides the user with viewing additional programs or other information during the various modes of the program guide system. The ENTER key 35 will execute and enter the command after the user has selected the keys on the remote controller 31. The functions and operation of these keys will become clearer as a result of the detailed discussion of the SKIP, BROWSE and MENU modes below.

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Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of remote controller 40. This embodiment of remote controller 40 also has a power key 41, numeric keys 42, direction arrow keys 43A and 43B, info key 48, ENTER key, SELECT or OK 44, volume control 45, lock key 45A, mute keys 46 and help key 48A. There are also currency keys and an asterisk.

The remote controller in this embodiment also includes several icon keys 47A and 47B that correspond to different sub-menus or modes of the program guide system. The icons 47A and 47B may also be displayed on a television screen when the program guide system is operating. The icon keys substantially replace the MODE key 38 used in the embodiment of the remote controller depicted in FIG. 3. Using these keys, the user can move from one mode to the other by simply pressing the key of the icon corresponding to the desired mode of operation of the program guide system. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the icons 47A and 47B are shown as graphical symbols located immediately above the respective color-coded keys. The color-coded keys can also be eliminated, and the keys can be formed into the shape of the icons themselves.

The embodiment of the remote controller shown in FIG. 4 also includes the three-color, labeled, viewer preference keys, ie his favorite channels 48A, 48B, 48C. Each of these keys indicates to the program guide system a preferred or favorite channel list, which is a list of specific channels previously selected by a particular user, arranged in the order in which the user wishes to watch them while the program guide system is running. Creating a list of preferred or favorite channels will be discussed in more detail in the next part of the description. Thus, the system provides at least three separate channel subsets for three separate users.

The remote controller of FIG. 4 may also include an HELP key 48A which, when pressed, causes the microcontroller 16 to retrieve previously stored instruction messages from memory and display them on the television screen 27. These messages provide assistance to the user by instructions to guide the user through the various modes of operation of the electronic program guide system. These can be text messages or orientation video sequences, or audio sequences, depending on the system's memory capacity, or a combination of both. In addition, these help messages may be designed to be context-responsive, that is, the displayed messages only depend on the particular phase of the electronic program guide at the time the user depresses the HELP key 48A. For example, it is possible to combine help with the operation of the remote controller, the operation of the SKIP or BROWSE modes (discussed below), or any operation mode of the guide for impulse ordering, setting interlocks, etc. In order to do this, each operating step of the system should be provided with code so that the microprocessor can track the current operating state of the system, for example by temporarily storing a code reflecting the current step at the time the user starts the system. After the user depresses the HELP key 48A, the microcontroller 16 will recreate the appropriate set of messages based on the currently stored code corresponding to the operating stage of the system. Additionally, the "i" key can be used to perform the function of the help key 39.

In addition, each of the remote controller functions may also be integrated into the keypad of the user cable box or other equipment.

In operation, the electronic program guide system of the present invention functions as follows. When the user on the receiver is watching a particular channel, the program guide system assumes the SKIP mode as shown in Fig. 5. In this mode, an overlay 51 containing program information for the channel currently being viewed is applied to the received program signal 55 on the television screen 27 whenever the user changes the channel, e.g. by using the up and down directional arrows on the remote controller. Application device 25, for example as shown in

180 243 of Fig. 1, combines the computer-generated RGB overlay information layer with an NTSC format program signal from tuner 28, and outputs an NTSC format signal including the program signal from the tuner and an overlay of the schedule information layer for viewing on a screen. TV set 27.

The program information contained in the graphic layer 51 overlay is fed by the microcontroller to the RGB video signal generator. In the FLASH mode, the microcontroller first searches a TV schedule database, e.g. in DRAM 18, to retrieve program information for the currently viewed channel 52 corresponding to the current time point, i.e., the time at which the user just turned on the television to view the program. The microcontroller 16 then supplies the current channel and program information to the RGB video signal generator 24, which converts the digital information into RGB format and feeds it to overlay device 25.

In normal operation, the microcontroller automatically displays all channels offered by the cable company with a preference for the order of numbers, which is determined by the location of the channel when broadcasting in the radio spectrum or the selection of local cable operators. When using the Favorite Channels submenu or the Lókalizator screen, the user can verify the content and / or the sequence of channels presented on the TV set 27.

Typically, if the user does not command a channel change or other command from the remote controller 40 within a predetermined period of time while in the FLASH mode, the microcontroller 16 instructs the video generator VDG 23 to remove the graphic overlay from the television receiver, thereby transmitting it to the television receiver 27 to the watching program signal only 55. The length of this given time access is such as to provide the user with sufficient time to read the program information contained in the overlay. The length of the predetermined period of time during which the graphic overlay 51 appears is stored in a specific location of non-volatile memory 20 addressable by the microcontroller 16. The user may change the length of this period of time after first entering the User Preferences mode, and then selecting the "overlay period" item. The microcontroller 16 then causes the user to display a prompt on the screen to select an appropriate time period for displaying the graphic overlay on the screen. Using the numeric keys, the user enters the appropriate answer, for example between 5 and 60 seconds, and then presses the ENTER key. Microcontroller 16 reads and stores a new period in the memory location corresponding to the overlay period.

If the user commands a channel change from remote controller 40 before or after a predetermined period of time, either by using the up and down direction arrows 43A, or by entering the desired channel number using the numeric buttons 42 and then pressing the ENTER button 44, the microcontroller 16 will tune the tuner to the desired channel, or the channel immediately preceding or following the current channel using the 43A up and down arrows, or a specific channel entered by the user on the numeric keypad and will also immediately search and display the current program information for that channel. Thus, as the user jumps through the channels, the program schedule information for a given selected channel automatically appears in the graphic overlay 51, while the correct program 55 appearing on the selected channel takes the rest of the screen.

The system may also be configured to output an error message, such as an audible screech or display text indicating invalid key press, if the user presses either the left or right directional arrow key while in the JUMP mode.

To initiate the BROWSE mode, the user, using the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3, of the remote controller 31 depresses the MODE switch one

180 243 times in SKIP mode. Using the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 with remote controller 40, the user would press a button below the BROWSE icon 47A.

In the BROWSE mode, the user is able to scan schedule information for any channel, including, but not necessarily, the channel currently being viewed while continuing to watch the previously selected TV program. As shown in Fig. 11, in this mode the overlay graphic information appearing in the FLASH mode is replaced with program information for the channel currently being viewed by the user. After the user commands the remote controller 40 to enter BROWSE mode, a graphic overlay 11l is generated, as in the SKIP mode, with program information for the currently selected channel 112 and BROWSE text information 113 to remind the user of the currently active mode as shown in Fig. 11.

If the user, while in the BROWSE mode, presses the up or down directional arrow on the remote controller 40, the program information of either the next or the previous program is displayed on the corresponding graphic overlay of the screen 111 of the TV screen 27 while the tuner remains tuned to the channel. that was on the screen when the user entered BROWSE mode as shown in Fig. 12 and is still there. Each subsequent press of the down or up directional arrows will show the relevant information for the selected channel. The graphics overlay may include a small video window to show the actual video of the currently broadcast program or a preview snapshot of a future program corresponding to the schedule information appearing in the BROWSE overlay. This allows the user to simultaneously scan program information for all channels while continuously watching at least one selected program on the television receiver. With the advent of sophisticated televisions, it may also be possible to display multiple television programs simultaneously on a single screen for viewing, or to split the screen to show, for example, broadcast programs in combination with advertisements. The BROWSE feature can be used in any of these situations.

If, at any time while scanning program information in BROWSE mode, the user requests to retune the TV 27 from the currently viewed program to the program channel indicated in the program information in the graphic overlay, he simply presses the ENTER button 44, and tuner 28 will be tuned to do so. channel. If the user does not wish to watch another channel and wishes to exit the BROWSE mode thereby deleting the graphic overlay 111 with the program information, he must press the MODE key twice in the first embodiment of the remote controller 31. The first press of the MODE key will bring the user to the MENU mode, and the second press will put the user in the SKIP mode. In the SKIP mode, the graphic overlay will be removed after the specified period has elapsed. In the second embodiment of the remote controller shown in Fig. 4, the user, disabling the BROWSE mode, presses the BROWSE icon again.

When the user first enters the BROWSE mode and starts scanning channels, the program information appearing in the overlay portion 111 describes the programs currently being broadcast on any particular channel. The user uses the left-right directional arrows 43B to view the programming information for later or earlier periods. As a result, the system displays future program schedule information for the particular channel previously selected with the up and down directional arrows, whether that is the channel currently being viewed or any other available channel. The presented information about the program includes the name of the program and its start / end time. This embodiment of the system, in order to save memory, does not allow the user to view the program information ahead of the current time. The system can be easily modified to provide such information if adequate memory is made available.

180 243

It may be expedient, for example, to allow the user to view the program information in an earlier time in order to find a suitable show and then have the microcontroller instructed to find and display future broadcast dates, or to do so automatically by the microcontroller.

When viewing the future time program information in the BROWSE mode, the displayed transmission time 121 of the specific program 122 is highlighted, as well as the channel number and indicator 123 as shown in Fig. 12A. Such enhanced information reminds the user that he is viewing programming information for a future time. Also, when viewing future time program information for any channel in the BROWSE mode, depressing the channel up arrow key on the remote control 40 causes upstream information to appear, which corresponds in time to the forward time information viewed prior to the user pressing the key. changes up. The 43B key with an arrow of changing channels downwards works identically in this mode.

If, while viewing the information, pr in the BROWSE mode, the user presses the ENTER key on the remote controller, the microcontroller 16 will command VDG 23 to display an overlay message REMIND 130, which, as shown in Fig. 13, is displayed as the second overlay 131 appearing above. overlays BROWSE 132. The RECALL 130 message prompts the user if the system is to remind the user, at a certain time before the selected program starts, that he wanted to see that selected program, as shown in Fig. 13. If the user replies in affirmative, the microcontroller 16 stores the reminder data in the reminder buffer. which contains similar time information for all programs for which the user has set a reminder. At a predetermined time before the selected program starts, e.g., five minutes, the microcontroller 16 will retrieve the timing information, including title and service, from the reminder data, and instruct VDG 23 to display the REMINDER 140 overlay message on the television 27, such as this is shown in Fig. 14 to remind the user that he has previously set a reminder to watch the selected program. The message RECALL 140 includes channel, service, and start time. It also displays the number of minutes until a specific show is broadcast and updates the minute until broadcast. The RECALL 140 message also displays the TUNE query, asking the user if he would like to select a specific program. When a user sets multiple reminders, the reminder overlays are stacked on top of each other, for example in ascending order depending on the scheduled time the reminder is displayed, and the next reminder message will appear on the TV screen after the user takes appropriate action to clear the reminder message that is just displayed. It would also be possible to customize the REMINDER message 140 to display or modify a list of all reminders previously set by the user. As with the overlay display period in SKIP mode, the user can modify the REMINDER message lead time in relation to the selected program by entering User Preferences and verifying the time position.

Using the remote controller 31 shown in Fig. 3, the user may enter the MENU mode from the BROWSE mode or the JUMP mode by pressing the MODE button 38 once or twice, respectively. Using the remote controller 40 in Fig. 4, the user simply presses the key 47B corresponding to the MODE icon as shown in Fig. 6, In the MENU mode, the system displays multiple menu items and icons that correspond to the selection or allow the selection of various display formats for program information, local cable network message boards and other real-time information services. The MENU screen shown in Fig. 6 is a full screen display. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, there are four vertically selectable horizontal lanes 61-64 that are accessed by the up-down 43A directional arrows on the 31 or 40 remote controller. The identification icon 61A-64A is displayed on the left edge of each bar,

180 243 that identifies the information contained in the strip. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the 61A TV GUIDE icon in the first bar corresponds to the programming information from the TV Guide® magazine, the 62A NOW SHOWING icon in the second bar corresponds to the individually paid program points and special services, the 63a MSO Logo icon in the third bar corresponds to Custom Services or local cable company announcements , and circular icon 64A in fourth bar 64 corresponds to other interactive services available to the user, or in the case of broadcast networks, to other points of contact. for example, home shopping, banking or telephone use. As shown in Figures 6 and 6A, each strip also includes a text description of its contents.

When the user first enters the MENU mode, the system selects the program info bar by default. When a specific bar is selected, the text information disappears and many icons or identification windows are displayed next to that identification icon. In Fig. 6, the program information bar 61 is selected. Using the up-down directional arrows, the user selects an adjacent vertical bar. Figures 15-17 illustrate the selections of the Pay To Watch Custom Service bar 62 or the message bar 63 and the TV interactive services bar 64, respectively.

Another MAIN MENU screen 215 of Fig. 38 is shown in Figs. 38A and 38B. It has three horizontally selectable stripes: 205 Timetable, Home Theater 206 and Custom Services 207. Screen 215 MAIN MENU also contains an additional identifier Locahzator which will be described.

After selecting the desired bar on the MENU screen, the user may select a particular icon from the set of horizontally selectable icons 65A-65C by means of the left or right directional arrow and the ENTER key on the remote control 40. Each icon contains a graphic symbol that appears in windows with a specific background color. When an icon is selected, it is moved from the background window and the window color changes. In fig. 6 the box icon 65a adjacent to the TV GUIDE icon in the first bar 61 is selected.

In the following, the functions corresponding to selectable items on the MAIN MENU screen will be discussed with reference to Fig. 6. Of course, the same functional features are in terms of MAIN MENU 215 shown in Fig. 38.

In the upper vertically selectable horizontal bar 621, the first grid icon 65A represents an ALL LISTS mode in which program information is displayed in a grid listing, for example, as shown in Fig. 18. It would also be possible to use a single-column display as shown in Fig. 25. In this format, the vertical axis represents the channel number and service and the horizontal x axis represents time. The screen display of Fig. 18 also includes in the upper left corner a mode identifier 180, in this case the words All Lists, to remind the user of the current operating mode of the system. Directly below the mode display is the enhanced display of the 181 channel that the user was watching before entering the MENU mode. In the upper right corner, the callsign icon 182 appears in the window directly above the date / time identifier 183, which alternately displays the current date and time.

At the center of the screen, shown in Figure 18, is the Active Key Display 184 that indicates to the user those keys on the remote control which are active for that particular mode of the channel information display system. For example, in the screen display of Fig. 18, the cursor may only move up, down, or right. If the user at that point pressed the left directional arrow key on the remote control, the system would not perform any action because the cursor cannot move to the left. Thus, the left arrow key is not active, so its image is not displayed on AKD 184. Similarly, since the system will only respond to pressing the up, down or right directional keys and the ENTER key, their images are the only key images displayed on the AKD 184 graphical display. The MODE key, although not displayed, is always active for entering information. , whereby the printing of the time list for a half-hour period directly

180 243 before the current time unless the current time is a full hour or half an hour when the channel list starts with the last channel viewed by the user before entering the MENU mode. For example, in Fig. 18, the current time is displayed as 7:13 p.m., the timing list starts at 7:00 p.m. and the channel list starts from channel 4.

In the All Lists mode, a movable illuminated cursor 185 is used to indicate to the user the currently selected program. The user manipulates the cursor movement with the directional arrow keys on the remote control transmitter 40. In addition, all displayed information is shifted up if a cursor is at the bottom of the screen and the down arrow key is pressed, and similarly, it shifts to the left if a cursor is on the right edge of the display and the right directional arrow key is pressed. . This allows the user to be guided by the entire time program information.

The folder icon 65B immediately to the right of the All Lists icon in the top horizontal bar 61 of Fig. 6 represents the Category Listing mode which displays time information on programs as shown in Fig. 19. The specific list shown in Fig. 19 is Categories Movies, Sports, News and Kids, 190A-190D. The database record stored for each list contains a content reference so that the microcontroller 16 can search the database and categorize the information by content for display in the Category List mode. As shown in Fig. 19, the user may navigate left or right to highlight any of the categories that appear at the top of the list. In Fig. 19, the Movies category 190A is selected. As shown, the user is provided with information displayed on all movies, prioritized by time and then alphabetically by program title, starting with the half hour immediately preceding the current time, unless the current time corresponds exactly to an entire hour or half an hour, when this starts exactly on that time. an hour or a half hour. The screen content shown in Fig. 19 it also includes text information of the current mode of operation of the channel information system as well as a graphical display of an AKD 184, similar to that used in conjunction with the All Lists operating mode.

As with the All Lists mode, if the user highlights the program currently being broadcast, he can immediately tune to that program by pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40. If the highlighted program is the one to appear in the future, the user is again given the option to set the announcement. RECALL.

The triangular icon 65C further to the right of the TV GUIDE bar in the displayed image, of Fig. 6, represents the "Channel List" mode in which the schedule information of programs is categorized and displayed by channel as shown in Fig. 20. Screen Image shown in Fig. 20 again includes a mode text identifier 201, graphic AKD 184 and a window containing a callsign icon 182 and an alternating date / time display 183. In the head of the program list, there is a list of several consecutive channels 202A-202C starting with the last channel viewed by the user before entering the Channel List mode. The channel in center window 202B is highlighted and is the channel affected by the displayed information. The display image identifies those programs appearing on the highlighted channel starting from the half hour immediately preceding the current time, in which case the display starts at a specific hour or half an hour. The user may display further lists by moving the cursor to the bottom of the screen and invoking the display as previously described. The user may also change the selected channel with the left and right arrow keys on the remote control 40. When the user thus commands a channel change, the channel string of the highlighted box 202B will be displayed next to the display image header and the next next channel will be displayed on the receiver. 27, the program information of the new selected channel will be displayed .....

180 243

As in the other modes, if the user wishes to tune to a highlighted program that is being broadcast, he may do so by simply pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40, and if the user wishes to watch a program to be broadcast in the future, this again has the option to set the RECALL message.

In each of the SKIP, BROWSE 1 MENU, an icon with a lower case letter "i" appears in certain situations in connection with certain program listings, such as movies, such as in "i" 203 shown in Fig. 20. Each time this icon appears, the user may view additional programming information, usually including a textual description of the contents of the program and / or other information relating to the program, such as the names of the appearing persons and the like, by pressing the "i" key 48 on the remote control 40. Fig. 21 shows an example of such additional information.

The second horizontal bar 62 that appears on the screen in the MAIN MENU mode shown in FIG. 6 is the HOME THEATER listing. It corresponds to program points or Pay & Watch services for specialist programs and Special Services. When the user selects this category, the television will display the information as shown in Fig. 15. The first theater ticket icon 150 that appears in this bar, the Home Theater identifies the format in which the Specialty Programs and Special Services are displayed, as shown in Fig. 22. As in other modes, the user may manipulate the cursor to highlight and select a specific show . Also, the user may obtain additional information about a show or pay-and-see service by pressing the "i" key 48 on the remote control 40. The Pay-Per-View menu screen image shown in Fig. 22 also includes a video display section 220 in which the user may be shown brief announcements of current or future program items and services when viewing Pay-Per-View program information. The display of Fig. 22 is bit mapped so that advertising snapshots can be displayed in the lower left square of the screen. The snapshots may be randomly displayed in the video display section 120 or, alternatively, the snapshot is requested to correspond to a particular selected item in the program point list and changes automatically as the user moves through the list.

When the user highlights a program point or Pay-Per-View service by operating the cursor to reach the desired program point or service using the remote control 40, he can order that program point or service by pressing the ENTER button on the remote control, thus connecting program information, promotion and ordering functions. If the user thus selects a given programme or a Pay-and-Watch service, such as shown in Fig. 23. The display includes a number representing the cost of that programme or service. The display also requests the user to select from a plurality of scheduled transmit times 230A-230C, as well as whether the user would like to see a REMINDER message prior to the start of a Pay-Per-View program or service. The user responds to these queries by using the directional keys on the remote control 40 to move the cursor to the appropriate answer and then depressing the ENTER key. After the user orders a program item or Pay-Per-View service, the program information system will present the user with a two confirmation ordering menu, as shown in Figures 24 and 24A. In each of these submenus, the user can confirm or cancel.

If the user confirms the order, the microcontroller 16 stores the Pay-Per-View information in a certain memory location. The ordering information can then be transmitted by the microcontroller 16 to the cable network operator either over the telephone network or over the cable line if the system provides bi-directional communication or other similar interactive capability. In contrast, the computer at the cable network operator's premises can query the memory with the information about the order stored by the microcontroller.

180 243

You pay-and-watch. In due course, the cable operator provides a program point or service that is received by all users who have ordered the program.

The second icon 151 in the Pay-Per-View bar of Fig. 15 represents specialized broadcast, cable or satellite programming services that are accessed by the user through the electronic program guide. In this mode, the electrical program guide application software operates by communicating with the user over a suitable data link to the program service with the user interactively communicating with it. Such a service could be, for example, Your Choice TV (YCTV), a reruns service of highly acclaimed TV or cable programs, where the icon may take the shape appropriate to identify YCTV. The programs available on YCTV are then delivered to the user via the program information system.

The last icon 152 to appear in the Pay-Per-View bar of Fig. 15 identifies the display format for listing all the Special Services offered by the cable operator as shown in Fig. 26. In this mode, the user may select one of the special services by roaming. cursor using the directional arrow keys on the remote control and pressing the ENTER key. Similar to a Pay-Per-View order, it should validate the user's request using the next different submenu. If confirmed, the microcontroller 16 will store the ordering information or transmit it directly to the cable operator. After confirming the order, the microcontroller can immediately give the user access to the ordered special service. This allows users to order program points and services on demand.

If, while operating in the SKIP or BROWSE modes, the user views channel information or schedule information for a service not subscribed to by the user, the microcontroller 16 causes the ordering menu to appear instead of displaying the signal programmatically with a graphic overlay as shown in Fig. 9. This submenu indicates to the user. that there is currently no subscription to the selected service, and then asks the user if he intends to order the service. If the user replies, the program information system takes the user to the order MENU discussed above. In this way, the user can order ad hoc program points and services.

The third horizontal bar 63 in the MENU mode shown in Fig. 6 is the List of Messages or Service to Order. As shown in Fig. 16, the first envelope icon 160 represents message information available from the cable operator. When the user selects the message icon, he is familiarized with the contents of the screen for the currently available messages as shown in Fig. 27. The displayed image of Fig. 27 includes cable system messages 270 and billing information 271. If the user selects the cable network message option 270, it is shown with a message pertaining to the cable operator, such as shown in FIG. 28. If the user selects billing status option 271, shown in FIG. 27 that is, it is shown displaying the current billing information pertaining to the cable operator, such as shown in Fig. 29. This information may include purchase history provided to the user, current balance sheet information, valid orders, and a hint of available credit that may be available. be a confirmed debit limit previously set by your cable or other operator. Thus, the user could only specify certain predetermined spending limits. When the sum of the Pay-and-Watch points charges reaches this limit, the microcontroller should not allow any further program point ordering. Another variation of menu messages is shown in Fig. 28A.

The next icon 161 in Order Service information bar 63 of Fig. 16 identifies a User Preferences mode which allows the user to create or check a number of operating parameters of the program information system. When selected, the display image presents the user with several preference options regarding some operating parameters of the program information system, as well as allowing the viewing of some channels and / or some programs with specific content, such as shown in Fig. 7.

180 243

The first option, illustrated in Figure 7, is the Parental 70 option which can also be expressed as an Access Block option. When this option is pre-selected by the user, the system displays the Address Lockout menu as shown in Fig. thirty.

The Access Lockout menu, shown in Fig. 30, allows the user to control access to individual channels and programs or program points when prompted by the user to enter a "key" access code, consisting in the particular embodiment discussed herein of a user specified four digit code before ordering or watching these preselected channels or program points. The displayed menu, shown in Fig. 30, shows a series of categories of subject that are user selectable y-axis positions. The particular subject category is selected by using the up and down direction arrows on the remote controller 40 to highlight the desired item. After the user selects a specific subject category, the left and right arrow keys are used to navigate within the selected category.

The first subject item, shown in Figure 30, is Category 301 Parental Supervision. After the user selects this category by operating the cursor to highlight the item, the cursor should then be moved horizontally to the active window 302 which displays and selects one of the five letter program content indicators as follows "V" for violence, "N" for nudity, "L" for language, "AS" for adult situations, and "PD" for parental discretion. After the user selects a given point, for example "L" by moving to the active window 302 by using the right arrow, pressing the ENTER key will indicate to the microcontroller 16 that access blocking is selected for programs marked with an "L" in case of violence and in an explicit language . The system indicates that access lock is activated by displaying the key icon directly below the "L" category display. Once an access lock is set, it can be disabled by selecting a letter for that category and then pressing the ENTER key. This action makes the wrench icon disappear. The user may change the grade in the active window 302 by using the left and right direction arrows on the remote controller 40, images of which are displayed on the screen adjacent to the active window as a reminder to the user. This allows the user to select different grades for setting the access lock for any of the content indicators appearing in the Parental Control category.

The access lock code itself consists of a four-digit code that the user can enter and modify at any time. To accomplish this, the user highlights the fourth vertically selectable item of Change Access Key Code 304 by manipulating the cursor to highlight it using the directional arrow keys on the remote control. Once highlighted, the user enters a new four-digit code or verifies an existing code and presses the ENTER key. The microcontroller 16 then identifies a new four-digit access disable code and stores it in memory. The user may clear the passkey lockout code, as well as any other previously activated keys, by moving to the last position in Fig. 30, Delete All Keys and Access Codes 305, which highlights the "OK" box and then pressing the ENTER key. This action removes and deactivates previously set keys as well as the access lock code.

The TV schedule information database record for each available program contains a certain field that corresponds to the program content indicators in the Parental Control category. In operation, the microcontroller checks this field in response to a user command to tune or order a program, or to display its corresponding program plan information, before performing a tuning, ordering or displaying function. If the parental control identifier in the database record of this program plan information matches one of the activated parental control indicators shown in Fig. 30, the user will be prompted to enter a four-digit code.

180 243 access blockade before the system takes any further action. If the entered code matches the access lock code previously entered and stored by the user as described, the system will execute the user's request to tune to the program, order it, or display the corresponding program schedule information. If the code is not recognized by the system, no action will be taken and the user's request will not be accepted.

By manipulating the cursor with the directional arrow keys to highlight the second item of MPAA Pointers 308, the user may also set a program access lock based on his MPAA pointer code as also shown in Fig. 30.

As with the Parental Supervision category, when the MPAA metrics category is selected, the user can scroll horizontally within that category to the active window 306 to select one of five qualification codes, that is, "G" for general audience, "PG ”For parental guidance,“ PG-13 ”for recommended parental guidance, not allowed under 13 years of age without adults,“ R ”for restricted, and“ X ”for X. As with the Parental Control category, when selecting a specific indicator - by using the indicator code until a specific indicator code appears in the active window - and then pressing ENTER, the user sets the indicator access lock, and in this case a key icon appears below the indicator code. Here, as in the Parental Control category, when an access lock is set, the system will prompt the user to tune, order or display schedule information for a specific program having an indicator code matching the indicator code for which the access lock has been activated.

The Access Lockout mode also includes subject category 303 for controlling channel access, which may be titled, for example, "Channel Lockout". As with the Parental 301 and MPAA 308 categories, the user navigates to the Channel Block 303 category by activating the directional arrow keys on the remote control and pressing the ENTER key. Upon entering the Channel Block 303 category, the user may move horizontally to the active window 307 shown in Fig. thirty indicates channel 2. Once the user highlights this window by moving the cursor with the directional arrow keys on the remote control 40, the channel can be blocked from being accessed in the active window. This is done as with the other subject categories in the Access Lock mode by pressing the ENTER key which again causes the key icon to appear below the channel number in the active window. The user may go to the previous channel or the next channel in sequence by pressing the left or right directional arrow keys on the remote control 40. In this way, the user may activate the access lock for any available channel.

As with Parental Control 301 and MPAA 308 categories, when an access lock is set for a given channel, the system prompts the user to enter an access lock code before executing a tuning command or channel order. If the entered lock code is consistent with the one previously entered, the user's command is executed. Otherwise, the user's command is ignored. Thus, the user can control access to the content of audio and video programs of any available channel. In this case, the microcontroller 16 will not allow audio or video program signals to pass to the VDG, but will allow schedule information for the channel to appear.

A different way to implement program lockout is implemented using the “Lockout” screen as shown in Fig. 39. In addition to restricting access to programs based on Parental, MPAA, and Channel criteria as discussed above, access may be restricted based on program title. Fig. 39 shows an alternative Lockout screen 250 that may be used to allow or restrict access to a program based on the program title in addition to the criteria mentioned above. You can turn on as well

180 243 other parameters such as time of day, day of the week, credit card, and content category (e.g., talk show).

To enter the Lockout 250 screen shown in FIG. 39, the user must enter the multi-digit lockout code x using the numeric keys 42 and the ENTER key 44 on the remote control 40. The lockout code is preset upon first use or installation of the system. To set the lock code at first, the user comes to a Setting screen 260 as for example shown in Fig. 40. The Setup 260 screen will automatically appear the first time the electronic program guide is installed and initialized. For access during normal operation of the electronic program guide, an appropriate path to the Setting screen 260 may be prepared, for example from the corresponding icon in MAIN MENU 215.

In the Set Up screen 26 of Fig. 40, the user may navigate to the Access Code 265 category and set a new lock code using the appropriate steering and selection keys on the remote control 40. A corresponding menu for entering the lock code is shown in Fig. 40A. Once enabled, you must use the lock code to set or modify locks, to view a previously locked program, or to remove or modify the lock code. The storage location for storing the lock code should also be remotely accessible, such as by a local cable company, in case the user forgets the lock code and needs to be erased.

After the lock code has been entered and the Lock screen 250 of Fig. 39 is displayed, screen navigation is controlled by the direction arrow keys 43A and 43B on the remote control transmitter 40. Using the up and down direction arrow keys 43A to move the selection cursor, the select categories or Film Rating 251 Parental Control 252, Channel 253, Program Locked 254 or Lock Code 255. Then, to move within the selected category, use the left and right arrow keys 43B.

Deleting a previously set lockout code is done by moving the selection cursor to Delete 256 in the Locking Code 255 category and pressing ENTER 44 on the remote control 40. This causes the microcontroller to clear the lockout code stored in memory, as well as all locks previously set by the user . To change the current lock code, the user navigates to "Change" 257 in Lock Code 255 and presses the ENTER key 44 on the remote control 40. The user is then offered to enter a new lock code which is then stored in memory by the microcontroller.

To set a lock on the category of either Film Indicator 251 or Parental Control 252, the user navigates to the selected item in Figure 39 by operating the selection cursor with the directional arrow keys 43A and 43B on the remote control 40, then depresses the lock key. on a remote control, e.g. padlock key 45A shown in Fig. 4. The microcontroller will appropriately modify the display image to indicate that the lock has been enabled, for example, by changing the text or background color in the selected introductory window, or by displaying an appropriate icon next to the text in the selected entry window. In Fig. 39, a lock icon 258 is displayed in the window of item "PG" in the Movie Indicator category 251. Alternately, pressing the lock key while the cursor is on a selected item turns the lock function on and off for that item alternately.

Similarly, to set a lock for a given channel, the user selects the channel using the selection cursor, then depresses the lock key. In Fig. 39, the KCNC channel 4 position in the Channel 253 category has been locked as indicated by the image inversion and the appearance of a lock icon in the window.

You can also set software locks by title, which can be achieved in several ways. For example, when the SKIP mode described above or BROWSE electronic program guide is activated, causing the title to be displayed

180 243 of the program along with the rest of the program information in a window superimposed on the real program signal that is then received, the user may restrict access to the program corresponding to the displayed information by depressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40. The user may also restrict access to the currently tuned program by depressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40 while viewing the program, regardless of whether the SKIP or BROWSE mode is activated. To this end, the microcontroller 16 first removes the program signal from the display, then accesses the schedule information database record for the program that appeared and sets the appropriate flag to indicate that the program has been blocked. Also, when observing program distribution information in trellis or category lists as discussed and illustrated above, for example in Fig. 18-20, the user may also tag a certain program to be locked by highlighting it with the selection cursor and then depressing the lock key 45A on the remote control 40.

In either case, the microcontroller then writes the program title and in the list of locked titles stored in memory along with other titles that have been previously locked by the user. The items in the list of blocked titles are displayed in alphabetical order in the Blocked Program 259 window shown in Fig. 39, and the user may scroll the list by placing a selection cursor on the Locked Program window 259 using the Up and Down Direction Arrow keys 43A on the remote transmitter, in Fig. 40, and then using the Left and Right Direction Arrows key 43B to scroll through the list by one item. In order to save memory space, however, the microcontroller 16 may be programmed to set a flag or otherwise mark a particular database record containing information about the timing of the blocked program and then access the database to retrieve title information when is to be displayed, for example, when a viewer is viewing a list of blocked titles in the Blocked Programs window. When, when locking a specific title, the microcontroller can be optionally programmed to display an appropriate locking icon, e.g. a padlock, each time it is necessary to display schedule information for a locked program, e.g. or categories of available images in the MAIN MENU. The system may also display appropriate text messages if someone tries to access the signal of a program previously blocked. Of course, when a program is locked, in all cases the microcontroller prevents access to the actual program signal (including both the audio and digital portions of the program signal) until the appropriate code is entered or the lockout is removed.

Several methods can be used to block programs by their broadcast time. For example, for the Movie Rating, Parental Control, and Channel categories, the schedule information database record has a field that corresponds to the rating, content ID, or channel appearance in the categories Movie Rating 251, Parental Control 256, and Channel 253, respectively, of the Locking 250 screen shown. in Fig. 39.

During operation, the microcontroller checks the appropriate field in the database record in response to the user's command to perform a tuning or ordering function. In addition, the lockout code may also serve to restrict access to the program information. In this case, the microcontroller also should check the appropriate field in the program information database record before displaying the program schedule information.

If the IDs, movie, parental, or channel ratings in the schedule information database record match one of the locked items indicated on the Lock screen 250, the Lock Verification screen 300 is displayed superimposed on the video signal then displayed on the TV as shown. in Figure 41. The user will be prompted before the system takes any function

180 243 to enter the previously entered lockout code. As an additional security measure, asterisks can be displayed when the user enters the lock code. If the entered code matches the lockout code previously entered and stored by the user as described above, the system will execute the user's request to tune or order a program, or display the corresponding schedule information. If the code is not recognized by the system, no further action is taken and the user's request is denied. In this case, the Lockout Verification screen 300 will still be displayed on the television, waiting for the correct code to be entered. If the user takes no action, the Lockout Verification screen 300 will be released after a predetermined period of time, for example, one or two minutes.

Similarly, for a lock by title, the microcontroller also may inspect the title field in the schedule information database record and compare it with the list of program titles for which the user previously set the lock. If, as discussed previously, the microcontroller does not maintain a list of the actual locked program titles by title, an appropriate identifier may be inserted in a field of the database record to indicate that the program was locked by title when the user first set the lock, followed by the microcontroller. could check this link in response to a user request to tune or order a program, or display schedule information.

Another way to implement the lockout is to use a portion of the real-time program signal received by the television receiver. In this method, codes corresponding to parental, title or channel categories, for example in vertical or horizontal blanking periods, or on raster lines that are not visible on the television screen, are input and transmitted with the program signal. When a program signal is received, these codes are gathered from the program signal and stored in memory. Methods and devices for entering, transmitting and receiving digital codes carried on a program signal are known.

After the transmitted codes have been extracted from the program signal and stored in memory, the microcontroller can compare them with the lockout criteria set by the user in the Lockout screen and take appropriate action as already described.

The Setup screen 260, shown in Fig. 40, also includes a Purchase Code 270 category which allows the user to set a numeric purchasing code that must be entered before ordering specialty channels or Pay-Per-View channels. The Setup screen 260 of Fig. 40 includes items for setting a new purchase code and clearing or changing a previously set password. Corresponding menus for setting, confirming, clearing, or changing a purchase code are shown in Figures 40B through 40E. After the user sets the purchase code, the microcontroller will then display the Verify Purchasing Code screen in response to the user request to tune or order a special service channel or Pay-Per-View program. The Verify Purchase Code screen operates in a manner similar to the Verify Lockout screen 300 in that the user is prompted to enter a pre-set passcode before tuning or ordering the desired program by the microcontroller. If a valid Purchase Code has not been entered, the microcontroller will take no further action and the Purchase Code Verification screen will remain displayed waiting for a valid code to be entered. If the requested action is not taken within a given period of time, the Purchase Code Verification Screen is removed.

The next option, shown in Fig. 7, is the Channel Preferences option, which is the list of 71 Favorite Channels. By highlighting this icon and pressing the ENTER key on the remote control 40, the user is introduced to a sub-menu on the screen as shown, for example, in Fig. 8.

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In normal operation, the TV program guide system in response to channel up or down change orders by the user using one of the directional arrow keys on the remote controller. The channel number representation sequence covers all the channels offered by the cable company in the order that the operator modulates them in the cable.

The program information system also provides the ability to select from several user definable presentation sequences that are activated by one of three keys 48A, 48B, or 48C of the highlighted icons on the remote controller 40 shown in Figure 4. Each of these keys represents a recommended specific list of selectable channels. by a given user and which microcontroller 16 stores as a list of Channel Preferences as will be discussed in more detail. To activate one of these favorite channel lists, the user presses the corresponding icon key, and in this case the microcontroller may display the selected icon on the screen in the graphic overlays and full screen images to remind the user that the given channel preference list is being used. After activating the list of preferences, the system will limit the tuning of the TV and the display of the timetable information only to those channels that are designated in the activated list of user preferences.

To enter the MODE mode from the SKIP mode, the user presses the MODE key 38 twice. To view the contents and / or sequence order of the channels of the Channel Preference list, in another embodiment of the remote control transmitter 31, of Figure 3, the user simply depresses the MODE icon key 47B.

On the first entry, the MODE mode has a screen image as in Fig. 6. To select a submenu for editing the Channel Preferences list, the user first selects a third horizontal bar 63 titled, for example, Messages or Special Service, by operating the cursor with the down direction arrow as shown below. is shown in Fig. 7. The screen of Fig. 6A is thereby displayed. The user then selects the second icon 161 appearing in this bar, denoted by a check mark corresponding to the User Preferences mode, by highlighting the icon with the directional arrow key and pressing the ENTER key again. This operation will cause the microcontroller 16 to display the User Preferences submenu as shown in Fig. 7. By selecting Channel Preferences or Favorite Channels 7, the user enters the Channel Preferences submenu as shown in Fig. 8. If the user has not already done so, he may then press the key of any check mark icon on the remote control 40 in Fig. 4 to create or view the list of favorite channels.

In the Channel Preferences menu shown in Fig. 8, a list of all channels available on a given cable system is displayed on the left side of the television screen, labeled Selections in Fig. 8, and the list of user preferences 81, indicated in Fig. 8, is displayed on the right side. 8 as the Selected. For a specific code, for example the END or -1 symbols, the symbol appears in the first (from the top) position 82 of the User Preferences list 81, the system displays information for all channels in numerical order in all operating modes. This is the system default mode.

By selecting channels sequentially from the available list 80, the user may select a subset of channels and / or shift the default sequence in response to commands from the user to change the channel up or down. This is done by highlighting a channel in the available list 80 using the up-down directional arrow keys on the remote control 40 and pressing the ENTER key 44 which stores the position temporarily in the buffer.

The microcontroller 16 stores a list of all channels previously included in the user's preference list 81. When the user displays a given channel while navigating the list of 80 available channels displayed on the left side of the TV screen, a window 84 appears next to the given channel displayed by the user. When a channel already appears in user preference list 81, the system will display the DELETE message in window 84 as a reminder that the channel was previously selected from the list of 80 available

180 243 channels and can only be removed from list 81 by pressing ENTER 44. If the channel highlighted in list 80 has not been previously selected, the system displays the message "CHOOSE" outside of the user's preference list 81 if the user presses the key ENTER 44. The microcontroller 16 inserts the selected channel at the bottom of list 81. Thereby the user can select or remove channels from the user's preference list in any desired order.

The list of 80 available channels may also contain entries from 83 categories, such as movies, news, sports or children's programs. The user may also highlight any of these items and include it in the user's preference list 81. If the user does not include a category in his user preference list 81, when he orders the channel up or down, the system will display, successively, the first of the user's favorite channels in numerical order, thus all channels with programs whose content corresponds to the selected channel. one or more categories at that time.

After the user has viewed the channel preference list 81 as described, the microcontroller 16 follows the stored sequence made by the user in response to the user-command to change the channel using one of the direction arrow keys. To activate the user preference list, the user presses one of the three buttons 48A, 48B or 48C to check the icons on top of the remote control shown in Fig. 4. The user preference list may be used to selectively limit the tuning of the television or display program information, if any, in the electronic program guide. In this embodiment, after activating the preference list, the system will restrict the TV tuning and program information display in the JUMP and BROWSE modes as well as the trellis category and the channel lists in MENU mode to only those channels designated in the activated User Preference List. The transducer cannot tune or display the user's preference list when it is not activated. Therefore, it should be noted that setting the access lock in categories 301, MPAA 308 or Channel Block 303 produces different results than using other criteria such as the Favorite Channel Preference List discussed above. Thus, while blocking access will prevent the display or ordering of audio and video program information, but it will not prevent displaying or ordering an absent authorization code item, if a given channel is included in the Channel Preferences list, and also has the access lock activated in the Channel Block category 303 Access Lock mode so that the channel or the corresponding programming information will never be displayed.

To deactivate the pre-selected user preference list, the user alternately presses the check mark icon key on the remote control 40 of Fig. 4. Upon deactivation, the system by default displays and tunes all available channels as well as programming information for all available channels.

Alternatively, the user's preference list 81, when activated, may be used to control tuning and display program information only in selected modes, e.g., in the FLASH mode, thus allowing the user to tune and view the corresponding program information for only those channels included in the list. 81 preferences in the JUMP mode, when viewing all channels and the corresponding program information in all other modes.

In the latter configuration, as well as in the case where no channel preference list is activated and the system is in default mode, if a certain channel appears in the user's preference list 81 that corresponds to a service not subscribed by the user, then instead of displaying the program signal along with on the graphic padlock, the microcontroller 16 causes the ordering menu to appear, as shown in Fig. 9. This submenu indicates to the user that he currently does not have the selected service subscribed to, and then asks the user if he would like to order that service. If the user replies

180 243 knows in claiming that the program information system takes the user to another ordering menu to validate the user's request, as in the case of an ad hoc order.

The program guide can also be configured by means of screen 201 as shown in Fig. 37 which helps the user to select a channel and create a favorite channel list. The Locator 201 screen displays the numbers of all available channels grouped according to the source of programming news that is appearing on that channel at any given time, for example, broadcast, cable, Pay-and-Watch, video near-to-demand, satellite or other source programming material. Thus, the Locator screen 201 can be used to locate any particular channel or service as grouping provides a fast and efficient way of scrolling through the list of available channels. Channel numbers may also be grouped according to other criteria, such as, for example, category, program content, program rating, or other standards based on content, time availability, numerical order, or other logical grouping.

In the example shown in Figure 37, the user is navigated within the Locator screen 201 of the directional arrow keys 43A and 43B on the remote control transmitter 40. The left and right direction arrow keys 43B move the cursor through the category lines, and the up and down arrow keys 43A use to choose a specific category. From the Locator 201 screen, any particular channel to be viewed can be selected by placing the selection cursor on the desired channel and pressing either the ENTER44 key or an optional tune key (not shown) on the remote control 40.

In addition to assisting with channel selection, the Locator screen 201 also provides the user with the ability to conveniently define lists of favorite channels. To do this, the user first moves the selection cursor to the desired channel by using the directional keys 43A and 43B or the numeric numeric key 42 on the remote control 40 and then depresses the favorite channel key 46A on the remote control 40 which changes the display to a certain way, i.e. visual characterization, by indicating the selected favorite channel, for example, by changing the color of the text or the background of the identifying text, when the corresponding icon is displayed, or in some other suitable manner. In the remote control transmitter 40 shown in FIG. 4, the hash key may function as the favorite channel key

Also, in the case of using multiple favorite channel lists, the user should press the appropriate favorite channel key on the remote control to select a particular list before depressing the favorite channel key. For example, as described above, the remote control transmitter 40 shown in Fig. 4 has 48A, 48B and 48C tri-color coded keys that tick off your favorite channel, which provides three separate lists of your favorite channels for three separate people. On the Locator 201 screen, various indicia may be displayed to indicate that a particular favorite channel has been selected. For example, an icon or image used to provide a favorite channel list on the remote transmitter may be displayed on the Locator 201 screen, for example in the form of a check mark key 48A used in remote control 40 shown in Fig. 4, as well as other program guide screens, if list of favorite channels is shared. Alternatively, you can change the color of the displayed text or background to match the key color of the selected favorite channel.

There are several ways to access the Locator 201 screen. For example, it may be considered as a virtual channel, conveniently placed in the channel tuning sequence, for example between the available channel numbers, largest and smallest, e.g. virtual channel 0. Such virtual channel appears to the user as a conventional channel. However, it does not require any additional carrier bandwidth. For example, it can be digitally produced at the subscriber's station or it can be included in the corresponding pulse

180 243 quenching on the existing band frequencies. Thereby the virtual channel is reachable either by entering the corresponding channel number using the numeric numeric keys 42 on the remote control, or by using the up and down direction keys 43A to scroll from the highest number to the highest number or vice versa. As shown in Fig. 38, it may also be advantageous to use a suitable identifier, such as an icon or text message 210, in the MAIN MENU display 215 from which the user can access the Locator screen 201 by simply highlighting the identifier 210 with a selection cursor and pressing the ENTER key 44 on the remote transmitter. control 40. Alternatively, the remote control transmitter may be provided with a key corresponding to the screen 201 Locator, causing the microcontroller to display the screen 201 Locator when pressed.

Virtual channels may be placed at any desired location in the channel tuning sequence, and may be used to provide various functions in addition to, or alternatively, the Locator screen 201. For example, a user could access a near-video-on-demand (NVOD) service, a text or graphical information reproduction service, a video game service, or a digital music service (DMX - digital must service) through the virtual channel interface. As with the Locator screen, these virtual channels can be accessed as a certain channel by scheduling them with the direction arrow keys, by directly entering a digit or by using a function. Access to them is possible in the form of a menu in the MENU mode. When accessed like a channel, these virtual channels have the functional properties of a certain channel, and when accessed like a menu, they act like a Menu function - that is, any channel that was tuned prior to accessing the Menu screen should remain the currently tuned channel

Each of these services may be delivered using multiple channels. For example, the NVOD service may work by spreading the start times of one movie on several channels such that a user of a hypothetical eight-channel-per-NVOD service has to wait a maximum of 15 minutes for the start of a two-hour movie. As another example, a video game service may provide ten video games, one per channel. Each of these service-encompassing channels may be a real channel or a virtual channel.

In the past, this multi-channel-to-service approach caused inconvenience to the user. For example, when providing a package of services including TV channels 1-39, DMX channels 40-46, NVOD channels 47-55, TV game channels 56-70, and information playback channels 71-74, a user-viewer navigating the channels using On the 43A UP key the remote control 40 met, on channel 39, the necessity to press the 43A UP key 36 times to return to channel 1 at the beginning of the television channel sequence.

This disadvantage when using virtual channels is mitigated. A virtual channel that identifies the channels available on each specific service may be placed in the channel tuning sequence at the location of the first service channel or alternatively may be assigned to the channel number immediately preceding the first channel in the service. In the previous example, virtual channel 40 could provide access to a DMX service, virtual channel 47 could provide access to an NVOD service, virtual channel 56 could provide access to a TV game service, and virtual channel 71 could provide access to an information playback service. As will be described in more detail, a user tuned to channel 39 in such a system would press the key 43 A UP on the remote controller 40 only five times to access channel 1. Indirectly reaching channels 40, 47, 56 and 71.

In one embodiment, the user does not need to directly select individual channels containing the service available over the virtual channel. Instead, the user has to first tune to a virtual channel and then confirmatory select the service item associated with that virtual channel, for example by pressing the OK or ENTER key on the remote controller. As a result, virtual channels, rather than individual channels containing services, are adjacent in sequence

180 243 channel tuning. In this case, the system operates by displaying the appropriate virtual channel in response to a command from the user to tune to any channel offering a particular service. Thus, in the above example, in response to a user command to tune any of channels 47 to 55, the system will display the virtual channel 47 associated with the NVOD service. Alternatively, the system may be configured to allow a user to access any channel directly without having to have a virtual channel. In yet another embodiment, when a user enters a virtual channel for a service and selects a channel, he is then allowed to access each service channel by using the up and down directional arrow keys on the remote controller 40 as it should be done in normal tuning sequence. However, the system automatically restricts the tuning sequence to service channels only, including the virtual channel. Thus, if the virtual channel is 40th and the service channels are 41,42,43,44,45 and 46, then when the user selects and tunes to the service channel through a virtual channel, e.g., channel 42, the next use of the UP arrow keys on remote controller 40 and then selecting the function ΕΧΙΤ.

To illustrate the nature of the virtual channel in more detail, one embodiment of a DMX service available over a virtual channel is described below. In this embodiment, channels 1-39 are TV channels and channel 40 is a virtual channel that allows the user to access the DMX service. As with cable TV service where multiple video channels are usually provided, a DMX service typically provides multiple digital audio channels. In the following description of virtual channel access, reference is made specifically to the remote controller, 40 of Fig. 4. However, any other remote controller may well be used.

Figure 43 shows one embodiment of the DMX virtual channel screen 500. The illustrated DMX service offers its users six music channels, channels 41-46. The virtual channel 500 screen is displayed on the user's television when channel 40 to 46 inclusive is selected, from the numeric keypad 42 of the remote controller on channel 39, while the UP key 43A of the remote controller is pressed, or when the DOWN key 43 A of the remote is pressed controller in the next TV channel or virtual channel above 46. If the highest available channel is channel 46, pressing the remote control's DOWN key 43A on channel 1, or otherwise from virtual channel 0, if any, will take the user to channel 40.

After selecting channel 40, the user may first, by pressing the UP key 43A, the DOWN key 43B or the numeric keys 42 of the remote controller, to switch to another TV or virtual channel, or secondly, the user may press the ENTER key 44 to enter the service. DMX. In the example shown, the DXM music channels do not need to be directly accessible, but the user must first enter the virtual DMX channel and then move within it to access the channels containing the DMX service. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, pressing the UP key 43A of the remote controller with the currently selected channel 40 takes the user to channel 47 or 1 or 0, respectively (i.e. the next virtual channel in sequence). Alternatively, the system may be configured to allow the user to directly tune to any channel without having to enter a virtual channel. Each virtual channel may also be listed in the Locator 201 screen, or alternatively, the channels supported by each virtual channel may be identified in the Locator 201 screen.

In the presented version, the title of the DMX-VC virtual channel is located in the upper left corner of the screen. Initially, the cursor highlights the first DMX channel name, "DMX-1". By using the direction keys 43A, 43B, 43C and 43D the remote controller to move the cursor, the user can highlight any of the other channel names or function ΕΧΙΤ 505. When the channel name is highlighted, the user may press the 44 key to tune to the selected channel and listen to the music being played on that channel. Area ΕΧΙΤ

180 243

505, when selected and activated, causes the user to exit the DMX service. It is then possible to select other TV and virtual channels as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the numbers associated with each DMX channel are not shown, but may be displayed to facilitate direct tuning from the virtual channel by entering the appropriate digits, or to aid in programming the recorder or head for future programs.

Figure 44 shows another embodiment of a virtual DMX channel. The LISTEN 503 function can be added to the 500 virtual channel screen. By going to the LISTEN 503 function and pressing ENTER 44, the user can listen to the music assigned to each DMX channel identified on the virtual 500 channel screen. In the LISTEN function, the user does not need to press the ENTER key on the remote controller for listening to a new channel while highlighting the new channel name. The music played will tell the highlighted channel name as you move the cursor. An appropriate indicator may also be used, for example, in the form of a color change of the LISTEN 503 area or a positioned appropriate icon or text indicating that the LISTEN 503 function has been activated. To deactivate the LISTEN function 503, the user activates the cursor to select it and presses the ENTER key 44 again, at this point the user may then navigate through the virtual channel 500 without hearing the corresponding audio signal assigned to each channel.

In another embodiment, the main screen of virtual channel 500 displays the title of the song currently playing on each channel, in another embodiment, the name of the artist performing the song is displayed. In yet another embodiment, the name of the record company is also displayed. In another embodiment, the remaining track time is also displayed. In yet another embodiment, it also displays the type of music currently playing on each DMX channel, ie country, hard rock, alternative etc. All of these possibilities can be combined as needed and other specific information can also be displayed.

In addition, windows for displaying the date and time can be provided additionally to the screen to allow the user to check the category of music played in each channel in the future. Alternatively, a JUMP function 507 may be turned on in the virtual channel screen 500 as shown in Fig. 45, and the user will be presented with another screen upon selecting the function. In such an embodiment, the user can readily recognize the type of music being played or to be played on any channel at any given time. Such a functional capability would be desirable if the type of music played on one or more DMX channels varies from day to day, from time of day, and so on.

Figure 46 shows one variation of the SKIP 541 screen. The DMX Channel / Format tab at the bottom of the screen shows typical music or miscellaneous tracks programmed to be played at the time indicated in the "In program on:" line of the screen. The line "In program on:" contains the date field 542 and the time field 433. The line "Current time:" displays the current date and time. When the JUMP screen is displayed for the first time, the "In program for:" date and time fields contain the "Current Time:" date and time, rounded down to the nearest half an hour, and the time field is highlighted.

To initially view the types of music available on each DMX channel in the future, the user alternately highlights the date and time windows with the cursor and makes a selection by pressing the 44 ENTER key. The user may use the 43B LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys on the remote control 40 to change the highlighted field in the line "In software to:". Pressing the LEFT key 43B while the time field is highlighted will cause the date field to be highlighted instead. Pressing the RIGHT 43B key while the date field is highlighted will cause the time field to be highlighted instead.

180 243

The user may use the UP and DOWN keys 43A of the remote control to move the values ​​in the date and time field forward or backward in one-day and half-hour increments, respectively. The items in the "Channel / DMX Format" tab change to reflect the changes made in the "In program to:" line. In the SKIP mode, selecting and activating the function ΕΧΙΤ will return the user to the DMX 500 virtual channel.

Multiple virtual channels can be used. For example, channels 47 to 55 may include an almost-on-demand video service available through virtual channel 47 and channels 56-70 may include a TV game service available through virtual channel 56. Other services may also be offered, for example interactive entertainment services through channels. virtual and controllable via the remote controller keys 40. It is possible for virtual channels to offer news services, e.g. news, sports, weather or financial information, controlled by keys on the remote control transmitter 40. The operation of these multiple virtual channels is in principle the same as described in relation to the virtual channel. DMX. Of course, some properties do not apply to all virtual channels, and some virtual channels have unusual properties. For example, the LISTEN function described above may be replaced by the WATCH function in NB VOD service, so that when in this NVOD service the user slides through NVOD channels, he sees and hears a small snapshot of the video playing on each channel in the small video window used in the virtual channel. NVOD.

The previously described FLASH and BROWSE modes can also be used for user access to a certain service via the virtual channel. For example, the next time the user traverses the DMX service, the SKIP mode will display the audio program currently being received on each channel as described in Fig. 47. Likewise, the next time the user traverses through the NVOD service, the SKIP mode will display the program and start time on each channel. . TV game channels will display the name of each game, and text services will display the name of each service and the type of information associated with it. Other useful text services, such as the price of the service, may additionally be included.

You can also use BROWSE mode as you progress through each service to showcase your music choices, shows, and other future content. For DMX service, when viewing the future schedule, the name of the future song and the time it was broadcast may be displayed, or alternatively, to accommodate an unauthorized copying warning, only the type of music programmed to receive on each DMX channel .

In addition to the Channel Preference or Favorite Channel keys, the remote controller 40 may also be provided with a number of user selectable category preference icon keys, such as movies, sports news, or children's programs. The system can be customized to present to the user only those programs that fit a given preference category when activated by the user. As with the Channel Preferences icons, the microcontroller may display an icon corresponding to the activated preference category to remind the user of the currently active system mode.

The question mark icon 162 at the right end of the third horizontal bar in the menu of Fig. 16 identifies a Help mode of the information system which displays explanations of the system operation to the user. Again, the user can select this mode by manipulating the cursor using the appropriate keys on the remote controller. The next selected sub-menu that appears in the Help mode prompts the user to enter which part of the system the Help information that the user would like to see applies to.

The icons appearing in the last horizontal bar of the MENU mode indicate some interactive and / or other types of information services that the system, acting as a gate, makes available to use.

180 243 as shown in Fig. 17. By operating the cursor, the user may select any of the listed services as shown in Figs. 31-35.

For example, if the user pre-selects the X * PRESS icon appearing in the last horizontal bar, he is presented with a submenu such as shown in Fig. 31. Using the directional arrow keys and ENTER on the remote control, the user selects one of three items showing in the projected image of Fig. 31. Upon selecting a particular item, the electronic program guide connects the user to the selected service and transfers control to the given service application software as shown in Figs. 32-35.

Alternatively, remote controller 40 may be provided with a plurality of specialized keys corresponding to a set of specialized program categories, for example, a Sports News key, a News key, a Movies key, etc. When the user depresses a specialized key, the specialized mode is activated. In Figure 4, the remote controller has a Sports News key 49. If the user presses key 49 Sports News, the microcontroller will limit the display of the programs and / or schedule information to those related to the sport. The microcontroller will prevent all other programming or schedule information from appearing on the TV screen. The microcontroller may be adapted to highlight programs and schedule information relating to sports by examining an appropriate code associated with the program or schedule information.

As discussed above, encoding may be performed using a number of methods, such as by incorporating the appropriate code into the vertical blanking pulse in the program signal, or at a suitable memory location in the schedule information database record if the information is received on the broadcast network. by incorporating it into the corresponding blanking impulse. The user activates the expert mode by pressing the appropriate specialized key in any operating mode of the electronic program guide, including the above mentioned SKIP, BROWSE or MAIN MENU modes, as well as when no schedule information is displayed and only the program signal is visible on the television. When the user requests a specialist mode, the microcontroller immediately and directly unlocks the criteria for the specialist programs, and maintains them for any informant operating modes until disabled, for example by alternating pressing the key 49 Sports News.

Instead of a dedicated specialist key, for example the key 49 Sports News, the system can be configured with a single general specialist key, which when activated should cause the microcontroller to display a specialized menu containing a list of all content-defined categories available to the user, which when activated will cause that the microcontroller 16 will display a specialized menu listing all the specialist categories available to the user. The user can then highlight a particular category by moving the selection cursor with the directional arrow keys of the remote controller and selecting it by pressing ENTER or OK 44. As an alternative to using the specialist key of the remote controller, the specialist menu can be accessed by entering the appropriate identifier in another screen of the electronic directory menu, for example in the LOCATION, SETTING, or MAIN MENU screens.

In addition to blocking all non-selected specialist programs when selecting a particular specialist category, the microcontroller 16 may be programmed to unlock all added programs and services that pertain to the specially selected specialist category. For example, if the user activates the specialized mode Sports News, the microcontroller, in addition to being able to display only sports programs or the sports news schedule information, searched and unlocked all added programs or services relating to

180 243 specifically for the selected specialist category. For example, if the user activates the specialized mode Sports News, the microcontroller, in addition to being able to display the sports programs themselves or the schedule information relating to sports programs, searches and enables all sports-related added services in advance, such as curiosities or TV games related to it, in advance. updating scores during the game, keeping the table of team games, recreating previous games of selected teams or players, purchasing tickets or souvenirs, etc. Thus, information available from programming or a service can be integrated into an electronic program guide environment. Instead of simply transferring control to another service, the electronic program guide will thus act as a system integrator or interface for combining the available added information into a certain package in an electronic guide environment, thus creating essentially a series of modular electronic program applications corresponding to the variety of categories available. specialized.

The SETUP screen shown in Fig. 40 also includes a Text Location category 275, which includes the text items of Screen Bottom and Screen Top. When arriving at the Location of Text 275 category, use the 43A UP and DOWN DIRECTION ARROW KEYS of the remote controller 40, and to either the "UP" or "DOWN" category in that category, using the directional arrow keys, left and right 43B of the remote controller, and then depressing the input or selection key 44, the user may control the position of the overlay windows used to display information in the various operating modes of the electronic program guide. The SETUP screen of Fig. 40 provides the user with two choices of position: top or bottom of the screen. Depending on the operating modes of the program guide, it may be desirable to provide the user with more choices for items in the viewing area of ​​the television set, or to provide the user with the ability to select different items for the displayed information of different modes of operation.

One of the new features of the invention is the text matching system. A preferred embodiment of the text matching system includes an interactive computer program used to edit the data from the printouts of the programs before it is transmitted to the user and stored in memory. This interactive system works as follows. The uneditable (or partially edited) information from program printouts is loaded into the processor data. The data includes program titles, program schedule times, duration, category as well as additional descriptive information depending on the program type. For example, for movies, the data includes MPAA qualification, the movie was produced in black and white, and a list of actors and actresses playing.

The data processor extracts only program title data, which includes TV program titles as well as movie, sports, and other specialty program titles. Based on the duration of the program, the data processor first analyzes the print data to determine what size grid lists are needed for each title. Thus, a two-hour movie could require four different times edited to match each of the four grid cells of different dimensions (30, 60, 90, 120 minutes). The data processor then determines, based on its length in characters, how much space is required to display the title. If a title to display in a grid using proportional typeface and between-character keming, the data processor can also take these factors into account and determine the space needed to display the title. The determination will be based on the number of pixels required for a given letter combination in the title. The amount of space available for displaying the title depends on the size of the grid cell and the space needed to display the icons when activated.

If the data processor determines that the entire title requires too much space to match one or more grid cells, the title is displayed in an editor using a suitable display device connected to the data processor, such as a cathode ray tube monitor. The editor is then prompted to change the title to fit it within the designated space. If the title needs editing for more than one ko dimension

180 243 morki, the editor is asked to edit each one separately. In the preferred embodiment of the interactive program, the editor checks in real time that the edited title fits within the designated grid cell.

In the preferred embodiment, two lines of text are displayed in each cell of the program listing. When editing, the title appears on the first line and, if necessary, goes to the second line. The decision to wrap to the second line is based on whether there is a natural gap in the title, such as spaces between words, commas, colons, hyphens, etc. These are standard methods used in word processing software routines. The editor may also be prompted to edit the title in a situation where the full title matches the allocated two lines, but a dash is needed because the title has no natural breaks.

Before asking the editor to truncate the title, the data processor compares the title with a stored library of shortened titles to determine if the title has previously been shortened when editing another list database. Each time the editor makes changes to a title, the abbreviated title is entered into the library. It is obvious that this process of creating a library of short titles greatly reduces the manual input required.

A flowchart illustrating the process by which the matching system operates is shown in Fig. 42. The network illustrates an operation to edit the list to be displayed in a program box for a single, but the operation is the same for all platforms.

Editing text may be necessary in other situations, except when multiple grid cells are used to display the same title. For example, the program guide may run on several different platforms, each with different constraints and grid cell space availability. Some may not display text in proportional typefaces, and some may have other limitations that reduce the available space. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the interactive program can request editing for all platforms for which it is needed simultaneously. In addition, editing text may require display modes other than the schedule grid. For example, in the displayed Channel List image of Fig. 20, programs are printed over the entire line of a fixed length, but the line length may vary from platform to platform, also in this display mode. The space available for displaying text will also depend on how much space is reserved for displaying icons. The same process as shown in Fig. 42 would apply, except that it is not necessary to determine which loss dimensions are necessary since the display uses a fixed row length and not grid cells with multiple dimensions.

Of course, the text matching system of the present invention has applications beyond mere title editing. The system is easily modifiable to provide message editing, "i" history screen lines, Pay-Per-View promotional copy, and similar text messages to fit the designated space available for text display. In practice, the system may be used to edit free text to display in the system information about the schedule of programs according to the invention.

The computer program for the microcontroller 16 may also include a display layout of various background views overlaid with information about the layout of the programs either in parts or over the entire screen. The background views may be stored as bitmaps in memory or on other storage medium, for example an optical storage device. For example, microcontroller 16 may be programmed to command VDG every morning at 6:00 AM to display sunrise in the background. The background can change accordingly during the day, for example up to a blue sky or a night view. It may vary, for example every hour, depending on the time of the day, day of the week, month, year or season. The background mood may also change depending on the particular category of programs that the user is watching or to which the selected schedule information relates. The mood background can be customized to display scenes reflecting the specific area of ​​the viewing area where the user is located, such as the Rocky Mouta Mountains

180 243 ins or Mt. Rainier, etc. It is also possible to display standard scenes such as ocean or forest scenes. Moreover, it is also possible to select the background noise corresponding to the specific mood of the displayed background. In addition, you can use different background views for public holidays and special agenda items such as Christmas, July 4th, Super Cup etc. The purpose of the background views is to help you eliminate the monotony of browsing the program listings. The microcontroller 16 may be adjusted automatically to coordinate the display of the mood background. The user may also be able to select from different mood background images by adapting the microcontroller to display an appropriate background options menu detailing the mood background options available to the user and allowing the user to select one or more of them by operating the selection cursor. Access to such a mood options menu may be achieved by entering the appropriate identifier, text or visual, in the appropriate system menu, such as the LOCATOR or SETUP screen.

Moreover, the electronic program guide may be configured to store a unique identifier for each program together with its program schedule information and to subsequently use the identifier, e.g. by transmitting it, to indicate to a recorder or memory device e.g. to a VCR that the user wishes to register a program. . The program guide may also use this identifier to automatically control the operation of the VCR. The electronic program guide may also be configured to use other stored program schedule information for this purpose.

The form and content of a particular computer program for implementing the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of vision program systems and graphic displays. A flowchart illustrating the operating logic of the system is shown in Fig. 36. It is also clear to those skilled in the art that it is possible to depart from the described preferred embodiment of the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

180 243

DMX JUMP

Current time: Tuesday, April 11 7:36 PM

541 ·

DMX channel

Program for:

<img file="PL180243B1_D0001.tif" />

542

543

Format

Hard Rock

Country I

Country II

Jazz

Classic

ΕΧΙΤ

New Age

FIG. 46

To return to the MENU for additional music selection, press

Jump over and (84 ΡΜΧ5) Alternative Rock

Counting Crows: Mr. JonesE F

FIG. 47

180 243

500

DMX -VC

Channel 40

<img file="PL180243B1_D0002.tif" />

DMX-4

DMX-5

DMX-6

LISTEN

ΕΧΙΤ --- *&gt;⁵ | JUMP

503

507

FIG. 45

180 243

500

DMX-VC

Channel 40

<img file="PL180243B1_D0003.tif" />

DMX-4

DMX-5

0ΜΧ-6

LISTEN

ΕΧΙΤ -⁵⁰⁵

503

FIG. 44

180 243

500

DMX -VC

Channel 40

<img file="PL180243B1_D0004.tif" />

DMX-4

DMX ~ 5

DMX-6

ΕΧΙΤ --- 505

FIG. 43

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0005.tif" />

TERM

REQUIRED GRID SIZE

TERM

REQUIRED PLACE FOR THE TITLE

<img file="PL180243B1_D0006.tif" />

YES

DO I KNOW THE TITLE IN THE EDIT LIBRARY OF THE RELEVANT TITLES ........ ....

NO

YES

CHANGE THE TITLE WITH THE EDIT TITLES FROM THE EDIT LIBRARY

ASK USER? FOR SHORTENED TITLE

ADD AND SHORT TITLE TO THE DATABASE

<img file="PL180243B1_D0007.tif" />

<img file="PL180243B1_D0008.tif" />

FIG. 42

180 243 τν enter your current four-digit Order Code

Ordering code: (* * wx)

F1G.40E

RESERVED!

TO VIEW THIS PROGRAM, ENTER YOUR FOUR-DIGIT LOCKING CODE NUMBER, THEN PRESS OK

Blocking Code:

JUMP

DSC (2: 3O ~ 3P)

<img file="PL180243B1_D0009.tif" />

GUIDE

Easy Does lt £ i ^ 300

FIG.4I

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0010.tif" />

IGUIDE

<img file="PL180243B1_D0011.tif" />

please re-enter your four numbers.

Order code:

(X t&gt; r X)

FIG.40C

<img file="PL180243B1_D0012.tif" />

<img file="PL180243B1_D0013.tif" />

Then press ^J.

FIG.40D

180 243 τν

GUIDE

You do not have an 8:32 Blocking Code set. To restrict the availability of certain channels or programs, use the remote control to enter four digits (e.g. 4 5 6 7)

Locking code:

(* * * x) _____________________________________________________i

F1G.40A

<img file="PL180243B1_D0014.tif" />

ί &amp; ΐ-ΐρξ

<img file="PL180243B1_D0015.tif" />

To restrict program ordering, use the remote control to enter four digits (e.g. 1 2 3 4)

Order code:

FIG.40B

180 243 τν

GUIDE

Classification

Film &lt;3

<img file="PL180243B1_D0016.tif" />

PG

PG-13

R l&gt;

parents ^Topicy for adults Erotic situations j&gt;

Channel &lt;1 2KWGN 3PPV

4KONC fl&gt;

Program To lock a program or cycle, see Help locked:

Locking code

Clear Change

FIG. 39

<img file="PL180243B1_D0017.tif" />

260

SETTINGS

GUIDE

275

Text position Blocking code

Bottom of the screen

Top of the screen

New

Order code ^ 270

New

Clear

Change

This key positions the text at the bottom of the screen

Press OK to select

FIG. 40

180 243

<td></td><td colspan="4">MENU</td>

<td>TV</td><td>Chrono - gently</td><td>By channel</td><td>Locator</td><td></td>

<td>IguideI</td><td>Movies</td><td>Sport</td><td>Children's</td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="2"></td>

<td>NOW ON THE PROGRAM</td><td colspan="4">HOME THEATER</td>

<td>Ilogo A multi-system operator.</td><td colspan="4">Customer service</td>

FIG.38A

TV

GUIDE

<img file="PL180243B1_D0018.tif" />

<img file="PL180243B1_D0019.tif" />

TODAY 7:30 PM

Extra 5ICSPN2 Gov't Program (IO-IOa) lines

SPICE | Komand Pad Savathe World (4 &lt;p)

53KWHD Religlous Programming (l2 — I2m)

<img file="PL180243B1_D0020.tif" />

54MUN2 Public Access (l2-I2m)

2KWGN NBA Basketball (6-3O-9p) [T] f Mam and Dad Save the Sacks' $ 4.99

You requested this show at 4:00 PM

Enter your four-digit ordering code to complete the ordering process.

Ordering code: | |

FIG. 38B

180 243 τν

GUIDE

<img file="PL180243B1_D0021.tif" />

LOCATOR

<td>Broadcast: &lt;1</td><td>2KWGN</td><td>3PPV 4KCNC &lt;1</td>

<td>Cable: &lt;1</td><td>4IASE</td><td>3AMC 24BET O</td>

<td>Special: &lt;]</td><td>21 DIS</td><td>I8ENC 14 HBO &lt;1</td>

<td>PZO:</td><td>II REQI</td><td>I5REO2</td>

Delete all favorite channels

Favorite channel

Activated

Off

Press * - Lines to make the text visible

FIG. 37

TV

GUIDE

206 y

NOW IN THE 'PROGRAM ^ LOGO

A multi-system operator.

207

Chronological

<img file="PL180243B1_D0022.tif" />

HOME THEATER

CUSTOMER SERVICE

FIG.38

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0023.tif" />

FIG. 36D

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0024.tif" />

180 243

TV REPERTOIRE

AVAILABLE

CHOICE

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

LISTS BY

CHANNEL '

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

<img file="PL180243B1_D0025.tif" />

TIME

TIME

ANNIVERSARY - LOVE

NOW.

NOW. - LOVE

FUTURE

SPECIAL SERVICES PZO

SPECIAL SERVICES PZO

STANDARD SERVICES. PZO

STANDARD SERVICES, gray ---

<td>SPECIAL SERVICES PZO</td><td>STANDAR SERVICES- -DOWE PZO</td>

<td> . 1 ·</td><td></td>

ALL LISTS WITH SETTING LAYER RECALL OPTIONS

VEDIUG LISTS BY CATEGORY WITH LAYER FOR SETTING THE REMIND OPTIONS

LISTS BY CATEGORY WITH THE OPTION SETTING LAYER REMINDERS

YES

<img file="PL180243B1_D0026.tif" />

<img file="PL180243B1_D0027.tif" />

<img file="PL180243B1_D0028.tif" />

YES

NO

LAYER LOOKS 5 MINUTES BEFORE EMISSION

THE LAYER WILL APPEAR 5 MINUTES BEFORE EMISSION

THE LAYER LOOKS OUT MINUTES BEFORE EMISSION

LAYER REMINDER

LAYER REMINDER

LAYER

RECALL

BACK TO THE ORIGINAL LOOK OF THE SCREEN

<img file="PL180243B1_D0029.tif" />

<img file="PL180243B1_D0030.tif" />

FIG. 36B

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0031.tif" />

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0032.tif" />

Jim 7

INFORMATION

US World News

Cubans used vitamins to fight the epidemic

Geneva - A costly campaign to supply vitamins to all Cubans has helped combat a mysterious epidemic that has caused thousands of people to suffer from vision problems, the World Health Organization said yesterday.

About 20,000 Cubans were blinded by the optic neuritis epidemic, and 6,000 other people, mostly women, were affected by the disease.

FIG. 34

SPORT

<img file="PL180243B1_D0033.tif" />

5:54 pm

Major League Baseball

Yesterday in the National League Action

Colorado 7, Houston 5

San Francisco 5, Chicago 4

Yesterday in American League Action

Detroit 4, Boston 1

Toronto 4, Milwaukee 2

FIG. 35

180 243

Graph High Low / Close

Last $ 22.87o l2.00pm. 05/29/93

<img file="PL180243B1_D0034.tif" />

TCOMA fl

<img file="PL180243B1_D0035.tif" />

Demonstration data

G = aao □ UD ca □ aac = 3 e = ca □ ca □ U o U □ D

28 30 4 6 10 12 14 18 20 24 26

FIG. 33

180 243

<td colspan="3">Control Viewership</td><td rowspan="2">[m] 5:53 Change</td>

<td>Alarms Symbol</td><td>final</td><td>Total (IOOs)</td>

<td>CMCSA</td><td> 18</td><td> 5415</td><td> -0.25</td>

<td>CVC</td><td> 29.75</td><td> 129</td><td> -0.125</td>

<td>JOIN</td><td> 10.5</td><td> 22</td><td> 0</td>

<td>Δ LBTYA</td><td> 18.125</td><td> 873</td><td> 0.625</td>

<td>A LBTYB</td><td> 18</td><td> 0</td><td> 1.5</td>

<td>TCOMA</td><td> 18.25</td><td> 22970</td><td> -0.5</td>

<td>TCOMB</td><td> 19.25</td><td> 51</td><td> -0375</td>

<td>ITUNE</td><td> 5375</td><td> 407</td><td> -0.125</td>

<td colspan="2">The assumed value is 433200</td><td>and your profit 443</td><td></td>

FIG. 32

180 243

Key

Access

ENTER

4:21

CREW

A multi-system operator.

Parental supervision

MPAA ^^

Language

~ 3X3 Channel Lockout

KWGN

Change the Access Key code ^ 334

Delete all keys and access codes OK '' --i 3i5

FIG. thirty

ENTER &lt;553

<img file="PL180243B1_D0036.tif" />

FIG.3I

180 243

Bill ^^5:52 /whom

A multi-system operator.

Name. · TV Guide Onscreen

For the period from | 05/25/93 |

Account No. * 112345-098765-08-9 to: 106/25/931 Total: $ 3.99 ~

For customer service, please call 790 “0900

Date [Time

07/06/93 9Ό0 p

Service / Pay Per View. Price

PASSENGER 57 $ 3.99

FIG. 29

180 243

<td>Messages Network Operator</td><td>^5:521 / whom the Operator_L. multi-system.</td><td></td>

<td colspan="3">Batman Returns is available as part of Paying To Watch this month. Check out a free HBO package this weekend.</td>

<td colspan="3">The entire title of MSO</td>

FIG. 28

<img file="PL180243B1_D0037.tif" />

© LOGO

A multi-system operator.

<td>I3ft7l</td><td>Free HBOPreviewTonight</td>

<td> 13/221</td><td>Pay Per View Movie Sale Will be on Tonight only</td>

<td> 12/281</td><td>New Channel Next Weokon your Cable Networ</td>

<td></td><td></td>

gTiM

<td>h2 / 23l</td><td>California Earthquake Reeks Havoc on TV</td>

<td> 13/251</td><td>President Clinton Address</td>

<td> 13/301</td><td>PBS PledgeDrive Begins Tonight with Auction</td>

<td></td><td></td>

Use the Left / Right arrows to navigate between cable systems and mailboxes. To read the messages, use the Down arrow; when the header is highlighted, the full text of the message will appear here.

FIG.28A

180 243

<td rowspan="3">SPECIALTY SERVICES</td><td></td><td></td><td rowspan="3">sd OPERATOR _lMULTIPLAYER. ,</td><td rowspan="3"></td>

<td>ENTER</td><td></td>

<td>LNE</td><td></td>

<td>1 HBO</td><td colspan="3">Home Box Office SI0.40 / month</td><td></td>

<td>rsHo</td><td colspan="4">Showtime $ 9.95 / month</td>

<td>1 DIS</td><td colspan="4">The Disney Channel $ 9.95 / month</td>

<td>1 TMC</td><td colspan="4">The Movie Channel $ l.5O / month</td>

<td>1 ΜΑΧ</td><td colspan="4">Cinemax $ 9.95 / month</td>

<td>1 PLA</td><td colspan="4">Playboy at Night $ 4.95 / evening (5OO to 3:00</td>

<td>1 ACT</td><td colspan="4">Action $ 5.95 / day (| l: OO to 3.ΌΟ)</td>

<td colspan="5">Movie, specials and family programs!</td>

<td colspan="2">You are not a subscriber. He will press</td><td>ENTER</td><td colspan="2">to order!</td>

FIG. 26

<td colspan="3">MENU MESSAGES V</td><td>introduce;</td><td></td><td>^5:51®LOGO of a multi-system operator.</td><td></td>

<td></td><td> |—</td><td colspan="5">^ 270 NETWORK OPERATOR MESSAGES ^ -27 i ACCOUNT STATUS</td>

FIG. 27

180 243

You Pay For Viewing Confirmation &amp;^7VI®LOGO

Multisystem operator.

You requested an order:

Passenger 57 $ 3.99

Yes, I would like to order Passenger 57 has been ordered! Switch to channel today at 9:00 am

PZO / / Source

FIG.24A

LETTERS

List At 6:06 Aug 16th

5:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8--0

NBC

<img file="PL180243B1_D0038.tif" />

News

ABC

<img file="PL180243B1_D0039.tif" />

News

CBS

CBS News

Fox @ 3 Club Paradise (5:00) PBS EBMystery!

COM Tribute to Carson

HBO ES Gremlins 2: The New Batch

ESN AMC

Tennis (4:30)

Arise my Love (5:00)

DSC ES Natural World NIK OlLoveLucv

F1G.25

180 243

You pay

For Watching

Ordering

ENTER&gt;

V / WHO

Multisystem operator.

« $3.99

Passenger 57

When would you like to start watching?

Today 9.Ό0 Tomorrow '12: 00 Tomorrow 6.Ό0 ^V—23CHA

Would you like to see the countdown just before the broadcast starts? Yes No

PZO / / Source

FIG. 23

<img file="PL180243B1_D0040.tif" />

FIG. 24

180 243 τν GUIDE 10:39

------------------------- Today --------------- 8 SHO | Oscar (10.00-Ι2: 00ρ) (1991) PG. A gangster (Sylwester Stalione) tries to break with the mafia. Omelia Muti, Don Ameche, Peter Riegert, Tim Curry.

FIG. 21

You pay ^5:50

For Watching ®logo

OPERATOR (NON-SYMBOL,

Make a selection yy Press ^ r ^^ DER! For additional information Press (i)

NOW Ί

ON THE PROGRAM · ।------------ Videos ------ Party Incorporated

Passenger 57

Pet Sematary Two

Ring of FlrelkBlo

The Distinguished Ge

<img file="PL180243B1_D0041.tif" />

220

FIG. 22

180 243

<td colspan="3">₇20f Lists by -⁷ &lt;ir Channels</td><td>ENTER 1</td><td>; TV 'IguideI / 2O2c 6:50 on</td><td rowspan="3"> ^/02 1</td>

<td></td><td>3 PREV</td><td colspan="2">4KR0N</td><td>5ΚΡΙΧ</td>

<td> 1</td><td colspan="4">------------ Today --------------------</td>

<td colspan="5">4:30 pm Baseball</td><td>at-</td>

<td colspan="6">7: 30p Entertainment Tonight</td>

<td colspan="6">8Ό0ρ Fresh Pr ince</td>

<td colspan="6">8: 3OpBlossom</td>

<td colspan="6">9: OOpPer ryMason: Notorious Nun i</td>

<td colspan="6">11 OOpNews</td>

<td colspan="6">11: 3O Tonight</td>

<td colspan="6">12 '30a David Letterman</td>

<td colspan="6"></td>

FIG. 20

180 243

<td colspan="2">Letters by tw Category |_gŁide | / WA Ą908। '। \ l</td>

<td>Movies</td><td>Sports || Informative kids</td>

<td></td><td> ___ . _ .</td>

<td>l '</td><td>Today ........ 1</td>

<td>Γ22 LIF |</td><td>4: 00p A Case of Deadly Force | T |</td>

<td>Γ 1 HOT</td><td>4: 00p Ring of Fire II: Blood and Steel [T]</td>

<td>[34AMC '</td><td>4:00 p.m. Texas Across the River i</td>

<td>[31 ΜΑΧ</td><td>4: 00p The Ballad of the Sad Cafe i</td>

<td>[8 SHO</td><td>5; OOp Big Girls Don t Cry-They Get Even i</td>

<td>| 46BRV</td><td>5: OOpQueenof Hearts [T]</td>

<td>27 TMC</td><td>5:00 p.m. The Roaring Twenties and</td>

<td>(25TBS</td><td>5 O5p No Mercy and |</td>

<td></td><td></td>

FIG. 19

180 243

<td rowspan="2">All Lists</td><td>△ AND ENTER</td><td rowspan="2"> -^184</td><td rowspan="2">TV ^ 82 GUIDEI 7:13 pm— '^ 83</td>

<td>V i</td>

<td>4 KRON Today</td><td>Baseball (4: 30-7: 30p) 7: 00p 7: 3 Op</td><td>8:00 p.m.</td><td>, _____ E 8:30 pm</td>

<td>1 4 CHRON</td><td>Baseball Ent.Tonight</td><td>Fresh Prince</td><td>Blossom</td>

<td>Y86 15 KPDC</td><td>Evening Major Dad</td><td colspan="2">Murphy Brown</td>

<td>| 6HB0 7K60</td><td>Shade . JFK: In His Own Words _ Jeopardy! Wheel of Fortune</td><td>JFK Day One</td><td></td>

FIG. 18

180 243

MENU

<img file="PL180243B1_D0042.tif" />

OGO

MULTI-SYSTEM OPERATOR.

GUIDE

ON THE SCREEN

NOW SHOWI NG

HOME THEATER

CABLE OPERATOR / WHO

WtELO OPERATOR,

<img file="PL180243B1_D0043.tif" />

The entire title of MSO

FIG.17

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0044.tif" />

FIG. I5

<img file="PL180243B1_D0045.tif" />

The entire title of MSO

FIGJ6

180 243

June ^ / 32

BROWSE ______________________________

Set the Remind On option

KTVU 5: 30p Mamas Family

Arrows mark &lt;Enter&gt; to confirm Yes

FIG.I3

<img file="PL180243B1_D0046.tif" />

KTVU

5: 30p Mama's Family

Starts in 2 minutes

SWITCH

FIG.I4

180 243

<img file="PL180243B1_D0047.tif" />

6:48

<img file="PL180243B1_D0048.tif" />

FIG.I2A

180 243

SPECIAL SERVICES] ENTER

OPERATOR CREW _lMULTIPLAYER._j

AND HBO | Home BoxOffice $ 10.40 / month__

I SHÓ 1 Showtime $ 9.95 / month and DIS and The DisneyChannel ¢ 9.95 / month _____________ t TMC and The Movie Channei $ 1.50 / month i ΜΑΧ I Cinemax $ 9.95 / month ______________________

I PLA 1 Playboy gt Night $ 4.95 / evening (5O0 to 3:00)

AND ACT | Action $ 5.95 / rent (ll: OO to 3.ΌΟ)

Film, special programs and family programs

You are not a subscriber. Press f ^^^ to order!

FIG. 10

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FIG. II

180 243

FAVORITE CHANNEL

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ENTER

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TV

GUIDE 112: 25, | ELECTIONS!

KCNC

SHO | Delete

KRMA ζΣ 7KMGH

8MUN1

9 KUSA IOKTC1

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AND CHOOSE ^

REQ2

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KUSA

II REQ1

7KMGH

SHO

PPV

MOVIES

FILMS INFORM. SPORT

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FIG. 8

June

HBO is a special service.

To order a service, press enter

JUMP

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/WHOM

MULTISYSTIST OPERATOR.

HBO I (4: 00-5: 30)

Shaker Run

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FIG. 9

180 243

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Total title

FIG.6A

<td>MENU PREFERENCES ^V</td><td>ENTER</td><td></td><td>12:27 OPERATOR SLOGO</td><td></td>

<td colspan="4">_and___ '70 H PARENTAL [&gt;] FAVORITE CHANNEL</td><td></td>

FIG. 7

180 243

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FIG. 6

180 243

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FIG. 3

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FIG. 4 ⁴⁰

180 243

TEAM

NTSC SIGNAL

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FIG. 2

180 243

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FIG. AND

Publishing Department of the UP RP. Circulation of 70 copies. Price PLN 6.00.